➤ Consultants McKinsey & Company agreed Friday to pay $650 million in a deferred prosecution agreement, resolving federal charges for conspiring to misbrand OxyContin and other opioids to boost prescriptions and obstruct justice. (More) 

➤ The former stripper and convicted murderer who accused three Duke University lacrosse players of raping her at a 2006 team party admitted she lied and asked for their forgiveness. (More) 

➤ Amazon confirmed on Thursday that it donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced a similar donation. (More)  

➤ President-elect Donald Trump announced that the GOP would work to eliminate daylight saving time, calling it “inconvenient” and “costly” in a post on Truth Social on Friday. (More)  

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Goodbye Power Cord, Hello “IoT Innovation of the Year”

Nikola Tesla said powering the world without wires was of “all-surpassing importance.” This technology wasn’t possible in Tesla’s time, but a company called Energous making it a reality today.

Energous’ patented technology is like Wi-Fi for power. It transmits power to devices through the air, eliminating the need for cables and batteries and providing a constant, reliable energy source for IoT devices that track and deliver data in real-time. It’s such a powerful innovation, it earned Energous “IoT Innovation of the Year” honors. 

But their innovation could also be crucial to retail, manufacturing, and logistics operations, a combined $650B market. Data is the oil that keeps these companies running smoothly. And thanks to Energous’ wireless power network transmitters, all of these industries could get a 24/7 flow of data without depending on batteries or cords. 

That’s why Energous already landed a contract to supply wireless power network solutions to a Fortune 10 multinational retailer, opening them up to 4,700 retail locations across the U.S.

Sounds like it’s time to cut the cord and become an Energous shareholder as they work to scale nationwide.

➤ Vice President-elect JD Vance confirmed Friday that Marine veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in Jordan Neely’s subway death, will be his guest at the Army-Navy game in Maryland. (More) 

➤ Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James scored a career-high 30 points for the South Bay Lakers Thursday in his first G League road game. (More)  

➤ Bill Belichick’s North Carolina coaching contract includes a $10 million buyout until June 1, 2025, when it drops to $1 million, giving him an easy out despite saying, “I didn’t come here to leave.” (More)  

➤ The Houston Astros traded star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs on Friday in exchange for minor league prospects. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | PGA | LPGA | NCAAM Soccer

USPS has warned holiday shoppers about online package scams involving fake delivery issues, urging recipients not to click links requesting personal or credit card information. (More)  

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s annual holiday light display features over 20,000 LEDs, a 35-foot tree with 400 ornaments, and 70 unique light installations across its grounds. (See Video)  

Good Housekeeping’s list of 50 best-selling Christmas gifts on Amazon under $50 offers budget-friendly options for the whole family, perfect for last-minute shoppers. (More)  

The Holiday “Fruit” That Keeps You Slim When Everything Else Makes You Fat

Dreading the holiday weight gain that seems inevitable after 50? While others pile on the seasonal pounds, some people sail through Christmas cookies and New Year’s feasts without gaining an ounce. Scientists have uncovered a fascinating connection between a “unique fruit” and your body’s natural ability to burn calories – even during the festive season. What’s really turning heads? This specialized powder is showing remarkable results for people who thought their metabolism was destined for permanent holiday hibernation. Ready to enjoy your favorite seasonal treats without the January regret? The science behind this discovery is changing everything we thought we knew about staying slim during the most wonderful time of the year. (Learn more)

Daily Market Report   12/13/2024

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This Tech Is Helping Solve a $300B Retail Problem. Retailers lose $300B annually due to poor inventory management. It’s largely because their data systems rely on manual updates or limited power for IoT devices like inventory trackers and sensors. That’s just one of many large-scale problems that can be solved by Energous’ wireless power solutions.

Think Wi-Fi, but for power supply—providing a constant, reliable energy source to IoT devices that track and deliver data in real-time. They’ve already been named “IoT Innovation of the Year” and are partnering with a Fortune 10 retailer as we speak. Become an Energous shareholder as they work to power up to 4,700 retail locations across the US.

This is a paid advertisement for Energous’ Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.energous.com for additional information on the company and the risk factors to the offering.

➤ President Emmanuel Macron appointed centrist François Bayrou as France’s new prime minister Friday, aiming to resolve political turmoil after a no-confidence vote ousted former Prime Minister Michel Barnier. (More) 

➤ Russia launched 93 missiles and over 200 drones into western Ukraine this week, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in retaliation for the use of U.S.-made missiles in a strike on a Russian airbase. (More)  

➤ Fourteen North Korean nationals were indicted Wednesday in U.S. federal court on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft, stealing at least $88 million from U.S. companies. (More)

➤ Unknown drones, similar to those seen over New Jersey, were spotted flying over the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany, as well as German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and chemicals group BASF this month. (More) 

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➤ Struggling with Stubborn Weight After 50? This Changes Everything. Ever wonder why losing weight seems nearly impossible after 50, no matter how carefully you watch your diet? While most experts focus on calories and exercise, groundbreaking research has uncovered a natural compound that’s changing everything we thought we knew about midlife metabolism. Even more intriguing? This ancient herb doesn’t just help with weight – it’s showing remarkable effects on blood sugar that have scientists comparing it to popular medications. What you’re about to learn about berberine could completely change your approach to healthy aging. (Learn more)

➤ A cheetah playing hide-and-seek, hugging bears, and a squirrel stuck in a tree headline the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Awards finalists announced Wednesday. (See Photos)  

➤ Stanley is recalling 2.6 million stainless steel travel mugs in the U.S. due to a potential burn hazard from lids detaching when exposed to heat and torque. (More)  

➤ An American Airlines flight made an emergency landing at JFK Airport Friday after a bird strike disabled an engine shortly after departing LaGuardia, officials said. No injuries were reported. (More)  

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➤ Rosetta Stone makes it easy to connect with the world in a whole new way. With a Lifetime Unlimited plan, users can access 25 languages to prepare for authentic, real-life conversations—whether traveling, studying abroad, or exploring new hobbies. This holiday season, Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method ensures learners aren’t just memorizing phrases but truly mastering the language. Packed with cultural stories, live lessons, and travel-friendly features like the Phrasebook, Rosetta Stone transforms language learning into an adventure. Right now get 60% off with Rosetta Stone’s Holiday Sale, learners can unlock lifetime access and create opportunities that last forever.

Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Where would you rather spend the holidays?

1. At home: 66%
2. At a relative’s house: 10%
3. On a beach: 9%
4. At a resort: 6%
5. On a cruise ship: 5%
6. Other: 4%

Today’s Trivia

What is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?  

Show me the answer