Keeping up with America

Trump signs bill ordering release of Jeffrey Epstein case files
A rare bipartisan transparency push forces the Justice Department to prepare public releases from one of the most radioactive case archives in recent memory — with big questions about redactions, privacy, and political fallout still ahead. 

Most Americans want Epstein records released — but worry what it reveals about power
New polling shows strong support for sunlight on the case — and deep skepticism that elites will actually face consequences.

Missouri Supreme Court hears challenges to strict voter ID and registration limits
At issue: whether lawmakers went too far in tightening ID rules and banning some paid registration work — advocates say the laws could quietly sideline thousands of would-be voters before 2026. 

Ohio lawmakers vote to end the post–Election Day grace period for mail ballots
Mail ballots would have to arrive by Election Day, not just be postmarked — a small-sounding tweak with big stakes for close races and voters who cut it close. 

Pa. treasury forgives interest on emergency loans from budget impasse
A little-known relief move wipes away interest for local agencies that had to borrow to survive Harrisburg’s long budget fight — a reminder that “DC dysfunction” has smaller, very real local ripples. 

Biden will attend Dick Cheney’s funeral as Washington leans on its old rituals
Even in a hyper-polarized age, presidents and ex-presidents still show up for the same funerals — and the guest list may say as much about the GOP’s future as its past.

Around the World

Exclusive: U.S. and Russia quietly explore a new Ukraine peace framework
Behind public hard lines, Washington and Moscow are gaming out possible land swaps, security guarantees, and what a “less bad” end to the war might look like — none of it easy, all of it controversial. 

U.S. envoy pitches Kyiv on a risky cease-fire as Russian barrage kills dozens
American negotiators are under pressure to show “movement” before 2026, but Ukrainian officials worry that pausing the war without firm guarantees mostly gives Moscow time to regroup. 

U.S. business groups push for a bigger role at COP30 climate talks
From carbon pricing to supply-chain rules, corporate America wants a say in how climate rules are written — and who pays the bill. 

When America skips summits, allies notice
After a string of no-shows and half-hearted appearances, diplomats quietly admit they’re gaming out security and trade deals that don’t depend on consistent U.S. leadership.

Business and Tech

How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 11/19/2025
The S&P 500 ekes out a gain while traders hold their breath for Nvidia earnings — and for signs that the AI trade isn’t just an extremely expensive group chat. 

Wall Street edges higher as investors digest Fed minutes and AI mania
Indexes finish in the green, but commentary is full of “valuation” and “froth” — which is finance-speak for “we’re nervous but still buying.” 

Target plans another $1 billion to overhaul stores and jump-start sluggish sales
The big-box giant’s quarterly sales slid more than expected, so it’s doubling down on remodels, digital, and price “investments” to win back a cautious middle-class shopper. 

Onepot AI raises $13M to speed up chemical drug creation
A San Francisco startup promises on-demand AI chemistry labs that turn molecule ideas into real drug candidates faster — the kind of “boring back end” AI play that could quietly reshape pharma. 

Healthcare AI startup Ember closes $4.3M seed round to fight claims denials
The company wants to sit between hospitals and insurers to catch billing landmines before they explode — less drama than a medical TV show, but potentially huge dollars. 

Nvidia taps Menlo Micro to speed up testing of its AI chips
A tiny hardware tweak to test boards could make checking GPUs up to 90% faster — and if you’re wondering how serious the AI boom is, this is what “fixing bottlenecks” looks like in real life. 

Richer, Wiser, Happier

America’s in a “Fun Recession”: 6 in 10 say life feels stuck on repeat
New survey data shows people are still going out, spending on experiences, and posting the highlight reel — even as many quietly admit they feel financially squeezed and emotionally on autopilot. 

Most Americans now say retiring by 70 is ‘unattainable’
A GOBankingRates poll finds expectations and reality drifting apart: people want decades of freedom, but debt, housing costs, and late-start savings are wrecking the math. 

Survival debt is rising — here are 3 ways to stay afloat
More people say they’re swiping cards just to cover basics; experts push “triage tactics” like prioritizing high-interest balances and negotiating with lenders before you hit crisis mode. 

Bucket-list budgeting: a new way to plan retirement spending
Instead of vague “someday” goals, advisors suggest ranking the trips and big life moves you actually want — then building a cash-flow plan around those, not random rules of thumb. 

Emergency savings are finally ticking up — but not for everyone
A Bankrate survey finds about 1 in 5 Americans have more emergency cash than they did at the start of the year, driven mostly by higher earners — widening the gap between “barely hanging on” and “quietly okay.” 

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Raptors surge in third quarter to beat 76ers and win 5th straight
Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett drop 22 each as Toronto turns Philly’s home floor into a statement win — and another reminder that the East is suddenly crowded. 

Thunder extend win streak to seven, improve to 15–1 behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 33
OKC keeps looking less like a “cute young team” and more like a problem for the entire league as SGA keeps stacking MVP-style nights. 

America’s “Fun Recession” becomes a pop-culture storyline
Survey data about burnout, boredom, and consumer habits is already fueling thinkpieces, comedy bits, and marketing pitches — proving that vibes are macroeconomic indicators now. 

Creators and brands chase holiday eyeballs as MrBeast and others headline mega-events
From theme-park collabs to massive giveaways, the line between YouTuber, celebrity, and multinational brand keeps getting blurrier heading into December. 

Life Hack to Hack Your Life

Holiday stress relief tips that actually work
Simple, doctor-backed ways to keep parties, travel, and year-end deadlines from steamrolling your mood (and sleep). 

Zero-stress game plan for hosting a full house
One creator’s playbook for feeding a crowd, staying sane, and not living in the kitchen all week. 

Mindful micro-moments to make the holidays more manageable
UCLA’s Simms/Mann Center lays out tiny resets — from sensory check-ins to “one-breath breaks” — that actually fit into a busy day. 

Importance of self-care for family caregivers
Cleveland Clinic reminds anyone caring for a loved one: if you burn out, everyone loses — with concrete ideas for getting help and rest without guilt. 

Tips to reduce holiday stress (by attacking the 4 main hotspots)
Gift expectations, money, time, and perfectionism are the four usual villains — here’s how to disarm each one before it wrecks your season. 

Friendsgiving, explained — and how to host one that doesn’t drain you
NPR’s explainer via LAist walks through the history and offers relaxed hosting ideas that don’t require a Food Network skill set. 

33 Thanksgiving meal-prep ideas for a low-stress feast
A blogger’s curated list of mix-and-match recipes so you’re not googling “what do I do with yams” at 11 p.m. the night before. 

How to protect your energy (and sanity) during the holidays
Real Simple shares boundaries, scripts, and small rituals that help you say “no” without starting family World War III. 

Holiday stress, anxiety & burnout: a practical guide
Seven steps from mental-health pros, from expectation resets to strategic alone time that doesn’t feel antisocial. 

Caring for the caregiver: tips for families this season
Small, concrete ways relatives can support the “default caregiver” in the family — rides, respite, and actual appreciation.