Business News

Israeli arms firms make record profits of the back of Gaza war

December 22, 2025

Summary

Israel's defense industry is seeing very high profits. Companies in this industry are using images of attacks on Gaza to market their weapons as effective.

Key Facts

Israel's defense companies are experiencing record profits.
Weapons manufacturers claim their products are "battle-tested."
The companies use images from Gaza attacks for marketing.
These tactics suggest the weapons are proven in real conflict.
Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh reported on these developments.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

World’s Largest Mozzarella Maker Shutting California Plant

December 22, 2025

Summary

Leprino Foods, the world's largest mozzarella maker, announced it will close its plant in Lemoore, California by early 2026, resulting in 368 job losses. The company cited high operating costs and the opening of a new facility in Texas as reasons for the closure.

Key Facts

Leprino Foods plans to shut its Lemoore East facility in California.
The closure will lead to a loss of 368 jobs.
High operating costs in California contributed to the decision.
Leprino Foods is opening a new plant in Lubbock, Texas.
The new Texas facility will handle about 8 million pounds of milk daily.
A WARN notice was filed, informing 368 employees of permanent layoffs.
The Lubbock facility is expected to be operational by 2026.
The Lemoore East plant has operated since 1910.

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Newsweek

Stimulus Check Update: Trump Official Confronted Over Payments

December 22, 2025

Summary

President Donald Trump has promised stimulus checks of $2,000, which he says are funded by tariff revenues. The timing and details of these checks depend on Congress's approval. Economists have raised concerns about the cost and inflation impact of these payments.

Key Facts

President Trump has mentioned $2,000 checks to Americans, funded by tariffs.
The checks are intended for households earning less than $100,000 annually.
Kevin Hassett, Trump's economic adviser, said Congress needs to approve the payments.
Trump indicated checks would start in mid-2026.
The federal government raised $195 billion from tariffs in the 2025 fiscal year.
Concerns include the cost of these payments and the potential for increased inflation.
Trump claimed on social media that everyone would receive the checks, except high-income earners.
Economist Erica York estimates the total cost could reach $300 billion if adults and children are included.

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Newsweek

Christmas busier than Mother's Day, florist says

December 22, 2025

Summary

A family-owned florist in Church Stretton, Shropshire, is experiencing high demand during the Christmas season, working long hours to fulfill orders. The store, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, received strong support from the community and was a finalist in a national florist award.

Key Facts

The florist is located in Church Stretton, Shropshire.
The shop is operated by Catherine Thomas and her daughter, Bea Prosser.
They are working 12 to 15-hour days due to high demand during Christmas.
The shop marked its 40th anniversary this year.
It was a finalist in the British Florist Association's annual award.
Christmas is busier for the shop than Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
The community has shown strong support for the florist.
The business has seen an increase in orders and social media following.

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BBC Business

Uncommon Knowledge: MAGA's Chinese Drone Ban Risks Backfiring

December 22, 2025

Summary

A ban on Chinese-made drones in Florida has caused challenges for local law enforcement because American replacements reportedly lack necessary features. A national rule may soon limit DJI, a major Chinese drone maker, from selling in the U.S. unless they pass a security review. This affects law enforcement and other sectors such as farming and infrastructure that rely on DJI drones.

Key Facts

Florida banned Chinese-made drones, affecting police operations due to issues with U.S. alternatives.
DJI, a significant drone company, might face national restrictions unless cleared by a security review.
DJI drones are widely used in emergency services, agriculture, and infrastructure in the U.S.
Florida allocated $25 million to help agencies replace Chinese drones, but issues remain with performance and cost.
Republican officials support the ban, citing security concerns, while civil rights groups worry about drone use in policing.
Some Democrats also support limiting DJI use due to national security risks.
Before the ban, over 90% of Florida’s police drone programs used DJI, dropping significantly after the rule change.
The FCC will decide DJI's status by December 2025, which could further affect U.S. drone availability.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Rise in gift card scams as victims lose millions

December 22, 2025

Summary

Gift card scams are on the rise, with victims losing millions of pounds. Criminals are increasingly using gift cards as a method to steal money because banks have stronger protections in place. Experts urge consumers to be cautious when purchasing gift cards and to report any suspicious activity.

Key Facts

Fraud involving gift cards has increased by about 25% over the last two years.
In 2023/24, Report Fraud received 9,386 reports of gift card fraud, with losses amounting to over £18.5 million.
Victims are often tricked into buying tampered or fake gift cards.
Criminals may use phishing emails to offer fake gift card prizes or deals.
Amanda Wolf from Report Fraud notes most fraud reports come after the festive season.
Tesco advises customers to inspect gift cards for tampering before purchase.
Consumers are encouraged to use two-factor authentication and purchase gift cards from trusted sources.
Louise Baxter from the National Trading Standards Scams Team highlights the difficulty in tracking gift card fraud due to gift cards being hard to trace.

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BBC Business

'Two pairs of leggings ended up costing me £5,000'

December 22, 2025

Summary

Clare Lane discovered she had unknowingly signed up for a subscription with the sportswear company Fabletics after purchasing leggings in 2017, resulting in almost £5,000 in charges over seven years. While Fabletics refunded most of her money, the case highlights issues with the company's subscription model, which other customers also found unclear. Fabletics claims it informs customers about the subscription but acknowledges it's easy to cancel, and it offers store credit in return for the monthly fee.

Key Facts

Clare Lane bought two pairs of leggings from Fabletics in 2017 and unknowingly signed up for a subscription.
She was charged about £50 monthly, amounting to nearly £5,000 over seven years.
Fabletics refunded most of her money, but some customers report similar problems.
The company was co-founded by actress Kate Hudson and was set up in 2013.
Fabletics operates a "VIP" subscription service for £59.99 per month, providing store credit.
Customers reported the subscription terms were unclear, as correspondence often ended up in junk folders.
Fabletics defends its subscription model, citing its sustainability benefits.

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BBC Top Stories

How Interest Rates Could Change in 2026

December 22, 2025

Summary

The Federal Reserve made a small cut to interest rates in December 2026. The Fed plans to adjust interest rates slowly next year, depending on inflation and job market conditions. Economic forecasts suggest potential for more cuts if the economy allows.

Key Facts

The Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 0.25% in December 2026.
Most Federal Open Market Committee members supported the rate cut.
Chairman Jerome Powell noted concerns about inflation and job market risks.
The Fed's future decisions will depend on economic conditions like inflation and employment.
Goldman Sachs predicts the Fed will slow down its rate cuts next year.
Experts suggest the Fed will adjust rates cautiously as economic conditions change.
The current U.S. inflation rate is 2.7%, which is a decrease from previous months.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Trailer Parks Are Disappearing — And Leaving Americans Homeless

December 22, 2025

Summary

Many trailer parks in Miami, like the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park, are closing as the land is sold for new developments. This shift leaves many low-income families without affordable housing options, as they can't find other places to live within their budget. The rent for regular apartments is rising quickly, making it even harder for these families to afford a new home.

Key Facts

The Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Miami is being closed for new development, affecting hundreds of families.
The park owners, Consolidated Real Estate Investments, are redeveloping the area into a large mixed-use project.
Residents were offered money to leave, but some refused because they had nowhere else affordable to go.
Mobile home parks are disappearing in Miami and other parts of the U.S. as the land is sold for more expensive housing projects.
Rent prices in Miami have increased by nearly 60% in the last five years, with a two-bedroom apartment averaging close to $3,000 a month.
Mobile home parks are considered more affordable but are vanishing, reducing options for low-income families.
Residents like Enrique Zelaya and Mario Leiva, who lived in Li’l Abner, are struggling with homelessness after evictions.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Bourbon maker Jim Beam halts production at main distillery for a year

December 22, 2025

Summary

Jim Beam will stop production at its main distillery in Kentucky for one year to make improvements. The company, owned by Suntory, will keep its other operations in Kentucky running. Trade policies under President Trump have impacted distillers, contributing to uncertainty in the bourbon industry.

Key Facts

Jim Beam will pause production at its main Kentucky distillery for all of next year.
The pause is for site improvements and investment in the distillery.
Suntory Global Spirits owns Jim Beam and runs over 1,000 jobs in Kentucky.
Other operations like a separate distillery and bottling plants will continue.
Jim Beam is discussing workforce arrangements with the workers' union during the pause.
Kentucky Distillers' Association noted Kentucky has over 16 million barrels of bourbon.
Distillers face high taxes on stored barrels, costing them $75 million this year.
U.S. trade tariffs have led to import taxes on American spirits, affecting global sales.

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BBC Business

As medication costs rise, decreasing insurance coverage has deadly consequences

December 21, 2025

Summary

The article discusses the increasing costs of medicine and how insurance is covering less, which leads to serious health problems for many people.

Key Facts

Medicines are becoming more expensive.
Insurance is covering a smaller portion of these medicine costs.
People are struggling to pay for their medications.
This financial strain can lead to severe health issues for those who cannot afford their prescriptions.
The article mentions concerns related to healthcare and prescription coverage.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour

Israeli arms companies’ revenues soared in 2024

December 21, 2025

Summary

Israeli arms companies saw record revenues in 2024, with defense exports reaching nearly $15 billion. The majority of Israel's weapons exports went to European countries and Asia Pacific regions. This increase occurs amid allegations of war crimes against Israel in international courts.

Key Facts

Israeli arms companies made almost $15 billion in revenue in 2024.
Weapons exports increased by 13% compared to the previous year.
More than half of the weapons deliveries were to European countries.
Israeli exports also went to the Asia Pacific region, primarily to India.
Israel faced charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes.
Exported technology includes missiles, rockets, air-defense systems, AI, and surveillance tools.
Despite increased demand from Europe, some countries, like Spain, have limited arms imports from Israel.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

Powerball Soars to $1.6B for Fourth-Largest Draw Monday

December 21, 2025

Summary

The Powerball jackpot has reached $1.6 billion for Monday night's draw, making it the fourth-largest Powerball prize ever. No ticket has won the jackpot in the last 45 drawings. Lottery tickets are sold in most U.S. states, and the odds of winning are extremely low.

Key Facts

The Powerball jackpot is now estimated at $1.6 billion.
It is the fourth-largest Powerball prize in history.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
Lottery tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The cash value of the prize, if taken as a lump sum, is about $735.3 million.
A 24 percent federal tax would reduce the prize amount further, and state taxes may apply.
This is the 46th consecutive draw without a jackpot winner.
The top Powerball prize ever was $2.04 billion in November 2022.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Starbucks Workers Take Protest to Corporate HQ: 'Watch This Space'

December 21, 2025

Summary

Starbucks workers have blocked the company’s headquarters in Seattle as part of a strike, demanding better working conditions and pay. The workers claim the company has been unfair during union talks, and some U.S. lawmakers support their cause. Starbucks maintains they are open to negotiations and have already made some progress in discussions.

Key Facts

Starbucks workers began a strike on November 13, known as Red Cup Day.
The workers demand better staffing, higher pay, and a resolution of unfair labor practices.
The union claims Starbucks has not engaged fairly in union talks.
Lawmakers, including Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Bernie Sanders, have shown support for the strike.
Starbucks says they have reached tentative agreements on over 30 contract articles.
The union took the protest to the corporate headquarters with a sit-in planned.
Police warned protestors that they must vacate by the following Monday morning.

Source Verification

Newsweek

The solve for America's aging crisis: Universal Basic Investment

December 21, 2025

Summary

America is grappling with an aging population issue while Social Security faces potential shortages. To help address this, President Trump supports "Trump Accounts" for children, a program where newborns get a financial investment from the government. Billionaires, including Michael and Susan Dell and Ray and Barbara Dalio, are contributing billions to extend such financial benefits to more children.

Key Facts

The U.S. fertility rate is at a historic low of about 1.6 births per woman, below the level needed to sustain population.
President Trump backs "Trump Accounts", which give $1,000 to babies born in certain years in a tax-deferred investment account.
Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to help children not covered by this government initiative.
The Dells provide $250 to 25 million children aged 10 and under in selected low-income areas.
Ray and Barbara Dalio are donating $75 million to aid children in Connecticut with $250 contributions.
A "50 State Challenge" is underway to encourage more philanthropists to join this effort.
About 14 Americans have the financial capability to easily match the Dells' $6.25 billion contribution.
These efforts aim to build children's future financial security and teach investment skills.

Source Verification

Axios

Charity welcomes living wage rise in January

December 21, 2025

Summary

The living wage in Jersey will rise to £15.10 per hour starting in January 2026. This rate is higher than Jersey's minimum wage, which will increase to £13.59. A charity named Caritas Jersey supports this change, emphasizing its importance for working families facing rising costs.

Key Facts

The living wage in Jersey will increase to £15.10 per hour in January 2026.
Jersey's minimum wage will increase to £13.59 per hour in April 2026.
Caritas Jersey, a social action charity, supports the increase in the living wage.
The living wage is considered the minimum needed for islanders to thrive.
Rising costs for rent and utilities are some of the challenges residents face.
Food bank usage in Jersey has increased, with more families seeking help.
Many of those affected are working families on minimum or low wages.
The difference between the living wage and the minimum wage remains significant.

Source Verification

BBC Business

Cricket-themed bar chain Sixes goes into administration

December 21, 2025

Summary

Sixes, a chain of bars themed around cricket and partly backed by England cricket captain Ben Stokes, has entered administration due to financial difficulties. While most of its locations remain open, one branch has closed, and administrators are looking for buyers for the company. The administration process is a way to help the struggling business manage debts and potentially find new investors.

Key Facts

Sixes is a cricket-themed bar chain that began in 2020.
The chain has 15 venues in the UK, but one in Southampton has closed, affecting three jobs.
Administrators from FRP Advisory are seeking buyers for the business or its best-performing locations.
The administration process aims to keep the company running and pay off debts.
Sixes combines hospitality with cricket games, part of a trend in social entertainment.
The chain is supported by 4Cast, a group involving sports figures like Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Stuart Broad.
Competition in the entertainment venue market and economic difficulties have impacted Sixes' performance.
The administrators aim to maintain operations through the busy Christmas period while exploring potential sales.

Source Verification

BBC Business

Maxing out on tinsel: Why retro Christmas decorations are cool again

December 21, 2025

Summary

Retro-style Christmas decorations, featuring bright and mismatching items like tinsel and large ornaments, are becoming popular again in 2025. Retailers have noticed a rise in demand for decorations reminiscent of the '80s and '90s, as people look to evoke nostalgic festive memories. Sales of these retro decorations have significantly increased, with certain retailers reporting growth in this trend.

Key Facts

Retro Christmas decorations, such as tinsel and colorful lights, are trending in 2025.
Experts say the trend started last year and is linked to nostalgia from childhood holidays.
Retailers like Habitat and Primark report increased demand for '80s and '90s-style decorations.
Marks & Spencer reported strong sales of tinsel rosettes and tree skirts.
John Lewis noted a 180% sales increase for retro-themed decor this year.
Shoppers, including younger Gen X and millennials, are buying decorations that remind them of earlier times.
Felicity Hayward, a shopper, spent two months finding retro decorations to recreate her childhood holiday memories.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

The 'winners and losers' in Universal UK's plan to rival Disneyland Paris

December 21, 2025

Summary

Universal has received approval to build a large theme park in Kempston Hardwick, UK, aiming to rival Disneyland Paris. The park is projected to open by 2031 and attract millions of visitors annually. Local opinions are mixed, with some residents concerned about the impact on their community.

Key Facts

Universal's new UK theme park got approval to be constructed near Bedford.
The park aims to eventually attract more visitors than any other park in Europe.
The UK Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government approved the plans.
Universal wants the park to be one of the biggest in the world, calling it a "generational opportunity."
Some local residents, like Claudia Pixley, have concerns about traffic and land size.
The park is expected to draw 8.5 million visitors annually at first, with growth to 12 million by 2051.
Universal plans for the park to cover 268 hectares, making it larger than any existing UK theme park.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

Yogurt Sold at H-E-B Recalled for Undeclared Allergen

December 20, 2025

Summary

PlantBased Innovations, a company from Massachusetts, recalled its Higher Harvest by H-E-B Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt in strawberry flavor due to an undeclared allergen, specifically almonds. The yogurt was distributed in Texas, and no illnesses have been reported. Consumers with almond allergies who bought this product should not consume it and may return it for a refund.

Key Facts

PlantBased Innovations recalled its Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt in strawberry flavor due to undeclared almonds.
The recall came after a customer reported the issue.
Almonds are one of the nine major food allergens identified by law.
The FDA warns that consuming products with undeclared almonds can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
The affected yogurt was shipped to H-E-B stores across Texas, starting November 24, 2023.
The yogurt is identifiable by a 5.3-ounce cup with a Best By date of January 2, 2026.
Consumers can contact PlantBased Innovations for questions or a refund if they have this product.
No illnesses or injuries have been associated with this recall as of the announcement.

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Newsweek

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