Mexico's government has approved new tariffs of up to 50% on imports from several countries, including China. The tariffs aim to boost local production and will start on January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Mexico is negotiating with the U.S. over possible new trade taxes that President Trump has threatened to impose.
Key Facts
Mexico's Senate has passed a measure to impose new tariffs on hundreds of products.
These tariffs will affect goods from countries without a free trade agreement with Mexico, like China, Thailand, India, and Indonesia.
The new tariffs could be as high as 50% and will start on January 1, 2026.
The targeted goods include metals, cars, clothing, and appliances.
President Claudia Sheinbaum says the tariffs aim to increase local production.
Mexico is in talks with the U.S. to reduce tariffs President Trump has threatened, including on Mexican steel and aluminum.
Trump threatened further tariffs over issues like fentanyl control and a water-sharing agreement.
The US is Mexico's largest trading partner, and trade relations are currently under negotiation.
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Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way, Washington, will close permanently in November 2026 after being in operation for 49 years. The park's owner, Premier Parks, cited rising operational costs and financial losses since reopening after COVID-19 as reasons for the closure. Plans for future projects on the site are in early stages.
Key Facts
Wild Waves Theme Park opened in 1977 in Federal Way, Washington.
The park will close permanently on November 1, 2026, after 49 years of operation.
Rising operational costs and financial losses since the COVID-19 reopening are reasons for the closure.
The park is owned by Premier Parks and employs 800 seasonal staff and 35 full-time employees.
Wild Waves is the largest combination theme and water park in Washington state.
All 2026 events, season passes, and tickets will be honored by the park.
Plans for future development at the site are being considered, but details are not yet finalized.
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President Donald Trump announced a new visa program called the Trump Gold Card, which offers fast-tracked U.S. visas for individuals who can pay at least $1 million. The program aims to attract wealthy individuals who can provide significant benefits to the U.S. economy. It also includes a higher fee option for businesses wanting to sponsor employees.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced the Trump Gold Card for wealthy foreigners willing to pay at least $1 million.
This visa offers a faster pathway to U.S. citizenship for those who qualify and meet certain criteria.
The program requires businesses sponsoring employees to pay $2 million, plus additional fees.
An upcoming "platinum" version offers special tax breaks for a $5 million fee.
Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of $15,000.
The scheme has faced criticism for potentially favoring wealthy individuals.
The U.S. government has been tightening immigration regulations, including raising other visa fees.
The program is launched amidst broader U.S. immigration policy changes, such as travel bans and paused asylum applications.
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President Donald Trump has expressed his opinion that CNN should be sold as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) deal. WBD is currently considering offers from Paramount and Netflix to buy its assets. Trump's comments may influence WBD's shareholders and board, even though he doesn't have direct power over the merger.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested that CNN should be sold as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
WBD's board has 10 days to respond to a takeover bid from Paramount.
Paramount has offered $108 billion for all of WBD, including CNN.
Netflix made a competing offer of $83 billion to buy WBD's studio and streaming businesses.
Trump's comments could affect WBD's shareholder decisions due to potential regulatory scrutiny of the bids.
Paramount claims its bid will get easier regulatory approval than Netflix's offer.
Foreign investors providing financing for Paramount's bid include entities from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
These foreign investors are not seeking board seats or voting rights to avoid regulatory issues.
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The city of Lugano in Switzerland allows payments using bitcoin at about 350 local businesses, including shops and restaurants. The city council also takes bitcoin for some municipal services, aiming to make Lugano a hub for cryptocurrency use.
Key Facts
Lugano, a city in Switzerland, lets people pay with bitcoin at shops and restaurants.
About 350 businesses in Lugano accept bitcoin as a payment option.
The city council provides local businesses with machines to process bitcoin payments.
Bitcoin can be used to pay for some city services, like pre-school childcare.
Bitcoin transaction fees are generally lower than those for credit and debit cards.
An initiative called Plan B aims to make Lugano a center for bitcoin education and usage.
Users in Lugano can pay with bitcoin through a suitable app on their mobile phones.
Not all services in Lugano, like public transportation and energy bills, accept bitcoin yet.
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GSK CEO Dame Emma Walmsley stated that the U.S. is the best place for business investment and announced a $30 billion investment there by 2030. She noted that other pharmaceutical companies are turning away from the UK due to challenges with NHS drug budgets and U.S. pressure to produce locally. However, a new UK-U.S. deal keeps tariffs on British pharmaceuticals at zero, encouraging investment.
Key Facts
GSK plans to invest $30 billion in the U.S. by 2030.
Dame Emma Walmsley noted the U.S. as a leading market for drug and vaccine launches.
UK pharmaceutical projects face challenges from NHS budget constraints and U.S. production pressures.
A UK-U.S. deal ensures zero tariffs on UK-made drugs, with the UK paying more for NHS medicines.
Other companies like Merck and AstraZeneca are pausing UK projects in favor of U.S. investments.
The agreement aims to boost innovation, like GSK's new asthma drug awaiting NHS approval.
Dame Emma highlighted the impact of social demographics and diet on UK health outcomes.
Differences between the UK's NHS and U.S. private healthcare were noted by Dame Emma based on her personal experiences.
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Starting in April, banks and financial firms in the UK will begin offering investment recommendations to people based on common financial profiles. This is part of a new plan from the UK’s financial regulator to help more people make better financial decisions without needing costly individual advice.
Key Facts
The UK financial regulator is allowing banks to offer investment advice based on group profiles.
This service aims to help people who currently seek financial advice from friends or social media.
Nearly 20% of people in a survey rely on family and friends for financial advice.
Many people in the UK have little to no savings, but about seven million have over £10,000 and could benefit from investing.
The new advice plan is not the same as personalized financial advice, which requires a fee.
Only 9% of people received regulated financial advice in the 12 months to May 2024.
There are concerns that the new rules must not lead to companies taking advantage of customers.
The government has set a goal to encourage more investments to boost economic growth.
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The red bus known as Dave's Coaches from the BBC sitcom "Gavin and Stacey" is being sold online for £200,000. The bus has traveled over 279,000 miles and has been part of sightseeing tours for the show's fans.
Key Facts
The bus is a 33-seater Mercedes-Benz Vario 814D.
It appeared in the show's finale that aired last Christmas.
The vehicle has clocked 279,361 miles.
It is listed for sale on the Autotrader website.
The bus has had eight previous owners.
It has been used for official "Gavin and Stacey" sightseeing tours.
12.3 million people watched last Christmas's finale of "Gavin and Stacey".
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President Donald Trump has expressed his opinion that CNN should be sold or restructured as part of the acquisition of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is currently the focus of two competing takeover bids from Netflix and Paramount Skydance. Trump's remarks about CNN, a network he often criticizes, have led to concerns about political influence over these media transactions.
Key Facts
President Trump wants CNN to be sold or changed as part of Warner Bros. Discovery's sale.
Netflix and Paramount Skydance are bidding to buy Warner Bros. Discovery.
Trump often accuses CNN of bias against him, calling it "fake news."
His comments have raised concerns about political pressure on media transactions.
Netflix has offered $83 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery but would exclude CNN.
Paramount Skydance's $108.4 billion bid includes CNN and other cable channels.
Speculation surrounds the influence of Trump's associates in these transactions.
Trump has mentioned concerns about Netflix's market dominance in this context.
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The U.S. Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to boost the slowing job market, marking the third rate cut this year. The current rate range is between 3.50% and 3.75%, the lowest in three years, reflecting divisions among policymakers on how to balance growth and inflation concerns.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points.
This is the third time this year the Fed has lowered rates.
The new interest rate range is 3.50% to 3.75%, the lowest in three years.
Divisions exist among Fed policymakers about the best course of action.
Three Fed officials disagreed with the decision, wanting a different rate change.
The U.S. unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.4% in September.
Inflation was at 3% in September, above the Fed’s 2% target.
President Trump is expected to announce a new Fed chair nominee soon.
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The U.S. Federal Reserve has lowered its key interest rate by 0.25%, marking the last rate cut of the year. This decision comes amid slow job growth and rising inflation, with ongoing government data collection challenges affecting economic assessments. Political dynamics also influenced the decision, as President Trump sought more aggressive rate cuts.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%, setting them between 3.50% and 3.75%.
Job growth in the U.S. has slowed, and unemployment has slightly increased.
Inflation has risen since earlier in the year, which influenced the rate cut.
An 89% probability of a rate cut was predicted by the CME Fed Watch tool.
Government data collection was affected by a 43-day shutdown, impacting economic reports.
New economic data showed labor costs increased by 0.8% in the third quarter, less than expected.
President Trump has pressured the Federal Reserve for larger rate cuts.
Fed board member Stephen Miran pushed for a bigger rate cut than was implemented.
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The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the third time this year, amidst disagreement among officials. The target range for the federal funds rate is now set between 3.5% and 3.75%. Some members wanted to keep rates steady, while others advocated for larger cuts.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
This is the third rate cut of the year.
There was significant disagreement among Fed officials about the rate decision.
Three Fed officials did not agree with the rate cut.
The Fed plans to purchase short-term Treasury securities to ensure enough reserves in the financial system.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell's term ends in May 2026, and President Trump is considering replacements.
New projections show differing opinions on future rate changes among Fed officials.
The Fed updated its 2026 economic forecasts, predicting higher GDP growth and lower inflation than previously expected.
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The Federal Reserve reduced interest rates for the third consecutive time. The rate now ranges from 3.5% to 3.75%. There's uncertainty about whether more cuts will happen in the future.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States.
It cut the interest rates by 0.25 percentage points.
This is the third interest rate cut in a row.
The new interest rate range is between 3.5% and 3.75%.
There are mixed opinions within the Federal Reserve about future rate cuts.
The Federal Open Market Committee made the decision.
Interest rates influence borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.
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Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband bars, made by Nestle, can no longer be labeled as chocolate in the UK because changes in their recipes lowered cocoa and milk solids below required levels. These recipe changes, due to rising ingredient costs, have led to several products being relabeled as "chocolate-flavored."
Key Facts
Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband bars cannot be labeled as chocolate in the UK anymore.
Nestle changed recipes to use more vegetable fat due to rising ingredient costs.
UK law requires at least 20% cocoa solids and 20% milk solids in products labeled as milk chocolate.
Nestle's recipe changes are a response to increased costs for cocoa and other ingredients.
McVitie's Penguin and Club bars have also changed recipes and are now "chocolate flavor."
Rising cocoa prices were caused by poor harvests and droughts over the past three years.
The practice of altering ingredient proportions to save on costs is sometimes called "skimpflation."
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Leon, a chain of restaurants, plans to close some locations and reduce its workforce as part of a major reorganization. The company has brought in Quantuma, a firm specializing in managing financial issues, to help with this process. Leon is working to offer affected employees opportunities in stores that will remain open and has a partnership with Pret A Manger for additional job placements.
Key Facts
Leon will close some restaurants and cut jobs in a major reorganization effort.
The company has appointed Quantuma as administrators for this process.
John Vincent, Leon's co-founder, recently reacquired the company from Asda.
No specific store closures have been confirmed yet.
Leon employs around 1,000 people but hasn't said how many jobs will be lost.
The focus is on closing the restaurants that perform the worst financially.
Leon has a job placement program with Pret A Manger for affected staff.
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The U.S. stock market moved closer to its highest point ever after the Federal Reserve reduced its main interest rate. The move was expected and mainly aimed at improving the job market. Investors are curious about further rate cuts in 2026 as the Federal Reserve tries to manage economic growth and inflation.
Key Facts
The S&P 500 index increased by 0.4% and is nearing its record high from October.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average went up by 386 points, or 0.8%.
The Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate to help the job market, which was widely anticipated.
Interest rate cuts can stimulate the economy and increase investment prices but may also lead to higher inflation.
Federal Reserve officials were divided on the need for the rate cut, with two opposing it and one favoring a larger cut.
The 10-year Treasury yield dipped slightly from 4.18% to 4.16%.
Some companies, like GE Vernova and Palantir Technologies, reported gains, while GameStop experienced a drop due to lower-than-expected revenue.
Wall Street traders pay close attention to interest rate changes as they influence economic growth and investment choices.
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The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate again, reducing it to about 3.6%, but hinted it might pause more cuts soon. This decision contrasts with President Trump’s desire for faster rate reductions. The Fed is balancing inflation concerns, slowing job growth, and a potential change in its leadership.
Key Facts
The Fed lowered the interest rate by a quarter-point to around 3.6%.
This is the third consecutive meeting where the Fed has cut rates.
President Trump wants the Fed to cut rates more sharply.
The Fed has indicated there might be just one more rate cut next year.
Inflation remains above the Fed’s target, although it has decreased from previous highs.
The job market is showing signs of slowing, with unemployment at 4.4%.
There is a split within the Fed on the pace and need for rate adjustments.
President Trump may choose a new Fed chair soon, impacting future rate decisions.
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Elon Musk discussed his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency, saying it was only somewhat successful and caused difficulties for his businesses. He expressed that he would not repeat the experience and acknowledged challenges with transforming the government quickly.
Key Facts
Elon Musk said his work with the Department of Government Efficiency was "somewhat successful."
He would not choose to do this government work again.
Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and owns the social media platform X.
He defended President Trump's temporary government agency, which Musk left in the spring.
The agency officially closed last month.
Musk mentioned that working on DOGE had a negative impact on his other businesses.
He found changing the federal government quickly to be difficult.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves reported too many unauthorized leaks about the Budget before its official announcement. An investigation is underway to find the source of these leaks, which included incorrect information. The leaks have resulted in a review of Treasury processes and a cybersecurity check of IT systems.
Key Facts
Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed concern over numerous unauthorized leaks about the Budget.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle criticized the leaks, calling it a "hokey-cokey Budget."
The Financial Times reported a leak suggesting dropped plans to increase income tax; this is under investigation.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) accidentally published the Budget details online before the official speech.
Richard Hughes, OBR chairman, resigned after the incident.
A pay-per-mile charge on electric vehicles and a tourist tax were among leaked measures.
The National Centre for Cyber Security is examining Treasury IT systems.
An inquiry led by the Cabinet Office is investigating the sources of leaks, including within various government departments.
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KFC is bringing back its Potato Wedges and Hot & Spicy Wings for a short 72-hour promotion. These popular items were previously removed from the menu, but strong customer demand led to their temporary return. KFC is using this promotion to gauge interest in making these items a permanent menu option.
Key Facts
KFC's Potato Wedges first appeared in the mid-1990s and were removed in 2020.
The wedges returned temporarily in August 2025 after strong customer demand and positive test results in Tampa, Florida.
The promotion, starting December 9, lasts for 72 hours.
Customers are encouraged to share their support on social media to influence a possible permanent return.
KFC also brought back Hot & Spicy Wings for the same promotion period.
The Wings & Wedges Promotion offers a combo for $9.99, including six wings and a side of wedges.
A larger Wings & Wedges Box is available for $20 with additional items like chicken nuggets and biscuits.
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