Heineken Sales Dip Amid Global Beer Demand Slump

Dutch brewer Heineken reported a drop in global sales, citing reduced demand in Europe and Asia. The company plans to adjust its distribution strategy and focus on premium offerings to offset losses. Shares fell 2.3% in early trading.

U.S. National Debt Hits $38 Trillion Amid Government Shutdown

The U.S. Treasury confirmed Wednesday that the national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, marking the fastest $1 trillion increase outside of the pandemic era. The milestone comes as the federal government remains partially shut down, with no budget resolution in sight.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed reporters at the White House, calling the debt surge “unsustainable” and urging Congress to act. The U.S. hit $37 trillion just two months ago, underscoring the pace of borrowing tied to entitlement programs, defense spending, and interest payments.

Markets reacted cautiously, with the Dow closing flat and bond yields rising slightly. Economists warn that continued gridlock could trigger credit rating downgrades and higher borrowing costs for consumers.

This development adds pressure on lawmakers ahead of next week’s debt ceiling negotiations. Both parties remain divided on spending cuts and tax reforms.

SAG-AFTRA Approves New Deal, Ending Months-Long Strike

Hollywood is back in motion. SAG-AFTRA members voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), officially ending the actors’ strike that brought film and TV production to a halt for over 100 days.

The deal includes:

• Historic AI protections, requiring consent and compensation for digital replicas.

• Streaming bonuses tied to viewership metrics, a first for the industry.

• Minimum wage increases across all categories, retroactive to July 2025.

Studios are now scrambling to restart stalled projects, with production expected to resume on major titles like Stranger Things, Euphoria, and Blade. The Writers Guild, which settled earlier this year, welcomed the news, calling it “a turning point for creative labor.”

The strike, which began in July, was the longest in SAG-AFTRA’s history and drew widespread support from other unions and A-list actors. With the deal sealed, Hollywood is bracing for a packed 2026 release calendar.