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Yesterday — 22 December 2024Main stream

Insider Today: Blackstone's holiday cheer

22 December 2024 at 03:44
A collage of Blackstone holiday videos with Jon Gray, Steve Schwarzman and Mr. Stone.
A collage of Blackstone holiday videos.

Blackstone

Welcome back to our Sunday edition, a roundup of some of our top stories. You've likely heard the term "supercommuter," but you might have wondered… why? Someone who does it from Washington, DC, to NYC admits she's not sure the job is worth the commute. Still, she's not regretting doing it.


On the agenda today:

But first: Blackstone's feeling festive.


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Some warmth from a Blackstone

Blackstone CEO Jon Gray, wearing a t-shirt and a cowboy hat, glares into the distance.
Jon Gray, president and COO of Blackstone, goes country.

Blackstone

Blackstone released its annual holiday video for the seventh consecutive year, which might elicit the reaction: Why is a firm managing $1 trillion worried about holiday videos?

The videos — full of self-deprecating jokes and Blackstone-backed product placement (of course) — have become a bit of an annual tradition on Wall Street. Last year's notched 8 million views across platforms, a spokesman told BI. We've got a full rundown and ranking of all seven videos here.

Some people are laughing at Blackstone as opposed to with Blackstone, but that's kind of the point. In an industry full of super serious people doing super serious business for super serious clients, Blackstone's willing to make itself the butt of the joke.

Ok, yes, there is a business case for the videos. Jay Gillespie, the head of Blackstone's video team and one of the brains behind the holiday extravaganza, spoke to BI's Alex Nicoll about the evolution of his role at the firm.

Blackstone's not alone in its outside-the-box approach to marketing on the Street. More firms are getting a bit — to borrow a phrase from my British colleagues — cheeky in pitching themselves to the general public.

Take BlackRock, which a few years ago took to social media to make clear it's not Blackstone. (The firms have a long history together and have sometimes lean into the confusion between the two. BlackRock CEO and cofounder Larry Fink made a cameo in Blackstone's holiday video this year: "Can you believe people confuse US for THEM?")

Wall Street's marketing frenzy isn't foolproof. For an industry that prides itself on what kind of business you are bringing to a firm, marketing's impact isn't as direct as landing a massive deal or hitting the perfect trade.


COVID relief money funded musicians' lavish lifestyles

Chris Brown, DJ Marshmello and Lil Wayne collaged with a plane and receipts.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Prince Williams/Wireimage; Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images; (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images; Celina Pereira for BI

Wealthy musicians received millions of dollars from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, a pandemic relief program intended for struggling independent venues and arts groups. However, stars like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown used the program as a piggy bank to keep the party going, exclusive reporting from BI shows.

Thousands of pages of accounting documents reveal how artists directed millions in taxpayer funds toward their own bank accounts, luxury purchases, and entertainment expenses — often outweighing what they spent on touring crew members.

How musicians spent the grant money.


The cursed inheritance

An illustration of The Duchess and her children

Nate Sweitzer for BI

Luisa Isabel Álvarez de Toledo, a Spanish duchess, devoted much of her life to cataloging the Archive of Medina-Sidonia, a priceless collection that had been in her family for generations. Comprising of 6 million documents, the archive details the secrets of the kings, dukes, and explorers of medieval Spain.

After Luisa Isabel died, she left her three children just 743,000 euros. However, the bulk of her estate — and control of the archives — went to the woman she'd married on her deathbed. What ensued after was a bitter legal battle that would shatter the family, captivate Spain, and throw the fate of the archives into doubt.

Inside the palace showdown.


Don't trust that Zestimate

A house in a whirlpool of dollar signs and Zillow logos

Alvaro Dominguez for BI

There is perhaps no real-estate metric more loved — and loathed — than Zillow's automated home valuation tool. The Zestimate draws casual clickers to the site, whether it's to lurk on previous residences, friends' or colleagues' homes, or the value of your neighbor's property against yours.

The problem is that the Zestimate is often misguided, and Americans' obsession with it can create crushing reality checks when homes actually hit the market.

But that's not a problem for Zillow.


Citi's controversial curve

citi bank sad

Citi; Chelsea Jia feng/BI

Earlier this month, Citigroup welcomed 34 managing directors, marking its biggest class in years. Behind the scenes, however, the bank's promotion process can be political and pit employees against each other, four current and former managing directors told BI.

The bank rates its employees on a forced curve, assessing them from best to worst. These rankings influence whether an employee might receive a promotion or lose their bonus.

Managing directors break down how it works.


This week's quote:

"What we're having to speak of already sounds like we're lying — it already sounds like a movie because it's so horrible."

— Adria English worked as a dancer at Sean "Diddy" Combs' famous white parties and filed a lawsuit in July accusing him of sex trafficking. Combs has vehemently denied all accusations of sexual assault and sex trafficking.


More of this week's top reads:

Read the original article on Business Insider

Before yesterdayMain stream

Insider Today: Living to 150

21 December 2024 at 03:41
Kayla Barnes-Lentz dressed in all white, sat on her hyperbaric oxygen therapy machine.
Kayla Barnes-Lentz uses a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber as part of her biohacking routine to try to live to 150.

Magdalena Wosinska

Happy (early) holidays! If you're already thinking about what to do with money you might receive this season, perhaps follow this family's lead. They spent their $75,000 inheritance on a bucket list trip to South Africa. They say it helped them grieve.


On the agenda:

But first: A time to say thank you.


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This week's dispatch

Dip into your holiday cheer fund

Hand holding money

Issarawat Tattong/Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

Even as many Americans are dealing with tipping fatigue, the holiday season can be a time to thank the workers who make their lives easier — with a tip.

According to Bankrate's 2024 Tipping Culture Survey, which surveyed 2,445 US adults earlier this year, many Americans plan to tip their teachers, childcare providers, housekeepers, landscapers, and mail carriers.

Etiquette expert Nick Leighton told Business Insider that it's important to ask those in your community how much they intend to tip since a tip amount is "made up of a constellation of factors, including the nature and length of the relationship with a person and what's considered 'typical' in your area."

Still, if you're wondering how much to tip the people who've helped you all year, here's some general guidance.

Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman told BI that a good tip is typically how much you'd pay childcare providers, housekeepers, and lawn care professionals for a normal visit. However, it may not be legal for teachers and mail carriers to accept tips. Instead, thoughtful non-cash gifts may be more appropriate.


Why our kids can't read

Child walking up books.

Keith Negley for BI

There has never been a golden age for reading scores in America, but a report from last year has raised alarm bells. Reading performance among 13-year-olds has hit its lowest level since 2004, the report found.

Legislators and school districts are touting new, expensive reading programs to improve literacy rates. However, teachers and parents say that's still not helping kids discover the joy of reading. Families who can afford it are moving their kids to different schools or hiring tutors, driving a deeper societal wedge.

Inside the reading wars.


Luxury on the low

A woman's coat collaged with various clothing accessories on a yellow background.

Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Quiet-luxury style is still in vogue. It's all about using high-quality, understated pieces to create chic, effortless looks that say, "I'm rich."

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow nail the trend. Luckily, quiet luxury is easy to duplicate. A personal stylist shared the tips to keep in mind for achieving the look.

Don't go overboard with logos.


Iced out

Dana holds up a glass and stands next to her husband at a bar made of ice.

Dana McMahan

Dana McMahan and her husband spent $475 for one night in a Norwegian hotel straight out of "Frozen." Staying in the lodge, McMahon writes, was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience with an "otherworldly" glow.

But would she do it again? Absolutely not. As it turns out, sleeping on ice isn't the most comfortable arrangement.

An Arctic abode.


Biohacking and business

Kayla Barnes-Lentz sat on her PEMF machine, wearing a navy suit.
Barnes-Lentz uses a PEMF machine throughout the day to optimize her health.

Magdalena Wosinska

Every morning, longevity clinic co-owner Kayla Barnes-Lentz, 33, spends 2.5 hours biohacking. Her routine includes her first round of electromagnetic field therapy, a workout, sun exposure for her circadian rhythm, sauna time, a shower, and more — all before breakfast. Her goal is to live to 150.

Barnes-Lentz told BI that her longevity habits — many of which aren't fully scientifically proven — have helped her reverse her biological age by 11 years.

Her daily routine.


What we're watching this weekend

Juror No. 2

Claire Folger/Warner Bros.; BI

  • "Virgin River": Netflix's drama series about a small town returned for season six this week.
  • "Juror No. 2": Clint Eastwood's courtroom drama film is now streamable following a quiet theatrical release earlier this year.
  • "Beast Games": YouTuber MrBeast's new game show kicked off this week on Prime Video, featuring 1,000 contestants vying for a hefty $5 million cash prize.

See the full list


A red shopping bag surrounded by $100 bills.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

What to shop

  • Not too late to save on jewelry: Though it might be too late to get them for Christmas, Blue Nile's jewelry makes incredible gifts for yourself or a loved one. During its holiday sale, rings, bracelets, earrings, and more are up to 50% off.
  • Actually comfy ankle boots: A good pair of ankle boots is versatile, comfortable, and durable. But not all pairs are created equal, so we've rounded up 17 styles to meet your needs, like waterproofing, affordability, and everyday wear.
  • Avoid another price hike: YouTube TV will join the wave of streaming services raising prices next year. If you're planning a switch, these are some of the best alternatives to consider.

More of this week's top reads:


The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Fox News Politics: Biden's Early Christmas Gift to Public Workers

20 December 2024 at 14:37

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

- House Weaponization panel releases 17,000-page report exposing 'two-tiered system of government'

- Kristi Noem boasts outpouring of police, border union support for DHS chief: Current leaders 'betrayed us'

- Top Senate Dems pour cold water on latest GOP spending bill plans: 'Ready to stay' through Christmas

The Biden administration announced another $4.28 billion in student loan handouts as President Biden and Vice President Harris prepare to leave the White House.

The massive loan handout will give 54,900 public workers loan forgiveness.

"Four years ago, the Biden-Harris Administration made a pledge to America’s teachers, service members, nurses, first responders, and other public servants that we would fix the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and I’m proud to say that we delivered," Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a release on Friday…Read more

A HOLY EXIT: Biden heading to Vatican next month to meet with Pope Francis, Italian PM Meloni in final overseas trip…Read more

'POSSIBLY CRIMINAL': Trump files amicus brief to ‘immediately’ stop Biden sale of border wall, says conduct is ‘possibly criminal’…Read more

LEFT-WING 'LAUNDRY LIST': Watchdog seeks to halt an 11th-hour Biden DOJ effort to ‘handcuff’ a KY police department…Read more

CHRISTMAS RUSH: Top DOGE senator to demand lame-duck Biden agencies halt costly telework talks, citing voter mandate…Read more

'NO DEALS WITH THE DEMOCRATS': GOP lawmaker says vote on 'very similar' CR expected Friday morning…Read more

'DOGE SPEAKER': Mike Lee predicts demise of Johnson speakership, calls for 'DOGE speaker'…Read more

'PAY OUR TROOPS': Senate Republicans attempt to fast track emergency military pay as they brace for shutdown…Read more

SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: House Republicans reach new plan to avoid government shutdown after back-to-back defeats: Sources…Read more

KILL THE BILL: Here's a list of the 38 Republicans who defied Trump by voting 'no' on the failed spending bill…Read more

BUTTIGIEG BUZZ: Buttigieg appearance on New Hampshire talk radio fuels 2028 presidential race buzz…Read more

OPEN BORDERS: ICE response team in NYC arrested a Mexican illegal immigrant sex offender who "has been removed from the US on 5 separate occasions"…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Fox News Politics: Musing About a Speaker Musk

19 December 2024 at 13:36

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

-What to expect as Republicans try to salvage spending package, avoid government shutdown

-Georgia appeals court disqualifies DA Fani Willis and her team from Trump election interference case

-Paris Hilton-backed bill aimed at stopping abuse at child treatment facilities heads to Biden's desk

The chaotic collapse of the continuing resolution spending bill is putting House Speaker Mike Johnson’s, R-La., leadership under the spotlight and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has floated the idea of replacing him with Elon Musk, President-elect Trump's pick to co-chair his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Paul took to Musk’s X on Thursday morning to pitch the idea of the tech billionaire taking the House speaker’s gavel, noting that the speaker does not need to be a sitting member of Congress.

"The Speaker of the House need not be a member of Congress… Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk… think about it... nothing’s impossible. (not to mention the joy at seeing the collective establishment, aka ‘uniparty,’ lose their ever-lovin’ minds)," wrote Paul, a staunchly libertarian conservative on fiscal matters…Read more

COMPETING PRIORITIES: Biden sets economy-wide climate target: reducing emissions 61-66 percent in 2035 from 2005 levels…Read more

HEADING FOR THE EXIT: Where's Biden? Lame-duck president slammed for 'quiet quitting' amid major government funding battle…Read more

'BAD DAYS': Biden admin officials noticed stamina issues in president's first few months in office: report…Read more

'ENTIRELY DEAD': Trump cheers disqualification of 'corrupt' Fani Willis, says case is 'entirely dead'…Read more

KENNEDY CAUCUS: 'Make America Healthy Again' caucus launched by Sen Marshall after RFK Jr meeting…Read more

THREAT TO SAFETY: DOJ seeks to block Jan. 6 defendants from attending Trump inauguration…Read more

TURF WAR: House GOP campaign chair says Trump victory means ‘we’re going to be on offense' in '26 midterms…Read more

CLOCK IS TICKING: Trump issues new spending bill demands with government shutdown looming…Read more

'GOING ON OFFENSE': Tim Scott's Senate campaign arm staff revealed ahead of crucial 2026 swing state races…Read more

'DOES NOT HAVE MY VOTE': Massie comes out against Johnson retaining speaker's gavel: 'He does not have my vote'…Read more

TECH REVOLUTION: Experts praise long-awaited AI report from Congress: 'A thoughtful and forward-thinking framework'…Read more

BACK TO WORK: DOGE Caucus leader Joni Ernst eyes relocation out of DC for third of federal workers…Read more

SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to What Happened to the Interim Spending Bill…Read more

SHUTDOWN BASICS: Here's what happens during a partial government shutdown…Read more

TRUMP'S TAKE: Johnson will 'easily remain speaker' if he does this one thing, president-elect says…Read more

MCCONNELL HAS THOUGHTS...: 'America first' vs. 'America last': What does Trump's return mean for US foreign policy?…Read more

'SHOOTING FROM THE HIP': Some House Republicans privately furious at Elon Musk after government shutdown talks implode…Read more

'PRESIDENT MUSK': Dems complain the Tesla chief is running the show on GOP spending drama…Read more

PORK BARREL SPENDING: Here's what's in the spending bill that's drawing the ire of Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy…Read more

FIRST ON FOX: Alex Soros and Huma Abedin hold star-studded engagement party at Anna Wintour's home…Read more

'WOKE' IS BROKE: State revamps curriculum, bans ‘woke garbage’ to teach all aspects of Obama-Biden-Trump era…Read more

ICE HEATS UP: ICE deportations catch up to Trump era in FY 2024 as Biden era comes to a close…Read more

ABORTION CIVIL WAR: Texas launches high stakes abortion pill lawsuit likely bound for Supreme Court…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Fox News Politics: Open Up the Gaetz

18 December 2024 at 14:25

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

-Congress unveils bill to avert Friday government shutdown with over $100B in disaster aid

-Supreme Court to take up challenge to TikTok ban

-Biden sinks to all-time low, while Trump's numbers rise, in new national poll

The House Ethics Committee has decided to release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.

Lawmakers on the secretive panel voted to make the report public after the final votes of this year – which are slated for Thursday.

The House Ethics Committee's multi-year investigation into Gaetz, involving allegations of sex with a minor and illicit drug use, came to an abrupt halt last month after he resigned from Congress hours after President-elect Trump tapped him to be his attorney general…Read more

COAL BURN: WV Democrats say Biden's 'egregious' pardon choices are 'what we would expect from Trump'…Read more

'WRONG-HEADED': Energy industry leaders blast Biden admin report on natural gas exports…Read more

'RECKLESS' SCOTUS: Justice was wrong to appear in 'queer' musical as court weighs trans case, expert says… Read more

11th HOUR FUNDING DEAL: Renewal of counter-drone authority, China crackdowns in last-minute government funding extension…Read more

51ST STATE: Trump says US subsidies to Canada make ‘no sense,’ suggests Canadians want to joint he Union…Read more

TWO MORE AMBASSADORS: Trump names Herschel Walker, Nicole McGraw to ambassador positions before issuing warning to GOP senators…Read more

'NOTHING': Pete Hegseth says he hasn't heard from West Point since employee 'error' denying his acceptance…Read more

FARMING FRUSTRATION: Farm state Republicans appear skeptical about RFK amid his quest for HHS confirmation…Read more

NEW GAMEPLAN: New mission for longtime Trump ally and friend Herschel Walker…Read more

'SHOULD NOT PASS': Key Trump ally comes out against massive emergency spending plan…Read more

CALMING FEARS: Senator says RFK told him that he agrees with Trump on abortion, will have light touch regulating farmers…Read more

ON THE HILL: Spate of health scares and violent threats highlight growing vulnerabilities for lawmakers on Capitol Hill…Read more

'HOUSE IS ON FIRE': Massie drops colorful analogy opposing foreign aid, mocks Speaker Johnson with AI-generated image…Read more

BRIDGE TOO FAR?: Congress agrees to fully fund Baltimore Key Bridge rebuild in plan to avert government shutdown…Read more

DOGE HOUSE: Lawmakers eye 'low hanging fruit' for government efficiency after first DOGE Caucus meeting…Read more

'NOT BUYING THE ANSWERS': Johnson demands Biden admin 'do its job' on New Jersey drone sightings…Read more

'BAD DEAL': Republican lawmakers savage spending bill as Mike Johnson defends it: 'We gotta get this done'…Read more

'AMERICA FIRST ACT': Mike Lee angles to halt welfare for illegals going on under Biden with key budget process…Read more

'IT'S MY JOB': Fetterman meets with Trump nominees, pledges 'open-mind and an informed opinion' for confirmation votes…Read more

MYSTERY THICKENS: Drones spotted over Camp Pendleton in California posed no threat to operations…Read more

'UNLAWFUL': EPA grants California permission to ban new gas car sales by 2035…Read more

PATTERN OF DISREGARD': Red states seek court action against Biden admin's ‘shameful’ border wall disposal…Read more

RULING BLOCKED: Montana judge temporarily blocks rules banning transgender people from changing sex on state documents…Read more

BOOK WORM: UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect could see most serious charge downgraded: defense attorney…Read more

'POSSIBLY DEADLY': FBI warns New Jersey residents not to shoot down drones or point lasers at aircraft…Read more

'GETTING OUR BUTTS KICKED': Democratic Party chair frontrunner acknowledges 'we're getting our butts kicked right now'…Read more

'FALSE MEDIA NARRATIVE': DeSantis slams media bias on illegal immigration response as report shows Florida saw economic growth…Read more

'MAGA'VENUE: Lawmakers prep legislation to name several heartland highways after Trump…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter: NCAA President Charlie Baker gets grilled over transgender inclusion

18 December 2024 at 13:39

'TOTALLY OUTRAGEOUS' NCAA president Charlie Baker was grilled by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week over the organization's policies related to the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. Continue reading …

DRONE WOES – Former Eagles star Jason Kelce voiced his worries about the seemingly growing number of drones being spotted in the northeastern U.S. skies. Continue reading … 

NEW GIG – Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick withdrew his name from consideration for the head coaching role at Sacramento State and informed Norfolk State of his intentions to accept an offer to coach the Spartans football program. Continue reading …

NFL POWER RANKINGS – The Lions winning streak came to an abrupt halt. Are the Bills poised to dethrone the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs? Here's a look at the latest Power Rankings brought to you by Fox News Digital Sports. Continue reading …

LOOK OUT – Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy took on Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a two-on-two exhibition match in Las Vegas, but an errant tee shot during the LIV-PGA showdown made headlines. Continue reading …

TAKE A SEAT – Less than fifteen weeks into the Kirk Cousins experiment in Atlanta, the veteran NFL quarterback was benched due to his performance. The Falcons are now handing the keys over to rookie Michael Penix. Continue reading …

TO THE RAFTERS – Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes jersey will be formally retired in less than two months, the women's basketball program has confirmed. Continue reading …

FROM FOX SPORTS – After a few exciting games, FOX Sports NFL analyst Tom Brady reveals the latest edition of his "Stars of The Week." Continue reading …

FROM OUTKICK – Jerry Jones' latest routine appearance on a Dallas radio station took a rather unusual turn when the longtime Cowboys owner revealed he'd previously enjoyed consuming raccoons and squirrels. Continue reading …

WATCH NOW – FOX Sports' Keyshawn Johnson believes the Chicago Bears coaching staff has presented the biggest issue for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams this season. Watch here …

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Who wants ‘Her’-like AI that gets stuff wrong?

18 December 2024 at 10:05

Hiya, folks, welcome to TechCrunch’s regular AI newsletter. If you want this in your inbox every Wednesday, smash the link and sign up here. Last week, OpenAI launched Advanced Voice Mode with Vision, which feeds real-time video to ChatGPT, allowing the chatbot to “see” beyond the confines of its app layer. The premise is that […]

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An uncertain environment has Wall Street questioning when rate cuts will come in 2025

18 December 2024 at 05:05
Jerome Powell
Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell departs a news conference at the bank's William McChesney Martin building on March 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. Following a meeting of the Federal Open Markets Committee, Powell announced that the Fed left interest rates unchanged at about 5.3 percent, but suggested it may cut rates three times later this year as inflation eases.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Hello there! Value meals are practically extinct these days, but one place is holding the line: Chili's. The chain's CMO told BI why deals like the Triple Dipper and the 3 for Me combo aren't going anywhere.

In today's big story, the Fed is likely to cut rates again today, but don't bank on more coming after that.

What's on deck

Markets: This $19 billion hedge fund's old-school approach still relies on its founder's big bets.

Tech: AppLovin is a Wall Street darling, with shares up more than 780% this year. Can its incredible run last?

Business: How Sean "Diddy" Combs' professional and personal life crumbled amid a flurry of allegations.

But first, it might be the last one for a while.


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.


The big story

Here today, gone tomorrow

Jerome Powell.

Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

Enjoy today's rate cut because it might be the last one for a while.

The Fed is expected to make its third-straight rate cut this afternoon, but the certainties end there, write Business Insider's Ayelet Sheffey and Madison Hoff.

Plenty of people on Wall Street believe today marks the end of the Fed's three-month rate-cutting spree, writes BI's Matthew Fox. Yardeni Research and Goldman Sachs both warned the Fed might take a breather when it meets again at the end of January.

Apollo's top economist, Torsten Sløk took things a step further, suggesting a potential rate hike in 2025.

So what's giving the Fed … pause? (Sorry. I had to do it.)

First, inflation is still very much a thing. While prices have improved since 2022, we're not at the 2% target Fed chair Jerome Powell set as a long-term goal. It's also ticked up a bit, with the consumer price index hitting a 2.7% year-over-year growth rate in November.

Meanwhile, the recent jobs report also shows the labor market is in a decent spot.

Those figures aren't exactly where the Fed would like them to be, but they're also not so bad that the central bank would adjust rates after today's announcement to enact change.

Image of Donald Trump

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

One other factor has market watchers unsure about the Fed's next move: the incoming president.

President-elect Donald Trump has made clear he intends to make big changes once he's in office. Talk of widespread tariffs, in particular, has some investors on edge.

Many economists believe Trump's trade plans will lead to higher inflation, as companies raise prices to pass on the taxes they face to customers.

(It's not a bulletproof prediction. Trump implemented tariffs during his first term and inflation decreased, and some believe that could happen again.)

There's another twist: Trump might not do anything with tariffs. The president-elect's tough talk could be a negotiation tactic to get better terms from China, Canada, and Mexico on various topics.

All that uncertainty puts the Fed in a tricky spot. Powell recently said the Fed couldn't make policy changes based on something that "lies well into the future." Instead, it needs to focus on the here and now.

So that means a rate cut today, and who knows tomorrow.


News brief

Top headlines


3 things in markets

citi bank sad

Citi; Chelsea Jia feng/BI

  1. Some Citi employees review of the bank's annual review process: Not great! Citi uses a forced curve to evaluate employees, meaning managers rank employees from best to worst and there are a finite number of top ratings. Current and former MDs told BI the bank's promotion process can pit employees against each other. Here's how it works and why some people aren't a fan.
  2. In a sea of multistrats, Rokos stands apart. Unlike its peers, $19 billion Rokos largely relies on its billionaire founder making big bets. Its strategy starkly contrasts the rest of the industry, where diversified multistrategy funds rule the roost. Going against the grain has served them well.
  3. The best bet for investing in 2025, according to Morgan Stanley's top stock strategist. It's time to hit the gym (sort of), as Mike Wilson recommends a barbell investment strategy. That means a mix of high and low-risk assets, which could be a good bet with potential market uncertainty in 2025.

3 things in tech

A robot putting a poo emoji in a gift box

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

  1. SantaGPT. Artificial intelligence has been changing the e-commerce game. AI should make the process easier since it's more integrated into online shopping. But BI's Amanda Hoover found you still might have to lend the AI elves a helping hand.
  2. Wall Street is lovin' AppLovin. Mobile ads and gaming company AppLovin recently had its market value surpass the $100 billion milestone, and shares are up more than 780% this year. However, some ad industry insiders are skeptical about how long its run can last.
  3. A $3 billion AI startup added Stripe's CFO to its board. Vercel, which offers AI tools to developers, said on Tuesday that Stripe CFO Steffan Tomlinson was joining as a director on Vercel's board. Tomlinson has experience taking tech companies public, even though Vercel is early in its life cycle.

3 things in business

Diddy

Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

  1. Rapper unraveled. Since his rise to fame in the late 1990s, Sean "Diddy" Combs had built a business empire and become one of the richest and most well-connected entertainers of all time. But it all began to unravel when he was hit with a criminal indictment — which he pleaded not guilty to — and dozens of civil lawsuits. How his world fell apart in a year.
  2. Rich musicians got millions in pandemic relief — and American taxpayers footed the bill. Stadium performers like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown billed US taxpayers for luxury hotels, private jet flights, and shopping sprees. They did it by taking advantage of a pandemic relief program intended for smaller arts organizations, a BI investigation found.
  3. Don't trust that Zestimate. Zillow's popular automated home valuation is wrong. A lot. But Americans still love it — and that obsession is a big win for Zillow.

In other news


The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Fox News Politics: Cheney Accused of 'Potential' Witness Tampering

17 December 2024 at 15:34

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

-Red state reveals plan to purchase auctioned border wall materials to store for Trump

-Electoral College vote moves Trump another step toward officially becoming president

-Vance will likely be 2028 front-runner, but RNC chair 'excited about the bench that we have'

Former Rep. Liz Cheney is facing calls from GOP legislators that the FBI investigate her for "potential criminal witness tampering" related to her former role on the Jan. 6 House Select Committee, a report released Tuesday by the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight chairman, Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., details.

"Based on the evidence obtained by this Subcommittee, numerous federal laws were likely broken by Liz Cheney, the former Vice Chair of the January 6 Select Committee, and these violations should be investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Evidence uncovered by the Subcommittee revealed that former Congresswoman Liz Cheney tampered with at least one witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, by secretly communicating with Hutchinson without Hutchinson’s attorney’s knowledge," the report, which was provided to Fox Digital, found

Cheney, in comments provided to Fox News Digital on Tuesday afternoon, defended her former committee's investigation, while arguing Loudermilk's report "intentionally disregards the truth and the Select Committee’s tremendous weight of evidence."

"January 6th showed Donald Trump for who [he] really is – a cruel and vindictive man who allowed violent attacks to continue against our Capitol and law enforcement officers while he watched television and refused for hours to instruct his supporters to stand down and leave," Cheney said to Fox News Digital....Read more

SCHOOL'S OUT: Jill Biden leaves job at Virginia community college ahead of White House departure…Read more

'ALMOST A CRIMINAL ACT': Biden taken to task for selling border wall materials …Read more

'DEEPLY DISTURBING': Biden administration pressuring African country to adopt lax abortion laws in exchange for foreign aid: report…Read more

'SLAP IN THE FACE': Biden clemency for convicted fraudsters met with outrage…Read more

THE BIG C: Biden's clemency for doc in chemotherapy fraud scheme contrasts with longtime 'Cancer Moonshot' advocacy…Read more

LAST-DITCH EFFORT: Two new student debt relief programs from Biden barrel toward imminent release…Read more

PUBLIC SHOWDOWN: Pete Hegseth may release sexual assault accuser from confidentiality agreement, setting up public showdown…Read more

'UNOFFICIAL CO-PRESIDENT': Elizabeth Warren wants answers from Trump over Elon Musk 'conflicts of interest'…Read more

EXCITEMENT AND WORRY: Majority of Americans optimistic about Trump agenda, poll finds, despite tariff concern…Read more

'PHENOMENALLY BAD IDEA': Dems push drastic move that Mike Lee calls 'a phenomenally bad idea'…Read more

IN THE DOGE HOUSE: Top Republican touts 'real motivation' behind House DOGE Caucus' mission before first meeting…Read more

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: House AI task force says 'unreasonable' to expect immediate congressional action on AI in 250-page report…Read more

WHAT HAPPENED?: Republican demands info from State Department on delayed Afghanistan flights….Read more

SPARTZ FLY: House GOP lawmaker rejects committee assignments to dedicate time to DOGE…Read more

GETTING STARTED: DOGE Caucus senator introduces 2 bills to kick-start waste cuts in Trump term…Read more

BLOW TO SQUAD: AOC loses bid to be top Democrat on powerful House Oversight Committee…Read more

'CONSEQUENCES': GOP rebels plot mutiny against Johnson over government shutdown drama…Read more

SWING-STATE CURVEBALL: Swing state governor's race sees a twist as top Dem will run as independent…Read more

'WE NEED SOLUTIONS': Chicago community activist sounds off on migrant crisis: 'I welcome' Trump border czar…Read more

MOVING TO SANCTUARY CITIES: TN lawmaker proposes sending illegal migrants accused of minor crimes to sanctuary cities instead of deporting…Read more

NO TAX ON TIPS: Virginia Gov. Youngkin calls for end to taxes on tips ahead of legislative session…Read more

LOOKING AHEAD: ‘America First’ group says its voter-targeting made a difference as Trump picks several leaders for WH…Read more

'UNDERMINED CLIMATE PROGRESS': Environmental group launches six-figure battleground state ad buy against Newsom's 'climate leadership'…Read more

DRONES: Government agencies say joint investigation into drone sightings reveals no threat: ‘We recognize the concern’…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Is it a bird, a plane, or something more mysterious? Sightings in New Jersey's skies have raised questions and intrigue.

17 December 2024 at 06:39
US Army drones at a military base in Poland.
US Army drones at a military base in Poland.

MikeMareen via Getty Images

Hello there! Have you ever watched a Hallmark movie (it's ok to admit it) and wondered: Where did they film this thing? The answer is usually Victoria, British Columbia. Someone who lives there describes what it's like living in a place built for the perfect happy ending.

In today's big story, we're looking at how the uproar over mysterious drones has people doing some investigating of their own.

What's on deck

Markets: Bitcoin predictions for 2025 are rolling in, and there's a wide range of possibilities.

Tech: Amazon's RTO plans have one problem: There's not enough office to return to.

Business: Not as big and a lot more expensive. Welcome to the new American dream.

But first, what is everyone droning on about?


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.


The big story

It's a bird, it's a plane, no it's…

A Drone is spotted over the Bronx

Spectee via Reuters Connect

Mysterious aircraft have taken over the night sky this month, but they probably aren't bringing us gifts on the 25th.

Santa Claus might have some company in the sky as dozens of unidentified aircraft continue to pop up across the East Coast. See for yourself some videos of the sightings that are sparking concern.

The good news: Officials have stressed drones aren't the work of a foreign adversary or a public threat. The bad news: That's about all they are saying.

Donald Trump addressed the buzzy topic Monday during his first press conference since his election win. The president-elect criticized the government for not providing more details to the general public and said he canceled an upcoming weekend trip to his golf club in Bedminster, N.J.

The entire episode also reflects a growing challenge for the US military, writes Business Insider's Jake Epstein. Multiple military installations have spotted drones in their area, which could be spying on military bases or become a hazard to their operations.

Photo of airplane taking off

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The lack of information isn't stopping people from taking matters into their own hands.

Videos captured with Ring doorbells of potential drone sightings are being widely shared, writes BI's Ana Altcheck. The app's "Neighbors" section, typically for sharing info about lost pets or stolen packages, has become inundated with written reports and videos speculating about mysterious aircraft.

Of course, give the internet an inch, and it'll take a mile. While some of the posts are earnest, there's plenty of trolling going on. In some cases, users have gotten annoyed they're being bombarded with notifications about drone posts.

Trying to explain the phenomenon behind the drones represents the perfect thread for conspiratorial minds to pull on, writes BI's Katie Notopoulos.

To be fair, it's only natural to want to do a bit of investigating. I admit, I've spent a bit more time staring at the sky than I normally would, hoping to glimpse our new "friends" (hopefully).

If you do decide to do a bit of sky gazing, it's important to remember there are plenty of things up there that aren't mysterious. The Federal Aviation Administration handles 45,000 flights every day.

So before you get excited about what you think is another drone flying over your backyard, check out this piece from BI's Taylor Rains on how to distinguish what's flying overhead.


News brief

Top headlines


3 things in markets

Image of Jerome Powell

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

  1. Enjoy this week's rate cut because it might be the last one for a while. Wall Street forecasters aren't banking on the string of rate cuts to continue into early next year. A strong economy coupled with sticky inflation has experts projecting the central bank will pause easing its policy for a bit.
  2. Two sides of the same (bit)coin. The crypto bears see bitcoin dropping to $45,000 in 2025 (BCA Research), while the bulls see the asset climbing as high as $500,000 next year (Fundstrat). President-elect Donald Trump's plan for bitcoin will have a massive impact, but there are also big moves being made at the state level.
  3. SoFi's head of investment wants to vibe-check the market. Liz Young Thomas told BI it's hard to ignore all the positive signals in the market. However, aggressive speculation that the rally won't end despite stocks being overvalued could create a situation where the market gets too "frothy," she added.

3 things in tech

Photo illustration of hand pulling Amazon worker back

Nickilford/Getty, MarkPiovesan/Getty, Maria Ivanova/Getty, Ljupco/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

  1. Exclusive: Amazon delays its five-day RTO mandate for some employees. The retail giant doesn't have enough office space in certain locations, and internal notifications reviewed by BI show some RTO policy delays stretching as late as May. But this isn't the first time Amazon has run into workspace capacity issues.
  2. Inside Wiz's plans to become the world's biggest cybersecurity company. The cloud security startup has expanded at a breakneck pace, raising $1.9 billion in just four years and passing on a $23 billion acquisition offer from Google. Raaz Herzberg, Wiz's VP of product strategy, told BI where it plans to go from there.
  3. Klarna says it will start drug testing workers in Sweden. The buy-now, pay-later firm, which is gearing up for an IPO, said the move was part of a wider effort to "strengthen security" in an internal Slack message sent Monday.

3 things in business

Photo illustration of family watching house on fire in cracking snowglobe

Javier Jaén for BI

  1. The American dream is a lot smaller these days. Fewer kids. Smaller homes. Less free time. Oh, and everything costs a lot more, and you probably won't be happy. The American dream sure looks a lot different than it used to.
  2. Move over, Bluesky. Thousands of users have ditched X in the wake of the 2024 presidential election, with many flocking to platforms like Bluesky. But instead of shouting into the void and giving in to doomscrolling, some are turning to their group chat with friends for more meaningful interactions.
  3. Introducing BI's 10 industry innovators of 2024. What do the CEO of Nvidia, the commissioner of the WNBA, and the head of Amazon Prime Video have in common? They're all shaking up and transforming their industries in their own ways.

In other news


The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Fox News Politics: The DNC's Blue Christmas

16 December 2024 at 13:55

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

- Biden admin expected to offer California waiver to ban gas-powered cars by 2035: report

- RFK Jr set to face abortion, vaccine scrutiny in sit-downs with senators on Capitol Hill

- Mitt Romney predicts the GOP's 2028 presidential standard-bearer

Vice President Kamala Harris tried to encourage Democratic staffers facing layoffs from the DNC on Sunday, telling them that their "spirit will not be defeated."

Harris made the comments during the DNC's holiday celebration in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. She spoke alongside President Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the event, which played host to staffers who were let go from the DNC without severance packages after the election.

"This holiday season, like any time of the year, let us really be conscious of all the blessings we have. Let us celebrate the blessings we have; let us celebrate and advance the blessings we have yet to create," Harris said. "And let us always remember our country is worth fighting for, and our spirit will not be defeated." Read more.

FINAL PUSH: Biden expected to grant CA waiver for gas car ban before Trump admin takes over…Read more

'OUR MILITARY KNOWS': Trump says Biden admin has answers to drone mystery…Read more

BACK ON THE BENCH: Republicans fume over judicial unretirements taking away vacancies for Trump to fill…Read more

'DID I AT LEAST LOOK COOL?': Trump adviser collapses on stage while giving speech at Young Republican gala…Read more

TIME TO CALL: Trump can save Syrian Kurds from Turkish aggression…Read more

'IS THAT A SERIOUS QUESTION?': Trump tangles with reporter asking about Iran preemptive strikes…Read more

KENNEDY TO CONGRESS: RFK Jr set to face abortion, vaccine scrutiny in first hill meetings since Trump selection…Read more

MONEY TALKS: Showdown over $36T US debt crisis looms in Congress, new data show…Read more

'SO IMPORTANT': Paris Hilton urges GOP-led House to pass bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act…Read more

'REAL ANSWERS': Schumer asks DHS to deploy 360-degree radar tech amid drone mystery…Read more

RED TAPE RIP-OFF: Business group accuses California regulators of gangster behavior…Read more

'TARGETED ASSASSINATIONS': Venezuelan expert sounds alarm about what's next if sanctuary city policies continue…Read more

'VIOLATED THE LAW': State AG sues New York doctor who allegedly prescribed abortion medication by mail…Read more

'BRING THEM ALL HOME': Israeli hostages' families hold Central Park rally, call on Biden, Trump to get loved ones from Hamas…Read more

'MATH' PROBLEM: Economists pan Hochul's 'inflation refunds' as inflationary…Read more

'MAKE LIFE MULTIPLANETARY': Elon Musk moves to make Starbase, Texas, the official ‘gateway to Mars’…Read more

'LOST CONTROL': Investigator's eye in the sky tumbles to ground during approach to mystery drone…Read more

IDENTIFY, TRACK, MITIGATE: Government demands more counter-drone powers as current authorities set to expire…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Insider Today: Tech's new biggest argument

15 December 2024 at 03:41
semiconductor chips
Efforts to boost the US's production of semiconductor chips are likely to continue regardless of who wins the presidential election.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

Welcome back to our Sunday edition, a roundup of some of our top stories. Bummed about your Spotify Wrapped? Maybe this explanation from a former Spotify engineer about what was different this year will help.


On the agenda today:

But first: Keeping track of DOGE.


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider's app here.


DOGE today, gone tomorrow

A photo illustration of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's faces over photo of Capitol with money surrounding them.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are promising to make sweeping changes through the Department of Government Efficiency.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; iStock; Natalie Ammari/BI

With a little more than a month until Inauguration Day, one of the most fascinating parts of the new administration isn't being led by President-elect Donald Trump.

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has arguably garnered more attention than Trump's plans for tax cuts, tariffs, and immigration.

Co-heads Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have targeted $2 trillion in budget cuts by July 4, 2026, but concrete details on how it plans to get there remain a bit of a mystery.

To get a better sense of what DOGE might ultimately do, we mapped out all the areas Musk and Ramaswamy have hinted at making cuts. What is clear is there's no shortage of ideas on where the government is wasting money, according to the duo.

However, tweeting that you'll "delete" an entire agency is one thing. Executing that plan is another thing entirely.

That's not to say there's no value in the endeavor. A Pimco economist highlighted DOGE as one of the key ways Trump can reduce the risk from America's soaring debt.

This gets to a wider point: DOGE's goal of cutting government spending comes at a crucial time for the global economy.

Government debt across the globe has spiraled out of control and the current trajectory represents "the most serious threat to macroeconomic and financial stability," according to a senior economist at the Bank for International Settlements.


Inside the life of Luigi Mangione

Luigi Mangione

Photo by Altoona Police Department via Getty Images; BI

Before he became a suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione came from a prominent Baltimore family and received an education at elite schools. Friends described him as whip-smart, kind, and unassuming. A former classmate told BI, "I would set my sister or friend up with him."

For years, however, Mangione suffered from debilitating back pain, which he detailed in dozens of Reddit posts, that "put my life on hold in my 20s." The experience appears to represent a significant — and excruciating — engagement with the American healthcare system.

From Ivy League to a murder charge.

Also read:


The rise of the son

Gordon Singer

Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images; iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

Gordon Singer, the son of Elliott Management founder Paul Singer and the head of its London office, is now the only one of the firm's 14 partners based abroad. He has less autonomy over the office and fewer big-hitting portfolio managers reporting to him.

Yet within the firm, the younger Singer has more power than ever. Thanks to a recent reorg, his voice is now one of the most influential inside it.

What's next for Gordon.


Early-stage startup CEOs take a pay cut

money rolls and bands

iStock

A recent study from Kruze Consulting found the average salary for the CEO of a seed-stage startup in the US is $132,000 a year — which is down from $142,000 in last year's study. The average founder is also likely to be making less than other people on the leadership team.

The consultancy, which analyzed 450 VC-backed startups' payroll records, also says employee compensation accounts for around 75% of the total operating costs for its startup clients.

A breakdown of how much startups are paying talent.

Also read:


Who really has the fastest supercomputer?

TRITON Supercomputer_13
TRITON Supercomputer at the University of Miami

T.J. Lievonen

Both Oracle and xAI love to flex the size of their GPU clusters. Back in the day, it used to be a lot simpler to figure this out. But it's getting harder to tell who is actually right, no matter how much CEOs love to brag.

Plus, size isn't the only important factor. Power efficiency is a vital indicator in AI computing since energy is an enormous operational expense in AI.

But that gets lost in the measuring contest.


This week's quote:

"In case it was unclear before, it is clear now: GM are a bunch of dummies."

— Cruise founder Kyle Vogt on X following GM's announcement that it would stop funding Cruise and fold it into the company's other driver-assistance efforts.


More of this week's top reads:

Read the original article on Business Insider

Insider Today: Work out smarter

14 December 2024 at 03:38
pilates

Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty Images

Happy Saturday! A new study uncovered more evidence linking cancer to inflammation from diets high in ultra-processed foods. Researchers are now pointing to these foods that may heal the body. (There's more below on a concerning colon cancer trend.)


On the agenda:

But first: AI fixed Christmas.


If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Insider's app here.


This week's dispatch

ChatGPT, Santa edition

Robot hand holding gift

Getty Images; iStock; Natalie Ammari/BI

If you're wondering what to get your friends and family this holiday season, perhaps you should follow Caroline Brew's lead. She's a Business Insider fellow who asked ChatGPT what to get her family for Christmas.

The AI-powered tool "gave me 19 suggestions," Brew wrote, "along with additional ideas under categories suggesting quirky and personalized gifts."

I decided to try it for my mom, who is hard to shop for, using the prompt: "What should I get my mom for Christmas? She's the woman who has everything and loves books, reading, tea, and taking a bath. I want it to be thoughtful."

ChatGPT gave me seven suggestions, touching on each theme I provided. The first suggestion was my favorite: "Get her a custom book where you can write and design a book filled with reasons you love and appreciate her."

It's an idea I wouldn't have thought of myself, but one that my mom would cherish, especially because our immediate family lives in three different states.

If you're still wondering what to get your tribe, we've also compiled a list of suggestions for Generation Alpha and ideas for the teenagers in your life. You can also check out our gift-giving guides, curated by BI's Reviews team, that make holiday shopping fun, not a chore.


Colon cancer's rise in young people

patient at a doctor's visit

SDI Productions/Getty Images

Colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 are increasing all over the world. New data from the Lancet Oncology showed that colon cancer rates in young people went up in 27 of the 50 countries the study examined during a 5-year period.

This spike also appears to be happening in richer countries. The study's authors identified detrimental dietary exposures and sedentary lifestyles associated with economic wealth as potentially being connected to the trends.

Where the disease is on the rise.


The luxe items that make men's lives easier

A Hatch alarm clock, Sony XM5 headphones, a Lovesac sactional, and Solreader glasses

BI

When it comes to the gift-giving season, there's one thing most people want: something that will make their lives easier.

Whether it's a spa package or a fancy alarm clock, there are plenty of options to choose from. BI asked successful men about the luxury items they swear by to make their lives easier, from a Herman Miller chair to $400 headphones.

Here's what they said.


Doing less for better results

woman doing pilates

Jason McDonald/Courtesy of B The Method; Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Lia Bartha is a 41-year-old pilates instructor who spent years working out too hard. She felt like she was "plateauing" and that higher-impact workouts weren't intuitive to how her body was aging.

She's now prioritizing longevity exercises and says low-impact routines work better for her body. Her brand, B The Method, combines pilates with other wellness techniques like breathwork and flowing gentle movements.

Low impact for the win.


Under-the-radar travel destinations

St. Moritz lit up at night with snow-covered buildings and mountains in front of a frozen body of water
St. Moritz is one of my top picks for those who love to ski.

Alessandro Bellani/Getty Images

A luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles books five-star hotels and vacations for her wealthy clients. She said many prefer traveling to spots that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists.

From St. Barts for a warm getaway to the Dolomites for those who want to hit the snowy slopes, she recommends these destinations to her clients looking to get out of town this winter.

Wealthy winter getaways.


What we're watching this weekend

Screenshot from Conclave in a TV

Focus Features; Natalie Ammari/BI

  • "Conclave": The papal drama starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci has been meme fodder for social media — and now it's finally streaming on Peacock.
  • "Yellowstone": The hit neo-Western's season (or series) finale airs this weekend.
  • "Maria": Angelina Jolie stars as the opera singer Maria Callas in a new biographical drama on Netflix.

See the full list


A red shopping bag surrounded by $100 bills.

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

What to shop

  • Last-minute gifts: Time is running out for gift shopping, but luckily, we have a guide to the best last-minute gift ideas for when you're in a pinch. Options like in-store pickup and digital delivery features (think subscriptions and gift cards) make all the difference.
  • Seriously comfy slippers: Bombas makes some of our favorite socks of all time, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the brand's new memory foam slippers rock. Our style team tried both versions — and they've basically refused to take them off.
  • Don't forget the ham: For many, ham is a must-have for Christmas dinner. Rather than spending your day in line, check out our roundup of the best hams that will arrive in time for the holiday meal.

More of this week's top reads:


The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Fox News Politics: ‘Kids for Cash' Clemency Sparks Keystone Clamor

13 December 2024 at 15:16

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

- Dem claims Trump wielding nuclear strike authority 'should terrify you' —  then people point out the obvious

- Tren de Aragua being used as tool of Maduro regime, says former high-ranking Venezuelan military officer

- 'Politically motivated' FBI treated conservatives like domestic terrorists on Wray's watch: whistleblower

President Biden has sparked anger among Pennsylvanians after he commuted the sentence of a corrupt judge who was jailed for more than 17 years after he was caught taking kickbacks for sending juveniles to for-profit detention facilities.

In what came to be known as the kids-for-cash scandal, former Judge Michael Conahan shut down a county-run juvenile detention center and shared $2.8 million in illegal payments from the builder and co-owner of two for-profit lockups. Another judge, Mark Ciavarella, was also involved in the illicit scheme, the effects of which are still felt today among victims and families. 

The scandal is considered Pennsylvania’s largest-ever judicial corruption scheme with the state's supreme court throwing out some 4,000 juvenile convictions involving more than 2,300 kids after the scheme was uncovered…Read more

ANOTHER ROUND: Biden administration announces $500M aid package to Ukraine…Read more

‘ADDRESS THE BIAS': Biden admin launches national strategy to combat Islamophobia, anti-Arab hate…Read more

FINAL VERDICT: Negative economic and political ratings for Biden as he exits…Read more

FINAL STRETCH: White House says to 'expect more' climate funding before President Biden leaves office…Read more

SYRIA QUANDARY: Trump's pledge against 'forever wars' could be tested with Syria in hands of jihadist factions…Read more

'FEEL THE PAIN': Canadian premier threatens to cut off energy imports to US if Trump imposes tariff on country…Read more

'WE SHOULD KNOW': Sen. Booker 'frustrated' by lack of transparency about drones, says it's causing ‘misinformation to spread’…Read more

MOVING ON UP: Top GOP rebel angles for key House leadership-backed committee post…Read more

'SHOULD BE SHOT DOWN': Sen. Blumenthal says mysterious drones spotted recently 'should be shot down, if necessary'…Read more

PELOSI: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi injured, hospitalized while traveling to Luxembourg…Read more

'HORRIFIC RINO': GOP Sen. Murkowski says she's 'not attached to' GOP label, but is 'still a Republican'…Read more

'ACT DECISIVELY': Senate Dems demand Biden extend protections for illegal immigrants ahead of Trump admin…Read more

'PREVENTABLE' CRIME: DA to seek death penalty against illegal immigrants accused in Nungaray murder case…Read more

'EQUALLY ANGRY': Legislators across political spectrum ‘equally angry’ over handling of drone sightings: New Jersey lawmaker…Read more

SHOCKING DEATH THREATS: WV lawmaker arrested after threatening to kill entire region's delegation over caucus beef…Read more

'EGREGIOUS HYPERPARTISANSHIP': Montana Supreme Court blocks ban on transgender surgeries, prompting outcry from GOP lawmaker, supporters…Read more

THEORIES RUN WILD: Drone experts rule out US government experiment, unsure of other New Jersey drone phenomenon theories…Read more

LEFT-WING ATTACK: Climate justice group has deep ties to judges, experts involved in litigation amid claims of impartiality…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

What failed before might succeed now — and other startup bets

By: Anna Heim
13 December 2024 at 12:03

Welcome to Startups Weekly — your weekly recap of everything you can’t miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here. This week in startup news, we have some contrarian bets, funding rounds from all around the world, new VC funds, and a final word of warning. Most […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Fox News Politics: Turning Tides

12 December 2024 at 13:07

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

-5 biggest FBI scandals during Christopher Wray's tenure as director

-Biden commutes 1,500 jail sentences, grants pardons for 39 others: 'Largest single-day grant of clemency'

- Rep Banks rips West Point as school apologizes for 'error' saying Hegseth wasn't accepted

The pick by President-elect Trump to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, seems to be on track to get enough GOP Senate support to be confirmed, despite facing a handful of allegations ranging from sexual assault, excessive drinking and fund mismanagement, all of which he has denied. 

One Republican senator told Fox News Digital that they weren't aware of any GOP senators who are a "hard no" on confirming Hegseth.

Hegseth "certainly" doesn't seem to be in a position where he may feel pressured to withdraw, they added…Read more

BOGUS BIDEN INFO: Informant accused of feeding FBI bogus Biden information pleads guilty to 4 counts…Read more

'I MEAN IT': Biden says the GOP doesn't understand the importance of advancing women's well-being…Read more

PETE PUSH: Marine critic of Afghan withdrawal to lead rank-and-file enlistees in Senate visits promoting Hegseth…Read more

GARLAND RESPONDS: Garland lauds 'principled' Wray for 'integrity and skill' after resignation announcement…Read more

MAGA ENFORCERS: Trump allies turn up the heat on GOP Senate holdouts in nomination battles…Read more

THUMBS UP: What Americans think about Trump's cabinet nominees…Read more

'A STAR': Trump says Ric Grenell will be 'high up' in administration after report says ex-intel chief will be Iran envoy…Read more

'LAND OF LAWS': Former House candidate reveals how Trump will conquer Dem resistance with immigration mandate…Read more

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: A DOGE in the fight…Read more

THUMBS UP: Fetterman still enthusiastically supportive of Stefanik for US ambassador to UN: 'Always was a hard YES'…Read more

BYE, BYE BERNIE?: Sen. Bernie Sanders says upcoming term will 'probably' be his last…Read more

DEEPER IN DEBT: House passes nearly $1 trillion defense spending bill, adding to US debt of $36 trillion…Read more

'BACK ON TRACK': US oil and gas producers pressure House to pass pivotal permitting bill and get America ‘back on track’…Read more

CLASSIFIED BRIEFING: House Speaker Johnson says he's getting a classified briefing today…Read more

FUNDING FIGHT: House Pentagon funding bill would ban transgender treatments for minor children of military personnel…Read more

ORDER IN THE COURT: House passes bill that would give Trump more federal judges to appoint…Read more

SENATE APPEAL: Conservative group debuts major ad buy in key senators' states as 'soft appeal' for Hegseth, Gabbard, Patel…Read more

MIGRANT CRIME: Migrant teen stabbing in lower Manhattan…Read more 

'NOT ELIGIBLE': Scholarship programs slapped with lawsuits for alleged discrimination against White men…Read more

'SHOULD BE DEPORTED': Illinois governor says 'violent' illegal immigrants should be deported, open to meeting with Trump officials…Read more

MIGRANT CLAMPDOWN: Trump border czar meeting with NYC Mayor Adams despite sanctuary city status…Read more

IN AND OUT?: DC councilman a step closer to facing expulsion after law firm finds he violated code of conduct…Read more

R'OIL' SALE: Alaska outraged at federal oil lease sale setup being ‘fitting finale’ for fossil fuel-averse presidency…Read more

'DESPICABLE': Immigration activists fume at NYC mayor’s meeting with Trump border czar: ‘Despicable’…Read more

'UNBEARABLE LOSS': Venezuelan migrant released by ICE kills 7-year-old two months later…Read more

'MALICIOUS SLANDER': China denies new report linking CCP to four sites in Cuba allegedly used to spy on the US…Read more

'CONFIDENTIAL': DOJ IG reveals number of FBI confidential sources on the ground during Jan 6…Read more

'WE MUST BE CLEAR': Youngkin to draft sanctuary city ban, making state funding contingent on ICE cooperation…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

13 surprising things you might not know about 'Elf' the movie

12 December 2024 at 08:19
buddy the elf

YouTube/Movieclips

  • "Elf" the movie debuted in 2003 and has since become a holiday classic. 
  • It used a lot of unique perspective and film techniques to create size-related illusions.
  • The movie's star, Will Ferrell, has said more than once that he has no plans to be in a sequel. 

"Elf" premiered in 2003 and has since become a classic holiday movie.

It follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was raised among elves in the North Pole. After years of feeling like he didn't quite fit in with his fellow elves, Buddy heads to New York City in search of his real father during Christmastime.

Here are a few things you may not know about the holiday comedy "Elf." 

Buddy's super long belch was recorded by a famous voice actor.
Elf pasta
And who can forget Buddy's famous pasta dish?

New Line Cinema

No, Ferrell wasn't belching on-screen for an impressively long time in the film. Instead, the long burp was recorded by Maurice LaMarche.

Better known as the voice of Brain from "Pinky and the Brain," LaMarche's vocal contributions to the film were uncredited, but his belch will live on in cinematic history.

Jim Carrey reportedly almost played Buddy.
jim carrey
Jim Carrey starred in a different Christmas movie.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Although Buddy is one of Ferrell's most well-known roles, Vulture reported that when the script was first circulating in 1993, Carrey was the first choice to play the curious elf.

The movie is set in New York City, but most of it was filmed elsewhere.
Elf
Many scenes from "Elf" were filmed in Canada.

New Line Cinema

Many scenes from "Elf" were set in New York City, but a lot of the production actually took place in Canada.

"Analog techniques" were used in place of CGI in some parts of the film.
Elf buddy big
These techniques add magic to the film.

New Line Cinema

VFX supervisor Joe Bauer told Creative Planet Network in 2012 that "Elf" director Jon Favreau wanted to use "analog techniques" to bring the magic to the North Pole.

The crew used techniques like forced perspective to make Buddy look bigger than the elves around him.

 

The North Pole sets were built for perspective.
Elf elves
"Elf" used special sets to create illusions.

New Line Cinema

Bauer also told Creative Planet Network that the sets for the North Pole were meant to establish a scale for the elves in the film. The teams worked with a two-thirds scale to allow Ferrell to seem bigger than his elven counterparts.

Afterward, the crew would adjust the height of the cameras and objects to bring the optical illusion to life.

CGI was used in some parts of the film.
Elf snowball fight
CGI can be seen in the snowball fight scene in "Elf."

New Line Cinema

Even though it might not seem obvious, CGI was used in some parts of the film — including the snowball scene.

Naturally, the miraculously long throw during this scene was CGI, as were any snowballs you didn't see thrown by someone.

Peter Billingsley makes a cameo.
Elf and the elves
Peter Billingsley played an elf in "Elf."

New Line Cinema

Actor Peter Billingsley played the iconic role of Ralphie in classic holiday movie "A Christmas Story." He also made an uncredited appearance in "Elf" as Ming Ming the elf.

This story was originally published on November 27, 2018, and most recently updated on December 12, 2025.

The director of the film makes a cameo as well.
elf doctor scene
The "Elf" director plays a doctor.

New Line Cinema

"Elf" director Favreau makes an appearance in the film as Buddy's doctor.

An elf hockey scene was cut from the film.
elf deleted scene
The deleted scene from "Elf" can be found online.

YouTube/FandagoNOW Extras

"Elf" has a lot of great scenes, but the one of elves playing hockey wasn't meant to be one of them. This scene was cut from the film, but you can still watch it online.

There's an "Elf" Broadway musical.
elf Broadway
"Elf" during its opening night.

Michael Stewart/WireImage/Getty Images

For just a few short weeks at the end of 2010, "Elf" was transformed into a Broadway musical that brought in a reported $1.4 million in just one week.

Ferrell has said he couldn't have predicted the film's success.
buddy the elf
"Elf" has become a holiday classic in a few years.

New Line Cinema

In a 2015 interview with Good Morning America, Ferrell said he's surprised that "Elf" has continued to be successful years after its release.

He joked that it could have been his last movie, but instead, the film has become a cult classic.

The "throne of lies" scene was shot in one take.
throne of lies elf
The set was demolished.

New Line Cinema

According to Esquire, the famous "throne of lies" scene was filmed in one take. This was due to a tight budget and because production had little time to rebuild such an intricate set. 

Ferrell has said he won't do an "Elf" sequel — and he reportedly turned down a huge offer, too.
elf movie
Will Ferrell may not sign onto an "Elf" sequel anytime soon.

IMDb/Warner Bros.

In 2006, Ferrell told The Observer he turned down a reported $29 million offer to star in the sequel. He said he didn't want to do it just for the money. 

"I remember asking myself: could I withstand the criticism when it's bad and they say, 'He did the sequel for the money?' I decided I wouldn't be able to," he told the publication. 

Later, in 2013, Ferrell reaffirmed his decision to People, saying he wouldn't make another "Elf" movie. He said it would look "slightly pathetic" if he tried to "squeeze" back into his elf tights.

 

Read the original article on Business Insider

Fox News Politics: Wray To Go

11 December 2024 at 15:13

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.

Here's what's happening…

-Trump border czar fires back after House Dem promises ‘resistance’ to deportations

-New mission for House Republican military veterans: Support Trump defense secretary nominee Hegseth

-Red state AG slams Biden admin's attempt to 'rewrite' immigration law: 'Alice in Wonderland stuff'

FBI Director Christopher Wray announced plans to step down from his post at the end of the Biden administration.

Fox News learned just moments before the announcement that Wray would make the announcement during an FBI town hall in Washington, D.C., during which thousands of FBI employees are expected to join virtually across the country.

"After weeks of careful thought, I’ve decided the right thing for the Bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current Administration in January and then step down," Wray said during the town hall. "My goal is to keep the focus on our mission – the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day. In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work."…Read more

PARTING GIFTS: Biden admin extends $10B Iran sanctions waiver 2 days after Trump election win…Read more

WIDESPREAD DISAPPROVAL: Biden flip-flop on pardoning son Hunter is wildly unpopular with Americans, poll finds…Read more

BIG REPORT DROPS: House small business panel releases year-end report on 'partisan' Biden agency electioneering allegations…Read more

'SORRY': Outgoing Treasury Sec. Yellen 'sorry that we haven't made more progress,' believes deficit must be decreased…Read more

BENCHED: Biden, Democrats back away from bill that would give Trump more federal judges to appoint…Read more

FINAL GOODBYES: Biden could pardon these Trump antagonists amid Dem fears that 'revengeful first year' is looming…Read more

'TENS OF BILLIONS': Mast blasts Blinken over 'tens of billions' of US taxpayer dollars sent to Taliban post-Afghanistan withdrawal…Read more

MONEY MOVES: Trump Treasury pick reveals whether Fed Chair Powell will finish term…Read more

POST-PRESIDECNY SENTENCING?: Bragg pitches post-presidency Trump sentencing in renewed push urging Judge Merchan to keep conviction alive…Read more

'FUELING OBESITY': GOP governor calls on incoming Trump officials to ban junk food in food stamps: 'Make America Healthy Again'…Read more

CHIPS DEPLOYED: Top DOGE senator demands answers on plan to exhaust CHIPs Act funds before Trump arrives…Read more

COMING BACK?: Former Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, convicted of illicit contact with minor, files to run for NYC Council…Read more

TIME IS MONEY: House GOP fiscal hawks warn Trump tax cuts in danger of expiring under new Senate-backed plan…Read more

HANDICAPPING TRUMP: Manchin, Sinema tank Schumer lame-duck effort to secure Dem majority on top labor board…Read more

'GOING CRAZY': Outgoing Rep. Jamaal Bowman issues 'Dear White People' thread following Daniel Penny acquittal…Read more

ROOTING OUT WOKE: Democrats in a bind over defense bill that bans transgender surgeries for minors but boosts enlisted pay…Read more

'COMMON GROUND': Hakeem Jeffries says he's 'prepared to find common ground' with Trump next year…Read more

WORKING REMOTE: Nation's largest labor union for federal employees rebukes GOP's efforts to end telework…Read more

'REWARD': 'DeSanta Claus' strikes again: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces extra days off for state workers…Read more

D.A. DOUBLES DOWN: Fani Willis declines to share Jack Smith, Jan. 6 records, citing legal exemptions…Read more

FIGHTING BACK: Federal judge who refuses mental evaluation at age 97 fights suspension…Read more

E STREET SHUFFLE: Dem NJ gubernatorial candidate cops to faking playlist to feature Bruce Springsteen…Read more

'WASTING TAXPAYERS' MONEY': New Yorkers protest removal of 400 migrants from Albany hotels…Read more

Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter: Bill Belichick returns to coaching, Brett Favre gets confronted

11 December 2024 at 15:06

NEW TURF Bill Belichick, 72, appears to be making the surprising move to the collegiate ranks. The six-time Super Bowl winner and North Carolina are finalizing a three-year, $30 million deal, per multiple reports. Continue reading …

'CLEAR THE AIR' Brett Favre addressed a viral confrontation caught on video between Mark Gastineau and himself over Michael Strahan sacking the Packers' legend to break the single-season sack record. Continue reading …

TAKING A STAND – Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines recently honored a high school girls volleyball team in California after they forfeited a playoff game that would have featured a transgender athlete. Continue reading …

GOOGLE SEARCH – Imane Khelif, the controversial athlete that won Olympic gold in women's boxing at the Paris Olympics, was one of the most-searched athletes listed on Google's "Year in Search." Continue reading … 

SPORTSMANSHIP – The brawl that erupted at midfield after Michigan players attempted to plant a flag on Ohio State’s logo after the Wolverines' upset win last month prompted one Republican lawmaker to attempt to outlaw the act. Continue reading …

NFL POWER RANKINGS – The Chiefs survived again. The Eagles and Lions refused to lose. Here's a look at the latest Power Rankings brought to you by Fox News Digital Sports. Continue reading …

WINNERS AND LOSERS – Clemson held on to win the ACC Championship, Georgia stunned Texas to win the SEC Championship, and Boise State secured a bye in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Here's a look at the college football landscape powered by Fox News Digital Sports. Continue reading …

FROM FOX SPORTS – Juan Soto signed a record-breaking deal, Max Fried landed the largest guarantee for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history. Here's a look at the biggest names remaining in free agency. Continue reading …

FROM OUTKICK – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is having a great season by all accounts, but some have argued he should not be considered for Comeback Player of the Year. Continue reading …

WATCH NOW – Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson shares a personal experience from his time in the league, drawing parallels to the issues between Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Watch here …

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This Week in AI: Seeking balance in the deluge of news

11 December 2024 at 10:31

Hiya, folks, welcome to TechCrunch’s regular AI newsletter. If you want this in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here. Longtime readers of the newsletter might’ve noticed that we skipped a week last week. That wasn’t our intent, and we do apologize. The reason was we’ve reached an inflection point in the AI news cycle. We’re […]

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