Oil prices rose by 2% on Thursday as investors returned to the market with a positive outlook on China’s economy and fuel demand after President Xi Jinping pledged to promote growth in 2025. Brent crude futures increased $1.65, or 2.2%, to $76.29 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $1.75, or 2.4%, at … Read more
Melt Bar and Grilled owner Matt Fish announced on Instagram that he has made the difficult decision to permanently close all locations of the restaurant chain. The closure comes after years of struggling with debt and declining sales, despite efforts to reorganize and restructure the company. Fish shared his story in a New Year’s Day … Read more
Public health officials are monitoring a growing number of whooping cough cases in the Kansas City metro area and nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control reported over 32,000 pertussis cases in 2024, with triple-digit increases from last year’s totals. Experts say decreasing vaccination rates and lack of booster shots are contributing to the rise. “We … Read more
Apple TV is offering its entire library, including Severance, for free this weekend (January 4-5) as a New Year’s treat. The show’s creator, Dan Erickson, explained in an interview with Vanity Fair that the nearly three-year gap between seasons was due to the complexity of the writing process and resource management issues. The show follows … Read more
Norway has become a hub for Chinese electric cars, with their market share surging to nearly 10% of new car sales in just five years. The country’s favorable policies and lack of import tariffs have attracted numerous Chinese manufacturers, such as MG, BYD, and XPeng. China’s electric vehicle (EV) exports have skyrocketed, with the country … Read more
South Korea is experiencing a deepening political crisis, with its third president in as many weeks. The country’s struggles are exacerbated by the most deadly air disaster in South Korean history. Meanwhile, changes in the governance of Brazil’s football teams have attracted significant investment, potentially paving the way for the country to rival England’s top … Read more
A truck plowed through crowds in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people, sparking fears that the international terrorist group, ISIS, may have played a role. President Biden confirmed that the driver posted videos on social media “mere hours” before the attack, indicating inspiration from ISIS. Law enforcement is investigating the … Read more
Apple is reportedly working on an ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be released next year with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup. The device features a refreshed design, marking a significant departure from recent variants that have stuck to minor tweaks. The concept, shared by Technizo Concept on YouTube, showcases a … Read more
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to “fight until the end” as he faces an arrest warrant over his short-lived imposition of martial law last month. In a letter to supporters, Yoon vowed to protect the country together with them, sparking concerns from opposition parties. A court approved a warrant for Yoon’s … Read more
Alibaba Group Holding is selling its controlling stake in Chinese hypermarket operator Sun Art for up to HK$12.3 billion ($1.6 billion) amid declining sales and a shift towards core business focus. The e-commerce giant agreed to sell over 70% of its stake to private equity firm DCP Capital, led by former KKR Greater China CEO … Read more