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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Property taxes and homeowners insurance costs are increasing, particularly in the Midwest and South, leading to more mortgage payment difficulties for homeowners. Escrow costs are also rising, which could further challenge homeowners' ability to manage mortgage payments. Some states experiencing the highest cost increases are Florida, Colorado, and several others vulnerable to natural disasters.
Key Facts
Rising escrow costs could increase challenges for homeowners in paying mortgages.
Property taxes and insurance premiums have increased significantly since 2019.
The U.S. mortgage delinquency rate has slightly increased from 2.9% to 3% between 2025 and September 2025.
Serious mortgage delinquencies rose from 0.9% to 1% during the same period.
Some areas, like San Angelo, Odessa in Texas, and several locations in Florida, saw significant delinquency rate increases.
Homeowners in the South and Midwest face the fastest-rising costs, particularly in states like Colorado and Florida.
Escrow accounts handle property costs like taxes and insurance, and if these rise, payment demands can increase.
American homeowners are now paying on average 45% more in escrow compared to five years ago.
Fashion retailer Next reported strong sales during the Christmas period, but warned that sales growth might slow in the UK due to rising unemployment. Next's full-price sales in the UK rose by 5.9%, while international revenues increased by 38.3%.
Key Facts
Next reported a 10.6% increase in sales during the nine weeks leading up to December 27, 2024.
The company expects higher annual profits than originally predicted.
Next warned that UK sales growth may slow due to rising unemployment.
Full-price sales in the UK increased by 5.9% over Christmas.
International sales for Next jumped by 38.3%.
The company noted continuing pressures on UK employment could affect consumer spending.
Retail analyst Charles Allen noted concerns about unemployment, especially among young people.
Next's 2025 performance was helped by good weather and a rival's cyber attack issues.
Chick-fil-A plans to make big changes in 2026 to celebrate its 80th birthday. These changes include new menu items and collectible merchandise for customers. The campaign is called "newstalgia" and focuses on nostalgia and new experiences.
Key Facts
Chick-fil-A will introduce "Frosted Sodas" and "Floats" as permanent menu items in all U.S. locations starting January 5, 2026.
Frosted Sodas combine Chick-fil-A's vanilla ice cream with various soda flavors.
The Original Chicken Sandwich Meal will have limited-edition retro packaging.
Chick-fil-A will release four different retro-style cups throughout the year.
There will be 3,000 randomly distributed "Golden Fan Cups," which give winners free Chick-fil-A for a year.
The Golden Fan Cup sweepstake ends on July 1, 2026, with 3,000 winners expected.
Specialty cow-shaped plush toys with unique designs will be available in-store at certain locations throughout the year.
The United States has avoided a new global tax rule that sets a 15% minimum for corporate taxes. This exemption is seen by the U.S. as a win for its independence and for protecting American businesses. The rule was part of a large agreement made by 147 countries to bring consistency to international taxes.
Key Facts
The U.S. announced it escaped a global directive for a minimum corporate tax.
The global tax rule aimed to prevent profit shifting to low-tax areas.
147 countries, led by the OECD, agreed on this global tax plan.
The U.S. exemption is from a 15% minimum global corporate tax.
U.S. officials view this as a victory for U.S. sovereignty.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the importance of protecting American businesses.
The U.S. plans to continue discussions on international tax rules, including those affecting digital businesses.
The article discusses why it's better to handle complaints about restaurant experiences in person rather than online. Experts in the hospitality industry offer tips on how to effectively communicate with restaurant staff when issues arise, emphasizing personal interaction over using social media for grievances.
Key Facts
Experts suggest building a friendly relationship with your waiter to help resolve any problems that come up.
In the UK, customers often prefer to complain online rather than in person, but experts advise against this.
Addressing issues directly with restaurant staff allows for immediate solutions and is generally appreciated by management.
Being clear about what you want when something goes wrong can help achieve a better outcome.
Remaining calm and polite when making a complaint is important to ensure a productive response.
Experts point out that a complaint must be reasonable and justified to be effective.
Nestle has recalled certain batches of its baby formula products due to concerns they might contain a toxin called cereulide, which can cause food poisoning. While no illnesses have been reported, the company is taking preventive steps and offering refunds. The issue is linked to an ingredient from one of Nestle's suppliers.
Key Facts
Nestle recalled some SMA and follow-on infant formulas over toxin concerns.
The toxin in question is cereulide, produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria.
Cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting.
No known illnesses from the affected products have been reported.
Customers can find affected batch numbers on Nestle's website or food.gov.uk.
Nestle is offering refunds and emphasizes the safety of its other products.
The Food Standards Agency advises not feeding the affected products to children.
Customers with health concerns should contact healthcare professionals.
The UK is seeing a rise in electric car sales, with nearly half a million sold last year. A major motoring group warns that government discounts for these cars are "unsustainable" and may not meet future sales targets. The group suggests reviewing the rules requiring more electric car sales as costs for manufacturers rise.
Key Facts
Over 2 million new cars were registered in the UK last year, with nearly 500,000 being electric vehicles.
Electric cars had a market share of 23.4%, up from 2024 but still below the government target of 28%.
The Zero Emission Vehicles Mandate requires carmakers to meet certain electric vehicle sales targets or face fines.
Some carmakers can avoid fines by reducing emissions elsewhere or buying credits from others who exceed targets.
Manufacturers are giving large discounts on electric cars, valued at over £5 billion last year, which is seen as unsustainable.
The motoring group called for a review of the ZEV Mandate to consider rising energy and material costs.
The UK government supports electric car sales through grants and funding for charging infrastructure.
The butterfly pea flower is helping farmers in India make money by selling it for tea and dye. This flower is becoming more popular globally due to its natural color and health benefits, attracting interest from Indian entrepreneurs.
Key Facts
Butterfly pea, a plant with blue flowers, grows in India and is used to make tea or dye.
The plant is known as aparajita in India.
There is a rising global demand for natural colorants, boosting interest in butterfly pea flowers.
In 2021, the US FDA approved butterfly pea flower as a food additive.
The EU classifies it as a "novel" food, meaning it needs more approval for widespread use.
Indian entrepreneurs are helping farmers grow and sell the flower, offering training and resources.
The business opportunity is also helping women in rural areas earn income by harvesting the flowers.
Thai and Indonesian markets are the current leaders in butterfly pea flower production and consumption.
A person using a prediction market platform called Polymarket made $436,000 by betting on the removal of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, before it was announced officially. This has raised questions about whether the bettor had inside information. Congressman Ritchie Torres has introduced a bill to prevent government employees from making these kinds of trades if they have nonpublic information.
Key Facts
A user of Polymarket bet $32,537 on Nicolás Maduro's removal and earned $436,000.
This bet took place just before President Donald Trump announced Maduro's capture.
Polymarket is a platform where people use cryptocurrency to place bets.
Odds of Maduro's removal increased significantly on Polymarket shortly before the official announcement.
The identity of the bettor is unknown and linked to a blockchain identifier.
Congressman Ritchie Torres introduced a bill to ban trades by government employees if they have nonpublic information.
The prediction market industry has grown in the US, with more platforms allowing bets on various topics.
While insider trading is illegal in stock markets, prediction markets have fewer regulations.
A large bet on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture has raised questions about insider trading in prediction markets, which are places where people bet on future events. Unlike traditional stock markets, insider trading in these markets is not currently illegal, sparking debate about whether it should be regulated similarly.
Key Facts
A major bet was placed on Nicolás Maduro's capture, yielding a large profit after an American military raid.
Insider trading is illegal in traditional stock markets but not in prediction markets.
Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen instances of high-profile and suspicious bets.
A proposed bill seeks to make insider trading illegal in prediction markets for government officials.
Critiques of prediction markets say insider trading uses secret information for profit.
Some advocates believe insider trading in these markets can provide valuable public insights.
Critics worry these markets can be manipulated for counterintelligence or false information purposes.
Both Claire's and The Original Factory Shop, two retail chains, have gone into administration in the UK and Ireland. This move puts 2,500 jobs at risk as their owner, Modella Capital, seeks to address financial difficulties and find new buyers.
Key Facts
Claire's and The Original Factory Shop are being put into administration.
About 2,500 jobs are at risk due to this move.
Claire's was previously seeking a buyer after its US owner filed for bankruptcy last year.
Modella Capital owns both Claire's and The Original Factory Shop.
The administration process is happening in the UK and Ireland.
The companies aim to find new buyers during the insolvency proceedings.
Modella Capital cited tough trading conditions and low Christmas sales as reasons for financial trouble.
A new bill aims to stop government officials from using insider information to make money from online prediction markets. This push comes after large profits were made from bets on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s extradition to the U.S.
Key Facts
A House Democrat proposed a bill to ban insider trading in online prediction markets by government officials.
The move was spurred by significant profits from bets on Nicolás Maduro's removal prior to his extradition to the U.S.
One individual made over $400,000 on a prediction market called Polymarket.
Current insider trading laws cover capital markets, but not online prediction platforms.
The proposed bill is named the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026.
The bill seeks to prevent trades based on non-public, important information by federal officials.
It is uncertain if the bill will progress as the House Speaker and President Trump have not commented.
Polymarket has not yet responded, while another platform, Kalshi, states it already bans insider trading.
