Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
U.S. forces have captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a move that’s sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Back home, the White House is opening new fronts on education policy while Wall Street rides a fresh wave of AI-driven optimism.
Hey friends — happy Friday!
We finally made it to the end of the first full work week for many of us. If you’re feeling a bit wiped, you’re in good company. The news cycle isn’t exactly offering a “soft landing” into the new year, but we’ve got you covered with the simple versions of what’s actually going on. Grab a coffee, take a breath, and let’s get into it.
Joke of the day:
I told my boss I needed a raise because three other companies were after me. He asked which ones.
I said, “The electric company, the gas company, and the water company.”
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
U.S. Captures Nicolás Maduro as Trump Cites “Energy Dominance” Strategy
In a move that has stunned the world, the U.S. has captured the former Venezuelan leader. The administration is framing this as a win for American economic primacy and a way to check China and Russia’s influence in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump Administration Escalates Probe into California Transgender Athlete Policies
The Department of Education has named 18 school districts and colleges in a widening investigation, alleging that allowing transgender girls to play in female sports violates Title IX.
Trump Threatens to Invoke Insurrection Act in Minnesota Amid ICE Protests
Following intense protests against immigration enforcement, the President signaled he may deploy federal troops, a move that has local leaders and civil rights groups on high alert.
White House Deploys Social Media Influencers to Sell New Immigration Policies
A new “digital-first” communication strategy is using friendly influencers to bypass traditional media and explain the surge of federal agents to the Midwest.
Taiwan and U.S. seal $250 billion deal to lower tariffs and boost chip investment
The U.S. Commerce Department announced late Thursday that Taiwanese tech giants will invest a quarter-trillion dollars in America. In return, the U.S. is slashing tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20% to 15%.
Trump announces plan to halt federal payments to “sanctuary states” beginning Feb 1
The President took to social media to declare an end to funding for states protecting undocumented immigrants. Mayors from New Haven to San Francisco are already signaling immediate legal challenges.
Judge allows offshore wind farm construction to resume after Trump-ordered halt
A legal blow to the administration’s energy policy: A federal judge ruled that work on a major wind project can continue, overturning a previous executive pause.
Around the World
Russian Missile Strike Damages Commercial Vessel in Ukraine’s Port of Chornomorsk
The Matilda, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier, was hit during the attack, highlighting the ongoing risks to global grain and shipping routes.
Canada’s Mark Carney Hails “Strategic Partnership” with China
While Washington pulls away, Ottawa is leaning in. Prime Minister Carney is emphasizing a new trade reality that contrasts sharply with the U.S. “America First” posture.
Philippines Launches World’s First Methanol Dual-Fueled Bulk Carrier
The “Brave Pioneer” marks a massive step in green shipping, designed to cut $CO_2$ and sulfur emissions significantly as the maritime industry tries to decarbonize.
Chinese Vice Premier to Lead Delegation to Davos World Economic Forum
He Lifeng will attend the 2026 summit next week, signaling China’s intent to remain a central player in global economic governance despite trade tensions.
Denmark and Greenlandic ministers push back on Trump’s “acquisition” talk
A diplomatic “rocky start” in Copenhagen: Denmark’s foreign minister warns that if the U.S. only wants to talk about buying the island, the meetings will be “very, very short.”
China slams U.S.-Taiwan trade deal, citing violation of “One-China” principle
Beijing expressed “stern opposition” to the new semiconductor pact, calling it a provocative move that undermines regional stability.
Business & Tech
Nasdaq Gains as TSMC’s Massive AI Spending Plan Lifts Chipmakers
Tech stocks are surging after Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) announced it could boost equipment investment to $56 billion this year to feed the AI boom.
Wall Street Steadies as Oil Prices Plunge 4% Following Venezuela News
U.S. crude dropped to $59.19 as investors bet that the removal of Maduro could eventually lead to a more stable flow of Venezuelan oil to global markets.
Canon Sets Record with 42 Consecutive Years in Top 10 U.S. Patent Holders
Samsung remains the #1 patent holder for 2025, followed by TSMC and Qualcomm, but Canon’s longevity in the top tier of tech innovation is unmatched.
Neuralink rival Merge Labs bags $252M in round led by Sam Altman’s OpenAI
The brain-computer interface (BCI) war is heating up. Altman’s massive investment signals a major push to integrate human thought with AI processing.
Oil prices drop 4% as U.S. intervention in Venezuela shifts supply outlook
Energy markets are reacting to the capture of Maduro, with traders anticipating a more predictable flow of South American crude to the Gulf Coast.
Ladder Bio rebrands and secures $5.5M to pivot from diagnostics to therapeutics
The Philadelphia-based startup is entering 2026 with a fresh CEO and a new mission to use their molecules to treat diseases rather than just detect them.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
Why Yield Premiums on Corporate Debt Are at Their Lowest Since 2007
Investors are piling into “junk” notes, but experts warn this complacency could be a trap if the economy slows down unexpectedly.
The “Monthly Money Ritual”: How to Make Budgeting Actually Fun
suggests pairing a difficult task (like checking your spending) with a small reward (like a favorite coffee) helps build a sustainable financial habit.
Stop Looking at Your 401k Daily — Here’s Why it Hurts Your Returns
Psychologists say frequent checking leads to emotional decision-making. If you have a long-term plan, the daily “noise” of the market shouldn’t change your strategy.
26 Money Rules for 2026: Why “Human Capital” is your best investment
Early in the year, focus on skill acquisition over minor market gains. Sahil Bloom argues that a 2% extra return on your 401k is nothing compared to a 20% bump in your earning power.
The “Recycle for Points” Hack: Getting paid to be eco-friendly
Don’t just toss your old toiletries. Retailers like Boots are offering advantage points for recycling makeup and packaging, which you can save up for luxury purchases.
25 Money-Saving Life Hacks for the New Year
From negotiating with your employer to tracking expenses like an athlete, these fundamentals are the “boring” way to build a massive emergency fund by December.
You Can’t Automate Good Judgement
AI promises speed and efficiency, but it’s leaving many leaders feeling more overwhelmed than ever.
The real problem isn’t technology.
It’s the pressure to do more with less — without losing what makes your leadership effective.
BELAY created the free resource 5 Traits AI Can’t Replace & Why They Matter More Than Ever to help leaders pinpoint where AI can help and where human judgment is still essential.
At BELAY, we help leaders accomplish more by matching them with top-tier, U.S.-based Executive Assistants who bring the discernment, foresight, and relational intelligence that AI can’t replicate.
That way, you can focus on vision. Not systems.
Download the 5 Traits AI Can’t Replace.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
Dodgers Agree to Massive 4-Year, $240M Contract with Kyle Tucker
The Los Angeles juggernaut adds another superstar. The deal includes opt-outs that give Tucker massive flexibility, making the Dodgers the clear 2026 favorites.
Warriors Defeat Knicks as Jonathan Kuminga Issues Formal Trade Request
Despite the win, the “Kuminga Cloud” looms over Golden State. Rumors suggest the Mavericks and Kings are the top suitors for the disgruntled young star.
LaMelo Ball Explodes for 27 Second-Half Points to Beat the Lakers
Ball’s nine 3-pointers silenced the Los Angeles crowd, proving the Hornets are a force to be reckoned with as they climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Cate Blanchett Confirmed to Return for Live-Action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Sequel
Universal is doubling down on the franchise, bringing back the Oscar winner for a sequel before the first live-action film even hits theaters.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Celebrates 30th Birthday with “J2NNI5” Photo Exhibition
The K-pop icon rang in the new decade with a viral Instagram post and a special event for fans, showcasing never-before-seen photos from her career.
Celebrity Split? John Lloyd Cruz and Isabel Santos Unfollow Each Other on Instagram
Fans are buzzing after the high-profile couple wiped their digital traces of each other, fueling rumors of a New Year’s breakup.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
(Specific titles • Every link is stable and email-safe — no 404s)
Digital Detox: How Cutting Screen Time Improves Your Focus and Mood
The “first hour” rule: Don’t touch your phone for the first 60 minutes of your day. It prevents your brain from starting in a “reactive” state.
The “Clothes Chair” Strategy: A Life Hack for the Perpetually Messy
Stop feeling guilty about not folding laundry. Designate a “middle ground” spot for clothes that aren’t dirty but aren’t put away yet to reduce visual clutter.
Use “Backchanneling” to Instantly Improve Your Relationships
Small social cues like head nods and verbal acknowledgments make people feel heard and significantly lower tension during difficult conversations.
Automate Your Morning Routine with Simple IFTTT Applets
Sync your smart lights with your alarm to simulate a natural sunrise, making it easier to wake up during these dark winter mornings.
Lay out your gym kit the night before to bypass “Alarm Snoozing”
Reduce “friction” in the morning. If you don’t have to think about what to wear, you’re 40% more likely to actually make it to that 6 AM workout.
The “Grocery List” Trick: Never hit the store without a written plan
It sounds simple, but it stops “temptation buys.” Buying in bulk only works for staples—don’t let the sales convince you to buy things you don’t need.
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