December 22, 2025

Artificial Intelligence tied to more than 50,000 layoffs in 2025

As companies continue to embrace artificial intelligence, job losses tied to the technology are mounting. By the end of 2025, U.S. employers had announced roughly 1.17 million job cuts, according to CNBC, the highest annual total since the COVID-era layoffs of 2020, when more than two million jobs were lost nationwide.  AI’s growing role in […]

December 22, 2025

As elite college admissions tighten, early decision faces new scrutiny

Thousands of high school seniors received an early holiday gift this month: admission to their first choice college through early decision, often called “ED.” With binding ED, students apply to one school in November, agree to enroll if admitted and receive an answer in mid-December — months before many of their peers will even apply […]

December 22, 2025

US tracks third Venezuelan oil tanker; Epstein files draw contempt calls

The U.S. is pursuing a Venezuelan oil tanker amid escalating tensions from Trump’s tightening blockade. While the White House claims to be cracking down on black-market oil, a prominent Republican criticizes it as a provocation. Plus, more pressure to release the Epstein files and more anger over what remains hidden. Heavy redactions, missing details and […]

December 22, 2025

CBS pulls ‘60 Minutes’ deportation report after White House refuses interview

CBS News abruptly pulled a “60 Minutes” investigation into the Trump administration’s deportation of Venezuelan migrants just hours before it was set to air. The last-minute decision triggered a rare and unusually public backlash from inside one of television journalism’s most powerful institutions. According to The New York Times, CBS announced the change just three […]

December 22, 2025

Jim Beam pauses bourbon production as tariffs, oversupply squeeze industry

Jim Beam will temporarily halt bourbon production at its main Kentucky distillery starting Jan. 1, a sign that economic pressure is rippling through America’s signature spirits industry. The pause comes as distillers confront a barrel glut, higher carrying costs and uncertainty tied to global trade disputes. A pause, not a shutdown The James B. Beam Distilling […]

December 22, 2025

Witkoff calls Ukraine talks in Miami productive, Moscow downplays progress

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks over the weekend with Ukrainian leaders and European officials were “productive and constructive.” The talks in Florida were aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, with officials working to align their positions. Peace talks in Florida Witkoff met with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev on Saturday, officials from […]

December 22, 2025

Holiday travelers to face storms, flooding and snow disruptions nationwide

Planning to travel for the holidays? Rain and snow could drastically impact your trip to Grandma’s house. Travelers preparing for holiday journeys should anticipate significant weather-related disruptions across various regions of the country this week. The National Weather Service issued advisories for heavy rainfall and potential flooding, particularly affecting the Northwest and northern California, beginning on […]

December 22, 2025

Justice Department re-releases Epstein files after scrutiny over redactions

The Department of Justice re-released documents from Friday’s dump of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ said the documents are constantly under review. “Documents and photos will continue to be reviewed consistent with the law and with an abundance of caution for victims and their families,” the department posted on X. Deputy […]

December 22, 2025

Dogs as dependents? One woman’s suing the IRS to make it happen

An attorney filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York, aiming to get the IRS to allow pets to be claimed as dependents. Amanda Reynolds, an lawyer licensed in New York and Utah, argued in the complaint first reported on by Forbes that the way dogs are currently classified — as property — […]

December 22, 2025

Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela: reports

The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela on Sunday, after apprehending one just a day before, multiple news outlets are reporting. If the U.S. is successful, it would make for the third seizure of a vessel officials say is linked to Venezuela this month. “The United States Guard […]