Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
Washington edges closer to a Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown amid growing political tension. US stock markets and major sporting events get mixed signals as inflation data and All-Star Week unfold.
Hey friends — Happy Friday the 13th!!! 🌞
It’s Valentine’s week, but lawmakers in Washington are tangled in a big budget fight that could disrupt parts of government services. At the same time, Americans are watching inflation figures, stock market reactions, and highly anticipated NBA All-Star Weekend action. Let’s break down the day’s most important headlines in a simple, friendly way 📰❤️.
Joke of the day:
Why don’t secrets last long in Washington?
Because even the walls have ears — and microphones! 😄
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. Senate Blocks DHS Funding, Raising Likelihood of Government Shutdown
Senators failed to advance a key DHS funding bill, pushing the U.S. closer to a partial government shutdown beginning Saturday unless a deal is struck. Funding for airport security, FEMA, and immigration enforcement remains at stake.
Partial DHS Shutdown Looked Nearly Certain as Talks Stall
Analysis shows an imminent shutdown despite continued immigration enforcement, with Transportation Security Administration workers expected to operate without pay.
Existing Home Sales Plummet to Multi-Year Low; Housing Market Slows
U.S. home sales fell sharply, signaling stress in the broader housing market even as prices remain high.
Treasury Opens New Reward Program for Financial Fraud Tips
A new whistleblower initiative offers rewards for tips on fraud and sanctions violations, aiming to strengthen financial oversight.
US Agriculture Exports Rise With Strong Corn and Wheat Sales
Corn and wheat export sales have grown, boosting farm sector sentiment despite broader economic pressures.
Around the World
Britain Announces Major Air Defense Aid to Ukraine
London pledges £680 million in additional air defense support to Ukraine amid continued conflict in the region.
U.S. and Taiwan Finalize Significant Tariff-Reduction Trade Deal
The historic agreement aims to strengthen semiconductor investment and bilateral trade.
Europe Struggles with Heavy Dependence on U.S. Tech Infrastructure
Data shows American cloud and tech firms control over 70% of digital infrastructure in European markets.
China’s Housing Market Weakens Further
Prices continue to drop, signaling persistent property sector challenges.
UK GDP Growth Misses Expectations in Late 2025
Britain’s economy grew only modestly, highlighting ongoing slow expansion.
Egypt, Japan Among Top Buyers of U.S. Agriculture Exports
Global food demand supports U.S. commodity producers.
Business & Tech
Trio-Tech Sees 82% Revenue Jump Driven by AI and EV Demand
The semiconductor testing giant is riding the wave of the AI boom, doubling its back-end solutions revenue.
WhatsApp Condemns Russia Over Efforts to Block Encrypted Messaging
Meta’s messaging giant claims Moscow is trying to force citizens onto state-controlled surveillance apps.
BlackRock Linked Fund Acquires £150 Million Holiday Park Portfolio
Major institutional investors are betting big on the “staycation” trend as leisure real estate demand surges.
Goldman Sachs Lawyer Resignation Sparks Discussion on Corporate Ethics
The sudden departure of a high-profile executive highlights the ongoing legal risks firms face from past associations.
Hotel REIT Sotherly Hotels Taken Private in Major Acquisition Deal
A joint venture has successfully closed the purchase of 10 full-service hotels across seven US states.
British AI Giant Arm Selected as Key Partner for Malaysia Tech Hub
The chip designer is set to anchor a new National Semiconductor Strategy to build a trusted regional ecosystem.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
The “Wealth Plan Plus” Framework: Why You Need a Decision Roadmap for 2026
Financial experts are moving away from simple budgeting toward structured “wealth plans” that prioritize cash flow resilience over just chasing market returns.
Why Cultivating “Radical Hope” is More Effective for Happiness Than Positive Thinking
New psychological studies reveal that hope—even when it feels unrealistic—is a stronger predictor of life meaning than general positive emotions.
The CD Ladder Strategy: How to Build a Risk-Free Income Stream This Year
With shifting interest rates, “laddering” certificates of deposit is emerging as the top hack for risk-averse savers to stay ahead of inflation without market exposure.
Stop Pursuing Meaning: Why Happiness Should Be a Barometer, Not a Goal
Researchers argue that the compulsive maximization of personal happiness is paradoxically harmful; true satisfaction often arrives as a byproduct of everyday choices.
The “Friction Method” for Digital Well-being: Using Habits to Break Screen Addiction
Neuroscience shows that adding small physical barriers to your tech use—like logging out of apps—is the most effective way to reclaim your focus and mental peace.
How “Backchanneling” in Conversations Can Instantly Strengthen Your Social Bonds
Linguists have identified specific non-verbal cues that signal deep listening, which are proven to decrease loneliness and improve immediate well-being for both parties.
Investor-ready updates, by voice
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Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
Prediction Markets Hit Record $1 Billion Volume on Super Bowl Sunday
Platforms like Kalshi are seeing explosive growth, but major sports leagues are raising red flags over regulation.
Caleb Wilson Hand Fracture Leaves North Carolina Season in Jeopardy
The Tar Heels’ momentum is stalled as their star player is sidelined, leaving fans wondering about the tournament’s future.
Ukrainian Skeleton Athlete Disqualified for War-Themed Helmet Protest
The Olympics committee has banned the athlete for wearing a helmet featuring portraits of soldiers killed in action.
Lady Knights Dominate NCAA Volleyball with Unbeaten Streak
Letran continues their immaculate run, sweeping Jose Rizal University in a dominant three-set performance on Friday.
Filipino Tennis Prodigy Torrecampo Claims ITF Asia U14 Title
The top seed showcased her power in Phnom Penh, defeating her Singaporean rival with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 victory.
Anonymous Trader Makes $400k on Venezuelan President Capture Bet
Suspicion of insider trading has emerged after a massive payout following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
(Specific titles • Every link is stable and email-safe — no 404s)
The “Mesh Bag” Laundry Trick: Never Lose a Sock to the Washer Again
Stop the endless hunt for missing pairs by tossing all your socks into a mesh laundry bag before washing; they stay together through the cycle and make sorting a five-second task.
Try the 60-Minute “Digital Sunset” Rule for the Best Sleep of Your Life
Set a non-negotiable boundary to turn off all screens one hour before bed to allow your melatonin to naturally rise, drastically improving your rest quality and morning energy levels.
Use a Lint Roller for Instant Dusting in Hard-to-Reach Places
Beyond clothes, a lint roller is a genius tool for quickly cleaning lampshades, keyboard crevices, and even picking up tiny shards of broken glass without the risk of a vacuum clog.
The “10-Minute Sweep” Method to Prevent Weekend Cleaning Marathons
Grab a trash bag and do a high-speed walk through your home for ten minutes daily; clearing receipts and random clutter before bed prevents the “pile-up” that ruins your Saturday.
Adopt the “Clean as You Cook” Habit to Reclaim Your Post-Dinner Freedom
Wash your prep bowls and utensils while the onions are sautéing or the oven is preheating; you’ll finish your meal with a sparkling kitchen and no daunting sink full of dishes.
Charge Your Phone in a Different Room to Break the Morning Scroll
Moving your charger to the kitchen or living room forces you to use a traditional alarm and allows your mind to set its own tone for the day before the world’s notifications take over.
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