Author: Fortunes Wall
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2025 — The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, marking its highest level in more than four years and underscoring growing signs of weakness in the labor market, according to the latest government jobs report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the labor market added 64,000 jobs in November, a modest gain that outpaced expectations, but data also showed that the economy lost 105,000 jobs in October — figures that were delayed and skewed by a prolonged federal government shutdown. Economists say the rise in unemployment — the highest since September 2021 —…
If you’re planning to upgrade your smartphone next year, get ready for a possible price jump. While inflation and supply-chain issues have pushed gadget prices upward before, this time the reason is different—and far more technological. The rapid rise of on-device artificial intelligence is reshaping how phones are built, and that shift could make future models noticeably more expensive. Over the past year, tech companies have raced to add faster processors, upgraded neural engines, and dedicated AI hardware into their devices. These components aren’t minor improvements. They demand advanced materials, cutting-edge manufacturing, and more research investment than typical yearly upgrades.…
Delta Air Lines has revealed it suffered an estimated US $200 million hit to its fourth-quarter pre-tax profits, after a wave of flight cancellations during November caused by a prolonged Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-mandated cutback at major U.S. airports. The trouble stems from a 43-day federal government shutdown — the longest on record — which left thousands of air-traffic controllers and airport staff working without pay. As staffing shortages worsened, the FAA ordered a reduction in flights at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, forcing airlines including Delta to cancel a significant portion of their domestic schedules. Between November 7…
While many Americans are feeling the pinch of a slowing economy, one group seems largely untouched: high-income earners. Despite inflation and economic uncertainty, affluent consumers continue to spend freely — and credit card companies are rewarding them with even more exclusive perks and luxury benefits. But behind these enticing offers lies a growing concern among experts — that the cost of these rewards is ultimately being passed down to everyone else, including merchants and everyday consumers. The Rise of Premium Credit Card Rewards Major players like American Express and JPMorgan Chase have ramped up the competition for wealthy clients by…
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is gearing up for a major update that will lift some of its existing restrictions — including permitting erotic content for verified adult users. The announcement came from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the goal is to “treat adult users like adults.” Upcoming Features and Timeline According to Altman, the new ChatGPT update will roll out in stages over the coming weeks. The first phase will allow users to enable a more “human-like” conversational mode, making interactions feel more natural and expressive. Later, in December, verified adults will gain…
Denmark Takes Bold Step to Protect Children Online Denmark is preparing to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 15, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Tuesday. The proposal, she said, comes as growing evidence suggests that social media platforms are “stealing our children’s childhood” and contributing to widespread anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young people. During her opening speech to the Danish Parliament, Frederiksen emphasized that while mobile phones were originally introduced as tools for communication and safety, their role has drastically changed — and not for the better. “We said yes to mobile…
Tesla has officially introduced cheaper versions of its two best-selling electric vehicles — the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard — in a move to make EVs more accessible following the expiration of the $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit for most of its vehicles. The new Model 3 Standard starts at $38,630, including destination and order fees, with availability expected in December or January. Meanwhile, the Model Y Standard will begin at $41,630, set to arrive between November and December. Pricing and Feature Differences These new Standard models are positioned as more affordable alternatives to Tesla’s Premium versions. Both…
Gold prices have smashed through the $4,000 per ounce mark for the first time ever, as investors flock to the precious metal amid mounting global uncertainty and growing expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. The rally highlights renewed confidence in gold as a safe-haven asset, supported by strong central bank buying, robust ETF inflows, and a weakening U.S. dollar. So far in 2025, gold has surged an impressive 51%, marking its best performance in nearly four decades. Why Gold Prices Are Rising Gold thrives in periods of economic instability and low interest rates. As inflation fears persist and major economies…
After spiraling from crisis to crisis over much of the past seven years, Boeingis stabilizing under CEO Kelly Ortberg’s leadership. Ortberg, a longtime aerospace executive and an engineer whom the manufacturer plucked from retirement to fix the problem-addled company last year, is set this week to outline significant progress since he took the helm a year ago. Boeing reports quarterly results and gives its outlook on Tuesday. So far, investors are liking what they’ve been seeing. Shares of the company are up more than 30% so far this year. Wall Street analysts expect the aircraft manufacturer to halve its second-quarter…
Elon Musk says his artificial intelligence startup will make an app dedicated to kid-friendly content and call it Baby Grok. The billionaire didn’t provide further details on Baby Grok in a post on X. Earlier this month, xAI rolled out chatbot Grok 4 just months after releasing its previous iteration, underscoring the frenetic pace of AI development. The update also came after the bot shared multiple antisemitic comments on X that drew widespread condemnation.