The company that makes the Roomba robot vacuum, iRobot Corporation, has filed for bankruptcy after 35 years. They are seeking financial protection through Chapter 11 and expect to be bought by PICEA Robotics, their main manufacturer and lender.
Key Facts
iRobot Corporation, known for Roomba vacuums, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The company has been in business for 35 years.
They reported having assets and liabilities both totaling $480.3 million.
Shenzhen-based PICEA Robotics will fully acquire iRobot Corporation.
iRobot aims to finish the bankruptcy process by February.
The company assures that their services and products will continue without disruption.
Experts discuss how certain writing habits in work emails can affect how professionals are perceived. Using excessive apologies, emojis, and informal language might make someone seem less serious or competent at work. They suggest being mindful about these habits to maintain professionalism.
Key Facts
Many people use friendly language in emails, but it can make them seem less professional.
Women tend to use exclamation marks more than men, possibly due to social pressures.
Overuse of emojis might make a person seem less mature or competent.
Inappropriate sign-offs like kisses can also affect how someone is viewed professionally.
Experts suggest that using clear, direct language can help maintain credibility.
Maintaining a balance between friendly and professional language is important for workplace communication.
France has requested the European Union to delay voting on a trade agreement with the South American group Mercosur. France believes that current conditions are not sufficient to protect European agriculture and demands certain protections before agreeing to the deal.
Key Facts
France wants the EU to wait before voting on a trade deal with Mercosur.
Mercosur is a trade bloc that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
France is concerned about protecting its agriculture and wants safeguards before approving the deal.
The European Commission President is visiting Brazil to discuss the agreement.
Farmers in Europe, especially in France, fear the deal could lead to unfair competition.
The EU and Mercosur have been negotiating this trade agreement for over 20 years.
The EU is a major trade partner and investor in Mercosur countries.
A vote on the trade agreement by European nations is expected soon.
A new book called "Dirtbag Billionaire" tells the story of Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. The book explores how he built the company, became wealthy, and ultimately gave away his fortune.
Key Facts
Patagonia is known for its outdoor gear and strong environmental values.
The book's title is "Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away."
Yvon Chouinard is the founder of Patagonia.
The book discusses how Chouinard became wealthy from Patagonia.
Chouinard donated his wealth after building the company.
Surveys often rank Patagonia as one of America’s most reputable brands.
Author David Gelles wrote the book "Dirtbag Billionaire."
The book’s content was discussed in an interview with John Yang.
Companies are laying off workers more often toward the end of the year, even during the holiday season. This trend is different from recent years when businesses used to avoid layoffs during this time. The number of job cuts in November has increased, but official numbers are still not available.
Key Facts
End-of-year layoffs are becoming more common than they used to be.
Job cuts in November rose by 24% compared to the same month last year.
Private employers planned 71,321 job cuts in November, the second-highest since 2008 for this month.
Companies are laying off workers to save money because of rising costs and inflation.
Employers, in general, have more control over job discussions because hiring rates are low.
Wells Fargo and Verizon are examples of companies that announced layoffs during the holiday season.
Economists predict more layoffs might happen in January after temporary holiday jobs end.
The article explains that as sports betting grows in the U.S., states are earning more tax money, but more people are also experiencing troubles like financial and emotional stress. Young men, in particular, are often affected, and colleges report higher numbers of students seeking help due to gambling issues.
Key Facts
Sports betting and online casinos are generating significant tax revenue for U.S. states.
Calls to gambling helplines have increased, indicating more people need help with gambling problems.
In states with legal online gambling, bankruptcy rates increased by 28%, and debt collection rose by 8%.
A study found that money spent on sports betting is reducing personal savings by nearly the same amount.
After legalization, mass-market alcohol consumption increased by 20%, and helpline calls surged by 75%.
Media and shows popular with young men promote gambling, leading to higher engagement in betting.
Colleges report more young men feeling distressed after major gambling losses.
AI technology might enhance the gambling industry's ability to target and influence bettors.
Suzanna’s Kitchen, a food manufacturing company in Georgia, recalled over 62,000 pounds of cooked chicken because it contains soy, which was not listed on the label. This recall affects chicken distributed to restaurants across the U.S., and no health issues have been reported yet. The USDA is monitoring the situation to ensure the affected chicken is removed from circulation.
Key Facts
Over 62,000 pounds of cooked chicken was recalled by Suzanna’s Kitchen.
The recall is due to the presence of soy, an allergen not listed on the label.
The chicken was produced on October 16 and shipped to restaurants nationwide.
No confirmed health issues have been linked to the recalled chicken.
The affected chicken cases are labeled "FULLY COOKED BREADED CHICKEN PORTIONS" with specific codes.
Restaurants are asked to check for and avoid serving the recalled chicken.
Customers can contact Suzanna’s Kitchen or the USDA for more information.
The USDA is overseeing the recall to ensure all affected items are handled properly.
A new train timetable has been introduced across the UK, promising more frequent services and faster journeys. The biggest changes in over a decade, these adjustments are expected to enhance connectivity and increase seating capacity on major routes, such as the East Coast Main Line. Passengers are urged to check the new schedules before travelling.
Key Facts
The new train timetable introduces significant changes to services across the UK.
The East Coast Main Line will receive the most benefits, with faster travel times.
Network Rail has invested £4 billion over ten years to improve services.
Journey times between London King's Cross and Edinburgh may decrease by 15 minutes.
The number of available seats daily is expected to increase by thousands.
LNER plans to run 10,000 additional services each year.
More trains will operate between cities like Leeds, Sheffield, London, and Liverpool.
Transport for Wales is adding services to Chester, Wrexham, and Swansea.
Croda International, a company founded 100 years ago in East Yorkshire, played a key part in the creation of a treatment for a rare disease known as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This treatment, called Lorenzo's oil, gained attention through a Hollywood film. The success of this project helped Croda expand, leading to the development of a healthcare division in the company.
Key Facts
Croda International started in 1925 in East Yorkshire, UK.
The company began in a disused waterworks and is now part of the FTSE 100.
Lorenzo's oil was developed there, aimed at treating ALD, a rare brain disease.
The story behind Lorenzo's oil was featured in a 1992 movie.
Croda's work with Lorenzo's oil led them to create a healthcare division in 1997.
The company now produces ingredients used in skincare, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Two streets in Hull commemorate Lorenzo's story: Lorenzo's Way and Suddaby Close.
A man in Pennsylvania bought a vintage makeup mirror at a thrift store for $10. He discovered the mirror was more valuable because it was made of sterling silver, increasing its worth significantly.
Key Facts
A man named Justin B. found a vintage makeup mirror at a thrift shop in Pennsylvania.
The mirror was originally priced at $20 but was reduced to $10 because it had been unsold for some time.
Inside the mirror's case, Justin found the word "Sterling," indicating it was made of silver.
Justin believes the mirror is worth much more than he paid, with similar items selling for $180 online.
There are over 25,000 resale and thrift shops in the U.S.
Justin has been thrifting for about ten years and gives advice on finding valuable items.
A family in Wales is raffling their seaside flat, valued at £325,000, by selling tickets for £5 each. They did this because they couldn't sell the flat through traditional means after lowering the price. The raffle aims to sell 150,000 tickets by January 1.
Key Facts
The seaside flat is located in Rhoscolyn on Anglesey and was originally a holiday home.
The family has lived there for two-and-a-half years but needs a larger home.
They couldn't sell the flat after lowering the price by £40,000 from the original asking price of £365,000.
Tickets for the raffle are £5 each, with a goal to sell 150,000 tickets by January 1.
So far, 50,531 tickets have been sold.
The raffle is conducted through an online platform, which takes a 10% cut of the proceeds.
If the ticket sales goal isn't met, the winner will get half the money collected, with the rest covering costs.
The family noted they received some negative comments about the raffle but chose to ignore them.
The Grinch character remains popular, with a resurgence of interest in the 2000 movie adaptation. Companies like Walmart and McDonald's are using the Grinch in their holiday promotions, showing how nostalgic themes and merchandise continue to engage audiences today.
Key Facts
The 2000 movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" remains popular, especially among millennials.
Walmart and McDonald's are using the Grinch in their 2025 holiday marketing.
The film made $261.9 million in the U.S. and $347.2 million worldwide.
The Grinch character is seen as relatable due to his portrayal of holiday fatigue and stress.
Millennials, who watched the movie as children, are now sharing it with their own kids.
The Grinch's popularity is reinforced through brand partnerships and merchandise.
Nostalgia and humor keep the Grinch relevant each holiday season.
The article discusses a trend called "dopamine decor," where people use bright colors and bold patterns in home decor to boost their happiness. This trend has gained popularity on social media and among those looking to express their personalities through interior design. Despite concerns from real estate agents about its impact on home sales, many people embrace this colorful trend to create joyful living spaces.
Key Facts
Dopamine decor involves using bright colors and eye-catching designs at home to increase happiness.
This trend has over 70,000 posts on TikTok, indicating its popularity.
Rachel Verney, known as The Shoestring Home, shares decor videos with over 800,000 followers.
Nicola Brighton's business, Printed Weird, saw a 62% growth by selling bright mirrors and prints.
Psychologist Dr. Natasha Sharma says bright colors can make people feel optimistic and happy.
Some estate agents suggest neutral colors for easier home sales, while others prioritize personal joy.
Google searches for "dopamine decor" have increased by over 110% in the past year.
Many UK shoppers, especially younger ones, are buying cheaper skincare products, known as "dupes," that look similar to expensive brands. While some experts say these budget products can be good, they also warn that cheaper products might not have the same quality ingredients or benefits as high-priced ones.
Key Facts
A skincare "dupe" is a cheaper product that looks like an expensive brand version but may have different ingredients.
Aldi is selling a face cream for £8.49 that looks similar to a £240 product from luxury brand Augustinus Bader.
Over 25% of UK shoppers have bought skincare or makeup dupes, with 44% of them aged 18-34.
Some skincare experts say low-cost products can work well for basic skincare needs.
The higher cost of luxury skincare can sometimes be due to better ingredients, technology, and research.
Experts advise consumers to research products because cheaper options may have fillers or lower-quality ingredients.
Warner Bros, a well-known Hollywood studio, is up for sale, with Paramount and Netflix both trying to buy it. The potential sale is causing concern in Hollywood due to the possible job losses and changes in the entertainment industry. People in Hollywood have differing views on who should own the studio, but many agree they are unhappy with the current CEO, David Zaslav.
Key Facts
Warner Bros, known for famous movies like Casablanca and Harry Potter, is going through a challenging time and is being sold.
Paramount and Netflix are both interested in buying Warner Bros, which could lead to significant changes in Hollywood.
If Netflix wins the bid, they plan to buy major parts of Warner Bros, including its 102-year-old studio and extensive film archive.
Paramount Skydance's bid for Warner Bros includes funding from various Middle Eastern countries and a fund linked to Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law.
The sale has sparked worries about censorship and political influence.
President Trump has publicly stated that CNN should be sold, adding to the controversy.
Labor strikes in 2023 affected Hollywood's production schedule, leading to difficulties in the industry.
Many in Hollywood blame Warner Bros Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav, for the company's troubles, pointing to his high salary despite the company's financial losses.
Tariffs on goods from China could make holiday shopping more expensive for people in the U.S. An analysis suggests these tariffs might have added $28 billion to consumer costs, affecting the holiday season spending.
Key Facts
Tariffs are extra taxes on goods imported from other countries.
President Trump's tariffs could raise consumer costs by $28 billion.
This increase equals about $130 more per shopper.
The information comes from a study by Lending Tree.
This impact is discussed with Nathan Gordon, who runs Christmas Central, an online retail store.
Tariffs affect the cost of imported goods, including holiday items.
The increase in costs may make holiday shopping more expensive for consumers.
A jury in Los Angeles ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $40 million to two women who said the company's talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the talc is safe and does not cause cancer. The verdict adds to ongoing legal issues for the company, which has faced many lawsuits about its talc products.
Key Facts
A Los Angeles jury awarded $40 million in damages to Monica Kent and Deborah Schultz and her husband.
The women claimed Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer.
This case is part of a series of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson about their talc-based products.
Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the $40 million verdict.
The company argues that scientific evaluations have shown that talc is safe.
Earlier this year, a bankruptcy judge rejected a $9 billion settlement plan from Johnson & Johnson.
Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talcum-based powder worldwide in 2023.
The company has faced lawsuits alleging that its talc products contain asbestos and cause cancer.
Warner Bros, a major Hollywood studio, is involved in a bidding war. Netflix and Paramount Skydance are the two companies competing to acquire Warner Bros.
Key Facts
Warner Bros is a well-known Hollywood studio with a history in the film industry.
Netflix is the world's largest streaming platform.
Paramount Skydance is owned by the Ellison family, who have ties to President Trump.
Both Netflix and Paramount Skydance are bidding to acquire Warner Bros.
Joy Reid, a former MSNBC host, has transitioned to independent media after her show was canceled. She joins a group of Black journalists who are starting their own media platforms after leaving traditional outlets. This trend is partly due to a shift in media consumption towards social media and a need for more independent voices.
Key Facts
Joy Reid's MSNBC show "The ReidOut" was canceled, prompting her to start her own independent media projects.
Reid says leaving corporate media allows her to express her voice more freely.
Other Black journalists, like Roland Martin and Jemele Hill, have also moved to independent platforms after leaving mainstream media.
The move to independent media aligns with a trend as traditional media companies consolidate.
Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are becoming key sources of news for younger audiences.
Reid and her peers indicate that creating independent media helps maintain control over content and audience trust.
Media scholar Mia Moody-Ramirez explains that this shift reflects broader changes in the media industry structure.
Roland Martin highlighted the independence of content creators, who can now reach their audience directly without traditional media barriers.
White Castle is recalling over 1,000 cases of its frozen Original Sliders because some packages mistakenly contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders with undeclared milk and soy allergens. The mislabeled products were shipped to convenience stores nationwide and could pose health risks to people allergic to these ingredients. The recall involves specific lot codes and White Castle encourages customers to return affected products for a refund.
Key Facts
White Castle recalled frozen Original Sliders due to an allergen risk.
Some packages contained Jalapeño Cheese Sliders with undeclared milk and soy.
The affected products were sent to convenience stores across the U.S.
The recall concerns packages with lot codes 9H203521 and 9H203522 and a best-by date of April 18, 2026.
White Castle responded after a customer reported an allergic reaction.
Customers should check lot codes and return affected products for refunds.
White Castle has a hotline for questions: 1-800-843-2728.
Food allergies affect many Americans, leading to frequent food recalls.
