The U.S. government borrowed an average of $43.5 billion per week during the first four months of fiscal year 2026, according to a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This deficit spending, totaling $696 billion, is further compounded by interest payments on the national debt, which now exceeds $38.5 trillion.
The CBO's report, released in early February 2026, detailed the financial strain the U.S. government faced during the first third of FY26, which began in October 2025. January alone saw $94 billion in borrowing. The national debt is significantly larger than the U.S. GDP, which is approximately $31 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Meanwhile, the entertainment industry saw both successes and challenges. "Avatar: Fire and Ash," the third film in the series, neared the end of its box office run, grossing $1.4 billion globally, according to Variety. While a substantial amount, ranking as Hollywood's second-biggest release of 2025, the costly sequels are raising questions about the franchise's future.
In the tech world, consumers were looking at new options for their entertainment needs. Wired magazine published reviews of the best TVs, highlighting models for various budgets. The TCL QM6K QLED was recommended as the best TV for most people, while the Vizio 4K TV was noted as a budget-friendly option. For those seeking a premium experience, the LG G5 OLED was recommended, and the LG C4 OLED was highlighted as the best OLED TV for most.
Wired also reviewed the best gaming laptops. The Lenovo LOQ 15 was named the best overall gaming laptop, while the Razer Blade 16 (2025) was recommended as the best upgrade. The Acer Nitro V 16 AI was noted as the best budget gaming laptop, and the Razer Blade 14 was the best compact gaming laptop.
In other news, efforts to improve weather warnings continue. NPR News reported on initiatives to make weather warnings universal, particularly in poor countries where people often receive little or no warning about dangerous weather events like floods and storms. The report highlighted local efforts to change this and save lives. In November 2025, a massive storm in the lower Mekong River delta underscored the need for these improvements.
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