Nova Newsletter
January 22, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,812 words for you today - 10-minute read.
The Spotlight
1. Trump Rejects Military Force For Greenland Push
Donald Trump delivers a special address during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump told global leaders in Davos that the U.S. will not use military force to acquire Greenland, while pressing for immediate talks with Denmark.
Takeaways
Trump explicitly ruled out military action, saying he does not want and will not use force.
He called for immediate negotiations on U.S. acquisition of Greenland.
Trump argued only the U.S. can defend Greenland, citing NATO obligations and American power.
Remarks come amid rising U.S.-Europe tensions over security and defense roles.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Trump said the United States would be “unstoppable” if it chose force but stressed that option is off the table.
He framed Greenland as a strategic necessity, asserting Denmark and other allies lack the capacity to secure the territory without U.S. involvement.
Trump emphasized respect for Greenlanders and Danes, while insisting NATO allies must defend their own land.
The comments revive a long-running geopolitical dispute that could strain U.S.-European relations further. Read More
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2. Six-Year-Old Sole Survivor Of Spanish Train Crash
A 6-year-old girl survived a deadly train wreck in southern Spain that killed at least 42 people, including her entire immediate family.
Takeaways
The child escaped nearly unharmed, suffering only minor head injuries requiring three stitches.
Her parents, brother, and a cousin were killed in the crash, officials confirmed.
The train derailed and slid down a steep slope after an oncoming train jumped the tracks.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Civil Guard officers found the girl barefoot on the tracks after she escaped through a broken window, according to Spanish media.
Local officials described her survival as a “miracle” amid widespread devastation and national mourning.
The crash occurred near Adamuz, with the front carriages absorbing the worst impact.
The girl is now staying with her grandparents in Córdoba as her hometown declared three days of mourning.
Spain now faces renewed scrutiny over rail safety as investigators search for answers. Read More
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3. Red Cross Warns Of Severe U.S. Blood Shortage
Ojos De Hojalata/STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images
The American Red Cross declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage as hospital demand sharply outpaces supply across the United States.
Takeaways
Nearly one-third of Red Cross blood supplies are depleted, driven by hospital demand.
More than 400 blood drives were canceled due to winter weather.
A severe flu season is reducing donor turnout and straining hospitals.
Shortages threaten trauma, cancer, and sickle cell care, officials warn.
The Red Cross, the nation’s largest blood supplier, said hospitals are requesting blood faster than donations can replace it.
Officials cited widespread illness and weather disruptions as major factors limiting donations at a critical time.
Low blood inventory can delay or limit care for emergencies, surgeries, and patients with chronic conditions requiring regular transfusions.
The organization is urging eligible Americans to donate immediately to stabilize supplies and prevent further strain on hospitals. Read More
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Last Time the Market Was This Expensive, Investors Waited 14 Years to Break Even
In 1999, the S&P 500 peaked. Then it took 14 years to gradually recover by 2013.
Today? Goldman Sachs sounds crazy forecasting 3% returns for 2024 to 2034.
But we’re currently seeing the highest price for the S&P 500 compared to earnings since the dot-com boom.
So, maybe that’s why they’re not alone; Vanguard projects about 5%.
In fact, now just about everything seems priced near all time highs. Equities, gold, crypto, etc.
But billionaires have long diversified a slice of their portfolios with one asset class that is poised to rebound.
It’s post war and contemporary art.
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You can invest in shares of artworks featuring Banksy, Basquiat, Picasso, and more.
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My subscribers can skip the waitlist.
*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd.
Quick Headlines
Kenny Holston/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance announced they are expecting a baby boy this summer, their fourth child. Vance shared the news on social media, saying she and the baby are doing well and are due in late July. Read More
Dallas Pokornik, 33, a former Toronto-based flight attendant, allegedly posed as a commercial pilot and flight attendant to score hundreds of free U.S. airline flights over four years. Arrested in Panama and extradited to Hawaii, he pleaded not guilty Tuesday to wire fraud charges. Court documents say Pokornik used fake employee IDs and even requested the cockpit “jump seat,” though it’s unclear if he ever entered a plane’s cockpit. Read More
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged residents to prepare for a possible, though unlikely, military invasion as President Trump threatens to take over the territory. Denmark has deployed more troops and will expand Arctic exercises, while Trump’s tariff threats on NATO allies escalate tensions with Europe. Read More
A UN report warns that humans are using water faster than it can be replenished, creating irreversible shortages. Over 50% of major lakes and 70% of aquifers are in long-term decline, affecting nearly 4 billion people, while climate change, pollution, and overuse exacerbate global water scarcity. Read More
A “minor electrical issue” forced Air Force One to return to Joint Base Andrews, delaying Trump’s arrival in Zurich by nearly three hours. He later continued to Switzerland to address the World Economic Forum in Davos amid ongoing tensions over his Greenland acquisition demands. Read More
The Department of Homeland Security is increasing its self-deportation stipend from $1,000 to $2,600, encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily using the CBP Home App. DHS claims millions have self-deported since January 2025, though a recent Brookings report questions the accuracy of these figures. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Trump’s Tax Bill Fuels a Vast Expansion of ICE Power Nationwide
President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cuts bill is bankrolling a historic expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, transforming immigration enforcement into one of the largest federal law enforcement operations in the country.
Takeaways
ICE supercharged by Congress: Republicans’ sweeping tax and spending law doubles Homeland Security funding, pouring $170 billion over four years into enforcement.
Massive force buildup: ICE has more than doubled to 22,000 officers, aided by $50,000 hiring bonuses and rapid recruitment.
Enforcement shifts inland: With border crossings at historic lows, operations have moved into U.S. cities with aggressive, highly visible tactics.
Public backlash growing: Trump’s approval on immigration has slipped, even as arrests and deportations surge.
Oversight limited: New DHS rules now require seven days’ notice for congressional visits to ICE facilities.
Trump promised the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, but budget experts say the scale is only now becoming clear. ICE, which typically receives about $10 billion annually, was handed $30 billion for operations and $45 billion for detention facilities under the new law.
“This is spending we usually associate with the military,” said Kathleen Bush-Joseph of the Migration Policy Institute, calling it the militarization of immigration enforcement. The department has already obligated $58 billion, including $37 billion for border wall construction.
The expansion has fueled nationwide protests after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, with images of armed, masked agents flooding social media. Trump has revived Insurrection Act threats, and the Army has troops on standby.
Despite the spending, Trump still falls short of his stated goals. DHS reports 600,000 deportations and 1.9 million self-deportations, while aiming for 100,000 detentions a day.
The bottom line: ICE’s growth is locked in through 2029, reshaping federal law enforcement regardless of political fallout. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. Ice Storm Threatens Catastrophic Impacts Across The South
Forecasters warn a major winter storm could unleash crippling ice from Texas to the Carolinas starting late this week.
Takeaways
A potentially catastrophic ice storm could coat roads, trees, and power lines across the South.
Widespread power outages are likely if ice accumulates beyond half an inch.
Travel disruptions are expected, including at major hub airports in Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
Forecast uncertainty remains high, especially over ice versus rain zones.
Meteorologists say arctic air colliding with Gulf moisture will drive heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain through the weekend.
Southern states are especially vulnerable due to limited ice removal equipment and lingering subfreezing temperatures.
Texas could see the first impacts Friday, with lows dropping into the teens in some areas.
Officials urge residents to prepare now as conditions could deteriorate rapidly. Read More
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6. Timothy Busfield Released Pending Child Abuse Trial
Actor Timothy Busfield was released from a New Mexico jail Tuesday night after a judge ruled prosecutors failed to show he posed a public safety risk.
Takeaways
Busfield faces three felony counts, including two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, all of which he denies.
A judge rejected prosecutors’ request to hold him without bond, citing a lack of evidence showing ongoing danger.
Prosecutors allege grooming and abuse of power, while the defense argues the claims are inconsistent and disputed.
Busfield turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued and appeared in court wearing a jail jumpsuit and handcuffs. Judge David Murphy noted the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized that Busfield self surrendered and has no prior similar accusations.
Prosecutors said the alleged victims disclosed abuse during therapy and medical evaluations. The defense countered that initial police interviews did not support the claims and accused parents of coaching. The case now moves toward trial as Busfield remains free under court conditions. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day – January 22
Apple Introduces the Macintosh with Iconic Super Bowl Ad, 1984 - Apple airs its groundbreaking commercial for the Macintosh computer during the Super Bowl, directed by Ridley Scott. Inspired by George Orwell’s novel 1984, the ad redefines technology marketing and cements Apple’s reputation as a bold, countercultural brand.
Hispanics Become Largest U.S. Minority Group, 2003 - Hispanics are officially recognized as the largest minority population in the United States, surpassing African Americans for the first time. The milestone highlights major demographic shifts with long-term impacts on politics, culture, and the economy.
Netflix Reaches $100 Billion Valuation, 2018 - Netflix becomes the world’s largest digital media and entertainment company, reaching a market value of $100 billion. The achievement underscores the company’s transformation from a DVD rental service into a dominant global streaming powerhouse reshaping how audiences consume film and television.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🧅🗄️ Keep Onions Out of the Fridge
Want your onions to last longer? Keep them out of the fridge. Onions store best in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, where excess moisture won’t cause them to soften or mold. Proper storage helps them stay fresh and flavorful for much longer.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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