UnitedHealthcare is negotiating with SSM Health and TriHealth about contracts that are ending soon. These negotiations are focused on payment rates and may affect the cost of healthcare for patients. If they don't reach a deal by the end of the year, patients using UnitedHealthcare may not be able to use SSM Health and TriHealth facilities at in-network costs.
Key Facts
UnitedHealthcare is in contract talks with SSM Health and TriHealth.
SSM Health operates in Missouri and Illinois, and TriHealth is based in Cincinnati.
The negotiations are about reimbursement rates, which decides how much the insurer pays to the health systems.
If no agreement is reached by December 31, 2025, certain UnitedHealthcare customers could face higher costs to use these health systems.
SSM Health says it's aiming for a fair agreement to maintain patient care quality and access.
UnitedHealthcare claims SSM Health wants a 14% price increase over two years.
Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare are not affected by these talks.
UnitedHealthcare asserts that the health system is more expensive than others, impacting costs for taxpayers.
The UK government plans to expand the Help to Save scheme, a savings program for people on low incomes, and make it permanent. An additional 1.5 million people will be eligible from 2028, and the expansion will be announced in the upcoming Budget. At the same time, the government is expected to reduce the annual tax-free savings limit for cash Individual Savings Accounts (Isas).
Key Facts
The Help to Save scheme is for people on low incomes, and offers a 50p bonus for every £1 saved.
About 3 million people on universal credit are currently eligible for the scheme.
The scheme will expand to include an extra 1.5 million parents and carers from 2028.
The Help to Save scheme will become a permanent program, announced in the Budget.
Up to £50 a month can be saved in the scheme, with bonuses paid after two and four years.
The cash Isa annual allowance may be reduced from £20,000 to £12,000.
The Treasury hopes that lowering the Isa limit will encourage more people to invest.
Critics are concerned that the change could complicate savings and affect the Isa brand.
Foot Locker is closing some of its stores after being acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods for $2.4 billion. This is part of Dick's plan to simplify inventory and close stores that are not performing well. The move aims to improve Foot Locker's business success by 2026.
Key Facts
Foot Locker was bought by Dick's Sporting Goods in September for $2.4 billion.
Dick's is closing Foot Locker stores that are not performing well.
Store closures are part of cleaning up inventory and improving profits.
Foot Locker's fourth-quarter profits are expected to be negative.
Dick's increased its 2025 sales growth forecast to 3.5% - 4%.
Earnings per share for Dick's are expected to rise to between $14.25 and $14.55.
Foot Locker is undergoing changes to boost success by 2026.
The retail industry is facing challenges as consumers spend less and brands sell directly to customers.
The United Kingdom is preparing to announce its 2025 budget amid financial challenges and public dissatisfaction. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces difficult choices to fix public finances while keeping promises to avoid new tax increases. Economists describe her position as an "impossible trilemma" due to limited room for budget adjustments.
Key Facts
The UK is revealing its 2025 budget against financial troubles and public discontent.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves must balance public finances without raising major taxes.
The UK's economy has grown slowly, with GDP increasing only 1.7% from late 2019 to early 2024, which is slow compared to other major economies.
UK borrowing costs have reached their highest level in 30 years.
In October, the UK borrowed £17.4 billion to cover its expenses.
Reeves aims to balance day-to-day spending and reduce national debt by 2029-30 without new major tax increases.
In the previous budget, Reeves introduced significant tax hikes, raising £40 billion.
Economists estimate that Reeves will need to find £41.2 billion more to meet her financial targets.
The Motability scheme in the UK will no longer offer premium cars like BMW and Mercedes to people with disabilities. The scheme aims to support the economy by using more British-made cars, with a goal of 50% British-built cars by 2035. The decision addresses concerns about the rising costs of the scheme and its provision of high-end vehicles subsidized by taxpayers.
Key Facts
The Motability scheme helps people with disabilities lease cars at reduced costs.
Premium brands like BMW and Mercedes are no longer available through the scheme.
Motability wants half of its cars to be British-built by 2035.
The change aims to support skilled jobs and boost the economy.
About 860,000 people currently have a Motability car, with 50,000 being high-end models.
Critics say that leasing premium cars through the scheme should not be taxpayer-subsidized.
The scheme plans to focus on vehicles that are safe, reliable, and affordable for disabled people.
Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Lexus are removed from the Motability options.
Tests found that ByHeart baby formula may be contaminated with bacteria linked to botulism. This outbreak has made many babies sick, leading to a nationwide recall of the formula. Parents are advised to stop using the formula and watch for symptoms in their children.
Key Facts
Tests showed that ByHeart formula might have a type of bacteria that causes botulism.
Five out of 36 samples tested positive for the bacteria.
At least 31 babies fell ill after using this formula in 15 states.
The bacteria, Clostridium botulinum type A, can cause a rare but serious illness.
ByHeart recalled its baby formula on November 11, but some still remain on shelves.
Symptoms of infant botulism include feeding difficulties and muscle weakness.
Health officials treated at least 107 babies with a specific medication for botulism since August.
Consumers can get a full refund if they bought the formula after August 1 directly from the company.
Walmart is using automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, which has helped their recent financial success. This technology is also causing changes in the U.S. workforce, including job cuts in various companies, though Walmart expects the number of its employees to stay about the same over the next three years. Walmart plans to use AI in many areas like software development and supply chain management to enhance their operations.
Key Facts
Walmart reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue, partly due to automation.
Over half of Walmart’s order volume from fulfillment centers now comes from automation.
Walmart expects its global staff numbers to remain around 2.1 million in the next three years.
Walmart is using AI in many areas, including software development and logistics.
U.S. employers announced over 153,000 job cuts in October 2025, a large increase from the previous year.
The use of AI and automation has contributed to significant job cuts by companies like Amazon and Chegg.
Walmart aims to prepare its employees for a changing work environment due to technological advancements.
AI is driving efficiency and cost management at Walmart, according to their CFO.
The UK government announced that from 2028, certain milkshakes and lattes with high sugar content will have an extra tax. This tax, initially for fizzy drinks, aims to reduce sugar consumption and will not affect drinks made fresh in cafes.
Key Facts
The UK will extend a sugar tax to include pre-packaged milkshakes and lattes in 2028.
The sugar tax was first applied to fizzy drinks in 2018.
Products affected include those in cans, cartons, which are high in sugar.
Drinks prepared fresh in cafes or coffee shops are not taxed.
The sugar threshold for the tax will lower from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml.
A "lactose allowance" will exclude naturally occurring milk sugars from the tax calculation.
Drinks with plant-based milk will be taxed if they have 4.5g or more sugars per 100ml.
Politicians have criticized the tax as government overreach, but officials say it's for public health benefits.
Meghan Markle's lifestyle business, As Ever, has seen an increase in sales ahead of Thanksgiving. The business, which faced early supply chain issues, appears to have stabilized and is using promotions to attract customers.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle launched a lifestyle business called As Ever in April, tied to her Netflix cooking show.
As Ever initially sold items like jams and honey but has expanded to include wine, teas, and candles.
The business experienced early supply chain issues, causing products to sell out quickly.
These supply chain problems have eased, allowing more consistent product availability.
Sales have increased as Thanksgiving approaches, with discounts and promotions encouraging purchases.
A 20% discount and free shipping on wine are part of the current promotional efforts.
This boost in sales comes as Meghan prepares to release a holiday special of her cooking show on December 3.
Ambriola Company has issued a Class I recall, which is the highest risk level, for certain Boar's Head cheeses due to possible Listeria contamination. Boar's Head has removed these products from Kroger stores in Kentucky and Indiana. No illnesses have been reported related to this recall so far.
Key Facts
Ambriola Company issued a Class I recall for some cheese products due to possible Listeria contamination.
Boar's Head withdrew Pecorino Romano cheeses from Kroger stores in Kentucky and Indiana as a precaution.
Listeria bacteria can cause serious illness in vulnerable people like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems.
The recall affects products sold in clear plastic containers and includes grated Pecorino Romano Cheese.
Boar's Head also decided to withdraw all Ambriola-produced products, even those not officially recalled.
No illnesses or consumer complaints have been reported related to this recall.
Consumers are advised to discard or return the recalled items and can contact Ambriola or Boar’s Head for more information.
Boar's Head had a similar recall last year due to a listeria outbreak that caused deaths and illnesses.
Coca-Cola plans to bring back its discontinued Diet Cherry Coke in 2026, aiming to make it a permanent item. This follows its temporary sale in the U.K. in retro packaging. Coca-Cola often revives flavors due to strong consumer demand and nostalgia.
Key Facts
Diet Cherry Coke, first released in 1986, is set to return in 2026.
The flavor will be available in 20-ounce bottles and cans.
Coca-Cola aims to reinstate it permanently, not just as a temporary item.
This move follows its recent limited-time sale in the U.K.
Coca-Cola has a history of reviving discontinued products, like Surge.
The return of discontinued flavors often results from consumer demand.
Coca-Cola's CEO highlighted ongoing economic challenges but noted business growth.
Spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday is expected to decrease for the first time in four years due to inflation and money concerns. A survey by Deloitte shows that shoppers plan to spend less during this period, with significant cutbacks expected from both low and high-income groups. Many consumers plan to use financing options like buy now, pay later, to help with their purchases.
Key Facts
Black Friday spending is projected to fall by 4.3% compared to 2024.
The survey by Deloitte includes responses from 1,200 Americans.
82% of consumers plan to shop during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday period, up from 79% in 2024.
Shoppers are cutting back due to higher living costs and tighter finances.
Both low-income (less than $50,000) and high-income ($200,000 or more) groups plan to reduce spending by 12% and 18% respectively.
Middle-income earners ($100,000 to $199,000) plan to spend about 5% more.
64% of shoppers plan to use financing options, like "buy now, pay later," to help with their purchases.
Retail sales increased by 0.2% in September, but growth is mainly due to spending by higher-income shoppers.
Black Friday deals can be tricky because some prices might not be real discounts. It's important for shoppers to check prices in advance and use tools to verify if a discount is genuine. This year, shoppers are advised to act fast and keep receipts in case prices drop further.
Key Facts
Black Friday now spans several weeks, not just one day.
A study found that most products were as cheap or cheaper outside the Black Friday period.
Some retailers increase prices before Black Friday to make discounts look better.
Tools like PriceRunner can help check if a discount is real.
Buying early may be better as the exact product might run out later.
Retailers might refund the difference if prices decrease, but always keep your receipt.
Discounts apply to everyday items, not just expensive items.
Shoppers should be careful of scams and verify websites before purchasing.
A group of organizations has started a movement called the Mass Blackout to encourage people not to spend money in the economy from November 25 to December 2. This period includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday, traditionally busy shopping days. The goal is to protest corporate power, political corruption, and President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
The Mass Blackout initiates a week-long economic protest from November 25 to December 2.
The movement discourages shopping, working, streaming, and digital purchases.
People are urged to support only small, local businesses during this time.
Small Business Saturday (November 29) is excluded from the protest.
The campaign protests corporate influence and government decisions.
Organizers state that participants should choose a form of protest that suits their abilities.
The movement aims to show the power of people over corporate influence.
The movie "Wicked: For Good" had a very successful opening weekend, earning $150 million in the U.S. and Canada and $226 million worldwide. This success came during a time when the movie market was slow, and it marked the biggest debut ever for a Broadway adaptation. The film's popularity demonstrated a significant audience interest in big-screen events, especially among women and families.
Key Facts
"Wicked: For Good" opened to $150 million in the U.S. and Canada and $226 million globally.
It sold approximately two million more tickets on opening weekend compared to last year's "Wicked."
The movie received an "A" grade from CinemaScore and a 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Women made up roughly 71% of the opening-weekend audience according to exit polls.
The film set a November record by earning $15.5 million from IMAX showings in the U.S.
October was a weak month for the domestic box office, but "Wicked: For Good" revived interest.
Jimmy John's has added a new dessert, the Holiday Magic Cookie, to its menu for a limited time. The cookie includes sugar, M&M's, and sprinkles and is part of a promotion for National Cookie Day on December 4. This seasonal offering aims to attract more customers during the holiday season.
Key Facts
Jimmy John's introduced a new dessert called the Holiday Magic Cookie.
The cookie features a sugar cookie base with red and green M&M's and sprinkles.
It is available starting November 24 and will be offered for a limited time.
The launch coincides with preparations for National Cookie Day on December 4.
The new item aims to increase customer interest and foot traffic, especially during the holiday season.
Seasonal menu additions are a common strategy for restaurants to draw in customers.
The Holiday Magic Cookie is different from other cookies already offered by Jimmy John's.
McDonald's will release a special Disney-themed Happy Meal in the U.S. starting December 2 to celebrate Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary. The meals include collectible toys featuring characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Fans can also use a QR code for an interactive digital experience related to Disneyland Park.
Key Facts
McDonald's is launching a limited-time Disney-themed Happy Meal in the U.S.
The promotion celebrates Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary.
Each Happy Meal will contain two collectible toys, with a total of 70 toys available.
The toys feature characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
There are 35 pairings of these 70 toys, targeting collectors and Disney fans.
A QR code included with the meal allows users to explore parts of Disneyland Park online.
The Happy Meals are available while supplies last, with high demand expected.
Home insurance costs are expected to rise by 8% in both 2026 and 2027. Factors like increased construction costs, high-risk housing stock, and population growth in disaster-prone areas contribute to this trend. Rising premiums could impact housing market stability and buyers' purchasing power.
Key Facts
Home insurance costs are predicted to increase by 8% in 2026 and again by 8% in 2027.
Some states have seen insurance premiums rise by 40% to 70% recently.
Home insurance now makes up 9% of the average U.S. homeowner's costs, the highest on record.
Higher construction and material costs, including a 10% yearly rise in aluminum, contribute to premium increases.
12% of U.S. housing is at high risk of disasters like wildfires and storms, with reconstruction costs of $4.3 trillion.
Population shifts to high-risk areas, like Florida and Georgia, add pressure to insurance costs.
Rising premiums could reduce Americans' purchasing power and affect the housing market negatively.
In September, U.S. retail sales rose by 0.2%, as consumers reduced spending following a period of increased purchases during the summer. Despite high prices and a slight rise in unemployment, higher-income consumers continue to drive spending, while economic reports are delayed due to a government shutdown.
Key Facts
U.S. retail and restaurant sales increased by 0.2% in September.
The sales report was delayed due to a government shutdown.
Over the summer, sales had risen by 0.6% in July and August, and 1% in June.
The U.S. unemployment rate slightly rose to 4.4% in September.
Higher-income consumers are driving sales, while lower-income consumers focus on essentials.
The National Retail Federation projects holiday sales to exceed $1 trillion this year.
Wholesale prices increased by 0.3% from August to September.
Wage growth was 3.8% in September, just above the 3% inflation rate.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to lower the tax-free savings limit for cash Individual Savings Accounts (Isas) from £20,000 to £12,000. This change aims to encourage more investments in stocks and shares. Isas are tax-advantaged savings or investment accounts available in the UK.
Key Facts
An Isa is a type of savings or investment account that offers tax benefits.
Currently, the tax-free savings limit for Isas is £20,000 per year.
The proposed change would reduce this limit to £12,000 for cash Isas.
Cash Isas function like regular savings accounts but have the benefit of tax-free interest.
Stocks and shares Isas involve investing money in stocks or other funds, with potential tax-free returns.
Other types of Isas include Junior Isas, Lifetime Isas, and Innovative Finance Isas.
The government's goal is to boost investment in the UK economy through these changes.
New advertising strategies may encourage people to invest rather than keep money in low-interest accounts.
