Table of contents for January 02-16, 2026 in Newsweek International

2015 “If you’re feeling cranky, confused or too tired even for sex, blame it on Thomas Alva Edison. We’re all bushed, and it’s all his fault,” said Newsweek, citing light bulbs, LED screens and caffeine as culprits robbing Americans of their sleep. Newsweek reported in 2015 that Americans averaged just 6.1 hours per night—down from 7.1 in the ’70s. But the trend may be reversing. New wearable technology offers unprecedented insights into our rest patterns; according to the Apple Heart and Movement Study, Americans now average around 6.7 hours of sleep. 1974 “Gasoline at the pump could jump as much as 9 cents...pushing prices well above 50 cents a gallon,” said Newsweek during OPEC’s oil embargo on the U.S. While gas prices were considered shocking at the time, today’s prices—$3.11…

BOOKS MAKE WONDERFUL GIFTS FOR OTHERS. BUT THEY ARE ALSO PRESENTS TO ourselves—an escape, a distraction or a vacation destination—all readily available on your bedside table or to tuck into your bag for an on-the-go pick-me-up. The fiction and nonfiction books on this list were read and enjoyed by Newsweek staff over the past year. Most were published last year, in addition to a few older favorites. We hope that you find books to enjoy as much as we did—from psychological thrillers, fantasy and literary fiction to politics and memoir, and more. Pick one up for yourself, or share it with a friend or loved one as you look forward to the new year. FICTION FANTASY The Rose Field By Philip Pullman | Knopf Books for Young Readers Pullman’s beloved…

REGIONAL BANKS AND CREDIT unions form the financial backbone of communities across the country. They power local economies by supporting small businesses, financing community projects and providing reliable access to everyday banking services. With deep roots in the regions they serve, these institutions build personal relationships with customers, allowing them to tailor their support to local needs. Credit unions, structured as member-owned cooperatives, operate with service as their guiding mission. That commitment often results in lower fees, competitive loan options and an emphasis on member satisfaction. More than financial service providers, credit unions are community partners, showing up in neighborhoods, participating in local initiatives and helping strengthen the connections that bind their members together. To recognize the banks and credit unions making a meaningful difference, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group…

DACRE MONTGOMERY HAS HAD A LOT OF PINCH-ME MOMENTS IN THE PAST few years. His breakthrough role on Stranger Things skyrocketed the young actor to his transformative experience collaborating with legendary director Gus Van Sant on Dead Man’s Wire: “Even more of a wonderful experience than I could have possibly imagined.” Based on a true story, Montgomery plays Richard Hall, a bank president held hostage in 1977 by Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgård). Montgomery says the swiftness of production actually helped tell the story of inequity. “The electricity of not having a lot of time; it’s frenetic, it’s bizarre, it’s absurd.” Despite his rising fame, one thing will always keep the Australian actor humble: how Americans mispronounce his name. “I’ve never met anyone else with my name. So why would anyone…

Your first meeting with Larry David launched your Hollywood career... I was called in to audition for a one-hour special that he was doing for HBO. They were looking for an unknown actress who could improvise. They called me in to meet Larry and improvise with him. And we just had a connection. And that connection led to you meeting your husband “Bobby,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr.? Larry was going to a Waterkeeper [Alliance] event. Larry and Bobby and Ed Begley Jr. and I were on a ski lift and Bobby looked at me and he said, “You don’t have a hat on.” I said, “I know, I didn’t think I would be skiing.” And he took off his hat and gave it to me. You titled your book Unscripted…