U.S. airstrikes, retail returns, and the ideal desk setup.

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Big Stories

U.S. airstrikes hit Kataib Hezbollah sites in Iraq after attack on US troops

The U.S. military launched airstrikes on three Iranian-backed militia groups after an attack injured three U.S. troops in Northern Iraq on Monday.

• Details: Kataib Hezbollah militants claimed credit for using a one-way attack drone to target U.S. forces on Erbil Air Base on Monday morning, the White House said. One of the three injured soldiers is in critical condition. Early assessments of the U.S. airstrikes signaled that they likely killed a number of the Kataib militants. The Iraqi government said that one security “serviceman” was killed and 18 others “including civilians,” were injured.

• Iraqi officials referred to the retaliatory strikes as “hostile acts” that are unacceptable under any circumstances. They also stressed that the attacks could harm relations between the two countries. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin briefed the president about options before Biden ordered the strikes. Austin called the response “necessary and proportionate.”

• Big picture: The incident is part of escalating tensions in the region that have intensified since October, following the attack on Israel by Hamas. U.S. troops have experienced over 100 attacks in Iraq and Syria over the past two months. The Biden administration has worked to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control in region but has faced criticism from Republicans for not countering every attack with an attack. Defense Secretary Austin said that the U.S. would prefer to deescalate the situation but will do what’s necessary to protect its people and facilities.

The evolution of retail return policies

Consumers now have a chance to escape the hassle of the holiday return lines with retailers offering new ways to return gifts.

• Why it matters: While some retailers have added return fees, others have created new options that allow you to complete returns without leaving your car or home.

• The cost of returns: Due to the surge in online shopping during the pandemic, many retailers adopted lenient return policies, but now, free returns by mail are disappearing, with some retailers even charging fees for returns. For instance, Amazon has introduced a $1 fee for certain returns at UPS stores. In 2022, returns accounted for a $816 billion in lost sales, or 18% of total sales.

• Return solutions: To make returns more convenient, some major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Uber have introduced new options.

  • Target and Walmart now offer curbside returns, and Walmart+ members can have returns picked up from home for free.

  • Uber launched a returns service in Oct. where drivers pick up returns and then drop them off at shipping locations.

  • Other services like Happy Returns (acquired by UPS) and FedEx Consolidated Returns are accepting box-free, label-free returns at various locations.

  However, these options are still a work in progress. Most of the services are designed for shoppers who placed the order and not every item can be returned through one of the newer methods.

Winter storms slow holiday travel in the Midwest

A powerful winter storm is impacting millions of people in the Plains region and Upper Midwest, leading to blizzard conditions and winter weather alerts.

• Details: Holiday travelers are dealing with hazardous whiteout conditions and delays caused by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and potentially harmful ice. The National Weather Service anticipates the winter storm conditions will continue through early Wednesday.

• Areas affected: In Colorado's eastern plains, a blizzard forced the closure of a section of Interstate 70 and caused disruptions at Denver International Airport, with numerous flight delays and cancellations. In Nebraska, slippery road conditions and reduced visibility are affecting the evening commute. Portions of highways in the state have been closed due to the low visibility. Additionally, power outages have been reported in North Dakota and Minnesota, with thousands of customers affected.

• Official warnings: The National Weather Service cautioned drivers about slippery roads, falling tree branches, and power lines due to high winds and heavy snow. Travel restrictions are advised, and those who must travel should have a winter survival kit. Utility companies are working to restore power in affected areas, but challenging conditions like ice, mud, and ongoing rain are complicating their efforts.

Little Stories

U.S. News

• GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has ceased TV ad spending ahead of next month’s Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary. His campaign will continue spending on other forms of ads. (More)

• The Transportation Security Administration stopped a woman from brining a loaded gun onto a plane on Christmas Eve at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. (More)

• A federal appeals court overturned the conviction of former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, saying that trying him in California for alleged foreign campaign donations violated his due process rights. (More)

World

• Israel has expanded its Gaza ground offensive into urban refugee camps claiming that the settlements are used by Palestinian militants. The push into refugee camps shrinks what few safe places remain for displaced Gazans. (More)

• Ukraine announced that it damaged a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea. It is being hailed as a big win for Ukraine with waning Western support affecting its front-line operations. (More)

• The Turkish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO, sending the measure to the country’s full general assembly for a vote. Turkey’s president has delayed action on the bid for a year. (More)

Business & Economy

• U.S. stock markets closed higher on Tuesday (S&P +0.42%, Nasdaq +0.54%, Dow 0.43%). (More)

• U.S. retail sales increased by 3.1% this holiday season, according to a Mastercard poll. Restaurant spending increased 7.8% from 2022, while apparel and grocery purchases were up 2.4% and 2.1%. (More)

• Israel has given a $3.2 billion grant to Intel as part of a $25 billion investment the chip company is making in a manufacturing facility near Tel Aviv. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• The Detroit Pistons set an unfortunate NBA record by extending their losing streak to 27 games — the most consecutive losses in a single season in league history. (More)

• Kanye West apologized in Hebrew to the Jewish community for his “unplanned” antisemitic outburst earlier this month. (More)

• Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was named Western Conference player of the week after leading Memphis to its first three-game winning streak this season. Until last Tuesday, he was serving a 25-game suspension. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Japan's space agency's "Moon Sniper" lander successfully entered the moon's orbit on Christmas Day, bringing the country closer to its goal of landing a robotic explorer on the moon's surface for the first time. (More)

• Researchers have developed an “electronic soil” that helps Barley seedlings grow on average 50% more when their root system is stimulated electrically. (More)

• The U.S. has decided to keep the ban on importing Apple Watches, as the Biden administration chose not to overturn a decision by the International Trade Commission. (More)

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