Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
Congress, courts, and the White House jump straight into conflict as immigration and executive authority dominate day one. Markets, sports, and streaming shake off the holiday dust fast.
Hey there, American Centrist friends! How was your Monday yesterday? Monday after the holidays just hit different.
Joke of the day:
January is when your inbox reminds you that it missed you way more than you missed it.😅
LET’S MAKE THIS EASY FOR YOU
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🇺🇸 Keeping up with America – Latest news on what happening in America
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Around the 🌎 in 80 Seconds – Yeah we are fast at getting you the latest global news.
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Lets Talk Business 💼 and Tech 🤖 – No AI is not taking over (YET)!
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Rich, Wiser, Happier – This is a must read if you want any of that!
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Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans – Trust me this will keep you entertained
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Life Hack to Hack Your Life – What kinda tips and tricks do you have?
Keeping up with America
White House signals tougher immigration enforcement in first full workweek of 2026
Administration officials outline expanded border actions and faster case processing as the year begins.
Federal courts return with key rulings on gun laws and executive authority
Judges reopen the docket with decisions that could shape national policy battles.
Congress reconvenes with immigration, spending, and oversight at the top of the agenda
Lawmakers waste no time reviving unfinished fights from 2025.
State attorneys general prepare new legal challenges against federal policies
Blue and red states signal another y
ear of courtroom showdowns.
Polling shows Americans divided on early 2026 policy priorities
Immigration, inflation, and crime dominate voter concerns heading into the year.
Around the World
Global leaders react to renewed U.S. pressure in Latin America
Diplomatic responses ripple across the region following Washington’s signals.
Ukraine conflict enters another winter phase with fresh strikes reported
Energy, infrastructure, and civilian safety remain central concerns.
Middle East ceasefire efforts face strain as talks resume
Negotiators return to the table under rising pressure.
China and Taiwan tensions remain high after New Year military activity
Regional security stays on edge as drills and warnings continue.
Top global photos capture the first workdays of 2026
A visual snapshot of politics, conflict, and daily life worldwide.
Business & Tech
Wall Street opens 2026 cautiously as investors reassess rates and growth
Markets shake off holiday trading and refocus on inflation and Fed signals.
Tech stocks see early volatility as AI expectations reset
Investors start asking harder questions about earnings and costs.
Oil prices fluctuate as geopolitical risks meet demand uncertainty
Energy traders weigh supply threats against slowing growth signals.
Big Tech faces renewed scrutiny from regulators in 2026
Antitrust and AI oversight return to the spotlight.
Small businesses brace for higher costs and tighter credit
Owners enter the year cautious but determined.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
How Americans are resetting their finances after the holidays
Savings, debt, and budgeting top January to-do lists.
Emergency funds gain urgency as economic uncertainty lingers
Why financial cushions matter more than resolutions.
Workplace burnout remains high as employees return from break
Mental health experts warn against starting the year exhausted.
Career trends employers are prioritizing early in 2026
Skills, flexibility, and reliability matter more than buzzwords.
Why “slow January” can be a financial advantage
Less pressure can lead to better decisions.
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.
Sounds crazy, but over 70,000 investors have followed suit since 2019—with Masterworks.
You can invest in shares of artworks featuring Banksy, Basquiat, Picasso, and more.
24 exits later, results speak for themselves: net annualized returns like 14.6%, 17.6%, and 17.8%.*
My subscribers can skip the waitlist.
*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
NBA season heats up as contenders separate from pretenders
January games quietly shape playoff paths.
NFL playoff picture tightens after final regular-season matchups
Every tiebreaker suddenly matters.
College basketball rankings shift after holiday tournaments
March storylines begin forming early.
NHL teams battle for position as winter grind sets in
Depth and defense start deciding games.
‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 updates spark fan theories
Netflix hints at what’s next as anticipation builds.
Streaming platforms prepare major January releases
Awards season meets binge season.
Music charts reflect post-holiday listening shifts
New year, new playlists.
Entertainment headlines kick off 2026
Film, TV, and celebrity news without the fluff.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
Emergency Fund: How Much You Actually Need and Where to Keep It
A clear breakdown of the “3–6 months” rule — and what to do if that feels impossible.
How to Reduce Holiday Stress and Reset Your Routine
Psychologists explain what helps your brain recover after the busy season ends.
Digital Detox: How Cutting Screen Time Improves Focus and Sleep
Why even small breaks from your phone can change your mood and energy fast.
What Can I Bring Through Airport Security?
The official TSA tool that saves you from last-minute bag chaos.
Travel Planning Tips That Actually Save Time and Money
Flight booking, packing, and airport tricks that frequent travelers swear by.
Personal Finance Basics: Budgeting, Saving, and Paying Down Debt
Straightforward money guidance without influencer hype.
Home Organization Ideas That Take Less Than 30 Minutes
Simple resets that make your space feel lighter without a full declutter weekend.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist
Small fixes now that prevent expensive problems later in the year.
Nutrition Basics: How to Build a Healthy Plate
No diet trends — just evidence-based guidance you can actually follow.
12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist
A step-by-step timeline that removes guesswork and stress.
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