The estate of Johnny Cash is suing Coca-Cola, claiming the company used a voice imitation of the late singer in a commercial without permission. The lawsuit, filed in Tennessee, argues that this use violates both state and federal laws protecting voice rights. This case highlights a new Tennessee law, the ELVIS Act, aimed at protecting soundalike voices.
Key Facts
Johnny Cash's estate filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola on November 25.
The lawsuit claims Coca-Cola used a voice similar to Johnny Cash's in a commercial without permission.
The ad is part of Coca-Cola's 2025 college football season campaign called "Fan Work Is Thirsty Work."
The lawsuit argues that Coca-Cola violated Tennessee’s new ELVIS Act and federal laws.
The ELVIS Act, effective from July 2024, protects real and simulated voices from unauthorized use.
This law is significant because it covers sound imitations and could impact how AI-generated voices are used in media.
Coca-Cola allegedly hired a tribute singer, Shawn Barker, to mimic Johnny Cash's voice.
The estate claims Coca-Cola did not seek a license to use Cash’s vocal likeness.
Residents of flats in Kirkby, Merseyside, were billed £3.6 million to fix serious fire safety issues, forcing them to move out. The flat owners are tied to leases making them responsible for repair costs, despite being unable to live in the buildings. The situation involves complex lease agreements with multiple parties involved.
Key Facts
Residents of Beech Rise and Willow Rise were made homeless due to fire safety issues.
They received a £3.6 million combined bill for repairs and maintenance.
Each flat owner faces about £10,000 in charges despite not living in the flats.
The buildings were originally council blocks, refurbished in 2006 into luxury apartments.
The residents' management company had accumulated significant debts.
Issues have included damp, mould, faulty electrics, and broken lifts.
The buildings operate under a "tripartite" lease structure with three parties involved: individual owners, a management company, and a head lessor.
In 2011, the head lease was sold to a firm with ties to the British Virgin Islands.
Asahi, a large beer company in Japan, announced that a cyber-attack in September leaked the personal information of over 1.5 million customers. The attack disrupted factory operations, leading to shortages of Asahi products in Japan. The company is working to restore its systems and improve security.
Key Facts
Over 1.5 million customers' personal information was leaked in a cyber-attack on Asahi.
The attack occurred in September and affected Asahi's factories in Japan.
Employees had to manually take orders with pen and paper due to the attack.
Personal information such as names, gender, addresses, and contact details were exposed.
No credit card information was leaked in the cyber-attack.
The attack did not impact Asahi's European operations, which include brands like Peroni.
The cyber-attack caused a temporary shortage of Asahi drinks in Japan, including beer and soft drinks.
Asahi is focusing on recovery, preventing future attacks, and strengthening its security measures.
The article discusses the UK Budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, highlighting tax increases and welfare spending changes. Key points include the introduction of 43 tax hikes, scrapping the two-child benefit cap, and forecasts suggesting the tax burden will rise significantly, impacting living standards and economic activity.
Key Facts
The Chancellor announced 43 tax increases to raise an extra £26 billion.
One in four taxpayers, or about 10.6 million people, will be higher or additional-rate taxpayers by 2030.
The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts these tax hikes will affect living standards and economic growth.
Scrapping the two-child benefit cap adds £9 billion to welfare spending.
The Budget aims to raise welfare spending to £406 billion by 2030-31.
A new tax will affect homes valued over £2 million.
Critics say the Budget breaks previous promises of no further tax increases.
The news caused temporary volatility in the stock market due to early release of OBR feedback.
Fracking in Añelo, Argentina, has led to rapid economic growth and a significant increase in population due to oil and gas extraction from the Vaca Muerta formation. This development has helped Argentina achieve energy self-sufficiency and allowed it to export oil and gas, thus generating foreign income. However, despite these positive impacts, challenges remain for the wider Argentine economy.
Key Facts
Fracking started in Añelo, Argentina, in 2014, boosting the local economy.
Añelo's population grew from about 10,788 in 2010 to 17,893 in 2022, a more than 60% increase.
Vaca Muerta is a large area with rich oil and gas resources, discovered in 1931.
The first major fracking project there was a joint effort involving YPF and Chevron.
By February, Vaca Muerta had 3,358 active wells, making up over half of Argentina's oil and gas production.
Energy from Vaca Muerta has helped Argentina stop importing expensive energy and start exporting it.
Argentina gained a $6 billion surplus in the energy sector last year.
Despite energy sector success, Argentina still faces economic issues like high inflation and debt problems.
The Budget announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves brings changes affecting young people, including a rise in minimum wages, a freeze on student loan repayment thresholds, and support for youth employment. Some tax changes could affect renters and online shopping. New taxes include the "milkshake tax" on sugary drinks.
Key Facts
Minimum wages will increase from April, with 18 to 20-year-olds seeing the largest hourly rise to £10.85.
The threshold for repaying student loans will stay the same from 2027-28, impacting how much young workers pay.
An international student levy will charge universities £925 per overseas student annually from August 2028.
Income tax rates on rental income will increase by 2%, possibly impacting rent prices.
£1.5 billion is allocated over five years to help 16 to 24-year-olds find jobs or training, with funds for apprenticeships.
Scrapping a tax loophole could make some online shopping more costly from 2029.
A new "milkshake tax" will apply to sugary drinks, targeting pre-made lattes and fizzy beverages.
Thailand’s pork industry may soon face competition from U.S. pork producers due to a potential trade deal between Thailand and the United States. The deal could allow U.S. pork into Thailand duty-free as part of efforts to reduce the trade deficit with the Southeast Asian country. This development worries Thai pig farmers, who fear they may not withstand competition from cheaper U.S. pork.
Key Facts
Thailand's current $3 billion pork market is mainly supplied by local farmers.
The U.S. is the world’s third-largest pork producer and wants to export pork to Thailand.
The U.S. offer to Thailand includes reducing duties on 10,000 items, including pork, to address a $45.5 billion trade deficit.
President Trump and Thailand's caretaker prime minister discussed trade during a meeting at an ASEAN summit.
Thai pig farmers are concerned about competition from U.S. pork that benefits from cheaper feed and subsidies.
Ractopamine, a feed additive used in U.S. pork, is banned in Thailand and could be a point of dispute.
Trade agreements are influenced by regional tensions, such as a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.
Thailand has announced plans to increase its annual corn import limits, which could affect local feed cost dynamics.
Black Friday 2025 is expected to be the busiest shopping day of the year, with many shoppers heading to stores for special deals. Retailers like Walmart and Home Depot have announced their opening hours and special promotions to attract early customers. This year marks a significant increase in the use of AI tools by stores to manage shopping traffic.
Key Facts
Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28 and is projected to be the year's busiest shopping day.
Retailers have planned special in-store promotions and giveaways to encourage shoppers.
Many stores like Costco and Walmart open early, with specific hours varying by location.
Adobe Digital Insights notes a 520% increase in traffic from AI-powered chat tools.
Retailers offer various giveaways, such as mystery promo cards and gift vouchers.
Stores use limited-edition merchandise and bonuses to attract early shoppers.
The National Retail Federation and other organizations provide holiday shopping forecasts.
Campbell's fired a Vice President, Martin Bally, after audio surfaced of him making negative comments about the company and alleged racist remarks. The audio became public with a lawsuit from a former Campbell's employee who claims Bally made inappropriate comments and that he was fired for reporting them.
Key Facts
Campbell's fired Martin Bally, their Vice President of Information Technology.
Bally was allegedly recorded making negative comments about Campbell's products and disparaging remarks about Indian employees.
The audio was revealed with a lawsuit from Robert Garza, a former Campbell's employee.
The lawsuit alleges Bally referred to Campbell's products as "highly processed food" for "poor people."
Garza claimed he told his manager about Bally's comments but was not given support on how to proceed with a complaint.
Garza was fired soon after his complaint, which he believes was retaliation.
Campbell's said they heard the audio for the first time in November 2025 and had not been alerted by Garza or his lawyer.
Bally no longer works at Campbell's, and some of his online profiles were locked following the incident.
Rachel Reeves announced a Budget with £26 billion in tax increases to address the UK’s cost of living issues. The plan includes freezing tax thresholds, new taxes on properties and savings, and other smaller tax changes. The UK’s tax revenue is expected to reach a record level by 2030, and the economy is projected to grow slower than previously thought.
Key Facts
The UK chancellor announced £26 billion in tax hikes.
Tax thresholds will be frozen for three more years, increasing taxes for many people.
New annual charges will apply to homes valued over £2 million starting in 2028.
A 3p per mile new tax is planned for electric cars, and 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrids.
Online betting shops will see tax duty increase from 15% to 25%.
A cap of £2,000 per year on salary sacrifice pensions will be introduced.
The UK's tax revenue is projected to rise to 38% of national income by 2030-31.
The UK economy is expected to grow at a slower rate than previously forecast.
James Fishback, a former employee of Greenlight Capital, had his family Tesla repossessed following a court order to pay the company more than $200,000. The court accused him of buying luxury items instead of paying the legal judgment. Fishback's proposal for a "DOGE Dividend" attracted attention from Elon Musk and President Trump, but it has not been implemented.
Key Facts
James Fishback worked for Greenlight Capital from 2021 to 2023.
He was ordered to pay Greenlight Capital over $200,000 after a New York court case.
Fishback claims his family’s 2022 Tesla Model Y was repossessed to pay part of this debt.
Fishback filed a civil rights complaint against Greenlight Capital, alleging religious discrimination.
He proposed a "DOGE Dividend" idea that Elon Musk and President Trump considered, but it hasn't moved forward.
Greenlight Capital alleges Fishback bought over $37,000 worth of luxury items instead of paying the judgment.
Fishback denies owning luxury goods and disputes the evidence presented by Greenlight Capital.
The UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced a budget featuring various tax increases. She also introduced a cap on pension salary sacrifices and removed the two-child benefit cap. These measures might affect people's incomes and have sparked discussion among political parties.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is the UK Chancellor.
The budget includes several tax increases.
A cap has been set on pension salary sacrifices.
The two-child benefit cap has been abolished.
The announcements have prompted reactions from other political parties.
These budget changes may influence people's paychecks.
The article discusses the UK Budget presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. It explains that although the UK's financial situation is better than expected, taxes will still rise due to freezing income tax thresholds until 2031. The budget aims to balance immediate spending with long-term tax increases to manage borrowing and gain political support.
Key Facts
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally released the Budget details before the Chancellor presented them.
The UK economy is expected to grow slower due to reduced long-term productivity, but it currently benefits from better-than-expected performance and upgrades this year.
Higher wages from inflation have increased tax revenue for the government.
AI is expected to boost productivity by the end of the year.
Income tax thresholds will be frozen until 2031, leading more people to pay higher tax rates.
The budget plans to borrow for immediate spending while increasing taxes later to reduce borrowing.
Markets reacted positively with lower interest rates on government bonds.
The cost of turkeys this Thanksgiving is affected by inflation, tariffs, and bird flu. A food economist explains how these factors impact prices during the holiday season.
Key Facts
Inflation is causing overall prices to rise, including for turkeys.
Tariffs can make turkey imports more expensive.
Bird flu affects turkey supply, leading to higher prices.
Tim McPhillips from PBS News discussed these issues with a food economist.
These factors are influencing the cost of the holiday meal this year.
The UK government has announced £820 million to help young people aged 18 to 21 who are not working or studying. This funding will provide paid work placements and support through a scheme known as the Youth Guarantee. The initiative aims to address the high number of young people not in education, employment, or training.
Key Facts
The £820 million funding will be used for the Youth Guarantee scheme over three years.
The scheme targets 18 to 21-year-olds in England who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months without working or studying.
It offers six-month paid work placements to these young people.
The current number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (Neets) in the UK is nearly 946,000.
The government also plans to make apprenticeship training free for under-25s at small and medium businesses.
The unemployment and economic inactivity among young people are high, partly due to long-term sickness.
Official statistics indicate that about 580,000 Neets are considered economically inactive, and 366,000 are unemployed.
The new plan is part of a broader welfare reform in the UK Budget.
The UK government plans to introduce a pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles (EVs) starting in April 2028 as part of efforts to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The tax will be 3 pence per mile for electric cars and 1.5 pence per mile for plug-in hybrids, with increases expected due to inflation. Some worry this could reduce interest in switching to EVs.
Key Facts
The UK government will start charging EV drivers 3 pence per mile from April 2028.
Plug-in hybrid drivers will pay 1.5 pence per mile under the new plan.
The plan aims to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.
Charnjit Saranna from EZOO, an electric car leasing firm, expressed concerns that the tax might make EVs less attractive.
The Office for Budget Responsibility anticipates the tax could decrease demand for EVs due to increased lifetime costs.
Despite the tax, EVs are still expected to cost less than petrol and diesel cars in the long run.
An EV driver traveling 8,500 miles in a year would pay about £255 under the new tax.
The tax rates will rise with inflation each year after introduction.
The UK government plans to remove the two-child benefit cap, allowing families with three or more children to get more financial support. The Budget announcement also includes a freeze on income tax thresholds until 2031, meaning more people will pay higher taxes as incomes rise. Additional measures include plans to tax electric vehicle road use and increased state pensions.
Key Facts
The two-child benefit limit will be removed, providing more financial support to families on universal credit.
Income tax thresholds will be frozen until April 2031, leading more people to pay higher tax rates.
From 2028, electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid car drivers will pay road use taxes, with a charge of 3 pence per mile for EVs.
The state pension will rise by 4.8% in April, increasing to £241.30 a week for recent pensioners.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) will have access to free apprenticeship training for those under 25.
Many individuals have expressed concerns about increased taxes and costs associated with the Budget announcements.
Sellers outside the U.S. are having a hard time keeping American customers because of recent rule changes. A new policy from President Trump's administration means higher costs to ship products like yarn to the U.S.
Key Facts
A woolen mill in Canada called Fleece & Harmony is experiencing increased costs when shipping yarn to U.S. customers.
Previously, packages under $800 were exempt from import taxes, but this exemption was removed by President Trump's administration on August 29.
Now, sending a $21 ball of yarn to the U.S. includes extra costs like brokerage fees, state taxes, and a 6.5% tariff.
The shipping costs can add $12 to $15 on top of the price, almost doubling the total cost.
U.S. customers receiving these yarn shipments are surprised by the extra costs they now have to pay.
British Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a new budget, including significant tax increases to raise funds for government finances by 2030. The budget plans to freeze income tax thresholds, meaning more people will pay higher taxes as their earnings grow with inflation. Despite breaking a previous promise not to raise taxes, Reeves claims these measures will help reduce government borrowing and avoid austerity.
Key Facts
The UK budget features tax hikes projected to raise 26.1 billion pounds ($34.4bn) by 2030.
The tax increase involves freezing income tax thresholds, affecting many as their incomes rise.
The move will bring 780,000 new people into paying basic-rate income tax by 2029-2030.
An error occurred when the UK's economic outlook was released before the official budget announcement.
Government borrowing will decrease each year, aiming for a budget surplus by 2030.
The budget promises no return to austerity and continues investment in public services like the National Health Service.
The U.S. economy is performing well in 2025, with key indicators showing positive trends despite earlier warnings of potential issues. Unemployment rates remain low, AI investment is increasing, financial markets are strong, and middle-income households are earning more than before.
Key Facts
The U.S. unemployment rate has stayed below 4.5% for almost four years.
Investment in artificial intelligence is growing, with the U.S. leading globally in AI spending.
The stock market is close to record highs, with a 16% increase this year.
The average 401(k) retirement fund balance increased by 9% in the third quarter from the previous year.
Middle-income households in the U.S. are seeing higher real income, with median income reaching new highs.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports a median household income of $83,730 for last year, with continued growth expected in 2025.
