Costco is reportedly changing its returns policy, which could affect how members return items. New measures may include tracking the frequency and value of returns, requiring manager approval for some refunds. These changes, however, have not been officially announced by Costco.
Key Facts
In 2026, shoppers noticed changes in Costco’s returns policy.
Previously, some items could be refunded without returning them to the store.
Members must now return items like spoiled milk to receive a refund.
Costco might track how often and how much a member returns and needs manager approval for refunds from certain accounts.
Since 2024, digital scanners and the Costco App can help verify purchases without a physical receipt.
Accounts with frequent returns may be reviewed, and memberships could be canceled.
The return policy changes are possibly due to high costs from fraudulent returns, estimated at $103 billion in 2024.
Costco has not officially confirmed these policy changes.
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The article discusses how income levels required to be considered "rich" vary across different U.S. states. To be in the top 10% of earners, residents in states like West Virginia need less income compared to states like Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. where the threshold is higher. The cost of living and local economic factors greatly influence these differences.
Key Facts
In West Virginia, earning under $200,000 annually places someone in the top 10% of earners.
In Washington, D.C., it takes over $630,000 to be in the top 10% of earners.
Nationally, a household needs around $210,000 annually or $1.8 million in net worth to be among the wealthiest 10%.
The income threshold for the top 10% in some states can be between $198,000 and $387,000.
Factors such as housing and living costs impact how income translates into wealth across states.
The top 10% income in states with a high cost of living like Massachusetts may be three times the middle-class income.
Lower living costs in states like Arkansas and Mississippi mean the rich earn less compared to other states, but their money goes further.
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Costco will let customers order custom cakes and deli trays online or through an app. This change comes from customer feedback wanting an easier, quicker ordering process. The digital option is already being tested in some areas with full rollout expected in 2026.
Key Facts
Costco will allow online and app-based ordering of custom cakes and deli trays.
The change is based on customer feedback about the old, time-consuming process.
Members can choose cake options like size, shape, flavors, and designs through the app.
Some users are already trying the system in limited markets as part of early testing.
No official timeline has been given for when it will be available everywhere.
The expected rollout for broader access is set for 2026.
The new system aims to save customers from needing two trips to Costco.
Customers have responded positively to the idea of simplifying the ordering process.
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Wealthy residents of California are moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, to avoid high property costs and the possibility of new taxes targeting the wealthy. Real estate data shows an increase in interest from Californians, especially from Los Angeles and San Jose, looking for homes in Las Vegas. Many of these residents are attracted by Nevada's lower taxes and more affordable housing options.
Key Facts
Rich Californians are seeking homes in Nevada, mainly due to expected higher taxes in California.
Over 23% of people viewing Las Vegas homes on Realtor.com were from Los Angeles.
San Jose residents made up over 8% of Las Vegas home listing views.
California has high housing costs, with a median home price of $780,200, nearly double the national median.
A proposed "wealth tax" in California could impose a 5% tax on assets over $1 billion, potentially affecting wealthy individuals retroactively from January 2026.
Billionaire Peter Thiel has moved to Miami, and there are rumors of other wealthy Californians planning to leave the state.
Las Vegas's median home price in January was $465,000, significantly lower than in Los Angeles and San Jose.
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A young woman named Fatima Rashid has applied for over 200 jobs in Bradford and remains unemployed. The high unemployment rate in the area makes it challenging for many, including young people and those with family responsibilities, to find work. An apprenticeship fair in Saltaire highlights how various job seekers, from graduates to parents, are looking for career opportunities.
Key Facts
Fatima Rashid, 19, has applied for 205 jobs over three years and remains unemployed.
Bradford has a higher unemployment rate than the regional and national average.
Many young people in Bradford are struggling to find jobs; over a third of the city's population is under 25.
Jobseeker's Allowance for 18-24-year-olds is capped at £72.90 per week, with high claims in Bradford.
The apprenticeship fair in Saltaire showcases people of various ages looking for job opportunities.
Amy Allen, 36, has applied for over 100 jobs without landing an interview, attributing difficulties to family responsibilities and age.
Abdul Hammed, currently working in a warehouse, is seeking apprenticeships to improve his skills and income.
Many in Bradford face financial challenges, with nearly one in five people requiring Universal Credit to manage living costs.
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Logan Paul sold a rare Pokémon card, the Pikachu Illustrator, for $16.492 million at auction, setting a new record for the most expensive trading card ever sold. Paul had previously bought the card for $5.275 million, and his surprised reaction to the auction result went viral online.
Key Facts
Logan Paul sold a Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.492 million.
This sale set a record for the most expensive trading card sold at auction.
Paul originally bought the card for $5.275 million five years ago.
A video of Paul's reaction to the auction result was shared online and viewed over half a million times in less than 8 hours.
The video showed Paul expressing surprise and excitement as the auction price rose.
Paul posted on social media about the card's sale, calling it "absolute madness."
The card sale and Paul's reaction were widely shared on platforms like X and Instagram.
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Fish and chip shops in Fenland are turning to tilapia and other fish as alternatives to cod and haddock due to rising prices. Tilapia has become popular among customers because it is both tasty and cheaper than cod. Owners hope people will try different fish varieties as cod becomes less available and more expensive.
Key Facts
Local fish and chip shops are using tilapia as a cheaper alternative to cod.
Cod supply has decreased, causing price increases.
Tilapia is originally from the Middle East and Africa but is now widely farmed.
A large serving of tilapia costs £5, compared to £9.40 for cod.
Other fish considered as alternatives include hake, pollock, and saithe.
Andrew Crook from the National Federation of Fish Friers supports adding alternative fish to menus.
Tilapia is popular for its firm texture and flavor when cooked in various styles.
Customers show interest in new fish options as they become familiar with them.
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The U.S. housing market started slow in 2023 with low existing-home sales, but economic data suggests improvement is possible. High home prices and mortgage rates have reduced demand, but steady rates and easing inflation provide hope. Economic indicators like job growth and stable inflation rates are positive signs for the market.
Key Facts
Existing-home sales hit a 16-month low in January 2023.
High home prices and mortgage rates have slowed home buying.
More sellers than buyers are currently in the market.
January 2023 saw better-than-expected job growth of 130,000 jobs.
Inflation rates fell to 2.4% in January.
Mortgage rates are around 6%, the lowest in about three years.
Easing inflation and steady wages may help improve housing affordability.
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YouTube star MrBeast joined a public discussion about Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. The grandson of Reese's inventor criticized Hershey's for changing the candy's recipe. MrBeast shared the criticism and linked it to his own chocolate company.
Key Facts
MrBeast's real name is Jimmy Donaldson.
The grandson of Reese's inventor is Brad Reese.
Brad Reese criticized Hershey's for changing the candy's recipe.
Hershey's has owned the Reese's brand since 1963.
MrBeast started his chocolate brand, Feastables, in 2022.
MrBeast shared Brad Reese’s criticism on a social media platform called X.
MrBeast mentioned that these recipe changes relate to why he started selling his own peanut butter cups.
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A viral social media post described a fictional woman named Rebecca O, who mistakenly ate tamales with the husk on, leading to a humorous review. The clever marketing strategy by The Tamale Store in Phoenix, Arizona, created this character to highlight a common customer mistake and successfully boosted the restaurant's visibility online.
Key Facts
A viral social media post featured a fictional review by "Rebecca O" about tamales.
The review originated from The Tamale Store, a family-owned restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona.
"Rebecca O" is not a real person but a character created by the restaurant's co-owner, Pauline Alvarado.
The character was based on real customer experiences where people unknowingly ate tamales with the husk.
The marketing idea quickly gained popularity across platforms like Threads, Instagram, and Facebook.
The post aimed to humorously address a common issue and promote the restaurant in a creative way.
This strategy successfully increased the restaurant's online visibility and engagement.
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A company named Cathay Home withdrew its application to trademark "Swift Home" for bedding products after singer Taylor Swift appealed to the U.S. patents office. Swift's team argued the trademark was too similar to her own branding and could confuse customers.
Key Facts
Cathay Home originally applied to trademark "Swift Home" for bedding.
Taylor Swift's team filed an appeal to stop this trademark.
Swift's team claimed that Cathay Home's styling resembled her trademark.
Cathay Home decided to withdraw the application.
The company's lawyer said dropping the trademark was a practical decision.
Swift has over 300 trademarks for her name and designs.
Swift is a billionaire, partly due to successful live shows.
Cathay Home has offices in North America and China.
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President Donald Trump aims to boost U.S. business by tapping into Venezuela's large oil reserves after Nicolás Maduro's removal from power. Trump has called on U.S. oil companies to invest significantly to improve Venezuela's outdated oil facilities. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of these plans due to years of neglect and past inconsistent reports on the size of Venezuela's oil reserves.
Key Facts
Venezuela is known for having the world's largest oil reserves.
In January, President Trump met with energy leaders about investing in Venezuela's oil sector.
Venezuela allowed more foreign investment in its oil industry after Maduro's removal.
Trump requested U.S. oil firms to invest $100 billion to fix Venezuela's oil infrastructure.
Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, has suffered from neglect and poor maintenance.
U.S. sanctions have affected Venezuelan oil production, which has fallen over the years.
There are questions about the actual size of Venezuela's oil reserves due to past reclassifications.
Venezuela's oil exports in 2023 were much less valuable than those of countries with smaller reserves, like Saudi Arabia.
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Warner Brothers Discovery, the owner of CNN, is considering reopening sales discussions with Paramount Skydance. This comes after accepting an earlier offer from Netflix to sell its TV and film assets. The decision involves closely examining Paramount's new offer, which aims to add CNN to its media holdings, highlighting close ties with President Trump.
Key Facts
Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) owns the TV channel CNN.
WBD is considering a new sales bid from Paramount Skydance.
Paramount is owned by David Ellison, a Trump ally.
Netflix previously made a deal with WBD to buy TV and film assets for $83 billion.
Paramount's new offer is $108.4 billion in cash, intending to add CNN to its holdings.
President Trump reportedly supports the inclusion of CNN in the sale.
The potential acquisition by Paramount has raised concerns about media influence and control.
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Former UK trade envoy Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's actions are being questioned for possible corruption. Vince Cable, a former business secretary, calls for an investigation into whether Andrew shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor served as the UK's trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
Vince Cable suggests investigating Andrew for possibly sharing sensitive information.
Files show Andrew may have sent UK government documents to Jeffrey Epstein.
Emails show Andrew shared information about the Royal Bank of Scotland and Aston Martin.
Andrew allegedly forwarded government reports from several countries to Epstein.
The Treasury files suggest Andrew shared information about Iceland.
Trade envoys are supposed to keep sensitive information confidential.
Thames Valley Police have been involved in discussions about the allegations.
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A new film adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" by Emerald Fennell reached the top spot at the box office during Valentine's Day weekend. Despite some negative reviews and social media criticism, the film earned $38.4 million in the U.S. and did well globally.
Key Facts
The film "Wuthering Heights" is directed by Emerald Fennell and stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
It earned $38.4 million in the U.S. over Valentine's Day weekend, with projections of reaching $40 million by the end of Monday.
Globally, the film hit $82 million, matching its production budget.
The movie has a 63% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes but scored 81% with audiences.
It has a soundtrack by pop singer Charli XCX.
The film faced criticism for casting Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, a character many believe is a person of color.
The film will open in Japan and Vietnam on February 27 and in China on March 13.
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A British company named MoneySuperMarket ranked airlines based on passenger satisfaction and performance for long-haul flights. Singapore Airlines came out as the top airline, while American Airlines scored the lowest among popular choices. The ranking looked at things like comfort, in-flight entertainment, and timeliness.
Key Facts
MoneySuperMarket conducted a study on long-haul airlines using data from sources like Which?, TrustPilot, and TripAdvisor.
Singapore Airlines was the highest-ranked airline, scoring well on value for money and in-flight experience.
Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific ranked second and third, respectively.
American Airlines received the lowest score, especially in areas like seat comfort and in-flight entertainment.
The study emphasized that overall satisfaction on long-haul flights depends on consistent service, not just punctuality.
The top 10 airlines include TUI, Emirates, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, and Air France.
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Progress in closing the gender pay gap may take until 2056, as current figures show a 12.8% difference in average wages between men and women. The gap is most significant in the finance and insurance industry, while it is smaller in the leisure sector. The Trades Union Congress suggests that improved access to flexible working and childcare could help reduce this disparity.
Key Facts
The gender pay gap is currently 12.8%, meaning men earn more than women on average.
In the finance and insurance industry, the gap is widest at 27.2%.
In the leisure service sector, the gap is smallest at 1.5%.
Women effectively work 47 days of the year for free because of this pay gap.
Employers with over 250 UK employees must report their pay data.
Industries like education and health have significant gender pay gaps, despite having more female employees.
The gap is widest among workers aged 50-59, partly due to career breaks for family care.
The Trades Union Congress suggests increasing flexible work and childcare to close the gap.
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A study shows that household incomes in Colorado, Georgia, and Maine have risen the most from 2019 to 2024, with the fastest increase in Colorado at 46.9%. In contrast, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Hawaii experienced the slowest income growth. Nationwide, average household incomes grew by 21.9% during this period.
Key Facts
Colorado's median household income grew by 46.9%, the highest in the U.S., partly due to a thriving tech industry.
Georgia saw a 43.4% growth in median household income, helped by job creation in electric vehicles and aerospace.
Maine's income increase was 36.3%, followed closely by Montana with 36.1%.
Tennessee experienced a 34% rise in median household income.
North Carolina and Oklahoma had the slowest growth at 9.9%.
Hawaii saw an 11.6% increase, while the District of Columbia and Illinois grew by 12.6% and 13.2%, respectively.
Rising incomes can influence where people choose to live and their standard of living.
Nationwide, household incomes rose by an average of 21.9% between 2019 and 2024.
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The article discusses how Manchester might be a model for economic growth in the UK. It highlights the city's successful strategies, including its growing infrastructure, business presence, and educational institutions. The city's economic growth is significantly higher than the UK average.
Key Facts
Manchester's economy has been growing at 3.1% annually over the last 10 years.
This growth rate is double that of the UK as a whole.
New developments include skyscrapers and improved transport infrastructure like the Metrolink tram system.
The city's population increased by 9.7% between 2011 and 2021.
Major companies such as IBM, Booking.com, and government services like GCHQ have a presence in Manchester.
The University of Manchester has the most applications in the UK and is a major contributor to the local workforce.
The city housed around 100,000 people in its center by 2021 and is projected to grow significantly by 2035.
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The U.S. economy in 2026 shows strong growth with good job numbers and low inflation, but details reveal some concerns. Jobs in key sectors are declining, and essential costs like electricity and beef are rising significantly. Overall, the economy appears stable, but deeper issues remain.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy began 2026 with strong growth, a solid job market, and low inflation.
The unemployment rate went down to 4.3% in January, with 130,000 new jobs added.
Over the past year, job creation averaged only 15,000 jobs per month.
Sectors like finance and professional services have been losing jobs.
Job openings have decreased, which could mean less hiring in the future.
Consumer prices rose 2.4% in the past year, meeting the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
Electricity prices increased by 6.3%, and ground beef prices rose by 17.2%.
The S&P 500 index had a minor decline, but concerns about AI's impact on industries caused market volatility.
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