American consumers wrapped up the year in a spending mood, shopping for all sorts of merchandise from furniture to clothing, and eating out at restaurants, according to the latest government snapshot. The figures, announced Thursday, marked a clear sign that consumers are still able and willing to shop, and the data bodes well for 2025…… MORE
BP Cutting 4,700 Jobs Worldwide As Part Of Cost-Saving Drive
LONDON (AP) — U.K.-based oil company is cutting 4,700 jobs worldwide and a further 3,000 contractor roles as part of a cost-saving drive. CEO Murray Auchincloss sent an email to staff on Thursday that has been seen by The Associated Press. Auchincloss said that the job losses “account for much of the anticipated reduction this…… MORE
Supreme Court’s Decision On A Looming Tik-Tok Ban Could Come Friday
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision could come Friday in the case about whether TikTok must shut down in a few days under a federal law that seeks to force its sale by the Chinese company that owns the social media platform. TikTok is used by 170 million people in the U.S. The…… MORE
FTC Bans GM From Sharing Driving Data To Settle Claims That The Automaker Sold Data Without Consent
General Motors will be banned for five years from disclosing data that it collects from drivers to consumer reporting agencies as part of a settlement with the government to resolve claims that the automaker shared such data without consumers’ permission. GM and subsidiary OnStar, which operates a roadside assistance service, will be banned from sharing…… MORE
SpaceX Loses Spacecraft After Catching Rocket Booster At The Launch Pad In Latest Starship Test
SpaceX has caught its Starship rocket back at the pad following liftoff. But the spacecraft launched on top Thursday was destroyed. Elon Musk’s company confirmed the loss just minutes into the flight from the southern tip of Texas. The spacecraft’s engines shut down one by one, and contact soon was lost. SpaceX says it will…… MORE