Artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping restaurant operations, but not necessarily in the way diners might expect.

As labor shortages persist and costs remain elevated, “Bar Rescue” host Jon Taffer joined FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” to say that technology is becoming a critical back-of-house tool rather than a front-facing replacement for hospitality.

Taffer explained that staffing challenges are pushing operators to look for new efficiencies.

“We’re struggling to find people. The male workforce is declining in America… So finding employees is difficult… AI is a great way to provide efficiency and streamline operations,” he said.

LAWMAKERS DEBATE AI’S IMPACT ON WHITE-COLLAR JOBS AS DISRUPTION FEARS GROW

Rather than placing machines between customers and staff, Taffer emphasized that human interaction remains central to the dining experience.

“I don’t put AI in the front of the house. I don’t want you interacting with the machine. I want you to be interacting with people. I think that connectivity is very important,” he said.

Instead, AI is deployed behind the scenes, where it can directly impact margins.

“All of my AI is back of the house. We manage inventory. We manage order process. We track ticket times. We track all of these incentives. We can track labor costs down to the moment. But AI in the back of house is a powerful, powerful asset for us. It can save us considerable dollars,” Taffer said.

The financial case, he said, is straightforward.

“It doesn’t get sick.” 

Taffer has decades of hands-on industry experience as a longtime, no-nonsense hospitality consultant. He has built a reputation on helping struggling restaurants while preserving the human connection that sits at the heart of the business.

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LOS ANGELES — Hilary Duff addressed her long-rumored estrangement from older sister Haylie Duff for the first time publicly, confirming in emotional interviews that the rift inspired a track on her new album and describing the absence as “absolutely the most lonely part of my existence.”

In a Feb. 20, 2026, appearance on *CBS Mornings*, Duff became visibly tearful while discussing “We Don’t Talk” from her album *luck…or something*, released the same day. “It’s definitely about my sister,” she told host Anthony Mason. “And just absolutely the most lonely part of my existence is not having my sister in my life at the moment.”

The sisters, who co-starred in the 2006 film *Material Girls* and shared a close bond growing up, have not been photographed together since 2019. Their social media interactions have dwindled significantly, fueling speculation of a falling out for years. Duff struggled with including the song on the record, saying she debated whether to share such a personal story. “I really struggled with thinking about including that on the record,” she added.

The track features lyrics pondering the breakdown — “I’m not sure when it happened / Not even sure what it was about” — and references coming from “the same home, the same blood” yet facing an “emotional eviction.” Duff performed it during her *Small Rooms, Big Nerves* tour in January 2026, where fans first speculated about its meaning.

In a separate *Glamour* interview published Feb. 17, Duff reflected on broader family complexities, including her parents’ 2008 divorce. “That’s my family. Those are the people that affect you the most, take up the most space naturally as a human who’s born into something,” she said. “Just because you’re born into a family doesn’t mean that it always stays together. You can only control your side and your street.”

She tied the decision to write about it to readiness: “I’ve had a very complicated life, and my parents had a very complicated thing. I know it’s not rare, and I think it goes back to the theme of, why share now? I guess I just felt ready.”

Speculation intensified in January 2026 when Haylie liked Ashley Tisdale’s essay in *The Cut* about exiting a “toxic mom group,” with some interpreting it as a subtle dig at Duff, who was allegedly part of the circle. Haylie and Tisdale were later spotted dining together in Malibu, adding fuel to rumors.

Haylie has not publicly commented on the song or Duff’s interviews. The sisters, born 18 months apart, collaborated professionally in the early 2000s — Haylie voiced in *The Lizzie McGuire Movie* and appeared in Hilary’s projects — but their personal distance became evident post-2019.

Duff compared the pain to her 2015 divorce from Mike Comrie in a *Rolling Stone* interview, noting she handled it privately at first but faced renewed scrutiny when details emerged. “I feel almost like when I got divorced, where I dealt with it privately,” she said. “And then the news comes out and you’re like, ‘OK, great. I’m going to deal with this all over again.’”

Fans reacted with support online, praising Duff’s vulnerability. Many expressed hope for reconciliation, while others noted the courage in sharing amid public life. The album *luck…or something* marks Duff’s first full-length release in years, blending pop with introspective lyrics. The tour continues, with “We Don’t Talk” becoming an emotional highlight.

The sisters’ story resonates with many facing family estrangement. Therapists note such rifts often stem from unresolved issues amplified by fame, and public acknowledgment can be a step toward healing — or closure.

As Duff promotes the album, her candidness offers insight into the private toll of celebrity family dynamics. Haylie, who maintains a lower profile with occasional acting and lifestyle projects, has stayed silent, leaving the door open for future reconciliation.

For now, Duff’s words highlight the human side behind the spotlight: even close siblings can drift, leaving profound loneliness in the gap.

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MIAMI — Federal prosecutors have filed a civil complaint to revoke the U.S. citizenship of former North Miami Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime, accusing the Haiti-born politician of using false identities, a fraudulent marriage and repeated lies to immigration authorities over nearly three decades to unlawfully obtain permanent residency and naturalization.

The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the denaturalization action Feb. 18, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Miami. The 13-page complaint, assigned to Judge K. Michael Moore, claims Bien-Aime — also known as Jean Philippe Janvier — entered the United States illegally in 1995 or 1997 using a “photo-switched” fraudulent passport under the Janvier name.

In 2000 or 2001, an immigration judge ordered him removed from the country under that identity. Bien-Aime appealed but later withdrew the appeal, falsely representing that he had returned to Haiti. Instead, authorities allege, he remained in the U.S., assumed the new name Philippe Bien-Aime with a different date of birth, and married a U.S. citizen to adjust his status to permanent resident. Prosecutors say the marriage was a sham and invalid because he was already married to a woman in Haiti, and he presented a fraudulent Haitian divorce certificate to immigration officials.

After making “numerous false and fraudulent statements” during adjustment and naturalization proceedings — including denying he was subject to a removal order, lying about prior lies to government officials, and providing misleading information about his children and addresses — Bien-Aime naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2006 under the Bien-Aime identity.

Fingerprint comparisons conducted by Homeland Security investigators linked the two identities, confirming the same person used both names. The complaint argues his naturalization must be revoked on multiple grounds: concealment of the removal order, unlawful adjustment due to fraud and bigamy, and willful misrepresentation of material facts during interviews.

“United States citizenship is a privilege grounded in honesty and allegiance to this country,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The complaint alleges that this defendant built his citizenship on fraud — using false identities, false statements, and a sham marriage to evade a lawful removal order. The fact that he later served as an elected mayor makes the alleged deception even more serious, because public office carries a duty of candor and respect for the rule of law.”

Bien-Aime, who served on the North Miami City Council starting around 2013 and was elected mayor in 2019, resigned in 2022 to run unsuccessfully for Miami-Dade County Commission. He has not publicly commented on the allegations. The case is civil, not criminal, so no arrest warrant has been issued, but if successful, revocation could lead to deportation proceedings.

Denaturalization cases are rare but pursued when fraud is proven material to citizenship eligibility. The government must show clear and convincing evidence in court. Bien-Aime’s attorneys have not yet filed a response, and the docket remains restricted in parts due to privacy protocols.

The action aligns with the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, including expanded denaturalization efforts targeting those accused of fraud in naturalization. USCIS emphasized its role in the investigation, stating it has “zero-tolerance” for such violations regardless of status.

Bien-Aime’s political career unfolded in North Miami, a city with a large Haitian-American population. He won council and mayoral races emphasizing community service and economic development. The allegations, if proven, could tarnish that legacy and raise questions about vetting for public office.

Local leaders and residents expressed shock. Some Haitian community advocates called for due process, while others said fraud undermines trust in elected officials. The case draws parallels to prior denaturalization actions against individuals who concealed criminal histories or prior deportations.

As proceedings move forward, the complaint seeks revocation of Bien-Aime’s citizenship and any related benefits. No trial date has been set, but the filing marks the start of what could be a lengthy legal battle.

The Justice Department reiterated that citizenship obtained through fraud “carries serious consequences,” underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the naturalization process.

Modern businesses operate in crowded markets where visibility, trust, and operational stability often determine whether growth is sustainable or fragile.

Owners are no longer competing only on price or location. They are competing on how well their services are positioned, maintained, and communicated to the people who need them most. This reality applies across industries, from professional services to trade-based companies, and it affects how businesses plan long term decisions.

What often separates steady businesses from struggling ones is not ambition but alignment. When core services are supported by the right external expertise, businesses reduce risk, protect reputation, and improve performance. This applies whether a company is focused on client acquisition, infrastructure investment, or market positioning. Business growth becomes less about chasing trends and more about making informed choices that support stability.

Specialized expertise also helps business owners avoid costly trial and error. Instead of experimenting with unfamiliar systems or guessing which improvements matter, companies can rely on professionals who already understand industry standards and expectations. This creates efficiency and clarity. Over time, these decisions shape how a business is perceived and how confidently it operates within its market.

Where professional visibility meets business credibility

In service-based industries, credibility begins long before a phone call or consultation happens. Potential clients form opinions based on what they see, how easily they find information, and whether a business appears established within its field. According to one digital marketing firm, this is where a Law Firm SEO Company plays a strategic role, not as a marketing shortcut but as a long-term positioning tool that supports business goals. When executed properly, it aligns messaging with real client needs while reinforcing authority within competitive markets.

From a business perspective, the value lies in consistency and relevance. Rather than relying on generic outreach, targeted visibility helps firms attract clients who are already seeking specific solutions. This reduces wasted effort and improves conversion quality. For decision makers, the benefit is predictability. Lead flow becomes more stable, allowing better planning and more efficient use of internal resources without constant reactive adjustments.

Professional visibility also supports internal confidence. When a firm consistently appears where potential clients expect to find it, teams spend less time questioning their outreach and more time focusing on service delivery. This clarity reduces internal friction and supports stronger performance across departments. Over time, visibility becomes part of the business identity rather than an ongoing concern.

Physical assets as part of business continuity

While visibility drives demand, physical infrastructure supports delivery. Many businesses overlook how critical their premises are to daily operations until something goes wrong. Roof Replacement is one of those investments that rarely feels urgent until it becomes unavoidable. As mentioned by skqualityroofing.com, for commercial properties, delaying structural updates can disrupt operations, affect employee safety, and create unplanned expenses that strain cash flow.

Proactive asset management reflects responsible leadership. When owners plan upgrades ahead of failure, they protect both short-term operations and long-term property value. This approach also signals reliability to partners, clients, and insurers. In competitive markets, businesses that maintain their physical assets avoid downtime and preserve trust, which can be just as valuable as any growth initiative.

Physical reliability also influences how businesses are perceived internally. Employees feel more secure working in well-maintained environments, which supports morale and productivity. Small operational improvements often prevent larger disruptions later. Over time, consistent maintenance becomes part of a company’s risk management strategy rather than a reactive expense.

Strategic decision making across industries

Across sectors, successful businesses share a common approach to decision making. They prioritize informed planning over reaction. Whether evaluating external service providers or internal investments, leaders focus on outcomes rather than appearances. This mindset reduces exposure to risk and creates space for sustainable development rather than short-lived gains.

Strategic decisions also tend to compound over time. Choosing the right support services early often prevents costly corrections later. Businesses that evaluate expertise, track results, and adjust thoughtfully tend to remain adaptable even as markets shift. This adaptability becomes a competitive advantage that cannot be replicated quickly by competitors who rely on short-term fixes.

Clear decision frameworks also help businesses remain consistent during periods of uncertainty. Instead of pausing progress or making rushed choices, leaders rely on established priorities. This steadiness reassures employees and partners alike. Over time, it builds a reputation for reliability that supports growth even during challenging conditions.

Balancing growth with operational responsibility

Growth is often framed as expansion, but for many businesses, stability is the real objective. Scaling too quickly without proper systems creates pressure that weakens performance. Responsible growth means strengthening foundations while pursuing new opportunities. This balance allows businesses to remain resilient during economic shifts or industry disruptions.

Operational responsibility also affects reputation. Clients and partners notice when businesses manage resources wisely and avoid unnecessary disruptions. Clear processes, maintained facilities, and consistent outreach create confidence. Over time, this confidence translates into repeat business, referrals, and stronger positioning within the market without excessive promotional effort.

Balancing ambition with discipline helps businesses avoid burnout at every level. Teams function better when expectations are realistic and systems support daily work. Growth that respects operational limits tends to last longer. It also allows leaders to make decisions calmly rather than under pressure, which improves outcomes across the board.

Building long term value through smart alignment

Long-term value is rarely created through isolated actions. It comes from aligning strategy, infrastructure, and external expertise with realistic business objectives. When services, assets, and visibility work together, businesses operate more efficiently and with fewer surprises. This alignment supports both profitability and peace of mind for owners and stakeholders.

In competitive environments, businesses that invest thoughtfully tend to outlast those that chase immediate results. They build systems that support steady performance while remaining flexible enough to adjust. Over time, this approach creates durable value that extends beyond revenue figures and into reputation, reliability, and sustained market presence.

Smart alignment also simplifies future decisions. When foundational elements are already working together, growth opportunities become easier to evaluate. Businesses spend less time correcting past mistakes and more time refining strategy. This clarity supports confident leadership and long-term resilience in markets that continue to evolve.

Global tourism is experiencing a powerful resurgence in 2026, with several countries and regions gaining momentum thanks to transformative development projects led by influential hospitality and construction companies.

These companies are not only shaping visitor experiences but also redefining the global tourism map through strategic planning, expansion, and large-scale initiatives.

From cultural capitals to revitalised coastal resorts, new spots are increasingly becoming attractive to travellers seeking better value and diverse attractions. Below are five standout destinations gaining momentum in 2026, due to their unique projects, outstanding hospitality value and cultural impact.

Red Sea Global: transforming Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global tourism contender is being actively driven by Red Sea Global, the developer behind the flagship Red Sea Destination project. This large-scale coastal tourism development is converting previously untouched island and shoreline areas into eco-luxury resort destinations.

Operating within the broader Vision 2030 planning framework, the company is leading expansion efforts that integrate sustainability, cultural preservation, and high-end hospitality. Alongside futuristic urban developments led by entities such as the NEOM Company, these projects are reshaping the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure.

The scale of development positions Saudi Arabia as one of the most ambitious new spots in the global tourism market. As new resorts, airports, and entertainment districts open in phases, the country is expected to see sustained growth in international arrivals over the coming decade.

db Group: the hospitality group driving Malta’s impressive momentum

Malta is firmly positioned among the fastest-growing tourism destinations in Europe, with record visitor arrivals in 2025 and growth expected to continue into 2026. This momentum is closely tied to the strategic role played by db Group, a leading hospitality developer behind transformative mixed-use tourism projects. Central to this boom is the regeneration and expansion project at St George’s Bay in Pembroke, which aims to elevate the area and attract more tourists.

The development is envisioned as a flagship seaside destination integrating hotels, leisure spaces, and premium tourism infrastructure, thus further elevating the bay’s appeal as one of Malta’s premier resort zones. Beachfront amenities, luxury accommodation components, and improved public access to the bay are all designed to enhance visitor experience while supporting sustainable development goals.

By investing in St George’s Bay and Pembroke, db Group is helping Malta in strengthening its position as a year-round tourism destination rather than a seasonal hotspot. The development is expected to attract higher-spending tourists, conferences, and leisure travellers seeking a premium coastal experience in a culturally rich setting.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: driving Belize’s cruise and coastal tourism development

Belize is leveraging eco-conscious development to increase tourism while preserving natural assets. The country is investing in projects that balance development with environmental conservation, particularly around its reef systems and island tourism zones.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the company behind the development and expansion of Harvest Caye, a purpose-built island destination designed to enhance cruise tourism while supporting local economic growth. The project forms part of wider coastal planning and sustainable development initiatives aimed at balancing infrastructure expansion with environmental conservation.

By focusing on eco-resorts, marine conservation tourism, and boutique island experiences, Belize is positioning itself as a niche but rapidly growing destination for sustainable luxury travel.

Adjara Group: fuelling Georgia’s urban regeneration and hospitality expansion

Georgia is quickly gaining popularity among international travellers due to its affordability, cultural richness, and aggressive tourism development strategy. However, none of these factors would suffice if it were not for the work of Adjara Group, a hospitality and real estate developer behind several projects in key urban destinations. The company has played a pivotal role in transforming districts in Tbilisi and the Black Sea resort city of Batumi through boutique hotels, mixed-use developments, and revitalised public spaces.

Batumi has seen rapid coastal development with new resorts, casinos, and beachfront promenades aimed at transforming it into a year-round leisure destination. Meanwhile, Tbilisi’s historic district restoration projects and boutique hotel expansion are attracting cultural and experiential travellers seeking alternative European city breaks.

These developments are elevating Georgia’s profile as an emerging Eurasian tourism hub that blends heritage, nightlife, gastronomy, and mountain tourism within a compact and accessible destination framework.

The global tourism surge in 2026 is not happening by chance; it is being actively driven by companies and organisations executing ambitious planning, expansion and development strategies across diverse regions.

Together, these initiatives are reshaping the tourism map, extending visitor interest far beyond traditional hotspots and toward newly developed coastal resorts, cultural districts, and regenerative urban centres designed to deliver distinctive, high-quality travel experiences.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, struck down President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling 6-3 that the president exceeded his authority by using the 1977 emergency law to unilaterally impose duties on imports from nearly every trading partner.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson. The dissent came from Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh. The decision, in consolidated cases including *Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump* and *Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc.*, held that IEEPA’s grant to “regulate … importation” does not extend to imposing tariffs, a power the Constitution assigns to Congress under Article I.

Roberts emphasized that IEEPA lacks any reference to tariffs or duties, and no prior president had interpreted it to confer such authority. “The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” he wrote. “IEEPA’s grant of authority to ‘regulate … importation’ falls short.” The ruling affirms lower court decisions and vacates parts of the case for jurisdictional dismissal, but the core holding invalidates the IEEPA-based tariffs without ambiguity.

The tariffs, enacted through executive orders in 2025, included 25% duties on most imports from Canada and Mexico, 10% on Chinese goods tied to drug trafficking claims, and a broader “reciprocal” or “Liberation Day” regime of at least 10% on imports from dozens of nations, with higher rates for some. They generated an estimated $130-200 billion in revenue, though much was passed to consumers via higher prices.

The decision does not affect tariffs imposed under other laws, such as Section 232 national security duties or Section 301 unfair trade measures. It leaves open the question of refunds for importers who paid the now-invalid duties, with estimates of potential claims reaching $133-175 billion. Justice Kavanaugh’s dissent warned of a “mess” involving billions in refunds and uncertainty for trade deals facilitated by the tariffs.

Trump reacted defiantly in a White House news conference hours after the ruling, calling it “deeply disappointing” and labeling some justices “fools and lap dogs.” He announced a new across-the-board 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a rarely used provision allowing temporary duties up to 15% for 150 days to address balance-of-payments issues. The new levy takes effect Feb. 24, 2026, with exemptions for certain minerals, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and electronics. Trump framed it as a necessary response to protect U.S. manufacturing.

Markets reacted with initial volatility but stabilized, as the ruling removes uncertainty from the broadest tariffs while the new measure introduces a shorter-term shift. Economists noted potential inflationary pressure from the replacement duties, though limited duration caps their impact absent congressional extension.

The ruling represents a rare bipartisan check on executive power, with the majority spanning ideological lines. It reaffirms congressional primacy in taxation and commerce, rejecting expansive readings of emergency statutes. Challengers, including businesses and states like California, hailed it as a victory for rule of law and economic stability.

Trump’s team signaled plans to pursue alternative authorities for similar policies, potentially including Section 301 expansions or new legislation. The decision may prompt legal battles over refunds, with importers likely filing claims through the U.S. Court of International Trade.

As global trade partners monitor developments, the ruling injects fresh uncertainty into U.S. policy while underscoring limits on unilateral presidential action. The administration’s pivot to new tariffs ensures trade tensions persist, even as the court curbs one avenue of enforcement.