President Donald Trump, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk announced a plan to lower the cost of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as cash-paying customers. This agreement aims to make these treatments more affordable and accessible, particularly for older adults and low-income individuals who receive government healthcare. The new pricing will start at $149 per month for Medicare and Medicaid patients, with further benefits for commercial insurers and cash payers.
Key Facts
President Trump, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk announced a deal to reduce prices of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
The lower prices will apply to Medicare and Medicaid and cash-paying customers.
Medicare patients will pay $149 per month for new weight-loss pills once approved.
Injectable GLP-1 drug prices will start at $245 per month for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
TrumpRx, a new platform, will offer these drugs starting at or below $350 monthly, reducing to $245 within two years.
Commercial insurers will access prices 25% lower than current rates.
The price changes will take full effect by mid-2026 for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will receive tariff relief and fast-track vouchers for some future drugs.
Several U.S. states have released plans for rural health transformation, focusing on telehealth and improved connections between healthcare services. These plans face challenges related to data sharing and funding sustainability. A new group of health tech companies is forming to support these initiatives with technology and expertise.
Key Facts
States are creating plans to improve rural healthcare, including North Dakota, Missouri, and Mississippi.
Telehealth and connected networks are key parts of the states' plans.
There are concerns about the sustainability of projects once initial funding ends.
$50 billion is allocated for these plans, but it's expected that $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and CHIP could happen over the next decade.
Healthcare executives worry about the complexity and cost of building data-sharing systems.
A coalition of health tech companies called the Collaborative for Healthy Rural America is forming to help states.
The coalition includes companies that specialize in technology, data, and care coordination.
The group aims to use shared technology and data to ease access to healthcare nationwide.
The city of St. Pete Beach in Florida is considering a proposal to charge tourists a $1 toll to help pay for infrastructure repairs. The toll aims to fund essential updates without increasing taxes on residents. The city's leaders are discussing legal and logistical steps needed to implement this plan.
Key Facts
St. Pete Beach needs $200 million for infrastructure repairs, including sewer and stormwater systems.
Mayor Adrian Petrila proposes a $1 toll for tourists at the city's three entry points.
The city sees about 60,000 daily trips compared to its population of under 9,000 residents.
The proposed toll could generate approximately $11 million annually.
Some commissioners have legal concerns about placing tolls on state-owned roads.
Talks are underway with the Florida Department of Transportation about managing Gulf Boulevard.
Vice Mayor Karen Marriott worries that the toll could negatively impact local businesses.
The city plans to review the legality and viability of the toll plan before implementation.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts U.S. holiday spending will reach over $1 trillion for the first time this year. Despite economic challenges like inflation and potential government shutdowns, the NRF expects holiday sales to grow by 3.7% to 4.2% from last year.
Key Facts
Holiday spending in the U.S. is expected to exceed $1 trillion this year.
NRF forecasts a 3.7% to 4.2% increase in holiday sales compared to last year.
Consumers plan to spend an average of $890.49 each on gifts, food, and decorations.
Retailers plan to hire 265,000 to 365,000 seasonal workers, fewer than last year's 442,000.
Retailers began holiday promotions in October, continuing the trend of early sales.
Shoppers are being more price-conscious, often choosing cheaper brands.
Higher-income consumers are driving much of the spending, while lower-income households focus more on essentials.
Despite the high spending forecast, consumer confidence is at a low point not seen in 50 years.
President Donald Trump announced agreements to reduce the costs of popular weight-loss drugs. The deals involve Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk and aim to make medications more affordable through government healthcare plans like Medicare and Medicaid. These actions are part of the administration's focus on lowering pharmaceutical prices.
Key Facts
President Trump unveiled agreements to lower costs for weight-loss drugs made by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
The drugs include Wegovy and Zepbound, and consumers will pay between $245 and $350 per month.
Without insurance or discounts, these GLP-1 drugs can cost over $1,000 per month.
The deals will expand access through Medicare and Medicaid, making some drugs available for $50 a month for eligible users.
Eli Lilly will be exempt from tariffs for three years as part of the agreement.
TrumpRx, a new government-run website, will offer these drugs at discounted prices starting in January.
Federal law currently restricts Medicare from covering weight-loss drugs unless they treat other conditions like diabetes.
Trump has been urging pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices and has secured deals with Pfizer and others as part of this effort.
Tesla shareholders voted to approve a pay package for Elon Musk that could make him the world's first trillionaire if he meets certain goals. The plan requires Musk to vastly increase Tesla's output and market value over the next decade. Despite opposition from some investors, over 75% of shareholders supported the proposal.
Key Facts
Elon Musk received approval from Tesla shareholders for a pay package that could be worth $1 trillion.
To earn this, Musk must meet financial and operational targets over the next ten years.
More than 75% of voting shareholders supported the plan.
The proposal requires Musk to significantly increase Tesla's market value and production.
Tesla must produce 20 million electric vehicles in a decade, doubling its current output.
Musk also aims to deploy over 1 million robots as part of his targets.
Despite some fierce opposition, many investors believe in Musk's ability to achieve ambitious business goals.
Tesla shares rose 1.5% after the approval was announced.
A U.S. court has dismissed a criminal charge against Boeing related to two fatal 737 Max crashes. The decision comes after the U.S. government requested to drop the case despite opposition from some victims' families. Boeing is required to make financial commitments and hire a consultant to monitor its operations.
Key Facts
A charge against Boeing about two 737 Max crashes was dropped by a U.S. court.
The crashes occurred in 2018 and 2019 and caused the deaths of 346 people.
Boeing avoided the charge by agreeing to a government proposal with financial and operational conditions.
Victims' families wanted the case to go to trial, seeking company accountability.
The U.S. Department of Justice believes the agreement is the best resolution for the victims.
Boeing will pay fines and compensation totaling $1.1 billion as part of this resolution.
An independent compliance consultant will be hired to oversee Boeing's operations.
Boeing was originally charged with concealing vital information about a flight control system from regulators.
President Trump's use of tariffs has generated significant revenue for the U.S. government and is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court for its constitutionality. The court is examining whether President Trump had the authority to impose tariffs that effectively act as taxes, a power traditionally held by Congress. Some justices expressed doubts about the tariffs' legality, even as the government argues they primarily regulate trade, not raise money.
Key Facts
President Trump's tariffs have raised billions in revenue for the U.S. government.
The Supreme Court is questioning whether Trump has the power to impose these tariffs without Congress.
Chief Justice Roberts highlighted that imposing taxes has historically been Congress's role.
Justice Sotomayor noted the underlying law doesn't explicitly let the president raise revenue through tariffs.
The government argues that tariffs aim to regulate foreign trade and revenue is a byproduct.
Solicitor General Sauer stated the goal is for tariffs to change trade patterns, not collect money.
Tariffs were initially promoted to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and strengthen manufacturing.
The Supreme Court may decide to limit President Trump's trade policy powers.
Medicare will now cover certain weight-loss drugs thanks to a deal between the Trump administration and drug companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. This agreement reduces the price of these drugs and makes them available to more seniors and Medicaid programs, starting in mid-2026. The price cuts aim to make weight-loss medications more accessible and affordable for eligible Americans.
Key Facts
Medicare will cover weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and others under a new agreement.
About 10% of Medicare enrollees will be eligible for these drugs.
The new Medicare coverage will begin as a pilot program for seniors with specific health conditions.
Medicare's cost for these drugs will be reduced to $245 per dose, about one-ninth of the current price.
The savings from the reduced prices will help expand Medicare's drug coverage starting in mid-2026.
Medicaid programs in all 50 states can access the reduced prices if they choose.
Cash payments for these drugs will be available on TrumpRx, with prices expected to decrease over two years.
Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will have certain benefits, like priority FDA review, in return for lowering prices.
Tesla shareholders approved a pay package for Elon Musk that could earn him up to $1 trillion over the next decade, provided he meets certain company growth targets. Musk's compensation depends on Tesla reaching an $8.5 trillion valuation and achieving other business milestones. This proposal received mixed reactions from different investors and funds.
Key Facts
Tesla shareholders approved a potential $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk at the annual meeting in Austin, Texas.
Musk will earn the payout if Tesla reaches an $8.5 trillion valuation and other targets like delivering 20 million vehicles.
Musk has a voting stake of about 15% in Tesla and is the largest shareholder.
Morgan Stanley's Counterpoint Global fund and Florida's public pension fund supported the package.
Norges Bank Investment Management and other groups voted against the package, citing concerns about its size and risks.
The proposal follows a past legal dispute concerning Musk's 2018 compensation plan.
Earlier this year, Tesla investors asked Musk to commit to working 40 hours a week due to concerns about share value.
Tesla's brand ranking in a public perception poll fell from 8th to 95th, and its vehicle sales declined 49% in April compared to last year.
A U.S. judge in Texas approved the Department of Justice's request to drop a criminal case against Boeing. This decision relates to charges stemming from two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing will avoid prosecution but will make financial payments and implement safety measures.
Key Facts
A Texas judge, Reed O’Connor, agreed to the DOJ's decision to dismiss a criminal case against Boeing.
The case was connected to two deadly crashes involving Boeing's 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019.
Judge O’Connor expressed disagreement with the decision but stated he could not overrule it.
Boeing will not face prosecution but agreed to pay $444.5 million to a victims' fund.
Boeing also agreed to a $243.6 million fine and over $455 million for safety and quality improvements.
The DOJ originally charged Boeing in January 2021 with conspiracy to defraud the U.S.
Boeing was accused of misleading the FAA about flight control systems on the 737 MAX.
After the judge's decision, Boeing's stock increased slightly by 0.2 percent.
A house in San Francisco sold for more than $700,000 over its asking price of $1.29 million, highlighting high demand in the local housing market. This reflects a wider trend of increasing home prices in desirable locations in California due to low inventory.
Key Facts
The house in San Francisco was listed for $1.29 million and sold for $2.03 million.
The home is located at 1459 34th Ave., features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, and was built in 1938.
The high sale price is part of a larger trend in California's housing market with limited home inventory.
The U.S. average home price is around $400,000, significantly lower than this sale.
Experts say desirable locations lead to bidding wars with buyers often paying much more than the asking price.
Factors such as the AI boom and lower interest rates contribute to the high demand for homes in the area.
Some buyers waive inspections and appraisals to quickly close deals, which can lead to higher risks.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the scope of President Trump's power to impose tariffs. This review could affect large investment agreements made with foreign countries. If the court limits these powers, it could change how these countries interact with the U.S. economically.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is examining President Trump's authority to set tariffs.
There is $195 billion in tariffs collected by the U.S. that could potentially be refunded.
Foreign investment deals made by Trump might change if his tariff powers are limited.
Congress might regain the power to set tariffs if the ruling limits Trump's authority.
Some agreements with foreign nations were made in exchange for lower tariffs.
The final court decision could affect how countries follow through on investment promises.
President Trump considers this case critical to his economic policies.
Peloton has recalled about 833,000 of its Original Series Bike+ units after some riders reported that the seat post assembly broke during use. This recall involves model PL02 bikes sold from January 2020 to April 2025 and is due to the risk of falls and injuries.
Key Facts
Peloton has recalled roughly 833,000 Bike+ units.
The recall is due to reports of seat post assemblies breaking.
This issue poses a risk of falls and injuries to users.
The affected model is the PL02 bike.
These bikes were sold between January 2020 and April 2025.
A federal judge in Texas decided that Boeing will not face criminal charges over the two crashes involving its 737 Max planes, which killed 346 people. Instead, Boeing will pay or invest an additional $1.1 billion for fines, crash victim compensation, and safety measures. This decision follows an agreement with the U.S. government after Boeing was accused of misleading regulators about the plane's flight-control system.
Key Facts
Boeing won't face criminal charges for the crashes of its 737 Max planes.
The crashes killed a total of 346 people in 2018 and 2019.
A judge in Texas approved an agreement that involves Boeing paying $1.1 billion.
This money will fund fines, compensation for victims’ families, and safety improvements.
Prosecutors said Boeing misled government regulators about flight-control software.
The software involved has been blamed for contributing to the crashes.
Relatives of some victims wanted the case to go to trial instead of accepting the agreement.
Boeing started flying the 737 Max in 2017; the planes were grounded globally for 20 months after the second crash.
The average rate for a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. increased to 6.22% after dropping for four weeks. Mortgage rates are influenced by various factors like Federal Reserve interest rates and investor expectations. Lower mortgage rates improve homebuying and refinancing opportunities.
Key Facts
The average 30-year mortgage rate went up to 6.22% from 6.17%.
The rate for 15-year mortgages rose to 5.5% from 5.41%.
Mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which was 4.09% on Thursday.
Rates have stayed above 6% since September 2022.
Home sales were at their lowest in nearly 30 years last year.
The Federal Reserve has recently cut interest rates to help the job market.
Current mortgage rates are not directly set by Fed rate changes.
About 80% of U.S. mortgage holders have rates below 6%.
The UK government has stopped plans to give cash grants for new steel projects, choosing instead to support loss-making steelworks. The government still plans to spend £2.5 billion on the steel industry, despite the change in funding strategy. Instead of grants, businesses can seek funding through the National Wealth Fund, which requires some private investment.
Key Facts
The UK government halted plans to award cash grants for innovative steel projects.
The decision was made to support struggling steelworks directly instead.
The government intends to keep a promise to invest £2.5 billion in the steel sector.
Businesses can still get funding from the National Wealth Fund, which requires private investment.
The UK steel industry faces challenges like high energy costs, tariffs, and global oversupply.
Maintaining steel production is viewed as crucial for national security.
Four out of six major UK steel companies get financial support from the government.
The EU's recent tariff increase on steel poses a threat to UK steelmakers.
President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Walmart has reduced the price of its Thanksgiving dinner offerings by 25% compared to the previous year, when President Joe Biden was in office. Walmart offers a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people priced at $39.33. Walmart's current meal deal is cheaper per person than its 2024 offer.
Key Facts
President Trump stated on Truth Social that Walmart Thanksgiving dinners are 25% cheaper than last year.
Walmart offers a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people for $39.33, which is less than $4 per person.
The meal includes over 20 items, such as a Butterball turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and dinner rolls.
Walmart’s deal can be purchased online or in stores and delivered in as fast as one hour.
Last year's Walmart meal was advertised as serving eight people for less than $7 per person.
Eating Well noted that this year's meal is 39.54% cheaper per person compared to last year.
Butterball reported 89% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2025 with a group of nine.
Only 28% of consumers expect inflation to affect their Thanksgiving plans in 2025, down from 53% in 2024.
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor-elect of New York City, known as a major financial center. Recently, many financial firms moved their headquarters out of New York, leading to job growth in other states like Texas and Florida. Despite this, New York's securities industry remains highly profitable.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani will soon be the mayor of New York City.
Over 150 financial firms moved their headquarters from New York between 2020 and 2023.
Texas gained the most finance jobs during this period, while New York lost many.
Florida closely followed New York in gaining finance jobs.
New York is still very profitable, with securities industry profits set to reach $60 billion.
JPMorgan Chase opened a new office in Manhattan but employs more people in Texas.
New financial centers like "Wall Street South" in Florida and Texas Stock Exchange have gained popularity.
Some people are experiencing higher health insurance premiums on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces because the extra government help to lower costs, known as enhanced premium tax credits, has ended. These credits had been increased during the COVID pandemic to help more people afford insurance.
Key Facts
ACA open enrollment started on November 1.
Premium tax credits that helped lower insurance costs have expired, leading to higher costs for some.
Many people may see their insurance premiums double without these extra credits.
Since 2010, people earning up to 400% of the poverty level have received help paying for ACA insurance.
During the COVID pandemic, the government temporarily provided more financial help to more people.
According to a federal report, 92% of marketplace customers received premium tax credits in the previous year.
