the friday brief

3 things to know

iran: unrest without resolution

iran entered the new year facing renewed nationwide protests, driven by persistent economic strain, inflation, and political repression. reports this week point to widespread demonstrations across multiple cities, paired with periodic internet restrictions and heightened security responses. what’s notable isn’t escalation into something new — it’s durability. the protest cycle has become a recurring feature of iranian life, signaling deep structural dissatisfaction without a clear mechanism for political change. for global observers, this reinforces a familiar tension: internal instability that reshapes diplomacy, energy markets, and regional security even when borders remain quiet.

geopolitics, oil, and u.s. leverage

geopolitical tension in latin america this week underscored a long-standing reality: energy remains inseparable from power. developments surrounding venezuela have been interpreted regionally not just as political intervention, but as strategic positioning around oil access and sanctions enforcement. with venezuela holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves, u.s. involvement is being read through an economic lens as much as a security one. even as the energy transition accelerates, oil continues to anchor influence — shaping alliances, provoking backlash, and reminding markets that fossil fuels still sit at the center of geopolitical gravity.

global growth is slowing — quietly

international economic forecasts this week pointed to slower global growth in 2026, driven by high interest rates, weak productivity gains, and lingering trade fragmentation. inflation may no longer dominate headlines, but borrowing costs remain restrictive, particularly for emerging markets and heavily indebted governments. the risk ahead isn’t a sharp downturn — it’s stagnation. slower growth with fewer policy levers left to pull makes economic management harder, not easier, and leaves households feeling pressure even in the absence of crisis-level news.

1 thing that matters

how january 6 is taught is becoming policy

new york lawmakers introduced legislation this week that would require public schools to teach the january 6, 2021 capitol attack as part of civics and history curricula. supporters argue the bill protects democratic memory and institutional accountability; critics contend it politicizes education.

what makes this matter isn’t the single bill — it’s the precedent. as states increasingly legislate historical interpretation, classrooms become sites of political meaning-making. the question isn’t only what happened, but who decides how it’s remembered. over time, those decisions shape how future voters understand legitimacy, protest, and democratic norms.

1 thing to try

start the year strong with workouts at home

january doesn’t require a full routine overhaul. mat-based strength work and pilates make it easier to build consistency without commuting, crowds, or time pressure. the stakt strength set is designed with that reality in mind — compact, practical, and easy to integrate into short sessions.

the adjustable hand weights are the standout feature: twist the ends on and off to switch between two, four, or six pounds, allowing you to scale resistance as workouts evolve. it’s a setup that prioritizes flexibility over intensity — ideal for building strength steadily, at home, and on your own terms.