KFC is adding new and seasonal items to its menu for Thanksgiving, including a chicken-based option called the Extra Crispy Festive Feast. The feast offers an alternative to traditional turkey meals and is available nationwide. KFC is also bringing back its Personal Pot Pie and offering themed merchandise.
Key Facts
KFC launched the Extra Crispy Festive Feast nationwide on November 17.
The meal targets people who prefer not to eat turkey for Thanksgiving.
It includes eight pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and three types of gravy.
The price for the Festive Feast is $25.
KFC reintroduced the Personal Pot Pie for $4.99.
Marketing for the new menu highlights "Cluck Turkey," encouraging people to choose chicken.
KFC is selling matching pajamas, festive wrapping paper, and gift cards in stores.
These items are available at participating locations for a limited time.
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Walmart has updated its holiday return policy, allowing items bought between October 1 and December 31 to be returned until January 31. This change provides customers more flexibility during the holiday season, as people often buy gifts that may not be opened until Christmas or later.
Key Facts
Walmart's new holiday return policy applies to items bought from October 1 to December 31.
Customers can return these purchases until January 31, giving extra time beyond the usual 90-day return period.
The policy covers in-store and online purchases directly from Walmart or Walmart.com, not third-party sellers.
Consumer electronics must be returned within 30 days and wireless phones within 14 days.
Walmart's policy change aims to compete with other retailers like Amazon, potentially attracting more holiday shoppers.
Items sold by Walmart's Marketplace third-party sellers may have different return rules.
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A federal judge approved Purdue Pharma's plan to settle lawsuits related to the opioid crisis, agreeing that the Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years. Most of this money will go to governments and individuals affected by the crisis. The settlement allows future lawsuits against the Sacklers if people or groups choose not to join the settlement.
Key Facts
A federal judge approved a settlement plan for Purdue Pharma regarding opioid lawsuits.
The Sackler family, owners of Purdue, agreed to contribute up to $7 billion over 15 years.
Most of the funds will go to government entities to help fight the opioid crisis.
$850 million of the settlement is earmarked for individual victims, including children born with opioid withdrawal.
Purdue Pharma will be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a mission to benefit the public.
Sackler family members will give up ownership of Purdue and are not allowed to have their name on institutions in exchange for donations.
Purdue filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019 due to numerous opioid-related lawsuits.
The new settlement plan allows lawsuits against Sackler family members by those who do not opt into the deal.
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Tim Sweeney, the founder and CEO of Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, is using some of his wealth for land conservation in North Carolina. Instead of developing or selling the land for profit, Sweeney has bought over 50,000 acres to preserve its natural state and has made significant donations for conservation purposes. This has gained attention as it contrasts with typical billionaire investments in luxury or commercial properties.
Key Facts
Tim Sweeney is the founder of Epic Games, known for the game Fortnite.
Fortnite generates around $4.5 billion each year.
Sweeney has a net worth of $5.1 billion.
He owns over 50,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
Sweeney uses his land for conservation, not for development or profit.
He has given away 7,000 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
He has also donated 7,500 acres to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
Sweeney's conservation approach started around 2008.
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GameStop is hosting a "trade anything" day on December 6, which allows customers to exchange nearly any item for in-store credit. The event has gained attention on social media, with people joking about what they might trade in. The initiative is part of GameStop's efforts to engage customers amid challenges from digital competition and changes in consumer habits.
Key Facts
GameStop will hold a "trade anything" day on December 6, allowing people to trade items for store credit.
The event has become popular on social media, with users humorously discussing what items they might bring.
A survey found that 31% of Americans keep old technology due to uncertainty about trade-in options, while 37% actually trade items.
Social media reactions reflect humor as a way to cope with economic pressures.
Items must fit in a 20x20x20-inch box and certain items like hazardous materials and live animals are not allowed.
GameStop has about 2,325 stores across the U.S.
The company has faced challenges from digital downloads, reduced store traffic, and had a notable stock market event in 2021, known as a short squeeze.
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President Donald Trump's business projects, run by his family, are expanding internationally while he is in office. Recent plans for a Trump Tower in Belgrade, Serbia, have led to protests because of its location on a sensitive historical site. The Trump Organization, although officially managed by Trump’s sons, continues to have projects worldwide that sometimes overlap with U.S. foreign policy.
Key Facts
The Trump Organization is working on global real estate projects, with some connected to countries where the U.S. also has foreign policy interests.
A planned Trump Tower in Belgrade, Serbia, recently got political approval and led to protests over its location at a site with historical significance.
The Serbian government quickly approved the project, which is linked to Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law.
Protests in Serbia have been partly due to the building's location on a site bombed by NATO in 1999.
Trump’s Press Secretary stated there are no conflicts of interest from President Trump or his family regarding the business deals.
Other projects, such as in Vietnam, have faced local protests and expedited approvals during Trump’s presidency.
The Trump Organization has a total of 22 overseas projects at various stages, according to reports.
President Trump remains the owner of the Trump Organization and has seen significant financial gains during his presidency, partly due to investments outside real estate, like cryptocurrency.
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Eminem is taking legal action against an Australian beachwear company called Swim Shady for using a name similar to his stage name Slim Shady. He has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the trademark granted to Swim Shady, claiming it suggests a false link with him. The company plans to defend its trademark.
Key Facts
Eminem filed a request to cancel the Swim Shady trademark, citing a false association with his stage name.
Eminem's real name is Marshall B Mathers III.
The US Patent and Trademark Office is involved, and the beach brand must respond soon.
Swim Shady sells beach umbrellas, swim bags, and other accessories.
The company originally launched under the name Slim Shade in 2023 and switched to Swim Shady in 2024.
Eminem's Slim Shady name became well-known in 2000 with his hit single and Grammy win.
Eminem trademarked Slim Shady in the US in 1999, and in Australia in 2025.
The Australian brand plans to defend its trademark but cannot comment due to the ongoing case.
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Household energy bills in the UK are expected to drop by £22 in January 2024. Although this represents a 1% decrease, energy prices are anticipated to rise again in April due to non-energy costs like policy fees related to renewable energy investments.
Key Facts
UK energy bills are predicted to decrease by £22 in January 2024.
The expected new price for typical yearly energy use will be £1,733.
This change marks a 1% reduction from the current price cap of £1,755.
Cornwall Insight, a consultancy, provided these forecasts.
Energy prices are expected to increase again in April 2024 due to non-energy costs.
Rising costs are linked to levies and policy decisions about renewable energy.
Ofgem, the energy regulator, sets the price cap every three months.
The price cap affects about 22 million households in England, Wales, and Scotland.
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The UK's competition regulator is investigating eight companies for how they price their products online. This is the first time the regulator is using new powers aimed at protecting consumers.
Key Facts
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is carrying out the investigations.
The companies being looked at include ticket resellers StubHub and Viagogo, as well as AA Driving School and BSM Driving School.
Other companies involved are Gold's Gym, Wayfair, Appliances Direct, and Marks Electrical.
The investigation is part of a broader review of how companies price products online.
The CMA is using new consumer protection powers to conduct these investigations.
The CMA is also contacting 100 more businesses about concerns over extra fees and sales tactics.
The goal is to ensure consumers pay the prices they expect and that sales are honest.
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Shares in President Donald Trump's media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, hit a record low, closing at $10.85 per share on November 17. The stock price has decreased by 32% over the past month amid political challenges for President Trump and the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Trump Media & Technology Group stock fell to $10.85 on November 17.
The stock price declined by 32% in the past month.
The decline started from around $16 in late October.
The decline is linked to political challenges for President Trump.
Democrats won elections in several states, including New York and California.
There are new developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, which might impact Trump politically.
The House of Representatives is considering making Epstein-related records public.
President Trump said he is prepared to approve legislation regarding Epstein records if it reaches him.
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Costco is introducing a new Lobster Mac and Cheese dish in their deli section just in time for Thanksgiving. This pre-prepared meal is designed to save people time in the kitchen during the holiday.
Key Facts
Costco is offering a new pre-prepared Lobster Mac and Cheese dish.
The dish includes Kirkland Signature cold water lobster, pasta, and cheddar cheese.
Each tray weighs 4 pounds and costs about $30.
The meal is meant to serve four people, costing less than $8 per serving.
Cold water lobster is generally firmer and sweeter than warm water lobster.
Some consumers suggest adding extra seafood or cheese to enhance the dish.
The dish is available in Costco's deli pre-prepared section.
It aims to reduce time spent cooking for Thanksgiving celebrations.
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A new community supermarket is set to open in Hull, offering low-cost and free food options. The store aims to provide affordable food to people on means-tested benefits while reducing food waste. It will also create jobs and support skill development for local residents.
Key Facts
The supermarket will be located in the North Bransholme Community Centre in Hull.
It will sell surplus food items with some prices starting from 20p.
The store is set to open in December and may provide up to 12 jobs.
Free meals will be offered to children through a community kitchen and cafe.
Membership is required, and it's open to those on certain benefits who live locally.
Food products come from food industry partners' surplus stock and are within the use-by date.
The project is supported by Hull City Council, Community Shop CiC, and the Paul Ingle Boxing Academy.
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The United States receives more loans from China than any other country, based on a large dataset covering 24 years. China's international lending is largely aimed at increasing its power by investing in wealthy countries' critical infrastructure, minerals, and high-tech assets. The report suggests that China's strategy is influencing Western countries, including the U.S., to rethink their own global aid and investment approaches.
Key Facts
The U.S. has received $202 billion in loans from China, the most of any country.
China's total overseas lending from 2000 to 2023 was $2.2 trillion.
The report covers data from over 30,000 projects across 217 countries.
China's loans are focused on critical infrastructure and technology.
The report mentions China's goal of becoming a leading global industrial power.
Western countries, including the U.S., are adjusting their global aid strategies in response to China's lending approach.
The U.S. government is considering reallocating USAID funds to increase the lending cap of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
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The article describes the current state of auto loans in the United States. More people are struggling with auto loan payments, with a record number of car repossessions and high rejection rates for new loan applications. This trend is happening during President Trump's administration, affecting the economy and showing financial stress among households.
Key Facts
Car repossessions in the U.S. reached 1.73 million last year, the highest since 2009.
The New York Fed's survey shows the rejection rate for credit applications is at a record high of 24.8%.
Subprime borrowers, who often have lower credit scores, are facing a delinquency rate of 6.65% on car loans, the highest ever recorded by Fitch's data.
The government's recent shutdown and debates about food assistance have affected economic stability.
A 25% tariff on imported cars was introduced by President Trump to encourage buying U.S.-made vehicles.
Prime credit borrowers (those with higher credit scores) have a low delinquency rate of 0.37%, showing stability for those with better credit.
Discussions around potential interest rate caps on loans could affect credit availability for riskier borrowers.
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Several major U.S. companies are staying committed to human rights policies despite some setbacks in business responsibility. They continue to support global standards and practices like the U.N. Guiding Principles and maintain systems for addressing human rights issues. However, there are challenges due to political changes and reduced government support.
Key Facts
Major U.S. companies in various sectors continue to uphold human rights commitments.
These companies adhere to the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization's Core Labor Standards.
Firms are performing human rights due diligence and keeping mechanisms for handling complaints.
There is increasing concern about companies backtracking on human rights policies due to current political climates.
The U.S. State Department's support for business and human rights efforts has decreased, affecting available guidance for companies.
Some U.S. government efforts on business and human rights still continue, such as enforcing specific acts against forced labor.
Trade agreements announced in October with Cambodia and Malaysia include human rights protections.
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Families of the victims from the two Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes have asked a U.S. appeals court to reconsider a decision that dropped Boeing's criminal charges. They want to challenge the current agreement, which allowed Boeing to avoid further prosecution. The legal action could affect how companies are held accountable for safety issues in the future.
Key Facts
The legal action is a petition for a writ of mandamus, which means asking a court to review a lower court's decision.
346 people died in the two Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes, which happened due to a faulty flight control system called MCAS.
Boeing's criminal charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States was dismissed through a non-prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The families' legal challenge targets this DOJ decision, arguing it fails to hold Boeing accountable.
The case could influence how victims' rights are treated and how aviation safety law enforcement is carried out in the future.
Internal communications at Boeing revealed test pilots knew about the MCAS issues as early as 2016, before the crashes.
The Boeing 737 Max fleet was grounded globally after the crashes, and changes were made to the faulty system before the aircraft returned to service in November 2020.
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The U.S. economy is increasingly divided, with wealth concentrated at the top while lower-income households struggle. This division, often called a "K-shaped" economy, means that some people are doing really well while others are having a tough time. Experts warn this gap could lead to significant economic problems.
Key Facts
The term "K-shaped" describes an economy where wealth grows for the rich, but poor households face difficulties.
Investment and stock market gains are strong, but many low-income households struggle financially.
Ohio State professor Lucie Dunn suggests this growing gap might lead to a crisis, with the middle class shrinking.
More Americans with weaker financial backgrounds are taking on loans, according to TransUnion data.
Wage growth has slowed more for low-income workers compared to middle- and high-income workers.
High-income consumers are spending more, while lower-income consumers cut back on non-essential purchases.
Nearly half of consumer spending comes from the top 10% of earners, keeping overall spending strong.
Economic experts warn that rising inequality could become a major problem for the economy.
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Larry Summers, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary and current Harvard professor, said he will reduce his public roles. This decision follows revelations about his connections with Jeffrey Epstein in newly released documents.
Key Facts
Larry Summers is a former U.S. Treasury Secretary and a professor at Harvard.
New documents revealed email exchanges between Summers and Jeffrey Epstein.
These documents were released by the House Oversight Committee.
Both political parties have urged organizations to cut ties with Summers.
Summers expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged the pain caused.
He will continue teaching but will step back from other public roles.
The Financial Times initially reported this story.
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An Egyptian company called Saving System claims its technology can help businesses reduce their electricity bills. The company uses special devices called capacitors to make energy use more efficient. The company's CEO, Ahmed Alwakil, notes that implementing new technology takes time.
Key Facts
Saving System is an Egyptian company focused on green technology.
The company claims its technology reduces corporate electricity bills.
The key component of their product is a special device called a capacitor.
Capacitors store electrical energy and help make electricity use more efficient.
CEO Ahmed Alwakil emphasizes the need for patience when launching new tech products.
This article is part of a series about technology in Africa.
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HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the UK paused child benefit payments for many people without proper checks, which upset a group of MPs. Some families' payments stopped because of incorrect assumptions they had moved away when they only traveled temporarily. HMRC has apologized and changed its processes to fix the issue.
Key Facts
HMRC stopped child benefit payments for thousands, thinking they left the UK for good.
The suspension happened because HMRC stopped checking travel data against tax records.
About 3,600 claimants out of over 23,000 had their benefits reinstated after proving eligibility.
The suspension was part of a fraud crackdown believed to save £350 million in five years.
Affected people included those who were abroad temporarily, like for holidays.
The scheme relied on Home Office data but dropped checks against payroll and tax data.
MPs criticized HMRC, with the committee chair calling the action a "costly error."
HMRC apologized and now gives claimants time to prove their eligibility before stopping payments.
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