The United States is seeing a big increase in investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and related infrastructure. However, most of the economic benefits from these investments are not going to the workers, whose job opportunities and wage growth are lagging. This trend reflects a long-term shift where more income is going to business profits rather than workers' wages.
Key Facts
The U.S. is experiencing a surge in investments from artificial intelligence (AI).
Workers are not seeing significant economic benefits from this AI investment boom.
Since the 1980s, the share of national income going to workers has decreased.
The share of income going to corporate profits has increased from 7.2% in 1980 to 11.7%.
If workers were to regain their 1980 share of income, it would mean an extra $2 trillion annually.
Changes in technology, like robotics, have reduced the need for manual labor.
Decline in union power and globalization are other factors affecting wage growth.
The AI boom may further increase the divide in income distribution between workers and businesses.
Britney Spears has reportedly sold the rights to her music catalogue to Primary Wave for around $200 million. The details of the deal, including which specific rights were sold, have not been publicly shared. Spears is known for her influence in pop music and has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
Key Facts
Britney Spears reportedly sold her music catalogue rights to Primary Wave.
The deal is said to be worth about $200 million.
The exact rights and terms of the sale are not confirmed.
Spears is famous for songs like “…Baby One More Time” and “Toxic.”
She was released from a conservatorship in November 2021.
Spears is among the best-selling female artists globally, with over 150 million records sold.
She expressed on Instagram in January 2024 that she would not return to the music industry.
Spears released her memoir, "The Woman in Me," in 2023.
Chipotle's CEO noted that a large portion of their customers earn over $100,000 per year and sees potential to appeal to these customers. This has led to discussions about Chipotle's strategy and customer satisfaction regarding prices and portion sizes.
Key Facts
Chipotle's CEO reported that 60% of their core customers have incomes over $100,000.
The company plans to target these higher-income customers with new dining options and digital improvements.
Since 2021, Chipotle has increased prices six times, leading to a profit jump of 110%.
The CEO of Chipotle made $22.4 million in 2023, which is much higher than the median pay for its employees.
Customers have expressed dissatisfaction over reduced food quality and serving sizes despite higher prices.
Chipotle clarified it raised prices by only 0.7% this quarter, below the industry's average increase of 4%.
More housing markets in the U.S. are becoming buyer's markets. This means that buyers have more choices and better negotiating power because there are more homes for sale, and sales are slowing down.
Key Facts
In 18 of the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, it's now more favorable for buyers than sellers.
A buyer's market typically occurs when there is more than six months of supply of homes.
The list includes Miami, Austin, and Orlando as some of the top buyer's markets.
The increase in home listings is partly due to higher housing costs and economic concerns keeping buyers away.
The concept of "months of supply" helps measure the balance between home supply and demand.
Even when prices are high, the power balance can shift if homes take longer to sell.
Places like Miami have become buyer's markets despite high prices due to slower sales.
Housing experts note that well-kept, move-in-ready homes still sell faster at higher prices.
Canada's second-biggest pension fund, La Caisse, has stopped making new investments with UAE-based company DP World. This decision comes after discovering connections between DP World's CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, and Jeffrey Epstein. The fund wants DP World to clarify these links and take action.
Key Facts
La Caisse is Canada’s second-largest pension fund.
DP World is a logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem is the CEO of DP World.
Ties between bin Sulayem and Jeffrey Epstein have been revealed in files released by the U.S. Justice Department.
La Caisse will not make new investments with DP World until the issue is cleared up.
La Caisse is not a shareholder in DP World but partners on some projects.
DP World operates more than 60 ports and terminals around the world.
In 2022, La Caisse invested $2.5 billion in DP World’s assets in the UAE.
Research shows President Donald Trump's tariffs are increasing costs for American households, with an expected additional $1,300 cost in 2026. The tariffs aim to protect U.S. industries, but they mainly affect American consumers and businesses. These tariffs are predicted to generate revenue and potentially impact the U.S. economy by reducing GDP and possibly offsetting other tax benefits.
Key Facts
President Trump's tariffs have increased costs for U.S. households by an average of $1,000 in 2025, projected to rise to $1,300 in 2026.
The tariffs aim to protect domestic industries by taxing imported goods.
These tariffs are thought to create economic uncertainty and affect trade relations.
The Tax Foundation reports these tariffs as the largest U.S. tax increase by percentage of GDP since 1993.
The average tariff rate on U.S. imports has risen to 13.5 percent with current tariffs.
Tariffs are expected to raise over $2 trillion in revenue over the next 10 years.
Revenue from tariffs might decrease due to negative economic effects, reducing America’s GDP by 0.5 percent.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the President's emergency powers regarding tariffs.
Whataburger is bringing back its Whatacatch Sandwich and Whatacatch Platter for a limited time during Lent, from February 17 to April 6. This seasonal menu includes fish options for customers seeking alternatives to meat on Fridays.
Key Facts
Whataburger is reintroducing the Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter for a limited period.
The items will be available from February 17 to April 6.
These seafood dishes coincide with the Lenten season, which often sees more demand for fish.
The Whatacatch Sandwich includes a fried Alaskan pollock fillet with seasoned breadcrumbs.
The Whatacatch Platter features two fried fish fillets with fries and tartar sauce.
Customers can order these items in-restaurant, via curbside pickup, or through delivery.
The Whatacatch Sandwich meal costs $9.49, and the Platter meal is priced at $11.99.
Whataburger's app allows customers to earn points toward future purchases with their loyalty program.
Klarna's CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, talks about his company's efforts to combine finance and technology. Klarna's "buy now, pay later" service is popular, especially among young people, offering an alternative to credit cards. President Trump has supported capping credit card interest, similar to measures in other countries.
Key Facts
Klarna's CEO is Sebastian Siemiatkowski, who dresses casually and is interested in both tech and finance.
Klarna was founded in 2005 in Sweden and offers a "buy now, pay later" service.
Klarna expanded to the U.S. in 2019 and is popular among young consumers.
The company partners with major U.S. brands like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
Only about 1% of Klarna users fail to pay on time, compared to higher default rates on credit cards.
President Trump proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10% for a year.
Klarna became a publicly-traded company in September, but its stock price has dropped.
The company aims to be innovative and customer-focused, challenging traditional banking.
Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue to a company called Primary Wave for about $200 million. This is part of a trend where well-known musicians sell their music rights for large sums of money. Details about the sale, such as the exact price, have not been fully disclosed.
Key Facts
Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue.
The buyer is Primary Wave, an independent music publisher.
The deal is said to be around $200 million.
Spears' music includes major hits like "...Baby One More Time" and "Toxic."
The sale happened on December 30.
Primary Wave has also bought rights associated with famous artists like Notorious BIG and Whitney Houston.
Britney Spears has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
Spears ended a 13-year conservatorship in 2021, which controlled her personal and professional life.
An advert by Disney for its film "Predator Badlands" was banned in the UK by the Advertising Standards Authority. The advert showed an alien holding what appeared to be a severed body, which the regulator said could frighten children. Despite arguments from Disney that the body was a non-human robot, the ASA ruled that the imagery was inappropriate for public display.
Key Facts
The advert was for the Disney sci-fi film "Predator Badlands."
It showed an alien holding a severed body, which Disney said was a robot.
Two parents complained that the advert was disturbing for children.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned the advert for being frightening.
The advert was seen in Giffnock, Glasgow.
Disney argued the advert was designed for audiences aged 12 and above.
The ASA concluded that the ad breached UK advertising rules on social responsibility and harm.
Disney agreed to follow the ASA's ruling and stressed its commitment to audience sensitivity.
Senior managers at the Co-op have expressed concerns about a negative work environment at the top levels of the company. A letter sent to Co-op board members describes feelings of fear and being unable to speak up, which some say have led to poor decisions, declining profits, and increased food waste. The company continues to defend its leadership and recent restructuring moves despite ongoing issues.
Key Facts
Some senior managers at the Co-op have reported a "toxic culture" at the executive level.
A letter to Co-op board members highlights complaints of fear and alienation among senior staff.
Critics claim the work environment has resulted in poor decisions, decreased moral, and reduced profits.
Co-op lawyers say the negative comments do not reflect the views of the broader staff.
A cyber-attack in the past year disrupted business, costing the Co-op £206m in lost sales.
In response, the Co-op made structural changes, merging buying functions, which some say added confusion.
Since July 2025, Co-op has consistently seen declining monthly sales.
Several senior staff members have resigned since the company restructured.
Category: business
Ford reported that its costs from tariffs were $900 million higher than expected last year due to a late change in the U.S. government's tariff relief program. This added expense came as Ford adjusted its electric vehicle plans and dealt with other financial challenges, yet still managed to exceed revenue forecasts and anticipate future profit improvements.
Key Facts
Ford faced $900 million in unexpected tariff costs last year.
A change in President Trump's tariff relief program caused these costs to rise by delaying when credits would become effective.
Ford's tariff expenses doubled to about $2 billion in 2025.
The company is moving away from making large electric vehicles due to lower demand and new regulations.
This shift contributed to a fourth-quarter net loss of $11.1 billion.
Ford plans to focus on hybrid, gas-powered, and smaller electric vehicles.
Despite these challenges, Ford's revenue surpassed expectations in the last quarter.
The company expects profits to increase and losses in its electric vehicle sector to decrease this year.
Wegmans has announced a recall of its FYFGA Organic Chicken Noodle Soup due to concerns about possible red plastic pieces in the product. The recalled soup is in a 16-ounce container with specific lot codes and a best-by date of February 17, 2026. Customers can return the soup for a full refund.
Key Facts
Wegmans recalled FYFGA Organic Chicken Noodle Soup due to potential red plastic material.
The soup comes in a 16-ounce container.
Specific lot codes affected are 120925-6D and 120925-7D.
The product's best-by date is February 17, 2026.
Customers can return the soup for a full refund at Wegmans.
The UPC number for the recalled soup is 0-77890-31666-5.
Wegmans has also recalled other products like Qunol Turmeric Supplements and Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits this year.
Most product recalls are voluntary and announced by the manufacturer, and the FDA monitors these recalls.
Shrinkflation is when companies reduce the size or quantity of products while keeping prices the same or raising them. This means people get less for their money, even if they don't realize it right away. It affects everyday items like groceries and household products.
Key Facts
Shrinkflation happens when product sizes decrease but prices don't.
Companies use shrinkflation to avoid price hikes looking too obvious.
Shoppers may not notice shrinkflation immediately.
Shrinkflation can affect items such as food and personal care products.
It is a response by companies to manage rising production costs.
Customers end up paying the same or more for less product.
This trend puts financial pressure on families who buy these items regularly.
Paramount Skydance has offered extra financial incentives in its bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. This includes adding cash incentives if the deal is delayed and covering a termination fee. The acquisition faces conflicts due to political ties and concerns over control of news content.
Key Facts
Paramount Skydance wants to buy Warner Bros Discovery and is offering more money if the deal is delayed.
They promised to pay a $2.8 billion fee if Warner Bros backs out of a deal with Netflix.
Paramount offered a 25-cent per share fee to be paid quarterly if the deal is delayed past 2026.
The total value of Paramount's bid, including debt, is $108.4 billion.
Paramount and Netflix are both interested in Warner Bros because of its popular movies and shows.
Political ties between Paramount leaders and President Trump have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Paramount has promised changes to CNN, a part of Warner Bros, if the acquisition goes through.
There are concerns the deal might harm press freedom and CNN's independence.
In December, US consumer spending did not increase during a key holiday period, suggesting a possible economic slowdown. Reports from the Commerce Department mentioned a stagnant retail sales figure from the previous month, though experts believe this may not lead to a long-term downturn. Additional economic data expected soon could provide more insight into the overall economic situation.
Key Facts
US retail sales were flat in December, with no change from November.
The Commerce Department released this consumer spending report.
The flat sales broke a trend of increased spending in prior months.
Factors like job market issues, ongoing inflation, and slower wage growth affected spending.
Retail categories such as furniture and clothing saw reduced sales.
Some analysts noted a persistent gap in spending between high-income and lower-income consumers.
Economists suggested the spending slowdown might be temporary.
Upcoming economic reports might help clarify the US economic outlook.
Spotify increased its user numbers, adding 9 million paid subscribers, despite criticisms over artist payment and high competition. The "Spotify Wrapped" feature helped engage users, contributing to the user growth. Spotify continues to face debates over royalty payments but has emphasized its role in innovative audio technology.
Key Facts
Spotify added 9 million paid subscribers in the last three months of 2025.
The platform now has 290 million paying users.
Total users, including non-paying ones, exceed 750 million.
The "Spotify Wrapped" feature engaged over 300 million users and led to 630 million social media shares.
Spotify made a net profit of €1.17 billion in the reported period.
Spotify paid $11 billion to artists, but there are ongoing criticisms that it's not enough.
Artists like Massive Attack and Taylor Swift have expressed concerns over payment, with some boycotting the platform.
Spotify earned $4.5 billion in revenue in the final three months of 2025.
Leslie "Les" Wexner, a businessman with an estimated net worth in the billions, was identified as a possible "co-conspirator" in the Epstein files but has not been charged with any crimes. The Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of material related to Jeffrey Epstein under new transparency laws. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie criticized the DOJ for initially keeping certain names, including Wexner's, private.
Key Facts
Les Wexner's estimated net worth is over $9 billion.
He was named as a potential "co-conspirator" in FBI documents related to Jeffrey Epstein but has faced no charges.
The Department of Justice released 3.5 million pages of Epstein-related material under a new law.
Representatives Khanna and Massie revealed six redacted names from the files.
Wexner served as a principal at Abercrombie & Fitch and La Senza.
Wexner and his affiliates have donated over $200 million to Ohio State University.
He publicly condemned Epstein’s actions and expressed regret for his trust in him.
The article discusses the high prices of prescription drugs in the United States and suggests ways to lower them. It mentions that high drug prices affect insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and highlights efforts to increase competition with affordable drug options. It also touches on recent actions by Congress and the administration to address these issues.
Key Facts
Americans face high costs when filling prescriptions, partly due to the prescription drug supply chain.
Health insurance companies work to manage drug prices and keep costs predictable for families.
Nine out of ten U.S. voters are concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs.
The CivicaScript initiative aims to offer cheaper generic drug options to increase market competition.
CivicaScript's generic prostate cancer drug saved patients nearly $1,000 annually.
Congress passed the Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act to help lower prices.
President Trump launched TrumpRx to help reduce drug prices for uninsured Americans.
There are ongoing legislative efforts to support more competition and lower drug costs.
Several celebrities are reacting after Casey Wasserman, CEO of the Wasserman talent agency, was mentioned in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents included emails sent to Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. Some artists, including Chappell Roan and the band Beach Bunny, have cut ties with Wasserman’s agency.
Key Facts
Casey Wasserman is the CEO of the Wasserman talent agency, which represents many well-known artists and athletes.
Wasserman’s name appeared in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, which were recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Emails from Wasserman to Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, were revealed in these documents.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the trafficking of minors.
Wasserman is also the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics committee.
Chappell Roan and the band Beach Bunny are among artists who have ended their association with Wasserman's agency.
