Highlights:

• Palantir AI System Wins Key Pentagon Status — The US Defense Department will establish Palantir Technologies' Maven AI system as a "program of record," integrating the technology into combat operations. Bloomberg Politics

• Trump Says He Doesn't Want Ceasefire With Iran — Trump's recent comments about winding down Middle East military operations contradict expanding force deployments and rising risks to global oil flows. Bloomberg Politics

• New Zealand Rating Outlook Cut to Negative by Fitch on Debt — Fitch Ratings cut New Zealand's credit rating outlook to negative due to concerns about slower-than-expected government debt reduction. Bloomberg Economics

• Judge Rejects Trump Restrictions on Pentagon Reporters — A federal judge in Washington blocked the Trump administration's decision to curtail reporter activities at the Pentagon. Bloomberg Politics

• US Allows Sale of Stranded Iran Oil to Cap Fuel-Price Rises — The US Treasury permitted the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemical products loaded onto tankers to counter rising oil prices from Middle East conflict. Bloomberg Politics

• Trump Administration Nears CDC Pick as Agency Faces Ongoing Leadership Changes — The Trump administration is closing in on a new leader for the CDC following a tumultuous year of attacks and leadership transitions. Bloomberg Politics

• Salary, Pension Reforms to Drain $3.4 Billion From Peru's Coffers — Peruvian lawmakers are pushing public salary and pension reforms that may add approximately 12 billion soles ($3.45 billion) in spending over the next year. Bloomberg Economics