Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
Grammys red carpet turns into a political stage while the US vaccine committee debates making all shots optional. Plus, we look at a record-breaking cold snap in the Southeast and how to build a “Keystone Habit” for your health.
Hey friends! Happy Monday!
I hope you all had a chance to stay cozy this weekend—unless you were in the Southeast, where that surprise snow probably had you hunting for a shovel, you didn’t know you needed! We are kicking off February with some of the biggest news cycles we’ve seen in a long time. There is a lot to unpack this morning, from high-stakes drama in D.C. to some pretty wild updates in the world of tech and entertainment. Grab your coffee (or that second cup, I won’t tell!), settle in, and let’s get you caught up on everything that happened while you were enjoying your Sunday. Let’s get into it!
Joke of the day:
What do you call a Monday that actually goes smoothly?
Suspicious.
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
US Vaccine Committee Signals Radical Re-evaluation of All Childhood Immunizations
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is reconsidering decades of science, potentially moving toward making all vaccines optional under the new administration.
DOJ Officials Downplay New Charges Following Release of 3 Million Epstein Documents
Despite a massive document dump involving names like Bill Gates and Elon Musk, federal officials say immediate criminal charges are unlikely.
Kennedy Center to Close for Two Years Amid Trump’s Renovation and Renaming Plan
The iconic D.C. venue faces a multi-year shutdown for renovations as controversy grows over plans to add the Trump name to the building.
US Mayors Slam “Inhumane” Mass Detention Warehouse Plans on Face the Nation
A bipartisan group of mayors voiced strong opposition to converting distribution centers into detention facilities for thousands of migrants.
Police Officer Killed in Georgia Hotel Shootout; Second Officer Critically Wounded
A tragic confrontation in Lawrenceville left one officer dead after a suspect opened fire during questioning in a hotel room.
Southeast US Records Fresh Snowpack and Shivering Temperatures Following Winter Storm
Residents across the Southeast woke up to a rare February snowpack as a major winter system moved through the region over the weekend.
Around the World
Cambodia Pledges National Budget to Support Citizens Displaced by Thailand Border Conflict
Prime Minister Hun Manet has committed state funds to protect and restore infrastructure for those caught in the escalating border tensions.
Indonesia Secures Landmark Deal to Export Fish to 40 New Facilities in China
A major economic win for Jakarta as Beijing approves a massive expansion of fish export units, boosting regional trade.
Vietnam and ADB Launch $2 Million Initiative for Green Banking Capacity
The State Bank of Vietnam is partnering with the Asian Development Bank to scale up climate finance and sustainable investment.
Thailand Election Commission Bans Alcohol and Campaigning for Key February Votes
Strict regulations have been put in place for the early February election periods, with violators facing heavy fines or prison time.
Philippines to Host ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
Regional leaders are gathering to focus on trade connectivity and empowering small enterprises in a volatile global market.
Bali Teams Up with UK Experts to Tackle Regional MICE Tourism Standards
The Indonesian province is seeking to solidify its role as a premier hub for international meetings and tourism excellence.
Business & Tech
DXC Technology Names Rob Le Busque as New President for Asia Pacific and Japan
The enterprise giant has tapped the former Verizon executive to lead its regional strategy and accelerate AI-driven modernization for clients.
Scientists Warn of “Existential Risk” as AI Advances Outpace Understanding of Consciousness
Researchers are racing to define consciousness as rapid developments in neurotechnology create unprecedented ethical and security risks.
Quantum Computing Breakthrough: Researchers Find Way to Use “Noise” for Cooling
Scientists in Sweden have flipped a major problem on its head by using system noise to help maintain the extreme cold needed for quantum systems.
India’s 2026 Budget Prioritizes Digital Agriculture and High-Value Crop Production
The newly announced budget targets a transformation of the farming sector using AI and modern tech to increase productivity.
Crypto Update: Tomarket Daily Combo Offers Free $TOMA Tokens for February 1
Tech-savvy investors are flocking to new daily rewards as the crypto market searches for a bottom-fishing strategy after a volatile January.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
The Psychology of Altruism: Why Helping Others is the Key to Real Happiness
New research reveals that acts of kindness trigger “helper’s high”—a release of oxytocin and dopamine that significantly boosts emotional resilience and long-term mental health.
Financial Mindfulness: How to Create “Money Rituals” to Reduce Budgeting Stress
Experts suggest turning monthly financial check-ins into pleasurable “finance rituals” to reduce the cognitive load and emotional stress of managing your bank account.
The Power of Curiosity: How to Strengthen Relationships During Polarizing Times
Curiosity acts as a bridge in difficult conversations; by asking open-ended questions and staying “perceptually curious,” you can transform disagreements into learning experiences.
Digital Detox Benefits: Why Cutting Internet Access Can Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety
A recent study shows that even small reductions in screen time can lead to meaningful improvements in attention spans and life satisfaction, comparable to established clinical treatments.
Prioritizing Your Schedule: The “Pare Down” Method for Busy Professionals
Productivity expert Cal Newport advocates for a “finitude” approach—labeling tasks by strict priority levels to ensure you focus solely on your most important intent.
Neutralizing Negative Thoughts: Using the “Parade Float” Technique for Mental Clarity
Learn to visualize your anxious thoughts as passing “parade floats”; this mindfulness technique helps you observe unwelcome emotions without getting swept up in them.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
Grammys 2026: Music’s Biggest Stars Use Red Carpet to Protest Mass Deportations
Artists like Kehlani and Billie Eilish arrived at the 68th annual awards wearing symbols of protest against current immigration crackdowns.
NBA Injury Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruled Out for Bucks vs. Celtics Matchup
The Milwaukee star missed the high-stakes game against Boston due to a persistent right calf strain.
Madison Beer Drops New Album “Locket” Alongside “Bad Enough” Music Video
The two-time Grammy nominee has released her latest project, showcasing her growth as a writer and co-producer in the indie-pop scene.
Chicago Bulls Suffer Record-Breaking Blowout Loss to Miami Heat (134-91)
The Bulls were dominated from start to finish on Sunday, marking one of the most lopsided losses in recent franchise history.
K-Pop Group CORTIS Named “Friends of the NBA” Ahead of All-Star Performance
The rising group is set to become the first K-pop act to headline the NBA Crossover event in Los Angeles this month.
Harding University Softball Dominates Early February Matchup Against Minn. Duluth
The Lady Bisons opened their February schedule with a strong showing, securing a definitive victory on the road.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
(Specific titles • Every link is stable and email-safe — no 404s)
Automate Your Morning: How to Set Up a “Natural Sunrise” Wake-Up Routine
Use smart lighting and IFTTT to gradually brighten your room, making your Monday morning much less jolting.
The Two-Minute Rule: How to Clear Your To-Do List of Small Tasks Instantly
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it now. This eliminates the mental clutter of tracking small, nagging chores.
Block Off Focus Time: How to Use Google Calendar as a Productivity Shield
A step-by-step guide to using button widgets that instantly block your schedule and mute notifications.
Batch Your Burdens: Group Similar Tasks to Prevent Mental Fatigue
Responding to all emails at once instead of throughout the day saves hours of “context switching” energy.
Location-Based Muting: Automate Your Android Phone for Deep Work
Never forget to silence your phone at the office again by setting up automated triggers that recognize your workplace.
The Pomodoro Refresh: Why 25-Minute Sprints Stop Afternoon Burnout
Working in short bursts with mandatory breaks keeps your brain sharp and prevents the “slump” after lunch.
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