Temu, an online shopping company, is working with the greeting card industry to remove copied card designs from its site more quickly. This move comes after card companies reported losing money due to the use of their copyrighted designs for cheap imitations. Temu is testing a new process that uses software to promptly take down these copied listings.
Key Facts
Temu has agreed to cooperate with the greeting card industry to address the issue of copied card designs on its platform.
Card companies have reported that unauthorized copies of their designs have caused them financial losses.
Designers described the task of removing these listings as like playing 'whack-a-mole', with products reappearing quickly after being taken down.
Temu has launched a trial for a new process that simplifies the removal of copied designs.
The Greeting Card Association helped push for this new, quicker takedown process.
The system uses AI to protect original designs and block copied ones before they appear online for sale.
The new process allows reporting of multiple copied listings through a single link submission.
Temu aims to resolve most removal requests within three working days, ensuring faster takedown of copied content.
Metlen CEO Evangelos Mytilineos believes the London Stock Exchange is regaining its appeal for companies to list their shares after Brexit-related challenges. While high energy costs remain an issue for UK and European industries, Mytilineos sees cultural and business benefits in listing in London over US markets. Metlen, valued at over £5 billion, recently moved its primary listing to London and quickly joined the FTSE 100 list.
Key Facts
The London Stock Exchange is seen as becoming more attractive to companies after Brexit challenges.
Metlen's CEO, Evangelos Mytilineos, recently moved the company's primary listing from Athens to London.
Metlen is valued at over £5 billion and joined the FTSE 100 quickly.
Some major UK companies like ARM Holdings and BHP have moved listings to foreign markets.
Mytilineos cited high energy costs as a major issue for UK and European industries.
He emphasized the cultural and business fit of London for Metlen over potentially higher valuations in the US.
He noted that US stock exchanges are "overcrowded," which may reduce interest in new companies.
Mytilineos expressed support for the green transition but criticized the lack of honest communication about its costs.
Inflation in the UK stayed the same in September at 3.8%, which is higher than many other similar countries. This stable inflation rate gives the UK government a chance to plan better financial policies, as experts predict inflation will decrease in the coming months.
Key Facts
The UK's inflation rate for September was 3.8%, not reaching the expected 4%.
This inflation rate is still above the Bank of England's target of 2%.
Economists predict inflation might decrease significantly by next spring.
Food price inflation is believed to have reached its peak.
The International Monetary Fund forecasts that inflation will return to the 2% target by the end of next year.
Interest rates in the UK might be cut over the next year, potentially dropping to 3%.
UK government debt interest rates have fallen to their lowest levels recently.
The UK is working to address Brexit-related economic issues and is seen as a solid place for investment globally.
Big retailers in the U.S. are changing how they get toys into stores by letting suppliers handle more of the import work. This shift is due to tariffs and trade challenges that affect how goods move from countries like China to the U.S. It helps retailers by giving them more time and flexibility to decide on orders.
Key Facts
Retailers are moving from a "direct import" model to "domestic shipping," where suppliers handle more of the import process.
This change is driven by tariffs and trade uncertainties, especially for items like toys.
Retailers are making smaller, more frequent orders to stay flexible and avoid holding too much stock.
Toy companies like Mattel and Hasbro have noted this shift, with Mattel handling more inventory as a result.
President Trump has acknowledged the potential for a toy shortage due to these changes.
Dollar General and Tractor Supply are using strategies to manage tariff impacts, seeing flexibility as an advantage.
Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco are spreading their production across more countries to manage costs.
This new approach may continue as long as tariffs are in place, according to industry experts.
Beyond Meat's stock price jumped about 1,000% in just four days, despite the company's ongoing struggle with low sales. The surge was driven by online investor excitement and a new distribution deal with Walmart.
Key Facts
Beyond Meat's shares rose approximately 1,000% over four days.
The company has not shown a quarterly profit in over five years.
Interest from online investors, similar to past "meme stock" trends, boosted the stock price.
A distribution deal with Walmart was a key factor in the stock price increase.
Roundhill Investments added Beyond Meat to its meme stock ETF, contributing to the surge.
The stock remains much lower than its peak price of over $230 in 2019.
Concerns exist about an overvalued stock market and potential bubbles, including in the AI sector.
The SEC has cautioned about market manipulation risks with meme stocks.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a tax change that could lead to higher taxes for some lawyers, accountants, and doctors who use limited liability partnerships (LLPs). This change could be included in the upcoming Budget to help meet economic goals. Reeves aims to have wealthier individuals pay more taxes to address financial challenges.
Key Facts
Reeves is thinking about implementing a new tax for those using LLPs, impacting professions like lawyers, accountants, and doctors.
LLPs currently enable these professionals to be treated as self-employed, avoiding employer National Insurance contributions.
The proposed tax is expected to be a little less than the 15% employers' National Insurance rate.
Tax experts suggest that extending employer National Insurance to partnerships could make the tax system fairer.
The British Medical Association warns that these changes could make private healthcare less affordable and affect small doctor-led practices.
The CenTax think tank estimates that extending employer National Insurance to all partnerships could raise around £2 billion yearly.
Some experts believe that restructuring by those affected could lead to a smaller revenue increase.
Reeves might need to find around £20 billion through tax hikes or spending cuts to meet her fiscal rules.
A "tree rodeo" is an event where arborists from utility companies participate to demonstrate their skills in safely removing trees from power lines. This competition allows them to showcase techniques that help prevent power outages.
Key Facts
The event is called a "tree rodeo."
Arborists working for utility companies participate.
The main task is safely removing trees from power lines.
This skill helps prevent power outages.
The event highlights the importance of arborists in maintaining power line safety.
During the first eight months of 2025, China became Germany's largest trading partner, surpassing the United States. German trade with China amounted to $190.7 billion, slightly more than the $189 billion with the US. This change is partly due to President Trump's new tariffs, which have reduced German exports to the US.
Key Facts
China overtook the US as Germany's largest trading partner from January to August 2025.
Germany traded $190.7 billion with China and $189 billion with the US in this period.
China was overtaken by the US as Germany's top trading partner in 2024, but regained the position in 2025.
US tariffs under President Trump's administration led to a 7.4% drop in German exports to the US compared to 2024.
German exports to the US decreased by 23.5% in August 2025 compared to the previous year.
US demand for German goods like cars, machinery, and chemicals has declined.
German exports to China also decreased by 13.5%, while imports from China grew by 8.3%.
There are concerns about increased dependence on Chinese imports due to their low prices.
Nurses at Tenet Health hospitals in California plan a one-day strike on October 30. They are protesting due to concerns about patient care, staffing levels, and stalled contract negotiations with Tenet Health. The strike involves multiple hospitals and aims to push for better working conditions and patient care standards.
Key Facts
Over 3,000 nurses in California are involved in contract negotiations with Tenet Health since February.
The strike is scheduled for October 30 at hospitals in San Ramon, Manteca, Modesto, Turlock, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree.
Nurses at Tenet Health want better staffing levels to improve patient care.
The strike is a response to what nurses describe as a "manufactured staffing shortage."
Tenet Health maintains that the strike is unnecessary and insists the hospitals will remain fully operational during this time.
The nurses are asking for guaranteed meal and rest breaks and improvements in recruitment and retention.
The union suggested these changes to improve patient care and ensure "safe staffing" at all times.
The strike is a demonstration of the nurses' unity and determination to seek changes.
A decision on who will build Heathrow's third runway is expected by the end of November. Two developers are in the running: Heathrow Airport itself and the Arora Group. The UK government is reviewing its airport expansion policy and evaluating both bids to decide on the best option.
Key Facts
The decision on the third runway developer will be made by the end of November.
Two main bids are being considered: one from Heathrow Airport and another from the Arora Group.
Heathrow's plan includes a £49 billion investment with new infrastructure and changes to existing roads.
Arora Group's proposal offers a shorter runway at a cost of £25 billion, with no major road changes.
The UK government is reviewing its Airports National Policy Statement for expansion guidelines.
Any chosen plan must boost economic growth, meet air quality standards, and comply with climate change laws.
The plans have faced opposition due to environmental and local community concerns, including noise and air pollution.
Politicians and environmentalists argue the expansion could hinder climate goals and disrupt local communities.
Billboard has changed its rules for the Hot 100 chart to limit how long songs can stay on it. This update removed 10 songs from the chart, including "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims, which had been there for over two years. The change is aimed at adjusting for the impact of streaming, which allows some songs to remain popular for lengthy periods.
Key Facts
Billboard adjusted its Hot 100 chart rules to reduce the time songs can stay on the list.
The previous rules allowed songs to stay if they remained above certain ranks for specified weeks.
Under the new rules, a song will be removed if it drops below No. 5 after 78 weeks, No. 10 after 52 weeks, No. 25 after 26 weeks, or No. 50 after 20 weeks.
Teddy Swims' "Lose Control," which spent over two years on the Hot 100, was removed due to the rule change.
Streaming services contribute to songs staying longer on charts by repeatedly offering songs users have played before.
Some exceptions to the removal rules are allowed on a case-by-case basis.
The rule change reflects challenges Billboard faces with streaming and radio play patterns.
Holiday songs will have special considerations during the season to maintain their places on the chart.
Inflation will affect the increase in various benefits in the UK, including Universal Credit and state pensions, due to changes in prices over the past year. Universal Credit is expected to rise by about 6.2%, while state pensions will increase based on the highest percentage of inflation, wage growth, or a set percentage, known as the triple lock. Interest rates might be cut if inflation appears to be slowing down, which could lower borrowing costs.
Key Facts
September's inflation rate is 3.8% and influences next year’s benefits increase.
Universal Credit is expected to rise by 6.2%, accounting for inflation and an additional uplift.
State pensions use a triple lock, rising by 4.8% based on earnings growth.
New state pensions are projected to increase to £241.30 per week.
Basic state pensions are projected to rise to £184.90 per week.
Rising wages have slightly increased, but not much more than the price of a sausage roll, according to the Resolution Foundation.
Possible interest rate cuts could reduce the cost of borrowing, including mortgages, if inflation comes down.
The Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, expressed concern about the bankruptcy of two U.S. auto parts companies, First Brands and Tricolor, and its impact on the private credit market. He warned that these events might indicate larger issues within the financial sector, echoing problems that led to the 2008 financial crisis. Economic experts suggest that risky lending practices and a lack of oversight could lead to broader financial instability.
Key Facts
Two U.S. auto parts companies, First Brands and Tricolor, declared bankruptcy, affecting the private credit market.
The Bank of England's Governor, Andrew Bailey, compared these events to early signs before the 2008 financial crisis.
Companies like Jeffries, UBS, and BlackRock, which helped finance First Brands, experienced financial impacts.
Concerns are that these bankruptcies might not be isolated and could indicate more significant financial issues.
The private credit market has grown significantly without enough regulation or oversight.
There is a worry that current lending practices could trigger further bankruptcies and losses.
Experts suggest stronger regulations and oversight to prevent a potential broader financial crisis.
Wellstar Health System received approval to build a new hospital in Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia. This hospital will have 230 beds and aims to address the growing need for healthcare in the area. The project is part of Wellstar's broader efforts to increase healthcare access throughout Georgia.
Key Facts
Wellstar Health System plans to build a 230-bed hospital in Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Community Health approved Wellstar's plan.
Cobb County has a population of over 766,000 and is part of the Atlanta metro area.
Wellstar provides over $1 billion in charity and uncompensated care annually.
The new hospital will feature 70 emergency department bays and eight operating rooms.
The project is part of Wellstar's $1.4 billion investment to improve healthcare access across Georgia.
Community involvement is a key aspect of the hospital's planning process.
The planned location is opposite Wellstar Acworth Health Park on Cobb Parkway.
The U.S. economy is currently experiencing changes due to various factors such as tariffs, the rise of AI technology, immigration policies, and uncertainties in jobs and the stock market. Zanny Minton Beddoes, the editor in chief of The Economist, discusses these influences on the economy.
Key Facts
Tariffs, which are taxes on imports and exports, are affecting the U.S. economy.
There is a significant increase in the use and influence of AI technology.
Immigration policies are also playing a role in economic changes.
There is uncertainty in the job market, affecting employment opportunities.
The stock market is experiencing fluctuations, adding to economic uncertainty.
Zanny Minton Beddoes, an expert from The Economist, provides insights into these issues.
Cattle farmers are pushing for a new law to make forest management easier, hoping it will reduce wildfire risks. Additionally, they are concerned about President Trump's plan to import beef from Argentina, which they believe might harm American cattle producers. The Senate committee has moved forward with the legislation, but opposition remains due to concerns over logging and limited public input.
Key Facts
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 19-5 to advance the Fix Our Forests Act.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the bill to help reduce wildfire risks.
The new law would encourage using livestock grazing to manage fire risks.
President Trump's plan to import beef from Argentina faces criticism from U.S. cattle farmers.
Beef prices have increased due to a shortage of cattle and high demand in the U.S.
The bill is backed by a bipartisan group of senators who introduced it in April.
Opponents argue the bill favors the logging industry and limits public discussion.
Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi analyzed the U.S. economy and found that 22 states and Washington, D.C., are at high risk of recession. The analysis used various economic data to assess which states are either growing, treading water, or nearing a recession. Despite national GDP growth, there are concerns about slowing job growth and inflation.
Key Facts
Moody's economist Mark Zandi reports 22 states and Washington, D.C., are at high risk of recession.
About one-third of the U.S.'s GDP comes from these areas at risk.
The U.S. economy grew by 3.8% in the second quarter of the year.
Michigan changed from "treading water" to high-risk status since August.
Economic assessments include measures like employment data, industrial production, and retail sales.
Washington, D.C.'s economy struggles due to federal job cuts.
Texas' economy is expanding, while California and New York are "treading water."
Concerns about slower job growth and tariffs affecting consumer goods prices remain.
WNBA player Kelsey Plum is joining the founding team of Buffy Protein, a new company making a protein dip. Plum will help promote and expand the brand, which is led by women and aims to offer tasty and nutritious snack options. Buffy Protein uses real chicken and cottage cheese to provide protein-rich dips.
Key Facts
Kelsey Plum is a two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist.
Plum will serve as both a brand ambassador and founding team member for Buffy Protein.
Buffy Protein is a new company that makes a protein dip using chicken and cottage cheese.
The company is led by women and focuses on providing tasty and nutritious snack options.
Buffy Protein intends to expand its presence in retail with Plum's help.
Pre-orders for Buffy Protein's "Whoa, Buffalo" flavor are available, with shipping set for December.
Buffy Protein aims to offer an alternative to the usual protein products like whey powders.
Newsweek has introduced a new series called "New & Noteworthy" that highlights new consumer products each week. This week's featured items include a new popcorn kit by Kraft and Pop Secret, Annie's new fruit snacks, and a sensitive skin razor by Gillette. The series aims to help consumers discover innovative products across various categories.
Key Facts
Newsweek launched "New & Noteworthy" to showcase new consumer products weekly.
Kraft and Pop Secret teamed up to release a popcorn kit.
Annie's introduced limited edition organic fruit snacks shaped like bunnies and bats.
Gillette launched the Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor for sensitive skin.
Ajinomoto Hane-Style Gyoza offers frozen gyoza that cooks with a crispy texture in 10 minutes.
Thomas’ High Protein Bagels provide 20 grams of protein per bagel.
Suave introduced Advanced Healing Hand & Body Lotion with intensive moisture formula.
The series targets a variety of consumer categories, including food, beauty, and home goods.
