Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is recalling some of its Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars because they might contain soy and wheat not listed on the packaging. The recall is nationwide, but no illnesses have been reported. Customers can return the bars to stores for a refund.
Key Facts
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is recalling Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars.
The recall is due to undeclared soy and wheat in the ice cream bars.
The problem happened when a topping with soy and wheat was accidentally added during production.
The recalled products have a specific lot code: 25-210.
The affected ice cream bars were distributed across the United States.
No injuries or illnesses related to the product have been reported.
Customers can return the ice cream bars to the store for a refund.
Contact information for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is available for any questions.
Thames Water, a major UK water utility, is in financial trouble and heavily in debt. A group of lenders has proposed a rescue plan, but other bidders are upset they were not included in talks. If the company does not receive help soon, it may go into government control.
Key Facts
Thames Water is struggling financially with nearly £20 billion in debt.
The current rescue plan involves writing off 25% of the debt and adding over £4 billion in new funds.
The plan requires leniency from regulators to avoid fines for pollution incidents.
Other bidders, such as CKI Holdings and Castle Water, were not allowed to participate in creating the rescue plan.
If the plan goes through, consumers might see their bills go up by nearly 20% over five years.
CKI Holdings already owns other utilities and wants to participate, but there are concerns about national security due to its ties to China.
Castle Water is willing to invest more money upfront to improve the utility's infrastructure and performance.
Nexus Health Systems appointed Erin Cassidy as the new CEO. Cassidy, who joined the organization in 2008, has played a key role in expanding its facilities in Texas and promoting integrated care for complex medical needs.
Key Facts
Erin Cassidy is the new CEO of Nexus Health Systems.
Cassidy has been with Nexus Health since 2008 and held various leadership roles.
She previously served as CEO/Administrator of Nexus Specialty Hospital in Shenandoah, Texas.
Under Cassidy's leadership, Nexus expanded its facilities to Dallas and San Antonio.
Nexus Health focuses on integrated care for patients with medical, behavioral, and psychiatric needs.
The organization offers care for conditions like autism, neurological injuries, and other complex diagnoses.
Cassidy emphasizes the importance of collaboration and trust in healthcare.
Nexus Health notes a rising demand for specialized treatment, especially in underserved states.
Disney secured a legal advantage when the law firm Morgan & Morgan withdrew its lawsuit about the use of early Mickey Mouse imagery from "Steamboat Willie" in ads. This withdrawal allows Disney to still use trademark laws to challenge uses of this early Mickey Mouse image even though the original work is now public domain.
Key Facts
Disney achieved a legal win when Morgan & Morgan dropped their lawsuit about early Mickey Mouse imagery.
The original cartoon, "Steamboat Willie," entered the public domain in 2024.
Morgan & Morgan wanted to use the cartoon's imagery in a commercial and sought a court ruling to avoid trademark issues.
Disney did not provide clarity on whether they would take legal action, leading the law firm to file a lawsuit for a ruling.
The case was dismissed without explanation, leaving open the possibility for it to be filed again.
Disney said that they remain focused on protecting Mickey Mouse as a trademark, which helps prevent unauthorized uses.
Trademark protections do not expire if they remain in commercial use, giving Disney ongoing legal options.
A report from Zillow shows that more than half of homes in the United States are losing value. As of this year, over 53% of U.S. homes have decreased in value compared to the previous year, with Austin, Texas experiencing the largest drop.
Key Facts
Zillow reports that 53% of U.S. homes have decreased in value compared to last year.
The average home value decline nationwide is 9.7% from their peak prices.
Austin, Texas has the highest decline at 20.5%, followed by New Orleans (15.9%), San Francisco (14.8%), and Pittsburgh (13.2%).
Many areas that saw a price drop had strong demand during the pandemic, like Denver and Sacramento.
Despite value declines, home values are up 67% on average since their last sale.
In October, only 4.1% of homes were valued lower than their last sale price.
Experts note that there is still significant home equity for most homeowners.
Easing mortgage rates may help stabilize the housing market.
The UK government is introducing new rules to stop people from reselling event tickets for much higher prices than they originally cost. These rules aim to make tickets more affordable and to prevent "ticket touting," where people buy many tickets and sell them at high prices. The rules will apply to concerts, sports, theater, and other live events.
Key Facts
It will be illegal to resell tickets above their original cost.
Service charges on resale tickets will have limits.
Resale platforms must enforce these rules and can be fined if they don't.
People cannot sell more tickets than they were allowed to buy in the first sale.
The new rules will cover concerts, sports, theater, and more.
The government aims to lower ticket prices, saving fans an average of £37 per ticket.
Some in the ticket industry worry this could push reselling to less secure platforms.
Businesses breaking the rules could face fines up to 10% of their global sales.
Carter's, a large baby clothing store in the United States, is running a "Buy 1, Get 2 Free" promotion on children’s jeans. The store is also having Black Friday sales with discounts up to 60% and free shipping until December 2. Despite plans to close some stores, Carter's states that customers can still shop online or at other locations.
Key Facts
Carter's is offering a "Buy 1, Get 2 Free" deal on 63 different pairs of children's jeans.
Jeans sizes range from 6 months to a kids' size 14.
The promotion includes Black Friday sales with discounts up to 60% on nearly 5,000 items.
Customers can receive free shipping on orders until December 2.
A $20 bonus card is available with $100 online purchases if using the code "BONUS20" from November 18-20.
Carter's plans to close 15 stores over the next three years but will maintain business through other locations and online.
No specific end date is set for the "Buy 1, Get 2 Free" promotion.
KFC is adding new and seasonal items to its menu for Thanksgiving, including a chicken-based option called the Extra Crispy Festive Feast. The feast offers an alternative to traditional turkey meals and is available nationwide. KFC is also bringing back its Personal Pot Pie and offering themed merchandise.
Key Facts
KFC launched the Extra Crispy Festive Feast nationwide on November 17.
The meal targets people who prefer not to eat turkey for Thanksgiving.
It includes eight pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and three types of gravy.
The price for the Festive Feast is $25.
KFC reintroduced the Personal Pot Pie for $4.99.
Marketing for the new menu highlights "Cluck Turkey," encouraging people to choose chicken.
KFC is selling matching pajamas, festive wrapping paper, and gift cards in stores.
These items are available at participating locations for a limited time.
Walmart has updated its holiday return policy, allowing items bought between October 1 and December 31 to be returned until January 31. This change provides customers more flexibility during the holiday season, as people often buy gifts that may not be opened until Christmas or later.
Key Facts
Walmart's new holiday return policy applies to items bought from October 1 to December 31.
Customers can return these purchases until January 31, giving extra time beyond the usual 90-day return period.
The policy covers in-store and online purchases directly from Walmart or Walmart.com, not third-party sellers.
Consumer electronics must be returned within 30 days and wireless phones within 14 days.
Walmart's policy change aims to compete with other retailers like Amazon, potentially attracting more holiday shoppers.
Items sold by Walmart's Marketplace third-party sellers may have different return rules.
A federal judge approved Purdue Pharma's plan to settle lawsuits related to the opioid crisis, agreeing that the Sackler family will pay up to $7 billion over 15 years. Most of this money will go to governments and individuals affected by the crisis. The settlement allows future lawsuits against the Sacklers if people or groups choose not to join the settlement.
Key Facts
A federal judge approved a settlement plan for Purdue Pharma regarding opioid lawsuits.
The Sackler family, owners of Purdue, agreed to contribute up to $7 billion over 15 years.
Most of the funds will go to government entities to help fight the opioid crisis.
$850 million of the settlement is earmarked for individual victims, including children born with opioid withdrawal.
Purdue Pharma will be replaced by a new company, Knoa Pharma, with a mission to benefit the public.
Sackler family members will give up ownership of Purdue and are not allowed to have their name on institutions in exchange for donations.
Purdue filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019 due to numerous opioid-related lawsuits.
The new settlement plan allows lawsuits against Sackler family members by those who do not opt into the deal.
Tim Sweeney, the founder and CEO of Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, is using some of his wealth for land conservation in North Carolina. Instead of developing or selling the land for profit, Sweeney has bought over 50,000 acres to preserve its natural state and has made significant donations for conservation purposes. This has gained attention as it contrasts with typical billionaire investments in luxury or commercial properties.
Key Facts
Tim Sweeney is the founder of Epic Games, known for the game Fortnite.
Fortnite generates around $4.5 billion each year.
Sweeney has a net worth of $5.1 billion.
He owns over 50,000 acres of land in North Carolina.
Sweeney uses his land for conservation, not for development or profit.
He has given away 7,000 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
He has also donated 7,500 acres to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.
Sweeney's conservation approach started around 2008.
GameStop is hosting a "trade anything" day on December 6, which allows customers to exchange nearly any item for in-store credit. The event has gained attention on social media, with people joking about what they might trade in. The initiative is part of GameStop's efforts to engage customers amid challenges from digital competition and changes in consumer habits.
Key Facts
GameStop will hold a "trade anything" day on December 6, allowing people to trade items for store credit.
The event has become popular on social media, with users humorously discussing what items they might bring.
A survey found that 31% of Americans keep old technology due to uncertainty about trade-in options, while 37% actually trade items.
Social media reactions reflect humor as a way to cope with economic pressures.
Items must fit in a 20x20x20-inch box and certain items like hazardous materials and live animals are not allowed.
GameStop has about 2,325 stores across the U.S.
The company has faced challenges from digital downloads, reduced store traffic, and had a notable stock market event in 2021, known as a short squeeze.
President Donald Trump's business projects, run by his family, are expanding internationally while he is in office. Recent plans for a Trump Tower in Belgrade, Serbia, have led to protests because of its location on a sensitive historical site. The Trump Organization, although officially managed by Trump’s sons, continues to have projects worldwide that sometimes overlap with U.S. foreign policy.
Key Facts
The Trump Organization is working on global real estate projects, with some connected to countries where the U.S. also has foreign policy interests.
A planned Trump Tower in Belgrade, Serbia, recently got political approval and led to protests over its location at a site with historical significance.
The Serbian government quickly approved the project, which is linked to Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law.
Protests in Serbia have been partly due to the building's location on a site bombed by NATO in 1999.
Trump’s Press Secretary stated there are no conflicts of interest from President Trump or his family regarding the business deals.
Other projects, such as in Vietnam, have faced local protests and expedited approvals during Trump’s presidency.
The Trump Organization has a total of 22 overseas projects at various stages, according to reports.
President Trump remains the owner of the Trump Organization and has seen significant financial gains during his presidency, partly due to investments outside real estate, like cryptocurrency.
Eminem is taking legal action against an Australian beachwear company called Swim Shady for using a name similar to his stage name Slim Shady. He has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the trademark granted to Swim Shady, claiming it suggests a false link with him. The company plans to defend its trademark.
Key Facts
Eminem filed a request to cancel the Swim Shady trademark, citing a false association with his stage name.
Eminem's real name is Marshall B Mathers III.
The US Patent and Trademark Office is involved, and the beach brand must respond soon.
Swim Shady sells beach umbrellas, swim bags, and other accessories.
The company originally launched under the name Slim Shade in 2023 and switched to Swim Shady in 2024.
Eminem's Slim Shady name became well-known in 2000 with his hit single and Grammy win.
Eminem trademarked Slim Shady in the US in 1999, and in Australia in 2025.
The Australian brand plans to defend its trademark but cannot comment due to the ongoing case.
Household energy bills in the UK are expected to drop by £22 in January 2024. Although this represents a 1% decrease, energy prices are anticipated to rise again in April due to non-energy costs like policy fees related to renewable energy investments.
Key Facts
UK energy bills are predicted to decrease by £22 in January 2024.
The expected new price for typical yearly energy use will be £1,733.
This change marks a 1% reduction from the current price cap of £1,755.
Cornwall Insight, a consultancy, provided these forecasts.
Energy prices are expected to increase again in April 2024 due to non-energy costs.
Rising costs are linked to levies and policy decisions about renewable energy.
Ofgem, the energy regulator, sets the price cap every three months.
The price cap affects about 22 million households in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The UK's competition regulator is investigating eight companies for how they price their products online. This is the first time the regulator is using new powers aimed at protecting consumers.
Key Facts
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is carrying out the investigations.
The companies being looked at include ticket resellers StubHub and Viagogo, as well as AA Driving School and BSM Driving School.
Other companies involved are Gold's Gym, Wayfair, Appliances Direct, and Marks Electrical.
The investigation is part of a broader review of how companies price products online.
The CMA is using new consumer protection powers to conduct these investigations.
The CMA is also contacting 100 more businesses about concerns over extra fees and sales tactics.
The goal is to ensure consumers pay the prices they expect and that sales are honest.
Shares in President Donald Trump's media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, hit a record low, closing at $10.85 per share on November 17. The stock price has decreased by 32% over the past month amid political challenges for President Trump and the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Trump Media & Technology Group stock fell to $10.85 on November 17.
The stock price declined by 32% in the past month.
The decline started from around $16 in late October.
The decline is linked to political challenges for President Trump.
Democrats won elections in several states, including New York and California.
There are new developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, which might impact Trump politically.
The House of Representatives is considering making Epstein-related records public.
President Trump said he is prepared to approve legislation regarding Epstein records if it reaches him.
Costco is introducing a new Lobster Mac and Cheese dish in their deli section just in time for Thanksgiving. This pre-prepared meal is designed to save people time in the kitchen during the holiday.
Key Facts
Costco is offering a new pre-prepared Lobster Mac and Cheese dish.
The dish includes Kirkland Signature cold water lobster, pasta, and cheddar cheese.
Each tray weighs 4 pounds and costs about $30.
The meal is meant to serve four people, costing less than $8 per serving.
Cold water lobster is generally firmer and sweeter than warm water lobster.
Some consumers suggest adding extra seafood or cheese to enhance the dish.
The dish is available in Costco's deli pre-prepared section.
It aims to reduce time spent cooking for Thanksgiving celebrations.
A new community supermarket is set to open in Hull, offering low-cost and free food options. The store aims to provide affordable food to people on means-tested benefits while reducing food waste. It will also create jobs and support skill development for local residents.
Key Facts
The supermarket will be located in the North Bransholme Community Centre in Hull.
It will sell surplus food items with some prices starting from 20p.
The store is set to open in December and may provide up to 12 jobs.
Free meals will be offered to children through a community kitchen and cafe.
Membership is required, and it's open to those on certain benefits who live locally.
Food products come from food industry partners' surplus stock and are within the use-by date.
The project is supported by Hull City Council, Community Shop CiC, and the Paul Ingle Boxing Academy.
The United States receives more loans from China than any other country, based on a large dataset covering 24 years. China's international lending is largely aimed at increasing its power by investing in wealthy countries' critical infrastructure, minerals, and high-tech assets. The report suggests that China's strategy is influencing Western countries, including the U.S., to rethink their own global aid and investment approaches.
Key Facts
The U.S. has received $202 billion in loans from China, the most of any country.
China's total overseas lending from 2000 to 2023 was $2.2 trillion.
The report covers data from over 30,000 projects across 217 countries.
China's loans are focused on critical infrastructure and technology.
The report mentions China's goal of becoming a leading global industrial power.
Western countries, including the U.S., are adjusting their global aid strategies in response to China's lending approach.
The U.S. government is considering reallocating USAID funds to increase the lending cap of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
