From puppies to superheroes, Chinese AI toys are bringing hugs — and hesitation - CNBC

China's AI toy industry is growing as Beijing pushes companies and consumers to integrate the technology.

They’re medics, social workers, neighbors and 911. Meet the health care workers who do it all. - The Washington Post

The Community Paramedic program in Yancey County, North Carolina, is part of a nationwide effort to reduce nonemergency calls and to close health care gaps.

Airbnb fined £56m by Spain for advertising unlicensed properties - BBC

The government has been cracking down on the rentals firm as neighbourhoods protest against holiday lets.

What this week’s jobs data could reveal about the US economy - CNN

The November jobs report is landing at an odd time – on a Tuesday in mid-December, instead of (what’s usually) the first Friday of the month – due to the lingering impact of the historically long government shutdown.

Merriam-Webster names slop as its 2025 word of the year - NBC News

After yet another year of high-profile news stories and internet trends, Merriam-Webster has chosen one word to sum up 2025: Slop

EU will lose face if it rejects Mercosur deal, warns trade commissioner - Financial Times

Maroš Šefčovič says bloc must not delay vote on pact with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay

Lasting Statehouse fallout from Indiana redistricting debate? - Indiana Capital Chronicle

President Donald Trump’s failed push for an Indiana congressional redistricting tore divisions among the Republicans who dominated the state Legislature and with Gov. Mike Braun.

Thousands of U.S. farmers have Parkinson’s. They blame a deadly pesticide. - MLive.com

Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries, but still legal in the United States. Now, a growing number of U.S. farmers are blaming the toxic pesticide for their Parkinson's disease in a large lawsuit.

Deloitte’s CTO on a stunning AI transformation stat: companies are spending 93% on tech and only 7% on people - Fortune

Bill Briggs recognizes an old inertia inside the boardroom: "I felt it in my travels, but I hadn't been able to quantify it."

New clues about long covid’s cause could unlock treatments - The Washington Post

The latest research signals progress in understanding a condition that is afflicting millions of people.

Here’s what’s in the House GOP health care bill - CNN

House Republicans are set to vote this week on their version of a health care bill as the expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies looms ever closer.

SpaceX launches 120th Starlink mission of 2025 with midnight hour Falcon 9 flight - Spaceflight Now

Toxic smog blankets New Delhi, disrupting travel and plunging air quality to hazardous levels - ABC News

Dense toxic smog has blanketed New Delhi, pushing air pollution levels to their worst levels in weeks and disrupting travel

NFL stats and records, Week 15: Bills' Josh Allen joins elite company with sixth season of 35-plus offensive TDs - NFL.com

NFL Research spotlights the best nuggets from each slate of games. Here are the most eye-popping statistical accomplishments from Week 15 of the 2025 season.

NFL Week 15 winners and losers: Bills, Bears earn key victories; Packers defense in trouble? - NFL.com

In this edition of The First Read, Jeffri Chadiha identifies eight winners and losers from Week 15 as the playoff race tightens. Plus, updated NFL MVP rankings and a big-time divisional clash in Week 16.

iRobot files for bankruptcy - The Verge

The Roomba vacuum maker will be bought by Picea Robotics and plans to continue operating.