Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
The U.S. just hit “exit” on dozens of international organizations — and the blowback is already starting. Meanwhile, Wall Street pauses, courts and Congress stack up new battles, and the culture cycle refuses to slow down.
Hey friends — hope your holiday season was good to you.
If January already feels loud, you’re not imagining it. Let’s keep it simple: what matters, what changed, and what’s next.
Joke of the day:
I tried to “ease back into work.” My inbox said, “No.”😅
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
Trump withdraws the U.S. from 66 international organizations
A sweeping pullback from global cooperation that will ripple through climate, labor, and migration policy.
The full list: the 66 global organizations the U.S. is leaving
If you want receipts, here they are — names, affiliations, and what each group does.
Trump signs proclamation withdrawing from dozens of international and U.N.-linked entities
The White House framing: “conflicts with U.S. interests.” Critics call it a long-term strategic retreat.
Trump will allow a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill to advance in Congress, senator says
A rare signal that Washington might still move together — at least on Moscow.
U.S. House advances Democratic effort to reinstate health care subsidies
A big early-year fight: premiums, coverage, and what happens now that key help expired.
Trump kicks off 2026 with four new judicial nominees
The courts stay a priority — and this is how policy shifts quietly, permanently.
U.S. senators foresee a vote to rein Trump in over Greenland
Capitol Hill signals a line may be forming around foreign-policy power.
Around the World
Trump invites Colombia’s president to the White House after a friendly call
A surprise tone shift that matters for migration, security, and regional diplomacy.
U.S. seizes sanctioned tankers as Trump widens Venezuela oil push
Energy policy turns into geopolitics — fast.
Reuters: U.S. seizes Russian-flagged tanker and another tied to Venezuela
A move that hits oil markets and raises international tensions.
Reuters: Oil falls as Trump deal on Venezuelan oil hits risk appetite
Global markets react in real time to Washington’s energy decisions.
Reuters: Zelenskiy says U.S. and Ukraine discussed “some ideas” on territory
Careful language — but it hints at where talks may be going.
Reuters: Ukraine allies advance NATO-style security guarantees, Italy says
Security commitments become more formal — and harder to unwind.
Business & Tech
Wall Street mixed as the AI-driven rally cools and labor data sinks in
The vibe shift: “AI forever” meets “okay but what about the economy?”
AP: How major U.S. stock indexes fared Wednesday, 1/7/2026
The Dow slips off a record while the Nasdaq stays steady — classic “rotation” day.
Reuters: High valuations risk spoiling Wall Street’s party
A blunt warning: when everything is priced for perfection, surprises hurt more.
Reuters: Dollar steady as traders assess U.S. labor data
FX markets are basically saying: “Show us Friday’s numbers.”
Reuters: Oil falls amid Venezuela moves as global risk appetite sours
Energy and politics are glued together this week.
Quick take: When politics shifts fast, markets don’t only price “earnings.” They price uncertainty.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
Wall Street mixed as the AI-driven rally cools and labor data sinks in
The vibe shift: “AI forever” meets “okay but what about the economy?”
AP: How major U.S. stock indexes fared Wednesday, 1/7/2026
The Dow slips off a record while the Nasdaq stays steady — classic “rotation” day.
Reuters: High valuations risk spoiling Wall Street’s party
A blunt warning: when everything is priced for perfection, surprises hurt more.
Reuters: Dollar steady as traders assess U.S. labor data
FX markets are basically saying: “Show us Friday’s numbers.”
Reuters: Oil falls amid Venezuela moves as global risk appetite sours
Energy and politics are glued together this week.
Quick take: When politics shifts fast, markets don’t only price “earnings.” They price uncertainty.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs declares for the 2026 NFL Draft
A major decision that reshapes draft boards (and college defenses).
Eagles RT Lane Johnson returns to practice
Good news for Philly — and a reminder how fragile playoff hopes are.
Ravens “going Hollywood”? Early favorites emerge to replace John Harbaugh
A coaching reset that could change the AFC picture.
Panthers F Brad Marchand battling an undisclosed injury
A key scorer goes down — and contenders get nervous.
Fresh off a 9–0 win, Islanders begin a seven-game trek
One of those “are they finally clicking?” moments.
Capitals vs Stars preview: struggling contenders face off
A game that feels like a season turning point for both.
New York Film Critics Awards winners walk the red carpet
Awards season energy is officially back.
Warner Bros defenses keep getting flimsier — Breakingviews
Streaming power plays, boardroom drama, and a Netflix angle.
‘Stranger Things’ surprise secret episode theory gets debunked (Variety)
The internet wanted a hidden episode — Netflix said: “That’s not happening.”
‘Stranger Things’ bonus episode theory debunked by Netflix statement (Entertainment Weekly)
A very direct answer to the conspiracy spiral.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
Strength Training Replaces Weight Loss as America’s Top Fitness Goal for 2026
Americans are shifting away from scale-obsession and toward strength, mobility, and long-term health.
Americans Plan to Spend $60 Billion on Exercise and Fitness in 2026
Households are cutting back elsewhere — but not on fitness.
Survey Finds Americans Entering 2026 Focused on Health, Happiness, and Cautious Optimism
Well-being outranks money and career goals in early-year priorities.
Five Healthy Habits That Boost Longevity in Your 40s and 50s, According to Stanford Medicine
Small daily behaviors with outsized long-term health impact.
Five Healthy Habits to Build in Your 20s and 30s, Stanford Experts Say
What you do early matters more than people realize.
Why Making Art Could Improve Your Health, Backed by Science
Creativity isn’t just fun — it may reduce stress and improve immune response.
Apple Fitness+ Launches New Workout Programs for 2026
New strength, HIIT, yoga, and audio-guided fitness plans roll out for the New Year.
Experts Warn About AI Health Gadgets Debuting at CES 2026
The tech looks impressive — but doctors urge caution.
Trump Administration Expands Visa Bond Requirement, Raising Travel Costs
A new policy affects travelers from 38 countries and could reshape tourism flows.
Student Loan Forgiveness Processing Expected to Accelerate in February
Borrowers may see faster relief after months of delays.
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