New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
noyb Files GDPR Complaints Against TikTok, Grindr, and AppsFlyer Over Alleged Illegal Data Tracking. 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
The UK is surprisingly short of water – but more reservoirs aren’t the answer 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Fertile land for growing vegetables is at risk — but a scientific discovery could turn the tide 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
We combed through old botanical surveys to track how plants on Australia’s islands are changing 
Amazon in Talks to Invest $10 Billion in OpenAI as AI Firm Eyes $1 Trillion IPO Valuation 
How is Antarctica melting, exactly? Crucial details are beginning to come into focus 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Apple Explores India for iPhone Chip Assembly as Manufacturing Push Accelerates 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Thousands of satellites are due to burn up in the atmosphere every year – damaging the ozone layer and changing the climate 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
McDonald’s is currently testing if it can eliminate the use of straws as part of a long-term sustainability effort.
Strawless lids are currently being tested in some McDonald’s locations across the US.
The fast-food giant is testing cups with lids that have a pullback tab, similar to the ones used by Dunkin’ and Starbucks.
McDonald’s pull-back tab provides at least some closure to prevent spills, whereas the Starbucks lids have a wide opening that stays open.
The main point of these new lids is to reduce McDonald’s reliance on certain single-use plastics in its consumer-facing packaging.
According to McDonald’s, the lids help optimize their packaging and eliminate the use of small plastics, which is one of the many solutions they’re reviewing as part of their global commitment to reduce waste across restaurants and advance recycling.
