Keeping up with America

Department of Education Delays Involuntary Student Loan Collections for Repayment Reform

The big Saturday headline: The Trump administration is pausing wage garnishments and tax offsets. The goal? To give borrowers a “second chance” to rehabilitate defaulted loans under the new Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Trump Cabinet Officials Tout “Auto Affordability Plan” at Ohio Ford Plant

Top officials from the EPA and Department of Transportation hit the ground in Avon Lake yesterday. They’re pitching a new policy aimed at lowering car prices and boosting U.S. manufacturing by giving consumers more “choice” at the dealership.

ACLU Sues Over “Unlawful Arrests” in Minnesota Immigration Surge

The legal heat is rising. Following the administration’s use of influencers to promote enforcement policies, civil rights groups have filed suit alleging that recent ICE operations overstepped constitutional boundaries.

Supreme Court plans rulings for Jan. 20 with Trump tariff case still undecided

Chief Justice Roberts announced that arguments and opinions on Trump-era global tariff authority will be part of the Jan. 20 session — a decision with huge implications for trade law and executive power.

Medical examiner likely to rule ICE detainee’s death a homicide

Officials indicate the death of a detainee in a Texas ICE facility was due to asphyxia, prompting calls for accountability and review of detention practices.

Trump indicates willingness to restart Nile River mediation

The former president is promoting renewed U.S.–led diplomatic efforts to settle water-sharing disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia, a move with geopolitical impact.

Around the World

South Korean Court Hands 5-Year Prison Sentence to Former President Yoon

In a verdict delivered Friday, the former leader was sentenced for his role in the controversial martial law decree that shook the global perception of South Korean stability last month.

Taiwan and U.S. Seal $250 Billion Chip Pact to Slash Tariffs

A massive shift in the trade war. Under the new agreement, Taiwanese companies will invest a quarter-trillion dollars in U.S. production in exchange for a 5% drop in import tariffs.

European Allies Send Troops to Greenland Amid U.S. Sovereignty Pressure

In an “absurd prospect” turned real, Norway, Sweden, and France have reportedly sent military officers to Greenland this week as tensions rise over the U.S. president’s interest in the territory.

Myanmar holds elections amid sharp global criticism

The military-run vote proceeds despite low turnout, conflict and widespread condemnation from outside observers.

China warns against “law of the jungle” in discussions about Iran protests

Beijing urges stability and warns external forces should not exploit unrest during ongoing anti-government protests in Iran.

Canada and China sign expanded economic and energy cooperation pact

Canadian PM Mark Carney hails improved ties with China as the two countries deepen trade, energy and tariff cooperation.

North Korean leader addresses large state youth event ahead of party congress

Kim Jong-un holds a major youth rally and calls for ideological loyalty ahead of the Workers’ Party’s key meeting.

Laos signs deal to transmit electricity to Singapore via regional grid pact

A tripartite agreement enables Laos to send renewable power to Singapore through Thailand and Malaysia under ASEAN grid cooperation.

Business & Tech

Neuralink Rival Merge Labs Secures $252M to Link Brains to OpenAI

The brain-computer interface war just got real. Sam Altman’s investment signals a future where AI isn’t just an app on your phone, but an extension of your thoughts.

US imposes 25% tariff on Nvidia AI chips targeting China export route

The U.S. government enacted a 25% tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips exported to China, part of a broader national security trade policy affecting global AI hardware pricing and supply chains.

Google launches “Personal Intelligence” for Gemini to personalize AI responses

Google rolled out a beta feature that connects Gemini with Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search so the AI can tailor answers using your own data (opt-in, privacy controls in place).

OpenAI invests in Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup

OpenAI has led funding into Merge Labs, a new BCI research company building non-invasive interfaces to connect neural signals with computing systems, signaling growing AI-bio tech convergence.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Saturday Numerology: Why Today (Number 8) is About Progress and Joy

According to today’s reading, your professional efforts are about to gain massive momentum. The secret? Approach your weekend relationships with “patience and love.”

The “Waning Crescent” Reset: What the Moon Means for Your Money

With Mercury finally moving direct, today is the perfect time to clear the mental fog and finalize those 2026 budget goals you’ve been putting off.

The “Choice of Necessity”: Reflecting on the Quote of the Day

“Necessity is blind until it becomes conscious.” Take 10 minutes today to ask: Which parts of my routine are actual “necessities,” and which are just bad habits?

Why small habits often beat big goals

Small, consistent actions repeated over time create lasting results and outperform dramatic goals in long-term change.

How to reset your sleep schedule naturally

Practical, science-backed steps to bring your body clock back in line by using light exposure and gradual adjustments.

The psychology of forming healthy habits that stick

Experts explain why small, manageable behavior changes are far more sustainable and effective than big, dramatic changes.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Bears and Rams Set for High-Stakes Clash

The road to Santa Clara gets tougher today. After a “wild” opening round, the top seeds return to action with no margin for error left.

Mets Sign Bo Bichette to Blockbuster $126M Deal

The New York infield just got a major upgrade. Bichette’s arrival signals that the Mets are done “rebuilding” and are ready to contend for the NL East crown.

Selena Gomez Goes Viral with Makeup-Free Selfie After Glam Events

In a move being hailed as a “refreshing reset,” the star shared a candid look with fans yesterday, proving that even A-listers need a “God It’s Saturday” vibe.

John Lloyd Cruz and Isabel Santos Spark Breakup Rumors on IG

The digital age’s clearest split signal: The high-profile couple unfollowed each other yesterday, leaving fans to scramble for clues.

Philly named America’s sportiest city for 2026

With upcoming World Cup events and passionate fan culture, Philadelphia’s sports scene is booming.

Inter Miami inks MLS-record sleeve sponsorship deal

Lowe’s becomes a historic sleeve partner as the club evolves post-MLS Cup.

WWE SmackDown sets stage for Royal Rumble storylines

Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Drew McIntyre and others build momentum toward the big January 31 event.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life