Axios

The Congressional Budget Office estimates sky-high tariffs promised by President-elect Trump might improve the nation's fiscal outlook — but at the cost of higher inflation and slower economic growth than would otherwise be the case.

Why it matters: The nonpartisan agency's findings are the highest-profile estimates yet of how such trade policy could slam consumers, businesses and the broader economy.

An Italian-born nun who confronted Billy the Kid, calmed angry mobs, opened New Mexico territory hospitals and later gave refuge to immigrant children is getting closer to Sainthood from the Roman Catholic Church.

The big picture: The push for Sister Blandina Segale's sainthood comes as President-elect Trump vows mass deportation and Catholic groups prepare to assist immigrants going into hiding.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised the mother of U.S. journalist Austin Tice that the IDF isn't conducting airstrikes in areas in Syria where he might be located, according to a copy of a letter obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: After the fall of the Assad regime, the search for Tice — who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago — has been relaunched by his family, the U.S. government and private NGOs with ever greater urgency.

The Biden administration is readying dramatic last-minute steps to preserve a crucial advantage in its AI arms race with China: supply of the world's most advanced chips.

Why it matters: The chips needed to develop cutting-edge AI are the most valuable pieces of hardware on Earth, and the best chips Chinese firms can produce lag about five years behind the top end of the market.

Despite optimistic public statements, a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal is not imminent, three Israeli officials tell Axios.

Why it matters: The U.S., Israel and the Egyptian and Qatari mediators are trying to reach a deal before President-elect Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. While the Israeli officials say progress has been made over the past two weeks, big gaps remain.

1. Venezuelan authorities said yesterday they've released more than 530 people detained after anti-government protests that started in July.

• The government of President Nicolás Maduro has given no reason for the releases, but they come as the UN and International Criminal Court have been investigating human rights abuses by his regime.
• U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, named by U.S. President-elect Trump to be secretary of state, is also a fierce critic of Maduro's government. 

2. Ecuador and Colombia have pledged to reinforce environmental protections near the Galápagos and the marine territory on their nearby coastlines.

• The commitment, made Sunday during a high-level meeting between Presidents Daniel Noboa and Gustavo Petro, comes after the countries also announced a shared marine protected area in November.

Bees buzzing and tasting the "superfood" developed in a Colombian lab. Source: via Noticias Telemundo

Colombian scientists have developed a special food supplement they hope can protect bees as their population contends with a decline.

State of play: Bees are key pollinators for up to a third of all the world's food supply. 

• Every winter on average about 18% of colonies are lost, according to a 2020 study from 37 countries.
• The "superfood" developed by these scientists is meant to counteract the effect on bees of pesticide use, though they say initial findings suggest it can also protect them against parasites.

What they're saying: "After bees ingest (the supplement) they have slight physiological improvements that prep them so that, if they come in contact with pesticides, they can detox faster," Andre J. Riveros, a professor at Bogotá's Rosario University, tells Noticias Telemundo.

The share of Latino entrepreneurs who applied for credit grew last year, and their credit scores improved as they increasingly became boosters of the U.S. economy, a new study from McKinsey shows.

Why it matters: Latinos in the U.S. create small- and medium-sized businesses at a greater rate than other demographic groups, and they grow their revenue faster.

Some Catholic and evangelical leaders say they will unpack the Holy Family's immigration plight during Christmas services to offer hope for immigrants worried about what's coming under President-elect Trump.

Why it matters: Trump and his incoming administration are promising immigration raids — even inside churches — as part of their mass deportation plan, and church leaders say that's already prompting some immigrants to go into hiding.