Buffets are making a comeback in the United States as Americans seek affordable dining options, while the US labor market experiences a freeze despite economic growth, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a landslide victory in the country's first election since a recent uprising. These are among the key developments emerging from various sectors, according to recent reports.
Searches for "all-you-can-eat buffet near me" surged 252% between September 2024 and August 2025, according to a Yelp 2026 Trends Forecast, reflecting a growing interest in budget-friendly dining. Asian cuisine is driving much of this buffet revival, the report noted. In Las Vegas, TikTok creator Dave O. Shepardson documented long lines at the MGM Grand buffet, highlighting the trend's popularity.
Simultaneously, the US economy is experiencing a freeze in the labor market, even as it continues to grow. Job openings and hiring rates have dropped to multi-year lows, according to reports. Jacob Trigg, a 42-year-old project manager in the tech industry, found himself unemployed and struggling to find a new position after sending out over 2,000 job applications. "It's a huge surprise because I've always been able to get a job very easily," Trigg said, who now works in package delivery and landscaping.
In Bangladesh, the center-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide majority in parliament, taking more than two-thirds of the seats in the historic general election. This election was the first since a recent Gen Z uprising, and BNP leader Tarique Rahman is set to become the next prime minister. The Awami League, led by the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was banned from participating in the election. Rahman faces significant challenges ahead, according to BBC World.
In other news, gloomy weather has helped drive up February half-term holiday bookings by 9% compared to last year, according to a group of travel agents. The Advantage Travel Partnerships attributed the rise to weeks of rain combined with the political environment, creating a "powerful psychological need for escape." Manchester Airport is expecting almost 50,000 passengers on Friday, its busiest February half term on record.
Finally, the Epstein files continue to reveal details about an unaccountable elite. The documents lay bare the activities of rich and powerful individuals from business, politics, academia, and show business, who were given a "free ride" by the ruling class, according to the NY Times. Journalists and researchers are expected to spend months analyzing the files for further criminal conduct.
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