Southwest Airlines is changing its boarding and seating policies. Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest will move from open seating to assigned seating and introduce new fare bundles. The airline also ended its free checked bags policy in May 2025, meaning passengers now pay for checked luggage unless they book the highest fare options.
Key Facts
Southwest Airlines will implement assigned seating starting January 27, 2026, ending its open seating policy.
The airline will offer different seating options like Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.
New fare bundles will include four levels: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra.
The "Bags Fly Free" policy ended in May 2025; the first checked bag costs $35, and the second $45.
Boarding will change to an eight-group system based on seat location and fare type.
Family boarding ensures children under 13 are seated with an adult.
Credits for canceled flights have an expiration limit—up to 12 months for some fares and 6 months for Basic fares.
The changes aim to make boarding more efficient and improve the customer experience.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An analysis by NetCredit compared the prices of 19 Thanksgiving meal essentials across major grocery stores. Walmart emerged as the most affordable option, offering a complete meal for $52.74. Differences in prices highlight the impact of rising grocery costs on holiday budgets.
Key Facts
NetCredit compared Thanksgiving meal prices at major grocery chains.
Walmart offered the cheapest option at $52.74 for a full meal.
The analysis covered 19 Thanksgiving ingredients, including turkey, potatoes, and canned goods.
Walmart had the lowest price for 10 of the 19 essentials.
A frozen 12-pound turkey cost $11.12 at Walmart, the lowest among studied stores.
The U.S. turkey population in 2025 is at a 40-year low, impacting supply and prices.
Other stores offering low-cost items included Target and H-E-B.
Despite deals, many households are still facing financial challenges during the holidays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Mark Warner stated that 25 percent of recent college graduates might soon be unemployed because of the changes AI is making in the labor market. The current unemployment rate for young graduates is 9.3 percent, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic. Warner and others are pressing for retraining programs and more transparency on AI-related job losses.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Warner warned about potential high unemployment rates among college graduates due to AI impacts.
He mentioned that entry-level jobs may disappear quickly, contributing to this issue.
The unemployment rate for recent college grads (ages 20-24) is currently 9.3 percent.
The overall U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4 percent.
AI is expected to eventually create new jobs, but it may take about five years.
Warner encourages AI companies to help fund retraining programs.
Legislation is proposed to make companies report AI-related layoffs to the Department of Labor.
Senator Josh Hawley supports the need for clear information on AI job impacts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fast-food chains in the U.S. are offering special deals for Thanksgiving 2025. These promotions include discounted meals and pre-cooked holiday dishes, making it easier for people to enjoy festive food without the stress of cooking.
Key Facts
Chipotle is offering a buy one get one free entrée deal on November 26 from 4 p.m. to closing.
KFC's "Extra Crispy Festive Feast" includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and different types of gravy.
Popeyes is selling a pre-cooked Cajun-Style Turkey that serves 8-12 people.
Subway's "Festive Feast Collection" features seasonal sandwiches with holiday-themed ingredients.
Arby's is bringing back its Deep Fried Turkey Sandwiches with Thanksgiving flavors.
Cracker Barrel offers "Heat and Serve" Thanksgiving meals, including turkey and various sides.
Denny's has a Holiday Turkey Bundle with turkey, stuffing, and more sides.
Taco Bell introduced a limited-time Baja Blast Pie, inspired by its popular drink.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bitcoin is experiencing its biggest monthly price drop since a major crash in 2022. It fell by 6.4% recently, while Ether also saw a significant dip. The downturn comes amid extensive selling and the liquidation of leveraged positions worth billions.
Key Facts
Bitcoin's price fell by 6.4%, briefly dropping below $82,000.
Ether's value decreased by 7.6%, falling below $2,700.
In November, Bitcoin lost about 23% of its value.
This is Bitcoin's steepest one-month fall since June 2022.
The recent drop has been influenced by the liquidation of $2 billion in leveraged positions.
Despite this, the Trump administration has shown a pro-crypto stance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
UK government borrowing in October was £17.4 billion, which was £2 billion more than analysts expected. Although borrowing decreased from the previous year, it was still one of the highest October amounts on record. The figures were released just before Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce the new Budget, which may include tax increases and spending cuts.
Key Facts
UK government borrowing in October was £17.4 billion.
This amount was £2 billion more than analysts expected.
Borrowing decreased compared to £19.2 billion in October last year.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported these figures.
This borrowing was the third-highest October amount on record.
Increased tax and National Insurance contributions offset higher spending on public services and benefits.
Borrowing for the financial year to October was £116.8 billion, the second-highest since 1993.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a Budget with possible tax increases and spending cuts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
American Airlines has a new policy where pilots who are traveling as passengers, known as "deadheading," are given top priority for first-class upgrades. This priority is above the airline's highest frequent flyer members. The decision is part of a new contract for American Airlines pilots.
Key Facts
Deadheading pilots are pilots who travel as passengers to get to another work location.
American Airlines' policy now prioritizes deadheading pilots for upgrades to first class over their top frequent flyer members.
This policy was included in the new pilot contract that was agreed upon in August 2023.
The new pilot contract is valued at over $9 billion and benefits 15,000 pilots.
The change has sparked debate online, with some supporting pilot rest needs and others opposing it for displacing paying customers.
Fatigue in pilots can lead to decreased alertness and decision-making abilities, according to a study.
The policy is seen as a way to ensure pilots are well-rested for their duties.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many traditional fish and chip shops in the UK are adding other menu items like pizzas and burgers to deal with rising costs and changing customer tastes. The National Federation of Fish Friers reports that an increase in wholesale fish prices is forcing shops to adapt their offerings to attract a broader customer base. Younger customers are opting for more varied and cheaper food options, affecting fish and chip sales.
Key Facts
Many fish and chip shops are also selling pizzas, burgers, and loaded fries to attract more customers.
The National Federation of Fish Friers notes significant cost increases, including cod prices doubling within a year.
Younger people prefer a wide range of foods, opting for diverse takeaways instead of just fish and chips.
Rising wholesale costs have limited the ability of shops to raise their prices without losing customers.
The popularity of food delivery apps offers a greater variety of food options, influencing consumer choices.
Some shop owners are looking into selling alternative fish products like kibbeling, a Dutch fish snack.
Ready meals are becoming a cheaper alternative to takeaways, further impacting traditional fish and chip sales.
Fish and chips have been a significant part of British culture, but current economic conditions and changing tastes are challenging their popularity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK did not investigate a £170 million diamond scam despite a report from a whistleblower nearly a year before the business, Vashi, collapsed. Investors had been misled into believing their investments were secure, but the diamond stock meant to back it was sold for much less. The company's former chief technology officer reported these concerns, but the SFO closed the complaint quickly and did not act.
Key Facts
The Serious Fraud Office decided not to look into a £170 million diamond scam despite a whistleblower's report.
Vashi Dominguez's diamond business, "Vashi," used investor money improperly before going bankrupt.
A diamond stock worth £157 million on paper sold for only £158,000 after the collapse.
The whistleblower, Vashi's former chief technology officer, alerted the SFO in May 2022.
The SFO closed his complaint the day after receiving it, saying it did not meet their criteria.
The company continued to raise money under false pretenses, accruing £170 million in debts by April 2023.
Vashi Dominguez left the UK for Dubai on the day the company went under and has since been unreachable.
John Ames, the whistleblower, presented documents that showed the business inflated sales figures to potential investors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A personal trainer, Georgina Cox, claims that the activewear brand Sweaty Betty used her slogan "Wear The Damn Shorts" in their campaigns without proper credit. The company offered her £4,000 to settle the issue, under the condition she would not publicly discuss the matter or challenge their use of the phrase. Cox seeks an apology and fair compensation from the brand.
Key Facts
Georgina Cox is a personal trainer from Middlesbrough.
She claims Sweaty Betty used her slogan in their marketing without crediting her.
The slogan "Wear The Damn Shorts" went viral after she used it on social media.
Sweaty Betty disputed her claims and stated the slogan has been part of their campaign for three years.
Cox was initially paid £3,500 for a social media promotion related to the campaign.
Cox sent a legal letter to Sweaty Betty asking them to stop using the phrase.
The brand offered her £4,000 to settle, with conditions of confidentiality and non-challenge.
Cox reported stress and physical effects, and wants an apology and fair compensation for her work with the brand.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A farmer in Northamptonshire is asking for government help with costs in the upcoming Budget announcement. He is particularly concerned about planned changes to inheritance tax, which could impact family farms. The farm has diversified into other businesses to manage costs and is affected by interest rates.
Key Facts
Ben Aveling, a farmer, hopes the Budget will help reduce farm costs.
His family runs a 300-acre farm near Towcester, Northamptonshire.
The farm has diversified into an online meat business and glamping.
Aveling wants a U-turn on planned inheritance tax changes for farms.
Inherited farm assets over £1 million will face a 20% tax from April 2026.
The UK government offers a £1 million investment allowance for farms.
Current interest rates, set by the Bank of England, impact farm loans.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to lower inflation and living costs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man experiencing homelessness called for the government to focus on making housing more accessible in its upcoming Budget. He also emphasized the importance of job training programs, like apprenticeships, and financial support for tools needed to find work. Homelessness has increased in areas like Cambridge and Peterborough, prompting local councils to seek additional resources.
Key Facts
A man named Josh, who lives in a night shelter, wants the government to prioritize housing in the next Budget.
Josh stressed the need for more accessible council and "move-on" housing for people needing support.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will present Labour's Budget on 26 November.
Cambridge City Council had 1,139 homelessness applications from April 2024 to March 2025, up 13% from the previous year.
Josh hopes for more opportunities in apprenticeships and better support for essential work equipment.
Peterborough City Council was contacted by 3,654 households facing homelessness in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year.
The city received nearly £1 million to help address rough sleeping issues.
A charity, Hope Into Action, provides housing to those in need, including Andrew, who has lived in one of their homes for two years after experiencing homelessness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
McDonald's has introduced "The Grinch Meal" in the United States in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. The meal includes a choice of a Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets, fries with special dill pickle seasoning, and a medium drink. Each meal also comes with a pair of Grinch-themed socks.
Key Facts
McDonald's is now offering "The Grinch Meal" in the U.S. for the first time.
The meal gives a choice between a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets.
It includes fries with dill pickle seasoning called "Grinch Salt."
A medium drink is also part of the meal.
Each meal comes with a pair of Grinch-themed socks.
The Grinch, a character created by Dr. Seuss, is part of this holiday promotion.
"The Grinch Meal" will be available starting December 2.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article tells the story of Lisa Baue, who grew up in a funeral home and became the leader of her family's funeral business after her father passed away. A significant childhood experience at the funeral home influenced her perspective on compassion and leadership. Despite challenges, she decided to continue the family business and became its president and CEO.
Key Facts
Lisa Baue grew up in a family-owned funeral home in St. Charles, Missouri.
Her father, Dave Baue, owned the business and passed away when Lisa was 30.
Before his death, her father suggested considering selling the business, but Lisa chose to continue running it.
A childhood experience at the funeral home impacted her understanding of empathy and compassion.
After her father's death, Lisa became president and CEO of the family business.
She managed multiple funeral homes, a cemetery, and cremation operations.
Lisa faced challenges with finances and staffing but learned important leadership lessons through her experiences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Frida Kahlo painting, "El sueño (La cama)," sold for $54.7 million at Sotheby's in New York, setting a new record for the most expensive artwork by a female artist at auction. The painting, created in 1940, was previously owned by an undisclosed private collector and has now surpassed the 2014 record held by Georgia O’Keeffe's work.
Key Facts
Frida Kahlo's painting "El sueño (La cama)" sold for $54.7 million.
The sale set a record as the most expensive artwork by a female artist at auction.
The previous record was $44.4 million for Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting in 2014.
The painting was sold at Sotheby's in New York.
It was painted in 1940 and depicts Kahlo asleep on a bed.
The painting had remained in private hands outside Mexico.
Its last public exhibition was in the late 1990s.
It is expected to be displayed in upcoming exhibitions in New York, London, and Brussels.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A self-portrait by Frida Kahlo, titled "El sueño (La cama)," sold for $54.7 million at a Sotheby's auction. This sale set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a work by a female artist at auction. The painting depicts a personal moment from Kahlo's life and surpassed the previous high of $34.9 million for a Kahlo work sold in 2021.
Key Facts
Frida Kahlo's painting sold for $54.7 million at Sotheby's.
This sale set a new record for artwork by a female artist at auction.
The painting, "El sueño (La cama)," was created in the 1940s during a difficult time in Kahlo's life.
It sold for more than 1,000 times its original auction price in 1980.
The previous highest auction price for Kahlo's art was $34.9 million in 2021.
Kahlo's work often explores her personal struggles, including health issues from childhood polio and a bus accident.
The painting was one of the few Kahlo works in public auctions due to export restrictions since the 1980s in Mexico.
The highest previous price for a female artist's work was Georgia O'Keeffe's painting, sold for $44 million in 2014.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The head of PwC stated that the increase in artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to hiring fewer entry-level graduates. AI is not behind the company's recent job cuts, but the firm is focusing more on hiring AI engineers. The global economy's changes, such as tariffs from President Trump, have helped the firm's consulting business.
Key Facts
PwC's global chairman, Mohamed Kande, mentioned AI could reduce the hiring of entry-level graduates.
PwC needs to hire many AI engineers, but they find it difficult to recruit them.
PwC is one of the Big Four accounting firms, offering auditing, consulting, and tax services globally.
The firm hired thousands of graduates annually but recently decided to cut back on growing its workforce.
AI is expected to replace some tasks traditionally done by PwC consultants, like data analysis.
PwC experienced job cuts of more than 5,600 roles globally last year.
The global economy, influenced by President Trump's tariffs, has benefited PwC's consulting business.
In China, PwC faced suspension due to issues related to the Evergrande property giant but has since made changes to avoid past mistakes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several discount stores in the UK, including Poundland, are closing shops despite a cost-of-living crisis. Rising costs, increased competition, and changes in shopper behavior are making it difficult for these budget stores to thrive. Poundland, sold for a nominal amount due to tough trading conditions, plans to reduce its number of stores as part of a restructuring plan.
Key Facts
Poundland closed its store in Peckham, London, and plans to close more as part of a store closure program.
More than 100 Poundland stores are set to close since the business was sold in June for £1.
Poundland aims to reduce its stores from around 800 to between 650 and 700 by the end of its turnaround plan.
Other discount stores, like the Original Factory Shop and Maxideal, are also struggling, with some closing stores or shutting down entirely.
Retail expert Catherine Shuttleworth notes that consumers are changing how they shop for bargains, becoming more selective.
Rising employer costs and inflation are creating financial difficulty for discount stores that traditionally rely on low-priced goods.
The concept of a "pound shop" has become tougher to sustain due to inflation and increased operational costs.
Chris Edwards, behind the creation of Poundworld, noted the shift in business strategy due to challenges in maintaining the "pound" pricing model.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK energy regulator Ofgem will announce a new energy price cap, with a slight reduction in prices expected for January. The cap affects customers on variable tariffs in England, Wales, and Scotland. Analysts predict a 1% decrease in energy prices, but costs might increase again in April.
Key Facts
Ofgem will announce the next energy price cap, with a small decrease predicted.
The new cap will begin in January for customers on variable tariffs in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Analysts forecast a 1% fall from the current price cap.
The energy price cap sets a maximum price per unit of gas and electricity, not the total bill.
A typical household uses 11,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity yearly.
Households currently pay around £1,755 per year under the existing cap.
Total unpaid energy bills in the UK have reached £4.4 billion.
Ofgem plans to make energy companies write off up to £500 million of this debt early next year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that President Trump's tariffs will reduce the deficit by $3 trillion over the next decade, which is $1 trillion less than previously expected. This change might make it harder to justify Trump's proposed $2,000 checks from tariff revenues, which face opposition from Senate Republicans.
Key Facts
President Trump's tariffs are expected to cut U.S. deficits by $3 trillion over ten years.
The new deficit reduction estimate is $1 trillion less than earlier projections.
Tariffs in place from January 6 to November 15 are projected to reduce primary deficits by $2.5 trillion if they stay until 2035.
The lower deficit could save an estimated $500 billion in interest.
The revised deficit estimate is based on actual tariff revenue and rate reductions, including changes for China.
More than a third of U.S. imports are not affected by tariff changes this year.
President Trump plans to offer $2,000 tariff checks by mid-2026.
Senate Republicans prefer to use the money for deficit reduction instead of the proposed checks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
