More companies are citing artificial intelligence (AI) as a reason when they lay off workers. In 2025, firms announced 55,000 job cuts connected to AI, mostly in the tech sector, as they shift jobs toward automation and new AI tools.
Key Facts
In 2025, 55,000 jobs were cut with companies saying AI was a factor, over 12 times more than two years earlier.
Most AI-related layoffs happened in tech-heavy states like California and Washington.
Amazon plans to reduce some white-collar jobs by using AI “agents” to improve efficiency.
Pinterest described job cuts as a way to invest more in AI systems.
Some experts think companies might use AI as an excuse to justify layoffs or stop hiring.
Coinbase cut 700 jobs, about 14% of its staff, to focus on AI-driven work.
Financial tech company Block announced a plan to reduce its workforce by nearly half.
Labor market analysts see AI having a bigger impact on fewer new hires than on layoffs so far.
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The U.S. government will begin sending the first tariff refunds on May 12. This follows a Supreme Court decision that struck down a key part of President Trump’s trade policy.
Key Facts
Tariff refunds will start being paid electronically on May 12.
The refunds come after the Supreme Court canceled a major part of President Trump’s trade plan.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gave the new refund schedule in a message to shipping companies.
The refunds relate to tariffs that were previously collected under the Trump administration’s trade rules.
Shipments impacted can be tracked using tools provided by CBP.
The timeline for refunds is about three months after the Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court decision affects how tariffs are charged and refunded going forward.
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This article compares how much interest you can earn by putting $75,000 into three types of bank accounts: a certificate of deposit (CD), a high-yield savings account, and a money market account. It shows that CDs generally offer a fixed and guaranteed interest rate, while savings and money market accounts have variable rates that can change over time.
Key Facts
A CD locks your money for a set time and pays a fixed interest rate.
High-yield savings and money market accounts have interest rates that can go up or down.
For a 3-month term, the high-yield savings account earns the most interest.
For 6- and 9-month terms, the CD earns slightly more interest.
Interest earnings range from about $720 to $2,260 depending on account type and term length.
If interest rates rise, savings and money market accounts could earn more, but CDs keep a steady rate.
Withdrawing money early from a CD often results in a penalty.
These accounts are safer and less risky than some other investments, like stocks or real estate.
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Debt relief programs can help people reduce what they owe, but there are costs that might not be clear at first. These include fees based on the total debt enrolled, possible taxes on forgiven debt, and higher costs when borrowing money in the future.
Key Facts
Debt relief companies often charge fees between 15% and 25% of the total debt enrolled, not just on the amount reduced.
These fees are usually included in monthly payments and may reduce the overall savings from the program.
When a portion of debt is forgiven, the IRS may consider that forgiven amount as taxable income, which can increase your tax bill.
There is a tax exemption called insolvency that can reduce or eliminate this tax if your debts are greater than your assets, but it requires careful documentation.
Debt relief programs might require you to stop paying creditors temporarily, which can hurt your credit and make borrowing more expensive later.
These extra costs can be easy to miss during the early stages of enrolling in a debt relief program.
Borrowers should carefully review all possible costs and consequences before joining a program.
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Delta Air Lines will stop serving food and drinks on flights shorter than 350 miles starting May 19, except for first class passengers who will still get full service. At the same time, Delta will add food and drink options on some longer flights, affecting about 9% of flights losing service and 14% gaining full service.
Key Facts
Delta is ending food and beverage service on flights under 350 miles for most passengers starting May 19.
First class passengers will continue to receive full food and drink service on all flights.
Flights under 350 miles include routes like New York to Boston, but Los Angeles to San Francisco flights remain eligible for service.
About 9% of Delta’s flights will no longer offer food or drinks due to this change.
Around 14% of Delta’s daily flights will gain full food and beverage service for Delta Comfort and Delta Main passengers on flights 350 miles or longer.
Delta aims for a more consistent customer experience across all flights.
Other airlines serve food only on slightly shorter or similar longer routes (American: 250+ miles, Southwest: 250+ miles, United: 300+ miles).
Airlines are raising prices and reducing routes as jet fuel costs rise, partly due to the Iran war and the shutdown of budget airline Spirit Airlines.
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Lidl has changed its loyalty program from giving shoppers discount coupons to a points-based system where customers earn one point for every £1 spent. Some customers say the new system is less generous than before, while Lidl says it offers better value and is similar to other supermarkets’ loyalty programs.
Key Facts
Lidl changed its loyalty scheme to a points system on Tuesday.
Customers now earn one point for every £1 they spend.
Previously, shoppers could get discounts like 10% off after spending £250 in a month.
Some customers say they now have to spend more to get rewards like free bakery items.
Lidl says customers can earn more than one point per £1 due to special campaigns like double or triple points.
The change makes Lidl’s program more like Tesco’s Clubcard and Sainsbury’s Nectar card.
A retail expert said the points system will give Lidl more control over when to reward shoppers.
The competition watchdog said supermarkets’ loyalty schemes usually offer real savings but could improve access for people without smartphones and those under 18.
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The cost for the UK government to borrow money for a long time has reached its highest level since 1998. This rise is linked to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as political uncertainty before upcoming local and national elections in the UK.
Key Facts
UK government bond yields for 30 years hit a 28-year high; 10-year bond yields reached an 18-year high.
The Iran war caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting oil and natural gas supplies and raising energy prices worldwide.
Higher inflation expectations and borrowing costs have pushed bond markets down globally.
UK markets were more affected than other major economies, due to inflation concerns and political instability around UK elections.
Rising bond yields mean the UK government will have to pay more interest on its debt.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to avoid borrowing for daily spending and wants to reduce the government’s debt compared to national income.
UK government borrowing was £132 billion for the year to March, the lowest in three years, but may increase if inflation rises.
The Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, said currency value shows UK markets are not unusually weak despite the situation.
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Tech billionaires, often called "tech bros," are becoming more involved in the fashion world by attending events and investing in fashion projects. This happens as the luxury fashion market shows signs of slowing down and losing interest from younger shoppers.
Key Facts
Tech entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Jack Dorsey have started attending major fashion events such as the Met Gala and Milan Fashion Week.
Jeff Bezos helped fund the Met Gala, which led to protests in New York.
These tech figures usually wear simple, casual clothes but are now engaging with high-end fashion.
Experts say tech billionaires want the power and influence that come from being part of the luxury fashion world.
The luxury fashion industry is seeing a drop in value, with top brands losing some market worth recently.
Younger consumers, especially Gen Z, prefer thrift shopping and criticize expensive clothes made with cheap materials.
Spending on clothing is decreasing, and many consumers try to save money when shopping for fashion.
There is a growing relationship where fashion needs tech money and influence, while tech leaders want the status that comes with fashion.
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Build-A-Bear Workshop has recalled about 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs bears in the U.S. and 520 in Canada because the zipper slider on the bears can come off and pose a choking danger to children. Customers can get a full refund or gift card by returning the bear to the store or by using a free return shipping label.
Key Facts
The recall involves Heartwarming Hugs bears that have a side pouch with a zipper slider.
The zipper slider can detach, creating a choking hazard for children.
About 36,000 bears were sold in the U.S. and 520 in Canada between January and March 2026.
The bears include a removable, weighted heart insert meant to provide comfort by heating or cooling.
The toy is labeled for children aged three and older.
Consumers should stop using the toy immediately and return it for a refund or store gift card.
Build-A-Bear offers free shipping labels for customers who cannot visit a store.
The bears are made in China and imported by Build-A-Bear Workshop, based in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Debt consolidation may not always save money for borrowers because personal loan rates can still be high, fees may reduce savings, and longer loan terms can increase total interest paid. Alternatives like balance transfers with low or zero interest may be better options for some people with good credit.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon spoke in New York, saying the large spending on artificial intelligence (AI), expected to reach $1 trillion next year, is worth it. He highlighted that this investment supports both the stock market and overall U.S. economic growth.
Key Facts
Jamie Dimon is the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, the world's largest bank.
AI capital spending is expected to exceed $1 trillion next year.
Dimon supports this big investment, calling AI technology very powerful.
The event featured Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and new AI tools for financial services.
Anthropic’s Mythos AI model raised cybersecurity concerns, leading to a meeting with U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve officials.
Dimon said banks are working together to handle these issues and want protections for all banks, not only the biggest ones.
Amodei stated that limited availability of Mythos AI is not due to computing power limitations.
The government alone cannot manage all AI-related risks, according to Dimon.
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Utz Quality Foods is recalling certain Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips nationwide because an ingredient might have salmonella bacteria. The recalled chips contain dry milk powder that could be contaminated, and no illnesses have been reported so far.
Key Facts
Utz Quality Foods recalled some Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips.
The recall is due to possible salmonella in dry milk powder used in the seasoning.
Salmonella can cause serious infections, especially in young children, elderly, or sick people.
No illnesses have been linked to these products yet.
The recall follows a similar recall from the ingredient supplier.
Consumers are advised not to eat the recalled chips and to throw them away.
Utz provides a phone number (1-877-423-0149) for customer questions, available weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time.
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Credit card balances grew by $44 billion in late 2025, and high interest rates make paying off debt harder for many Americans. Several debt relief companies offer different services to help borrowers manage or reduce their debt, but it is important to research and choose carefully to avoid hidden fees and other problems.
Key Facts
Credit card debt increased by $44 billion in the last quarter of 2025.
Interest rates have been paused by the Federal Reserve at 3.50% to 3.75% since December 2025.
High interest rates cause debt to grow faster, making payments harder for many borrowers.
Debt relief programs help people reduce or manage debt but can affect credit scores and taxes.
The debt relief industry varies; some companies are trustworthy while others have hidden fees.
Accredited Debt Relief ranks best for customer satisfaction and has an A+ BBB rating.
Freedom Debt Relief offers free legal assistance to customers concerned about lawsuits.
DebtBlue is noted for clear pricing and transparent communication.
New Era Debt Solutions is known for fast debt resolution but requires a higher minimum debt.
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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced the company is laying off 14% of its workers, about 700 people, due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and changing workforce needs. Armstrong warned that many other companies might face similar challenges and stressed the need for leaders to be more hands-on and for companies to become more efficient with fewer management layers.
Key Facts
Coinbase is cutting 14% of its staff, roughly 700 employees.
AI technology is cited as a key reason for these layoffs and workforce changes.
Coinbase will limit its management layers to five below the CEO and COO to create a leaner, faster company structure.
Managers at Coinbase are expected to be active contributors and work closely with their teams.
Over 100 tech companies have cut 92,000 jobs so far in early 2026.
Some company leaders, like Sam Altman of OpenAI, say layoffs blamed on AI may have other causes.
Meta may cut 8,000 jobs soon amid large investments in technology.
Experts believe these changes signal a lasting shift in how work is structured across industries.
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Debt consolidation loans combine multiple debts into one loan, but their monthly cost can vary a lot based on the interest rate and loan term. For a $20,000 loan today, monthly payments range widely depending on the borrower's credit and chosen loan length.
Key Facts
The average personal loan interest rate is about 12.27% right now.
Interest rates for personal loans vary from around 6.20% to 35.99%, depending on credit and income.
Loan terms typically last between 2 to 5 years, affecting monthly payments and total interest paid.
At 12.27% interest, a 3-year loan costs about $667 per month, and a 5-year loan costs about $448 per month.
At the lowest rate of 6.20%, monthly payments are about $610 (3 years) or $389 (5 years).
At an 18% interest rate, monthly payments rise to about $723 for 3 years or $508 for 5 years.
At a high rate of 25%, monthly payments can be as high as $795 for 3 years or $587 for 5 years.
While longer loan terms reduce monthly payments, they increase total interest paid over time.
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Philip Morris warned a secret Australian Senate hearing that illegal cigarette sales could eliminate legal tobacco products in Australia by 2030. The hearing raised concerns about transparency, as Australia is part of a World Health Organization (WHO) agreement that requires public health policy to avoid secret influence from tobacco companies.
Key Facts
Philip Morris gave evidence in a closed-door Senate hearing in Australia about illegal tobacco sales.
Illegal tobacco sales now make up 50% to 60% of the Australian tobacco market, worth up to $6.9 billion.
The WHO framework on tobacco control, signed by Australia, calls for transparency and limits tobacco company influence on public health decisions.
Some government officials and health groups criticized the secret hearing and lack of public records.
Philip Morris executives claim threats from organized crime justify keeping their identities secret.
Federal tobacco and e-cigarette officials say big tobacco companies have historically contributed to illegal cigarette markets.
Health ministers urged parliamentarians to follow WHO guidelines and hold tobacco companies accountable publicly.
Anti-smoking groups fear tobacco companies use these hearings to push for lower taxes on legal tobacco sales, harming public health efforts.
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The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates for the third time in a row, making it harder for people trying to buy their first home. While house prices in Sydney and Melbourne have dropped slightly, prices for the cheapest homes, which first buyers usually want, are still going up.
Key Facts
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates three times in a row.
Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs, making it tougher to buy homes.
Home prices in Sydney and Melbourne fell by about 0.6% in April and more over three months.
Prices for the cheapest 25% of homes increased by 0.5% in Melbourne and 1.5% in Sydney.
The government’s deposit guarantee scheme lets first home buyers buy with as little as a 5% deposit.
Borrowing limits for home buyers have dropped by roughly $17,000 with each rate hike.
Some first home buyers, like Dani Hunterford and her husband, are struggling to save enough despite working hard.
Many Australians still expect home prices to rise despite current challenges.
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In 2025, people buying homes in the UK face the hardest time affording mortgages since 2008, with mortgage payments taking up over 21% of their income on average. The cost and difficulty vary a lot by region, with areas near London being the least affordable and some parts of Scotland the most affordable.
Key Facts
Average mortgage repayments in the UK in 2025 take up 21.3% of a homebuyer’s gross income, the highest since 2008.
The most unaffordable areas include north Norfolk and Hillingdon in west London, where repayments are over 25% of income.
Many of the least affordable places are in the London commuter belt, such as Luton, Slough, Broxbourne, and Harlow.
The most affordable areas are mostly in Scotland, like East Ayrshire and Inverclyde, where repayments take about 17% of income.
The City of London appears affordable in the data because buyers there tend to have very high incomes.
Despite high mortgage costs and difficulty saving deposits, mortgage borrowing increased by 17% from 2024 to 2025, reaching 723,000 loans.
The Iran war starting in February 2025 raised mortgage costs further by pushing lenders to increase fixed-rate mortgage prices or remove deals.
Recently, the price of fixed-rate mortgages has started to decrease slightly.
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Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, is planning to lay off about 14 percent of its workers. CEO Brian Armstrong said the decision is due to a slow market and new developments in artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Facts
Coinbase will reduce its workforce by roughly 14 percent.
The layoffs total hundreds of employees.
CEO Brian Armstrong shared the news in an email to staff.
The email was also posted on the social media platform X.
The company cited a downturn in the cryptocurrency market.
Advancements in AI technology influenced the decision.
Coinbase is adjusting its business because of changing market conditions.
The layoffs aim to help the company stay competitive and efficient.
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UnitedHealthcare announced it will remove prior authorization rules for about 30% of medical services that used to need insurer approval. This change aims to reduce delays and help patients get care faster by cutting down the paperwork doctors must complete.
Key Facts
Prior authorization is when doctors need insurance approval before giving certain treatments.
UnitedHealthcare currently requires prior authorization for 2% of medical services it covers.
About 92% of prior authorization requests are approved within 24 hours by UnitedHealthcare.
The company will stop requiring prior authorization for some outpatient surgeries, certain diagnostic tests like echocardiograms, outpatient therapies, and some chiropractic care.
The changes are planned to be fully in place by the end of 2026.
The American Medical Association found doctors spend about 12 hours each week getting these approvals.
Other large health insurers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente, are also working to reduce prior authorization requirements.
UnitedHealthcare will share the full list of treatments that won’t need prior authorization on its website before the new policy starts.
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