The Trump team is preparing to assume power in Washington D.C. and levy new tariffs.

The U.S. is grappling with a worsening fentanyl epidemic, and tensions with China are central to the debate.

President Joe Biden’s diplomatic efforts with Beijing to curb the flow of fentanyl into the country have yielded limited progress, drawing criticism.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged a tougher approach, including tariffs and potential sanctions targeting Chinese entities involved in the drug trade.

With over 400,000 American lives lost to synthetic opioid overdoses in the past decade, the stakes for combating this crisis are higher than ever.

David Zhang from China Insider joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

U.S. retail sales could reach $75 billion, fueled by inflation-conscious shoppers seeking deep discounts.

This year’s Black Friday to Cyber Monday shopping stretch is projected to set new records as inflation-weary consumers seize deals both online and in stores.

According to Bain’s Black Friday Forecast, U.S. retail sales for the weekend are expected to hit an unprecedented $75 billion.

The National Retail Federation reports this represents a 5% increase from the same period in 2023, outpacing the overall growth forecast for the holiday shopping season.

The surge highlights consumers’ eagerness to maximize value amid rising costs.

Retailers have responded with aggressive promotions to attract buyers, blending in-store experiences with robust online campaigns.

This record-breaking weekend underscores the enduring power of holiday shopping in driving economic momentum, even in challenging financial times.

Australia has approved a social media ban for children under 16, a decision made after widespread public and parliamentary debate.

The new law requires companies like Meta and TikTok to prevent minors from accessing their platforms or face significant fines. Enforcement trials are set to begin in January, with the ban fully taking effect in one year.

This legislation places Australia at the forefront of age restriction laws related to social media, amidst growing concerns over its impact on youth mental health. While some countries have introduced similar restrictions, the Australian law is an outright ban.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Supporters of the ban, including a majority of the population, argue it is necessary for protecting children. However, it has faced criticism from privacy advocates, child rights groups, and some industry representatives, who warn it might hinder access for vulnerable youth and increase data collection.

Critics have also expressed concern about the legislative process, claiming it rushed through without comprehensive stakeholder consultation. Youth advocacy groups argue that the ban could prevent young people from accessing essential support networks.