TECH TODAY

CES 2025: Here’s what’s new at the show and what’s what.

Peter Thiel: The Midas touch man backs Venture Debt Firm Tacora.

AT&T and Verizon attacked: Two of the largest U.S. telecom providers, announced they have secured their networks following cyberattacks from the China linked Salt Typhoon espionage group.

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HEADLINE NEWS 👀

Johnson Wins Re-election As Speaker Of The House

It wasn’t an easy process but the GOP flipped some holdout votes and re-elected Johnson as the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Meta Hires Conservative To Court Conservative Congress

In the ever turning carousel of Meta’s top brass, Joel Kaplan, a Harvard Law alum, and a former Bush aide, and friend of conservative circles, has snagged the global policy reins. With a resume that includes clerking for Justice Scalia and a stint as Bush’s deputy chief of staff, Kaplan steps in for Nick Clegg, the exBritish deputy prime minister who’s spent five years firefighting Meta’s regulatory battles.

Clegg called Kaplan “the right person at the right time,” a diplomatic farewell as he prepares to exit stage left after a brief encore representing Meta at international gigs. Mark Zuckerberg chimed in too, lauding Clegg for carrying Meta’s torch through a storm of societal and political tech scrutiny.

Kaplan’s promotion isn’t just about his Republican ties, it’s part of Meta’s evolving playbook for navigating the shifting sands of Washington. Last month, Zuckerberg himself made a rare Mar-a-Lago visit to patch things up with Donald Trump, a longtime critic of Meta’s perceived anti conservative bias. Add a $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund, and it’s clear the company isn’t leaving relationship building to chance.

But Kaplan’s road hasn’t been without bumps. In 2018, his public support for Brett Kavanaugh during the judge’s controversial Supreme Court confirmation hearings sparked internal backlash. Kaplan later apologized to upset employees, yet his presence remains divisive among some Meta staffers.

Still, not everyone’s frowning. Senator Ted Cruz hailed Kaplan’s ascent, framing it as a win for free speech. “Here’s hoping Meta follows X’s lead,” Cruz quipped, giving Elon Musk’s platform a nod for its laissez faire content policies.

For Kaplan, the role is a bittersweet shift. He called his predecessor’s work “inspiring” and pledged to continue navigating the complex labyrinth of global tech policy. For now, all eyes are on Meta’s next move in the ever contentious world of online governance.

Biden Blocks Nippon Steel’s Takeover of U.S. Steel

President Biden is set to block the $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security risks, according to sources. The decision, expected Friday, marks an extraordinary use of executive power just weeks before Biden leaves office, signaling a sharp break from America’s tradition of open foreign investment.

The move aims to protect U.S. steel production, particularly in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state. U.S. Steel’s powerful union strongly opposed the deal, fearing job losses and pension risks. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) raised security concerns, but its lack of formal recommendation left the decision to Biden.

The deal faced political headwinds from the start. Vice President Kamala Harris and President elect Donald Trump both publicly opposed the sale, with Trump vowing to block it upon taking office. Biden’s rejection could strain U.S. Japan relations and discourage foreign investments in sensitive industries.

Nippon Steel, the world’s fourth largest steelmaker, pledged to keep U.S. Steel’s Pittsburgh headquarters and invest heavily in its aging mills. U.S. Steel executives warned that without the deal, job cuts and relocations might follow.

The fate of U.S. Steel, an iconic company with a dwindling workforce, remains uncertain. Efforts to preserve its American roots could impact the very workers they aim to protect.

AI Shenanigans & Tech Crystal Balls 2025 Predictions

Ah, December, the month when tech prophets don their metaphorical monocles and look ahead to the future. For years, we've gazed into the digital ether, nailing some predictions and, admittedly, missing the mark on a few (who didn't think Harry Potter AR would charm the world;)

But, like every year, this time we’re confident. No, really. 2025 is the year loose ends get tied, long standing promises come true, and the phrase "AI everything" becomes less of a tech buzzword and more of a lifestyle. So, grab a latte (or better when a glass of wine) folks because here’s what’s on the horizon.

Agent Provocateurs AI That Actually Gets Stuff Done

Forget AI as your personal poet or meme generator. The 2025 wave of AI agents is here to do actual work. These digital doers will book your flights, order your groceries, and finally help you snag those sneakers you’ve been eyeing.

Google’s Gemini 2.0, it’s calling itself the “model for the agentic era” (their words, not ours) and can already handle shopping sprees. OpenAI and Anthropic are jumping into the fray with platforms promising AI that clicks, types, and scrolls for you, your digital butler, minus the snark (but accepts tips).

David Singleton of /dev/agents calls the current state of tech “too much effort, not enough magic.” His new AI platform promises to fix that in 2025. And honestly? We’re here for it.

AI Gadgets - From Your Kitchen to Your Face

This year, it’s less about phones and more about AI powered “things.” Apple’s rumored 6 inch smart home display may be the Siri powered upgrade your kitchen never knew it needed. While Amazon’s Alexa will finally level up with generative AI.

Meanwhile, Meta’s RayBan smart glasses are poised for an upgrade, and Jony Ive (yes, that Jony Ive) is reportedly cooking up a mysterious AI gadget with OpenAI’s Sam Altman. Will it be revolutionary, or just really expensive? Your guess is as good as ours.

TikTok A Time Bomb

TikTok’s fate hangs by a thread, or rather, by a January 19 deadline. If ByteDance doesn’t shed its Chinese ownership, the U.S. could ban the app outright. The Supreme Court and a certain second term president might have their say, but if all else fails, ByteDance could sell. Frank McCourt (yes, the former Dodgers owner and billionaire) is ready to swoop in with $20 billion.

The clock is ticking. Literally.

Forecasts That Don’t Flake

Let’s face it, weather apps are often wrong. But Google’s DeepMind has a new AI model, GenCast, that promises hyper accurate, 15 day forecasts. It’s fast, too, crunching weather data in eight minutes flat.

NOAA isn’t slouching either, boasting its most precise hurricane predictions in 2024. The future is fewer soggy picnics and better prepped disaster responses.

Cleaner Data Centers - Greener Energy

Big Tech’s data centers guzzle power, but in 2025, they’ll do it with a cleaner conscience. Microsoft is buying nuclear energy, Amazon’s experimenting with small modular reactors, and Google’s harnessing geothermal power. The next decade could see solar powered data centers with mega batteries for backup.

Goodbye, coal, say hello to sustainable cloud computing.

Crypto 2.0: - The Bull and the Rollercoaster

Bitcoin shattered $100,000 this month, and crypto friendly policies from the new administration could keep the party going. ETFs now make investing easier, while Wall Street’s former crypto skeptics are all in, before they get left behind.

Will this crypto boom last, or is it just another bubble waiting to pop? Either way, the adrenaline junkies aren’t complaining.

EVs Hit a Speed Bump

Federal EV subsidies might be heading for the chopping block in 2025, and steep tariffs on battery imports could throw another wrench in the works. Even Elon Musk seems okay with subsidies ending, though startups are nervous.

Will domestic battery production rise to the occasion, or will EV prices drop to keep the wheels turning? While the ride could get bumpy in 2025 there will be winners.

From Health Tracking to Longevity Hacks

Why settle for counting steps when you can track your biological age. Apps like FaceAge and January are set to make 2025 the year of longevity tech, analyzing selfies and meals to keep you feeling (and looking) younger.

For those less squeamish, glucose monitors like DexCom’s Stelo can connect your diet, sleep, and stress to blood sugar. The future of health is here, just don’t skip leg day 💪 

Self Driving Cars - Pinkie Promise This Time

Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla are set to make 2025 the year autonomous vehicles finally take the wheel. Waymo’s driverless Ubers will hit Atlanta and Austin. While Amazon’s Zoox expands to Vegas and Miami.

And Tesla, with Musk stationed in Mar-a-Lago, is optimistic about fully autonomous cars by year’s end. Of course, optimism is Tesla’s middle name, so maybe don’t throw out your car keys just yet.

Final Prediction - Humans vs. Tech

If longevity tech lives up to its promise, we’ll be writing these predictions for another 80 years. But for now, here’s to a 2025 filled with AI agents, crypto chaos, and TikTok drama. Cheers 🥂

💰️ Smart Money Matters 💰️ 

Culture Corner

Wardrobe Upgrades May Impress Your Boss

More like what not to wear to impress the boss. Jeans are fine in a casual office, but keep them professional. Straight legs, no rips, no bedazzling, says Callista Gould, etiquette expert. Friday jeans shouldn’t look like Saturday’s chores.

Backless tops and spaghetti straps don’t belong. Laura Handrick recalls lending a sweater to cover one inappropriate outfit, and Karen Russo warns against strapless shirts that make you look naked on Zoom. Add a cardigan or rethink your choice.

Flipflops, are a never choice. Career coach Krista Morris says even fancy ones scream, “Don’t take me seriously.” The same goes for running shoes, keep those for the gym. Sneakers can work if they’re stylish and clean.

Thin leggings, crop tops, or clothes that don’t fit right are a BIG no. Michelle Gomez warns leggings can reveal more than intended, and ill fitting clothes send the wrong message. Jill Gugino Pante recalls a button down that exposed too much at a professional event, it’s a distraction, not a statement.

Clothes you adjust all day, low necklines, jangling necklaces, tugged up skirts, also simply distract. Flame Schoeder advises, if you’re fidgeting with it, your coworkers are noticing it too.

Too much cologne is a no no. Overpowering scents are as bad as inappropriate clothing. Stick to one light spritz, says Pante.

Pajamas, are offensive, as are T-shirts, and anything against company policy. Don’t, just don’t. Even if it’s casual Friday, don’t push boundaries. Matthew Kerr tells of a coworker in a T-shirt featuring a naked woman. It didn’t end well.

Finally, dress for your office culture. Don’t be the most casual person in the room, it’s noticed, even if no one says anything. Christopher K. Lee suggests blending in with your team. Bottom line, comfort is key, but respect the workplace. Save the party clothes for the after hours parties.

ECONOMY

Trump’s Xmas Message Sparks Panama Canal Debate

Donald Trump, president elect, posted a surprising Christmas message on Dec. 25 via Truth Social. He wished a “Merry Christmas” to all, including “the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal.”

The claim is false. Panama controls the canal. President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s assertion, stating, “There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation.”

However, Trump’s words highlight concerns about China’s global influence. Chinese companies dominate port operations worldwide, including those near the canal. U.S. officials worry Beijing could leverage private companies for strategic gains, especially in a conflict.

Hutchison Ports PPC, based in Hong Kong, manages seaports at either end of the canal. Though not government owned, ties to Chinese entities have raised security questions. Critics fear Chinese jurisdiction over Hong Kong based companies could be exploited for intelligence or military purposes.

The Panama Canal, a crucial shipping route, remains vital to the U.S. economy. About 40% of U.S. container traffic passes through it. Trump’s comments reignited debates over its control and fees, which remain competitive compared to other chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

Panama’s government, meanwhile, seeks closer alignment with the U.S., wary of over reliance on China. As tensions grow between Beijing and Washington, the canal’s neutrality and security face increasing scrutiny.

Trump’s rhetoric, while inaccurate, taps into broader fears about Chinese influence, signaling that the canal’s role in global trade remains a flashpoint in U.S. China relations.

FINANCE

Thompson Reuters Acquires Tax Tech SafeSend For $600M

Thomson Reuters acquired SafeSend, a tax automation company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for $600 million in cash.

SafeSend, founded in 2008, offers cloud based tools that simplify tax workflows, everything from delivering returns and gathering esignatures to automating compliance. Its platform is already used by 70% of the top 100 U.S. accounting firms.

This isn’t Thomson Reuters’ first dive into tax tech. It acquired SurePrep for $500 million last year. Both companies focus on streamlining tax prep with automation and AI. SafeSend recently debuted “SafeSend One,” an AI-powered solution automating the entire tax process.

With SafeSend’s tools already integrating with Thomson Reuters’ software, the acquisition strengthens its grip on the “last mile” of tax preparation. The Canadian company plans to keep SafeSend as a standalone product while continuing to support other tax software providers.

“This acquisition simplifies tax workflows and helps businesses thrive in an increasingly complex tax world,” said Elizabeth Beastrom, Thomson Reuters’ president of tax and accounting professionals.

Thomson Reuters is doubling down on automation to ease tax professionals’ burdens, and it’s not done innovating yet!

POLITICS

Mike Johnson Faces Shaky Speaker Bid On Friday

Speaker Mike Johnson faces a critical test Friday as he works to secure the votes needed to retain his gavel. With a razor-thin GOP majority and a handful of Republican holdouts, Johnson must win 218 votes to remain Speaker. His biggest challenge lies with the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, which demands deep spending cuts and fast-tracked conservative legislation.

Johnson has spent the week negotiating with skeptics, promising "process reforms" to streamline GOP priorities. Key Freedom Caucus members, like Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), remain undecided, criticizing Johnson's handling of recent government funding bills but leaving room for him to prove himself.

President elect Donald Trump has backed Johnson, calling him the only Republican who can unify the party. Trump's endorsement has swayed some lawmakers, but others demand clarity on how Johnson will balance spending cuts with Trump's agenda, including border security, energy reforms, and tax legislation.

If Johnson falls short, the House will remain in deadlock, unable to swear in members or pass legislation. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that failure to address the debt ceiling by mid,January could force the government into "extraordinary measures."

Johnson's leadership team released a 32 page plan outlining legislative priorities but admitted not all of Trump’s goals are covered. The speaker insists unity is essential to delivering conservative wins. “To implement Trump’s vision, we must remain united,” Johnson wrote with his deputies.

The stakes are high. If Johnson falters, GOP infighting could define the next Congress. If he succeeds, Republicans aim to hit the ground running on Trump’s agenda. For now, the clock is ticking, and Johnson’s fate, and that of the GOP, hangs in the balance.

THE GRIND FACTORY ⚙️

UNIQUELY INTERESTING

💡 Epiphany Moments

Rivian Automotive founder Robert "RJ" Scaringe, developed a passion for cars and nature from a young age. He pursued this interest academically, earning a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In 2009, Scaringe founded Mainstream Motors, which later became Rivian Automotive, with the vision of producing electric adventure vehicles. Initially, the company focused on developing a mid engine hybrid sports car, but by 2011, it shifted its focus exclusively to electric vehicles, aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry with sustainable transportation solutions.

Under Scaringe's leadership, Rivian introduced its first two models, the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV, both designed for offroad capabilities and equipped with advanced electric drivetrains. The company has attracted significant investments and partnerships, including a notable joint venture with Volkswagen in 2024 to co-develop hardware and software platforms.

Scaringe's commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned Rivian as a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, contributing to the broader adoption of eco friendly transportation solutions. The future of Rivian is still up in the air but it will survive a while longer with its recent Federal loan of $6 billion.

 🍎 One Smart Apple

Ready Pac Produce achieved true success in the mid 1990s by revolutionizing the fresh food industry with its single serve salad kit. Known as the Bistro Bowl®, this innovative product transformed the way consumers accessed fresh, healthy meals on the go. Combining convenience, freshness, and portability, it met the rising demand for healthier, ready to eat options and set Ready Pac apart as a pioneer in the pre packaged produce market.

The single serve salad kits quickly became a hit, appearing in grocery stores, convenience stores, and even airline meals. This success drove rapid expansion, with Ready Pac extending its product lines to include fruit and snack packs, becoming a household name for fresh, convenient food. Strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and fast food chains further cemented its market dominance.

In 2017, Ready Pac’s success culminated in its acquisition by Bonduelle, a French agricultural powerhouse, for $409 million. This marked the company’s transition from a U.S. leader to a global player in fresh produce.

Ready Pac’s breakthrough wasn’t just a product it redefined a category, proving that fresh, healthy food could also be convenient and accessible. The single serve salad kit remains a cornerstone of its legacy, reshaping consumer habits and the fresh food industry. 🍏 

 HEALTH & LONGEVITY •ᴗ•

Two Life Anchors That Support Longevity

The two most important components of achieving longevity are physical health and mental well being. To successfully achieve your goals of attaining longevity place these two lifestyle components at the top of the priority list.

1. Physical Health: Consistent exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, adequate sleep, and preventive healthcare are essential. These habits reduce chronic diseases, improve cardiovascular health, and support the body’s resilience over time.

2. Mental Well-Being: Stress management, meaningful social connections, and a sense of purpose are critical. A positive mindset and emotional health significantly influence longevity, as they help reduce stress related illnesses and improve overall quality of life.

Together, these components create a balanced foundation for a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life.

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