Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications
Russian authorities say they have imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service FaceTime, alleging it was being used for organizing what it called “terrorist activities.” Thursday's announcement marks another step in Russia's ongoing effort to control internet and online communications. In recent years, Russia has adopted restrictive laws and blocked noncompliant websites and platforms. After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the government blocked major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Access to YouTube also was disrupted. Authorities have further restricted internet access with widespread shutdowns of cellphone connections. Critics say these measures are aimed at tightening internet control.
One Tech Tip: Up your Christmas shopping game with AI tools
AI-powered shopping assistants have become a staple in online retail, making shopping easier and more convenient. This month, new AI tools have launched just in time for the holiday season. Amazon's Rufus chatbot, Walmart's Sparky, and Target's holiday gift finder are among the latest offerings. These chatbots aim to simplify finding the perfect gift by allowing conversational searches. General-purpose AI shopping tools, like those from OpenAI and Google, can search multiple sites for personalized recommendations. Virtual try-on tools and agentic AI for purchasing are also gaining traction, enhancing the online shopping experience.
US filings for jobless benefits fall to 191,000, lowest since September of 2022
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in more than three years last week, potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits for the week ending Nov. 29 fell to 191,000 from the previous week’s 218,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s the lowest level since September 24, 2022, when claims came in at 189,000. Analysts surveyed by the data provider FactSet had forecast initial claims of 221,000. Applications for unemployment aid are viewed as a proxy for layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market.
Luxury fashion firms asked for documents as part of Italian labor abuse probe
ROME (AP) — Italian prosecutors have asked 13 high-end fashion firms to provide documents on governance, internal controls and audits. The request is part of a probe into the alleged exploitation of Chinese workers at subcontractors, judicial documents showed on Thursday. According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, the investigation highlighted episodes of “heavy exploitations” of Chinese workers at subcontractors’ workshops, where the brands involved produced some of their products. The 13 fashion firms didn’t immediately comment on the request.
Bessent says Federal Reserve Board could 'veto' future regional presidents
WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday he would push a new requirement that the Federal Reserve’s regional bank presidents live in their districts for at least three years before taking office, a move that could give the White House more power over the independent agency. Bessent has stepped up his criticism of the Fed’s 12 regional bank presidents in recent weeks after several of them made clear in a series of speeches that they opposed cutting the Fed’s key rate at its next meeting in December.
Wall Street inches closer to its all-time high
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market held near its records in a quiet day of trading. The S&P 500 inched up by 0.1% Thursday and is just 0.5% below its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Dollar General rallied after reporting a better profit than analysts expected, but Kroger dropped after the grocer reported weaker revenue than expected. The modest overall moves for the market continue a calm run following weeks of sharp swings for stocks. Treasury yields ticked higher in the bond market, while stock indexes rose in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia.
Black men who were fired from key transportation boards accuse Trump of a pattern of discrimination
Two Black men who were fired by President Donald Trump from the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Surface Transportation Board accused the administration Thursday of discriminating against them as part of a pattern of dismissing Black leaders. Robert Primus on the STB and Alvin Brown on the NTSB were the only Black board members of their officially independent agencies when they were fired. The White House didn’t immediately respond to the new legal filing, but it has said that Trump was well within his legal rights to fire Primus and Brown because the president should be able to pick his team at every executive agency.
Tariffs catch up to resurgent Build-A-Bear, overshadowing financial performance
A strong quarter at Build-A-Bear Workshop in a bounce back year for the retailer was overshadowed by the growing weight of tariffs in an ongoing trade war waged by President Donald Trump. The mall staple was able to get ahead of tariff impacts during the first half of the year through preemptive actions, Chief Financial Officer Voin Todorovic said in a statement Thursday, but the levies caught up to the company in its most recent quarter and will continue to weigh on its performance into 2026. Trump acknowledged in April that tariffs could result in fewer and costlier products in U.S., saying American kids might “have two dolls instead of 30 dolls.” Build-A-Bear shares tumbled 13% Thursday.
Iranians seek portable wealth as hedge against falling currency after Israel war
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranians are turning to gold as a trusted hedge against inflation, sanctions and a weakening rial currency. Traders in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar report a surge in demand for gold, silver, and other portable assets. This trend follows the recent 12-day war with Israel and ongoing economic pressures. Many fear another conflict, prompting them to convert savings into tangible assets. Gold and silver have gained prominence as the U.S. cracks down on Iranian cryptocurrency sellers. Wealthier investors are also buying diamonds and gemstones. Portability is a key concern, with memories of past conflicts driving the desire for easily transportable wealth.
Trump administration to direct more water to California farms
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Trump administration will start sending more water to California farmers in the state's crop-rich Central Valley. The move comes out of an executive order Trump signed in January. California officials and environmentalists are pushing back on the plan. They say it could threaten water delivery to the rest of the state and would harm salmon and other fish. The plan released Thursday lays out rules for operating the Central Valley Project. It is a vast system of dams and canals that supplies water to central and southern California.
