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While the Fed has agreed to slow interest rate hikes, they're asking for flexibility regarding future hikes as they keep watch over the economy. Reuters has the story @ https://bit.ly/3jSHxrM

Fed wants 'flexibility' on rates as inflation remains key focus, minutes show All officials at the Federal Reserve's Dec. 13-14 policy meeting agreed the U.S. central bank should slow the pace of its aggressive interest rate increases, allowing them to continue increasing the cost of credit to control inflation but in a gradual way meant to limit the risks to economic growth.

The United States has re-opened its embassy in Havana, as many Cubans look to immigrate to the U.S. AP News has the details @ https://bit.ly/3GJxnmi

Facing migration flood, US resumes services at Cuba embassy HAVANA (AP) — Grappling with the biggest flood of Cuban migrants in decades, the United States reopened their long-closed legal pathway on Wednesday by resuming all visa services at its embassy in Havana.

Kick your new year off right with these 3 things that every senior citizen should have. CBS New has the story @ https://bit.ly/3vIi32U #2023

3 helpful things seniors should buy in 2023 These items can offer medical assistance, security and financial stability, often at a reasonable cost.

The last astronaut from the Apollo 7 missions has passed away. CBS News details the life of Walter Cunningham @ https://bit.ly/3jSH9tk

Walter Cunningham, Apollo 7's last surviving astronaut, dies at 90: "He is the definition of an American hero" Cunningham was one of three men who served on the first human test flight of the Apollo spacecraft, a mission that helped pave the way for astronauts to walk on the moon for the first time just months later.

Upgrade your travel experience in 2023 with a luxury cruise. Travel + Leisure has their favorite lines and stunning destination @ https://bit.ly/3GIFbF2 #2023

The 16 Best Cruises to Book in 2023, According to T+L's Expert Travel + Leisure hand-selected 16 different types of on-the-water adventures to consider in the year ahead.

The SECURE Act 2.0 was signed into law as part of the $1.7 billion spending bill. How will this affect your retirement savings? NPR has the details @ https://bit.ly/3ClrCZl #2.0

The federal spending bill will make it easier to save for retirement. Here's how From emergency savings accounts to assistance for student loan borrowers, the new federal spending bill aims to make it easier to save for retirement.

Have you ever wondered what a dust devil on Mars sounds like? Thanks to the Perseverance rover, we now have our answer! AP News has the story @ https://bit.ly/3uZRnu5

Mars rover captures 1st sound of dust devil on red planet CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — What's a dust devil sound like on Mars? A NASA rover by chance had its microphone on when a whirling tower of red dust passed directly overhead, recording the racket. It's about 10 seconds of not only rumbling gusts of up to 25 mph (40 kph), but the pinging of hundreds ...

Celebrate Hanukkah (or just treat yourself!) with this holiday classic: jelly doughnuts! Known as sufganiyot, these tasty pastries are fried in oil, then filled with jelly or jam. AP News has the recipe @ https://bit.ly/3FxWC9f

Jelly doughnuts: How to make the ultimate Hanukkah pastry Jelly doughnuts, also known as sufganiyot, have become a classic Hanukkah treat, one of a number of foods fried in oil that are popular on the holiday ( latkes, or potato pancakes , are another).

The dollar is still growing strong, maintaining its value as recession worries continue to grow. Reuters has the story @ https://bit.ly/3Yq8CCw

U.S. dollar likely to remain strong in 2023 amid recession fears A breathtaking surge in the U.S. dollar trampled foreign currencies, gouged corporate profits and gave investors one of the year’s few winning trades. Though the greenback has stumbled in recent weeks, recession worries may keep it elevated in 2023.

Traveling with holiday gifts this year? Travel+Leisure has the travel tips to make sure that TSA isn't the one unwrapping your gifts ahead of time @ https://bit.ly/3VZEfkx

The TSA May Unwrap Your Holiday Presents If You Don't Follow These Rules The TSA has strict rules about traveling with wrapped presents. Here are three tips on how to avoid problems at the airport.

Age knows no bounds when it comes to skiing. Travel + Leisure has the best places for seniors to hit the slopes in North America @ https://bit.ly/3BiYLo9

These 10 Ski Resorts Are Perfect for Senior Skiers These 10 ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada cater to seniors with special events, discounted (or free) tickets, and more.

Congress may have declined to add sick days for railroad workers, but investors are pushing for these benefits to be added as the threat of a strike looms. ABC News has the details @ https://bit.ly/3Hl7kCx

Investors press railroads to add sick time for workers The major freight railroads now face pressure from investors to add sick days after Congress declined to require them as part of the contracts they imposed last week to avert a potentially devastating nationwide rail strike

The last Boeing 747 has exited the factory, ending the plane's 50-year production run. CNBC has the story @ https://bit.ly/3Fx8LLZ #747

Boeing's last 747 has rolled out of the factory after a more than 50-year production run Boeing has produced 1,574 of the planes at its factory north of Seattle.

Rates for 30-year mortgages have fallen to 6.49% from 6.67%, but demand is 41% less than last year. CNBC has the story @ https://bit.ly/3XRd3G0

Mortgage rates fall for the third straight week, but demand still drops further Mortgage rates continue to ease, but demand is not following, as there are few who can benefit from a refinance, and homebuyers are still facing high prices.

The Fed will be keeping rates higher and for an extended period of time to further combat inflation. AP News has the details @ https://bit.ly/3UisxA9

Powell: Fed to keep rates higher for longer to cut inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will push rates higher than previously expected and keep them there for an extended period, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday in remarks likely intended to underscore the Fed's single-minded focus on combating stubborn inflation.

The U.S. trade deficit grew in October, as a strong dollar and declining exports hit a 7-month low. Reuters has the details @ https://bit.ly/3BjOqrQ

U.S. trade deficit widens as goods exports hit seven-month low The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in October as slowing global demand and a strong dollar pushed goods exports to a seven-month low, suggesting that trade could be a drag on economic growth this quarter if the trend persists.

The House of Representatives have backed legislation that would prevent a railroad strike, citing catastrophic implications should a strike occur. Reuters has the story @ https://bit.ly/3BoIyOr

U.S. House backs legislation to block rail strike A majority of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday backed a bill to block a potentially crippling rail strike, but the fate of a separate proposal by lawmakers to mandate paid sick time remains uncertain.