Hot Startup, Volatile CEO | Inside America’s SPAC Attack | Reasons To Be Thankful

Plus: Thanksgiving 2020 will be one for the record books—check out the surprising numbers

The last few weeks have served heaping helpings of big news: good and bad. 

On the bad news front: The Covid-19 pandemic rapidly spreads across the U.S. (and most of the world) with case numbers hitting new milestones almost daily. Around the country, business and schools are reclosing, sending a chilling reminder of the dark days of early spring and threatening to further rock our society and economy.

But there is good news, too: Incredible early results from three Covid-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca and Oxford show at least 90% effectiveness and put an end to the pandemic in sight. Meanwhile, the U.S. presidential election—a source of major uncertainty and anxiety—is all but settled with Joe Biden due to take the helm in January 2020. Some clarity in politics and the pandemic is something for which we can all be thankful.  

It’s been a wild, tragic year. I hope that when you aren't Zooming with family and friends you can unplug, relax, reflect and set your thoughts on the brighter days that hang on the horizon. 

Must Reads

The Coming SPAC Attack: A new form of fundraising is booming, minting new millionaires and billionaires overnight. Forbes Senior Editor Antoine Gara and Assistant Editor Eliza Haverstock investigate the winners and losers, and whether the SPAC is here to stay.

Vaccines To The Rescue: Forbes Assistant Editor Leah Rosenbaum talks to Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel about his company’s cutting-edge Covid-19 vaccine. Here’s the latest on his 95% effective coronavirus vaccine and what it means for a post-pandemic economy.

In-N-Out Burger Goes All Out: Even as the pandemic threatens to freeze the economy, cult-favorite, fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger continues to open new restaurants and hire armies of workers. Forbes Staff Writer Chloe Sorvino talks to In-Out owner and President Lynsi Snyder about her animal-style strategy. 

CEO Profile

Data Point

$700 billion

Because of delays in Washington, D.C., Goldman Sachs analysts expect the government’s next stimulus package to hit $700 billion—that’s $200 billion more than the $500 billion Republican plan and much less than the $2.2 trillion Democratic lawmakers seek. Forbes Reporter Sarah Hansen explores the big-dollar numbers.

Check List

A former NFL star has an uncomfortable plan to fight racism. Forbes Reporter Brianne Garrett has the interview here.

Forbes Staff Writer Lauren Debter shares a few tricks and tips on how to make millions from Jeff Bezos’ billions.

Ending on a sweet note, Forbes Staff Writer Angel Au-Yeung bites into Mars’ $5 billion acquisition of nutty snack company Kind Bar.