The median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. decreased from 36 to 35 last year, according to a report by Redfin. This change happened because more homes were available, which helped lower prices and mortgage rates.
Key Facts
The median age of first-time homebuyers went from 36 to 35 last year.
Home prices in the U.S. increased by 4.2% from January 2024 to January 2025.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate decreased to 6.6% in 2025 from 6.72% in 2024.
The number of homes for sale rose from 1.4 million to 1.6 million between January 2024 and January 2025.
Young people (Gen Z) owning homes went up to 27.1% from 26.1%.
Millennials' homeownership rate increased to 55.4% from 54.9%.
Improvements in affordability are due to more homes on the market and slightly lower mortgage costs.
The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump cannot use emergency powers to impose tariffs. This decision limits his ability to unilaterally apply trade barriers, but he continues to focus on tariffs as a key part of his economic strategy.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court decided that President Trump cannot use emergency powers for tariffs.
This ruling limits President Trump's control over imposing tariffs.
Tariffs are extra taxes on imported goods.
Despite the ruling, President Trump is finding other ways to maintain trade barriers.
Tariffs are important in Trump's plan to boost U.S. manufacturing.
The ruling is seen as a setback to his trade agenda in his second term.
Trump's economic policies include protectionist strategies, which prioritize domestic producers by making foreign goods more expensive.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) anticipates that food prices will rise by about 3.1% in 2026, with specific items such as sugar, sweets, beef, and veal expected to see the highest increases. This increase in grocery costs comes as a challenge for many Americans facing high living expenses. President Donald Trump has pledged to focus on reducing food costs during his administration.
Key Facts
The USDA predicts an overall 3.1% increase in food prices in 2026.
Food eaten out will cost more, rising 3.7%, while groceries eaten at home will increase by 2.5%.
Sugar and sweets are expected to see the highest cost increase at 6.7%.
Beef and veal prices declined slightly from December 2025 to January 2026 but were still 15% higher than a year before; a 5.5% increase is predicted for 2026.
Non-alcoholic beverages are anticipated to increase by 5.2% due to rising coffee prices.
Pork prices are expected to rise 1.9% in 2026.
Fresh vegetables and fruits will have smaller price increases of 1.4% and 0.2%, respectively.
Despite other increases, egg prices are expected to continue decreasing.
The FDA announced a recall for a snack product containing peanut butter and pretzel pieces due to a labeling error that did not clearly state peanuts as an allergen. This recall, classified as Class II, affected 300 units distributed in Hawaii, and the issue has now been resolved.
Key Facts
The product affected is Tiki Bar Candy Dark Chocolatey Peanut Butter & Pretzel, a 2-ounce snack.
The recall was due to the allergen statement missing peanuts, though listed in the ingredients.
The recall involved 300 units with the specific code "All packages with BB 11/26 or before."
The recall was voluntary and initiated by the company Taste of Maui Snacks.
The FDA classified this recall as Class II, which means the product might cause temporary or minor health issues.
The FDA identifies peanuts as a major food allergen and requires clear labeling on products.
The recall was initiated on January 30, 2026, and concluded after the FDA assessed the situation.
A new bill called Senate Bill 1091 aims to help California's affordable housing market by buying and fixing up existing buildings, and keeping low-income residents from having to move. The bill, introduced by California Democrat Anna Caballero, plans to use $500 million to support these efforts.
Key Facts
Senate Bill 1091 focuses on affordable housing in California.
The bill was introduced by Anna Caballero and co-authored by Christopher Cabaldon and Matt Haney.
It aims to establish a program called the "Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program" (CAPP).
The program would finance buying and fixing homes that don't have present affordability rules.
These homes would get long-term affordability rules to help low-income people.
A private sector group would manage these homes for five years.
A budget of $500 million is set aside to help finance the program.
The plan is supported by advocacy groups like Housing California.
A chocolate syrup by Lockout Supplements has been recalled because it contained Sildenafil, an active ingredient in Viagra, which was not listed on the label. This recall affects all "Boner Bears" chocolate syrups sold from January 2025 to February 2026. Customers are advised not to use the product and can request a refund.
Key Facts
Lockout Supplements recalled their chocolate syrup due to an undeclared ingredient, Sildenafil.
Sildenafil is usually found in Viagra and can dangerously lower blood pressure.
The syrup was sold under the brand "Boner Bears" for sexual enhancement purposes.
The recall affects products distributed between January 1, 2025, and February 13, 2026.
Customers are advised to not consume the product and can contact Lockout Supplements for a refund.
The issue was discovered after the syrup appeared on an FDA notification list.
Customers experiencing health issues potentially related to the syrup should contact their doctor.
The FDA is managing consumer reports through its Medwatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
Borge Brende, the CEO and president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced he is stepping down from his position. His decision comes amid scrutiny over his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein. An independent review found no further concerns beyond those already known.
Key Facts
Borge Brende is leaving his role as CEO and president of the World Economic Forum.
His decision to leave is linked to recent attention on his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
An independent review looked into Brende's links with Epstein and found no new concerns.
The World Economic Forum hosts an annual event in Davos, attended by notable global figures.
Brende previously served as the foreign minister of Norway.
The WEF board of trustees includes André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, who commented on the review's findings.
Starbucks will launch a new drink, the Pink Cannon Ball, on March 3 as part of its Spring menu. The drink combines coconut milk with mango and strawberry flavors and includes pieces of freeze-dried fruit. Several other drinks and customization options will also be introduced.
Key Facts
Starbucks is releasing the Pink Cannon Ball drink on March 3.
The Pink Cannon Ball includes flavors of sweet strawberry, juicy mango, and hints of berry.
This drink mixes coconut milk with Mango Dragonfruit and Strawberry Açaí Refresher flavors.
The drink is topped with freeze-dried strawberry and dragonfruit pieces.
The original Cannon Ball drink, a Refresher with strawberry and mango flavors, became permanent after being launched in January.
Starbucks collaborated with MrBeast for the original Cannon Ball drink for a promotional event.
The Spring menu will also offer new chai tea customization options and coconut-based drinks.
Seasonal items, like lavender-infused drinks and frog-face cake pops, are also part of the menu.
The article offers advice for young people in the UK trying to find their first job. It shares tips on focusing on skills, using AI tools to help with applications, making personal introductions at businesses, being authentic in cover letters, and finding resources for job seekers.
Key Facts
The UK has a high unemployment rate among 16 to 24-year-olds, the highest in over a decade.
Nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training.
Careers experts suggest focusing on gaining transferable skills in any first job.
Using AI can help prepare job applications and interview questions.
Personal introductions to small businesses can increase job prospects.
A cover letter is a chance to show personality and dedication to potential employers.
Young people can access free online resources to aid in their job search.
A bipartisan bill, called the Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, is being supported by industry groups to encourage companies to hire veterans. The proposal offers grants to help cover the costs of hiring and training veterans in technical and electrical jobs. The bill aims to ease workforce shortages and help veterans transition to civilian careers.
Key Facts
The VET Act is a bipartisan bill introduced in June of the previous year.
It provides financial grants to employers for hiring and training veterans.
Each veteran hired can bring a company up to $10,000 in grants, with a maximum of $500,000 available annually for training and other costs.
The program prioritizes veterans who face employment challenges, including those with disabilities.
The bill is supported by representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
The Department of Labor would manage the program, ensuring coordination with existing federal efforts.
Industry groups highlight a shortage of skilled workers in energy and manufacturing as a reason for supporting the bill.
About 200,000 veterans leave the military each year, which the proposal aims to integrate into the workforce effectively.
The number of young people in the UK who are not in education, employment, or training, known as Neet, has increased to nearly one million. This rise is linked to a weak job market, especially affecting young people due to cuts in sectors like hospitality and graduate programs.
Key Facts
About 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were Neet from October to December 2025.
This number represents 12.8% of young people in that age group.
The increase is attributed to a weak job market, with job cuts affecting young people.
The Office for National Statistics stated the number of Neet individuals slightly increased from the previous quarter.
A Neet is a person who is neither in education nor actively seeking work or training.
Young people in formal education or training programs are not considered Neet.
The UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has promised a guaranteed paid work placement for young people out of work or education for 18 months.
Those who refuse the work placement offer might lose their benefits.
An Arkansas electrician posted a viral video showing a Toyota pickup with 635,000 miles that still runs smoothly. The truck has original parts and demonstrates Toyota's reputation for vehicle longevity. The video sparked admiration for Toyota's reliability and discussions about maintaining vehicles.
Key Facts
An electrician in Arkansas shared a video of his Toyota pickup truck successfully starting with 635,000 miles.
The truck's major parts, like the engine and transmission, are original.
The video was posted on Facebook and quickly gained popularity.
It received nearly 50,000 likes and over 2,400 comments.
Viewers commented both on the truck's mechanical reliability and its less-than-clean interior.
Toyota is recognized as a top brand for reliable vehicles, according to Consumer Reports.
The video reinforces the idea that regular maintenance contributes to vehicle longevity.
Royal Mail executives are being called to speak to UK Parliament about problems with their letter delivery service. The company is accused of prioritizing parcel deliveries over letters, causing delays in important mail like hospital appointments and bank statements.
Key Facts
Royal Mail executives must meet with Parliament to discuss delivery issues.
The Business and Trade Committee gave Royal Mail two weeks to respond to claims about prioritizing parcels before letters.
The committee believes the current service quality is poor and needs explanation.
Many people reported to the BBC that late deliveries led to missed appointments and important documents not arriving.
Royal Mail staff reported that delivery rounds are often missed and parcels are prioritized.
The company was recently bought by the Czech EP Group, which promised to focus on employees and customers.
The committee expressed concern that even first-class mail deliveries are failing.
Royal Mail stated that most mail is delivered as planned but blamed poor weather and staff sickness for disruptions.
Ocado Group plans to cut 1,000 jobs, which is about 5% of its workforce, to reduce costs. Most job losses will occur in the UK, particularly at their main office in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The company aims to save £150 million through this restructuring.
Key Facts
Ocado Group will cut 1,000 jobs to save money.
This reduction is about 5% of its employees worldwide.
Most job cuts will happen in the UK, especially at its Hatfield headquarters.
Ocado employs around 20,000 people globally.
The company provides technology for grocery distribution and partners with Marks & Spencer online.
Last year, Ocado's share value dropped when its North American partners decided to close some centres.
The job cuts are expected to save about £150 million.
Affected positions are mostly in tech and support roles.
Twig's Beverage, a family-owned soda company in Wisconsin, continues to sell its Sun Drop soft drink in returnable glass bottles. The company has maintained this tradition despite the widespread move to plastic bottles in the industry. Twig's plans to expand its own-brand soda sales across the Midwest, though new bottles will not be returnable.
Key Facts
Twig's Beverage sells its core drink, Sun Drop, in returnable glass bottles.
Customers in Shawano County, Wisconsin, pay a deposit, which they get back when returning the bottles.
Twig's is the last Sun Drop producer using returnable glass bottles.
The company offers a range of sodas with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup.
Twig's plans to expand its non-returnable bottled sodas across the Midwest.
Twig's started in 1951, founded by Floyd Hartwig after the Korean War.
The business remains family-run, now managed by Floyd's grandsons.
Twig's employs 20 people and makes about $6.5 million annually.
Aldi has announced two pay raises for its store assistants in the UK, with increases in March and April. These changes make Aldi store assistants the highest paid among UK supermarkets. The company is growing its presence in the competitive UK grocery market.
Key Facts
Aldi will increase store assistants' pay to £13.50 per hour in April, following a March raise.
In London, assistant pay will rise to £14.88 per hour.
28,000 staff members will benefit from these wage increases.
These rates are higher than the current Real Living Wage of £13.45 per hour.
Aldi claims to be the only major supermarket offering paid breaks to all its staff.
Lidl, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's have also recently announced pay increases above inflation.
Aldi plans to open 40 new stores in the UK this year, employing around 45,000 people.
High grocery costs are partly due to increased energy prices following global events.
A report states that popular college majors like computer science, engineering, and social sciences have high unemployment rates. Despite many students graduating in these fields, they face challenges finding jobs because of factors like automation and AI.
Key Facts
Computer science, engineering, and social sciences have high unemployment rates among their graduates.
More than 100,000 students graduate in these fields in the U.S. annually.
Computer science graduates face a 6.1% unemployment rate.
Computer engineering has a 7.5% unemployment rate.
Anthropology majors experience a 9.4% unemployment rate.
Automation and AI are impacting job opportunities in fields like computer science.
Over 40 million Americans hold $1 trillion in student loan debt.
Larry Summers, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary, will resign from his teaching position at Harvard University. This decision comes as the university reviews his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.
Key Facts
Larry Summers will stop teaching at Harvard University.
He is a former U.S. Treasury Secretary.
Harvard is reviewing Summers' ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Summers had been on leave from Harvard since November.
Summers' name was mentioned many times in new files related to Epstein.
Asian businesses are uncertain about their trade future with the U.S. after a recent Supreme Court decision affected President Trump's tariff policy. This uncertainty arose because President Trump quickly imposed a new tariff despite the court ruling. As a result, companies are unsure about their costs and are considering changes to their business strategies.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the emergency powers law used by President Trump to impose tariffs, causing confusion among Asian businesses.
President Trump reacted by signing an executive order for a new 10% global tariff that can last for 150 days without needing Congress's approval.
Trump hinted at a possible tariff increase to 15%, but the current rate remains at 10%.
The tariffs are part of a strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
Asian exporters worry the new tariffs could actually strengthen China's role in global production.
Business leaders express concern over the lack of clear guidance from U.S. trade policies.
Some companies, like those in Singapore and Thailand, are facing increased costs and are altering their market strategies due to this uncertainty.
Businesses now focus on efficiency and exploring markets outside the U.S. due to trade uncertainty.
AT&T customers who claimed part of a $177 million settlement due to two data breaches in 2024 are closer to getting paid. The breaches involved personal data showing up on the dark web and illegal downloading of call and text records. The final court approval process is underway, and payments will start after this approval and any appeals.
Key Facts
The settlement amount is $177 million for two separate data breaches involving AT&T customers' information.
A breach in March 2024 released data from 2019 or earlier on the dark web, affecting approximately 73 million people.
Another breach in July 2024 saw illegal downloads of call and text records from a third-party cloud platform.
Customers could claim up to $5,000 for the dark web breach and up to $2,500 for the cloud platform breach, with a total maximum of $7,500.
Eligibility for the settlement is based on whether a customer was affected by one or both data breaches.
The deadline to file claims was December 18, 2025, which has now passed.
Settlement payments will begin after court approval and once all appeals are resolved.
AT&T has not admitted to any wrongdoing in these cases.
