The Federal Reserve just dropped $40 billion into the U.S. banking system, making it the biggest year-end liquidity injection since the 2008 financial crisis. This move gives banks extra breathing room amid tighter year-end lending conditions. Analysts say the move signals more than routine support, with underlying stress bubbling beneath record global liquidity. Meanwhile, Bitcoin and other risk assets are watching closely, as the Fed’s “not QE” purchases could hit $220 billion over the next year to keep the system flush. (Yahoo Finance)

Betty Boop, Blondie, and a wave of 1930s-era icons officially enter the public domain on Jan. 1, meaning creators can reuse their earliest appearances without permission or payment. This includes Nancy Drew, Sam Spade, Miss Marple, Marx Brothers films, early Mickey Mouse cartoons, and jazz standards like “I Got Rhythm.” While trademarks still limit merch, the creative floodgates are open. For remix culture fans, Public Domain Day just became a lot more flapper-era fun. (AP News)

Tesla’s EV sales fell 16% in Q4, marking the second straight annual decline as Chinese rival BYD overtakes it in battery-electric vehicle deliveries. U.S. buyers rushed EV purchases before the $7,500 tax credit expired, leaving Tesla’s sales in reverse once it ended. Despite the slump, Tesla stock hit record highs thanks to optimism over its robotaxi rollout and Elon Musk’s bets on autonomous vehicles and Optimus robots. (Business Insider)

Self-driving cars promise hands-free travel, but real-world crashes show they still struggle in risky moments. A new study found that monitoring passengers’ brain signals, using noninvasive sensors that track stress and risk perception, can help autonomous cars make safer decisions. When riders appeared uneasy, the vehicle automatically switched to a more cautious driving mode. Early tests show improved safety and comfort, though broader real-world testing is still needed.  (Health Day)

Trump just hit the snooze button on tariffs. In a move that spares your IKEA couch and kitchen renovation budget, he delayed increases on upholstered furniture, cabinets, and vanities for another year. The White House says this is the latest in a string of tariff tweaks aimed at easing consumer pain, though critics argue it’s mostly a political play. For now, your next flat-pack furniture haul just got a little cheaper. (Reuters)