About 260,000 cases of shredded cheese from Great Lakes Cheese Co. are being recalled due to possible metal fragments in the products. The recall affects cheese sold at stores like Aldi, Target, and Walmart in 31 states and Puerto Rico. The recall includes several types of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella and Italian style.
Key Facts
Great Lakes Cheese Co. is the company recalling the cheese.
The recall involves about 260,000 cases of cheese products.
The recall includes cheese sold at Aldi, Target, and Walmart.
The reason for the recall is possible metal fragments in the cheese.
The recall affects cheese products in 31 states and Puerto Rico.
The recall includes various types, like mozzarella and Italian-style shredded cheese.
Brands involved include Happy Farms by Aldi, Always Save, and Borden, among others.
The FDA categorized this as a "Class 2" recall, which means serious health risks are unlikely.
An investigation is being conducted into leaks from the UK Treasury that happened before the latest Budget announcement. These leaks revealed several planned policies early, which affected business confidence and market activities. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is supporting this inquiry to prevent future leaks.
Key Facts
An investigation is looking into leaks from the UK Treasury about Budget plans before the official announcement.
The leaks included policies on income tax, electric vehicle charges, and a tourist tax.
The inquiry has full support from Chancellor Rachel Reeves and is led by Treasury civil servant James Bowler.
The Speaker of the Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, criticized the leaks and emphasized the need for proper procedure.
Leaks reportedly impacted market confidence and influenced interest rates on UK debt.
A pre-Budget survey showed over half of business leaders delayed investments due to the uncertainty.
Concerns about the leaks caused some people to withdraw pension savings earlier than planned.
The article discusses how family-owned businesses plan for passing leadership to the next generation. It looks at examples from Walker's Shortbread in Scotland and Dr. Bronner's in the U.S. Proper planning can prevent disputes and ensure smooth transitions.
Key Facts
Rupert Murdoch recently handed over his media business to his son Lachlan, highlighting the need for clear succession plans.
Walker's Shortbread uses a "cousins consortium" model, allowing family members to join and have input in the business.
External experts are involved in Walker's Shortbread's succession planning to bring in professional advice.
Emotional dynamics can complicate succession in family firms, requiring separation of family and business roles.
A study indicated that over 40% of business leaders haven't identified successors, risking business instability.
Dr. Bronner's learned from past mistakes and now plans better for leadership changes, avoiding past tax and operational issues.
Fromm Family Foods has recalled 300 cases of Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe dog food due to potential plastic contamination. The recall affects products in 14 U.S. states and one Canadian province. Customers are advised to stop using the product and can contact the company for more information.
Key Facts
300 cases of dog food are recalled due to possible plastic contamination.
The recall involves Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe in a 16-ounce package.
The affected states include Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois, plus Ontario, Canada.
Symptoms of dogs ingesting plastic can include vomiting and stomach discomfort.
Fromm Family Foods initiated the recall after receiving complaints.
No other Fromm products are affected by this recall.
Customers should return the product to the retailer if purchased.
For questions, contact Fromm Family Foods via phone or email.
There is growing discussion about the idea of capping or redistributing the wealth of billionaires. Elon Musk's potential earnings highlight the vast wealth accumulated by billionaires, sparking debate on whether their influence helps or harms society. These discussions raise questions about innovation and the impact on the global economy.
Key Facts
Calls to control the growth of billionaires' wealth are increasing in Western countries.
Elon Musk could become the richest person in history with a $1 trillion pay package.
The world has 3,028 billionaires with a combined wealth of $16.1 trillion.
About 831 million people live in extreme poverty, on less than $3 a day.
Billionaires’ wealth could potentially end extreme poverty for 196 years if redistributed.
Some believe billionaire wealth influences politics and society, while others argue it supports innovation.
The debate considers if limiting billionaires would hinder economic growth and innovation.
Early holiday shopping numbers in the U.S. appeared strong, but there are concerns about underlying weaknesses in the economy. Retail sales increased, but spending was more focused on necessities instead of non-essential items. Analysts are observing how economic factors may affect consumer behavior for the rest of the holiday season.
Key Facts
Black Friday sales, not counting cars, rose 4.1% this year, according to data from Mastercard SpendingPulse.
Cyber Monday sales increased by about 7%, setting a new record, based on Adobe Analytics information.
The National Retail Federation predicts the first $1 trillion holiday shopping season.
Spending growth for holiday items was up 2.6% for the week ending November 29, according to Bank of America.
Lower- and middle-income consumers are reported to be focusing on buying necessities due to stretched budgets.
Walmart's CFO noted a significant gap in wage growth across different income groups, the largest in a decade.
Retailers see strong sales in items priced under $100, as reported by Placer.ai.
Macy's raised its full-year outlook, but there are still uncertainties about consumer spending among aspirational clients.
Investor Michael Burry has warned that if President Trump influences the Federal Reserve, it could lead to negative outcomes. Burry spoke about this on a podcast, suggesting that political interference might harm the Fed's independence, impacting the economy.
Key Facts
Michael Burry warned against potential interference in the Federal Reserve by President Trump.
Burry is known for accurately predicting the 2008 housing market collapse.
He voiced concerns that President Trump wants to lower interest rates to nearly 0%.
The Cleveland Fed currently estimates the neutral interest rate at about 3.7%.
Politicizing the Fed's work could damage its credibility and economic stability.
Financial experts worry about the impact of very low interest rates on inflation and savings.
Burry's comments have sparked discussion among economic and financial analysts.
Parents in the UK can now use gift vouchers and supermarket loyalty points to buy baby formula. This government plan aims to help families save money on infant formula, which has become more expensive. The plan ensures all formula meets nutritional standards and aims to make cheaper options more accessible.
Key Facts
Parents can use gift vouchers and loyalty points for baby formula purchases.
The scheme helps families save up to £500 a year on formula.
Infant formula prices have risen significantly, with tins costing £12 to £15.
Concerns were raised about families watering down formula due to costs.
Three companies dominate 90% of the infant formula market: Danone, Kendal, and Nestle.
The Competition and Markets Authority reviewed the market and recommended clearer guidance on nutritional standards.
The new measures prevent infant formula packaging from misleading parents.
Authorities across the UK support the government's plan to implement these changes.
Bangladesh's economy is facing challenges but not collapsing. The country is making changes to correct past financial issues, including problems with banks and government borrowing. These changes aim to create a more stable and sustainable economic situation.
Key Facts
Bangladesh's current economic challenges include high inflation and issues in the banking sector.
The economy is undergoing structural corrections rather than collapsing.
In the past, data manipulation and risk concealment created a misleading picture of economic health.
Bangladesh recorded a growth rate of 3.5% in 2020, 6.9% in 2021, and 7.1% in 2022 despite global shocks like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Higher nonperforming loans have surfaced due to a commitment to more honest financial reporting.
Private credit growth has decreased to about 6.29% due to stricter lending standards.
The government has significantly reduced its borrowing from banks, easing pressure on interest rates.
These changes aim to build sustainable economic growth by addressing longstanding financial weaknesses.
More than half of people in relationships in the UK buy items without telling their partners, according to a survey. Men spend more secretly than women, with popular secret purchases being clothing, beauty products, alcohol, and gambling. Younger people tend to spend more in secret compared to older people.
Key Facts
Over 50% of adults in relationships in the UK engage in secret spending.
Men spend an average of £2,545 in secret each year, while women spend £1,769.
Clothing is the most common secret purchase, followed by beauty products for women, and cigarettes and alcohol for men.
Gen Z individuals spend an average of £4,303 secretly each year, more than older generations.
Those over 55 tend to spend less, with an average of £384 in secret annually.
Experts warn that secret spending can lead to financial issues in relationships, impacting budgeting and long-term financial planning.
Costco is seeking refunds on tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump that courts have ruled illegal. The case is now with the Supreme Court, and retail giant Costco has filed actions to ensure it can get refunds if the tariffs are overturned. Other companies like Revlon and Bumble Bee Foods are also pursuing similar actions in court.
Key Facts
Costco wants refunds for tariffs it paid under Trump’s import taxes.
U.S. courts in New York and Washington have ruled these tariffs illegal.
The Supreme Court will now decide on the legality of these tariffs.
If the court overturns the tariffs, companies may be eligible for refunds.
Costco and others have filed actions to secure potential refunds.
Tariffs raised about $90 billion, making this a significant financial issue.
President Trump claims the tariffs protect the U.S. economy.
Companies fear delays in refunds if the court process takes too long.
During the Thanksgiving shopping weekend, which ended on Cyber Monday, U.S. shoppers actively looked for deals despite concerns about the economy. Both online and in-store sales increased, with a significant growth in online shopping. The National Retail Federation anticipates holiday sales to rise compared to last year.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving weekend is considered the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season.
Online sales during Cyber Week reached $44.2 billion, a 7.7% increase from the previous year.
Cyber Monday saw $14.25 billion in online spending, making it the biggest online shopping day of the year.
Online shopping now makes up 30% of total holiday sales, compared to 15% in 2012.
More than 235,000 people visited the Mall of America on Black Friday, the highest on record for the mall.
Black Friday's overall sales grew by 4.1% from the previous year, with a significant 10.4% increase in online sales.
The National Retail Federation expects holiday season sales to be between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion, up 3.7% to 4.2% from last year.
Americans used "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) options more during Cyber Monday, helping boost online sales by over $1 billion. Data from Adobe showed a record $14.25 billion spent online on Cyber Monday, driven partly by BNPL. Overall, this holiday season's BNPL spending is expected to reach $20.2 billion.
Key Facts
"Buy now, pay later" (BNPL) use increased 4.2% on Cyber Monday compared to last year.
BNPL helped contribute over $1 billion to Cyber Monday's online sales.
Total online spending for Cyber Monday reached a record $14.25 billion.
Adobe predicts BNPL spending will reach $20.2 billion by the end of the holiday season, an 11% rise from 2024.
The Thanksgiving shopping period saw $44.2 billion in online spending.
Some experts warn that rising BNPL use might hide financial struggles for U.S. consumers.
Inflation has caused higher prices, impacting how people spend their money on gifts.
Starbucks will pay $35.5 million to workers at over 300 New York City locations due to a lawsuit about schedule violations. The settlement includes civil penalties and aims to address issues like unstable schedules and cut hours, following a city law investigation impacting more than 15,000 employees.
Key Facts
Starbucks agreed to a $38.9 million settlement due to violating NYC's Fair Workweek Law.
Of this amount, $35.5 million will go to 15,000 affected workers at over 300 locations.
An investigation found over half a million violations related to work schedules.
Each eligible worker will get about $50 per week worked from July 2021 to July 2024.
New York City's Fair Workweek Law requires consistent schedules and limits on cutting work hours.
The company faced strikes as workers demanded better hours and staffing.
Civil penalties and costs account for $3.4 million of the settlement.
The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will monitor Starbucks for future compliance.
The UK's advertising regulator banned advertisements by Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste for making misleading claims about their products being environmentally friendly. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that the ads did not provide enough evidence to support their claims of sustainability. The companies must now ensure that future green claims in ads are clearly supported by solid evidence.
Key Facts
The UK banned ads from Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste for misleading green claims.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) requires clear evidence for sustainability claims in ads.
Nike's ad claimed its products used "sustainable materials" but lacked evidence.
Superdry's ad suggested "style and sustainability" without sufficient proof.
Lacoste's ad promoted a "sustainable clothing" range but did not back the claim with data.
The ASA uses artificial intelligence to spot ads that might break its rules.
The companies must ensure future ads have strong evidence for any green claims.
Panda Express has teamed up with chocolate company Compartés to give away a free Fortune Cookie Chocolate Bar on December 5 to customers who buy a two-item meal at certain locations. The chocolate bars are part of a special collection with flavors inspired by popular Panda Express dishes. This event highlights recent updates to Panda Express's customer perks.
Key Facts
Panda Express is collaborating with Compartés to offer a special one-day giveaway.
On December 5, a free Fortune Cookie Chocolate Bar is available with a two-item meal purchase at participating stores.
The offer is limited to in-store purchases only and while supplies last.
Four limited-edition chocolate bars inspired by Panda Express dishes are available online: Original Orange, Honey Walnut, Fortune Cookie, and Kung Pao.
Each chocolate bar costs $11.95, with a gift set option priced at $49.95.
Panda Express recently updated its rewards program, ending a monthly surprise gifts initiative.
The free chocolate bar event is separate from the Panda Rewards program, which allows members to earn points for purchases.
Research from King's Business School and the Federal Reserve Board shows that many banks increase credit limits without customers requesting them. This often leads to higher debt levels as customers use the additional credit made available. The study highlights concerns about this practice, noting that it mostly affects people already carrying debt.
Key Facts
Banks initiate about 80% of credit-limit increases in the U.S., not the customers.
These increases provide over $40 billion in additional credit every three months.
Most of the increased credit goes to those already carrying debt.
Algorithmic systems often decide which customers receive credit-limit increases.
Around one-third of unpaid U.S. credit-card balances exist due to these automatic increases.
Borrowers with lower credit scores are more likely to receive automatic credit-limit hikes.
U.S. policies are compared to U.K. and Canadian safeguards, which require consumer consent for credit-limit increases.
Introducing such regulations in the U.S. could improve consumer financial health and reduce debt levels.
In the first half of 2025, over 60% of home sales in New York City were all-cash transactions, according to a report. Queens had the most cash purchases overall, while the Bronx had the highest ratio of cash buys compared to financed deals.
Key Facts
More than 60% of home purchases in New York City from January to June 2025 were made with cash.
There were 10,825 cash buys out of a total of 17,924 property sales during this period.
Queens had the most cash transactions with 4,132 sales.
The Bronx had the highest ratio of cash buys, with about 17 cash buys for every mortgage.
In some Bronx neighborhoods, there were far more cash buys than financed purchases (e.g., 320 cash buys vs. 5 financed in one council district).
Nearly 90% of properties over $3 million in Manhattan were bought with cash.
Harlem and Washington Heights were the only neighborhoods in Manhattan where financed deals outnumbered cash buys.
High interest rates may be causing more buyers to choose cash deals.
The article highlights a selection of new consumer products from various brands, including Pop-Tarts, Dave's Killer Bread, Liquid I.V., Blue Diamond, and Dr. Praeger's. These products range from protein-packed snacks to plant-based burgers and innovative hydration solutions. It is part of Newsweek's New & Noteworthy series, which showcases new and noteworthy products across multiple categories.
Key Facts
Pop-Tarts now offer a protein-rich version with 10 grams of protein per serving in three flavors.
Dave's Killer Bread launched a new Supreme Sourdough loaf, which is USDA organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Liquid I.V. introduced its first hot drink, Hydration Multiplier Hot Chocolate, designed for better hydration.
Blue Diamond Almonds and More are available in festive packaging with three popular flavors for the holiday season.
:ratio Pro-Fiber yogurt is a new dairy snack with high protein and fiber content, designed to be GLP-1-friendly.
Biore released a Paint & Peel Liquid Pimple Patch for targeted acne treatment with 1% salicylic acid.
Dr. Praeger's launched a new line of plant-based burgers with a steakhouse flavor profile.
A woman’s father-in-law bought a taxidermy goat at a thrift store for $320. They later found out it could sell for around $5,000 online. The family plans to sell the goat on eBay after discovering its high value.
Key Facts
A woman shared a TikTok video about her father-in-law buying a taxidermy goat figure from a thrift store.
The goat figure was purchased for $320.
Online, similar taxidermy goats can be priced at about $5,000.
The man bought the goat during a visit to a Goodwill store over Thanksgiving weekend.
The plan is to sell the goat on eBay to make a profit.
The father-in-law has experience in reselling and co-owns a vintage clothing store.
The goat will temporarily be displayed at the family cabin.
