Keeping up with America

Senate Passes Major Funding Deal to Stop Government Shutdown

Lawmakers reached a 71-29 tally late Friday to keep the lights on, leveraging new oversight on ICE agents.

Trump Signs New Executive Orders Targeting School Choice and Federal Spending

The administration moves forward with a flurry of Friday actions aimed at education reform and budget cuts.

Justice Department Releases 3 Million Pages of Epstein Investigation Files

A massive document dump on Friday reveals new details and thousands of videos/images in the long-running federal probe into Jeffrey Epstein.

Fed Officials Signal “Jobless Expansion” as Labor Market Fragility Grows

Vice Chair Bowman warns that while GDP is growing, the US hiring market is becoming increasingly unstable.

More than 300 Anti-ICE Protests Planned Across US This Weekend

Over 300 demonstrations are scheduled following the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as activists launch a “National Day of Action” in every state.

St. Louis Fed President Expects 2026 Growth Despite Sticky Inflation

Alberto Musalem outlines a resilient economic path for the year while maintaining current interest rates.

Around the World

Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba, Hits Oil Suppliers with Tariffs

The White House labels the situation an “extraordinary threat” to US security, shifting Caribbean policy.

UN Watchdog Warns Ukraine Remains World’s Biggest Nuclear Safety Threat

As the conflict enters its fifth year, the IAEA warns of critical risks to power supplies at nuclear sites.

Gaza Health Crisis Deepens as Aid Workers Describe “Unfathomable Suffering”

Volunteer nurses report extreme difficulty in accessing hospitals as humanitarian needs reach a breaking point.

US Exit from Paris Agreement Triggers Global Climate Concerns

International leaders react to the official US withdrawal, fearing a setback in global warming mitigation.

Business & Tech

First Commercial Quantum Computing Access Launched in New York City

Options Technology integrates Oxford Quantum hardware into NYC data centers for high-speed financial modeling.

Tesla Discontinues Model X and Model S as Musk Pivots to Robotics

Elon Musk confirmed on this week’s investor call that production of the luxury flagship models will end next quarter, as the Fremont factory is repurposed to build “one million Optimus robots” annually.

Global New Venture Challenge Selects 18 Startups for 2026 Accelerator

Chicago Booth announces the finalists for its prestigious startup program, featuring teams from London to Hong Kong.

Western Massachusetts Named National Quantum TechHub with $1M Grant

A new planning grant aims to transform the region into a global leader for emerging quantum technologies.

Xanadu Takes Key Step Toward Becoming a Public Company, Announces Public Filing of Form F-4

The photonic quantum leader moves toward its Nasdaq listing, targeting a Q1 2026 close for its landmark merger with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

The “Happiness Loop”: Why Altruism Outperforms Self-Care in 2026

New data reveals that while individualistic cultures often view helping as a “treat,” the biological boost to your mood from volunteering is more sustained than any spa day.

2026 Financial Forecast: Why “Mindful Spending” is Replacing Rigid Budgets

A January survey shows 49% of Americans are ditching strict spreadsheets for “value-based” spending—focusing on joy over restriction to combat inflation stress.

Accepting Uncertainty: The Investor’s Secret to Mental Peace

Following the wisdom of Warren Buffett, experts explain why acknowledging market unpredictability prevents the “emotional epidemics” of fear and greed.

How a 2-Week Digital Detox Can “De-Age” Your Brain by 10 Years

Georgetown researchers found that reducing mobile internet access doesn’t just lower anxiety—it restores your attention span to levels seen a decade ago.

The Power of “Backchanneling”: The Conversational Trick for Better Bonds

Psychological studies show that specific verbal cues like “uh-huh” and “right” significantly increase listener recall and enjoyment during heart-to-heart talks.

The Compound Effect: Why Small Actions Beat Big Resolutions in 2026

Forget the “grand gesture.” Learn why the “Two-Minute Rule” for new habits is the only way to ensure your January goals actually survive until December.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

Catherine O’Hara, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Home Alone’ Legend, Dies at 71

The entertainment world is in mourning after the Emmy-winning actress passed away on Friday following a brief illness. Tributes are pouring in from co-stars like Macaulay Culkin and Eugene Levy.

Vegas Golden Knights Grind Through “January Gauntlet” Ahead of Olympic Break

Despite a roster riddled with injuries, the Golden Knights are fighting to stay atop the Pacific Division during the busiest month in NHL history.

Diego Pavia and Top NFL Prospects Take the Field for 2026 Senior Bowl

The 77th annual showcase kicks off this Saturday in Mobile, Alabama, featuring standout quarterbacks like Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Illinois’ Luke Altmyer.

Paul Dano Breaks Silence After Quentin Tarantino’s Podcast Insults

The actor expressed deep gratitude to fans and peers who defended his talent after the director made controversial comments about his performance in There Will Be Blood.

Coyote Crashes Live News Report on San Francisco Mountain Lion Capture

In a moment of viral irony, a coyote casually strolled behind an ABC7 reporter while she was on air discussing the removal of a mountain lion from the city.

Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh to Lead Federal Reserve

The White House announced Friday that former Fed governor Kevin Warsh is the pick to replace Jerome Powell, signaling a major shift in U.S. economic policy.

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