Is Elon Musk the Ultimate Political Influencer?

Good morning.

It’s been a difficult week as the Southern California wildfires continue to devastate communities. The fires have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. If you’ve been affected, shelters and support services are available to help. Toxic air quality remains a serious concern, so be sure to follow these steps to protect yourself. For those looking to lend a hand, here’s how you can support affected communities and loved ones. Amid the devastation, stories of heroism and neighbors helping neighbors have emerged. While winds have started to die down since reaching up to 100 mph in some places earlier this week, red flag warnings have been extended through tonight. We’ll continue to monitor the developments out of SoCal. In the meantime, here’s what else is making news…

— Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY

What's Happening

Politics

Is Elon Musk the Ultimate Political Influencer?

What's going on: If you thought Elon Musk was done campaigning when President-elect Donald Trump won reelection, you were wrong. The tech billionaire has been meddling in European politics, most recently hosting a live-stream on his platform X with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Aside from getting her name wrong, Musk was a friendly interviewer, which wasn’t a surprise since he’d already endorsed her party with a post on X saying: “Only the AfD can save Germany.” Weidel seemed to relish the opportunity to present her case, as at least 200,000 people tuned in at different points to hear the two discuss everything from the “woke” education system to how “future Martians” might one day help save Earth. The conversation on X comes as the AfD has been gaining steam ahead of Germany’s February 23 elections, where it is placing second in national polls.

What it means: By giving the AfD publicity and a degree of legitimacy it has long craved, experts say Musk may be disrupting the political coalition that has so far kept Germany’s far-right party out of power. Critics have accused Musk of election interference, especially since he’ll soon be taking on a new advisory role as part of the Trump administration. Members of Germany’s parliament are also looking into whether the X conversation could be considered an illegal party donation, as they believe it was effectively an ad. Musk is not only inserting himself (and his platforms and money) in Germany. He recently used X to attack the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, falsely accusing him and other Labour Party members of enabling child sex abuse. The Financial Times also reports that Musk privately discussed options for ousting Starmer as PM. Leaders in four European countries — France, Germany, Norway, and the UK — have denounced Musk and his growing influence.

Related: Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump Is Getting Sentenced Today (ABC News)

Health

Knock, Knock: It's the Norovirus, and It's Here To Stay

What's going on: Nobody likes to hear the word “outbreak,” especially after the pandemic. However, that term is floating around thanks to a new norovirus strain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports norovirus cases have reached their highest levels in 12 years, with numbers rising across the country. Other data found that nearly 7 in 10 cases tested positive for the new strain. Norovirus causes similar symptoms to a regular stomach bug — vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps — but what sets it apart is how quickly those symptoms develop and how highly contagious it is. Health experts have said the worst is yet to come, and infections could peak by mid-January. 

What it means: The norovirus, which is typical this time of year, is so stubborn it can live in your poop for two weeks or more after recovering. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. The CDC says the key to avoiding infection is washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds (sound familiar?) — especially after using the bathroom. And for those who use hand sanitizer religiously, keep in mind that it’s not effective enough to fight the norovirus on its own (no matter how good it smells). If you do contract the virus, there is no antiviral treatment. Doctors recommend staying home and drinking plenty of fluids. It typically clears up after a few days.

Related: A Wave of Norovirus Is Hitting Cruise Ships, and It’s Not Pretty (CNN)

Tech

The Good, the Bad, and the 'Why Does This Even Exist?' From CES 2025

What's going on: The annual Consumer Electronics Show never fails to serve up a buffet of tech that ranges from ingenious to head-scratching, and 2025 was no exception. Take this needle-free injection device, which promises to eliminate needle-phobia with a microscopic stream of liquid — a potential game-changer for public health. Or this electric salt spoon, which enhances the taste of food with a zap of electricity, helping those cutting sodium still enjoy flavor. We also saw an indoor garden that uses NASA tech to grow plants with fog and cleans itself — perfect for anyone who hates killing houseplants but isn’t dissuaded by the $500 price tag or its sci-fi pod aesthetic. One company’s latest smart health concept is giving Black Mirror — but make it literally a mirror. It consolidates biometric data, offers AI pep talks, and can even connect you to telehealth services. That’s one reflection we’re not sure we’re ready to face.

Tell me more: Let's be honest, CES is also about wild concepts. Enter this litter box with cat facial recognition — because nothing says cutting-edge tech like $900 to track which cat just pooped. Or the portable TV screen that sticks to your wall with suction cups. Genius? Maybe, until it falls mid-Netflix binge. Sony showed off smell-o-vision gaming, letting you sniff as you scour post-apocalyptic landscapes. Speaking of multi-taskers, love your Roomba but wish it could do more? This modular robot vacuum can also bring you a drink or act as a pet cam — it’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Of course, it’s not all fun and games. Some innovations come with serious concerns about data privacy and sustainability. Still, we’re holding out for the ultimate invention: Rosie from The Jetsons. Now that would be worth every penny.

Related: The ‘Worst in Show’ Products at CES Raising Privacy and Waste Concerns (AP)

Tell Us

The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today on a law that could ban TikTok. How do you think the justices will lean?

Extra Credit

Watch

Traitors hive, rise up: Your favorite cutthroat reality competition is back on Peacock for its third season. Hosted by the delightfully campy Alan Cumming, contestants arrive at a Scottish Highlands castle to participate in the high-stakes murder-mystery game where a $250,000 cash prize is on the line. Who’s playing? This season’s stacked cast features Real Housewives icon Dorinda Medley, Bob the Drag Queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Tom Sandoval of Vanderpump Rules, Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause, Zac Efron's brother, and Sam Asghari. That's right, Britney Spears’s ex-husband. Consider us seated.

Game Time

Kick your weekend off with Pile-Up Poker, a brand-new game where poker meets solitaire. Create as many poker hands as possible to earn cash and climb the leaderboard. We’re all in.