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.
A Deloitte study shows that Airbnb hosts in U.S. World Cup host cities could earn an average of $4,000 by renting out their homes during the tournament. This event is expected to bring 2.1 million tourists and generate significant revenue for local economies, with Airbnb guests alone potentially spending $865 million nationwide.
Key Facts
Airbnb estimates hosts in U.S. World Cup cities may earn around $4,000 on average during the event.
The July 19 final in New York-New Jersey could see the highest earnings of nearly $6,000 for hosts.
Around 2.1 million tourists are expected to visit the 11 host cities, including about 232,000 Airbnb guests.
Airbnb and Deloitte project that guests might spend $865 million in total on accommodations, food, and shopping.
Airbnb has partnered with FIFA to support the World Cup host cities.
Current and new Airbnb hosts are advised to check local regulations before renting out their homes.
The first U.S. match between the USA and Paraguay will take place on June 12 in Los Angeles, with average bookings at $376.
Tourism is expected to be the main source of economic gain for the host cities during the World Cup.
LifeHikes, a company that offers leadership and communication training, hosted a global summit in New York City for executives from different industries. The event featured interactive activities to help participants improve public speaking skills, such as filming skits in costumes. Coached by Bill Hoogterp and actor Giancarlo Esposito, the aim was to enhance communication skills by using fun, active, and collaborative methods.
Key Facts
LifeHikes is a company focused on communication and leadership training.
The global summit took place in New York from December 10 to 12.
Executives from Fortune 1000 companies attended the two-day event.
Bill Hoogterp, a well-known public speaking coach, founded LifeHikes.
The event included activities like wearing costumes to film short skits.
Actor Giancarlo Esposito participated and spoke about breaking comfort zones.
Training emphasized reducing filler words and improving speech clarity.
Attendees learned through interactive activities and team-based instruction.
The whisky industry is dealing with tough times due to tariffs and weaker demand in major markets like the USA and China. Tariffs on Scotch whisky entering the US might rise again next year, impacting sales. In response, demand for malted barley has dropped, affecting barley farmers as well.
Key Facts
US tariffs on Scotch whisky were suspended but might increase by 25% next spring.
Demand for whisky has also fallen in other markets due to higher taxes and packaging costs.
Exports to China decreased by 31%, dropping China from fifth to tenth place in Scotch whisky markets.
Whisky export value overall rose by 1% this year, but the amount of whisky exported fell by nearly 4%.
New lower tariffs in India are promising but won't take effect for some time.
The demand for malted barley from distillers has greatly decreased.
Farmers in Scotland are shifting to other crops due to dropping demand for barley.
The IRS has announced a new federal tax credit starting in 2027 that benefits individuals who donate to organizations providing scholarships for K-12 students. This tax credit is part of a larger federal tax law and requires states to opt-in for their residents to benefit. Each qualifying taxpayer can receive a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $1,700.
Key Facts
The IRS detailed a new tax credit effective in 2027 for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
The tax credit is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Individuals can receive up to $1,700 in nonrefundable federal tax credits per taxpayer.
States must voluntarily opt-in for residents to benefit from the credit.
The tax credit is available to donors contributing to SGOs focused on K-12 education.
To qualify, SGOs must be in participating states and be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3).
SGOs help students from families earning below 300% of the area's median income.
States can prepare early by making an "advance election" to participate before 2027.
Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts saw a big increase in customer visits in 2025 due to special, limited-time offers and seasonal menus. Both companies recorded higher foot traffic compared to the previous year, aided by successful marketing efforts and product launches.
Key Facts
Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts had more customer visits in the 2025 holiday season compared to the same time in 2024.
Both brands used special offers and seasonal products to attract customers.
Placer.ai, a company that analyzes location data, reported these traffic increases.
Starbucks visits rose by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2025, compared to declines earlier in the year.
Dunkin’ also improved, reversing a 1.8% decline in Q1 to gains of 1.7% in Q2 and Q3 2025.
A new Starbucks product, the Bearista glass, led to an 11.9% rise in daily visits.
Dunkin's holiday menu, featuring a 'Wicked' collaboration, increased traffic by about 3.5-3.6% after launch.
An individual named Jen Fisher ended up in the emergency room due to extreme work-related stress. Despite receiving medical advice to slow down, she continued to work intensely, which she later realized was akin to an addiction to "hustle culture." This led her to a breaking point where she questioned the purpose and meaning of her work.
Key Facts
Jen Fisher felt compelled to work even on a Sunday, believing she needed to stay ahead.
She experienced severe stress that felt like a heart attack, prompting an ER visit.
Medical tests in the ER showed that her physical health was normal; doctors attributed her symptoms to stress.
Fisher ignored warning signs of stress, such as sleep issues and irregular eating habits.
She realized her intense work habits were similar to an addiction, offering social approval and career advancement.
Fisher's relentless work without finding joy or purpose led her to a personal crisis.
Her boss asked her questions that made her confront the lack of fulfillment in her work and life.
Despite achieving career goals, Fisher felt empty and recognized the need for a change in lifestyle.
JetBlue will open its first airport lounge called BlueHouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on December 18, 2025. The lounge is part of JetBlue's plan to become a more premium airline by offering upgraded services and experiences.
Key Facts
JetBlue's first BlueHouse lounge opens on December 18, 2025, at JFK Airport in New York.
The lounge is located in Terminal 5 and is part of JetBlue’s strategy to offer premium services.
BlueHouse has a 9,000-square-foot, two-story design with an apartment-like feel.
Features include Wi-Fi, a game room, work and leisure seating areas, and curated local art.
Entry is available to Mosaic members, JetBlue Premier Cardmembers, and transatlantic Mint customers; they can bring guests.
BlueHouse offers food inspired by New York favorites, like bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.
JetBlue plans to open another BlueHouse lounge at Boston Logan Airport in 2026.
JetBlue is also upgrading Terminal 5 with new retailers and amenities and enhancing first-class cabins on domestic flights starting in 2026.
In 2026, 10 big projects, each costing over $1 billion, will start in the U.S. These projects cover areas like manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure, and aim to boost the economy and create jobs. Despite their benefits, there are concerns about labor shortages and supply-chain issues that could affect progress.
Key Facts
The projects are expected to start construction in 2026 and focus on sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital infrastructure.
These initiatives will bring in combined investments of hundreds of billions of dollars.
The projects include efforts like building semiconductor manufacturing plants and improving rail infrastructure.
One project is the TSMC Arizona fabs, worth $165 billion, which will boost U.S. chip production.
GlobalWafers plans to build a $7.5 billion silicon wafer facility in Texas to support semiconductor manufacturing.
LG Energy Solution will invest $5.5 billion in an Arizona facility for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage cells.
HSC is building a $5.8 billion low-emission steel plant in Louisiana using Electric Arc Furnace technology.
Projects like Brightline West High-Speed Rail aim to improve travel and reduce emissions in the transportation sector.
Miami is planning to build several supertall skyscrapers, which are buildings over 984 feet tall, making it a new high-rise destination similar to New York City. The construction boom is driven by new wealthy residents, zoning changes, and growing investment interest. These projects aim to transform Miami's skyline by 2028.
Key Facts
Miami plans to build several supertall skyscrapers, defined as over 984 feet tall.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami, at 1,049 feet, will be completed by 2028 and become the tallest residential building on the U.S. East Coast outside New York.
A proposed 955-foot tower on Biscayne Boulevard will include condominiums, hotel rooms, and retail space.
Projects like Okan Tower, One Brickell City Centre, and 888 Brickell are contributing to the skyline transformation.
Relaxed zoning laws and increased density allowances in Miami boost rapid skyscraper development.
Challenges include Federal Aviation Administration height limits, high water table, and meeting hurricane building codes.
Demand from wealthy investors, particularly from New York and abroad, drives the construction surge.
Miami's new skyscrapers are selling condos at high price points, attracting significant investment interest.
Chocolate bars are getting smaller, less chocolatey, and more expensive due to rising ingredient costs and companies' cost-saving measures. Many chocolate makers are replacing expensive ingredients like cocoa with cheaper alternatives and increasing prices. Factors like extreme weather affecting cocoa production have contributed to these cost increases.
Key Facts
Chocolate bars are shrinking in size but not in price, a practice called "shrinkflation."
Some popular chocolate brands have altered recipes, making them taste less chocolatey.
A TikTok influencer found Cadbury's Dairy Milk less milky and more oily after the firm's acquisition by American company Mondelez.
Mondelez claims their chocolate recipe has not changed recently.
Chocolate prices have risen over 18% in supermarkets compared to last year.
Cadbury's Dairy Milk has decreased in weight by 10% while its price increased by 48%.
Weather-related problems have affected cocoa production, leading to increased cocoa prices.
Mexico's aerospace sector is growing rapidly, helped by manufacturing strengths and foreign investment. The upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement, which helped boost the industry, could affect its future. Concerns about tariffs and trade policies add uncertainty to the sector's continued growth.
Key Facts
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the aerospace sector could grow 15% each year for the next four years.
The aerospace industry's growth is due to strong local manufacturing and increasing exports.
The USMCA trade agreement has been important for Mexico’s aerospace industry, fostering growth.
Mexico is the sixth-largest supplier of aerospace parts to the United States.
Recent tariffs on materials like steel and aluminum have caused concerns about trade stability.
There is uncertainty about the future of USMCA, with President Trump suggesting it might expire next year or be renegotiated.
Mexico aims to be one of the world's top 10 countries in aerospace production value.
Heavy investment in education and training has helped Mexico’s aerospace sector, particularly in Queretaro, where Bombardier leads development.
The article discusses the potential acquisition of Warner Bros, a well-known Hollywood studio. It looks at how this move could change the media industry and which company, Netflix or Paramount, might win the bid to buy Warner Bros.
Key Facts
Warner Bros is a major Hollywood studio.
There is a possibility that Warner Bros could be acquired by another company.
Netflix and Paramount are interested in acquiring Warner Bros.
The acquisition could change the media industry significantly.
This acquisition is seen as part of a trend where bigger companies are buying well-known names in the media sector.
Members of the crafting community in Cornwall, England, are concerned about an increase in mass-produced imported items being sold as handmade at local craft fairs. Organizers and sellers are trying to ensure that items are genuinely made in Cornwall by implementing strict checks and maintaining high standards. The issue arises as some vendors buy cheap goods online, mark up the prices, and sell them at these events.
Key Facts
Crafters in Cornwall are worried about cheap imported goods sold as if they are handmade.
Some stallholders buy mass-produced items online and sell them at high prices at craft fairs.
Cornwall craft fair organizers are checking vendors to ensure their products are made locally.
Joanne Bailey, a crafter, observes a noticeable difference with more non-handmade items sold.
Emma Joyce, a jewellery maker, highlights that genuine handmade goods are being devalued.
Craft fair organizers like Mousehole Market implement a policy where most items are handmade.
The Truro Farmers Market uses a committee to review vendor applications to maintain quality.
The UK economy shrank by 0.1%, as reported. The Treasury expressed commitment to creating jobs despite forecasts, while the Conservative party criticized the government for poor economic management.
Key Facts
The UK economy saw a decline of 0.1%.
The Treasury aims to counter forecasts and focus on job creation.
The Conservative party accused the government of managing the economy poorly.
The report on the economy was first shown on December 12, 2025.
There was a political disagreement over how the economy is being handled.
Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom are involved in a public dispute on social media. The argument started when a political group associated with Musk criticized Newsom's policies on transgender athletes, leading to an exchange involving Musk's estranged transgender daughter. The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions over policy decisions and personal differences.
Key Facts
Elon Musk and Governor Gavin Newsom are publicly disagreeing, primarily over transgender issues.
The argument began when a political group linked to Musk posted about Newsom's comments on transgender athletes.
Newsom's press office responded with a personal remark about Musk's relationship with his transgender daughter.
Musk replied, correcting the mention of his children and expressing love for them.
Musk's transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, legally changed her name and has publicly criticized him.
Newsom and Musk have disagreed before, including over a California law about school notifications on gender identity.
Musk moved the headquarters of SpaceX and his social media platform from California to Texas after their last conflict.
The article discusses challenges faced by American farmers and President Donald Trump's recent $12 billion bailout to support them. It highlights ongoing economic difficulties due to high costs and trade issues, suggesting that more comprehensive policies are needed to truly help small farms.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a $12 billion bailout for farmers hit by trade tariffs.
A new $700 million program aims to boost soil health and regenerative farming practices.
Since 2020, costs for seeds, fuel, fertilizer, labor, and interest have increased significantly.
The U.S. has lost about 160,000 farms from 2017 to 2024.
Trade tensions have led China to buy more soybeans from Brazil and Argentina instead of the U.S.
Farmers are struggling due to market dominance by a few large companies.
Some bailout funds may end up benefiting big corporations rather than small farmers.
Liability shields and reduced regulation are controversial, especially concerning agrochemicals.
Calvin McDonald, the CEO of Lululemon Athletica, will step down at the end of January after over seven years in the role. The decision follows a period of declining sales in the U.S. and a significant drop in the company's share price. Despite these challenges, Lululemon has recently seen better-than-expected sales and improved international performance, particularly in China.
Key Facts
Calvin McDonald will leave his position as CEO of Lululemon at the end of January.
Lululemon's sales have declined in the U.S., but international sales, especially in China, have improved.
The company's share price has fallen by nearly 50% over the past year.
President Donald Trump's tariffs on imports have negatively impacted Lululemon, with estimated extra costs of $240 million this year.
Meghan Frank and André Maestrini will serve as interim co-chief executives.
The company has faced rising competition from brands like Vuori and Alo Yoga.
Under McDonald's leadership, Lululemon both reached significant growth and faced challenges, such as withdrawing a product line due to customer complaints.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fined Nationwide £44 million for not having effective systems to detect financial crime from 2016 to 2021. Nationwide acknowledged its shortcomings and stated it's improved its systems since 2021. The FCA highlighted a case where £26 million in fraudulent payments were missed by the building society’s monitoring systems.
Key Facts
Nationwide was fined £44 million for inadequate financial crime controls between 2016 and 2021.
The FCA identified Nationwide's systems as ineffective for assessing risk and monitoring customer transactions.
A notable case involved £26 million in fraudulent furlough payments deposited into a single account over eight days.
Nationwide cooperated with the investigation and has since strengthened its crime control systems.
During the period examined, Nationwide did not offer business accounts, but some personal accounts were used for business, escaping proper monitoring.
£27.3 million in total fraudulent payments were made, with most funds recovered by tax authorities.
The FCA criticized Nationwide for delayed actions in addressing system weaknesses.
Nationwide acknowledged the failures and committed to preventing financial crime in the future, stating that no customer losses occurred.
