Impact of High Mortgage Rates and Elevated Home Prices on January Home Sales

High mortgage rates and elevated home prices led to a significant drop in home sales in January, with pending sales decreasing by 4.6% from December to the lowest level since tracking began in 2001. Sales were down 5.2% from January 2024, indicating challenges in affordability. Despite an increase in inventory, home prices remain high compared to the previous year.

Record-High Global Temperatures in January 2025

January 2025 was the hottest January ever recorded globally, with temperatures exceeding historic levels due to climate change caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels. The trend of increasing temperatures over the past few years signals potential unforeseen behaviors in Earth's oceans and atmosphere.

Global Temperature in January 2025

January 2025 was the world's warmest January on record despite the shift toward the cooling La Niña weather pattern. Global temperatures remain high due to factors like the burning of fossil fuels and the influence of other ocean basins.

Bizarre Events in January 2025

President Donald Trump expresses optimism about solving America's problems as he takes office in 2025. The month of January is filled with various bizarre and humorous events, including a Dunkin' Donuts shortage, a failed renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, and a controversial video announcement by a former Washington Post columnist. Elon Musk's gesture at a Trump gathering is misinterpreted by the media, and Reese Witherspoon ends up as a jury foreman due to her role in the movie 'Legally Blonde.' The month ends with a failed attempt by Peta activists to dump manure on the headquarters of their competitors.