First Thoughts: Deadline? What Deadline?

If your goal is to be happier in the year ahead, you might focus on your body rather than your mind. You can start right now by sitting up a little straighter. Then give a brief smile—even a fake one. These tweaks will tell your brain that something good is about to happen and you’re more likely to feel positive and upbeat. Sound unlikely?

Today, the 119th Congress begins and one of its top objectives will be to produce a long overdue budget. One of Congress’ highest priorities, a new defense appropriations bill, was passed late last year. But challenges to the wellbeing of Americans today go beyond military threats, as important as these are.

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean investigators left the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a near-six-hour standoff on Friday during which he defied their attempt to detain him. It’s the latest confrontation in a political crisis that has paralyzed South Korean politics and seen two heads of state impeached in under a month. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] The country’s anti-corruption agency said it withdrew its investigators after the presidential security service blocked them from entering Yoon’s residence for hours, due to concerns about their safety. The agency said its outnumbered investigators had several scuffles with presidential security forces and expressed “serious regret about the attitude of the suspect, who did not comply with the legal process.” It said detaining Yoon would be “virtually impossible” as long as he is protected by the presidential security service.

Today is Friday, Jan. 3, the third day of 2025. There are 362 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 3, 1920, Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold the contract of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, beginning a championship era for the Yankees and decades of heartache for Red Sox fans.

Moon Alert: After 10:45 a.m. EST today (7:45 a.m. PST) there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The Moon is in Pisces. Happy Birthday for Friday, Jan. 3, 2025: You are highly individualistic, with a quirky sense of humor. Nevertheless, you are single-minded in the pursuit of your ideas. This is a year of building and creating structures both externally and internally.

Jared Bednar knows his bank account is going to take a hit in the coming days and, in his words, he does not care. Bednar went off after Colorado’s incredible 6-5 comeback win Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres at Ball Arena. His ire was directed at a Buffalo goal that was allowed despite Avs goalie Scott Wedgewood writhing in pain inside his net as it was scored early in the third period. Sabres forward Zach Benson was pushed into the Colorado net, and Wedgewood fell backward onto him.