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.
A report shows that many millennials are rethinking their careers due to a combination of high costs, dissatisfaction with traditional career paths, and a lack of well-being at work. Jessi Jean Cowan, a millennial from Denver, discusses how these factors have led her and others to reconsider their professional lives. Her perspectives on social media have resonated widely, highlighting a broader trend of millennial career crisis.
Key Facts
Only 33% of global employees say they are doing well at work.
Employee well-being has been decreasing since 2022, according to Gallup.
Millennial disengagement is linked to a $438 billion loss in the global economy in 2024.
Many millennials feel pressured by rising living costs and the changing nature of work.
Jessi Jean Cowan, a millennial, shared her story of career dissatisfaction, influencing many online.
Cowan attributes the millennial career crisis to unmet expectations and changing life priorities.
Millennials often burdened with student loans struggle with traditional success markers, like home ownership.
Cowan’s social media posts on this crisis have received millions of views, showing widespread interest.
Billionaire investor Paul Singer, who supports President Donald Trump, might gain control of a New Jersey island if his hedge fund affiliate successfully purchases Citgo, a key Venezuelan oil asset. This deal, pending regulatory approval, is linked to Trump’s plan to revitalize Venezuela’s oil industry with U.S. investments.
Key Facts
Paul Singer is a billionaire investor and donor to President Donald Trump.
Elliott Investment Management, affiliated with Singer, aims to purchase Citgo, which includes Petty’s Island in New Jersey.
Petty’s Island, used for oil storage, is planned to become a nature preserve after cleanup.
U.S. forces recently captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and Trump announced plans to improve Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
Citgo, a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA, has been involved in legal issues over debt repayment.
Delaware Judge Leonard Stark approved the sale of Citgo’s parent company to Amber Energy for $5.9 billion.
Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, but U.S. sanctions and infrastructure issues have hindered exports.
Singer's hedge fund could benefit from increased Venezuelan oil production if the deal goes through.
An old airport in Toronto, Canada, called Downsview is being turned into a new city area called YZD. The project will cost $30 billion CAD and aims to focus on sustainability, public transport, and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Key Facts
The project will transform Downsview Airport, which closed in 2024, into an urban development called YZD.
The area will cover 370 acres, equivalent to about 185 downtown city blocks.
The redevelopment is expected to cost approximately $30 billion CAD (around $22 billion USD).
The project emphasizes walkability and transit connectivity, with housing and workplaces close to transit, shops, and schools.
Key features will include a pedestrian-friendly boulevard made from a former runway and over 70 acres of new parks.
The location is near three subway stations, a commuter rail line, and Canada's busiest highway.
The development aims for high environmental standards, targeting net-zero emissions by 2040.
Construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with the initial phase, the Hangar District, expected to finish by 2031.
The FTSE 100, which tracks the largest UK companies, has reached a record high, surpassing 10,000 points for the first time. This has sparked discussions about the benefits of investing over traditional savings, especially as some people are still struggling with everyday costs. Experts suggest maintaining some cash savings for emergencies but encourage considering long-term investments for potentially better returns.
Key Facts
The FTSE 100 is a stock market index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
It rose above 10,000 points for the first time in its history.
The index's rise has prompted discussions about investing money instead of just saving.
Investments can increase in value over time, but they also carry the risk of loss.
Cash savings are generally safer than investments and offer predictable returns.
Many financial advisors recommend having emergency cash savings before investing.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is pushing for more consumer investment to benefit both individuals and the UK economy.
Rules regarding tax-free Individual Savings Accounts (Isas) are being adjusted to encourage more investment.
A rare first Superman comic, once stolen from Nicolas Cage's home, sold for $15 million to an anonymous buyer. This sale set a new record for the price of a comic book. The comic was originally bought by Cage in 1996, stolen in 2000, and found in 2011.
Key Facts
A 1938 Superman comic sold for $15 million to an anonymous collector.
The comic book is known as Action Comics No 1.
Nicolas Cage initially bought this copy for $150,000 in 1996.
The comic was stolen from Cage's home in 2000 and found in 2011 in California.
The comic was graded nine out of ten by the Certified Guaranty Company.
This is the highest price ever paid for a comic book.
Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect facilitated the sale.
Action Comics No 1 is credited with defining the superhero genre.
Gen Z is increasingly taking on side jobs to supplement their income as they face challenges with traditional career paths in today's uncertain economy. Over half of Gen Z have side gigs, marking them as the first generation to widely adopt this approach. This trend is fueled by economic uncertainty and advances in technology that make it simpler to monetize skills.
Key Facts
Over 57% of Gen Z have a side gig, compared to 21% of older generations.
Many young people feel disillusioned with traditional career growth opportunities.
Side gigs include retail work and gig jobs, often done for extra money or to pursue personal interests.
Advances in tech, especially AI, help people turn skills into income more easily.
Recent graduates are finding it tough to get jobs, and those employed aren't seeing expected career progress.
The financial optimism among college students is at its lowest since 2018 due to job concerns and AI-related layoffs.
Despite the side hustle trend, many young people still aim for traditional career advancement.
Two-thirds of adults under 34 have attempted entrepreneurial ventures.
Exxon CEO Darren Woods told President Donald Trump that investing in Venezuela's oil industry is currently not advisable without major legal and commercial changes. Although Venezuela has large oil reserves, the current infrastructure and laws make it difficult for companies to justify investments. U.S. oil companies are cautious about committing to significant investments in Venezuela until these issues are addressed.
Key Facts
Exxon CEO Darren Woods met with President Trump and called Venezuela's oil sector "uninvestable" without changes.
Venezuela has the largest known oil reserves, but infrastructure is in poor condition.
U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, hoping to boost investment in the country's oil industry.
U.S. oil companies, including Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, discussed investments but need better legal and commercial conditions.
Chevron, the only major U.S. company still in Venezuela, plans to increase production by 50% with state firm PDVSA.
Smaller firms may increase oil production by restarting small projects and accessing undeveloped fields.
Experts suggest that gradual investment in smaller projects might be a more feasible initial step.
The article discusses a trend called "rich girl habits," which focuses on financial practices like tracking spending, automating savings, and living below one's means. Popularized on social media by influencers, these habits aim to shift young women’s approach to money from luxury consumption to achieving financial stability. Financial experts also support these habits as practical strategies for building long-term security.
Key Facts
The term "rich girl habits" is trending among young women, especially from Generation Z.
Influencers like Mia McGrath and Erin Confortini promote habits like monitoring finances daily.
Financial experts recommend tracking income, expenses, savings, and net worth regularly.
Paying yourself first is a method suggested to prioritize savings before spending.
Automation in managing finances is highlighted for reducing emotional spending.
Investing in simple, stable financial products like index funds is encouraged.
The trend advises maintaining a consistent lifestyle even as income increases.
The focus is on building systems and discipline for financial success.
The article examines how much money the characters from the TV show "Friends" would need to earn in 2026 to live the same lifestyle they had in the original series. It provides salary estimates for each character based on their fictional careers and compares these figures to current living costs in New York City.
Key Facts
Monica Geller, a chef, would need a salary between $120,000 and $180,000 by 2026.
Ross Geller, a paleontologist and professor, would see his salary range from $170,000 to $200,000 in 2026.
Rachel Green, who worked in fashion, might earn between $150,000 and $190,000 by 2026.
Chandler Bing, involved in data processing, could have a salary between $130,000 and $180,000 in 2026.
Phoebe Buffay, a masseuse, could earn about $75,838 annually in New York by 2026.
Joey Tribbiani, an actor, might earn up to $200,000 in a good year with steady roles.
Monica's two-bedroom apartment was inherited, aiding her in covering living expenses.
Living costs in New York City are 27% higher than the national average.
Saks, a well-known luxury department store, is facing serious financial problems and may file for bankruptcy. The company has struggled with debt since merging with Neiman Marcus and has missed significant debt payments. Vendors are frustrated due to delayed payments, and there are inventory shortages at Saks' stores.
Key Facts
Saks is experiencing financial difficulties and might file for bankruptcy soon.
The company acquired Neiman Marcus in 2024 for $2.7 billion, hoping to reduce costs and strengthen the brands.
Instead of improving, financial issues worsened after the merger, leading to significant debt.
Saks missed a $100 million interest payment tied to about $2.2 billion of debt from the merger.
Vendors are unhappy because of long delays in receiving payments, and many are stopping product shipments.
Saks’ former CEO, Marc Metrick, resigned in early January and was replaced by Richard Baker.
There have been sales declines and inventory issues, with products being out of stock in multiple locations.
Saks has attempted to raise cash by selling assets, but financial struggles continue.
Charities are receiving a large number of calls from people seeking help with debt after the holiday season. January is usually busy for debt advice services, but this year has seen an especially high number of people reaching out, particularly late at night. Many people are worried about their ability to pay important bills and manage their debts.
Key Facts
Debt charities report a surge in calls for help with debt in early January.
The charity StepChange noted that Monday was its busiest day compared to any single day last year.
Money Wellness, which offers free debt advice, reported a fifth of its service users reached out between 10 PM and 3 AM.
Many people accessed online debt advice on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
StepChange’s website had nearly 4,000 visitors on Christmas Day and over 15,000 on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day combined.
The Money Advice Trust reported the most calls on the first working days of January in its history.
Rising bills, especially for council tax and rent, are major concerns, along with outstanding energy debts.
Credit card borrowing saw a significant annual growth rate of 12.1% in November, indicating increased reliance on credit.
President Donald Trump invited oil company leaders to discuss investing $100 billion in Venezuela's oil sector. He promised these companies "total safety" and said they would deal directly with the U.S., not Venezuela. The U.S. aims to control Venezuelan oil exports, refining, and production, while oil companies consider the risks involved.
Key Facts
President Trump urged oil companies to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's oil reserves.
He assured them of safety and that dealings would be directly with the U.S., not the Venezuelan government.
U.S. forces recently seized a fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuelan oil.
Oil executives from 17 companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, attended the meeting.
Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, highlighted the need for changes in Venezuela's legal and commercial system for investment to be feasible.
Companies have expressed concern over past asset seizures and the legal environment in Venezuela.
Venezuela's current oil production is below one million barrels per day.
U.S. oil companies showed interest in investing in Venezuela but were cautious about making big, quick investments during a meeting with President Donald Trump. These companies want changes in Venezuela's commercial and legal systems to ensure that their investments are safe. President Trump believes U.S. companies can play a big role in rebuilding Venezuela's oil industry.
Key Facts
U.S. oil companies expressed interest in Venezuela but were hesitant to commit to large investments right away.
President Trump discussed the potential for U.S. companies to revive Venezuela's oil industry after Maduro's government was toppled.
Exxon CEO said Venezuela needs changes in laws and protections for investors to be considered investable.
ConocoPhillips highlighted the need for discussions with banks to restructure debt for rebuilding Venezuela's energy system.
Chevron, the only U.S. company currently operating in Venezuela, emphasized safety and legal compliance.
Venezuela has large oil reserves, but production dropped due to mismanagement and U.S. sanctions.
Some companies are open to investing, but significant changes and investments would be needed for full recovery.
President Donald Trump met with oil company leaders to discuss investments in Venezuela's oil industry. However, the companies did not make any major financial commitments due to the risks involved. Trump aims to encourage significant investment, but companies need to see changes in Venezuela before committing.
Key Facts
President Trump held a meeting with oil executives to discuss investments in Venezuela.
No major financial commitments were made during the meeting.
ExxonMobil described Venezuela as currently "un-investable" due to past issues and risk.
Venezuela has vast oil reserves but low production due to various challenges.
U.S. sanctions have impacted Venezuela's oil market access.
Trump wants $100 billion in oil investments, but companies are hesitant.
Chevron is the only major U.S. oil firm still operating in Venezuela.
U.S. officials are working to manage Venezuelan oil sales for leverage over its government.
The European Union (EU) has signed a free trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, after 25 years of talks. This deal still needs approval from the European Parliament before it becomes official. The agreement is set to boost economic ties between the EU and South America, although some European farmers are worried it might harm their business.
Key Facts
The free trade deal involves the EU and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Discussions for the agreement started 25 years ago and it’s the largest free trade deal for the EU so far.
The European Parliament must approve the deal for it to take effect.
Some European farmers have protested, fearing that cheaper imports might affect their livelihood.
The EU has added safeguards in the agreement to address farmers' concerns.
The deal aims to save European companies €4 billion annually in export duties.
It also includes commitments to fight climate change and prevent deforestation.
The economic impact of the deal is projected to increase EU economic output by 0.05%, with full benefits expected by 2040.
In December, the U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs, which was lower than expected. The total job growth for 2025 was 584,000, significantly less than the 2 million jobs added in 2024. The unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.4%, but overall job market conditions were weak.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December.
This number was below what experts expected.
In 2025, employers created 584,000 jobs.
In 2024, the U.S. added 2 million jobs, showing a big drop in 2025.
President Donald Trump is meeting with executives from both large and small U.S. oil companies to discuss possible investment in Venezuelan oil. The meeting includes major firms like Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as well as smaller independents that mostly operate in the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump is hosting a meeting about investing in Venezuelan oil.
Companies invited include large oil firms (Chevron, Exxon Mobil) and smaller independents.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday at 2:30pm (19:30 GMT).
Smaller companies usually operate within the U.S. and may not have much experience in Venezuela.
Some companies, like Continental Resources, have notable size and history.
Oil production varies greatly in different U.S. regions, with states like Texas producing much more than Colorado.
Raisa Energy, a company involved, is based in Denver and has investments backed by major funds.
Smaller companies can adapt quickly and drill wells at lower costs compared to larger firms.
