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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Casey Wasserman, a well-known Hollywood talent agent and head of the LA28 Olympic committee, is selling his agency. This decision comes after controversy about his past connections with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, leading to some celebrity clients leaving his agency.
Key Facts
Casey Wasserman is a prominent Hollywood talent agent and the chair of the LA28 Olympic committee.
He is selling his agency due to controversy over his ties with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Some celebrity clients, like pop star Chappell Roan and soccer star Abby Wambach, left the agency.
Wasserman informed his employees about the sale and praised them in an email.
Mike Watts will manage daily operations during the sale process.
Wasserman has apologized for his past association with Epstein and Maxwell.
There is pressure for him to step down from his Olympic committee role, but the committee still supports him.
Wasserman's agency is one of Hollywood's most powerful, and his father, Lew Wasserman, was a significant Hollywood figure.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Casey Wasserman plans to sell his talent agency after documents showed his past connections with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some well-known clients have left the agency, and Wasserman mentioned to his staff that he is now a distraction. He expressed regret for his past interactions with Maxwell.
Key Facts
Casey Wasserman is selling his talent agency after being linked to Jeffrey Epstein's documents.
Several clients have left the agency, including singer Chappell Roan and former soccer player Abby Wambach.
Wasserman flew on Epstein's private plane for a humanitarian trip organized by the Clinton Foundation in 2003.
He exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now in prison for related crimes.
Wasserman has stated he had no further personal or business relationship with Epstein.
No accusations or wrongdoing have been directed at Wasserman by Epstein's victims.
The LA28 board has decided that Wasserman will remain as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, after reviewing his past interactions.
Wasserman expressed regret over the discomfort his past actions have caused.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Brewdog, a Scottish craft beer company, is considering selling the business and has hired financial experts to find new investors. The decision comes amid tough economic conditions and aims to ensure the company's long-term strength. Brewdog's bars and breweries will keep operating normally during this process.
Key Facts
Brewdog is a Scottish craft beer company founded in 2007.
The company has hired AlixPartners to oversee the potential sale and seek new investment.
Brewdog operates about 60 bars and pubs in the UK and has breweries worldwide.
The decision to find new investors is due to difficult economic conditions.
Brewdog halted production of some spirits and announced job cuts after a financial loss.
The company closed 10 bars in the UK, including a flagship location in Aberdeen.
James Watt remains involved in the company in a new role, while Martin Dickie left for personal reasons.
Brewdog continues to make headlines for its marketing and workplace practices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jewelry for Valentine's Day is changing due to rising gold and silver prices. This has led brands to use different materials and adjust prices. Despite higher costs, people still want to buy jewelry, but they might choose fewer pieces.
Key Facts
Gold and silver prices have been unstable, with significant price increases followed by sharp declines.
Jewelry prices do not immediately reflect these fluctuations as they are set months in advance.
To manage costs, some jewelry brands are using less metal or switching to materials like platinum.
Pandora is introducing platinum-plated jewelry to reduce its reliance on silver.
Jewelry sales remain strong despite increased metal costs.
Higher-end jewelry sales are up, but fewer people are buying jewelry priced under $1,500.
Valentine's Day jewelry spending is expected to be $7 billion in 2025, part of a total $29.1 billion in Valentine’s spending.
Jewelry is seen as having unique symbolic value, which helps maintain its demand even during price changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article lists various Valentine's Day food deals available in 2026 from restaurant chains across the U.S. These deals include special menus, heart-shaped pizzas, and discounts, with some offers requiring app memberships or reservations. The participating outlets offer dine-in, to-go, and delivery options.
Key Facts
P.F. Chang’s offers a five-course dining experience for two for $89.99, from February 12–16, dine-in only.
TGI Fridays has a three-course Valentine's Meal for Two for $50, available February 13–15.
Pizza Hut and Papa John's are selling heart-shaped pizzas; Pizza Hut's offer runs through February 22, and Papa John's for $11.99 at select locations.
California Pizza Kitchen has a Sweet Deal for Two starting at $60, including options for dine-in or takeout from February 9–15.
QDOBA offers a free entrée for rewards members when buying an entrée and a drink on February 14.
Cinnabon offers 20% off any CinnaPack for rewards members through Valentine’s Day.
Waffle House offers a special Valentine’s dinner with required reservations at select locations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chocolate prices have been affected by climate issues like heat and drought, impacting cocoa production in major regions like the Ivory Coast and Ghana. This has caused price fluctuations and reveals the vulnerability of the cocoa industry to environmental changes. There are suggestions to improve the situation through sustainable farming that includes reintroducing trees to cocoa farms.
Key Facts
Cocoa production is highly dependent on rainfall and grown mainly in tropical regions.
The Ivory Coast and Ghana produce nearly 60% of the world's cocoa.
Climate extremes in 2024 led to a 300% increase in cocoa prices due to reduced harvests.
Deforestation for cocoa farming threatens soil health and climate resilience.
Growing cocoa with shade trees can improve conditions and support biodiversity.
Climate change is expected to change the suitable areas for cocoa farming, potentially reducing them by a third to half in key zones.
Sustainable practices could stabilize cocoa supply and improve quality, benefitting farmers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rising costs and a decrease in disposable incomes in the UK are making dining out less common. Restaurants face higher costs for things like food and energy, causing many to increase prices or even close. This has led to fewer people eating out as often.
Key Facts
James Deegan, a 27-year-old caregiver from Crewe, says meal prices have increased significantly, affecting how often he can eat out.
The cost of living crisis in the UK has reduced people's disposable income, affecting their social activities like dining out.
Hospitality businesses face challenges from both rising costs and reduced customer spending.
The number of restaurants in the UK declined by nearly 20% from December 2019 to December 2025, according to Hospitality Market Monitor.
A YouGov report found that 38% of surveyed Brits are eating out less frequently than they did a year ago due to price increases.
Petrit Velaj, who owns a Greek restaurant in Manchester, reports that running costs have risen, impacting profitability.
Many restaurants spend over half of their income on taxes and are left with limited funds for other expenses like wages and utilities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The boss of Heathrow Airport says that Terminal 5 feels crowded because people walk on the wrong sides, not because of too many passengers. Plans to expand the airport with a third runway face challenges from climate concerns and local resistance, despite government support. The airport is working on ways to manage crowds better and improve passenger flow.
Key Facts
Heathrow's Terminal 5 feels crowded due to people walking on opposite sides.
The airport's boss, Thomas Woldbye, spoke about this issue at an events group.
Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport, with plans for a third runway.
Expansion could increase passenger numbers from 84 million to 150 million a year.
The government supports expansion, claiming it will boost economic growth.
Some oppose the expansion due to environmental and local disruption concerns.
Woldbye mentions that better "soft skills" can help manage passenger flow.
Terminal 3 feels less crowded after removing unnecessary items, despite more people using it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France is investigating five baby formula companies, including Nestle and Danone, over contamination concerns. These companies recalled products worldwide due to possible cereulide toxin contamination. The investigation aims to determine if there was any criminal activity related to distributing the potentially harmful formula.
Key Facts
France is investigating five baby formula producers due to contamination issues.
Companies involved include Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins.
The recalls are connected to a toxin called cereulide, found in the formula.
Cereulide can cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting and is linked to an ingredient called ARA oil.
Over 60 countries, including the UK, had recalls, with at least 36 UK infants becoming ill.
The contamination source is a Chinese supplier identified as Cabio Biotech.
China has instructed its domestic baby formula makers to test for cereulide.
The investigation will also look into potential links between the formula and deaths of three babies in France.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Economic data indicates that inflation is slowing down at the beginning of the year. Additionally, the Trump administration is taking legal action against Harvard University. Other news includes a federal investigation into two ICE agents and the resignation of a Goldman Sachs lawyer linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Inflation rates are reported to be slowing down as the year begins.
The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University.
Authorities are investigating if two ICE agents misled people about shooting an immigrant.
A top lawyer at Goldman Sachs has resigned.
The resignation follows emails showing her close ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Billionaire Stephen Deckoff bought Jeffrey Epstein's private islands in 2023 with plans to build a luxury resort. As of now, the resort has not been developed because there have been delays in getting necessary permits.
Key Facts
Stephen Deckoff bought Great St. James and Little St. James islands for $60 million in 2023.
The plans were to build a luxury 25-room resort by 2025.
No significant progress has been made on obtaining construction permits.
The only permit requested was for building a warehouse, which lacked an environmental assessment.
Little St. James is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was central to Epstein's illegal activities.
Deckoff's investment firm is called Black Diamond Capital Management.
There is no report of Deckoff having personal connections with Epstein.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article describes a promotional offer from Kalshi, a trading platform, during a major basketball weekend. Users can predict outcomes of NBA All-Star Weekend and college basketball games, trading $100 to receive a $10 bonus. Kalshi allows users to buy and sell positions in prediction markets, which include a variety of topics like sports, politics, and pop culture.
Key Facts
Kalshi is offering a $10 bonus for trading $100 in prediction markets with the promo code "NEWSWEEK".
The promotion coincides with the NBA All-Star Weekend and key college basketball games.
Users can predict events like the 3-Point Contest and buy or sell positions based on the latest developments.
The article lists 3-Point Contest contestants with their predicted chances of winning.
Kalshi allows users to trade markets not only in sports but also in politics, weather, and pop culture.
Setting up a new account requires entering the promo code and some personal information.
Newsweek may earn affiliate commissions from sign-ups through the links in the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kathryn Ruemmler, a top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, resigned due to her past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Emails revealed she referred to Epstein as "Uncle Jeffrey" and accepted expensive gifts from him. Goldman Sachs faced public relations challenges because of this association.
Key Facts
Kathryn Ruemmler was the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs and announced her resignation.
She referred to Jeffrey Epstein as "Uncle Jeffrey" in emails.
Ruemmler accepted luxury gifts from Epstein, including an Hermes bag and gift cards.
She advised Epstein on handling media attention regarding his 2008 plea deal.
Goldman Sachs' CEO David Solomon thanked Ruemmler for her advice and contributions.
Ruemmler stated she had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities and did not represent him legally.
The resignation comes amid public relations issues for Goldman Sachs due to these revelations.
Ruemmler joined Goldman Sachs in 2020 and had previously served as White House counsel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, head of DP World, left the company after details of his emails with Jeffrey Epstein became public. There is no indication he did anything illegal, but the company faced pressure from partners, prompting his departure. DP World has appointed new leaders: Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive.
Key Facts
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was the head of DP World.
He left the company due to pressure from his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Files showed he exchanged many emails with Epstein over a decade.
DP World is a big logistics company owned by Dubai.
UK and Canadian financial groups paused new investments in DP World.
The Prince of Wales' Earthshot project, funded by DP World, was reported to UK charity regulators.
Two U.S. congressmen accused Sulayem of being one of six influential men linked to Epstein.
DP World appointed Essa Kazim and Yuvraj Narayan as new leaders.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
IBM plans to triple its hiring of Gen Z workers by 2026, as part of an effort to adapt to changes brought by artificial intelligence (AI). While AI is causing some companies to reduce staff, IBM is looking to create new roles that require human skills.
Key Facts
IBM is increasing its hiring of entry-level Gen Z workers, planning to triple these hires by 2026.
Gen Z includes people born between 1997 and 2012.
Many businesses are reducing staff due to AI advancements, but IBM is adding jobs.
The new jobs are different from past roles, requiring human interaction that AI cannot replace.
IBM announced this hiring plan at the Charter’s Leading With AI Summit.
Company leaders predict AI could replace about half of entry-level jobs by 2030.
IBM aims to retain younger talent over the long term by adjusting job roles.
The company is creating new positions that involve more customer interaction as AI takes over more routine tasks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses reasons why people might want to switch their bank accounts. It is part of a personal finance series and features advice from financial expert Martin Lewis.
Key Facts
The article is about reasons to change bank accounts.
It is part of a personal finance series.
Martin Lewis, a financial expert, provides advice in the article.
The content is available to listen to on BBC Sounds.
The article was published 10 minutes ago.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
UAE-based logistics company DP World has appointed Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as CEO, replacing Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. This change follows controversy over bin Sulayem's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein. As a result, some business partners paused their investments with DP World but welcomed the leadership change.
Key Facts
DP World is a major logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates.
Essa Kazim is the new chairman, and Yuvraj Narayan is the new group CEO.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the previous chief, had a long association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Documents revealed bin Sulayem and Epstein exchanged messages, including visits and business discussions.
The controversy led some investors, like Canada’s La Caisse, to pause deals with DP World.
The British International Investment agency supports the new leadership and plans to resume collaboration.
Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution and died in 2019 while facing new charges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Frida Baby is facing criticism for using sexual jokes in its advertisements for children's products. The controversy erupted after social media posts suggested inappropriate marketing captions. The company has not responded publicly to the backlash.
Key Facts
Frida Baby faces criticism due to controversial marketing that some find inappropriate.
Social media posts showed ads with captions like "this is the closest your husband’s gonna get to a threesome" for a baby's rectal thermometer.
Another product, the "Electric NoseFrida," allegedly had marketing suggesting enjoyment from a "battery-powered device."
Critics shared examples of product packaging with phrases like “How about a quickie.”
The posts that sparked outrage were not found on the company’s social media pages later.
There are calls for a boycott of the company on platforms like the NewParents subreddit.
Chelsea Hirschhorn is the CEO of Frida Baby, which makes products for mothers and babies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Yuko Yamaguchi, the designer behind Hello Kitty, is stepping down after 46 years. Yamaguchi helped Hello Kitty become a global brand under Sanrio, a Japanese company. A new designer, known as "Aya," will take over, with Yamaguchi staying on to advise.
Key Facts
Yuko Yamaguchi has been the designer of Hello Kitty since 1980.
Hello Kitty is part of Sanrio, a Japanese company that creates characters.
The character started as a little girl from London, not a cat.
Hello Kitty became a major brand with global recognition over the years.
Sanrio praised Yamaguchi for making Hello Kitty a beloved character worldwide.
A designer known as "Aya" will take over before the end of 2026, with Yamaguchi advising.
Hello Kitty has appeared on various products and in partnerships with brands like Unicef and Nintendo.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
