Today’s newsletter in 2 lines:
Trump drops a bombshell 25% tariff threat on Iran’s trading partners like China, while global markets react and protests in Tehran turn deadly. From tariffs to tech wins and sports thrills, here’s your quick hit of yesterday’s top stories to keep you sharp!
Hey folks, it’s Work-it Wednesday! Hope your week is off to a good start. Here’s the latest scoop from yesterday to keep you in the loop. We’ve got fresh updates on politics, global happenings, business moves, tips for feeling better, sports drama, celeb buzz, handy life tricks, and a quick poll to chime in on. Let’s dive in!
Joke of the day:
The boss says, “This is the third time you’ve been late for work this week. Do you know what that means?”
Me: That it’s only Wednesday? 😏
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 Threatens 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading with Iran
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on U.S. imports from countries doing business with Iran, targeting nations like China and India amid escalating tensions.
DOJ Opens Criminal Probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, escalating pressure from the Trump administration over interest rates.
Prosecutors Resign Over Minneapolis ICE Shooting Investigation
Several federal prosecutors stepped down citing concerns over the direction of the probe into a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, sparking protests.
Supreme Court Hears Case on Transgender Athletes in Girls’ Sports
The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold state bans on transgender girls participating in women’s sports following arguments in a landmark case.
Trump Explores Diplomacy with Iran Amid Protest Crackdown
Officials say President Trump is considering diplomatic options with Iran while preparing potential strikes in response to the deadly suppression of protests.
Clintons Face Contempt of Congress Over Epstein Testimony Refusal
House Republicans seek to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt after they refused to testify about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump Touts Economic Wins During Ford Plant Visit in Michigan
President Trump highlighted low inflation and wage growth at a Ford factory, but faced backlash over his criticism of the Federal Reserve.
Why the U.S. Wants Greenland: Trump’s Latest Push
President Trump doubled down on acquiring Greenland from Denmark, citing national security concerns in the Arctic region.
Around the World
Iranian Death Toll Surpasses 2,000 in Anti-Government Protests
Activists report over 2,000 deaths in Iran’s brutal crackdown on protests, with Trump warning of U.S. action if executions proceed.
Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine
Russia’s second major bombardment in days killed four and injured others, targeting Ukraine’s power grid amid ongoing conflict.
Eight Palestinians Killed in Gaza Winter Storm
An intense storm toppled shelters and buildings in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis with at least eight fatalities.
Japan and South Korea Leaders Bond Over K-Pop Drum Session
Prime Minister Takaichi and President Lee deepened ties with a surprise cultural exchange, drumming to K-pop hits at a summit.
Iran Prepared for War but Open to Negotiations
Iran’s foreign minister stated readiness for conflict but willingness to talk, as Trump weighs strikes and diplomacy.
Trump Says Iran Wants U.S. Negotiations Amid Protests
President Trump claims Iran seeks talks, even as the protest death toll climbs over 600 with a ruthless crackdown.
Winter Storm Kills Eight in Gaza as Winds Destroy Shelters
Strong winds and flooding in Gaza led to multiple deaths and widespread damage to temporary housing.
Russia’s Sergei Shoigu Discusses Iran Protests with Officials
Russia supplied Iran with vehicles and helicopters, likely aiding suppression of protests and border security.
Business & Tech
JPMorgan Beats Earnings but Warns on Credit Card Rate Cap
JPMorgan reported strong profits driven by trading, but shares fell after executives criticized Trump’s proposed 10% cap on credit card rates.
Meta Doubles Ray-Ban AI Glasses Production Amid Pivot from Metaverse
Meta plans to produce 20 million units of its AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses by year-end, shifting focus to wearable tech.
SK Hynix Invests $13B in New Chip Plant
South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix commits billions to advanced packaging facility to meet AI demand.
Microsoft Pledges to Cover AI Data Center Power Costs
Microsoft announces “community-first” AI infrastructure, promising not to pass energy costs to consumers.
Nvidia Denies Upfront Payments for H200 Chips in China
Nvidia refutes reports of requiring advance payments from Chinese customers for its AI chips.
Wasabi Raises $70M for AI Cloud Storage Expansion
Cloud storage firm Wasabi secures funding at $1.8B valuation to scale services for AI workloads.
Palantir Sues Startup Over Alleged AI Tech Theft
Palantir accuses Percepta of stealing its AI technology, escalating legal battles in the sector.
Salesforce Updates Slackbot with Anthropic AI
Salesforce integrates Anthropic’s Claude AI into Slack for enhanced productivity features.Richer, Wiser, Happier
Richer, Wiser, Happier
Gold Hits Record Highs Amid Fed Independence Fears
Gold surged over $420 as DOJ probe into Fed Chair Powell raises concerns over central bank autonomy.
China’s Trade Surplus Defies Tariff Expectations
China posts record trade surplus despite anticipated slowdown from U.S. tariffs.
Venezuelan Stocks Rally 130% Post-Maduro Ouster
Markets soar after Nicolas Maduro’s arrest, signaling economic optimism.
Why Consistent Fund Performance Is Overrated
Asset managers cut staff amid slowing growth and fee pressures.
BlackRock Trims Staff by 1% in Latest Cuts
BlackRock announces another round of layoffs due to market challenges.
Stop Stressing About Self-Improvement
Prioritize pleasure over perfection for a happier 2026.
Channel Anger for Better Wellbeing
Science-backed tips like singing and list-making to boost happiness.
Exercise Matches Therapy for Depression
Research shows physical activity yields similar benefits to therapy for mental health.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Study highlights how processed meats and foods increase diabetes chances.
Last Time the Market Was This Expensive, Investors Waited 14 Years to Break Even
In 1999, the S&P 500 peaked. Then it took 14 years to gradually recover by 2013.
Today? Goldman Sachs sounds crazy forecasting 3% returns for 2024 to 2034.
But we’re currently seeing the highest price for the S&P 500 compared to earnings since the dot-com boom.
So, maybe that’s why they’re not alone; Vanguard projects about 5%.
In fact, now just about everything seems priced near all time highs. Equities, gold, crypto, etc.
But billionaires have long diversified a slice of their portfolios with one asset class that is poised to rebound.
It’s post war and contemporary art.
Sounds crazy, but over 70,000 investors have followed suit since 2019—with Masterworks.
You can invest in shares of artworks featuring Banksy, Basquiat, Picasso, and more.
24 exits later, results speak for themselves: net annualized returns like 14.6%, 17.6%, and 17.8%.*
My subscribers can skip the waitlist.
*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd.
Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans
Texans Eliminate Steelers 30-6 in NFL Playoffs
Houston scores 23 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to advance.
LeBron James Near Triple-Double in Lakers Win
LeBron posts 31 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds as Lakers beat Hawks 141-116.
Oilers Edge Predators in Overtime Thriller
Connor McDavid extends point streak to 20 games in Edmonton’s victory.
Adam Lowry’s goal proves decisive as Winnipeg scores 14 goals in three straight wins.
Rockets Hold Off Bulls 119-113
Kevin Durant leads with 28 points and 10 rebounds in Houston’s win.
Ohio State WR Mylan Graham Transfers to Notre Dame
Freshman receiver commits to Irish after entering NCAA portal.
Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm Join LIV Golf
Stars commit to LIV amid Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return.
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq Declares for NFL Draft
Ducks tight end enters 2026 draft after strong season.
Golden Globes 2026: Highlights and Winners
83rd Golden Globes kick off awards season with major wins and moments.
Jackson Browne’s Son Died from Fentanyl Overdose
Musician’s son passes from drug overdose, highlighting opioid crisis.
Trump Fires Back at Pedo Accusations
President Trump responds aggressively to critic’s controversial remarks.
West Wing Actor Surrenders on Child Sex Abuse Charges
Actor turns himself in amid serious allegations.
Oprah Shares Hot Takes on Partnerships and Music
Oprah discusses life insights in new interview.
MrBeast Borrows Cash Despite $2.6B Net Worth
YouTuber reveals financial quirks in candid admission.
Actress celebrates milestone birthday alongside other celebs.
Life Hack to Hack Your Life
(Specific titles • Every link is stable and email-safe — no 404s)
Turn Glucose into Rare Sugar for Healthier Sweets
Scientists convert common glucose into a low-calorie sugar alternative that tastes like the real thing.
Smart Pill Verifies Medication Intake
MIT’s ingestible sensor confirms if you’ve taken your meds, aiding adherence.
anger as motivation, write lists, and sing to boost wellbeing.
Delete Scrolling Apps for Better Focus
Remove social media apps from your phone to reclaim time and attention.
Opt for in-season fruits and veggies for fresher, cheaper meals.
Eat in Optimal Order for Blood Sugar Control
Consume veggies first, then proteins, to stabilize energy levels.
Use Microfibre Hair Wrap to Halve Drying Time
Speed up your morning routine with this simple hair tool.
Automate Morning Routine with Apps
Set up automations for weather, calendar, and news alerts.
Check labels to make smarter, healthier eating choices.
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