January rarely eases people gently into a new year, and 2026 was no different. This monthly snapshot captures how people across the US reacted to the stories that landed as winter set in, routines restarted, and patience was tested. All insights come from real-time responses shared by the OnePulse community as the month unfolded.
Week 1 of 2026
The month began on a freezing note as an Arctic blast swept across the country, and people wasted no time getting ready. Grocery shelves emptied fast as snow and bitter cold temperatures moved in. Snacky comfort food, bottled water, and milk were the first things people reached for.
Living with the cold means keeping the heat on, no matter the cost. In the mid-Atlantic, that reality is already showing up in higher electricity bills as homes use more power. 90% believe this is a problem for regular households, and 65% expect electricity bills to keep rising like this.
International issues also drew attention, starting with Venezuela. After President Trump suggested that the US oversee the country’s government and economy, 47% agree that the US should oversee Venezuela’s government and economy. Another 26% said it should only be temporary.
Over in Europe, tensions flared around Greenland after the US said it “needs” control of the territory. Allies, including the UK, lined up behind Denmark, stressing that Greenland should decide its own future. Only 14% believed the US should have any claim. Nearly half (49%) said the US should not control Greenland at all.
Week 2 of 2026
Immigration enforcement stayed front and center as attention around ICE continued to grow. Reports of expanded raids, deaths in detention, and growing protests kept the pressure on. When Americans weighed in, the majority said ICE’s approach feels too aggressive.
The Greenland storyline continued to take shape. After President Trump floated buying the territory and threatening tariffs against European allies, protests and emergency talks followed. When asked how Americans see the outcome, 44% said no one benefits, everyone loses here.
A famous family drama also caught attention. Brooklyn Beckham spoke publicly about his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. The response leaned strongly toward privacy, with most saying family matters don’t belong on social media. 75% said it’s not a good idea to handle family issues publicly.
Away from politics and pop culture, a quieter shift showed up in daily life. More people are leaning into an “analog lifestyle”, trading screens for slower, offline habits. Reading a real book appealed to 41%, and another 41% said gardening or being outside sounded best.
Week 3 of 2026
Trump’s vision for Venezuela’s oil industry promised scale and opportunity. That optimism didn’t last long once the challenges were part of the conversation. A majority, 59%, said investing right now is a bad idea.
After tariff threats aimed at eight European countries, the White House reversed course, and markets reacted almost instantly. Using trade threats as political tools felt off to many, with 36% calling it totally unacceptable. And when the tariff plans dropped, 42% said it was the right call.
Away from politics, something quieter was happening on bookshelves. Bible sales are climbing across formats, from classic print to digital editions. For many, faith remains close, with 45% saying they’re very connected. Another 29% said they check in occasionally.
Just as some people were leaning into quieter moments, tech headlines pulled focus back online. Ads were announced for ChatGPT’s free and GO plans, and reactions were cautiously accepting. 54% said they don’t love it but they get it. Still, 60% said the ads could end up being distracting or annoying.
At restaurants, portions are shrinking as eating habits shift. Some see it as a lasting change, with 26% calling it the new normal. Others aren’t so sure, as 39% think it may stick around only for a while.
Week 4 of 2026
January ended with continued concern around federal immigration enforcement. In Minneapolis, residents say the impact is visible in daily life, from schools to local stores. When Americans were asked how stories like this make them feel, they pointed to anger, sadness, and confusion.
Talk shows and politics also caught attention after the FCC suggested that late-night and daytime programs might need to give all political candidates equal airtime. Many people supported the idea, with 61% saying talk shows should be required to offer equal time.
Money worries continued to surface in everyday conversations. When asked about financial pressure compared with last year, most people said they feel more pressure now, and more than half (56%) have noticed others around them seem more stressed about money and jobs. Rising car costs are part of that strain, with 20% saying they’ve used credit cards just to keep up with car loan payments.
In New York City, changes for delivery app workers landed more positively. A strong majority, 89%, feel good about setting a minimum wage of at least $21.44 an hour, along with clearer pay details and faster payouts.
Sports offered something familiar with a Super Bowl matchup that feels like déjà vu. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots meet again in the Super Bowl years later, following their conference championship wins. For many fans, the rematch hits close to home, with 44% saying it brings back memories of the 2015 Super Bowl.
All statistics are based on real-time responses collected from the OnePulse community in January 2026.
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