Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Business News

Business news, market updates, and economic developments

Zaxbys Makes Permanent Menu Change

Zaxbys Makes Permanent Menu Change

Summary

Zaxbys, a fast-food chain, has added new dry rub options to its menu as permanent choices. The new flavors include Garlic Parmesan and Nashville Hot, alongside the existing Lemon Pepper dry rub. This change reflects a trend in the restaurant industry to offer popular and new items to attract more customers.

Key Facts

  • Zaxbys has new dry rub flavors: Garlic Parmesan and Nashville Hot.
  • The original dry rub, Lemon Pepper, remains on the menu.
  • These dry rubs can be added to chicken and fries.
  • Zaxbys Rewardz members can add dry rubs to crinkle fries until April 27 through digital platforms.
  • A limited-time Peaches & Cream Milkshake has also been introduced.
  • Zaxbys operates over 1,000 locations, mainly in the southeastern U.S.
  • Earlier this year, Zaxbys reintroduced Southern Fried Shrimp and Giant Chicken Quesadillas.
  • The restaurant industry is using popular menu items to increase customer visits.

Source Verification

Thifter Buys $10 Boots—Even Shop Assistant Is Stunned To See Label

Thifter Buys $10 Boots—Even Shop Assistant Is Stunned To See Label

Summary

A TikTok video shows a woman buying designer boots for $10 at a thrift store, surprising both the shopper and the shop assistant. The video has gained a lot of attention online, highlighting the growing trend of second-hand shopping in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • A woman bought Michael Kors designer boots for $10 at a thrift store.
  • The video of the purchase was shared on TikTok and has over 255,000 views.
  • The video highlights the trend of second-hand shopping in the U.S.
  • According to a report, 93% of Americans shop online for second-hand items.
  • The U.S. second-hand market was valued at $56 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $61 billion by 2026.
  • There are more than 25,000 resale and consignment shops across the U.S.
  • Thrifters save about $2,071 a year by buying second-hand goods.

Source Verification

Aston Martin cuts 20% of workforce as losses widen

Aston Martin cuts 20% of workforce as losses widen

Summary

Aston Martin plans to reduce its workforce by 20% after its net losses increased by 52% to £493.2 million in 2025. The company hopes the job cuts will save around £40 million annually. Aston Martin blames U.S. tariffs and decreased demand in China for its financial struggles.

Key Facts

  • Aston Martin will cut about 600 jobs, which is 20% of its workforce.
  • In 2025, Aston Martin's net losses rose by 52% to £493.2 million.
  • The company aims to save approximately £40 million a year with the job cuts.
  • Aston Martin cited U.S. tariffs and low demand in China as major challenges.
  • Capital spending on electric vehicles reduced from £2 billion to £1.7 billion.
  • Most job cuts will happen in the UK, where many Aston Martin employees work.
  • Aston Martin has offices and dealerships worldwide, including a site in St Athan, South Wales.

Source Verification

Trump Tariffs Update: Greer Warns Higher Rates Are Coming

Trump Tariffs Update: Greer Warns Higher Rates Are Coming

Summary

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced plans to increase tariff rates as part of maintaining President Trump's trade policies. Some tariffs will rise from 10% to 15%, while tariffs on China are expected to stay between 35% and 50%.

Key Facts

  • Jamieson Greer is the U.S. Trade Representative.
  • The administration plans to raise some tariffs from 10% to 15%.
  • Tariffs related to China will remain between 35% and 50%.
  • The changes aim to continue President Trump's approach to trade policy.
  • The U.S. had previously reached a trade deal with China in 2025.
  • The announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling on emergency powers for imposing tariffs.

Source Verification

The Average Living Wage Across 50 US States: Full List

The Average Living Wage Across 50 US States: Full List

Summary

A study by USA Today and MoneyLion shows that there are big differences in how much money families need to cover basic living costs in each U.S. state. The research details the hourly wage needed for a family of four to afford essentials like rent, groceries, and healthcare. Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California are the states requiring the highest wages, while Mississippi and Oklahoma have the lowest.

Key Facts

  • The study calculates the living wage needed for a family of four, using data from the 2024 Consumer Expenditure Survey and cost-of-living indexes.
  • In Hawaii, the highest hourly living wage is $69.43, needed due to high housing and food costs.
  • The lowest hourly living wage is $25.35 in Mississippi.
  • Massachusetts and California have high living wages at $54.25 and $46.22 per hour, respectively.
  • On average, households in half of the U.S. states need to earn about $30 per hour to meet basic needs.
  • The analysis was based on the assumption that family members work 2,080 hours a year, which is typical full-time work.
  • The study uses data from USA Today and fintech company MoneyLion.

Source Verification

Why New McDonald's Ad Campaign Will Show Empty Boxes With No Food

Why New McDonald's Ad Campaign Will Show Empty Boxes With No Food

Summary

McDonald’s started a new advertising campaign in Germany to show respect for Ramadan, a religious month where Muslims fast during daylight. The ads display empty food boxes during the day and show them filled with food after sunset, when those fasting can eat.

Key Facts

  • The new McDonald’s campaign uses digital billboards that change messages depending on the time of day.
  • During daylight hours, the billboards show empty McDonald's food packaging.
  • After sunset, when Muslims break their fast, the packaging appears full with food.
  • The campaign aligns with Ramadan, a Muslim holy month where fasting is practiced from sunrise to sunset.
  • It was created by the German ad agency Scholz & Friends.
  • There are around 6 million Muslims in Germany who observe Ramadan each year.
  • McDonald’s has done similar Ramadan campaigns in other countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Source Verification

GM Recalls 43,000 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac SUVs Over Rear-Wheel Lock-up Risk

GM Recalls 43,000 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac SUVs Over Rear-Wheel Lock-up Risk

Summary

General Motors is recalling over 43,000 SUVs from the 2022 model year because of a transmission problem that could cause rear-wheel lock-up. The recall affects Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models with specific transmission systems. The company plans to fix the issue with a software update available at no cost to vehicle owners.

Key Facts

  • General Motors (GM) is recalling 43,732 2022 SUVs due to a potential rear-wheel lock-up issue.
  • The affected models are from Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac with petrol engines and 10-speed automatic transmissions.
  • The specific models are the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV.
  • The problem stems from excess wear in the transmission, which can lead to fluid leaks and pressure drops.
  • GM discovered this issue from field data and internal reviews with reports dating between November 2023 and October 2025.
  • Dealers will offer a free software update to monitor and diagnose the issue before it causes a lock-up.
  • Notification letters for the update will be sent starting on March 30, 2026.

Source Verification

Bill Gates Admits Affairs, Discusses Epstein Relationship: Report

Bill Gates Admits Affairs, Discusses Epstein Relationship: Report

Summary

Bill Gates admitted to having affairs and expressed regret for his connections with Jeffrey Epstein during a meeting with Gates Foundation employees. Gates explained that he had two affairs discovered by Epstein but they did not involve Epstein's victims. He acknowledged it was a mistake to associate with Epstein and apologized for any resulting consequences.

Key Facts

  • Bill Gates admitted to having two affairs, which were discovered by Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Gates stated that the affairs did not involve any of Epstein's victims.
  • In a meeting with Gates Foundation employees, Gates called his association with Epstein a "huge mistake."
  • Gates apologized for involving other people in the consequences of his actions related to Epstein.
  • The Department of Justice recently released documents about Epstein, leading to more information about Gates' interactions with him.
  • Gates denied claims of contracting a sexually transmitted disease as "absolutely absurd and completely false."

Source Verification

Century-old teddy sells for four times estimate

Century-old teddy sells for four times estimate

Summary

A rare teddy bear believed to be made by Steiff in 1908 was sold at an auction for £1,250, significantly exceeding its estimated price. The bear, found during an estate clearance, was expected to sell for £300 to £500 but attracted a lot of interest despite its worn condition.

Key Facts

  • A teddy bear, thought to be made by Steiff in 1908, sold for £1,250 at auction.
  • The auction took place at the Cotswold Auction Company.
  • The bear was found during an estate clearance and was expected to sell for £300 to £500.
  • Features of the bear include a brown mohair coat, jointed limbs, and a swivel head.
  • The bear still has a working growl, though it now sounds more like a squeak.
  • It has some wear and tear, including bald patches and a repaired muzzle.
  • Despite missing the Steiff trademark button, experts strongly believe it to be a Steiff bear.

Source Verification

Volvo Recall Could Cost Brand $195 Million as Owners Warned of Fire Risk

Volvo Recall Could Cost Brand $195 Million as Owners Warned of Fire Risk

Summary

Volvo is recalling about 40,000 EX30 electric SUVs around the world due to a problem with the high-voltage battery, which could lead to a fire risk. The recall affects certain long-range models, and Volvo is advising owners to limit battery charging to 70% until a fix is available. The repairs are expected to cost Volvo $195 million.

Key Facts

  • Volvo is recalling 40,323 EX30 electric SUVs worldwide.
  • The recall affects the Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance models.
  • Owners are advised to limit charging to 70% to reduce fire risk.
  • The battery issue is linked to potential overheating that could lead to a fire.
  • Volvo will fix the battery problem at no cost to the owners.
  • The estimated cost of the recall to Volvo is $195 million.
  • Owners are advised not to leave vehicles unattended while charging in enclosed spaces.

Source Verification

Number of Home Sales Falling Through Hits New Record

Number of Home Sales Falling Through Hits New Record

Summary

In January, about 40,000 U.S. home-purchase deals were canceled, the highest recorded for that month since 2017. Real estate company Redfin reported this increase in cancellations, suggesting it is due to more sellers than buyers, which gives buyers the chance to cancel deals more easily.

Key Facts

  • About 40,000 home-purchase agreements in the U.S. were canceled in January.
  • This is the highest cancellation rate for January since tracking began in 2017.
  • Redfin reported that 13.7% of homes under contract fell out of escrow in January.
  • The increase in cancellations is linked to a market with more sellers than buyers.
  • Financial worries, including housing costs and job concerns, have contributed to cancellations.
  • San Antonio had the highest cancellation rate among large cities at 21.2%.
  • San Francisco had the lowest cancellation rate at 3.5%.
  • Redfin says the market has been buyer-friendly since mid-2024 due to the gap between sellers and buyers.

Source Verification

List of Companies Leaving California For Texas

List of Companies Leaving California For Texas

Summary

Public Storage, the largest self-storage company in the U.S., is moving its main office from California to Texas. This move is part of a trend where many companies are relocating their headquarters from California to Texas for reasons like lower costs and access to talent.

Key Facts

  • Public Storage is relocating its headquarters from Glendale, California, to Frisco, Texas.
  • The company will still keep a significant presence in Glendale despite the move.
  • CEO Thomas Boyle mentioned that Texas has a large pool of talent and innovation.
  • Other companies, like Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), Chevron, AECOM, McKesson, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Oracle, have also moved their headquarters from California to Texas.
  • Reasons for these moves include business-friendly regulations, lower costs, and better quality of life in Texas.
  • Public Storage's move continues a trend of businesses keeping operations in California while moving headquarters to Texas.

Source Verification

Popular Restaurant Chain Closing Locations Across Three States

Popular Restaurant Chain Closing Locations Across Three States

Summary

Applebee's, a well-known restaurant chain, is closing some of its locations in New York, Missouri, and Indiana. Despite these closings, the company plans to open more restaurants in new areas over the coming years. Applebee's currently operates over 1,500 locations around the world.

Key Facts

  • Applebee's is closing locations in New York, Missouri, and Indiana.
  • In Evansville, Indiana, two restaurants closed in February after more than 30 years.
  • A restaurant in Glenville, New York, is planning to close on April 12, 2026.
  • In Columbia, Missouri, an Applebee's near Stadium Boulevard closed on February 18.
  • Applebee's plans to open 25 new locations across the U.S. over the next seven years.
  • The chain has over 1,500 locations in 11 countries and territories.
  • Applebee's received an American Customer Satisfaction Index score of 79 in 2023 and 2024, and 80 in 2025.
  • Their expansion plan involves partnering with Flynn Group, a major franchise operator.

Source Verification

Elusive Shein boss hails Chinese roots in rare public appearance

Elusive Shein boss hails Chinese roots in rare public appearance

Summary

Shein's founder, Xu Yangtian, made a rare public appearance to reaffirm the company's commitment to China. He announced a significant investment in the Guangdong province's clothing industry. The company plans to maintain a strong presence in China despite its global expansion efforts.

Key Facts

  • Shein's founder, Xu Yangtian, also known as Sky Xu, appeared at a business conference in Guangdong, China.
  • Xu announced Shein would invest over 10 billion yuan (about $1.45 billion) in Guangdong to create a high-tech fashion hub.
  • Xu praised the Chinese government for its role in Shein's success, calling Guangdong "fertile ground" for development.
  • The company's headquarters are in Singapore, and it is considering a stock market listing in New York and London.
  • Shein supports over 600,000 jobs in Guangdong and plans to increase digital services there.
  • The company has faced scrutiny due to U.S. trade policies and concerns about its environmental impact and labor conditions.
  • The European Union is investigating Shein for potential digital law breaches, leading to the removal of certain products.
  • Shein plans to open more stores in France despite recent protests in Paris.

Source Verification

Energy bills to fall in April after charges shake-up

Energy bills to fall in April after charges shake-up

Summary

Energy bills in England, Wales, and Scotland are set to decrease in April following government changes. The cost reduction will vary by household, and more information will be announced soon. The fall is mainly due to removing certain charges from bills and adjusting other costs.

Key Facts

  • Energy bills will decrease in April due to government changes.
  • The specific amount each household saves will differ.
  • Ofgem, the energy regulator, will announce a new price cap soon.
  • Households on variable tariffs may see a 7% bill reduction.
  • Some billing charges are being moved to general taxation.
  • The Energy Company Obligation scheme is being discontinued.
  • Electricity price per unit will decrease, benefiting high electricity users most.
  • Overall energy prices remain high compared to past levels.
  • Households can potentially save £200 more by switching to a fixed-rate energy deal.

Source Verification

Paramount boosts Warner Bros offer to rival Netflix in takeover bid

Paramount boosts Warner Bros offer to rival Netflix in takeover bid

Summary

Paramount has increased its offer to buy Warner Bros Discovery, raising the amount by $1 per share. This new proposal is aimed at outbidding Netflix, which had previously agreed to a deal with Warner Bros. Warner Bros is evaluating this revised bid before making a final decision.

Key Facts

  • Paramount raised its offer to buy Warner Bros by $1 per share.
  • Warner Bros had agreed to sell its film and streaming divisions to Netflix for $27.75 per share.
  • Netflix can make a counter-offer within four days but has not commented yet.
  • Paramount's new offer includes paying $31 per share in cash and additional payments if the deal is delayed.
  • Paramount also agreed to pay $7 billion if the deal fails and cover a $2.8 billion breakup fee.
  • Warner Bros is reviewing the new proposal before making a final decision.
  • Concerns have been raised about potential monopolies and their impact on the entertainment industry.

Source Verification

House prices in Wales rise faster than UK average - see how your area compares

House prices in Wales rise faster than UK average - see how your area compares

Summary

House prices in Wales increased more than the UK average over the past year, with some areas seeing significant rises. The Office for National Statistics reported a 5% increase in Welsh house prices compared to a 2.4% rise across the UK. Although house prices in some regions like Ceredigion and Merthyr Tydfil fell, areas like Blaenau Gwent and Anglesey experienced notable growth.

Key Facts

  • Welsh house prices increased by 5% in the year ending December 2025.
  • The UK average house price increase was 2.4% during the same period.
  • Blaenau Gwent and Anglesey had the largest price increases in Wales, with rises of 7% and 7.2% respectively.
  • In Ceredigion, house prices dropped by 4.1%, while in Merthyr Tydfil they fell by 4.4%.
  • The average house price in Wales reached £215,000 in December 2025.
  • Demand from buyers has decreased slightly due to economic factors and higher mortgage rates.
  • Many buyers are moving to Wales from more expensive areas like Cardiff, Newport, and Bristol.
  • First-time buyers face challenges affording monthly mortgage repayments despite having a deposit.

Source Verification

Woman Sees Her Condo in Real Estate Video—Shock at What She Finds Out: ‘Scam’

Woman Sees Her Condo in Real Estate Video—Shock at What She Finds Out: ‘Scam’

Summary

Madison O’Hora discovered that her condo was being falsely advertised as available for rent on TikTok. The video sparked concerns that the listing was part of a rental scam, and experts note that such scams often use social media to find victims. Law enforcement advises the public to be cautious and verify rental properties before making any payments.

Key Facts

  • Madison O’Hora found her condo listed for rent in a TikTok video, even though she owns it.
  • The person who posted the video claimed it was not O’Hora’s property.
  • O’Hora shared details proving it is her condo.
  • TikTok users warned that the listing might be a rental scam.
  • Rental scams often involve requests for cash payments and deals that seem too good to be true.
  • The New York Police Department advises caution with rental listings, especially if they include cash payment requests.
  • Rental scams use social media to reach more potential victims.

Source Verification

Woman Files Taxes—Not Ready For Refund She Sees: 'Jail?'

Woman Files Taxes—Not Ready For Refund She Sees: 'Jail?'

Summary

A woman was surprised to see a very large refund amount of $904,943 while filing her taxes for the first time. The situation gained attention on TikTok, with many people curious about how she achieved such a large refund. This occurred during a time when tax refunds are generally higher, partly due to recent changes in tax laws.

Key Facts

  • A first-time tax filer received a refund notice for $904,943.
  • The woman shared her experience on TikTok, and the video went viral.
  • She addressed exaggerated rumors about her personal life on social media.
  • Some people joked about the size of the refund and whether it would cause trouble.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has reported larger refunds this year on average.
  • President Donald Trump's administration made tax code changes that increased refunds.
  • Newsweek attempted to verify the details but could not confirm the case specifics.

Source Verification

Dog Treat Recall Sparks New Warning Across 5 States

Dog Treat Recall Sparks New Warning Across 5 States

Summary

Elite Treats LLC is recalling a batch of "Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs" because of possible Salmonella contamination. These dog treats were sold in five southern U.S. states and pose a health risk to pets and people.

Key Facts

  • Elite Treats LLC recalled a batch of "Elite Treats Chicken Chips for Dogs."
  • The recall is due to possible Salmonella contamination.
  • Affected packages are 6-ounce bags with lot number 24045 and an expiration date of 04/2027.
  • The products were distributed by Florida Hardware, LLC to stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
  • Salmonella can cause illness in pets and humans and is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, or those with weak immune systems.
  • There have been no reported illnesses related to this issue.
  • Consumers should dispose of affected products and clean surfaces and hands that have come into contact with the treats.
  • Elite Treats offers refunds or replacements and can be contacted at 561‑901‑5310 or elite.treats@yahoo.com.

Source Verification