Over 74,000 participants in medical experiments were affected by funding cuts from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These cuts, which took place from late February to mid-August, led to the stoppage of 383 research studies. The change mainly impacted studies that focused on illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and infectious diseases.
Key Facts
74,000 people in medical studies were affected by NIH funding cuts.
Funding ended for 383 studies from the end of February to mid-August.
The cuts impacted research on cancer, heart disease, flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
Some trials were delayed or never started because of lost funding.
Participants might have lost access to treatments or devices.
The NIH had 11,008 funded studies during the study period, and 1 in 30 lost funding.
Concerns are raised about how these cuts might hurt trust in medical research.
The NIH is realigning priorities and cutting funding as part of a new policy direction.
Novo Nordisk announced a temporary price reduction for their injections, Ozempic and Wegovy, starting November 17. The lower prices apply to self-pay patients using the lowest strength injections and aim to make these medications more accessible. The initiative includes a recent agreement with President Donald Trump to further reduce costs for Medicare and Medicaid users.
Key Facts
Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable medications used mainly for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Novo Nordisk is cutting prices for Ozempic and Wegovy for a four-month period.
The initial cost for new self-pay patients will be $199 per month for the first two months.
Existing self-pay patients will see a price drop from $499 to $349 monthly for certain doses.
More than 70,000 pharmacies and specific telehealth providers will offer these reduced prices.
President Donald Trump reached a deal to lower prices for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
These offers aim to increase access and counter non-FDA-approved alternatives.
The company hopes this step will help more people manage diabetes and obesity affordably.
Amazon has changed its return policy for the holiday season. Shoppers can now return most items bought between November 1 and December 31, 2025, until January 31, 2026, giving them more time to make returns after the holidays. Exceptions apply to certain products like Apple items and non-returnable goods.
Key Facts
Amazon's regular return policy allows returns within 30 days of delivery for items in original condition.
The holiday return policy extends the period for returns of most items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
Apple-branded products bought during the same period can be returned until January 15, 2026.
Refund processing times vary: gift card balance refunds take a few hours, credit card refunds take 3 to 5 days, and debit card refunds may take up to 10 days.
Certain items cannot be returned, including perishables, items with shipping restrictions, and customized products.
The return policy extension aims to improve customer loyalty and handle return volumes more effectively over the holiday period.
Walmart removed a T-shirt from its online marketplace after critics saw it as offensive. The T-shirt showed a white hand above a Black clenched fist with the phrase "paper beats rock," leading to backlash. Walmart cut ties with the third-party seller and emphasized its policy against prohibited or offensive products.
Key Facts
Walmart took down a T-shirt from its website that was criticized for its imagery.
The T-shirt featured a white open hand above a Black clenched fist with the words "paper beats rock."
Some critics believed the design symbolized racial dominance and was offensive.
A social media post highlighting the T-shirt gained significant attention, leading to widespread backlash.
Walmart stated that the product was listed by a third-party seller and was removed for violating their policies.
As a result, Walmart terminated its relationship with the seller responsible for the T-shirt.
Walmart reiterated its commitment to maintaining customer trust and platform integrity.
Walmart has announced new Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, available from November 25 to November 30 for Black Friday, and December 1 for Cyber Monday. Walmart+ members get early access, and deals include discounts up to 60% and faster delivery, reaching 95% of U.S. households within three hours.
Key Facts
Black Friday deals run from November 25 to November 30, and Cyber Monday deals start on December 1.
Walmart+ members can access deals early on November 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
Discounts of up to 60% will be available on some products.
Walmart can deliver to 95% of U.S. households within three hours.
Deals include items under $20 and highlight specific discounted products like Blackstone outdoor griddles and Dyson hair tools.
Customers can shop in-store, online, or through the Walmart app with options for "pickup today" or "delivery today."
Special Cyber Monday offers include discounted items like golf club sets and electric drum sets.
GameStop is holding a "Trade Anything Day" on December 6, where customers can bring almost any item to a store for credit towards buying gaming products and other merchandise. Certain items, like hazardous materials and live animals, are not allowed. The goal is to provide a way for people to shop without spending cash during the holiday season.
Key Facts
GameStop's "Trade Anything Day" is on December 6.
Customers can trade nearly any physical item for in-store credit.
Items must fit into a box that is 20x20x20 inches.
Some items can't be traded, like hazardous materials, weapons, alcohol, live animals, and certain electronics.
Store credit values for unusual items will be decided by store staff.
There are about 2,150 GameStop stores in the U.S. participating.
GameStop may update trade rules, so customers should check online for changes before trading.
A new proposal suggests capping annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for high-income earners to help stabilize the program's funds. This change aims to protect most beneficiaries from inflation while adjusting increases for those who receive the largest benefits. The proposal could potentially save billions of dollars and address part of the Social Security funding shortfall.
Key Facts
Social Security is facing financial challenges, with its retirement trust fund projected to run out within the next decade.
Over 50 million Americans rely on Social Security retirement benefits as a main source of income.
A new proposal recommends capping COLA increases for individuals receiving high Social Security benefits.
The cap would mean these individuals receive a smaller annual increase in benefits.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates this change could save $115 billion over 10 years if the cap is set at the 75th percentile.
There are alternative proposals in Congress, like taxing high earnings over $400,000 or setting up new investment funds to increase revenue.
These proposed changes aim to address part of the long-term funding shortfall of Social Security.
Senator Elizabeth Warren and over 40 Democratic lawmakers warned against President Trump's reported plan to sell parts of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio to private companies. They argue it could harm borrowers and taxpayers. No formal plans have been confirmed by the Trump administration yet.
Key Facts
Senator Elizabeth Warren warned about a plan to sell federal student loans.
The loans total $1.6 trillion and may be sold to private companies.
More than 40 Democratic lawmakers support Warren's concerns.
No official decision or announcement has been made by President Trump's administration.
The potential sale could affect legal protections for borrowers.
Concerns include potential financial loss for taxpayers.
The U.S. Department of Education was contacted but has not commented yet.
A personal finance expert argues that a $100,000 salary in 2025 is worth much less than it used to be due to inflation. The expert compares this income to $54,000 in 2000 and explains that rising costs have reduced its buying power, making it harder for people to live comfortably on a six-figure income.
Key Facts
Inflation has reduced the value of $100,000 in 2025 to about $54,000 in 2000.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures price changes over time, helps compare money value across years.
The CPI was about 172 in 2000 and around 317 in 2025.
Median earnings for full-time workers in 2025 are about $62,192 per year.
A $100,000 salary varies based on location, cost of living, taxes, and personal expenses.
Despite being a six-figure income, many still have to budget carefully to manage financially.
The discussion sparked by the expert's post received over 3,200 likes and more than 130 comments on social media.
The Trump Organization is planning new real estate ventures in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a project in Diriyah as part of a larger development. President Donald Trump's family, who manage his business interests, are exploring additional opportunities in the Middle East while critics voice concerns over potential conflicts between his business and political roles.
Key Facts
The Trump Organization is considering a new property in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
Diriyah is set to become a luxury destination in a $63 billion development project.
President Trump has handed over his business operations to his sons, Eric and Donald Jr.
The Trump Organization continues to pursue projects in the Middle East, including a planned tower in Jeddah and previously announced projects in Riyadh.
The company also collaborates with Dar Global for luxury resorts in Oman and Qatar.
There are concerns about potential conflicts of interest with the Trump Organization's international dealings.
President Trump's connection to oil-rich Gulf nations has raised questions during his presidency.
A pocket watch made in Coventry in 1907 sold for a record £2.1 million at an auction in Switzerland. The watch, made by J Player & Sons, includes features like moon phases, an alarm, and a thermometer.
Key Facts
A 1907 pocket watch sold for a record £2.1 million in Switzerland.
The watch was made by J Player & Sons in Coventry.
It includes complex features such as moon phases, an alarm, and a thermometer.
The watch was auctioned by Phillips Watches.
It is considered one of the most complicated English pocket watches ever made.
The watch took about four years to make.
The identities of the buyer and seller were kept confidential.
Charlotte Mensah, known as a leading hairstylist, owns the Hair Lounge salon in London. She developed her own hair care line using Manketti oil to cater to the needs of clients with afro and textured hair. Mensah focuses on sustainability and supporting African women who supply the oil.
Key Facts
Charlotte Mensah started the Hair Lounge salon in London in 1999 with a grant from The King's Trust.
Her salon has a high-profile clientele, including celebrities like Jada Smith and Erykah Badu.
Mensah is the first Black woman inducted into the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame.
She published a guide to Black hair called “Good Hair” in 2020.
Mensah developed a hair care line featuring Manketti oil after discovering it in the Serengeti.
She ensures her products are sustainable, using recycled glass and sourcing ingredients from Africa.
Mensah is committed to creating jobs for African women involved in sourcing the oil.
Discussions are ongoing about the potential rise in beef prices to $10 per pound next year, linked to various factors including disease concerns, shrinking cattle herds, and increased demand. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned immigration-related livestock disease as a concern, while other experts point to environmental and economic issues as primary causes. President Donald Trump is taking steps to manage beef prices, including importing more beef and investigating meatpacking companies.
Key Facts
Beef prices in the U.S. might reach $10 per pound due to several factors.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned the spread of screwworm disease from migrant cattle as a concern.
U.S. cattle herds are at a 70-year low caused by droughts and increased farming costs.
The screwworm disease prompted the U.S. to halt cattle imports from Mexico.
Mexican cattle make up about 1% of the total U.S. cattle herd.
There are no confirmed cases of screwworm-infected cattle in the U.S.
President Trump is importing more beef from Argentina and investigating U.S. meat companies for possible pricing manipulation.
Beef prices are projected to stay high until 2026 as ranchers rebuild herds.
President Donald Trump expressed support for the H-1B visa program, arguing that the U.S. doesn't have enough skilled workers in certain fields. This statement sparked debate, with some saying there’s more complexity to the talent shortage issue. Surveys and expert opinions suggest that while certain roles face shortages, the situation is not straightforward.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that America lacks some talents needed for global competition.
The H-1B visa program brings skilled foreign workers to the U.S. to fill job vacancies.
A survey by ManpowerGroup found that 71% of U.S. employers struggle to find skilled workers.
The Semiconductor Industry Association projects 67,000 unfilled roles in chip manufacturing by 2030.
Temporary visa holders make up a significant portion of PhD graduates in key STEM fields.
Some experts argue that the talent shortage narrative doesn’t match economic data like wages and unemployment.
Robert Atkinson mentioned that the STEM pipeline for U.S.-born talent is slow to respond to demand.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new retirement contribution limits for 2026, allowing people to save more money in accounts like 401(k) plans. The contribution limit for 401(k) plans will increase to $24,500, with higher catch-up contributions for those aged 50 and older. Additionally, the IRS is raising the income thresholds for Roth IRA eligibility.
Key Facts
The maximum contribution to 401(k) plans will increase to $24,500 in 2026.
People aged 50 and over can contribute an additional $8,000 to their 401(k) plans.
The catch-up contribution for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for those 50 and older will increase to $1,100.
The standard IRA contribution limit will rise to $7,500 in 2026.
Income phase-out ranges for Roth IRA eligibility will adjust, starting at $153,000 for singles and $242,000 for married couples filing jointly.
The IRS raised income limits for the Saver’s Credit, with the maximum income for eligibility now set at $80,500 for married couples filing jointly.
These changes aim to help people save more money for retirement as costs rise.
Japanese tourism and retail company shares dropped after China advised its citizens not to travel to Japan, amid tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan. The situation escalated when Japan's Prime Minister suggested military action could be taken if China attacked Taiwan.
Key Facts
Japanese tourism and retail stocks fell after China warned against travel to Japan.
Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggested potential military action if China attacked Taiwan.
Shares in Japanese companies like Shiseido and Takashimaya dropped significantly.
China is one of the top sources of tourists for Japan.
Japan's 2015 security law allows military action if threats are deemed survival-threatening.
Last week, both countries summoned their respective ambassadors due to the tensions.
Taiwan is geographically close to Japan and is a point of contention between China and Japan.
China's view is that Taiwan is a breakaway province, while many Taiwanese see themselves as a separate nation.
Samsung and other South Korean companies announced new investment plans within South Korea following a trade deal between South Korea and the United States. This trade deal involves reduced tariffs on South Korean products in exchange for South Korea investing $350 billion in U.S. industries. Samsung plans to invest significantly in expanding its domestic semiconductor production and AI capabilities.
Key Facts
Samsung plans to invest 450 trillion won ($310 billion) in South Korea over five years.
The investment includes a new semiconductor production line in Pyeongtaek, expected to be operational by 2028.
Samsung will build AI data centers in South Korea to support regional development.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest 125 trillion won ($86.3 billion) domestically from 2026 to 2030.
SK Group will invest 128 trillion won ($88.3 billion) in South Korea with a focus on AI.
The trade deal with the U.S. involves South Korea investing $350 billion in U.S. industries to avoid high tariffs.
The U.S. will reduce tariffs on South Korean cars from 25% to 15%.
The agreement includes favorable terms for South Korean semiconductor tariffs.
A group of UK Members of Parliament (MPs) reported that nature should not be seen as a barrier to building new houses. The Environmental Audit Committee suggested that the government's current plans might not meet housing and nature targets, and emphasized the need for ecology and construction skills. The government has proposed reforms to speed up building homes with measures to improve the environment.
Key Facts
MPs found that considering nature as a barrier could hinder both housing and nature goals.
The UK government aims to build 1.5 million houses by 2029.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill would change existing habitat protections.
MPs say current reforms may not help meet targets and urge focus on skills in ecology and construction.
The government suggests developers can pay into a Nature Restoration Fund to improve different habitats.
A Ministry official claimed reforms would benefit both the economy and the environment.
The Environmental Audit Committee recommends incentives for eco-friendly homes and retrofitting existing ones.
Key CEOs from major companies like Apple, Disney, and Walmart are planning to step down soon. These changes in leadership come as these companies face significant global and economic challenges. New leaders will take over during an uncertain time for the American economy.
Key Facts
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and Walmart CEO Doug McMillon are planning to step down.
John Furner will replace Doug McMillon as Walmart's CEO early next year.
Apple's board is speeding up the process to find Tim Cook's replacement.
Bob Iger has been openly discussing leaving Disney again and will do so early next year.
Apple, Disney, and Walmart are major global brands impacting millions around the world.
Under current leadership, Apple's stock grew 20 times, Walmart's quadrupled, and Disney's increased significantly since Iger took over in 2005.
The average time a CEO stays in their position at big companies is just over 7 years, and many have been leaving in recent years.
Zillow's latest report states that the hidden costs of owning a home in the U.S. have risen to nearly $16,000 per year. These costs include maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. The analysis highlights how these expenses can affect affordability and homeownership decisions.
Key Facts
Zillow found that hidden homeownership costs now average $15,979 per year in the U.S.
Maintenance accounts for the largest part of these costs, averaging $10,946 annually.
Property taxes average $3,030, while homeowner's insurance costs around $2,003.
These costs are highest in coastal metro areas, with New York City at $24,381 and San Francisco at $22,781.
Home insurance premiums have increased by 48% nationwide over the past five years.
In Florida, particularly Miami, insurance premiums have risen by 72% since 2020, driven by extreme weather events.
Zillow recommends buyers understand their true financial capacity and budget for hidden costs before purchasing a home.
