Circle Furniture, a well-known retailer in New England, unexpectedly closed all its stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The closure affects around 65 employees and happened without any prior public warning. The company has faced financial difficulties and was recently sold in 2022.
Key Facts
Circle Furniture closed all eight of its stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire suddenly.
The closure affects about 65 employees, who were notified via email.
Circle Furniture was founded in the early 1950s and was a significant player in the local furniture market.
The Tubman family owned the company for most of its history until it was sold to new owners, Robert and Paula Richard, in 2022.
Reports suggest aggressive expansion led to financial difficulties and contributed to the company's shutdown.
As per law, companies must give a 60-day notice for mass layoffs; no such notice was found.
Health benefits for employees will continue until the end of December.
A recent report highlights new home design trends that focus on wellness, nostalgic styles, and eco-friendly features. More home listings now feature elements like spa-inspired bathrooms and energy-efficient systems, indicating what might be popular in American homes by 2026.
Key Facts
"Wellness features" appear 33% more in home listings compared to last year.
Spa-inspired bathrooms are mentioned 22% more than before.
Retro styles like Art Deco and traditional designs are making a comeback.
Popular new paint colors include '70s inspired hues and calming blues and greens.
Energy-efficient homes and features like whole-home batteries and EV charging are more in demand.
Certain home features like home offices remain popular, but others like formal dining rooms are less favored.
Gold Star Distribution, Inc. is recalling many over-the-counter cold and flu products due to contamination concerns at its Minneapolis facility. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found evidence of rodent feces and other contamination that could potentially cause serious illnesses like salmonella. No illnesses have been reported so far, but consumers are advised to destroy affected products.
Key Facts
Gold Star Distribution is recalling products due to contamination found at its Minneapolis facility.
The contamination includes rodent feces and bird droppings, which can lead to harmful bacteria like salmonella.
The recall affects cold and flu medications, dietary supplements, pet food, cosmetics, and medical devices, mostly in Minnesota.
The FDA found that the facility was not meeting health and safety standards.
Contaminated products pose a risk to high-risk groups, including infants, the elderly, and pets.
The recall includes popular products like NyQuil, DayQuil, Tylenol, Advil, and Alka-Seltzer.
Only products stored at the Gold Star facility are affected, not those shipped directly to stores.
Gold Star advises not to return products but to dispose of them and provide proof for a refund.
Many large companies will require employees to work in the office more often in 2026. Some companies are ending work-from-home options entirely, while others want workers in the office most days of the week. Companies say this change is due to concerns about productivity and better teamwork in person.
Key Facts
A survey found that nearly half of companies will ask employees to be in the office at least four days a week in 2026.
28% of companies plan to stop remote work completely.
Companies mention productivity and collaboration benefits as reasons for in-office work.
Some studies show productivity can improve without commuting.
Instagram will require most U.S. employees to work in-person five days a week starting in February.
NBC Universal will have hybrid employees in the office at least four days a week.
Microsoft expects hybrid employees in the office three or more days weekly, starting in the Puget Sound area.
Truist and Paramount Skydance are also implementing full-time in-office work requirements.
New skyscrapers are being built in the U.S., with completion expected around 2026-2028. These buildings include luxury towers and tall hotels in cities like New York and Miami. They vary in height and are expected to change the skyline of these cities.
Key Facts
The Torch is a New York hotel expected to be completed by 2028 and will feature a 1,067-foot spire designed like a torch.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences in Miami will be 1,041 feet tall and should be finished in 2028.
Cipriani Residences in Miami started construction in 2024 and plans to reach 939 feet by 2028.
Okan Tower, also in Miami, is aiming for 890 feet and should be completed in 2026.
The Residences at 1428 Brickell in Miami is expected to stand 862 feet tall by 2028.
462 East North Water Street in Chicago will be 851 feet tall with 72 floors, expected to be done by 2027.
Baccarat Residences Miami is planned to be 835 feet tall and completed by 2026.
Construction of 111 Washington Street in New York started in 2023, reaching 789 feet and completion by 2026.
The global economy is undergoing changes with President Donald Trump's tariffs impacting international trade. Countries are adjusting their strategies and alliances to deal with new challenges like increased debt and competition for resources.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s tariffs are affecting global trade in 2025.
Major countries are changing their economic strategies.
Alliances between countries are being reshaped.
Africa is experiencing a boom in its mineral resources.
There is increasing competition among countries in the AI technology sector.
Countries are experiencing higher debt levels.
Nations are spending more and facing difficult decisions on issues like defense and climate policy.
The public is facing higher costs as a result of these changes.
Boxing Day shopping in the UK saw fewer people visiting physical stores, with a slight decrease in footfall compared to last year. More people went to retail parks, but overall spending fell, both in stores and online, compared to previous years. Some major brands did not open on Boxing Day, and consumers remained cautious with their spending due to ongoing economic concerns.
Key Facts
Visits to UK high streets on Boxing Day fell by 1.5% compared to 2024, and shopping centres saw a 0.6% decrease.
Retail parks experienced a 6.7% increase in visitors, though it was not enough to significantly boost overall numbers.
Barclays predicted Boxing Day spending would reach £3.6 billion, down from £4.6 billion in 2024.
Overall, people planned to spend less this year on Boxing Day sales, despite some planning slightly higher budgets.
Major retailers like Next, John Lewis, and Poundland kept their stores closed on Boxing Day.
Economic factors like persistently high inflation and expectations of future tax rises have made consumers cautious about spending.
Data showed that festive spending, particularly on electronics, increased slightly but overall remained low compared to previous years.
The trend of extended pre-Christmas discounts and the growth of online shopping has reduced the significance of Boxing Day sales.
A report suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could negatively affect Social Security finances by reducing the number of workers contributing payroll taxes. Fewer people working means less tax revenue for Social Security, which might speed up when its funds run out. Experts are considering solutions, but no laws have yet been made to address AI's impact on the system.
Key Facts
Social Security is mainly funded by payroll taxes from workers and employers.
AI could replace jobs, which would reduce the number of people paying into Social Security.
The Social Security trust fund might be empty by 2033 without changes in funding.
Machines might take over many administrative and mid-level jobs, reducing employment.
A study shows up to 30% of work hours could be automated by 2030.
If fewer people work, Social Security will collect less money, potentially worsening its deficit.
There is discussion about increasing payroll taxes or finding other funding sources, but no new laws have been made yet.
A factory boss in Louisiana rewarded his employees with significant bonuses after selling the company for $1.7 billion. Graham Walker, the CEO of Fibrebond, gave 15% of the proceeds to 540 full-time employees, resulting in average payouts of $443,000 over five years. This sale was part of a transaction where global company Eaton acquired Fibrebond.
Key Facts
Graham Walker, former CEO of Fibrebond, gave $240 million in bonuses to his staff after selling the company.
The bonuses are distributed over five years, with average individual payments of $443,000.
The receiving staff consist of 540 full-time employees.
Fibrebond was sold to Eaton, a global power management company, for $1.7 billion.
The bonuses were a gesture of gratitude to employees who remained through difficult periods in the company's history.
The first bonuses were issued in the second quarter of 2025.
Graham Walker will leave the company at the end of the year.
Eaton continues to honor the bonus commitments to the employees.
Jack in the Box plans to close dozens of its restaurants as part of its "JACK on Track" strategy to improve financial performance. The restaurant chain will also reduce spending on new developments and has sold Del Taco as part of this plan. The company cited declining sales as a reason for these changes.
Key Facts
Jack in the Box announced plans to close 150 to 200 restaurants under a block closure program.
By December 31, the company aims to close 80 to 120 of these locations.
Since April, 72 restaurants have already closed.
The "JACK on Track" strategy includes selling real estate and cutting costs.
Jack in the Box has sold Del Taco for $119 million to Yadav Enterprises Inc.
Same-store sales, which measure sales in existing outlets without new or closed ones, fell by 7.4% in the fourth quarter.
The company plans to open approximately 20 new restaurants and close 50 to 100 in the current fiscal year.
The Lean In organization, started by Sheryl Sandberg, has launched a program to help girls aged 11 to 15 develop leadership skills and challenge stereotypes. The program aims to empower young women by teaching them to recognize their strengths, overcome biases, and become leaders in their communities.
Key Facts
Sheryl Sandberg started the Lean In movement with her book in 2013.
The new program targets girls aged 11 to 15.
It teaches girls to build confidence and leadership skills.
The program challenges stereotypes and promotes setting healthy goals.
It helps girls overcome biases and barriers to success.
Lean In Girls encourages girls to become allies and create a more equitable world.
Archana Gilravi oversees the Lean In Girls program.
Home prices in the U.S. are still rising, though at a slower pace than before. In 2025, challenges such as high prices and borrowing costs have made homeownership difficult, resulting in fewer sales. Some regions with more homes for sale are seeing prices drop, especially where new homes were built during the pandemic.
Key Facts
U.S. median home sale price in early December 2025 was $389,123, a 2% increase from the previous year.
Median asking price for homes was $382,535, up 2.6% from a year earlier.
Home prices rose 60% nationwide since 2019, creating affordability issues.
Homeownership rates dropped to 65% in the second quarter of 2025, the lowest since 2019.
In 2025, home sales fell during traditionally busy months, spring and summer.
Improved inventory in 2025 gave buyers more options and negotiable prices.
States like Florida and Texas, with many new homes, saw year-over-year price drops.
The article talks about creative ways to handle unwanted Christmas gifts. People are considering regifting, hiding evidence of regifting, or selling gifts online to avoid waste. These practices help manage resources better and keep presents from ending up in landfills.
Key Facts
Many people end up with Christmas gifts they don't need, like clothes that don't fit or unwanted perfumes.
Regifting is a popular option; it's when you give a received gift to someone else who might like it more.
Regifting can help keep gifts from being tossed into landfills, saving an estimated £42 million in unwanted gifts in the UK yearly.
To avoid awkward situations, experts recommend removing any personal notes or labels from regifted items.
Selling unwanted gifts online is another option, with platforms like eBay and Vinted seeing increased listings right after Christmas.
These methods are seen as budget-friendly during economic challenges and help keep homes clutter-free.
The first Sunday after New Year's often sees a spike in online listings for reselling unwanted presents.
After Christmas, many people return gifts they don't want, which creates a busy period for retailers dealing with these returns. Commonly returned items include clothing, accessories, and electronics due to issues like size mismatches or duplicates. Retailers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to try to reduce the number of returns by helping shoppers choose better before buying.
Key Facts
Americans return tens of billions of dollars worth of Christmas gifts each year.
Returns increase by 25% to 35% after December 26, according to Adobe Analytics.
Commonly returned items include clothing, shoes, accessories, and electronics.
About 20 to 25% of retail sales are expected to be returned, showing the scale of this issue.
Many returned items do not get restocked due to cost issues, leading to waste.
AI is being used by retailers to help reduce returns by assisting consumers in making better purchase decisions.
Returned items contribute to an estimated 8.4 billion pounds of waste in landfills each year.
Traditional gifts like toys and beauty products are less returned post-holiday.
Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC, is recalling specific dog treat products because of salmonella concerns. The recall affects treats sold in seven states, but no health issues have been reported yet. The recall is a precaution based on FDA testing.
Key Facts
The recall involves 4-pound bags of Country Vet Biscuits-Original Meaty Flavor and Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits-Meaty Flavor with Chicken.
The concern is potential salmonella contamination, a type of bacteria that can cause illness in pets and humans.
Affected products have a lot code number of 40906513 and UPC numbers 899623000463 and 840227340691.
The treats were sold in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Montana, and Nebraska.
The recall resulted from FDA routine testing that found the bacteria in the products.
No illnesses have been reported so far.
Consumers are advised to stop using the treats and return them to the store for a refund.
Customers with questions can contact the company for more information.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano says that Americans are expected to receive the largest tax refunds ever in 2026. This prediction is linked to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which aims to lower taxes and increase refunds, though it may also increase the national debt.
Key Facts
The IRS predicts the largest tax refunds in U.S. history will occur in 2026.
President Trump's administration points to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as the reason for higher refunds.
OBBBA is expected to benefit middle-class Americans and Social Security recipients with reduced taxes.
Critics say the bill could increase the national debt by at least $3.4 trillion.
A report found the average tax refund in 2026 could be about $3,800, up from $3,052 in 2025.
Larger refunds stem from unchanged tax withholding following the bill's passage.
The IRS has set the tax filing deadline for April 15 next year.
Thousands of jobs at Petrofac, an energy services company, are likely to be saved after its asset solutions business was bought by U.S. company CB&I. Petrofac employs about 3,000 people in the U.K., with a large number in Aberdeen, Scotland. The company had gone into administration due to financial setbacks, including a failed contract and prior investigations.
Key Facts
Petrofac employs around 3,000 people in the U.K., with about 2,000 in Aberdeen.
The firm faced financial trouble due to a failed renewables contract and other issues.
U.S.-based CB&I will buy Petrofac's asset solutions business in early 2026.
The deal is expected to secure jobs for Petrofac's employees.
Petrofac was once a major company, worth approximately £6 billion in 2012.
The company's troubles included a Serious Fraud Office investigation and profit warnings.
CB&I and Petrofac have similar management styles and focus on safety.
Petrofac provides services for oil, gas, and renewables projects and has operations in the North Sea.
The rise of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 is affecting gyms in the U.S., with uncertainty about whether users will exercise more or less. Gyms are adapting by offering specialized programs and partnerships related to these drugs to attract and support users.
Key Facts
About 1 in 8 U.S. adults have used GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or weight loss.
It is unclear if these drugs will increase or decrease gym attendance.
Some gyms, like Life Time, are introducing programs to guide members in exercise and diet while using GLP-1s.
Life Time has a program called Miora, providing personalized plans, including the use of GLP-1 medications.
Planet Fitness is exploring partnerships with GLP-1 providers to integrate fitness with drug use.
Gold's Gym offers GLP-1 discounts through a partnership with Idexa360.
Equinox provides training programs for users experiencing weight loss.
Gen Z shows more interest in strength training, leading some gyms to adjust equipment offerings.
BetMGM is offering new users the chance to use a bonus code for betting on NBA and NFL Christmas Day games. The company offers two types of bonuses depending on the user's location: a $150 bonus with a winning $10 bet in certain states, or a $1,500 safety net for larger bets available in other states.
Key Facts
BetMGM offers a bonus code for new users betting on NBA and NFL games on Christmas Day.
Users in specific states like MI, NJ, PA, or WV can get a $150 bonus after a winning $10 bet.
In other eligible states, users can get a refund up to $1,500 if they lose a bet of that amount.
To use the bonus, create an account, enter the code, and place the initial bet.
NBA Christmas games include matchups like Cavaliers vs. Knicks and Mavericks vs. Warriors.
NFL Christmas games include games like Cowboys vs. Commanders and Lions vs. Vikings.
BetMGM also provides betting odds for each NBA game on Christmas Day.
Users need to utilize any bonuses within one week before they expire.
A Powerball player in Arkansas won a $1.817 billion jackpot on Christmas Eve. This prize is the second-largest Powerball jackpot ever in the United States. The winning ticket was sold after 46 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner.
Key Facts
An Arkansas player won a $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve.
The winning numbers were 04, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball number was 19.
The jackpot was the second-largest in U.S. history and the largest Powerball prize of 2025.
The lump sum cash option for the prize was $834.9 million.
The win ended a streak of 46 drawings without a top prize winner.
The last time the Powerball jackpot was won on Christmas Eve was in 2011.
Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
