TECH TODAY

TikTok: Is TikTok doomed in the U.S.?

Digital Payments: A process in India is avoiding Mastercard and Visa transaction costs, and may have implications for nations outside of India.

Xocean: The next frontier for unmanned robotic seagoing vessels.

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HEADLINE NEWS 👀

Sketchers The Underdog That Outsold Expectations

The NBA’s MVP and Europe’s top goal scorer don’t lace up Nike or Adidas. Instead, they wear Skechers just like Martha Stewart.

Known for slip on comfort, Skechers has quietly climbed to the third largest footwear brand globally. By 2026, it’s on track to hit $10 billion in revenue without chasing the cool factor. Its strategy is to fill gaps rivals overlook. While Nike courts superstars and Hoka targets runners, Skechers wins over retirees, budget conscious families, and now athletes like Harry Kane and Joel Embiid.

Skechers keeps it simple, a comfy affordable shoe priced around $50 for kids and $115 for pickleball players. It doesn’t dabble in hype driven limited releases, but dominates in overseas markets, even outselling Nike in India.

Founded by Robert Greenberg in 1992, Skechers took decades to rise. Greenberg’s past at L.A. Gear taught him patience and the perils of expanding too fast. Now, with steady growth and $8 billion in 2023 sales, Skechers has doubled its stock price in five years while Nike and Adidas faltered.

Skechers’ pivot into performance shoes and cleats, paired with Nike’s retreat from lower income markets, has opened new doors. Even a pending Nike lawsuit hasn’t slowed its momentum.

For Skechers, it’s not about being flashy, it’s about staying comfortable. As one fan put it, “Since I have these, I’m unstoppable.”

Steel Giants Eye U.S. Steel Amid Political Firestorm

Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor are talking about teaming up to bid for U.S. Steel, insiders say. But the deal is months away, tangled in politics and lawsuits.

The backstory here is U.S. Steel planned to sell to Japan's Nippon Steel for $55 a share, as The Grind has reported, valuing the company at $14 billion. President Biden blocked the deal, citing national security. President elect Trump backed the move, opposing foreign ownership.

Cleveland-Cliffs wants to buy all of U.S. Steel for cash. Then it would sell Big River Steel, an Arkansas mill, to Nucor. The expected bid is as high as $30 per share. U.S. Steel closed Friday at $34.24, with a $7.7 billion market value. Cleveland-Cliffs is worth $5 billion, and Nucor nearly $29 billion.

If this deal goes through, it would cut the number of big U.S. steelmakers from four to three. Cleveland-Cliffs is the nation’s second largest steel producer, while Nucor leads the pack.

But it’s not simple. A previous attempt by Cleveland-Cliffs to buy U.S. Steel failed, with Nippon outbidding them. Auto groups also objected, fearing a Cleveland-Cliffs monopoly on steel for vehicles.

Litigation adds to the delays. U.S. Steel and Nippon are suing President Biden, the steelworkers union chief, and Cleveland-Cliffs’ CEO, accusing them of blocking the Nippon deal. The government extended Nippon’s acquisition deadline to June 18.

For now, Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor are biding their time, watching how the legal and political battles unfold. The U.S. steel industry’s future hangs in the balance.

Greenland to Trump We Are Not For Sale

Greenland isn’t joining the U.S., but it’s open to talks. On Monday, Prime Minister Múte Egede responded to President elect Trump’s suggestion of acquiring the Arctic island. “We’ll work with the U.S. yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” Egede said. But he was clear, “Greenlanders don’t want to become Americans.”

Trump’s musing shook the icy capital of Nuuk. His son, Donald Trump Jr., made a surprise visit, fueling speculation. Greenland, a Danish territory, holds strategic and resource rich Arctic land now eyed by global powers like Russia, China, and the U.S.

Greenland’s quest for independence complicates things. Tied to Denmark for centuries, the island relies on hefty subsidies. While autonomy grows, cutting ties fully would be risky.

As Arctic ice melts, Greenland has gained geopolitical value. The U.S. operates a military base here, and America’s interest dates back to WWII. Trump’s push for Greenland echoes a failed U.S. bid to buy the island decades ago.

In Nuuk’s subzero streets, locals balance caution with opportunity. Many, like fisherman Nielseeraq Berthelsen, want stronger U.S. ties, but not at the cost of sovereignty. “What we need is cooperation and trade,” he said, recalling an unexpected handshake with Trump Jr.

Egede summed it up by saying Greenland will navigate carefully as global powers knock on its icy door. 

Southern California Fires Continue To Rage And Destruct

Palisades And Eaton Canyon Fires

The Palisades Fire, which began in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, has destroyed about 5,000 structures. It's covered more than 23,000 acres and is at 14% containment.

The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena also began on Jan. 7 and has destroyed or damaged around 7,000 structures. It's burned over 14,000 acres and is at 33% containment.

SPORTS

NFL 2025 Playoffs Bracket (Updated)

The NFL postseason had some blowouts and one, maybe two, good games. Hopefully your team made out better than mine ⚡️ but there’s always next year! Here is the playoff bracket update, along with all the second round matchups. The postseason will conclude with Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 🏈

💰️ Smart Money Matters 💰️ 

Culture Corner

With TikTok’s Fate Uncertain Users Look For Alternatives

The Supreme Court is weighing TikTok’s future in the U.S., and with 170 million users on edge, alternatives are gaining attention.

One contender is Lemon8, a ByteDance app blending Instagram and Pinterest. It launched in Japan in 2020 and has slowly expanded. ByteDance has pushed creators toward Lemon8 with promises of incentives. But if TikTok is banned, Lemon8 might face the same fate.

That leaves platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Instagram’s Reels mimics TikTok’s vertical videos, while YouTube offers Shorts for quick clips and its classic long form content. Both platforms are ready to absorb TikTok’s audience.

Creators like Yumna Jawad are already diversifying. “I’m on Flipboard, testing Lemon8, and Threads,” she said. “There’s always a new one, and I’m open to trying.”

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, users may need to explore new digital homes. The question is, where will they land?

ECONOMY

China’s Trade Surplus Hits $1 Trillion Amid Global Backlash

China’s trade surplus soared to nearly $1 trillion in 2024, the largest in history. Exports flooded global markets while domestic spending on imports lagged. Chinese factories dominated manufacturing on a scale unseen since post WWII America.

Last year, China exported $3.58 trillion in goods and services while importing $2.59 trillion, setting a surplus of $990 billion. December alone saw a record $104.8 billion surplus, driven by shipments rushed to the U.S. ahead of potential tariff hikes by the incoming Trump administration.

China’s trade dominance has drawn criticism worldwide. Industrialized and developing nations alike have imposed tariffs to protect their industries. U.S. Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns accused China of overproducing steel, electric vehicles, and solar panels, flooding global markets and undercutting competitors.

Meanwhile, China’s economy faces internal struggles. A housing market crash has wiped out middle class savings, dampening consumer spending. Overbuilding in manufacturing has also led to falling prices and mounting corporate debt.

China’s government champions self reliance, investing billions in its "Made in China 2025" initiative to dominate advanced manufacturing. The nation has become the world’s top exporter of cars and solar panels, with ambitions to rival Airbus and Boeing in aviation.

Despite global backlash and rising tariffs, China produces a third of the world’s manufactured goods, more than the U.S., Japan, and Germany combined. For now, its exports remain vital to the global economy, even as tensions escalate.

FINANCE

For Food Companies Merchandise Volume Is King

After years of hiking prices, food companies are changing course. Profits from higher prices have hit a ceiling, and executives now see volume growth as the key to success. The plan is to stuff store shelves with creative twists on classics, like barbecue loaded chicken patties, and invest in marketing to win over inflation weary shoppers.

"If you’re growing through price increases, you’re just keeping up," said Anthony Gruber, CFO at Mama’s Creations. His company’s recent growth was up nearly 90% driven by sheer volume.

In today’s tighter economy, volume matters more than ever. Discussions about pricing and product adjustments, once annual, are now monthly. Limited edition items, like mystery flavor Twinkies, or Slim Jims in candy cane tubes, aim to spark excitement and boost sales.

Costco keeps prices low but bets on volume. CFO Gary Millerchip shared how price cuts, like $1 off frozen shrimp, led to a 30% boost in shrimp sales and an 11% rise in overall revenue. “Lower profit per item, but more items sold,” he said.

Still, price hikes haven’t disappeared. Conagra Brands raised prices on Swiss Miss cocoa and Duncan Hines but absorbed higher costs elsewhere. For the first time in years, Conagra saw positive volume growth, with products like frozen meals and microwave popcorn leading the charge.

J.M. Smucker, maker of Folgers and Hostess, is seeing results too. Volume and mix growth surged, fueled by new offerings like Jif’s first major flavor update in a decade, a peanut butter and chocolate spread.

But it’s not a free for all. Companies like Nomad Foods are avoiding “the price trap.” Their strategy is to focus on innovation, quality, and smart promotions, not endless discounts.

In a world where inflation has stretched wallets thin, food companies know price hikes can only go so far. Volume, now, is the game to win.

POLITICS

Trump’s Cabinet Picks Face Scrutiny In Senate

The fight over Donald J. Trump’s cabinet begins this week. Senate hearings will probe more than a dozen nominees. Democrats aim to expose flaws, hoping to sway Republicans and derail some picks.

Tuesday brings the main event, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary. Hegseth, a Fox News personality and combat veteran, faces accusations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and controversial remarks. Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, plan to grill him hard.

Trump urges GOP unity to confirm key nominees quickly. Republicans want national security roles filled by Inauguration Day but admit it's unlikely. “The president needs his team,” said Senator John Barrasso. “We’ll work around the clock if needed.”

History says rejections are rare. Still, Democrats aim to highlight baggage, slow confirmations, and force transparency on ethics and F.B.I. checks. “We want to show who they really are,” said Senator Chuck Schumer.

Nominees like Marco Rubio for secretary of state may get bipartisan support, but others, including Hegseth, face a tougher road. Delays are expected, with partisan battles over paperwork, ethics, and loyalty to campaign promises.

The stage is set. The Senate’s verdict will test Trump’s grip on his new administration and the GOP’s unity. The clock ticks toward Inauguration Day.

THE GRIND FACTORY ⚙️

UNIQUELY INTERESTING

💡 Epiphany Moments

Rivian Automotive founder Robert "RJ" Scaringe, developed a passion for cars and nature from a young age. He pursued this interest academically, earning a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In 2009, Scaringe founded Mainstream Motors, which later became Rivian Automotive, with the vision of producing electric adventure vehicles. Initially, the company focused on developing a mid engine hybrid sports car, but by 2011, it shifted its focus exclusively to electric vehicles, aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry with sustainable transportation solutions.

Under Scaringe's leadership, Rivian introduced its first two models, the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV, both designed for offroad capabilities and equipped with advanced electric drivetrains. The company has attracted significant investments and partnerships, including a notable joint venture with Volkswagen in 2024 to co-develop hardware and software platforms.

Scaringe's commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned Rivian as a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, contributing to the broader adoption of eco friendly transportation solutions. The future of Rivian is still up in the air but it will survive a while longer with its recent Federal loan of $6 billion.

 🍎 One Smart Apple

Ready Pac Produce achieved true success in the mid 1990s by revolutionizing the fresh food industry with its single serve salad kit. Known as the Bistro Bowl®, this innovative product transformed the way consumers accessed fresh, healthy meals on the go. Combining convenience, freshness, and portability, it met the rising demand for healthier, ready to eat options and set Ready Pac apart as a pioneer in the pre packaged produce market.

The single serve salad kits quickly became a hit, appearing in grocery stores, convenience stores, and even airline meals. This success drove rapid expansion, with Ready Pac extending its product lines to include fruit and snack packs, becoming a household name for fresh, convenient food. Strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and fast food chains further cemented its market dominance.

In 2017, Ready Pac’s success culminated in its acquisition by Bonduelle, a French agricultural powerhouse, for $409 million. This marked the company’s transition from a U.S. leader to a global player in fresh produce.

Ready Pac’s breakthrough wasn’t just a product it redefined a category, proving that fresh, healthy food could also be convenient and accessible. The single serve salad kit remains a cornerstone of its legacy, reshaping consumer habits and the fresh food industry. 🍏 

 HEALTH & LONGEVITY •ᴗ• This Week For A Long Life

Are You A New Years Resolution Kind Of Person? Know Your Why

When setting health goals, we often focus on the what, how, and when. But the real game changer is asking yourself why. Why do you want to lose weight, run that marathon, or sleep better? Your why is the emotional fuel that drives real, lasting change.

"Your why adds emotional weight to your goals, no pun intended. This aligns your mindset with your ambitions," says Kelly Lynch, Lifeforce Senior Health Coach. It's more than a plan, it's purpose. Health coach Sara Ramirez emphasizes that your why should connect to your core values, like living fully for your family, pursuing personal fulfillment, or boosting your quality of life.

Visualization, journaling, or meditating can help uncover this deeper purpose. Imagine the life you want. Write about moments of joy and contentment. Define what truly matters. Life coach Patrick Doyle calls your why the "engine" that keeps your goals moving, even when the journey gets tough.

Once you know your why, weave it into your daily life. Break it into actionable steps, like consistent workouts or better sleep habits. Write it down as a mantra. Share your progress with a friend or coach, like professionals or in running a business accountability fuels success. Tools like the WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) can reinforce focus and help overcome challenges.

Finding your why isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It transforms goals into commitments. And with support from a trusted team or community, it can lead to profound, lasting change.

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