Keeping up with America

US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks
U.S. negotiators reportedly offered Ukraine commitments resembling NATO’s Article 5 defense guarantee as Berlin peace talks advance. Kyiv calls the progress “substantial,” though territorial disputes remain sticking points. 

Brown University shooting leaves two students dead, nine wounded
A mass shooting at a Providence campus during finals week raises fresh questions about gun violence and campus safety. 

Delayed US employment, CPI reports are due this week, with many data gaps
Historic shutdown disruptions leave economists and policymakers scrambling to piece together key economic indicators. 

Trump brands fentanyl a ‘weapon of mass destruction’
An executive order dramatically expands federal authority to treat fentanyl as a national security threat. 

Hegseth and Rubio to brief lawmakers on U.S. military escalation
Top security officials prepare Congress for discussions on U.S. actions in the Caribbean and alleged drug-trafficker strikes without clear authorization.

Around the World

U.S. offers Ukraine unprecedented security guarantees as peace talks continue
Diplomats are pushing for a package that includes multinational forces and defense support — but territorial issues loom large. 

Venezuela’s PDVSA suffers cyberattack amid U.S. tensions
Oil infrastructure and global markets feel the ripple effects of geopolitical strife. 

U.S. dangles security guarantees for Ukraine but no deal on territorial concessions
The latest negotiations show progress yet underline persistent roadblocks. 

Global stock index dips ahead of U.S. data week
Investors tread cautiously as traders await delayed jobs and inflation reports. 

Business & Tech

Global stocks dip as investors brace for delayed U.S. inflation and jobs data
Markets ease back from recent highs as traders wait on postponed U.S. CPI and employment reports, raising uncertainty over the Fed’s next move.

Dollar edges lower as traders eye Fed outlook amid data gaps
The greenback softens against the yen and euro as investors weigh rate expectations without their usual economic signals.

SpaceX valuation jumps toward $800 billion in insider share sale
An internal transaction pegs SpaceX among the world’s most valuable private companies, fueling speculation about a blockbuster IPO.

U.S. plans expanded deals with mining sector to secure critical minerals
The White House pushes deeper partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for batteries, defense tech, and AI infrastructure.

Wall Street pauses near record highs as investors digest geopolitical risk
Stocks hover near peaks as traders balance optimism over rate cuts with unease around global security and political pressure on markets.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

How to manage money when economic data is disrupted
A smart primer for staying grounded when headline indicators are missing or unreliable.

Winter safety and travel budgeting tips for 2025
From shelter costs to hotel deals, a shortlist of ways to keep holiday travel inexpensive and safe.

Making the most of your savings during uncertain markets
Tactical steps to protect rainy-day funds as markets wobble on geopolitical and economic news.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

Thunder storm past Suns 120–110; OKC keeps rolling
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pours in 33 as the Thunder grab another win in the West’s tight playoff picture.

Celtics cruise past Lakers 118–102 in classic rivalry
Boston’s two-way pressure proves decisive against LA’s high-octane offense, reminding everyone the East still boasts a heavyweight.

Packers hold off Vikings 27–24 in late comeback
Green Bay’s veteran poise delivers a late surge to edge division foe Minnesota, keeping NFC North hopes alive. (Note: Specific game recap link from CBS Sports Scoreboard covering Dec 14/15 games.)

USMNT forward lights it up in international friendly win
A positive night on the road for the Stars & Stripes ahead of competitive fixtures next year.

Kentucky’s explosive offense buries Tennessee 90–80 in SEC tilt
Big Blue’s scoring depth shines as the Wildcats beat a rival with postseason pedigree.

NFL Week 15 roundup: key snaps, injuries and playoff implications
Injuries, late TDs, and shakeups in both conferences — your fast catch-up on a pivotal Sunday in pro football.

‘The Great Gatsby’ musical adaptation finds its Broadway director
A splashy stage update: the latest iteration of Fitzgerald’s classic finds a helm for its Broadway premiere.

Oscars shortlist announced: surprises and snubs
Early Oscar buzz is already churning — and a few expected frontrunners didn’t make the cut.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ captivation continues with record merch sales
Swifties keep spending: merch sales are breaking seasonal records, adding another layer to her industry dominance.

James Cameron teases Avatar 4 concept art
Avatar’s creator releases early glimpses of the next Pandora chapter — and fans are already speculating story arcs.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life

Get the cheap wine glasses: how to spend less on a dinner party in the US — and impress people more
A chef-inspired guide to hosting stylish gatherings on a budget, using secondhand finds, affordable decor, and smart beverage choices. 

Easy kitchen switch can save you $1,680 on groceries ahead of Christmas
Chefs share practical ways to reduce food waste and slash grocery costs — a huge win for holiday budgets. 

10 airport hacks for traveling comfortably
Practical tips to make long flights and busy terminals more bearable — layering, packing, timing, and stress-busting ideas. 

Points and miles travel deals for December: Earn rewards with these offers
A roundup of points and miles promotions for flights, hotels, and more — great for holiday travel planning. 

Flight hacks in 2026: Real tricks to score cheap flights
Insider travel hacks for finding cheap flights and scoring deals that save money on trips.

15 things to throw out ASAP in December, according to professional organizers
December is the perfect time to clear clutter — from expired pantry goods to old decorations — and make your home feel lighter for the new year. 

Year-end travel hacks: 10 simple tricks to save big on holiday flights and hotels
A seasonal travel hacks list to help you cut costs on flights and hotel stays during the peak travel period. 

20 simple food hacks to cut grocery bills in 2025
Smart and actionable grocery hacks designed to save money without sacrificing quality or enjoyment at mealtime. 

Points & miles travel deals (continued opportunities)
Updated monthly, these offers help you maximize loyalty earnings — ideal for planning winter getaways or 2026 travel early. 

Tips for a more organized holiday season (dinner, travel, budgets)
This piece doubles as a printable, practical guide to hosting, gift-giving, and decorating on a budget.