Good Afternoon. It's Wednesday, January 12th, and you're listening to Ausum's Afternoon News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about. Here are today headlines from the top publications:

The Financial Times reports that the U.S. consumer price growth rose at the fastest pace in almost four decades in December, stoking the Federal Reserve's fears about the threat of elevated inflation and its consequences for the economic recovery.

The consumer price index increased at a 7% year-on-year pace last month, a step up from the 6.8%rate registered in November and the largest jump since June 1982.

Despite the faster annual pace, month-over-month price gains moderated to 0.5% between November and December, down from 0.8% in the previous period.

And amid the inflation, The New York Times reports that housing costs swell, deterring home buyers and pushing up rent prices more than 0.4% in December.

Business Insider cites COVID-19 experts, who say Omicron is peaking in the U.S., based on data from poop samples. Nationally, "the level of the virus in the wastewater is at a record high," one scientist said. That means more people in the U.S. have COVID-19 right now than ever before. The good news is that our poop data also suggests that the Omicron wave may be at its peak right about now.

Grocery Stores Continue To Experience Low Supply Of Goods reports The Daily Wire. USA Today reports that the problems are being reported around the country, ranging from meat and produce to other items like cereal. Not only are essential goods more difficult to obtain, but they are also pricier.

On to another topic that at the headlines of most publications today - voting rights. Reuters reports President Joe Biden made make a personal plea to U.S. Senate Democrats to unite to change the chamber's rules to pass voting-rights reform, a day after the Senate's top Republican launched a blistering attack on the initiative. Axios reports that Schumer finds a loophole to advance the elections reform package. On the other hand, Washington Examiner quotes Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who delivered a blistering critique today of President Joe Biden's speech, calling the president's remarks "profoundly unpresidential."

Washington Post reports that A high-stakes meeting between NATO and Russian officials yielded no new agreements on Wednesday. Western diplomats, however, voiced hope the Kremlin might eventually accept compromise proposals designed to avert a possible invasion of Ukraine.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple's Metaverse Prospects Produce Real Optimism for Investors. The company hasn't disclosed its plan for the virtual world, but many are betting the company will introduce extended-reality devices.

Lastly, the U.S. stocks close higher today as investors parse the inflation data. The S&P 500 gained 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, or about 40 points. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 0.4%.

That's all for today. Be sure to download the Ausum app to get the full Ausum experience. Catch you next time for the Ausum News Briefing every weekday, morning, and afternoon.

Good Morning, it’s Wednesday, January 12th. And You’re listening to Ausum’s Morning News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about.

Firstly, The Washington Post reports that Medicare is proposing to cover the controversial Alzheimer’s drug, Aduhelm. However, there will be restrictions strictly limiting the use of the drug. It is important to note that several big health systems have refused to offer the drug, citing a lack of evidence on efficacy, and utilization has been extremely low.

Following the fire in New York City on Tuesday night. The New York Times states that some are “still waiting” in the desperate search for those missing in the fatal Bronx apartment complex fire.

On Monday, protesters gathered in North Carolina for the second night in a row. The Guardian tells us that this is after Jason Walker, a 37-year-old Black man, was killed by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy on Saturday. This has sparked outrage.

Next, let’s look at coronavirus pandemic news. The Guardian informs us that a study shows that Coronavirus loses 90% of its ability to infect us within 20 minutes of becoming airborne and most of the loss occurs within the first five minutes. These findings illustrate further the importance of physical distancing and mask-wearing. Bloomberg recently published an article pointing out the negative impact of China’s Omicron outbreak on the global supply chain. The New York Times reports that within US schools coronavirus testing is not going well. Many schools have been forced to close due to flawed testing systems. Bill Gates has predicted that after the omicron wave of Covid-19 outbreaks dies down, countries will see fewer positive cases for the rest of the year. Forbes notes Gates went on to imply that the virus could eventually be treated like seasonal flu.

Moving on, The Washington Post states that the House Select Committee is dismissing the idea that the FBI was involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. The committee says that this claim is “unsupported”.

Axios reports that the Justice Department within the United States plans to open a new unit to investigate acts of domestic terrorism. This announcement came less than a week after the one year anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot.

Finally, The Washington Post states that a vast ancient Roman trading settlement has been unearthed in England. The findings include more than 300 coins, jewellery and a large Roman road.

That’s all for today. For the full Ausum experience, make sure to download the Ausum app. Catch us, every weekday, morning and afternoon.

Good Afternoon. It's Tuesday, January 11th, and you're listening to Ausum's Afternoon News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about. Here are today headlines from the top publications:

Business Insider reports that Biden puts out a forceful call for the Senate to change its rules to pass voting rights legislation. Biden asks today, quote - "Will we choose democracy over autocracy, light over shadow, justice over injustice?" - end quote. Biden and Harris went to Georgia to supercharge Democrats' voting rights push.

Axios reports that The Department of Justice is opening a new unit to investigate acts of domestic terrorism, according to a top national security official who spoke in front of a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday. This move comes as The FBI and Justice Department repeatedly warned last year that the threat of and investigations into acts of domestic terrorism have increased since 2020.

The Washington Post reports that the World Health Organisation estimates that Omicron may infect half of Europe within two months if current trends hold. Meanwhile, the U.S. Hits a New High for Hospitalizations With Covid-19, reports the Wall Street Journal. The New York Times says that As Millions of U.S. Students Return to Schools, the Covid testing system that was supposed to help keep classrooms open safely is itself being tested.

According to CNN, U.S. grounded planes as a 'precaution' after a North Korean missile launch earlier today.

CNN also reports that grocery stores around the U.S. are struggling to stock their empty shelves. Among the reasons for the shortage are prolonged issues across the supply chain, employees shortage due to Omicron, and the extreme weather condition of the last few days.

The Financial Times reports that Jay Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, has warned that high inflation poses a "severe threat" to a recovery in the U.S. jobs market as he declared the end of the era of pandemic stimulus.

Lastly, U.S. Stocks Finish Higher as Tech Shares Climb.

The S&P 500 added 0.9%, snapping a five-day losing streak. The Nasdaq Composite added 1.4%, building on Monday’s midday turnaround. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.5%. Reports The Wall Street Journal

That's all for today. Be sure to download the Ausum app to get the full Ausum experience. Catch you next time for the Ausum News Briefing every weekday, morning, and afternoon.

Good Morning, it’s Tuesday, January 11th. And You’re listening to Ausum’s Morning News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about.

Firstly let’s look at the protests occuring within Kazakhstan. The Guardian states that the Kazakh president has said that in two days, the Russian led military-bloc will start to withdraw its troops. This follows unrest within the region, which left 164 people dead.

Forbes reports on the ballistic missile launched into the sea by North Korea. Today, U.N. member’s attention was drawn to the country after it’s dismissal of denuclearization. The Japanese Prime Minister told reporters, “It is extremely regrettable that North Korea launched a missile in this situation.”

The BBC tells us that a US man has become the first person globally to receive a heart transplant from a genetically modified pig. It is not guaranteed what the long term chances of survival are, however, for the recipient of the surgery, it was his last hope.

Within American Football, The Washington Post notes that Georgia has dethroned Alabama in its title for the first time since 1980.

Next let’s move on to Covid-19 updates. The Washington Post informs us that the US is poised to beat it’s record of 142,000 covid-19 hospitalizations. This comes as the medical system struggles to provide care. This publication also states that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering updating its mask guidance. The CDC may recommend that people opt for the highly protective N95 or KN95 masks worn by health-care personnel. The Washington Examiner reports that the CDC director says studies of vaccinated people show 75% of COVID-19 deaths 'had four or more comorbidities'.

Finally, regarding the US climate, Forbes tells us that extreme cold is threatening US cities. Temperatures in New York City are forecast to fall as much as 20 degrees below normal Tuesday morning, this threatens residents with frozen water pipes, flooding and other infrastructure damage,

That’s all for today. For the full Ausum experience, make sure to download the Ausum app. Catch us, every weekday, morning and afternoon.

Good Morning, it’s Monday, January 10th. And You’re listening to Ausum’s Morning News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about.

Firstly, The Washington Post reported that, within a New York City apartment complex, a fire broke out yesterday killing 19 people. Nine of the victims were 16 or younger. The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, authorities have said it does not appear to be “suspicious.”

Within the United States, The Guardian has stated that following a pandemic drop, planet-heating emissions have risen by 6.2% compared with 2020. It is suggested that this leap in emissions is largely due to the influx of cars and trucks on roads.

Regarding US and Russian relations, The New York Times notes that American and Russian officials met on Monday in an attempt to find a diplomatic path to ease tensions. This comes as fears of war within Ukraine rises.

Next, let’s move on to Covid-19 updates! The New York Times also reports on how anti-vaccine protesters are sweeping through Europe as restrictions begin to tighten once again. Today, Axios states that Novak Djokovic's Australian visa cancellation over his vaccination status was overturned. This allows the men's tennis world No. 1 to defend his Australian Open title by staying in the country. With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, Forbes reports that 18 states are now struggling with critical worker shortages; for example, nearly 59% of hospitals in Vermont are reporting critical staffing shortages.

That’s all for today. For the full Ausum experience, make sure to download the Ausum app. Catch us, every weekday, morning and afternoon.

Good Morning, it’s Friday, January 7th. And You’re listening to Ausum’s Morning News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about.

Biden’s speech yesterday is reaching headlines, The New York Times reports that this is because, in one of the first instances since taking office, the president has engaged directly with Trump. Within an impassioned speech, Biden pointed out the necessity of confronting Mr Trump — and Trumpism.

The Washington Post has updated us on the protests occurring in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh president has said that security operations would continue “until the full elimination of the militants”. This is as the death toll is said to have reached at least 26 demonstrators and 18 members of the security forces.

Within the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson has been accused of corruption. The Guardian states that the UK prime minister has been exposed for seeking funds for his flat refurbishment from a Conservative donor while promising to consider plans for a mystery “great exhibition”.

Forbes reports that Trump Media and Technology Group, former President Donald Trump’s new company, has indicated that it will launch on February 21st. This new social media platform is said to be aiming to launch a conservative-friendly social media app and a “non-woke” subscription service offering news and entertainment content in the form of video and podcasts.

Forbes also told us that within California, the state’s lawmakers have introduced a plan to fund single-payer healthcare in the nation's largest state through new income, payroll and business taxes. The concept dubbed CalCare would provide single-payer coverage for all residents of the state, allowing them to access any doctor regardless of network, and would aim to lower prescription drug costs.

Following the increased amount of ferocious storms and rising sea levels within The United States, The Guardian announced that a group of disaster survivors have pleaded with the federal government to overhaul a flood insurance system. They claim that the existing system is not equipped to deal with the climate crisis.

Finally, let’s look at covid-19 updates. The New York Times notes that booster shots and the extent to which they will be used in the future, are being questioned. Newsweek informs us that, in San Francisco, the Princess Cruise ship has been docked after random covid testing revealed 12 cases on board the boat. The Washington Post states that The White House is finalizing details with the U.S. Postal Service to deliver 500 million coronavirus test kits to households across the country.

That’s all for today. For the full Ausum experience, make sure to download the Ausum app. Catch us, every weekday, morning and afternoon.

Good Morning, it’s Thursday, January 6th. And You’re listening to Ausum’s Morning News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about.

Today is the anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot. Axios reports that Attorney General Merrick Garland gave an update on the Justice Department's investigation into the Capitol riot yesterday. Garland stated that the department has "no higher priority" than holding those accountable and that the events have become "one of the largest, most complex and most resource-intensive investigations in our history."

Following Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial which found her guilty of five counts for facilitating the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of girls, some as young as 14, The Guardian updates us that Maxwell’s lawyers are calling for a retrial. This was after a juror said in a post-trail media interview that they were a victim of sexual abuse.

This publication also told us about another story reaching headlines. An Italian Mafia fugitive has been arrested in Spain after a sighting of the figure on Google Street Maps. This convicted murderer had lived undetected for 20 years despite being among Italy’s most wanted gangsters.

The Washington Post has announced that after Kazakhstan’s sweeping anti-government protests turned deadly Russian peacekeepers have arrived. Authorities said that overnight clashes saw “dozens” of demonstrators “eliminated”. More than 1,000 people have been injured in the protests.

Let’s move on to Covid-19 related updates. Axios states that The Centre for Disease Control has recommended Pfizer boosters for 12 to 17-year-olds. This will expand the number of people eligible for boosters while the Omicron variant surges. Forbes reports that Walmart is cutting in half its paid leave for employees that contract Covid-19. The largest private employer in the US has also become one of the first major retailers to shorten its pandemic-related leave. Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1-ranked men’s tennis player, is noted by The New York Times, to have been denied entry into Australia over a vaccine exemption. Finally, Forbes informs us that due to Omicron variant concerns the 2022 Grammy Awards are being postponed.

That’s all for today. For the full Ausum experience, make sure to download the Ausum app. Catch us, every weekday, morning and afternoon.

Good Afternoon. It's Tuesday, January 4th, and you're listening to Ausum's Afternoon News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about. Here are today headlines from the top publications:

Business Insider reports that Amazon is considering changing how it distributes employee stock options to stem the exodus of top talent. One proposal is to implement monthly vesting for some Amazon Web Services employees. The proposals come as Amazon faces complaints about low pay and an exodus of top talent.

Forbes puts December's Stunning Job Growth in perspective, stating that these numbers don't Tell The Whole Story. According to the publication, the Omicron variant sparked Significant Economic Damage and has already caused significant economic damage: lower credit card spending, suspension of the National Hockey League, and flight cancelations as pilots and other personnel get sick.

The Wall Street Journal reports that with Elizabeth Holmes's conviction, venture capitalists distance themselves from Theranos. And although Holmes raised millions from venture capitalists, Silicon Valley investors see little effect on startup funding from the guilty verdict in her criminal-fraud trial.

The Washington Post reports that Lawmakers are discussing more pandemic relief for businesses, as Dr. Fauci says that Omicron appears to be less severe, yet its transmissibility could still stress the healthcare system. The Washington Examiner criticizes the White House for spreading confusion and mixed messages on isolation and testing. Meanwhile, CNN reports that The Grammy Awards, scheduled for later this month, have been postponed a second year in a row due to the current Covid surge.

The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times report that the Federal Reserve plans a possible Possible Rate Increase in March. It also considers an earlier timetable for shrinking the Fed's 8.76 trillion dollar bond portfolio. This prospect worries investors and sends the stock market down. The Dow Jones is down 1.07%, S&P 500 shells 1.94%, and the Nasdaq Composite falls 3.34%.

That's all for today. Be sure to download the Ausum app to get the full Ausum experience. Catch you next time for the Ausum News Briefing every weekday, morning, and afternoon.

Good Afternoon. It's Tuesday, January 4th, and you're listening to Ausum's Afternoon News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about. Here are today headlines from the top publications:

According to Axios, a record of 4.5 million workers quit their jobs in November in what's known as the Big Resignation. The New York Times adds that U.S. Job Openings nears record. But that doesn't comfort Americans, most of whom worry about inflation and their pay isn't keeping up. The Guardian, in its top story, aims to explain the paradox. While economists usually see resignation as an expression of optimism, here, the reasons behind the wave are varied, with one of the top reasons being lack of adequate childcare and health concerns about Covid.

On a different subject, the automobile industry is making headlines today. Forbes reports that Ford Stock Surges Another 11% As Company Aims To Challenge Tesla's Electric Vehicle Dominance. This adds up to a 140% run in Ford's stock last year, beating out the likes of Elon Musk's Tesla. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that Toyota Overtakes G.M. as Bestselling Auto Maker in U.S., with more than 2.3 million cars sold last year, almost 114 thousand more than G.M.

The Financial Times keeps covering Elizabeth Holmes, the convicted founder of Theranos. On its front pages story is claiming that the case splits Silicon Vally with supporters of Holmes warry that the spirit of entrepreneurship is in 'jeopardy' while others say she overstepped boundaries.

To another topic - Covid. CNN reports that cases in the U.S. are at a record high, with an alarming increase in cases among children. In its top headline, Fox News criticizes President Biden's narrative of 'the unvaccinated,' which falls apart as the U.S. shatters worldwide case record three years into the crisis. More on the subject, The Washington Post reports that doctors complain about the limited supply of antiviral pills amid the Covid surge. And the Financial Times reports that scientists see some optimism with first signs that the Omicron surge is easing in London.

In the weather, Business Insider brings reports that hundreds have been stuck in the snow on a major Virginia highway since Monday; many are worried about getting out of food, water, and supplies. On the I-95, truckers share supplies with other drivers on the street as they too are stranded for nearly a whole day in the frigid cold.

Lastly - the stock market. The Dow industrials rose 0.6% to eclipse a record set Monday. The S&P 500 retreated less than 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.3%. Reports the Wall Street Journal.

That's all for today. Be sure to download the Ausum app to get the full Ausum experience. Catch you next time for the Ausum News Briefing every weekday, morning, and afternoon.

Good Morning, it’s Tuesday, January 4th. And You’re listening to Ausum’s Morning News Briefing, where we round up the top latest articles that everyone is talking about.

Let’s start off by looking at Covid-19 updates. The Washington Post updates us that the South East of the United States is readying itself for a storm of Omicron cases. However, there is fear that the outbreak will be deadlier here than within the North as this area has fewer safeguards like mask mandates in place. Within Australia, Forbes tells us that the country is experiencing its highest number of Covid-19 cases and total hospitalizations. Despite this, The Australian prime minister has refused to make rapid antigen tests freely available to all Australians, because he doesn’t want the government to “undercut” pharmacies.

Moving on, Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos founder, is once again reaching headlines. Fox News reports that the California jury has found Holmes guilty on four of eleven charges within the criminal fraud case against her.

As the anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot comes closer, The Hill states that Democrats are conflicted in how they feel Biden should handle the occasion. We will watch how the president juggles not over politicizing the event but also taking on Trump, when he delivers his speech, on Thursday.

The New York Times has reported on possible actions from the EU towards Hungary. The news source stated that after years of complacency and wishful thinking, Brussels may finally hold the nation accountable for its threat to human rights and the rule of law.

Finally, The Guardian has noted that Apple has become the first US company to reach a $3trillion valuation. The company has managed to triple its value in under four years through continuing its phenomenal share price growth.

That’s all for today. For the full Ausum experience, make sure to download the Ausum app. Catch us, every weekday, morning and afternoon.