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Monday, February 16, 2026

CONSUMER

Low-Cost Franchises Surge as $100,000 Startups Gain Appeal

Low-cost franchises requiring less than $100,000 in startup capital are rapidly gaining traction as an alternative path for entrepreneurs. The association said models such...

AI Grocery Shopping Surges as Coffee Jumps 19.8%

As food prices continue to rise, AI grocery shopping is rapidly becoming a survival strategy for consumers. With household costs climbing, grocery shopping is...

LA Sidewalk Vending Program Funds 281 Free Food Carts

A new LA sidewalk vending support program is launching as the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County begin providing free, health-compliant food...

Costco Membership Value: Pet Food and Diapers Alone Cover $65 Fee

The Costco membership value can recover not only the break-even point but far more than the $65 annual fee, according to an analysis that...

Korean American Travel Deals Expand as Agencies Cut Prices

As high inflation and economic uncertainty make consumers hesitate to travel, Korean American travel deals are being reshaped by agencies that have stepped up...

Air Premia growth passes 1 million passengers in 2025

Air Premia, South Korea’s only hybrid airline, surpassed 1 million annual passengers for the first time in 2025, entering a full-scale growth phase. The carrier...

California Home Prices Drop in 14 of 16 Metros in December

California home prices declined in 88% of the state’s major metro areas based on Zillow’s December year-over-year data, with 14 of 16 regions posting...

H Mart to Open Largest U.S. Store in Northern California

Construction to Begin in Fremont’s Pacific Commons Shopping Center Later This YearSoccer Field–Sized Complex to Feature Food Hall, Restaurants, and Cultural SpacesImmersive, Experience-Driven Retail...

California Middle-Class Income Range Rises Reaching $60,000–$180,000

Among Highest in the Nation as Housing, Living Costs SoarWide Regional Gaps Seen in San Jose, Irvine and Other Coastal Cities“High-Income Middle-Class Poverty” on...

Student Loan Defaults Could Trigger Tax Refund Seizures

Borrowers delinquent over 270 days face default statusDebt consolidation and filing extensions may limit losses Seriously? yup. As the Trump administration predicts what it calls the...