Some Social Security recipients in the United States might see changes in their tax refunds for 2025 due to increased benefits caused by the Social Security Fairness Act. This act ended certain provisions and led to higher monthly benefits and retroactive payments, which are taxable. Seniors might face surprise tax bills if they do not account for the changes.
Key Facts
The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law last year.
The act eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Around 3 million Social Security recipients saw changes in their benefits.
Some seniors received more than $1,000 extra per month and retroactive lump-sum payments.
Retroactive payments range from a few hundred dollars to over $12,000 and are fully taxable.
Up to 85% of Social Security benefits might be taxed based on income levels.
A new tax deduction of up to $6,000 is available for eligible seniors.
Seniors affected should plan with tax advisers for potential changes in their tax refunds.
The gap between the cost of buying and renting a home in the U.S. is getting smaller. Home prices are starting to go down while rent costs keep rising, according to a report by Redfin.
Key Facts
Americans now need an annual income of $111,252 to buy a typical home.
To rent a typical home, an income of $76,020 is needed.
The current cost gap between buying and renting (46%) is the narrowest in three years.
In December 2025, the income needed to buy a home dropped from $115,870 to $111,252.
The gap is widest in San Jose, California, where buying requires $374,241, 175% more than renting.
Pittsburgh has the smallest gap between buyer and renter income needs at 13%.
Median rent nationwide is $1,901, close to an all-time high.
Homebuyers have more negotiating power due to a "buyer's market," leading to potential price discounts.
The United States is investing $12 billion to build up a reserve of important minerals, similar to a past effort for oil. This is part of a broader plan to reduce reliance on China, which currently controls much of the supply for these materials.
Key Facts
China leads the global supply of rare earth elements.
Rare earth elements are important for clean energy and modern technology.
The U.S. is setting aside $12 billion to create a stockpile of these minerals.
The plan is similar to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve created after the 1970s oil crisis.
The U.S. aims to form a trading group with friendly countries to set prices and create independent supply chains.
The goal is to reduce dependence on China for these critical minerals.
The U.S. economy added 130,000 jobs in January 2025, which was more than expected. Despite the good news, some economists warn that the job market is still not strong. They say more data is needed to see if the job growth will continue.
Key Facts
The U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January 2025, almost double what analysts predicted.
The unemployment rate decreased to 4.3% in January from 4.4% in December.
President Donald Trump called the jobs report a sign of a strong economy.
Most of the job gains were in health care, social assistance, and construction.
Economists say that the job market is still fragile and could be easily affected.
Past job growth data was revised to show fewer jobs than initially reported.
The economy's health is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, which affects interest rates.
A passenger shared an incident where an American Airlines pilot tried to delay a flight for late-arriving passengers but was not allowed to do so. The pilot apologized to passengers, stating they deserved better treatment. The incident sparked discussions about airline operations and departure policies.
Key Facts
An American Airlines pilot attempted to hold a plane for 10 passengers with tight flight connections.
The pilot announced the delay attempt over the intercom, thanking passengers for their patience.
The pilot was instructed that the plane could not wait any longer and had to depart immediately.
The pilot apologized for what he described as American Airlines' treatment of passengers.
Discussions on Reddit highlighted strict operating policies that limit a pilot's discretion on flight delays.
American Airlines' website specifies guidelines about gate and departure times, emphasizing on-time performance.
The airline prioritizes safety and strives to provide a dependable travel experience.
The original post on Reddit did not specify the flight details, and Newsweek could not verify the incident.
In a podcast interview, Ron Paul discussed his view that the U.S. economy has flaws due to its break from the gold standard in 1971. He believes ongoing money printing and government deficits may lead to a financial crisis. Paul argues this system is unsustainable and could collapse, advocating for a return to sound money principles.
Key Facts
Ron Paul is a former U.S. Congressman who identifies as a Republican and Libertarian.
He claims the U.S. financial system became based on "fraud" when the dollar was no longer linked to gold in 1971.
Paul describes this shift as a "declaration of bankruptcy" by the U.S.
He believes continuous money printing has made the economy weak and potentially headed for a collapse.
Paul suggests the current financial system benefits special interests and is nearing its end.
He argues for educating people on different economic policies, such as Austrian economics.
His views often attract those skeptical of federal spending and interventions.
Housing prices in California are very high, but more people are beginning to afford homes as prices drop slightly and interest rates decrease. By the end of 2025, 18 percent of Californians could afford a median-priced home, a slight increase from earlier. Experts expect housing affordability to improve as home prices and mortgage rates continue to change.
Key Facts
In California, 18 percent of people could afford a median-priced home costing $869,300 by the end of 2025.
California's median home price in January was $780,200, much higher than the national median of $423,261.
San Diego County saw affordability rise from 13 percent to 15 percent in the last year.
Los Angeles had 17 percent, and San Francisco Bay Area had 23 percent affordability.
The drop in effective interest rates helped improve affordability.
Mortgage rates are projected to fall to about 6 percent in 2026.
California's median single-family home price fell 2.2 percent in late 2025.
Nationally, 39 percent of households could afford a $414,900 median-priced home in 2025.
The U.S. birth rate is decreasing, which could cause the economy to lose $103.9 billion. Less population growth means there are fewer people to support economic activities like spending, working, and paying taxes.
Key Facts
U.S. birth rate has fallen to an all-time low of 1.6 births per woman.
Fewer births mean the workforce and consumer numbers are shrinking.
The U.S. economy could miss out on $103.9 billion in its GDP.
Slower population growth led to 1.4 million fewer people impacting areas like housing and retail spending in 2025.
The decline in birth rates is creating a "demand shock," affecting industries such as housing, healthcare, and services.
States like California, New York, and Texas may suffer more due to reduced immigration balancing out domestic migration.
The population over 65 is increasing, leading to more use of social services like Social Security.
The Congressional Budget Office predicts population growth could stop by 2056 if trends continue.
Rising costs are causing Americans to eat out less often. Restaurant prices have increased significantly, leading many people to choose cooking at home over dining out to manage their budgets.
Key Facts
Restaurant prices increased by 4.1% in 2025, double the rate of grocery inflation.
Food and labor costs in restaurants have risen by 35% over five years.
From 2020 to 2024, average annual wages in the U.S. rose by 18%, while consumer prices went up by 21%.
A recent survey found that 40% of young U.S. renters and homeowners are reducing dining out to afford housing costs.
Home prices have increased by over 40% since 2018, whereas wages have risen by only 28%.
The median asking rent in the U.S. has increased by about 22% since 2018.
The UK economy grew by 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, according to official data. The growth mainly came from manufacturing, while the services sector saw no change and the construction sector performed poorly.
Key Facts
The UK economy grew by 0.1% in the last three months of 2025.
The services sector had no growth during this quarter, the first time this happened in two years.
The main economic boost came from the manufacturing sector.
The construction sector had its worst performance in four years, falling by 2.1%.
Overall, the UK economy grew by 1.3% for the entire year of 2025.
Construction activity dropped due to less repair and maintenance work and fewer new projects.
Travel agencies and administrative services performed well, but professional and technical activities decreased by 1.1%.
HGTV canceled the show "Rehab Addict" after its star, Nicole Curtis, was shown saying a racial slur in leaked footage. Curtis has since apologized, and HGTV has removed the series from its streaming platforms. The show followed Curtis as she renovated historic homes across the U.S.
Key Facts
HGTV canceled the show "Rehab Addict" after a video surfaced showing Nicole Curtis using a racial slur.
Nicole Curtis apologized publicly, stating the word was not part of her vocabulary.
The footage obtained by RadarOnline led to Curtis being fired by the network.
HGTV removed "Rehab Addict" from streaming platforms HBO Max and Discovery+.
"Rehab Addict" began in 2010 and featured Curtis restoring old homes in cities like Detroit and Minneapolis.
Curtis mentioned her recent focus is on family rather than her career.
A woman bought a lamp for $50 and later discovered it was worth much more. She listed it for $700, leading to a surprised reaction from the original seller. The woman is now deciding whether to respond to the seller's messages about the lamp's true value.
Key Facts
A woman bought a 1960s lamp on Facebook Marketplace for $50.
She found out similar lamps sell for $1,200 to $4,000.
She listed the lamp for $700 on the marketplace.
The original seller contacted her, surprised by the new price.
The lamp belonged to the seller's grandmother.
The buyer considered her time and travel costs in the resale price.
Facebook Marketplace guidelines state sellers should research before listing items.
The lamp's listing remains at $700 as the buyer decides on a response.
Pharmacists in Wales are facing financial difficulties due to rising costs and insufficient government funding. Many have gone into debt or used personal funds to keep their businesses running, with some selling medicines at a loss.
Key Facts
Tunde Olawoye, a pharmacist in Wales, has accumulated £145,000 in debt to keep his business open.
Around 60% of pharmacy owners in Wales have remortgaged their homes or used personal savings in the past year.
The Welsh government increased funding for core pharmacy services, but owners say it's not enough as costs rise.
Pharmacies receive funding through the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF), but the amount hasn't significantly increased in a decade.
Some pharmacists must sell medicine like aspirin at a loss due to the funding structure.
Pharmacists in Wales and other UK regions face similar financial challenges due to rising drug prices and operating costs.
Krispy Kreme is celebrating both Valentine's Day and Friday the 13th by giving away 13,000 dozen-count boxes of its Original Glazed doughnuts. The giveaway will occur on Friday, February 13, 2026, and is part of a "Lucky in Love" promotion. Customers who receive a coupon can claim their free dozen with any purchase over the next 13 days.
Key Facts
Krispy Kreme is offering a special giveaway on Friday, February 13, 2026, combining Valentine's Day and Friday the 13th themes.
13,000 randomly-selected customers will receive a coupon for a free dozen-count box of Original Glazed doughnuts.
The coupon can be used to claim the free dozen with any purchase until February 28, 2026.
Krispy Kreme is also promoting a Valentine's Day Collection of four themed doughnuts.
The themed doughnuts include flavors like “I Love You a Choco-Lot” and “Sprinkled with Love.”
The Valentine's doughnuts are available in Krispy Kreme stores and for pickup or delivery via their app and website.
Some doughnuts are available in a six-pack at select third-party retailers.
Newsweek and Statista are ranking hospitals in the United States for specialized medical care in 2026. The ranking focuses on hospitals that excel in fields like cardiology, endocrinology, and oncology. The survey will include input from medical professionals and patient experiences.
Key Facts
Newsweek and Statista are organizing this ranking.
The ranking targets U.S. hospitals specializing in areas like cardiology and oncology.
Medical professionals and patient surveys will contribute data.
Over 6,000 hospitals are part of the U.S. healthcare system.
The survey lasts until March 12, 2026.
The ranking aims to help patients choose specialized medical care more easily.
Hospitality leaders in England are urging the government to drop plans for a tourist tax on vacations. They argue that the proposed tax could make holidays more expensive and harm local businesses. The government is considering giving local leaders the ability to decide on a visitor levy to support local projects.
Key Facts
Around 200 hospitality and leisure business leaders in England oppose a new tourist tax.
The tax would be a charge on people taking holidays in England, possibly adding £2 per person, per night.
Businesses argue that the tax could add £100 or more to a two-week holiday.
The government suggests the tax could be proportional to accommodation costs rather than a flat rate.
Local mayors could get the power to introduce the tax, with a decision expected in February.
Scotland and Wales already allow local authorities to apply a visitor levy, while Northern Ireland does not plan to.
Some English cities, like Manchester, already charge a similar levy through business agreements.
A government spokesperson states that new charges should be modest and are intended to fund local priorities.
The article discusses the growing trend of four-day workweeks in the Netherlands. Dutch companies like Positivity Branding have adopted this model, where employees work 32 hours a week with no change in pay. The practice is gaining attention, although there are concerns about its long-term sustainability for economic growth.
Key Facts
Many Dutch companies have adopted a four-day workweek since 2019.
Employees work 32 hours a week over four days without a pay cut.
The Dutch work the fewest hours per week in Europe.
The country's largest union, FNV, supports making four-day workweeks an official recommendation.
Dutch companies report benefits like reduced staff sickness and improved employee retention.
Despite fewer work hours, the Netherlands maintains high economic output per person.
Concerns exist about maintaining productivity and economic growth with a four-day workweek.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declined to review Moderna's application for a flu vaccine, citing inadequate data and comparison standards. Moderna disagrees with the FDA's assessment and plans to address the issues and resubmit the application. The vaccine is currently under review in other countries, with possible approvals expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Key Facts
The FDA refused to review Moderna’s flu vaccine application due to insufficient data.
The FDA questioned Moderna's rationale for comparing its vaccine to a standard flu dose.
Moderna's CEO stated there were no safety or effectiveness concerns with the vaccine.
Experts highlighted the importance of FDA guidance for companies to improve their applications.
Moderna's mRNA-1010 vaccine reportedly has a 26.6% higher efficacy than a similar approved vaccine.
The flu and COVID combination vaccine application was previously withdrawn by Moderna for more data.
The vaccine is under review in the EU, Canada, and Australia, with approvals expected around late 2026 or early 2027.
A credit score of 600 is considered fair and not a good score. It can limit borrowing options, but there are ways to improve it. Understanding what affects credit scores can help individuals work toward better financial health.
Key Facts
A credit score of 600 is classified as fair.
This score can limit your options for borrowing money.
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with higher numbers indicating better credit.
FICO and VantageScore are two main types of credit scores.
Factors affecting credit scores include payment history, amounts owed, and length of credit history.
A fair credit score can be improved by paying bills on time and reducing debt.
Even with a low score, financial goals are achievable with better credit habits.
Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, has announced large-scale job cuts at the newspaper. This decision will significantly change how the paper reports news, affecting its operations and possibly the broader U.S. media landscape.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos is the owner of The Washington Post and is also the boss of Amazon.
The Washington Post is known for its pivotal role in reporting events like the Watergate scandal.
Bezos bought the paper in 2013 and had promised a new period of success for it.
The newspaper will undergo mass layoffs, which will alter its news reporting methods.
Bezos justified the layoffs by saying that data guides where they need to concentrate resources.
There is a discussion about the potential influence of financial factors and links to President Trump on these changes.
