December 14, 2023

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The Story

President Biden is now the subject of an impeachment inquiry.

Walk me through it.

Yesterday, the House voted along party lines to authorize an impeachment probe into the president. Since September, House Republicans have been investigating claims that Biden abused his power as VP to bump up his family’s checking accounts and accept bribes. There’s specifically been chatter about Hunter Biden’s business dealings in China and Ukraine and whether the president played a role. Hunter has yet to testify. As for what the Republicans have uncovered so far: nothing that explicitly ties Hunter's business dealings to his dad.

What’s next?

House GOP leaders called the vote a “critical step” that puts them “in the strongest position” to enforce subpoenas in court. Former President Trump, who was impeached twice, is cheering the GOP on from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Democrats have questioned the legitimacy of the investigation. The White House has repeatedly called the investigation a “partisan smear campaign.” Still, the House's vote doesn’t mean Biden could be packing his bags anytime soon. There are a few more congressional hoops to jump through, and the Democratic-led Senate has to sign off with two-thirds in support.

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Only three presidents in history have been impeached. If the House GOP can put together a case, Biden could be the fourth, with some wondering if impeachment inquiries are the new normal.

What has investors feeling the holiday cheer…

The Dow Jones Industrial Average. Yesterday, it hit a record high after the Federal Reserve’s last meeting of the year. The Dow closed at 37,090 — up by about 1.4% — breaking a previous record set in January 2022. The index started climbing after the Fed held its interest rates between 5.25% and 5.5%. Officials said they’re expecting inflation to chill out next year at a slightly higher pace than previously estimated. The Fed also signaled it could cut interest rates three times next year. The announcement left Wall Street feeling optimistic, with many expecting the first cut as early as March.

…Oh and if inflation has your wallet or credit card hurting, we have tips to bring your debt down.

Who’s in hot water…

A former professor at Harvard Medical School. Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that a former patient of Dr. Merle Berger filed a lawsuit accusing him of secretly impregnating her. Sarah Depoian said she and her husband met Berger in 1979 to discuss artificial insemination. Berger allegedly assured her the sperm would come from an anonymous donor and helped Depoian become pregnant. More than 40 years later, Depoian’s daughter said she received results from Ancestry.com and 23andMe that identified Berger’s granddaughter and second cousin as her relatives. Now, Depoian is seeking damages. A lawyer for Berger said the allegations “have no legal or factual merit.”

What’s responsible for the worst trimester…

A single hormone. Yesterday, researchers confirmed that a hormone called GDF15 is mostly to blame for morning sickness (or, let's face it, anytime sickness). About two-thirds of women get it in their first trimester, with at least 2% hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum — an intense version that lasts the entire pregnancy. Experts said the discovery could open the door to medications that block the hormone’s effects or prevention by exposing people to small doses of the hormone before pregnancy as prep.

…Oh and speaking of updates, the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the Biden admin’s appeal to keep an FDA-approved abortion pill available. A decision could be issued by next summer.

Who’s probably thinking ‘this one’s about me’...

Hypochondriacs. Yesterday, a study found that people diagnosed with it had an increased risk of death compared to those who didn’t have that fear of serious illness. Researchers looked at more than 4,000 people living with hypochondriasis and compared them with more than 40,000 others similar in age. Hypochondriacs died at an average age of 70, five years earlier on average than the rest. Researchers pointed to hypochondriacs' chronic stress and its impact on their body as a possible explanation. Doctors said cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants can help.

Who doesn’t seem to have been canceled…

Kanye West and the black, KKK-style hood he wore to an album listening party.

What’s pumping the brakes…

Tesla.

Who's reminding people she’s a "Grown Woman"...

Beyoncé.

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