Good Morning. Can Cuba survive losing 40% of its oil? U.S. seizes Venezuelan tankers, threatening economic collapse. We break down the blockade.
We also share Louis Vuitton's floating store, CBS's political controversy, SNL's emotional goodbye (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Cuba’s Economic Collapse
The U.S. is blockading Venezuelan oil tankers, threatening Cuba's economy. Venezuela supplies approximately 30,000 barrels daily, covering 40% of Cuba's imported oil needs (WSJ). One seized tanker carried nearly two million barrels bound for the Communist-ruled island.
Cuba's economy has contracted 15% since 2018, with cumulative inflation approaching 450%. Approximately 2.7 million people—one quarter of the population—have fled since 2020. Nearly 90% live in extreme poverty amid frequent 18-hour blackouts.
Cuban intelligence operatives remain embedded in Venezuela, helping maintain President Nicolás Maduro's grip on power. Analysts warn further reductions in Venezuelan oil shipments could trigger economic collapse.
Conservatives Rally
Vice President JD Vance closed Turning Point USA's AmericaFest convention Sunday in Phoenix. The annual gathering marked its first year without founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September. Vance rallied conservatives around "America First" themes and honored Kirk's legacy.
Earlier in the week, Erika Kirk, the late activist's widow and now-CEO, endorsed Vance for president in 2028. Vance thanked her for support and promised "more prosecutions," stating he and President Trump have identified judges and prosecutors for implementation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, Border Czar Tom Homan, and Donald Trump Jr. also spoke Sunday, praising Kirk's mission and energizing attendees. Rapper Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump and Vance. Speeches here.
Jake Paul’s Broken Jaw
Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round Friday at Miami's Kaseya Center. The Netflix-streamed heavyweight bout ended with a decisive right hand, though Paul survived several rounds before the stoppage.
Paul, 28, reported his jaw is likely broken from the punch. The YouTube personality-turned-boxer lasted longer than anticipated before Joshua's power prevailed. Former UFC champion Anderson Silva, 50, defeated Tyron Woodley via knockout on the undercard.
The knockout represents a significant setback for Paul's boxing trajectory after years building his record. Questions emerge about his future direction in the sport following the heavyweight defeat. Highlights here.
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
1,000 Years of Relationship Advice
After celebrating his 9th anniversary, writer Sahil Bloom set out to uncover relationship advice from couples who have been married over 40/50/60 years, such as:
Do one act of service for your partner every day, but never tell them about it. Take out the trash, refill the soap dispenser, put away the toys. Tiny acts of love and respect add up over time.
Never stop dating. "I'm 99 and still courting my wife!" Marriages don't get boring, you stop trying.
You cannot take care of your partner if you aren't taking care of yourself. Make a list of your daily needs to feel good. Make sure you and your partner are able to accomplish that list.
Maintain interests and passions separate from your partner's. Marriage should not be the end of individuality.
It can't always be 50/50. Sometimes it will be 90/10, sometimes it will be 10/90. All that matters is that it adds up to 100.
Is “Swearing” Good for You?
New research published in American Psychologist shows swearing significantly improves physical performance during strength and endurance tests. Psychologists at Keele University found participants who cursed during chair push-ups lasted longer than those repeating neutral words. The effect works by increasing psychological flow, self-confidence, and reducing distractions, creating a disinhibited mental state that helps people push harder.
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▲ Bowen Yang exits SNL midseason with tearful farewell sketch hosted by Wicked costar Ariana Grande | Final sketch
Fun Links
How Coca-Cola changed Santa [Blog]
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SNL’s wild Home Alone sketch [Video]
How to play Dungeons and Dragons [Video]
First wheelchair-user in space [Blog]