Honest Art, a company offering art classes for children, has grown rapidly since 2021, partly because more parents want their kids to spend less time on screens. The market for screen-free activities is growing quickly, with many consumers enjoying experiences and products that do not involve digital screens.
Key Facts
Honest Art started in 2021 with 3,000 children attending classes and grew to 10,000 students annually.
The company sold six franchises within five years and plans to open more studios and expand overseas.
Parents and researchers are concerned about the effects of too much screen time on children, boosting demand for screen-free activities.
The market for screen-free activities was worth $35.40 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $61.41 billion by 2034.
Honest Art offers classes with professionally trained artists and flexible payment plans similar to gym memberships.
Adults are also buying more toys and collectibles that do not involve screens, with toy sales rising 17% in early 2026.
Toys "R" Us plans to open 120 new stores due to growing demand for toys and collectibles among both adults and children.
Consumers increasingly prefer experiences that build connection, relaxation, excitement, and learning instead of screen-based entertainment.
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Groceries in Australia have become more expensive, with the average price of a common basket of items rising by 7% from March to June. The price increase was seen across the four major supermarket chains: Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA.
Key Facts
The average cost of a basket with milk, apples, strawberries, bananas, potatoes, avocado, rice, and beef mince rose from $40.83 to $43.62.
Strawberries were the biggest price increase, going up by 37%, from $4.68 to $6.41.
IGA had the largest price increase at 11%, while Woolworths had the smallest at 2%.
Aldi’s price rise was 8%, but it remained the cheapest supermarket overall.
A “healthy” basket of 10 items was also surveyed, with Aldi offering the lowest prices ($28.79) and IGA the highest ($42.27).
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to raise interest rates again to control inflation, but food costs continue rising faster than general inflation.
Choice, a consumer group, conducted the research by checking prices at 104 stores across the four supermarkets.
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Research suggests that most property investors may pay less capital gains tax under Labor’s new budget reforms, but some landlords could face higher costs due to changes in negative gearing rules. Despite this, the reforms alone do not fully explain the recent drop in investment demand, which has also been influenced by rising interest rates.
Key Facts
53% of property investors would have paid more tax with the new system between 2008 and 2025, while 43% would have paid less.
Negative gearing changes mean about half of landlords would have faced higher costs if the reforms applied in the past.
Investor loan applications fell 28% in two months after the budget was announced at the Commonwealth Bank.
The Reserve Bank governor said the reforms have significantly reduced investor activity in the housing market.
Rising interest rates are also increasing costs for investors this year.
Median capital gains on investment homes after costs averaged 3.3% annually, close to the inflation rate, making most gains partly taxable under the new system.
Investors who borrow heavily or rely on rental income alone, such as retirees, may pay more tax under the reforms.
The government says the reforms create a fairer tax system by correcting previous advantages for some investors.
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The Victorian gas industry is urging the state government to reverse a ban on gas in new homes, saying that household gas bills may rise by $100 a year if the ban stays. The government argues the ban will save households money and push buildings to use electricity instead of gas. A leaked document from a gas lobby group details strategies to change the ban before the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Starting January 1, new homes and commercial buildings in Victoria cannot connect to gas and must use electricity.
The government expects the ban to save households about $880 a year, rising to $1,820 with solar panels.
The Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) owns major gas networks in Victoria and opposes the ban.
AGIG lobbyist Ken McAlpine wrote a document advising how to reverse the ban and manage public relations around it.
The lobby document warns gas prices may rise 20% to 40% for remaining customers and claims voters dislike the ban, based on unnamed research.
Independent experts and environmental groups say the price increase claims are part of a “scare campaign” and lack evidence.
The independent Australian Energy Regulator sets gas prices, not AGIG.
The Victorian government maintains its position, citing falling local gas supplies and rising prices as reasons for the transition to electricity.
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CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on products that can improve daily life. Shoppers can visit cbsdeals.com to access these deals, and CBS earns commissions when people buy items through the site.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings Deals features exclusive discounts on various products.
These deals aim to help improve everyday lifestyle.
Customers can find these offers at cbsdeals.com.
CBS earns commission from purchases made through the website.
The deals are promoted during CBS Mornings broadcasts.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit the site for up-to-date offers.
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Many American families face money problems when the main person earning money dies. Life insurance can help protect families from financial hardship in these situations.
Key Facts
About 47% of American households report financial difficulties after the death of the main wage earner.
Life insurance is designed to provide money to families after a policyholder dies.
Having life insurance can help cover expenses and reduce financial stress during hard times.
Reviewing and taking care of life insurance policies is important to ensure coverage is adequate.
Financial experts like Jill Schlesinger provide advice on managing life insurance.
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Nike cofounder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, have donated $1 billion to the University of Oregon to create a new engineering school. This donation is one of the largest ever to a major state university and is part of over $2 billion the Knights have given to the university.
Key Facts
Phil Knight co-founded Nike and graduated from the University of Oregon.
The Knights donated $1 billion to start a new engineering school in Eugene.
Their total donations to the university now exceed $2 billion.
The university plans to create a full undergraduate engineering program.
This gift aims to help address a shortage of engineers in Oregon.
The Knights recently also pledged $1.1 billion to Oregon hospitals focused on women’s health.
Last year, they committed $2 billion to Oregon Health & Science University’s cancer institute.
University leaders praised the donation as a strong investment in higher education.
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Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans went above 7% last week, the highest in more than two years. This rise makes borrowing more expensive for homebuyers while housing prices remain near record highs.
Key Facts
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.12% for the week ending September 18, 2026.
Rates were last this high in May 2024, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Higher fixed rates led more buyers to choose adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which start with lower rates but can change later.
A 5/1 ARM means the interest rate stays fixed for five years, then adjusts with the market. These rates are over 1% lower than fixed rates currently.
Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, which rose due to concerns about inflation, government debt, and higher borrowing costs.
The Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.25% recently, affecting mortgage costs.
Higher mortgage rates may slow down home buying, adding to affordability challenges despite many potential buyers.
Freddie Mac reported a 6.95% average 30-year mortgage rate as of September 17, 2026.
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Andy Burnham says the UK is too dependent on global bond markets and vulnerable to international price changes. He wants a stronger economy with less risk, and disagrees with Labour leaders who say he supports more borrowing.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham believes the UK is too exposed to global shocks, especially in bond markets.
He made these comments to push for a more resilient and productive economy, not for more borrowing.
Burnham said previous criticism from Labour leaders Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves misunderstood his points.
The UK government borrowed £18.3 billion last month, higher than expected.
Rising energy prices and tensions around the Iran conflict are factors increasing government borrowing.
Burnham argues the government should create better conditions for private business investment.
He opposes cutting social welfare to increase defense spending, saying these issues need careful balance.
Burnham plans to outline his political and economic vision at the upcoming Labour conference in Liverpool.
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Admiral, an insurance company based in Cardiff, will cut 500 jobs in the UK to save £100 million. The job cuts affect about 5% of its staff and are part of efforts to make the company faster and more efficient.
Key Facts
Admiral plans to reduce 500 jobs in its UK insurance business.
These cuts represent about 5% of Admiral’s UK workforce.
The company aims to save £100 million through these changes.
Job cuts are not believed to be caused by the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Admiral says the changes will help the company be faster and more efficient.
Affected employees will receive enhanced redundancy pay and help with finding new roles.
Admiral is investing in support to help workers consider future job options.
The company’s headquarters are located in Cardiff, Wales.
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Many Americans are using multiple types of credit, such as credit cards and loans, to pay for everyday expenses. Some people might be at risk of serious financial problems if their debt keeps growing or if they rely on credit to cover other credit payments.
Key Facts
About 42% of adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt use credit regularly for essentials like groceries, gas, or utilities.
Nearly 30% of these adults borrow every month just to get through usual expenses.
One warning sign is using one form of credit to pay for another, which can hide deeper money problems.
If total debt keeps increasing even though monthly payments are made, it may show borrowing is faster than repayment.
Adding many credit accounts means more monthly payments, which can take up most of a person's income.
Relying on credit to cover minimum payments can create a cycle of growing debt.
Regularly increasing balances due to everyday costs suggest income may not cover both living expenses and debt.
Using credit isn’t always bad if debts are managed carefully and balances decrease over time.
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Several new lawsuits claim that the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain caused serious brain injuries to riders. The ride has been closed since July 2026, and over 100 people have reported brain injuries after riding it.
Key Facts
Three new lawsuits were recently filed against Six Flags Magic Mountain over brain injuries from the X2 roller coaster.
Attorneys say more than 100 people have come forward reporting brain damage after riding X2.
The lawsuits allege design problems with the ride dating back to its opening in 2002.
Pamela Guillen suffered a traumatic brain injury and needed emergency brain surgery after riding X2 in July 2026.
Another rider, Michael Wick, had two brain surgeries and is now disabled.
Naomi Greer-Wilkinson remains hospitalized and unable to breathe without assistance after riding X2.
Six Flags Magic Mountain has kept the ride closed since July 12, 2026.
The park has not publicly commented on the lawsuits due to pending legal cases.
Magic Mountain previously settled a wrongful death lawsuit linked to the X2 coaster in 2022.
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The US-China trade war has affected many exports, but Chinese beauty products like wigs, hair extensions, and false eyelashes are still doing well. Their low prices and strong customer demand help people manage the extra costs caused by tariffs.
Key Facts
The US-China trade war has led to tariffs on many products including soybeans and solar panels.
Chinese beauty products, such as wigs, hair extensions, and false eyelashes, remain popular despite tariffs.
These beauty products are inexpensive and in high demand, helping buyers handle higher prices.
China’s press-on nail industry, mostly located in one city, is not harmed by the trade war.
President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to meet in Washington to discuss big exports.
The beauty product sector is an unusual example of resilience amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.
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Airtel Money, a mobile payments company operating in Africa and owned by Indian billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal, plans to launch one of the largest stock market listings in London in recent years. The company aims to raise about $800 million with a valuation between $8 billion and $9 billion, marking a significant event for the London Stock Exchange.
Key Facts
Airtel Money serves 53 million users in 13 African countries.
The company earned nearly $1.4 billion in revenue last year.
Airtel Money is part of Airtel Africa, owned by Bharti Enterprises controlled by Sunil Bharti Mittal.
Airtel Africa is already listed on London’s FTSE 100, but Airtel Money will be listed separately.
The initial public offering (IPO) aims to raise around $800 million.
The company chose London for its listing because of strong investor interest and expertise in emerging markets.
Airtel Africa owns almost 78% of Airtel Money and will remain a major shareholder.
Competitors and market conditions delayed the IPO, including instability caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
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A government adviser, Sir Charlie Mayfield, says workers who are sick should keep in phone contact with their bosses. His report highlights that better communication can help people return to work and reduce economic losses caused by long-term sickness.
Key Facts
Sir Charlie Mayfield leads the Keep Britain Working taskforce.
Health-related work absences cost Britain about £212 million each year in lost benefits and output.
He recommends bosses and workers talk by phone, especially for long-term illnesses, instead of only exchanging emails or sick notes.
Around 300,000 people leave work yearly due to health conditions, many of which can be prevented.
Both employees and employers often fear discussing health issues, which causes gaps in understanding.
Better sickness management could add billions to the economy and improve people’s incomes.
The report suggests more workplace support, including access to treatments like physiotherapy and therapy sessions.
A new Workplace Health System alongside the NHS is proposed to help people stay at work.
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Dolly Parton's longtime manager, Danny Nozell, has asked a court to stop her nephew, Bryan Seaver, from contacting or coming near her business. The request says Seaver threatened and tried to pressure people working with Dolly Parton's business after she died.
Key Facts
Danny Nozell worked with Dolly Parton for over 20 years, managing her business interests.
Nozell filed the restraining order on behalf of She's Alive LLC, a company Dolly Parton created to manage her business.
The restraining order is against Bryan Seaver, Dolly Parton's nephew and former head of security.
Nozell accuses Seaver of making threats, intimidating, and trying to extort business associates.
Dolly Parton died before these events, and Seaver announced her death on Instagram.
Newsweek reached out to both Nozell and Seaver for comments but did not get immediate responses.
The story is still developing with more updates expected.
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Thousands of farmers in England missed out on a £233 million government green funding scheme because the application process closed in under six hours. Farming groups criticized the quick closure and called for better funding and a fairer application system to support environmentally-friendly farming.
Key Facts
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme opened for applications at 10:00 BST and closed by 15:48 BST the same day due to the budget being fully allocated.
The scheme gives payments to farmers who adopt nature-friendly farming practices, replacing previous EU subsidies after Brexit.
Farming groups, including the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said many farmers were left without funding and want the government to explain the fast closure.
NFU vice-president Robyn Munt said demand was high because farmers need financial certainty amidst current cost pressures.
The Wildlife Trusts said the funding is too low and urged the Treasury to allocate more money to help farming adapt to climate change.
The Nature Friendly Farming Network criticized the SFI's short application windows and suggested continuous, longer-term agreements instead.
The government announced an additional £20 million was added to the fund, on top of £50 million previously announced.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said they will provide more funding opportunities in 2027.
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The UK’s economy is expected to grow by 1% in 2027, which is slightly less than previously predicted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD raised the growth forecast for 2026 but lowered it for 2027 due to higher fuel prices and global risks like the US-Israel war in Iran affecting supply and inflation.
Key Facts
The OECD predicts the UK economy will grow 1.1% in 2026, up from an earlier estimate of 0.9%.
Growth for 2027 is forecasted at 1%, down from the previous forecast of 1.1%.
The ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran is creating economic uncertainty globally.
Higher fuel prices, partly caused by the Middle East conflict, are expected to slow economic growth.
The OECD warns that supply disruptions and inflation will influence the UK’s economy.
Other countries like Australia, Canada, and those in the Euro-area are also seeing slower growth predictions.
Climate change impacts, such as severe weather from El Nino, could affect food production and prices worldwide.
Chancellor John Healey is preparing the UK Budget amid these economic challenges.
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Angus Taylor, an Australian politician, has promised to cancel many climate and renewable energy policies if his party wins the next election. These changes would remove rules that limit emissions, scrap targets for net-zero emissions by 2050, and reduce support for offshore wind energy projects.
Key Facts
Angus Taylor plans to repeal several emissions reduction and renewable energy policies within 30 days of election victory.
The new bill will remove the safeguard mechanism and ban on nuclear energy, both introduced by earlier Coalition governments.
It will scrap vehicle emissions standards and remove the legislated net-zero target for 2050.
Four of six planned offshore wind energy zones (Hunter, Illawarra, Southern Ocean, Bunbury) will be canceled.
A renewable energy code of conduct will be introduced for developers.
Funding for energy will need to prioritize affordability and reliability.
The Australian Energy Regulator’s focus will shift mainly to affordability and reliability.
Critics say this plan could increase energy costs, harm the economy, cause environmental damage, and reduce renewable energy growth.
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