A man named John Carcerano bought a Chinese plate for $4.99 at a thrift store and sold it at a Sotheby’s auction for over $4,000. The plate was rare and linked to Jewish heritage, which made its sale unusual. Carcerano plans to use the auction proceeds to invest in silver.
Key Facts
John Carcerano found a Chinese plate at a thrift store for $4.99.
The plate was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $4,064.
The auction described it as a rare Chinese export plate with Jewish symbols, from around 1761, during the Qing dynasty.
It was sold in a Judaica auction, which is focused on Jewish heritage items.
There were about four bidders, and the winning bid came from online.
Carcerano initially hoped the plate would sell for more, estimating a value of around $7,000.
He plans to use the funds from the sale to invest in silver, expecting its price to rise.
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Several grocery stores have different operating hours on Christmas Eve, but most close on Christmas Day. This information helps customers plan their shopping around the holidays.
Key Facts
Aldi will be open on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Christmas Day.
BJ’s Wholesale Club operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but will not open on Christmas Day.
Costco is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.
Kroger keeps stores open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, closing on Christmas Day.
Target operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, remaining closed on December 25.
Walmart opens from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but doesn't open on Christmas Day.
Whole Foods will be open on Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but closed on Christmas Day.
Some fast-food locations like Dunkin', McDonald’s, and Starbucks may stay open on both days, but it's best to check specific locations for their hours.
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The number of homes available for sale in the U.S. dropped by 1.4% in November. This decline is the largest since June 2023 and is linked to slower demand and sellers pulling their listings from the market. The ongoing housing shortage and high home prices continue to impact the market.
Key Facts
Home listings decreased by 1.4% in November to 1,954,870.
New home listings fell by 2.2% to 526,666, the lowest since April 2024.
Pending home sales declined by 2.5% in November.
Existing home sales remained steady at about 4.27 million annually.
Homes sold in November stayed on the market longer, averaging 53 days.
The median sale price of a U.S. home in November was $433,222, down 1.5% from the previous year.
The housing market needs about 2.8 million homes to balance supply and demand.
Sellers are often also buyers, needing to price homes reasonably to attract interest.
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The U.S. economy grew by 4.3% in the third quarter of the year, due to increased consumer spending, exports, and government spending. Despite this growth, inflation remains high, affecting economic stability.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy expanded by 4.3% in the third quarter.
Growth was stronger than the expected 3% predicted by analysts.
Consumer spending increased to a 3.5% annual rate last quarter.
The gross domestic product (GDP) measures the total output of goods and services.
Inflation, measured by the PCE index, rose to a 2.8% annual rate.
Core PCE inflation, excluding food and energy, was 2.9%.
Consumer spending makes up about 70% of U.S. economic activity.
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The U.S. economy grew faster than experts expected in the third quarter of the year. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the economy's real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 4.3% from July to September. This growth was driven by higher consumer spending, government spending, and exports.
Key Facts
The U.S. GDP grew at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter.
Experts had forecasted a 3.3% GDP growth for the same period.
The second quarter saw a GDP growth of 3.8%, while the first quarter had a decline of 0.6%.
Growth was mainly due to increased consumer spending, government spending, and exports.
Investment decreased, which partially offset the growth.
There was a decrease in imports, but it was slower than in the second quarter.
Recent data releases were delayed due to shutdowns, affecting economic insights.
The unemployment rate rose to its highest since September 2021, and inflation cooled to 2.7%, above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.
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KFC is updating its menu for New Year's Eve with a special offer combining fried chicken with luxury items like caviar and sparkling wine. The offer is a buy-one-get-one deal on eight-piece dark-meat fried chicken buckets for KFC Rewards members. The campaign aims to create a unique at-home dining experience for the holiday.
Key Facts
KFC announced a special New Year's Eve menu that pairs fried chicken with luxury items like caviar and sparkling wine.
The offer includes a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on KFC's eight-piece dark-meat fried chicken buckets.
This promotion is exclusive to KFC Rewards members, available through KFC's website and app.
KFC is partnering with The Caviar Co. and Luc Belaire to provide the high-end pairings.
The promotion is designed to encourage private, at-home celebrations instead of public gatherings.
The deal is available for a limited time at participating locations.
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A major corporate battle is underway as Netflix and Paramount Skydance try to buy Warner Bros Discovery. This takeover effort includes TNT Sports, which holds key sports broadcasting rights in the UK. The outcome could affect how sports rights are managed and who broadcasts major events like the Premier League.
Key Facts
Netflix and Paramount Skydance are competing to buy Warner Bros Discovery.
Warner Bros Discovery owns TNT Sports, important for broadcasting sports like the Premier League.
TNT Sports started as BT Sport and has been a major player in UK sports broadcasting since 2012.
TNT Sports holds broadcasting rights for events like the Premier League and the FA Cup.
TNT Sports is currently a joint venture between Warner Bros Discovery and BT Group.
BT Group is planning to sell its 50% share of TNT Sports to Warner Bros Discovery.
The sale of Warner Bros Discovery could impact sports broadcasting rights in the UK.
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Starbucks has introduced a new drink to its 'Secret Menu,' which is available to Starbucks Rewards members. The menu allows members to order customized drinks through the Starbucks app or in-store by giving special instructions.
Key Facts
Starbucks launched its 'Secret Menu' on July 14, 2025.
The ‘Secret Menu’ lets Starbucks Rewards members order exclusive drink customizations.
A new drink called Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa is reportedly added to this menu.
This drink includes Starbucks hot chocolate, White Chocolate Mocha Sauce, cookie crumble topping, and whipped cream.
Customers can order the drink in different sizes, with prices starting around $5.25 for a Grande.
All ingredients for the drink are standard stock, allowing it to be ordered year-round.
The drink's availability as a permanent or limited-time offer will depend on its popularity.
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A new report by Zillow found that Rockford, Illinois had the most popular housing market in 2025 due to its affordability. Many top housing markets were in the Midwest and had lower home prices, often under $350,000. Despite this, the U.S. housing market continues to face challenges with affordability and a shortage of homes.
Key Facts
Rockford, Illinois was the most popular U.S. housing market in 2025 according to Zillow.
The Midwest dominated the list due to its affordability.
Home prices have increased nearly 30% from 2019 to 2024.
High borrowing costs and taxes are barriers for potential home buyers.
The U.S. homeownership level dropped to 65% in 2025, the lowest since 2019.
Zillow's list included cities with at least 100,000 people, factoring in housing demand metrics.
Toledo, Ohio, with a typical home value of $126,000, led among large cities for affordability.
Most home buyers in Rockford came from outside the area, showing its broad appeal.
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Many Americans plan to give fewer gifts this Christmas because tariffs and higher prices are affecting their budgets. According to a survey, a significant number of people are borrowing money to cover holiday expenses, leading to increased debt. Despite these challenges, holiday spending has remained strong.
Key Facts
45% of people surveyed plan to give fewer gifts due to tariffs.
46% said higher prices have affected their holiday feelings.
Americans have taken on an average of $1,223 in holiday debt this year.
62% of this debt is on credit cards, and 35% comes from buy now, pay later loans.
49% of people expect to incur holiday debt, and 41% are still paying off last year's debts.
63% think it will take three months or more to pay off this year's holiday expenses.
The National Retail Federation estimates that 203 million people shopped over Thanksgiving weekend.
Adobe Analytics reported $14.25 billion spent online on Cyber Monday.
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Taiwan has surpassed South Korea in per capita income due to a strong demand for advanced semiconductors. This ranking is based on data from the International Monetary Fund and lists economies in East and Southeast Asia by their per capita income.
Key Facts
Taiwan's rise in per capita income is linked to its semiconductor industry and particularly the success of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Per capita income is a measure of national wealth divided by population, indicating average wealth but not accounting for income inequality or cost differences.
Singapore leads in the region with the highest per capita income of $94,480.
Macau and Hong Kong, both special administrative regions of China, rank second and third with incomes of $74,920 and $56,840 respectively.
Taiwan's per capita GDP reached $37,827, moving it ahead of South Korea ($35,960) and Japan ($34,720).
Other regional rankings include Brunei with significant oil and gas income, and countries like Malaysia, China, and Thailand with lower per capita incomes.
The rankings are part of a forecast from a United Nations special agency.
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President Donald Trump is deciding who will be the new leader of the U.S. Federal Reserve, with Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh as the main contenders. The new leader will face challenges like political pressure and internal disagreements about interest rates. Trump's choice must be approved by the Senate.
Key Facts
President Trump needs to pick a new head for the Federal Reserve because Jerome Powell's term ends in May.
Kevin Hassett, a close adviser to Trump, is considered a top choice but his chances have decreased recently.
Hassett has supported Trump's economic policies and faced questions about his independence at the Fed.
Kevin Warsh, another candidate, served as a Fed governor previously and is known for being a Fed critic.
Warsh has been suggested as someone who might support lower interest rates now, despite a history of favoring higher rates.
The nomination for the Fed leader will need confirmation by the Senate.
Whoever is chosen will face issues like political pressure and differing opinions on how to handle interest rates.
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The article compares the cost of major subscription services in 2025 to their costs in 2015. It highlights how prices for services like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime, and The New York Times have generally increased, often due to inflation and pricing strategies by companies.
Key Facts
Netflix's cheapest option in 2025 costs $7.99 with ads; in 2015, the standard plan without ads was $9.99.
Spotify's individual premium plan increased from $9.99 in 2015 to $11.99 in 2025.
YouTube Premium costs $13.99 per month in 2025, up from $9.99 when it was called YouTube Red in 2015.
Amazon Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year in 2025; in 2015, it was $99 per year without a monthly option.
A New York Times subscription increased from $15 per month in 2015 to $25 per month in 2025, now including access to games.
Inflation rates in the U.S. rose to 8% in 2022, with a peak of 9.1%; it was 2.9% in 2024 but remains higher than before the pandemic.
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Dr. Ruth Gotian studies what makes some people highly successful across different fields, like Nobel Prize winners, Olympians, and astronauts. She identifies common traits they share, such as intrinsic motivation and continual learning. Gotian uses networking to connect with these high achievers and learns about their approaches to success.
Key Facts
Dr. Ruth Gotian studies high performers and what leads to their success.
Her work includes researching individuals like Nobel Prize winners, Olympians, and astronauts.
She finds that successful people are motivated from within and adapt their passions over time.
Successful individuals focus on overcoming challenges, not avoiding them.
High achievers continue to work hard on basic skills and do not become complacent.
They are constantly learning and eager to gain knowledge from any source.
Networking helps Gotian connect with these high achievers for her interviews.
She believes success involves creating new ways of thinking and doing things.
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Several major companies in the U.S., including Tyson Foods, FedEx, and General Motors, plan to lay off thousands of workers in January. This comes as economic challenges and advances in technology continue to impact the labor market.
Key Facts
Over 71,000 job cuts were announced by U.S.-based employers last month.
Tyson Foods will close a Nebraska plant, resulting in about 3,200 job losses.
FedEx will layoff 856 workers due to facility closures in Texas.
General Motors will let go of 1,140 employees in Michigan linked to electric vehicle production challenges.
The total number of job cuts in 2025 has reached 1.2 million, the highest since 2020.
Advances in Artificial Intelligence may contribute to more layoffs, particularly in white-collar jobs.
Other companies like Amazon and HP are also planning long-term cost reductions.
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Job cuts in the U.S. increased significantly towards the end of 2025, with concerns over more layoffs continuing into 2026. Tariffs and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to affect various sectors, leading to potential job losses. Consumers, analysts, and experts are worried about the impact on employment due to economic uncertainties and AI advancements.
Key Facts
Job cuts rose sharply in late 2025 among major U.S. employers.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell described the earlier part of 2025 as a "low hire, low fire" period, meaning few job gains or losses.
Economic uncertainties, tariffs, and AI advancements are influencing future job market trends.
Tariffs may continue to hurt sectors like retail and services due to reduced consumer spending.
President Trump’s policies, such as immigrant restrictions, have impacted labor demand.
AI could displace many white-collar jobs, especially in roles involving repetitive cognitive tasks.
Many companies have already announced layoffs, citing AI’s role in replacing human jobs.
Physical labor roles remain less affected by AI, although the use of robotics is growing rapidly.
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President Donald Trump's handling of the economy during his second term is being closely observed, with specific scrutiny on inflation and trade policies. Inflation has decreased compared to earlier figures during President Joe Biden's term, while Trump has implemented tariffs to address the trade deficit. These economic policies and their impacts are critical as voters assess Trump's economic management leading into the 2026 midterms.
Key Facts
President Trump is in his second term, and his economic policies are under voter scrutiny.
Inflation has reduced to 2.7% in November 2025, compared to 6.8% during the same month in 2021 under President Biden.
Inflation rates were lower at similar points in Trump's and Obama's first terms, at 2.2% in 2017 and 1.8% in 2009, respectively.
Economic experts often note that a president's policies may not influence the economy significantly within their first year in office.
Trump has implemented tariffs to reduce the trade deficit and bring jobs back to the U.S.
The trade deficit decreased by about 144% from January to September, sitting at $52.8 billion.
Critics argue that tariffs could contribute to higher consumer prices and may affect U.S. innovation in the long run.
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Amazon blocked over 1,800 North Korean job applications because they were linked to schemes that fund weapons programs. The company used artificial intelligence and staff verification to identify and prevent these fraudulent applications. U.S. and South Korean authorities have been alerting companies to North Korean online scams.
Key Facts
Amazon stopped more than 1,800 North Korean job applications using false identities.
North Korean job seekers aimed to fund weapons programs with their earnings.
The company saw a nearly 33% rise in these applications in the past year.
North Korean operatives use "laptop farms" — U.S.-based computers run from abroad.
Amazon employed artificial intelligence and manual checks to screen applications.
Fraudsters used stolen LinkedIn accounts to seem genuine to potential employers.
The U.S. government found 29 illegal "laptop farms" within the country.
An Arizona woman was sentenced for aiding North Korean IT workers through these scams, earning more than $17 million.
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Paramount and Netflix are both interested in buying Warner Bros., with Netflix offering $83 billion. This potential sale worries many people in Hollywood about the future of creative work.
Key Facts
Paramount and Netflix are trying to buy Warner Bros.
Netflix has proposed an $83 billion offer.
Many in Hollywood are concerned about how this sale might affect the creative industry.
Jeffrey Brown provides insights related to the arts and culture sector.
The topic is being discussed as part of the CANVAS series, focusing on arts and culture.
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The Post Office and Fujitsu signed an agreement in 2006 to handle errors in the Horizon IT system, which affected sub-postmasters. This contract included fixing transaction mistakes or paying up to £150 per error if problems arose. Despite this, the Post Office claimed during legal proceedings that the system had no bugs that could cause accounting mistakes, leading to wrongful convictions.
Key Facts
The Horizon IT system had bugs that led to errors in sub-postmasters' accounts.
A 2006 agreement required Fujitsu to fix these errors or pay the Post Office if unable to do so.
Between 1999 and 2015, over 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly accused and some were convicted due to these errors.
The issue is considered one of the biggest legal injustices in the UK.
A long-running public investigation is examining the scandal.
Documentation recently surfaced showing the Post Office was aware of these potential errors.
Fujitsu's system could be involved in discrepancies and might alter records without sub-postmasters' knowledge.
Sub-postmasters were believed to have been at fault due to alleged incompetence or dishonesty before this document emerged.
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