A supermarket called Waitrose stopped an autistic man named Tom from volunteering after his mother asked if he could be paid for his work. Tom had been helping at the store in Greater Manchester since 2021 as part of his skills development but was told he couldn't continue due to not being able to perform the full role of a paid staff member. Waitrose is currently looking into the situation.
Key Facts
Tom Boyd is an autistic man who volunteered at a Waitrose store in Greater Manchester.
He started volunteering there in 2021 as part of a work experience program.
Tom worked unpaid, stacking shelves and tidying, which he enjoyed and found meaningful.
His volunteering ended after his mother asked if he could have a few paid hours.
The store's head office said he couldn't continue because he couldn't perform the full role.
Waitrose stated they are investigating the matter and aim to be an inclusive employer.
Volunteers do not have the same rights as employees, according to UK government guidelines.
Tom's mother wishes for legal protections for volunteers similar to those for employees.
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A top economist from the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that the U.S. mortgage rates will stay above 6% until the end of 2028, due to a growing federal deficit and high inflation. Despite expectations that rates might fall, continued economic uncertainty and fiscal pressures make further declines unlikely.
Key Facts
Mortgage rates are predicted to remain between 6% and 6.5% through 2028.
The federal deficit and high inflation are key reasons for maintaining high mortgage rates.
Mortgage rates have been between 6% and 7% for the past three years.
The rates increased following the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation in 2022.
Despite some Federal Reserve rate cuts, mortgage rates have not significantly decreased.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.27% as of mid-October 2023.
The Federal Reserve affects mortgage rates indirectly by influencing bank borrowing costs.
A government shutdown and other economic factors could impact the Federal Reserve's future actions on interest rates.
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The UK inflation rate was 3.8% in September, staying the same as in July and August. This figure was lower than experts expected, as they anticipated a rise to 4%.
Key Facts
The UK inflation rate remained at 3.8% in September.
This rate matched the inflation rates from July and August.
Experts had predicted inflation would increase to 4% in September.
The Bank of England targets a 2% inflation rate, which is lower than the current rate.
Petrol prices and airfares were significant factors contributing to inflation.
Food and non-alcoholic drink prices decreased for the first time since May of the previous year.
Recreational and cultural items, including live events, had lower prices.
The inflation rate is still much lower than October 2022's peak rate of 11.1%.
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Eurostar has ordered up to 50 double-decker high-speed trains from the manufacturer Alstom for use in the Channel Tunnel. This order aims to expand Eurostar's fleet and increase passenger capacity. The company plans to invest in a London depot to accommodate these new trains.
Key Facts
Eurostar ordered 30 double-decker trains, with an option for 20 more, in a €2 billion deal.
The new trains, called "Celestia," are the first double-decker high-speed trains to run through the Channel Tunnel.
Each train is 200 meters long, with the potential to run two trains together for a 400-meter service.
Eurostar plans to increase its fleet size by nearly a third with this order.
The company aims to grow passenger numbers from 19.5 million to 30 million.
Eurostar will invest €80 million in the Temple Mills depot in London to support the larger trains.
The Temple Mills depot is the only UK facility equipped to handle large continental trains.
Other companies are aiming to start cross-Channel rail services, and a regulator will decide on access to the depot soon.
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Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warned that the national deficit could lead to higher mortgage rates unless federal revenues increase. He discussed two scenarios: one where current economic growth continues, causing unsustainable fiscal conditions and rising rates, and another where artificial intelligence boosts economic growth and helps manage the deficit.
Key Facts
Larry Summers, a former Treasury Secretary, warned about possible rising mortgage rates due to the national deficit.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.27% as of October 16.
Mortgage rates were down from a peak of 7.79% in late October 2023 but still higher than pandemic lows.
Summers suggested two outcomes: continued growth leading to high rates or AI-driven growth managing the deficit.
The U.S. had a federal deficit of $1.78 trillion for the fiscal year ending in September 2024.
AI investment in the U.S. private sector was $109.2 billion in 2024, significantly higher than China's.
AI-related contributions to GDP growth were noted at 1.1% in early 2025.
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Many Americans are using new ways to manage holiday spending. A study by PayPal shows people are using artificial intelligence (AI) to find deals and "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) loans to finance holiday purchases.
Key Facts
77% of people who have used AI for shopping plan to use it again this year.
34% are specifically using AI to search for discounts.
Half of the consumers plan to use BNPL loans to help pay for holiday shopping.
PayPal's survey included responses from 1,000 American adults.
52% are more likely to buy something when BNPL is available.
Americans plan to spend an average of $890.49 per person on holiday items this year.
85% expect higher prices during the holiday season.
63% plan to wait until the Thanksgiving weekend for discounts.
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Amazon plans to use robots to avoid hiring over 500,000 new workers in the next eight years. This strategy aims to improve efficiency and reduce the need for many new jobs.
Key Facts
Amazon aims to avoid adding more than 500,000 new jobs.
The company plans to achieve this by using robots.
This initiative spans the next eight years.
The goal is to improve efficiency in Amazon's operations.
The New York Times originally reported this news.
NPR's A Martinez discussed the topic with a Times reporter.
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Pop Mart, the company that makes Labubu dolls, saw its sales grow significantly after launching mini versions of the toys in August. The increase in sales was particularly strong in the U.S. and Europe, contributing to a jump in the company's stock value.
Key Facts
Pop Mart launched mini versions of its Labubu dolls in August.
Sales for the company increased by about 250% for the three months ending in September compared to the same period last year.
Revenue in the U.S. increased by more than 1,200%, and in Europe by over 700%.
Pop Mart's stock market value rose to about $45.5 billion following a share gain.
Labubu dolls are elf-like creatures with jagged teeth sold in "blind boxes."
The toys have gained popularity in part due to celebrity endorsements.
Pop Mart operates over 2,000 vending machines and stores worldwide.
The company went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020, with its share price increasing by more than 280% since its IPO.
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The UK has banned gambling ads featuring Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton and the Chelsea football club logo due to concerns they might influence children. The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that these ads had strong appeal to viewers under 18 and did not meet their advertising guidelines.
Key Facts
Ads from gambling companies Kwiff and Betway have been banned in the UK.
The ads featuring Lewis Hamilton and the Chelsea logo were banned over concerns they appealed to children.
The ASA enforces rules about ads not strongly appealing to under-18s.
Kwiff's ad depicted Hamilton promoting the British Grand Prix, with an "18+" symbol.
Betway's ad on YouTube featured Chelsea fans and raised concerns of child exposure.
Betway argued that YouTube's ad policies offer protection from under-18s viewing age-restricted content.
The ASA noted that children may not always use their real birth dates on YouTube.
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The article debunks common haircare myths, emphasizing that healthy hair relies on simple practices rather than expensive products or trendy routines. Experts explain that cold water doesn't make hair shinier, products can't truly repair damaged hair, hair doesn't clean itself naturally, and dry shampoo shouldn't replace regular washing.
Key Facts
Cold water does not add extra shine to hair.
Only a haircut can fix split ends; products offer temporary improvement.
Cutting hair does not make it grow faster.
Hair needs regular washing to avoid dirt and oil buildup.
Dry shampoo can be used between washes but is not a replacement for washing hair.
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Orange juice prices in the UK have drastically increased, rising from 76p per litre in 2020 to £1.79 in 2023. Factors affecting this price surge include crop diseases, extreme weather, and global economic challenges. The situation reflects wider grocery inflation trends impacting supermarket prices.
Key Facts
Orange juice prices in UK supermarkets rose 134% from 2020 to 2023.
A glass of orange juice in some cafes can cost up to £9, partly due to freshly squeezed juice.
Manufacturers are using mandarins instead of oranges to cut costs.
Crop diseases and extreme weather have affected orange production in Brazil.
Brazil faced its worst orange crop since 1988 due to drought and disease.
Inflation in grocery prices was 17.5% in 2023, but decreased to about 5.7% in August before rising again.
The current situation with orange juice prices mirrors a broader trend of increasing grocery costs.
Orange juice consumption remains significant, with 2.5 billion gallons consumed annually worldwide.
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The head of Merlin Entertainments, Fiona Eastwood, states that their main competition comes from people choosing to stay at home on their devices. She discusses how the company is dealing with economic challenges and the importance of seasonal events like Halloween in boosting profits. Merlin plans to attract visitors by partnering with popular brands for new attractions.
Key Facts
Merlin Entertainments sees screens at home as their biggest competitor.
Fiona Eastwood highlights the role of seasonal attractions like Halloween in increasing profits.
The company's revenue in the last year was slightly over £2 billion but had an operating loss of £132 million.
Merlin attracted around 63 million visitors in 2024.
The company is investing £85 million in immersive experiences featuring popular brands like Minecraft.
New themed attractions will include a Bluey ride and a PAW Patrol land in 2025.
Fiona Eastwood supports reducing VAT in hospitality from 20% to 12.5% to boost growth.
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Walmart has decided to pause hiring workers who need H-1B visas due to a new $100,000 fee introduced by President Trump. This pause follows an executive order aimed at addressing "abuse" of the H-1B visa program, which allows skilled foreign workers to work in the U.S. Walmart is one of the largest users of this visa program in the retail sector.
Key Facts
Walmart will stop hiring workers who need H-1B visas because of a new $100,000 fee.
President Trump signed an executive order introducing this fee for H-1B visa applicants.
Walmart had more than 2,000 H-1B visas approved in the first half of 2025.
The H-1B program is used by many tech companies, like Amazon and Microsoft, to hire international talent.
Critics say the fee will make hiring skilled foreign workers too expensive for many businesses.
Business groups, such as the US Chamber of Commerce, are challenging the fee in court.
India and China are the main sources of H-1B visa recipients.
The White House says the fee is a necessary first step toward reforming the visa program.
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Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been ordered to testify in a trial in the United States about the impact of social media on young people. The trial will look into claims that social media apps are addictive and pose mental health risks. Other tech leaders, like Snap's Evan Spiegel, will also testify as part of this case.
Key Facts
Mark Zuckerberg must testify in a trial about social media's effects on young people.
The trial will take place in January at the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Claims have been made that social media apps are addictive and harmful to mental health.
Other tech leaders, including Snap's Evan Spiegel, are also required to testify.
Lawsuits are consolidated from hundreds of claims by parents and schools.
Tech companies argue they aren't responsible for user content due to a 1990s law.
The judge said companies must face claims about app design causing harm.
Lawyers argue companies didn't make safety changes due to business concerns.
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A Florida artist, Kimberly Marasco, has filed a legal case against singer Taylor Swift and others, claiming they used her copyrighted material in some of their songs. Marasco wants a court to order that Swift and her co-defendants give up all the money made from these songs if they are found to have copied her work.
Key Facts
Kimberly Marasco filed a lawsuit against Taylor Swift and co-defendants, alleging copyright infringement.
The lawsuit asks for disgorgement, meaning giving up profits from claimed copyright breaches.
Disgorgement is more common in copyright cases than in other legal cases like personal injury.
A previous lawsuit Marasco filed against Swift was dismissed due to failure to serve the lawsuit within a required time.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed a case against Swift's production company last month.
Marasco argues there are substantial similarities between her works and the songs in question, suggesting illegal copying.
Taylor Swift's legal team denies Marasco's claims, calling them baseless.
Marasco represents herself in this legal matter.
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Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes HBO and CNN, is considering selling parts or all of its company after receiving interest from several parties. The company is reviewing its options but has not committed to a sale. This comes shortly after Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to split into two separate companies.
Key Facts
Warner Bros. Discovery includes brands like HBO, CNN, and DC Studios.
The company is reviewing potential sales after receiving unsolicited interest.
Potential buyers include Skydance-owned Paramount, Netflix, and Comcast.
Skydance considered a majority-cash offer and might go directly to shareholders.
Warner Bros. Discovery plans to split into two companies, separating streaming and cable services.
There is no set timeline for the sale review process.
The company's shares increased by nearly 11% on Tuesday.
Warner Bros. Discovery was formed when AT&T spun off WarnerMedia three years ago.
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Ballad Health, a hospital system in Tennessee, is suing insurance company UnitedHealthcare. Ballad Health claims that UnitedHealthcare manipulated the Medicare Advantage program to gain large profits, resulting in $65 million in damages. This lawsuit highlights concerns about patient care being impacted, especially in rural areas.
Key Facts
Ballad Health, a health system in Tennessee, has filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare.
The lawsuit claims UnitedHealthcare abused the Medicare Advantage program to make profits.
Ballad Health says UnitedHealthcare's actions led to $65 million in damages over five years.
The health system alleges that UnitedHealthcare improperly denied claims for necessary medical care.
Ballad Health serves a rural area with many patients relying on government health programs.
This is the first time Ballad Health has taken legal action against an insurance company.
The lawsuit mentions practices like "upcoding" and delaying payments to medical providers as harmful actions by UnitedHealthcare.
Ballad Health operates 19 hospitals in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
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Paramount is interested in buying Warner Bros. Discovery, but the deal may face scrutiny from U.S. antitrust regulators. The proposed merger could face challenges due to concerns about media consolidation, but connections to President Donald Trump might influence the process.
Key Facts
Paramount aims to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a company that owns CNN, HBO, and DC Studios.
The deal may face antitrust scrutiny from U.S. regulators like the Department of Justice.
Paramount recently failed in a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Larry Ellison's connection to President Trump could favorably impact the acquisition process.
Analysts say the merger would not create a monopoly due to competitors like Disney and Netflix.
The merger could reduce the diversity of content by combining two large media companies.
U.S. regulators will likely examine the effects of the merger closely on content and culture control.
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Warner Brothers Discovery is considering selling the company after receiving interest from other major media firms. Potential buyers include Netflix and Comcast, while Warner Bros Discovery is also exploring other restructuring options. This move could significantly change the media landscape, as traditional broadcasters face challenges from the rise of streaming services.
Key Facts
Warner Brothers Discovery is thinking about selling the company due to interest from other big media companies.
Netflix, Comcast, and Paramount-Skydance have shown interest in buying Warner Brothers Discovery.
Warner Brothers Discovery is investigating options to separate Warner Bros and Discovery Global.
The company is focusing more on streaming and recently launched CNN All Access.
A sale or split could impact the entire media industry, as streaming changes how companies operate.
Analyst Paolo Pescatore suggests that this situation could lead to further mergers and consolidations in the media sector.
Interest from the Ellison family, with strong ties to President Trump, raises potential regulatory and control concerns.
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On Tuesday, gold and silver prices dropped significantly after reaching record highs. Gold experienced its biggest one-day drop in over 12 years, while silver also fell sharply.
Key Facts
Gold futures dropped 5% in late-morning trading.
Silver futures decreased by nearly 7%.
Before the drop, both gold and silver had risen about 60% this year.
This is the largest single-day drop for gold since June 2013.
The U.S. dollar and bitcoin saw increases during the metals' sell-off.
Experts suggest some investors bought gold to avoid the risk tied to the U.S. dollar.
The drop in gold and silver had minimal impact on stock markets overall.
Some analysts are watching to see if this is a brief decline or a longer-term change.
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