We’re officially trying to get the holidays right this year — which means planning early, budgeting responsibly, and pretending we’ve learned from past mistakes. (We have not. But we’re trying.) From Halloween ambitions to Christmas logistics, this is the year we swear we’ll nail the vibes and the execution. Then, a full-blown beverage industry confession: Sparkling Ice keeps dropping collaborations nobody asked for and everybody immediately buys. Starburst walked so this could sprint, and at this point we’re not even resisting anymore — just take the money and leave us with a receipt and a mild sugar rush. And finally, Brandon’s Take on a news cycle that simply refuses to clock out. No slow days, no off switch, no respect for weekends, holidays, or our collective mental health. Even when the world should take a breather, the headlines keep coming — and somehow, we’re still expected to keep up. Buckle in.

In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Wednesday, welcome to the Frozen Apple. Temperatures in New York City have remained below freezing since Friday — and they’re expected to stay that way until at least early next week as arctic air has settled into the region. At least 10, as of Tuesday — have died after being exposed to the bitter cold that has persisted in New York City since late last Friday. Meanwhile, NYC Ferry has suspended its service, and warned it may be closed “for several days” due to thick layers of ice floating on the rivers.

Dozens of protesters were arrested Tuesday after they occupied the lobby of a Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, accusing the hotel of housing federal immigration officers.

And in Minneapolis, a man sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and was tackled to the ground Tuesday during a town hall, where tensions over federal immigration enforcement have come to a head after agents fatally shot an intensive care nurse and a mother of three this month.