Burger King is allowing U.S. customers to contact its President, Tom Curtis, with feedback by phone or text. Curtis is dedicating time each day to listen to customer feedback and aims to use this information to improve Burger King restaurants.
Key Facts
Burger King's President, Tom Curtis, is giving his phone number to customers for feedback.
Customers can call or text Curtis about food, service, and other concerns.
Curtis will spend four hours a day for two weeks responding to messages.
After two weeks, Curtis will reduce his response time, and other leaders will also participate.
The feedback will help Burger King prioritize improvements.
A previous customer campaign let people create Whopper burger versions for a chance to win $1 million.
The campaign featured finalists' creations on the menu for a limited time.
Construction on the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel between Manhattan and New Jersey is set to restart. The project had been paused due to a funding freeze, but a judge's order led to the release of necessary federal payments.
Key Facts
The Gateway rail tunnel project is worth $16 billion.
The project connects Manhattan, New York, and New Jersey.
Construction had stopped because federal payments were withheld.
A judge ordered the release of about $235 million, enabling work to restart.
The Hudson River tunnel serves over 200,000 daily riders and was damaged during Hurricane Sandy.
Funding comes from the federal government, New York, New Jersey, and Amtrak.
Contractors received instructions to resume work next week.
The issue of funding interruptions remains a legal and political challenge.
Dunkin’ and Brownie Brittle have teamed up to release two new snacks inspired by Dunkin's coffee and doughnuts. The snacks, named Dunkin’ Sprinkled Donut Blondie Brittle and Dunkin’ Mocha Latte Brownie Brittle, are available in select stores and online from February 19, 2026.
Key Facts
Dunkin’ has partnered with Brownie Brittle to create two new snacks.
The snacks are called Dunkin’ Sprinkled Donut Blondie Brittle and Dunkin’ Mocha Latte Brownie Brittle.
These products will be available starting February 19, 2026, at select stores and online.
Brownie Brittle is known for thin, crispy brownie snacks.
The Sprinkled Donut Blondie Brittle mimics Dunkin’s classic sprinkled doughnut with colorful sprinkles.
The Mocha Latte Brownie Brittle has the taste of Dunkin’s mocha latte drink with espresso flavor.
Both snacks are available in different pouch sizes for easy snacking.
Purchases of these snacks earn points for Dunkin’s “At‑Home Extras” loyalty program.
A study found that Walmart now leads grocery shopping in the U.S., reaching 72 percent of households, as many Americans face financial challenges. The study also noted that mass-channel retailers like Walmart are now as popular as traditional supermarkets. This shift is happening because many people are trying to spend less money on groceries.
Key Facts
Walmart's grocery shopping reach climbed to 72 percent.
Mass-channel retailers, including Walmart, matched supermarkets at 79 percent reach.
The increase in Walmart's reach happened as many Americans struggle with financial issues, including covering a $400 unexpected cost.
The study involved 8,500 participants from several countries, including the U.S.
Lower-price shopping options like dollar stores are becoming more popular, with dollar stores reaching 42 percent.
There was a misunderstanding about food inflation, perceived as 19.6 percent while it is actually 2.4 percent.
More consumers used coupons and looked for discounts, with 47 percent using store coupons and 68 percent seeking discounts.
The study predicts ongoing changes in shopping behavior due to financial pressures.
Many young Americans are worried they might never be able to buy a home due to high housing costs and economic concerns. A recent survey shows that 23% of renters under 40 are unsure if they will ever buy a home, despite most still seeing homeownership as important. Rising rent and housing prices, as well as financial anxieties, are the main reasons for their concern.
Key Facts
23% of renters under 40 are uncertain about buying a home, up from 18% a year ago.
Nearly 90% of young people surveyed believe owning a home is important.
Over three-quarters of respondents are worried about needing to reduce spending.
Many fear job losses, and 57% of homeowners are concerned about mortgage payments.
High housing costs are a key factor in economic anxiety, with affording a house being a major worry.
First-time homebuyers decreased to 21% of market share between July 2024 and June 2025.
Average age for first-time homebuyers rose to 40 years old.
Experts predict slight affordability improvements as wage growth may outpace house price growth.
Centrica, the owner of British Gas, saw a decrease in profits in 2025. Warmer weather led to less heating use, and more customers chose cheaper energy plans. Despite this, British Gas added more customers by taking over those from other companies that closed.
Key Facts
Warmer weather in the UK in 2025 led to lower heating use by British Gas customers.
Centrica, British Gas's owner, reported a profit fall from £1.55 billion in 2024 to £814 million in 2025.
Customers switched from variable to cheaper fixed-rate energy tariffs, affecting profits.
British Gas's customer base grew to 7.5 million in the UK.
This growth included taking over customers from Rebel Energy and Tomato Energy after they went out of business.
The UK experienced its warmest and sunniest year on record in 2025, with an average temperature of 10.09°C.
Centrica's stock price dropped by more than 7% in London trading.
A new map from GasBuddy shows that gas prices in the U.S. vary depending on the day of the week. Sundays are usually the cheapest days to buy gas, while midweek days like Wednesday and Thursday are often the most expensive.
Key Facts
GasBuddy conducted an analysis to find patterns in gas prices across all U.S. states.
Sunday tends to be the cheapest day to purchase gas in most states.
Wednesday and Thursday are generally the most expensive days to fill up.
Drivers can save between 4 and 9 cents per gallon by buying gas on the cheapest weekday.
California consistently has higher gas prices due to taxes and regulations but follows the same weekday price patterns.
GasBuddy analyzed daily statewide average prices from the past year for this study.
These patterns do not account for additional savings from discounts or special programs.
Gas prices fluctuate due to factors like oil markets, taxes, and seasonal demand but show consistent weekly trends.
The FDA has issued a Class II recall for frozen cooked shrimp due to potential cesium contamination. The recall affects products distributed by H & N Group to around 30 locations in the Houston and Gulf Coast areas.
Key Facts
The recall is classified as Class II by the FDA, meaning the product might cause temporary or reversible health effects.
The affected product is Frozen Cooked Medium Shrimp, Peeled & Deveined, Tail Off-White Shrimp, sold in 1-pound bags.
Around 3,780 units, packaged in 378 cases, are part of the recall.
The shrimp was found to be potentially contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive substance.
Distribution was limited to a single retail company with about 30 locations.
The recall began on February 9, 2026, and received its Class II status on February 18, 2026.
H & N Group, based in Vernon, California, voluntarily initiated the recall.
The FDA is monitoring the recall, which is still ongoing.
Toy companies in the U.S. are facing uncertainty due to tariffs on imports, mainly from China, which have increased prices and affected profits. Rick Woldenberg, head of Learning Resources, sued the Trump administration over these tariffs, and the case may soon be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Many companies are hoping for stable trade policies to avoid further price increases.
Key Facts
Tariffs on imports, especially from China, have hit the toy industry hard, increasing costs for companies.
Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging the tariffs.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to make a decision soon on the tariff case.
Some products were exempted from tariffs, and the average tariff rate for Chinese imports is now around 20%.
Companies like Basic Fun and Glo Pals have raised their prices to cope with increased costs.
Many businesses hope for stable trade policies to avoid further price hikes.
The White House plans to find other ways to impose tariffs if the Supreme Court rules against the current measures.
The government might have to refund some of the money collected from businesses if the tariff case is lost.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, claiming the company discriminated against men by holding a work event that only invited female employees. This is the first such lawsuit during President Trump's second term, where he has focused on changing diversity policies. The EEOC claims that the event violated federal laws that require equal opportunity in the workplace.
Key Facts
A Coca-Cola distributor is being sued for alleged sexual discrimination by excluding men from a work event.
The event involved a two-day networking trip in Connecticut open only to women.
Female employees who attended were paid their normal wages without using time off.
The EEOC claims this action violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The lawsuit marks the first related to workplace diversity during President Trump's second term.
The EEOC is also examining other companies like Nike and Northwestern Mutual for similar issues.
The agency is ensuring that all employees have equal access to employer-sponsored events.
Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast has not responded to requests for comment.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) suggests that UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' borrowing rules need changes because they lead to ineffective policy decisions. They recommend using a new system to evaluate the government's financial health, rather than focusing on a single financial target. The Treasury defends the current rules, saying they help maintain low interest rates and support growth.
Key Facts
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is a think tank that analyzes financial policies in the UK.
The IFS argues that current borrowing rules are too rigid and lead to poor decision-making.
These rules require borrowing or debt to stay below a specific limit.
The Treasury believes these rules help keep interest rates low and support investment in growth.
IFS suggests using a "fiscal traffic lights" system to better assess financial health.
This system would provide a broader evaluation of the government's financial position.
There is a call for changes to the fiscal framework before the next general election.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast. The suit claims sexual discrimination because a company event only allowed women to attend. This is the first workplace diversity lawsuit filed by the EEOC during President Trump's second term.
Key Facts
The lawsuit is about an event that excluded male employees.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the agency that filed the lawsuit.
The event took place in September 2024 in Connecticut.
Female employees who attended were excused from work duties and received regular pay.
Male employees were not invited to the event.
Coca-Cola has not yet responded to requests for comments on the lawsuit.
This case marks the first lawsuit of its kind by the EEOC during President Trump's second term.
Two farms in Senegal supply a large portion of the UK's vegetables, particularly during winter. The hot and dry climate near the Sahara Desert does not seem ideal for farming, but the availability of river water allows for successful cultivation. These farms export significant amounts of produce to UK supermarkets.
Key Facts
Two British-run farms in north Senegal supply many vegetables to the UK.
Most of the workers on the farms are women.
The farms grow crops like corn, green beans, and spring onions.
The area is near the Sahara Desert, but water from the Senegal River supports the farms.
Each winter, the UK gets a high percentage of its fresh produce from these farms.
The Saint-Louis area in Senegal provides abundant sunlight and labour.
The larger farm started with an entrepreneur using Google Earth to scout locations.
Vegetables are exported weekly by ship to the UK from Dakar port.
eBay has purchased Depop, a second-hand clothing app popular with younger generations, for $1.2 billion. The acquisition is part of eBay's strategy to attract more young users interested in buying and selling used clothing.
Key Facts
eBay bought Depop, which is a second-hand clothing app, for $1.2 billion.
Depop was founded in the UK and bought by Etsy in 2021.
Nearly 90% of Depop's active buyers are under the age of 34.
Depop has over three million active sellers on its platform.
eBay aims to reach younger customers with this new acquisition.
Depop is one of the fastest-growing fashion resale marketplaces in the U.S.
Etsy, which previously bought Depop, has seen its share price increase by 15% after selling it.
California is considering a one-time tax on billionaires to counteract federal budget cuts affecting healthcare funding. This proposal has sparked debate, with some business leaders opposing it due to concerns about its impact on California's economy. The tax would need voter approval, and Senator Bernie Sanders is supporting the campaign to gather enough signatures for it to be on the ballot.
Key Facts
California may introduce a 5% tax on individuals with over $1 billion in assets.
The tax aims to recover funds lost due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) by President Trump, requiring more eligibility checks for Medicaid.
Senator Bernie Sanders is campaigning for the tax to be included in the November ballot.
Business leaders worry the tax will harm California's economy and encourage billionaires to leave the state.
Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have reportedly moved to Florida, possibly to avoid the tax.
Governor Gavin Newsom, despite a budget deficit, is not supporting the tax measure.
California's economy heavily relies on its tech industry, and losing tech billionaires might destabilize it.
President Trump's adviser, Kevin Hassett, criticized a Federal Reserve study that claimed U.S. businesses and consumers are bearing the majority of costs from tariffs. Hassett called for disciplinary action against the economists involved, arguing that the study presented a partisan viewpoint. The study aligns with other reports indicating high tariff costs are passed on to U.S. buyers.
Key Facts
Kevin Hassett is the director of the National Economic Council and an adviser to President Trump.
Hassett criticized a Federal Reserve study that said U.S. firms and consumers bear 90% of tariff costs.
The study was conducted by the New York Federal Reserve and is consistent with findings from other research groups.
Hassett described the study as an embarrassment and suggested economists involved should be disciplined.
President Trump's administration has been critical of the Federal Reserve, focusing mainly on interest rate issues.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a legal challenge related to President Trump's global tariffs.
Inflation in the U.S. recently decreased, according to the Department of Labor.
Hassett claims tariffs have benefited consumers by increasing real wages.
Go Raw LLC is recalling a specific batch of their Quest brand Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets because it may have low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). The recall affects products sold in 10 states, and there has been one reported illness in a cat that has now recovered.
Key Facts
Go Raw LLC is recalling one lot of Quest Cat Food due to low thiamine levels.
Thiamine deficiency in cats can cause digestive and nervous system problems.
The affected product comes in 10-ounce bags with lot code C25288.
The product was sold in stores in Illinois, Texas, California, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Colorado.
Customers can return the recalled cat food for a full refund.
The company received a report of illness, but the affected cat has recovered.
Pet owners noticing symptoms in their cats are advised to contact a veterinarian.
For questions, customers can contact Go Raw LLC by phone or email.
The Federal Reserve officials are divided on interest rate decisions, according to the minutes from their January meeting. Some members suggest raising rates if inflation remains high, while others support keeping rates steady or making further cuts. Economic signs show job growth and stable inflation, but concerns about tariffs and future inflation persist.
Key Facts
Federal Reserve officials are split on what to do about interest rates.
Some want to raise rates if inflation stays high, while others prefer keeping rates steady or cutting them further.
The labor market seems to be stabilizing, but not everyone agrees on the strength of job recovery.
Businesses are dealing with tariff-related costs, which may affect inflation.
AI-related technology gains may help reduce inflation pressure.
Recent data shows an increase of 130,000 jobs and a slight drop in the Consumer Price Index.
President Trump plans to nominate Kevin Warsh as the new Fed chair, with Jerome Powell's term ending in May.
More Americans cannot pay their car loans, with the rate higher than during the 2008 financial crisis. The serious delinquency rate on subprime auto loans has hit 6.9 percent. Total auto debt now stands at $1.67 trillion.
Key Facts
The 60-day delinquency rate on subprime auto loans is now 6.9 percent, surpassing the 2008 peak of 5 percent.
Auto debt in the U.S. has increased by $312 billion over the past five years, reaching a total of $1.67 trillion.
Subprime financing, which is riskier, accounts for about 14 percent of all auto loans, totaling $234 billion.
Higher vehicle prices and interest rates are significant factors in the inability to pay auto loans.
Car prices climbed during the pandemic due to supply chain issues, leading to high levels of debt.
Experts say that defaults on auto loans are a warning sign for the broader economy and could hint at future economic trouble.
Rising defaults could mean fewer people are able to get to work, impacting local economies.
Berkshire Hathaway, led by CEO Warren Buffett, invested $350 million in The New York Times six years after selling its newspapers. The company also increased its shares in Chevron and reduced its holdings in Bank of America and Apple. These changes in investments came during Buffett's last quarter as CEO before Greg Abel took over.
Key Facts
Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, invested $350 million in The New York Times.
The investment comes six years after Buffett sold all of Berkshire's newspapers.
Buffett previously predicted a decline for newspapers but believed national brands like The New York Times could succeed.
Berkshire Hathaway also increased its investment in Chevron to over 130 million shares.
The company sold off roughly 50 million Bank of America shares but still holds about 81 million shares in the bank.
Berkshire reduced its Apple holdings by approximately 10 million shares but retains nearly 228 million shares.
These investment changes were part of Warren Buffett's last quarter as CEO before Greg Abel succeeded him in January.
