Sometimes a credit card company stops contacting you about unpaid debt, but this doesn’t always mean you don’t owe money anymore. The company might have changed how it handles your account, such as charging off the debt, sending it to a collection agency, selling it to a debt buyer, or temporarily pausing collection efforts.
Key Facts
Credit card issuers usually charge off accounts after about 180 days without payment.
A charge-off means the account is marked as a loss for the company, but you still owe the debt.
The credit card company might transfer the debt to a collection agency, causing a gap in communications.
Sometimes, the debt is sold to a debt buyer, and the new owner begins collection efforts.
Temporary pauses in collection calls or notices can happen for various reasons, like company strategy changes.
Even if collection contact stops, the debt may still be pursued later or result in legal action.
Rising credit card balances combined with high interest rates and inflation make paying off debt harder for many people.
Borrowers who fall behind on payments often face repeated calls, texts, and mail demanding payment before collection stops.
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A former Rockstar North employee, Dayne Oram, told a tribunal that some staff were put on a "watch list" after signing a petition about remote working and union activities. Rockstar denies this and says the employees were fired for sharing confidential information online, not for union involvement.
Key Facts
Dayne Oram claims Rockstar North monitored employees who were union members after a petition was handed in spring 2023.
Oram and others say they were fired in October 2025 for trying to unionize.
Rockstar says the firings were due to "gross misconduct" related to sharing confidential company information on an online forum.
About 34 workers were fired, mostly at Rockstar’s Edinburgh office, with others in Canada.
Around 150 employees signed the remote working petition; 15-20 were union members.
Oram helped create a Discord forum for about 300 Rockstar employees to discuss the company.
The tribunal discussed whether some forum posts were unprofessional or gross misconduct.
Rockstar denies firing employees because of union activities and says they acted due to confidentiality breaches.
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Michael O'Leary, the Ryanair CEO, called other airlines "high-fare rapists" to criticize their expensive ticket prices and refused to apologize after a rape crisis center asked him to. Officials and the crisis center said his language was inappropriate and upsetting, but O'Leary said he did not mean to make light of rape and declined to apologize or accept training.
Key Facts
O'Leary called rival airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa "high-fare rapists" due to their high ticket prices.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) asked him to apologize, saying his words upset sexual violence survivors.
O'Leary refused to apologize and said he did not trivialize the crime of rape.
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris and UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander criticized O'Leary’s comments.
DRCC offered O'Leary training on the impact of sexual violence, which he declined.
O'Leary has a history of making controversial statements about his business and staff.
Ryanair recently stopped charging parents to sit next to their children after an investigation.
The incident happened just before Ryanair’s annual meeting with shareholders.
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The Albanese government has canceled plans to introduce new laws that would require companies to reduce plastic packaging waste. The government said it wants to avoid increasing costs for consumers due to ongoing cost of living pressures. Environmental groups and industry leaders criticized the decision, saying it delays efforts to tackle plastic pollution.
Key Facts
The government dropped a previously planned packaging law aimed at cutting plastic waste.
The decision was made to avoid raising costs for consumers before the next election.
Packaging makes up nearly 60% of all litter found in Australia.
The proposed laws would have required producers to manage packaging waste through its full life cycle.
Environmental and industry groups strongly opposed the shelving of the reforms.
The government plans to work with states on improving packaging rules but will not launch a new national scheme this term.
Leaders from recycling and conservation groups say clearer, national packaging rules are needed to reduce pollution and support recycling.
The decision has caused widespread disappointment among stakeholders concerned with plastic waste and recycling.
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The article says the US should focus on building many warships quickly instead of mainly protecting existing jobs. It suggests using Finland’s way of producing warships as a model for the US to improve its shipbuilding efforts.
Key Facts
The US needs to produce warships in large numbers.
Current thinking focuses too much on protecting jobs rather than on efficiency.
Finland’s method of building warships is seen as a better approach.
Adopting the Finland model could help the US improve its ship production.
The article calls for a shift in priorities to meet urgent needs.
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Tommy Hilfiger held a fashion show in New York at the Plaza Hotel, featuring sports-themed clothing inspired by American style. Several New York Knicks basketball players attended, and the show mixed sporty and preppy looks to celebrate the brand’s history and sports culture.
Key Facts
The fashion show took place at the Plaza Hotel in New York.
Knicks players Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Miles McBride were guests at the event.
NFL player Travis Kelce, who is collaborating on a collection with Hilfiger, was expected but did not attend.
Tommy Hilfiger’s style includes oversized jerseys, team stripes, rugby shirts, and letterman jackets.
The brand’s red, white, and blue logo is inspired by the American flag.
The show featured a mix of sporty and collegiate styles, including rugby shirts and pleated skirts.
A silk dress showed a famous Times Square billboard that helped launch Hilfiger’s career 41 years ago.
The Plaza Hotel has a rich pop culture history and was Hilfiger’s former home for ten years.
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Inflation is still high at 3.4%, which may lead the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates soon. Since credit card rates usually follow the Fed’s rate changes, credit card users with debt might see higher costs if rates go up.
Key Facts
Inflation was 3.4% in August, matching July’s rate but slightly above what experts expected.
Core inflation (which excludes food and energy prices) rose 0.3% from July, faster than the previous month.
The Federal Reserve aims to lower inflation to 2%, but current numbers remain too high.
Most credit cards have variable rates tied to the prime rate, which usually moves with the Fed’s rate changes.
After the inflation report, the chance of a Fed rate hike in September increased from 70% to 90%.
If the Fed raises rates, credit card interest rates (APRs) are likely to increase soon after.
Higher APRs mean carrying a balance will cost more in interest, making it harder to pay off debt.
Even if the Fed doesn’t raise rates, credit card rates are expected to stay high for now since inflation is still above target.
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Many nonprofit workers in expensive U.S. cities earn low salaries that make it hard for them to afford basic living costs. This pay gap leads to high employee turnover and burnout, which can raise costs and hurt the services nonprofits provide.
Key Facts
Nonprofits aim to solve social problems like poverty and inequality.
In cities like New York and Los Angeles, affordable housing income limits are around $59,000 to $95,000, but many nonprofit entry-level salaries are around $45,000.
Low pay makes it hard for nonprofit employees to secure financial stability.
High turnover from low pay leads to extra costs for recruitment and training in nonprofits.
Charitable giving in the U.S. reached a record $617.2 billion in 2025.
Donors benefit from tax breaks, but nonprofit workers often do not get enough pay.
Treating staff pay as an administrative cost rather than mission-critical harms nonprofit effectiveness.
Charter schools compete with public schools for teachers, but nonprofits often cannot match their salaries and benefits.
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Diesel fuel prices in the U.S. have risen above $6 a gallon, a new record that increases costs for transporting goods. This rise is linked to ongoing conflicts between the U.S. and Iran, which disrupt world oil supplies and push oil prices higher.
Key Facts
The national average price for diesel fuel reached $6.05 per gallon, up from $5.85 last week and $3.70 last year.
Diesel is essential for moving freight and delivering many goods, making transport more expensive when prices go up.
Higher diesel costs affect everyday items, especially perishable foods like meat and produce that need frequent transport.
Crude oil prices recently rose above $100 per barrel due to increased fighting between the U.S. and Iran.
Diesel prices have increased by more than 60% since U.S. and Israel attacks on Iran began in February 2026.
Saudi Arabia’s oil production dropped to a 30-year low because of attacks by the Houthi group.
The war in Ukraine has also contributed to fuel supply problems by damaging Russian oil refining facilities.
Gasoline prices are also high, averaging $4.29 per gallon, up from $2.98 before the Iran conflict.
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The article explains that companies must change their entire business approach to succeed in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Simply using AI as a tool will not work; businesses need to rethink their products, processes, and how they train employees to keep up with competition.
Key Facts
Many CEOs believe their current business models are not suitable for the AI era.
AI will transform how products and services are created and sold.
John Deere changed from just selling machinery to offering AI-powered technology that helps farmers work more efficiently.
Success in AI is not just about making old processes faster but redesigning the business around AI’s possibilities.
AI is removing many entry-level tasks, changing how professionals gain experience.
Companies need new ways to hire, train, and promote workers who work alongside AI.
Businesses delaying change risk being replaced by competitors that embrace AI fully.
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Gold prices have changed a lot over the past year, hitting high points and then dropping. Experts believe gold prices will generally rise this fall, but there will be ups and downs because of factors like inflation and interest rate changes.
Key Facts
Gold prices reached record highs early in 2026, then fell and partly recovered.
Experts expect gold prices to rise overall by the end of 2026.
Central banks are still buying a lot of gold, inflation remains high, and geopolitical conflicts continue.
Gold is often seen as a safe investment when the economy is uncertain or inflation is high.
Prices may reach between $4,500 and $5,000 per ounce this fall, but a rise over $5,000 is unlikely.
Inflation is currently at 3.4%, higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
Interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve could cause gold prices to drop temporarily.
There is about a 60% chance the Fed will raise interest rates in September 2026.
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U.S. inflation stayed the same at 3.4% in the year up to August, mainly due to higher gasoline prices. Diesel fuel prices reached over $6 a gallon because of rising global oil costs caused by the U.S.-Iran war, making living expenses more expensive.
Key Facts
Inflation in the U.S. was 3.4% in the year to August, unchanged from July.
Gasoline prices increased by 3.9% in August alone.
Diesel prices hit a record high of over $6 per gallon.
Higher fuel costs are linked to supply problems caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Brent crude oil prices are above $100 a barrel.
Rising oil prices increase transportation costs, which can raise prices of food and other goods.
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates soon to try to slow inflation.
U.S. households are feeling more financial pressure because of higher fuel and living costs.
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In August, consumer prices rose 3.4% compared to the previous year, holding steady from July but slightly higher than experts expected. Rising energy costs, especially for diesel and gasoline, are keeping inflation elevated and could influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates in September.
Key Facts
Inflation in August increased by 3.4% year over year, the same as in July.
Economists predicted a 3.3% inflation rate for August, slightly lower than the actual figure.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices for common goods and services.
Rising energy prices, especially diesel and gasoline, are pushing inflation up.
Diesel prices reached a record national average of $6.06 per gallon, up 60% from last year.
Gasoline prices also increased to a national average of $4.30 per gallon.
Energy costs affect transportation, leading businesses to raise prices to cover higher expenses.
The Federal Reserve will review this data before deciding on interest rate changes on September 16.
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Inflation stayed the same in August, with prices rising by 0.4 percent that month and 3.4 percent over the past year. This stability came despite rising gas prices caused by the ongoing war involving Iran.
Key Facts
Inflation in August increased by 0.4 percent compared to July.
The annual inflation rate was 3.4 percent in August, the same as in July.
Gas prices went up due to the war involving Iran.
The data was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Inflation measures how much prices for goods and services go up over time.
Rising oil prices often cause higher costs for gas and other related goods.
War and conflict can impact global oil supplies and affect prices.
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Inflation stayed high in August, mainly due to rising energy prices, with diesel reaching a record high. The overall price increase was 0.4% for the month and 3.4% over the year, making it unlikely the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon.
Key Facts
Prices rose 0.4% in August, up from 0.1% in July.
Annual inflation held steady at 3.4%.
Energy costs made up more than one-third of the price increase.
Gas prices averaged $4.30 per gallon nationwide, up from about $3 before the Iran war started.
Diesel prices recently hit over $6 per gallon, an all-time high.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.3% in August and is 2.4% higher than a year ago.
There is a 69% chance the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by a quarter-point soon.
Energy prices have increased 16.3% over the past year, with motor fuels up 28%.
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More than 120 organizations, including businesses and charities, have asked the UK chancellor to remove extra charges called "levies" from energy bills. These levies make energy more expensive, and the groups say the government should pay for energy policies directly instead to lower costs for homes and businesses.
Key Facts
Over 120 groups, including Energy UK and Age UK, signed a letter to the chancellor asking to remove hidden taxes from energy bills.
Levies currently add about 10% to energy bills and fund government energy policies such as renewable projects and nuclear power.
The letter suggests the government should pay these costs through taxation, not through energy bills.
Removing levies could lower household energy bills by up to £250 a year and reduce electricity prices for businesses by 20%.
Energy bills in the UK are 70% higher now than in 2021, partly due to these levies and rising global energy prices.
The government promised to cut energy bills by £300 a year by 2030 before the 2024 election.
A recent cut to VAT on domestic energy bills is expected to save households around £45, but it may end in April.
High energy costs are causing business closures and job losses, while making UK investments less attractive.
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The average price of diesel fuel in the U.S. reached a new high of about $6.05 per gallon. This increase is linked to ongoing conflicts involving Iran and attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have reduced the global supply of energy.
Key Facts
Diesel prices in the U.S. hit a record average of $6.05 per gallon.
The price rise is due to global energy supply issues.
Conflicts involving Iran are affecting oil availability.
Attacks on Russian oil refineries have also disrupted supply.
The higher diesel prices affect transportation and goods costs.
Data was reported by AAA, an organization that tracks fuel prices.
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Melanie Wilson, an antique shop owner in Scotland, moved her shop 20 miles closer to home to reduce high fuel costs caused by rising diesel prices. Fuel prices have increased due to conflicts in the Middle East, affecting many people who rely on cars for work and daily life.
Key Facts
Melanie Wilson moved her shop from Insch to Turriff to cut her weekly diesel fuel costs from nearly £300 to about £150.
Rising fuel prices in the UK are linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, especially the US-Israel-Iran war starting in February.
Diesel prices in some UK areas have risen to about £1.95 per litre.
Taxi business owner Martin Milne says his fuel costs increased from £5,000 to about £6,500 per month since the conflict began.
Older driver Evelyn Grant is reducing car use and cutting back on heating because of higher fuel and energy costs.
Road worker John Reid describes fuel prices as “extortionate” and says costs keep changing unpredictably.
Carer Jared Whitehouse is using his bike more because filling his car tank now costs around £80, up from about £60 a few years ago.
Rising fuel prices are putting financial pressure on small business owners and individuals in rural Scotland who depend on travel.
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The article argues that the policy of encouraging all high school graduates to attend college and providing unlimited government loans for their education was a mistake. It suggests that more graduates should consider entering the workforce directly instead of pursuing higher education.
Key Facts
The article critiques a past policy promoting college attendance for all high school graduates.
The policy included offering unlimited government loans to students wanting advanced degrees.
It claims this approach was not a good decision.
The article recommends that more young people start working right after high school.
It suggests reconsidering how educational funds are allocated.
The focus is on improving career paths after high school.
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Diesel prices in the United States have risen to over $6 per gallon, reaching a record high. This increase is linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have affected global oil supply and raised fuel costs.
Key Facts
The national average diesel price reached $6.05 per gallon on September 11.
Diesel prices increased from $3.70 a year ago and went up by more than $2 per gallon since late February.
Gasoline prices also rose to $4.29 per gallon, up from $2.98 in late February.
Diesel is used to fuel many commercial vehicles like trucks that carry freight and deliveries.
Some businesses have increased fees to cover the higher diesel costs.
The highest diesel prices were in California ($7.98), Washington ($7.05), and Hawaii ($7.00).
The lowest diesel prices were in Oklahoma ($5.60), Missouri ($5.65), and Texas ($5.66).
The price increases relate to disruptions in oil supply caused by conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
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