A long-awaited cryptocurrency regulation bill advanced out of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday, taking a step toward establishing a federal framework for overseeing digital assets. The bill passed on a party-line vote, signaling that while progress is being made, the legislation may struggle to gain enough bipartisan support to pass the full Senate.

The Breakdown:

• Committee progress: Lawmakers moved closer to defining crypto oversight rules
• Partisan divide: Party-line voting highlights political resistance
• Unclear path: Additional compromises may be needed to advance

The Angle: Washington wants to regulate crypto—but agreement remains elusive. Until lawmakers bridge the divide, regulatory uncertainty will continue shaping how the industry evolves.

Afghanistan Launches $100 Million Food Security Initiative

Afghanistan's authorities have rolled out a $100 million food security program as hunger deepens across the country. Aid agencies warn that millions remain at risk amid economic collapse and reduced international assistance.

Nicki Minaj Declares Herself Trump's 'Number One Fan'

Nicki Minaj publicly proclaimed her support for Donald Trump while showcasing what she described as a gold card visa. The comments quickly drew attention online, fueling debate among fans and critics alike.

Skid Row Advocate and TikTok Star Shirley Raines Dies at 58

Shirley Raines, the social media personality behind Beauty 2 The Streetz who was known for caring for unhoused residents of Los Angeles' Skid Row, has died at 58. Her organization said her compassion left an "immeasurable impact."

Prime Video announced that Jury Duty is returning for a second season, this time following a man named Anthony who is completely unaware that a company retreat has been carefully staged around him. The breakout comedy will once again blend scripted chaos with unsuspecting reality.

Meanwhile, Gretchen Rossi has exited The Real Housewives of Orange County ahead of its 20th season. After starring in early seasons and briefly returning as a "friend" in Season 19, Rossi confirmed she's stepping away from the franchise once again.

Not all processed foods are created equal. "Processed" simply means altered from its original form—so even bagged spinach and frozen veggies qualify. The real issue is ultra-processed foods packed with additives, seed oils, and refined sugars that drive overeating and inflammation.

Minimally processed options like canned beans, Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, and whole-grain breads can be part of a healthy diet. Avoid items with long ingredient lists, artificial additives, or hyper-palatable combos of sugar, fat, and salt. Aim for mostly whole foods with convenient processed items sprinkled in.

Time management fails when your energy is depleted. High performers structure their day around their natural energy peaks, not their calendar. Research shows that aligning tasks with your energy rhythms increases productivity by 30%.

Identify when you have the most focus (morning, midday, or evening). Schedule deep work during those windows and reserve low-energy times for admin tasks. Protect your energy by sleeping well, eating mindfully, and taking restorative breaks. Energy—not time—is the real currency of performance.

Batching tasks gets you into deep focus faster and keeps your brain from switching between unrelated things.

Pro Tip: Group tasks by energy level—not category.

Close your eyes and picture paradise: impossibly clear turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks draped in jungle, and overwater bungalows perched above coral gardens teeming with life. This is Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia and gateway to 118 islands scattered across 2 million square miles of South Pacific. Tourism jumped 41% in 2024, with travelers discovering that Tahiti isn't just honeymoon luxury—it's Polynesian culture, world-class diving, and black sand beaches that cost less than you think if you skip the Bora Bora hype.

The island spans 403 square miles with 190,000 residents, shaped like a figure-eight with Tahiti Nui (big Tahiti) and Tahiti Iti (little Tahiti) connected by an isthmus. Mount Orohena rises 7,352 feet, creating dramatic landscapes where waterfalls plunge into rainforest and surf breaks rival Hawaii's North Shore. The capital Papeete pulses with French-Polynesian fusion—croissants and poisson cru, roulottes (food trucks) and Pearl markets. What travelers miss: Tahiti is the authentic cultural heart while neighboring islands get the Instagram glory. Stay here, and you'll actually understand Polynesia.

Tomorrow: Navigators, mutineers, and nuclear tests...