JPMorgan Chase taps Dwyane Wade, Tom Brady for new athlete wealth management pushJPMorgan's move reflects growing competition among banks and wealth managers to serve athletes, who are increasingly becoming entrepreneurs and investors.{}
Macy's store revamp shows progress, but company expects sales to fall this yearMacy's posted solid fourth-quarter results as it tries to revamp some stores and close others.{}
Disney embarks on new chapter as Josh D'Amaro takes over as CEOBob Iger is stepping aside as Josh D'Amaro, who previously served as chairman of Disney's experiences division, takes over as CEO.{}
FDA approves psoriasis pill from J&J that rivals shots Tremfya, SkyriziJohnson & Johnson said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its once-daily psoriasis pill, the first oral option to rival best-selling shots.{}
SeatGeek job posting touts $25K sex change perk, 6-figure salarySeatGeek faced backlash after a job posting offering up to $175,000 and sex change benefits sparked criticism and renewed pricing concerns.
Popular ticket-selling platform SeatGeek is facing backlash after a job posting offering up to $175,000 and perks like $25,000 in "gender-affirming care" benefits sparked outrage online and renewed criticism over the company’s pricing.
The company is seeking an analytics engineer to join SeatGeek’s data team, noting applicants should have a "strong opinion" on how data should drive decision-making.
Along with a salary range of $121,000 to $175,000, the listing highlights a slate of benefits, including mental health subscriptions, unlimited paid time off (PTO), four months of fully paid family leave, remote or in-office work options, a home office stipend and a student loan matching program.
TAYLOR SWIFT BREAKS SILENCE ON TICKETMASTER FIASCO
The application also includes a section labeled "Voluntary Demographic Questions," asking candidates to identify their gender as "male, female, non-binary, third gender, prefer not to say or prefer to self-describe."
Prospective employees can also indicate if they consider themselves "a member of the LGBTQ+ community."
Critics have raised concerns about the relevance of the prompts, and some social media users called for a boycott of the platform.
GAVIN ROSSDALE ON TAYLOR SWIFT TICKET FIASCO: ‘EVERYBODY WANTS TO CRASH THE SERVERS’
Multiple people questioned whether the $25,000 could be used for elective surgeries that are not related to sex reassignment, while others pointed out the four months of paid family leave seemed unnecessary given the unlimited PTO.
"Private companies can offer incentives to employees. If it's still legal and that's the kind of employee they want to attract," X user @dank1j wrote in a comment on a post shared by @LibsofTikTok. "Of course those who aren't trans inclined ought to be able to substitute breast augmentation or other plastic surgery. I'd be PO'd if they don't pony up for my tattoo."
User @WomanDefiner commented he would like to put the funds toward male "self-care."
"I need 25k to affirm my Gender as a biological male," @WomanDefiner wrote. "I'm going to take a fishing trip. It's called we do a little selfcare."
TAYLOR SWIFT TOUR DEBACLE: TICKETMASTER AND LIVE NATION MAY NEED BREAKUP, DEMOCRATIC SENATORS SAY
The generous salary and benefits also reignited a debate about the company's high ticket pricing and price-gouging accusations.
"I would conclude that their prices are inflated, if they can offer such expensive ‘benefits,’" user @Mayhawwoman wrote.
User @Gentrywgevers added, "This also proves they’re price gouging if they can afford to offer this."
Others, like user @AmericanPamia, suggested lower prices for all so "they can save their own money for their own preferences."
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SeatGeek said the demographic questions are voluntary and used to "measure our own diversity and inclusion efforts" in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) reporting requirements.
Questions about gender and sexual identification are standard and voluntary in many U.S. job applications for EEO compliance.
SeatGeek did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/seatgeek-job-posting-touts-25k-sex-change-perk-6-figure-salaryWill the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in 2026?Federal Reserve decision pushes expectations for rate cuts in 2026 lower, as uncertainty over the impact of the Iran war, sluggish job growth and stubborn inflation weighs.
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday left interest rates unchanged amid mounting uncertainty over how the Iran war will impact the economy and in turn the central bank's approach to monetary policy, raising questions over whether any rate cuts will occur this year.
The Fed's monetary policy panel, known as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), voted 11-1 to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. It marked the second straight meeting with rates being held steady after three successive 25-basis-point cuts in September, October and December to end last year.
Policymakers released a summary of economic projections (SEP), which showed that the median projection for interest rates sees just one 25 basis point cut the rest of this year followed by a single cut of that size in 2027.
"In our SEP, FOMC participants wrote down their individual assessments of an appropriate path for the federal funds rate under what each participant judges to be the most likely scenario for the economy," Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said. "The median participant projects that the appropriate level of the federal funds rate will be 3.4% at the end of this year and 3.1% at the end of next year, unchanged from December."
FEDERAL RESERVE HOLDS INTEREST RATES STEADY
"As is always the case, these individual forecasts are subject to uncertainty and they are not a committee plan or decision," Powell added.
During the post-announcement press conference, Powell was asked what officials are seeing that led them to project a cut despite higher forecasts for both inflation and unchanged projections for the unemployment rate and economic growth.
The SEP showed policymakers projected that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index – the Fed's preferred inflation gauge – will be 2.7% at the end of this year, well above the central bank's 2% target. That's up from 2.4% in the Fed's prior projection in December.
Core PCE, which excludes volatile measurements of food and energy, was also revised up to 2.7% at the end of this year. The previous projection had it at 2.5%.
"There are 19 people, and so 19 reasons, 19 individual submissions," Powell said. "If you notice, the median didn't change, but there was actually a meaningful amount of movement toward fewer cuts by people, so four or five people went from two cuts to one cut."
"Essentially, the forecast is that we will be making some progress on inflation, not as much as we had hoped, but some progress on inflation," Powell said. "It should come as we start to see in the middle of the year progress on tariffs going through once and then tariff inflation coming down. We should be seeing that."
"And you know, the rate forecast is conditional on the performance of the economy, so if we don't see that progress, then you won't see the rate cut," he explained.
FED OFFICIALS CLOSELY MONITOR IRAN CONFLICT FOR POTENTIAL INFLATION IMPACT
The market responded to the Fed's projection by pulling back expectations surrounding interest rate cuts this year, which were previously expected to begin as early as June.
The CME FedWatch tool showed an 89.2% probability that rates will remain at their current level following the Fed's June meeting in the wake of today's announcement. That's up from 79.5% yesterday, 62.8% a week ago and 37.8% last month – while the tool also now shows a 3.8% chance of a 25 basis point hike in June, up from zero a month ago.
The market now sees it being more likely than not that the Fed will leave rates unchanged through the end of this year.
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The CME FedWatch tool shows a 51.3% chance of rates being at their current range after the Fed's December meeting – up from 23.5% a week ago and 4.9% last month.
Probabilities for December show a 35.7% chance of one 25 basis point reduction by then, while the odds of a second cut between now and then have fallen to 9.5% from 32.5% a month ago.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/federal-reserve-cut-interest-rates-2026Lululemon reports weak guidance as proxy battle, tariffs weigh on bottom lineLululemon topped fourth-quarter estimates but gave weaker-than-expected sales and earnings forecasts for 2026.{}
Airlines raise revenue guidance despite rising fuel costs, citing growth in demandCEO Ed Bastian told CNBC's Phil LeBeau that Delta had taken a $400 million fuel hit in the quarter, but that demand has been "really, really great."{}
LARRY KUDLOW: #FreeKevinIt looks like the incumbent Fed chairman, Jay Powell, wants to be the Fed’s first forever board member
Iran certainly is not a forever war as President Trump has said many times. Indeed, Mr. Trump is "ending" Iran’s forever war against the United States. Yet now it looks like the Fed chairman, Jay Powell, wants to be the Fed’s first forever board member. Telling a press conference that he will remain on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors until the investigation is "well and truly over." Whatever that means.
This is unwelcome news to stock markets, as the Dow fell by more than 700 points, to a new 2026 low. It fell about 300 points after Mr. Powell made his forever board member comment. All the indexes were down today. Bond rates went up. As did oil prices.
Actually, the Fed’s dot plot of economic projections suggested only one projected rate cut this year instead of three before the war began. They also suggested higher inflation and a slight rise in growth.
What you really want is for the Fed to just keep its powder dry, as the Iran war winds down and oil prices move back to pre-war normalcy. Yet it seems like the Fed is already signaling a higher interest rate policy, which would do some damage to the American economy.
That’s one reason why it’s crucial that Mr. Trump’s nominee for Fed chairman, Kevin Warsh, be liberated as rapidly as possible to take over the central bank’s helm and get rid of the Fed models that say stronger growth leads to higher inflation. I’m calling it #FreeKevin.
And have someone who understands the economic growth benefits of lower tax rates, deregulation, and drill baby drill, which is a prosperity prescription that would raise growth and reduce inflation. And protect King Dollar.
Yet in order to liberate Mr. Warsh, it seems like the Justice Department has got to settle its disagreement with the Federal Reserve. Otherwise, Mr. Warsh will never get through the Senate Banking Committee, even though they love him, and Mr. Powell will stay at the Fed forever.
He might even be somehow voted to stay on as chairman by the Fed’s policy-setting body, the Open Market Committee, which really always leans against Mr. Trump. Or Steven Miran would have to give up his board seat to make room for Mr. Warsh’s board appointment, but not necessarily as the chairman. If you think this is a confusing and bizarre scenario, you would be right.
I believe that post-war American growth potential is around 5 percent. And as energy prices normalize, the inflation rate will drop below 2 percent. By the way, on inflation, a measure of the money supply, M2, is growing at 3.5 percent, not President Biden’s 30 percent.
Government spending has slowed down. And the dollar’s been rising. Those are all counter-inflationary moves. The Jay Powell Fed only sees a measly 2 percent economic growth. That’s what their models tell, but it’s garbage in, garbage out. Please will someone liberate Mr. Kevin Warsh? #FreeKevin.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/larry-kudlow-freekevinFed's Powell says it's 'too soon to know' Iran war's impact on economyFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says it's "too soon" to assess the Iran conflict's economic effect as oil prices surge above $100 per barrel amid rising tensions.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday it was "too soon" to assess the economic consequences of the ongoing war in Iran.
"The implications of events in the Middle East for the U.S. economy are uncertain. In the near term, higher energy prices will push up overall inflation, but it is too soon to know the scope and duration of the potential effects on the economy. We will continue to monitor the risks to both sides of our mandate," Powell said.
He said the broader economic fallout remains uncertain, though rising energy costs are likely to lift inflation in the near term.
"The U.S. economy is doing pretty well. It’s just we don’t know what the effects of this will be. And, really, no one does," Powell said.
TRUMP DEMANDS POWELL CUT RATES AS IRAN CONFLICT DRIVES UP ENERGY PRICES
Powell’s comments came as tit-for-tat strikes in Iran and across the Middle East helped push crude above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, rattling global markets and renewing concerns about tighter energy supplies.
That pressure is beginning to reach consumers. As oil prices climb, gasoline and diesel prices are also rising — especially diesel, which often moves faster because of its close ties to freight and industrial demand.
GAS PRICES SURGE, PINCHING AMERICANS AND HANDING THE GOP A NEW MIDTERM HEADACHE
Fed policymakers voted to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The decision followed the central bank’s move in January to hold rates steady after three successive quarter-point cuts in September, October and December.
Economic data showing a slowdown in the labor market, inflation still running above the Fed’s 2% target and unrest involving Iran all helped keep policymakers on hold.
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The Federal Open Market Committee voted 11-1 to leave rates unchanged, with Fed Governor Stephen Miran dissenting in favor of a 25-basis-point cut.
For President Donald Trump, the timing is politically difficult.
He campaigned on lowering costs for Americans, but the conflict involving Iran now threatens to do the opposite, driving up energy prices and putting fresh pressure on one of his core economic promises.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/feds-powell-says-its-too-soon-know-iran-wars-impact-economyArizona charges Kalshi with criminal misdemeanors, alleging it's an illegal gambling operationThe Arizona charges are the first criminal charges to have been filed against Kalshi, though the company is embroiled in multiple lawsuits over its predictions platform.{}
Nissan joins Toyota, Honda in plans to export U.S. cars to JapanNissan will export the Murano SUV built in Smyrna, Tennessee, beginning early next year. It marks the first American-made Nissan sold in Japan since the 1990s.{}
Grubhub launches first-ever commercial drone food delivery service in New JerseyGrubhub launches New Jersey's first commercial drone food delivery in Green Brook Township. The three-month test program is expected to deliver orders faster at no extra cost.
Grubhub is launching New Jersey’s first-ever commercial drone-powered food delivery service, the company announced last Wednesday.
The service, which will run for three months as a test program, will operate out of Green Brook Township, located one hour southwest of New York City.
The food ordering marketplace will partner with autonomous drone company Dexa to deliver meals directly from a local Wonder food hall operated by its parent company. These Wonder facilities function as high-tech kitchens where staff assemble and finish dishes pre-prepared by its numerous restaurant brand partners, helping streamline the ordering process.
The drone service is expected to deliver food faster than traditional methods and comes at no additional cost beyond standard delivery and service fees, the Chicago-based company said.
AMAZON LAUNCHES 1-HOUR AND 3-HOUR DELIVERY OPTIONS WITH NEW TIERED PRICING STRUCTURE FOR CUSTOMERS
"This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level," CEO of Dexa Beth Flippo said in a statement.
Customers can use the Grubhub app to order from the local Wonder location, which offers 15 different restaurant concepts prepared in a single location, and can specifically opt for drone delivery.
AMAZON EXPANDS SAME-DAY DELIVERY SERVICE TO INCLUDE PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS IN OVER 1,000 CITIES
Dexa’s AI-operated drone, the DE-2020, will then take off and fly along approved paths designed to prioritize safety while minimizing noise and other community disruptions.
Once it reaches the customer, instead of landing, it will safely lower the order to the ground using a controlled tether system.
The drone company’s flight crews will also verify that the food is correctly packaged and secured before taking off, Grubhub said.
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Through the Grubhub platform, diners can also monitor food delivery using real-time GPS tracking and arrival notifications.
After the three-month trial at Green Brook, Grubhub will then evaluate the program's success and consider expanding the service to other nearby restaurants.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/grubhub-launches-first-ever-commercial-drone-food-delivery-service-new-jerseyCar dealers warned by FTC about deceptive pricing practices, hidden feesThe FTC issued a warning to 97 auto dealers nationwide to stop misleading consumers with hidden fees and deceptive pricing that inflate costs beyond advertised prices.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warnings to 97 auto groups around the country, reminding them their advertised prices must be the total price, inclusive of all mandatory fees, that consumers will have to pay.
The FTC said its letters encouraged auto dealers to review their advertising and pricing practices to ensure that advertised prices include all fees consumers must pay when buying a vehicle.
It said that, at minimum, it includes evaluating advertised prices to ensure they match actual prices charged to consumers. The agency added it will continue to monitor the marketplace and will take action as warranted to ensure compliance with the FTC Act and other rules.
DOJ REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH LIVE NATION IN ANTITRUST CASE
"The Trump-Vance FTC is committed to preventing auto dealers from misleading consumers with low advertised prices and then adding on mandatory fees at the end of the purchasing process," said Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
"The FTC will remain focused on monitoring auto dealerships to ensure that the market functions efficiently and competitors are transparently competing on price."
The agency said the letters to auto dealers are part of the FTC's broader efforts to ensure price transparency across multiple markets, including rental housing, ticketing and hotels, grocery and delivery services and auto sales and leasing.
The FTC's efforts aim to support affordability in the marketplace by ensuring that consumers only pay the advertised price for products and services and don't face undisclosed fees, hidden charges or other illegal conduct.
"When consumers do not know the true price of a car — or any product — consumers and others suffer related consequences, including that consumers cannot comparison-shop and make informed decisions, sellers trying to deal honestly with consumers are put at a competitive disadvantage, and the market cannot operate efficiently," a template version of the warning letter posted on the FTC's website explained.
The letters the FTC sent to the auto dealers offered several examples of illegal pricing practices in the auto industry.
Those include advertising a price that doesn't reflect all required fees, advertising a price that reflects rebates or discounts that aren't available to all consumers and advertising a price that fails to take into account the amount of an additional required down payment.
They also include conditioning the advertised price on consumers using dealer financing, requiring consumers to buy additional items not reflected in the advertised price and advertising unavailable or non-existent vehicles.
NEW FTC CHAIR ANDREW FERGUSON PREVIEWS TRUMP ADMIN'S PLANS FOR THE AGENCY
The FTC's template letter informs the recipient that the agency is concerned that the recipient may be engaging in one or more of those practices.
It also encourages the recipient to "review your practices, including by making sure the prices you advertise include all required fees and charges aside from required government charges, to ensure you are complying with applicable laws. This would include, at a minimum, evaluating your advertised prices and actual prices and confirming they match."
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The template letter adds that the notice "is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of concerns that may exist about your dealership or dealership group" and it also isn't intended to "represent any conclusions on whether your dealership or dealership group is engaging in these practices."
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/car-dealers-warned-ftc-about-deceptive-pricing-practices-hidden-feesNvidia adds Hyundai, BYD and other automakers to self-driving tech businessAVs are important to Nvidia as self-driving cars remain one of the primary areas where the company can show growth outside of artificial intelligence.{}
NFL, Paramount discussing media deal that could mean CBS pays an extra $1 billion or moreThe NFL is discussing getting rid of its 2029-30 opt-out clause in exchange for an increase on TV rights that could push CBS to pay more than $3 billion a year.{}
CBS News union members hold 24-hour walkout over failed contract negotiations with managementCBS News 24/7 staffers stage walkout as Writers Guild members demand fair wages and job protections amid stalled contract negotiations with the network.
CBS News saw staffers walk off the job on Tuesday amid an ongoing labor dispute.
Writers Guild of America East members at CBS News 24/7 held a 24-hour walkout on Tuesday, claiming management failed to reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement with the 60-member bargaining unit. The current contract expired on March 9, and union members believe CBS is offering a "worse" deal.
Unionized CBS News 24/7 staffers believe they need "to protect their livelihoods during a period of uncertainty in broadcast news," pointing to "layoffs, editorial interference and political pressure" that have become "existential threats" following last year’s Paramount-Skydance merger, according to the guild.
CBS NEWS IN TRANSITION: WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT AFTER A TUMULTUOUS YEAR AT THE NETWORK
The bargaining unit is asking for "fair pay, respect and a sustainable work-life balance."
The CBS News 24/7 Union bargaining committee and contract action team told Fox News Digital that "management refuses to agree to a new contract with essential work protections and fair wages," so a walkout was necessary.
"Despite multiple days of good faith negotiations and a strike pledge signed by 95% of our members to emphasize the seriousness of our demands, management continues to offer us worse terms than in our last contracts. We chose this field to cover the news, but we believe this work stoppage is necessary to achieve a fair contract. We eagerly await an acceptable contract offer from Paramount—which just shelled out tens of billions of dollars to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery," the CBS News 24/7 Union bargaining committee said.
After the Paramount-Skydance merger closed, David Ellison took control of the combined company and installed Bari Weiss as CBS News' new editor-in-chief, acquiring her outlet The Free Press in the process.
CBS' NORAH O'DONNELL CLAIMS COWORKERS ARE 'FEARFUL' OVER THE NUMEROUS CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP
Weiss’ CBS has become a target of the left, who insist the organization has worked to appease the Trump administration, although it has continued to publish critical reports.
Last month, Netflix dropped its bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery after the studio announced Paramount's offer to buy the entire company was "superior." Paramount, the parent company of CBS, is now set to acquire WBD for $31 per share, putting the company's valuation at $111 billion.
"Paramount has billions to spend acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, but still hasn’t guaranteed fair wages and basic job protections for the workers who make their streaming news operation run," WGAE Vice President Beth Godvik said.
"Our members are walking out today to show management they stand united in their demand for a fair contract," Godvik continued. "And the WGAE is with them every step of the way."
CBS News management disagrees with the union.
"We continue to negotiate in good faith and hope to reach a fair resolution quickly," a CBS News spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
More than 2,900 union members and supporters of the CBS News 24/7 Union have sent letters to management urging them to agree to a fair contract for WGAE members at CBS News 24/7, according to the guild. Tuesday’s walkout featured staffers from CBS News locations in New York and San Francisco.
Paramount slashed roughly 1,000 jobs across the company last fall, many of them affecting CBS News, with plans to cut more.
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Fox News Digital's Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/cbs-news-union-members-hold-24-hour-walkout-over-failed-contract-negotiations-managementUS national debt breaches $39 trillion milestone for first time amid spending surgeU.S. national debt hits historic $39 trillion milestone, growing from $38 trillion in five months as deficits surge and experts warn of unsustainable pace.
The U.S. national debt reached another historic milestone on Wednesday as it surpassed $39 trillion for the first time as the federal government's persistent budget deficits send the debt soaring higher.
New data from the Treasury Department released on Wednesday showed that the gross national debt reached $39,016,762,910,245.14 as of March 17.
The $39 trillion milestone comes about five months after the national debt reached $38 trillion for the first time in late October 2025, which closely followed the $37 trillion milestone being surpassed just two months earlier in mid-August.
America's debt has grown rapidly over the last decade as the population ages and federal spending on Social Security and Medicare rises. Another key driver of the surging debt is interest expenses incurred from servicing the debt, which have swelled due to higher interest rates meant to curb inflation as well as the growth in the debt itself.
US DEBT SET TO CRUSH WORLD WAR II RECORD AS ANNUAL DEFICITS EXPLODE TO $3T WITHIN DECADE
Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation, told FOX Business that the latest national debt milestone is an opportunity for Americans to "recognize this alarming rate of growth and the significant financial burden we are putting on the next generation."
"At the current growth rate, we will hit a staggering $40 trillion in national debt before this fall's elections. Borrowing trillion after trillion at this rapid pace with no plan in place is the definition of unsustainable," he explained.
Peterson noted that interest payments on the debt – the cost of servicing the debt the federal government has incurred – are the fastest growing line item in the federal budget and that interest costs are projected to total nearly $100 trillion over the next 30 years.
BUDGET DEFICIT HITS $1 TRILLION IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF FISCAL YEAR: CBO
He went on to say that with voters concerned about affordability, the debt's cost and economic impact on Americans' livelihoods should serve as cause for the issue to be a focal point of the debate surrounding this year's elections.
"America faces complex and critical challenges, both at home and abroad, and putting our debt on a sustainable path will support a stronger, more secure future. The good news is that there are many solutions available, and they all should be put on the table for discussion this campaign season," Peterson added.
The fiscal headwinds facing the federal government are expected to continue in the years ahead, as spending on programs like Social Security and Medicare rise along with debt service costs and cause projected budget deficits to widen.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BUDGET DEFICITS IN US HISTORY?
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a 10-year budget and economic forecasts which estimated annual budget deficits will rise from their current level of about $1.9 trillion to $3.1 trillion a year a decade from now. That will push the gross national debt from its current level around $39 trillion to $63 trillion in 2036.
Debt held by the public as a share of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure economists prefer to use in comparing a nation's debt to the size of its economy, will rise from about 100% this year to 108% of GDP in 2030 and further to 120% in 2036.
Those figures will break the record of 106% set in 1946 as the U.S. was in the process of demobilization after the end of World War II.
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A recent update from the CBO found that the federal government's budget deficit for the current fiscal year 2026 topped $1 trillion in the first five months of the fiscal year despite an influx of tax revenue from tariffs, some of which were struck down by the Supreme Court as being illegal.
Some of those tariff revenues may be subject to refunds to the businesses and consumers who paid them, which could widen this year's deficit if the revenue isn't replaced.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-national-debt-breaches-39-trillion-milestone-first-time-amid-spending-surgeApollo's John Zito questions private equity's software valuations: 'All the marks are wrong'While Wall Street figures have flagged risks in private credit, Apollo's Zito is among the first within private credit to candidly acknowledge weakness.{}
Peloton is launching bikes and treadmills for gyms, accelerating commercial strategyPeloton is launching commercial gym-ready Bikes and Treads, expanding into gyms globally as it seeks new growth beyond its at-home fitness business.{}
Vance labels surge in gas prices a 'temporary blow,' acknowledges people are 'hurting' during Iran warThe Trump administration is "doing everything that we can" to lower gas prices amid the Iran war spike, Vice President JD Vance told a crowd in Michigan.
The Trump administration is working to lower gas prices as motorists continue to pay more at the pump since the outbreak of the Iran war, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday, noting that the increase is temporary.
Vance was at the Engineering Design Services, Inc. manufacturing plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where he was asked about rising gas prices.
"Gas prices are up, and we know they're up," Vance said. "We know that people are hurting because of it, and we're doing everything that we can to ensure that they stay lower."
Vance said prices will eventually start to decline.
AMERICANS HIT WITH SOARING ELECTRICITY BILLS AS PRICE HIKES OUTPACE INFLATION NATIONWIDE
"The president said this, and I certainly agree with it. This is a temporary blow," he said. "What happened under the Biden administration is that gas prices were high for four years. Gas prices are higher right now, and frankly, they're not even as high as they were during certain parts of the Biden administration."
Prices have steadily risen following U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran in recent weeks.
As of Wednesday, the average price for a regular gallon of gas was $3.84, up from $2.92 a month ago, according to AAA.
GAS PRICES SURGE, PINCHING AMERICANS AND HANDING THE GOP A NEW MIDTERM HEADACHE
In recent weeks, the administration has worked with its allies to release hundreds of millions of barrels of oil from petroleum reserves in an effort to put downward pressure on prices, Vance said.
Many U.S. allies are "suffering" much more than many Americans, Vance said.
"So as much as we've got to focus on getting these gas prices down, the reality is, overseas they're feeling it far worse than we did because we've taken the steps to protect our energy economy."
Once military operations against Iran conclude, prices should decrease to previous levels, said Vance.
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"We promise that when this conflict draws to a close, when this operation draws to close, we're going to see those energy prices come back down to reality, because that's what the president promised to do," he said. "He delivered an energy-dominant agenda. It's made us much more secure in the face of these things. But yeah, we've got a rough road ahead of us for the next few weeks, but it's temporary."
The U.S. produces more oil than any other country, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). As of 2023, the latest data available, the U.S. produces 1roughly3 millions barrels per day, followed by Russia and Saudi Arabia.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/vance-labels-surge-gas-prices-temporary-blow-acknowledges-people-hurting-during-iran-warFederal Reserve holds interest rates steadyFederal Reserve policymakers chose to leave interest rates unchanged at their March meeting amid a softening labor market and uncertainty over the economic impact of the Iran war.
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced it will leave interest rates unchanged amid a softening labor market and growing uncertainty over the war in Iran.
Fed policymakers voted to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at its current range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The move follows the central bank's decision to hold rates steady in January after three successive 25-basis-point rate cuts in September, October and December to close out last year.
Economic data showing a slowdown in the labor market, inflation continuing to run hotter than the Fed's 2% target and the unrest in Iran prompted policymakers to continue to pause rate cuts.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 11-1 in favor of leaving rates unchanged, with the lone dissent by Fed Governor Stephen Miran, who was in favor of a 25 basis point cut.
The FOMC's statement noted that economic indicators suggest the economy is expanding at a solid pace, with low levels of job gains and somewhat elevated inflation.
It also noted that uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook "remains elevated" and that the "implications of developments in the Middle East for the U.S. economy are uncertain."
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said at a news conference announcing the decision that the slowdown in hiring reflects lower demand for labor and a decline in immigration. He added that inflation readings remain elevated in the goods sector due to the effects of tariffs raising consumer prices.
Powell said the current 3.5% to 3.75% range for the benchmark federal funds rate is within a range of neutral. He added that it's too soon to tell what the effect of the conflict in the Middle East will be on the economy, adding that policymakers will continue to monitor economic data as they consider adjusting monetary policy.
TRUMP DEMANDS POWELL CUT RATES AS IRAN CONFLICT DRIVES UP ENERGY PRICES
The Fed chair was asked whether the central bank will look through the inflation that stems from higher oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. Powell said the Fed needs to see goods inflation slow as the one-time price increase from tariffs flows through the system before it can consider the new energy inflation.
"The question of whether we look through the energy inflation doesn't really arise until we have kind of checked that box," he said. "It is kind of standard learning that you look through energy shocks, but that's always been on inflation expectations remaining well-anchored."
Powell noted that total core inflation is at about 3%, well above the Fed's 2% target, and he added that "some big chunk of that, between a half and three-quarters, is actually tariffs."
FED OFFICIALS CLOSELY MONITOR IRAN CONFLICT FOR POTENTIAL INFLATION IMPACT
Another question posed to Powell was regarding whether the impact of the Middle East conflict on gas prices could spur increased domestic production.
"If you ask oil companies about doing more drilling, though, they're going to want to see a consistent rise in oil prices from where they were before the buildup for the war, and they're going to want to believe that that's going to be persistent for a fairly long time," he explained. "I wouldn't say there's much of that happening now, but some of that could happen over time."
Powell discussed concerns about the labor market given the trend of sluggish job growth and said "that looks like that's about what the economy needs in terms of dealing with very, very low and non-existent really growth in the labor force, which we've never had in our history."
"So you've got kind of a zero employment growth equilibrium. Now, that's a balance, but I would say it does have a feel of downside risk, and it's not kind of a really comfortable balance," he said, adding that it's something the central bank watches closely.
SENATE BANKING CHAIR SAYS POWELL DIDN'T COMMIT CRIME IN TESTIMONY
The chair was asked about how the Fed's independence relates to the central bank's ability to address affordability concerns.
"Independence is what allows us to do our jobs, and stable prices is half of our mandate, it's one of our two mandates, maximum employment being the other," he said. "Look at every advanced economy that looks anything like the U.S. anywhere in the world in a market economy, in a democracy, and you'll see central bank independence. It looks a lot like, and in some cases stronger than what we have.
"It's critical that we have that so that we can do the things that we need to do to preserve price stability. And it's just an accepted, standard practice, and I think has a lot of support certainly in Congress where our oversight is."
Powell's term as chairman expires in late May, though he may choose to serve out the remainder of his term as a Fed governor that runs until January 2028.
FOX Business' Edward Lawrence asked Powell what he plans to do if his successor, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, isn't confirmed by the end of Powell's term and whether he plans to leave the central bank before the Trump administration's Justice Department probe into whether he misled Congress concludes.
"If my successor is not confirmed by the end of my term as chair, I would serve as chair pro tem until he is confirmed. That is what the law calls for, that's what we've done on several occasions, including involving me, and that's we're going to do in this situation," Powell said.
"On the question of whether I will leave while the investigation is ongoing, I have no intention of leaving the board until the investigation is well and truly over with transparency and finality," Powell explained.
"On the question of whether I will then continue to serve as governor after my term ends, and after the investigation is over, I have not made that decision yet, and I will make that decision based on what I think is best for the institution and for the people we serve," Powell added. "I'm not going to have anymore to say on those issues, by the way."
"The Fed will remain in ‘wait-and-see’ mode for now, pending clarity on developments in the Middle East. Despite higher inflation forecasts, the FOMC retains an easing bias, with a narrow majority on the committee expecting cuts to resume this year," said Lindsay Rosner, head of multi-sector fixed income investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
"We still see room for two ‘normalization’ cuts in 2026, although their timing remains dependent on the length of the conflict."
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Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, said the "economic cost of surging energy prices is not yet known, so it's understandable that Chair Powell struck a cautious tone about future rate cuts.
"Because oil supply shocks lead to a significant slowing in growth, there will likely be more room for policy easing than many people now expect."
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/federal-reserve-interest-rate-decision-march-18-2026A Paramount-Warner Bros. movie slate could rule the 2027 box office, but is it sustainable?Paramount CEO David Ellison has said he wants to make 30 movies a year and has franchises like Godzilla-Kong, Superman and Sonic the Hedgehog to lean on.{}
Mortgage rates surge to highest since September, hitting spring housing marketMortgage rates jumped to a seven-month high Friday as war in Iran pushed bond yields higher.{}
Iran’s ‘terrible mistake’ exposed by ex-Israeli consul general as regime revealed as major threatFormer Israeli consul general warns of critical miscalculation by Iran after military escalation backfires, drawing European Union into conflict.
Iran's latest military escalation is backfiring on the global stage as new strikes and widening regional fallout expose what a former Israeli consul general in New York called a critical miscalculation by Tehran.
Ambassador Ido Aharoni, who served as consul general of Israel in New York, joined FOX Business' "Mornings With Maria" on Wednesday to discuss the broader implications of Iran's recent actions and the shifting dynamics across the Middle East.
"Iran made a terrible mistake attacking Cyprus, thus bringing in the European Union," Aharoni told host Maria Bartiromo.
He said Iran's decision to expand its targets is drawing in new international pressure and raising concerns far beyond the region.
IRAN WAR UNLIKELY TO TRIGGER GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS, GOLDMAN SACHS SAYS
"Iran is presenting a threat to the entire world," Aharoni said.
The former consul general argued the U.S. and Israel's ongoing military campaign is reshaping deterrence and exposing the regime's vulnerabilities.
"For the first time since 1979, Iran is being punished for its motivation, for its ideology, not just for their actions... This sends a very powerful message throughout the region," Aharoni said.
"This is how you restore deterrence... This is exactly what is being done."
He said Iran's long-term position is weakening as a result of Operation Epic Fury.
"They're not going to be the same regional power that they were before or after this. It will take them decades to rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed," Aharoni explained.
Aharoni underscored that Iran's actions are impacting its own population as instability grows.
"The Iranians are the number one victims of their own regime," Aharoni said.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/irans-terrible-mistake-exposed-former-israeli-ambassador-says-regime-threat-entire-worldApple CEO Tim Cook doubles down on policy over politics while aligning with Trump’s manufacturing pushApple CEO Tim Cook rejects any political labels while defending his close ties to the Trump administration amid criticism over his "Melania" documentary attendance.
In a high-stakes balancing act, Apple CEO Tim Cook is rejecting political labels while aggressively aligning his company with the Trump administration’s "America First" economic agenda.
Highlighting a massive $600 billion investment in U.S. operations, Cook defended his proximity to the White House as a necessary pursuit of pro-growth policy — even as he faces a firestorm from the left over his attendance at the "Melania" documentary screening.
"You were at the inauguration last year, just feet from the president. You gave him a nice gift at the White House. You were at the screening of ‘Melania,’ the documentary for the First Lady. There's so many people [who] say you're really close to the administration, and you're being criticized for that," "Good Morning America" co-host Michael Strahan told Cook during an interview discussing Apple’s 50th anniversary.
"Well, what I do is I interact on policy, not politics," Cook responded.
NEW EMOJIS COMING TO APPLE IPHONE IN LATEST UPDATE
"I'm not a political person on either side. I'm not political. And so I'm kind of straight down the middle, and I focus on policy," the CEO continued. "And so, I'm very pleased that the president and the administration is accessible to talk about policy."
Apple has openly been collaborating with President Donald Trump to reshore critical supply chains and move away from overseas reliance, aiming to secure a made-in-America future that hedges against global trade volatility. Cook further discussed the leading tech company’s $600 billion commitment to the domestic economy over the next four years.
"If you looked at your iPhone today, the front cover and the back cover, all of that glass will be coming out of Kentucky by the end of this year. The engine, the system on a chip, we're gonna make over 100 million of those in Arizona this year," Cook said.
"We're going to make over 20 billion semiconductors in the U.S. And again, this is not only for the U.S. market-sold iPhones, it's for worldwide iPhones," he added. "We've invested more in the U.S. Absolutely. We're a very proud American company and want to do as much here as we possibly can."
As Apple approaches its 50th birthday on April 1, Cook also took the opportunity to shut down speculation that he is preparing to step down as CEO.
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"I haven’t said that," he clarified. "That’s a rumor going around."
"Here's the way I look at it: I love what I do deeply. 28 years ago, I walked into Apple, and I've loved every day of it since… I can’t imagine life without Apple."
https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/apple-ceo-tim-cook-doubles-down-policy-over-politics-while-aligning-trumps-manufacturing-pushIs WWIII here?
KYIV, Ukraine, March 19 (IPS) - It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the tension, violence and uncertainty in the world in recent years. The number of wars is growing, more and more money is being spent on weapons, and the rhetoric of major powers is becoming increasingly decisive.
Read the full story, “Is WWIII here?”, on globalissues.org →
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2026/03/19/42584 {"url":"https://static.globalissues.org/ips/2026/03/The-Russo-Ukrainian_-100x100.jpg"}Starbucks union sent the company a proposed contract. Here's what baristas wantDiscussions between Starbucks and the union representing about 6% of its company-owned U.S. stores hit a wall last year.{}
Inside JPMorgan Chase's push to become the startup world’s new Silicon Valley BankFor JPMorgan Chase, winning the niche of startup banking from rivals is about more than just gaining deposits: It's a bet to future-proof the largest U.S. bank.{}
Aldi recalls popular snack food over possible rodent hair contaminationAldi recalls frozen spinach bites in Maryland and Pennsylvania after FDA warns of possible rodent hair contamination in a Class II recall.
Aldi is recalling a frozen food product from store shelves following a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice citing potential contamination with rodent hair.
The recall involves Simply Nature spinach bites sold at Aldi under the "Simply Nature" label, according to the FDA. The product may be contaminated with rodent hair.
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods Inc. voluntarily initiated the recall, the agency said.
The recall has been classified as a Class II event, meaning the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects.
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The affected product is packaged in 12-ounce boxes of frozen spinach bites.
The recall is limited to certain lots distributed in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
The recall was initiated on Jan. 16, 2026, and remains ongoing, according to the FDA.
Affected products include lot number G25CF-02B with UPC 4099100247992. Approximately 7,894 units are impacted.
Consumers who have the affected product are advised not to eat it and can return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
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FOX Business has reached out to Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods Inc. and Aldi for comment.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/aldi-recalls-popular-snack-food-over-possible-rodent-hair-contaminationNew Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro officially takes the reins from Bob IgerDisney's new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, takes over as the company confronts AI disruption, streaming challenges and softer box office performance while leaning on parks for profit growth.
Josh D’Amaro officially assumed the role of Disney chief executive on Wednesday, taking charge of the company as it confronts a rapidly shifting entertainment landscape shaped by artificial intelligence, changing consumer behavior and pressure across its legacy media businesses.
His succession of Bob Iger follows a run leading Disney’s parks, experiences and products division – a segment that has become central to the company’s financial performance. The unit accounted for 57% of Disney’s $17.5 billion in profit last year, highlighting a growing reliance on theme parks and tourism as other areas face headwinds.
That dynamic is expected to shape investor expectations early in D’Amaro’s tenure. Market participants are looking for clarity on how Disney plans to adapt to advances in AI, which are poised to alter content production, distribution and monetization, while also intensifying competition from digital-first platforms.
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At the same time, Disney continues to grapple with internal pressures. Its traditional television networks remain in decline, and some of its biggest film franchises have delivered lackluster results at the box office. The company is also competing more directly with platforms such as YouTube and TikTok for audience attention, forcing a broader rethink of its content strategy.
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D’Amaro’s appointment also revives comparisons to former CEO Bob Chapek, another executive who rose through the parks division before a short-lived tenure that ended with Iger returning to the role in late 2022.
Iger will remain on Disney’s board through the end of the year. His return came during a turbulent period, when Disney shares had fallen sharply amid concerns about losses in its streaming business and broader questions about long-term strategy.
During his second stint as CEO, Iger restructured the company to give greater authority to creative leaders and worked to improve the economics of Disney’s streaming operations. His leadership was credited with helping Disney stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Operationally, Disney expanded its investment in its parks and cruise businesses with a $60 billion commitment, while also advancing its direct-to-consumer strategy through the launch of an ESPN streaming service and a partnership with OpenAI. The company also produced multiple billion-dollar box office releases during that period.
Even so, Disney’s financial performance has trailed the broader market. The company’s return on invested capital during Iger’s tenure was about 11%, compared with 77% for the S&P 500, according to LSEG data. Its valuation remains below recent averages, reflecting continued investor caution.
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D’Amaro now inherits that strategic framework at a time when those priorities are being tested by artificial intelligence and shifting consumer behavior. His ability to balance Disney’s high-margin parks business with the demands of a transforming media ecosystem is likely to define the company’s next phase of growth.
Reuters contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/new-disney-ceo-josh-damaro-officially-takes-reins-from-bob-igerAfrica’s Minerals Boon, Cautious Optimism Amid Geopolitical Disruptions
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, March 18 (IPS) - Africa’s eye on minerals as the be-all-and-cure-all for the continent’s development agenda is being tested by geopolitical gamesmanship as global superpowers jostle to carve new spheres of influence.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2026/03/18/42577 {"url":"https://static.globalissues.org/ips/2026/03/Metallon-one-of-Zimbabwes-largest-gold-producers-100x100.jpg"}CHINA: ‘The State Is Using Generative AI to Engineer Reality Through Informational Gaslighting’
CIVICUS discusses China’s tech-enabled repression with Fergus Ryan, a Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), where he specialises in how the Chinese Communist Party shapes global information environments through censorship, propaganda and platform governance. His research includes a major study on China’s AI ecosystem and its human rights impacts, as well as investigations into China’s use of foreign influencers.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2026/03/18/42580 {"url":"https://static.globalissues.org/ips/2026/03/Fergus-Ryan-100x100.jpg"}Flights are already getting more expensive after a jet fuel spike. When should you book?Some airlines are already raising fares after a historic surge in jet-fuel costs.{}
How the Iran war could start to impact U.S. retail pricesThe retail industry could soon be taking the next hit from the Iran war's disruption to the global supply chain.{}
Trump waives Jones Act for 60 days in bid to free up the flow of oil to US portsPresident Donald Trump temporarily waived the century-old shipping law for 60 days, allowing foreign ships to carry oil and resources between U.S. ports.
President Donald Trump has temporarily waived a century-old shipping law to allow oil and other resources to flow to the United States, a White House official told FOX Business on Wednesday.
Trump issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act, a mandate that only U.S. ships carry cargo between U.S. ports and stipulates that at least 75% of the crew members are American citizens. Additionally, it demands these ships are built in the U.S. and owned by U.S. citizens.
"President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on X. "This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for sixty days, and the Administration remains committed to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains."
The war with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil chokepoint that sees ships carry about a fifth of the world’s oil out of the Gulf region. Iran's stranglehold and threats to ships in the narrow passageway has sent oil prices above $100 per barrel.
US BUNKER-BUSTER BOMBS HAMMER IRANIAN ANTI-SHIP MISSILE SITES NEAR STRAIT OF HORMUZ
Proponents of the Jones Act claim it beefs up national security, prevents foreign countries from accessing the U.S. and protects the American shipbuilding sector. Critics, however, argue that the 1920s law is outdated and hampers competitiveness in the industry while driving up shipbuilding costs.
The American Maritime Partnership told FOX Business in a statement on Wednesday that it had concerns about Trump's waiver.
"We are deeply concerned about this 60-day, broad waiver being abused and unnecessarily displacing American workers and American companies," it said. "The law sets a high bar: this waiver exists solely to address an immediate threat to military operations, not to displace American workers or reward foreign operators. Every vessel movement under this waiver must be publicly disclosed and justified according to federal law. We will be watching closely — and so will the American public."
"We also reiterate that this waiver will not reduce gas prices," it said. "The maximum potential impact of domestic shipping on the cost of gasoline nationwide is less than one penny per gallon."
TRUMP WARNS NATO OF 'VERY BAD' FUTURE IF ALLIES DON'T HELP SECURE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
Even with oil prices surging and appeals from Trump and Washington, U.S. allies are declining to take part in military efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump on Wednesday appeared to call out these allies in a post on his Truth Social platform.
"I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Straight?' (sic) That would get some of our non-responsive 'Allies' in gear, and fast!!!" Trump wrote.
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Previous instances in which the Jones Act has been temporarily waived include responses to major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-waives-jones-act-60-days-bid-free-up-flow-oil-usCostco enters fertility care with massive discounts for members through new healthcare partnershipsCostco enters fertility care with massive discounts on IVF, egg freezing and medications through new partnership with Sesame and IVI RMA North America.
Costco is making a bold move into fertility care.
The membership-only retailer announced last Monday it will begin offering fertility treatments to customers at a steep discount through a new nationwide partnership with healthcare providers.
The initiative brings together telehealth provider Sesame and fertility clinic IVI RMA North America to provide a full spectrum of services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Most notably, the service will slash one of the largest out-of-pocket costs in fertility care, offering savings of up to 80% on medications, including Follistim, which can cost around $2,000 per cartridge. As a result, patients could save thousands of dollars on each cycle.
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The company says the program is designed to break down one of the biggest barriers to care for the 1 in 6 Americans struggling with infertility, making fertility treatment more accessible than ever.
"Our partnership with Sesame and IVI RMA reflects our commitment to transparent and affordable solutions that reduce barriers, are more accessible, and more affordable for our members," Richard Stephens, senior vice president of Pharmacy at Costco, said. "By combining transparent pricing with coordinated care, we're removing the barriers that have historically kept quality fertility treatment out of reach for too many families."
COSTCO SUED BY CUSTOMER SEEKING REFUNDS FOR TARIFF PAYMENTS
The program and its specially negotiated discounts are exclusively available to Costco members, who pay a membership fee for access to the store and its offers.
The program is available nationwide and can be accessed online.
The program combines Sesame’s direct telehealth access for treatment planning, IVI RMA North America’s specialized clinics for medical procedures, and Costco’s pharmacy to fulfill the necessary medications.
Through Sesame, patients can complete evaluations and diagnostic workups, allowing doctors to map out a personalized treatment plan.
If patients require major specialty procedures such as IVF or IUI, they are connected to IVI RMA clinics where discounts have been negotiated for Costco members.
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The IVI RMA network also provides preimplantation genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A), single embryo transfers, fertility preservation, and specialized fertility care for LGBTQ+ patients.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/costco-enters-fertility-care-massive-discounts-members-through-new-healthcare-partnershipsBeyond Stereotypes: Reclaiming Muslim Histories during Ramadan
DELHI, India, March 18 (IPS) - In public discourse today, Muslims often appear as subjects of debate rather than authors of their own histories. Discussions about Muslim societies tend to revolve around geopolitics, security or conflict, leaving little space for the cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions that have shaped Muslim communities across centuries.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2026/03/18/42579 {"url":"https://static.globalissues.org/ips/2026/03/ramadam_-100x100.jpg"}A Remotely-Piloted Weapon That Targets Civilians in War Zones
UNITED NATIONS, March 18 (IPS) - As the world continues to be weighed down in political and military turmoil, drones are being increasingly used as weapons of war in a rash of ongoing conflicts—including Ukraine vs Russia, Israel vs Palestine, US vs Iran and Israel vs Lebanon, plus in civil wars in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sudan and Haiti.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2026/03/18/42578 {"url":"https://static.globalissues.org/ips/2026/03/no-drone-zone-100x100.jpg"}EV maker Lucid reveals plans for robotaxi, positive free cash flow late this decadeThe EV company is aiming to hit that target through market expansion into midsize vehicles, robotaxis and new counties, specifically in Europe.{}
The biggest names missing from the list of America's top philanthropistsMacKenzie Scott and many of America's richest are absent from the latest Philanthropy 50 ranking.{}
Steak ’n Shake shakes up popular 'Patriot Milkshake' with new, edible twist available only in 2026The patriotic milkshake is getting a chocolate upgrade with Lady Liberty topping, maintaining its $2.50 price point as the company previously announced.
Steak ‘n Shake is shaking up its "Patriot Milkshake" with a new, chocolate twist.
The milkshake will now be served with a dark chocolate Statue of Liberty, the company announced on Monday.
"Patriot Milkshake now comes with [a] Statue of Liberty. Yes fans, it’s dark chocolate," the company wrote in a post on X.
The milkshake, which debuted in December, is still priced at $2.50 and will be for the rest of the year, according to the post. The chain previously announced the shake would be available through January.
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The company announcement included a photo of the milkshake, which features its classic red, white and blue sprinkles, an American flag on a toothpick and a dark chocolate Lady Liberty atop whipped cream.
The franchise first announced the milkshake in December as an early nod to America’s 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated in July, according to the company.
"Steak n Shake is getting a head start on America's 250th anniversary of its founding," the company said in an X post in 2025.
The announcement garnered positive feedback on social media, with one X users writing, "This is what [w]inning looks like."
STEAK ’N SHAKE TOUTS $2.50 ‘PATRIOT MILKSHAKE’ TO HONOR AMERICA'S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
Alex Bruesewitz, a political consultant and Trump advisor, also reposted the announcement, heralding the addition.
"[Steak 'n Shake] continues to prove that they are the best fast food chain in America," Bruesewitz wrote in the post.
FOX Business previously reported that this promotion came as other fast food chains were taking different approaches to dealing with pricing and mounting cost pressures.
FAST FOOD CHAIN SAYS THEY’VE ‘RFK’D’ THEIR FRIES, OPTING FOR HEALTHIER COOKING ALTERNATIVE
Some chains, such as Jack in the Box, decided to close locations as part of a "broader turnaround plan."
Other chains, such as Cava, advised against discounting with their CEO, Brett Schulman, telling FOX Business that "you can’t discount your way to prosperity."
The company recently made headlines for launching their 100% beef tallow tots, becoming the only restaurant to serve the side dish.
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This comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to hammer the food industry to provide healthier options for consumers as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement.
Steak ‘n Shake did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-food-drink/steak-n-shake-shakes-popular-patriot-milkshake-new-edible-twist-available-2026Dell workforce shrinks by 10% for third consecutive yearDell cut its workforce by 10% for the third consecutive year, reducing staff to 97,000 employees amid cost management and artificial intelligence initiatives.
Dell’s workforce has fallen by 10% for a third year in a row, according to annual reports filed Monday.
As of Jan. 30, the Texas-based tech giant reported a headcount of 97,000 employees, down roughly 11,000 from its previous year of 108,000.
The reductions were primarily driven by cost-cutting measures, including employee reorganizations, restricted external hiring and facility consolidation to better align investments.
"Throughout Fiscal 2026, we remained committed to disciplined cost management in coordination with our ongoing business modernization initiatives and continued to take certain measures to reduce costs," the company said.
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Over the years, Dell has implemented numerous cost-cutting measures, including employee reorganizations, restrictions on external hiring and other steps to better align its investments with strategic and customer priorities.
In its most recent reports, Dell highlighted the extensive integration of AI and machine learning technologies across its operations, including IT management, software solutions and the use of specialized servers.
Dell, whose shares have risen roughly 20% so far this year, said in February the company expects revenue from its AI-optimized server orders to double by 2027.
According to its fiscal 2026 report, Dell recorded total severance charges of $569 million, compared with $693 million in 2025 and $648 million in 2024. These payments primarily affected the selling, general and administrative departments, followed by cost of net revenue and research and development each year.
While Dell reported a staff count of 97,000 in 2026, the company had 133,000 employees in 2023.
In 2023, Dell announced a workforce reduction of roughly 5% to navigate a challenging global economic environment.
The following year, Dell’s headcount fell by 13,000, a 9.8% decrease in its workforce.
In 2025, Dell again recorded a 10% reduction in staff, representing 12,000 fewer employees.
Most recently, the company reported a 10.2% decline in 2026.
META CUTS OVER 1,000 JOBS IN MAJOR METAVERSE RETREAT
Silicon Valley workers have grown increasingly concerned about AI-driven disruption as tech companies such as Meta and Oracle have reportedly planned mass layoffs.
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Earlier this month, Meta reportedly considered a massive 20% workforce reduction as AI infrastructure spending continues to rise. Oracle has also reportedly weighed cutting tens of thousands of jobs amid soaring AI spending and mounting financial pressures.
Reuters has also linked workforce decline to the demands of competing in the high-growth AI infrastructure sector, pressuring companies to offset expenses.
Reuters contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/dell-workforce-shrinks-10-third-consecutive-yearWNBA players say they’re 'feeling movement' as league, union push toward landmark CBAThe WNBA season is set to kick off Friday, May 8, and the draft is scheduled for April 13.{}
Fabletics launches denim as the athleisure trade loses steamFabletics is launching a new denim assortment priced between $79.95 and $174.95 as the athleisure boom starts to slow down.{}
Dick's Sporting Goods issues weak profit guidance as Foot Locker merger weighs on bottom lineDick's Sporting Goods' merger with Foot Locker led to a 60% increase in sales but a substantial decline in companywide profits.{}
Rivian's crucial R2 EV launch to begin with $58,000 model in springRivian will launch sales of its crucial R2 all-electric vehicle this spring with a roughly $58,000 special edition model, the company announced Thursday.{}
Volkswagen recalls nearly 50,000 vehicles over serious engine fire risk from faulty wiringVolkswagen recalled nearly 50,000 Jetta vehicles over an engine fire risk from loose transmission ground wire. Six incidents haver been reported, including fires.
Federal regulators announced a recall of nearly 50,000 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles in the U.S. over an engine fire risk caused by a loose wire after reports from several owners of melted wires and fires.
The automaker reported the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last Wednesday.
At least 48,165 Jetta vehicles from the 2025–2026 model years have been recalled in the United States. Another 13,318 are affected in Canada, bringing the total to 63,318 vehicles, regulators said.
The issue was reportedly caused by "human error" during the manufacturing of the transmission ground wire.
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"The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit," the recall stated.
"An open circuit may increase the risk of excessive current draw, possibly increasing the risk of a fire."
Volkswagen reported at least six claims across the U.S. and Canada, with three incidents involving melted wires and connectors and the other three resulting in engine compartment fires.
No crashes, injuries or deaths have been reported.
Regulators added that less than 1% of the recalled vehicles are actually expected to have the defect.
TOYOTA RECALLS 550,000 VEHICLES OVER SEAT DEFECT
Vehicle owners can take their cars to authorized dealers for a free inspection. If a disconnection is found, technicians will repair or replace the affected components at no cost, including the auxiliary hydraulic pump control module, the 4-pin module connector and any damaged wiring.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to be sent May 8, 2026, to inform affected customers of the available remedy.
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on the NHTSA website March 13, 2026.
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Drivers with additional questions are advised to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Regulators noted that dealers are legally required to repair any affected new or pre-owned Jetta vehicles in their inventory before selling them to customers.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/volkswagen-recalls-nearly-50k-vehicles-over-serious-engine-fire-risk-from-faulty-wiringAmazon launches 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options with new tiered pricing structure for customersAmazon has launched ultra-fast one-hour and three-hour delivery in hundreds of cities, and Prime members save big on delivery fees for instant shopping.
Amazon announced Tuesday that customers in select locations can now receive even faster deliveries in as little as one or three hours for an additional fee.
The e-commerce giant noted that Prime members benefit from significantly lower service costs than non-members for the ultra-fast delivery option.
Members will pay $9.99 for the one-hour delivery and $4.99 for the three-hour option. Meanwhile, customers without a membership will pay $19.99 for the one-hour shipping and $14.99 for the three-hour alternative.
"These new delivery options save customers time by bringing the selection typically available in local supercenters straight to their doorsteps," the company said.
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According to the Seattle-based company, the one-hour delivery option is already available in hundreds of U.S. cities and towns, while the three-hour window has expanded to more than 2,000 locations.
The one-hour option is available in several major and smaller cities, including Los Angeles; Chicago; Houston; Washington, D.C.; Nashville; Oklahoma City; Des Moines in Iowa; Boise in Idaho; and American Fork in Utah.
The broader three-hour delivery network covers large, mid-size and smaller cities, as well as surrounding suburbs, including Cornwall, Pennsylvania; Harrah, Oklahoma; and Arabi, Louisiana.
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Customers can find eligible items using the app’s new "In 1 Hour" and "In 3 Hours" search filters. The company’s user interface and dedicated storefront page also highlight items that qualify for one- and three-hour delivery. Shoppers can also confirm exactly which options are available in their area by visiting www.amazon.com/getitfast.
Both accelerated shipping tiers will be available for more than 90,000 products, including everyday essentials and retail items such as pantry goods, beauty products, over-the-counter medications, electronics, toys, clothing, and home and garden supplies.
The faster delivery options reportedly leverage predictive AI inventory placement algorithms — which help forecast customer demand and strategically position products — alongside Amazon's existing Same-Day Delivery sites, locations that already act as highly efficient all-in-one fulfillment hubs.
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Amazon is also testing a service called "Amazon Now" in select locations to offer everyday essentials and fresh grocery items in 30 minutes or less.
The service, which was launched in December 2025, is available in parts of Seattle and Philadelphia.
Prime members can expect discounted delivery fees starting at $3.99 per order, while non-Prime customers pay $13.99.
FOX Business reached out to Amazon for more information.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/amazon-launches-1-hour-3-hour-delivery-options-new-tiered-pricing-structure-customersArt and classic car auctions top $600 million despite Iran warExperts say the global turmoil may have even helped demand for rare collectibles, as the wealthy search for safe, long-term stores of value.{}
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The US housing markets that are seeing the largest drops in rent pricesRental market shows continued cooling as asking rents fall for 30th straight month, with all 50 major metro areas remaining below pandemic peaks.
American renters got some price relief in February as the national median asking rent dipped to the lowest level in four years, with some metro areas seeing notable declines.
An analysis by Realtor.com found that the median asking rent for 0 to 2-bedroom properties in the 50 largest metro areas declined for the 30th consecutive month, with the metric falling $29, or 1.7%, compared to a year ago in February.
The median asking rent in those markets was $1,667 – down 5.1% from its peak in summer 2022 but still14.2% higher than its pre-pandemic level. All 50 metro areas analyzed in the report had median asking rents below their peak level.
Realtor.com found that there were 15 markets that had median asking rents down at least 10% from their peaks as of February 2026, as renters in those metro areas have seen the most significant relief since the pandemic era.
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The steepest decline in the median asking rent from the pandemic peak was in Austin, Texas, which had seen the rental price decline 18.2% from its peak and 7.1% year over year.
Birmingham, Alabama, ranked second with a 17.1% decline from the peak, while the median asking rent was down 3.4% from a year ago.
The Memphis, Tennessee, metro area has seen a 16.1% decline, which ranked as the third deepest, while the rent declined 3.8% from last year.
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Other cities in the Sun Belt were among those that saw the largest decline in median asking rent, with Phoenix, Arizona, down 15.6% from its peak including a 4.4% decrease from a year ago.
Atlanta was down 15.2% in February from the market's peak, with prices down 2% from last year.
Las Vegas had similar figures, with a 14.8% decline in the median asking price from its peak and 1.8% from a year ago.
AMERICA'S 10 MOST EXPENSIVE ZIP CODES REVEALED
San Diego has also seen a notable decline in the median asking rent from the pandemic peak, with it down 14.3% from its high and 3.7% from a year ago.
Five metro areas have seen much more modest declines in the median asking rent when compared with the pandemic-era peak.
The metro area with the smallest decrease as of February was Virginia Beach, Virginia, which was down just 1.7% from the peak – in part because the median rent rose 4.5% in the last year.
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Kansas City was down 1.8% from the peak and had the median asking rent rise by 1% from a year ago, while Baltimore's rental figure was down 2.4% from its peak and up 0.8% in the last year.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-housing-markets-seeing-largest-drops-rent-pricesPostal Service says cash could run out in under a year without changesUSPS faces serious financial crisis and could run out of cash within a year without reforms, as Postmaster General asks Congress for financial help and policy changes.
The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday will tell Congress that it's facing a serious financial crisis and is on pace to run out of cash in less than a year without significant reforms.
Postmaster General David Steiner testified before a House Oversight subcommittee and told lawmakers that the USPS needs higher stamp prices and the ability to borrow more money along with other reforms – including changes to pension funding and liabilities calculations, workers' compensation and retirement fund investment strategies.
Steiner has put forward possible options for cutting costs, including ending six-day-a-week deliveries, closing post offices or raising first-class mail stamp prices from the current 78 cents to $1 or more.
"In order to survive beyond the next year, we need to increase our borrowing capacity so that we don't run out of cash," Steiner said in prepared testimony. "The failure to do this could lead to the end of the Postal Service as we know it now."
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Stamp prices have risen 46% since early 19, when they were 50 cents. Steiner argues that those prices are still far lower than postage costs in other countries.
USPS has also reached its current borrowing cap of $15 billion, precluding the agency from taking out additional loans.
Reuters previously reported in December that Steiner thought the USPS was on track to run out of money as soon as early 2027 amid mounting losses.
USPS has reported net losses of $118 billion since 2007 as volumes of its most profitable product, first-class mail, fell to the lowest level since the late 1960s.
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Steiner said that if USPS were to reduce deliveries to five days a week, it would save the agency about $3 billion per year, while closing small post offices in remote areas would save about $840 million.
However, Steiner cautioned that both of those options "may not be palatable to Congress or the American public."
USPS currently delivers to more than 170 million U.S. addresses on a six-day-a-week schedule.
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is set to tell lawmakers on Tuesday that it's critical to "address USPS's unsustainable business model before it will be responsible for billions in new annual expenses for retiree healthcare, likely in 2031."
USPS' peak postage volume was 213 billion pieces of mail in 2006, while that figure has fallen by more than half to 104 billion pieces of mail in 2025.
Steiner noted that at current stamp prices, that translates to a loss of $81 billion. He added that in the years since 2006, USPS "was thrown overboard and instead of tossing us a life jacket, we were thrown an anchor."
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Congress in 2022 provided USPS with $57 billion in financial relief over a decade and required the agency's future retirees to enroll in a government health insurance plan.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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