Research shows President Donald Trump's tariffs are increasing costs for American households, with an expected additional $1,300 cost in 2026. The tariffs aim to protect U.S. industries, but they mainly affect American consumers and businesses. These tariffs are predicted to generate revenue and potentially impact the U.S. economy by reducing GDP and possibly offsetting other tax benefits.
Key Facts
President Trump's tariffs have increased costs for U.S. households by an average of $1,000 in 2025, projected to rise to $1,300 in 2026.
The tariffs aim to protect domestic industries by taxing imported goods.
These tariffs are thought to create economic uncertainty and affect trade relations.
The Tax Foundation reports these tariffs as the largest U.S. tax increase by percentage of GDP since 1993.
The average tariff rate on U.S. imports has risen to 13.5 percent with current tariffs.
Tariffs are expected to raise over $2 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years.
Revenue from tariffs might decrease due to negative economic effects, reducing America’s GDP by 0.5 percent.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the President's emergency powers regarding tariffs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Whataburger is bringing back its Whatacatch Sandwich and Whatacatch Platter for a limited time during Lent, from February 17 to April 6. This seasonal menu includes fish options for customers seeking alternatives to meat on Fridays.
Key Facts
Whataburger is reintroducing the Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter for a limited period.
The items will be available from February 17 to April 6.
These seafood dishes coincide with the Lenten season, which often sees more demand for fish.
The Whatacatch Sandwich includes a fried Alaskan pollock fillet with seasoned breadcrumbs.
The Whatacatch Platter features two fried fish fillets with fries and tartar sauce.
Customers can order these items in-restaurant, via curbside pickup, or through delivery.
The Whatacatch Sandwich meal costs $9.49, and the Platter meal is priced at $11.99.
Whataburger's app allows customers to earn points toward future purchases with their loyalty program.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Klarna's CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, talks about his company's efforts to combine finance and technology. Klarna's "buy now, pay later" service is popular, especially among young people, offering an alternative to credit cards. President Trump has supported capping credit card interest, similar to measures in other countries.
Key Facts
Klarna's CEO is Sebastian Siemiatkowski, who dresses casually and is interested in both tech and finance.
Klarna was founded in 2005 in Sweden and offers a "buy now, pay later" service.
Klarna expanded to the U.S. in 2019 and is popular among young consumers.
The company partners with major U.S. brands like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
Only about 1% of Klarna users fail to pay on time, compared to higher default rates on credit cards.
President Trump proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10% for a year.
Klarna became a publicly-traded company in September, but its stock price has dropped.
The company aims to be innovative and customer-focused, challenging traditional banking.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue to a company called Primary Wave for about $200 million. This is part of a trend where well-known musicians sell their music rights for large sums of money. Details about the sale, such as the exact price, have not been fully disclosed.
Key Facts
Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue.
The buyer is Primary Wave, an independent music publisher.
The deal is said to be around $200 million.
Spears' music includes major hits like "...Baby One More Time" and "Toxic."
The sale happened on December 30.
Primary Wave has also bought rights associated with famous artists like Notorious BIG and Whitney Houston.
Britney Spears has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
Spears ended a 13-year conservatorship in 2021, which controlled her personal and professional life.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An advert by Disney for its film "Predator Badlands" was banned in the UK by the Advertising Standards Authority. The advert showed an alien holding what appeared to be a severed body, which the regulator said could frighten children. Despite arguments from Disney that the body was a non-human robot, the ASA ruled that the imagery was inappropriate for public display.
Key Facts
The advert was for the Disney sci-fi film "Predator Badlands."
It showed an alien holding a severed body, which Disney said was a robot.
Two parents complained that the advert was disturbing for children.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the advert for being frightening.
The advert was seen in Giffnock, Glasgow.
Disney argued the advert was designed for audiences aged 12 and above.
The ASA concluded that the ad breached UK advertising rules on social responsibility and harm.
Disney agreed to follow the ASA's ruling and stressed its commitment to audience sensitivity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senior managers at the Co-op have expressed concerns about a negative work environment at the top levels of the company. A letter sent to Co-op board members describes feelings of fear and being unable to speak up, which some say have led to poor decisions, declining profits, and increased food waste. The company continues to defend its leadership and recent restructuring moves despite ongoing issues.
Key Facts
Some senior managers at the Co-op have reported a "toxic culture" at the executive level.
A letter to Co-op board members highlights complaints of fear and alienation among senior staff.
Critics claim the work environment has resulted in poor decisions, decreased moral, and reduced profits.
Co-op lawyers say the negative comments do not reflect the views of the broader staff.
A cyber-attack in the past year disrupted business, costing the Co-op £206m in lost sales.
In response, the Co-op made structural changes, merging buying functions, which some say added confusion.
Since July 2025, Co-op has consistently seen declining monthly sales.
Several senior staff members have resigned since the company restructured.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Category: business
Ford reported that its costs from tariffs were $900 million higher than expected last year due to a late change in the U.S. government's tariff relief program. This added expense came as Ford adjusted its electric vehicle plans and dealt with other financial challenges, yet still managed to exceed revenue forecasts and anticipate future profit improvements.
Key Facts
Ford faced $900 million in unexpected tariff costs last year.
A change in President Trump's tariff relief program caused these costs to rise by delaying when credits would become effective.
Ford's tariff expenses doubled to about $2 billion in 2025.
The company is moving away from making large electric vehicles due to lower demand and new regulations.
This shift contributed to a fourth-quarter net loss of $11.1 billion.
Ford plans to focus on hybrid, gas-powered, and smaller electric vehicles.
Despite these challenges, Ford's revenue surpassed expectations in the last quarter.
The company expects profits to increase and losses in its electric vehicle sector to decrease this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Wegmans has announced a recall of its FYFGA Organic Chicken Noodle Soup due to concerns about possible red plastic pieces in the product. The recalled soup is in a 16-ounce container with specific lot codes and a best-by date of February 17, 2026. Customers can return the soup for a full refund.
Key Facts
Wegmans recalled FYFGA Organic Chicken Noodle Soup due to potential red plastic material.
The soup comes in a 16-ounce container.
Specific lot codes affected are 120925-6D and 120925-7D.
The product's best-by date is February 17, 2026.
Customers can return the soup for a full refund at Wegmans.
The UPC number for the recalled soup is 0-77890-31666-5.
Wegmans has also recalled other products like Qunol Turmeric Supplements and Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits this year.
Most product recalls are voluntary and announced by the manufacturer, and the FDA monitors these recalls.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shrinkflation is when companies reduce the size or quantity of products while keeping prices the same or raising them. This means people get less for their money, even if they don't realize it right away. It affects everyday items like groceries and household products.
Key Facts
Shrinkflation happens when product sizes decrease but prices don't.
Companies use shrinkflation to avoid price hikes looking too obvious.
Shoppers may not notice shrinkflation immediately.
Shrinkflation can affect items such as food and personal care products.
It is a response by companies to manage rising production costs.
Customers end up paying the same or more for less product.
This trend puts financial pressure on families who buy these items regularly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Paramount Skydance has offered extra financial incentives in its bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. This includes adding cash incentives if the deal is delayed and covering a termination fee. The acquisition faces conflicts due to political ties and concerns over control of news content.
Key Facts
Paramount Skydance wants to buy Warner Bros Discovery and is offering more money if the deal is delayed.
They promised to pay a $2.8 billion fee if Warner Bros backs out of a deal with Netflix.
Paramount offered a 25-cent per share fee to be paid quarterly if the deal is delayed past 2026.
The total value of Paramount's bid, including debt, is $108.4 billion.
Paramount and Netflix are both interested in Warner Bros because of its popular movies and shows.
Political ties between Paramount leaders and President Trump have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Paramount has promised changes to CNN, a part of Warner Bros, if the acquisition goes through.
There are concerns the deal might harm press freedom and CNN's independence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In December, US consumer spending did not increase during a key holiday period, suggesting a possible economic slowdown. Reports from the Commerce Department mentioned a stagnant retail sales figure from the previous month, though experts believe this may not lead to a long-term downturn. Additional economic data expected soon could provide more insight into the overall economic situation.
Key Facts
US retail sales were flat in December, with no change from November.
The Commerce Department released this consumer spending report.
The flat sales broke a trend of increased spending in prior months.
Factors like job market issues, ongoing inflation, and slower wage growth affected spending.
Retail categories such as furniture and clothing saw reduced sales.
Some analysts noted a persistent gap in spending between high-income and lower-income consumers.
Economists suggested the spending slowdown might be temporary.
Upcoming economic reports might help clarify the US economic outlook.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Spotify increased its user numbers, adding 9 million paid subscribers, despite criticisms over artist payment and high competition. The "Spotify Wrapped" feature helped engage users, contributing to the user growth. Spotify continues to face debates over royalty payments but has emphasized its role in innovative audio technology.
Key Facts
Spotify added 9 million paid subscribers in the last three months of 2025.
The platform now has 290 million paying users.
Total users, including non-paying ones, exceed 750 million.
The "Spotify Wrapped" feature engaged over 300 million users and led to 630 million social media shares.
Spotify made a net profit of €1.17 billion in the reported period.
Spotify paid $11 billion to artists, but there are ongoing criticisms that it's not enough.
Artists like Massive Attack and Taylor Swift have expressed concerns over payment, with some boycotting the platform.
Spotify earned $4.5 billion in revenue in the final three months of 2025.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Leslie "Les" Wexner, a businessman with an estimated net worth in the billions, was identified as a possible "co-conspirator" in the Epstein files but has not been charged with any crimes. The Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of material related to Jeffrey Epstein under new transparency laws. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie criticized the DOJ for initially keeping certain names, including Wexner's, private.
Key Facts
Les Wexner's estimated net worth is over $9 billion.
He was named as a potential "co-conspirator" in FBI documents related to Jeffrey Epstein but has faced no charges.
The Department of Justice released 3.5 million pages of Epstein-related material under a new law.
Representatives Khanna and Massie revealed six redacted names from the files.
Wexner served as a principal at Abercrombie & Fitch and La Senza.
Wexner and his affiliates have donated over $200 million to Ohio State University.
He publicly condemned Epstein’s actions and expressed regret for his trust in him.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the high prices of prescription drugs in the United States and suggests ways to lower them. It mentions that high drug prices affect insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and highlights efforts to increase competition with affordable drug options. It also touches on recent actions by Congress and the administration to address these issues.
Key Facts
Americans face high costs when filling prescriptions, partly due to the prescription drug supply chain.
Health insurance companies work to manage drug prices and keep costs predictable for families.
Nine out of ten U.S. voters are concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs.
The CivicaScript initiative aims to offer cheaper generic drug options to increase market competition.
CivicaScript's generic prostate cancer drug saved patients nearly $1,000 annually.
Congress passed the Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act to help lower prices.
President Trump launched TrumpRx to help reduce drug prices for uninsured Americans.
There are ongoing legislative efforts to support more competition and lower drug costs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several celebrities are reacting after Casey Wasserman, CEO of the Wasserman talent agency, was mentioned in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents included emails sent to Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Some artists, including Chappell Roan and the band Beach Bunny, have cut ties with Wasserman’s agency.
Key Facts
Casey Wasserman is the CEO of the Wasserman talent agency, which represents many well-known artists and athletes.
Wasserman’s name appeared in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, which were recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Emails from Wasserman to Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, were revealed in these documents.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the trafficking of minors.
Wasserman is also the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics committee.
Chappell Roan and the band Beach Bunny are among artists who have ended their association with Wasserman's agency.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Costco has recalled caramel mini beignets because packaging mistakenly included chocolate-hazelnut pastries, not mentioned on the label. This mistake is risky for people with tree nut allergies, with the recall affecting products sold in 22 states between January 16 and January 30, 2026.
Key Facts
Costco recalled caramel mini beignets due to a labeling error.
Packages contained chocolate-hazelnut pastries, posing a risk for those with tree nut allergies.
Affected products have the item number #1181272.
The recall covers sales from January 16 to January 30, 2026.
22 states are affected, including California, New York, and Florida.
Consumers can return the product to Costco for a refund.
Questions can be directed to Costco's customer service.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Novo Nordisk, the company behind weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is suing Hims & Hers for selling unapproved versions of its medications in the US. The legal action began after Hims & Hers launched a new weight-loss pill, which they now stopped selling. This lawsuit follows a trend of cheaper, unapproved weight-loss drugs increasing in the market.
Key Facts
Novo Nordisk is a Danish company that makes weight-loss drugs.
They filed a lawsuit against Hims & Hers for selling unauthorized versions of their drugs in the US.
Hims & Hers announced they would stop selling their new weight-loss pill.
After the lawsuit news, Hims & Hers' stock fell by 16%.
Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy have become very popular recently.
The FDA is taking action to limit compounding of unapproved weight-loss drugs.
Compounding is when drug companies sell medication not approved by authorities for specific patient needs.
Novo Nordisk is addressing a different issue related to an advertisement for its Wegovy pill with the FDA.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has suggested new rules set for 2027 to reduce healthcare costs and offer more options to consumers. These rules include longer catastrophic plans, more flexible health plans, and more robust measures to prevent fraud.
Key Facts
CMS wants to introduce multi-year catastrophic health plans that can last up to 10 years.
Current standardized health plan requirements could be lifted, allowing insurers more freedom to design plans.
CMS plans to expand access to catastrophic plans by widening hardship exemptions.
Non-network health plans may become qualified health plans if they provide sufficient provider options.
Stricter rules are proposed for agents and brokers to prevent fraud.
Stronger checks on eligibility and income for receiving subsidies are suggested.
Subsidies would only be available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens based on federal law.
States could have more say in reviewing healthcare provider networks and ensuring community access.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
McDonald's launched a special promotion for Valentine's Day, offering a free kit that included McNugget Caviar, crème fraîche, and a gift card. The website where people could claim these kits crashed within minutes due to high demand, and the kits quickly sold out.
Key Facts
McDonald's offered a free "McNugget Caviar" kit leading up to Valentine's Day.
The kit contained caviar, crème fraîche, and a $25 gift card for McNuggets.
The promotion was highly publicized and generated significant online interest.
The website hosting the promotion crashed within three minutes of launching.
By 11:15 a.m. ET, the kits were sold out, disappointing many customers.
Some people resold the kits online for much higher prices.
McDonald's has not indicated if more kits will become available in the future.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Retail sales did not change in December compared to November. This surprised experts who thought sales would go up, even with concerns about jobs and economic challenges.
Key Facts
Retail sales stayed the same in December compared to November.
In November, retail sales had increased by 0.6%.
Experts expected sales to rise by 0.4% in December.
The Commerce Department released the report.
The report's release was delayed due to a 43-day government shutdown.
There were concerns about slower job growth and economic issues.
President Trump's tariffs and consumer confidence were also concerns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
