Taco Bell is bringing back the Quesarito, a popular menu item, starting December 18, 2025, for a limited time. The Quesarito will be available at participating locations, and Taco Bell has special promotions for subscribers of their app. Alongside the Quesarito, two other menu items will also be available for a limited time.
Key Facts
The Quesarito is a blend of a burrito and a quesadilla, and it costs $4.99.
It includes seasoned beef, rice, chipotle sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, and nacho cheese sauce, wrapped in a grilled quesadilla.
Taco Bell first launched the Quesarito in 2014 and removed it from the menu in 2023.
The promotion offers the first 30,000 Taco Bell Rewards members a Quesarito for $1 if ordered via the app on December 23 at 2 p.m. PST.
Nikola Jokić, an NBA player, was invited by Taco Bell to try the Quesarito, as its launch coincided with his NBA Draft announcement.
Two other limited-time menu items being introduced are Cheesy Dipping Burritos and Steak Garlic Nacho Fries.
Taco Bell has not specified how long these menu items will be available.
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Lennar, the second-largest homebuilder in the U.S., reduced its home prices by 10% in the last quarter to maintain sales amid reduced demand and affordability issues. Despite a 4% increase in the number of home deliveries, the company's revenue from home sales dropped by 7% compared to the previous year.
Key Facts
Lennar cut average home prices by 10% in the last quarter.
Home sales revenue decreased by 7%, from $9.5 billion to $8.9 billion.
The number of homes delivered increased by 4% to 23,034.
The typical price of a Lennar home dropped from $430,000 in late 2024 to $386,000 in late 2025.
The U.S. housing market is slowing due to high home prices and borrowing costs.
Lennar plans to deliver 17,000 to 18,000 homes in the first quarter of 2026.
The company expects to deliver around 85,000 homes by the end of 2026.
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German luxury car makers like Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are trying to regain market share in China after experiencing sales declines. These companies are launching new and updated vehicles, focusing on advanced technology and efficient engines. China's car market is moving towards electric vehicles but lacks strict emission rules compared to other regions like Europe.
Key Facts
German car companies Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have seen sales declines in China over the past five years.
Mercedes-Benz plans to release 40 new or refreshed vehicle models in the next two years to boost their presence in China.
China is open to various types of powertrains, including hybrid and electric models, without strict emission regulations.
EY predicts battery-electric vehicles will make up over 50% of China's vehicle sales by 2033.
Audi plans to introduce 20 new models by the end of 2025 to increase competition.
BMW's new generation of vehicles, the Neue Klasse, debuted recently and emphasizes engineering over design.
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India is working to become a bigger player in the global semiconductor industry with significant investments in chip manufacturing. The country is developing its first major chip manufacturing plant in Gujarat, supported by collaborations with international companies. However, experts warn that India needs more foreign investment and advanced technology to compete with leading countries like the US, Taiwan, and China.
Key Facts
India is building its first commercial chip manufacturing plant in Gujarat with assistance from Taiwanese and US companies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $10 billion initiative in 2021 to boost India's semiconductor industry.
The new plant involves a collaboration between India's Tata Group and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.
The plant is expected to start operations by December 2026 and focus on producing "mature" chips, which are easier to produce.
US tech giant Intel is exploring partnerships with Tata Electronics for chip manufacturing and packaging.
India's semiconductor projects have drawn considerable investment, including from companies like Idaho-based Micron Technology.
Mature chips are widely used in consumer electronics, while smaller, more advanced chips are key for high-tech applications like AI.
India needs further investment and development in advanced chip technology to match global leaders like Taiwan and the US.
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BP has named Meg O'Neill as its new chief executive, marking the first time a woman will lead a major global oil company. She will officially start on April 1, while Carol Howle takes on the interim role. O'Neill previously led Australian energy company Woodside Energy and will focus on growing BP's market position and sustainability efforts.
Key Facts
Meg O'Neill will become BP's chief executive on April 1.
She will be the first woman to lead a major global oil company.
O'Neill previously worked as the head of Woodside Energy in Australia.
BP's current chief, Murray Auchincloss, will step down after less than two years.
Carol Howle will serve as interim chief executive until O'Neill starts.
O'Neill aims to restore BP's market leadership and improve sustainability.
BP's former chief Bernard Looney was dismissed due to nondisclosure of personal relationships.
BP and other companies are scaling back renewable energy investments, focusing more on oil and gas production.
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The article discusses "ghost jobs," which are job advertisements for positions that don't actually exist. This issue is present in the US, UK, and Germany, and some efforts are being made, especially in the US and Canada, to address it through legislation.
Key Facts
"Ghost jobs" are job ads for positions that are either already filled or never existed.
A study found that up to 22% of online job ads in the US, UK, and Germany were not meant for actual hiring.
In the UK, 34% of advertised vacancies were found to be "ghost jobs."
In the US, Eric Thompson is pushing legislation to address fake job ads, aiming for laws to enforce transparency and accountability.
The proposed US law suggests penalties for misleading job ads and requires expiration dates for listing jobs.
Ontario, Canada, will require companies to disclose if a vacancy is being actively filled starting January.
New Jersey and California are also exploring ways to ban ghost jobs.
Currently, the UK and other parts of Canada do not have legal measures against ghost job ads.
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Policymakers at the Bank of England are expected to reduce the interest rate from 4% to 3.75%. This decision is influenced by a drop in inflation rates and economic concerns, and it will affect mortgage payments and savings account returns.
Key Facts
The Bank of England is likely to lower the interest rate to its lowest level since February 2023.
Analysts predict a cut from 4% to 3.75%, though not all committee members agree.
This potential cut would be the sixth since August of last year.
The Bank's goal is to maintain inflation at 2%, using the interest rate as a key tool.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate fell from 3.6% in October to 3.2% in November.
A 0.25 percentage point cut could save certain homeowners £29 a month on mortgage repayments.
Savers might see reduced returns on savings due to lower interest rates.
There is a possibility of further interest rate reductions in early next year according to some forecasts.
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A former JD Sports employee, Jayla Boyd, received a £65,000 settlement after a male supervisor sexually harassed her at work. The company apologized and agreed to review its policies with support from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The incident highlighted issues with the company's handling of such complaints.
Key Facts
Jayla Boyd, a sales assistant, was sexually harassed by a male supervisor while working part-time at JD Sports in Belfast.
The harassment involved the supervisor slapping Ms. Boyd on the bottom.
JD Sports settled the sexual harassment case for £65,000 and apologized to Ms. Boyd.
The company agreed to work with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to review its workplace policies.
Despite reporting the incident, Ms. Boyd felt unsupported by her employer during the investigation.
She claimed her personal information was exposed to other staff and felt embarrassed during a staff training session.
Ms. Boyd later resigned from her position at JD Sports.
The incident led to calls for businesses to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace harassment.
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California regulators might stop Tesla from selling its electric cars in the state for 30 days due to concerns about how the company promotes its self-driving technology. A judge found that Tesla used misleading terms like "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving." Tesla has 90 days to adjust its marketing to avoid sales suspension.
Key Facts
California regulators are considering suspending Tesla’s sales licence over marketing issues.
The suspension could last 30 days and affect Tesla's ability to sell cars in California.
A judge decided that Tesla misled consumers with terms like “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving."
Tesla must clarify the limitations of its self-driving features within 90 days.
Tesla has already started making changes to clarify that human supervision is needed when using its self-driving features.
Tesla described the regulator's actions as excessive and argued that no customers had complained.
Despite sales challenges, Tesla's stock price recently hit a record high before dropping slightly.
Investors are interested in Tesla's work on AI and its plans for self-driving cars and robots.
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A recall has been issued for Publix brand Maple Walnut Coffee Cake because it was labeled incorrectly, missing walnut as an ingredient. The recall affects several states and poses a risk to people with walnut allergies. No injuries have been reported.
Key Facts
The James Skinner LLC is recalling a Publix brand Maple Walnut Coffee Cake due to incorrect labeling.
The cake's label says "Raspberry Coffee Cake," and does not list walnuts, which are present and can cause allergies.
The cakes were sent to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The recalled product weighs 14 ounces and has a specific lot code and SKU number.
A store employee discovered the issue by noticing visible walnuts on the cake.
Consumers who bought the cake can return it to Publix stores and should not eat it if they have walnut allergies.
No injuries or illnesses have been reported from the recalled product.
Customers can contact The James Skinner LLC for more information about the recall.
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The Labour Party has allowed six areas in southern England to increase council tax rates by more than 5% without requiring voter approval for two years. This decision follows a reduction in government funding for these areas, as funding will now be redirected toward more deprived areas. The change aims to address funding inequities but has faced criticism for potentially affecting councils that keep taxes low.
Key Facts
Six areas in and around London can increase council tax by over 5% for two years without voter approval.
The areas include Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham, City of London, and Windsor and Maidenhead.
These areas are expected to receive less government funding as more funds are redirected to deprived areas.
The new funding model will be phased in over three years starting in 2026.
The goal is to support councils with higher deprivation and more properties in lower tax bands.
Changes were made to the original proposals to consider housing costs in inner London.
The Institute of Fiscal Studies noted that these six councils would face significant funding reductions.
The UK government will increase overall council funding by £3.9 billion next year, assuming a general council tax increase of 5%.
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Warner Bros Discovery rejected a takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, claiming the offer was misleading. Paramount promised financial backing from the Ellison family, but Warner Bros preferred Netflix's offer. Affinity Partners, linked to President Trump's family, withdrew from supporting Paramount's bid.
Key Facts
Warner Bros Discovery turned down Paramount Skydance’s $108.4 billion takeover bid.
Warner Bros accused Paramount of misleading information about financial backing.
Paramount claimed financial support from Larry Ellison’s family, but Warner Bros found the offer risky.
Netflix offered $27.75 per share, and Warner Bros favored this deal because it required no additional financing.
Affinity Partners, connected to President Trump’s family, pulled out of funding Paramount’s bid.
Warner Bros expects a shareholder vote on the deal in spring or early summer.
Paramount said it secured $41 billion in equity and $54 billion in debt to support its bid.
Warner Bros emphasized confidence in Netflix’s merger (buying the company) agreement with strong commitments.
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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated in a Senate testimony that the FCC is not formally independent, which led to the removal of the term "independent" from the agency's mission statement. This change aligns with a trend where regulatory agencies seem to be losing autonomy to the executive branch. The issue gained attention as Chairman Carr did not clearly say whether President Trump has direct authority over him and other FCC commissioners.
Key Facts
Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman, testified that the FCC is not formally independent.
The word "independent" was then removed from the FCC's mission statement on its website.
This change reflects a broader trend of decreasing autonomy for regulatory agencies during President Trump's tenure.
The Supreme Court is considering whether President Trump can fire Federal Trade Commission members.
Senator Ben Ray Luján began questioning the FCC's independence during Senate testimony.
Chairman Carr did not directly answer if President Trump can pressure him on media-related issues.
Carr has supported removing a cap on local broadcaster mergers, which President Trump opposes.
The FCC is evaluating the influence of national programmers over local news syndicates.
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UnitedHealthcare might stop covering services at NewYork-Presbyterian for Medicare Advantage plan members if they don't reach a new agreement by the end of the month. This change could affect many people who use these plans, as they may need to find new doctors or hospitals. People currently in treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian might still have some time to receive in-network benefits even if the hospital goes out of network.
Key Facts
UnitedHealthcare and NewYork-Presbyterian are negotiating to keep the hospital in-network for Medicare Advantage members.
If no agreement is reached, NewYork-Presbyterian will be out-of-network starting January 1, 2026.
Medicare Advantage plan members may need to find new doctors or hospitals if NewYork-Presbyterian is dropped.
People in active treatment may get in-network benefits for 90 days after coverage ends.
UnitedHealthcare advised members to call their health plan for questions and assistance.
The negotiations affect commercial and Medicaid plans along with Medicare Advantage.
Patients might need to change their insurance or healthcare providers if no agreement is reached.
The situation highlights issues with how Medicare Advantage plans can change coverage.
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Morrisons, a UK supermarket chain, must pay £17 million in taxes after a legal ruling decided it should charge VAT on its rotisserie chickens. The court found that the chickens, sold hot, did not qualify for a tax exemption despite Morrisons' claims that most customers ate them cold.
Key Facts
Morrisons faces a £17 million tax bill related to VAT on rotisserie chickens.
A legal tribunal ruled that the chickens should have a 20% VAT, similar to other hot foods.
Morrisons argued that most people eat the chickens cold and claimed they should be tax-exempt.
The ruling stated Morrisons did not disclose important details about the chicken packaging.
The tax matter stems from a law introduced in 2012, known for affecting baked goods.
The tribunal judge highlighted the packaging's heat retention features as a key issue.
The chickens were removed from sale while still hot, making them ineligible for VAT exemption.
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Father Christmas performers in the UK are seeing no change in their pay rates this year, with the average rate remaining at £15 per hour. However, elves, who assist during these holiday performances, have experienced a small pay increase.
Key Facts
Father Christmas performers in the UK continue to earn £15 an hour on average, the same as last year.
Elves, who help manage holiday events, now earn £12.48 an hour on average, up from £11.60 last year.
Earnings for Father Christmas roles can vary widely from the minimum wage of £12.21 to as much as £27.59 an hour.
Dobbies pays starter Father Christmas performers £17 an hour and those with experience £20.
Santa roles generally require patience, improvisation skills, and stamina due to common cold and flu seasons.
Elves' responsibilities include maintaining Christmas spirit while often being on their feet and in costume.
Job listings for elves sometimes require knowledge of Christmas lore, such as North Pole geography and reindeer etiquette.
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Inflation rates have dropped to their lowest level in eight months, mainly due to lower prices for food and clothing. However, the inflation rate is still higher than the target of 2%.
Key Facts
Inflation reached its lowest level in eight months.
The decrease is partly due to lower food and clothing prices.
Inflation is still above the target rate of 2%.
The data covers the year leading up to November.
Lower inflation means costs for everyday items are not rising as fast.
The report indicates inflation fell more than expected.
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Inflation figures show prices increased by 3.2% over the past year, but the rate of increase has slowed. Food items like pasta and sugar have seen price drops, contributing to the slowdown. This trend may influence interest rates, potentially making borrowing cheaper.
Key Facts
Prices rose by 3.2% compared to last year.
Inflation rates are higher than the Bank of England's target of 2%.
Food prices drove a drop in the inflation rate; food and drink increased by 4.2% compared to 4.9% in the previous month.
Chocolate prices increased by 17%, while olive oil prices fell by 16%.
Clothing and footwear prices decreased by 0.6% over the year.
Analysts expect the Bank of England may lower interest rates, making borrowing more affordable.
Inflation affects the buying power of money, impacting both savings and earnings.
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An economist has highlighted a worrying sign for the U.S. economy based on a recent rise in unemployment rates. The "Sahm Rule," used by the Federal Reserve, indicates potential early stages of a recession when unemployment rises by 0.5% compared to the previous year's lowest level. November job data revealed a rise in unemployment to 4.6%, raising concerns among experts about a slowdown in the labor market.
Key Facts
The unemployment rate in the U.S. increased to 4.6% by November 2025.
The Sahm Rule suggests that a rise in unemployment can be an early sign of recession.
Between September and November, the three-month average unemployment rate rose to 4.5%.
The economy added 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 jobs in October.
October's job loss was partly due to government employees leaving after a deferred resignation offer.
Job growth has slowed significantly, with nearly no overall employment growth since April.
Rising unemployment is a concern, but not yet at typical levels seen at the start of recessions.
Claudia Sahm noted complications in using her rule due to missing data from October.
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Thousands of salad dressing cases, including some Hidden Valley products, have been recalled in 27 U.S. states due to contamination with plastic materials. The recall was initiated by Ventura Foods and classified as Class II by the FDA, meaning the products might cause temporary health issues. Affected dressings were distributed to major retailers like Costco and Publix.
Key Facts
Ventura Foods began the recall on November 6, 2025.
The contamination involves "black plastic planting material."
The FDA labeled this a Class II recall.
3,556 cases of salad dressing are affected.
The recall includes several brands and types, like Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch (for food service only).
Dressings were distributed in 27 states, including Florida, Texas, and California.
Affected products should be returned for a refund.
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