Keeping up with America

Trump celebrates anniversary with map showing U.S. flags over Canada and Greenland

On the one-year anniversary of his second term, the President posted an altered image on Truth Social claiming Canada as the “51st state,” triggering immediate diplomatic fallout.

GOP promotes “MAHA” agenda to stave off midterm losses

The “Make America Healthy Again” initiative is taking center stage as Republicans look to pivot health policy before the 2026 elections.

Supreme Court agrees to hear major appeal by Roundup weedkiller maker

A high-stakes legal battle over chemical safety and corporate liability is heading to the nation’s highest court.

Uniformed Services University honors CRNAs during National Nurse Anesthesia Week A spotlight on the essential military medical personnel ensuring safety and readiness on the front lines.

Minnesota residents avoiding medical care due to ICE enforcement fears

A new report highlights a sharp decline in clinic visits as local communities react to heightened federal immigration activity.

Gavin Newsom slams Trump’s Greenland threats as a “manufactured crisis”

Speaking from the sidelines of global summits, the California Governor urged world leaders to “develop a backbone” against annexation rhetoric.

Trump administration issues new guidelines explicitly recommending whole milk

The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines see a massive shift toward full-fat dairy, reversing decades of low-fat government advice.

IRS moves toward “Barcode” system to digitize paper tax returns

A new legislative push aims to eliminate the massive backlog of paper filings by requiring scannable codes on all documents.

Around the World

World Economic Forum opens in Davos amid U.S.-Greenland tensions

Global elites gathered Tuesday as the primary topic shifted from climate change to the risk of a U.S.-led trade war following the President’s “anniversary” threats.

Mark Carney calls for “middle powers” to unite against U.S. dominance

In a major Davos address, the Canadian PM warned that middle powers must combine to create a “third path” or risk subordination in a world of hegemons.

Ursula von der Leyen calls proposed U.S. tariffs a “mistake” between allies

The EU Commission President issued a stern warning at Davos, stating that “a deal is a deal” and the proposed levies on NATO members risk a dangerous downward spiral.

Germany opens €3bn EV support scheme to Chinese automakers

Berlin confirmed Tuesday that its new subsidy program will have no country-of-origin restrictions, allowing brands like BYD to compete equally with local manufacturers.

Finland court imposes €70 million fine on dairy giant Valio

The Supreme Administrative Court officially closed the “Milk War” case, upholding a record penalty for predatory pricing that nearly drove competitors out of the market.

Jordan receives €500 million in EU assistance loans

The European Commission greenlit a massive macro-financial package Tuesday to bolster Jordan’s economic stability and support critical labor and energy reforms.

UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands deal labeled “great stupidity” by Trump

The President attacked Britain’s decision to return sovereignty of the islands, claiming it was an act of “total weakness” that threatens a vital U.S. military base.

EU mulls ‘trade bazooka’ as olive oil and whiskey face tariff threat

Diplomats are finalizing a €93 billion retaliatory list targeting American goods if the “Greenland Tariffs” are implemented on February 1st.

Business & Tech

Stocks close sharply lower after Trump threatens new NATO tariffs

The Dow Jones dropped over 400 points as investors panicked over the prospect of a 10% tariff on eight key ally nations.

Concentrix named a leader in GenAI-powered business transformation

The tech giant was recognized for its “iX Hello” platform, which is currently reimagining how companies handle customer interactions.

LightPath Technologies acquires Amorphous Materials for $7 million

The strategic purchase adds specialized glass melting technology critical for large-scale infrared imaging used in defense.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic launches new degree in Business Analytics

The program aims to meet the skyrocketing demand for data-driven professionals who can translate AI outputs into strategy.

Gold and Silver hit all-time highs as traders seek safe havens

Precious metals surged Tuesday as geopolitical instability made traditional currencies feel increasingly volatile.

GSK to buy Rapt Therapeutics in a $2.2 billion deal

The pharma giant is betting big on oral treatments for inflammatory diseases, sending Rapt shares skyrocketing.

“Phantom” insurance enrollees could haunt health providers in 2026

As exchange sign-ups end, insurers are warning of a wave of ghost accounts that could disrupt financial projections.

AI in the doctor’s office is the future, not a threat

Tech leaders at Davos are pushing back against regulation, arguing that AI is the only way to solve the global physician shortage.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

How helping others can be the secret to a happier 2026

New Harvard and University of British Columbia research highlights that “prosocial spending”—using money to benefit others—creates a much larger “happiness ROI” than spending on yourself.

Create a “Money Ritual” to make budgeting less painful

Psychologists suggest pairing your monthly finance check-in with a ritual (like your favorite coffee) to stop viewing your bank account with “surprise expense dread.”

Why you should skip the multivitamin and buy sunscreen instead

While most Americans don’t need multivitamins to bridge nutrient gaps, medical experts emphasize that daily SPF is the single most effective tool for preventing DNA damage and visible aging.

Neutralize negative thoughts with the “Parade Float” technique

Based on ACT therapy principles, this visualization asks you to imagine your thoughts as signs on a parade float—something to be observed as it passes by, rather than something you must “ride.”

The “Slow Productivity” movement: Why doing less leads to more

Georgetown professor Cal Newport argues that we need to abandon “pseudo-busyness” in 2026 in favor of doing fewer things at a natural pace to avoid neurological exhaustion.

Deep focus: The “No Quick Checks” rule for better work quality

Research shows it can take 20+ minutes to regain focus after a 5-second “quick check” of your phone; eliminating these micro-distractions is the ultimate cognitive life hack for 2026.

Take the shame out of dinner: Why repeating meals is a win

“Decision overload” is the primary cause of meal-time stress; repeating successful recipes reduces food waste and cuts down on the nightly friction of “what’s for dinner?”

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

Luka Doncic drops triple-double as Lakers rally past Nuggets

The Lakers superstar put up 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists to secure a massive comeback win in Denver.

NFL Coaching Tracker: Robert Saleh expected to join Titans

The former 49ers and Jets coach is the frontrunner to take over in Tennessee as the hiring cycle hits its peak.

New York Giants shock the league by hiring John Harbaugh

The veteran coach moves to the Big Apple in one of the most surprising staff shakeups of the decade.

Bills fire Sean McDermott after nine seasons and no Super Bowl

Despite a winning record, Buffalo is moving in a new direction after another early playoff exit.

Vancouver Canucks set franchise record with 11-game losing streak

A heartbreaking loss to the Islanders on Monday night has the Canucks sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings.

Madison Beer releases new album “Locket” alongside single “Bad Enough”

The Grammy-nominated artist co-produced the entire project, which dropped to rave reviews on Tuesday.

Martin Nievera denies insecurity over younger singers in 2026

The Filipino icon shared a refreshing take on aging in the spotlight during a press conference for his upcoming tour.

A$AP Rocky releases fourth studio album “Don’t Be Dumb”

After years of delays, the fashion icon and musician finally delivered his highly anticipated new record.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life