Direct Source Seafood LLC, a company from Washington, recalled nearly 84,000 bags of frozen shrimp over concerns they might be contaminated with a radioactive substance called cesium-137. The shrimp, imported from Indonesia, hasn't been found in the U.S. market, and no related health issues have been reported.
Key Facts
Direct Source Seafood LLC recalled nearly 84,000 bags of shrimp due to possible radioactive contamination.
The concern involves cesium-137 contamination, a radioactive substance that can increase cancer risk over time.
The shrimp was imported from Indonesia and distributed under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands.
The FDA found no contaminated shrimp in the U.S. market and is continuing its investigation.
PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, the Indonesian manufacturer, is under an import alert for chemical contamination.
The recall covers specific bags of shrimp with specific UPC codes sold in various U.S. states after certain dates.
Customers are advised to avoid eating the shrimp and can return it for a refund.
The FDA, National Nuclear Security Administration, and U.S. Customs are working together on this issue.
The IRS has introduced a new digital form to help whistleblowers report tax issues more easily. This form is part of the IRS's efforts to improve tax compliance and reduce errors. The form can be filled out online, simplifying the process for individuals to report tax noncompliance.
Key Facts
The IRS launched a new digital form, Form 211, for whistleblowers to report tax noncompliance.
The American tax system relies on voluntary compliance, where people are expected to file and pay taxes honestly.
The U.S. tax system faced a tax gap of over $600 billion for the 2022 tax year.
Since 2007, the Whistleblower Office has given out $1.4 billion in rewards to whistleblowers.
Whistleblowers have helped the IRS recover more than $7.86 billion in revenue.
The digital form aims to reduce errors and costs associated with paper forms.
The form requires specific information like names, addresses, and details of the tax issue.
President Donald Trump is considering changes to the tax system, including eliminating taxes on gambling winnings.
Significant changes may come to 401(k) retirement plans in 2026 after Vanguard announced it will include an annuity option. This change could provide more predictable income for retirees, an option that many are starting to prioritize over investments that depend on how markets perform.
Key Facts
Vanguard plans to add an annuity option to 401(k) plans starting in 2026.
Annuities provide guaranteed income, which means retirees can receive regular payments.
Secure income products, like annuities, are becoming popular as they offer financial certainty.
Annuities are not investments or bank deposits; they are insurance contracts with specific terms.
Aligning annuities with necessary expenses like housing and healthcare can help manage retirement finances.
New technology helps advisors plan and model retirement income scenarios.
Financial advisors emphasize the importance of understanding if annuities are the right choice for individual retirement goals.
A viral meme created by Drew Downing uses Santa Claus to highlight the difference between real-life personas and professional profiles on LinkedIn. Downing, who works in the field of health disaster and national security, crafted the meme to show how professionals often present themselves as polished versions online. The meme humorously portrays Santa in both his everyday and exaggerated LinkedIn identities.
Key Facts
Drew Downing created a meme to show the difference between real personas and professional LinkedIn profiles.
The meme uses Santa Claus to humorously illustrate this contrast.
Drew Downing lives in Valencia, Spain, and co-founded a business called Logista.
On LinkedIn, Santa is described as a "Global Chief of Holiday Logistics & Resilience."
LinkedIn is a professional networking site with over 1 billion users worldwide.
The meme has become popular online, resonating with many professionals.
Downing's meme has been shared widely, especially on the platform Threads.
Downing only uses LinkedIn and jokes about not knowing much about other social media platforms.
Taylor Swift's mention of Liz Moore's book "The God of the Woods" during her "Eras Tour" led to a surge in the book's sales. In the documentary about her tour, Swift is seen listening to the audiobook, which significantly boosted its daily sales.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift was seen listening to "The God of the Woods" during her "Eras Tour."
The moment is part of a six-part documentary released by Disney+.
Daily sales of the book tripled after the release of this footage.
Before this surge, the book was already a New York Times bestseller, selling 1.5 million copies.
Former President Barack Obama also listed the book as a favorite in 2024.
Netflix is adapting the book into a movie in partnership with Sony.
The book is about a mysterious disappearance at a summer camp in 1975.
Author Liz Moore expressed her admiration for Swift and shared her excitement about the sales increase.
London's West End saw an increase in people visiting for Christmas shopping despite a national decrease in retail sales. Foot traffic rose significantly during events like the pedestrian-only day on Regent Street and live performances on Oxford Street, which attracted many shoppers.
Key Facts
London’s West End had more shoppers during the Christmas season despite a national drop.
Foot traffic increased 9% in the week before Black Friday compared to 2024.
During Black Friday week, traffic was up by 4.1%, and by 6.2% the week after.
Regent Street had a traffic-free day, boosting foot traffic by 33.7%.
Live performances on Oxford Street increased traffic by 25.1%.
These activities featured festive events and in-store specials.
Nationally, retail sales dropped in November despite Black Friday deals.
Black Friday is a major shopping day that started in the U.S. and is now popular in the UK.
The article looks at how costs shown in the 1990 movie "Home Alone" compare to prices in 2025. It discusses the updated worth of the McCallister house, the cost of flights from Chicago to Paris, the taxi fare to the airport, and the rise in grocery prices since the film's release.
Key Facts
The McCallister house in "Home Alone," originally sold for about $800,000, is now valued at around $5.76 million as of March 2025.
The cost to lease the McCallister house is estimated at $7,339 per month in 2025.
Flights for 15 people from Chicago to Paris could cost about $62,820 in total in 2025.
An American Airlines premium seat for the flight is around $8,310, while an economy seat is about $1,972.
Taking a taxi from the McCallister house to O'Hare Airport costs approximately $371.59 for two minivans in 2025.
The cost of groceries that Kevin buys in the movie, which was less than $20 in 1990, has increased to $60.24 in 2025 according to a TikTok user.
The FDA approved a safety update to the label of Depo-Provera, a birth control injection made by Pfizer. This update warns about a possible link between repeated use of Depo-Provera and brain tumors called meningiomas. Nearly 2,000 women have sued Pfizer, claiming the injection caused their brain tumors.
Key Facts
The FDA added a warning to Depo-Provera's label about the risk of meningiomas after repeated long-term use.
Meningiomas are brain tumors that form on the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord; most are non-cancerous.
Symptoms of meningiomas can include headaches, seizures, and vision problems.
Nearly 2,000 women have filed lawsuits, alleging that Depo-Provera caused their brain tumors.
The attorneys involved in the lawsuits support the FDA's decision to update the warning label.
Depo-Provera is a popular injectable contraceptive, used by nearly one in four sexually experienced women in the U.S.
Side effects have previously led some women to stop using Depo-Provera.
Pfizer stated that patient safety is a priority and is working with the FDA on these updates.
President Donald Trump's media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, plans to merge with TAE Technologies, a fusion energy company, in a deal worth over $6 billion. Concerns about conflicts of interest have arisen because TAE Technologies receives federal funding. The White House has denied these claims, asserting no conflicts of interest exist for President Trump or his family.
Key Facts
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) and TAE Technologies announced a merger, valued at over $6 billion.
TAE Technologies recently received $6.1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for fusion research.
Ethics experts express concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to federal funding and Trump's roles.
In March 2024, TMTG became a public company after merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp.
President Trump transferred over 114 million TMTG shares to a trust managed by his son, Donald Trump Jr.
TMTG has also expanded into financial services, including plans for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds.
The White House denies any conflicts of interest related to the merger or TMTG's activities.
Pantone chose "Cloud Dancer," a shade of white, as its Colour of the Year for 2026. Some people have criticized this choice, saying it feels out of touch with real-life homes and society's ongoing conversations about race and representation.
Key Facts
Pantone selected "Cloud Dancer," a white color, as the Colour of the Year for 2026.
This is the first time white has been chosen as the Colour of the Year by Pantone.
Pantone describes "Cloud Dancer" as calming and a symbol of quiet reflection.
Some critics say the choice is disconnected from real homes and can feel clinical.
The choice sparked discussions about its social implications, including potential racial undertones.
Designer Chris Beaumont and others feel the color represents wealth and order but lacks warmth and personality.
Pantone's Colour of the Year influences trends in fashion, beauty, interiors, and more.
The Delaware Supreme Court restored Elon Musk's 2018 pay package from Tesla, reversing a previous court decision. This package, which could be worth billions, allows Musk to purchase Tesla shares at a discounted price based on company performance. Tesla's shareholders have also approved a more significant pay deal that could be worth nearly $1 trillion.
Key Facts
In 2018, Tesla granted Elon Musk a pay package based on stock options if certain goals were met.
A lower court canceled this package after shareholder Richard Tornetta sued, claiming unfair practices.
The Delaware Supreme Court overturned this decision, allowing the original deal to stand.
The pay package initially estimated at $56 billion is now potentially worth $120 billion due to Tesla's stock price increase.
In 2023, Tesla shareholders approved a new, even larger pay package for Musk, which could reach $878 billion.
Companies like Dropbox and Coinbase have moved their legal bases away from Delaware, but it remains popular.
Tesla is now based in Texas and has adjusted rules to make it harder for small shareholders to sue.
Sportsbooks and trading platforms are expanding into prediction markets, which allow betting on real-world events like sports and politics. Companies like DraftKings and Robinhood are launching new apps or features to offer these markets, facing legal and regulatory challenges. Casinos oppose these markets, arguing they are not legal, while traditional sportsbooks feel competitive pressure.
Key Facts
DraftKings launched a new prediction market app in 38 U.S. states.
Companies like Polymarket and Kalshi were early leaders in prediction markets.
Robinhood is offering event contracts via a partnership with Kalshi.
DraftKings' prediction app is not available in some states due to legal concerns.
Some casinos argue that prediction markets are illegal and oppose their growth.
DraftKings and other sportsbooks have left the American Gaming Association, which has campaigned against prediction markets.
Prediction markets can potentially be integrated into various apps and websites, broadening access and reducing betting barriers.
Anuradha Mittal, the former chair of Ben & Jerry's board, claims that Magnum Ice Cream Company threatened to damage her reputation unless she resigned. This issue stems from disagreements over the board's independence and the company's social missions following Magnum's acquisition of Ben & Jerry's. Mittal says the threats were part of a wider conflict over the company's ability to speak on social issues.
Key Facts
Anuradha Mittal was the chair of Ben & Jerry's independent board for seven years.
Mittal alleges that Magnum threatened to release false statements about her if she did not step down.
The dispute involves the degree of independence the board has, particularly with respect to social and political issues.
Magnum took control of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream unit after it separated from Unilever earlier this year.
An audit found issues with financial controls and governance at the Ben & Jerry's Foundation.
Two other board members are also required to leave due to new rules set by Magnum.
Mittal refused an offered position in a Unilever-funded non-profit.
Jerry Greenfield, a co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, left the firm because he felt its social mission was being limited.
Nine pharmaceutical companies decided to lower the prices of many of their drugs for Medicaid. They also plan to sell these drugs directly to consumers through a website called 'TrumpRx'.
Key Facts
Nine pharmaceutical companies will reduce drug prices for Medicaid.
These companies will sell drugs directly to consumers via the 'TrumpRx' website.
Medicaid is a government program that helps pay for healthcare costs for people with low incomes.
Russian President Putin stated his commitment to his goals in Ukraine if Ukraine does not agree to peace terms.
Australia revealed a plan to buy back guns after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach.
HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish new books by David Walliams, a popular children's author. This decision follows an investigation into claims of inappropriate behavior, although the publisher did not confirm this as the reason.
Key Facts
David Walliams is a best-selling children's author and comedian.
HarperCollins UK announced it will not publish any new titles by Walliams.
The decision came after an investigation into claims of inappropriate behavior.
HarperCollins did not confirm if these claims influenced their decision.
Walliams has sold over 60 million books worldwide in 55 languages.
Some of his books have been turned into TV films.
HarperCollins' new CEO, Kate Elton, took over in October.
A Paris court decided not to suspend the fast-fashion website Shein, despite concerns about it selling childlike sex dolls. Instead, the court ordered the company to implement age verification for adult products. Shein has since removed these dolls and committed to improving its control measures.
Key Facts
A French court rejected the suspension of Shein's website.
The issue involved Shein selling childlike sex dolls on its site.
The court found the suspension request "disproportionate."
Age verification for adult items is now required.
Shein removed the problematic items and plans to stop selling sex dolls entirely.
A €10,000 fine will apply for each age verification breach.
Shein recently opened its first physical store in Paris amid protests and business activity.
Trump Media plans to merge with TAE Technologies, a company working on nuclear fusion energy, to provide financial backing. The merger aims to further TAE's development of a fusion power plant by 2031 and represents a shift in focus for Trump Media. Approval from shareholders and regulators is needed for the merger to proceed.
Key Facts
Trump Media is merging with TAE Technologies, which focuses on nuclear fusion energy.
TAE plans to build a 50-megawatt fusion power reactor starting next year.
The deal could provide TAE with up to $200 million initially and another $100 million after certain notifications.
Donald Trump, Jr. will join the board of the merged company.
The merger needs approval from shareholders and regulators by mid-2026.
There are concerns from Democratic lawmakers about potential conflicts of interest.
TAE has previously raised $1.3 billion from investors like Google and Chevron.
Trump Media might sell or separate its other media assets as it focuses on energy.
Toyota is using its Arizona Proving Ground to develop and test new vehicles. The site is designed for testing a variety of road conditions and works with both Toyota and other car companies. Toyota is focusing on making improvements to its vehicles, including a new Scion model lineup.
Key Facts
Toyota has a testing site called the Arizona Proving Ground located outside Phoenix, Arizona.
The site covers 11,650 acres and has different types of roads for testing vehicles, from paved roads to dirt tracks.
The site has been updated to improve efficiency and testing collaboration among Toyota's global sites.
Toyota uses the site to test parts with third-party suppliers to ensure they meet the company's standards.
A new lineup under the Scion brand is being developed, with the Scion 01 concept shown at an industry trade show.
Other car companies, like Rivian and Lucid, also use the site for their vehicle testing.
The Arizona Mobility Test Center within the site is managed by Intertek Transportation Technologies and rented out to competitor automakers.
The fragmented financial markets across Latin America are slowly becoming unified through the use of crypto platforms. This new wave of technology allows for easier cross-border investments and transactions, similar to how European markets function. Key countries like El Salvador and Brazil are leading by advancing digital asset regulations.
Key Facts
Latin America has traditionally had fragmented financial systems due to different currencies and regulations.
Cross-border payments in the region often rely on intermediaries like the U.S. banking system, causing delays and extra costs.
New crypto platforms are creating financial systems that allow easier investments across borders using technologies like blockchain.
Stablecoins, which are digital currencies backed by another asset, are helping businesses make quick payments across Latin American countries.
El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 and is leading in developing crypto regulations.
Brazil has passed a law for regulating cryptocurrencies, aiming to become a central player in regional crypto activities.
Chile has created a licensing system for crypto exchanges and wallet providers.
Countries like Peru and Colombia are still in the process of developing their crypto regulatory frameworks.
More than 2,000 seniors with Medicare Supplement plans from UCare might lose their coverage soon. UCare announced it will stop offering these Medigap policies, leading these seniors to seek alternative health plans before they face coverage gaps.
Key Facts
UCare is a health insurer based in Minneapolis.
Around 2,500 people with Medicare Supplement policies are affected by UCare's decision.
Without a Medicare Supplement plan, seniors generally need to pay about 20% of their healthcare costs.
UCare initially planned to move policyholders to Medica in the new year but it is uncertain if this transition will happen.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is working to help Minnesotans find a new plan by March 4, 2026.
The changes are linked to UCare stopping its Medicare business, impacting many seniors in Minnesota.
Seniors have certain rights to guaranteed issue plans if they have documentation of their lost coverage.
