Costco has recalled caramel mini beignets because packaging mistakenly included chocolate-hazelnut pastries, not mentioned on the label. This mistake is risky for people with tree nut allergies, with the recall affecting products sold in 22 states between January 16 and January 30, 2026.
Key Facts
Costco recalled caramel mini beignets due to a labeling error.
Packages contained chocolate-hazelnut pastries, posing a risk for those with tree nut allergies.
Affected products have the item number #1181272.
The recall covers sales from January 16 to January 30, 2026.
22 states are affected, including California, New York, and Florida.
Consumers can return the product to Costco for a refund.
Questions can be directed to Costco's customer service.
Novo Nordisk, the company behind weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is suing Hims & Hers for selling unapproved versions of its medications in the US. The legal action began after Hims & Hers launched a new weight-loss pill, which they now stopped selling. This lawsuit follows a trend of cheaper, unapproved weight-loss drugs increasing in the market.
Key Facts
Novo Nordisk is a Danish company that makes weight-loss drugs.
They filed a lawsuit against Hims & Hers for selling unauthorized versions of their drugs in the US.
Hims & Hers announced they would stop selling their new weight-loss pill.
After the lawsuit news, Hims & Hers' stock fell by 16%.
Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy have become very popular recently.
The FDA is taking action to limit compounding of unapproved weight-loss drugs.
Compounding is when drug companies sell medication not approved by authorities for specific patient needs.
Novo Nordisk is addressing a different issue related to an advertisement for its Wegovy pill with the FDA.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has suggested new rules set for 2027 to reduce healthcare costs and offer more options to consumers. These rules include longer catastrophic plans, more flexible health plans, and more robust measures to prevent fraud.
Key Facts
CMS wants to introduce multi-year catastrophic health plans that can last up to 10 years.
Current standardized health plan requirements could be lifted, allowing insurers more freedom to design plans.
CMS plans to expand access to catastrophic plans by widening hardship exemptions.
Non-network health plans may become qualified health plans if they provide sufficient provider options.
Stricter rules are proposed for agents and brokers to prevent fraud.
Stronger checks on eligibility and income for receiving subsidies are suggested.
Subsidies would only be available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens based on federal law.
States could have more say in reviewing healthcare provider networks and ensuring community access.
McDonald's launched a special promotion for Valentine's Day, offering a free kit that included McNugget Caviar, crème fraîche, and a gift card. The website where people could claim these kits crashed within minutes due to high demand, and the kits quickly sold out.
Key Facts
McDonald's offered a free "McNugget Caviar" kit leading up to Valentine's Day.
The kit contained caviar, crème fraîche, and a $25 gift card for McNuggets.
The promotion was highly publicized and generated significant online interest.
The website hosting the promotion crashed within three minutes of launching.
By 11:15 a.m. ET, the kits were sold out, disappointing many customers.
Some people resold the kits online for much higher prices.
McDonald's has not indicated if more kits will become available in the future.
Retail sales did not change in December compared to November. This surprised experts who thought sales would go up, even with concerns about jobs and economic challenges.
Key Facts
Retail sales stayed the same in December compared to November.
In November, retail sales had increased by 0.6%.
Experts expected sales to rise by 0.4% in December.
The Commerce Department released the report.
The report's release was delayed due to a 43-day government shutdown.
There were concerns about slower job growth and economic issues.
President Trump's tariffs and consumer confidence were also concerns.
The IRS announced new digital tools to help tax professionals manage client authorizations more easily before the federal tax deadline in April 2026. These updates allow tax professionals to handle business-related tax tasks digitally, reducing paperwork. The IRS aims to improve efficiency and expand self-service options for tax professionals.
Key Facts
The IRS introduced new digital tools for tax professionals.
These tools aim to reduce paperwork and improve client authorization processes.
Tax professionals can link their business accounts with their EIN more easily now.
IRS updates now allow instant online requests for individual authorization numbers.
Tax professionals can now set up payment plans digitally within the new system.
The IRS plans to continue enhancing digital services for tax professionals.
The improvements are part of a broader effort to handle upcoming tax challenges.
BP's profits decreased to $7.5 billion in 2025 due to a drop in oil prices. The company decided to stop its share buyback program and focus on cutting costs while preparing for its new CEO, Meg O'Neill's arrival.
Key Facts
BP's profits in 2025 were $7.5 billion, down from $8.9 billion in 2024.
Oil prices fell by about 20%, affecting BP's profits.
BP is suspending its share buyback program to save money.
Meg O'Neill will become BP's new CEO in April.
O'Neill will be the first woman to lead a major global oil company.
BP has faced pressure from shareholders due to underperformance compared to rivals.
The company previously announced a change in strategy, cutting investments in renewable energy to focus more on oil and gas.
Senator Ted Cruz commented "Socialism sucks" in reaction to Mark Zuckerberg reportedly buying a $150-$200 million mansion in Florida. This potential move could impact California's tax income as Zuckerberg is one of its high-net-worth residents. The purchase highlights criticism of California's tax policies and raises concerns about lost revenue due to wealthy individuals leaving the state.
Key Facts
Senator Ted Cruz made a two-word comment: "Socialism sucks" about Mark Zuckerberg's reported move.
Mark Zuckerberg is said to have purchased a mansion in Florida worth $150-$200 million.
It's unclear if Zuckerberg plans to live in Florida permanently or if this is an addition to his property collection.
Zuckerberg owns homes in Lake Tahoe, Palo Alto, and Kauai.
Chamath Palihapitiya, a venture capitalist, suggests that California's billionaire wealth is falling fast.
Palihapitiya blames California's tax proposals for making wealthy residents leave.
Florida has no state income tax, unlike California, which considers a 5% billionaire tax.
The proposed tax could apply retroactively from January 1, 2026.
Singer Chappell Roan has left the talent agency led by Casey Wasserman. This decision follows the release of past emails between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, associated with Jeffrey Epstein. Wasserman has apologized for the emails and clarified he did not have a business relationship with Epstein.
Key Facts
Chappell Roan announced she is no longer represented by the Wasserman talent agency.
The decision is linked to past emails between Casey Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Wasserman expressed regret over the emails and stated they were sent over 20 years ago.
He clarified he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein.
Wasserman is the chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and faces calls to step down from that position.
Two other bands, Wednesday and Beach Bunny, have also distanced themselves from Wasserman's agency.
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her involvement with Epstein's crimes.
Wasserman stated he only traveled on Epstein's plane once for a humanitarian trip with the Clinton Foundation.
A report from Realtor.com lists the top 10 cities in the U.S. most suitable for first-time homebuyers this year. The cities, largely in the Northeast and Midwest, offer affordability and good housing opportunities despite high national home prices.
Key Facts
The top 10 cities for first-time homebuyers are mainly in the Northeast and Midwest.
The list includes cities like Rochester, NY, and Harrisburg, PA, with lower median home prices.
The cities were chosen based on affordability, housing availability, local amenities, and economic health.
Home prices have risen significantly nationwide, with the median U.S. home price now $427,844.
Housing markets that flourished in the Sun Belt during the pandemic are no longer top choices.
A home is generally affordable if it costs 30% or less of a buyer’s monthly income.
The report assumes a 6.25% mortgage rate with a 10% down payment.
The share of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. has dropped to a record low of 21%.
Cambridge University won a legal case to prevent a local company, Cambridge Rowing Limited, from using a trademark that included the word "Cambridge." The university argued that the company could gain an unfair advantage by using the name, as the university already has a trademark on "Cambridge." The company plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
Cambridge University stopped a local company, Cambridge Rowing Limited, from trademarking its name.
The university owns the trademark for the word "Cambridge."
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) supported the university's objection.
The IPO found that the company might cause confusion with the university's services.
Omar Terywall, the founder of Cambridge Rowing Limited, started the company in 2021.
Terywall applied for a trademark in January 2022 but faced opposition from the university.
The IPO ordered Cambridge Rowing Limited to pay the university £2,400 in costs.
Cambridge Rowing plans to appeal the ruling before the 3 March deadline.
A report from Redfin shows that Austin, Texas, now has the slowest major housing market in the U.S., with homes taking an average of 106 days to sell. The slowdown is due to rising mortgage rates and an increase in the number of homes for sale, forcing buyers to negotiate prices down.
Key Facts
Austin is the slowest housing market among 50 major U.S. cities, with homes taking 106 days on average to sell.
Nationwide, homes took 60 days to sell on average in December.
San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale are tied for second slowest, with homes taking 99 days to sell.
Mortgage rates increased in 2022, influencing the housing market slowdown.
Texas and Florida have the most new homes being built, contributing to the current surplus.
Austin homebuyers now have more bargaining power, often offering below the listed price.
Austin's housing market has more sellers than buyers, causing prices to drop.
The singer Chappell Roan announced she has left the Wasserman talent agency. This decision follows the release of emails showing the agency's leader, Casey Wasserman, had communication with Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of Jeffrey Epstein, in 2003. Wasserman expressed regret over these past communications.
Key Facts
Chappell Roan is a singer who left the Wasserman talent agency.
Casey Wasserman leads the agency.
Wasserman's name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
Emails showed Wasserman communicated with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003.
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a prison sentence for child sex trafficking.
Wasserman apologized for his past correspondence with Maxwell.
Roan did not mention Epstein, Maxwell, or the files when she announced her departure.
Pop singer Chappell Roan has left the Wasserman talent agency because she wants representation that matches her moral values. This comes after backlash against Casey Wasserman, head of the agency, due to past associations revealed in the Epstein files. Several artists and politicians are calling for Wasserman to step down from his roles.
Key Facts
Chappell Roan announced she is no longer represented by the Wasserman talent agency.
Roan wants representation that aligns with her moral values.
Casey Wasserman, head of the agency, is facing backlash due to his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Wasserman apologized for his association, saying it was during a "humanitarian trip."
Several artists, including Best Coast and Beach Bunny, have called for Wasserman to step down.
Wasserman's agency represents other famous artists like Ed Sheeran and Coldplay.
Politicians and artists are urging Wasserman to leave the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee.
Some agents at Wasserman are thinking about setting up a separate music representation business.
The United States will reduce tariffs on some clothing and textile products from Bangladesh. This agreement allows certain Bangladeshi goods made with American materials to enter the US without tariffs. Bangladesh, in return, will allow more American products into its market.
Key Facts
The US will lower tariffs on some Bangladeshi clothes from 20% to 19%.
US tariffs will be lifted on Bangladeshi textiles made with American materials.
Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of clothes after China.
The US-Bangladesh deal was announced after long discussions following President Trump's tariff impositions.
Bangladesh agrees to open its markets to more American products like chemicals and car parts.
The clothing sector is crucial for Bangladesh, making up over 80% of its exports and employing about 4 million people.
Bangladesh will recognize American safety rules for food, drugs, and vehicles.
The reduction brings Bangladesh's tariffs closer to India's, which are 18%.
Target plans to cut 500 jobs in the U.S. to focus more on its stores. This decision is part of a strategy to improve store staffing and customer experience under new CEO Michael Fiddelke.
Key Facts
Target will reduce about 500 jobs at its regional offices and distribution sites.
The job cuts are meant to help the company invest more in its stores.
New CEO Michael Fiddelke is leading these changes to improve sales.
Target aims to increase staffing and hours in stores where needed.
This decision follows previous job cuts, including 1,800 corporate jobs last October.
The company is struggling with reduced spending on non-essential items like clothing and electronics.
Target has faced challenges like supply shortages and criticism over its policies on immigration enforcement.
In-store workers will get new training focused on enhancing the customer experience.
Bangladesh and the United States have signed a trade agreement reducing tariffs to 19% for some exports, particularly textiles and garments made from U.S. materials. The deal, announced on Monday, also includes Bangladesh's commitment to better access for U.S. goods and accepting U.S. standards in various sectors.
Key Facts
Bangladesh will have a 19% tariff rate on exports to the U.S. under the new trade deal.
Some textiles and garments made with U.S. materials will have even lower tariffs.
The U.S. will have better access to Bangladesh's market for its industrial and agricultural goods.
Bangladesh agrees to accept U.S. vehicle safety and FDA standards.
The countries announced commercial deals, including aircraft and agricultural product purchases.
Bangladesh's apparel sector contributes 10% to its GDP and employs about four million workers.
This agreement follows nine months of negotiations that began in April last year.
Bangladesh will hold elections on Thursday to choose new leaders.
A longtime sales employee shared a humiliating experience at an awards ceremony, where he was given a cardboard turd as a joke despite his successful performance. The employee had been excelling at his sales job despite facing stress and health issues. The incident raised discussions online about workplace recognition and well-being.
Key Facts
An experienced sales employee shared his story on Reddit about receiving a cardboard turd as a part of an awards ceremony at work.
The employee has worked at the company for 20 years and consistently exceeded sales targets.
In the past year, he achieved 157% of his sales target, despite dealing with a heavy workload.
The employee has been diagnosed with a chronic stress disorder and depression due to work pressure.
The cardboard turd was intended as a joke for second place, but the employee found it humiliating.
Online comments suggested the award crossed a line rather than being a playful gesture.
Discussions arose about the importance of mental health and job satisfaction in career decisions.
Target plans to lay off about 500 employees, mainly in distribution centers and regional offices. The company will invest more in its stores as part of a restructuring plan for 2026. This move follows several challenging years for Target, including boycotts and declining profits.
Key Facts
Target will lay off approximately 500 employees as part of a 2026 restructuring.
The affected roles are mainly at store district levels and within supply chain locations.
Target aims to increase store labor hours and enhance guest experience training for employees.
Wages for employees will remain unchanged despite these changes.
Target has faced political boycotts over its merchandise decisions and policy changes.
CEO Brian Cornell stepped down in February 2026 and was succeeded by Michael Fiddelke.
Target's net sales and comparable sales dropped in the third quarter of 2025.
The U.S. inflation rate is currently at 2.7%, with economic concerns impacting consumer confidence.
Dan Bongino, a conservative commentator, will return to Fox News as a paid contributor. This move comes after his recent departure from a role as deputy director at the FBI. Bongino also continues his right-wing podcast.
Key Facts
Dan Bongino will be a paid contributor on Fox News.
Fox News plans to announce his return officially on Monday's episode of Hannity.
Bongino left his role as deputy director at the FBI in December.
Before joining the FBI, Bongino hosted a program on Fox News.
He regretted leaving his media career for the FBI role.
Bongino has also restarted his popular right-wing podcast.
