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☆ Trump plans 2024 fundraising swing from Georgia to his N.J. golf course as he calls on his bundlers to raise up to $1 million
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Ron DeSantis entered the primary and managed to raise just over $8 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, according to his team. The Trump campaign is asking bundlers to raise up to $1 million, according to a sign-up form that allows fundraisers to choose a bundler program. A campaign bundler voluntarily helps raise money for their desired candidate running for office through phone calls or other forms of outreach. The invite asks donors to give $23,200, with the funds going toward the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee. The June 13 fundraiser calls to raise or give $100,000 for the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee.

Persons: Donald Trump, LIV, Ron DeSantis, Trump, bundlers, Ultra MAGA, bundler, Steve Schwarzman, president's, DeSantis, Donald J Organizations: Trump National Golf Club, CNBC, Trump, Florida Gov, Ultra, Team Trump, Blackstone, Capitol, Republican Party, Republican, Trump Save America, Save, Republican National Committee Locations: Sterling , Virginia, Georgia, New Jersey, Miami, Save America, Michigan, Bedminster , New Jersey

☆ Should You Get a Credit Card Just for the Sign-Up Bonus?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +12 min

Card perksMany credit cards, especially travel credit cards, offer a variety of perks that can add value to your cardholder experience. If a specific premium travel credit card offers benefits on brands you already use, it could make sense to choose that card even if its sign-up bonus isn’t the best around. Credit scoreCredit card issuers typically don’t disclose a minimum score requirement, but most rewards credit cards with sign-up bonuses stipulate that you need good credit. That said, your credit score is just one factor that card issuers consider when you apply for a credit card. A new credit card isn’t worth it if it threatens your financial security—no matter how good the sign-up bonus.

Persons: Ben Luthi, Chase, you’ll, ”, Derek Flanzraich, you’re, Matthew Goldman, Hyatt, Goldman, FICO Organizations: Chase, Target, Walmart, Express, “, American, Citi, Venture, Southwest Airlines, Marriott, Hilton Locations: Chase, Ness, Europe

☆ UK inflation surprises for all the wrong reasons
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Britain’s stubbornly high inflation is a major drag on its economy because it increases the cost of everyday goods and services, dampening consumption. At the same time, interest rate hikes to combat inflation make loans and mortgages more expensive, which further weighs on spending by businesses and consumers. “The indirect impact of energy prices on business costs means lower gas and electricity prices should eventually feed into lower core inflation. But strong wage growth is likely to keep services inflation high throughout this year,” he added. But it cautioned that high inflation is still a considerable risk to the UK economy.

Persons: Grant Fitzner, Britain’s, ” Paul Dales, Martin Beck, ” Organizations: London CNN —, National Statistics, Bank of England, International Monetary Fund, Bank, Capital Economics, IMF, Bank of England’s Locations: United Kingdom

☆ Opinion | Seeking Cures for Loneliness
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

To the Editor:Re “Surgeon General: We Have Become a Lonely Nation. It’s Time to Fix That,” by Vivek H. Murthy (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, April 30):The surgeon general is right to take on the problem of loneliness as a systemic societal ill. However, he didn’t address one of the greatest drivers of loneliness: the design of our built environment. Until we build dense, walkable neighborhoods and invest in public and nonmotorized transportation, we’ll remain isolated by design. To the Editor:The surgeon general reminds us that maintaining our mental health requires more than therapy; it’s important to create social connections and kind relationships.

☆ Why the Durham Report Matters to Democracy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

The final report by special prosecutor John Durham. Special counsel John Durham ’s final report makes clear that a partisan FBI became a funnel for disinformation from the Hillary Clinton campaign through a secret investigation the bureau never should have launched. The 306-page Durham report released Monday afternoon is far more comprehensive than anything issued by original special counsel Robert Mueller . Mr. Durham had already unfurled some of the narrative with his prosecutions of Russian national Igor Danchenko and Democratic lawyer Michael Sussmann . He lost those cases, though the indictments laid out how the Clinton campaign used foreign nationals, an oppo-research outfit, and political insiders to feed the FBI and the media lies about Trump collusion.

☆ Stashing cash: 71% of Americans are setting more money aside amid recession fears, new report finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Renewed fears of a possible recession have spurred more households to adjust their spending habits — finally. Broadly, Americans are cutting back, particularly on discretionary purchases, and saving more, according to recent reports on the state of the consumer by the Bank of America Institute and Deloitte. Now, 71% of Americans are likely to keep cash on hand, according to a new Country Financial security index. Other consumers are driving less to save on gas or canceling some streaming services. Even as Americans are more likely to keep cash on hand, most said they don't know the best ways to save to reach their short- or long-term savings goals, according to Country Financial.

☆ Special counsel John Durham concludes FBI never should have launched full Trump-Russia probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Zachary Cohen Devan Cole Tierney Sneed Evan Perez Hannah Rabinowitz Jeremy Herb Marshall Cohen | Zachary Cohen | Devan Cole | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

“Strzok, at a minimum, had pronounced hostile feelings toward Trump,” Durham wrote, while quoting in a footnote previously known texts between Strzok and Lisa Page, then an FBI attorney. Witness testimony exposed the FBI’s overreliance on the dossier as it sought court approval to wiretap a former Trump campaign adviser in 2016. Mixed results over 3+ yearsBarr tapped Durham in 2019 to review the origins of the Russia probe, and the scope of Durham’s work grew over the years. Former special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which inherited the initial Russia probe, released a detailed accounting of Russia’s effort to interfere in the 2016 election. Mueller found no evidence of a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia, but investigators documented numerous contacts between Trump associates and Russians.

John Durham, the Trump-era special counsel who for four years has pursued a politically fraught investigation into the Russia inquiry, accused the F.B.I. of a “lack of analytical rigor” in a final report made public on Monday that examined the bureau’s investigation into whether the 2016 Trump campaign was conspiring with Moscow. Mr. Durham’s 306-page report appeared to show little substantial new information about the F.B.I.’s handling of the Russia investigation, known as Crossfire Hurricane, and it failed to produce the kinds of blockbuster revelations impugning the bureau that former President Donald J. Trump and his allies had once suggested that Mr. Durham would find. Instead, the report — released without substantive comment or redactions by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland — repeated previously exposed flaws in the inquiry, including from a 2019 inspector general report, while concluding that the F.B.I. suffered from a confirmation bias as it pursued leads about Mr. Trump’s ties to Russia.

☆ How TikTok sensation Squishmallows found Warren Buffett
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

May 13 (Reuters) - Squishmallows joined Warren Buffett's business empire two years after Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian and others helped make the plush stuffed toys a viral sensation on TikTok. They married in 1993 and embarked on law careers, but Judd Zebersky soon realized that wasn't his destiny. Laura Zebersky, a litigator, sold her practice in 2005 and joined him, becoming Jazwares' president. "This was a brand that needed a lot of love," Judd Zebersky said. "Greg is exactly what we have all learned about the Berkshire model," Laura Zebersky said.

☆ Trump Revives Election Lies and False Boasts in CNN Town Hall
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Linda Qiu | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mr. Trump then repeated his lie that the 2020 election was rigged. Mr. Trump was referring to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when his loyalists stormed the Capitol in a bid to stop the certification of Mr. Biden’s election victory. Mr. Trump also claimed that the acting defense secretary at the time, Christopher C. Miller, backed up his account. Vanity Fair reported in 2021 that Mr. Trump had floated the 10,000 figure to Mr. Miller the night of Jan. 5. Nor did a Pentagon inspector general report on the breach, which instead referred to suggestions by Mr. Trump that his rally on Jan. 6 had been conducted safely.

☆ The Real Reason Rent Costs Are Sky High: People Left Their Roommates
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Though rent growth has slowed in recent months, renters in large cities are still feeling the effects of the 2021-22 rent boom. Residents of these places are now asking the question: If so many people left, why is my rent still so expensive? The first was outbound migration, which led to weaker housing demand in city centers. "High house prices, high rents, and rising interest rates are probably pushing back against household formation," Ozimek told me. If more employees keep adopting remote work — which, I'll admit, is a big "if" — that indicates housing demand is bound to increase.

☆ As retirement age change sparks protests in France, here's what could happen in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Damien Meyer | Afp | Getty ImagesAn increase in pension retirement age to 64 from 62 in France has sparked ongoing protests. The U.S. could be poised for a similar change with the Social Security retirement age. Today, that higher retirement age is still getting phased in. People born in 1960 and later now must wait until 67 to receive their full "retirement age" benefits. For example, if you are eligible for a $1,000 monthly benefit at full retirement age, you would get just $700 per month if you started at age 62.

☆ Factbox: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway at a glance
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

[1/2] Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett walks through the exhibit hall as shareholders gather to hear from the billionaire investor at Berkshire Hathaway Inc's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 4, 2019. REUTERS/Scott Morgan/File PhotoMay 4 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people are descending on Omaha, Nebraska to attend the annual shareholder weekend for billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N). Susan Buffett and Howard Buffett are Berkshire directors. His Berkshire stock will go to philanthropy after he dies. (Interview with CNBC, April 12, 2023)Abel on Berkshire managers' relationship with him: "It's not the same as working for Warren.

☆ Read this to understand what Fed Chair Powell said today
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Recap: What’s been happening at the FedSince last March, the Fed hiked interest rates ten times (the tenth happened today). Because of that, lenders have to charge higher interest rates on credit cards, mortgages and loans. It’s essentially the same deal with interest rates. But to the Fed’s credit, that’s much better than last year when prices were 8.3% higher than a year prior. Part of that goes back to the Fed’s interest rate hikes.

☆ Why the Bud Light sales nosedive won’t register on Anheuser-Busch’s earnings report this week
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Anheuser-Busch will report earnings Thursday, marking the first time it will face Wall Street analysts’ questions since its Bud Light brand erupted in controversy. Sales of Bud Light have tumbled over the past month after the company delivered a custom can to Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender woman with a large Instagram following. The video went viral, with some supporting Mulvaney and the company, and others responding with anti-trans reactions and calls for a Bud Light boycott. The week prior, Bud Light revenue was down 17%, even as sales of rivals Miller Lite and Coors Light increased. Bud Light sales have been declining for years, but this situation has “snowballed” and made its troubles even more pronounced, Roth said.

☆ Fed Restrictions on Employee Stock Trading Not Strict Enough, Says Watchdog
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Rebecca Ballhaus | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The Federal Reserve’s restrictions on employees’ stock trading, among the strictest across the federal government, don’t go far enough, the agency’s watchdog said in a report released Monday. The inspector general recommended the central bank make six changes to tighten its policy, including expanding the number of officials who are subject to the rules, requiring officials to provide brokerage statements to verify their financial disclosure reports and formalizing the enforcement process for officials who violate the rules.

☆ Sales, spins and splits — what are the differences and why do they matter for investors like us?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Kevin Stankiewicz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +20 min

Investors may get one share in the spun-out entity for every share of the parent company they owned. What's left of J & J will be focused on pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, which were responsible for over 84% of the company's total 2022 revenue of $94.94 billion. It underscores that once free of the parent company tethers a divested company can chart its own destiny. Those priorities may not have necessarily been wrong when considering J & J as the overall enterprise. We believe J & J and Danaher are poised to deliver two more examples.

☆ FAA headquarters initially overrode its own engineers’ 737 Max grounding recommendation
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Greg Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The Federal Aviation Administration initially overrode its own engineers’ recommendations in 2019 to ground the Boeing 737 Max after a second fatal crash, according to a new watchdog report. “Yet Agency officials at Headquarters and the Seattle ACO opted not to do so; instead, they waited for more detailed data to arrive,” the report concluded. The inspector general report, released Friday, recommended the agency update and improve its policies for evaluating crashes and other events. The FAA told the inspector general it would make updates and develop formal training. While awaiting additional data in March 2019, FAA officials issued an official notice backing up their decision to allow the Max to continue flying.

Kids in Hammond, Indiana, are forced to climb over and through stopped trains block their way to school. Jamie Kelter Davis for ProPublicaState lawmakers have tried to curb blocked crossings by restricting the lengths of trains. Spielmaker, the Norfolk Southern spokesperson, said: "We work with first responders on a daily basis to assist however we can. A favorable court opinion could allow other states to finally enforce their laws on blocked crossings. Among those who hope to voice their concerns about the blocked crossings are rail workers themselves who worry about the kids.

☆ A Russian 'inspector' satellite appears to be chasing a secret US military satellite in a game of cat and mouse
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

A Russian satellite appears to be stalking a classified US military satellite in a cat-and-mouse chase. Dickinson added that the US would continue to track the Russian spacecraft. Then, in 2020, a US Space Force general reported that two mysterious Russian satellites were tailing a US spy satellite. The Russian satellite was set to pass its US military target at a distance of about 31 kilometers on April 7, Janssen calculated. This could have been a maneuver the US conducted to evade the close approach of the Russian satellite, Zak reported.

Rome CNN —Pope Francis will allow women to participate and vote for the first time at an upcoming meeting of Catholic bishops in October. The meeting, known as a synod, normally only allows bishops to vote. Pope Francis on Wednesday approved guidelines that will expand participation and voting to include lay people and women. The changes allow for the participation of 70 non-bishop members, of whom 50% should be women, according to the Vatican’s synod office. A synod is a gathering of bishops which takes place at the request of the pope to discuss a particular topic.

☆ Jamaica cool on Charles' coronation as it eyes break with monarchy
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Kate Chappell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

The process to sever ties with the British monarchy is underway, following in the footsteps of another former Caribbean possession, Barbados. Maziki Thame, a political scientist at the University of the West Indies, agreed the coronation was of little significance. It gained independence in 1962 but retained the British monarch as head of state and stayed in the Commonwealth. Breaking ties with the monarchy is essential for Jamaica, said Steven Golding, president of the UNIIA-ACL, a Black nationalist organization founded in Jamaica by activist Marcus Garvey. "I'd like to hear what Charles has to say about the subjects in the Isle of Jamaica," she said.

☆ DeSantis threatened to put a prison next to Disney, but it may not be as scary an idea as he thinks — and in fact small Florida towns could probably use it way more
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But it's unclear how much, if at all, a prison would actually impact Disney. A prison could also bring jobs to small towns that don't have a local employer as large as Disney. Ron DeSantis's threat to put a state prison next to the "Happiest Place on Earth" may not be as menacing as he thinks. But it's unclear how much a state prison close to Disney would actually impact the resort and theme park. As for how a prison could impact Disney World, she speculated that the primary factor would be how it impacts the company's brand and tourists' perception of safety.

☆ Black hole image captures jet of material launching into space
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But a black hole can also send powerful jets of material blasting across space and beyond its home galaxy. Previous observations have shown the jet and black hole separately, including the first direct image of a black hole, released in 2019. Astronomers believe that more material is falling toward the black hole in the new image, which is why the ring looks bigger. Studying black holesRecently, astronomers also used machine learning to release a cleaner, sharper version of the original M87 black hole image from 2019. The central region is darker and larger, surrounded by a bright ring as hot gas falls into the black hole.

☆ Why My New Novel About Racial Conflict Ran Into Trouble
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Richard North Patterson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Last January, my agents began submitting to publishers the manuscript of my first novel in nine years. On the surface, I had reason for confidence. Of my 22 prior novels, 16 had been New York Times bestsellers, and in general reviewers had treated them kindly. My agents shared my assessment that this one, “Trial,” was equal to my strongest work. And like my most successful previous books, it’s a law-based narrative culminating in a murder trial.

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