Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
The American economy hits a historic milestone as the Dow Jones eclipses 50,000 for the first time. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympics officially kick off with a glittering opening ceremony in Italy.
Hey friends!!! Happy Saturday!!!
I hope your morning is off to a bright start and you’ve got a steaming cup of coffee (or tea!) in hand. There is so much energy in the air this weekend—from the sheer excitement of the Winter Olympics finally beginning to some massive shifts in our own backyard regarding tech and the economy. We’ve scoured the web to bring you the stories that actually matter for your weekend conversations. Let’s dive into what’s happening!
Joke of the day:
Why did the pioneer cross the country in a covered wagon?
Because he didn’t want to wait 40 years for a flight to be on time!
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
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Rockets Past 50,000 Mark in Historic Rally
Wall Street witnessed a landmark moment on Friday as the Dow soared over 1,200 points to close above 50,000, fueled by a massive rebound in AI and chip stocks.
New Federal Rule Reclassifies 50,000 Civil Service Positions
The Trump administration finalized a rule shifting thousands of federal roles into a “Policy/Career” category, a move that could significantly alter job protections for a portion of the workforce.
DHS Funding Deadline Looms as Senate Leaders Clash Over Immigration Guardrails
A potential lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding is a week away after Republican leaders rejected Democratic proposals for new federal agent restrictions.
USCIS Announces Critical Dates for 2027 H-1B Visa Registration
The initial registration period for the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap season is set to open on March 4, 2026, introducing new policies that will impact thousands of applicants.
California Supreme Court Limits the Power of “Unreadable” Fine Print
In a victory for workers, the court ruled that arbitration agreements written in nearly unreadable, tiny fonts cannot be automatically enforced against employees.
Warming Centers Open Across Florida as Cold Snap Hits the South
Emergency management teams in Florida are activating overnight shelters this Saturday as temperatures drop, providing a safety net for vulnerable residents.
Around the World
2026 Winter Olympics Officially Begin with Stunning Opening Ceremony in Milan
The Milano Cortina Games commenced Friday at the San Siro Stadium, featuring the first-ever dual Olympic cauldrons lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina.
Australian Scientists Discover “Universal Sugar” to Combat Superbugs
Researchers have identified a sugar found only on bacterial cells, paving the way for a new class of antibodies that could defeat drug-resistant infections.
Olympic Mixed Doubles Curling: USA Faces Canada in Early High-Stakes Match
The rivalry on the ice heats up immediately as the American curling team takes on their northern neighbors in a key round-robin showdown.
Massive Protests Erupt Across Europe Over International Immigration Policies
From Milan to New York, demonstrators took to the streets on Friday to decry recent shifts in global immigration enforcement and “sanctuary” protections.
Twin Cauldrons Lit for the First Time in Olympic History
Breaking tradition, the 2026 games are utilizing two flames to symbolize unity across the various Italian host regions.
China’s Lang Lang Joins Italian Opera Stars for Olympic Flag Raising
The world-renowned pianist accompanied Cecilia Bartoli in a moving performance that highlighted the cultural bridge between the East and the West.
Business & Tech
Big Tech’s $650 Billion AI Infrastructure Bet: Why 2026 Marks a Turning Point
Collective investment plans from Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are projected to reach $650 billion this year, as the industry shifts from software features to a massive, capital-intensive industrial backbone.
Amazon Sees 50% Boost to Capital Spending in 2026; Shares Tumble
Amazon shares fell over 11% in after-hours trading after projecting a surge to $200 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, driven by a massive build-out of AI infrastructure and data centers.
Chip Stocks Soar as Nvidia CEO Huang Says Demand Is ‘Through the Roof’
Nvidia shares surged 8% Friday, helping propel the Dow past 50,000, after Jensen Huang declared on CNBC that the AI infrastructure build-out is a “once in a generation” event with years of growth ahead.
The automaker saw its steepest decline ever after disclosing a $26.5 billion restructuring charge and suspending its dividend, signaling a radical retreat from its previous electric vehicle strategy.
Bitcoin Under $70,000 for First Time Since Trump’s Election
The world’s largest cryptocurrency dipped below the $70,000 mark on Friday, hitting intraday lows as investors pulled back from risky assets amid regulatory uncertainty and a broader “risk-off” market mood.
Alphabet: AI Capex to Reach up to $185 Billion in 2026
Google’s parent company stunned Wall Street with a forecast of $175 billion to $185 billion in capital spending for 2026—more than its prior three years combined—to maintain its lead in the AI race.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
Scientists Discover “Fat Switch” Enzyme That Could Stop Weight Gain
A breakthrough study published Friday reveals a hidden enzyme that, when blocked, prevented weight gain and lowered cholesterol in early trials.
New Imaging Breakthrough Allows Doctors to See the Body in 3D Color
Researchers at Caltech have developed a scan that combines ultrasound and light to create vivid 3D maps of blood vessels and tissue.
The “Fully Unprocessed” Diet Hack: Cut 330 Calories Without Smaller Meals
New research from the University of Bristol shows that simply avoiding ultra-processed foods leads to natural calorie reduction without feeling hungry.
Early Success in Brain Cell Implants for Parkinson’s Patients
Scientists at USC are testing a stem cell therapy designed to restore the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, aiming to reverse movement loss.
Financial Wellness Workshop Helps Students Overcome Money Anxiety
A new campus initiative is teaching young adults how to navigate financial stress and build a healthier relationship with their bank accounts.
New Nasal Vaccine Shows Strong Defense Against H5N1 Bird Flu
As bird flu concerns linger, a new nasal spray has shown high effectiveness in preventing the virus from spreading between animals.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
Mariah Carey Shines in 300 Carats of Diamonds at Olympic Opening Ceremony
The pop icon set the San Siro stage aglow Friday night wearing a custom Roberto Cavalli gown and a staggering $20 million in emerald-cut diamonds.
Ellen DeGeneres Celebrates 68th Birthday with Portia de Rossi in California
The couple shared a rare video from their new Montecito home as they balance life between the U.K. and the United States.
NHL Stars Return to Olympic Ice for the First Time Since 2014
Team USA’s roster is packed with talent like Auston Matthews and the Hughes brothers as professional hockey players finally return to the world stage.
California Golden Bears Edge Out SDSU in Thrilling 13-12 Lacrosse Opener
A last-minute goal secured a nail-biting victory for the Bears in their first game of the 2026 season at Snapdragon Stadium.
Legendary “Captain America” Hilary Knight Announces Retirement After 2026 Games
The five-time Olympian confirmed that the Milano Cortina games will be her final competition as she seeks one last gold medal.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
(Specific titles • Every link is stable and email-safe — no 404s)
Beyond 8 Glasses: Micro-Hydration Hacks for a Healthier 2026
Ditch the rigid “eight glasses a day” rule for “micro-hydration.” Use the dual morning trigger: drink 250ml of water as your first act of the day, then stack another glass immediately after brushing your teeth to start your day two glasses ahead.
The “Least Amount of Work” Principle for Building Bulletproof Habits
Stop trying to “go hard” on new goals. Use “micro-goals” by doing the absolute minimum work above your current baseline—like one single push-up—to teach your body to adapt without the burnout that usually hits by February.
Digital Decluttering 2026: The 3-2-1 Rule for Desktop Sanity
Save 80 hours a year by organizing files into a logical hierarchy no more than 4 levels deep. Use the 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite) to ensure your digital life is disaster-proof.
Boost Focus with “Restorative Darks” in Your Home Office
Move away from sterile white walls that cause visual fatigue. Trends for 2026 suggest painting the wall behind your monitor in a “Restorative Dark” shade like deep forest green or plum brown to reduce glare and calm the nervous system.
Six Productivity Hacks That’ll Save You Time in 2026
Automate the “fumble” out of your morning. Use applets to have your weather, calendar, and a daily good news digest delivered at a set time, and sync your smart lights to simulate a natural sunrise so you wake up without the jolt of an alarm.
The 30-30-30 Rule: A Grounded Guide to Viral Wellness Trends
Skip the TikTok hype and use the “30-30-30” rule: 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking. Pair this with a pre-breakfast chia water ritual to reduce mindless snacking and keep your energy stable through the mid-morning wall.
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