Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic are negotiating a contract that could affect health insurance coverage for Florida Blue members at Cleveland Clinic locations. If they do not agree, millions of Florida Blue members might lose coverage at Cleveland Clinic facilities in Florida by March 1, 2026. This issue arises during the health insurance open enrollment period.
Key Facts
Florida Blue is talking to Cleveland Clinic about a contract for insurance coverage.
If no deal is made, Florida Blue members will lose coverage at Cleveland Clinic starting March 1, 2026.
The open enrollment period for health insurance is from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
Florida Blue serves over five million people in Florida.
Cleveland Clinic has more than 50 places in Florida, like hospitals and care clinics.
Florida Blue has previously gone out of network with other health systems in 2023.
Patients are advised to keep current appointments and check care options with Florida Blue.
The article discusses the challenges faced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she prepares a new Budget. Tax increases are likely needed to address debt and improve public services, and some blame is placed on previous government decisions and external factors. The possibility of breaking promises related to not raising main tax rates is also highlighted.
Key Facts
Chancellor Reeves needs to prepare a Budget addressing debt and public services.
Tax increases may be necessary, possibly amounting to £30bn.
Previous governments' decisions and external factors like trade tariffs and supply chain issues are cited for economic challenges.
The productivity of the economy, which measures output per hour worked, remains low.
There is speculation that tax rates like income tax might rise, despite previous pledges not to.
Official figures show public service efficiency, especially in healthcare, has decreased since Labour took power.
Analysts say tax rises from last year’s Budget have affected growth and inflation.
Options for tax increases include levies on banks or the gambling industry.
Papa Johns is introducing a new large pizza, the Grand Papa, and a dessert called Salted Caramel Blondie. These items will be available starting in November across the United States to attract more customers and promote sales growth.
Key Facts
Papa Johns will launch the Grand Papa pizza and Salted Caramel Blondie dessert in November.
The Grand Papa is an 18-inch pizza with deli-style pepperoni and a cheese blend, priced at $14.99.
The Salted Caramel Blondie is a dessert bar for $6.99 in a value deal or $9.49 alone.
Both items can be ordered via the app or website and are available for delivery and pickup.
Papa Johns plans to open up to 115 new restaurants in North America.
The company expects sales growth of 2 to 5 percent in 2025.
These menu changes come as consumer spending is tightening.
Sir Alan Bates, a campaigner for victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, has reached a settlement with the UK government after more than 20 years of efforts. The scandal involved the wrongful prosecution of over 900 subpostmasters due to errors in the Horizon computer system, leading to a significant financial and personal impact on those affected. The government has paid over £1.2 billion to the victims, but the compensation process has faced criticism for being slow and insufficient.
Key Facts
Alan Bates led a group of 555 subpostmasters in a legal case against the Post Office.
These subpostmasters were wrongly accused of financial shortfalls due to flaws in the Horizon IT system.
The wrongful accusations led to over 900 prosecutions between 1999 and 2015.
Many subpostmasters used personal savings to cover the supposed shortfalls to avoid prosecution.
The government has settled with Bates but did not disclose the payment amount.
Over £1.2 billion has been paid to over 9,000 victims by the government.
The government now provides free legal advice for victims claiming compensation.
Criticism of the compensation schemes includes claims of them being slow and unfair.
Subway has launched a new limited-time menu called the Festive Feast collection, which includes three Thanksgiving-themed sandwiches. These sandwiches feature traditional Thanksgiving flavors and are available in Subway restaurants across the U.S. starting November 13. The menu aims to provide a quick and affordable Thanksgiving meal option.
Key Facts
Subway's new menu is called the Festive Feast collection and includes three Thanksgiving-inspired subs.
The new subs feature ingredients like oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
The collection includes three specific sandwiches: TurHamKen, Festive Turkey, and Festive Chicken.
Each sandwich comes with Monterey Cheddar cheese, spinach, red onions, mayonnaise, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Customers can add stuffing or cranberry sauce to any sub for an additional $1.
Subway offers a promotion for MVP Rewards members: buy one footlong sub and get another for $1 with a promo code.
It is unclear if the Festive Feast collection will be offered annually or in international locations.
Hy-Vee, a major supermarket chain in the Midwest, is offering free meals to children to help address food insecurity due to rising grocery costs and uncertainties in SNAP funding. The initiative runs from November 3 to 7 and encourages donations for local food banks.
Key Facts
Hy-Vee is providing free meals to children aged 12 and under from November 3 to 7 at its locations with hot food facilities.
Meals are available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with options for dine-in or takeout.
Adults can buy similar meals for $3.
Hy-Vee customers can buy $5 and $10 donation bundles for nearby food banks at checkout.
The company has shared budget-friendly recipes on social media for meals costing $3 or less per serving.
Hy-Vee has a history of supporting food banks with donations, including a $100,000 recent contribution and $70 million in-kind food donations over the past year.
Disney and Google, the company behind YouTube TV, could not agree on a new contract. This means YouTube TV customers lost access to channels like ABC and ESPN during major sports events, including "Monday Night Football." Disney and ESPN have been using social media to communicate how viewers can still watch the games.
Key Facts
Disney and Google (YouTube TV) are in a disagreement over a new contract.
Because of this, YouTube TV removed channels ABC and ESPN.
The disagreement affected viewers wanting to watch "Monday Night Football."
YouTube TV promised a $20 credit to users if the channel blackout lasts a long time.
ESPN directed sports fans on social media to watch the game using other options like ABC, ESPN, or the ESPN App.
ESPN used well-known sports analysts to spread their message online.
This conflict affects sports fans who subscribe to YouTube TV, especially during important games.
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is considering increasing the basic rate of income tax in her upcoming Budget, which would be the first such increase in over 50 years. The decision could challenge a Labour Party manifesto promise not to raise certain taxes. Reeves has been preparing the public for potential unpopular tax decisions as the economic situation demands new approaches.
Key Facts
The last time the basic rate of income tax was increased was in 1975, by Labour's Denis Healey.
Rachel Reeves is the current Chancellor of the Exchequer facing the decision of whether to raise this tax rate.
A tax increase would break a long-standing precedent and contradict a Labour manifesto promise not to increase certain taxes.
Reeves used a Downing Street press conference room for her announcement, highlighting the significance of the upcoming decision.
Economic pressures are leading to considerations of previously avoided tax increases.
Reeves' plans are aimed at addressing what she describes as necessary economic choices.
The Labour Party's election manifesto promised not to raise income tax rates or VAT.
Primark, a budget fashion retailer, saw a 3.1% drop in sales in the UK over the past year as people spent less. Its owner, Associated British Foods (ABF), reported a 13% decrease in profits and is considering separating Primark from its food brands. Shoppers are spending less on fashion due to higher living costs caused by inflation.
Key Facts
Primark's UK sales fell by 3.1% in the last year.
Associated British Foods, which owns Primark, reported a 13% decline in profits to £1.4 billion.
ABF is thinking about dividing Primark and its food brands into separate businesses.
The decline in sales is partly due to weak consumer confidence and people spending less in stores.
Inflation has been constant at 3.8%, affecting consumer spending power.
Cheaper competitors like Shein and Temu are attracting customers looking for savings.
Rising costs and online competition have caused issues for many UK high street retailers.
Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, sold over $6 billion in stock during the third quarter of the year. This sale is part of a larger trend where the company has been selling off stocks instead of buying them, increasing its cash reserves to $382 billion. Buffett plans to step down as CEO soon, with Greg Abel set to take over.
Key Facts
Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, sold $6.1 billion in stock from July to September.
Berkshire Hathaway is keeping more cash, now totaling $382 billion.
The company has sold around $184 billion in stocks over the past three years.
Berkshire did not buy back any of its own stock for the fifth straight quarter.
Warren Buffett, 95, announced he would step down as CEO soon.
Greg Abel, head of non-insurance operations, will become the new CEO.
The fashion company Tapestry, which owns brands like Coach and Kate Spade, is making significant progress in sustainability. Despite challenges in the fashion industry, Tapestry has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and increased its use of renewable energy. The company ranks among America's Greenest Companies due to its efforts to improve environmental sustainability.
Key Facts
Tapestry owns luxury brands like Coach and Kate Spade.
The company reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 25% and improved water and waste usage scores.
Tapestry uses 96% renewable energy for its global operations.
The company sources 99% of its leather from certified responsible leather tanneries.
Tapestry's sustainability strategy focuses on workforce diversity, reducing waste, and community empowerment.
The Global Fashion Agenda reports 92 million tons of textile waste each year.
The industry produces 100 billion garments annually with a significant amount going to waste.
Jeep has decided to continue using the Cherokee name for its SUVs despite a request from the Cherokee Nation to stop. The company's sales have risen, and they are releasing new models, including the Cherokee SUV.
Key Facts
Jeep's sales increased by 11% in the third quarter compared to the previous year.
Jeep is introducing new vehicle models over the next six months, including the revived Cherokee SUV.
The Cherokee Nation asked Jeep in 2021 to stop using the Cherokee name for its vehicles.
Jeep has used the Cherokee name for about 50 years on its Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models.
Other companies have changed names that referenced Native American culture, like sports teams in Washington and Cleveland.
Jeep's CEO, Bob Broderdorf, confirmed there have been no talks under his leadership about changing the Cherokee name.
Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, stated in 2021 that the vehicle names honor Native American culture.
Burger King has announced the release of its limited edition BK Advent Calendar for 2025, which contains $100 worth of Burger King-themed gifts and sells for $19.54. The calendar will be available for purchase online starting November 21. Due to last year's high demand, Burger King has set up a waiting list for customers interested in the calendar.
Key Facts
The BK Advent Calendar has a total retail value of over $100 but costs $19.54.
The calendar will be available to purchase online from November 21.
It features 12 drawers with Burger King-themed gifts including a JD the Dog Plushie and a Mini Burger King Board Game.
Shipping is expected to start the week of December 1, with delivery in five to seven business days.
Last year's BK Advent Calendar sold out in under five minutes.
Burger King has set up a waiting list for the 2025 calendar due to expected high demand.
Customers can join the waiting list by texting START to 251-251.
The HIRE Act is a proposed U.S. law that would tax companies 25% on payments for outsourced services. This aims to encourage businesses to keep jobs in the U.S. Indian officials have expressed concern, as the law could negatively impact India's IT industry, which heavily relies on U.S. outsourcing contracts.
Key Facts
The HIRE Act proposes a 25% tax on payments for outsourced services.
The bill's aim is to encourage U.S. companies to keep jobs in America.
It was introduced by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio.
The tax would apply to various payments for foreign labor or services benefiting U.S. consumers.
India’s IT and business services sectors are concerned about the impact on their industries.
The HIRE Act could lead to increased costs for U.S. companies using Indian services.
Companies might choose alternative outsourcing locations or change contract terms to avoid the tax.
The bill is still in early stages and could undergo changes during the legislative process.
The Planet Money segment highlights five recent economic studies that offer intriguing insights into the economy. These studies examine topics like the effects of smartphone app usage on students and the impact of CEO Elon Musk's political views on Tesla sales. They also explore the consequences of tariffs on European wine.
Key Facts
"Brain rot" refers to a supposed decline in mental abilities due to trivial online content consumption, like social media.
A peer-reviewed study found that frequent smartphone app usage can negatively impact students’ study time, sleep, class punctuality, GPAs, and future wages.
Elon Musk's public support for right-wing policies is linked to a significant drop in Tesla sales, estimated at 67-83% lower than potential sales without his partisan activities.
Musk’s political stance reportedly boosted sales of competitor electric and hybrid vehicles by 17-22%.
During President Trump's earlier term, tariffs were placed on goods like European wine, affecting trade dynamics.
Starbucks is selling a majority stake in its Chinese business to a private equity firm from Hong Kong. Boyu Capital will take a 60% stake, while Starbucks keeps 40%. This move aims to help Starbucks compete better in China by expanding its operations.
Key Facts
Starbucks will sell 60% of its Chinese retail business to Boyu Capital, a private equity firm.
The deal is valued at $4 billion.
Starbucks will keep 40% of its stake and retain control over its brand and intellectual property.
The company aims to expand from 8,000 to 20,000 stores in China.
Starbucks has been losing market share to local rivals like Luckin Coffee, which offers cheaper drinks.
The investment will provide Starbucks with funding and support for logistics and property management.
Boyu Capital is based in Hong Kong, with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Singapore.
Similar strategies have been used by other international brands, such as McDonald's and Yum Brands, to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market.
A tech company called Propel is giving $50 cash payments to users of its app who are affected by delayed SNAP benefits. The delays are due to a government shutdown that has halved the usual SNAP payments and caused their delivery to be late. Propel aims to help those most in need by partnering with other organizations to raise funds.
Key Facts
Propel is a tech company focusing on assisting people on SNAP, a government anti-hunger program.
Due to a government shutdown, SNAP payments are delayed and reduced by half.
Propel has started to give $50 payments to app users, prioritizing families with children and low income.
The company plans to help around 230,000 people identified as having high needs.
Propel needs $10 million to support these payments and has already donated $1 million.
GiveDirectly, a nonprofit, has raised $6 million, including contributions from Propel.
About 42 million people depend on SNAP, many facing delays due to the government shutdown.
President Trump's administration has announced that SNAP payments will restart but only partially, with delays varying by state.
Walmart has announced new shopping tools for the 2025 holiday season, incorporating advanced technology and artificial intelligence to enhance shopping experiences. The tools are aimed at making both in-store and online shopping easier and more convenient for customers.
Key Facts
Walmart launched new AI-powered features to improve holiday shopping.
These tools are part of the Walmart App and aim to help customers find deals and plan celebrations easily.
New features include an In-Store Savings Tool, Enhanced Search and Navigation, and a Wish List.
AI-Powered Party Planning helps customers prepare for special occasions.
Shoppers can use 3D and augmented reality to visualize products before buying.
Audio summaries provide quick product reviews for over 1,000 beauty items.
Walmart believes these changes will make shopping smoother and possibly increase customer spending.
Shein, a major online retailer, has banned the sale of all sex dolls worldwide after concerns were raised about some products resembling children. The company removed all related listings and images from its website and vowed to implement stricter controls to prevent similar issues in the future. Shein is also reviewing its policies and strengthening measures to ensure compliance with laws.
Key Facts
Shein stopped selling sex dolls after accusations about them looking childlike.
A French watchdog highlighted concerns about these products over the weekend.
Shein banned accounts linked to illegal or non-compliant products.
The company removed the adult products category temporarily as a precaution.
Shein plans to implement stricter controls and review seller activities.
France's finance minister threatened to ban Shein if it continued selling such products.
The brand's first permanent outlet is about to open in Paris, facing protests.
Shein has faced scrutiny over its environmental impact and working conditions before.
