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Sunday, February 15, 2026

CONSUMER

SBA Expels 154 Firms from 8(a) Program

D.C.-Based Companies Failed Economic Eligibility Requirements; $1.3 Billion in Contracts at Issue The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has initiated termination proceedings against 154 Washington,...

Affordable Electric SUVs Under $35K Set to Launch in 2026

Despite higher costs after federal EV subsidies ended in September 2025, buyers are expected to see many more lower-priced options for EVs in 2026,...

Paraplegic driver sues Hyundai, alleges seatbelt defect in Kona

A Hyundai Kona lawsuit filed in federal court alleges that defects in the driver’s seat and seatbelt system caused catastrophic injuries in a 2023...

Synergy World Gift Card Unusable After Issuer Bankruptcy

The Synergy World gift card sold at Costco has effectively become unusable after its issuing company filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about consumer losses....

Trump Homes Housing Plan Targets 1 Million Units With Rent-to-Own

Large homebuilders are reviewing a plan to supply affordable housing for first-time buyers, bringing attention to the so-called Trump Homes housing plan. The proposal...

H Mart Launches Hongbao Promotion for Lunar New Year

H Mart is adapting its Lunar New Year celebrations to reach a multi-ethnic customer base by launching a special "Hongbao" (Chinese red envelope) promotion...

California Consumer Confidence Collapses to 5-Year Low

California consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest level in five years as residents grow increasingly pessimistic about the economy. According to a report...

SBA rule change bars non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders, from loans

Starting March 1, SBA loans will be limited to businesses fully owned by U.S. citizens, excluding green card holders and any foreign ownership under revised federal rules.

Air Premia bans in-flight use of portable batteries starting Feb. 1

Air Premia announced on Jan. 27 (Korea time) that it will impose a full ban on the use of portable batteries on all of...

Southwest Seating Policy Ends Open Seating, Two-Seat Rule

Southwest Airlines has officially ended its decades-long open-seating system and implemented a new Southwest seating policy that requires passengers with larger body sizes to...