the friday brief
3 things to know
nato members deploy to greenland following u.s. annexation threats
germany, france, sweden, norway, finland, and the netherlands deployed forces to greenland this week after trump stated "anything less" than u.s. control is "unacceptable." danish prime minister frederiksen warned a u.s. attack would end nato. the deployments followed january 14 white house meetings that ended without resolution.
trump announces healthcare overhaul requiring congressional approval
the white house unveiled "the great healthcare plan" on thursday—the same day aca open enrollment ended in most states—proposing to redirect federal subsidies from insurers directly to patients. the plan lacks implementation details and would require congressional action. enhanced aca tax credits expired december 31, raising premiums for millions. the house passed a three-year extension; the senate is drafting its own version. trump suggested he might veto an extension, preferring his direct payment model. health policy experts warn the approach could destabilize the aca marketplace, potentially allowing patients to purchase coverage that doesn't meet current protections.
u.s. suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
the state department announced january 14 that immigrant visa processing will halt starting january 21 for 75 countries, citing public charge concerns. affected countries include brazil, colombia, egypt, and nigeria. the administration will evaluate applicants based on age, health, and english proficiency rather than professional qualifications or family ties.
1 thing that matters
justice department investigates federal reserve chair
the justice department issued subpoenas to federal reserve chair jerome powell on january 10 regarding his testimony about the fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. powell released a video statement january 11 defending the fed's independence. on january 13, the european central bank and bank of england issued a joint statement supporting powell.
the supreme court will hear arguments january 21 on whether a president can remove a fed chair, a case that could redefine the separation between monetary policy and executive power.
1 thing to try
start the year strong with a brain-boosting alternative
january demands more from your nervous system — shorter days, return to routine, endless news cycles. surya wellness healing hot chocolate offers functional support without jitters or crashes. adaptogenic mushrooms deliver tangible benefits: reishi compounds reduce cortisol levels, while lion's mane supports cognitive function and focus. ceremonial cacao provides theobromine for sustained energy and mood elevation.
it's a practical alternative to your third coffee — warm enough for january cold, functional enough for january chaos. the combination targets what winter actually demands: calm focus, not over-stimulation. consider it winter maintenance for your brain.
