Keeping up with America

U.S. could block asylum on public-health grounds under a Trump-era rule
A newly finalized regulation allows U.S. authorities to bar asylum seekers if they are considered a public-health risk from a communicable disease — a move critics say broadens the administration’s authority over immigration. 

Trump says Netanyahu pardon ‘on its way’; Herzog’s office disputes it
President Trump claimed Israeli President Isaac Herzog promised a pardon for Netanyahu amid ceasefire diplomacy — a statement immediately contested by Herzog’s office. 

US pledges $2 billion for U.N. aid as Trump warns agencies must ‘adapt or die’
The U.S. announced a major new humanitarian commitment to the United Nations with conditions tied to reforms, reflecting a narrower vision of global aid. 

Trump administration moves to screen visa applicants for “anti-American” speech
Officials expanded visa screening to include applicants’ social media for what they deem “anti-American” speech — a controversial step civil liberties advocates say chills free expression. 

FBI deploys more resources to Minnesota amid fraud investigations tied to Trump narratives
The FBI sent additional investigators to Minnesota to probe large-scale fraud schemes; the move comes amid political rhetoric linking fraud to immigrant communities. 

Axios report: Trump aides urged Netanyahu to alter West Bank policy
U.S. officials reportedly pushed Israeli leaders to shift policy on the West Bank — a rare intervention that highlights shifting U.S. diplomatic pressure points. 

Around the World

Thailand and Cambodia sign a ceasefire to end border fighting
A fast-moving border crisis cools — but the tension story isn’t over.

Photos show the destruction after Russia’s latest attacks on Kyiv
When headlines blur, photos bring reality back into focus.

Global Top Stories on December 28
A quick global scan, designed for busy brains.

Global Top Stories on December 27
Same idea, different day, different global news.

Global Top Stories on December 29
The “world keeps spinning” edition.

Business & Tech

US stocks slip as tech loses steam in final week of 2025
The AI trade takes a breath — and money rotates.

More thrifting and fewer returns: the early trends defining holiday shopping
The “consumer mood” story, without the guesswork.

Why your holiday gift returns might go to a landfill — and what you can do
Returns are a hidden economy — and a hidden climate problem.

How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 12/26/2025
The “tape check” for investors and operators.

How major US stock indexes fared Monday, 12/29/2025
Market mood, part two — and yes, it matters for 2026 planning.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Emergency fund: Why you need one — and how to build it
If you read one money piece before 2026, make it this.

More thrifting and fewer returns: the early trends defining holiday shopping
Quiet signal: households are optimizing — and that usually precedes broader behavior shifts.

Why your holiday gift returns might go to a landfill — and what you can do
A practical way to cut waste and avoid “return chaos” that drains time.

Out with the old: With 2026 nigh, here’s some wide-ranging advice on transitions
Not fluffy — it’s the rare “reset” article that feels actionable.

How major US stock indexes fared Monday, 12/29/2025
Even if you’re not a trader: indexes are a fast proxy for business confidence.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

Sports on TV
A surprisingly useful “what’s actually on” guide.

SnoCountry Mountain Reports
If your readers travel/ski: this is quietly one of the most clicked kinds of links.

Sports news on December 28
Often includes the entertainment/sports mix people missed.

Sports news on December 29
Same — and it’s fast.

Photos instead of words
If you want culture without opinion, photos do it best.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life