Happy New Year and welcome to 2019.

First Task for the New United States Congress: Deal With The Shutdown (Bloomberg)
Congress returns to Washington Thursday with a new Democratic House majority gaining leverage over President Donald Trump — and the partial government shutdown first on the list of problems to solve.

Flashback:
–How Michael Bloomberg Used His Money to Aid Democratic Victories in the House (New York Times)
–Jodie Foster, Cher, Lily Tomlin Call on Women to Vote in Midterms in Bloomberg-Produced Ad (Hollywood Reporter)

Mitt Romney: The president shapes the public character of the nation. Trump’s character falls short. (Washington Post OpEd)

New Year, Same Trump: In response, Trump tweeted, “Here we go with Mitt Romney, but so fast! Question will be, is he a Flake? I hope not. Would much prefer that Mitt focus on Border Security and so many other things where he can be helpful. I won big, and he didn’t. He should be happy for all Republicans. Be a TEAM player & WIN!”

Economy Watch:
–China Leads Slump in Asia Factories as Trade War Cools Demand (Bloomberg)
–Rough Start to Year as Stocks Reel From China Data: Markets Wrap (Bloomberg)

Brexit Countdown: Britain Isn’t Remotely Prepared for a No-Deal Brexit: Editorial (Bloomberg)

Take the Over on Bloomberg 2020 (Wall Street Journal – Editorial)
Mr. Bloomberg would be a welcome addition to the Democratic field, offering some centrist views on crime, education and perhaps even taxes and spending. As for campaign spending, the more the merrier. If someone asks you to bet on how much Mr. Bloomberg will spend if he does run for President, take the over.

Mike Bloomberg: Trump Does Not Have Right to His Own Facts on Climate Change (MarketWatch)
From Sunday: Watch Mike Bloomberg on Meet The Press here, read the transcript here, and watch the full episode which was dedicated to climate change here.

Long-Awaited Ban on Plastic Foam Containers Starts in New York City (First Proposed by Mike Bloomberg in 2013) (New York Times)

ICYMI – The 40 Most Popular Stories in Sheekey Daily in 2018: Click here to see the “most clicked” stories of the year.

Best of late night.

“In Indiana, police found a man at a White Castle with a container of dangerous chemicals. Yeah, a man at a White Castle with dangerous chemicals is known as the cook.”
— Conan O’Brian

“I heard that former ‘Fresh Prince’ star Alfonso Ribeiro is suing the makers of ‘Fortnite’ for using his famous ‘Carlton dance’ in their game. And then he’s going to be sued by every guy that’s ever danced at a wedding.”
— Jimmy Fallon