‘Superfluous consumerism’: adult Advent calendar trend alarms green groups

The UK government has announced a freeze on rail fares in England for 2026, marking the first such measure in 30 years. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm this decision in her upcoming budget speech, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on commuters and support economic growth amid rising living costs.

The UK is experiencing a severe season of bird flu, significantly impacting the supply of Christmas turkeys, chickens, and ducks, with 5% of the seasonal flock already culled. Industry insiders indicate that the situation is worse than last year, leading to tighter availability of poultry products ahead of the festive season.

An increase in property down valuations, particularly in London and the south-east, is causing significant disruptions in the housing market, with some homes being valued at 10% or more below the agreed sale price. Mortgage experts warn that this trend is 'turning deals and lives upside down.'

Duralex, the renowned French glassmaker, successfully raised €5 million in emergency funding within just five hours and 40 minutes after appealing to the public for support. The fundraising effort quickly exceeded expectations, with pledges surpassing €19 million within 48 hours, highlighting the brand's nostalgic value and strong consumer loyalty.

A collective experiment revealed that women experienced a significant increase in their LinkedIn traffic when they altered their profiles to present as male and adopted 'bro-coding' language. This change led to greater engagement, despite LinkedIn's denial of favoring male posts.

US consumer confidence has declined as stock markets continue to fall and shop prices remain high. The FTSE 100 index dropped by over 1%, reaching a one-month low, while the S&P 500 also experienced a significant decline after initial gains. Concerns about an AI bubble are resurfacing, contributing to market volatility.

Energy bills in Great Britain are set to rise unexpectedly from January, with the energy price cap increasing to £1,758 per year for the average dual fuel bill. The regulator Ofgem announced a 0.2% increase, which translates to an additional £3 in annual costs for households during the coldest months of the year.

Rachel Reeves, the UK's first female chancellor, expressed her frustration with individuals 'mansplaining' her role as she prepares to present her budget next week. In an interview, she highlighted the pressures of her position amid ongoing political scrutiny and attacks.