Retail investors are charging back into markets after one of their strongest years on record in 2025. According to new data, everyday traders started 2026 buying stocks at the second-highest level in nearly eight months. Oil-related names like Halliburton and Chevron are emerging as favorites, fueled by geopolitical tensions following the U.S. strike on Venezuela.

The Breakdown:

• Retail comeback: Individual investors are increasing stock purchases early in 2026
• Energy focus: Oil stocks are attracting outsized interest
• Momentum mindset: Retail traders tend to stick with themes once adopted

The Angle: When retail traders latch onto a narrative, they commit hard. Energy is the new obsession—and history suggests they won't let go quickly if prices keep moving.

RFK Jr.'s New Food Pyramid Sparks Debate Among Health Experts

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s revised food pyramid, which strongly discourages processed foods, has ignited debate among nutrition experts. Critics question whether the guidelines will realistically change American eating habits.

Mount Etna Guides Protest Stricter Safety Rules

Tour guides at Mount Etna are protesting new safety restrictions imposed after recent eruptions. Guides argue the tougher rules threaten their livelihoods while authorities say they are necessary to protect visitors.

U-Haul Index Shows Texas Still Top Destination for Movers

Texas ranked first on the U-Haul Growth Index again, reflecting strong inbound migration based on more than 2.5 million moves. Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee followed closely behind.

Dunkin' launched its new winter menu on January 7, introducing Protein Milk across Protein Lattes and Protein Refreshers. The rollout reflects growing consumer demand for functional, protein-forward beverages.

Meanwhile, several Denny's employees are facing allegations tied to a lawsuit claiming $500,000 in tips were improperly transferred from a Kamloops location's digital tipping system over three years. The case has prompted a broader investigation into tipping practices.

Work capacity is your ability to perform more volume, recover faster, and handle harder training over time. Without it, even the best program stalls. Building work capacity improves strength, endurance, and overall resilience.

Increase capacity gradually with sled pushes, tempo work, density training, and steady-state cardio. Add small amounts of volume weekly and cycle in high-rep accessory work. Better work capacity means better recovery—and faster progress.

Your network compounds just like money does. Every meaningful interaction builds trust, which leads to referrals, opportunities, and collaborations. The most successful professionals focus on long-term relationship-building rather than short-term networking.

Stay in touch quarterly with people you admire. Send congratulations, share useful resources, or offer help. Invest in people before you need anything. Over years, this approach creates a powerful web of goodwill and opportunity.

Festivals are unforgettable—unless you forget something important. A smart packing list keeps you safe, comfortable, and ready for fun.

Pro Tip: Use a crossbody bag—it keeps essentials secure in crowds.

Estonians start mornings with strong coffee and black bread—silence is normal; small talk is not. This is one of Europe's most reserved cultures, but once you're in, loyalty runs deep. Locals work in tech startups (Estonia has more unicorns per capita than anywhere), then unwind in saunas—an essential ritual, often followed by Baltic Sea plunges even in winter.

Digital life is next-level: 99% of government services are online, taxes take 3 minutes, and e-residency lets foreigners run EU companies remotely. Yet tradition matters—Song Festivals every 5 years gather 100,000 singers, a tradition that helped win independence through the "Singing Revolution" (1987-1991). Locals escape to Lahemaa National Park on weekends or summer cottages with saunas. The Russian-speaking minority (25% nationwide) creates linguistic complexity—many older Russians never learned Estonian. Despite Soviet legacy, Estonians fiercely protect their identity and look Nordic, not East.

Tomorrow: The flavors of the Baltics...