Yesterday–today–tomorrow: storm in the U.S., Trump’s tariffs and war risks, what it means for your wallet and your week plans

The world on Saturday, January 24, 2026, once again showed how big issues quickly spill over into small, everyday worries: will you make it to your trip, how much will basic things cost, will the energy or fuel bill jump, and how safe is it to plan the next few days. Events that are “felt in the wallet” or in the schedule dominated the most, even if they are happening far from you.

Why does this matter specifically today, January 25, 2026? Because consequences don’t stop at the headline. A major winter storm in the U.S. is already affecting flights, deliveries, and prices, tensions around tariffs are creating new uncertainty for trade, and diplomatic moves in war zones are touching energy markets and travel security. At the same time, sports and political events today offer “lighter” topics, but even they turn into very concrete questions: from whether you’ll find a broadcast ticket in real time to what it means when a country holds elections that part of the world does not recognize.

Tomorrow, January 26, 2026, brings new points that can shift market and political sentiment: releases of economic indicators, sessions and debates in the EU and UN, and new meteorological risks in storm zones. These are the moments when the narrative for the next week often “locks in” — and when, in practice, it is decided whether travel will stabilize, whether employers will tighten or loosen plans, and whether consumers will postpone bigger purchases.

The biggest risk this weekend and the start of the week is the chain effect: one storm, one tariff announcement, or one diplomatic blockade can produce a second wave of problems (e.g., delays, more expensive replacements, increased checks at borders, nervousness in markets). The biggest opportunity is simple: whoever stays informed and plans “with a buffer” saves nerves and money — because most losses happen at the last minute, when you have no alternative.

Yesterday: what happened and why you should care

A major winter storm in the U.S. and travel disruptions

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a powerful winter storm hit a large part of the U.S., with a combination of snow, ice, and extreme cold. According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, the risk of dangerous ice and heavy snow extends over multiple days, which usually means problems don’t end when precipitation stops, but when the grid and traffic “come back together” again.

For an ordinary person, even outside the U.S., this shows up through flight delays and diversions, but also through logistics: airline and freight chains are globally connected. When key hubs shut down, you can expect package delays, more expensive express deliveries, and price changes for certain goods. If you’re traveling or sending something urgent, plan alternative routes and check conditions before departure. According to the Financial Times and NWS warnings, the storm has already led to mass flight cancellations and power outages, and NOAA’s WPC publishes daily hazard maps and forecasts for the next 1 to 3 days. (Official document, Source)

Tariff announcement and price jitters

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Canada with imposing 100% tariffs on exports to the U.S., tying the threat to Canada’s trade deal with China. According to AP, this is an escalation of tensions that immediately translates into risk for prices and business planning, even before anything is formally signed.

For you as a consumer, such announcements most often first mean noise in the market and “preventive” price increases in supply chains: companies hedge, change contracts, and hedge risk more expensively. If you’re planning a larger purchase that depends on imports (electronics, automotive parts, equipment), it’s smart to follow official decisions, not just statements, and to avoid impulsive “panic” buying. The key is to distinguish an announcement from implementation. (Source, Details)

Russia and Ukraine: talks without a breakthrough, strikes, and energy risk

U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine in the UAE ended without major progress, alongside simultaneous attacks and power supply disruptions in cold conditions, according to Reuters. When talks “end without a breakthrough,” markets and households often feel it through energy prices and risk perception: more insurance, higher transport costs, more investor caution.

For an ordinary person in Europe, this is a reminder that energy stability is not guaranteed, especially in the heating season. If you have variable tariffs or plan travel to the region, follow official warnings and infrastructure status. Financially, caution means: don’t make decisions “off a headline,” but track trends and announcements from regulators and operators. (Source)

Gaza: pressure on the second phase of the ceasefire and the Rafah crossing question

U.S. envoys spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about moving to the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, focusing on the return of hostages’ remains and announcements related to the Rafah crossing, according to AP. Such advances and delays often have “two speeds”: political (statements, negotiations) and humanitarian (movement of people, goods, medicines).

For an ordinary person outside the region, the most practical consequences are indirect: rising or falling tensions affect energy prices and the risk of travel across the wider Middle East. If you travel or do business with partners in the region, check insurance, transport terms, and current warnings before you pay non-refundable costs. (Source)

France and the “shadow fleet”: tanker interception and sanctions enforcement

French authorities opened an investigation after the French navy intercepted a tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” network for circumventing sanctions, according to AP and The Guardian. This is an important story because it shows a shift from “sanctions on paper” to concrete operations and legal proceedings.

For an ordinary person, sanctions and their enforcement usually spill over into energy costs and maritime shipping insurance. If you work in supply chains, it’s important to watch for increased administrative checks and possible delays. If you’re a consumer, this is a reminder that short-term price swings aren’t just a “market whim,” but often the result of politics and risk. (Source, Details)

Afghanistan: extreme weather and humanitarian pressure

Heavy snowfall and rainfall in Afghanistan over several days caused dozens of deaths and a large number of injuries, as well as damage to homes, according to AP. In such news it’s easy to “drift” into the distance, but the practical point is universal: climate extremes are increasingly destroying weaker infrastructures and increasing migration and security pressure on neighboring regions too.

For an ordinary person, the consequences come back through food prices and through the need for aid (state, humanitarian, local). If you want to help, choose organizations with clear financial reports and transparent donation channels. If you are in the region or traveling, check the status of roads and health services because the situation can change quickly. (Source)

Switzerland: legal aftermath of the tragedy in Crans-Montana

A Swiss court ordered the release on bail of one of the bar owners in Crans-Montana in the investigation of a fire with a large number of victims, according to AP. Although it is a local case, it is a reminder of how crucial fire safety standards, exits, and inspections are — and how legal processes stretch for months, even when public interest is huge.

For an ordinary person, such tragedies are an unpleasant but useful “check”: where you go out, whether exits are marked, whether there is overcrowding, and whether there is a culture of safety in the venue. If you organize an event, check capacities and procedures — because legal responsibility often ends up on the organizer and owner. (Source)

Australian Open: sport as global content and local logistics

The Australian Open has entered a phase where the schedule and time zones become more important than the announcements themselves. The tournament’s official site already yesterday, January 24, 2026, was publishing summaries and press conferences, which shows the pace of competition and real-time informing.

For an ordinary person, it’s a reminder of two practical things: first, check the start time in your zone (CET) so you don’t “miss” the broadcast; second, if you bet or invest emotions in the result, keep expectations within limits — sport is entertainment, not a financial plan. (Official document)

Trade, politics, and institutions: shifts accumulating in the background

Yesterday was a typical day in which “small” institutional moves and statements accumulate and prepare the ground for Monday. You can see it through a combination of sanctions, tariff threats, and diplomatic efforts — each component alone can look like the news of the day, but together they create a picture of greater risk and greater uncertainty.

For an ordinary person, that means it’s useful to have a “mini plan”: at least one alternative for travel, at least one alternative for buying (postponement or substitution), and at least one source of official information you follow when trouble starts. This weekend showed that the biggest costs are often the costs of not planning. (Source)

Today: what it means for your day

Travel and deadlines: count on “waves of delays”

Today, January 25, 2026, the most important thing is to accept that transport disruptions spread in waves. Even if you’re not in the storm zone, airlines and logistics operate with “gaps” in schedules, and the return to normal often takes longer than the bad weather itself. NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center publishes daily hazard maps and forecasts, which is the most reliable way to see whether the situation is heading toward calming or a new deterioration. According to the Financial Times, cancellations and power outages have already been massive, and such events usually trigger a chain of crew, aircraft, and cargo delays. (Official document, Source)

• Practical consequence: even “indirect” routes can be delayed due to hub congestion and crew shortages.
• What to watch: refund rules, ticket changes, and travel insurance, especially for connections.
• What can be done immediately: switch to a flexible option, confirm baggage, and save an alternative plan.

Prices and purchases: distinguish the announcement from the actual measure

Today’s market mood is shaped by statements about tariffs and trade. According to AP, Trump’s threat to Canada is a political message, but financial and trade actors often react in advance. This creates “pressure in expectations” and can trigger a jump in prices at the wholesale or contract level, even without a formal decision.

For an ordinary person, the best tactic is a cool head: don’t buy “out of fear,” but follow official decisions. If something is truly urgent for you (a spare part, work equipment), plan the purchase earlier and keep documentation, because returns and complaints become harder during disruption periods. (Source)

• Practical consequence: prices can “micro-jump” due to expectations, not due to an actual shortage of goods.
• What to watch: sellers who use announcements as an excuse for a permanent price increase without justification.
• What can be done immediately: compare prices, lock in an offer where there is a guarantee, and keep receipts.

Energy and heating: small changes, big differences on the bill

Today is a good day to review your own energy habits and contracts, because geopolitical tensions and weather extremes together raise risk. Reuters reported that talks on Ukraine brought no breakthrough alongside simultaneous strikes and power outages, which keeps the geopolitical risk premium elevated. And when a major storm in the U.S. is added, you get a combination that can affect global energy flows and prices. (Source)

• Practical consequence: energy bills are sensitive to short price and consumption spikes.
• What to watch: variable tariffs and contracts without protective clauses, especially in winter.
• What can be done immediately: adjust the thermostat, check insulation, and follow supplier tariff changes.

Health: seasonal illnesses and an “old” habit that saves time

Although spectacular health news is not in focus today, flu season is typically a period when small lapses create big schedule problems. According to the CDC, their weekly reports for the 2025–2026 season highlight the seriousness of seasonal flu and the importance of vaccination, especially in children. This is practical information for people outside the U.S. as well: a reminder that illness spreads faster than you plan, and absences from work and school are often a bigger cost than the therapy itself. (Official document)

• Practical consequence: sick leave and routine disruptions can “eat up” a week more easily than you expect.
• What to watch: early symptoms and spread within the household, especially among children and the elderly.
• What can be done immediately: plan basic supplies, ventilation and hygiene, and arrange a home “backup”.

Politics and stability: Myanmar and the lesson of “elections without a choice”

Today, January 25, 2026, Myanmar completed the last round of three-part elections, amid widespread criticism that the process is neither free nor fair, according to AP. When elections are held under conflict and restrictions, the result often doesn’t bring stability, but a new round of political pressure and sanctions.

For an ordinary person, the most important thing is to understand the practical consequence: instability in one country affects regional trade, migration, and security assessments. If you do business in the region or plan travel, follow travel recommendations and insurance, because risk can change overnight. (Source)

• Practical consequence: business risk rises when international recognition and sanctions become part of everyday life.
• What to watch: payment and logistics disruptions, and changes in visa regimes or security warnings.
• What can be done immediately: limit exposure, review contracts, and have an exit plan from risk.

International institutions: “rule of law” becomes a security topic

Today it’s useful to follow how legal and institutional issues turn into security topics. The UN Security Council already has announced debates on the rule of law and security, and such topics usually lead to new resolutions, pressures, or sanctions, depending on the context. The UN’s official programme of work is the best guide when you want to distinguish an announcement from an actual meeting. (Official document)

• Practical consequence: changes in international law and sanctions quickly become the “rules of the game” for banks and companies.
• What to watch: official documents, not comments on social media or interpretations without sources.
• What can be done immediately: set reliable sources and follow the schedules of institutions that make decisions.

EU: relations with the U.S. and the need for plan B

Tensions in transatlantic relations don’t look spectacular every day, but they show up in trade, defense, and regulation. The Guardian writes about debates in the EU after a “big shock” in relations with Washington, which is a reminder that policies can suddenly veer and change business conditions. In practice, that means companies and citizens increasingly need plan B: alternative suppliers, backup routes, and realistic expectations. (Source)

• Practical consequence: tariffs and political tensions are seen fastest in prices and availability of imported goods.
• What to watch: contracts with fixed deadlines and penalties when logistical risks are high.
• What can be done immediately: diversify suppliers and follow official EU and national notices.

Sport and schedule: when the “unimportant” is actually useful

Today the Australian Open is in the round of 16 and quarterfinal phase, with a large global audience. The Guardian and AP report on seeded players advancing to the quarterfinals, which for many serves as a “break from politics,” but it also has a practical component: broadcast times, subscriptions, and planning your day if you follow the event live. (Source, Details)

• Practical consequence: time zones and match schedules can easily “eat up” sleep and productivity.
• What to watch: the official schedule and changes due to weather or organization.
• What can be done immediately: check the schedule on the official site and pick 1–2 matches, not all of them.

Tomorrow: what could change the situation

• On Monday, January 26, the release of Durable Goods Orders can shift expectations for markets and consumption. Official document
• The EU General Affairs Council discusses the rule of law and the “European Democracy Shield”, with possible political reverberations. Official document
• The UN Security Council has an open debate on the rule of law and peace, which can open the path to new initiatives. Official document
• NOAA/WPC forecasts for January 26 show the duration of the snow and ice hazard in the U.S. Official document
• Further decisions and reactions around the announced tariffs may come through official channels or new statements. Source
• Developments in the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire depend on agreements on the Rafah crossing and security arrangements. Source
• Further French moves in the case of the intercepted tanker may test sanctions enforcement at sea. Source
• Results and reactions to the Myanmar elections may spur new ASEAN statements and international criticism. Source
• The Australian Open enters a key phase; the schedule may change due to weather and organization. Official document
• The start of the week often brings new assessments of logistics and prices after major disruptions in transport and energy. Source

In brief

• If you’re traveling, check forecasts and carrier rules, then plan an alternative and extra “buffer” time.
• If you’re buying expensive goods, distinguish political announcements from official decisions and don’t buy out of panic.
• If you’re worried about your energy bill, reduce consumption today and track tariff changes and market signals.
• If you do business internationally, increase attention to sanctions and checks, because enforcement is becoming stricter.
• If you have children or elderly at home, treat flu season as a logistics problem and prepare a home “backup”.
• If you’re planning travel to the Middle East, follow official warnings and insurance terms before non-refundable payments.
• If you’re interested in politics, watch EU and UN schedules: decisions often happen in sessions, not in comments.
• If you follow sport, check the schedule in your time zone and choose priorities so your day stays normal.