Keeping up with America

Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations

The White House moves to preempt a patchwork of state AI rules, setting up a showdown with governors, tech giants, and civil-liberties groups over who gets to police algorithms. 

Tariffs have cost U.S. households $1,200 each since Trump returned to the White House, Democrats say

Democrats roll out a new analysis that slaps a dollar figure on the trade-war hangover — and you can guess what they’ll be repeating in every 2026 ad. 

Trump’s handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling

Voters are feeling the squeeze on prices, debt and insecurity — and they’re starting to aim the frustration at the Oval Office. 

Senate rejects legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits

Millions could see higher premiums as lawmakers punt on a fix — just as families re-up their coverage for 2026. 

Congress pushes for new restrictions on U.S. investment in China

Bipartisan China hawks try to clamp down on Wall Street’s exposure to sensitive tech — and send another signal to Beijing that the money spigot has new strings attached. 

Around the World

Zelenskyy will hold urgent talks with 30 countries as Trump pushes for a swift peace deal with Russia

Kyiv scrambles to keep allies aligned while Washington leans hard for a fast settlement that may redraw maps and red lines. 

Amnesty says Hamas attacks and Gaza hostage treatment amount to crimes against humanity

The rights group’s findings pile legal and moral pressure on both sides as negotiations drag on. 

Bangladesh president wants to quit halfway through term after February election

A surprise exit plan throws fresh uncertainty into a key U.S. ally’s already-tense political calendar. 

U.S. B-52 bombers join Japanese fighter jets in show of force after China-Russia drills

Tokyo and Washington answer Beijing and Moscow’s exercises with their own sky-high message over the Sea of Japan. 

Fires, floods and quakes: The disasters that defined 2025

A brutal photo recap of the year’s worst natural disasters — and a reminder that “once-in-a-lifetime” is becoming routine. 

Business & Tech

Global stocks hit new highs as bond yields retreat

The S&P 500 flirts with records again as traders bet on gentle rate cuts and no immediate recession monster under the bed. 

Stock market today: Dow jumps as Wall Street shakes off rate jitters

A late-day rally turns nerves into FOMO as big-cap tech and industrials drag indexes higher. 

US weekly unemployment benefit applications rise as labor market shows more cracks

Jobless claims notch their biggest jump in years — still not panic territory, but enough to make HR teams and side-hustlers pay attention. 

US to mandate AI vendors measure political bias for federal sales

If you want government contracts, your AI models will need receipts on how they treat left vs. right — and everyone in between. 

Box office is booming in 2025 — but Netflix’s $82.7B content war looms over Hollywood

Theaters are alive again, but the real knife fight is streaming platforms burning billions to own your couch. 

Quick take: For founders and freelancers, the message is loud: the macro is “okay-ish,” the job market is softening at the edges, and AI rules are arriving faster than most SOPs. Keep an eye on cashflow, not just headlines.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

1 in 4 US retirees lose sleep over money — here are 5 ways to save $10K without feeling it

Tiny tweaks to fees, interest, and “lazy money” add up fast — whether you’re retired or just retirement-curious. 

Want guaranteed retirement income? Social Security isn’t the only game in town

Annuities, pensions, and laddered products step into the chat — with all the fine print your future self wishes you’d read. 

Opinion: Are we sleepwalking into the end of credit cards as we know them?

A push to cap fees could reshape who gets plastic, who gets rewards — and who’s left paying in cash. 

This 54-year-old turned a side-hustle gadget into a $180K Kickstarter hit

Proof that “too late” is mostly a story we tell ourselves — especially if your product actually solves a real annoyance. 

Harlem Candle Co. shows how one niche brand turned scent into a seven-figure business

A masterclass in brand, story, and not trying to be Amazon — just being unmistakably you. 

Big picture: Rates are still your friend if you’re a saver, still your enemy if you’re over-leveraged, and still a puzzle if you’re thinking about when to leap full-time into your own thing.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

Thompson nearly posts a triple-double as Rockets edge Clippers 115–113

Houston’s young core steals a statement win and reminds everyone that the West’s middle class is getting dangerous fast. 

Jokić drops 36 and 12 as Nuggets rout Kings 136–105 for fourth straight win

Denver flips the “they’re coasting” narrative with a demolition that looks a lot like a spring preview. 

Netflix’s ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series unveils main cast

Gamers get nervous and excited at the same time as a beloved franchise heads into the high-pressure streaming spotlight. 

Here’s what’s new on Netflix in December 2025

From comfort rewatches to buzzy premieres, your holiday binge queue is about to get unmanageable. 

Live-action ‘Street Fighter’ movie drops its first trailer

Hadouken nostalgia meets modern CGI — and fans instantly start arguing about casting, costumes, and canon. 

Life Hack to Hack Your Life

10 Genius Gift-Wrapping Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know This Christmas

Turn chaos into crisp corners and bow-porn — including how to fake “fancy” with dollar-store supplies.

8 Costly Grocery Mistakes That Quietly Blow Up Your Food Budget

From “just popping in” to buying the wrong size, these tiny habits are why your total keeps shocking you.

How Greenville Shoppers Are Avoiding Holiday Debt This Year

Local shoppers share real tactics to dodge post-Christmas bill shock without skipping the fun.

5 Groceries Smart Shoppers Grab Now Ahead of the Holidays

Stock these pantry MVPs early so you’re not paying surge pricing for flour, pumpkin, and everything nice.

AAA Expects ‘Sleigh-Busting’ Crowds on the Move This Holiday Season

Where traffic will be worst, and how to time your drive so you’re not stuck in holiday-road-rage purgatory.

Budget Holiday Travel Tips From a Pro Who Literally Wrote the Book on Free Trips

A travel-channel host breaks down how to squeeze flights, hotels, and road trips into a very 2025 budget.

Going Home for the Holidays? 5 Tips to Make the Trip Actually Fun

Scripts, boundaries, and mindset shifts so family drama doesn’t hijack your “break.”

Holiday Shoppers Plan to Spend Less This Year Due to Inflation

Data-driven look at how Americans are quietly changing gift habits — plus what to copy if you want to save.

Holiday Shopping Costs Rise, Impacting Gift Choices

Why toys, decor, and even Christmas trees cost more — and how experts say to pivot without killing the vibe.

7 Insights for Building a Wedding Budget That Actually Feels Manageable

A values-first wedding budget: percentages, guest-list rules, and guardrails so “just this one upgrade” doesn’t snowball.