Inflation reached its lowest point in eight months in November due to decreases in prices for food, alcohol, and clothing. These lower prices contributed to the drop in inflation.
Key Facts
Food, alcohol, and clothing prices went down last month.
These falling prices helped lower inflation to its lowest level in eight months.
The report is focused on the month of November.
Lower prices were a significant factor in reducing inflation.
Inflation is a measure of how much prices for goods and services increase over time.
A map from Target shows that gingerbread cookies are the most popular holiday cookie in the United States for 2025. Sales data collected from all 50 states reveal that gingerbread cookies are favored in 38 states, while sugar cookies and shortbread are more popular in some other regions.
Key Facts
Gingerbread cookies are the top holiday choice in 38 out of 50 U.S. states.
The data used for this finding comes from Target's sales between November 1 and December 6, 2025.
Gingerbread cookies are popular due to their familiar taste and fun shapes.
Sugar cookies are the most bought in eight states, including New York and Vermont.
Shortbread is the leading choice in four states, such as Kansas and New Jersey.
Target describes gingerbread as the "unofficial cookie of the 2025 holiday season."
The tradition of gingerbread cookies came to the U.S. from early German settlers.
Retail trends suggest gingerbread will remain popular due to its classic flavor.
The Salem Radio Network has chosen Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow to fill the national midday radio slot, previously held by Charlie Kirk. Jennings will host from 1–3pm, while Marlow will anchor the noon–1pm hour starting January 5. "The Charlie Kirk Show" will continue as a podcast.
Key Facts
Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow will take over the midday radio slot on Salem Radio Network, previously hosted by Charlie Kirk.
Jennings will host from 1–3pm ET, while Marlow will cover the noon–1pm hour.
The new schedule begins on January 5.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist who was assassinated on September 10.
"The Charlie Kirk Show" will continue as a podcast on the Salem Podcast Network.
Salem Radio is a major platform for conservative talk radio, reaching about 1.2 million listeners weekly on over 300 stations.
Both Jennings and Marlow have established audiences from their work with CNN and Breitbart News, respectively.
The Newsweek New & Noteworthy feature highlights a variety of new products available at ALDI stores. These products include energy drinks, cheeses, wines, milk, pasta, and pretzel crackers, aimed at helping consumers discover new items. The feature is part of a weekly series that showcases the latest innovations across different consumer categories.
Key Facts
Summit Waves Energy drinks come in several flavors and contain vitamins but no sugar.
Specially Selected Burrata cheese is made in America and follows traditional methods.
Bear Bros Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine with a 13% alcohol content.
Specially Selected Rioja Riserva is a wine matured for 36 months in oak barrels.
Friendly Farms 2% Ultra-Filtered Milk contains less sugar and more protein than regular milk.
Specially Selected Organic Bronze Cut Pasta is made from organic durum wheat from Italy.
Savoritz Pretzel Crackers are available in sea salt and honey mustard flavors.
These products are all available for purchase at ALDI stores.
Gorden Wagener, the Chief Design Officer at Mercedes-Benz, will leave the company in January 2026 after 31 years. He is being replaced by Bastian Baudy, who currently leads design at Mercedes-AMG. During Wagener's time, Mercedes-Benz faced criticism over vehicle designs but also expanded into new ventures like luxury apartments and yachts.
Key Facts
Gorden Wagener will step down as Mercedes-Benz's Chief Design Officer on January 31, 2026.
Wagener has worked for Mercedes-Benz for 31 years.
He faced criticism for the design of Mercedes-Benz's EQ lineup.
Wagener led expansions into new areas, including luxury apartments in Dubai and Miami, and a Mercedes-Maybach yacht.
Bastian Baudy, the current head of Mercedes-AMG design, will replace Wagener.
Mercedes-Benz has seen significant management changes recently, including a new Chief Technology Officer.
The company has removed the Chief Marketing Officer position from its management team.
A new study by Realtor.com shows that only five major U.S. metropolitan areas are affordable for minimum wage workers. This is despite a slight decrease in rent prices nationwide.
Key Facts
The study comes from Realtor.com and focuses on the top 50 largest U.S. metro areas.
National average rent is $1,693, which is 17% higher than before the pandemic.
Only five metros—Buffalo, Rochester, St. Louis, Phoenix, and Kansas City—are affordable for minimum wage earners.
Minimum wage has remained at $7.25 federally since 2009.
In these five affordable metros, two minimum wage earners can work typical hours to afford median rent.
High minimum wages compared to the federal rate help affordability in these areas.
Rent affordability requires that no more than 30% of income go to housing costs.
Detroit and Jacksonville may soon become affordable for minimum wage workers.
The article discusses the most expensive home sales in the U.S. in 2025, highlighting properties in Florida and California. A Naples, Florida home topped the list, selling for $133 million in April. Los Angeles properties ranked second and third, each selling for $110 million.
Key Facts
A home in Naples, Florida sold for $133 million in April 2025.
Two Los Angeles homes each sold for $110 million, ranking second and third.
The Naples property's sale reflects a trend of increasing home prices in the city.
Other high-value sales include homes in Malibu, Miami Beach, and Honolulu.
The most expensive homes are primarily located in coastal areas.
Data from Redfin shows continued demand for luxury homes in 2025.
California and Florida dominated the list of expensive home sales.
Warner Bros. Discovery's board has rejected a $108-billion offer from Paramount, instead advising shareholders to proceed with an $83-billion deal with Netflix. The board said the offer from Paramount had too many risks and didn't address important concerns. They believe the partnership with Netflix provides greater value.
Key Facts
Warner Bros. Discovery's board rejected Paramount's $108-billion takeover offer.
The board advised shareholders to support an $83-billion deal with Netflix.
Paramount's bid was described as hostile, meaning it was not welcomed by Warner Bros. Discovery's board.
Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., the board chairman, said Paramount's offer had too many associated risks and costs.
Warner Bros. Discovery has engaged with Paramount on six previous proposals.
The board believes the Netflix deal has more benefits for shareholders.
The UK inflation rate decreased to 3.2% in November, down from 3.6% in October. This drop was larger than expected and is the lowest rate in eight months, although it remains higher than the Bank of England's 2% target.
Key Facts
The UK inflation rate fell to 3.2% in November.
In October, the inflation rate was 3.6%.
Analysts had predicted the inflation rate would decrease to 3.5%.
The current inflation rate is the lowest in the past eight months.
The Bank of England's target for inflation is 2%.
Lower prices for food, drinks, tobacco, and alcohol contributed to the decrease in inflation.
Jared Kushner's firm, Affinity Partners, has pulled out of financing Paramount Skydance's bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery. This decision comes amid a battle involving an existing $83 billion deal between Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix. The board of Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to recommend sticking with the original deal with Netflix.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner's firm, Affinity Partners, withdrew its support from Paramount Skydance's takeover bid of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
The original deal involves an $83 billion agreement between WBD and Netflix.
Paramount Skydance offered a higher bid of $108.4 billion for WBD.
Paramount's bid was financially supported by Gulf state wealth funds, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The Warner Bros. Discovery board plans to advise shareholders to stick with the Netflix deal.
President Donald Trump has voiced concerns about the impact of the Netflix-WBD deal on market competition.
Antitrust scrutiny is expected for both the Netflix and Paramount offers.
Cow manure can be turned into gas to heat homes. Currently, this method heats about a million homes, but there is potential to increase this to 15 million. Some dairy farmers use this process to make their own energy and support the national gas supply.
Key Facts
Cow manure can release biomethane, a gas used for heating homes.
About one million homes in the UK currently use biomethane from manure and other sources.
There is potential to increase this to heat 15 million homes.
A farm in Somerset uses its cows' manure to produce enough gas to heat 10,000 homes each year.
Only 2.5% of cow manure is currently used for this process due to high setup costs.
A village in Somerset celebrates a decade of using biomethane, not from cow manure but from food waste.
There are 20 biomethane plants in southwest England, with efforts to expand this number.
Campaigns are underway to increase biomethane production as part of a sustainable energy strategy.
Colgate-Palmolive has focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to improve its sustainability efforts. The company has made significant progress in creating recyclable packaging, which has contributed to its high ranking on Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies. Ann Tracy, the chief sustainability officer, emphasizes the importance of focus and leadership in achieving these goals.
Key Facts
Colgate-Palmolive has been recognized on Newsweek’s ranking of America's Most Responsible Companies, reaching third place in the retail and consumer goods industry.
The company has been involved in the ESG movement, which focuses on environmental, social, and governance practices.
Ann Tracy is Colgate-Palmolive's first chief sustainability officer, a role she took on in 2020.
Colgate-Palmolive has transitioned about 75% of its toothpaste products globally to recyclable tubes.
Approximately 95% of its toothpaste tubes in North America are made from high-density polyethylene plastic, aiding in recyclability.
In 2022, 93% of Colgate-Palmolive’s packaging was recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
The company aims for 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging but faces challenges with certain materials.
Colgate-Palmolive shares its recyclable tube design with other manufacturers to aid broader adoption.
The article discusses the latest trends in the global automotive industry, highlighting the rise of Chinese automakers and the challenges faced by European and American brands. It focuses on how different companies are adapting to changes in the market, such as the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and new regulations.
Key Facts
The global car market includes expanding Chinese brands like BYD, Xpeng, and Nio.
China-based companies like SAIC Motor and Geely Auto manage several brands worldwide.
Hyundai Motor Group is growing with brands like Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis.
European carmakers are adjusting to regulations that target ending combustion engine sales by 2035.
The merger of PSA Group and FCA into Stellantis brought challenges but is now showing growth.
Stellantis aims to be more flexible in different regions under new leadership.
Ford and General Motors are reassessing their vehicle strategies and product lines.
General Motors (GM) is focused on expanding its reach both in the United States and internationally. The company is pursuing growth through its new Formula One team and a variety of electric vehicles. GM is making significant investments in its manufacturing facilities to support this expansion.
Key Facts
General Motors aims to increase its brand presence in both domestic and international markets.
GM President Mark Reuss highlighted the company's wide range of electric vehicles, including the $30,000 Bolt.
GM has invested $550 million in Michigan and Ohio plants, as part of a $4 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing.
GM is America's second-largest electric vehicle brand and has grown its market share over the past year.
The company ended production of its BrightDrop electric cargo van but sees potential for future opportunities as infrastructure improves.
GM previously left the European market by selling Opel and Vauxhall brands in 2017 but is known for re-entering markets.
GM emphasizes flexible manufacturing to support its diverse product line.
Warner Bros Discovery plans to tell its shareholders to reject a $108.4 billion offer from Paramount Skydance. Paramount believes its bid is better than a previous deal Warner Bros made with Netflix. Warner Bros is concerned about how Paramount would finance this takeover.
Key Facts
Warner Bros plans to reject a $108.4 billion offer from Paramount Skydance.
Paramount claims its offer is better than a $72 billion deal already made with Netflix.
Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, a key supporter of Paramount's bid, has withdrawn its support.
Warner Bros is worried about how Paramount would fund the acquisition.
Warner Bros put itself up for sale in October after interest from several buyers.
Competition regulators in the US and Europe are expected to review a potential takeover.
The Writers Guild of America opposes the merger, saying it could lower wages and cut jobs.
A new owner of Warner Bros would acquire a large film and TV show library, enhancing its presence in streaming.
The UK government and Ineos have announced a joint investment of £150 million to support the Grangemouth industrial complex in Scotland, which is the UK's last ethylene plant. This funding is aimed at protecting 500 jobs and ensuring the site's continued operation. The investment comes as part of efforts to help the UK's petrochemical industry amid high energy costs and recent job losses in the sector.
Key Facts
The UK government will invest £120 million, and Ineos will invest £30 million in Grangemouth.
The Grangemouth site employs about 500 people and produces ethylene, used in making plastics for industries like automotive and aerospace.
The plant stopped processing crude oil in April, turning into an import terminal, which resulted in 400 job losses.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos chairman, said the investment will protect jobs and enhance the site's efficiency and competitiveness.
Rising energy costs have caused closures and risks to the UK petrochemical industry, affecting ethylene production capacity.
The UK and Scottish governments announced plans to establish a green energy hub at Grangemouth to support a transition to low-carbon industries.
Unions criticized the UK government for not delivering promised £200 million investments from the National Wealth Fund.
There is involvement from Natwest bank, which focuses on regional growth, although specific details are not clear.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned ads by MedExpress, SkinnyJab, and CheqUp for promoting weight-loss injections to new mothers. These ads exploited body image insecurities and promoted prescription-only drugs, which is illegal. The companies have removed the ads and pledged to improve their advertising practices.
Key Facts
The ASA banned ads that targeted new mothers with weight-loss injections.
MedExpress's ad suggested women should lose weight soon after childbirth, which the ASA called harmful.
It is illegal to advertise prescription-only weight-loss drugs directly to the public.
All three companies involved have removed their ads following the ban.
The weight-loss jab market is very popular, worth billions globally.
MedExpress and other companies agreed to enhance oversight of their advertising methods.
Weight-loss injections were originally developed for diabetes control but are now also used for cosmetic weight loss.
Affinity Partners, connected to President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has decided not to support Paramount's attempt to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. This happens as Warner Bros. is expected to say no to Paramount's $30-a-share offer. Paramount might need a better bid to win over Warner Bros.'s board.
Key Facts
Affinity Partners, linked to Jared Kushner, has exited Paramount's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Warner Bros. is expected to reject Paramount's $30-a-share all-cash offer.
Paramount's initial share offer started at $19, increasing to $30 in later bids.
Approximately 60% of Paramount's latest bid funding came from foreign sovereign wealth funds.
The Warner Bros. board has a deadline of December 22 to make a decision on Paramount's offer.
Paramount had to ensure that Kushner's fund and foreign partners had no voting rights to avoid security concerns.
Paramount may need to raise its offer above $30 per share to stay in the running.
Shares of Oracle, associated with bid supporter Larry Ellison, have decreased by about 45% since September.
Many companies are moving toward business models based on subscriptions. This shift means that customers regularly pay a fee to use services or products instead of buying them outright.
Key Facts
Companies now prefer subscription models over one-time purchases.
A subscription model involves regular payments for ongoing access to services or products.
This approach can provide companies with steady income.
It can make it easier for customers to afford services over time.
Many industries, including software, entertainment, and food, use subscription models.
The Employment Rights Bill has finished going through parliament and will soon become law in Britain. This bill is an important update to employment laws, offering workers better rights like sick pay and paternity leave starting from their first day at work. The changes, once fully implemented, will apply to workers in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Key Facts
The Employment Rights Bill has passed its final stage in parliament.
It will likely become law before Christmas.
The bill updates employment laws in England, Scotland, and Wales, but not Northern Ireland.
Workers will get sick pay and paternity leave from the first day of employment.
The plan to allow unfair dismissal claims from day one was changed to a six-month qualifying period.
The bill still needs secondary legislation to fully come into effect.
Unions are asking for the bill to be quickly and fully implemented.
The bill has faced criticism for potentially increasing costs for small businesses.
