At the end of each month, the AGS team looks back at articles and blog posts that we saw this month that stood out to us. Some are from news agencies, and many come from our partners, but not all use our data. Here is the round-up from February 2026.
CARTO
CARTO’s latest blog highlights how the spatial analytics landscape is shifting in 2026, driven by increased adoption of AI tools, cloud-native workflows, and the expanding role of geospatial experts in business decision-making. Based on insights from over 200 practitioners, the post outlines key trends—like AI as a force-multiplier and the centrality of cloud integration—that are reshaping how organizations use location data to generate insights and inform strategies.
Spatial Analytics in 2026: What’s Changing?
AP News
Wendy’s announced plans to shutter several hundred underperforming U.S. restaurants in the first half of 2026 as part of a broader strategy to address declining same-store sales and refocus on value offerings. The closures come after a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter and aim to strengthen the performance of the remaining portfolio by concentrating on more profitable locations.
Wendy’s closes US restaurants and focuses on value to turn around falling sales | AP News
Newsweek
Newsweek explains a new housing proposal dubbed “Trump homes,” which would create a private investor-funded pathway-to-ownership program for entry-level buyers. While the concept could improve affordability by converting rent payments into down payments over time, many experts remain skeptical about its practical impact and scalability.
What is a “Trump home”? New plan for helping housing market – Newsweek
Placer.ai
Placer.ai’s analysis of the Bay Area around Super Bowl weekend shows how a major sporting event can significantly boost local foot traffic and attract high-value visitors to restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues. The blog breaks down visit patterns tied to game-related activities, offering a data-driven look at how large events influence consumer behavior and regional economic impact.
How Super Bowl Events Drove Foot Traffic and High-Value Tourism to the Bay Area – Placer.ai Blog
SiteZeus
SiteZeus outlines key forces influencing site selection this year, from evolving consumer behaviors and faster data access to the integration of AI into decision-making processes. The piece emphasizes how brands must adapt to shifting market dynamics—such as changing demand patterns and tighter data feedback loops—to make confident, growth-oriented location decisions in 2026.
SiteZeus® | The top trends shaping Site Selection in 2026 | SiteZeus®