The 2026 tax filing season officially begins on January 26, when the IRS starts accepting and processing individual tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Most Americans must file and pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. This year, many filers could see larger refunds thanks to tax changes passed under President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," which adjusted withholding rules and expanded certain tax breaks.

The Breakdown:

• Opening day: IRS begins processing returns on January 26
• Deadline reminder: April 15 remains the cutoff for most taxpayers
• Refund boost: Updated tax rules could mean higher refunds or lower tax bills for many households

The Angle: For millions of Americans, tax season isn't just paperwork—it's a cash-flow moment. With refunds potentially rising this year, early filers may feel the impact of recent tax changes sooner rather than later.

Who Was Renee Nicole Good, the Poet Killed by ICE?

Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three and award-winning poet, was fatally shot during an ICE-related incident on January 7, 2026. Her death has sparked protests across the United States, with supporters demanding transparency and accountability from federal authorities.

Trump Says U.S. Role in Venezuela Could Last for Years

President Trump said American involvement in Venezuela's governance may continue for years, stating that only time will determine the length of the engagement. His comments signal a long-term U.S. commitment as the country faces ongoing political instability.

Tennis Kenya Admits Error After Amateur's Viral Tournament Loss

Tennis Kenya acknowledged it should not have allowed an amateur player to compete in a professional women's tournament after footage of her one-sided defeat went viral. Organizers said the wildcard entry failed to meet competition standards.

Bridgerton Season 4 will debut in two parts, with Part 1 premiering January 29, 2026 and Part 2 arriving February 26. The new season will span eight episodes total, continuing Netflix's staggered release strategy for its most popular period drama.

Meanwhile, Sam Raimi is returning to original filmmaking with Send Help, a darkly comedic thriller hitting theaters on January 30. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, the film follows a boss and employee forced to confront buried tensions after surviving a plane crash on a deserted island.

Training for longevity means emphasizing movement quality, joint health, mobility, and stress regulation—not just chasing PRs. Heavy lifting is still essential, but intelligent programming becomes even more important. Your goal: stay athletic, strong, and pain-free for decades.

Incorporate strength training 3–4 days per week, zone 2 cardio, mobility sessions, and regular deloading. Avoid ego lifting and excessive volume. Lift with control, maintain full ROM, and build tendon strength with isometrics and eccentrics. Your future self will thank you.

Leverage allows you to achieve outsized results without working harder. Wealthy and successful people excel at using leverage—hiring talent (time leverage), investing (money leverage), and using technology (code leverage) to multiply their efforts.

Identify one area where leverage can dramatically increase your impact. Delegate tasks that drain your energy. Automate repetitive work with software. Invest in tools, assets, and relationships that scale. Leverage is the secret ingredient behind exponential growth.

A dedicated coffee station makes mornings smoother and more enjoyable. Everything you need is in one place—no more kitchen scavenger hunts.

Pro Tip: Use a tray to visually contain everything and keep it tidy.

When to go: May-October offers warmest weather (65-75°F), but the Azores are green year-round thanks to microclimates and frequent rain. June-August is peak season; September is ideal—warm water, fewer crowds. Getting there: Fly into Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel. Direct flights from Boston (4.5 hours), Toronto, and major European cities. Inter-island flights and ferries connect the archipelago.

Budget: $80-120 daily for mid-range (accommodations, meals, car rental). Rent a car—it's essential for exploring. Must-do's: Sete Cidades viewpoint, Furnas hot springs and cozido lunch, whale watching (98% success rate), Gorreana Tea tour. Pro tips: Pack rain jacket and layers—weather changes fast. Download offline maps. Learn basic Portuguese—English isn't universal outside tourist zones. The islands reward slow travel; don't try to see everything. Pick 2-3 islands maximum. Respect marine protected areas—the Azores are serious about conservation. This isn't Instagram tourism; it's real adventure travel for people who want nature untamed.

That's your edge for today. Now go claim it.