Key Takeaways
- U.S. forces conducted strikes against ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas Day to prevent the killing of Christians.
- Congress ended 2025 having passed a record low number of bills, ceding significant power to the President.
- Americans spent a record amount on holiday shopping, despite widespread negative economic sentiment.
- A paradox exists where wealthier consumers drive spending while lower-income buyers shift to discount stores.
Deep Dive
- U.S. military forces conducted strikes against ISIS militants in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day.
- President Trump stated the strikes aimed to prevent the killing of Christians in the region.
- The president signaled that further military action against ISIS may follow.
- Congress began 2025 with an ambitious agenda but concluded the year enacting a record low number of bills.
- Lawmakers ceded substantial power to President Trump throughout the year.
- Speaker Mike Johnson faced challenges, including successful discharge petitions that bypassed his leadership.
- NPR's Claudia Garsales reports upcoming midterms and an affordability crisis will likely dominate the political landscape.
- Americans spent a record amount on holiday shopping despite widespread negative sentiment about the economy.
- Online sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday set new records.
- Adobe Analytics reported over $10 million spent per minute on Cyber Monday evening.
- MasterCard estimated overall holiday spending grew nearly 4% in November and December.
- A paradox exists between record consumer spending and pessimistic economic sentiment.
- Wealthier individuals are driving much of the spending, while others switch to discount stores.
- Cox Automotive data shows unsold new cars under $40,000, as lower-income consumers leave the new car market.
- Economists are cautiously optimistic for the new year, citing wage growth as a key factor.