Why it matters: The California Department of Transportation has completed a pilot program for a road usage charge to replace the gas tax as more electric vehicles hit the roads. The gas tax covers about 80% of road maintenance costs, but as the state aims for its 2045 net-zero goal, officials predict a significant funding drop. The proposed road charge would bill drivers 2 to 4 cents per mile, potentially impacting those with long commutes.

What could possibly go wrong?: Perhaps the most complicated aspect of per-mile fees would be the reporting/auditing. I reckon Ferris Bueller would have the perfect plan for avoiding per-mile fees.

Why it matters: Speaking of transportation fees ... Traffic in parts of Manhattan decreased by 11% in the first half of the year following the implementation of a new congestion fee, according to a Cornell University analysis. The toll, which began on January 5, charges passenger cars $9 during peak hours to enter the area south of 60th Street. The initiative also reduced pollution by 22% and is projected to generate $500 million in revenue in 2025 to support the modernization of New York City's transit network.

Why it matters: Not a lot of surprises on this list. Ronald Reagan Washington National, Newark and O'Hare have the lowest on-time percentages. However, it's important to note that this data was collected before the US government shutdown caused air traffic chaos all over the country.

Why it matters: Research involving more than 8,000 children indicates that social media use is associated with a gradual increase in inattentiveness, a core symptom of ADHD. Interestingly, the study found no similar effect from gaming or video watching. Australia's new law, requiring social media users to be at least 16, could serve as a model for addressing these concerns globally.

Why it matters: Spotify has expanded its music video feature to Premium subscribers in the US and Canada, marking a significant step in its strategy to compete with YouTube in the music video space. The rollout allows users to switch between audio and visual streaming. 

Speaking of Spotify: Spotify recently unveiled its end-of-year Wrapped feature. This year's Wrapped included a bit where the platform tells each user their 'age' based on their listening habits. Much fun has been had amongst my friends because some have been labeled teenagers, while others listen a couple decades older than their actual age. My 'age' was 48, so it's nice to know I am pretty much listening my age.

Why it matters: The only reason I am sharing this story is because it immediately made me think of the movie "The Departed."

US authorities have arrested two businessmen in connection with a smuggling operation that attempted to illegally export NVIDIA GPUs worth over $50 million to China. The GPUs are vital for AI applications, and their illicit export underscores the competitive tensions between the US and China in the AI sector.

Of course, the main reason the microprocessor plotline in "The Departed" is so memorable is because of the way some of the characters said 'microprocessors' ... or better yet, 'micwhoapwwaacessors'

Why it matters: AB InBev has opened a new de-alcoholization facility in Magor, south Wales, to meet the growing demand for no-alcohol and low-alcohol beers. Despite the high production costs, the company sees this as a significant opportunity, with the no-alcohol beer market expected to grow significantly.