A 'jobless boom' is shaping up to be the story of the 2026 economy

Tech Insider
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A strong economy doesn't mean good news for job seekers this time around.

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  • The US economy looks strong, but job growth remains slow — creating a "jobless boom."
  • AI investment and consumer spending drove GDP gains, even as layoffs and hiring freezes persist.
  • Unemployment is at the highest rate since 2021 as job seekers face a tough market and dwindling sentiment.

The US economy

Economy, Economy, Business

The Stranger Things play totally unlocks Stranger Things Season 5, Vol. 2

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Jamie Campbell Bower in

The following contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2.

Watching Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway after watching Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 was a surreal experience.

Not only were audience members treated to the play's spectacular special effects — seriously, you'll feel like you're in an episode of Stranger Things — but we also got to see how the play linked to

Which states tax Social Security benefits? See the map and tax rates.

Tech Insider
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Social Security tax rules will change in 2026.

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  • Social Security tax rules will change in 2026 at the state and federal level.
  • West Virginia will stop taxing Social Security benefits, leaving seven states that tax benefits.
  • Older Americans will also see expanded federal tax breaks through 2028.

Americans on Social Security could see new federal tax breaks in 2026 — and some

Economy, Business, Style

We spent a year abroad in France and enrolled our kids in a local school. Coming home was bittersweet.

Tech Insider
Family of four walking and holding hands with trees in the background.
Gemma Bonham-Carter and her family left Canada to spend a year in the South of France.

Provided by Gemma Bonham-Carter; Crystal - Of Wild Dawn Photography/Crystal - Of Wild Dawn Photography

  • Gemma Bonham-Carter and her husband had lived abroad and wanted the same for their two kids.
  • They rented out their house in Canada, lived in an apartment in France for a year, and sent their kids to a local school
Travel, Business

I saw 34 movies in theaters this year, and I can't wait to do it again next year. Here's how the movies won Gen Z back.

Tech Insider
gen zers wearing 3D glasses at the movies and pointing to the screen
Gen Zers started going to the movies more this year.

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  • Gen Z movie theater attendance jumped 25% in 2025; I was one of those Gen Zers at the movies.
  • AMC A-List and similar programs offer affordable, frequent moviegoing for younger audiences.
  • Gen Z is craving in-person experiences and phone-free third spaces, fueling a resurgence in moviegoing.

I love going to the movies.

It's

Economy, Economy, Business

8 million minimum wage workers are up for a raise in January. Some will hit a historic $15 milestone.

Tech Insider
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Workers in six more states will see their minimum wages hit $15.

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  • Nineteen states will raise their minimum wages in January, affecting over 8 million workers.
  • Six states will reach at least a $15 minimum wage for the first time, over double the federal $7.25 minimum.
  • For the first time, more workers will live in states with at least a $15
Economy, Economy, Business

Over 800,000 student-loan borrowers will enter the new year still waiting to get their cheaper payments and debt relief approved

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Thousands of student-loan borrowers are waiting for their income-driven repayment applications to be approved.

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  • Over 800,000 student-loan borrowers are waiting for their income-driven repayment plans to be processed.
  • The Education Department said in a court filing that 170 borrowers on IDR were approved for relief in November.
  • It leaves thousands of borrowers in repayment limbo as
Economy, Business