Today’s topics

• NASA’s X-59 Quesst is redefining supersonic travel

• Driving into Manhattan will cost you $9

• The DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome

• Plastic-eating insect found in Kenya

  and more…

Stock indexes held steady Tuesday night as investors awaited Nvidia's earnings. The Dow edged up 7 points, the S&P 500 remained flat, and the Nasdaq dipped less than 0.1%. Nvidia shares jumped nearly 5% earlier, pushing the Nasdaq up 1% and the S&P 500 up 0.4%.

Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy. Spirit Airlines just filed for bankruptcy, but don't cancel your plans yet. The budget airline struck a deal to restructure its debt and promises to keep flying, honoring tickets, credits, and loyalty points. After years of losses and a failed merger, this move wasn’t shocking—the airline hasn’t turned a full-year profit since 2019. This makes Spirit the first major U.S. airline to file for Chapter 11 since 2011.

DOJ pushes Google to sell Chrome. The DOJ wants a judge to force Google to sell its Chrome browser, accusing it of dominating search and ads unfairly. Chrome controls two-thirds of the global browser market, fueling Google’s ad business. The DOJ also seeks changes to Google’s AI and Android systems. Google calls the move a "radical agenda" that could harm consumers, while the DOJ hasn’t commented.

Amazon’s Haul takes on Shein and Temu. Amazon just launched Haul, a bargain hunter’s dream with products priced at $20 or less. Exclusive to the Amazon app for U.S. shoppers, Haul offers "crazy low prices" on items, with delivery taking up to two weeks. This move targets low-cost giants Shein and Temu, which have thrived despite criticism over their environmental impact. The retail price war just got hotter.

How many gamers are out there? (more than you think) Gaming isn’t just a hobby—it’s a global phenomenon. With the industry valued at $282 billion today, it’s set to hit $363 billion by 2027. Right now, around 3.09 billion people are active gamers worldwide. By 2024, that number will rise to 3.32 billion. Gaming is more than entertainment—it’s a booming global market that keeps growing every year.

HeyGen’s AI Avatars: Attend Zoom Calls Without Being There

HeyGen’s new Interactive Avatar feature lets you skip meetings without missing them. Create an AI-powered version of yourself to attend Zoom calls and live interactions on your behalf. Now you can be everywhere—without being anywhere.

AI Haggler: your new travel hack for hotel deals. AI Haggler is an impressive example of AI, designed to save you time and money on last-minute hotel deals. This smart assistant negotiates discounts on your behalf. Simply share hotel details, choose your language, and let it secure the best price. In minutes, you’ll get results—and even listen to how it handled the call.

NASA’s X-59 recycles old tech for silent supersonic flight. NASA’s X-59 Quesst is redefining supersonic travel. The experimental jet recently fired up its engine, marking a critical step toward proving that supersonic speeds can happen without the disruptive sonic boom. The secret lies in its innovative design, which combines advanced technology with recycled, decades-old aircraft parts.

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$12K eye color switch. A 20-minute surgery to permanently change your eye color is gaining traction in the U.S. This $12,000 procedure called keratopigmentation involves injecting pigment into the cornea, effectively masking your natural iris color with your chosen shade. Originally popular in Europe, this trend is now making waves stateside, with most clinics located in the New York City area. But experts urge caution. The American Academy of Ophthalmology highlights serious risks, including infection, inflammation, light sensitivity, and even permanent vision loss.

NYC’s congestion toll gets green light. Starting January 5, 2025, driving into Manhattan below 60th Street will cost you $9. The MTA just approved NYC’s congestion pricing plan, aiming to ease traffic and fund transit upgrades. Drivers on the FDR and West Side Highway are in the clear, but those entering the zone will pay the toll—on top of bridge and tunnel fees. Governor Hochul says no rate hikes for at least three years, but the toll could rise after that.

Italian village offers $1 homes to upset Americans. Ollolai, a small village in Italy, is offering $1 homes to Americans disappointed by the recent election. Known for selling rundown houses to attract new residents, Ollolai now hopes to lure expats with its latest offer. With a dedicated website for would-be buyers, the village aims to revive its community while giving you a chance to start fresh.

Plastic-eating insect found in Kenya. Scientists in Kenya have discovered mealworm larvae that can eat and break down polystyrene, a common pollutant. While a few insects worldwide can do this, it's the first time an African species has shown this ability.

Pink grasshoppers are real—and super rare. Pink grasshoppers are so rare that only 1% of people are likely to spot one in their lifetime. Their bright pink hue comes from a genetic mutation called erythrism, which creates too much red pigment and not enough black. These colorful critters, mostly found in Europe and Asia, have also been spotted in U.S. states like Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. But being so bold comes with a downside—their color makes them easy targets for predators.

TikTok of the day: watch here