Business News

How Guest Dragon Jenna Meek likes to do business

January 30, 2026

Summary

Jenna Meek, a guest on the show "Dragons' Den," discussed her approach to business. She was featured in an episode available on BBC iPlayer.

Key Facts

Jenna Meek appeared as a guest on "Dragons' Den."
"Dragons' Den" is a show where business ideas are pitched to successful entrepreneurs.
Jenna Meek shared her business strategies in the episode.
The episode with Jenna Meek is available on BBC iPlayer.
The focus is on entrepreneurship and business practices.

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BBC Business

Who is Kevin Warsh, Trump's pick for Fed chair?

January 30, 2026

Summary

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. Warsh, who was a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011, could replace Jerome Powell, who is facing criticism from Trump. Warsh's appointment must be approved by the Senate before he can take the position.

Key Facts

Kevin Warsh has been nominated by President Trump to head the Federal Reserve.
Warsh was a Federal Reserve governor from 2006 to 2011.
Jerome Powell, the current Fed chair, has faced criticism from Trump for not lowering interest rates quickly enough.
A criminal investigation has been opened over Powell's testimony about Fed building renovations.
Warsh has been critical of the Fed, advocating for changes like reducing its balance sheet.
Warsh is seen as supportive of lowering interest rates soon.
The Senate must approve Warsh's appointment before he can become Fed chair.
Warsh is connected to Trump's circle, as his father-in-law is a Trump donor.

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BBC US

What Kevin Warsh Has Said About Interest Rates and Housing Market

January 30, 2026

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Kevin Warsh to head the Federal Reserve. Warsh agrees with President Trump's idea that interest rates need to be lowered. He believes that lowering rates would make it easier for people to buy homes and boost the economy.

Key Facts

Kevin Warsh is President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve.
Warsh has publicly agreed with Trump's views on reducing interest rates.
Trump wants rates lowered to help Americans afford homes, while some worry this could cause inflation.
Warsh criticized the Federal Reserve for not cutting rates and for its economic policies.
He believes cutting interest rates can help first-time home buyers and boost economic growth.
Warsh previously served as a Fed governor and worked under former President George W. Bush.
Some lawmakers oppose Warsh’s nomination due to ongoing investigations into the current Fed chair, Jerome Powell.

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Newsweek

The new math defining AI winners and losers

January 30, 2026

Summary

Microsoft and Meta both increased their spending on AI, but their stock prices reacted differently. While Microsoft saw a significant drop, Meta's stock went up as investors believe its AI investments will boost its advertising revenue. This shows how investors are assessing the potential of AI investments in terms of immediate and future returns.

Key Facts

Microsoft increased its AI spending, but its stock fell by nearly 12%.
Meta's stock price rose as it announced over $115 billion in AI spending for the year.
Microsoft's cloud revenue grew by 39%, but this growth was mainly from non-AI services.
Investors are concerned about the value of software companies due to the rise of AI.
Meta's strong advertising revenue helps offset concerns about its large AI investments.
Analysts use discounted cash flow models to estimate company values based on future cash.
Meta's AI investments are seen as contributing positively to its future cash flow.
Microsoft's AI spending is viewed as risky due to uncertain and delayed returns.

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Axios

Southwest Airline’s First Day of Assigned Seating Has Rocky Start—Passengers React

January 30, 2026

Summary

Southwest Airlines started using assigned seating instead of its old open seating policy. The change had mixed reactions from passengers, some liked it and others did not. Southwest made this switch to align with other airlines and potentially increase profits.

Key Facts

Southwest Airlines switched from open seating to assigned seating on January 27.
The change aims to align with airlines like Delta and United.
Social media reactions varied; some passengers liked the new system, and others did not.
A TikTok user reported being put on standby and getting a middle seat just hours before her flight.
Some flight attendants did not allow passengers to move to empty seats in premium areas.
The new system involves eight boarding groups based on ticket type or extras like credit card perks.
Southwest hopes the new seating plan and fees will improve profitability.
The airline forecasts a significant profit increase this year but anticipates challenges in maintaining it in the future.

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Newsweek

Starbucks Unveils Spring 2026 Menu—and a ‘Fan Favorite’ Is Back

January 30, 2026

Summary

Starbucks introduced its spring menu for 2026, which includes new drinks and snacks with various flavor options like ube and coconut. The company also announced changes to its rewards program, featuring a tiered system that will affect how customers earn and use points. The spring menu will start on March 3, 2026, and the rewards program changes will roll out the same month.

Key Facts

Starbucks' new menu offers customizable chai, coconut, and lavender beverage options.
The menu introduces new flavors such as ube and sugar-free caramel.
The spring menu becomes available on March 3, 2026.
Starbucks revamped its rewards program to include Green, Gold, and Reserve tiers.
Members earn Stars based on their tier and purchase amounts, impacting how they redeem points.
The rewards update affects 35.5 million U.S. members.
New rewards features include "Free Mod Mondays" for free drink customizations and extra benefits linked with Delta and Marriott programs.
The updated program was announced at Starbucks' 2026 Investor Day.

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Newsweek

Exclusive: House Republican campaign arm raised $117M in 2025

January 30, 2026

Summary

The National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee (NRCC) raised $117.2 million in 2025, with $24.3 million collected in the last quarter. This was one of the highest fundraising totals for an off-year, surpassed only in 2021.

Key Facts

The NRCC raised $24.3 million in the last three months of 2025.
Total fundraising by the NRCC for the year reached $117.2 million.
In December alone, the NRCC raised $13.7 million.
The NRCC had $50.7 million available to spend at the end of the year.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has not yet shared their fourth quarter fundraising results.
In the third quarter, the DCCC raised more money than the NRCC, with $26.2 million compared to $24 million.
The NRCC out-raised the DCCC in September, collecting $14 million against the Democrats' $11.5 million.
In October, the NRCC led in year-to-date fundraising over the DCCC for the first time in an off-year since 2015.

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Axios

Welsh horror filmed in England due to smoking ban

January 30, 2026

Summary

A horror film about Welsh fairies had to move its filming location from Wales to England due to a smoking ban on sets in Wales. The director explained that smoking is important for the film's characters and story, making it hard to shoot in Wales. Existing rules in England allow smoking for roles, which influenced the decision to relocate filming.

Key Facts

The film features Dev Patel, who plays a Londoner moving to rural Wales.
Filming moved to north Yorkshire because Wales bans smoking on film sets.
The Welsh government suggested using special e-cigarettes, but the team didn't find this suitable.
England allows smoking if required for a role in a film, according to the British Film Commission.
The film has key scenes where characters smoke to express their anxiety.
The film focuses on mythical Welsh fairies and a couple's interaction with them.
Director Bryn Chainey hoped to film in Wales but found it challenging due to the smoking ban.
The production faced setbacks, including losing an ideal filming location in south Wales.

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BBC Top Stories

Man Orders Jeans Online—Not Ready for What He Sees on Tag: ‘No Way’

January 30, 2026

Summary

A man ordered jeans online from Dillard's, labeled at $59.99 each, but received them with tags showing a price of $37.49. He contacted Dillard's customer service for a price adjustment but did not receive a clear response. He eventually received a refund and bought similar jeans elsewhere at a lower cost.

Key Facts

A customer bought jeans online from Dillard's for $59.99 each.
When the jeans arrived, the tags showed a price of $37.49.
Customer service provided an unclear response about a possible refund or price match.
Reddit users suggested returning the jeans for a price adjustment.
Stores often fulfill online orders from local store inventory, which can lead to price discrepancies.
Customers may be entitled to a refund of the price difference if they act quickly, often within 14 days.
Some credit cards offer partial refunds if the item goes on sale soon after purchase.
The customer eventually received a refund and bought cheaper jeans elsewhere.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Visa Responds to Backlash After Trump Accounts Post Goes Viral

January 30, 2026

Summary

Visa has partnered with President Donald Trump to offer a new investment account for children called the "Trump Account." This initiative allows Visa cardholders to direct credit card rewards into these accounts, aimed at building savings for children. The announcement has sparked online criticism and calls for a boycott, with some accusing Visa of political alignment with Trump.

Key Facts

Visa is collaborating with President Trump on a new investment account for children called the "Trump Account."
The account allows cardholders to use credit card rewards to save for their children's futures.
The announcement was viewed over 11 million times on X and received mixed reactions.
Some social media users are calling for a boycott of Visa, claiming political alignment with Trump.
The Trump Accounts are for children born in the U.S. between 2025-2028 and come with an initial $1,000.
Visa states this initiative supports financial inclusion and education.
The Trump Account initiative has received bipartisan support and is IRS approved.
The accounts aim to promote long-term investments and financial security for children.

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Newsweek

Southwest Passenger Notices Major Change After Assigned Seat Switch: 'Not a Fan'

January 30, 2026

Summary

Southwest Airlines implemented a new assigned seating policy, changing from its previous open-seating model. A frequent flyer expressed dissatisfaction with the new system, citing difficulties with finding overhead storage and concerns about changes to the airline's rewards program.

Key Facts

Southwest Airlines started a new assigned seating system on January 27, 2026.
Previously, Southwest used an open-seating plan, where passengers chose seats freely upon boarding.
A Reddit user shared a negative experience with the assigned seating, specifically with the overhead bin space.
There is criticism from loyal customers who feel this change betrays Southwest's original business model.
Southwest ended its free-checked-bag policy in May 2025, now charging $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.
Southwest Airlines is known for its "bags fly free" policy, which contributed to brand loyalty in the past.
The change led some customers to consider switching to other airlines.

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Newsweek

Home Depot Lays Off Hundreds and Moves to Five-Day Office Policy

January 30, 2026

Summary

Home Depot is laying off 800 employees and asking corporate staff to work in the office five days a week. The company cites the need for faster operations and closer connections with customers as reasons for these changes.

Key Facts

Home Depot will lay off 800 employees.
150 job cuts will be at their headquarters in Atlanta.
The layoffs mainly affect technology and corporate staff who work remotely.
Home Depot requires corporate employees to return to the office full-time.
The company reported lower-than-expected sales in the recent quarter.
Home Depot is facing challenges from weak consumer spending and a slow housing market.
The retailer has experienced boycotts related to immigration enforcement issues.
Affected employees will receive packages for job separation and help finding new jobs.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Delta To Introduce New Ticket Tier Aimed at Key Type of Flyer

January 30, 2026

Summary

Delta Air Lines plans to introduce a new, more affordable ticket tier called "Delta Comfort Basic." This option will offer premium features like extra legroom and complimentary drinks but will come with restrictions such as non-refundable tickets.

Key Facts

Delta Air Lines is introducing a new ticket tier called "Delta Comfort Basic."
This tier offers premium features like extra legroom and complimentary drinks at a lower cost.
Tickets under this tier are non-refundable and do not allow for upgrades.
Seat assignments for Delta Comfort Basic are given at check-in.
Delta has been testing this ticket option on select flights since November.
The airline plans to expand the offering to more seats throughout 2026.
Delta prioritizes providing customers with more choices according to their willingness to pay.

Source Verification

Newsweek

'She made us cry almost daily': How to handle a toxic boss

January 30, 2026

Summary

The article discusses dealing with a toxic boss in the workplace. It explains how a toxic manager can negatively affect employees' mental health and job performance. Experts provide advice on handling such situations until an employee can leave the job.

Key Facts

Maya worked at a small PR agency but left due to her boss’s toxic behavior.
Her boss publicly criticized staff and engaged in personal attacks.
Research shows one in three people leave their job because of a toxic workplace.
The Chartered Management Institute explains the difference between toxic and inexperienced managers.
A toxic boss can create anxiety and harm mental health.
Another worker, Josie, experienced constant surveillance from her boss.
Stories like these are depicted in the dark comedy "Send Help."
Ann Francke suggests finding a mentor as a strategy for dealing with a toxic boss.

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BBC Top Stories

Secret filming catches locksmith charging 10 times quote

January 30, 2026

Summary

An investigation by the BBC found that a locksmith company, 24/7 Locksmiths UK, charged significantly more than their initial quotes and performed unnecessary work. Secret filming showed the company increasing their fees up to 10 times the original price. After being approached by the BBC, the company did not respond and has since shut down its website.

Key Facts

The locksmith company quoted customers under £50 but charged over £5,000 after doing unnecessary work.
An elderly couple, Maureen and Eric Reynolds, were charged £2,802 by the locksmith for locking them out of their home and damaging their door.
The company 24/7 Locksmiths UK was filmed by the BBC increasing their service fee by ten times after arriving at the job.
The BBC found many other people with similar experiences in London and Essex.
A locksmith expert confirmed that the tasks could have been done quickly and without damage using standard tools and techniques.
The BBC's investigation led to the locksmith company's website being taken down, and the company did not provide a response.

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BBC Top Stories

Gen Z is surprisingly optimistic about career prospects: Survey

January 30, 2026

Summary

A survey by Indeed and YouGov shows that Gen Z is optimistic about their career prospects despite a challenging job market. The survey highlights a confidence gap between employers and employees regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other changes in the workforce. Gen Z sees opportunities in these changes, while employers aim to meet their talent goals by 2026.

Key Facts

77% of Gen Z have a positive outlook on their careers.
59% of overall job seekers feel confident about achieving career goals.
85% of employers expect to meet their talent needs by 2026.
35% of job seekers list AI adoption as a major concern.
40% of employers prioritize AI adoption by 2026.
Over half of Gen Z are engaging in side jobs or "gig stacking."
Only 20% of job seekers foresee job market improvement by 2026, compared to 50% of employers.
The survey involved 2,019 job seekers and 1,019 employers, with a small margin of error.

Source Verification

Axios

Why the US dollar hit a four-year low and could fall further

January 30, 2026

Summary

The US dollar has dropped to its lowest point in four years, largely due to President Donald Trump's trade policies. This decline raises concerns about the potential for increased inflation and questions about the dollar's status as the world's primary currency. Analysts believe the dollar might weaken further, partly due to international tensions and market reactions to US policies.

Key Facts

The US dollar reached a four-year low against other major currencies, such as the Euro and the pound.
President Trump's tariff announcements in 2025 significantly contributed to the dollar's decline.
A weaker dollar means Americans pay more for imported goods, which might increase inflation.
The dollar had been strong in previous years, but its value fell nearly 10% last year.
Tensions between the US and Europe, specifically over Greenland, affected the dollar's value.
The US is speculated to consider actions that might weaken the dollar further.
The decline has increased interest in alternative investments, such as gold.
US Treasury Secretary denied US intervention to stabilize the dollar, adding to market uncertainty.

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BBC Business

Millions to get £150 off energy bills for further five years

January 29, 2026

Summary

The UK government will extend the Warm Home Discount scheme for another five years, offering £150 off winter energy bills to about six million low-income households. The plan aims to help with living costs due to high energy prices, and charities support the move but say it's not enough for those struggling. Changes in how energy suppliers fund the discount are being considered to make it "fairer."

Key Facts

Around six million low-income households in the UK will get £150 off their energy bills each winter for the next five years.
The Warm Home Discount scheme has been running since 2011 and was expanded last year.
Scottish low-income households will now automatically receive the rebate, aligning them with the policy in England and Wales.
A small number of households need to provide extra information to get their discount this winter.
The government plans to adjust how suppliers cover the discount cost, shifting from a fixed fee to a per-unit energy charge.
Some critics argue that changing how costs are covered might reduce benefits for high-energy users.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband aims to reduce energy bills by £300 by 2030, though this goal has faced skepticism.
The scheme aims to alleviate the high cost of living driven by increased energy prices.

Source Verification

BBC Business

TotalEnergies restarts $20bn LNG project in Mozambique after 5-year freeze

January 29, 2026

Summary

TotalEnergies has restarted work on a $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique, which was paused due to regional violence. The project aims to produce over 13 million tonnes of LNG annually and could generate substantial revenue for Mozambique. Despite security improvements, there are concerns about environmental and human rights implications.

Key Facts

TotalEnergies is a French energy company that paused the project in 2021 due to violence in Mozambique.
The project is located in Cabo Delgado province and is one of Africa's largest LNG projects.
Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo and TotalEnergies' executive Patrick Pouyanne announced its restart.
The project is expected to produce over 13 million tonnes of LNG each year by 2029.
Estimated economic benefits include around $35 billion for Mozambique through taxes and profits.
Up to 7,000 jobs for locals and $4 billion in local contracts are expected during construction.
Security in the area has improved with the help of regional forces and Rwandan soldiers.
Environmental and human rights groups have raised concerns about the project's impacts.
TotalEnergies is facing legal challenges related to past security issues and alleged human rights abuses.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

Man Starts Work During Snow Storm—Not Ready for What Happens 24 Hours Later

January 29, 2026

Summary

A Waffle House employee worked almost 24 hours straight during a snowstorm because no one else could get to the store. The situation raised concerns about Waffle House's policy to stay open during emergencies and its impact on employees' working conditions. Some Reddit users criticized the company for not having a better plan during extreme weather.

Key Facts

A Reddit user's boyfriend, working at Waffle House, had to work nearly 24 hours during a snowstorm.
The heavy snowfall created between 14 and 17 inches of snow, preventing other staff from reaching the store.
The employee picked up multiple shifts, and both he and the store manager stayed on duty for about 18 hours.
Waffle House reportedly has a policy to stay open during disasters, leading to potential strain on employees.
OSHA regulates workplace safety and expects businesses to maintain safe conditions, including during severe weather.
The article discusses that workers have the right to consider leaving a job if extreme conditions arise.
Newsweek reached out to Waffle House for comments but could not verify the details of the case.

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Newsweek

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