Foreclosure rates in the U.S. are increasing as many homeowners struggle with high costs and economic uncertainty. According to data from ATTOM, over 35,000 properties had foreclosure filings in November, indicating ongoing challenges in the housing market. The report shows that certain states have higher foreclosure rates, and this trend has continued for several months.
Key Facts
In November, over 35,000 properties in the U.S. had foreclosure filings.
A foreclosure occurs when a homeowner cannot keep up with mortgage payments, leading to repossession by the lender.
Nationwide, 1 in every 3,992 housing units had a foreclosure filing in November.
Delaware, South Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, and Florida had the highest foreclosure rates.
The U.S. saw 23,720 foreclosure starts in November.
Florida, Texas, and California had the most foreclosure starts.
Completed foreclosures were highest in Texas, California, and Florida.
Foreclosures in November increased by 26% compared to the previous year.
In-N-Out Burger has removed the number "67" from its order tickets due to a viral trend causing disruptions in its restaurants. The trend, linked to a meme involving the phrase "6-7," has attracted crowds who cheer when the number is called, prompting the change. The company has not made a formal announcement about this decision.
Key Facts
In-N-Out Burger took the number "67" off its order system.
The change is due to a meme called "6-7" that is popular online.
Crowds were gathering at In-N-Out locations to hear the number "67" called.
The meme is linked to a song and has spread to schools and restaurants.
An employee confirmed the change, saying numbers go from 66 to 68.
In-N-Out has also removed the number "69" from their system.
The viral trend caused disruptions and was a challenge for the stores.
In-N-Out has not officially announced the removal of number 67.
Newsweek has introduced a weekly feature called New & Noteworthy that highlights new products across various consumer categories. The latest issue includes items such as festive M&M's, a handheld vacuum, new flavored string cheese, and specialty toothpaste.
Key Facts
Newsweek's New & Noteworthy is a weekly feature presenting new consumer products.
The feature covers a wide range of categories including food, personal care, and household goods.
M&M's Winter Blend offers a holiday-themed candy with blue and white shells.
Haribo Ruby Hearts is a new sweet and sour candy inspired by K-pop star Jennie Ruby Jane.
TheraBreath has introduced new toothpaste varieties focused on oral health.
Frigo Cheese Heads released new flavors of string cheese in Pepper Jack and Sharp Cheddar.
A new Black+Decker handheld vacuum is available for easy cleaning in small spaces.
Dot's Pretzels introduced Buffalo Seasoned Pretzel Twists for a spicy snacking option.
Confidence among small-business owners in the U.S. has decreased due to challenges like inflation and tariffs. Many are increasing prices while expecting lower revenue, which affects their optimism for business growth.
Key Facts
The MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index showed a decline in confidence for the fourth quarter.
45% of small-business owners identified inflation as their biggest challenge.
58% expect to raise prices this holiday season, but 52% expect to earn less revenue.
In a separate survey, 34% of small-business owners reported raising their average selling prices, marking a significant monthly increase.
Small businesses experienced net job losses in November, with some sectors like health care seeing growth.
Tariffs have particularly affected small businesses, especially in retail and manufacturing.
A Supreme Court decision regarding tariffs and trade policies is anticipated soon.
The White House emphasized confidence in President Trump's America First agenda for future economic benefits.
Glassdoor announced that "fatigue" is the word of the year for 2025. This selection reflects workers feeling tired and worn out due to ongoing stress in the job market. This word captures the overall mood of current workplace culture.
Key Facts
Glassdoor chose "fatigue" as the word of the year for 2025.
The choice reflects ongoing stress and tiredness felt by workers.
Mentions of "fatigue" increased by 41% on Glassdoor.
In previous years, Glassdoor's word choices were "anxiety" (2023) and "return-to-office" (2022).
Other words like "tariff" and "agentic" had higher growth but were less related to work culture.
The job market remains challenging, with both inflation and unemployment affecting workers' feelings.
Oxford and Dictionary.com chose words like "rage bait" and "6 7" for their year-end selections, which focus on different trends.
Homeowners in several counties in Pennsylvania may see higher property taxes next year. Local governments say the increases are needed to avoid service cuts and layoffs. Pittsburgh is considering a significant increase to close budget gaps.
Key Facts
Between 2019 and 2024, property taxes rose by 30% nationwide.
Pennsylvania's average property tax is higher than the national average.
Dauphin County may raise property taxes by 15%, York County by 14%, and Lancaster County by 10%.
Delaware County is considering a 19% increase to generate $268 million to address deficits.
Pittsburgh may have a 30% tax hike, costing homeowners of $100,000 homes about $20 more monthly.
Officials cite rising costs and inflation as reasons for the proposed tax hikes.
The Federal Reserve is likely to lower its main interest rate on Wednesday, marking the third reduction in a row. This decrease could make borrowing cheaper for things like homes and cars, but it might vary depending on market conditions. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will discuss the details and future steps at a news conference.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve plans to cut its main interest rate, lowering it to about 3.6%.
This will be the third consecutive interest rate cut by the Fed.
Lower interest rates can reduce borrowing costs for home and car loans.
These reductions do not guarantee lower borrowing costs as they depend on market reactions.
The Fed is operating with less hiring and inflation data due to a government shutdown.
Jerome Powell's term as Chair ends in May, and President Trump will nominate a new chair.
There may be differing opinions within the Fed on future rate cuts.
McDonald's in the Netherlands removed a Christmas ad after it faced criticism online. The ad was created using artificial intelligence (AI), which upset many people. McDonald's stated they will learn from this experience as they continue to look at using AI effectively.
Key Facts
McDonald's in the Netherlands pulled their Christmas ad due to online backlash.
The ad was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Some people were unhappy with the use of AI in creating the ad.
McDonald's aimed to show holiday stress in the ad but realized it upset viewers.
They acknowledged the holiday season is usually seen as a joyful time.
McDonald's stated they learned from the incident about using AI in advertising.
India has ordered IndiGo, the country's largest airline, to reduce its flight schedule by 10% after the airline faced operational challenges, leading to over 3,000 flight cancellations. Despite this cut, IndiGo stated it has stabilized operations and will maintain service to all destinations. The airline must provide a revised flight schedule to regulators, and this reduction may impact the overall aviation situation in India, as other airlines have limited capacity.
Key Facts
IndiGo must cut 10% of its flight schedule, potentially cancelling over 200 daily flights.
The reduction follows issues with poor pilot scheduling that led to more than 3,000 flight cancellations.
IndiGo controls over 60% of India's domestic aviation market, operating more than 2,200 daily flights.
The Federal Aviation Minister said the schedule cut is to restore stability in aviation.
Other Indian airlines like Air India and SpiceJet currently lack spare capacity to absorb demand.
Aviation analysts warn that this decision may increase short-term costs for passengers.
IndiGo shares have fallen 15% since December 1 due to investor concerns over operational disruptions.
IndiGo must cap fares, expedite refunds, and improve baggage handling for affected passengers.
In-N-Out Burger opened its first three restaurant locations in Tennessee, specifically in the greater Nashville area, in December 2025. Each restaurant will employ around 75 workers and feature a drive-thru, indoor seating, and a patio area. This expansion is part of In-N-Out's wider plan to open more locations and establish an office in Franklin, Tennessee, by 2026.
Key Facts
In-N-Out Burger has opened its first locations in Tennessee in three cities: Lebanon, Antioch, and Murfreesboro.
The restaurants opened on December 10 and 12, 2025.
Each restaurant will hire about 75 workers and pay them $17.50 per hour.
The new locations will have a drive-thru and seating for customers inside and outside.
In-N-Out plans to set up an eastern territory office in Franklin, Tennessee, by 2026.
The expansion into Tennessee is part of a plan to open 35 restaurants in the state.
After the new openings, In-N-Out will have 430 locations across 10 states.
The hospitality industry, including large resort and casino companies like Las Vegas Sands and Caesars Entertainment, is working to be more environmentally friendly. These companies are recognized for their efforts to cut down on energy use and implement sustainability plans despite their large operations. The challenge of managing big properties is offset by opportunities to test and lead in green technologies.
Key Facts
The hospitality sector accounts for about 3% of global carbon emissions yearly.
Newsweek ranked Las Vegas Sands as the top responsible company in its industry list for 2026.
Caesars Entertainment also made the list, ranking 8th among hospitality companies.
Las Vegas Sands and Caesars have been recognized by Newsweek in previous years for their sustainability efforts.
Leaders at Sands and Caesars have been developing sustainability programs for over a decade.
Large properties allow Sands to test and implement green technologies like LED lighting systems.
Sands faces challenges in finding renewable energy sources, especially in locations like Singapore.
Caesars operates 38 properties across 18 U.S. states and Canada, enhancing its green initiatives.
The price of silver has reached a record high, surpassing $60 per ounce. This increase is due to expected interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve and high demand from the technology industry. As interest rates come down, investors often buy silver as a safer investment option.
Key Facts
Silver's price hit over $60 an ounce on the spot market for the first time.
Demand for silver is strong because it is used in technology, such as electric vehicles and solar panels.
The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates, leading investors to buy silver and other precious metals.
As interest rates decrease, the return on cash and short-term bonds lessens, making silver more attractive.
Gold has also seen price increases due to similar economic concerns and investor behavior.
Silver production has decreased in recent years due to low investment and mine closures.
Manufacturers are trying to secure silver supplies to avoid production disruptions.
Silver's price has more than doubled this year, rising faster than gold.
Newsweek's holiday gift guide for 2025 highlights luxury and high-tech items for both men and women. The list includes advanced coffee machines, designer watches, smart rings, and scented candles. These curated gifts aim to appeal to people who enjoy high-end, sophisticated products.
Key Facts
Newsweek provided a holiday gift guide featuring luxury and innovative products.
The guide includes the JURA Z10 coffee machine, known for brewing both hot and cold beverages.
Patek Philippe presents a rose gold watch with unique gemstone details.
The guide features an LED therapy face mask for at-home beauty treatments.
A silk pajama set is available, combining comfort with a luxury feel.
Gifts for him include scented cologne and a functional photography backpack.
The OURA Ring smartly tracks health metrics like heart rate and body temperature.
The guide also highlights a mechanical pen and a sophisticated ceramic watch.
Canadian airline Air Transat and the union representing its pilots have reached a tentative agreement, preventing a planned strike. This agreement now awaits a vote from over 750 pilots, and Air Transat intends to resume normal operations.
Key Facts
Air Transat and its pilots' union have reached a tentative agreement.
A planned strike by the pilots, which would have started Wednesday, is now avoided.
The pilots' union claims the current contract falls behind industry standards.
The agreement aims to improve job security, pay, and schedule flexibility for pilots.
Over 750 pilots will vote on the new agreement.
Air Transat had planned to reduce flights due to the expected strike.
Negotiations lasted 11 months before this agreement was reached.
Earlier this year, Air Canada flight attendants also went on strike, but later reached an agreement.
Some bottles of Disaronno almond liquor are being recalled in England and Scotland because they might have small pieces of glass in them. The recall includes specific batches identified by codes on the bottles, and notices are placed in stores to guide customers. This recall is due to a problem that occurred during the bottling process.
Key Facts
Disaronno has recalled 700ml bottles of its liquor due to possible glass contamination.
The recall affects bottles sold in England and Scotland.
The Food Standards Agency issued the recall notice.
Illva Saronno, the company that owns Disaronno, identified an issue with the bottling process.
Affected batch codes are 25374, 25375, 25381, 25382, 25435, 25442, and 25444.
Notices in stores inform customers about the recall.
A similar recall was issued in the Republic of Ireland for the same reason.
Recalls like this can happen for various reasons and are not uncommon.
Before Netflix purchased Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion, it almost bought a major video game company, Electronic Arts (EA). However, the deal did not go through, and EA chose to go private with another group.
Key Facts
Netflix acquired Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion.
Netflix considered buying Electronic Arts, a big video game company.
Electronic Arts was founded in 1982 and is known for sports video games like Madden NFL and NBA 2K.
The deal between EA and Netflix did not proceed.
EA agreed to a $55 billion deal to go private with a group backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The deal for EA to go private is expected to finalize in the summer of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Netflix is involved in acquiring major media assets and plans to expand further.
The Bank of England's deputy governor stated that the Budget announced by the chancellor could lower inflation by 0.5% starting in 2026. Measures like capping fuel duty and reducing energy prices are expected to help slow price increases. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a 0.4% reduction in inflation due to these measures.
Key Facts
The deputy governor of the Bank of England believes the Budget could reduce inflation by 0.5%.
Measures to control inflation include capping fuel duty and cutting energy prices.
The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts a 0.4% inflation drop from these actions.
UK inflation is currently at 3.5%, with expectations to lower to 2.5% next year.
Inflation is projected to meet the Bank of England's 2% target by 2027.
The Chancellor's Budget extends a 5p fuel duty cut and removes certain green levies from energy bills.
Rail fares are frozen until March 2027, despite typically rising yearly.
The government plans a new road tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles starting in April 2028.
GoFundMe reported a 20% increase in fundraisers for basic needs like housing and food in 2025. This trend reflects growing concerns about affordability in places like the United States, Canada, and the UK. Many people are using crowdfunding to manage rising living costs amid economic challenges.
Key Facts
The number of fundraisers for essential expenses on GoFundMe increased by 20% in 2025.
"Monthly bills" was the second fastest-growing category for fundraisers, after support for nonprofits.
Major English-speaking regions like the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia saw a rise in such fundraisers.
Economic issues like low wage growth, higher unemployment, and low consumer confidence were noted in the U.S.
GoFundMe reported a sixfold increase in food-related fundraisers as monthly SNAP benefits were cut off during a government shutdown.
Crowdfunding has shifted from funding entrepreneurial efforts to helping with basic needs.
Many struggling individuals, like Iesha Shepard, turn to crowdfunding as a last resort.
Successful crowdfunding often requires internet access, storytelling skills, and strong social networks.
Over a million Americans have lost their jobs this year, marking the highest number of layoffs in five years, excluding the initial coronavirus pandemic period. Employers announced over 71,000 job cuts in November, continuing a trend of increased layoffs. Factors affecting this trend include higher costs and companies' increased use of technology like AI.
Key Facts
Over 1 million American workers have been laid off this year.
The current number of layoffs is the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic's onset.
In November, 71,321 job cuts were announced by U.S. employers.
Job cuts in November increased by 24% compared to the same month last year.
A total of 1.17 million job cuts have been announced up through November.
The 2023 layoffs are the highest since the month of November in 2020.
Companies are increasingly relying on AI and automation.
Higher consumer costs and interest rates are slowing down spending.
A report has revealed that almost £11 billion meant for Covid support schemes was lost to fraud or mistakes, and most of it can't be recovered. A lack of oversight and poor data management during the pandemic contributed to the issue. The report also covers unrelated topics, including a review of maternity care issues in England.
Key Facts
A report found that nearly £11 billion was lost through Covid support scheme frauds or errors.
Most of the missing money is believed to be unrecoverable.
The Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner highlighted issues like poor data and contracting as main causes.
Other discussed topics include a review into maternity care in England reporting severe issues like poor conditions.
The maternity care review was initiated by the Health Secretary.
The podcast episode is part of the Newscast series, focusing on daily political news analysis.
