Pending home sales in the U.S. decreased by about 6% in the four weeks ending February 15 compared to the previous year. This drop reflects a slowdown in the housing market due to high costs and cold weather. In response, some sellers are choosing to remove their properties from the market instead of selling at lower prices.
Key Facts
Pending home sales fell nearly 6% compared to the same period last year.
Homes took an average of 67 days to sell, the longest time since early 2019.
The median home-sale price rose by 1.1% year-over-year.
The average mortgage rate was 6.09%, higher than pandemic-era levels.
The median monthly mortgage payment is now $2,601, nearly at an all-time high.
New home listings dropped by 3.1% year-over-year in the same period.
The total number of homes for sale decreased by 1.5%.
The United States and Indonesia have signed a deal to reduce US tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19%, down from 32%. The agreement also includes Indonesia reducing trade barriers on over 99% of imports from America.
Key Facts
US tariffs on Indonesian goods will decrease from 32% to 19%.
Indonesia will reduce trade barriers on over 99% of American imports.
The deal affects various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, seafood, technology, and car-related goods.
The US will provide tariff exemptions on some Indonesian goods, such as specific clothing and textiles.
Indonesia will adopt US standards for car safety, emissions, food, and drug guidelines.
The agreement was signed during Indonesia's President Prabowo's visit to Washington.
The visit was for the first meeting of the Trump-led "Board of Peace" to discuss Gaza's reconstruction.
Live Nation, a company involved in organizing concerts and selling tickets, reported strong revenue growth and high concert attendance last year. However, the company is facing a lawsuit in the U.S., accused of maintaining a monopoly in the live music industry. This lawsuit claims that Live Nation's practices have led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.
Key Facts
Live Nation's revenue increased to $25.2 billion in 2025, which is a 9% rise from the previous year.
The company's operating profit rose by over 50% to reach $1.3 billion.
Last year, 159 million fans attended Live Nation concerts, up from 151 million the previous year.
In early 2026, 67 million tickets were sold, increasing from the same period in the previous year.
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Live Nation in 2024, aiming to break up the company.
The lawsuit claims Live Nation used illegal tactics to maintain its dominance, leading to higher prices and poor services.
The case is expected to go to trial in federal court next month.
Live Nation also owns Ticketmaster, which has faced criticism for high fees and service charges.
Released emails suggest Jeffrey Epstein considered investing in EMI Records because an associate indicated it could provide access to women. The associate, David Stern, communicated with Epstein about the potential investment, and there were discussions about involving influential figures. Despite these discussions, the investment did not occur, and EMI was eventually taken over by Citigroup.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein thought about investing in EMI Records for potential access to women.
David Stern, Epstein's associate, said the music industry was "related to P," a term Epstein allegedly used for women.
The US Department of Justice released emails showing these discussions.
David Stern had connections to notable figures, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The investment did not happen, and Citigroup took control of EMI.
Epstein considered involving business figures like Tommy Mottola in the investment.
Kevin Law, who communicated with Epstein, denied any business deals with him.
KKR, a large private equity firm mentioned in discussions, did not comment.
In December, the United States saw a larger trade deficit as imports rose significantly. The annual trade deficit in goods for 2025 reached a record high, despite President Trump's tariffs on foreign products. Imports increased due to a rise in demand for tech goods, while the trade deficit with China decreased but grew with Taiwan and Vietnam.
Key Facts
The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in December 2025.
The 2025 goods trade deficit was the highest on record at $1.24 trillion.
Imports rose nearly 5% last year, driven by tech goods like computer chips.
The trade gap with China decreased by nearly 32% to $202 billion.
The trade deficit with Taiwan doubled to $147 billion and increased by 44% with Vietnam to $178 billion.
Tariffs did not reduce the trade deficit; U.S. factory jobs fell by 83,000.
December imports rose 3.6% to $357.6 billion, with major increases in industrial supplies.
Exports slightly decreased in December, but capital goods export rose with semiconductor sales.
A Los Angeles home once owned by Frank Sinatra is for sale after 53 years with the same owners. Known as Villa Dorada, the house is listed for $7.5 million and features historic design elements from its original construction in 1929. The home is noted for its connection to Old Hollywood and has attracted attention on social media.
Key Facts
The property is called Villa Dorada and is located in Hollywood's Outpost Estates.
It was built in 1929 and is a 7,400-square-foot Spanish Revival-style house.
The current asking price is $7.5 million.
It has original features like Magnesite floors, fireplaces, and a wood-paneled elevator.
The house was formerly owned by songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen and shared by Frank Sinatra.
Villa Dorada has been owned by the same people for 53 years.
It is noted as a part of entertainment history due to its former famous residents.
Emails from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein was given the chance to invest in a building near the Pentagon in 2016. This potential deal, valued at about $116 million, would have involved him becoming a landlord to the U.S. government. There is no proof that the deal went through.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein was offered a chance to buy into a building near the Pentagon in 2016.
The property's proposed purchase price was approximately $116 million.
Ownership would have made Epstein a co-owner and landlord to the U.S. government.
There is no evidence that Epstein completed the transaction.
An FBI informant described Epstein as a Mossad agent with ties to Israel.
Epstein had connections to Ehud Barak, a former Prime Minister of Israel.
Epstein also had a separate proposal to invest in FBI office buildings.
David Stern forwarded the investment offer and had ties to the British royal family.
A Canadian government worker turned to Reddit for advice after a job recruiter contacted her through her work email, raising concerns about privacy and ethical behavior. The woman plans to challenge the recruiting agency under Canada’s privacy law to ensure her work email is removed from their records. This incident highlights issues around how recruiters reach out to potential candidates and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
Key Facts
A woman from Canada received an email from a job recruiter at her government work email address.
She had previously interacted with this recruiter who contacted her months before by phone.
The woman wondered if it was ethical for the recruiter to use her work email.
She plans to officially challenge the recruitment agency through Canada’s privacy laws.
The law she refers to is PIPEDA, which regulates how companies handle personal information in Canada.
Online users advised her on how to respond, suggesting she firmly address the misconduct.
Experts suggest verifying recruiter legitimacy and maintaining professional communication.
The woman is concerned about the visibility and appropriateness of outside communication in her current job.
A Southwest Airlines passenger reported frustration over not being allowed to change seats on a flight that was only 60% full. Despite empty rows, the airline enforced its seating policy, which restricts seat changes even when the plane is not full.
Key Facts
A passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight noted that 60% of the seats were occupied, yet passengers could not change seats.
The claim was shared on Reddit, where it sparked discussions among other travelers.
The airline's staff enforced a strict seating policy, even when nearby rows were empty.
Seat assignment policies have become stricter across airlines, impacting flexibility.
The current global average for flight occupancy is around 85%.
Southwest Airlines historically offered open seating but has made changes to align more with other airlines.
The flight in question traveled from Virginia to Dallas.
Southwest Airlines has been contacted for comment, but the details of the case could not be independently verified.
Prediction markets, which allow people to bet on the outcome of future events, are growing in popularity but are also facing increased examination from regulators. These markets are used to forecast various outcomes, such as election results and economic indicators.
Key Facts
Prediction markets enable people to bet on future events, like elections or economic changes.
These markets are becoming more popular because they can predict outcomes based on collective opinions.
Regulators are looking closely at these markets to ensure they follow legal standards.
People are interested in prediction markets for their ability to provide insights into future trends.
The markets use the wisdom of the crowd, which means they rely on the group's collective knowledge.
Some concerns involve the legality and ethical aspects of betting on certain types of events.
Prices for everyday items and services have been going up in 2026, affecting many households. Companies in the U.S. are being seen as partly responsible for these increases, partly due to past tariffs and rising costs. Businesses are trying different strategies, like offering cheaper meal deals, to address affordability concerns and maintain customer loyalty.
Key Facts
Prices for home electricity have increased by 6.3% and natural gas by 9.8% over the last year.
Ground beef and coffee prices have risen by 17.2% and 18.3%, respectively, according to the January Consumer Price Index.
Companies such as Stanley Black & Decker, McCormick & Company, and Levi Strauss have announced price hikes due to previous tariffs.
Higher wages and rising health insurance costs also contribute to increased prices, beyond the effect of tariffs.
McDonald's increased prices about 40% since 2019 and is focusing on affordable meal options to attract lower-income customers.
PepsiCo and General Mills have reduced prices on some items due to affordability concerns.
Companies are using economic impact reports to show their contribution to the economy and lessen public blame.
President Trump has referred to affordability issues as a "Democratic hoax," implying political tensions over the issue.
The U.S. trade deficit rose to about $1.2 trillion last year despite President Trump's tariffs aimed at reducing it. The increase occurred even with a significant drop in trade with China, due to high imports of goods. The White House says that tariff effects might take time to show.
Key Facts
The U.S. trade deficit increased by 2.1% from the previous year, reaching roughly $1.2 trillion.
Tariffs were imposed on goods from almost every country, with a minimum of 10%.
Imports reached a record $3.4 trillion, partly due to rising demand for computer parts and equipment.
Exports hit a new high, although there were declines in U.S. food and car exports.
Trade with China declined, reducing that specific deficit by about 30% to $202.1 billion.
Despite the overall increase, the deficit in goods and services was about $901.5 billion, staying nearly the same as the previous year.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a challenge to the tariffs, which could impact their future validity.
President Trump also signed an order for more tariffs on countries trading with Iran.
The lobbying firm Global Counsel, co-founded by Peter Mandelson, is preparing to enter administration due to major clients ending their contracts. The links that emerged between the firm and Jeffrey Epstein are said to have contributed to its troubles. Mandelson had resigned from the board in 2024 but remained a shareholder until recently.
Key Facts
Global Counsel is a lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson.
The firm is preparing to enter administration, a legal process similar to bankruptcy.
This situation arose after important clients cut ties with the firm.
The clients left following reports of connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Peter Mandelson left the board of Global Counsel in 2024 but was a shareholder until recently.
Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the other co-founder, resigned as chief executive in February.
The firm previously had high-profile clients like Shell, TikTok, and Barclays.
Sources say the firm's issues are due to "the Mandelson legacy."
Wells Fargo will pay over $56 million to settle a lawsuit related to claims it violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The lawsuit alleges Wells Fargo incorrectly reported mortgage forbearances during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting borrowers' credit scores.
Key Facts
Wells Fargo agreed to a $56.85 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims Wells Fargo violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act during the pandemic.
Borrowers with "current" status entering forbearance were allegedly reported as "in forbearance."
California borrowers with mortgages serviced by Wells Fargo may benefit from this settlement.
Eligible borrowers had to have a forbearance starting on or after March 27, 2020.
Final court approval for the settlement is scheduled for April 17.
The CARES Act ensures mortgages in forbearance should remain reported as "current."
A video showing a Snickers bar priced at $13 in Las Vegas has gained a lot of attention online. People are discussing the situation, highlighting concerns about inflation and high living costs. The video claims the high-priced candy is a special-edition Cherry Whip sold at the MGM Grand.
Key Facts
A video shows a Snickers bar being sold for $13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The video does not clearly show or verify the price, and Newsweek has not confirmed it.
The regular price of a Snickers bar in the U.S. is normally around $2.
The specific Snickers bar in the video is a special-edition Cherry Whip.
The video has been viewed more than 900,000 times in less than a day.
Many online users connect the high price to issues like inflation and the high cost of living.
Social media reactions include surprise and criticism of Las Vegas pricing.
Oil prices have gone up due to concerns that the United States might take military action against Iran. This situation could disrupt the supply of oil from Iran and other countries in the area. The increase in oil prices affects global markets and could lead to higher gasoline prices in the U.S.
Key Facts
Oil prices rose by more than 4% recently, with Brent crude reaching over $71 per barrel.
The U.S. is seen as possibly preparing for a military strike against Iran, causing market concern.
Iran exports about 1.5 million barrels of oil daily, mostly to China.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil trade, handling about 25% of maritime oil.
Supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf could raise oil prices significantly.
Analysts indicate that the only spare oil production capacity might be in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. gasoline prices could increase if oil prices continue to rise due to a conflict.
Higher oil prices may impact President Trump's approach to geopolitical decisions.
Costco is facing a lawsuit claiming that its $4.99 rotisserie chicken might be linked to a salmonella risk from a Nebraska processing plant. The lawsuit argues that the chicken did not meet safety standards and that Costco failed to warn customers about this potential danger. Another recent lawsuit also claims that Costco misled customers about preservatives in the same chicken product.
Key Facts
A new lawsuit claims Costco's rotisserie chicken may have a salmonella risk tied to a Nebraska plant.
The lawsuit was filed by a Missouri customer who regularly bought the chicken.
The Nebraska plant allegedly did not meet USDA safety standards.
More than 9.8% of whole chickens and 15.4% of chicken parts reportedly tested positive for salmonella.
The plaintiff accuses Costco of violating Washington consumer-protection laws by not informing buyers of the risks.
The lawsuit seeks damages for customers who bought rotisserie chickens since January 1, 2019.
Costco sold over 157 million Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens in 2025.
Another recent lawsuit claimed Costco's chicken labeling about preservatives was misleading.
Keurig Dr Pepper announced plans to introduce over 35 new and returning beverage flavors in 2026. These include a variety of sodas, teas, waters, energy drinks, and juices, focusing on bold flavors, nostalgic twists, and zero-sugar options. The new lineup aims to meet consumer demand for innovative and diverse beverage choices.
Key Facts
Keurig Dr Pepper plans to launch over 35 beverage flavors in 2026.
The new flavors include sodas, teas, waters, energy drinks, and juices.
The company is focusing on bold, nostalgic, and zero-sugar options.
Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, a returning favorite, will be available from April 2026.
The 7UP Shirley Temple, with pomegranate and citrus flavors, is set for the holiday season.
New drinks include Snapple Two Hundred Fif-TEA Party and Bai Barù Blood Orange.
A Zero Sugar juice line and new Ghost Energy drinks will launch in 2026.
Electrolit and La Colombe are also expanding their beverage offerings.
Over 40,000 people could soon have their student loan debts canceled due to a recent court decision. This includes borrowers enrolled in specific repayment plans and those under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The change comes after a legal settlement and ongoing efforts by the U.S. Department of Education to manage debt relief.
Key Facts
Over 40,000 borrowers might get their student loans canceled due to a court decision.
Borrowers eligible for forgiveness include those on certain income-based repayment plans.
Around 18,000 borrowers in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program will have their debts erased.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is for people who have worked for 10 years in nonprofit or government jobs.
The Trump administration reversed many student loan forgiveness policies from the previous administration.
A legal settlement with the American Federation of Teachers has led to more eligible borrowers.
The U.S. Department of Education is working through a backlog of student loan applications for forgiveness.
There are over 40 million Americans with student loan debt, totaling $1.6 trillion.
A man faced trouble getting his pension payments redirected after his ex-wife, who was entitled to a part of it due to a divorce settlement, passed away. The pension fund stopped paying his ex-wife when she failed to prove she was alive, and then refused to transfer the payments back to him after her death due to a name mismatch on her death certificate. The ex-wife had remarried and changed her name, but the pension records hadn’t been updated to reflect this.
Key Facts
A man had a settlement that gave his ex-wife a portion of his pension after their divorce.
The ex-wife remarried and changed her last name but did not update this with the pension fund.
The ex-wife passed away, and the pension payments were expected to revert to the man.
The pension fund refused because her death certificate showed a different name.
The pension fund required the name to match records, despite the SSN and birthdate being correct.
A pension legal expert explained that name mismatches can legally stall payment changes.
The couple is actively trying to resolve the situation with the pension fund.
The problem is procedural, not fraudulent, according to the user's explanation.
