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.
The CEO of Istanbul Airport, Selahattin Bilgen, manages the operations of Europe’s busiest airport. His workdays are long, often beginning early in the morning and ending late at night, as he oversees airport functions and handles various tasks.
Key Facts
Istanbul Airport is Europe’s busiest airport based on daily flights.
The airport serves over 80 million passengers each year.
It offers direct flights to around 340 destinations worldwide.
Selahattin Bilgen, the CEO, describes his life as "90 percent work."
His typical workday begins around 7:30 a.m. and ends around 1 or 2 a.m.
He emphasizes direct communication and has an open-door policy at work.
The airport operates like a small city, with various departments, including a solar power plant.
The CEO sometimes deals with unexpected requests, such as VIPs needing special assistance.
Brazil is exploring new "superfoods" from the Amazon, beyond the already popular açaí. This effort is part of a bigger plan to use natural resources sustainably to boost the economy and tackle climate change. The initiative aims to protect the rainforest while bringing economic benefits to local communities.
Key Facts
Brazil is looking into new Amazonian fruits as potential "superfoods" like cupuaçu, taperebá, and bacaba.
These fruits are high in nutrients and could become popular in global markets.
Brazil's plan intends to fight climate change, safeguard nature, and improve economic conditions in the region.
Companies are focusing on sustainable farming and fair trade practices.
Some products are sold in powdered form to retain nutritional value and make them easier to export.
President Lula has promised to reduce deforestation by 2030 as part of Brazil's climate goals.
Over two-thirds of Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions come from land use and agriculture.
Developing a "bio-economy" is a vital part of Brazil's strategy to protect the environment and boost the economy.
M&M Custard, a large franchisee of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company has $5.2 million in assets and $27.7 million in liabilities, and plans to continue operating while reorganizing its debts.
Key Facts
M&M Custard filed for bankruptcy protection in Kansas.
The company has $5.2 million in assets and $27.7 million in liabilities.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has decided to raise shipping prices in January 2026 to improve its financial situation after losing $9 billion in 2025. The proposed increases, which affect various shipping services, aim to generate more revenue without changing first-class stamp prices. The changes are pending review and approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission.
Key Facts
USPS plans to increase shipping prices starting January 18, 2026.
The proposed price hikes include 6.6% for Priority Mail and 5.1% for Priority Mail Express.
USPS faced a $9 billion loss in fiscal year 2025 despite a slight revenue increase.
Operating revenue for 2025 was $80.5 billion, up 1.2% from the previous year.
USPS operates without direct taxpayer funding and relies on postage and shipping sales.
The Postal Regulatory Commission will review the proposed price changes.
Some mail services, like first-class stamps, will not see a price increase in January 2026.
The original founders of Hooters have regained control of the restaurant chain, aiming to restore its family-friendly image. They plan to address financial issues and move away from the brand's recent oversexualized image by focusing on the dining experience and maintaining a beach-themed aesthetic.
Key Facts
The founders have taken back control of the chain from Hooters of America (HOA).
HOA previously went bankrupt due to $376 million in debt.
The new ownership includes Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC and covers 140 of 198 U.S. locations.
The total sales from these locations are about $700 million, including 60 international sites.
The founders plan to change the brand's image away from an oversexualized image.
Immediate changes will include better food quality and a simplified menu.
Some restaurant locations might close if they can't be financially saved.
The goal is to return to a "neighborhood hangout with a beach theme."
Congress included a rule in a new spending bill that makes many hemp products illegal. This affects businesses and state programs that depend on hemp sales. The change will be enforced starting in late 2026, giving time for adjustments.
Key Facts
Congress passed a spending bill that ended a government shutdown but included a rule against hemp products.
The rule makes many hemp-derived products with THC illegal, reversing some parts of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The hemp industry is valued at around $28 billion and provides about 300,000 jobs.
Some states use taxes from hemp to support public services like addiction treatment and health programs.
There is a one-year delay before the hemp ban takes effect to allow for regulation and debate.
Sen. Rand Paul opposed the rule, saying it harms businesses and farmers.
Since 2018, hemp-based beverages sales are set to grow significantly, according to industry estimates.
The hemp ban could impact small businesses and industries that have relied on these products.
President Trump’s administration has removed tariffs on several food items, such as coffee, some fruits, and orange juice. This change aims to ease the cost of groceries, which became more expensive due to the tariffs.
Key Facts
Tariffs have been removed from items like coffee, beef, and tea.
Other items that are no longer taxed include tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
Spices such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric are also exempt from tariffs.
The removal of tariffs is meant to help reduce grocery costs for consumers.
The high tariffs had previously contributed to a perception of economic strain regarding President Trump's economic policies.
Despite the tariff removal, other factors like climate risks and labor shortages continue to affect food prices.
Former Federal Reserve governor Adriana Kugler was investigated for possibly breaking stock trading rules. These rules are meant to stop top Fed officials from trading stocks around the time of important Fed meetings. Her resignation created an opportunity for President Trump to appoint a new official.
Key Facts
Adriana Kugler, a former Federal Reserve governor, was under investigation for violating stock trading rules.
She resigned from the Fed in August, leaving a vacancy for President Trump to fill.
Kugler's financial disclosures showed she or her husband traded stocks during restricted periods.
The Fed has a rule against trading individual stocks or making short-term trades by top officials or their family members.
Kugler’s request for permission to handle certain investments before a Fed meeting was denied.
Kugler did not attend or vote at the Fed policy meeting in late July.
The Fed's ethics office referred Kugler's case to an independent watchdog for review.
President Trump appointed Stephen Miran to replace Kugler on the Fed Board of Governors.
Pittsburgh is recognized as the most affordable large city for housing in the U.S., with a median home price significantly below the national average. The city offers a strong job market and homeownership incentives, making it attractive to homebuyers.
Key Facts
Pittsburgh is named the most affordable large city for housing in the U.S.
Median home price in Pittsburgh is $250,000, over $150,000 below the national average.
The city's homeownership rate is 69.5%, higher than the national average.
Pittsburgh has a strong job market, especially in technology, healthcare, and robotics.
There are incentives and grants available to help first-time homebuyers with costs.
Pittsburgh's population increased by over 4,700 residents since 2020.
There are 5,842 homes for sale in Pittsburgh, providing buyers with many options.
Other affordable cities include Decatur, Illinois, and Enid, Oklahoma, but they have smaller job markets compared to Pittsburgh.
Retailers are lowering turkey prices to attract customers during Thanksgiving, despite higher grocery costs. The supply of turkeys is under pressure from a small national flock and avian flu outbreaks. Major grocery chains are using discounts to compete and keep customers, while smaller stores feel financial strain.
Key Facts
Thanksgiving turkey prices are being cut by retailers to attract customers.
Grocery prices are about 30% higher than they were before the pandemic.
The U.S. turkey population is the smallest in 40 years, affected by avian flu in states like Minnesota.
The National Turkey Federation assures there will be enough turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Wholesale prices for turkeys are rising, but retail prices for consumers are dropping.
Major chains like Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger are using turkeys as "loss leaders" to attract shoppers.
Aldi offers a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people at $40, cheaper than last year.
Smaller grocery stores are struggling financially due to these low-price strategies.
Disney and YouTube TV reached a new distribution agreement after a two-week blackout. This deal restores ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, and other Disney-owned channels to YouTube TV, impacting over 8 million subscribers. The agreement allows YouTube TV users to access Disney's full range of networks and includes ESPN's new service at no extra cost.
Key Facts
Disney and YouTube TV had a two-week blackout starting October 30.
The blackout affected major sports and news programming for over 8 million YouTube TV subscribers.
Many subscribers considered canceling their service if the blackout continued.
The new agreement gives YouTube TV access to Disney's complete range of channels.
YouTube TV subscribers will receive ESPN's new service without extra charges.
Some Disney streaming services, like Disney+ and Hulu, will be part of specific YouTube TV packages.
The dispute highlighted challenges in digital pay-TV distribution agreements.
Similar issues occurred with NBC and YouTube TV earlier this year.
Tariffs on imported goods could make holiday gifts more expensive for American shoppers in 2025. A study found that these tariffs might add $28.6 billion to the costs of holiday purchases, especially affecting electronics and clothing. President Trump's tariff policy aims to benefit the country long-term, but consumers may feel the immediate burden.
Key Facts
Tariffs could add $28.6 billion to holiday shopping costs compared to last year.
On average, each shopper might spend an extra $132 on gifts due to tariffs.
Electronics and clothing are the categories with the highest increase in costs.
In 2024, imported goods made up $377.7 billion of holiday purchases.
88% of clothing and nearly 69% of electronics came from overseas.
U.S. tariffs on goods from countries like China and Vietnam are higher than in many other nations.
The effective U.S. tariff rate in the study is 17.8%, with 70.5% of those costs passed to shoppers.
President Trump's policy aims to bring jobs back but may raise prices for consumers in the short term.
A California couple is upset with Delta Air Lines because the airline refused to extend their unused upgrade certificates. The couple asked for an extension due to the tragic death of their daughter in a plane crash, but Delta cited their policy of not making exceptions.
Key Facts
The couple's daughter, Emma Huke, died in a plane crash on May 22 near San Diego.
Tim and Allison Huke wanted to extend their Delta upgrade certificates because the loss made them unable to travel.
Tim Huke has been a loyal Delta customer for 28 years, flying over 1.2 million miles.
The couple had planned a family trip to Spain and Portugal using the upgrade certificates.
Delta Air Lines declined the request to extend the upgrade certificates, sticking to their program guidelines.
The Hukes shared their story on social media, gaining widespread attention.
Delta confirmed they acknowledged the customer's request and are in touch with them.
A federal bankruptcy judge plans to approve a settlement deal with Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, to resolve thousands of lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. The settlement involves the Sackler family providing up to $7 billion over 15 years, with funds going to victims. This deal replaces an earlier one rejected by the US Supreme Court.
Key Facts
A bankruptcy judge is set to approve a settlement concerning Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family.
The Sackler family will contribute up to $7 billion over 15 years.
Money from the settlement will go to victims of the opioid crisis.
The deal replaces a previous one rejected by the US Supreme Court last year.
The new agreement allows entities who don’t opt in to sue the Sackler family.
The deal addresses a series of lawsuits brought by governments against drug companies over opioids.
Over 54,000 personal injury victims voted on the plan, with only 218 voting against it.
Lawyers and government groups largely support the bankruptcy plan, although some individuals oppose it.
President Donald Trump signed an order to remove tariffs on many food items like coffee, bananas, and beef. This decision was made in response to rising prices, which have been a concern in recent elections.
Key Facts
President Trump removed tariffs on many food products.
The list includes items such as coffee, bananas, beef, avocados, tomatoes, coconuts, and mangoes.
The order aims to address rising prices.
Trump's administration stated these foods cannot be produced in enough quantities in the U.S.
The decision follows a poor performance by Trump’s party in recent elections.
More details about the decision will be provided later.
Blue Islands, an airline based in the Channel Islands, has stopped trading and cancelled all future flights. The airline advised passengers not to go to airports unless they have other travel plans. The company employed about 100 staff and had borrowed money from the Government of Jersey during the pandemic.
Key Facts
Blue Islands has suspended trading and cancelled all future flights.
The airline advised passengers to contact banks for refunds if they booked directly or to reach out to partner Aurigny for certain bookings.
The airline served destinations in the British Isles, Bruges, and Paris.
Blue Islands employed around 100 people.
The company borrowed £8.5 million from the Government of Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic, with £7 million still owed.
Blue Islands was established in 2006, originally starting as Le Cocq's Air Link in 1999.
The brand evolved in March 2020, expanding its flight routes.
The two-child benefit cap is a rule that limits welfare benefits to families with more than two children. The policy was introduced in 2017 and affects families receiving universal credit or tax credits, not child benefits. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested possible changes in this system during the upcoming Budget.
Key Facts
The two-child benefit cap limits financial support for families who have more than two children.
This policy applies to children born after April 6, 2017.
About 1.6 million children live in families affected by this cap.
The cap saves the UK Treasury approximately £3.6 billion a year.
Universal credit and tax credits are the affected benefits, not child benefit.
There are exceptions, like twins, or children born from rape or coercive relationships, who can still receive benefits.
More than 100 charities and some Labour MPs have called for the cap to be removed to help reduce child poverty.
The chancellor hinted at possible Budget changes to the cap, including partial payments or adjustments to reflect family size.
