A new plan called "Trump homes" aims to make housing more affordable by allowing people to rent homes with the option to apply their rent towards a down payment after three years. This plan, developed by Lennar Corp and Taylor Morrison Home Corp, is meant to help people who find it hard to afford a house. While the Trump administration is not currently considering the plan, builders are discussing the idea.
Key Facts
The "Trump homes" plan is developed by Lennar Corp and Taylor Morrison Home Corp.
The plan would allow renters to apply rent payments towards a down payment after three years.
The plan is funded by private investors, not the government.
The builders propose creating up to 1 million homes with an estimated value of $250 billion.
The plan is not actively under review by President Trump's administration at this time.
The idea is aimed at regions with high housing costs and limited housing availability.
Experts express both interest and skepticism about the feasibility of this plan.
The initiative seeks to address the challenge of high home prices and interest rates that prevent many Americans from buying homes.
President Donald Trump is suing the BBC for defamation over the editing of his speech in a documentary. Trump’s lawyers claim the BBC's legal arguments are not strong, while the BBC seeks dismissal of the lawsuit. Both parties are in disagreement over court procedures involving evidence exchange.
Key Facts
President Trump is suing the BBC for how it edited his January 6, 2021, speech in a documentary.
The lawsuit involves a defamation claim demanding billions of dollars.
The BBC wants the court to dismiss the case and delay the discovery process.
Discovery is when both sides share important documents and evidence.
Trump's lawyers argue it is too early to delay discovery.
The BBC argues that the Florida court might not have the right to rule on the case.
If the case proceeds, a trial is suggested for 2027.
The BBC apologized for the edit but rejected Trump’s demand for compensation.
PepsiCo is reducing the prices of some snack products like Doritos and Lays in the U.S. due to criticism over past price increases and the impact of appetite-suppressing weight loss medications. The price cuts align with the Super Bowl, a significant time for snack sales, and the company promises that the taste, size, and ingredients of the products will remain the same. PepsiCo is also focusing on portion control and health-focused products to adapt to changing consumer habits.
Key Facts
PepsiCo is lowering the prices of snacks such as Doritos and Lays in the U.S.
The price reduction is a response to consumer backlash over previous price hikes.
Appetite-suppressing GLP-1 medications are influencing food consumption habits.
Price drops are scheduled before the Super Bowl, an important sales period for snacks.
PepsiCo assures that snack sizes, ingredients, and flavors will not change.
The company is emphasizing portion control, with an upcoming launch of Doritos Protein.
PepsiCo's shares recently rose, but they previously lagged behind Coca-Cola.
The firm aims for significant cost savings in 2026 and is addressing affordability concerns.
Companies may start raising their prices due to tariffs put in place by the Trump administration, and this might happen early in 2026. While the tariffs have not yet strongly affected inflation, there are signs that price increases might soon occur. Analysts warn that the changes could affect things like electronics and furniture.
Key Facts
Companies might start increasing prices in early 2026 due to tariffs.
The Trump administration says tariffs haven't significantly raised inflation yet.
Adobe's Digital Price Index showed a large price increase in January.
The Institute for Supply Management's price index also increased in January.
Businesses in Atlanta expect to raise prices in the first half of 2026.
The Philadelphia Fed notes tariffs may soon affect general prices.
Economists are cautious about the volatility of price indexes.
A Supreme Court decision on tariff legality is pending, affecting firm decisions.
A recent court ruling allows some people in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi to receive tax refunds on self-employment taxes they have already paid. The decision applies to those who qualify as "limited liability partners" under state law, meaning they don't have to pay self-employment tax on their partnership income. Affected individuals can file amended tax returns to possibly get thousands back.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed a decision regarding self-employment tax in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
The ruling states that true "limited partners" do not owe self-employment taxes on their partnership income.
A "limited partner" is someone with limited liability in a limited partnership.
Many individuals, such as fund managers and consulting partners, might have overpaid taxes and could receive refunds.
People have to file an amended tax return to get a refund; the deadline is within three years of the original tax filing.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and tax software can help calculate potential refunds.
The court’s decision changes how the IRS can classify limited partners for tax purposes.
A new free grocery store called "The Polymarket" will open in New York City on February 12. Polymarket, a gambling website, announced the store, which aims to offer free groceries to all New Yorkers. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also plans to open city-run grocery stores in each borough to help lower grocery prices.
Key Facts
"The Polymarket" is New York City's first free grocery store.
The store will open on February 12.
Polymarket, a gambling website, is behind this project.
The store aims to offer free groceries to everyone in New York City.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani intends to open city-run stores in each borough to make groceries more affordable.
The city would cover rent and operating costs for these city-run stores, with groceries sold at wholesale prices.
Polymarket confirmed on social media that the free grocery store is real and under construction.
Disney announced that Josh D'Amaro will be the new chief executive, replacing Bob Iger. D'Amaro, who has worked at Disney for 28 years and was in charge of its amusement parks, will start the role on March 18.
Key Facts
Disney named Josh D'Amaro as its new chief executive.
He previously led Disney's amusement park business.
Josh D'Amaro has been with Disney for 28 years.
Bob Iger, the current CEO, will be replaced by D'Amaro.
The transition will occur on March 18.
Disney has been focusing on a successful part of its business, amusement parks, while navigating the streaming industry.
Bob Iger has led Disney for around 20 years, except a brief break that ended in 2022.
Car insurance rates have decreased by 6% on average in the U.S. from 2024 to 2025, with some states experiencing larger declines. Despite this decrease, certain areas like New Jersey and Washington, D.C., saw rate increases.
Key Facts
Car insurance premiums in the U.S. fell by 6% on average from 2024 to 2025.
The national average for full-coverage insurance is $2,144 per year.
States like Wyoming, Iowa, and Arkansas experienced significant decreases, with rates dropping by 30%, 25%, and 23% respectively.
Insurance costs had previously risen by 46% from 2022 to 2024.
This cost increase was partly linked to risky driving after the pandemic.
Some areas, including New Jersey and Washington, D.C., saw rates increase by 20% and 18% respectively.
Insurance companies are lowering rates to attract new customers.
The report forecasts a 1% rise in average premiums this year, with U.S. tariff policy affecting predictions.
President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with India to reduce trade barriers, saying he will lower tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% after India agreed to stop buying Russian oil. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed a tariff reduction but did not mention halting Russian oil purchases or buying more from the US. Details of this agreement remain uncertain, as India has not publicly confirmed all of Trump's claims.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a "trade deal" with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce tariffs between the US and India.
Trump plans to lower US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%.
Trump stated that India agreed to stop buying oil from Russia.
India has not publicly confirmed stopping Russian oil purchases or increasing US oil purchases.
Modi acknowledged the reduction of tariffs on Indian goods but did not mention any broader agreements.
Trump claimed India would eliminate tariffs on US goods and buy various American products, but this was not confirmed by Modi.
Analysts noted there is no signed agreement, and details remain unclear.
AG Barr, the company famous for making Irn-Bru, has purchased two other drinks brands, Fentimans and Frobishers, for over £50 million. These acquisitions fit into the company's strategy to offer more non-alcoholic drink options as people are drinking less alcohol. AG Barr reported a strong financial year with increased sales, and aims to keep growing by expanding into these new drink categories.
Key Facts
AG Barr bought Fentimans for about £38 million and Frobishers for £13 million.
Fentimans is known for its botanical and fizzy soft drinks.
Frobishers is a juice business based in Devon.
The deals are part of AG Barr’s plan to focus on non-alcoholic beverages, which are becoming more popular.
AG Barr’s annual revenue grew to approximately £437 million, a 4% increase from the previous year.
Irn-Bru had some growth, while brands like Rubicon and Boost performed well for AG Barr.
The company was founded in Falkirk in 1875 and is now based in Cumbernauld.
AG Barr is expanding into new drink categories, such as plant-based milks and health shots.
United Airlines announced it will shut down key online services for a few hours early on February 4, 2026, to upgrade its reservation system. During this time, people won't be able to book flights, check in, or view itineraries. United suggests travelers complete any pre-flight tasks before this planned outage.
Key Facts
United Airlines will conduct an online service outage for system upgrades on February 4, 2026.
The outage will last from 2:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT (1:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. CST).
During these hours, online and mobile booking, check-in, and itinerary retrieval won't be available.
United has removed early morning departures on this day to ease the upgrade process.
The system update involves moving the main reservation system (Shares) to a new facility in Chicago.
Travelers are advised to complete check-ins, bookings, or trip changes before or after the outage.
United has rehearsed the data migration to minimize disruption.
The upgrade aims to improve the reliability of United's reservation system.
Around one million people in the UK missed the deadline to file their tax returns, potentially leading to penalties. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) stated that about 11.5 million tax submissions were made, with some people filing just before the deadline. Late filers face an automatic fine and additional penalties if their taxes remain unpaid.
Key Facts
Approximately one million people in the UK missed the tax return deadline.
The deadline was for the 2024-25 tax returns.
HMRC reported that 27,456 people filed their returns in the final hour.
A total of about 11.5 million tax returns were submitted.
People who missed the deadline face a £100 penalty.
Additional penalties apply if the tax remains unpaid, including daily charges after three months.
Some people automatically have taxes deducted via PAYE and may not need to file.
HMRC will consider reasonable excuses to avoid penalties.
Disney has chosen Josh D'Amaro, who currently oversees its parks and experiences, to become the new CEO. He succeeds Bob Iger, who returned in 2022 after his previous successor faced challenges. The decision comes during a time of both box-office success and challenges like a decline in foreign visitors to U.S. theme parks.
Key Facts
Josh D'Amaro will take over as Disney's CEO, replacing Bob Iger.
D'Amaro is currently in charge of Disney's theme parks, cruises, and resorts.
He has been with Disney since 1998 and led a major $60 billion investment in the company's physical attractions.
Bob Iger returned in 2022 after his previous replacement, Bob Chapek, faced difficulties.
Disney has been successful recently with movies like "Zootopia 2" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash."
The company faces challenges such as fewer international tourists to its U.S. parks.
President Trump’s immigration policies have contributed to the decline in foreign visitors.
Dana Walden, another top Disney executive, will take on a new role as chief creative officer.
Southwest Airlines is offering a limited-time promotion for its Rapid Rewards members to earn a Companion Pass. This pass allows a member to bring one person with them on flights for free, except for taxes and fees. To qualify, members need to book specific flights within a set time frame.
Key Facts
Southwest Airlines is offering a promotional Companion Pass for free travel with a companion, excluding taxes and fees.
To qualify, members must register and purchase either one round trip or two one-way flights from February 2 to February 5, 2026.
Members need to fly by March 31, 2026, to get the free companion travel for flights between August 10 and October 7, 2026.
The Companion Pass lets members add a companion to unlimited flights if they buy their own ticket.
Qualifying for the regular Companion Pass usually requires 100 one-way qualifying flights or 135,000 qualifying points in a year.
Rapid Rewards points from certain partners may not count towards the Companion Pass.
Pass holders and their companions can board together under new rules starting January 27, 2026.
McDonald's is introducing a special McNugget Caviar kit for Valentine's Day. The kits, which include caviar and a gift card, will be available online for free but in limited quantities starting February 10. This is part of McDonald's occasional luxury menu items.
Key Facts
McDonald's is offering a McNugget Caviar kit for Valentine's Day.
The kits include a 1-ounce tin of Baerii sturgeon caviar.
A $25 Arch Card is included for purchasing Chicken McNuggets.
The kits will be available only online starting February 10.
McDonald's teamed up with Paramount Caviar, a well-known caviar distributor, to create these kits.
The caviar kits are free but only available in limited quantities.
These kits will not be available in McDonald's stores or drive-thrus.
In the past, McDonald's offered a Lobster Roll in select locations as another luxury menu item.
Gold and silver prices have seen major ups and downs recently. After reaching high prices over the last year, they suddenly dropped sharply before recovering slightly. Several factors, including economic uncertainty and actions by President Trump, have influenced these price changes.
Key Facts
Gold and silver prices reached record highs but then dropped sharply on a Friday and Monday.
Prices partially recovered on the following Tuesday, but stayed below their peak levels.
Gold and silver are considered "safe haven" assets during uncertain economic times.
President Trump's actions have contributed to market volatility, affecting precious metal prices.
Between Trump's latest inauguration and January 2026, gold prices nearly doubled, and silver prices increased almost four times.
The U.S. national debt is a factor contributing to financial uncertainty, reaching $38 trillion.
Central banks in countries like China and Turkiye are buying gold to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.
President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh for the Federal Reserve, calming investor fears about future interest rate decisions.
A new analysis shows that ten cities in the U.S. are strong sellers' markets, meaning there are fewer houses for sale compared to demand. These cities include Grand Rapids, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. The analysis used a "months of supply" metric to determine how quickly homes are selling in each area.
Key Facts
Grand Rapids, St. Louis, and Milwaukee are among the top sellers' markets in the U.S.
The analysis found a shortage of homes for sale in these areas, creating competition among buyers.
Sellers' markets occur when there are fewer houses available compared to demand, giving sellers an advantage.
Realtor.com used the "months of supply" metric to rank these cities, which measures how long it would take to sell all available homes at the current pace.
Grand Rapids has a median listing price of $397,000 and 3 months of supply.
St. Louis has a median listing price of $284,950 and 3.1 months of supply.
Milwaukee shows a median listing price of $369,750 and 3.1 months of supply.
Real estate agents note that buyers must act quickly in these markets due to limited options and high competition.
Starbucks announced that its cold to-go cups are now recyclable from home in over 60% of U.S. households. This change results from the "Widely Recyclable" label the cups received, thanks to collaboration with recycling organizations.
Key Facts
Starbucks' cold cups are now recyclable at home for more than 60% of U.S. households.
The cups received a "Widely Recyclable" label from the How2Recycle program.
How2Recycle is managed by the nonprofit GreenBlue and works with various brands to improve recycling instructions.
Starbucks collaborated with How2Recycle, the NextGen Consortium, The Recycling Partnership, and Waste Management.
Over the past four months, two million more households have gained access to recycling these cups.
This initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and improve recycling effectiveness.
The change is seen as a step forward for better recycling and waste reduction in the food packaging industry.
Starbucks plans to continue working on increasing recycling access across the U.S.
A college student, who started a custom cookie business to help pay for school, refused a discounted order after the customer's demands increased. The initial order was for 48 cookies, with the price reduced multiple times, but the customer continued to ask for more changes without paying a deposit. Business experts note this situation is common and advise small business owners to know when to say no to unreasonable requests.
Key Facts
A college student runs a custom cookie business to support her education expenses.
She shared her experience on Reddit about a challenging customer request.
The customer wanted a discounted order of 48 custom cookies for an event.
The student dropped the price from $2 to $1.50 per cookie to help the customer.
The customer kept asking for more changes, including cookie size and taste tests.
The student decided to decline the order, advising the customer to find another baker.
Business experts suggest it is common for small businesses to refuse difficult orders.
Professionals recommend polite and clear communication when declining customer requests.
A man named Justin Lemay from Quebec bought a vintage pair of Gucci loafers from a thrift store for about $35. He later found out that the shoes were likely made in Mexico in 1966. The discovery led him to explore a lesser-known part of Gucci's history when they licensed production in Mexico.
Key Facts
Justin Lemay found vintage Gucci loafers for $35 at a thrift store.
The shoes were in excellent condition, although one size too small for him.
Lemay noticed "Gucci, HECHO EN MEXICO 1966" written on the shoes.
He found that Gucci had once licensed Mexican companies to make their products.
The shoes were linked to a time when Gucci allowed manufacturing outside Italy due to demand in Mexican tourist areas.
Lemay shared his discovery online, gaining attention and validation from others.
The loafers are potentially worth around $350, and Lemay plans to sell them.
