Finance/Economy News

• Disney CEO Succession: Disney will name Bob Iger’s replacement by early 2026, aiming to avoid past succession issues like with Bob Chapek.
• Disney Leadership Issues: Disney’s search for a new CEO reflects broader corporate struggles in finding strong successors.
• Hedge Funds Shorting ESG: Hedge funds are betting against ESG stocks, especially solar and EVs, due to China’s dominance and slow growth, but are optimistic about wind energy and grid infrastructure.
• Goldman Sachs Forecast: Goldman predicts the S&P 500 will see just 3% annual returns over the next decade, a sharp drop from the 13% average of the past decade.
• Boeing Strike: Boeing offers a 35% pay hike to over 30,000 striking workers, seeking to end a production-halting strike.
• Girl Scout Fee Hike: Girl Scouts increased membership fees by 160% as it faces financial difficulties despite not profiting from cookie sales.

Technology News

• Perplexity AI Lawsuits: AI startup Perplexity faces multiple lawsuits for plagiarism but is still seeking $500 million in funding as it grows.
• Perplexity AI Growth: Despite legal challenges, Perplexity continues to expand, riding the AI boom with strong funding rounds.
• Big Tech Nuclear Deals: Google and Amazon invest in small nuclear reactors to power data centers, driving nuclear stock prices up.
• Microsoft AI Tools: Microsoft will launch no-code AI agent tools, similar to Salesforce’s offerings, to automate tasks like email management.
• Nasdaq ETF Report: Gen Z investors are increasingly favoring ETFs, making up nearly half of their trades in 2023, per Nasdaq’s report.

Scripted Questions Spark Criticism

Kamala Harris faced criticism for a town hall where only pre-determined questions were allowed. During the event, moderated by Maria Shriver, an audience member asked if they could pose a question, but Shriver explained that only scripted ones would be used. The exchange circulated widely in right-wing media, drawing attention to the lack of unscripted audience participation. Liz Cheney, who also spoke at the event, expressed support for Harris, suggesting many Republicans might vote for her.

Left’s Opinion:

• Cheney urged Republicans to vote their conscience and defend the Constitution.
• Harris and Cheney emphasized Trump’s threat to the rule of law.
• Harris criticized Trump’s foreign policy, calling it a national security risk.
• Cheney reaffirmed Trump’s actions on Jan. 6 make him unfit for office.

Right’s Opinion:

• The event was criticized for being a scripted “stage production” rather than a genuine town hall.
• Social media users mocked Harris for only taking pre-determined questions, implying she avoids unscripted interactions.
• Conservative figures like Brit Hume and Trump aides called out the event as overly rehearsed and not authentic.
• The event was labeled as a “pep rally” and criticized for limiting spontaneous voter engagement.