What's Happening

Politics

Elon Musk's Political Grip Takes Center Stage in Funding Battle

What's going on: Lawmakers are scrambling to avoid a government shutdown (the deadline is midnight tonight) after a spending bill stalled in the House Thursday. An earlier version of the measure, which aimed to extend federal funding through March 14, had initially garnered bipartisan support after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic leaders brokered a deal. But Elon Musk entered the chat at 4:15 am Wednesday with a single post on X, declaring, “This bill should not pass.” (And then he posted 100-plus more times to really get the point across.) President-elect Donald Trump also came out in full force against the legislation, insisting that any spending bill either raise or eliminate the debt ceiling — which historically goes against Republicans’ core beliefs. GOP lawmakers rushed to refine the bill to appeal to Trump and Musk, alienating members of both parties. In the end, dozens of Republicans and nearly all Democrats blocked the latest version of the bill, sending lawmakers back to the drawing board.

What it means: Musk’s role in derailing the spending bill has some asking: Is he the most powerful person in politics? Democrats are already weaponizing Musk’s role in the situation against Republicans. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) posted on X: “Remind me who elected Elon Musk.” Some Republicans aren’t happy with the Tesla CEO either. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) called him “President Musk” on CNN and said, “Vice President Trump kind of backed him up.” Others point out that Musk’s actions offer a glimpse of the difficulties Republicans could face in advancing Trump’s economic plans, even with control of both chambers of Congress and the White House.

Related: What Happens if the Government Shuts Down? (CBS)

US News

FAA Grounds Some Drones, But Sure, Everything's Totally Fine

What's going on: After weeks of growing concerns about mysterious drones buzzing around areas of the US, federal authorities finally appear to be taking some action. Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued temporary flight restrictions, banning drones in two dozen New Jersey towns and key New York sites until mid-January. The agency said the ban is due to “special security reasons,” and that “deadly force” can be used in cases of an “imminent security threat.” While these drones seem to have a thing for the Northeast, don’t think they’re playing favorites. Sightings are now being reported in several cities and military bases nationwide, including over a major naval base near Fort Worth, Texas, and even overseas. White House National Security Adviser John Kirby and other officials have seemingly downplayed concerns, explaining that some sightings are simply manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters or…  (checks notes) “even stars.”

What it means: The FAA’s actions follow a press conference in which a Biden administration official said the drones in New Jersey didn’t pose a national security threat. Still, without clear answers about what is happening, the situation may lead to more tinfoil hats and conspiracy theories (see: aliens, radioactive waste, and Project Blue Beam — which, if you are curious, Google it to fall down that rabbit hole). For now, we’re left with bans, investigations, and a lot of unanswered questions. But hey, who doesn’t love a little everything’s fine, nothing to see here energy? Seems on brand for this year.

Related: The Most Ridiculous Theories, Merch, and Memes About the Drones (Fast Company)

Legal

Labor Rights Are in Vogue, and Models Are Petitioning For Them

What's going on: If you’ve had any exposure to America’s Next Top Model, you know that modeling isn’t all smizes and free couture. The industry has a definite dark side. And now, a coalition of over 200 top models (including big names like Christy Turlington, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Beverly Johnson) is organizing for labor rights and protection from sexual harassment, discrimination, and artificial intelligence. Currently, the group is fighting to get a New York bill called the Fashion Workers Act across the finish line. They’re asking Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) to sign legislation that protects against “power imbalances” between agencies and models, who are often young and sometimes depend on agencies for visas if they’re international. The legislation passed in June, but Hochul needs to sign on the dotted line before December 24.

Tell me more: The bill’s provisions on artificial intelligence are similar to those Hollywood workers fought for during last year’s strike. The measure requires companies to get clear, written consent from models before altering, creating, or manipulating images in their likeness using AI. Unlike the writers and actors who picketed, models aren’t unionized, so this bill would serve as their first line of defense for AI protections. That urgency is reflected in an open letter to Hochul, which states: "From experiencing sexual exploitation at castings and photo shoots to...having our images manipulated with generative AI without our consent — each one of us has a story that demonstrates how New York is failing the faces of one of its most culturally vibrant, economically significant industries in the world."

Related: How Women in Congress Are Being Targeted With AI Deepfakes (The 19th)