Lumber Liquidators (LL) jumped 20 percent in premarket trading, after investor Whitney Tilson proclaimed the company to be "sloppy and naive, but not evil." Tilson also said he covered his short on the stock. (CNBC)
Xerox (XRX) saw billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn raise his stake in the technology provider to 8.13 percent from the prior 7.13 percent, which was announced in November. (CNBC)
Hudson's Bay, owner of Saks Fifth Avenue, is near a deal to buy Gilt Groupe for about $250 million, about a quarter of the reported valuation for the online luxury retailer four years ago. (WSJ)
Alibaba (BABA) and Disney (DIS) are launching an over-the-top content system in China aimed at boosting sales of movie-related toys, books, and trips to Disneyland. The device costs $125. (WSJ)
For Disney, the Los Angeles premiere of "The Force Awakens" last night was a celebration of its $4 billion decision in 2012 to get into the "Star Wars" business. (NY Times)
Good news for SiriusXM (SIRI) — shock jock Howard Stern will be staying at the satellite radio provider.
Seattle has become the first city in the nation to allow drivers of ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to unionize. The companies strongly oppose the move, and they're expected to fight the vote in court. (AP)
Nine of the top GOP candidates face off for their final primetime debate of 2015 in Las Vegas tonight, with Donald Trump once again the front-runner in the race and Ted Cruz surging nationally and in Iowa. (USA Today)
Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton is coming to Minnesota today to give what is being billed as a major speech to lay out her plan to defeat Islamic terrorists. (Star Tribune)
The deadline is today for those without health care insurance to sign up for Obamacare in time for coverage to begin on Jan. 1. People have until Jan. 31 to obtain insurance or face the penalty. (USA Today)