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As of December 2025, UK and US retailers report mixed financial results amid subdued consumer confidence and economic uncertainty. Watches of Switzerland sees robust US demand and tariff relief, while Frasers Group faces UK sales declines despite international growth. Walmart raises forecasts on strong e-commerce and affluent shoppers. Target and home improvement chains report sales challenges, prompting investments and cautious outlooks.
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Several major retailers released financial updates, revealing resilience in some sectors and challenges in others. Walmart benefits from strong holiday sales, while Kingfisher and AO World raise profit forecasts amid cautious outlooks. Advertising firms face profit downgrades due to economic headwinds. The stories reflect ongoing shifts in consumer behavior and economic pressures.
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As of October 2025, OpenAI's valuation surged to $500 billion following a $6.6 billion secondary share sale by current and former employees to investors including SoftBank, Thrive Capital, and MGX. Despite not yet turning a profit, OpenAI has secured massive AI infrastructure deals with Oracle, Nvidia, and AMD, fueling rapid growth and complex partnerships across Silicon Valley's AI ecosystem.
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Indonesia's seafood and spice exports to the US are under scrutiny after radioactive cesium-137 was detected in shipments of shrimp and cloves. Authorities have suspended some exports, traced contamination sources to scrap metal, and are implementing safety measures. The contamination levels are low but raise health and trade concerns.
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Amid rising economic and health challenges, small business owners and individuals are taking action. A Maine bakery owner offers free meals to those affected by SNAP cuts, while entrepreneurs in Chicago and Shanghai navigate supply chain issues. A woman in the UK shares her recovery from alcohol dependence, highlighting broader societal issues.
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The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit contesting President Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, arguing it exceeds legal authority and disrupts the visa system. The fee aims to limit foreign workers but faces opposition from industry groups and legal challenges.
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Recent articles highlight shifts in grocery shopping habits: Amazon's new convenience store format in Arlington, US, and a US-based app offering cashback deals. Meanwhile, a travel writer reflects on Italy's community-focused, multi-stop shopping culture, revealing diverse consumer behaviors.
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Recent reductions in UK and US aid threaten progress against HIV, malaria, and TB in Africa. Funding cuts could lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths, with international summits and political decisions shaping future support. The global fight against these diseases faces significant financial and political challenges.
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PayPal partners with OpenAI to enable instant AI-driven payments within ChatGPT, while Visa and Mastercard introduce AI-powered shopping and secure payment systems in the UAE. Meanwhile, US courts challenge Texas laws requiring age verification for app downloads, citing First Amendment issues. These developments highlight rapid innovation and regulation in digital payments.
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As of late October 2025, Target announced plans to cut about 8% of its global corporate workforce, roughly 1,800 jobs, mainly at its Minneapolis headquarters. The restructuring aims to simplify management layers and accelerate decision-making amid stagnant sales and competitive pressures. The cuts exclude store employees and come as Target prepares for a leadership transition in February 2026.
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Malaria cases are rising in Africa, with nearly 600,000 deaths annually, mostly children and pregnant women. Funding cuts from Western donors threaten progress, risking more deaths and economic decline. Climate change and drug resistance worsen the crisis, highlighting urgent need for increased aid and innovative solutions.
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Leading companies including Microsoft, JPMorgan, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs are rapidly expanding their AI initiatives. They focus on in-house model development, workforce training, and integrating AI into operations, amid ongoing debates about job impacts and strategic advantages. The story highlights recent investments, partnerships, and workforce transformations as of November 2025.
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Recent food recalls in Australia and the US are linked to Salmonella and Listeria contamination. In Australia, alfalfa sprouts from Parilla Fresh are recalled due to Salmonella, affecting several states. In the US, Nate's Fine Foods pasta caused six deaths and dozens of illnesses from Listeria. Moringa supplements were also recalled for Salmonella risk.
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As of December 2025, major tech firms including HP, Amazon, Meta, and IBM are accelerating AI adoption, leading to thousands of job cuts and workforce shifts. HP plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028, citing AI-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, AI-assisted "vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's 2025 word of the year, reflecting a transformative shift in software development and workplace culture.
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President Trump has reiterated plans to pay Americans a $2,000 dividend funded by tariffs, amid ongoing legal challenges over his tariff authority. He claims tariffs have boosted the economy, but experts warn revenue projections are uncertain and details remain unclear.
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Former President Trump announced plans to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents in Minnesota, citing crime and fraud. The move, which could affect a small number of Somalis nationally, faces strong opposition from local leaders and advocates, amid concerns of fueling hate and Islamophobia. The announcement marks a broader push to tighten immigration protections.
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Recent articles highlight evolving holiday food trends, including regional pie preferences, innovative recipes like Martha Stewart's salted maple bourbon pie, and the viral return of Trader Joe's chocolate mascarpone. Meanwhile, unconventional food experiments and store-bought pies continue to spark debate and curiosity as the holiday season approaches.
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Recent stories highlight how GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are influencing Thanksgiving celebrations, with families reducing traditional carb-heavy dishes and sweets. Some individuals are substituting ingredients to maintain their diets, while others are opting for unconventional family gatherings, including vacations, to avoid traditional feasts.
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Americans continue to favor side dishes over turkey for Thanksgiving, with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes remaining top choices. Regional and generational preferences influence dish popularity, while grocery deals aim to ease holiday costs amid inflation. The cost of a full meal for 10 is estimated at $55.18.
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The US added 119,000 jobs in September, a sign of a softening labor market, but the unemployment rate increased to 4.4%. The data, delayed by the government shutdown, shows mixed signals about economic strength and influences Federal Reserve policy debates.
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US Thanksgiving food costs are volatile amid rising wholesale turkey prices due to avian flu, while consumer sentiment hits 40-year lows. Retailers and politicians present conflicting data on affordability, with some claiming prices are down, but wholesale costs and consumer worries suggest ongoing inflation pressures.
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Jamie Oliver plans to reopen his Jamie’s Italian in Leicester Square next spring, partnering with Brava Hospitality Group. The brand, which collapsed in 2019, will relaunch amid industry challenges like rising costs and shifting consumer habits. Oliver emphasizes his focus on quality sourcing and staff training for the revival.