Key Takeaways
- A federal judge upheld a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.
- Gold prices exceeded $4,500 per ounce, driven by global uncertainty and distrust.
- Medicaid programs made over $200 million in improper payments for deceased individuals.
- New Jeffrey Epstein documents detail President Trump's past private jet trips.
- The Supreme Court blocked President Trump's National Guard deployment in Chicago.
Deep Dive
- The Supreme Court blocked President Trump's attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago for immigration enforcement.
- The 6-3 decision left a judge's ruling in force that had blocked the deployment since October 9.
- The court stated the invoked legal provision likely doesn't permit such use of the National Guard, except in 'exceptional' circumstances.
- Gold prices have surpassed $4,500 per ounce for the first time.
- Precious metals saw significant gains, with gold up over 70% and silver 150% in the year.
- Copper also tracked its best annual performance since 1979.
- The rally is attributed to global uncertainty, distrust in traditional assets, a weaker dollar, and central bank purchases.
- A Department of Health and Human Services report indicated Medicaid programs made over $200 million in improper payments.
- These payments were for deceased individuals.
- The improper payments occurred between 2021 and 2022.
- The Justice Department released a second batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a congressional mandate.
- Thousands of pages mention President Trump, with some detailing his past jet trips that he has denied.
- Further files are expected, potentially extending the controversy into the new year.