After a teddy bear talked about kink, AI watchdogs are warning parents against smart toys

Donald Trump has granted clemency to David Gentile, the founder and former CEO of GPB Capital, who was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme that defrauded numerous investors. This decision comes as Gentile had just begun serving his sentence, raising questions about the implications of such clemency actions.

The upmarket bakery chain Gail’s has announced plans to open 40 additional outlets following a significant sales increase of 20% last year, reaching £278 million. Despite the growth, the company reported a widening pre-tax loss of £7.8 million due to rising staff and energy costs, alongside expenses related to the opening of new locations.

Utah has become the first state in the US to pass legislation allowing the purchase and installation of small, portable solar panels that can be plugged into standard wall sockets, making solar energy more accessible to residents. This change is expected to enable millions of Americans to benefit from balcony solar technology, which is simpler and less expensive than traditional solar panel systems.

Research in England indicates that water shortages could significantly hinder the UK's plans to achieve net zero emissions, particularly affecting carbon capture and hydrogen projects. The Environment Agency has raised concerns about potential widespread drought conditions in the coming year, intensifying tensions among government, water suppliers, and regulators.

U.S. Black Friday sales have shown resilience, with consumers spending significantly despite ongoing inflation and economic concerns, as evidenced by bustling shopping scenes outside major retailers like Macy's in Midtown Manhattan.

U.S. Black Friday online spending reached a record $11.8 billion, driven by increased consumer preference for digital shopping, as reported by Adobe. This marks a 9.1% increase from the previous year, showcasing the growing influence of e-commerce during the holiday shopping season.

U.S. ecommerce sales surged by 9.1% on Black Friday, reaching $11.8 billion according to Adobe, indicating a strong preference for online shopping amid ongoing economic uncertainties. However, the performance of physical stores remains uncertain, with mixed results reported.

Small business owners in the U.S. are expressing concern over the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on holiday sales, which have raised prices on popular goods and led to a significant number of businesses closing. Despite hopes for strong holiday sales, many owners remain skeptical about alleviating the financial strain experienced throughout the year.