Two recent accidents involving U.S. barges have highlighted issues with the American shipping system, which relies heavily on barges instead of modern ships due to an old law known as the Jones Act. This law makes it expensive to build ships in the U.S., pushing shippers to use slower barges for transporting goods between U.S. ports.
Key Facts
A barge carrying almost 200 containers ran aground in the Bahamas, leading to looting of its cargo.
Another barge from Alaska to Seattle started taking on water but was stabilized in time.
Both accidents reveal problems with the U.S. supply chain's reliance on barges.
The Jones Act of 1920 requires goods moved between U.S. ports to be on U.S.-built ships, which are costly.
U.S.-built ships are much more expensive than ships built in countries like Japan and South Korea.
Barge use has increased because it is cheaper to use them than expensive U.S.-built ships.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an exception to the Jones Act, allowing modern shipping methods.
Maybach plans to launch a superyacht called the Maybach Ocean Club in 2029. This yacht will work like a timeshare for 300 elite members, offering luxurious amenities and experiences. The yacht will sail to various global destinations, with members having a say in where it travels.
Key Facts
Maybach Ocean Club will be a yacht that offers a timeshare-like experience for its members.
The yacht is set to launch in 2029 as the first branded superyacht by Maybach.
It will be custom-built by Dölker + Voges and feature 30 state rooms and six guest suites.
Members will have four weeks of access annually and can use the yacht's amenities anytime if nearby.
The yacht offers 55,000 square feet of public and open deck space, including dining areas, a spa, and gym facilities.
Club members will decide on the yacht's travel destinations, starting with popular Mediterranean ports.
The yacht is part of a trend of luxury brands creating branded superyachts.
Domino's is celebrating its 65th anniversary by giving away free Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes with eligible online orders until December 22. The promotion requires customers in the U.S. to place a $10 order online using the code "HAPPYBDAY." Domino's is also raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aiming to collect $300 million by 2034.
Key Facts
Domino's is celebrating 65 years in business.
The anniversary giveaway runs from December 8 to December 22.
Customers get three free Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes with a $10 online order using the code "HAPPYBDAY."
The offer is only available for online and app orders, not phone or in-store.
Domino's supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through the Thanks and Giving campaign.
The company has raised over $143 million for St. Jude's since 2004.
Domino's aims to raise $300 million for St. Jude's by 2034 through customer donations.
The St. Jude Giving Combo costs $26.99 and includes a $1 donation to the hospital.
Netflix plans to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion, but Paramount Skydance quickly made a higher offer of $108.4 billion. Both companies are working to gain President Donald Trump’s support, with Netflix’s co-CEO visiting the Oval Office and Paramount’s CEO appearing at a recent event attended by Trump. The outcome of this bidding war could have significant impacts on the media industry.
Key Facts
Netflix announced it would acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion.
Paramount Skydance made a counteroffer of $108.4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos visited the White House in November to discuss the deal.
Paramount CEO David Ellison appeared at an event where Trump was present before making his offer.
Paramount's bid is supported by investment from Jared Kushner’s firm and sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE.
President Trump has indicated he will be involved in the dealmaking process.
The bidding war raises questions about the future of the Hollywood media landscape.
CNN might be affected by the deal due to financial upset, highlighting the impact on the news and entertainment sectors.
A new report from McKinsey and Lean In shows a drop in corporate support for women in the workplace. Women report receiving less support from employers and having lower ambitions compared to men. The findings highlight a decrease in prioritizing women's career advancement.
Key Facts
McKinsey and Lean In released a report about women's experiences in corporate America.
54% of HR professionals say advancing women's careers is a priority; this drops to 46% for women of color.
In 2017, 88% of companies prioritized gender equity.
A survey showed 80% of women want a promotion, compared to 86% of men.
Women at entry level positions are less likely to want promotions compared to men.
The report identifies an "ambition gap" between men and women.
Companies are reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that help women.
Return-to-office rules and cultural trends affect women's workforce participation.
Conservative commentator Tim Pool might stop making his show, Timcast IRL, due to high security costs. He says the expenses of running the show are greater than the money it earns, mainly because of the need for security.
Key Facts
Tim Pool is considering ending his show, Timcast IRL.
The reason is the high cost of security, which is more than the show's earnings.
Tim Pool hosts two podcasts: Timcast IRL and The Culture War Podcast.
He has millions of followers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
Recently, someone reportedly fired a gun at TimCast studio, but no one was hurt.
Pool's team is looking into the incident and plans to inform law enforcement.
Pool mentioned the possibility that the show might end on the 19th of the month.
The UK government unveiled the new branding for Great British Railways (GBR), marking progress toward nationalizing the railways. The branding features a red, white, and blue design similar to the Union Flag and will be gradually introduced on trains and stations. The Railways Bill, which allows the creation of GBR, is currently under discussion in Parliament.
Key Facts
The government revealed the new branding for Great British Railways with a red, white, and blue color theme.
The branding will appear on trains, at stations, and on the GBR website and app by next spring.
The Railways Bill, needed to create GBR, is being considered in the House of Commons.
GBR aims to be publicly owned, running for the benefit of the public rather than private shareholders.
The GBR app will allow passengers to check train times, book tickets without fees, and provide assistance to disabled passengers.
Seven train operators are under public control, covering about one-third of train journeys in the UK.
The logo for GBR is the double-arrow symbol, first created for British Rail in the 1960s.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that the new branding represents a fresh focus on public service for passengers.
Paramount and Netflix are both competing to buy Warner Bros Discovery. Netflix wants to purchase its studio and streaming sections, while Paramount aims to take over the whole company. Both bids will face regulatory scrutiny.
Key Facts
Warner Bros Discovery is up for sale, with Netflix and Paramount as the main bidders.
Paramount's bid includes purchasing the entire Warner Bros company, valuing it at $108.4 billion.
Netflix's offer targets Warner Bros' studio and streaming divisions, valued at $82.7 billion.
Netflix offers $23.25 per share with additional equity for shareholders.
Paramount proposes an all-cash offer of $30 per share.
Netflix's acquisition aims to strengthen its movie content against rivals.
Paramount seeks to combine with Warner Bros for more industry influence and to scale up its operations.
The deals will be reviewed by regulators in the U.S. and Europe for competition concerns.
Paramount Skydance has made a direct offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery by offering cash to the company's shareholders. This move comes shortly after Paramount signed a deal with Netflix.
Key Facts
Paramount Skydance made an all-cash offer to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders.
The offer is described as "hostile," meaning it's made directly to shareholders without the company's agreement.
This action follows a recent deal between Paramount and Netflix.
Warner Bros. Discovery is involved in a bidding process due to this offer.
In unrelated news, President Trump's former personal lawyer stepped down from his job as acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey.
Syria is marking the anniversary of a rebel uprising that removed its dictator, Bashar al-Assad.
Some kidnapped students in Nigeria have been released.
Activewear brand Sweaty Betty is facing a dispute with period underwear company Nixi Body over similar advertising slogans. Nixi Body co-founder Kelly Newton claims Sweaty Betty used phrases similar to those her company has long used, but acknowledges there is little legal recourse because the slogans aren't trademarked. Sweaty Betty says it uses common language that many brands use to empower women.
Key Facts
Sweaty Betty is an activewear brand.
Nixi Body is a company that makes leak-proof period underwear.
Kelly Newton, co-founder of Nixi Body, claims Sweaty Betty used similar advertising phrases from her company.
The disputed phrases include "Keeping you moving through menstruation, motherhood and menopause" and "No ifs. Just butt."
Newton tried but couldn't trademark the phrase used by her company.
Sweaty Betty argues the phrases are common and used by many brands.
Sweaty Betty previously settled with trainer Georgina Cox over a similar slogan dispute.
Sweaty Betty states it aims to empower women through its advertising language.
Disney has updated its disability access program at its California and Florida theme parks, causing legal challenges as some disabled individuals claim the new rules are too strict. These changes aim to address past misuse of the program but have resulted in disputes over who qualifies for expedited access to rides.
Key Facts
Disney runs a program called the Disability Access Service (DAS) that helps disabled visitors access rides more quickly.
The DAS program lets pass-holders book a ride in advance without waiting in regular long lines.
Disneyland and Disney World made changes to the DAS program, limiting who qualifies for special access.
Now, mainly people with developmental disabilities, like autism, qualify for the DAS program.
People wanting a DAS pass must have an interview via video with a Disney worker and a medical expert.
A legal challenge claims the new rules are too narrow and prevent some disabled people from qualifying.
Disney says the changes were necessary because the number of people using DAS grew a lot.
Other accommodations for disabled visitors at Disney parks include Braille maps and sign language interpreters.
The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter point this week after a two-day meeting. This may be the last rate cut for some time, as officials are divided on future cuts and plan to signal that more adjustments might not happen soon.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve will likely cut its interest rate target by a quarter point this week.
Officials from different viewpoints within the Federal Reserve have been vocal about whether to cut rates.
Hawks, who want to keep rates steady, want more evidence of a weakening job market before further cuts.
Doves, including three governors appointed by President Trump, support cutting rates to help the economy.
Federal Reserve leaders, including Chair Jerome Powell, are trying to balance these views.
San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly supports a December rate cut, even without a vote.
Some officials, like Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, are cautious about further rate cuts.
The Federal Reserve aims to communicate that future rate cuts in 2026 are uncertain.
Paramount has made a direct offer to buy Warner Bros Discovery for about $74.4 billion, challenging an earlier takeover deal by Netflix. Paramount aims to persuade Warner Bros shareholders to choose its offer, citing a more attractive value and fewer regulatory issues than Netflix's proposal. President Trump indicated he might get involved in deciding if the deal between Netflix and Warner Bros should be approved due to market share concerns.
Key Facts
Paramount proposed a $74.4 billion offer to buy Warner Bros Discovery.
Netflix had already announced a deal to acquire Warner Bros for $72 billion.
Paramount's offer includes buying Warner Bros cable assets, worth about $18 billion more than Netflix's proposal.
President Trump expressed concern about Netflix's deal due to its potential market size and might influence the approval process.
Paramount submitted six proposals over 12 weeks before making a direct offer to Warner Bros shareholders.
Warner Bros previously favored Netflix's offer, valuing Warner shares at $27.75 each.
Paramount's separate media strategy included acquiring The Free Press and placing Bari Weiss at CBS News.
Cream sales at Guernsey Dairy have decreased as people choose cheaper options. The dairy also stopped making cheese earlier this year due to financial losses and tough competition.
Key Facts
Guernsey Dairy saw a drop in cream sales from 94,279 liters in 2020 to 89,095 liters in 2024.
Consumers are buying cheaper cream products, leading to reduced sales.
The dairy used to sell about 18,000 liters of cream during Christmas, now reduced to about 7,000 liters.
Guernsey Dairy stopped cheese production in February 2024.
The dairy was losing £2.37 for every kilogram of cheese produced.
Operations manager Andrew Tabel mentioned tough competition as a reason for stopping cheese production.
A woman is suing Royal Caribbean Cruises after her fiancé died on a cruise ship. The lawsuit claims the fiancé was given too much alcohol and forcefully restrained by crew members, leading to his death. The case was filed in a Florida court.
Key Facts
A lawsuit was filed against Royal Caribbean Cruises by Connie Aguilar over the death of her fiancé, Michael Virgil.
The lawsuit alleges Virgil was overserved alcohol and died after being restrained by crew members.
The couple was on the Navigator of the Seas cruise traveling from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico.
It is claimed that Virgil was served at least 33 alcoholic beverages in one day.
The complaint states Virgil showed clear signs of being drunk, yet was still served alcohol.
Crew members reportedly used physical restraint, pepper spray, and a sedative on Virgil.
Virgil's death was officially ruled a homicide.
Royal Caribbean has expressed sadness over the event but will not comment further during the litigation.
Paramount made a bid to buy Warner Brothers Discovery, offering more money than Netflix's rival offer. The bid aims to acquire all of Warner Brothers, including its TV networks. President Trump suggested that Netflix's offer might face competition issues.
Key Facts
Paramount offered $30 per share to buy Warner Brothers Discovery.
The offer includes acquiring the company’s TV networks and streaming services.
President Trump commented on potential competition problems with Netflix’s bid.
Paramount's bid values Warner Brothers Discovery at $108.4 billion.
Netflix's bid values the company at about $83 billion, including its debt.
Paramount CEO David Ellison criticized Netflix's bid as anti-competitive.
Warner Brothers and Netflix's boards support Netflix's purchase plan.
The Netflix deal includes a planned spin-off of some Warner Brothers’ business areas.
President Donald Trump plans to introduce a $12 billion aid package to help U.S. farmers impacted by a trade war with China. The aid aims to support farmers who face challenges in selling crops due to tariffs on Chinese goods.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to announce a $12 billion aid package for farmers.
The aid is intended to help farmers hurt by tariffs imposed on China.
The announcement will be made during a White House roundtable event.
Key attendees will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The farming sectors affected include corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, rice, cattle, wheat, and potatoes.
U.S. farmers have experienced difficulties due to higher costs and reduced crop sales.
Farmers have politically supported Trump, but his trade policies have been controversial.
The aid package is part of efforts to address economic challenges from China's reduced purchases.
President Donald Trump expressed concerns about a proposed deal where Netflix plans to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion, citing its large market share as a potential problem. He stated that he would be involved in the decision about federal approval of the merger, which could significantly impact the entertainment industry.
Key Facts
Netflix plans to buy Warner Bros. Discovery in a $72 billion deal.
President Trump said the merger could be problematic due to the large market share involved.
The deal would combine Netflix with Warner Bros., a major Hollywood studio.
President Trump mentioned he would be part of the decision to approve the merger.
The merger could reshape the entertainment industry by bringing together two major streaming services.
Trump had met with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos before the deal was announced.
Trump praised Netflix and its CEO but noted concerns over the company's increased market share.
Retail credit cards often have high interest rates and hidden fees, which can harm consumers. Branded stablecoins are being proposed as a new way for retailers to reward customer loyalty without causing debt. These digital currencies can offer quick, cost-effective rewards and may replace traditional credit cards in the future.
Key Facts
Retail credit cards give perks but can come with high-interest rates, often much higher than regular credit cards.
If people don't pay off their retail credit card balance in time, they can face big penalties and even retroactive interest charges.
Many consumers, especially those with low income or who are young, find it challenging to avoid these fees.
The number of people using retail credit cards has decreased by 36.7% since 2015.
Branded stablecoins are digital currencies anchored to the U.S. dollar and can serve as a modern alternative to credit cards.
Stablecoins avoid interest and fees, providing rewards like store credit that settle almost instantly.
Stablecoin transactions have low costs and use blockchain technology, which can improve how loyalty rewards are managed.
Retailers using stablecoins can eliminate the need for banks and card issuers, maintaining a direct relationship with customers.
A court case in Washington, D.C., focuses on comments by Elon Musk about a government initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk's remarks suggest that DOGE may still be active, contradicting the U.S. government's claims that the initiative has ended. The legal dispute involves questions about transparency and whether private figures improperly influenced federal policy through DOGE.
Key Facts
A court filing highlights Elon Musk's comments about DOGE on a podcast, which plaintiffs argue contradict claims that it has ended.
DOGE was a government initiative aimed at reducing regulations and reorganizing agencies, originally led by Elon Musk.
The legality of DOGE is challenged in the lawsuit Lentini v. Department of Government Efficiency.
Plaintiffs claim DOGE functioned like an unregulated advisory committee, which may violate federal transparency laws.
News reports suggest former DOGE members remain active in federal agencies, implying the initiative continues in some form.
Elon Musk's statement that "DOGE is still happening" fuels the plaintiffs' claims that the initiative remains active.
Advocacy groups argue DOGE did not comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which mandates openness and balanced representation.
