IGNORED WARNING: Female skier mauled by snow leopard in China after approaching within 10 feet for photo. Authorities had warned of predator sightings near the hotel the day before. Her helmet likely prevented more severe injuries. https://t.co/nX8pi13ZBD
PAY BUMP: American workers at the bottom end of the pay scale are set to see the minimum wage rise in 19 states effective on New Year's Day, while three other states are also planning minimum wage increases later in 2026.
STARTING ON A HIGH NOTE: Homebuyers can usher in 2026 with a little relief as mortgage rates fell to the lowest level of 2025 in a final report of the year.
The average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage decreased to 6.15%, from last week's reading of 6.18%, in Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
🚨 BREAKING: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces sweeping crackdown on gender treatments that "endanger" children:
"This is not medicine. It is malpractice. We're done with junk science."