In a surprising move, Elon Musk has called for the abolition of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, aligning with Republican interests to limit the agency as we approach transitions in the US administration, while the CFPB races to solidify consumer protections.

As we talk about key appointments, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated major donor John Phelan as Secretary of the Navy, raising eyebrows due to his lack of defense experience amidst growing tensions with China, which makes the task of expanding the Navy daunting.

Shifting our focus to the international arena, the UK Charity Commission has launched probes into 40 charities over potential legal violations tied to the Israel-Hamas conflict, underscoring a firm stance against hate speech as the commission works to ensure charities aren't misused.

Meanwhile, in London, counter-terrorism police have arrested seven people linked to the banned PKK group in a thorough crackdown aimed at ensuring public safety, with searches continuing across a number of locations including the Kurdish Community Center.

Back in the US, Trump's proposed tariffs, which could hit up to 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, threaten to hike California produce prices, presenting significant challenges for businesses reliant on seasonal imports and potentially leading to economic tension.

Finally, as the presidency changes hands, President Biden is preparing a significant $725 million arms package for Ukraine to strengthen its defenses, with this move coming just before Donald Trump, who has positioned Keith Kellogg as envoy for Ukraine, gears up to take office.