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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cracker Barrel plans to introduce new menu items and restaurant experiences inspired by classic American favorites. These changes are part of a partnership with America250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The exact new menu items have not yet been revealed.
Key Facts
Cracker Barrel is introducing new menu items inspired by American classics.
The changes are linked to America's 250th anniversary celebration.
The company has partnered with America250 to highlight American traditions.
New in-store experiences and limited-time menu offerings will appear throughout the year.
Cracker Barrel plans to update their iconic rocking chair with new designs.
There are about 660 Cracker Barrel locations in 43 states.
This move is part of a broader trend in the restaurant industry to stay relevant as customers dine out less to save money.
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Over 20 million Americans may face delays in receiving their tax refunds this year if they have claimed certain tax credits. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) could cause refunds to be delayed until at least March 2nd as the IRS needs extra time to verify claims.
Key Facts
Over 20 million Americans claiming the EITC may experience tax refund delays.
People using the EITC or ACTC need to wait until at least March 2 to get their refunds.
The IRS requires time to verify claims to prevent fraud, leading to the delay.
The average EITC received per household in 2024 was $2,916.
By February 21, taxpayers can check refund status using the IRS "Where’s My Refund" tool online.
The Earned Income Tax Credit supports low- to moderate-income workers.
The Additional Child Tax Credit helps those who do not owe enough taxes to get the full Child Tax Credit.
Eligibility for these credits depends on income, number of children, age, and student status.
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Two men in Queens, New York, were charged with running a scam that collected about $120 million from Medicare and Medicaid funds. Authorities accuse them of paying illegal kickbacks and submitting false claims for services not provided. The investigation involved several government agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Key Facts
Two men from Queens were charged with healthcare fraud.
The scam involved Medicare and Medicaid, which are health programs for eligible people.
They allegedly paid illegal kickbacks and submitted false claims for prescriptions and adult day care services.
The Department of Justice and other agencies led the investigation.
The men reportedly used a pharmacy and day care centers in the scheme.
Authorities seized bank accounts related to the scam.
If convicted, each man could face up to 10 years in prison.
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This article discusses upcoming changes in tax refunds due to new tax laws under President Donald Trump, which include an average increase of $1,000 per household. However, many people might not see this increase because the benefits are narrowly focused. The changes will mostly affect how refunds are calculated and who benefits from them.
Key Facts
Tax refunds are expected to rise by an average of $1,000 per household, according to the Treasury Department.
The increase is part of the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Erica York from the Tax Foundation noted that not everyone will see the $1,000 increase due to targeted benefits.
More than 100 million households are expected to receive tax refunds.
The child tax credit is increased to $2,200 and adjusted for inflation, benefiting many families.
About 44 million families can use Form 4547 to start a Trump account for children born between 2025 and 2028, which includes a $1,000 contribution from the Treasury.
Changes include the treatment of tips and the deduction of auto loan interest.
Taxes are due in April, a standard deadline for tax submissions.
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A major report highlights that companies need to protect and restore nature to survive. It warns that businesses could face extinction if they do not shift their practices towards supporting natural systems. The report, approved by multiple governments, emphasizes that all businesses rely on nature's services to function effectively.
Key Facts
The report is from Ipbes and involves contributions from scientists worldwide.
It is approved by 150 governments.
Businesses depend on natural resources like clean water and fertile soil.
Biodiversity loss is a significant threat to businesses.
Less than 1% of companies report their impacts on biodiversity.
Large subsidies often harm biodiversity because of lobbying.
Local projects like Steart Marshes show how businesses can work with nature to benefit both agriculture and wildlife.
The report calls for better measures and tools for businesses to manage their impact on nature.
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Starbucks has introduced new pastries and Valentine's Day-themed drinks starting February 9, 2026. The additions include six globally inspired bakery items and a new coffee blend named Roast 1971. All new bakery items are now available in Starbucks across the U.S., with most being permanent menu additions.
Key Facts
Starbucks launched new pastries and drinks as of February 9, 2026.
A new coffee blend called Roast 1971 has been introduced to celebrate Starbucks' heritage.
Six new bakery items have been added to Starbucks' U.S. menus.
The Dubai Chocolate Bite features a shortbread tart with pistachio cream.
The Cookie Croissant Swirl is a croissant with cocoa swirls and chocolate toppings.
The Berry Blondie includes white chocolate and berry jam.
The Strawberry Matcha Loaf combines matcha and strawberry flavors.
The Yuzu Citrus Blossom is a croissant with citrus cream.
The Chocolate Pistachio Loaf is a marbled cake available only through winter.
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Warpaint, a company that makes cosmetics for men, has bought the budget make-up brand Barry M for £1.4 million. Barry M went into administration, which means it had financial troubles and couldn't pay its debts. The deal to buy Barry M is still subject to court approval.
Key Facts
Warpaint bought Barry M for £1.4 million.
Barry M is known for its bright-colored make-up, popular among fans and drag queens.
The deal does not save the jobs of over 100 Barry M employees.
Barry M was founded in 1982 by Barry Mero and later run by his son, Dean Mero.
Barry M was sold in about 1,300 stores in the UK, like Superdrug and Tesco.
Warpaint reports that its profits will be lower this year due to tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.
Barry M had sales of £15 million up to February 2025.
Warpaint's takeover could help increase its sales and expand reach in stores.
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Eddie Bauer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for its stores in the U.S. and Canada due to declining sales and industry challenges. Most stores will stay open during this process, and the company's e-commerce and international operations are not affected.
Key Facts
Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for its U.S. and Canadian stores.
The company plans to close some stores while keeping others open.
Eddie Bauer's e-commerce and wholesale businesses will continue as usual.
Stores outside the U.S. and Canada are not part of the bankruptcy filing.
Customers can still use gift cards and loyalty programs during the initial bankruptcy phase.
Authentic Brands Group owns the Eddie Bauer brand and may license it to others later.
This is the third time Eddie Bauer has filed for bankruptcy in over 20 years.
Catalyst Brands, which operates Eddie Bauer stores, was formed through the merger of SPARC Group and JCPenney.
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Homeowners in the U.S. are staying in their houses longer than ever, reaching an average of 8.6 years by the end of 2025. This is due to low mortgage rates, high home prices, and less availability of homes for sale.
Key Facts
Homeowners are staying in their homes for an average of 8.6 years, the longest in at least 25 years.
The average homeownership duration in early 2000 was 4.2 years.
Homeowners in coastal and Northeast U.S. cities tend to keep their houses longer than those in Sun Belt and Midwest areas.
Barnstable, Springfield, and New Haven have the highest average tenure, over 13 years.
Cities like Provo, Crestview, and Oklahoma City have the shortest homeownership durations, around 7 years.
The trend of how long people own homes has been consistent in areas with historically long or short tenure periods.
Recently, more U.S. homeowners now have mortgage rates over 6% compared to those with rates under 3%.
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Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein tried to influence media coverage about sexual abuse allegations against him. Epstein used his relationship with billionaire Mortimer Zuckerman, the then-owner of the New York Daily News, to alter how the newspaper reported the story after Epstein's 2008 conviction.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein sought to change media coverage about allegations against him.
The U.S. Department of Justice released documents showing Epstein's efforts.
Epstein had a business and personal relationship with Mortimer Zuckerman.
Zuckerman owned the New York Daily News at the time.
Documents show Epstein suggested changes to how the Daily News reported the story.
An email exchange in 2009 showed Epstein contacting Zuckerman about the coverage.
The Daily News eventually published an article but avoided mentioning Ghislaine Maxwell.
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking.
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Amazon has recalled bottles of essential oil sold by Gumili Beauty because the packaging is not safe for children. The U.S. agency in charge, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, says the packaging did not meet standards to prevent child poisoning.
Key Facts
The recall involves Gumili Wintergreen Essential Oil sold on Amazon.
The packaging is not child-resistant, which poses a risk of poisoning.
About 2,970 bottles were recalled in the U.S.
The recalled product was sold from October 2023 to November 2025.
The oil contains methyl salicylate, needing special packaging by law.
No injuries have been reported due to this product.
Consumers can get a refund or replacement by contacting the company.
The product was manufactured in China and sold by Guangzhou Feifan Kuajing Supply Chain Co. Ltd.
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Starbucks is offering a free coffee to Starbucks Rewards members when they purchase a qualifying drink the Monday after the Super Bowl. They are also introducing a new coffee blend called the "1971 Roast" and launching merchandise that features their original branding from 1971.
Key Facts
Starbucks offers one free hot or iced coffee to Rewards members with the purchase of another drink.
The offer is valid at participating U.S. stores, excluding delivery services.
Free drinks use a retro-style cup with Starbucks' original logo.
Starbucks introduced a new coffee blend named "1971 Roast."
The 1971 Roast is a dark coffee created to honor Starbucks' founding year.
New 1971-themed merchandise, such as mugs and tumblers, will also be available.
Starbucks started as a small store in Seattle in 1971, selling freshly roasted coffee beans.
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Dunkin' launched a one-day promotion to celebrate "Super Bowl Monday" by giving away 1.995 million free iced coffees on February 9, 2026. This promotion is part of a campaign called "Good Will Dunkin'," featuring a '90s-themed ad with Ben Affleck shown during the Super Bowl. Dunkin' also announced a collection of '90s-style merchandise and a math competition.
Key Facts
Dunkin' offered 1.995 million free iced coffees on "Super Bowl Monday," February 9, 2026.
The offer was part of a campaign named "Good Will Dunkin'."
The promotional ad featured Ben Affleck and aired during the Super Bowl.
Dunkin' released a ’90s-inspired merchandise collection available online.
A math quiz competition was launched with MIT professor John Urschel, offering prizes like free coffee for a year and signed merchandise.
Customers could enter the math contest by sending in handwritten solutions and sharing their favorite Dunkin’ memory.
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Serena Williams appeared in a Super Bowl ad for Ro, a telehealth company, promoting GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The ad faced criticism online, with some saying it was inappropriate for a former athlete to advertise weight loss products. Williams stated the drugs helped her lose weight and improve her health.
Key Facts
Serena Williams featured in a Super Bowl ad for Ro, promoting weight loss drugs called GLP-1.
Williams claimed the drug helped her lose 34 pounds and improve other health markers.
Critics on social media expressed concern about promoting weight loss drugs during a widely-watched event.
GLP-1 drugs are used for weight loss and type-2 diabetes treatment.
About 12% of Americans have tried GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
Ro, the telehealth company, offers medical services and began selling GLP-1 drugs as pills and injections.
Williams' husband is an investor in Ro and serves on its board.
Ro states its medications have helped many patients with both weight loss and health improvements.
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A babysitter, sharing her experiences online, expressed concern about an overnight job offer that pays only for the hours when the children are awake, leaving sleeping hours unpaid. The job requires her to travel and stay overnight, but she disagrees with the way the parents calculate the payment. The issue highlights common disagreements in child care work about compensation for overnight duties.
Key Facts
The babysitter, using the nickname Low_Fee6188, shared her situation on Reddit.
She is hired to look after two children from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon.
The job requires her to travel about two and a half hours and arrive the night before, staying overnight.
She is paid $15 an hour only for the hours the children are awake.
The arrangement offers no pay for the night, or calculates an average of $10 waking and $5 sleeping hours.
The babysitter previously worked full-time for the family when they lived in her city.
Online responses suggest differing views on whether overnight hours should be compensated.
Child care industry guidelines recommend paying an hourly rate for all hours of overnight stays, even if the children are asleep.
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Some U.S. homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, a situation known as being "underwater." A report shows that while the number of such cases is rising slightly, the overall level of negative equity in the housing market is still low by historical standards.
Key Facts
A home is "seriously underwater" if the mortgage is 25% more than the home's market value.
3% of U.S. homes are seriously underwater as of the fourth quarter of 2025.
Louisiana has the highest rate of underwater properties at 10.7%.
Other states with high rates include Mississippi and Kentucky.
Vermont has the lowest rate of underwater properties at 0.7%.
High equity levels remain strong due to past home price gains and cautious lending.
The Northeast and West have the highest shares of equity-rich properties.
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