Business

Meta has agreed to multiple nuclear power arrangements with TerraPower, Oklo and Vistra to supply electricity for its AI data centers, including near-term purchases from Vistra starting later this year and funding for new reactors targeted for 2030–2032.

Dozens of tech figures are using a Signal group called "Save California" to oppose a proposed one-time 5% tax on individuals with more than $1 billion in net worth; the initiative needs about 875,000 signatures to get on the November ballot.

A drone strike on Christmas morning struck a group marching toward a church in Julud, Sudan; local reports say 11 people were killed and 18 injured.

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council said it has not disbanded, rejecting a broadcast announcement by a member that claimed the group had dissolved; the STC said the announcement was made under coercion and that some members in Riyadh were detained.

Sports betting in Missouri went live on December 1, and the article reports that several national sportsbooks are offering new-user sign-up promos and bonus bets.

Avelo said it will stop flying deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is closing hubs including its Mesa Gateway operation on Jan. 27; the company said the ICE work did not produce consistent, predictable revenue.

Ikea unveiled a broad line of Matter-compatible smart lights, sensors, bulbs and plugs at CES 2026, and the article reports many of the devices are priced under $10 with most available this month.

University Hospitals has placed a medical helicopter and an ambulance at the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport, and crews are using temporary hangar housing while awaiting an FAA permit for permanent modular living quarters.

The article reports that Gen Zers carry an average $94,101 in personal debt and that economist Alice Lassman calls the generation's response 'disillusionomics' as many rethink work and money.

Bill Gates wrote that he remains optimistic about global progress thanks to advances in technology and health, while noting three concerns that could change the trajectory: a projected rise in child deaths, cuts to aid, and risks from artificial intelligence.

Iranian cities prepared for more weekend protests after demonstrations that began in late December over a currency collapse spread across many cities; authorities said they would protect strategic infrastructure and public property.

Rescue teams in Cebu City are searching after the privately owned Binaliw landfill collapsed; officials say four people have died and more than 30 workers remain missing.

In 2024 Quebec announced an $870 million project to replace Montreal Olympic Stadium's damaged roof, with officials saying work is on time and on budget and expected to finish in 2028.

EV sales and federal subsidies have cooled entering 2026, prompting some automakers to scale back costly projects while many are preparing lower-priced electric models aimed at mainstream buyers.

Iran cut internet access during nationwide protests that rights groups said have led to at least 62 deaths, and the article notes a new warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Once you earn $400 or more in self-employment income, the IRS requires a self-employment tax that is 15.3% applied to 92.35% of net earnings, and you may also owe regular federal and state income tax; estimated quarterly payments are required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more.

The IRS ended its Direct File program in late 2025 and the Direct File website is not available as of January 2026. Taxpayers can still use IRS Free File (AGI limit $84,000), free fillable forms, volunteer VITA/TCE services, and some commercial services that offer free federal filing.

Research by Investopedia and Travel + Leisure lists Pueblo among the 50 best places to retire and names it the only Colorado town on the 2025 list; reported median monthly housing in Pueblo County is $1,083.

Rio Tinto and Glencore have confirmed renewed merger talks after negotiations collapsed just over a year ago; a combined Rio Tinto ($142 billion) and Glencore ($65 billion) would surpass current leader BHP ($161 billion).

Mega investors own about 2–3% of U.S. single-family rental homes overall, but they control much larger shares in several Sun Belt markets including Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Charlotte and Tampa.

December's payrolls rose by 50,000 and the unemployment rate was 4.4%; analysts point to the Beveridge curve, a falling job vacancy rate (about 4.6%) and a negative jobs‑workers gap as signs that unemployment could rise if conditions worsen.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan told RTHK that higher stamp duty receipts from a buoyant Hong Kong stock market could bring the government's operating account back to surplus in 2026/27, and he is preparing the 2026/27 budget address, which Sing Tao reported will be on Feb. 25.

Nestlé has recalled infant formula after tests detected the toxin cereulide in an ingredient, and the company says no babies have been reported ill and affected factories have been cleaned and restarted.

Defense contractors are consulting lawyers after President Trump signed an executive order tying buybacks, dividends and executive pay to weapons delivery schedules. The order prompted market moves and raised questions about enforceability.

State auditors found Maryland overpaid $807.4 million in unemployment benefits tied to the COVID-19 period and concluded up to $760.7 million was not timely pursued for recovery as of May 2025.

A Minnesota Star Tribune report named the ICE agent involved in a Minneapolis shooting as Jonathan Ross; federal agencies have not publicly confirmed the identity.

Stellantis said it will phase out plug-in hybrid versions of the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica in North America beginning with the 2026 model year, citing weaker demand, quality issues and changes to fuel-economy requirements.

The article reviews QQQ, SCHG, and SCHD and reports their 2025 results and costs: QQQ returned 20.8% in 2025 with a 0.20% expense ratio; SCHG returned 17.5% with a 0.04% expense ratio; SCHD returned 4.3% with a 0.06% expense ratio and a 3.8% dividend yield.

Johnson & Johnson announced a voluntary agreement with the U.S. government to expand access to medicines and secure a tariff exemption for its pharmaceutical products; the company also outlined new U.S. manufacturing facilities as part of a broader investment to support domestic production.

Apple's board waived its guideline barring re-election after age 75 so Chair Art Levinson, 75, and audit committee chair Ron Sugar, 77, may stand for re-election, the company said in a filing; the board cited their expertise and experience and noted both are long-serving directors.