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By Luke Ramseth, The Detroit News

New car prices didn’t spike after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs in the spring, as some experts and dealers projected.

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But prices on many models are now pushing notably higher — and analysts said carmakers recouping Trump’s higher import costs is a key factor.

Consider a recent analysis that found automakers are implementing more aggressive price increases on 2026 model-year vehicles compared to when 2025s were hitting dealership lots last year.

Cloud Theory, which tracks car inventory on dealer websites across the country, found the average marketed price increase on 2026 models was nearly $2,000, compared to an approximately $400 uptick during last year’s model year changeover. This year, 23 models have at least a $2,000 price hike; last year there were just nine. read more

By Nilesh Christopher, Los Angeles Times

People aren’t lovin’ it.

McDonald’s was forced to pull down an AI-generated Christmas commercial from YouTube after some consumers said the AI-slop-filled tongue-in-cheek take on the holidays was distasteful.

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The ad, titled “It’s the most terrible time of the year,” was a satirical take on holiday realities. It showed a series of short, chaotic clips of people braving the winter, tripping while carrying overloaded gift bags, getting stuck in tangled lights, burning homemade cookies or starting an unexpected cooking fire during a family gathering.

The ad agency TBWANEBOKO collaborated with film production company Sweetshop, whose Los Angeles-based directing duo Mark Potoka and Matt Spicer shot the film. The 45-second ad was created for McDonald’s Netherlands. read more

By DEE-ANN DURBIN

Rejoice, New Year’s dieters: Oreos are getting a sugar-free option.

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Mondelez said Tuesday that Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Double Stuf Zero Sugar will go on sale in the U.S. in January. They’re a permanent addition to the company’s Oreo lineup.

It’s the first time Mondelez has sold sugar-free Oreos in the U.S. They’re already sold in Europe and China, the company said.

Mondelez said consumers are increasingly seeking what it calls “mindful indulgence,” and the new Oreos will fill an existing gap in the market for sugar-free sandwich cookies.

Others have also noted the trend toward healthier snacks. In a report earlier this year, the market research company Circana found that a majority of Americans are seeking out snacks they consider “good for them.” Conagra Brands, which makes popcorn and Slim Jim meat snacks, said in a recent snacking report that Millennials and Generation Z consumers, in particular, are seeking portion-controlled and wellness-focused snacks. read more

By MATTHEW BROWN and MATTHEW DALY

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil companies offered $300 million for drilling rights in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday in the first of 30 sales planned for the region under Republican efforts to ramp up U.S. fossil fuel production.

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The sale came after President Donald Trump’s administration recently announced plans to allow new drilling off Florida and California for the first time in decades. That’s drawn pushback, including from Republicans worried about impacts to tourism.

Wednesday’s sale was mandated by the sweeping tax-and-spending bill approved by Republicans over the summer. Under that legislation, companies will pay a 12.5% royalty on oil produced from the leases. That’s the lowest royalty level for deep-water drilling since 2007. read more

Brian Bacica has been appointed president of Legoland Florida Resort, which includes its namesake Winter Haven theme park, water park, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Sea Life Florida Aquarium and a handful of hotel properties.

Bacica’s most recent position was as president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park, a role he assumed in July. Before that he was president of Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey for two years.

“Legoland Florida Resort is entering an incredibly exciting period of expansion and innovation, and I’m honored to lead the team as we deliver on some highly anticipated park updates,” Bacica said in a news release.

In February, the theme park plans to introduce Galacticoaster, an indoor family-friendly roller coaster. It’s part of a $90 million plan by owner Merlin Entertainments Group that includes a similar ride at Legoland California.

“With major investments like Galacticoaster on the horizon, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build new experiences that spark imagination, strengthen family connections and elevate Central Florida as a must-visit destination for families,” he said. read more