Travelodge has changed its key card policy after a security breach led to a guest being attacked in her room. The hotel chain's CEO apologized and stated that now a room key can only be issued with the explicit permission of the person staying in the room. This change comes after the attacker was jailed for the crime that occurred in late 2022.
Key Facts
A Travelodge guest was attacked after a man lied to get a key to her room.
The attack happened at a Travelodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire, in December 2022.
The attacker was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail.
Travelodge's CEO issued an apology and stated the hotel's policies have changed.
Now, additional or replacement room keys will only be given with permission from the person staying in the room.
The company has trained its 12,000 customer-facing staff on the new policy.
Travelodge conducted an internal review and is also commissioning an independent review of room security measures.
The victim initially received a £30 refund, which she found inadequate.
Travelodge's CEO wants to meet the victim and learn from the incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government has been spending roughly £1.3 million daily to keep British Steel's Scunthorpe plant running, totaling £377 million over nine months. The National Audit Office (NAO) reports this spending aimed to prevent the closure of the last two blast furnaces in the UK, avoiding job losses and broader economic impacts. The funds have been classified as a loan, but there is no clear repayment plan in place.
Key Facts
The UK government spent £377 million over nine months on British Steel's Scunthorpe site.
Daily operating costs for the site are about £1.3 million.
The funding was provided to prevent the closure of the UK's last two blast furnaces, aimed at saving jobs.
The NAO is the UK's independent public spending watchdog.
The funds are labeled as a loan, but no repayment schedule exists.
Spending may reach £615 million by June and could exceed £1.5 billion by 2028.
Before government intervention, British Steel's previous owner, Jingye, considered closing due to financial losses.
The government passed emergency legislation enabling it to keep the blast furnaces operational.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article discusses a promotion offered by the trading platform Kalshi, where users can receive a $10 bonus for making $10 in trades related to the Oscars. Using the Kalshi promo code "NEWSWEEK," participants can trade on predictions for various Oscar categories, such as best actor or director, and receive bonus credits for these predictions.
Key Facts
Kalshi is offering a $10 bonus for users who complete $10 in trades on Oscar predictions.
The promotion is accessed using the promo code "NEWSWEEK."
Kalshi allows users to buy and sell positions at any time, unlike traditional sportsbooks.
Users can predict outcomes in categories like best actor, best actress, and best director.
Some popular prediction choices are Michael B. Jordan for best actor and Jessie Buckley for best actress.
To participate, users need to sign up, provide personal information, and make a $10 trade.
Kalshi has markets for a variety of major events beyond the Oscars, such as the Super Bowl.
Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if users sign up through links in the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is putting the U.S. economy to the test. Despite challenges like rising oil prices and global market strains, the American economy has shown strength and ability to adapt. President Trump's policies and recent economic developments continue to influence this resilience.
Key Facts
Iran threatens to attack ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to rise by 43%.
Middle East export restrictions on commodities may lead to increased food prices.
U.S. unemployment was at 4.4% last month, considered manageable.
GDP growth is projected to rise at a 2.7% rate in the first quarter of 2025.
The U.S. remains a net oil exporter, unlike during past Middle East conflicts.
President Trump adjusted some tariffs, easing potential negative economic impacts.
The Federal Reserve maintains some independence despite attempts to influence its decisions.
Global investors show strong interest in U.S. AI-related companies, boosting the economy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Bank of England announced plans to feature British wildlife, instead of historical figures like Sir Winston Churchill, on the next series of banknotes. This move is part of an effort to prevent counterfeiting and reflects preferences from public consultations. Some politicians criticize the decision as erasing history, while others, including Churchill’s granddaughter, are more accepting.
Key Facts
The Bank of England plans to replace historical figures on banknotes with images of British wildlife.
This change is intended primarily to combat counterfeiting.
Public consultations showed a preference for nature-themed banknote designs.
Political figures have criticized the decision, citing concerns about erasing historical figures from currency.
A shortlist of animals will be chosen for future notes, but no specific animals have been finalized yet.
Churchill's granddaughter stated she did not expect her grandfather’s image to remain on currency forever.
The change follows a public consultation with over 44,000 responses, where 60% supported nature as a theme.
The Bank of England plans to continue public input on banknote designs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Betting apps allow people to wager on possible future events, including political and military outcomes. This has stirred controversy, particularly with bets about wars and political figures, leading to calls for stricter regulation. Critics argue these platforms may lead to national security risks and illegal activities.
Key Facts
Prediction markets facilitated over $44 billion in trades last year.
These platforms let users bet on diverse events, from sports to political outcomes.
Military and political bets, like those involving Iran, have raised concerns.
US rules ban trading on contracts related to war and illegal activities.
Firms like Polymarket have faced criticism for hosting controversial markets.
Kalshi canceled a market related to Iran's Supreme Leader due to US regulations.
The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) claims oversight of these markets.
There is a debate on how to regulate prediction markets, similar to traditional gambling.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to introduce aid for households facing rising heating oil costs due to global events affecting oil prices. The support comes as oil prices have increased, impacting households that rely on heating oil, particularly in rural areas. The government is exploring options to help vulnerable families, with announcements expected soon.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is preparing a support package for households affected by high heating oil costs.
The rise in oil prices is linked to the US-Israel conflict in Iran.
Around 1.7 million households in England and Wales use heating oil, which is not price-capped like gas and electricity.
Heating oil costs have doubled since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
The Chancellor and government are looking into targeted options for helping with energy bills.
A drop in household energy bills by 7% is expected in April due to government changes.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Reeves are monitoring the energy market and met with officials to discuss potential issues.
Fuel duty might increase in September, but it is currently under review.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses challenges faced by small petrol stations due to rising fuel prices linked to recent events in the Middle East. Smaller stations, such as the one owned by Goran Raven, pay market prices daily which leads to higher costs, unlike larger retailers who can negotiate better rates. This situation has resulted in Raven's staff facing abuse from frustrated customers.
Key Facts
The price of petrol has reached an 18-month high, and diesel has seen significant increases.
Smaller petrol stations pay daily market prices for fuel, leading to higher costs.
Larger retailers buy fuel in advance and in bulk, securing better rates.
Small businesses struggle to absorb sudden fuel price increases.
Staff at small petrol stations face customer abuse due to rising prices.
Fuel theft has increased, according to station owner Goran Raven.
The Petrol Retailers Association criticizes the government's language, suggesting it may worsen customer behavior towards station staff.
A new app shows fuel prices from over 90% of retailers to promote competition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. judge blocked the Department of Justice from investigating the Federal Reserve, stating there was no evidence to support the probe. The ruling was seen as a win for Fed chairman Jerome Powell, who argued the investigation was an attempt to pressure the Fed to lower interest rates. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
A judge stopped a Department of Justice investigation into the Federal Reserve.
The judge said there was no evidence to support the investigation.
Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell claimed the probe was aimed at pressuring the Fed to cut interest rates.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who initiated the probe, said she will appeal the ruling.
Pirro accused the judge of undermining the legal process.
This case has raised concerns about political pressure on the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve has not commented on the judge's decision.
Republican senators are skeptical of the investigation's need and some have expressed intentions to block new Fed chair appointments until the issue is resolved.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge stopped subpoenas sent to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, saying there was no proof he did anything wrong. The judge criticized the Trump administration for possibly using these investigations to pressure Powell into lowering interest rates. The Department of Justice plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
A federal judge canceled subpoenas aimed at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The subpoenas were part of a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice.
The judge accused the Trump administration of trying to pressure Powell into lower interest rates.
There was no evidence presented that Powell committed a crime, according to the judge.
The Department of Justice intends to appeal the judge's decision.
Sen. Thom Tillis stated he won't support Trump's nominee for Fed Chair unless the investigation is dropped.
Powell's investigation is linked to interest rate policies and Fed independence.
Powell's term as Fed Chair ends in May, and any new chair must be confirmed by the Senate Banking Committee.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Serena Williams, now an entrepreneur-in-residence at Reckitt Catalyst, spoke at SXSW about the challenges early-stage entrepreneurs face in selling themselves to investors. She emphasized the importance of storytelling for entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to secure investment.
Key Facts
Serena Williams participated in a talk at SXSW, highlighting challenges for new entrepreneurs.
She noted that effective storytelling is crucial for founders to attract investors.
Williams explained that many entrepreneurs, especially from diverse backgrounds, have great ideas but struggle to find investment due to poor storytelling skills.
Her mentor advised her to improve her storytelling, which helped her in business.
Reckitt invests in entrepreneurs focusing on health and hygiene for underserved communities.
Data shows about 1 in 3 Americans lack adequate access to essential health services.
Williams stressed that founders should ensure their stories are genuine and connect with the problem they aim to solve.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Treasury Department has eased some sanctions on Venezuela to allow American businesses and farmers to buy Venezuelan oil and fertilizer. This move aims to counteract rising costs caused by Iranian disruptions in the Persian Gulf.
Key Facts
The U.S. Treasury Department eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil and fertilizer.
Rising prices are due to disruptions in the Persian Gulf linked to the Iran war.
The goal is to increase U.S. oil and fertilizer supplies and reduce costs.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control authorized purchases and imports from Venezuela.
American companies can provide goods and services to Venezuela's energy sectors.
The plan includes supporting the modernization of Venezuela's electric grid.
This move is part of efforts to reconnect the U.S. and Venezuelan economies.
The U.S. has also made a large gold deal with Venezuela recently.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canada lost more than 100,000 jobs in the first two months of 2026, with the unemployment rate rising to 6.7%. The job losses are linked to U.S. tariffs affecting Canadian sectors, such as trade and retail, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney's government.
Key Facts
Canada lost over 100,000 jobs since January 2026.
The unemployment rate in Canada rose to 6.7%.
The wholesale and retail trade sectors were most affected.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries contributed to job losses.
Prime Minister Mark Carney noted these tariffs are causing big changes in Canada's economy.
The U.S. is Canada's biggest export market, buying about 67% of Canadian goods recently.
The future of the North American trade agreement, USMCA, is uncertain, affecting economic stability.
Leader of Canada's Conservative party criticized government handling of the economic challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US has launched a new trade investigation into 60 countries, including the EU, Canada, and the UK, focusing on the use of forced labor. The investigation could lead to new tariffs on these countries. Public hearings on the issue are planned for April.
Key Facts
The US is investigating 60 countries, including the EU, Canada, and the UK, for using forced labor.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the probe.
The investigation may result in new tariffs on these countries' goods.
The probe is part of the Trump administration's efforts following a Supreme Court ruling against previous tariffs.
A global tariff of 10% was announced, possibly increasing to 15%.
Previous tariffs by President Trump were struck down, but new ones are planned under Section 301.
Public hearings on forced labor are scheduled for April.
In 2022, the US banned goods from China's Xinjiang region over forced labor concerns.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump's administration has eased sanctions on countries buying Russian oil. This change, intended to reduce the economic impact of a conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, allows countries to purchase oil that was previously unsellable due to sanctions. Critics argue this decision benefits Russia financially and could affect the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Facts
The U.S. has introduced a waiver that lets countries buy Russian oil for one month.
Previously, countries faced high tariffs for buying Russian oil, which affected sales.
President Trump's administration aims to lessen economic issues from a separate conflict involving Iran.
Russia views this as a sign of its importance in global energy markets.
The policy change contrasts with former U.S. actions that heavily sanctioned Russian oil sales.
Critics say the decision could provide significant financial benefits to Russia.
Russian oil exports had reached a low since the Ukraine invasion in 2022.
The amount of oil Russia can sell under this waiver varies according to different estimates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Before the conflict in Iran affected oil supply, the U.S. economy showed signs of slow growth and high inflation. The country's economic growth was revised down to 0.7% for the end of 2025. Inflation remained a concern, with prices rising faster than the Federal Reserve's targets.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy grew at a 0.7% annual rate in the last part of 2025, which is lower than earlier estimates.
An important measure of economic growth was revised down to a 1.9% annual rate.
The core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index rose 3.1% in January, showing increased inflation.
Inflation rates are nearly double the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.
Consumer spending showed minimal growth, with a 0.1% rise in January.
The saving rate increased to 4.5% at the start of 2026, after dropping in 2025.
Job openings in January 2026 increased significantly, suggesting a stable job market.
President Trump and Federal Reserve nominee Kevin Warsh are considering interest rate cuts, which could impact inflation and growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses why it is important for both partners in a relationship to be involved in managing their finances. It highlights the benefits of shared financial responsibilities.
Key Facts
The article suggests that both partners should be knowledgeable about their shared finances.
This involvement helps in better financial planning and decision-making.
Understanding finances together can prevent financial problems in the future.
Shared financial management can strengthen trust between partners.
It emphasizes the importance of communication about money in a relationship.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A shopper noticed new items like Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles with added protein and shared their thoughts online. There is growing interest in protein-packed foods, as stores expand their offerings to meet consumer demand. The discussion highlights differing opinions on whether these products provide meaningful nutrition or are just a marketing trend.
Key Facts
A shopper posted about protein versions of Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles on Reddit.
Stores like Target and Walmart are adding more protein snacks to their shelves.
High-protein diets are popular for weight management and muscle maintenance.
USA TODAY noted 70% of Americans aim to consume more protein, as per a 2025 survey.
Nutrition experts suggest most people already get enough protein in their diet.
The Mayo Clinic states adults need about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
Some Reddit users support protein-enhanced products, citing personal dietary needs.
Dietitians say people can get necessary protein from whole foods like meat and beans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK economy was already struggling before recent conflict in Iran led to rising petrol prices. Higher energy costs and consumer spending cuts threaten economic growth and could increase unemployment.
Key Facts
The UK economy slowed down in late 2025 due to consumer worries about taxes and job losses.
Official data showed no growth in the UK economy in January 2026.
Increasing petrol prices rose by 6% in under two weeks.
Higher energy prices could lead to increased household bills for essentials.
Inflation could rise again, potentially reducing spending and hindering economic growth.
Economists suggest economic growth could be much lower than predicted, depending on oil price changes.
The UK has become less reliant on oil and gas, reducing vulnerability to price spikes.
The UK's financial leaders are cautious about implementing a new support package due to existing debts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Seema Misra, a former sub-postmistress in the UK, was wrongly jailed while pregnant due to errors in the Post Office's Horizon IT system. Despite being cleared in 2021, she and many others affected by the scandal are still waiting for full compensation. The UK Parliament's Business and Trade Committee reports continued problems with compensation, including delays and undervalued offers.
Key Facts
Seema Misra was jailed in 2010 due to issues with the Post Office's Horizon IT system.
She was cleared of wrongdoing in 2021 and awaits full compensation more than 15 years later.
A report found that thousands are waiting for compensation due to issues with the compensation schemes.
The Business and Trade Committee highlights ongoing problems such as delays and undervalued offers.
Jo Hamilton, another affected postmistress, also criticized the lengthy compensation process.
The judicial inquiry is ongoing to determine responsibility, particularly the role of the IT company Fujitsu.
Misra and others demand accountability for wrongful convictions and fair compensation.
There is frustration with the perceived inequality in how authorities and individuals are treated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
