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FACT FOCUS: A look at Trump’s false and misleading claims ahead of the State of the Union

FACT FOCUS: A look at Trump’s false and misleading claims ahead of the State of the Union

By MELISSA GOLDIN

President Donald Trump will deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday. Priorities for the Republican’s administration have centered largely on the economy, immigration, crime, energy and national security.

Trump has spent the last year touting his accomplishments while mocking the record of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. But much of this bluster is based on false and misleading claims — many of which are likely to be a part of the president’s address to the nation.

Here’s a look at some of the false and misleading statements Trump has made at recent public appearances.

Economy

Trump often says the U.S. is now “the hottest country anywhere in the world” after years as a “dead country.” The U.S. economy was hardly “dead’’ when Trump returned to office last year. But in his second term, it’s generally performed strongly — after getting off to a bumpy start.

In 2024, the last year of Biden’s presidency, U.S. gross domestic product grew 2.8%, adjusted for inflation, faster than any wealthy country in the world except Spain. It also expanded at a healthy rate from 2021 through 2023. read more

US consumer confidence improves modestly in February after cratering the first month of 2026

US consumer confidence improves modestly in February after cratering the first month of 2026

By MATT OTT, AP Business Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The American consumer’s confidence in the U.S. economy improved slightly in February after cratering a month earlier.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 91.2 in February from an upwardly revised 89 last month.

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A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market rose four points to 72, remaining well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. It’s the 13th consecutive month that reading has come in under 80. read more

5 smart ways to diversify your portfolio in 2026

5 smart ways to diversify your portfolio in 2026

Susan Dziubinski of Morningstar

Portfolio diversification might sound like a chore, but it’s worth the effort in 2026, given how dominant the artificial intelligence trade was last year. Without some smart diversification, your “just fine” investment portfolio from 2025 may be vulnerable in 2026.

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“Investors don’t have to think there’s an AI bubble to be concerned about the concentration risk that AI has wrought,”  says  Morningstar Indexes strategist  Dan Lefkovitz. “Concentration … leaves investors holding a market portfolio less diversified than in the past—by stock, sector, and theme.” read more

Facebook owner Meta to buy AI chips from AMD in deal worth up to $100 billion

Facebook owner Meta to buy AI chips from AMD in deal worth up to $100 billion

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN, AP Business Writer

Facebook owner Meta Platforms will buy artificial intelligence chips from Advanced Micro Devices in a deal that will also give it the opportunity to buy up to a 10% stake of the chip company.

News of the AMD deal comes just days after Meta announced a long-term partnership where it will use millions of chips and other equipment from Nvidia for its artificial-intelligence data centers.

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Meta will buy AMD’s latest chips, the MI450, to help power data centers. The 6-gigawatt agreement will see shipments supporting the first gigawatt deployment set to start during the second half of this year. The agreement could potentially be worth more than $100 billion. read more

What Is Grout Sealing and Why Does It Matter for Your Floors?

What Is Grout Sealing and Why Does It Matter for Your Floors?

Grout plays a critical role in the appearance and durability of tile floors, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that grout is naturally porous, meaning it can absorb moisture, dirt, and bacteria if left unprotected. That’s where grout sealing comes in.

What Is Grout Sealing?

Grout sealing is the process of applying a protective sealant to grout lines after tile installation or professional cleaning. This sealant penetrates the grout and creates a barrier that helps repel liquids, stains, and contaminants. Unlike tile, which often has a glazed surface, grout is vulnerable to damage without proper protection.

Professional grout sealing uses high-quality, professional-grade products designed to last longer and perform better than most DIY sealers found in stores.

Why Sealing Grout Is So Important

Unsealed grout can quickly become discolored and stained from everyday use. Spills, foot traffic, pet accidents, and humidity all take their toll. In areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and showers, moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth: especially in Florida and Southwest Florida, where high humidity is a constant challenge. read more