Thursday, December 18, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1620, the Mayflower anchored in Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts. While passengers prepared to establish Plymouth Colony, a small group of sailors went ashore to explore the area.

In today’s edition, we feature a new poll showing that about six in 10 Americans say cash or gift cards are acceptable holiday gifts, especially among younger adults. Do you give gift cards? And how do you feel when you receive one? Reply to let us know.

Major Flyover Announcement! We’ve completely reimagined The Flyover Podcast—still delivering the same fact-based, unbiased coverage—but now in a faster, high-energy format with new features that make the news more engaging. If you are a podcast viewer, you are going to love it. If you haven’t watched before, today is the day to do so! Watch today’s new episode here, and reply to let us know what you think!

If you’ve ever wished you could invest in a breakout company before it became a billion-dollar unicorn, today’s sponsor, EnergyX, may be the rare chance to get in while the upside is still on the table.

Trump Defends Record in National Address

President Trump delivered a rare primetime address Wednesday, saying he “inherited a mess” from former President Biden and has made historic progress over 11 months. Watch it here.

The president used charts showing price decreases in gasoline, airfare, and hotel rates alongside real private-sector wage growth averaging $1,048 under his administration. See the charts here.

Additionally, Trump announced $1,776 “warrior dividend” checks for 1.45 million military service members, funded by tariff revenue.

He previewed 2026 initiatives, including the TrumpRX website for discounted medicines, and teased naming a Federal Reserve chairman “who believes in lower interest rates by a lot.”

US Announces Venezuela Oil Blockade

President Trump announced a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela after saying he’s designating its government as a “foreign terrorist organization”—a move that would make it illegal for Americans to provide support to the regime.

The U.S. currently has 11 warships in the Caribbean—the most in decades—though experts say that’s not enough for a traditional military blockade, which would effectively be a declaration of war.

Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, called Trump’s move a “reckless and serious threat” that violates international law. Oil prices rose slightly on Wednesday after falling to near four-year lows earlier in the week.

Map: Homeownership Rate by State

A new analysis of U.S. Census data found that West Virginia has the nation’s highest homeownership rate at about 76%, while Washington, D.C., ranks last at roughly 41%.

Homeownership is strongest across Appalachia and much of the Midwest, where lower prices and steadier markets make buying more attainable.

Coastal states like New York and California post some of the lowest rates, driven by high home values and tight housing supply.

Nationally, about two-thirds of U.S. households own their homes, but younger Americans remain far less likely to buy than baby boomers were at the same age. See your state here.

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the link will take you directly to The Flyover Podcast playlist:

➤ Actor Gil Gerard, star of TV’s Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, has died at 82 from cancer. (Hear Details)

➤ Faith-driven films and series like The Chosen have gained traction in Hollywood as studios move forward with similar projects. (Hear Episode)

➤ Authorities arrested a woman accused of hiding razor blades in loaves of bread at multiple Mississippi Walmart stores. (Listen Now)

➤ FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Wednesday he will step down from his role early next year. He reportedly told confidants he won’t be returning to FBI headquarters this month. (More)

➤ The House approved a GOP health care bill Wednesday that didn’t address expiring Obamacare subsidies, even as four moderate Republicans defied party leadership to join with House Democrats to force a vote within a week on extending the subsidies. (See Details)

➤ The White House said it plans to break up Colorado’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, the nation’s largest federally funded climate research lab. (More)

➤ President Trump expanded his administration’s ban on some foreign visitors on Dec. 16, signing a proclamation that extended the existing ban on 12 countries to include Syrians, people traveling with Palestinian Authority IDs, and four other nations. (See Details)

➤ GOP Rep. Dan Newhouse, one of the last remaining Republicans in Congress who voted to impeach President Trump in 2021, announced Wednesday that he would not seek re-election next year in Washington. (More)

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Everyday Investors Finally Have a Unicorn in Their Sights

In 2013, “unicorn” was coined for a private startup worth $1B+. Why? Rarity.

Companies like Airbnb and Uber earned the title with new, exciting tech. But regular people couldn’t invest until they IPO’d at $47B and $82B valuations, missing the biggest gains. Now, a new private startup just earned the title, and this time, you can invest.

Meet EnergyX. Their patented tech can recover 3X more lithium than traditional methods. With 2040 lithium demand expected to outstrip current production by 18X, that’s a big edge.

So is EnergyX’s 100,000-acre Chilean project, with independently verified $1.1B annual revenue potential at forecasted market prices.

They’re not stopping there either. With ~50,000 acres of lithium-rich Texas and Arkansas land too, this story’s just beginning. Join 40,000+ people in backing this unicorn today.

➤ Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban purchased a minority stake in the NHL’s Nashville Predators this week, making him a part-owner of the franchise. (More)

➤ NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league will make a decision on whether to expand at some point in 2026. If expansion were to happen, Seattle and Las Vegas remain top choices to receive a team. (More)

➤ The New York Knicks beat the Spurs 124-113 to win the third-ever NBA Cup—an in-season tournament that doles out cash prizes to every player on the winning team. (More)

➤ The LA Rams play the Seattle Seahawks tonight on Thursday Night Football in a game that could end up deciding not only the winner of the NFC West, but the conference’s overall top seed. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. (More)

➤ It wasn’t long ago that we had to visit multiple stores, or even shopping malls, to find what we needed. Then came Amazon, changing the retail landscape forever. Many are happy to pay $14.99 a month for Prime, solely for the free shipping and exclusive shows and movies. However, if that’s not enough, consider the lesser-known benefits like free music and podcasts, access to lightning deals, and Whole Foods discounts. Maximize your Prime membership!

About six in 10 Americans say that cash or gift cards are very acceptable holiday presents, with younger adults under 45 being even more enthusiastic about giving money instead of traditional wrapped gifts. (See Poll)

Celebrities, including Khloé Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, sparked debate by posting minimalist Christmas trees decorated only with lights or left completely bare, with critics calling them joyless. (See Trend)

Geometry explains why turning wrapping paper 45 degrees uses less material and creates neater folds than the traditional horizontal or vertical approach for gift wrapping. (See Method)

Mini latkes, measuring just 1½ to 2 inches, cook in minutes and create a perfect Hanukkah board when arranged around bowls of sour cream, applesauce, smoked salmon, and colorful toppings. (See Recipe)

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Snack time meets serious flavor. Opopop’s Discovery Kit includes a silicone microwave popper and seven pouches of flavor-wrapped kernels (each kernel coated in bold taste so you get flavor in every bite). Gluten-free and non-GMO, it’s built for sharing — or keeping all to yourself. Shop the Opopop Discovery Kit and reignite movie night.

Daily Market Report 12/17/2025

▼	NASDAQ National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations	22,693.32	-1.81%
▼	SPX S&P 500	6,721.43	-1.16%
▼	DJI Dow Jones Industrial Average	47,885.97	-0.47%
▼	BTC Bitcoin	$85,759.00	-2.37%
▲	GOLD Per Ounce	$4,377.40	1.69%
▲	TTC The Toro Company	$80.43	+10.71%

Bitcoin and gold are traded 24 hours a day.

➤ Big Stock Move: Toro Company stock rose over 10% on Wednesday after the outdoor power equipment maker exceeded fourth-quarter earnings expectations. (More)

➤ Warner Bros. Discovery board rejected Paramount Skydance’s $108.4 billion hostile bid on Wednesday, saying it failed to provide adequate financing assurances. A shareholder vote on the deal is expected to take place sometime in the spring or early summer. (More)

➤ Mortgage rates rose slightly after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates, increasing to 6.38% from 6.33%, causing mortgage applications to drop nearly 4% last week. (More)

➤ The Salem Radio Network has tapped conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings and Breitbart News’ Alex Marlow to fill its national noon to 3 p.m. midday slot formerly held by assassinated Christian conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They’ll start on Jan. 5. (More)

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➤ 40K+ People Bought This Tech Stock: No, it’s not NVIDIA. It’s EnergyX, the startup with a patented technology stack, building a lithium project worth $1.1 billion in potential annual revenue, based on projected lithium market prices. That’s why General Motors, POSCO, and 40k+ people have already invested. Join them as an early-stage EnergyX investor today.

EnergyX: Energy Exploration Technologies, Inc. (“EnergyX”) has engaged The Flyover to publish this communication in connection with EnergyX’s ongoing Regulation A offering. The Flyover has been paid in cash and may receive additional compensation. The Flyover and/or its affiliates do not currently hold securities of EnergyX. This compensation and any current or future ownership interest could create a conflict of interest. Please consider this disclosure alongside EnergyX’s offering materials. EnergyX’s Regulation A offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers and sales may be made only by means of the qualified offering circular. Before investing, carefully review the offering circular, including the risk factors. The offering circular is available at invest.energyx.com/.

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Elon Musk: “Do You Like Minting Money?”

“Well, the lithium business is for you.”

With each EV battery requiring over 60 kgs of lithium, Musk expressed concern about supply back in 2022. Especially considering 2040 lithium demand is expected to outstrip current production by 18X.

That’s why General Motors led a $50M investment round into EnergyX to help secure a reliable supply. Their patented tech is independently proven to recover up to 300% more lithium than traditional methods at industry-low costs.

Now, they’re working toward commercial production on 100,000+ acres of lithium-rich Chilean land, a potential $1.1B annual revenue opportunity at projected market prices. With ~50,000 more acres waiting in Texas and Arkansas, EnergyX is preparing to rewrite global lithium supply chains.

Join 40,000+ people as an early-stage EnergyX investor today.

Energy Exploration Technologies, Inc. (“EnergyX”) has engaged The Flyover to publish this communication in connection with EnergyX’s ongoing Regulation A offering. The Flyover has been paid in cash and may receive additional compensation. The Flyover and/or its affiliates do not currently hold securities of EnergyX. This compensation and any current or future ownership interest could create a conflict of interest. Please consider this disclosure alongside EnergyX’s offering materials. EnergyX’s Regulation A offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers and sales may be made only by means of the qualified offering circular. Before investing, carefully review the offering circular, including the risk factors. The offering circular is available at invest.energyx.com/. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar results.

➤ The Senate on Wednesday confirmed billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator in a 67-30 vote. (See Details)

➤ Fossilized bee nests discovered inside ancient animal skeletons mark the first time burrowing bees used fossil bones to build cave-dwelling homes thousands of years ago. (See Discovery)

➤ Siberian lagoons near Russia’s remote Chukchi Peninsula naturally formed the shape of a 14-mile-long snowman when viewed from above, created by geological processes and wind patterns. (See Photos)

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Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

➤ A collection of vintage photos offers a window into Christmas-time in Minnesota during the 1950s, when winter was harsh, travel was limited, and daily life revolved around self-reliance and community. (See Winter)

➤ The Romanovs, the pre-Soviet rulers of Russia, held a ball in 1903 featuring lavish costumes at St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace, and photographs of the event have now been colorized. (See Photos)

➤ Popular slang the year you were born reveals linguistic evolution from 1926s “gold-dig” through 1943s surprising “duh” to 1980s “valley girl” culture. (See Slang)

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➤ First Lady Melania Trump released the trailer for her upcoming documentary tracking the 20 days leading to President Trump’s inauguration, with Amazon reportedly paying $40 million for the film, debuting Jan. 30. (See Trailer)

➤ The Oscars will leave ABC after nearly six decades and stream globally on YouTube starting in 2029, marking the first major awards show to abandon broadcast television completely. (See Details)

➤ New York State Police are purchasing Ford Mustang GTs specifically for high-speed interstate enforcement in response to social media influencers posting videos of evading police in chases. (See Story)

➤ A couple from Wales won a $1 million lottery jackpot for the second time in seven years, beating astronomical 24 trillion-to-1 odds while continuing their volunteer work with homeless people. (See Story)