Amazon has officially announced its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, scheduled from November 19-30, featuring discounts across a wide array of products including beauty, apparel, home decor, tools, and technology. Early deals are already accessible, offering significant savings on items like a Bissell upholstery cleaner, a Lego Star Wars set, and Bose QuietComfort headphones. The article provides practical tips for shoppers, recommending Amazon Prime membership for exclusive offers and faster shipping, and highlighting the utility of the 'Top Deals' page for current promotions. These strategies are designed to help consumers effectively navigate the extensive sales period and secure popular items before the primary Black Friday event.

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Republican lawmakers have elected Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio as the new House Minority Leader and reelected Sen. John Thune of South Dakota as the Senate Republican Conference Leader for the upcoming Congress. Jordan, a staunch supporter of former President Trump and current House Judiciary Committee chairman, secured his position after a 106-73 vote, succeeding current House Speaker Mike Johnson. Thune expressed honor in his continued leadership, emphasizing unity in advancing conservative priorities, working with President Trump, and opposing the Democratic agenda. These leadership changes occur as Republicans transition into the minority following recent midterm election setbacks, highlighting a pivotal moment for the party's direction.

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The Trump White House has signaled its intention to continue with tariffs, despite voter backlash over rising prices in the recent midterm elections and warnings from former top economic advisors. Jim Goyer, Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, defended tariffs as crucial for rebuilding U.S. manufacturing, securing supply chains, and protecting national security. Conversely, former chief economic advisor Gary Cohn argued that tariffs function as a consumption tax on American consumers, contributing to higher prices and influencing purchasing decisions. This policy stance highlights a growing dilemma for the administration, as economic data shows continued inflation and public support for repealing tariffs remains low. (not investment advice)

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A new Federal Reserve Bank of New York report indicates that homeowners significantly increased their home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) in the third quarter, marking the largest jump since 2005 with balances rising by $23 billion to $481 billion. This trend occurs amidst a sluggish housing market, where nearly half of outstanding mortgages hold rates of 4% or lower, making homeowners reluctant to refinance at current higher borrowing costs. HELOCs offer a way to access substantial home equity without altering existing mortgage rates, but financial planners caution about their variable interest rates and the potential for payment increases when repayment periods begin. This allows access to wealth while navigating a challenging market. (not investment advice)

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GE Vernova shares dropped sharply after SoftBank announced a $3.7 billion write-down related to its power equipment strategy for AI data centers, though GE Vernova asserts the contract is on track with no direct financial impact. Meanwhile, October's consumer prices rose 0.4% year-over-year, exceeding economists' expectations, pushing the 10-year Treasury yield to 5% and significantly increasing market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike in December. Fed Governor Christopher Waller had indicated support for "more robust action" if inflation data was hot, which it proved to be. The market remains volatile as investors assess these economic and corporate developments alongside ongoing AI infrastructure concerns. (not investment advice)

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CoreWeave reported stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue and elevated its 2026 guidance, signaling robust demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure despite broader market concerns about an AI slowdown. The company's revenue surged 168% year-over-year to $3.66 billion, and adjusted operating income forecasts were increased to $1.275-$1.375 billion. This positive performance comes amid a volatile period for AI-related stocks and a scandal involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, which has impacted investor sentiment and access to capital. Despite a recent decline in CoreWeave's stock value and substantial debt, the company maintains a robust $132.5 billion revenue backlog, indicating continued strong demand for its services. (not investment advice)

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House Republicans are considering issuing a subpoena to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang if he fails to respond by Wednesday to a request for a closed-door briefing regarding his reported relationship with an alleged Chinese spy. Committee chairs from Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and China committees seek information on Nvidia's security protocols against foreign espionage and Huang's communications with the Chinese government. The allegations, stemming from a New York Times report, have raised significant national security concerns given Nvidia's dominance in computer chip manufacturing crucial for AI development. Huang's cooperation is critical, especially as House control shifts to Democrats in January, who may issue new subpoenas.

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China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have significantly deepened their relationship over the past five years, establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2021. This collaboration has fostered one of the world's most dynamic, fruitful, and substantive dialogue partnerships, guided by a vision of a shared future for a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable region. High-level exchanges, including President Xi Jinping's visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia in 2025, have reinforced political relations and mutual trust. These efforts are actively drawing new blueprints for China's relations with Southeast Asian nations, contributing to regional stability and cooperation.

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Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been detained in Florida for allegedly removing his ankle monitor, violating his pretrial release conditions. Markle was previously arrested last week after FBI searches of his storage units allegedly uncovered child sexual assault material, charges he vehemently denies. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond, citing a "lack of suitable housing" and concerns for community safety, also mandating a medical evaluation. This development intensifies the legal proceedings against Markle, who faces charges of possessing indecent images of children and has been estranged from his daughter since 2018.

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Fossil Group has reported early signs of a successful turnaround, returning to profitability and sales growth in its fiscal third quarter, exceeding previous expectations. The company posted $25.3 million in operating income and a 0.4% increase in net sales to $271.2 million, marking its first year-over-year sales rise since early 2022. CEO Franco Fogliato attributes this improvement to a disciplined focus on full-price sales, stringent cost management, and a broadened product range, including a renewed emphasis on analog watches over smartwatches. The company also raised its full-year outlook and expects positive free cash flow, signaling a stronger path forward after years of declining performance.

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is embroiled in controversy following reports of an affair with Alice Huang, a businesswoman U.S. intelligence suspects of being a Chinese spy. Nvidia has launched an independent investigation, affirming confidence that national security was not compromised, while Jensen Huang admitted to being "unfaithful." The allegations raise significant national security concerns due to Nvidia's pivotal role in AI chip manufacturing, crucial for the U.S.-China AI race. The article highlights the political ramifications, with President Trump defending Huang and congressional committees, including House Foreign Affairs, seeking briefings to understand the implications of this sensitive relationship.

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The first day of trilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi has concluded, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling the discussions "constructive and quite substantive." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described the meeting as "very productive," despite low expectations for an immediate breakthrough in ending the war. Discussions reportedly included humanitarian issues like prisoner exchanges and hints of private flexibility from Moscow and Kyiv on the control of Ukraine's eastern regions. U.S. officials, including Jared Kushner, aim to narrow gaps and move towards a solution, with European leaders now pushing for inclusion in these crucial discussions about continental security.

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Australia is seeking to revise its free trade deal with the UK to encourage British backpackers to work in regional areas, rather than concentrating in major cities like Sydney. A 2023 agreement exempted Brits on working holiday visas from regional work requirements, leading to a surge in visas but a decline in labor for industries like agriculture and hospitality in the outback. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is discussing the issue with UK counterparts, noting that many Brits now treat their working holiday as a "three-year career break." Businesses in Far North Queensland are actively lobbying for changes to address critical labor shortages, highlighting the importance of backpackers for seasonal roles and local economies.

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Los Angeles County Judge Robert Draper, 84, has been officially removed from office after the state Commission on Judicial Performance upheld 17 findings of misconduct. The extensive charges against him included sexual harassment, making racist remarks, and mistreatment of fellow members of the bench. Draper, who had previously compared the commission to the "Russian Mafia," denied all wrongdoing and plans to appeal to the California Supreme Court, asserting he is entitled to an unbiased review. This removal marks a rare action by the commission, highlighting a years-long decline for the once-respected judge, whose colleagues had expressed concerns about his deteriorating mental and physical health.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has strongly criticized President Donald Trump for defending Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, accusing him of prioritizing personal connections over national security. Schumer highlighted reports that Trump was briefed over a year ago about Huang's affair with an alleged Chinese spy but allegedly took no action, calling it a "dereliction of duty." He also noted Trump's state visit invitation to Huang and Nvidia's donation to a White House project, suggesting these influenced decisions to loosen AI chip export controls to China. Schumer urged bipartisan action to protect U.S. technology and demanded a full accounting of Trump's handling of foreign espionage in the American tech industry.

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Nvidia has hired the prominent New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to conduct an independent investigation into CEO Jensen Huang's affair with an alleged Chinese spy, Alice Huang. Jensen Huang, who admitted to the relationship, leads one of the world's most valuable companies, critical to the U.S. AI boom and its competition with China. The FBI is also probing the matter, which has raised significant national security and business implications, including suspicions that Alice Huang's company, Megaspeed, helped divert Nvidia chips to China. This corporate response follows a sharp decline in Nvidia's stock value, as congressional leaders also seek a closed-door briefing from Huang.

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The Los Angeles Chargers have traded linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos in a trade-deadline deal, receiving a 2027 fourth-round and 2028 fifth-round draft pick. Henley, in the final year of his rookie contract, had been a defensive starter for the winless Chargers, collecting 51 tackles this season, including a season-high 10 tackles and an interception against Houston. This move comes as the Broncos, currently 7-2 and atop the AFC West with a five-game winning streak, seek to add depth to their strong defense. Henley joins a winning team after a challenging season with the Chargers, marked by personal tragedy and team struggles.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces an impeachment vote in the House, with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie introducing eight articles accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors, including waging war in Iran without congressional authorization. The impeachment effort is poised to move quickly, potentially with bipartisan support, following Democratic midterm victories. Hegseth has defiantly defended his tenure, calling the effort a "political spectacle" driven by ego, and has received strong support from President Trump. The article highlights the ongoing Iran war as a significant factor in Republican midterm losses and the growing exhaustion and finger-pointing within the Pentagon regarding the protracted conflict.

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China has sharply rebuked the U.S. State Department's "congratulations" to Dominican authorities for closing a large, illegal Chinese-operated cardboard factory. Juan Pablo Segura, head of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, praised the Dominican Republic for taking decisive action against the factory, which operated without permits, ran an illicit fuel depot, and illegally hired foreign workers. China's foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the U.S. statement as "political manipulation" and interference in sovereign affairs, emphasizing that China respects international law and local regulations. This incident highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and differing interpretations of international business practices and national sovereignty.

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Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, alongside senior politicians, attended a memorial service in Toledo for the 69 victims of last month's devastating train crash near Urda. The accident, the worst rail tragedy in Spain since 2013, occurred when a high-speed train collided with a stationary one on the Madrid-Seville line, leaving 28 people still hospitalized. Archbishop Cerro Chaves acknowledged the profound pain the event inflicted on families and society, while representatives of the deceased carried lit candles in a poignant tribute. The royals offered condolences to victims' relatives, emphasizing national mourning and support for those affected by the tragedy.

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Former Stoughton, Massachusetts, police officer Matthew Farwell has been found guilty of killing Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child in federal court. Farwell was charged with killing a witness or victim and causing the death of an unborn child, stemming from a sexual assault relationship that began when Birchmore was 15 and a police cadet in a youth explorers program. Prosecutors successfully argued he strangled her and staged her death as a suicide to conceal their years-long affair and the pregnancy. The verdict, delivered after a jury deadlock, brings a measure of justice to Birchmore's family, who had long fought for accountability after her death was initially ruled a suicide.

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Senate Republicans have reelected Sen. John Thune of South Dakota as their leader by acclamation, despite the party's brutal midterm losses which saw at least seven Senate seats fall to Democrats. Thune, who has served in the Senate since 2005 and previously worked under Sen. Mitch McConnell, faced a last-minute push from conservative members, led by Sen. Ron Johnson, to delay the leadership elections following the "stunning defeat." While acknowledging the need to regroup, Thune defended the Senate GOP's record and emphasized the importance of addressing affordability issues in the upcoming Congress. His reelection signals continuity for the party as they prepare to enter the minority.

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Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, intended to secure House control, largely backfired, resulting in a "dummymander" that unexpectedly benefited Democrats. Despite significant attempts in states like Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina to gerrymander districts for GOP gains, Democrats are on track to decisively win control of the House, potentially securing 251 to 268 seats. The article provides a state-by-state breakdown, illustrating how many Republican-targeted districts either flipped or remained Democratic. This outcome highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of aggressive redistricting strategies, especially when voter sentiment shifts dramatically, as seen in the recent midterm elections.

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Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly stated he will not support Chuck Schumer as the Democratic leader in the new Congress, becoming the most prominent progressive to oppose his candidacy. Sanders, an independent caucusing with Democrats, called for "change" and a "vigorous debate about the direction of the Democratic Party" following last week's midterm elections, which saw Democrats gain control of the Senate with at least 54 seats. He emphasized the need for new leadership to address economic struggles faced by Americans, including healthcare and housing costs. While no clear challenger has emerged, Sen. Chris Van Hollen is actively exploring a potential run for the leadership position, signaling internal party discussions.

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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has begun serving the remainder of his corruption sentence under house arrest, four years after being imprisoned for his role in the 1MDB scandal. This transfer follows a royal pardon and a court ruling, allowing him to complete his reduced six-year sentence at home once a court-imposed fine was paid. Najib, 73, still faces a separate 15-year sentence for abuse of power and money laundering, which he is appealing and could lead to his return to prison. The 1MDB scandal involved $4.5 billion siphoned from the state fund, with investigators linking $1 billion to Najib's accounts, highlighting a significant chapter in Malaysia's political history.

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A congressional investigation by the Republican-led U.S. House Oversight Committee has concluded that "failures" by federal investigators and prosecutors could have prevented Jeffrey Epstein's crimes after 2005. The report cites systemic mishandling of investigations into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, alongside institutional failures at the prison where Epstein died, which included staffing shortages and lax security. It also alleges financial institutions enabled human trafficking and immigration fraud. The panel recommended legislation against weaponizing non-disclosure agreements and urged the Justice Department to re-interview witnesses and ensure survivor access to records, while Democrats criticized the report as incomplete and politically motivated.

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A former recruiter for tech giants like Google and TikTok shares insights on common job interview mistakes and effective networking strategies to secure referrals and introductions. The article emphasizes that successful networking is about helping potential referrers articulate why you're a good fit, rather than just listing accomplishments. It advises a concise 30-word introduction covering your current role, desired career move, and specific reason for reaching out. The article also suggests asking targeted questions about job rewards and performance metrics, and inviting conversation partners to share stories rather than generic advice, to gain actionable insights and secure further introductions in your job hunt.

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The trial leading to former police officer Matthew Farwell's conviction for the murder of Sandra Birchmore and her unborn child revealed critical evidence and testimony. Prosecutors detailed a sexual assault relationship beginning when Birchmore was 15, alleging Farwell killed her to silence her after she became pregnant, though DNA later proved he was not the father. Key moments included text messages showing Birchmore's ultimatum to Farwell, conflicting expert testimony on whether her death was a homicide or suicide, and Farwell's inconsistent statements to police about their relationship timeline. Surveillance footage and phone data crucially placed Farwell at Birchmore's apartment when her phone activity ceased, just before her death.

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This column critiques Vice President JD Vance's analysis of the 2026 midterm election losses, arguing his explanation is intellectually dishonest and misrepresents voter motivations for the 2028 presidential cycle. Vance attributed GOP losses to Trump 2024 voters defecting over the Iran war, cost of living, and U.S.-Israel relations, claiming to have consulted experts. However, the article asserts the "Blue Tsunami" was primarily driven by high Democratic and independent turnout and the disintegration of Trump's coalition, with corruption and tariff impacts being overlooked. The author suggests Vance's specific focus is a cynical attempt to pander to a nationalist faction for a future nomination.

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Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have filed a new, extensive defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens in Tennessee, escalating their transatlantic legal battle. The lawsuit, comprising 88 counts, targets Owens personally for persistently spreading false claims that France’s first lady was born a man and committed identity theft. The Macrons allege Owens has a financial motive, using her podcast, merchandise, and social media channels to profit from these "outlandish, defamatory, and far-fetched fictions," causing "relentless bullying on a worldwide scale." They seek actual, presumed, and punitive damages, along with a narrowly tailored injunction to prevent further republication of these harmful statements.

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Comedian and author David Walliams faces multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, including grooming and sexual assault, in a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News. The allegations, made by several women, some of whom were teenagers at the time, emerged after Walliams lost a legal bid to suppress the claims. While Walliams denied being a "sexual predator" and breaking the law, he admitted to behaving "thoughtlessly" in past casual sexual relationships and regretted not considering people's feelings. The BBC and Sky have removed his content, and his literary agent has dropped him, prompting a Metropolitan Police inquiry into potential criminal allegations.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning for GLP-1 weight loss medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, regarding a rare eye condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) that can lead to sudden and permanent blindness. The FDA is now requiring these medications to include NAION risk information on their warning labels, following a 2024 study and internal review that identified a potential increased risk among GLP-1 patients compared to placebo. NAION involves reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, causing acute vision loss with no known treatment. While Novo Nordisk maintains confidence in its drugs' benefit-risk profile, this advisory highlights serious potential side effects.

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A new Urban Institute analysis reveals that approximately 24% of Americans with a credit record are behind on their debts, including medical bills, student loans, and auto or retail loans, with a median balance of $2,913. This increase reflects rising prices and the overall cost of living, which are forcing more individuals into serious debt and depleting savings. Consumer credit card balances have surged to a record $1.29 trillion, as many finance daily expenses with debt, pushing household budgets to a "breaking point." The article highlights disparities in delinquency rates, particularly in communities of color, and the impact of high interest rates and insufficient health insurance coverage. (not investment advice)

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The 2026 midterm elections saw a dramatic shift in Congress, with Democrats gaining control of the Senate and numerous House seats, yet several races remain uncalled. Two Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi, and over two dozen House contests, are still awaiting final projections due to outstanding ballots, ranked-choice voting systems, or razor-thin margins. The article details specific competitive districts across various states, including a surprisingly close Senate contest in deep-red Mississippi and the complexities of ranked-choice tabulation in Alaska. This ongoing vote tabulation will ultimately determine the final composition of Congress, reflecting the intricacies of modern election processes.

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Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has been traded back to the Minnesota Vikings from the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with the franchise he played for from 2018-2023. The Vikings acquired Cousins for a 2027 third-round pick, seeking to bolster their struggling offense despite a strong 6-0 defensive start to the season and recent losses. This move clears the way for top draft pick Fernando Mendoza to become the Raiders' starting quarterback, throwing the rookie into challenging matchups. The article also mentions other NFL trade deadline deals, including Keenan Allen to the 49ers and Josh Downs to the Chiefs, signaling significant roster changes across the league.

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