President Donald Trump's comments about buying Greenland and imposing tariffs on countries opposed to the idea have unsettled financial markets. This has led investors to sell U.S. stocks and bonds, causing a drop in U.S. market indexes and the dollar value. Some investors are concerned about ongoing uncertainty and the stability of the U.S. economy.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to acquire Greenland and plans to increase tariffs on countries against this move.
The proposed tariffs will start at 10% and could rise to 25% by June 1.
Major U.S. stock indexes fell sharply, with declines in the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq.
Investors are selling U.S.-linked assets due to fears of economic uncertainty and strained international relations.
A Danish pension fund decided to sell its U.S. Treasury holdings, citing poor U.S. government finances.
The U.S. administration downplays the impact of these investor actions.
President Trump stated the U.S. will not forcibly take Greenland.
A Massachusetts judge blocked residents from using Kalshi, a platform for prediction markets, which affects betting on sports events like the Super Bowl. The judge ruled that Kalshi needs a state sports wagering license under Massachusetts law. This decision impacts millions of users and the company's operations.
Key Facts
A Massachusetts judge blocked Kalshi from operating without a sports wagering license in the state.
The decision affects millions of users, especially ahead of the Super Bowl.
Kalshi allows users to predict outcomes for various topics, including sports and politics.
Sports betting made up 70% of Kalshi's income during a part of last year.
Kalshi has about two million users across the U.S. and is valued at over $2 billion.
Several states have challenged Kalshi on legal grounds, but Massachusetts is the first to stop operations.
The Massachusetts Attorney General filed a lawsuit in 2025 claiming Kalshi did not have the necessary license.
The judge disagreed with Kalshi’s argument that federal law covers their sports event contracts, stating state laws apply.
The BBC has formed a new deal with YouTube to create content specifically for the platform. This move targets a younger digital audience and will start with coverage of the Winter Olympics. The partnership will also generate revenue for the BBC through ads viewed outside of the UK.
Key Facts
The BBC will produce new shows specifically for YouTube as part of a new agreement.
This content will target younger audiences who typically watch digital media.
The BBC's new shows will include entertainment, news, and sports, starting with the Winter Olympics.
Ads shown outside the UK will help the BBC earn extra money.
The partnership aims to enhance the BBC's reach and connect with audiences in new ways.
YouTube and the BBC will also launch a training program for new UK content creators.
Social media and video platforms have surpassed traditional news sources in popularity in some areas, including the US.
Newsweek showcases a variety of new consumer products in its New & Noteworthy feature. This week includes items like creatine gummies for women, a compact camera by Kodak, and a Clorox spray for allergens. The feature aims to keep consumers informed about the latest product trends across different categories.
Key Facts
Newsweek's New & Noteworthy helps consumers discover new products across various categories.
This week's products include Lemme's creatine gummies, Kodak's instant camera, and Clorox's allergen spray.
Kodak Printomatic+ is a camera that prints photos instantly and costs $79.99.
Clorox Pure Daily Air Spray is designed to neutralize household allergens and costs $5.97.
egglife Chipotle Egg White Wraps offer a low-carb, high-protein alternative for meals and are priced at $6.89.
DripDrop Zero Sugar Plus is an electrolyte drink mix with no artificial sweeteners, priced at $27.99.
Lemme Creatine Gummies provide 5 grams of creatine and support muscle and cognitive health, sold for $24.00.
U.S. stock market performance during the first year of President Trump's second term was lower compared to the same period in his first term and also underperformed the first years of the Biden and Obama presidencies. The S&P 500 rose by 15.7%, while it had increased by 24.1% in Trump's first term and 19.3% in Biden's first year. Other stock indices showed mixed results.
Key Facts
The S&P 500 index increased by 15.7% during President Trump's first year of his second term.
In Trump’s first term, the S&P 500 went up by 24.1% in the first year.
During Biden's first year, the S&P 500 increased by 19.3%.
The S&P 500 gained 35.9% during Obama’s first year in office.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 13.5% in the past year under Trump 2.0.
Under Trump 1.0, the Dow Jones was up 32.1%, compared to 13.3% under Biden and 58% under Obama.
The Nasdaq rose by 19.8% in Trump 2.0’s first year, but it increased by 32.4% in Trump 1.0’s first year.
Stocks experienced a significant sell-off on a recent Tuesday, with the S&P 500 dropping over 2%.
Walmart has launched a new online store called the Premium Musical Instrument Shop on its Walmart Marketplace platform. This shop offers high-end musical instruments and accessories from well-known brands like Fender and Roland. The launch is part of Walmart's plan to expand its online marketplace into premium product areas.
Key Facts
Walmart opened a new online store for premium musical instruments on Walmart Marketplace.
The store features products like guitars, amplifiers, and drum accessories.
Items come from well-known brands such as Fender, Roland, and Boss.
The shop is available to both brands and third-party sellers.
Walmart plans to showcase its musical instrument offerings at the 2026 NAMM Show.
Walmart reported 14 straight quarters of growth in its Marketplace sales.
U.S. e-commerce sales for Walmart increased by about 28% in the latest quarter.
Kayla Russina bought a Gucci watch from a thrift store for $150 and later confirmed that it was authentic. The watch, which dates back to the 1990s and comes with interchangeable bezels, could sell for between $500 and $700.
Key Facts
Kayla Russina bought a Gucci watch for $150 at a thrift store in St. Louis.
The watch was in its original case and came with several bezels, parts that can be changed to give it a different look.
Russina initially worried about its authenticity but later had it confirmed to be real.
The watch is a model from the 1990s and similar models sell for over $1,000 online.
She expects to sell the watch for between $500 and $700 after confirming it works with a new battery.
Russina plans to sell the watch to raise money as she is a college student.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is changing its operations before the 2026 tax season starts, including leadership shifts and modernizing services. The agency is introducing new tax deductions and encouraging more digital interactions with taxpayers to improve customer service and compliance.
Key Facts
The IRS announced leadership reorganization and plans to modernize its services to improve taxpayer service.
New tax deductions include interest on car loans and enhanced tip and overtime relief.
The 2026 tax filing season begins on January 26, 2026.
The IRS plans to expand online services, encouraging electronic filing and direct deposits instead of paper checks.
The IRS expects to receive approximately 164 million tax returns in the 2026 season.
Updated rules will impact reporting for digital assets like cryptocurrencies, affecting the tax season.
The IRS is using new guidelines for deductions, including a permanent 100% bonus depreciation.
The National Taxpayer Advocate warned that staff reductions might affect service levels during the 2026 tax filing season.
Inflation in the UK increased to 3.4% in December, mainly due to higher prices for tobacco and airfares. This rise was slightly more than what many experts had predicted.
Key Facts
UK inflation rose to 3.4% in December.
Tobacco and airfares were the main reasons for this increase.
Economists had expected an increase to only 3.3%.
The rise in airfares was partly due to flights during the Christmas and New Year period.
Tobacco prices increased because of a new tax introduced in November.
The data were released before the Bank of England's upcoming decision on interest rates.
Lower clothing and food prices helped keep inflation from rising even more.
Warsaw, Indiana, is making a comeback as a manufacturing hub with the arrival of Slate Auto, a new car maker. After a major printing plant in the town closed, many jobs were lost, but Slate Auto is starting a new auto manufacturing site, revitalizing the area. The town's solid infrastructure and community support were key in attracting the new company.
Key Facts
Warsaw, Indiana, was historically linked to R.R. Donnelley & Sons, once a major U.S. printing company.
At its peak, the Donnelley plant in Warsaw employed about 2,000 people.
The plant was sold in 2016, went bankrupt by 2020, and closed in 2020, affecting 525 workers.
In 2024, Slate Auto chose Warsaw as the site for its new car manufacturing plant.
Slate Auto CEO, Chris Barman, aimed to launch car production by late 2026.
Warsaw offered strong community support, existing infrastructure, and good logistics for suppliers.
Slate Auto's choice reflects a trend in reindustrializing older manufacturing areas.
Grassroots music venues in the UK are finding it hard to make a profit, with over half not making money last year. Despite this, attendance at small venues rose by 13% in 2025. Financial pressures, including increased costs, are causing some venues to close.
Key Facts
Over half (53%) of grassroots music venues in the UK did not profit last year.
In 2025, 30 music venues closed, affecting job availability in the sector.
About 6,000 jobs, nearly 20% of the workforce, were lost.
Attendance at these small venues went up by 13%, with 21 million people attending shows.
Average ticket prices saw a minor increase, going from £11.48 to £11.56.
The rate of venue closures is slowing, with a decline of only 1.2%.
Financial issues, like the rise in National Insurance, added £15 million to wage bills.
Some venues are using creative methods like hosting corporate events to stay afloat.
President Donald Trump has approved the production of small cars, known as Kei cars, in the United States. These cars are popular in Japan and are smaller than typical American vehicles. However, there are uncertainties about whether they will be successful in the U.S. market due to concerns about safety, pricing, and American consumer preferences.
Key Facts
President Trump approved the production of tiny vehicles, similar to Japan's Kei cars, in the U.S.
Kei cars are small, economical cars that became popular in Japan after World War Two.
These cars face challenges in the U.S. due to safety concerns and American preferences for larger vehicles.
Trump believes small cars could be affordable and fuel-efficient options for Americans.
Current U.S. regulations make it rare to see Kei cars unless they are over 25 years old.
U.S. households are still dealing with higher car prices due to past supply chain issues and increased living costs.
Tariff policies and ending subsidies for electric vehicles might increase car prices further.
Some believe small cars could work well in crowded cities, but not on highways.
Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary are in a public disagreement. Their argument started after O'Leary rejected using Musk's Starlink technology for wi-fi on Ryanair flights. The dispute has included insults and talk of Musk potentially buying Ryanair.
Key Facts
Elon Musk suggested he might buy Ryanair and called for its CEO Michael O'Leary to be fired.
O'Leary rejected Musk's Starlink system for in-flight wi-fi, citing increased costs and passenger disinterest.
Ryanair called Musk an "idiot" and promoted a "Great Idiots seat sale," using the argument for marketing.
Musk's Starlink uses a network of low-earth orbit satellites to provide internet access.
EU-based airlines need to be mostly owned by EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein people.
O'Leary plans a press conference in Dublin to respond to Musk's remarks.
Lufthansa plans to install Starlink on its planes, offering free wi-fi, which Ryanair has rejected.
Both Musk and O'Leary are known for making bold, attention-getting public statements.
Taco Bell announced a new menu called the $3 Luxe Value Menu, featuring ten items including new and returning favorites. The menu will be available nationwide starting January 22, with early access for rewards members starting January 16. The menu is part of Taco Bell's effort to offer affordable options with exciting flavors.
Key Facts
Taco Bell is launching the $3 Luxe Value Menu nationwide on January 22.
The menu includes ten items: five new and five returning favorites.
New items include a Mini Taco Salad, Beefy Potato Loaded Griller, and Salted Caramel Churro.
The menu aims to offer affordable, flavorful food choices.
Early access began on January 16 for Taco Bell rewards members.
A $1 app-based promotion is available for 30,000 rewards members on January 27.
Netflix has proposed an all-cash offer to buy Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming assets, valued at $82.7 billion, in an effort to outdo Paramount's competing bid. The Warner Bros board supports this offer, with a shareholder vote scheduled by April. Netflix aims to secure Warner Bros for its valuable film and TV franchises, explaining that the cash offer provides financial certainty.
Key Facts
Netflix's offer for Warner Bros is an all-cash deal at $27.75 per share.
The Warner Bros board supports Netflix's offer over Paramount's.
A shareholder meeting is planned by April to vote on Netflix's offer.
Netflix and Paramount are both interested in Warner Bros's popular content like Game of Thrones and DC Comics franchises.
Paramount has also made a bid and is actively trying to convince shareholders of its value.
Netflix's shares decreased by 15% since announcing the merger in December.
Warner Bros's advisors value the Discovery Global spin-off, holding assets like CNN and TNT Sports, as part of its strategy.
Paramount had argued its bid was better because Netflix shares dropped below the bid's initial value.
Chipotle is bringing back gold foil wrappers for its burritos starting February 6. This change celebrates American athletes and follows recent menu updates featuring athlete-inspired meals. The company aims to attract customers by highlighting its high-protein options.
Key Facts
Chipotle will use gold foil for its burritos again starting February 6.
The gold foil is intended to celebrate top American athletes.
Chipotle recently introduced menu items inspired by U.S. athletes, available on its app and website.
These athlete-themed meals emphasize high-protein content, with options containing up to 81 grams of protein.
On January 13, Chipotle offered a promotion for Chipotle Rewards members to get free double protein upgrades.
Chipotle's marketing efforts include new menu items and special promotions to attract customers.
The European Parliament plans to pause approving a new US tariffs deal agreed in July. This decision might increase tensions between the US and Europe, especially after recent US tariff threats related to President Trump's interest in Greenland. The uncertainty has affected stock and currency markets.
Key Facts
The European Parliament will suspend the approval of a US tariffs deal.
The suspension aims to be announced in Strasbourg, France.
President Trump recently threatened new tariffs due to his interest in acquiring Greenland.
Financial markets reacted negatively, with declines in US and European shares.
The US dollar fell, while the euro and British pound gained value.
The July deal intended to reduce US tariffs on European goods from 30% to 15%.
The European Parliament's approval is necessary for the deal to become official.
EU plans to retaliate with tariffs on American goods are on hold but could resume soon.
A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that lower-income Americans are more likely than wealthier ones to plan to buy a home in the next four months. This shift in home-buying intentions goes against previous thoughts that higher income leads to more home purchases. Experts suggest this trend might be due to market conditions and geographic factors.
Key Facts
8.6% of people making under $50,000 plan to buy a home in the next four months.
Only 5.9% of those earning over $100,000 have similar plans.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's survey shows an increase in spending on homes, appliances, and electronics.
Median year-over-year growth in monthly household spending rose to 4.9% in December.
Factors like locked-in lower interest rates and home equity affect wealthier Americans' decisions not to move.
Experts note that low-income buyers face challenges due to being priced out of many listings.
The income needed to buy the median-priced home with a 6% mortgage is beyond $50,000 per year.
Netflix has changed its offer to buy Warner Bros Discovery's streaming and film business to an all-cash deal. The updated proposal aims to bring more certainty to shareholders, competing against a rival bid from Paramount Skydance. The all-cash offer is valued at around $82 billion, with Warner Bros shareholders also receiving shares in other parts of the company that will be spun off.
Key Facts
Netflix's new offer for Warner Bros is an all-cash deal.
The offer values Warner Bros' streaming and film business at around $82 billion.
Warner Bros shareholders will get shares in non-streaming parts of the company, like CNN, which will become a separate company.
Paramount Skydance, a rival bidder, has offered a higher price but faces challenges getting financing.
Netflix's proposal includes taking ownership of popular franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.
The change aims to provide more certainty for Warner Bros shareholders, helping the deal move faster.
Netflix claims the acquisition will help grow the industry and create jobs.
Paramount is pushing for Warner Bros to disclose Netflix's financial offer details and continues its efforts to buy the company.
The article shows how the U.S. has expanded its territory over time, highlighting purchases like Alaska and Louisiana. President Donald Trump is interested in acquiring Greenland, though it is part of Denmark. Denmark has warned that U.S. action against Greenland could affect NATO, an alliance both countries are part of.
Key Facts
President Trump has shown interest in acquiring Greenland, which is part of Denmark.
Denmark has stated a U.S. military action in Greenland could harm NATO.
The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, which helped establish U.S. power in the Asia-Pacific region.
Alaska became a U.S. state in 1959 after gaining strategic importance during World War II.
The U.S. acquired Florida from Spain in 1819 through the Onís–Adams Treaty.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 involved the U.S. buying a large territory from France for $15 million.
The Gadsden Purchase in 1854 saw the U.S. buy land from Mexico to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad.
Texas joined the U.S. in 1845 after initially voting for annexation in 1836.
