🇰🇵 North Korean troops in Kursk
Good morning, this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.
It’s Monday, December 16 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:
Drone drama at Logan airport
Fox News: Flying drones near Logan Airport creates serious aviation risks, and Boston PD says such actions are dangerous and illegal.
The Guardian reports Duffy and Folcik got caught with a drone in their backpack near Logan Airport, landing them with trespassing charges.
Boston Globe says a third drone suspect got away by boat, as police coordination with agencies showed the threat drones can pose.
According to ABC News, the Boston Police Harbor Patrol led the charge in these arrests, emphasizing the need for specialized units.
And NPR highlights how Robert Duffy, 42, and Jeremy Folcik, 32, spotlight growing concerns of drone monitoring near airports.
Trump clashes with the media
Kash Patel, President-elect Trump's nominee for FBI director, has threatened to scrutinize and potentially take legal action against media outlets critical of the Trump administration. The Hill says experts weren't fond of the idea: Critics say Trump and Patel's potential lawsuits against media critics could chill press freedom.
Newser.com says the strategy isn't a new one, though: Trump's made legal threats against the media before -- it's a move that aims to intimidate his detractors.
Berkshire Eagle agrees: It's about intimidation. Defamation threats from Trump, driven by his FBI pick, Kash Patel, symbolize attempts to stifle dissenting voices.
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Politicalwire.com also suggests Trump’s team uses lawsuits to control press narratives. With legal threats, he's trying to steer reporting to suit his viewpoints.
And PBS.org broadens the view: Trump's picks for roles imply ongoing legal battles. High scrutiny on Capitol Hill highlights the tense political landscape they've entered.
North Korean troops in Kursk
Ukrainian President Zelensky says Russia is using North Korean troops in significant numbers for assaults against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
RFA says video evidence backs up his claim: Ukraine shared videos showing North Korean casualties in Kursk battles, highlighting their role in recent assaults.
ABC News says Ukrainian drones are hitting back, though: A Ukrainian drone strike reportedly left 30 North Koreans dead or wounded during weekend skirmishes.
For what it's worth, The Guardian warns of escalating tensions: Zelensky is urging allies to respond to North Korean troops bolstering Russian assaults.
6 quick hits
1) Palestinian health official report that the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has killed 45,000 people.
2) Bitcoin's price recently surged to over $106,000, driven by expectations of deregulation under President-elect Donald Trump and hopes for a Federal Reserve rate cut.
3) Amidst rumors about Diddy’s alleged crimes, Will Smith emphatically denied any involvement. Yahoo says Smith stated onstage he doesn’t have “sh** to do with Puffy”.
4) Germany and France just launched a direct high-speed train between Berlin and Paris.
5) In the wake of his regime's defeat, Assad blames “terrorism” for its collapse, downplaying internal struggles.
6) Luigi Mangione might be extradited to New York on charges of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO, with potential 15-year-to-life sentence looming.