In a recent interview with USA Today, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that Americans should prepare themselves for a difficult holiday season, with the coronavirus pandemic likely showing little improvement by Christmas or New Year's Day.
According to Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, coronavirus cases, which are currently surging across the US, are expected to remain at elevated levels through December, January, and February.
"If the surge takes a turn of continuing to go up and you have the sustained greater than 100,000 infections a day and 1,300 deaths per day and the count keeps going up and up ... I don't see it being any different during the Christmas and New Year's holidays than during Thanksgiving," Fauci said.
For weeks, Fauci has said that his holiday season would be much more muted this year, mostly spending time with his wife in their family home. In lieu of the Faucis hosting their three daughters, they would celebrate the holiday through Zoom, the video conferencing app.
"For my own family, I'm saying we had a really great Thanksgiving and Christmas last year," Fauci said. "We're looking forward to a really great Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2021. Let's now make the best of the situation and show our love and affection for people by keeping them safe."
Earlier in November, Fauci said on CNN that an ordinary Christmas would be difficult to imagine for 2020, but said that a transition to "normality" would take some time.
"It's not going to be a light switch," Fauci said at the time. "We're not going to turn it on and off ... It's going to be a gradual accrual of more normality as the weeks and the months go by, as we get well into 2021."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website also details several actions that individuals and families should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the holidays, reiterating that the pandemic "has been stressful and isolating for many people," while encouraging Americans to get a flu vaccine and postpone travel plans this year.
Brennan, who served between 2013 and 2017, also said he did not know who was to blame for the killing but that it "would be a flagrant violation of international law."
Details on the attack remain slim but Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, pointed the finger at Israel on Friday, saying there are "serious indications" of Israeli involvement.
Former CIA Director John Brennan has condemned a top Iranian nuclear scientist's reported assassination on Friday, calling it "criminal" and "highly reckless."
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a former officer in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in an ambush on his car on Friday while driving through Absard, a town located 50 miles outside the capital Tehran.
"This was a criminal act & highly reckless," Brennan tweeted on Friday afternoon. "It risks lethal retaliation & a new round of regional conflict."
Brennan, who served under the Obama administration, also said he did not know who was to blame for the killing but that it "would be a flagrant violation of international law."
"I do not know whether a foreign government authorized or carried out the murder of Fakhrizadeh. Such an act of state-sponsored terrorism would be a flagrant violation of international law & encourage more governments to carry out lethal attacks against foreign officials," Brennan tweeted.
Details on the reported attack remain slim. In a statement on Friday, Iran's defense ministry said that "armed terrorists" had targeted a vehicle carrying Fakhrizadeh, adding that the scientist "was severely injured."
He later died in the hospital.
No group or government has claimed responsibility for Friday's attack so far.
He tweeted: "Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice — with serious indications of Israeli role — shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators."
Trump was reportedly advised against this, with several top aides warning it could trigger a broader conflict with the Islamic republic.
An Iranian security guard standing in front of the Bushehr nuclear power plant on August 20, 2010 in southern Iran
XINHUA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Fakhrizadeh's reported assassination comes less than a year after Trump ordered a drone strike that killed Qassem Solemani — the country's top general — pushing US-Iran relations to the brink of war.
In August, Al-Qaeda's second-in-command, Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, was gunned down on the streets of Tehran by Israeli operatives acting at the behest of the US, the New York Times reported this month.
Both Israel and Washington have yet to comment on the attack.
On Friday, Trump retweeted an Israeli journalist, Yossi Melman, who called the killing "a major psychological and professional blow for Iran."
Brennan is a staunch Trump critic, who told Business Insider before the 2020 election that the "dishonesty" and disinformation coming out of the Trump administration is just as dangerous as foreign interference in the election.
After Trump's election loss, Brennan tweeted that he now plans "to ignore Trump," and will "leave his fate to our judicial system, his infamy to history, & his legacy to a trash heap," The Hill reported.
The former CIA director fired back, tweeting that it was "typical" of Cruz to "mischaracterize" his comment.
"Your lawless attitude & simple-minded approach to serious national security matters demonstrate that you are unworthy to represent the good people of Texas," Brennan wrote.
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Amazon; Gilbert Espinoza/Business Insider
Cyber Monday is almost here and Amazon offers some of the best deals during one of the last big sales events of the year.
Amazon, like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, is expected to have a ton of deals on everything, including the latest TVs, speakers, headphones, laptops, gaming gear, and more, during the online-only shopping holiday.
Amazon is one of the best retailers to shop during Cyber Monday. This year, Amazon's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales started earlier and will last longer than ever before.
On November 30, shoppers can get big discounts on great holiday gifts in several categories including tech, home, kitchen, fashion, and more. If you're shopping for Christmas presents, Cyber Monday may be one of the final deal opportunities this year. We're expecting many of the same deals we saw on Black Friday to resurface on Cyber Monday, and many Black Friday sales are getting extended through Cyber Monday.
To help you get a head start, we rounded up several early Cyber Monday deals you can shop right now on Amazon, plus answers to the web's most frequently asked questions regarding Cyber Monday, Cyber Week, Amazon, and the rest of the sales happening this month.
Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky
The best Cyber Monday deals at Amazon
K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker (medium, Preferred: Amazon)
When does Amazon's Cyber Monday sale start?
Cyber Monday happens every year following the weekend after Black Friday. This year, the online-focused shopping holiday lands on Monday, November 30. Cyber Monday sales can start as early as Saturday morning after Black Friday.
This year, Amazon's Black Friday sale officially starts Friday, November 20 with new discounts released every day. However, many sales that happen during Black Friday will likely carry over through Saturday and Sunday.
We expect some "doorbusters" to be released on Cyber Monday, with limited supplies. Though Cyber Monday sales once only took place on Monday, we'll likely see some deals last through the rest of the week.
Are there any early deals?
Before Cyber Monday and Black Friday, Amazon's Holiday Dash sales event offers fresh deals every day through November 19 then followed closely by Amazon's pre-Black Friday sale which will last through November 27.
During these sales events, shoppers can find daily markdowns on electronics, home goods, fashion, and more. Stock is often limited, especially on the very best offers, and these deals expire at the end of the day.
In addition to markdowns on physical products, several Amazon services will also be marked down during Cyber Monday. For example, Amazon's Music Unlimited streaming service is free for 3 months until the end of the year and new Audible Plus subscribers can save $3 a month off of the usual amount for the first six months.
How we will select the best Cyber Monday deals at Amazon
We only choose products that meet our high standard of coverage, and that we've either tested, used in our daily lives, or researched carefully.
We will compare the prices against other retailers like Target and Best Buy and only included the deals that are the same or better (not including promotional discounts that come from using certain credit cards).
All deals will be at least 20% off, with the occasional exception for products that are rarely discounted or provide an outsized value.
What Cyber Monday deals should you buy at Amazon?
Amazon's Cyber Monday markdowns are as good as those offered during Black Friday and are on par with the Cyber Monday discounts from Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. We expect Amazon and its competition to price-match each other during Cyber Monday. Shoppers can expect big savings on digital content, streaming media players, smart home products, and more.
In fact, there's a good chance we can see a repeat of what we saw during Prime Day. We expect to see several Amazon-branded goods and Echo devices see lows similar to those found last month.
During Cyber Monday, shoppers should pay attention to two types of deals: daily deals and Lightning deals. The former are one-day offers, usually grouped by brand or category, and change at the end of the day. The latter are limited-stock offers released throughout the day. We expect to see the best deals to come in the Lightning deal form.
Should I get Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime subscribers will get the most out of Amazon's Cyber Monday. We've found that shoppers can make up the cost of the subscription with their savings from shipping alone. If you don't shop
Amazon often, but want to take advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, consider a $13 monthlong membership. New members can sign up for a free 30-day trial with full benefits through most of the sales event.
Cyber Monday 2020 is now fewer than two days away on Monday, November 30, the week after Thanksgiving and Black Friday – but there are deals live right now on Saturday through Sunday.
There are some great tech deals for Cyber Monday from Amazon, Best Buy, and many other retailers. Regardless of retailer, popular devices, such as Apple Watches or certain TVs, could be worth picking up now in case stock isn't available for the model you want. So, if you're reading this on Saturday or Sunday with an eye for something that's on sale now, don't wait for Cyber Monday to get here.
We are updating this article daily with new deals throughout Cyber Monday weekend and on the big day itself, so keep coming back for more.
Cyber Monday occurs the following week after Black Friday. This year, the online-focused shopping holiday lands on Monday, November 30. Typically, it begins at 12 a.m. on Monday. However, we're seeing Cyber Monday deals on Saturday morning onward after Black Friday.
As a continuation of sorts of Black Friday, Cyber Monday gives you another opportunity to save on tech, home goods, clothing, and other deals that you might've missed while recovering from Thanksgiving dinner.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday began as the online version of Black Friday, where online retailers offered big discounts to match their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Now, Cyber Monday is the biggest shopping day of the year, surpassing even Black Friday in terms of revenue and sales.
The "holiday" was created in 2005 as the online version of the brick-and-mortar-focused Black Friday. Previously, the main differentiation between Black Friday and Cyber Monday was that Black Friday focused on in-store sales and Cyber Monday on online sales. But as shopping habits have increasingly favored the internet, amplified by the pandemic, shoppers can look forward to a very online-focused Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
Cyber Monday offers a great opportunity to save on all your holiday gifts.
How long do Cyber Monday sales last?
Though Cyber Monday sales once only took place on Monday, we've been seeing them extend to longer and longer durations, with more than a few lasting until the rest of the week. For instance, Wayfair's Cyber Monday deals will take place all from November 30 through December 4.
"Doorbuster" Cyber Monday markdowns are often restricted to the day and available stock. When we know the end date of a deal, we'll list it next to the deal.
What's better, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
With most Americans sticking to online shopping this year, the debate on which shopping holiday is particularly moot. Both events will be held predominantly online, and more than a few deals overlap. In fact, many Black Friday deals become Cyber Monday deals when the dates change.
If possible, shoppers should shop both holidays. We've seen different products receive better discounts on each day, and the deals that each retailer offers will vary.
Generally speaking, consumers shopping for big-ticket items, such as laptops, TVs, and kitchen appliances, can expect more opportunities on Black Friday. But for shoppers looking for last year's models, smart home gadgets, digital subscriptions, and gift cards will likely find more luck during Cyber Monday.
What should I buy during Cyber Monday?
If a retailer offers Black Friday deals, it's a near guarantee that it will offer Cyber Monday deals, too. Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are some noteworthy retailers that we know will participate in the shopping event.
We will likely see massive discounts on some of our favorite direct-to-consumer products during Cyber Monday, such as retail startups like Leesa and Brooklinen. For some, Cyber Monday (or Cyber Week) will be one of the few times of the year when their products see major markdowns.
Where can I find Cyber Monday ads?
Shoppers in-the-know eagerly await Black Friday and Cyber Monday advertising to help guide their Black Friday game plan. Typically, storefronts like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart release their previews late-October or early-November.
While we don't know an official date when each retailer will release their previews, a smattering of retailers has already posted their advertising online, the biggest being Walmart.
Here are the most important ad scans currently available:
Walmart: To find the ad scan, first find your local Walmart via the local directory. Once you get to the "Store Overview" page, find the "Weekly Ad" section.
Will there be Cyber Monday shipping delays?
Shipping delays and shopping holidays are inextricably linked, and this year is no different. Experts suggest that consumers may see low inventory and shipping problems, during Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and the weeks following.
To help you avoid the shipping crunch and get your stuff sooner, several retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, offer in-store pickup and contactless curbside pickup. This means shoppers can grab their orders at a nearby location, provided that the retailer has it in stock.
How we select the best Cyber Monday deals
We only choose products that meet our high standard of coverage, and that we've either used ourselves or researched carefully.
We will compare the prices among top retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart and only include the deals that are better than all others offered (not including promotional discounts that come from using certain credit cards).
All deals will be at least 20% off, with the occasional exception for products that are rarely discounted or provide an outsized value.
China is testing a domestically designed engine for its military transport planes that could replace the Russian engines the fleet currently relies upon and increase the loads it can carry by around 20%, according to a military source.
The increased capacity means it will now be able to transport China's most advanced tank, the 58-tonne 99A, which is too heavy for the current engines to carry.
China has long struggled to produce high-quality engines for its warplanes, leaving the military reliant on Russian engines to power some of its jets
The source said the WS-20 engine is designed to give the planes a bigger lift and longer range and has been installed on one Y-20 for testing.
"It will probably take three or more years to install such engines to other transport aircraft," the source continued.
The Y-20, built by the Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation, is the biggest warplane in the air force's fleet. It is currently powered by Soloviev D-30 engines that give it a range of 7,500km (4,660 miles) and a cargo capacity of 55 tonnes.
Type 99A battle tanks in a military parade through Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 3, 2015.
GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images
The aircraft manufacturer said the new WS-20 engine, designed by the Shenyang Aeroengine Research Institute, would increase its capacity from 55 tonnes to 66 tonnes.
The new engines are also expected to increase the plane's range by an unspecified distance and will allow it to carry out long-range missions while carrying heavy equipment such as tanks without needing to refuel.
Michael Raska, an assistant professor with the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said: "The new WS-20 engines on the Y-20 variants are designed to increase the operational reach and cargo capacity, essentially enabling strategic airlift for the People's Liberation Army."
"Flying longer, faster, and heavier would, of course, provide more options for the PLA to reach its operational objectives," said Raska.
However, beyond the operational implications, there are questions about whether the Chinese defence industry will be able to ensure the quality and reliability of these engines, said Raska.
"[Engine quality is] a long-standing weakness of all Chinese turbofan engines. If they could do so, China would become less dependent on the Russian suppliers of these types of engines," Raska added.
The Shenyang WS-20 engine is an adaptation of the WS-10A turbofan that powers some of the PLA's Chinese-made fighter jets, including the J-10 and J-16.
Military analyst Song Xinzhi recently told state broadcaster China Central Television that the new engine would use less fuel compared with the Russian one and produce a more powerful thrust that would allow the Y-20 to take off and land at airfields with smaller runways.
Military analyst Song Zhongping said the greater capacity would allow the PLA to overcome a logisitical problem when transporting heavy equipment such as tanks by air. Previously this could only be done my dismantling the tanks for transport and reassembling them on arrival.
Donald Trump is considering hosting a campaign event for a 2024 presidential bid in January, the Daily Beast reported.
The event might fall on the same day as President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20.
The Daily Beast, citing sources close to the president, reported that Trump is attempting to stay relevant even as the world prepares for a Biden administration.
The discussions of a 2024 campaign event mark the latest move in Trump's attempt to derail the start of Biden's presidency.
Donald Trump is reportedly considering hosting a campaign event for a 2024 presidential bid to take place on Joe Biden's Inauguration Day.
The Daily Beast, citing sources familiar with conversations about a possible 2024 run, reported that Trump is strategizing ways to remain relevant even after he steps down from the presidency. The conversations revolve around launching a run for president again in four years after Biden's first term will have neared an end.
It would be an "unprecedented" decision to host a campaign event on the day of Biden's inauguration, according to Carl Tobias, University of Richmond law professor.
"No one who has lost a race for President has ever announced the intent to run 4 years later on the day that the victor is sworn in," Tobias told Business Insider in an emailed statement.
Earlier this month, Trump had floated the possibility of a 2024 run, telling aides he might announce his candidacy as soon as the end of December.
The discussions are emblematic of Trump's efforts to continue to derail Biden's presidency.
Trump himself has launched a series of legal attacks to cast doubt on the election results. So far, he's won none of them.
Additionally, the General Service Administration only days ago authorized the formal transition process to begin, weeks after Biden secured the title of president-elect.
"Our case STRONGLY continues, we will keep up the good fight, and I believe we will prevail!" Trump tweeted. "Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."
"I believe that his chief of staff and my chief of staff have spoken, but no, I have not heard anything from President Trump," Biden said.
But the former vice president has begun to receive details and information from national security officials and coronavirus task force members, he said.
Neither the Trump 2020 campaign nor Biden's transition team immediately returned a request for comment from Business Insider.
Colleagues of Tony Hsieh have paid tribute to the popular entrepreneur, who has died aged 46.
Former Zappos executive Alfred Lin remembered Hsieh as a "gentle soul," and said: "We'll remember Tony for that and the happiness he brought to so many people."
The pair first worked together when they cofounded LinkExchange, which they sold to Microsoft for $265 million.
Other colleagues and acquaintances who shared memories of Hsieh included Wall Street analyst Colin Sebastian and podcast host Gary Vaynerchuk.
Colleagues of Tony Hsieh, who died on Friday aged 46, said the Zappos entrepreneur will be remembered as a "gentle soul" who brought happiness to so many people.
Sequoia partner Alfred Lin, who once served as COO, CFO, and chairman of Zappos, recognized him as a kindred spirit during their student days. The pair soon teamed up to cofound LinkExchange, which they sold to Microsoft for $265 million within 18 months.
Writing on Twitter today, Lin said: "Today is a sad day! The world lost a pioneer of a company culture, the shoe industry, Downtown LV, web advertising, and also a gentle soul who gave a part of himself to countless people."
Hsieh was described as a visionary by many, including Amazon, which bought Zappos in 2009. An official Amazon account paid tribute on Saturday, praising him as "an innovator who will be greatly missed."
Long before Zappos was a worldwide shoe-selling phenomenon, Hsieh was working in a pizza parlor run by Harvard students. One day, he noticed fellow student Lin was buying whole pizzas and selling them slice-by-slice for a profit. They clicked immediately, according to a profile of Lin.
As Hsieh and Lin both rose to Silicon Valley fame – even though their company shunned California in favor of Nevada – Zappos became known as the kind of place where people loved to go to work. The company's customer support became legendary for its responsiveness, as Hsieh noted in an essay for The Harvard Business Review.
"Looking at every one of our interactions through a branding lens instead of an expense-minimizing lens means that we run our call center very differently from others," Hsieh wrote in 2010.
He added: "We'll remember Tony for that and the happiness he brought to so many people. RIP Tony Hsieh."
At Zappos, Lin was with with Hsieh when they welcomed a young Wall Street analyst, Colin Sebastian, of Baird Equity Research, for an introduction. On Saturday, Sebastian said he remembered spending a "long afternoon" with the two executives, as they walked him through the company culture at Zappos, which was known to be like a family.
Sebastian recalled going back to his office and writing: "This may be the one company that gives Amazon a run for its money."
Other colleagues and acquaintances lined up to pay tribute to Hsieh. Podcast host and author Gary Vaynerchuk said he talked with Hsieh often, "late into nights" and appreciated his "thoughtfulness & energy."
Jeris Huntington said she worked with Hsieh during the tour for his book, "Delivering Happiness." "Tony was a remarkable human being & inspired a generation of technology entrepreneurs," Huntington said on Twitter.
Even those who met Hsieh in passing remembered him fondly. Peter Abraham, who runs Abraham Market Studio in Los Angeles, said he randomly meet Hseih at a pre-marathon party and being invited for a tour of Zappos. He snapped a photo of Hsieh's desk, which wasn't in an corner office, but just out on the floor, among the desks of his staff.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un speaks during the Russia - North Korea Summit on April 25, 2019, in Vladivostok, Russia.
Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is said to be angry about the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact, South Korea's spy agency said on Friday.
According to the Associated Press, Kim has ordered the execution of at least two people, locked down the capital of Pyongyang, and implemented other measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
One of the two people who were executed was a well-known money changer in Pyongyang, who was reportedly blamed for North Korea's falling exchange rate.
North Korea's economy has suffered in recent months as the country was forced to seal its border with its biggest trading partner, China, back in January.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, reportedly displayed "excessive anger" over the coronavirus pandemic and its economic damage, a South Korea's spy agency said on Friday.
According to The Associated Press (AP), Kim is also said to be ordering "irrational measures" to slow the spread of COVID-19, including ordering the execution of at least two people, banning fishing at sea, and locking down the capital, Pyongyang.
The latest information from the Hermit Kingdom comes from South Korean lawmakers, who spoke to reporters on Friday after having a private meeting with the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the country's chief intelligence agency.
The NIS reportedly informed officials that one of the two executed people was a well-known money changer in Pyongyang, who was reportedly blamed for North Korea's falling exchange rate.
The other person was allegedly a top government official who was caught violating restrictions placed on goods from outside the country amid the pandemic, AP reported.
North Korea's economy has borne the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic as the country was forced to seal its border with its biggest trading partner, China, back in January.
Korea's International Trade Association said earlier this week that North Korea's trade with China shrank 73% through September and is on course to plunge 80 percent for the whole year, according to the South China Morning Post.
Kim also implemented a ban on fishing to stop seawater from being infected with the virus, the NIS said.
A full lockdown has also been placed on several regions in the country, including the capital and the northern Jagang province. It has also halted tourism.
These photos show what life looks like during a North Korean lockdown.
Kim has also ordered overseas diplomats not to engage in any actions that could provoke the US because it is worried about President-elect Joe Biden's new approach toward North Korea, AP reported.
"We've been told that there have been orders to exercise utmost prudence in language," lawmaker Kim Byung-kee told reporters, according to NPR.
The new Biden's administration could signal a change for North Korea after it's leader had developed a relationship with President Donald Trump.
"He likes me. I like him. We get along. That doesn't mean I'm naive. That doesn't mean that I think, oh, it's going to be wonderful. He's a very tough cookie. And he is smart, very smart," Trump said to Woodward at the time.
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Target; Gilbert Espinoza/Business Insider
Black Friday is over, but Cyber Monday is on November 30, and we expect Target to offer plenty of discounts.
Target hasn't released formal details about its Cyber Monday sale beyond its usual ad, but we expect many of the deals we saw on Black Friday will make a return for or stretch until the event next week.
Below are some of the best Cyber Monday deals currently available from Target, and answers to any questions you may have for the event.
Black Friday may be over, but Cyber Monday 2020 is just around the corner. Cyber Monday typically offers excellent, online-only deals on just about everything from tech to countertop appliances. Because Target has offerings in just about every category, it's one of the many retailers that turns up in a big way for the occasion.
Target has released some of its Cyber Monday deals in its annual ad, but has been tight-lipped about the extent of its deals. You'll find an additional 15% off select vacuums and floor-care items already on sale, 25% off select nutrition like cough and cold, humidifiers, and heating pads. Separately, Target Circle members can get $10 off when they spend $50 on holiday trees, lights, wrap, and decor. After Cyber Monday, Target Circle members receive 10% off across the site from December 1-12.
And if past Cyber Mondays are any indication (which they normally are), we'll be seeing discounts on small kitchen appliances, vacuums, smart home gear, Apple watches, and gaming consoles, to name a few things.
Below, we've highlighted the best deals you can shop now, as well as answers to any questions you may have.
Target has yet to release any information about its Cyber Monday sale on November 30, but we'll update this section as soon as it does. In the meantime, there's plenty on sale at Target right now.
What is the difference between Cyber Monday and Black Friday?
Though we don't have any information on this year's Cyber Monday sale from Target just yet, we can make some predictions based on previous years'. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both will offer deep and short-lived discounts with one main difference: Cyber Monday sales will only be available online. If you'd prefer to grab the savings in-store, then Black Friday may be the better shopping holiday for you. Additionally, Target is running Black Friday deals all month long.
What should I buy from Target during Cyber Monday?
A few of Target's best deals we saw during Cyber Monday last year included $150 off the Dyson V10, $50 off the Instant Pot Duo 6-quart, and $100 off the TCL 43-inch Class 4-Series. Additionally, brands like KitchenAid, iRobot, Sony, and Nespresso featured great price drops last year; we expect to see more of the same in 2020.
What is Target Circle?
For shopping benefits like exclusive deals, coupons, and 1% earnings on all purchases, joining Target Circle is a must. It's free to do so and if you're planning to shop from Target at all this Black Friday, the savings will really rack up over the purchases.
What benefits do REDcard holders get during Cyber Monday?
Target REDcard holders get an extra 5% off all purchases year-round, but if you're planning to go on a shopping spree this Cyber Monday, that savings can really add up. Additionally, cardholders get free shipping on all online purchases with no purchase minimum required.
McCain, the wife of the late Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, endorsed Biden's successful presidential campaign against President Donald Trump and was credited for helping the president-elect win the conservative-leaning Southwestern state this year.
"It's hers if she wants it," a source reportedly said to The Times of London. "She delivered Arizona. They know that."
During the 2020 Democratic National Convention, McCain had a speaking slot, where she fondly recalled the relationship between Biden and her late husband. Biden named McCain to his presidential transition's advisory board.
McCain has never held elective office, but she has been an influential businesswoman and philanthropist in Arizona for decades.
When asked about serving in the Biden administration during a November appearance on ABC's "The View," McCain stated that there would be a range of viewpoints reflected in the Cabinet.
"This is an administration that's going to be all-inclusive and there is a role for Republicans in the administration," she said.
Biden has long eyed Republicans to serve in his Cabinet as part of his message of restoring bipartisanship in Washington DC.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that she has to keep "piles of cash" at home since she has no bank account due to US sanctions.
In an interview with local English-language TV channel HKIBC on Friday, Lam said: "Sitting in front of you is a chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR who has no bank services made available to her.
"I'm using cash every day for all the things."
"I have piles of cash at home. The government is paying me cash for my salary because I don't have a bank account," she said.
In June, China imposed a new security law that threatened Hong Kong's autonomy and also made it easier to punish protesters who have been demonstrating against Chinese attempts to impose more state control, the BBC reported.
Following the controversial law, The White House applied what are thought to be the toughest sanctions yet on Chief Executive Carrie Lam and 14 other senior city officials, according to AFP.
The move means any of their American properties can be seized, any US financial transactions criminalized and assets frozen.
During her interview, Lam added that she did not want to deter people from serving in a public position and said: "To be so unjustifiably sanctioned by the US government, it's an honor," AFP added.
The Chief Executive earns $672,000 per year and is one of the highest-paid leaders in the world, the BBC reported.
Social media users began posting images comparing their own savings at home to Lam's while others questioned how her salary was transported to her, according to Channel News Asia.
In August, the Hong Kong leader told reporters that the US sanctions had caused her a "a little bit of inconvenience" because she couldn't use her credit cards, Channel News Asia added.
On Wednesday, Carrie Lam said that her urgent priority was to restore Hong Kong's constitutional order and pull its political system out from "chaos" during the annual policy address.
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Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
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TVs and home theater equipment are among the best Cyber Monday tech deals, for nearly all budgets and from all the best known brands. If you're in the market for a new TV before the upcoming sports season or to build out an upgraded home theater, there are Cyber Monday TV deals happening right now, on Saturday through Sunday.
However, remember that not all deals are created equal, but that's where we come in, with expert reporters and editors to suss out the very best and most lucrative deals on TVs from 720p HD entry-level sets to the most premium 4K TV models, and everything in between.
Here are the best Cyber Monday TV deals that you can take advantage of right now. Don't necessarily wait until Cyber Monday to buy the TV that you've been eying this year – TVs are among the most popular Cyber Monday deals, and stock tends to go quickly.
The best budget Cyber Monday TV deals
The best mid-range Cyber Monday TV deals
The best high-end Cyber Monday TV deals
How we select the best Cyber Monday deals
We solely choose products and devices that meet our high standards of quality and that our editors have either used themselves in testing for review or have researched thoroughly.
We always compare prices among the best retailers, like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, and we only include deals that save more money than all other offers (not including promotional discounts that come from using certain credit cards), unless they're the only deal available on rarely discounted products.
All deals will save at least 20% off, with some exceptions for products or devices that are rarely discounted or provide an outsized value.
Cyber Monday 2020 is November 30. Kohl's sale, which runs through December 2, is expected to offer deals on all kinds of merchandise, from electronics to toys to home goods.
For Cyber Monday, one of the best deals from Kohl's is its Kohl's Cash promotion, where you'll get $10 for each $50 you spend.
Below, we rounded up everything we know so far about Kohl's Cyber Monday deals, including FAQs and a couple of early deals happening now.
Check out our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals from a whole bunch of retailers, not just Kohl's.
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Cyber Monday has traditionally been the online sibling of Black Friday, bringing about digital deals that are usually just as good as the original deal holiday, if not better. One of the retailers that's notorious for its excellent Cyber Monday deals is Kohl's. Though the company hasn't announced all of its deals, it's likely to offer discounts on tech, apparel, cookware, home goods, and more. We are already expecting big savings on small appliances, 50% off bedding and decor, and up to 30% off Kitchenaid select small appliances and accessories.
Perhaps the best feature of Kohl's Cyber Monday sale (at least that we know about right now) is its Kohl's Cash promotion, which includes a $10 future credit for every $50 you spend. That means you can buy those holiday gifts now, and then do a little shopping later on for yourself before December 9 when the Kohl's Cash expires.
There are still some great deals happening right now in the lead-up to Cyber Monday. Some items on the site are further reduced with the promo code "YOUGET20" or "THANKS" (applicable at checkout). There's also a promotion for 20% off jewelry with the code "SPARKLE20" and 10% off watches with code "WATCHES10". Or, if you're willing to open up a retailer-specific credit card, you can save 35% on almost any purchase once you're approved.
We'll continue to update as the retailer releases more bargains.
The Google Nest smart doorbell deal is also available at Best Buy, but the $45 Kohl's cash you'll get gives the above deal the edge.
How do we choose the best deals from Kohl's?
The products we choose must meet our coverage standards and come from brands we've tested and trust.
We compare the prices against Amazon, Target, Walmart, and other retailers. The deals we include are the same or better (not including promotional discounts from using certain credit cards).
We consider products' price histories to evaluate how significant the savings are.
When is Cyber Monday 2020?
Cyber Monday 2020 falls on November 30. Deals often start promptly at 12:00 a.m. CT. Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales are typically only available online, while some Black Friday discounts are available in stores.
Can I order online and pick up in a Kohl's store?
Yes. Kohl's began offering curbside pickup because of the coronavirus pandemic. Certain products can be purchased online and delivered at the store's curb two hours later. More products are also available online to be shipped to your home.
What should I buy from Kohl's during Cyber Monday?
Kohl's has a range of products, so expect to find deals in every category, including bakeware, jewelry, shoes, gaming, kitchen appliances, beauty, toys, and more.
While Kohl's has deals on items like towels, boots, and pajamas, don't forget about its other sections. For last year's Black Friday event, Kohl's had deals on an Xbox One S bundle, Roombas, Beats headphones, and Instant Pots. Expect similar deals to extend to Cyber Monday this year.
Should I enroll in Kohl's Rewards?
Kohl's Rewards is a free program that gives members 5% Kohl's Cash every day (not just during promotional events) on all purchases. Members also get additional rewards, like a birthday gift.
Kohl's Cash you receive through the rewards program becomes available on the first day of the following month, and you have 30 days to use it. If you earn a lot of Kohl's Cash on Cyber Monday, it should be available on December 1. Unless you're shopping at Kohl's again before Christmas, however, you'll lose that bonus cash at the end of the year.
What is Kohl's Cash?
Even non-Kohl's Rewards members receive $10 of Kohl's Cash for every $50 they spend during promotional events, including Cyber Monday 2020. Kohl's Cash is a bit like a coupon you can use on future purchases. Kohl's Cash does expire, and how long you have to use it can vary.
For Cyber Monday purchases, you'll receive an email with your Kohl's Cash, and you'll be able to use it on any purchases before its expiration date. The limit on Kohl's Cash for a single purchase is $1,500.
Which is better, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
In 2020, there will be less of a contrast between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Most people will shop online to avoid crowds, and retailers are less likely to offer in-store-only deals.
The good news is that Kohl's has a pretty generous return policy, so you can always take back your purchase if you find a better deal elsewhere. Usually, Kohl's has a 30-day return window for electronics, but because so many people give these items as gifts, it's extended until January 31, 2021.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
Crystal Cox/Business Insider
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the mass of Cyber Monday deals that November brings every year. This year, the event falls on November 30, during which you can expect to see major players like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy to drop tons of excellent deals alongside retail startups we love, like Leesa, Brooklinen, Bombas, and Tommy John.
We're keeping track of all the online stores participating in Cyber Monday 2020 to help you plan out your shopping hit list before the event rolls around. Check back here for updates as more deals are released today and through the rest of the week.
Field Company: Save up to 40% off skillets. Buy one, get one half off with code BOGOHO. Buy two, get one free with code B2G1. Buy three, get two free with code B3G2.
Framebridge: Get 20% off orders of $50 or more with code BF20.
Fully: Take 15% off every desk, including standing desk and home office chairs.
Goby: Take 25% off your order of two toothbrush kits or more now through November 29.
Vitamix: Save up to $100 on blenders through November 30.
Wayfair: Get up to 80% off GE appliances and furniture — new deals are added every day.
WestElm: Save up to 50% on bedding, rugs, decor, and more. Also, you can get an extra 20% off clearance items with code EXTRA20.
Williams-Sonoma: Save up to 50% on everything with an extra 20% off clearance with code EXTRA.
World Market: Up to 40% off holiday decor, clothing, toys, and more.
Best Black Friday mattress sales
Casper
Allswell: Save 25% on everything except the original Allswell mattress through November 30 with code TURKEY25.
Awara: Save $300 off any mattress, plus 25% accessories.
Amerisleep: Save 30% on mattresses and get two free pillows plus free delivery with the code BF30.
Bear: Get 20% off a Bear mattress and a free gift set with purchase; the gift set includes a sheet set and 2 Cloud pillows.
Brooklyn Bedding: Through November 29, save 25% sitewide and 50% on sheets with code BLACKFRIDAY25.
Casper: Save 30% on bundles, 15% on mattresses, and 10% on everything else.
Eight Sleep: Save $250 on the Pod Pro and get 20% off accessories — you'll need to enter your email though.
Helix: Use code BLACKFRIDAY100 to get $100 off any mattress and two free pillows.
Layla: Save $200 on mattresses and get free two pillows, a free sheet set, and a free mattress protector with every mattress purchase now through November 30.
Leesa: Save up to $500 on Leesa mattresses and get 2 free pillows with purchase.
Nectar: Get a mattress protector, sheets set, and premium pillows included with every mattress purchase.
Purple: Save up to $500 on a mattress + sleep bundle.
Saatva: Save $200 on any purchase of $1000 or more.
GlassesUSA: Save 30% on designer brands with code BRANDS30 and 65% on other frames with code BLACK65. GlassesUSA also offers free prescription lenses and free shipping.
Glossier: Take 25% off sitewide and up to 35% off sets through November 30.
Gorjana: Save $25 on orders $125+, $50 on orders of $200+, and $100 on orders of $350+.
Her Room: Up to 50% off bras, underwear, shapewear, and more.
L.L.Bean: Take 15% off your order with the code THANKS15, now through December 1.
Loulou Lollipop: Save 15% with no minimum spend using code BFCM2015 or save 25% when you spend $50 or more with code BFCM2025 through November 30.
Maelove: Take 10% off your purchase of two items with promo code TEN or 20% off your purchase of three or more items (automatically applied at checkout).
Madewell: Save up to 50% on the brand's bestsellers with code VERYMERRY in stores and online through November 29.
Mejuri: Buy 1 piece of jewelry, get 10% off; buy 2 pieces, get 15% off; buy 3 or more pieces, and get 50% off. The sale is live now through November 30.
Roots: Save 25% on almost everything now through November 30 and get free shipping on orders $75+.
Rothy's: Shop the exclusive Black Friday collection now.
SmileDirectClub: Get an impression kit for $12 (normally $59) with code SMILE4GIFTS. Return the kit for a full rebate and six months of free teeth whitening.
Soludos: Save 25% sitewide and get free shipping on orders of $75 or more through December 1.
Alo Yoga: Save up to 70% sitewide through December 1 with new items dropping throughout Cyber Week.
Arctic Cool: Save 25% sitewide through December 2 — a rare deep discount from the retailer.
Athleta: Save 20% on activewear through November 29.
Backcountry: Save up to 30% on brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Columbia, Salomon, and more.
Big Agnes: Save up to $30 off tents and 25% off last season's sleeping pads through November 30, plus get free shipping with code HAPPYCAMPER.
Fight Camp: FightCamp's offering a free conditioning kit (typically a $159 extra charge) as well as two months of free classes with the code BFCM2FREE. The conditioning kit includes a speed jump rope, hand weights, an agility ladder, and a hypersphere mini.
Briggs & Riley: Save $50 off items $199+ and $100 off items $399+, plus receive a free toiletry bag with all purchases of $399 or more through November 30.
The Apple Watch is our favorite smartwatch, but it is expensive. Luckily, for Cyber Monday, several Apple Watch models are likely to be discounted.
You can find deals on the Series 3, SE, and Series 6 versions of the Apple Watch. Right now opting for the Series 6 will yield the biggest savings. It's down to $330 from $400 at both Amazon and Walmart, so you'll save $70 — the caveat is that it's only available at that price in red.
It's important to note that some color options and sizes have varying deals. We try to point out the best deals, but a color or size option you want may not be as discounted, and the colors that hang around the longest may end up not being your style, so act fast.
The best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch Series 6
The Series 6 is Apple's top-of-the-line smartwatch, and this iteration has brought improvements like a new blood oxygen sensor, faster charging, and a brighter always-on display. If you want the Apple Watch with all the bells and whistles, the Series 6 is the one for you. It's is available at a $70 discount at both Amazon and Walmart — but if you want the cheapest price, you'll have to snag it in red. If you're willing to make some compromises when it comes to features, keep scrolling to the SE or the older Series 3.
Series 6 (medium, Preferred: Walmart)
Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE is already a great deal, and it's even cheaper during Cyber Week. This is Apple's mid-tier watch, and it still has most of the features you'll find in the Series 6 such as a larger screen than the series 3, activity tracking features, and Apple's newest processor. You'll sacrifice the always-on display, blood oxygen readings, and the ability to take an ECG.
Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 was first released three years ago, but it's still a perfectly capable smartwatch for those in search of a bargain. It runs the latest Apple Watch software, so you'll see many of the same basic features offered by the SE and Series 6. This is a great buy if you're looking for a way to check your notifications and track your workouts and activity.
In the UK frontline workers are expected to be first in line to receive the Moderna vaccine.
Moderna; Samantha Lee/Business Insider
The UK government said on Sunday it added 2 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses to its stockpile, bringing the total to 357 million, according to a press release.
The prime minister, Boris Johnson, appointed Nadhim Zahawi, minister for business and industry, to oversee the vaccine rollout.
Johnson is also urging ministers to approve a new lockdown system, which will be in place until February, according to Sky News.
The UK government on Sunday said it had secured another 2 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, bringing total doses promised to the government to 357 million.
"With a wide range of vaccine candidates in our portfolio, we stand ready to deploy a vaccine should they receive approval from our medicines regulator, starting with those who will benefit most," said the health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, in a government press release.
The total number of Moderna doses ordered by the UK have now reached 7 million.
Boris Johnson.
Getty
While the vaccines aren't yet approved, the government is readying a plan to distribute them. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday appointed Nadhim Zahawi, minister for business and industry, to oversee the vaccine rollout.
Moderna's vaccine is one of several that are currently in a later phase – phase 3 – of clinical trials, along with vaccines from Novavax, the partnership of University of Oxford and AstraZeneca, and the partnership of Pfizer and BioNTech.
The government has secured a total of 207 million vaccine doses from companies in phase 3 trials, along with another 150 million doses from companies that are in phase 1, phase 2, or a pre-clinical phase.
UK vaccine agreement totals:
100 million – University of Oxford and AstraZeneca
60 million – Novavax
60 million – Valneva
60 million – GSK and Sanofi Pasteur
40 million – BioNTech and Pfizer
30 million – Janssen
7 million – Moderna
The vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech could be approved this week, according to The Financial Times. Some NHS staff have reportedly been told to expect vaccine doses to be distributed by as early as December 7. It's expected that frontline workers, including hospital staff, will be among the first to receive doses after government approvals.
Meanwhile, the UK's latest coronavirus lockdown is scheduled to end December 2. Lawmakers on Tuesday will vote on whether to back Johnson's call for continued tiered restrictions. These are expected to keep most of the country in higher-risk tiers.
Johnson has sent a letter to ministers, asking them to approve a new system, which is expected to last until February 3, according to Sky News. A "growing number" of conservative ministers oppose Johnson's plan, however, saying they hurt businesses, Reuters reported Sunday.
President-elect Joe Biden's nomination of Janet Yellen to head the Treasury Department offers the clearest look yet at how his administration aims to drive an economic recovery.
The former Federal Reserve chair is set to enter the Cabinet as the first woman to run the department and become the first person to lead the Treasury, Fed, and White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Here's what Yellen's appointment signals for the Biden administration's economic policy, from near-term stimulus to Fed-Treasury cooperation.
Janet Yellen's decades of policymaking experience hint at how she will lead the Treasury Department through the US economic recovery.
President-elect Joe Biden is reportedly set to nominate Yellen to run the department, making her the first woman to do so. Yellen was already the first woman to serve as a Federal Reserve chair, and, if confirmed, will be the first person to have run the Treasury, the Fed, and the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
The 74-year-old economist would enter the Cabinet at a time of intense economic strife. Coronavirus cases continue to surge higher, and data suggests the economy's initial bounce-back has slowed considerably through the fall. Economists warn the situation stands to worsen as government aid expires and holiday gatherings boost case counts.
From improving the relationship between the Treasury and the Fed to adjusting critical relief programs, here's how Yellen is poised to steer the Biden administration's economic policy.
The Biden administration's first order of business on the economic-policy front will most likely involve fresh fiscal relief. Relief from the $2.2 trillion CARES Act is all but exhausted, and key jobless-benefit programs are set to expire in December.
With the pace of economic recovery waning, Democrats have pushed Republicans to pass another spending package. Yet both parties remain at odds regarding the size of a new stimulus deal, and months of negotiations yielded little progress. The Biden administration has indicated it will push for a multitrillion-dollar package in 2021, and recent comments from Yellen suggest she will push for new stimulus until the virus threat fades.
"There are some limits [to monetary policy] and it's important for fiscal policy to fill in that gap," the former Fed chief told Bloomberg TV in October. "While the pandemic is still seriously affecting the economy, we need to continue extraordinary fiscal support."
To be sure, the odds of a new bill reaching the president's desk hinge significantly on two run-off elections in Georgia. Democrats could take control of the Senate if they win both races, but a single loss would ensure a Republican-controlled Senate and likely prolong the current stimulus stalemate.
Senate Republicans will likely back a smaller aid package in 2021 and set their sights on paying down government debts as soon as the virus threat fades, Ernie Tedeschi, policy economist at Evercore ISI, said in an interview.
"Where Janet Yellen will be helpful will be telling policymakers not to take their eye off the ball. And that, even after a vaccine is distributed, we will still be far from fully recovered," he added.
If a fiscal relief deal proves hard to come by, Yellen could shift her focus to the lineup of emergency lending programs created earlier in the pandemic. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday moved $455 billion in unused CARES Act funds into the department's General Fund, essentially requiring Yellen to obtain congressional approval before putting the cash back to work.
The move leaves the next Treasury secretary with about $80 billion to deploy across various lending facilities. The sum is a fraction of what Yellen likely expected to work with, but the former Fed chair's experience will help make the most of the leftover funds, Tedeschi said.
"Janet Yellen is arguably the best person positioned to make smart choices about where targeted support for the economy and financial markets should be," he said.
Reforming some of the lending programs established between the Fed and the Treasury can also help make the $80 billion more useful through the recovery. The two bodies could focus on lowering rates for specific municipalities and small businesses instead of maintaining their little-used credit facilities, former Fed economist Claudia Sahm told Business Insider.
While near-term fiscal stimulus is unlikely, significantly improving a loan's terms makes it "pretty close to giving people money," she added.
"These communities need a bridge. You can identify them," Sahm said. "The Fed will never do that because the Fed does not want to pick winners and losers. But the Treasury can because they're elected."
Yellen's years of experience at the Fed sets her up for healthy cooperation between the Treasury and the central bank. The relationship between the two frayed last week after Mnuchin unexpectedly called on the Fed to return funds allocated to emergency lending programs. The central bank responded with a rare public statement urging the Treasury to extend "the full suite of emergency facilities" past their upcoming expiration.
The dispute sparked concerns among economists that the two most powerful economic policymakers were butting heads just as the economic recovery was weakening. Such worries are far less likely to emerge with Yellen at the helm, Sahm said, adding that Yellen "understands what the Fed can and cannot do."
The former Fed chair also has a good relationship with current chair Jerome Powell, Sahm said. Powell served under Yellen during her 2014-2018 term as chair. Those years of cooperation set the stage for a successful relationship between the Fed and the Treasury under the Biden administration, Sahm said.
"They will be able to be very effective," she said. "If it was somebody that Jay [Powell] had never worked with, they would have created a working relationship. But it helps if you have a base to grow on. They work well together."
The former Fed chair also brings with her a strong focus on the US labor market. Yellen has specialized in studying employment and spent much of her time at the central bank updating the tools used to gauge labor-market health. Her "ability to question the orthodoxy" and decade-old metrics and replace them with better options "is rare and very useful," Sahm said.
That focus would come at a time of mass unemployment in the US. Though the unemployment rate fell to 6.9% in October, more than 11 million Americans remain unemployed. Jobless claims climbed for two consecutive weeks this month for the first time since July, signaling the labor market's recovery is faltering.
"If you care about full employment, if you care about workers, she has moved the dialogue in that direction," Sahm said.
Reviving the labor market is where Yellen's "credibility and gravitas will be most helpful to the Biden administration," Tedeschi noted.
Yellen is also no stranger to historic downturns. The economist served as the Fed's vice chair from 2010 to 2014, just as the US began to climb out of the Great Recession. No other candidates for Treasury secretary had "anything like" Yellen's experience in handling unprecedented downturns and making policy decisions that mattered, Sahm said.
"She has been in leadership roles in the darkest moments," she added. "The fourth quarter of 2008 was a very scary time. If you were inside of the fed, you knew that the world was sitting on the precipice."
Yellen also brings with her knowledge of how to fund an economic rebound. The former Fed chair has always been very focused on recovering first and dealing with government debt later, Tedeschi said.
"By her very nature, she is the opposite of a hack. She's an expert and incredibly well qualified for the job," he added.
When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
The latest versions of Apple AirPods — including the AirPods Pro — are on for Cyber Monday 2020.
Crystal Cox/Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
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Apple's AirPods are among the world's most popular wireless earbuds, and they're on sale heading into Cyber Monday 2020. Even though some of the best deals have already passed, there are still some discounts worth paying attention to whether you're interested in the AirPods Pro or standard AirPods.
AirPods deals tend to sell out fast, so it's best to act quickly if you're interested in snagging a pair of Apple's discounted wireless earbuds. When the AirPods Pro were down to their all-time-low price of $169 at Walmart, for example, stock didn't last very long. Still, the Pro model can be found for under $200 at Woot just ahead of Cyber Monday, a notable discount compared to the usual $249 price Apple charges for its noise-cancelling earbuds.
Here's a look at the best Cyber Monday deals on AirPods that are currently available.
The best Cyber Monday Apple AirPods deals
AirPods with Wireless Charging Case (medium, Preferred: Amazon)Wireless Charging Case for Airpods (medium, Preferred: Amazon)
How we choose the best Cyber Monday deals
We only select products that meet our high standard of coverage, and that we've either used ourselves for review or researched using our own tech editorial experience.
We will suss out the best prices among top retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart and only include the deals that are better than all others offered (not including promotional discounts that come from using certain credit cards).
All deals will be at least 20% off, with the occasional exception for products that are rarely discounted or provide an outsized value.
Economist Mohamed El-Erian cautioned investors about the risk of rising corporate bankruptcy rates in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday.
While many investors are ignoring short-term market risks in the hopes that 2021 will be met with a swift vaccine deployment and economic recovery, El-Erian said the time between now and a rollout of the vaccine matters.
"People have got to be very careful, especially in high-yield credit, and in emerging markets," he said.
Many investors have chosen to look past short-term market risks in the hopes that 2021 will be markedly more upbeat. Yet, Mohamed El-Erian warned investors that the interim journey to the vaccine will be a difficult time, particularly for investors in high-yield credit. He told Bloomberg TV on Friday that deteriorating credit conditions could lead to a swath of bankruptcies before the recovery.
"Credit is deteriorating, more bankruptcies are going to occur, recovery rates are going to come down," said the economist. "The big question...is how much damage do we have to the corporate sector in this journey to the vaccine?"
The Allianz chief economic adviser said next Tuesday's November PMI number will be a "big test" for the health of the corporate sector. He said there's a high probability the number will be below 50, a level not seen since May. This low number wouldn't just indicate a staggering economy, but would signal a potential increase in corporate bankruptcies, El-Erian said.
El-Erian added that the economic "journey" between now and the time when a large portion of the population is vaccinated against the coronavirus will be highly important, particularly for investors in higher-risk markets.
"I think most people expect that it's all about the destination, regardless of the journey, but if you are investing in higher default risk paper, then the journey really matters,"said El-Erian. "People have got to be very careful especially in high-yield credit, and in emerging markets."
The economist said he expects lower economic growth on the horizon because of supply and demand inefficiencies.
The supply side we see more concentration, we are going to see less competitiveness, and we're going to see a certain degree of de-globalization. And that's going to cause a decline in productivity short term," El Erian said. "On the demand side, we are likely to see higher household economic insecurity, that's the scarring that economists talk about."
He said the US has tools to fix this, but policymakers need to act fast. On the supply side, the US can modernize infrastructure and retrain workers. On the demand side, the US can focus on boosting the economic security of the most vulnerable households.
"It's not a question of do we have the tools—we do. Its will the political will happen early enough, and I mean within the next few months, in order to avoid the destination that's even lower trend growth?" he asked.
The 2020 election shattered voter turnout records, with massive numbers of Americans voting for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
But the record-shattering turnout may not be repeatable for either Democrats or Republicans.
Trump helped to both turn out rural voters for the GOP and suburban voters for Democrats. Those trends may not be sustained in the 2022 and 2024 elections.
2020 was a historic election for the United States. A massive number of Americans came out to vote.Turnout is projected to end up around two-thirds of the total vote-eligible population — the highest level since 1900.
That turnout surge followed a similar explosion in the 2018 midterms, where half the eligible population cast a ballot. 2018's number was the highest midterm turnout since 1912.
Keep in mind that in the early 20th century, women were still denied the right to vote and large swathes of the country were gripped with Jim Crow laws which prevented access to the ballot for Black Americans. So these turnout numbers are all the more staggering.
Adjusting for the more restrictive ballot access of the past, it's fair to call the last two years the highest turnout in American history, even if millions of Americans are still prevented from voting by requirements related to registration or felony convictions.
The result was a decisive, if not overwhelming, rejection of Donald Trump in the Electoral College and national popular vote, a small advantage for Democrats in the House, and a small advantage for Republicans in the Senate.
Contrary to popular consensus before 2020, a turnout surge did not accrue overwhelmingly to Democrats. Urban areas did turn out, and some are still counting votes that will add to those totals. But Republicans also enjoyed major gains in turnout in rural areas, which helped to keep Trump competitive even as Democrats swung suburbs.
These turnout surges — for Democrats in the cities and the GOP in the rural areas — leave both parties facing an enormous challenge: how to convince voters to return to the polls in the future.
Two factors drove high turnout
So what drove turnout rates up so dramatically?
One obvious answer is voting by mail. While states like Colorado and California have long had universal mail voting, a much larger group of states adopted some form of expanded vote-by-mail for 2020 that opened up access to that form of ballot substantially.
Even in places like Texas, where there were no significant expansions of vote-by-mail, innovations like drive-through and 24 hour voting drove huge increases in ballots. Some of those innovations will stick around, but it's unlikely that national voters will so easily cast mail ballots going forward.
The second factor was the name on the ballot.
Americans have had sharply polarized views of the outgoing president almost since the start of his run for the office five years ago. Swings in suburban counties towards Democrats illustrate how his politics drove away educated white voters, as well as the increasing diversity of the suburban electorate.
The push factor for suburban moderates was also offset by a pull factor elsewhere. Conservative-leaning voters, non-college white voters, and rural voters all turned out in huge numbers and with large margins for the president.
Where to next
It would be easy for either party to view the upswing in voters for their side as a permanent shift, but there are some clear reasons neither Democrats nor the GOP should take the turnout surges for granted.
Despite record setting numbers of votes for Biden, there has been some consternation over small marginal shifts towards Trump from demographics that Democrats traditionally dominate, like Black voters in urban areas. But while Trump may have picked up a percentage point or two, this also led tolarger raw vote margins for Democrats, owing to the massive base support levels for the party overall. For instance, majority Black precincts in Atlanta swung towards Trump by 2 percentage points, but ended up delivering a vote margin nearly 15,000 larger for Democrats in 2020 versus 2016.
So while there has been lots of focus on the swings in percentage terms, raw vote totals and the huge margins that exist mean much has to change before Republicans can make real headway into Democrats' grip in these cities.
While adding a huge number of raw votes is a good sign for Democrats, the choice of a moderate, low-ideology candidate like Biden as the party's nominee was part of a strategy to flip suburbs. That strategy worked in 2020, but if Trump is not on the ballot again, Democrats cannot assume that their gains will be repeated.
For Republicans, it would be easy to look out on the vast sea of red votes banked in rural areas this year as a source of permanent strength going forward. But again, without Trump on the ballot it's not clear that these areas are likely to deliver as many votes as they did in 2020.
Trump is a unique figure in the history of American politics
It would be easy to attribute any number of events over the last four years to an inevitable, long-running historical process. But the simpler, and less comfortable, explanation is that one man has proven uniquely successful connecting with and motivating voters on a personal level.
Back in 2016, actor Matthew McConaughey offered a concise explanation for Trump's success:
I remember saying, well look, regardless of [Trump's] politics, in the very first question, what do we say in America is successful? What do we give credit and respect? The top two things are money and fame. And I said guys, just on a very base level, Trump has those, so I don't know why we should be so surprised that he got elected.
Absent that personal connection and its mirror image personal abhorrence, both parties lose huge motivators. Figuring out what comes next is a challenge for both the GOP and Dems. That's especially true given that both parties appear to be coalescing around non-material platforms.
Democrats, eager to bank suburban votes, have shied away from explicitly redistributive policies and rhetoric like those embraced by two-time primary runner-up Sen. Bernie Sanders. Instead, a focus on cultural appeals stitched together a coalition that turned out to remove Trump from office.
Republicans are attempting to lay claim to the mantle of "the working people's party", but opposition to basic worker protections, minimum wage increases, and anything approaching a social safety net expansion mean that appeal, like Democrats' to other voting blocs, is largely one of mood affiliation.
It's unclear whether the new non-material battle lines of the two parties can drive turnout as they did when Trump himself was on the ballot. But this reorientation recalls an earlier stage of American history when Democrats were the party of the Solid South while Republicans represented the North. The major cross-party battle lines were not material left versus right, but over other issues. Material conflict was contained within the wings of each party.
This shift in valence is unlikely to lead to the sort of turnout that we saw in 2020 unless Trump is on the ballot again via a 2024 run. But again, 2020 has shown that there is a durable coalition nationally who will oppose that nominee in a general election.
Channel: Business Insider
