Keeping up with America

Trump says he’ll send troops to Portland, authorizing “Full Force” if needed
The administration says deployments will safeguard federal facilities; Oregon’s governor says “not needed,” setting up a state–federal standoff as protests and counter-protests swirl.

Justice Department asks Supreme Court to take up birthright citizenship order
Lower courts blocked the policy; the administration wants the justices to weigh in—an immigration and constitutional fight with 14th-Amendment stakes.

FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during a 2020 protest, AP sources say
A controversial personnel decision inside the bureau stirs legal threats and political backlash on all sides.

Around the World

Moldovans vote in a pivotal election shadowed by alleged Russian meddling
A pro-EU government fights to keep its majority as security services warn of hybrid interference; outcome affects a key frontier between Moscow and the West.

UN sanctions on Iran snap back as Europe triggers process over nuclear breaches
Arms embargo and other penalties return—Tehran vows a harsh response, raising risks across the region.

Russia warns NATO and EU: any aggression will be met with a decisive response
Lavrov’s UN-week salvo underscores Europe’s thin security margins as the war in Ukraine grinds on.

Israel–Gaza war: at least 59 killed in latest strikes, health officials say
International pressure for a ceasefire–hostage deal grows while fighting continues.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Seoul rebuffs idea it would pay $350B in a U.S. tariff deal
A top aide said South Korea won’t bankroll U.S. tariff offsets—signaling tough talks ahead.

UAE’s leader meets OpenAI’s Sam Altman to deepen AI ties
Abu Dhabi is courting top U.S. AI players to build out research, chip capacity, and Arabic-language models—another sign that sovereigns want a stake in the AI supply chain. 

Britain guarantees $2B lifeline for Jaguar Land Rover after cyber-hit shutdown
A government backstop aims to stabilize suppliers and restart production—an example of how cyber risk is now a core business/industrial policy issue. 

Singapore says U.S. tariffs threaten $3.1B in pharma exports
Drugmakers press for exemptions as hospitals brace for price impacts—watch this if you track global supply chains for generics and APIs. 

Ukraine lines up U.S. weapons and drone deals ahead of visit
Defense tech—especially air defense and counter-drone—remains a hot corridor for cross-border contracts, with U.S. firms squarely in the mix. 

AI startup Friend blew $1M+ on NYC subway ads to launch a $129 wearable
A founder bets big on analog ads for a very-online product—viral attention, vandalized posters, and a go-for-broke marketing strategy. 

South Korea maps a ‘homegrown AI’ push to challenge OpenAI and Google
Seoul is funding domestic LLMs and data infrastructure to cut dependence on U.S. platforms—expect more national AI programs like this. 

Italy’s troubled Ilva steelworks draws 10 bids as big suitors drop
Restructuring drama at one of Europe’s key industrial assets—job guarantees, decarbonization plans, and state support all on the table. 

Richer, Wiser, Happier

“Mouth taping” to sleep? Doctors say skip it
A trend that looks tidy on TikTok can be risky in real life; clinicians explain safer ways to improve nasal breathing and sleep quality.

Car reliability & owner satisfaction (updated dashboard)
If a new (or used) car is on your fall to-do list, bookmark this constantly-updated hub before you shop—can save thousands over ownership.

Miss Manners on unwanted lip-kisses (yes, really)
Boundaries are free—and classy. A tactful script for a surprisingly common social snag.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

U.S. faces historic deficit heading into Ryder Cup singles
Captain Keegan Bradley sends Cameron Young out first as Europe holds a commanding 11½–4½ lead—no team has ever climbed that mountain under the modern format.

Tennessee outlasts Mississippi State in OT thriller
A late QB keeper forced overtime; a 25-yard burst sealed it—season-defining grit for the Vols.

Cleveland Guardians clinch postseason with a walk-off HBP
From a 10-game skid to October baseball—one of MLB’s most dramatic turnarounds.

Statue of Tina Turner unveiled in her Tennessee hometown
A 10-foot tribute to the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll draws fans to Brownsville.

Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly meets Anna Wintour on ‘Prada 2’ set
Meta moment in Milan: life imitates art as cameras roll.

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Doctors on why “mouth taping” is a bad sleep idea—and what to do instead
Swap risky trends for proven breathing and sleep tactics you can start tonight.

Updated, all-in-one sleep guide
From pillows to bedtime habits—evidence, not fads.

What 100 calories of candy looks like
Party smarter without being the fun police.

Carolyn Hax on managing lopsided relationships
Scripts for setting boundaries without burning bridges.

“Asking Eric” on handling grief and guilt
Gentle, practical steps for moving forward.

Miss Manners on RSVPs and expectations
Etiquette that actually lowers stress around events, gifts and hosting.

Shareable Google “Gems” (custom AI helpers)
Turn repetitive tasks into one-tap assistants for family or team.

Consumer Reports’ updated car reliability hub
Check before you buy—used or new.

Global dishes that rescue leftovers
Okonomiyaki, ribollita, fried rice—waste less, eat better.

Best places to buy a mattress (updated)
Where service and price still matter in 2025.