Your BRIGHT Week in Review

Plus: Dinner and a Movie

Photo of the Week

Imagine explaining this photo to someone in the early 2000s that this group is aligned with the goals of a Republican administration. Russell was a wreck, Kennedy was a Democrat and media darling, Dr. Oz was starting his show produced by Oprah. What a time to be on the Right!

The First 30 Days

No joke, I was going to ask Alexa how far we are from end of the first 100 days of the administration and then saw this Epoch Times article — it’s only been 30 days! In his first 30 days of his second term, President Donald Trump has swiftly signed over 100 executive orders, significantly laying the groundwork for altering federal government operations and U.S. foreign policy. As noted in his joint interview with Elon Musk on Hannity earlier this week, it’s not enough to sign executive orders but he must also get agency enforcement.

The Epoch Times reported the Trump administration has prioritized curbing illegal immigration through a national emergency declaration at the southern border, ramping up deportations, and reinstating strict policies like Remain in Mexico. Trump has also overhauled agencies, slashing billions in federal spending DOGE, while facing Democratic accusations of overreach and numerous lawsuits. Internationally, he’s imposed tariffs on trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico, and pursued peace talks for Ukraine.

Adding another to the list, White House Press Security Karoline Leavitt confirmed that an executive order would be signed saying that illegal immigrants would no longer be receiving federal benefits.

As expected, these rapid changes have sparked legal challenges and debates over executive power, with critics alleging a constitutional crisis as Trump tests presidential limits.

GOP Budget Allocates Billions for Border Enforcement

House Republicans on the Budget Committee approved a resolution allocating $300 billion for border security, immigration enforcement, and the military, alongside $2 trillion in spending cuts. Breitbart reported that OMB Director Russ Vought requested $175 billion for border enforcement, emphasizing President Trump’s focus on securing the border and deporting illegal immigrants. The budget plan pairs these cuts with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, including extensions of Trump-era tax policies and new provisions like tax-free tips. The GOP projects 3% annual economic growth, aiming for a $44 billion surplus within a decade.

Breitbart added:

“This budget shows President Trump is serious about securing our broken border and dealing with millions of illegal aliens in our country,” Ambassador Ken Blackwell, chairman of the Conservative Action Project and a leader at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), told Breitbart News in an exclusive reaction.

“With battle-tested veterans at OMB like Russ Vought and Mark Paoletta, the president has the right team in place to both cut spending and fully fund his America First priorities.”

Study Shows Homeschoolers Do Just Fine in the Real World

Wokespy reported a Cardus Educational Survey found that people who were homeschooled, especially long-term homeschoolers, report the highest life satisfaction, better mental health, stronger family ties, and lower divorce rates compared to their non-homeschooled peers. Homeschoolers were also more likely to volunteer, give to charity, and practice religious beliefs, with religiosity increasing with homeschooling duration. Despite lower full-time employment rates—partly due to stay-at-home parenting—homeschoolers’ mental well-being and family stability surpass financial considerations. The study highlighted homeschooling’s potential to address mental health and societal issues while contrasting public education’s influence on family and cultural values.

Wokespy noted, “The trend was largely influenced by the pandemic when homeschooling was mandatory. However, many parents continued to teach their children at home even after physical classes resumed.”

How to Burn 1,000 Calories a Day Without Really Trying

BestLife highlights NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), which involves calories burned through everyday movements like chores, walking, or taking stairs. NEAT can help with weight loss by increasing daily calorie burn without formal exercise, particularly for those who sit for long periods. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Research shows that integrating NEAT into your lifestyle can burn up to 1,000 calories daily. However, it is still advised to combine it with weekly exercise benchmarks (150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous activity) for overall health and reduced disease risk.

Harvard Health Publishing said, “Pace around while you talk on the phone. When possible, walk down the hall to talk to a co-worker instead of e-mailing or phoning. Be less efficient while cleaning the house by alternating tasks on different floors, so you have to go up and down the stairs more often.”

Neat!

Dinner and a Movie

The Breakfast Club has been on my mind lately (Save the Date: December 9 😜) and it was released 40 years ago last weekend.

For dinner, I’m sticking to easy Blue Apron meals again and looking forward to this 15-Minute Cilantro Pulled Chicken Quesadillas with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Sour Cream.