Silvestri Sweets Inc. has widened its recall of Choceur brand Holiday Bark sold at Aldi stores due to undeclared pecans, which are a serious allergy risk. The recall affects several lot numbers of the product, and no illnesses have been reported. Customers are advised to throw away the recalled products and contact the company for more information.
Key Facts
The recall affects 5-ounce bags of Choceur brand Holiday Bark.
Undeclared pecans were found in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark bags, posing an allergy risk.
The affected products were distributed nationwide to Aldi stores.
The recall includes specific lot numbers and best by dates (e.g., lots 28525 and 29925).
No reports of illnesses from this recall have been made.
A production and packaging error led to the issue.
Customers with the products should discard them.
The FDA oversees and publicizes these voluntary recalls to ensure public safety.
Washington state will raise its minimum wage to $17.13 per hour starting January 1, 2026, making it the highest state minimum wage in the United States. This change is part of a broader trend where 19 states are increasing their minimum wages. Some cities in Washington, like Seattle, will have even higher local minimum wages.
Key Facts
Washington's minimum wage will be $17.13 per hour starting January 1, 2026.
It will be the highest state minimum wage in the United States.
19 states in total are raising their minimum wages next month.
Other states with minimum wages over $16 include New York, Connecticut, California, Hawai'i, and Rhode Island.
Washington, D.C., will have a minimum wage of $17.95.
Initiative 1433, passed in 2016, ties Washington state’s minimum wage increases to inflation.
Seattle will have a local minimum wage of $21.30, while Tukwila, Burien, Renton, Everett, and SeaTac set even higher rates for certain employers.
Some believe higher minimum wages can lead to increased prices and fewer job opportunities, while others argue they protect low-wage workers.
The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 4.3% from July to September. This growth was the fastest in two years, driven by increased consumer spending and higher exports.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy grew by 4.3% annually from July to September.
This is an increase from 3.8% growth in the previous quarter.
The growth rate was higher than expected.
Consumer spending increased by 3.5%.
Exports also contributed to the economic growth.
The data collection process had been delayed due to a U.S. government shutdown.
This report provides an updated view of the U.S. economy's performance toward the year's end.
The UK government changed its plan to tax inherited farmland, raising the threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million. This decision came after protests and concerns from farmers and some politicians. The tax will now apply to assets valued over £2.5 million starting April 2026.
Key Facts
The UK government increased the inheritance tax threshold for farmland from £1 million to £2.5 million.
The tax, starting in April 2026, will apply to farmland valued above this threshold.
Farmers have protested against the original plan for over a year.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated the change aims to support ordinary family farms.
Tom Bradshaw from the National Farmers' Union approved of the change, saying it protects many family farms.
Some politicians, including Markus Campbell-Savours, opposed the original plan, with Campbell-Savours facing suspension for voting against it.
The original plan faced protests and concerns from some Labour backbenchers and rural MPs.
FedEx is receiving criticism due to its increase in hiring foreign workers through the H-1B visa program after receiving a large federal contract. This has raised concerns about layoffs of American workers at the company. However, experts say there is no evidence directly linking the hiring of H-1B workers to these layoffs.
Key Facts
FedEx received a $2.2 billion federal contract in 2022.
H-1B visa approvals at FedEx increased from 37 in 2021 to 102 by 2025.
The company filed 436 H-1B petitions in 2025, with 434 being approved.
Experts said that from FY2023 to FY2025, FedEx filed fewer H-1B applications compared to FY2020 to FY2022.
The majority of new H-1B workers are in Tennessee, where FedEx is headquartered.
FedEx announced layoffs affecting U.S. workers, including 856 jobs in Coppell, Texas.
Experts claim there is no direct link between H-1B hiring and the layoffs at FedEx.
The U.S. stock market faced ups and downs throughout the year, influenced by issues like tariffs and interest rates. Despite these challenges, it ended successfully for investors.
Key Facts
The U.S. stock market had significant drops during the year.
Concerns included tariffs imposed by President Trump.
Interest rates also contributed to market fluctuations.
There were worries about a potential bubble in artificial intelligence technology.
By the end of the year, the stock market performed well for long-term investors.
Denise Coates, the chief executive of Bet365, received a pay package of at least £280 million in 2025. Despite the company's profits falling, Coates' earnings increased significantly from the previous year. She is also a major shareholder in the company, benefiting from substantial dividend payments.
Key Facts
Denise Coates received a pay package of £280 million in 2025.
Her total earnings increased substantially from nearly £158 million the previous year.
Coates' pay includes a salary of £104 million.
As a majority shareholder, she received a large share of the company's £354 million dividend.
Bet365's pre-tax profit fell to £349 million from £627 million the year before.
Bet365's overall revenue rose by 9% to £4 billion.
Coates is one of Britain's wealthiest women and high-income earners.
Bet365, founded by Coates, is a major private employer offering online gambling services.
People in the U.S. felt less confident about the economy in December. This decrease in confidence is linked to concerns about high prices and tariffs, which are taxes on goods coming into the country.
Key Facts
The consumer confidence index dropped by 3.8 points in December.
The new confidence level is 89.1, down from 92.9 in November.
November's consumer confidence index was adjusted higher than initially reported.
December's confidence level is similar to April's level of 85.7.
The decrease in confidence is partly due to concerns about tariffs introduced by President Trump.
These tariffs affect goods imported into the U.S. from other countries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
