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What you’ll read?

• Vaccine Maker Stocks Drop Amid Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Appointment to HHS.

• Mortgage Rates Climb Amid Economic Uncertainty.

• Today in AI & Tech

• Trump Nominates Key Legal Allies for Justice Department Roles.

  and more…

BUSINESS

Vaccine Maker Stocks Drop Amid Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Appointment to HHS.

Shares of vaccine makers, including Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax, fell sharply as President-elect Trump nominated vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Experts warn Kennedy's appointment could amplify anti-vaccine rhetoric, further impacting vaccination rates and profits for vaccine producers already struggling with declining COVID-19 immunizations.

Trump Media Executives Sell Over $16M in Stock After Election.

Trump Media executives, including CFO Phillip Juhan, sold over $16 million worth of company stock after Donald Trump's presidential win. Most sales were from Juhan, who planned to sell 400,000 shares by 2025. The company, operating Truth Social, reported a $19.2 million quarterly loss and modest revenue of $1 million. Truth Social's user base remains far smaller than competitors like X and Threads. Restricted stock units for key executives, including CEO Devin Nunes, are set to vest through 2027.

Mortgage Rates Climb Amid Economic Uncertainty.

Mortgage rates increased last week, influenced by higher Treasury yields as markets assessed economic implications of a Trump presidency. Total mortgage applications edged up 0.5%, marking the first rise in seven weeks, with purchase applications rising 2% and refinancing falling 2%. The average rate for 30-year fixed mortgages reached 6.86%, while FHA-backed loans saw slightly lower rates, boosting demand. Markets remain volatile due to post-election fiscal policy expectations.

Restaurant Menu Prices Ease Amid Cooling Inflation.

Inflation continues its gradual decline, with food prices at restaurants rising only 0.2% from September to October. While dining out remains costlier than a year ago, restaurants are easing price hikes, especially quick-service establishments aiming to retain budget-conscious customers. Full-service eateries face higher labor and inflation costs, but optimism is growing as the economy improves and sales volumes remain healthy.

TECH

Today in AI & Tech

Google Launches Gemini AI App for iOS.

Google released its Gemini app on Apple’s App Store, introducing Gemini Live, a voice-based chatbot for natural conversations. Initially launched as Bard, Gemini now competes with OpenAI's ChatGPT and replaces the older Google Assistant. Consolidation efforts led to its integration into DeepMind for enhanced AI development.

IRC Uses AI Chatbots to Expand Reach for Refugee Aid.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is exploring AI tools, including a chatbot network, to enhance its Signpost project, which assists displaced people in crisis. Currently operating in several countries, the AI-driven system answers questions in multiple languages, aiming to reach half of displaced people within three years. The IRC plans to share the technology with other humanitarian groups to improve global aid capacity.

Cisco Exceeds Q1 Estimates, Forecasts Stronger Revenue Amid AI Demand

Cisco Systems reported better-than-expected Q1 results, driven by increasing demand for its networking products amid the AI boom. While its quarterly revenue fell 6%, it forecast second-quarter revenue above analysts' expectations and raised its annual profit guidance. The company continues to shift focus toward cybersecurity and AI-driven products, including the acquisition of Splunk to boost its software business.

Other

Trump Nominates Key Legal Allies for Justice Department Roles.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Todd Blanche, his lead defense attorney, as his pick for deputy attorney general, praising Blanche's DOJ experience and role in his legal victories. Emil Bove and D. John Sauer, also members of Trump’s legal team, were nominated for principal associate deputy attorney general and solicitor general, respectively. These appointments signal Trump's intent to reshape the Justice Department with trusted allies.

Tropical Storm Sara Brings Torrential Rain to Central America.

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in northern Honduras, bringing winds of 45 mph and the potential for up to 30 inches of rain in isolated areas, risking life-threatening floods and landslides. The storm is expected to move west, impacting Roatan, Belize, and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula with heavy rains over the weekend.

Trump’s Climate Policies Signal Shift in Global Leadership.

President-elect Trump’s win raises doubts over U.S. climate policy, with plans to exit the Paris Agreement and potentially the UN climate framework. Analysts warn this could cede global leadership to China, risking U.S. competitiveness in clean energy. Despite Trump’s opposition, bipartisan support for the Inflation Reduction Act may ensure continued U.S. progress in emissions reduction.

FBI Foils Alleged Terror Plot by Texas Man with Ties to ISIS.

Federal agents arrested Anas Said, 28, in Houston for allegedly planning a terrorist attack and supporting ISIS through propaganda. Said admitted to researching potential targets, including synagogues and the Israeli Consulate, and expressed intentions to harm U.S. military personnel. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group.

It's a Wrap!

Thank you for joining us in this journey through the latest updates and insights. Your engagement and support mean the world to us. We hope you found this newsletter both informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more exciting news and stories in our next edition.

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Warm regards,
Sarah