Hilton has decided to remove a Minnesota hotel from its system after an employee refused a reservation for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision followed a viral video highlighting the issue, and Hilton plans to review standards with its franchisees.
Key Facts
Hilton is removing a Minnesota hotel from its systems.
The decision came after a video showed the hotel staff refusing a DHS reservation.
The video was shared by conservative influencer Nick Sortor.
Hilton stated the hotel owner previously promised to fix the issue.
Hilton emphasized its commitment to being a welcoming brand.
The company is reminding franchisees of its standards and values.
Hilton's action is aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
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Property taxes and homeowners insurance costs are increasing, particularly in the Midwest and South, leading to more mortgage payment difficulties for homeowners. Escrow costs are also rising, which could further challenge homeowners' ability to manage mortgage payments. Some states experiencing the highest cost increases are Florida, Colorado, and several others vulnerable to natural disasters.
Key Facts
Rising escrow costs could increase challenges for homeowners in paying mortgages.
Property taxes and insurance premiums have increased significantly since 2019.
The U.S. mortgage delinquency rate has slightly increased from 2.9% to 3% between 2025 and September 2025.
Serious mortgage delinquencies rose from 0.9% to 1% during the same period.
Some areas, like San Angelo, Odessa in Texas, and several locations in Florida, saw significant delinquency rate increases.
Homeowners in the South and Midwest face the fastest-rising costs, particularly in states like Colorado and Florida.
Escrow accounts handle property costs like taxes and insurance, and if these rise, payment demands can increase.
American homeowners are now paying on average 45% more in escrow compared to five years ago.
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Fashion retailer Next reported strong sales during the Christmas period, but warned that sales growth might slow in the UK due to rising unemployment. Next's full-price sales in the UK rose by 5.9%, while international revenues increased by 38.3%.
Key Facts
Next reported a 10.6% increase in sales during the nine weeks leading up to December 27, 2024.
The company expects higher annual profits than originally predicted.
Next warned that UK sales growth may slow due to rising unemployment.
Full-price sales in the UK increased by 5.9% over Christmas.
International sales for Next jumped by 38.3%.
The company noted continuing pressures on UK employment could affect consumer spending.
Retail analyst Charles Allen noted concerns about unemployment, especially among young people.
Next's 2025 performance was helped by good weather and a rival's cyber attack issues.
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Chick-fil-A plans to make big changes in 2026 to celebrate its 80th birthday. These changes include new menu items and collectible merchandise for customers. The campaign is called "newstalgia" and focuses on nostalgia and new experiences.
Key Facts
Chick-fil-A will introduce "Frosted Sodas" and "Floats" as permanent menu items in all U.S. locations starting January 5, 2026.
Frosted Sodas combine Chick-fil-A's vanilla ice cream with various soda flavors.
The Original Chicken Sandwich Meal will have limited-edition retro packaging.
Chick-fil-A will release four different retro-style cups throughout the year.
There will be 3,000 randomly distributed "Golden Fan Cups," which give winners free Chick-fil-A for a year.
The Golden Fan Cup sweepstake ends on July 1, 2026, with 3,000 winners expected.
Specialty cow-shaped plush toys with unique designs will be available in-store at certain locations throughout the year.
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The United States has avoided a new global tax rule that sets a 15% minimum for corporate taxes. This exemption is seen by the U.S. as a win for its independence and for protecting American businesses. The rule was part of a large agreement made by 147 countries to bring consistency to international taxes.
Key Facts
The U.S. announced it escaped a global directive for a minimum corporate tax.
The global tax rule aimed to prevent profit shifting to low-tax areas.
147 countries, led by the OECD, agreed on this global tax plan.
The U.S. exemption is from a 15% minimum global corporate tax.
U.S. officials view this as a victory for U.S. sovereignty.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the importance of protecting American businesses.
The U.S. plans to continue discussions on international tax rules, including those affecting digital businesses.
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The article discusses why it's better to handle complaints about restaurant experiences in person rather than online. Experts in the hospitality industry offer tips on how to effectively communicate with restaurant staff when issues arise, emphasizing personal interaction over using social media for grievances.
Key Facts
Experts suggest building a friendly relationship with your waiter to help resolve any problems that come up.
In the UK, customers often prefer to complain online rather than in person, but experts advise against this.
Addressing issues directly with restaurant staff allows for immediate solutions and is generally appreciated by management.
Being clear about what you want when something goes wrong can help achieve a better outcome.
Remaining calm and polite when making a complaint is important to ensure a productive response.
Experts point out that a complaint must be reasonable and justified to be effective.
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Nestle has recalled certain batches of its baby formula products due to concerns they might contain a toxin called cereulide, which can cause food poisoning. While no illnesses have been reported, the company is taking preventive steps and offering refunds. The issue is linked to an ingredient from one of Nestle's suppliers.
Key Facts
Nestle recalled some SMA and follow-on infant formulas over toxin concerns.
The toxin in question is cereulide, produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria.
Cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting.
No known illnesses from the affected products have been reported.
Customers can find affected batch numbers on Nestle's website or food.gov.uk.
Nestle is offering refunds and emphasizes the safety of its other products.
The Food Standards Agency advises not feeding the affected products to children.
Customers with health concerns should contact healthcare professionals.
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The UK is seeing a rise in electric car sales, with nearly half a million sold last year. A major motoring group warns that government discounts for these cars are "unsustainable" and may not meet future sales targets. The group suggests reviewing the rules requiring more electric car sales as costs for manufacturers rise.
Key Facts
Over 2 million new cars were registered in the UK last year, with nearly 500,000 being electric vehicles.
Electric cars had a market share of 23.4%, up from 2024 but still below the government target of 28%.
The Zero Emission Vehicles Mandate requires carmakers to meet certain electric vehicle sales targets or face fines.
Some carmakers can avoid fines by reducing emissions elsewhere or buying credits from others who exceed targets.
Manufacturers are giving large discounts on electric cars, valued at over £5 billion last year, which is seen as unsustainable.
The motoring group called for a review of the ZEV Mandate to consider rising energy and material costs.
The UK government supports electric car sales through grants and funding for charging infrastructure.
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The butterfly pea flower is helping farmers in India make money by selling it for tea and dye. This flower is becoming more popular globally due to its natural color and health benefits, attracting interest from Indian entrepreneurs.
Key Facts
Butterfly pea, a plant with blue flowers, grows in India and is used to make tea or dye.
The plant is known as aparajita in India.
There is a rising global demand for natural colorants, boosting interest in butterfly pea flowers.
In 2021, the US FDA approved butterfly pea flower as a food additive.
The EU classifies it as a "novel" food, meaning it needs more approval for widespread use.
Indian entrepreneurs are helping farmers grow and sell the flower, offering training and resources.
The business opportunity is also helping women in rural areas earn income by harvesting the flowers.
Thai and Indonesian markets are the current leaders in butterfly pea flower production and consumption.
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A person using a prediction market platform called Polymarket made $436,000 by betting on the removal of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, before it was announced officially. This has raised questions about whether the bettor had inside information. Congressman Ritchie Torres has introduced a bill to prevent government employees from making these kinds of trades if they have nonpublic information.
Key Facts
A user of Polymarket bet $32,537 on Nicolás Maduro's removal and earned $436,000.
This bet took place just before President Donald Trump announced Maduro's capture.
Polymarket is a platform where people use cryptocurrency to place bets.
Odds of Maduro's removal increased significantly on Polymarket shortly before the official announcement.
The identity of the bettor is unknown and linked to a blockchain identifier.
Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced a bill to ban trades by government employees if they have nonpublic information.
The prediction market industry has grown in the US, with more platforms allowing bets on various topics.
While insider trading is illegal in stock markets, prediction markets have fewer regulations.
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A large bet on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture has raised questions about insider trading in prediction markets, which are places where people bet on future events. Unlike traditional stock markets, insider trading in these markets is not currently illegal, sparking debate about whether it should be regulated similarly.
Key Facts
A major bet was placed on Nicolás Maduro's capture, yielding a large profit after an American military raid.
Insider trading is illegal in traditional stock markets but not in prediction markets.
Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen instances of high-profile and suspicious bets.
A proposed bill seeks to make insider trading illegal in prediction markets for government officials.
Critiques of prediction markets say insider trading uses secret information for profit.
Some advocates believe insider trading in these markets can provide valuable public insights.
Critics worry these markets can be manipulated for counterintelligence or false information purposes.
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Both Claire's and The Original Factory Shop, two retail chains, have gone into administration in the UK and Ireland. This move puts 2,500 jobs at risk as their owner, Modella Capital, seeks to address financial difficulties and find new buyers.
Key Facts
Claire's and The Original Factory Shop are being put into administration.
About 2,500 jobs are at risk due to this move.
Claire's was previously seeking a buyer after its US owner filed for bankruptcy last year.
Modella Capital owns both Claire's and The Original Factory Shop.
The administration process is happening in the UK and Ireland.
The companies aim to find new buyers during the insolvency proceedings.
Modella Capital cited tough trading conditions and low Christmas sales as reasons for financial trouble.
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A new bill aims to stop government officials from using insider information to make money from online prediction markets. This push comes after large profits were made from bets on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s extradition to the U.S.
Key Facts
A House Democrat proposed a bill to ban insider trading in online prediction markets by government officials.
The move was spurred by significant profits from bets on Nicolás Maduro's removal prior to his extradition to the U.S.
One individual made over $400,000 on a prediction market called Polymarket.
Current insider trading laws cover capital markets, but not online prediction platforms.
The proposed bill is named the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026.
The bill seeks to prevent trades based on non-public, important information by federal officials.
It is uncertain if the bill will progress as the House Speaker and President Trump have not commented.
Polymarket has not yet responded, while another platform, Kalshi, states it already bans insider trading.
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In 2026, key topics affecting the economy include changes in AI, tax cuts, trade policies, and leadership at the Federal Reserve. President Trump's policy actions and AI investments may significantly impact economic growth. Upcoming decisions, such as Supreme Court rulings and new Federal Reserve leadership, add elements of uncertainty.
Key Facts
AI investments are a major focus in the economy, with debates about their impact on jobs and productivity.
The "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act," signed by President Trump, could boost economic growth with tax cuts affecting individuals and corporations.
The Supreme Court is set to rule on President Trump's ability to impose tariffs, which may change trade dynamics and fiscal revenues.
Changes at the Federal Reserve are pending, with President Trump emphasizing a preference for lower interest rates in appointing the next Fed chair.
Federal spending on immigration enforcement is increasing due to recent legislation.
AI spending has supported economic growth and lifted the stock market in 2025.
The effects of AI and other policies on the economy may not fully unravel until after 2026.
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Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen warned that the increasing national debt of the United States might hinder policymakers' ability to address other financial challenges. She highlighted a risk called "fiscal dominance," where the central bank might be pressured to keep interest rates low to help manage the country's debt. This situation could interfere with the Federal Reserve's duties to control inflation and support employment.
Key Facts
Janet Yellen spoke about the risks of rising national debt at a panel discussion on the "Future of the Fed."
The U.S. national debt surpassed $38 trillion in late 2025.
The Congressional Budget Office projects the debt could reach $50 trillion within a decade.
High national debt could lead to "fiscal dominance," pressuring the Fed to keep interest rates low.
Keeping rates low might limit the Fed's ability to manage inflation and employment effectively.
There have been tensions between President Trump and the Federal Reserve over interest rates.
The U.S. had its credit rating downgraded by Moody’s due to large fiscal deficits and rising interest costs.
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A Chick-fil-A location in Orem, Utah, posted on Facebook to celebrate a gay couple's wedding, which led to mixed reactions from customers. Some people supported the post and said it gave them a positive view of the restaurant, while others criticized it, saying it did not align with their beliefs about the company's Christian values.
Key Facts
The Chick-fil-A location in Orem, Utah, posted a Facebook message celebrating the marriage of a gay couple, Dougie and Toby.
Chick-fil-A is known for its Christian values, and some people consider it a conservative company.
Some customers supported the Facebook post, expressing happiness and saying it might make them more likely to visit the chain.
Other customers criticized the post, believing it didn't fit with their understanding of Chick-fil-A's Christian foundation.
Chick-fil-A has faced past controversies, including donations to groups seen as anti-LGBTQ+.
The company announced in 2019 it would change its charity focus to education, homelessness, and hunger.
The restaurant chain is made up of various independent owners who manage their locations and engage with the community as they choose.
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A lawsuit claims that McDonald's misleads consumers with the branding of its McRib sandwich, saying it contains no actual pork rib meat. The case, filed in Illinois, seeks to represent all McRib buyers in the U.S. as a group in court. The lawsuit could influence how courts handle consumer protection cases involving fast-food branding and ingredient disclosure.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed on December 23, 2025, in Illinois.
Plaintiffs want the case to cover all McRib buyers in the U.S., potentially as a class-action lawsuit.
The complaint says the McRib does not actually contain pork rib meat, which the name implies.
According to McDonald's, the McRib is made with 100% seasoned boneless pork.
McDonald's denies using ingredients like pork hearts, tripe, or scalded stomach in the McRib.
The legal case will examine if fast-food product names can mislead consumers.
If the lawsuit moves forward, the court will decide on the collective representation of consumers based on shared legal issues.
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A class action lawsuit filed in Illinois claims McDonald's misleads customers about the McRib sandwich's pork content. The plaintiffs argue the name and shape imply it contains real rib meat, while McDonald’s states it uses 100% pork from U.S. sources. If the lawsuit is successful, past customers may receive compensation.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed on December 23, 2025, in Illinois.
Plaintiffs argue the McRib misleads people into thinking it has rib meat.
McDonald's denies the claims, stating the McRib uses 100% pork.
McDonald’s claims transparency in its ingredient use.
The McRib sandwich costs between $4.49 and $5.99, depending on the location.
If the lawsuit wins, customers who bought a McRib in the past four years might get compensation.
The McRib is often offered for limited times, boosting demand through scarcity.
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A large fund is being raised to develop oil projects in Venezuela after the capture of Nicolas Maduro. The Amos Global Energy Management fund, led by former Chevron executive Ali Moshiri, has identified Venezuelan assets and is looking for investors. The U.S. government has signaled support for American companies to participate in restoring Venezuela's oil production.
Key Facts
Ali Moshiri, former Chevron executive, is leading a $2 billion fund for Venezuelan oil projects.
The fund aims to develop 20,000-50,000 barrels of oil per day and 500,000 barrels of reserves from Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA.
President Trump's administration supports U.S. companies' involvement in Venezuela's oil sector after Maduro's capture.
Venezuela has reportedly larger oil reserves than Saudi Arabia, but its industry needs significant investment.
Extracting Venezuela's heavy oil reserves is expensive and requires major capital.
Chevron is currently the only major U.S. company operating in Venezuela since other companies left in 2007.
Investors are cautious due to the need for regulatory and contractual certainty in Venezuela.
Other investors, like Harold Hamm, have shown interest but have not yet made definite plans to invest.
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In 2026, the U.S. is expected to face weaker job growth and higher inflation despite stronger economic growth, according to economist Mark Zandi from Moody's Analytics. This comes after a slowdown in the labor market in 2025 and is influenced by policies such as increased tariffs and restrictive immigration measures. While there is optimism for GDP growth, employment challenges remain.
Key Facts
Economist Mark Zandi predicts weaker job growth and higher inflation in 2026.
The U.S. economy is expected to grow faster in 2026 than in 2025.
Factors contributing to the weaker job market include restrictive immigration policies and increased tariffs.
Inflation is expected to rise due to delayed effects of higher tariffs.
Artificial intelligence has contributed positively to economic growth.
The U.S. experienced a labor market slowdown in the second half of 2025.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a 4.3% GDP growth rate in Q3 of 2025.
President Donald Trump faces scrutiny over economic handling amid these conditions.
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