BTS Is Back With ‘Arirang,’ but the K-Pop Landscape Has Changed
The superstar boy band returns after a four-year hiatus on Friday. The genre it helped turn into a global juggernaut has endured some shifts, and minted new stars.
The I.R.S. Is Phasing Out Paper Checks. Here’s How to Speed Your Refund.
President Trump has directed that most federal payments be issued electronically, including tax refunds. Last year nearly 10 million people got their refund via a paper check.
How High Will Oil Climb? Markets Brace for More Bad News.
Energy experts forecast more pain for consumers and businesses as the war in the Middle East shows no signs of easing.
Can Jonah Peretti Save BuzzFeed From Extinction?
Facing financial straits, the founder is betting on a skunkworks for A.I. experiments.
Record Number of Student Loan Borrowers Are in Delinquency and Default
Recently released data from the Education Department showed that by the end of last year, 7.7 million borrowers had defaulted on $181 billion in federal student loans.
How New Mexico Became an Obamacare Success Story
Affordable Care Act enrollment has dropped across the United States since the enhanced federal subsidies expired. But New Mexico has record numbers of people signing up.
How Geopolitics Threaten K-Pop’s Ambitions in China
Japanese members of some K-pop bands have been absent from recent concerts in China. Experts say that’s linked to tension between Tokyo and Beijing.
Blood Plasma Centers Move Into More Middle-Class Neighborhoods
Across the United States, plasma centers are opening in wealthier areas as more people struggle with the high cost of housing, groceries and health care.
How the Iran War Narrowed Flight Corridors Between Europe and Asia
One of the few paths left between the two continents threads through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, as global conflicts complicate aviation logistics.
F.C.C. Approves Nexstar’s Acquisition of a Local TV Rival
The $6.2 billion deal consolidates 265 stations in 44 states and Washington.
Mortgage Rates Highest in Three Months as War Weighs on Housing Market
Rising energy costs and concerns about inflation have helped lift borrowing costs for a home mortgage for the third consecutive week.
Uber to Buy Rivian Vehicles for Use as Driverless Taxis
The deal provides cash to Rivian and is part of Uber’s attempts to stay relevant in a driverless future.
In Dubai, the World’s Luxury Brands Face a Wartime Crisis
Executives for high-end brands worry that a prolonged war will hurt sales in a city important to the future of the luxury industry.
Boston Scientific Knew of Pacemaker Battery Problems for Years
Boston Scientific announced multiple recalls but has said its battery issues were limited. One internal test in 2025 found batteries with an “extremely high failure rate.”
Democrats Demand Answers on Jared Kushner’s Mideast Business Dealings
Two prominent lawmakers wrote to the White House and Mr. Kushner after The New York Times revealed private fund-raising efforts by President Trump’s envoy in the region.
Pop Mart and Sony Announce Labubu Movie Directed by Paul King
Pop Mart and Sony announced on Thursday that they were developing a feature film about the fuzzy trinkets. “It’s completely ruthless marketing,” one expert said.
Banking Regulators Prepare to Loosen Post-Crisis Capital Rules
The changes, long sought by bank lobbyists, would reduce the capital banks must hold in reserve to mitigate risks.
U.S. Encourages Flow of Iranian Oil While It Battles Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said removing sanctions on Iranian oil would lower global prices.
Extended Mideast Conflict Would Slow Trade and Growth, W.T.O. Warns
The trade organization said that a slowdown in trade in 2026 could become even more extreme if the war in the Middle East persists.
Attacks on Oil and Natural Gas Facilities Could Lead to Much Higher Prices
Attacks on oil and natural gas facilities this week could make it much harder for Persian Gulf countries to rebuild and restart production when the war eventually end.