Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
The United States carries out sizable military strikes on ISIS positions in Syria, while the Justice Department faces bipartisan blowback over its handling of Epstein records. Back home, immigration enforcement is set for expansion in 2026, hundreds of diplomats are pulled from posts, and warm weather threatens to rewrite holiday travel expectations.
Hey there, American Centrist friends! It’s Monday,..again. Hang in there!
Joke of the day:
Why did the policy debate go to the gym?
To work on its bench–press numbers.😅
LET’S MAKE THIS EASY FOR YOU
-
🇺🇸 Keeping up with America – Latest news on what happening in America
-
Around the 🌎 in 80 Seconds – Yeah we are fast at getting you the latest global news.
-
Lets Talk Business 💼 and Tech 🤖 – No AI is not taking over (YET)!
-
Rich, Wiser, Happier – This is a must read if you want any of that!
-
Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans – Trust me this will keep you entertained
-
Life Hack to Hack Your Life – What kinda tips and tricks do you have?
Keeping up with America
U.S. hits ISIS in Syria with large retaliatory strikes, officials say
In response to a December 13 attack that killed U.S. troops and an interpreter, American forces conducted widespread strikes on Islamic State positions across central Syria — dubbed “Operation Hawkeye Strike.”
Trump set to expand immigration crackdown in 2026 despite backlash
The administration plans to target workplace raids, increase detentions, and deport more individuals annually — a move that’s drawn growing political backlash ahead of the midterms.
Trump removes nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial positions
As part of a diplomatic realignment under the “America First” agenda, the White House recalled dozens of long-serving foreign service officers from posts in Africa, Asia, and beyond — drawing criticism from lawmakers and the diplomatic corps.
Congress is ending the year without a health care deal. What comes next?
With enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire Dec. 31 and no replacement deal passed, millions could face sharply higher premiums and lost coverage unless bipartisan compromise emerges in January.
U.S. justice department restores photo featuring Trump from Epstein files
After public outcry over missing images, the DOJ restored a Trump-featured photo to the released Jeffrey Epstein document set, amid ongoing controversy over redactions and transparency.
Around the World
U.S. envoy says Ukraine-Russia talks are productive
U.S. negotiators characterize resumed dialogue with Russia/Ukraine as constructive, though much remains unresolved.
U.S. pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say
A third pursuit underscores Washington’s enforcement push against sanctions-evading “dark fleet” oil shipments.
Japan prepares to restart world’s largest nuclear plant 15 years after Fukushima
A major milestone in global energy — Japan moves forward with reopening a megawatt-scale nuclear facility long offline after the 2011 disaster.
UN chief Guterres calls for restraint in Venezuela-U.S. tensions
Antonio Guterres urges calm as U.S. actions near Venezuela risk broader regional escalation.
Bangladesh protests escalate following youth leader’s killing
Mass demonstrations and violence erupt in Dhaka after the shooting death of a youth activist, prompting UN calls for stability.
Business & Tech
US inflation data shows slowed price increases but Americans feel stress
November CPI suggests cooling inflation, yet many households still struggle with high costs for essentials.
PepsiCo stock insights: cost cuts and lawsuit overhang
PEP watch: consumer staples slow but steady, with activist investor actions and retailer lawsuit implications.
What is so special about TikTok’s algorithm?
Reuters explains the machine-learning mechanisms powering TikTok’s addictive recommendation loops.
The Week in Breakingviews: What we learned in 2025
Key patterns in markets, policy, geopolitics and business that defined the calendar year.
Most Gulf markets gain on oil, US rate cut bets
Higher oil prices and rate-cut expectations boost Gulf equities, with spill-over sentiment tied to U.S. macro cues.
Japan’s nuclear restart signals energy pivot with global implications
Power and policy intertwine as nuclear re-entry reshapes Asia’s energy mix.
Richer, Wiser, Happier
Winter travel savings tips and timing
Smart timing and booking strategies that keep holiday travel affordable.
Airport travel hacks for busy season
Security timing, carry-on planning, and lounge access tips that reduce stress.
Holiday gift-wrapping tips that look expensive for cheap
Creativity without cost: techniques to make presents stand out.
Home winterization checklist to cut energy costs
Draft fixes and insulation hacks that lower heating bills.
Behavioral tips to resist impulse buys and protect your New Year budget.
Negotiation and contract hacks that keep travel rentals cheap.
Best practices to time fills and cut weekly transport costs.
Points & miles deals you can still use
Live offers worth capturing before year-end travel.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
South Korea’s An and France’s Popov dominate World Tour Finals
Badminton’s year-end finale sees historic performances and first-time title runs.
World Darts Championship 2025/26 underway with record field, Littler defending
Darts’ biggest stage returns, and the defending champion aims for back-to-back glory.
U.S. intercepts oil tankers near Venezuela — global reaction mounting
Sports fans might remember sponsoring nations debating U.S. naval moves alongside scores — geopolitics meets the pitch.
(Stable sports headlines and schedules available from ESPN and PBS sports hubs.)
Start learning AI in 2025
Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.
It’s a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.
Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
Smart budgeting, saving, and spending strategies — updated regularly without broken links.
Gas Prices & Energy Cost Tracker
A simple habit that helps you time fill-ups and cut weekly costs.
Security timing, packing tricks, and stress-reduction tips for busy travel days.
Live, constantly updated travel deals — flights, hotels, and credit card perks.
Cheap Flight Tips That Actually Work
What really saves money when booking flights (and what doesn’t).
Decluttering & Organization Ideas
Easy wins that make your home calmer without turning into a weekend project.
Gift-Wrapping Hacks & Holiday Ideas
Budget-friendly holiday ideas, gift wrapping, and hosting inspiration.
Help Share American Centrist
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if more people read fact-focused, unbiased news? Take a minute to share this digest with your friends–they’ll thank you for it!
Send us your feedback at News@americancentrist.com and help us stay as the #1 no spin newsletter. We’re ready to listen.
Interested in reaching smart readers like you? To become a American Centrist partner, apply here.
