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.
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.
Traitors hive, rise up: Your favorite cutthroat reality competition is back on Peacock for its third season. Hosted by thedelightfully 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.
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