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TECH TODAY

Amazon: Closing Quebec operations laying off 1,700 workers.

Reddit: Users protest X as Elon Musk gesture outrages Reddit users.

Divvy Homes: Rent to own company sells to Brookfield unit Maymont Homes.

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TODAY’S HEADLINE NEWS 👀

EA Soccer Titles Force Fiscal Year Outlook On Weakness

Electronic Arts slashed its outlook after a lackluster performance from its soccer-themed EA Sports FC series and a disappointing showing for its “Dragon Age” franchise.

The gaming giant said Wednesday that early momentum in its Global Football segment fizzled late in the fiscal third quarter, which ended Dec. 31. Meanwhile, “Dragon Age” engaged just 1.5 million players during the quarter nearly 50% below expectations.

Shares dropped 8.7% in after hours trading, sinking to $130.

EA now expects quarterly net bookings of $2.22 billion, down from its prior forecast of $2.4 billion to $2.55 billion. Revenue is projected at $1.88 billion, well short of the $2.51 billion analysts anticipated. Earnings of $1.11 per share matched expectations.

For the fiscal year, EA lowered its net bookings forecast to between $7 billion and $7.15 billion, from an earlier range of $7.5 billion to $7.8 billion. Live services bookings, once expected to grow, are now projected to decline in the mid single digits.

The revised outlook comes just months after EA raised its guidance in October, banking on the strength of its sports franchises and upcoming releases like “Dragon Age, The Veilguard”, and new content for “The Sims 4.”

EA will release full third quarter results on Feb. 4.

Primark’s Owners AB Foods Cuts Sales Growth Target

Associated British Foods cut its sales-growth forecast for Primark, citing weak performance in the U.K. and Ireland during autumn’s tough retail climate.

The company now expects low single digit growth for the fiscal year ending in September, down from earlier mid single digit projections. Store expansions remain on track to contribute about 4% to total sales growth.

“Despite market challenges, we are confident in Primark’s appeal,” the company said, emphasizing a focus on driving underlying growth.

Group revenue for the quarter ending Jan. 4 rose 0.5% to £6.73 billion ($8.29 billion) at constant currency. Primark’s sales reached £3.36 billion, up 1.9%. However, U.K. and Ireland sales, which make up 45% of group revenue, dropped 4%, with like for like sales falling 6%.

AB Foods blamed cautious consumers and mild weather for the dip, mirroring a broader decline in U.K. clothing retail.

Santa Clarita Hughes Fire Flairs New Evacuation Orders

The Hughes Santa Clarita fire erupted Wednesday near Castaic, scorching over 9,400 acres with 0% containment. Evacuation orders hit 31,000 residents, with another 23,000 on alert.

Some 4,000 firefighters battle the flames, aided by calmer winds compared to recent infernos. Officials dropped tens of thousands of gallons of retardant, but drought-ravaged vegetation keeps the fight tough.

Residents like Denise Okamoto fled, hoping their homes survive. A high school serves as a shelter for evacuees and pets.

Interstate 5 briefly closed due to smoke. Nearby, plans are ready to move inmates if the blaze nears the local jail.

Red flag warnings persist through Friday as winds pick up overnight. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone calls the situation “dynamic,” but efforts continue to gain the upper hand.

This fire follows devastating blazes in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, which killed 28 and destroyed over 15,000 structures. 2025 is shaping up as a brutal wildfire year with 40,462 acres burned so far, far above the average.

Hyundai Profits Down As Warranty Costs Climb

Hyundai Motor reported a disappointing fourth quarter net profit as vehicle sales slipped and warranty costs in the U.S. climbed.

The South Korean automaker posted a net profit of 2.474 trillion won ($1.72 billion) for the October-December period, up 12% from the previous year but down 23% from the prior quarter. The figure fell short of analysts’ expectations of 2.992 trillion won.

Revenue rose 12% year over year to 46.624 trillion won, but operating profit dropped 17% to 2.822 trillion won.

For 2023, Hyundai earned a net profit of 13.230 trillion won, with revenue up 7.7% to 175.231 trillion won. Operating profit stood at 14.240 trillion won.

Global wholesale car sales dipped 2.2% in the fourth quarter, with demand weak in most major markets outside North America. For the full year, sales slipped 1.8%.

Hyundai shares gained 4.2% in 2023 but have trailed the broader market. In January, the stock is flat, while the Kospi index has risen 5%.

Despite challenges, Hyundai aims to navigate a tougher market with resilience, though investors remain cautious.

THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS NEWS

Foot Locker Closing 400 Stores Amid Reset Strategy

Being the biggest in the game isn’t without its struggles. Foot Locker, the nation’s largest footwear chain, is trimming its footprint. Over the next 23 months, the company plans to shutter 400 underperforming stores, including 275 Foot Locker locations and 125 Champs Sports stores, in an effort to stabilize profits.

The move follows a familiar trend among major retailers like Sears, Walgreens, and Walmart, who’ve also closed stores to cut losses. For Foot Locker, the closures represent 10% of its global presence, reducing its store count to 2,400. Yet, the company isn’t retreating entirely.

“We will increase our square footage by 10% to over 14.5 million square feet,” said Anthony Aversa, Senior Vice President of Store Development. Larger, more immersive stores with broader product selections will replace many of the closed locations, with 400 new “experiential” stores planned to target younger shoppers.

These new concepts aim to cater to specific sneaker loving demographics. Groups include "athletes" looking for high performance kicks, "sneaker mavens" who define themselves through footwear, and "fashion forward expressionists" seeking style and cool factor. Other categories target those seeking comfort, quality, or bargains.

The closures will largely affect stores in smaller regional malls and struggling larger malls. As sales dip and shopping habits shift, Foot Locker hopes its strategy will reset the brand while keeping it competitive. The exact list of closures remains under wraps for now.

Adaptation is key in retail, and Foot Locker is betting that bigger, better stores and a focus on niche markets will keep it running ahead.

Lower Profits Drives Sneaker Maker PUMA To Cut Costs

Puma announced a cost saving program Wednesday after reporting a decline in 2024 profit, driven by higher expenses and slow sales growth. The German sportswear company aims to optimize costs, including personnel expenses, but did not confirm whether layoffs are planned.

Net income fell to €282 million ($294.1 million), down from €305 million in 2023, hurt by higher interest expenses and non controlling interests. EBIT was €622 million, flat year over year, with a 7.1% margin, at the lower end of Puma’s €620 million to €670 million guidance. CEO Arne Freundt said, “We are not satisfied with our profitability,” and outlined a plan to achieve an 8.5% EBIT margin by 2027.

Sales grew 4.4% on a currency adjusted basis to €8.82 billion, meeting mid single digit growth expectations. All regions and product categories contributed, but Puma’s growth lagged behind Adidas, which reported a 12% sales increase to €23.68 billion in 2024.

The announcement followed Adidas’ report of stronger than expected operating profit, boosted by a strong Christmas quarter. Puma’s full 2024 results and 2025 guidance will be released on March 12.

AI Power Consumption Drives Utility To Reignite Nuclear Reactors

Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state owned utility, is searching for buyers to restart construction on two nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station. Work on the reactors stalled in 2017 after $9 billion had been spent, following the bankruptcy of contractor Westinghouse Electric.

The utility, now the sole owner of the project, is betting on renewed interest in nuclear power as tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta seek clean energy for data centers. Santee Cooper has enlisted Centerview Partners to solicit proposals by May 5, aiming to form a consortium including a construction firm, a tech company, and additional investors.

The reactors were once part of a push to revive U.S. nuclear energy, promising completion by 2019. That vision crumbled amid cost overruns and competition from cheaper natural gas and renewables. But surging demand for electricity, driven by AI and data centers, has revived nuclear’s appeal.

Big tech has shown interest. Microsoft and Constellation Energy are restarting Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island, while Alphabet and Amazon have backed small reactor projects. Nuclear remains costly, Georgia’s Plant Vogtle, completed last year, exceeded $30 billion, more than double its estimate.

If completed, V.C. Summer could provide clean, reliable energy for years, but it will take billions more to finish the job. The question now is can nuclear power meet America’s growing energy needs?

Debt Could Crush Trump’s Opulent Spending Plans

House Republicans met last week, grappling with the nation's spiraling $36 trillion debt. Representative David Schweikert sounded the alarm, warning that Wall Street’s confidence in U.S. fiscal policy was faltering. "This ain't a game," he said.

America’s deficit hit $1.9 trillion last year, over 6% of GDP, an alarming figure in peacetime. Rising interest rates and investor hesitation have compounded the fiscal strain, threatening higher borrowing costs for everyday Americans.

Trump’s return has stoked concerns. Extending the 2017 tax cuts could cost $5 trillion. Tariffs are floated as a revenue fix, but not everyone buys it. Republicans are scrambling to reconcile their plans which include temporary cuts, new tax breaks, even slashing corporate rates to 15%. But unity is thin, and the clock is ticking.

The stakes are steep, confidence in the U.S. economy, and its global standing.

All Is Not Well In Musk’s DOGE Paradise

President Donald Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), giving Elon Musk sweeping access to federal agencies. Musk’s team will overhaul operations, with DOGE now controlling the U.S. Digital Service under the White House. This came after a power struggle with DOGE co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy, who is leaving to run for Ohio governor.

DOGE originally aimed to slash government bureaucracy through regulation cuts and cost savings. Ramaswamy’s vision targeted legal pathways to dismantle agencies, while Musk focused on technology driven reform. Their conflicting approaches led to Ramaswamy’s exit.

Under Trump’s executive order, Musk gains unprecedented access to government data and systems, using his companies’ resources to deploy engineers across federal agencies. Critics worry about the extent of Musk’s influence, while others see potential for impactful reforms.

DOGE’s ambitious goals have shifted to focus on revamping technology, sparking debates over its true scope and whether Musk’s tech first approach can deliver meaningful change.

New Car Prices Would Rise Under Trump’s Tariff Threat

Billions in cars and parts cross U.S. borders daily. Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico could grind that to a halt triggering an industry wide economic fallout, and higher car prices for consumers.

Hours after his inauguration, Trump announced the tariffs would start Feb. 1. Automakers and analysts are bracing for impact, or hoping it’s a bluff. “It feels like a negotiating tactic,” said Mark Wakefield of AlixPartners.

Tariffs aim to push production to the U.S., but the fallout could be brutal. Cross border supply chains are finely tuned, and disrupting them means higher costs, slumping sales, and job cuts. Sticker prices would rise, leaving buyers clinging to old cars.

With thin profit margins, automakers would pass costs to customers. “Tariffs inflate prices,” said Erik Gordon of the University of Michigan. “Sales and production will drop.”

North American automaking relies on free trade. Under NAFTA and now the USMCA, vehicles cross borders multiple times during production. Tariffs would hit almost every car sold in the region.

Manufacturers like Hyundai have prepared, building U.S. plants to dodge policy shifts. But for others, a 25% tariff could mean reengineering an industry, and the cost won’t be small.

“The stakes are massive,” said Wakefield. “This could reshape everything.”

Netflix Subscriber Growth Drives New Price Hikes

Netflix ended 2024 on a high, surpassing 302 million global subscribers. This subscriber growth helped it achieve annual operating income of over $10 billion for the first time. Driven by record breaking content and strategic shifts, the streaming giant reported a 16% revenue jump in the fourth quarter, with net income rising to $1.87 billion. Shares climbed 14.5% in after hours trading.

Season two of Squid Game shattered viewership records, CarryOn entered Netflix’s Top 10 films, and live events like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and NFL Christmas Day games attracted millions. Netflix’s live programming strategy is gaining traction, with NFL games drawing 27 million viewers at peak, including Beyoncé’s halftime show. Despite this, the company reiterated it won’t pursue full season sports packages.

Amid success, Netflix raised prices across the U.S., Canada, Portugal, and Argentina. Premium plans now cost $24.99, while the ad supported tier rose to $7.99. The company also cracked down on password sharing, charging $8.99 to add a member to ad free accounts.

Ad supported plans accounted for 55% of new signups last quarter, with ad revenue projected to double by 2025. CEO Greg Peters emphasized Netflix’s diverse appeal, stating, “No single title drives engagement, it’s the whole service.”

With live events, new seasons of Wednesday and Stranger Things, and bold ventures like Greta Gerwig’s Narnia, Netflix is poised to dominate 2025.

Alcohol Industry Faces Mounting Pressure as Habits Shift

A fifth of U.S. adults account for 90% of alcohol sales, according to a 2023 Bernstein analysis. Philip Cook, a Duke University professor emeritus, stated, “Heavier drinkers are where the money is.” And not surprisingly the alcohol industry relies heavily on its most loyal consumers.

Yet, the industry's dependence on heavy drinkers is under scrutiny. Federal guidelines may soon lower the recommended daily drink limit, adding cancer warnings to alcohol packaging. Studies link alcohol to seven cancers, including breast and liver. One drink a day increases death risk, according to a recent report.

Shifting habits also squeeze sales. Health concerns, cannabis legalization, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, and generational shifts are driving declines. Beer, wine, and spirits makers now lean on customers like Kevin Turner, 39, who enjoys weekend bar visits and keeps a stocked home bar. "Alcohol is delicious poison," he said.

Industry veterans acknowledge the challenge. Ann Mukherjee, former North America chief at Pernod Ricard, noted companies prefer to rely less on heavy drinkers for sustainability. Meanwhile, efforts to curb overconsumption, like corporate responsibility campaigns and warnings about drunk driving, coexist with aggressive lobbying to block stricter federal guidelines.

Some drinkers remain unfazed. Tara Prinzivalli, 45, a radiation therapist in Staten Island, drinks wine nightly. “Cancer isn’t something I think about with wine,” she said.

The industry’s struggles mount. Sales of Constellation Brands, maker of Modelo and Meiomi, have plummeted. BrownForman, owner of Jack Daniel’s, is cutting 12% of its workforce amid a bourbon glut.

As reliance on heavy drinkers grows, the industry's future looks more precarious. Still, a cancer warning label or stricter guidelines may not be enough to change deep rooted habits among its most loyal customers.

Trump Meme Coins Roil’s Crypto Industry

The crypto world cheered Trump’s return until he launched, $TRUMP and $MELANIA, meme coins with no purpose but speculation. The $TRUMP token hit a $7.8 billion market cap, $MELANIA followed at $800 million.

Critics slammed the move as a conflict of interest, with Trump profiting from tokens while shaping policy. Even loyalists balked when $MELANIA debuted 48 hours later, tanking $TRUMP’s value by half before it rebounded.

Industry veterans cried foul, calling it a “rug pull” scheme. Trump affiliated entities hold 80% of $TRUMP’s supply, shielding themselves from lawsuits. Meanwhile, crypto leaders worry the spectacle undermines years of rebuilding trust after FTX’s collapse.

“This mocks everything we’ve built,” said one investor. Others see it as a signal that the crypto bubble may have peaked, even as Bitcoin hit $109,000 before inauguration.

The meme coin frenzy begs the question is Trump building a legacy, or cashing in on chaos?

Inauguration Day And Trumps Inaugural Address

Donald J. Trump was sworn in for a second term as president on Monday. President Trump delivered a speech that echoed familiar themes of division, darkness, and his self styled role as America’s savior.

Speaking indoors due to inclement weather, Trump painted a grim picture of a country in turmoil. He described a government rife with corruption, a society in disrepair, and a citizenry besieged by crime and disasters. Casting himself as the solution to these challenges, Trump declared, “I was saved by God to make America great again,” likening his trials to those faced by Washington and Lincoln and claiming a unique place in American history.

Though less combative than some of his past rhetoric, Trump’s speech included pointed criticisms of Democrats and the Biden administration. He lamented the slow recovery in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene and accused leaders of ignoring ongoing wildfires in California, framing these failures as evidence of broader governmental incompetence.

One of the most striking elements of the address was Trump’s invocation of “Manifest Destiny,” a phrase historically tied to American expansionism. Trump used it to outline a bold and controversial vision that included planting the American flag on Mars, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and reclaiming the Panama Canal. “We gave it to Panama, not China, and we’re taking it back,” he said, drawing some of his strongest applause.

The speech wasn’t without its share of exaggerations and falsehoods. Trump overstated the death toll from the construction of the Panama Canal, made dubious claims about unfair fees for U.S. ships, and repeated unverified accusations about undocumented immigrants. He also promised unattainable outcomes, such as halting all illegal border crossings instantly.

Notably absent from the address were detailed discussions of major issues like tariffs, healthcare, and government spending. While Trump briefly mentioned plans to tax foreign nations through a new “External Revenue Service,” much of his economic vision remained vague.

In a rare moment of restraint, Trump avoided explicit promises of retribution against his political enemies, focusing instead on ending what he described as the “weaponization” of government power. “The scales of justice will be rebalanced,” he said. “Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents, something I know something about.”

Trump’s second inaugural address, though more subdued than his usual fare, doubled down on his characteristic mix of grandiosity, grievance, and bold ambition. It left the nation wondering what his next four years as a term limited president will bring.

Costco Union Workers Authorize Strike

Union workers at Costco have voted overwhelmingly, 85% in favor, to authorize a strike as contract talks stall. The current agreement, covering over 18,000 workers, expires January 31.

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien warned that Costco faces a hard deadline. “Our members won’t work a day past Jan. 31 without a historic, industry leading agreement,” he said.

The union accuses the retailer of refusing to present a fair offer. Costco has yet to comment. With the deadline looming, the standoff puts pressure on both sides to reach a deal, or face disruption.

Trump Holds Off on Tariffs Orders Broad Trade Review

President Trump will not impose new tariffs immediately but will sign an executive order Monday to investigate trade issues with countries like China, Canada, and Mexico. This measured step delays immediate trade wars but sets the stage for future tariffs, potentially reshaping international supply chains.

The order directs federal agencies to examine trade deficits, unfair practices, and loopholes that have allowed Chinese goods to avoid tariffs. It also explores creating an "External Revenue Service" to manage duties and reviewing tariffs tied to national security.

While Trump has paused new tariffs for now. Though he remains convinced they will protect U.S. workers, boost revenue, and pressure foreign governments. His inauguration speech promised an overhaul of the trade system to restore the American Dream.

Foreign governments, wary of retaliation, are already preparing countermeasures. Canada, Mexico, and the European Union have threatened tariffs on U.S. goods like orange juice and whiskey if targeted.

Economists warn tariffs could hurt households and businesses through higher prices and retaliatory actions. Trump’s actions leave allies and rivals on edge, with global trade relationships hanging in the balance.

Biden Warns Of Rising Oligarchy As Billionaires Flood Washington

In his farewell address, President Biden sounded the alarm, America risks becoming an oligarchy. The warning comes as billionaires descend on Washington, drawn by power and opportunity under President Trump’s administration.

At least a dozen billionaires, including Elon Musk and Trump himself, hold top roles in the incoming government. Musk, the world’s richest man at $429 billion, joins an elite team of the ultra wealthy reshaping the nation's power structures. Critics compare it to the Gilded Age, but with billionaires now taking the reins directly.

Washington’s luxury real estate market is booming. Cabinet picks like Howard Lutnick and Scott Bessent are snapping up multi million dollar homes. Musk, rumored to eye the Line Hotel for a private club, will have an office near the White House.

The influence of wealth is clear. Donors turned officials are poised to oversee industries that built their fortunes, blurring lines between public service and private gain. Critics warn of the consequences, while some call it meritocracy in action.

Trump’s billionaire-packed administration promises change, but the cost to American democracy remains uncertain.

Costco Stands Firm on Diversity

Costco won’t budge, and given the consumer friction they solve they don’t need to. As other companies scale back diversity efforts, the warehouse giant defends its commitment to inclusion, tying it directly to business success.

Ahead of its annual meeting, Costco urged shareholders to reject a proposal claiming diversity initiatives could harm stock value. The board went further, arguing diversity boosts innovation and attracts talent, fueling the "treasure hunt" experience customers love.

CEO Ron Vachris doubled down after a customer complaint about hiring practices. “We’ve never used quotas,” he replied. “If these policies offend you, I won’t change them.”

While pressure mounts on companies like Walmart and Meta to abandon DEI policies, Costco’s loyalty-driven model gives it room to resist. Activists pushing boycotts admit Costco’s devoted customer base makes it a tough target. “You don’t mess with a beloved company,” one said.

Costco’s high wages and worker-focused policies back its stance, though diversity at the top remains limited. Over 70% of managers are men, and 81% are white. Critics argue the company isn’t immune to DEI risks, but Costco insists inclusion strengthens its business.

As corporate America retreats, Costco is betting that sticking to its principles pays off.

LOS ANGELES FIRES

Firefighters Continue Battling Fires North Of Los Angeles

SPORTS

NFL 2025 Playoffs Bracket (Updated)

Here is the playoff bracket update for Conference Championship weekend. The winner of each game next weekend advances to Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025 🏈

💰️ Smart Money Matters 💰️ 

Culture Corner

American Lifestyles Incongruent With Natural Ways To Exercise

In America, fitness often means driving to the gym, a task isolated from daily life. This approach, says historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, reflects a paradox. The U.S. leads the commercial fitness industry but remains largely unfit. Only a quarter of adults meet activity guidelines, with inactivity causing 1 in 10 premature deaths.

Elsewhere, movement is woven into life. In Finland, people walk in all weather, with Nordic walking turning strolls into full body workouts. Japan embraces short bursts of activity with radio-taiso, a daily three minute calisthenics routine that unites communities.

In Britain, Parkrun events combine running and camaraderie, offering free weekly 5Ks where participants of all speeds bond over post-run coffee. Meanwhile, Brazil’s beaches transform fitness into a celebration, blending volleyball, soccer, and dancing with social connection.

Fitness doesn’t need a membership, it needs integration, fun, and community.

ECONOMY

U. S. Agriculture On Edge Over Trump Tariff’s

U.S. agriculture braces for impact as Trump tariffs loom. Grain and pork exports to China, Mexico, and the EU are on shaky ground as traders dust off their 2018 playbook. Futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat fell sharply Wednesday after Trump floated tariff threats on China and the EU by Feb. 1, alongside already promised levies on Mexico and Canada.

Russia, the world’s top wheat exporter, is also in Trump’s crosshairs, though it doesn’t buy U.S. goods. On Truth Social, Trump tied tariffs to ending the Ukraine war. Markets took note grain futures turned volatile, with corn down 1.5%, soybeans 1.4%, and wheat 1.1%.

Jason Britt of Central States Commodities says Trump’s strategy is classic: big threats as bargaining chips. Others, like Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing, believe tariffs are inevitable, viewing Trump’s moves as signals for backdoor talks.

China, the top buyer of U.S. soybeans, remains the biggest question mark. High level Chinese attendance at Trump’s inauguration hints at possible dealmaking, but no clarity has emerged.

If tariffs land, expect market chaos. For now, traders remain jittery, watching Trump’s next move with caution and bracing for volatility. Grain and livestock futures may feel the fallout long before February rolls in.

FINANCE

CFO Optimism For 2025 Runs High

With elections behind them and 2025 ahead, CFOs are eyeing brighter days. Deloitte’s Q4 CFO Signals Survey shows optimism climbing sharply. Seventy two percent of finance leaders now expect the North American economy to improve within a year, up from 19% last quarter. Confidence in Europe is also rising, with 37% forecasting better conditions, a notable rebound.

Revenue and earnings projections reflect this shift. CFOs predict a 10.8% revenue boost in 2025, compared to just 2.4% last quarter. Earnings estimates jumped to 7.6%, up from 2.1%. Risk appetite is back to with as 67% say it’s a good time to take risks, a dramatic leap from 12% in Q3.

Capital spending is set to surge, with organizations planning an 8.7% increase, fueled by record cash reserves and lower interest rates. While 46% of CFOs plan to hold cash, 44% aim to invest in new ventures, and 43% are eyeing acquisitions, buoyed by expectations of relaxed antitrust policies under the new administration.

Tech and talent dominate internal priorities. Generative AI deployment and agility concerns top worries at 51%. Wage growth, projected at 7.3%, signals tightening labor markets. CFOs plan to link pay to performance, promote from within, and rework benefits to manage costs. Upskilling and automation rank high for 2025 workforce strategies.

Despite rising optimism, challenges loom. CFOs remain wary of economic risks, geopolitical tensions, and market volatility. Yet, as Steve Gallucci of Deloitte notes, finance leaders are balancing growth opportunities with caution, positioning their firms for long term success. The survey, conducted in November, included 200 CFOs from companies with over $1 billion in revenue.

POLITICS

Immigration is a hot topic as Trump returned to the Oval Office swinging, declaring emergencies on energy and the southern border two issues far from crisis. The energy "emergency" claims insufficient U.S. production, despite America being the world's top oil and gas producer. Gas prices hover near three year lows, and oil sits at a steady $76 per barrel. Experts call it no emergency.

The border, too, remains calm compared to past surges. Yet Trump’s declaration paints it as overrun with cartels and threats. The move resurrects his favorite policy tools: fast-tracking oil drilling, bypassing Congress for border wall funding, and deploying the military.

Emergency powers, granted under the 1976 National Emergencies Act, let presidents act quickly during true crises. But the law’s vague definition leaves room for interpretation and abuse. Critics like constitutional expert Martin Redish call it dangerous. Historian Douglas Brinkley notes past presidents reserved emergencies for real threats, from 9/11 to Iraq sanctions.

Congress could end Trump’s declarations, but a Republican controlled legislature likely won’t. Even if they did, Trump could veto the effort.

Elizabeth Goitein of the Brennan Center warns these powers are meant for rapid, unforeseen crises. "What counts as an emergency," she said, "is in the eye of the beholder." For Trump, it seems, crises can be conjured to fit the agenda.

Trump's Return Was A Coronation In All But Name

On Monday night, President Trump waved a ceremonial sword at an inaugural ball, a moment as symbolic as it was theatrical. His return to the White House feels more like a coronation than an inauguration, marked by monarchical gestures and claims of divine purpose.

Trump declared in his inaugural address that a gunman’s failed attempt on his life last summer was evidence of God’s intervention to “make America great again.” He spoke of manifest destiny, proposed renaming landmarks, and claimed authority over foreign territories. At Capital One Arena, he introduced his family like royalty, standing elevated above cheering supporters.

Back in the Oval Office, Trump wasted no time wielding his executive power, reversing policies and granting mass pardons to over 1,600 Capitol rioters, including violent offenders. He also signed an order attempting to ban birthright citizenship, sparking immediate legal challenges.

Trump’s allies celebrate his reign-like approach. Billionaire backer Elon Musk dubbed his return “The Return of the King,” while others embrace imagery of crowns and dynasties. Critics, however, decry his disregard for constitutional limits. “Presidents are powerful, but he is not a king,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Trump’s presidency has always flirted with autocratic tendencies. Yet, his ambitions now seem boundless. Talk of extending his term, bypassing amendments, and elevating his children hints at a fixation on legacy over democracy. Still, the courts and Congress may prove obstacles to his sweeping assertions of power.

For now, Trump revels in his restored throne, but history suggests the crown can grow heavy. Whether he solidifies his legacy or overreaches remains to be seen. After all, America has resisted kings before.

THE GRIND FACTORY ⚙️

UNIQUELY INTERESTING

💡 Epiphany Moments

Starbucks began in 1971, as small shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Three friends, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker sold high quality coffee beans, tea, and spices. It became a local favorite, known for its focus on quality.

In 1982, Howard Schultz joined the company. A trip to Italy inspired him when he saw coffeehouses as gathering places and imagined Starbucks becoming more than just a seller of beans. By 1987, with investors’ help, Schultz bought the company and set his vision in motion.

Starbucks grew quickly, transforming into a coffeehouse chain. Espresso drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos became staples. Stores opened across the U.S., then the world. Starbucks became a global phenomenon with thousands of locations.

Innovation followed soon thereafter. New drinks, food, and mobile ordering kept customers coming back. Starbucks also embraced social responsibility, ethical sourcing, sustainability, and community engagement became part of its brand.

Today, Starbucks is more than coffee. It’s a cultural icon, a meeting place, and a symbol of modern life. Built on quality, customer experience, and constant evolution, Starbucks became a brand the world recognizes and loves.

 🍎 One Smart Apple

Sun Microsystems was born on February 24, 1982, the brainchild of four innovators, Scott McNealy, Vinod Khosla, Andy Bechtolsheim, and Bill Joy. The idea for the company came from Bechtolsheim’s project at Stanford University, where he built the Sun-1, a powerful workstation running Unix operating system with advanced graphics capabilities.

The name “Sun” stood for Stanford University Network, a nod to its academic origins. From its start Sun Microsystems made waves with groundbreaking ideas, carving out a niche in network computing. They pioneered technologies like the Java programming language and the Network File System (NFS), reshaping how systems communicated.

Sun’s rise was swift, and widely exposed in the business press. Their high performance workstations and servers became staples across industries, known for reliability and speed. By the early 2000s, the company had solidified its place as a tech titan.

All good stories have a good ending. In 2010, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems for $7.4 billion, folding its legacy into Oracle’s operations. It was the culmination of decades of innovation that was born from collaboration and vision. 🍏 

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

Want To Live To 100+ Luck And Genes Will Help But Lifestyle Rules

When 100 year old Helen Reichert lit a cigarette, she quipped that her doctors, who told her to quit, were all dead. And yet, she wasn’t. She lived nearly a decade longer, proving centenarians don’t always follow the rules. Don’t let her story fool you though because for most of us, lifestyle is the key to longevity. Cigarettes won’t help us live longer, frankly, its just the opposite.

To hit 80 or 90, healthy habits matter, eat well, exercise, sleep enough, manage stress, build relationships, and skip the smokes, opioids, and binge drinking. A study of U.S. veterans showed these behaviors could add 24 years, putting you in your 80s, a solid win, but not centenarian status.

Hitting 100, now that’s where genetics swoop in. Research shows your DNA takes the wheel past 90. Genes like APOE2 and FOXO3 can shield against diseases like Alzheimer’s and keep cells spry. Centenarians fate often come down to carrying these rare “lottery” genes, countering unhealthy habits that would sink the rest of us. And to test fate could prove fatal.

Still, these genes are rare, occurring in less than 1% of the population, and the same slim odds as making it to 100. So unless you’ve got a golden genetic ticket, stick to healthy living. For most, it’s the surest path to more candles on the cake 🎂 

And no, lighting one won’t help. Leave the cigarettes to Helen.

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