Verizon's Jan. 14, 2026, outage disrupted service for up to 180,000 users, with restoration underway by early afternoon.

China hit a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, driven by strong December exports.

U.S. and Taiwan agree on lower tariffs and $250B in chip investments, sparking Chinese opposition.

Apple partners with Google to use Gemini AI in 2026 Siri upgrade, marking a major shift from its in-house AI plans.

EU and Mercosur agree to major free trade deal after 25 years, pending final approval.

Google launches AI shopping in Gemini, letting users buy directly via chat with Walmart, Shopify, and others.

A U.S. judge lets Musk’s 2024 lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft go to trial in April 2026 over claims they broke their nonprofit AI mission.

OpenAI is testing ads in ChatGPT for free and low-cost users to boost revenue, starting with select users.

Global central bankers back Powell amid Trump's threat and DOJ probe into Fed.

Trump visited a Michigan Ford plant on Jan. 13, 2026, to promote tariffs, jobs, and domestic auto production amid political challenges.