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Technology and money in plain English · Since 2012

Morning briefing

Morning briefing:

The stories to know this morning.

  1. Holiday Return Policies 2026: What Retailers Allowed Last Year and What to Check Before You Buy

    Most retailers have not posted their 2026 holiday return windows yet. Last year's deadlines and fees at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others, and what to check before you buy gifts.

  2. Airbnb Checkout Chores: What Hosts Can No Longer Require From Nov. 20

    Airbnb is limiting what hosts can ask guests to do before checkout for bookings made on or after November 20. What is banned, what is still allowed, and what to check in a listing.

  3. Trump Exempts Some Canadian Goods From 50% Tariffs, While Adding New Duties on Others

    The White House lifted the 50% tariff on packing materials, machinery and a few other Canadian goods, and put the same rate on shampoo, vinyl flooring and other items. Here is what changed and what has not.

  4. Quest Diagnostics Breach: Hackers Reached Its Lab-Ordering System. What Is Known So Far

    Quest Diagnostics says attackers reached Quanum, the system doctors use to order lab tests and handle billing, and took some patient records. The company has not said how many people are affected.

  5. American Express Profit Jumps 28% as the Company Plans to Cut 5% of Its Workforce

    AmEx earned $3.71 billion in the third quarter, raised its 2026 guidance, and said it will cut about 3,500 jobs. Nearly all Platinum cardholders accepted the higher fee.