Mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in nearly three and a half years. The average rate on the standard 30-year fixed mortgage declined to 6.01% from 6.09% a week earlier, according to a survey of lenders by mortgage-finance firm Freddie Mac.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday announced sweeping changes to commercial trucking regulations, including a new requirement that all commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams be administered exclusively in English.

Speaking at the Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters in Washington, D.C., Duffy and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek Barrs said the move is aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring drivers can read road signs and communicate with law enforcement.

“What we’re doing is implementing a rule that will say there’s one language in which you can take your test — It’s English only,” Duffy said. “You take the test in English. You can’t speak English, you can’t read English — You’re not going to do well on the test.”

Duffy noted that several states, including California, currently offer CDL exams in multiple languages.

DUFFY SAYS CALIFORNIA DOES NOT HAVE EXTENSION ON DEADLINE TO CANCEL FOREIGN NATIONALS’ TRUCKER LICENSES

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks at the Department of Transportation headquarters, Friday, in Washington, D.C., where he announced sweeping changes to CDL testing nationwide. (Pool)

“In the state of California, you can take the driver’s test, the skills test and the proficiency test — you can take it in 20 different languages,” he said.

In addition to the English-only testing requirement, Duffy said the DOT will ask states to disqualify drivers who fail to meet federal English proficiency standards.

“What we’re going to do in the future is ask states to disqualify your license,” Duffy said. 

Duffy also criticized what he described as lax oversight under the Biden administration, accusing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg of not enforcing rigorous standards for certifying commercial driving schools.

DOT TEMPORARILY HALTS ENFORCEMENT OF BIDEN-ERA REFUND REQUIREMENTS FOR AIRLINE FLIGHT RENUMBERING

Trucks at a facility in Bakersfield, Calif. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Duffy alleged that some commercial driving schools — which he referred to as “CDL mills” — lacked proper curriculum or training. The DOT has shut down 7,000 of these schools, according to Duffy.

“We should expect that we should be safe, and that those who drive those 80,000-pound big rigs that they’re well-trained, they are well qualified and they’re going to be safe,” Duffy said.

Federal officials recently conducted more than 8,200 inspections under Operation SafeDRIVE, taking 704 drivers out of service. About 500 were cited for failing to meet English proficiency standards.

The announcement follows several high-profile crashes involving drivers who were in the country illegally.

AMERICANS ARE PUMPING THE BRAKES ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION: ‘AFFORDABILITY IS A BIG ISSUE’

A commercial driver’s license of Singh Sukhdeep, an illegal immigrant from India, accused of killing an Indiana man in a February 2026 crash. (Obtained by Fox News / Fox News)

Earlier this month, Bekzhan Beishekeev, a truck driver from Kazakhstan who entered the U.S. in 2023 using the CBP One app, allegedly killed four people in a crash in Indiana. He was issued a CDL in Pennsylvania.

In another case last August, Harjinder Singh, who was issued a CDL in California, allegedly made an illegal U-turn, jackknifed his truck and caused a crash that killed three people. He was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.

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The DOT did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz, Peter D’Abrosca, Bill Melugin and Garrett Tenney contributed to this report.

Apple is gearing up for a significant product rollout in the coming weeks, with the affordable iPhone 17e at the forefront, according to multiple analyst reports and supply chain insights as of mid-February 2026.

The iPhone 17e, successor to the 2025 iPhone 16e, is widely anticipated as Apple’s budget-friendly model in the iPhone 17 family. Unlike the main iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the ultra-thin iPhone Air—all released on Sept. 19, 2025, following a Sept. 9 announcement— the iPhone 17e follows a shifted timeline. Apple has reportedly moved entry-level “e” series devices to spring launches starting this year, breaking from the traditional fall cycle for premium models.

Reliable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and supply chain analysts, indicate the iPhone 17e could be unveiled as early as March 4, 2026. Apple has scheduled a “special Apple experience” event for that date, potentially in multiple locations, which aligns with speculation of a multi-product announcement. Forbes contributor David Phelan, citing industry patterns, predicted devices including the iPhone 17e would go on sale the following week, possibly Friday, March 13.

Other outlets, such as Macworld, have pegged a March 4 announcement, noting the iPhone 17e has progressed to test production. Earlier rumors suggested a February debut—potentially Feb. 19 to mirror the iPhone 16e’s Feb. 19, 2025, arrival—but as that date passed without confirmation, attention shifted to early March. Some leaks on social platforms and forums floated late February or early March dates, but consensus now leans toward March.

The iPhone 17e is expected to target value-conscious buyers while incorporating meaningful upgrades over its predecessor. Key rumored features include:

• Apple’s A19 chip for enhanced performance and efficiency.
• Dynamic Island notch replacement for a more modern display experience.
• MagSafe wireless charging support, a first for the e-series.
• Potential refinements like a single rear camera setup with improvements, thinner bezels and Apple’s in-house C1-series modem for better connectivity.

Pricing remains unconfirmed, but analysts expect it to start around $599, consistent with the iPhone 16e, maintaining its position as an accessible entry into the latest iPhone ecosystem without flagship premiums.

This spring timing fits Apple’s evolving strategy. Reports from Ming-Chi Kuo and others suggest the company is staggering iPhone releases: budget models like the iPhone 17e in the first half of the year, with premium updates (such as iPhone 18 series and foldables) in fall 2026. The iPhone 17 family, launched last September, introduced notable advancements including the A19 processor across models, improved camera systems, Center Stage front cameras and ProMotion displays on select variants.

The March event isn’t limited to iPhones. Gurman and others have tipped additional launches, including updated iPads (potentially entry-level and Air models) and Mac laptops with new M-series chips. A more affordable MacBook variant has surfaced in rumors, alongside possible MacBook Pro refreshes. These could accompany software updates, such as iOS 26 refinements or early previews of future features.

Apple’s decision to “crash the party” during Mobile World Congress season—typically dominated by Android announcements—underscores confidence in its spring lineup. The iPhone 17e could appeal to users upgrading from older models or seeking Apple Intelligence compatibility at a lower cost.

As details solidify closer to the event, expectations remain high for a balanced mix of innovation and accessibility. Apple has not officially commented on specific products or dates beyond the March 4 experience announcement.

For consumers, the iPhone 17e represents the next chapter in Apple’s push to broaden its reach while refreshing hardware annually. Stay tuned for official confirmation in the weeks ahead.

Square Enix has unveiled an English-language edition of “The Art of Final Fantasy Tactics,” a comprehensive hardcover art book celebrating the iconic tactical RPG, set for release on Nov. 10, 2026.

Priced at $27.99 for the physical edition and $14.99 digitally, the 128-page volume promises hundreds of full-color illustrations, including never-before-seen concept art, character designs, job class visuals, rough map sketches and packaging artwork from the original 1997 PlayStation game, its “War of the Lions” enhanced port and the recently launched “Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles” remaster. Printed on archival-quality stock in an 8¼-by-11⅝-inch format, the book highlights contributions from legendary artists Hiroshi Minagawa and Akihiko Yoshida, whose intricate designs defined the Ivalice world’s medieval fantasy aesthetic.

The announcement, made Feb. 18 via Square Enix’s official Final Fantasy X and Manga & Books X accounts, has ignited excitement among fans still reveling in the remaster’s triumph. “Introducing The Art of Final Fantasy Tactics! This official art book is set to arrive later this year — preorder details coming soon,” the Final Fantasy account posted, garnering over 4,300 likes and 550 reposts within days.

Preorders are slated to launch imminently on the Square Enix Store, with availability at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org, Crunchyroll Store, Indigo and Kinokuniya. The digital version will accompany the physical release, broadening access for global collectors.

This release arrives on the heels of “Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles,” an expanded remaster that dropped Sept. 30, 2025, across PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. The title shattered expectations, surpassing 1 million units in global shipments and digital sales by Dec. 31, 2025 — just three months post-launch. Original director Yasumi Matsuno admitted he “underestimated” its popularity, having projected 800,000 to 1 million copies over three years. The remaster peaked at over 21,000 concurrent Steam players on launch day and earned widespread acclaim for refined visuals, an upgraded soundtrack and preserved deep strategy gameplay.

Final Fantasy Tactics Isn’t Getting a New Game, But It’s Getting Something Else for Hardcore Fans Later This Year

Final Fantasy Tactics, first released in Japan on June 20, 1997, for PlayStation, revolutionized the tactical RPG genre with its grid-based combat, expansive job system and politically charged narrative centered on noble Ramza Beoulve’s fight against corruption in the kingdom of Ivalice. Despite modest initial sales, word-of-mouth propelled lifetime figures past 2.4 million, spawning ports like the Game Boy Advance’s “Tactics Advance” and PSP’s “War of the Lions” with added anime cutscenes and multiplayer.

Ivalice’s lore expanded through titles like “Final Fantasy XII” and “XII: Revenant Wings,” cementing its status in the franchise. References persist in “Final Fantasy XIV,” including an Ivalice raid series. The art book’s timing capitalizes on renewed interest, offering fans a deeper dive into the visual evolution across three decades.

Square Enix described the collection as bringing “memories of Ivalice vividly back to life,” featuring development artwork that showcases the meticulous craft behind the game’s 300+ jobs, from Knights and Monks to esoteric classes like Mime and Calculator. Japanese fans received an earlier edition in October 2025, praised in YouTube unboxings for its “beautiful” presentation, fueling anticipation for the localized version.

Social media buzz reflects the fervor. X user @SquareEnixBooks declared it the “official art book for one of the most acclaimed tactical RPGs of all time,” while fans shared preorder hype and cover art previews depicting ethereal characters amid lush, watercolor-style landscapes. One post quipped, “This artbook looks incredible! The attention to detail in Final Fantasy Tactics is exquisite.”

The book joins Square Enix’s robust Fall 2026 lineup, including “My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Official Anime Fanbook” ($24.99, November), “The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story” Vol. 1 ($12.99, October) and others, signaling a push into print media amid digital gaming dominance.

Merchandise momentum builds too: Final Fantasy Tactics miniature figures are slated for North America in June 2026 and Europe in August, alongside FORM-ISM figurines of hero Ramza. Analysts view these as low-risk extensions of the remaster’s IP revival, potentially paving the way for sequels or further Ivalice explorations — rumors once swirled of HD-2D remakes, though unconfirmed.

For collectors, the art book represents more than nostalgia; it’s a tangible bridge to Ivalice’s enduring legacy. As one Reddit thread noted post-Japanese release, its pages capture the “insane job system depth” visually, complementing gameplay’s strategic unforgivingness.

Square Enix has not detailed exclusive content for the English edition but confirmed global store distribution beyond its online shop. With the remaster’s sales milestone and fan campaigns for ports like a potential Switch successor, this release underscores Tactics’ timeless appeal in a genre crowded by modern titles like “Fire Emblem” and “Triangle Strategy.”

As preorders approach, enthusiasts are urged to monitor official channels. The Art of Final Fantasy Tactics not only honors a 29-year milestone but reaffirms Ivalice’s place in gaming history, one illustrated page at a time.

Samsung’s groundbreaking Galaxy Z TriFold, the company’s first trifold smartphone, has taken the mobile world by storm since its global debut late last year. Now available in the United States after a rapid sell-out upon launch, the device commands attention with its innovative multi-folding design, massive display and premium specifications — though at a steep price that positions it as a luxury item rather than a mainstream handset.

Announced December 1, 2025, the Galaxy Z TriFold first hit shelves in South Korea on December 12, 2025, before expanding to select markets. U.S. availability began January 30, 2026, exclusively through Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores in the Crafted Black color with 512GB storage. Priced at $2,899, it quickly sold out within minutes — or even seconds in some reports — reflecting intense demand despite the eye-watering cost. Samsung confirmed a restock for February 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT, with notifications sent to interested buyers via email. As of mid-February 2026, stock remains limited, with production reportedly capped at 30,000 to 40,000 units per region globally, fueling scarcity and resale speculation.

The TriFold’s appeal lies in its unique form factor: a dual-hinge system that folds inward for durability and portability. When fully folded, it measures 159.2 x 75 x 12.9 mm and weighs 309 grams, resembling a thick premium smartphone with a 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display featuring a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Unfold once for tablet-like use, then unfold again to reveal a stunning 10-inch QXGA (2160 x 1584) Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner screen — the largest ever on a Galaxy smartphone — also with 120Hz refresh. This makes it ideal for multitasking, immersive media consumption and productivity, transforming from pocketable phone to mini-tablet hybrid.

Powering the device is Qualcomm’s customized Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM for seamless performance across demanding apps, gaming and AI tasks. Storage starts at 512GB (with some markets offering 1TB), though no microSD expansion is available. Battery life benefits from a massive 5,600 mAh three-cell system distributed across the panels for balanced power, supporting 45W wired fast charging — though wireless charging specs remain standard for Samsung foldables.

Camera capabilities emphasize versatility on the large canvas. The rear setup includes a 200-megapixel main sensor for exceptional detail, a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. Dual 10-megapixel front cameras (one on the cover, one under-display on the inner screen) handle selfies and video calls. Galaxy AI integration shines here, with features like Photo Assist, Generative Edit and Sketch to Image enabling advanced editing directly on the expansive display.

The TriFold runs Android 16 with One UI 8, incorporating the latest Galaxy AI enhancements for productivity — from note-taking and translation to creative tools optimized for the big screen. Durability improvements include reinforced hinges tested for longevity, though early adopters have reported isolated display issues, prompting Samsung to handle cases individually without widespread replacements yet.

Reviews praise the engineering feat: slim at just 3.9mm unfolded at its thinnest point, it delivers flagship performance in a portable package. Hands-on impressions highlight the “wow” factor of the 10-inch screen for streaming, document editing and multitasking with up to three apps side-by-side. CNET’s ongoing review calls it a “multitasker’s dream” with an 8.3/10 score, noting it’s more tablet than phone when open but excels in niche use cases. Comparisons to rivals like Huawei’s Mate XT underscore Samsung’s refinements in hinge design and software optimization.

Yet the price draws scrutiny. At $2,899 — roughly $900 more than the Galaxy Z Fold7 — it’s Samsung’s priciest mainstream phone, outpacing even fully loaded iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Limited color options and stock exacerbate perceptions of exclusivity over accessibility. Analysts suggest Samsung targets high-end enthusiasts, professionals and early adopters willing to pay for innovation, with global units potentially around 300,000 total.

Social buzz remains fervent, with unboxings and comparisons flooding platforms. Demand outstrips supply, leading to quick sell-outs and website glitches during restocks. Samsung Experience Stores offer in-person demos, allowing hands-on testing before purchase.
As foldables evolve, the Galaxy Z TriFold sets a benchmark for multi-screen mobility, blending phone convenience with tablet immersion. Whether it heralds a new category or remains a halo product depends on future iterations — rumors already swirl about a TriFold 2 potentially arriving in late 2026 with refinements.

For now, securing one requires vigilance: monitor Samsung.com for restocks, as February 20’s window may fill fast. The future of folding has unfolded — quite literally — and it’s bigger, bolder and pricier than ever.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has started distributing extra flood relief payments to households impacted by recent flooding. This initiative aims to provide financial support to those affected, helping them recover from the damages and loss experienced.

The efforts underscore the government’s commitment to aid and improve the resilience of communities facing such disasters.

In response to the escalating flood crisis, the national disaster agency has announced the allocation of additional relief funds to 140,000 households severely impacted by the recent floods. This move underscores the agency’s commitment to providing immediate support and addressing the urgent needs of affected families. The financial aid aims to assist in securing essential supplies, such as food, clean water, and medical care, to help communities rebuild and recover.

The decision to transfer extra funds follows comprehensive assessments conducted by field teams, highlighting the extensive damages and the necessity for increased assistance. The agency is working collaboratively with local governments and humanitarian organizations to ensure the funds reach those most in need swiftly and efficiently. This coordination is pivotal in preventing delays and maximizing the impact of the relief efforts.

As the floodwaters continue to pose challenges, the disaster agency remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and adapting its strategies accordingly. The focus on timely and targeted financial aid exemplifies a proactive approach to disaster management. Community leaders have praised the initiative, emphasizing the significant relief it provides to thousands grappling with the aftermath of the floods, fostering hope and resilience in rebuilding their lives.

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