US Retail Sales Stalled in December, Raising Economic Concerns
WASHINGTON - US retail sales unexpectedly stalled in December, signaling a potential pullback in consumer spending after months of strong activity, according to reports from multiple news sources. This slowdown, attributed to a faltering labor market and persistent inflation, has sparked concerns about a broader economic slowdown, although economists remain cautious about interpreting the data as a sustained downturn, according to BBC Business.
The news comes as consumers may be looking for deals, with Presidents' Day offering opportunities to redesign sleep spaces, according to Wired. Mattress sales are expected, with some of the best deals available during the holiday weekend. "These sales on our favorite WIRED-tested mattresses and more are live now, so if you act fast to get a," according to Wired.
Meanwhile, beyond the economic concerns, the world of sports is also in focus. The men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games is underway, and fans are anticipating the exciting feat of a hat trick, where a player scores three goals in a single game, according to NPR News. "I'm curious to see over in Italy for the Olympics, if we'll see a hat trick to begin with, and then second will people throw their hats?" said Ty Di Lello, a hockey historian based in Winnipeg, Canada, according to NPR News. The international sporting event will mark the return of National Hockey League players after a 12-year absence.
In other news, astronomers continue to explore the mysteries of the Kuiper Belt, a region of frozen debris beyond Neptune's orbit. Over the past 30 years, astronomers have cataloged about 4,000 Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs), including dwarf worlds and icy comets, according to Wired. This number is expected to increase tenfold in the coming years as observations from more advanced telescopes, like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, pour in, according to Wired.
Finally, the article also touched upon the growing accessibility of sex toys, emphasizing their benefits for everyone, including those with disabilities, according to Wired. The article also discussed the utility of space heaters, particularly the Dreo Whole Room Heater 714, for supplemental warmth and the importance of incorporating movement to combat sedentary lifestyles, according to Wired.
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