Rising methane emissions are a concern for the U.S. oil and gas industry. A report warns that not controlling methane leaks could affect trade and profits as countries adopt stricter import rules. President Trump has stopped regulations that would have imposed fees on methane emissions.
Key Facts
Methane emissions are increasing, posing a challenge for the oil and gas sector.
Methane controls can significantly reduce emissions at a relatively low cost, impacting only 2% of the sector's annual earnings.
Over 70% of possible emission reductions can come from the oil and gas industry.
The European Union and other countries are creating import rules that charge for greenhouse gas emissions.
U.S. companies need to show their emissions levels to meet global trade standards for natural gas.
President Trump has blocked new regulations and fees designed to control methane leaks.
Industry group API states that methane emissions from land-based production have fallen by 42% from 2015 to 2023.
The oil and gas industry contributed about $239 million to Republican causes in the 2024 election cycle.
The article explains what biologics and biosimilars are, focusing on their cost and the Trump administration's efforts to make them more affordable. Biologics are complex drugs made from living organisms and are expensive, while biosimilars are nearly identical alternatives designed to increase market competition and reduce prices.
Key Facts
Biologics are drugs made from living organisms and include treatments like Humira and Trulicity.
In 2024, biologics made up 5% of U.S. prescriptions but over half of the total spending on prescription drugs.
Biosimilars are similar versions of biologics, created after the original drug's patent expires.
Approval of biosimilars by the FDA typically takes 5 to 6 years and involves ensuring no significant differences from the original biologic.
Biosimilars increase competition in the market, potentially lowering prices of brand-name biologics.
Biologics and biosimilars are costly, with average annual costs ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for U.S. patients.
Biosimilars can be 15% to 35% cheaper than the original biologics they mimic.
The current economic situation resembles the one in 2000, with strong GDP growth but a weakening job market. In 2001, GDP growth stayed solid despite a technology investment slump and a short recession. The job market took longer to recover as companies began using technology to improve productivity, which led to fewer jobs.
Key Facts
The current economy is similar to the year 2000, with a strong stock market and GDP growth but a weakening job market.
In 2001, despite a minor recession, GDP grew slightly and returned to strong growth the following year.
The 2001 recession was driven by a decline in investment in telecommunications equipment.
Consumer spending continued to grow every quarter during the early 2000s, helped by tax and interest rate cuts.
Although GDP bounced back quickly, job recovery was slow, with significant job losses in 2001 and 2002.
By the end of 2003, total employment was still lower than at the end of 1999, though economic output increased by 10%.
High productivity growth was achieved through technology investments, outsourcing, and globalization, leading to fewer jobs needed.
A significant economic shift might not necessarily lead to a severe recession, but it could lead to difficult adjustments for workers.
Olive Garden has stopped offering its "Never-Ending Pasta Bowl" deal. This was a temporary offer meant to attract more customers, and it ended on November 16. The deal allowed diners to enjoy unlimited pasta combinations at a set price.
Key Facts
Olive Garden ended its "Never-Ending Pasta Bowl" offer on November 16.
The promotion included unlimited pasta, soup or salad, and breadsticks for $13.99.
Diners could choose from several pasta types and sauces, with optional toppings for an extra cost.
The deal aimed to increase restaurant visits during economically uncertain times.
This promotion returned for several years and ended as a limited-time offer.
Olive Garden announced the end of the deal on Facebook.
Promotions like this help restaurants attract more customers temporarily.
The Dutch government temporarily stopped its intervention with Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker in the Netherlands, after talks with China. Initially, the Netherlands acted due to concerns about governance issues and semiconductor supply security. The decision aims to reduce tensions between the EU and China.
Key Facts
The Dutch government paused its intervention in Nexperia after discussions with China.
Initial concerns included governance issues and semiconductor supply security.
China blocked Nexperia's chip exports in response to Dutch actions.
Nexperia is important for supplying chips to the car industry.
The Dutch move seeks to ease EU-China tensions over trade and geopolitical issues.
A Dutch court removed Nexperia’s ex-CEO over alleged mismanagement.
The US government listed Wingtech, Nexperia's parent company, as a national security concern.
Nexperia sold a UK chip plant due to security concerns but still holds another UK facility.
The television show "The Real Housewives" has helped its stars start and grow business ventures. These ventures boost local economies and gain loyal customers from the show's fans. Many stars, including Kathy Hilton, use the show as a business platform.
Key Facts
"The Real Housewives" TV show started in 2006 and features women from 31 different locations.
Stars from the show have used their fame to successfully promote their businesses.
Kathy Hilton, a cast member, highlighted fan loyalty as key to business success.
Hilton used her TV platform to promote a jewelry line with sustainable materials.
Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Kathy's daughter, launched her jewelry line at a major fan event.
Lisa Vanderpump expanded her TV presence with a spinoff show from her restaurant.
Vanderpump's spinoff, "Vanderpump Rules," became successful and attracts fans to her restaurant.
The show inspires cast members to not only grow their own businesses but also encourage others.
Retailers in England and Wales say it takes too long to bring shoplifters to justice. The average time for shoplifting cases to be resolved in magistrates' courts has increased from 32 days in 2014 to 59 days in 2024. Some retailers feel this delay discourages them from reporting crimes.
Key Facts
Retailers are unhappy with the time taken to punish shoplifters.
The average time for dealing with shoplifting cases in courts has risen by over 80% in 10 years.
A thief who stole £2,000 in goods waited 10 months for sentencing.
Retailers like Andrew Goodacre say delays reduce trust in the justice system.
Some store owners, like Fiona Malone, caught thieves quickly but still faced long waits for court action.
Tom Hirst, a head of security, says the system is too lenient on shoplifters.
The delays are causing some retailers to stop reporting theft altogether.
A portrait by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt sold for $236.4 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York, setting a new record for modern art prices. The painting, "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer," played a key role in helping its Jewish subject survive during the Holocaust. The sale surpassed the previous record held by an Andy Warhol piece, with several other notable pieces, including a gold toilet sculpture, also auctioned.
Key Facts
Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" sold for $236.4 million.
This sale set a new record for a piece of modern art.
The portrait helped the Jewish subject survive Nazi persecution during WWII.
The painting was part of billionaire Leonard A. Lauder's art collection.
The auction included other famous art pieces by van Gogh, Matisse, and Munch.
A solid gold toilet, created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, also sold for $12.1 million.
The Klimt sale surpassed a previous modern art record set by an Andy Warhol painting.
Sotheby's did not disclose the buyer of Klimt's portrait.
Inflation in the UK has slowed to 3.6%, which means prices are still increasing but at a slower rate. This change might lead to lower interest rates for mortgages, providing relief to homeowners. However, food prices continue to rise, making grocery shopping more expensive for consumers.
Key Facts
The UK inflation rate has decreased to 3.6%, meaning prices are rising more slowly.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports inflation rates monthly.
Food prices, including items like fish, vegetables, and chocolate, have increased, while fruit prices have slightly decreased.
The Bank of England may reduce interest rates to get closer to its target inflation rate of 2%.
Major lenders are already lowering mortgage rates—average rates for new two-year fixed deals have dropped to 4.88%.
First-time buyers are seeing some of the lowest mortgage rates in years if they have a small deposit.
Borrowing costs might drop because lenders expect a slow housing market during the Christmas season.
Despite lower borrowing costs, savings rates are not increasing due to limited competition among lenders.
Target has updated its return policy to allow more time for holiday returns. Purchases made between November 1 and December 24 can be returned until January 24, except for Apple and Beats products and mobile phones, which have earlier return deadlines.
Key Facts
Target's new return policy applies to items bought from November 1 to December 24.
Shoppers can return most purchases until January 24.
Apple and Beats products, as well as mobile phones, have a return deadline of January 9.
This change aligns Target with other major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, which have also extended their return periods.
Walmart allows returns until January 31 for items bought from October 1 to December 31, with some restrictions on electronics.
The move is part of a trend where retailers extend return windows to enhance customer satisfaction during holidays.
Easy and flexible return policies are seen as a competitive advantage in the retail market.
The U.S. government and California are in a legal dispute over $4 billion in federal funds for a high-speed rail project. The U.S. seeks to reclaim the funds, arguing California missed certain project terms, while California contends the court has authority over the grant and argues the funding is vital for the state. The decision from the court is pending.
Key Facts
The U.S. government wants to reclaim $4 billion in funds given to California's high-speed rail project.
This dispute is between California and the federal government under President Donald Trump.
The high-speed rail project has faced issues like missed deadlines and higher costs.
California argues that the funds help the public and should not be revoked.
The legal disagreement is about whether a district court or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims should handle these types of cases.
An interim agreement currently holds the $4 billion in a legal trust until the court decision.
The proposed rail would connect major cities in California over a 494-mile route.
The next legal steps involve both sides preparing and filing detailed legal motions.
Shake Shack, a U.S. fast-food chain, has introduced three new holiday-themed shakes: Peppermint Bark Chocolate Shake, Christmas Cookie Shake, and Sticky Toffee Pudding Shake. These shakes are available nationwide for a limited time during the holiday season.
Key Facts
Shake Shack has launched three seasonal shakes for the holiday season.
The new flavors are Peppermint Bark Chocolate, Christmas Cookie, and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
The Peppermint Bark Chocolate Shake includes chocolate custard and white chocolate peppermint bark.
The Christmas Cookie Shake is a returning favorite with sugar cookie custard and festive sprinkles.
The Sticky Toffee Pudding Shake blends sticky toffee cake with vanilla custard and toffee sauce.
All three shakes are available at all 371 Shake Shack locations in the U.S.
The holiday shakes are available for a limited time, but an end date is not yet specified.
Honda has bought carbon credits from farmers in the United States to help offset its carbon emissions. This is part of Honda’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2050 and aids farmers by supporting sustainable farming practices. The project involves 150 farmers working on 214,000 acres across several states.
Key Facts
Honda purchased carbon credits to offset 1,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
The credits help farmers increase profits and improve soil health.
Honda aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The project involves 150 farmers in Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina.
Farmers generate carbon credits by using sustainable farming techniques.
Soil carbon credits are certified and tradable under a cap and trade system.
Honda estimates that these farming practices saved 69,000 gallons of water per metric ton of carbon removed.
All credits are verified by Aster Global Environmental Solutions and issued by the Climate Action Reserve.
Newsweek's "New & Noteworthy" feature highlights new consumer products in various categories, including beauty, household items, and food and beverages. The article introduces innovations such as NIVEA's men's serum, Whirlpool's dishwasher, and Pampers diapers for active babies. It aims to help readers find the latest product trends and innovations.
Key Facts
Newsweek's "New & Noteworthy" helps consumers find new products each week.
NIVEA launched a men's anti-aging serum to reduce signs of aging.
Whirlpool introduced a new dishwasher featuring a convenient lower rack.
Lactéol released a postbiotic for children's digestive health.
Pampers created diapers with a 360-degree waistband for active babies.
STōK offers decaf cold brew coffee for those who want the taste without caffeine.
Products featured cover a range of categories like beauty, household, and children's health.
A painting by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt sold for $236.4 million at an auction in New York, becoming the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. The painting, "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer," had a history involving Nazi looting and was once part of the collection of Leonard A. Lauder.
Key Facts
The painting "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" sold for $236.4 million in New York.
It is the second most expensive artwork sold at auction, after Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi."
Six people bid on the painting, with the auction lasting 20 minutes.
The artwork was almost destroyed in a fire during World War Two after being looted by the Nazis.
The painting was returned to Erich Lederer, Elisabeth Lederer's brother, in 1948.
Leonard A. Lauder, an Estée Lauder heir, purchased the painting for his private collection in 1985.
Other Klimt paintings were also auctioned, selling for $60 million to $80 million each.
The buyer of the Klimt painting was not disclosed by Sotheby's.
Many restaurants across the U.S., including some large chains, are closing or planning to close in 2025. This occurs even though the fast-casual restaurant market is expected to grow significantly. Restaurants like Hooters and On The Border have filed for bankruptcy and are shutting down multiple locations.
Key Facts
Restaurants in the U.S. are closing, including chains like Hooters and Wendy’s.
The fast-casual restaurant market is expected to grow from 2025 to 2029, adding $84.5 billion in revenue.
In January 2025, restaurant sales reached $98.6 billion, up 5.4% from the previous year.
These closures impact jobs and communities that rely on these businesses.
Hooters has filed for bankruptcy and closed at least 30 locations in 2025.
On The Border Mexican Grill entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed 77 locations.
Wendy’s plans to close a “mid-single-digit percentage” of its U.S. stores, approximately 300 locations, starting late 2025.
Other chains like Jack in the Box and Abuelo’s have also announced closures.
The launch of a new £7 billion railway line called East West Rail may be delayed due to a disagreement over who should control train doors. Chiltern Railways and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are in a standoff about whether train drivers or guards should operate the doors. The plan was for passenger trains to start by the end of December, but there is now no set timeline.
Key Facts
A new railway line, East West Rail, is a £7 billion project.
Chiltern Railways and the RMT union are disputing who should control train doors.
The RMT union opposes the idea of driver-only operations (DOO) for door control.
Passenger service was supposed to start between Oxford and Milton Keynes by the end of December.
The first phase of East West Rail was completed in December 2024.
The line is expected to extend to Cambridgeshire by the 2030s.
Chiltern Railways plans to create nearly 100 new jobs with this project.
A report from the National Audit Office in December 2023 valued the investment at £6-7 billion.
A U.S. court blocked an increase in fees for the EB-5 investor visa program, which helps foreign investors get green cards by investing in U.S. projects that create jobs. This court decision means that the fees will return to their lower, earlier amounts, making it cheaper for investors seeking green cards.
Key Facts
A court ruling stopped fee increases for the EB-5 investor visa program.
The EB-5 program lets foreign investors obtain green cards by creating jobs in the U.S.
A new rule aimed to raise the fees starting April 1, 2024, but the court reversed this change.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado issued the decision.
Fees for forms like Form I-526 will now revert to the old rate, such as dropping from $11,160 to $3,675.
Applicants must pay the reduced rates for forms sent after November 26, 2025, or they risk having their petitions rejected.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS disagree with the court but are following the decision.
There is a possibility of an appeal or new rules in the future.
Larry Summers has resigned from the OpenAI board following the release of emails showing his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This has led to bipartisan calls for organizations to cut ties with him. Meanwhile, a House bill to release Epstein case files passed with strong support and is now heading to the Senate.
Key Facts
Larry Summers confirmed his resignation from OpenAI's board due to scrutiny over emails about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The OpenAI board thanked Summers for his work and perspective after he stepped down.
A House panel released years of emails between Summers and Epstein, which included personal exchanges.
Lawmakers from both parties are urging institutions to end their associations with Summers.
The Senate has passed a bill unanimously, which demands the Justice Department release Epstein's case files.
The House passed this bill with a 427-1 vote, marking a political setback for President Trump.
Representative Ro Khanna co-sponsored the bill and played a key role in its passage.
The Epstein files bill is expected to proceed to President Trump's desk for signing.
The UK's inflation rate decreased to 3.6% in the year leading up to October. This marks the lowest rate in four months, influenced by smaller increases in gas and electricity prices compared to the previous year.
Key Facts
UK's inflation rate was 3.6% in October.
This is the lowest rate in four months.
Gas and electricity prices did not rise as much as they did last year.
Hotel costs also contributed to the lower inflation rate.
Food prices increased after they had dropped in September.
Inflation was at 3.6% in June before it rose to 3.8% and then fell back down in October.
Lower inflation may lead to reduced interest rates in the future.
