Economists are worried about possible risks in the private credit market, which is part of the shadow banking system. This area of finance involves lending to companies outside of traditional banks and could create financial problems similar to those seen before the 2008 crisis.
Key Facts
Economists are concerned about risks in the private credit market.
Private credit is part of the shadow banking system.
Shadow banking refers to financial activities happening outside traditional banks.
The private credit market involves lending money to companies without using banks.
There are worries that this market could cause financial problems like those seen in 2008.
UNESCO has recognized Italian cuisine as an important cultural tradition. However, stores and restaurants in the U.S. may have to pay more for Italian pasta due to new tariffs from President Trump.
Key Facts
Italian cuisine is now recognized by UNESCO as an "intangible cultural heritage."
UNESCO is a part of the United Nations that focuses on education, science, and culture.
The U.S. might introduce new tariffs that could increase the cost of importing Italian pasta.
Tariffs are taxes on goods that are imported from other countries.
These tariffs could mean higher prices for American businesses that sell or serve Italian pasta.
President Trump is responsible for proposing these new tariffs.
Fashion retailer Primark has recalled certain baby soother clips due to potential choking and injury risks. The recall affects 1,330 units sold in specific U.S. locations, and customers are advised to stop using the product and return it for a refund.
Key Facts
Primark recalled two types of soother clips because they could cause choking or cuts.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall notice about these products.
The affected soother clips have product code 991139699 printed on the packaging.
The clips were sold in the Northeast, Florida, Maryland, and Illinois from June to August 2025.
If the wooden button on the clips comes loose, it can reveal a sharp screw that is dangerous.
Around 1,330 units are involved in the recall, with each unit priced at $5.
Customers can return the product to any Primark store for a full refund.
Primark's customer service is available for additional support by phone or online.
The article explains how private donations are helping health systems and medical centers improve facilities and services. However, it highlights concerns that these donations can't replace the need for federal funding, especially since many hospitals face financial challenges. The situation may lead to inequalities between well-funded and less-funded hospitals.
Key Facts
Several health systems received major donations recently, including Sanford Health and Boston Children’s Hospital.
In recent years, more hospitals have closed than opened in the United States.
Many hospitals struggle with financial issues due to high costs and aging infrastructure.
Wealthy donors often support academic medical centers and children’s hospitals.
In Orange County, California, a new $1.5 billion cancer hospital opened, supported by local donations.
The City of Hope cancer hospital received over $200 million from donors.
A $100 million donation from Panda Express founders supports integrative oncology at City of Hope.
DoorDash released a map showing the top local restaurants for delivery in 2025 across the U.S. These restaurants have high customer ratings and specialize in various cuisines. DoorDash saw a significant increase in orders from African restaurants compared to the previous year.
Key Facts
DoorDash published its "America’s Favorite Delivery Spots" map for 2025.
The map lists top local restaurants with fewer than 10 locations and over 1,000 reviews.
Featured restaurants received high delivery service ratings between January and October 2025.
The list highlights restaurants specializing in diverse cuisines, including African, Burmese, and Filipino food.
There was a 61% increase in orders from African restaurants compared to the previous year.
DoorDash used platform data to ensure a wide range of cuisines in its rankings.
Listed businesses are recognized for high customer satisfaction and quality delivery.
Delta Air Lines is making special efforts to enhance customer experience during the holiday season. The company plans to use data and careful planning to ensure smooth travel for passengers and to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2025. Delta aims to maintain high levels of care, reliability, and satisfaction.
Key Facts
Delta Air Lines is an aviation company based in Atlanta, USA.
The company is known for its reliability and customer satisfaction.
Delta is enhancing its customer services for the holiday travel season.
The company uses data to improve customer experiences.
Delta focuses on safety and cleanliness for passenger journeys.
Delta is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.
The aim is to ensure a seamless and caring experience at every touchpoint.
Krispy Kreme will offer a special deal called "Day of the Dozens" on December 12, 2025, where customers can buy a dozen donuts for $1 with the purchase of another dozen at full price. This offer is available in stores, drive-thru, and online with a limit on the number of discounted dozens a customer can buy.
Key Facts
The "Day of the Dozens" deal is happening on December 12, 2025.
Customers can buy 12 donuts for $1 when buying a dozen at full price.
The offer is valid at participating U.S. stores and is limited to two discounted dozens per person in-store and drive-thru, and one online.
Online purchases require a promo code "DOZEN" for the discount.
Krispy Kreme launched a holiday collection with Peanuts-themed donuts to celebrate Peanuts' 75th anniversary.
The Peanuts Collection includes donuts shaped and decorated to look like characters from the Peanuts cartoon, like Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
A rare 1804 silver dollar, known as the "King of American Coins," was discovered in a family collection. It sold for $6 million at an auction on December 9, 2025. This coin was part of a collection owned by New York collector James A. Stack, Sr.
Key Facts
The 1804 silver dollar is called the "King of American Coins."
The coin was hidden in a family collection for over 75 years.
It sold at auction on December 9, 2025, for $6 million.
The coin was owned by New York collector James A. Stack, Sr.
It was revealed to numismatists (coin experts) in 2024.
The coin is one of 16 known examples, overturning previous research which thought there were only 15.
The U.S. Mint originally created these coins in 1834 for gifts to world leaders, like the King of Siam.
American Nuts, LLC and the FDA have announced a recall of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. Baking Nuts because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. This product was sold at a specific Costco location in Hawaii between November 29 and December 4, 2025. Customers who bought these nuts are advised not to eat them and to return them to the store for a refund.
Key Facts
American Nuts, LLC has recalled certain macadamia nuts due to possible Salmonella contamination.
The affected nuts are sold in a 20-ounce package with item #1840464 and lot code 307HMNC25L3.
These nuts were available at the Costco Hawaii Kai warehouse from November 29 to December 4, 2025.
People should check for the lot code and return the product to Costco for a full refund if they have it.
Salmonella can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from Salmonella.
This recall is one of several recent recalls affecting Costco products.
Consumers can contact American Nuts, LLC for more information using the provided phone number or email.
A JPMorganChase report says many American adults lack basic digital skills, which is seen as a threat to national security. The report emphasizes that developing the right skills is necessary for progress in important industries like AI and energy. The report urges both public and private sectors to invest more in training and re-skilling the workforce.
Key Facts
40% of American adults lack basic digital skills, according to a JPMorganChase report.
The report calls the workforce shortage a national security threat, not just an economic issue.
It encourages cooperation between public and private sectors to improve training and skills.
The U.S. federal government supports policies addressing shortages in several key areas.
JPMorganChase has announced a $1.5 trillion investment initiative focused on AI, energy, and more.
Current government initiatives include paid apprenticeships and expanded workforce grants.
In the defense sector, 46% of leaders report problems recruiting and retaining skilled workers.
The semiconductor industry needs an additional 3.8 million workers by 2033, with many positions remaining unfilled.
Several large startup companies are considering going public next year, potentially creating about $3 trillion in new public companies. This includes companies linked to artificial intelligence (AI) and space, reflecting strong investor interest in these areas. However, there is concern about the high valuations of these companies and the possibility of another market bubble.
Key Facts
Some of the world's biggest startups are planning to go public next year, aiming for a combined valuation of around $2.9 trillion.
Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to hold an initial public offering (IPO) and is seeking a $1.5 trillion valuation.
Other companies considering IPOs include AI-linked firms like Databricks, Anthropic, and OpenAI, with high market valuations.
Current market conditions include high investor enthusiasm for AI, space, and cryptocurrency companies.
There is concern among investors about the formation of a market bubble, especially with current AI companies.
Oracle's stock recently fell 11% due to disappointing sales but increased spending, indicating caution among investors.
WeWork's past overvaluation serves as a warning, highlighting the potential risk of overly optimistic valuations.
Seven Taco Giro restaurants in Arizona closed after immigration enforcement raids by ICE led to the arrest of many employees. The closures have affected employees, customers, and local communities. The raids are part of a federal investigation into labor and immigration violations.
Key Facts
Taco Giro closed seven restaurant locations in Arizona after ICE raids.
ICE arrested 46 people in a larger investigation into labor and immigration crimes.
About 10% of Taco Giro's employees were detained.
Three locations reopened, with plans to gradually open more as new staff get hired.
Allegations of undocumented employees being paid "under the table" surfaced; Taco Giro denied involvement in unrelated illegal activities.
Residents and activists protested during the raids, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.
U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva reported being pepper-sprayed during the protests.
ICE used chemical agents to control crowds at the scene.
Nevena Khediri, a landlord in Camberley, is dealing with £40,000 in unpaid rent after her tenant left her property in a poor condition. The tenant stopped paying rent in October 2024 and was recently evicted following a lengthy legal process. Ms. Khediri is now working to clean and repair the property with help from friends.
Key Facts
Nevena Khediri is owed over £40,000 in unpaid rent by a tenant.
The tenant moved into Ms. Khediri's home in September 2023.
The tenant stopped paying rent in October 2024.
Ms. Khediri used a legal process that included court hearings to evict the tenant.
The tenant was in the government's Breathing Space program, delaying communication.
The property was left with large amounts of rubbish inside and outside.
Ms. Khediri is covering additional costs, including legal fees, to restore her property.
A government spokesperson mentioned reforms for faster eviction processes in certain cases.
The article discusses how the rising cost of living in Florida, particularly in real estate, affects middle-class families. Eric Johnson's family moved to Florida in 2019 for the weather and affordable housing, but new legislation after a tragic building collapse has increased housing costs. These changes are making it harder for middle-class families to afford homes in Florida.
Key Facts
Eric Johnson's family moved from Ohio to Florida in 2019 for better weather and affordable housing.
They bought a condo in Jensen Beach, Florida, for $209,000 in 2017.
Florida housing prices have increased significantly, with median prices reaching $405,900 in May 2022.
The collapse of Champlain Towers South in 2021 led to new building safety laws in Florida.
These laws require condo associations to ensure buildings are safe and maintained, leading to higher costs.
Johnson's condo association needs to spend about $3.1 million on repairs, costing each unit owner about $43,000.
The Johnson family took out a second mortgage to handle the increased costs.
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point, making it the third rate cut since September. This decision is aimed at addressing economic concerns but may not lead to lower mortgage rates as some people expect. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the rate cut, wanting deeper reductions.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the rate to between 3.5% and 3.75%.
This is the third rate cut since September.
The decision was not unanimous; the Federal Reserve Board voted 9 to 3 in favor of the cut.
Mortgage rates may not decrease as expected and could potentially rise.
President Trump criticized the Fed, saying the cut should have been larger.
The Fed is concerned about a weakening job market and high inflation.
Inflation concerns linked to tariffs are expected to diminish by early 2026.
Mexico's government has approved new tariffs of up to 50% on imports from several countries, including China. The tariffs aim to boost local production and will start on January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Mexico is negotiating with the U.S. over possible new trade taxes that President Trump has threatened to impose.
Key Facts
Mexico's Senate has passed a measure to impose new tariffs on hundreds of products.
These tariffs will affect goods from countries without a free trade agreement with Mexico, like China, Thailand, India, and Indonesia.
The new tariffs could be as high as 50% and will start on January 1, 2026.
The targeted goods include metals, cars, clothing, and appliances.
President Claudia Sheinbaum says the tariffs aim to increase local production.
Mexico is in talks with the U.S. to reduce tariffs President Trump has threatened, including on Mexican steel and aluminum.
Trump threatened further tariffs over issues like fentanyl control and a water-sharing agreement.
The US is Mexico's largest trading partner, and trade relations are currently under negotiation.
Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way, Washington, will close permanently in November 2026 after being in operation for 49 years. The park's owner, Premier Parks, cited rising operational costs and financial losses since reopening after COVID-19 as reasons for the closure. Plans for future projects on the site are in early stages.
Key Facts
Wild Waves Theme Park opened in 1977 in Federal Way, Washington.
The park will close permanently on November 1, 2026, after 49 years of operation.
Rising operational costs and financial losses since the COVID-19 reopening are reasons for the closure.
The park is owned by Premier Parks and employs 800 seasonal staff and 35 full-time employees.
Wild Waves is the largest combination theme and water park in Washington state.
All 2026 events, season passes, and tickets will be honored by the park.
Plans for future development at the site are being considered, but details are not yet finalized.
President Donald Trump announced a new visa program called the Trump Gold Card, which offers fast-tracked U.S. visas for individuals who can pay at least $1 million. The program aims to attract wealthy individuals who can provide significant benefits to the U.S. economy. It also includes a higher fee option for businesses wanting to sponsor employees.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced the Trump Gold Card for wealthy foreigners willing to pay at least $1 million.
This visa offers a faster pathway to U.S. citizenship for those who qualify and meet certain criteria.
The program requires businesses sponsoring employees to pay $2 million, plus additional fees.
An upcoming "platinum" version offers special tax breaks for a $5 million fee.
Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of $15,000.
The scheme has faced criticism for potentially favoring wealthy individuals.
The U.S. government has been tightening immigration regulations, including raising other visa fees.
The program is launched amidst broader U.S. immigration policy changes, such as travel bans and paused asylum applications.
President Donald Trump has expressed his opinion that CNN should be sold as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) deal. WBD is currently considering offers from Paramount and Netflix to buy its assets. Trump's comments may influence WBD's shareholders and board, even though he doesn't have direct power over the merger.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested that CNN should be sold as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
WBD's board has 10 days to respond to a takeover bid from Paramount.
Paramount has offered $108 billion for all of WBD, including CNN.
Netflix made a competing offer of $83 billion to buy WBD's studio and streaming businesses.
Trump's comments could affect WBD's shareholder decisions due to potential regulatory scrutiny of the bids.
Paramount claims its bid will get easier regulatory approval than Netflix's offer.
Foreign investors providing financing for Paramount's bid include entities from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
These foreign investors are not seeking board seats or voting rights to avoid regulatory issues.
