Amtrak started a "Big City Savings" sale on January 5, 2026, offering up to 30% off certain coach fares between Boston and Washington, D.C. The sale requires booking by January 9 for travel between January 20 and February 12, 2026. The promotion aims to make train travel more appealing by highlighting cost savings, comfort, and convenience.
Key Facts
Amtrak's sale started on January 5, 2026, and ends on January 9, 2026.
Discounts are up to 30% on adult coach fares along the Northeast corridor.
The sale applies to trains between Boston and Washington, D.C., but excludes Acela services.
Sample one-way fares include Boston to New York City for $59 and New York to Philadelphia for $36.
Travelers can earn points with the Amtrak Guest Rewards program during the sale.
The sale is part of Amtrak's efforts to modernize and expand its services.
Amtrak promotes train travel as a stress-free alternative to driving or flying.
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A clarinet player named James Zimmermann filed a lawsuit against the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, claiming they didn't hire him due to comments he made opposing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Zimmermann says he was told he wouldn't get the job despite winning a blind audition. The lawsuit highlights discussions about DEI programs in workplaces.
Key Facts
James Zimmermann has filed a lawsuit against the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Zimmermann claims the orchestra refused to hire him due to his past opposition to DEI efforts.
He states he won a blind audition for a principal clarinet position but was later informed he wouldn't be hired.
The lawsuit was filed in Knox County, Tennessee, on December 23, 2025.
Zimmermann was previously fired from the Nashville Symphony for allegations related to workplace behavior.
Zimmermann has shared posts on social media about his case, which have gained significant attention.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.
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McDonald's is introducing new and returning menu items worldwide in 2026. These include the launch of a Secret Menu in the U.K. and Ireland, special items in the U.S., and cheese-focused burgers in Canada. McDonald's aims to improve its burger quality globally and will launch new drinks and themed Happy Meals in several countries.
Key Facts
McDonald's is adding new menu items internationally in 2026, including the U.K., Ireland, U.S., and Canada.
In the U.K. and Ireland, a Secret Menu includes items like the Surf N’ Turf burger and the Apple Pie Mini McFlurry.
The Big Arch burger has become a permanent menu item in the U.K. with an increased price.
In the U.S., special-edition items like the Pokémon Happy Meal are planned for early 2026.
Canada has introduced a limited-time Double Cheesy Melt Burger starting January 6, 2026.
McDonald's global "Best Burger" initiative aims to enhance burger quality by 2026.
New drinks, including frappes and cold brews, are expected in over 500 locations in 2026.
A global Planet McDonald's Happy Meal in partnership with Crayola may reach 60 countries in 2026.
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In 2025, the number of companies and people filing for bankruptcy in the U.S. increased by 11% to 565,759. This rise in bankruptcies is linked to difficult economic conditions, including high debt, a slow job market, and rising prices. Experts suggest that these financial pressures are unlikely to ease soon.
Key Facts
Bankruptcy filings in the U.S. rose by 11% to 565,759 in 2025.
Businesses and consumers sought Chapter 11 protection due to financial distress.
Consumer bankruptcy filings, mostly Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, made up the majority of cases.
Consumer Chapter 7 filings increased by 15%, while Chapter 13 filings went up by 6%.
Commercial bankruptcy filings rose by 5% to 31,810 in 2025.
A large number of bankruptcy cases came from companies like Spirit Airlines and Claire's.
High borrowing costs, ongoing tariff policies, and inflation contributed to financial struggles.
Experts expect high bankruptcy filings to continue into 2026 due to persistent economic challenges.
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Average gas prices in the United States are expected to fall below $3 per gallon this year, reaching the lowest level since 2020. This decrease is part of a four-year trend of falling prices, influenced by global market conditions and increased refining capacity.
Key Facts
GasBuddy predicts nationwide gas prices will average $2.97 per gallon in 2026.
The price forecast represents a drop from last year’s average of $3.10 per gallon.
This would be the lowest average gas price since 2020, when it was $2.17 per gallon.
Gas prices have been decreasing for six weeks, with the current nationwide average around $2.81 per gallon.
Diesel prices are also expected to drop, expecting an average of $3.55 per gallon this year.
Reasons for the decline include global economic recovery and new refining capacity.
Despite lower prices, gas may temporarily rise to around $3.20 in the spring due to seasonal factors.
The White House has noted lower spending on gas during President Trump's second term.
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The IRS is advising Americans to start preparing for the 2026 tax filing season due to upcoming changes in tax laws. New rules impacting deductions, credits, and reporting requirements could affect how much people owe or receive in refunds. The changes are connected to President Trump's recent legislative act, which includes various updates and new tax options.
Key Facts
The IRS suggests early preparation for 2026 tax filing due to new tax law changes.
The changes are part of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
New deductions include exempting up to 250 hours of overtime pay from federal income tax.
Service workers earning under $150,000 pay no federal tax on up to $25,000 in tip income.
The Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 for 2025 and will adjust annually for inflation.
Taxpayers are encouraged to use direct deposit as the IRS phases out paper refunds.
"Trump Accounts" offer a new savings option for children under 18 with up to $5,000 in annual contributions.
Income from part-time work, gig jobs, and online sales must be reported, regardless of Form 1099-K issuance.
Taxpayers dealing with digital assets must report related transactions and income on tax forms.
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A man in Australia bought a silver jug for $3 at a thrift store and later sold it for over $500 after discovering it was made from Sterling silver. The man, who makes a living from buying and selling items found in thrift stores, recognized a hallmark on the jug that signified its high value.
Key Facts
The man purchased the silver jug for $3 from a local thrift store.
The jug had a hallmark, a small symbol indicating it was made from Sterling silver.
Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and is considered a precious metal.
The man sold the jug for over $500, resulting in a significant profit.
The man frequently buys and sells items from thrift stores, mostly using eBay.
He learned about evaluating valuable items from his upbringing and by watching "Antiques Roadshow."
The man regularly checks thrift stores for valuable items, particularly silver, and shares his findings on Reddit.
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President Trump plans to meet with U.S. oil company leaders to discuss boosting oil production in Venezuela. Significant investment is needed to improve Venezuela's oil infrastructure, but companies have concerns about legal, security, and economic conditions. The meeting will include major oil companies like Chevron, Exxon, and ConocoPhillips.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet with U.S. oil company leaders at the White House to discuss Venezuela's oil production.
Venezuela has large oil reserves but low production due to underinvestment and other challenges.
Chevron is the only U.S. company currently operating in Venezuela under a special license.
Companies are cautious about investing due to legal, security, and economic uncertainties.
Major oil companies like Chevron, Exxon, and ConocoPhillips will be part of the meeting.
Venezuela's current oil production is below one million barrels per day.
Continental Resources is one company expressing interest in investing in Venezuela if conditions improve.
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Applebee's has updated its menu for the new year by adding new food and drink items, including fresh appetizers and returning popular $6 cocktails. The restaurant chain aims to attract customers with these menu changes, especially during holidays like Valentine's Day, despite challenges from rising prices and a preference for dining in.
Key Facts
Applebee's introduced new entrees, appetizers, and $6 cocktails in its latest menu update.
The new "Mucho Smoocho Sips" cocktails include the returning Tipsy Cupid and the new Prickly Ever After Rita.
These cocktails can be customized with additional options like Grey Goose vodka or Don Julio Reposado tequila.
A non-alcoholic drink called the Prickly Melon Rush has been added for those who prefer mocktails.
Applebee's operates 1,512 locations in the U.S. and internationally.
The chain is positioning itself as a budget-friendly brand, focusing on flavor and affordability.
Applebee's has previously added themed menu items to attract customers during holidays.
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Fujitsu is under scrutiny for continuing to profit from government contracts following the Horizon scandal, where its software led to wrongful prosecutions of over 900 sub-postmasters. The company's European chief, Paul Patterson, told MPs that Fujitsu will not bid for new UK contracts until an ongoing inquiry concludes, but he refused to disclose how much Fujitsu would contribute to a victim compensation fund. The UK government has set aside £1.8 billion for redress, with Fujitsu promising to contribute after the inquiry's findings are published.
Key Facts
Fujitsu's software was involved in wrongful prosecutions of over 900 sub-postmasters.
Paul Patterson, European boss of Fujitsu, spoke to MPs about the issue.
The UK government extended Fujitsu contracts by £500 million despite the scandal.
Fujitsu has promised to contribute to a £1.8 billion compensation fund but hasn't specified an amount.
Fujitsu will not seek new UK public contracts until an inquiry on the scandal is finished.
More than £1.4 billion has already been distributed to victims from the compensation fund.
Fujitsu has a long-term presence in the UK, employing around 5,000 people.
Fujitsu has stated that it extended its contract with the Post Office at the government's request.
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Disney's movie "Zootopia 2" has become the most successful animated film in Walt Disney Animation's history, earning $1.59 billion worldwide. This box office success adds to Disney's strong year in 2025, with other big hits including the live-action "Lilo & Stitch" remake and "Avatar: Fire & Ash."
Key Facts
"Zootopia 2" earned $1.59 billion worldwide, surpassing "Frozen II" as Disney Animation's most successful film.
"Frozen II" previously held the record with $1.453 billion in box office revenue.
"Zootopia 2" had a strong performance domestically, earning $364 million in the U.S. by early January 2026.
Two other Disney films, from Pixar, have made more: "Inside Out 2" earned $1.699 billion, and "Toy Story 5" is in contention to surpass this.
Disney's successful 2025 lineup also includes the live-action "Lilo & Stitch" remake, which grossed $1.038 billion.
"Avatar: Fire & Ash," released by Disney in December 2025, has earned over $1.088 billion.
Along with these hits, Disney had three more films each earning over $300 million globally in 2025.
Disney has the only films grossing over $1 billion from any studio in 2025.
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A Hilton franchise hotel near Minneapolis canceled reservations for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents due to their work on immigration issues. This action, which created a major media response, led Hilton to state that the franchise's actions did not reflect its values, and the hotel was eventually removed from Hilton's systems. The incident highlights the challenges and reputational risks that franchise models pose for global brands like Hilton.
Key Facts
A Hilton franchise hotel canceled reservations for DHS agents because of their immigration work.
Hilton stated that the action did not reflect the company's values and apologized.
Hilton removed the Minneapolis hotel from its systems in response.
Many people and media criticized the hotel chain, causing reputational harm.
The incident highlights a risk associated with franchise operations, where local decisions can reflect on the global brand.
Most of Hilton's 9,000 hotels are independently operated as franchises.
Hilton's stock fell by about 2% following the incident.
Experts suggest that clear communication and policies are needed to manage franchisee actions reflecting on the brand.
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New research indicates that the actual impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy is smaller than previously expected. Factors such as shipment lags, exemptions, and trade agreements have contributed to the effective tariff rate being lower than announced. While tariffs still affect economic conditions like unemployment, they do not seem to increase inflation in the medium term.
Key Facts
Actual tariff rates paid by importers are lower than rates suggested by White House policy, about 14% vs. 27%.
Shipment lags, exemptions, and trade agreements like U.S.-Mexico-Canada reduce the effective tariff rates.
The research suggests that tariffs have historically reduced inflation over the medium term.
Tariff impacts tend to cause lower demand and increased unemployment.
The gap between announced and actual tariff rates could persist or widen due to more exemptions.
Imports, particularly from Canada and Mexico, often avoid high tariffs due to trade agreement compliance.
Research from the San Francisco Federal Reserve indicates tariffs have not been historically inflationary.
The paper argues that, while tariffs are a tax on imports, they also create economic uncertainty.
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The article discusses the veterinary costs for a dog owner in 2025, highlighting how pet insurance significantly reduced her expenses. The total vet bills for her dog, Romy, exceeded $8,000, but her insurance lowered her actual payments to about $2,282. The story emphasizes the importance of pet insurance in managing high vet costs.
Key Facts
A dog owner shared her 2025 vet bills totaling $8,768.94 for her golden retriever/Labrador mix named Romy.
Thanks to pet insurance, she only paid $2,282.44 out of her pocket.
Romy's most expensive vet visit was in February, costing over $6,000 due to meningitis diagnostics.
Romy's health issues included meningitis, an infection, and gastritis.
The dog's pet insurance costs $932 annually.
Average pet insurance costs ranged from $122 to $640 per year in 2025.
Videos about Romy's vet experience received over 1.4 million views on TikTok.
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IHOP has started a new menu promotion offering free unlimited pancakes with select breakfast combos at U.S. locations. This offer, partnered with NFL player Malik Nabers and inspired by fantasy football penalties, will run until March 30. The promotion aims to attract more customers and is part of IHOP's strategy to provide value in their offerings.
Key Facts
IHOP is offering Bottomless Pancakes with specific breakfast combos starting January 5.
The promotion will last until March 30 and is available at participating restaurants in the U.S.
The offer is inspired by a fantasy football penalty, known as the 24-Hour Challenge.
Malik Nabers, a wide receiver for the New York Giants, is promoting the campaign.
The campaign includes an advertisement that aired during a Christmas Day NFL game.
The Bottomless Pancakes offer is for dine-in customers and requires the purchase of select breakfast combos.
Pancake refills are only available for buttermilk pancakes and do not apply to other promotions or menu items.
This initiative follows IHOP's previous value-focused strategies, such as their $6 value menu introduced in September 2025.
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Desmond Lachman, a former International Monetary Fund official, warned that President Donald Trump's focus on the stock market's current success might become a problem if market performance declines. Lachman suggests a potential downturn could be driven by a bursting "AI bubble," which could lead to negative economic outcomes and affect the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Desmond Lachman is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
Lachman warned that the stock market's current high valuations could lead to a downturn.
The focus is on the potential risks of the AI industry facing a "bubble" burst.
President Trump has frequently highlighted stock market gains as an achievement.
Major U.S. stock indexes saw significant gains in 2025.
Lachman notes that overvaluation and market optimism could signal a correction.
A downturn could impact U.S. economic growth and investment in AI.
Lachman suggested that a bubble burst could lead to reduced investments and possible loan defaults.
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O-1B visas, which allow foreign individuals with exceptional talents in arts to work in the U.S., are increasingly being granted to social media influencers and creators on platforms such as OnlyFans. This shift represents a new trend in the kinds of talents recognized as extraordinary, with authorities now considering factors like follower counts and subscription earnings.
Key Facts
The O-1B visa is for people with exceptional abilities in the arts, allowing them to work in the U.S.
Traditionally, performers, musicians, and artists used this visa, but it now includes social media influencers and OnlyFans creators.
To qualify, applicants need to show national or international recognition and meet specific criteria, such as having a high salary or playing leading roles.
Social media metrics like follower count and subscription income are now used to meet visa standards.
The popularity of OnlyFans grew during the COVID-19 pandemic as a digital income source.
O-1 visa issuances have increased by over 50% between 2014 and 2024, although they remain a small portion of total U.S. visas.
Immigration attorneys emphasize the need for detailed documentation of social media success and income for these visa applications.
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Whataburger launched a new "Whatadeal" value menu available nationwide starting January 6, 2026. The menu features items priced at $3, $4, and $5, and can be ordered in various ways. The company is also offering a scholarship program for students.
Key Facts
Whataburger's new "Whatadeal" menu launched on January 6, 2026.
The menu includes three items at $3, $4, and $5 prices.
The $3 item is a Big Ranch Wrap with chicken, vegetables, ranch sauce, and cheese.
The $4 item is Whatachick’n Bites, with five pieces of crispy chicken.
The $5 item is a Bacon and Cheese Whataburger Jr., featuring a beef patty, bacon, and cheese.
An additional $2.49 upgrades any item to a meal with fries and a drink.
The menu is available for a limited time while supplies last.
Whataburger is also launching a $600,000 scholarship program in partnership with Dr Pepper, offering 120 students $5,000 each.
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Rebuilding Venezuela's oil industry will require a lot of money and time due to years of neglect and sanctions. While existing wells could provide some quick increases in production, full recovery to previous levels will need significant investment in infrastructure. President Trump indicated the U.S. might help subsidize efforts for rebuilding.
Key Facts
Venezuela's oil production has decreased significantly from around 3.5 million barrels per day in the late 1990s to less than 1 million barrels per day.
For a full recovery, it is estimated that $80 to $90 billion would be needed over six to seven years to increase production to 2.5 million barrels per day.
A larger scale effort to reach over 3 million barrels per day could cost $183 billion over 15 years.
Factors needed for recovery include a secure operating environment, clear fiscal policies, and reduced sanctions.
Some quick production gains might be possible by enhancing output from already functioning wells.
President Trump mentioned potential U.S. subsidies for oil companies to help rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure.
U.S. oil companies may find Venezuela's proximity to Gulf Coast refineries an attractive factor for investment.
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Hilton has decided to remove a Minnesota hotel from its system after an employee refused a reservation for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision followed a viral video highlighting the issue, and Hilton plans to review standards with its franchisees.
Key Facts
Hilton is removing a Minnesota hotel from its systems.
The decision came after a video showed the hotel staff refusing a DHS reservation.
The video was shared by conservative influencer Nick Sortor.
Hilton stated the hotel owner previously promised to fix the issue.
Hilton emphasized its commitment to being a welcoming brand.
The company is reminding franchisees of its standards and values.
Hilton's action is aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
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