Greetings! Happy National Handwriting Day to those celebrating.

Let’s get into today’s top stories.

“If I hear bad news about the stock market one more time, I’m gonna be sick.”

We get it. Investors are rattled, costs keep rising, and the world keeps getting weirder.

So, who’s better at handling their money than the uber-rich?

Have 3 long-term investing tips UBS (Swiss bank) shared for shaky times:

The catch? Most alternatives aren’t open to everyday investors

That’s why Masterworks exists: 70,000+ members invest in shares of something that’s appreciated more overall than the S&P 500 over 30 years without moving in lockstep with it.*

Contemporary and post war art by legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and more.

Sounds crazy, but it’s real. One way to help reclaim control this week:

Skip waitlist.

_{*Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investing involves risk. Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd}

🇲🇿 Mozambique floods push crocodiles into towns as health fears rise. Floods killed 13 in Mozambique, and also forced crocodiles into villages. At least three people died in attacks. Health teams warned of cholera risk. About 700K people have been hit. Officials said 44 health facilities were damaged. Roughly 50K residents are in shelters. Aid groups are moving chlorine and nets. The cleanup begins with fear.

🇬🇧 Starmer demands an apology after Trump’s NATO jab. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called President Donald Trump’s remark “appalling.” He said it insulted alliance service in Afghanistan. Britain lost 457 personnel there. About 150K served over two decades. Defence Secretary John Healey echoed the demand. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance took the hit personally. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stayed measured, while Danish leaders also criticized the tone. Notably, and perhaps most predictably, Trump did not apologize on the spot, nor afterwards.

🧊 Freezing rain is the outage villain nobody can shovel. According to experts, a thin half-inch ice coat can apply 500 pounds of weight to power lines. Trees bend, then break onto roads. Utilities stage crews before the first glaze. Electric cooperatives say outages can spread quickly. In South Carolina, CEO Keith Avery urged early prep. After Hurricane Helene, 14K customers still waited. Texas remembers Winter Storm Uri and 246 deaths. When heat dies, pipes and patience follow. The safest drive is no drive.

🚪 ICE entries may not stop at a closed front door. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo drew scrutiny. It argues officers can enter homes without a judge’s warrant. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cite “consent” and “exigent” claims. In Chicago, Fernando Perez says agents entered anyway. He says his two children watched it unfold. Lawyers warn it tests the Fourth Amendment. Officials say civil warrants still carry authority. Courts often split on lawful entry. For many families, silence becomes the safety plan even as civil rights are trampled upon.

🏛️ House funds government, then fights over ICE dollars. The House passed four final spending bills. Together they total about $1.2T. The Senate faces a January 30th deadline. Leaders want to avoid another shutdown. Last fall’s shutdown lasted 43 days. One bill funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It passed 220-207 as Democrats denounced Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) money. The full package passed 341-88 with a 3.8% military raise. Washington paid bills, then argued.

🏂 Ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding is arrested after a global manhunt. Ryan Wedding, 44, was arrested in Mexico. He competed for Canada in 2002. Records show he finished 24th in parallel giant slalom. Prosecutors tie him to cocaine routes. They also allege he ordered killings. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) listed him most wanted. A $15M reward shadowed the search. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel says extradition is underway.

Help better understand our audience. Take this 1-minute survey here so we can provide our community with the best content, news, and stories that matter to you most.

Feel free to reply with your feedback. PM reads and responds to every email. :)

That’s all for today!

Much obliged and many thanks for reading and sharing today’s newsletter.

See you tomorrow!