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"Democrats Hold the Cash Edge as Musk Becomes a GOP Wild Card in Midterm Money Race"
Democrats are entering the midterm cycle with a clear fundraising advantage in several pivotal congressional contests, giving them a stronger candidate-finance base than Republicans in the early stages of the battle for Congress. But the GOP is increasingly benefiting from a different kind of financial force: Elon Musk, whose political spending and influence are adding a volatile new layer to Republican-aligned efforts, including support tied to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and groups close to Donald Trump.
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How a Mocked Pumpkin Farm Grew Into a $2 Million Seasonal Business
When Kelly Schultz bought a pumpkin farm in 1996, many doubted the venture would amount to much. Nearly three decades later, the property has evolved into a high-volume autumn attraction that draws about 100,000 visitors each fall and generates roughly $2 million a year. The story underscores how rural leisure businesses can scale by blending agriculture, entertainment, and disciplined seasonal branding.
U.S. Presses China on Mastercard, Citigroup Access in Bangkok Talks, Official Says
The United States raised concerns over market access for Mastercard and Citigroup during bilateral meetings with China in Bangkok this week, according to a U.S. Treasury official. The discussions underscore Washingtonās continuing push for fairer treatment of U.S. financial firms as trade and economic tensions remain elevated.
KFC to Replace Pepsi With Coca-Cola in U.S. Restaurants, Ending a Decades-Long Beverage Tie
KFC will switch its U.S. restaurant beverage supplier from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola, marking a significant reset in one of the fast-food industryās most durable fountain-drink relationships. The move underscores how major restaurant chains continue to recalibrate supplier partnerships to sharpen customer appeal, simplify operations and strengthen brand alignment in a highly competitive market.
Muskās $158 Million Donation Lifts GOP Senate Super PAC to Record $273 Million
Elon Musk has delivered a record $158 million contribution to the Senate Leadership Fund, helping the Republican super PAC reach an unprecedented $273 million war chest. The influx underscores how a handful of ultra-wealthy donors continue to shape the financial battlefield in the U.S. Senate, with Republicans now directing significant resources toward Texas as they work to defend Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Russia Returns to the G20 Table in Bangkok on U.S. Invitation, Stirring European Anger
Russia has re-entered the G20 diplomatic table in Bangkok after an invitation from the United States, a move that has immediately exposed fresh friction between Washington and European allies. The decision underscores how the Biden administrationās outreach to Moscow is colliding with Europeās harder line on Russia amid the war in Ukraine and wider tensions over sanctions, security and economic diplomacy.
KFC to Replace Pepsi With Coca-Cola in U.S. Restaurants, Ending a Longstanding Pouring Partnership
KFC will switch its U.S. restaurants from PepsiCo beverages to Coca-Cola products, marking a notable reset in one of fast foodās most visible supplier relationships. The move underscores how major restaurant chains are reworking beverage partnerships to sharpen brand alignment, improve customer appeal, and strengthen sales execution in a highly competitive market.
How One Mother Turned College Into āGood Debtā ā and Why That Model Is Harder for Her Daughter
A generation ago, financing a degree through debt could still be framed as a rational bet on upward mobility. Today, with tuition, living costs and borrowing burdens all higher, that calculation is far less forgiving for families trying to repeat the same strategy for the next generation. The story reflects a broader global shift in how households, central bankers and policymakers think about education, credit and long-term economic resilience.
Southwest Overhauls Loyalty Program, Replacing A-List Tiers With Three New Levels
Southwest Airlines is redesigning its frequent flyer program, retiring the long-standing A-List and A-List Preferred structure in favor of three new tiers. The move signals a broader push to sharpen loyalty incentives, deepen customer segmentation, and keep pace with rivals that have increasingly used elite benefits to lock in high-value travelers.
Historian Says Much of āClassicā Money Advice Is Surprisingly New ā and Not Always Useful
A financial historian is challenging the idea that long-standing money wisdom is timeless, arguing that much of todayās advice on housing, investing and budgeting emerged only in recent decades. The broader lesson, the historian says, is that personal finance rules are shaped by changing economic conditions ā and should be judged by whether they still fit todayās world.
Texas Democrat James Talarico Says He Raised Record $64 Million, Signaling a More Competitive Senate Race
Texas Democrat James Talarico said he raised a record $64 million over the summer, a haul that underscores how seriously Democrats are treating a state they have failed to win statewide since 1994 and have not captured in a U.S. Senate race since 1988. The figure, if sustained, would give Talarico extraordinary financial firepower in a contest long considered hostile terrain for his party.
Warren, Garcia Target Banks in Epstein Records Push
Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Robert Garcia are advancing legislation that would compel banks and selected executives to disclose records tied to Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying congressional scrutiny of the financial institutions that maintained relationships with the disgraced financier. The proposal signals a broader effort to force transparency over how major banks handled Epstein-linked accounts and whether warning signs were missed or minimized.
U.S. Weighs āMother of All Bombsā Option as Iran Vows to Keep Fighting
The U.S. military has reportedly prepared strike options for Iran that include the possible use of one of its largest nonnuclear bombs, escalating fears of a wider confrontation in the Middle East. Tehran has responded with defiance, signaling it will continue to resist pressure even as markets and policymakers brace for further volatility.