Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh disagreed with other justices and wanted to hear a bankruptcy case involving Hertz and Wells Fargo. The Supreme Court decided not to review the case, so the lower court's decision stands. This case involves disputes over payments following Hertz's bankruptcy.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wanted the Supreme Court to review a bankruptcy-related case.
The case involves Hertz filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hertz proposed a reorganization plan to pay creditors, including Wells Fargo, but there were disputes over additional payments.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that Hertz must pay certain premiums and interest.
Hertz argued that the bankruptcy law should prevent creditors from claiming more money than specified.
Wells Fargo argued that creditors should receive full repayment, including certain interest and premiums.
The Supreme Court declined to review the case, so the lower court's decision remains in effect.
President Donald Trump has expressed a strong interest in U.S. companies developing Venezuela's oil resources following a change in leadership there. He criticized ExxonMobil for not showing enough enthusiasm in this effort. Trump met with top oil executives from various companies to discuss investing in Venezuela's energy sector.
Key Facts
President Trump wants U.S. companies to help develop Venezuela's oil resources.
There has been a leadership change in Venezuela, with Nicolás Maduro removed from power.
Trump expressed disappointment with ExxonMobil's lack of interest in the project.
ExxonMobil's CEO described Venezuela as "uninvestable" due to legal and commercial challenges.
U.S. firms have been cautious about entering Venezuela because of its unstable political situation.
Trump discussed plans with major oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure.
He assured oil companies of safety but acknowledged they can manage their projects.
The plan envisions a rapid, 18-month, $100-billion investment effort by U.S. firms.
A video of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and President Donald Trump resurfaced after the Department of Justice (DOJ) began an investigation into the Fed. The DOJ is looking into claims that Powell lied during Senate testimony about the expensive renovation of the Fed's buildings in Washington, D.C. This investigation has increased tensions between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve.
Key Facts
The DOJ has launched an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's statements about Fed building renovations.
The investigation focuses on claims of Powell lying about the cost during Senate testimony.
The Fed's renovation project initially cost $2.5 billion but is now $600 million over budget.
President Trump nominated Powell in 2017 and has criticized him for not lowering interest rates quickly.
Trump suggested he might sue Powell for handling the renovations poorly.
The Federal Reserve is funded by banking services fees and investment income, not taxpayer money.
Powell responded that the investigation connects to Trump's previous threats against him.
Trump said the DOJ subpoenas are unrelated to interest rates, but that high rates are negatively affecting the public.
Paramount Skydance is trying to take over Warner Bros. Discovery by suggesting new board members for the company. There is a bidding war for Warner Bros. between Paramount and Netflix, with Warner's leaders preferring Netflix's $72 billion offer over Paramount's $77.9 billion bid.
Key Facts
Paramount Skydance wants to name its own directors for Warner Bros.
This is part of a hostile takeover attempt by Paramount.
Warner Bros. is caught in a bidding war between Paramount and Netflix.
Paramount has offered $77.9 billion for Warner Bros., more than Netflix's $72 billion.
Warner Bros.' current board supports the Netflix offer.
Paramount has also filed a legal case for more information on how offers are valued.
Warner Bros. has not yet scheduled its meeting to discuss these offers.
Paramount did not list any specific board candidates yet.
The article describes how the AI boom is creating a division in economic status in the United States, forming three groups: the Have-Nots, the Haves, and the Have-Lots. The Have-Lots are gaining significant wealth from AI advancements, while others are experiencing minimal benefits. This economic split is changing the financial and social landscape, leading to greater inequality.
Key Facts
The United States is experiencing an economic division due to the AI boom, forming three groups: Have-Nots, Haves, and Have-Lots.
The Have-Lots are becoming wealthier through exclusive AI-related deals and investments.
In the past few years, the top 10% of households gained $5 trillion in wealth during a single quarter, while the bottom 50% gained $150 billion.
The Have-Nots, making up over 50% of Americans, struggle with high rent and mortgage rates, low stock ownership, and potential job threats from AI.
Many in the Have category (middle group) own stocks and homes but are concerned about AI's impact on jobs.
Despite economic growth, many in lower groups feel pessimistic about AI and future economic security.
Rising stock market valuations, such as with companies like Nvidia and Microsoft, have little impact on the financial situation of most Americans.
A large portion of Americans cannot cover a $400 emergency expense without going into debt.
Chipotle is offering a special one-day promo for its U.S. and Canada Rewards members on January 13, 2026. Members can get a free double protein upgrade on select menu items when they order online or through the app.
Key Facts
The offer is available only to Chipotle Rewards members in the U.S. and Canada.
It applies for one day only, on January 13, 2026.
Members can choose a free double protein upgrade for bowls, burritos, and salads.
Protein options include chicken, steak, beef barbacoa, pork carnitas, and tofu-based sofritas.
Orders must be made through the Chipotle app or the website using the promo code PROTEIN.
The offer does not apply to in-restaurant orders, third-party deliveries, or certain menu items.
This promotion aligns with a survey showing 70% of Americans prioritize eating more protein.
Fisher Island in Miami Beach became the most expensive ZIP code in the U.S. in 2025, with homes selling for a median price of $9.5 million. The area's appeal is due to its beauty, privacy, and location near downtown Miami. Many wealthy buyers are moving to the south, expanding the luxury home market beyond just the East and West Coasts.
Key Facts
Fisher Island's ZIP code 33109 had a median home sale price of $9.5 million in 2025.
Atherton, California's ZIP code 94027 was second with homes selling for $8.3 million.
Sagaponack, New York, in the Hamptons had a median sale price of $5.9 million.
California made up 61% of the top 120 expensive ZIP codes.
Fisher Island residents pay extra fees, including a $500,000 membership and $40,000 for amenities.
The area is attractive because of its beauty, isolation, and proximity to downtown Miami.
Coastal areas remain expensive, but climate change is affecting high-risk markets.
More wealthy buyers are purchasing homes in the southern U.S., spreading luxury housing markets beyond the coasts.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which has impacted financial markets significantly. The investigation led to stock market drops, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq indices falling. The situation is notable because the probe is unprecedented, affecting both markets and the U.S. dollar's value.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Powell mentioned that the probe is “unprecedented” in its nature.
Major U.S. stock indices fell, with the S&P 500 down 0.3%, the Dow Jones dropping over 400 points, and the Nasdaq down 0.2%.
The U.S. dollar decreased in value against the Swiss franc and the euro.
Powell stated the probe might affect how the Federal Reserve sets interest rates.
The fallout of the investigation caused significant fluctuations in global financial markets.
A luxurious resort in Kona, Hawaii, called Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, will open in 2026, welcoming both humans and dogs. The resort has partnered with BARK Air to create a travel package that caters to dogs, including flights and on-site care. This initiative allows pet owners to plan vacations with their pets, focusing on the dogs' needs during the stay and travel.
Key Facts
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is located on Hawaii's largest island and is considered one of the most luxurious resorts in the world.
The resort will open in 2026 and will welcome dogs as part of the vacation experience.
BARK Air, a dog-friendly airline, has partnered with the resort to offer a dog-first travel package that includes flights and on-site amenities for dogs.
Guests can enjoy specific events for dogs such as a dog-friendly luau and sunset yoga sessions.
Dog-specific services include tailored toys, treats, and on-site support like a concierge and an expert trainer.
Traveling to Hawaii with a pet requires meeting specific entry requirements, which BARK Air assists with through pre-flight coordination.
BARK Air provides private charter flights from Los Angeles to Kona, accommodating up to 10 humans and their dogs.
Room rates start at $2,690 per night, and the round-trip flight package costs $15,000 for one human and up to two dogs.
Thousands of nurses in New York City are on strike after contract talks with three hospital systems fell through. The nurses are demanding better staffing, healthcare benefits, and workplace safety. The strike could affect hospital operations, including patient care and services.
Key Facts
Nurses from The Mount Sinai Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Montefiore Medical Center are on strike.
About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike.
Nurses are asking for safe staffing, healthcare benefits, and protection against workplace violence.
Hospitals are hiring temporary nurses to cover during the strike.
The strike is happening during a severe flu season, which may impact hospital services.
Each hospital is negotiating separately with the nursing union.
Some other hospitals in the area reached agreements to avoid a strike.
The New York State Nurses Association represents the striking nurses.
India and the United States are involved in ongoing discussions about a trade deal, according to Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador to India. Trade tensions exist due to high U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and disagreements over India’s agricultural market access. Despite previous delays, both countries remain committed to reaching an agreement.
Key Facts
The U.S. ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, said both countries are actively discussing a trade deal.
Tensions in negotiations have been partly due to the U.S. imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
The U.S. wishes to access India's agricultural market, but India has resisted this.
There are historical trade disagreements, including those related to India's purchase of Russian oil.
Despite these issues, the U.S. and India are also working together on security, technology, and health.
Recent claims by the U.S. suggest India is responsible for delays in the trade deal, which India denies.
President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi have had cooling relations, although discussions continue.
Separately, Trump has warned of increased tariffs if India continues buying Russian oil.
Vets in the UK say they are under pressure to make more money for the big companies that own their practices. Prices for vet services have risen significantly, and many pet owners are concerned about the high costs. The government’s competition regulator is looking into whether these companies are providing fair pricing.
Key Facts
Vets report feeling pressured to boost company profits.
Vet service prices in the UK increased by 63% from 2016 to 2023.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is investigating the pet-care market for fair pricing issues.
Six companies control 60% of the UK's pet-care market.
There are questions about whether this concentration reduces competition and leads to higher prices.
An anonymous vet shared concerns about pressure to offer costly tests and treatments to meet company targets.
The UK government is assessing whether vets are transparent about practice ownership and pricing.
The number of homes for sale in the U.S. increased over the past year, giving buyers more options. This rise in home inventory is particularly noticeable in Western, Southern, and some Metropolitan areas, which has impacted home prices.
Key Facts
U.S. home inventory rose in all regions over the last year.
The West saw a 14.4% increase, the South 12.3%, the Midwest 11.1%, and the Northeast 7.5%.
This inventory increase is linked to affordability issues and decreasing demand.
Home prices fell in areas with the most inventory, like Florida and Texas.
National home price growth slowed considerably but did not stop entirely.
Experts predict inflation will outpace home price growth again in 2026.
Washington, D.C. experienced the highest rise in inventory at 32.8%.
Other cities with significant inventory increases include Charlotte, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Raleigh.
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, because it can create images that look like pornography using real people's photos. These countries took this step due to concerns about the potential misuse of the tool, particularly to create explicit images of women and children.
Key Facts
Malaysia and Indonesia blocked Grok for its ability to make explicit deepfake images.
Grok is a tool on Elon Musk's X platform that lets users create images.
The countries' decision is focused on preventing the misuse of images showing women and children.
Malaysia and Indonesia are the first countries to ban this AI tool over these concerns.
British officials are also considering actions against Grok for not meeting online safety laws.
Malaysia's regulators found repeated misuse of the tool and asked for stricter safety measures.
Grok use for explicit content is seen as violating human rights and dignity by Indonesian leaders.
Elon Musk has responded to criticisms by calling them excuses for censorship.
President Trump said he might stop Exxon Mobil from investing in Venezuela after the company's CEO called the country "uninvestable." The CEO explained that past nationalization efforts in Venezuela have made it risky to invest there.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested he may block Exxon Mobil from investing in Venezuela.
Exxon's CEO, Darren Woods, said Venezuela is currently "uninvestable."
Exxon had its assets seized twice in Venezuela due to nationalization.
Woods indicated significant legal and commercial changes are needed in Venezuela.
There is a need for better investment protections and changes to the country's hydrocarbon laws.
The comments were made during a White House meeting with President Trump.
Federal prosecutors are investigating Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, about renovations to the Fed's building. The Department of Justice has issued subpoenas related to Powell's testimony to Congress on the project. Powell has expressed concern that the investigation affects the Fed's independence from political influence.
Key Facts
Federal prosecutors are looking into renovations at the Federal Reserve's headquarters.
The investigation focuses on Jerome Powell's testimony to Congress about the project.
The Department of Justice issued grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve.
Powell’s term as Fed chair ends in about four months.
President Trump has criticized Powell over interest rate policy.
Powell sees the investigation as a threat to the Fed's independence from political pressure.
The project in question involves renovating historic Federal Reserve office buildings.
Powell has expressed a commitment to rule of law and accountability in his statement.
Luxury car brands like Bugatti, Porsche, and Aston Martin are expanding into real estate by building expensive residential skyscrapers, often called branded residences. These apartments cost millions and appeal to wealthy buyers who want to experience a brand's lifestyle. Dubai is a leading city for these developments, attracting rich individuals looking for luxury homes.
Key Facts
Bugatti is building a 43-story residential tower in Dubai with apartments starting at $5.2 million.
The tower includes features like large lifts for cars to be parked inside the apartments.
Famous buyers of these residences include celebrities like Neymar Junior and Andrea Bocelli.
Global demand for branded residences has increased with 611 projects today, expected to grow to 1,019 by 2030.
The U.S. has the most branded apartments, but the Middle East is seeing rapid growth, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Branded residences can be 30 to 40% more expensive than other luxury homes.
Luxury brands entering real estate are mainly doing so to create new revenue streams.
Dubai is leading in the number of branded residence projects due to its attraction to wealthy individuals.
Krispy Kreme introduced a new Winter Seasonal Collection of doughnuts, available in the U.S. starting January 6. The collection includes four doughnut flavors and new drink options, all focusing on winter-themed tastes.
Key Facts
Krispy Kreme's Winter Seasonal Collection launched on January 6 in the U.S.
The collection features four new doughnut flavors: Caramel Dulce, Chocolate Truffle, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Cinnamon Sugar Cake.
New drinks available with the collection include Caramel Vanilla Latte and Caramel Brown Sugar Latte.
The collection is part of a wider menu expansion set to continue through 2026 with seasonal releases.
Doughnuts and drinks can be purchased in shops, via app, or online for delivery or pickup.
Some customer feedback indicates high demand leading to supply shortages at some locations.
The Winter Seasonal Collection is designed to offer popular winter flavors like cinnamon, caramel, and chocolate.
Shake Shack has brought back its Korean-Style menu for the third time, starting on January 9, across the United States. This menu includes new items like the K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites and K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake, as well as returning favorites. The new menu is available for a limited time.
Key Facts
Shake Shack released its Korean-Style menu on January 9 nationwide.
New items include K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites and K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake.
Returning items are the K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich, K-Shack BBQ Burger, and K-Shack Spicy BBQ Fries.
Menu features Korean-inspired flavors like gochujang and kimchi.
The menu uses fresh ingredients, such as antibiotic-free chicken and Angus beef.
Prices range from $5.49 for fries to $10.49 for sandwiches.
The Korean-Style Menu is only available for a limited time.
In late December, Disney World removed nearly 35 restaurants from its Disney Dining Plan, which lets guests pre-purchase meals. After complaints, Disney added over 20 restaurants back to the plan in early January. The meal plans still cost about $60 for adults per night and include a free option for kids aged 3 to 9 if they're part of a paying group.
Key Facts
Disney World cut almost 35 restaurants from its dining plan in December.
Popular places like Space 220, T-REX Cafe, and Starbucks were initially removed.
Disney put more than 20 restaurants back on the plan after public criticism.
The dining plan allows guests to buy meals in advance for convenience.
The cost of the dining plans starts at about $60 per adult per night.
Disney offers a "Kids Eat Free" option for kids aged 3 to 9 in a paying group.
Changes happened because of last-minute negotiations with independent restaurants.
Over 20 locations still do not accept the dining plan as of the reporting date.
