RICS: Resilience of housing market will be tested if mortgage rates rise

Virginia King received treatment for metastatic breast cancer at a hospital in Santa Fe, N.M., where she was billed $22,700 for a drug that cost $2,700. The hospital was part of a federal program allowing it to profit from the price difference. Apexus, a company managing the program, has been accused of maximizing profits and cashing in on the program's growth, leading to increased health care costs. Full Article

Editor's Digest for free is a weekly newsletter curated by Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, highlighting her favorite stories. This week's edition covers Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of backtracking on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal brokered by the US. There is pushback from Netanyahu's far-right allies, with the potential for government instability if they pull out. The ceasefire agreement offers hope for ending the deadly Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with plans...

The government of Albania has given preliminary approval to Jared Kushner's $1.4 billion luxury hotel complex project on an abandoned military base. The project involves Mr. Trump's son-in-law and his business partners, and will be located on the island of Sazan. The approval by Albania's Strategic Investment Committee allows for accelerated negotiations to clear the site and proceed with building the eco-resort community, despite potential ethical concerns related to foreign policy matters involving the United...

Entrepreneur contributors stress the importance of carefully evaluating the benefits of new AI products for your business amidst the hype. AI data analytics tools can predict the cost of employee turnover, identify causes, and offer solutions. Before investing in AI solutions, consider factors such as the number of employees, existing data collection, budget for research and development, external data integration, effectiveness of current retention strategies, and return on investment. While AI tools have potential, it's...

In the aftermath of wildfires in Altadena, Matthew Craig fights to save his home from flames and toxic smoke, as lingering hazards pose health risks to returning residents. Even spared homes may harbor toxic materials from smoke and ash, impacting air quality and necessitating caution during cleanup efforts. Experts recommend using carbon cartridge respirators, seeking medical attention for symptoms, and running air purifiers to mitigate health risks associated with the aftermath of the fires. Full...

Consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in December, with the Consumer Price Index up 2.9 percent from a year earlier, driven by food prices. Core inflation slowed slightly to 3.2 percent, but overall progress has stalled, leading to concerns at the Federal Reserve and a likelihood of interest rates remaining steady in the near future. Full Article