Kimmel’s back on ABC.
Amazon coughs up $2.5 billion.
Trump drops chocolate pharma tariffs.
Markets
PAST WEEK | YEAR-SO-FAR | |
|---|---|---|
Nasdaq | -0.5% | +16.6% |
S&P500 | -0.2% | +13.2% |
MSCI Emerging Markets | -0.7% | +26.2% |
Bitcoin* | -4.0% | +18.4% |
Ethereum* | -10.0% | +21.3% |
Stock of the week: | +185.3% | +44.8% |
Crypto of the week: | +52.3% | +15,557.6% |
*Source: CoinGecko.com As of 6:02PM September 28, 2025
World news
Top news stories of the past week
1) Kimmel’s back: Jimmy Kimmel was briefly suspended from ABC after making controversial remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After a nearly weeklong standoff and internal discussions, Disney allowed "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to return to air, stating the move aimed to de-escalate a tense situation and that meaningful conversations were held with Kimmel. I’m sure it wasn’t about the $5 billion dip in their company value following the bad press!
2) Amazon pays up: Amazon agreed to pay a historic $2.5 billion settlement after the US Federal Trade Commission accused the company of tricking millions of consumers into signing up for Prime memberships and making cancellations intentionally confusing (I’ve been there). The deal includes $1 billion in fines and $1.5 billion for repayments to affected customers, with Amazon also required to disclose clearer terms and simplify cancellation processes in the future. Thanks now deliver me toilet paper IMMEDIATELY.
3) Pharma tariffs: President Trump announced sweeping new import tariffs, including a 100% tariff on pharmaceutical drugs. The move raised concerns about rising medicine costs and supply disruptions, with the administration stating that tariffs won’t apply to companies investing in US production and critics warning about negative impacts on healthcare and consumers. Do Lindor chocolates count as a drug? Because they are.
Top WEIRD stories of the past week
1) Australian scientists have created new wetsuit materials that reduce shark bite injuries. I’m picturing a wetsuit made of chainmail which sounds less than ideal for surfing but more ideal than getting eaten by a shark.
2) A South Carolina high school teaching assistant has been arrested for spraying a “fart spray” in the school, causing $55,000 in damage. That’s a powerful fart.
3) A UK bride spent four years trying to identify a wedding crasher in her 2021 photos, only to discover he was a man who had mistakenly attended her wedding due to receiving incorrect directions. The bride said, “I do … not know this guy.”
Chart
You like charts? Graphs? Ya you do
New Home sales in the U.S. unexpectedly shot up in August to their highest level since January 2022.
Personal Finance
Financial Booster
Home sales are picking up, headlines are loud, and it is easy to overpay or underestimate costs. Slow down, get the full picture, and buy with eyes open.
What to consider: There are two buckets. Costs you will feel right away, and risks or needs that show up later. Plan for both.
Now
Look beyond the list price and mortgage estimate: the payment is only part of the bill.
Property taxes vary by city and can rise with valuations: check current rates and recent reassessments.
Insurance needs are local: homeowners plus flood, earthquake, or hurricane coverage if relevant.
One-time costs add up: closing costs of 2 to 5 percent, plus appraisal, title, and cleaning.
Ongoing costs can bite: utilities, HOA, maintenance, landscaping, and big-ticket repairs. In many markets these add about $1,500 a month.
Later
Life changes happen: make sure the home can flex for kids, aging parents, remote work, or accessibility.
Resale depends on location quality: schools, neighborhood stability, and planned infrastructure.
Climate and rules affect costs: flood or wildfire exposure and zoning shifts can push up insurance and mitigation.
Keep a budget buffer to maintain peace of mind!
Music
Banger of the week
Most important thing
Meme? Nah. Art.
