Perplexity AI proposes merging with TikTok's US operations, with the government controlling 50% after an IPO to address security concerns while keeping TikTok's algorithm.

A Chinese zoo sells tiger urine for treating rheumatism, but experts warn it lacks scientific support, raising concerns about conservation and animal welfare.

Colombian President Petro blocked US deportation flights, prompting Trump's tariff threats, but after escalating tensions, Colombia agreed to accept the flights, avoiding a trade war.

UnitedHealth appoints Tim Noel as CEO, succeeding Brian Thompson, who was tragically shot, with the suspect, Luigi Mangione, pleading not guilty to charges.

Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits over OxyContin's role in the opioid crisis, funding victims and treatment programs.

Climate-related disasters are driving up US home insurance costs, with high-risk areas seeing an 82% increase, forcing insurers to leave and straining homeowners.

Netflix gained 19M holiday-season subscribers with live events, boosting profits, revenue, and plans for price hikes while expanding its ad-supported tier.

Trump's immigration crackdown threatens the US elder care system, which relies heavily on immigrant workers amid rising demand from the aging population.

Bitcoin and $TRUMP token prices drop as President Trump's inaugural speech and executive orders omit mentions of digital assets, disappointing investors.

Trump's rollback of EV incentives, state waivers, and funding for EV infrastructure threatens US progress on cleaner cars and emissions reduction.

The US Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposes new alcohol labeling rules requiring alcohol content, nutrition facts, and allergen info, to give consumers clearer choices.

Dozens of flights were disrupted after SpaceX's Starship rocket broke apart during its test launch, prompting the FAA to warn pilots about falling debris near Brownsville, Texas.

Greenland's melting glaciers expose valuable minerals like titanium and lithium, attracting mining companies, but challenges remain with infrastructure and Greenland's independence.

Executives at MUFG Bank took pay 30% pay cuts after an employee stole $9 million in valuables over four years, with compensation to soon reach affected customers.

TikTok's US operations may be sold for $40–$50B due to its 115M users, though regulatory scrutiny, national security concerns, and algorithm exclusions may lower the value.

Starting in 2025, the IRS will receive reports on crypto transactions from centralized exchanges like Coinbase, with tax reporting on the 1099-DA form.

SpaceX launched two private lunar landers for US and Japanese companies, aiming to stake their claim on the moon, with experiments and exploration ahead.

Meta plans to lay off 5% of its workforce to focus on performance, affecting 3,600 employees as Zuckerberg reshapes the company's strategy and public image.

As Meta phases out professional fact-checkers, teams like Lead Stories work to combat conspiracy theories and misinformation about the recent LA wildfires.

Spain proposes up to 100% tax on properties bought by non-EU residents to address its housing affordability crisis and curb rising rents.

Russia fined Google $78 million for not complying with prior penalty orders, escalating tensions over content moderation and local regulatory challenges.

Israel will use the tax revenue it collects for the Palestinian Authority to settle the PA's $544 million debt to Israel Electric Company, after withholding funds since October 2023.

Chinese artist Hong Jinshi's Buddha-like Trump statues have gone viral, selling for up to $3,750, with Elon Musk's superhero statue next.

Shein workers face 75-hour weeks, earning as low as $1 per product, while dresses are sold for as little as $7.

Meta scraps DEI programs and US fact-checking to shift toward conservative priorities as Trump's second term approaches.

Brooklyn businessman Erden Arkan admitted to funding Eric Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign through illegal "straw donor" schemes, aiding a federal bribery case.

US job growth is expected to slow in December with 160,000 new jobs, only led by the healthcare and government sectors, while unemployment remains steady at 4.2%.

The US Supreme Court will hear TikTok's case to block a January 19 law requiring its sale or ban, amid debates over free speech and national security.

Delta Air Lines projects a strong 2025 with higher first-quarter earnings, driven by demand for premium services, and exceeded expectations in 2024's fourth quarter.

China's economy is trying to boost consumer spending through trade-in discounts for appliances and cars, but some economists doubt its long-term effectiveness.