Good Morning. How many kids can one billionaire have via surrogates? Over 100—all US citizens he's never met. We break down China's baby boom.
We also cover Rob Reiner's homicide investigation, the 2026 PTO hack, and why easy reps won't build muscle (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Chinese Surrogacy Boom
Chinese billionaires are commissioning dozens to hundreds of US-born children through American surrogates. Videogame executive Xu Bo reportedly has over 100 children via surrogacy, while education executive Wang Huiwu fathered 10 girls hoping they'd marry world leaders.
International use of US surrogacy quadrupled from 2014 to 2019, with 41% of clients from China. The children become US citizens under the 14th Amendment. Surrogacy is illegal domestically in China but officials don't strictly bar overseas use.
FBI and Homeland Security are investigating some cases. Senator Rick Scott introduced legislation to ban surrogacy by foreign nationals from certain countries including China, citing human trafficking concerns and an ongoing federal investigation.
Rob Reiner Found Dead
Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead Sunday in their Brentwood home, according to the LAPD. The deaths are being investigated as an apparent homicide. Both victims appeared to have been stabbed. Reiner was 78.
Reiner directed films including "This Is Spinal Tap," "The Princess Bride," "When Harry Met Sally," and "A Few Good Men." He gained fame playing Michael "Meathead" Stivic on "All in the Family" for nine seasons, winning two Emmys (IMDb).
The couple is survived by three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy. Reiner also had daughter Tracy from his first marriage to director Penny Marshall. His most recent film, "Spinal Tap II," was released in 2025.
Roomba Maker Bankrupt
iRobot Corporation, maker of Roomba vacuum cleaners, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Sunday after 35 years in business. The company cited increased competition and recent tariffs as reasons for the filing in Delaware Bankruptcy Court.
iRobot reported $480.3 million in both assets and liabilities. Shenzhen-based manufacturer PICEA Robotics, also the company's primary lender, will acquire iRobot completely through the bankruptcy process.
The company expects to complete Chapter 11 proceedings by February. iRobot says the bankruptcy won't disrupt app functionality, customer programs, partnerships, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support for existing Roomba owners.
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
Easy Reps Won't Build Muscle
Are your weights heavy enough? One fitness influencer says there is an easy way to tell. “If your reps look the same throughout the entire set, that’s a pretty reliable way to know that you are not training hard enough.” He adds:
“Muscle growth only occurs when you train close to failure.”
- Thomas Menzies
Ideally you will fail 2-3 reps shy of your set goal. The final reps should demand "serious effort." Another indicator is how much rest you need between sets. If you don't need at least 90 seconds to 5 minutes, you're not pushing yourself hard enough for muscle growth.
Turn 6 PTO Days into 23 Days Off
A viral calendar strategy shows how employees can maximize 2026 time off by "bridging" federal holidays with single PTO days to create extended weekends. Using just 6 vacation days strategically placed around holidays, workers can secure multiple 4-day weekends throughout the year:
Jan 1-4 (4 days) - 1 PTO
Jan 16-19 (4 days) - 1 PTO
Feb 13-16 (4 days) - 1 PTO
Mar 6-8 (3 days) - 1 PTO
May 22-25 (4 days) - 1 PTO
Jun 18-21 (4 days) - 1 PTO
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▲ Denny's closures complete 150-location footprint reduction plan amid $620M acquisition by TGI Fridays owner
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