McDonald's has announced that the Big Arch burger will become a permanent menu item at their restaurants in the U.K. and Ireland. The burger, which features two patties and special ingredients, has not yet been made available in the U.S. except for a test run last year in Chicago.
Key Facts
McDonald's is adding the Big Arch burger permanently to menus in the U.K. and Ireland.
The Big Arch features two beef patties, cheese, crispy onions, fresh onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a special sauce.
It is served in a bun topped with poppy and sesame seeds.
The burger's popularity in Germany, Portugal, and Canada influenced its permanent addition in the U.K. and Ireland.
McDonald's U.K. credited customer enthusiasm for the burger's return.
In the U.S., the Big Arch was tested at a Chicago location last year but has not been officially launched nationwide.
The burger is priced at £8.79 or £10.69, depending on the location.
McDonald's plans to introduce a limited-time "secret menu" in the U.K. and Ireland featuring other unique items.
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Wall Street investors remain optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI) as long as it continues to bring financial returns. Alphabet's recent partnerships have boosted its market value significantly, showing promising uses of AI. However, while AI brings new opportunities, there are concerns about its effects, such as job losses.
Key Facts
Wall Street is optimistic about AI-driven financial returns in 2026.
Alphabet's market value reached $4 trillion after announcing new partnerships.
Apple and Walmart are using Alphabet's AI for different projects.
Concerns exist about an AI investment bubble and policy impacts from Washington.
Investors reward companies demonstrating effective AI use with financial returns.
There are questions about AI's impact on jobs, potentially reducing workforce needs.
Wall Street is cautious but still investing in AI despite potential risks.
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China's trade surplus reached nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, setting a new record despite ongoing tariff disputes with the United States. The increase in Chinese exports, which rose by 5.5%, was supported by trade with various countries worldwide, even as trade with the US declined. Strong demand for computer chips and related products contributed to this export growth.
Key Facts
China's trade surplus hit nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025.
Chinese exports increased by 5.5% to $3.77 trillion.
Trade with the US decreased, but trade with other global regions increased.
Imports remained stable at $2.58 trillion.
Trade with Russia declined due to decreased demand for Chinese cars and a drop in the value of crude oil imports.
Strong global demand for computer chips and materials boosted exports.
China's trade surplus first exceeded the $1 trillion mark in November 2025.
China aims for economic growth of around 5% due to the trade surplus and expects exports to drive growth in 2026.
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China reported a record trade surplus in 2025, reaching $1.19 trillion despite tariffs imposed by President Trump. Chinese exports to regions outside the US, like South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America, increased significantly, compensating for reduced US trade.
Key Facts
China’s trade surplus for 2025 was $1.19 trillion, the largest ever recorded globally.
This was the first time China's full-year trade surplus exceeded $1 trillion.
The surplus continued to grow despite US tariffs, with exports to other regions increasing.
Monthly export surpluses surpassed $100 billion seven times in 2025.
Exports in areas like green technology, AI products, and robotics increased.
A weak domestic economy reduced China's need for imports, which grew by only 0.5%.
A weaker Chinese yuan and inflation in Western countries made Chinese goods more appealing.
China faces challenges with low-priced products affecting other markets and continued tensions from US tariffs.
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Saks Global, which owns Saks Fifth Avenue, has filed for bankruptcy protection in Texas. The company faced financial challenges due to debt from acquiring Neiman Marcus and changing shopping habits, but stores will keep running thanks to new financing.
Key Facts
Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
The company cited debt from buying Neiman Marcus in 2024 and slow sales as reasons for the bankruptcy.
Saks Global got a $1.8 billion financing package to continue operations.
Stores will remain open despite the bankruptcy process.
Geoffroy Van Raemdonck is the new CEO, replacing Richard Baker.
The change in leadership is aimed at strengthening the company.
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Diva Fam Inc. is recalling its Sea Moss Gel Superfood products because of missing regulatory approval and temperature monitoring records. The recall affects all flavors and batches made before January 9, 2026, and the products were sold across the United States. There have been no reports of health problems related to this recall.
Key Facts
Diva Fam Inc. is voluntarily recalling Sea Moss Gel Superfood products.
The recall is due to missing regulatory authorization and temperature records.
All flavors and sizes of the product in 16-ounce jars are affected.
The issue was found during a California health inspection.
No illnesses have been reported related to the recalled products.
Consumers should stop using the product and follow return instructions from retailers.
The FDA is involved to ensure the recall is handled properly.
Customers can contact the company via phone or email for more information.
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President Donald Trump stated that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is not significant for the U.S., although Canada benefits from it. He emphasized the need for American manufacturing companies to return production to the U.S. Automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis rely heavily on supply chains in Mexico and Canada and have expressed the importance of the USMCA.
Key Facts
President Trump said the USMCA is "irrelevant" for the U.S. but beneficial to Canada.
He encouraged U.S. manufacturing companies to bring production back to America.
Detroit automakers, such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, rely on parts from Mexico and Canada.
Major car manufacturers called on the Trump administration to extend the USMCA, citing its importance for U.S. auto production.
The American Automotive Policy Council supports the USMCA for its regional integration benefits, which save billions of dollars annually.
Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, highlighted the complexity and benefits of North American supply chains.
The USMCA is due for a review on whether it should continue or expire.
Recent stock changes saw Ford and Stellantis shares fall, while General Motors shares rose slightly.
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Inflation in December remained mostly stable with prices rising 2.7% compared to the previous year. Bill and Hillary Clinton declined to testify in a congressional investigation related to Jeffrey Epstein. In Gaza, strong winds caused walls to fall and makeshift shelters to be destroyed, resulting in four deaths.
Key Facts
Inflation rose by 2.7% in December compared to the same time last year.
Bill and Hillary Clinton are not testifying in a congressional investigation about Jeffrey Epstein.
Gaza experienced strong winds that caused damage and led to fatalities.
At least four people died in Gaza due to the wind-related incidents.
The damaged shelters in Gaza were makeshift, likely providing less protection against severe weather.
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Wall Street executives have warned President Donald Trump about his recent proposals affecting the Federal Reserve and credit card industry. They believe these actions could harm the economy, even though they have generally supported his administration's policies in the past.
Key Facts
President Trump has signed a bill that reduced the budget of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The administration has been promoting policies to reduce regulations, which banks like.
Trump proposed a 10% cap on the interest rate for credit cards for one year.
Credit card interest rates are a significant source of profit for banks.
The Department of Justice is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Bank CEOs are concerned about political influence on the Federal Reserve's decisions.
Executives have expressed concern that Trump's actions could negatively impact the U.S. economy.
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Kaiser Permanente agreed to pay $46 million to settle a lawsuit claiming it improperly shared patient data through its website and app. The settlement involves current and former members in several states who accessed Kaiser’s digital services between November 2017 and May 2024. Eligible individuals may receive a one-time cash payment.
Key Facts
Kaiser Permanente will pay $46 million to settle the data privacy lawsuit.
The lawsuit accused Kaiser of sharing patient data with companies like Google and Microsoft.
Settlement applies to about 13 million members in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and D.C.
Eligible members must have accessed Kaiser websites or apps between November 2017 and May 2024.
Claims need to be submitted by March 12, 2024, to receive a payment.
Payments are expected to range from $20 to $40 for approved claims.
The final court hearing for the case is scheduled for May 7, 2024.
Kaiser removed certain online technologies from its services in 2024 as a precaution.
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has responded to possible criminal investigations regarding the Fed's building renovation by speaking out firmly. This has led to some Trump administration and Congressional allies stepping back from supporting such charges against him. Powell has strong support in Congress, which has helped him counter these legal challenges.
Key Facts
Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, addressed potential criminal charges linked to a Fed building renovation.
Allies of President Trump and some Congressional Republicans are distancing themselves from pursuing Powell with criminal charges.
Powell has built strong relationships in Congress, receiving bipartisan support.
The Treasury Secretary and U.S. Attorney involved in the probe did not coordinate in advance.
Public comments from key figures suggest skepticism about the wisdom of prosecuting Powell.
Some lawmakers expressed doubts about whether Powell should face criminal charges, seeing it instead as an issue for Congressional review.
The investigation in question relates to whether Powell misled a Senate committee about renovation costs.
Powell's response strategy contrasts with past cases, where the Fed maintained a lower profile in political controversies.
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The article discusses concerns over Netflix's potential acquisition of HBO Max and the growing power of large media companies. It highlights how a few big firms control much of the media Americans consume, reducing competition and limiting diversity of content. Lawmakers are urged to closely monitor such mergers to protect consumer choice and ensure a healthy media landscape.
Key Facts
Netflix plans to buy HBO Max, raising concerns about reduced competition.
Few large companies control most of what Americans watch on TV and streaming platforms.
Critics say too much media ownership by big firms limits content diversity and innovation.
Streaming services not only distribute content but also control what viewers can easily find and watch.
The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing to discuss these media power issues and may hold more.
Antitrust laws can help regulate mergers and ensure fair competition in the media market.
The Philadelphia National Bank standard considers a company with 30% market control as problematic.
Mergers should be evaluated based on market structure, competition impact, and distribution control.
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Lidl plans to open 19 new stores in England, creating up to 640 jobs within the next eight weeks. The company is also investing £43 million to upgrade over 70 shops in the UK. This is part of Lidl’s larger goal to expand its market presence and improve customer experience.
Key Facts
Lidl will open 19 new stores in England over the next eight weeks.
Up to 640 new jobs will be created with these store openings.
The expansion is part of Lidl’s goal to add 40 more stores by February 28.
The new stores include locations in Birmingham, Burntwood, and Hereford.
Lidl is the sixth-largest grocery chain in the UK.
Approximately £43 million will be invested in upgrading more than 70 existing stores across the UK.
Lidl experienced a 10% increase in sales during the Christmas period, with a turnover of over £1.1 billion in four weeks.
The new store openings are a part of Lidl's strategy to gain a larger market share.
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Student loan borrowers might face issues with their tax refunds being taken if they are behind on loan payments. Organizations are warning borrowers to check their loan status because tax refunds, including credits, might be used to pay off student loan debt if they are in default. The government paused these actions until April 2025, but now borrowers should prepare for possible refund seizures.
Key Facts
If borrowers are behind on student loan payments, their tax refunds could be taken to repay the debt.
The Education Department must notify borrowers at least 65 days before taking their tax refund.
The Treasury Offset Program can take tax refunds, paychecks, and even Social Security benefits for unpaid loans.
Child Tax Credits and Earned Income Tax Credits might also be used to pay loans if borrowers are in default.
The warning encourages borrowers to check their loan status before filing taxes.
Borrowers in default can contact the Treasury Offset Program to confirm if they are at risk.
Options like loan consolidation or discharge programs might help borrowers avoid tax refund seizure.
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President Donald Trump announced that countries trading with Iran will face a 25% tariff on their trade with the United States. The move comes as Iran deals with protests and could impact countries like China, Iraq, and Turkey that are significant trade partners with Iran. Details on the tariff's implementation are not clear yet.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran.
The tariff is declared effective immediately, but details on its enforcement are lacking.
China is Iran's largest trading partner, importing over $14 billion worth of goods from Iran.
Other major trade partners for Iran include Iraq, the UAE, and Turkey.
Iran is a major oil producer, and most of its exports are fuel-related.
The U.S. has not specified the legal framework for the new tariff.
Implementing the tariff could be challenging due to Iran's complex oil export strategies.
The move could affect U.S.-China relations, potentially reviving trade tensions.
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Inflation in December rose 0.3% overall, while core prices rose 0.2%. These figures are the same as in November, indicating a slow easing of inflation pressures.
Key Facts
Inflation increased by 0.3% in December compared to the previous month.
Core prices, which exclude food and energy, rose by 0.2%.
The Federal Reserve’s inflation target is 2%.
Gas and used car prices fell, contributing to inflation cooling.
Economists expected a rise in inflation after a data collection pause, but December's figures matched November's.
Prices for manufactured goods did not change, indicating potential easing of tariff impacts.
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Top central bankers from around the world expressed support for U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell following a criminal investigation initiated by the Trump administration. The central bankers emphasized the importance of the Federal Reserve's independence for global economic stability. This support comes amid concerns that political interference could harm the Fed's credibility and affect the U.S. and global economies.
Key Facts
Many global central bankers backed Fed Chair Jerome Powell after a U.S. criminal investigation began.
The Trump administration is pressuring the Fed to lower interest rates.
Central bank independence is seen as vital for economic stability.
The statement of support came from central bank leaders, including those from Europe and the UK.
The U.S. is the world's largest economy, impacting global economic conditions.
The Bank of Japan did not sign the statement, citing a policy to avoid commenting on other banks' statements.
The Justice Department issued subpoenas related to Fed headquarters renovation costs.
President Trump aims to decrease federal funds rates to 1%, lower than the current 3.5%–3.75%.
Jerome Powell can remain a Fed governor until 2028, even if replaced as chair in May.
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McDonald's is highlighting how its restaurants in France, Italy, and Portugal have created menu items that reflect local tastes and culture. The company works with local farmers and chefs to develop these unique offerings. This local approach is part of McDonald's strategy to adapt to different markets around the world.
Key Facts
McDonald's in France has over 1,500 locations and serves around two million meals daily.
French menu items include the Croque McDo and McCafé macarons, incorporating local ingredients.
In Italy, more than 760 McDonald's serve items like Pistachio McFlurry and Parmigiano Reggiano snacks.
Italian menu items are made with local cheeses and cured meats.
Portuguese McDonald's offers dishes like Pastel de Nata and rustic soups at over 200 locations.
The local menu strategy applies to other European markets, making up about a third of the menu.
On average, McDonald's introduces ten new items yearly in each European country, but not all become permanent.
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Denny's has launched new meal deals, offering 10 menu items priced at $5.99 each, in response to reduced customer visits due to economic reasons. The initiative aims to attract more diners by providing affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Denny's also plans to close some of its restaurants and introduce new menu items to draw customers back.
Key Facts
Denny's introduced a $5.99 meal deal with 10 options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The new meal deals are part of "Slammin' Meal Deals," launched this week.
Denny's plans to close 150 of its approximately 1,400 U.S. restaurants by 2025.
50 of these closures are planned by the end of 2024.
The new menu also includes dessert breakfast options like Salted Caramel Banana Pancake Slam and new drinks like Mocha Cold Brew.
These initiatives aim to combat reduced foot traffic and appeal to budget-conscious customers.
Denny's previously reported "shifts in consumer sentiment" as part of the reason for closures.
Other restaurants, like Taco Bell, are also updating menus to attract customers.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over allegations of misleading Congress about the cost and scope of a renovation project. The investigation was approved by Attorney Jeanine Pirro in November. President Trump stated he was not aware of the investigation details but has expressed a desire to remove Powell from his position.
Key Facts
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is under investigation by the federal government.
The investigation focuses on Powell's role in a renovation project that exceeded its budget.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, approved the investigation.
The renovation project began during Trump's first term at a cost $600 million over the original budget.
President Trump has openly expressed his wish to remove Powell as Fed Chair.
Powell has faced criticism from Trump for his measured approach to reducing interest rates.
The investigation adds to ongoing tensions between Trump and Powell.
Powell's term as chair ends in May, but he can stay as a Fed governor until January 2028.
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