President Biden decided to let President-elect Donald Trump handle the implementation of the law targeting TikTok.Bonnie Cash/UPI/Shutterstock
The official indicated that Biden, 82, has decided to pass the buck to President-elect Donald Trump, according to the Associated Press, leaving the implementation of the law targeting the Chinese-owned social media app up to the incoming administration.
The law, which cleared both chambers of Congress and was approved by the president last year, compels TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest itself from the social media app by Jan. 19 or face a US ban.
Trump has mentioned that he has expressed a desire to “save” TikTok by possibly implementing an executive action that would delay the sell-or-ban law of the ban for up to 90 days.Getty Images
TikTok — used by more than 170 million Americans monthly — is reportedly planning to shut down the app on Sunday.
Trump, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to “save” TikTok, is reportedly considering executive action that would delay the implementation of the sell-or-ban law of the ban for up to 90 days.
This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.
As the table below shows, more than half of all H-1B visa beneficiaries in 2024 were seen among the leading petitioning companies in 2024, largely focused in the tech sector:
Data as of September 30, 2024.
For the past five years, Amazon has been the top company by number of approved H-1B visas, mainly consisting of engineers and tech jobs.
Today, many big tech firms have significant resources to hire lawyers which aid in the application process. This often gives them an advantage in the lottery system, which grants visas that are typically oversubscribed past the annual cap. In fact, many major tech companies will apply for more than they need.
Ranking in second is Infosys, a multinational IT outsourcing firm based in India. Like Infosys, India-based Tata Consultancy Services relies on the H-1B visa program. In 2024, it generated more than 50% of its revenues in North America, its largest market.
While tech companies tend to apply for higher-paying roles, IT outsourcing firms typically submit applications for less-senior positions. For instance, the median H-1B salary at Microsoft is $160,000 in contrast with $82,000 at Tata Consultancy Services in 2024.
Overall, the H-1B visa program has been shown to have a multitude of benefits. Big companies utilizing H-1Bs have been shown to have higher revenue, enhanced innovation, and longer survival rates. Going further, it has driven more U.S. patents and higher productivity across the U.S. economy.
A majority (77%) of pet owners are interested in a health reset in 2025 — and nearly as many (69%) are considering one for their pet, too.
A survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners compared pet priorities and spending this year to last. Why the focus on health?
The annual survey found that pet parents are taking a proactive stance. Just half of those whose pet experienced an unexpected health event in 2024 were financially prepared for the cost (52%), down from 82% who said the same in 2023. On average, this event cost respondents $560.80.
If their pet were to face a medical emergency, under half of pet parents surveyed would be financially prepared (49% — down from 59% in 2023).
These costly circumstances contribute to why fewer pet owners are interested in getting a new pet in 2025 (27%) than those who said the same about 2024 (66%).
Even more, their furry friend still takes precedence: respondents’ relationship with their current pet was most likely to be top of mind when asked what they would consider most in thinking about getting a new pet (25%).
The survey conducted by Talker Research for MetLife found that the average pet parent spent $2,085.60 on their four-legged friends in 2024.
A majority (77%) of pet owners are interested in a health reset in 2025 — and nearly as many (69%) are considering one for their pet, too. SWNS
While 45% anticipate spending the same amount of money on their pet in 2025, with rising inflation and pet aging, 36% think they’ll end up spending even more.
But regardless of cost, pet owners are not holding back on spending for their pets. Fifty-five percent said they do not have a regular budget for how much they spend on their pet.
More than a third of pet parents have found themselves loosening up on budgets with work or their family schedule impacting their care expenses (37%).
“While we know that rising costs are top of mind for many pet owners, it’s important to remember that investing in your pet’s health today can save you from bigger challenges tomorrow,” said Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance. “Quality care and preventive treatments are key to keeping your pet happy and healthy, and there are more affordable options available to help ensure they get the care they deserve. We’re committed to providing support and solutions that make it easier for you to give your pet the best care without compromise.”
Cost of care may be top of mind when respondents think about their busy schedules and the implications of traveling; the thought of leaving their pet at home makes them feel anxious (48%) and sad (48%) above all.
When they do need to leave their furry friend at home, pet parents would be most likely to consider asking a family member to pet sit or have their pet stay with them (64%), above hiring a pet sitter (23%) or boarding them at a pet lodging facility (16%).
While 45% anticipate spending the same amount of money on their pet in 2025, with rising inflation and pet aging, 36% think they’ll end up spending even more.SWNS
Avoiding being apart is a focus — as pet parents are keen on enjoying the time with their canine and feline friends, reflecting on some of their favorite memories of their pet from 2024 like spending quality time together (60% — doubled from 32% in 2023), playing with them (47% — up from 29% in 2023) and taking pictures of or with them (31% — up from 10% in 2023).
“As we begin a new year, ensuring your pet is covered with the right insurance and care brings peace of mind for both you and your pet companion,” said Jorgensen. “With that security in place, you can worry less about the unexpected and focus more on spending quality time together, knowing that whatever comes your way, you and your pet are prepared to tackle the future together.”
LESSONS PET OWNERS HAVE SHARED
“Plan in advance. Living in a state where hurricanes hit makes you buy extra things for your pets in advance.”
“Always have regular routine vet visits.”
“That we never know when something will happen, so treasure each moment of every day.”
“If you give them something from your soul, they will give it right back to you from their own soul.”
“It’s actually very easy to teach an old dog new tricks.”
“Their behavior will change over time. For example with dogs, they will be more tame and less hyper as they age.”
“Pets give so much to their owners and ask for hardly anything in return. They freely give unconditional love.”
“That pets are really family and if they aren’t happy, neither are you.”
“The importance of being patient and attentive to my pet’s needs. Whether it’s noticing small changes in their behavior or giving them extra love during stressful times, being present makes a big difference.”
“That my pet’s quality of life depends on me.”
“To trust my dog’s instincts when he’s trying to tell me something.”
“Every animal has their own needs and quirks. If you pay enough attention to their routines and habits and reactions, you can learn how to help them and give them an even better life.”
“We humans could learn from their loyalty.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 dog and cat owners; the survey was commissioned by MetLife and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 25 and Nov. 28, 2024.
Abbott Laboratories “purposely marketed” toddler milks to portray them as the next recommended step in a child’s diet – but the sugary drinks can actually cause health issues like obesity, according to a lawsuit.
The maker of Similac-branded products was accused of deceptively advertises the toddler milk products to parents of children aged 12 to 36 months in a complaint filed Tuesday in US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Public Health Advocacy Institute.
“Toddler milk is purposely marketed and labeled to look like infant formula,” said Andrew Rainer, the attorney at PHAI leading the case. “It sits on shelves next to infant formula, and is promoted as the next stage in child nutrition – all in an attempt to convince parents and caregivers to buy a product toddlers don’t need.”
Abbott Laboratories is purposefully misleading customers with its marketing of toddler milks, according to a new lawsuit.sheilaf2002 – stock.adobe.com
The Similac milk is sold in the same-size cans and tubs, labeled similarly and sold on the same shelves as its baby formula. But unlike the baby formula, its toddler products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, according to PHAI, a non-profit legal research center located at Northeastern University.
“This case is without merit,” an Abbott spokesperson told The Post in a statement. “Abbott’s representations of its toddler nutrition products are accurate, and our claims are well-supported.”
The class action suit wants Abbott to change its marketing practices and return money spent on the products to customers.
The lawsuit accuses Abbott of creating products called “transition formulas,” “follow-on formulas,” “weaning formulas” and “toddler milks” to boost earnings as infant formula sales declined.
Between 2006 and 2015, advertising spending on such products quadrupled, according to the suit. And the toddler drinks have become quite a lucrative business – averaging more than $500 million in sales each year since 2018, the suit said.
The “Go & Grow Toddler Drink by Similac” and “Pure Bliss Toddler Drink by Similac” are labeled “Stage 3” products – indicating they are the next recommended step after Abbott’s “Stage 1” baby formula and “Stage 2” transitional formula, according to PHAI.
But alongside not being regulated by the FDA, toddler milk is not recommended by nutritional experts, the institute argued.
“More than just unnecessary, toddler milk products can actually be harmful to a child’s nutritional health,” said Dr. George Fuchs, professor of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Kentucky, who led the AAP report on toddler milks.
“The added sugars can increase a toddler’s preference for sweetened foods, contributing to obesity and other health risks throughout their lives,” Fuchs said.
Abbott’s toddler milk products each contain four grams of added sugar per serving – or about 20% added sugar, according to the lawsuit.
Last year, the formula maker was ordered topay nearly $500 million in damagesin a separate suit after a jury found its Similac products caused a young girl to develop a dangerous bowel disease.
