Waitrose initially decided not to hire Tom Boyd, an autistic man who volunteered at their store for four years. After public attention and an offer from rival supermarket Asda, Waitrose reversed its decision and offered him a paid position. The family is considering the offer while discussing options with both companies.
Key Facts
Tom Boyd volunteered at Waitrose for four years without pay.
Waitrose initially decided not to offer Tom a paid job despite his volunteering.
After the decision, Asda offered Tom a paid position at its store.
Waitrose later reversed its decision and offered Tom a paid job.
Waitrose expressed a commitment to help people with disabilities gain employment.
Tom's work ethic was praised by managers at Waitrose.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham supported Tom and encouraged employers to follow inclusive practices.
The family is evaluating which job offer is best for Tom.
Young people, specifically those from Gen Z and millennial generations, are increasing their activity in sports betting, though future growth may slow down. According to a report by TransUnion, economic factors like debt and economic uncertainty could impact this trend. The report emphasizes the need for responsible gambling practices.
Key Facts
Gen Z and millennials are the main group increasing sports betting.
TransUnion reports betting activities rose from 25% to 30% from Q2 2024 to Q2 2025.
Traditional casinos are still most popular, but online sports betting is growing fast.
Online sportsbook activity increased by 7% year-over-year for these younger groups.
Physical sportsbook betting fell 1% for Gen Z but rose 11% for millennials.
Economic issues like student loans and low income could slow betting growth.
Monthly debt payments for these groups have increased significantly, surpassing inflation and wage growth.
TransUnion highlights the importance of responsible gambling due to financial vulnerability among young bettors.
Seniors receiving Social Security benefits will get a 2.8% increase in their payments in 2026 due to a cost-of-living adjustment. This adjustment is intended to help offset inflation, but higher Medicare costs will reduce the net benefit increase many seniors see.
Key Facts
Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026.
Around 75 million Americans depend on these benefits monthly.
The increase is based on inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The average retiree will receive about $56 more each month.
Medicare Part B premiums are also rising, leaving seniors with a smaller net increase.
Since 2010, seniors have lost about 20% of their purchasing power due to inflation outpacing COLA adjustments.
The COLA adjustment will appear in January Social Security checks.
Green energy stocks are rising again, despite political challenges under President Trump. They increased by 40% this year, outperforming the S&P 500. However, they still haven't fully recovered from previous losses.
Key Facts
Green energy stocks went up by 40% in 2023.
These stocks outperformed the S&P 500 by 25 percentage points.
The index includes 83 companies focused on clean energy.
The rally is largely due to companies like China's CATL and Bloom Energy.
Interest in AI power demand is helping some companies in the index.
The index lost nearly 60% of its value in 2022 and 2023.
Despite gains, the index is still 40% below its peak in 2021.
Early-stage and private clean energy companies face challenges due to fewer government incentives.
President Donald Trump plans to import more beef from Argentina to help reduce high beef prices in the U.S. However, there are concerns that this beef might actually come from Brazil, raising questions about food safety and the impact on American farmers. The plan has faced criticism from farmers and lawmakers who worry it goes against the "America First" policy.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to import more Argentine beef to lower beef prices in the U.S.
The U.S. plans to increase the amount of beef imported from Argentina to 80,000 metric tons.
Critics worry that imported beef labeled as Argentine could actually come from Brazil.
Concerns center on Brazil's past food safety issues and impact on local farmers.
American farmers and some lawmakers feel this plan might harm domestic agriculture.
President Trump has urged farmers to reduce their prices amidst their financial struggles.
Brazil faces high tariffs on beef from the U.S., but fears persist about its beef entering via Argentina.
The U.S. Cattlemen's Association is worried about foreign beef affecting local markets.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports that the plan to shift healthcare from hospitals to community health hubs is in jeopardy due to stress on community services. Issues include long wait times and insufficient staffing, especially in mental health care, GP services, and social care. The government claims it is investing in these areas to address challenges.
Key Facts
The CQC says community health services are too stretched to handle moving care from hospitals.
Issues include long waiting times and not enough staff in mental health, GP, and social care services.
One-third of adult mental health patients face waits of three months or more for treatment.
Only half of patients find it easy to contact GP services by phone.
The number of district nurses has decreased by 50% per person over 65 in the last 14 years.
Only 3.6% of older people are now getting state-funded social care, down from over 8% two decades ago.
The government states it is working to improve the situation with more investment and a 10-year NHS plan.
A successful local initiative in North London managed to reduce emergency visits by providing tailored support.
Target is laying off 1,000 corporate employees and closing nearly 800 open positions to try to improve its business performance. The company announced these changes due to several quarters of slow sales and plans to become stronger and more efficient.
Key Facts
Target is cutting 1,000 corporate jobs.
Nearly 800 vacant positions at Target will not be filled.
The layoffs and position closures affect about 8% of Target's corporate workforce.
These changes are part of a strategy to improve Target's business operations.
Target has experienced slow sales over several quarters.
The company is also responding to backlash from scaling back diversity hiring initiatives.
International investors are buying homes in the U.S., with Florida and Texas being the most popular states for these purchases. Factors attracting international buyers include a weak U.S. dollar and the absence of state income tax in key states. Different countries favor different states, with cultural and economic factors influencing their choices.
Key Facts
Florida and Texas are the top states for international real estate investors in the U.S.
Mexican buyers are primarily interested in Texas, due to cultural ties and geographic location.
Canadian and Argentinian investors favor Florida despite political issues and economic troubles in their own countries.
Investors from Israel find Midwest states like Indiana and Ohio appealing due to good rental income potential.
80% of international investor inquiries involve new home purchases, while 20% are about refinancing.
Florida leads in refinancing interest, but Texas and Ohio follow.
Both Florida and Texas offer tax benefits by not having state income taxes.
Home prices in Texas have decreased slightly, while Florida's home prices have modestly increased recently.
Retail sales in September 2025 reached the highest point since 2022, helped by good weather that increased clothes shopping. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows sales grew by 0.5% in September and 0.9% during July to September compared to the previous quarter.
Key Facts
Retail sales went up by 0.5% in September 2025.
Sales from July to September 2025 were 0.9% higher than the previous three months.
Good weather increased the buying of clothes during July and August.
Online shopping did well, with non-store retailers seeing a 3.8% increase in sales.
There was strong growth in computer and telecoms sales.
Online jewellers had high demand for gold.
Online spending between July and September was 3.5% higher than in the last quarter and 5% more than the same time last year.
ONS data helps the government and the Bank of England make important economic decisions.
Walmart has teamed up with Stadium Goods to sell a range of premium, limited-edition sneakers. This partnership allows Walmart's online marketplace to offer rare sneakers from top brands like Nike, especially as the holiday season approaches. Experts say that economic uncertainty may influence consumer spending, potentially affecting holiday sales.
Key Facts
Walmart is partnering with Stadium Goods, a well-known sneaker retailer, to offer premium sneakers.
The sneakers available include notable brands like Nike, featuring collectors' favorites such as Air Jordans.
This initiative is part of Walmart's strategy to strengthen its presence in the collectible sneaker market.
Economic factors like inflation and rising costs might make shoppers more cautious this holiday season.
A survey by Deloitte reveals that consumers plan to spend 10% less on average during this holiday season compared to last year.
Stadium Goods is known for maintaining high standards of sneaker authenticity.
Walmart previously collaborated with StockX in 2024, indicating a continuous focus on premium goods.
Walmart officials state that they aim to meet the demands of collectors, trendsetters, and families by expanding their product range.
Pharmacies in England are facing financial challenges, with about 90% of council areas witnessing at least one closure in the past three years. The National Pharmacy Association highlighted that funding issues are particularly impacting pharmacies in poorer areas, making it difficult for them to provide necessary services. Despite a recent increase in funding, many pharmacies are still struggling to maintain operations.
Key Facts
Around 90% of council areas in England have seen at least one pharmacy close in the last three years.
Liverpool and York are among the areas most affected by pharmacy closures.
Funding cuts are particularly hitting pharmacies in poorer areas with high health needs.
About 95% of a pharmacy's income comes from government contracts.
There was a significant increase in calls whenever a nearby pharmacy closed.
Changes in some pharmacies include introducing new phone systems and charging for deliveries.
The government increased pharmacy funding by 19% this year to nearly £3.1 billion.
Pharmacists call for more consistent funding to continue providing essential services.
Otis Worldwide, the largest elevator and escalator company, has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greenest Companies for the third year in a row. The company, under the leadership of CEO Judy Marks, has integrated sustainability into its operations and received a high score for its efforts in reducing water usage and improving energy efficiency. Otis was one of the top-performing companies in its sector, according to Newsweek's 2026 list of environmentally sustainable businesses.
Key Facts
Otis Worldwide is the largest elevator and escalator company globally.
The company was featured on Newsweek’s list of America’s Greenest Companies for the third consecutive year.
Otis received a five-star ranking for its environmental efforts, maintaining this high rating for the second year in a row.
Companies on the list were evaluated based on greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and sustainability commitments.
Otis showed strong performance in water usage, 80% better than the industry average.
Newsweek ranked 450 U.S. companies across 39 sectors for environmental sustainability.
President and CEO Judy Marks states that sustainability is a key part of Otis's business strategy.
The ranking emphasizes corporate responsibility and counters companies misleading their green efforts, called greenwashing.
Chocolate prices are rising, making Halloween candy more expensive. The higher costs are due to cocoa shortages, leading to smaller chocolate packages and increased popularity of non-chocolate candies.
Key Facts
Chocolate prices are rising due to cocoa shortages.
Cocoa prices have almost doubled since the beginning of last year.
Cocoa supply issues are partly due to bad weather and plant diseases in West Africa.
Major chocolate brands have increased their prices.
Some brands are using more fillers, like nuts, to keep costs down.
Non-chocolate candy sales have been growing faster than chocolate sales.
Halloween spending is expected to be high, despite increased candy prices.
U.S. soybean sales to China have stopped because China raised tariffs on soybeans, retaliating against U.S. import duties on Chinese products. President Donald Trump plans to discuss this issue with China's President next week to increase China's soybean purchases. Experts say that while Chinese purchases might resume, U.S. farmers probably won't regain their previous market share in China.
Key Facts
China imposed a 44% tariff on U.S. soybeans as a reaction to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.
President Trump wants any deal with China to include increased soybean purchases.
U.S. soybean exports to China have heavily decreased, hurting U.S. farmers.
The U.S. has historically been a major supplier of soybeans to China, which is a large importer.
China is now buying more soybeans from Brazil and Argentina.
Reports say China will not likely return to buying U.S. soybeans at previous levels.
China seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. soybeans for better food security.
The American Soybean Association reports soybeans are 14% of U.S. agricultural exports.
A German lift company, Böcker, is using its unintended involvement in a high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum for publicity. The company launched an advertising campaign featuring their lift, used by thieves to steal valuable jewels from the museum. The company's managing director has acknowledged the crime's severity but decided to leverage the situation to promote the business.
Key Facts
Böcker is a German company that makes lifts, including the one used in the Louvre theft.
Thieves used the Böcker lift to steal €88 million worth of jewels from the Louvre.
Böcker launched a new ad campaign featuring the lift involved in the heist.
The campaign uses humor to draw attention, showing the lift as quick and efficient.
The company recognized their lift in news reports; it was sold to a French customer.
The thieves allegedly arranged a demonstration of the lift, then stole it.
The jewelry stolen includes items adorned with diamonds and precious stones.
The Louvre museum admitted to security failures during the heist.
President Trump ended trade talks with Canada due to a TV ad showing former President Reagan negatively discussing tariffs. Trump accused the ad of trying to influence a Supreme Court case about his tariffs and declared that trade negotiations with Canada are over. Canadian officials have not yet commented on the situation.
Key Facts
President Trump halted trade discussions with Canada because of a TV ad.
Trump claims the ad wrongly showed Reagan criticizing tariffs.
He believes the ad aims to interfere with a Supreme Court case related to tariffs.
Trump cited national security and economic reasons for stopping negotiations.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has not responded to requests for comment.
Carney recently announced a plan to increase Canadian exports outside the U.S.
Trump’s tariffs have led to increased tensions with major U.S. trading partners like Canada.
President Donald Trump announced he is stopping all trade talks with Canada. He made this decision after Canada aired an advertisement with former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The U.S. has placed several tariffs on Canadian imports, but some exemptions apply to items covered by a trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.
Key Facts
President Trump ended all trade negotiations with Canada.
The decision followed a Canadian ad using past President Reagan's criticism of tariffs.
A new tariff of 35% is applied to Canadian imports by the U.S.
Certain goods are exempt from these tariffs under the USMCA agreement.
Sector-specific tariffs include 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles.
The plastic recycling industry is experiencing extensive closures of plants in Europe and the U.S. due to factors like high costs and cheaper plastic alternatives from Asia. Many companies have halted plans to build new recycling plants, contributing to a loss in recycling capacity. Industry leaders warn that without political support, the industry could further decline.
Key Facts
Biffa closed its Sunderland recycling plant in 2023 due to challenges in the industry.
Several large recycling companies like Viridor and Veolia have shut down multiple plants across Europe.
More than one million tonnes of plastic recycling capacity in Europe has been lost since 2023.
High energy and labor costs are making it hard for European plants to compete with Asian plastic suppliers.
The U.S. is also facing similar issues, struggling to meet recycling targets due to low virgin plastic prices.
The UK exported 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste last year, partly due to regulatory loopholes.
Industry leaders are calling for political action to prevent the industry's decline.
RECOUP, a UK authority, warns that without interventions, the industry may not survive.
A cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) stopped their factories from making cars for five weeks in September, cutting UK car production by over 27%. This event drastically reduced UK car output to its lowest September levels since 1952, causing significant financial and operational impacts. The attack affected 5,000 businesses with a total estimated economic cost of £1.9 billion.
Key Facts
JLR factories did not produce any vehicles in September due to a cyber-attack that shut down their IT systems.
UK car production dropped by 27% in September, with just over 51,000 vehicles made.
This reduction marked the lowest car output for any September since 1952.
The cyber-attack is estimated to be the most costly in UK history, with a £1.9 billion economic impact.
JLR is the second-largest car producer in the UK, directly affecting the country's overall car production.
Exports of UK vehicles also decreased by 24.5% in September.
Recovery from the attack is expected to take until January 2026.
JLR is resuming production gradually at its sites.
