Ghislaine Maxwell appearing virtually before House Oversight Committee during Epstein probe deposition
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Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads Fifth in House Oversight Epstein Probe

Deposition Ends Quickly After Refusal to Answer Questions Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment rights Monday during a House Oversight Committee deposition tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The closed…

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GOP Speeds Up Trump Judge Confirmations as Debate Grows Over Senate Blue Slip Rule

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Ghislaine Maxwell House Oversight Deposition in Epstein Probe

Lawmakers Question Maxwell Behind Closed Doors House Oversight Committee members will question Ghislaine Maxwell as part of their Epstein investigation. She is serving a 20 year federal sentence. Maxwell will…

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2028 Election Will Be a Referendum on America’s AI Future

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America Can’t Ignore Washington’s Nuclear Waste Disposal Failure

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U.S. Forces Board Aquila II Tanker After It Defies Trump Quarantine

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Explore the Heart of New Orleans’ Live Music Scene New Orleans, famously called the Big Easy, is more than Mardi Gras. Its lively neighborhoods along the Mississippi River host music all year, from jazz and blues to zydeco and the city-born Bounce hip-hop style. The city’s vibrant music culture makes it a must-visit for live music fans. We asked NOLA-based singer-songwriter Andrew Duhon to share his favorite spots. “This isn’t just any city,” he says. “Every corner tells a story. Each French-style door opens into a courtyard full of life and history.” Duhon, who tours the U.S. with his folk and blues trio, prefers venues that truly feel like New Orleans. “At BJ’s in the Bywater, you can chat with locals. Half of them you know, the rest you’ll be friends with in minutes. And the music inside is unforgettable,” he explains. Tipitina’s: A Legendary Spot for Big Acts When it comes to large venues hosting national performers, Tipitina’s stands out. Opened in 1977, this Uptown juke joint is named after a classic song by Professor Longhair, a New Orleans piano icon. Tipitina’s features a mix of local and touring acts. From Bounce star Big Freedia to Mardi Gras shows, it’s always buzzing with energy. “Tipitina’s has a special New Orleans feel,” Duhon says. “It’s not sterile. The room and the music are alive with the city’s spirit.” A City That Inspires Musicians For Duhon, New Orleans itself shapes creativity. “Walking into a venue here gives you a sense of history and welcome,” he says. “That feeling is unique. Every musician in NOLA carries a bit of that energy.” Whether it’s a candlelit piano bar or a lively juke joint, these venues make New Orleans unforgettable for music lovers.
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The Best Live Music Venues in New Orleans: Insider Tips from Andrew Duhon

Explore the Heart of New Orleans’ Live Music Scene New Orleans, famously called the Big Easy, is more than Mardi Gras. Its lively neighborhoods along the Mississippi River host music…

Ancient Viking Rune Stones Reveal Messages of Love, Loss, and Celebration in Sweden Runic inscriptions from the Viking Age continue to surface across Sweden, offering glimpses into lives lived more than 1,000 years ago. These ancient writings reveal personal messages, memorials, and even playful riddles, proving that the Vikings were not just warriors but storytellers and jokers. Discovery of a Rune Stone Near Stockholm A few years ago, Swedish rune expert Magnus Källström visited a farm south of Stockholm. A farmer had uncovered a stone while preparing to use it as a doorstep. When turned over, the slab revealed rows of ancient runes. Reading aloud, Källström deciphered: "Gärder erected this stone in memory of Sigdjärv his father, Ögärd's husband." The message had gone unread for almost a millennium. Rune Stones in Everyday Life Finding rune stones by accident is not unusual in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. They often appear during construction projects, roadworks, or plowing fields. Some stones, like a 2,000-year-old example discovered in Norway in 2023, date back to the earliest days of runic writing. For many Swedes, rune stones are part of the landscape. They dot fields, roundabouts, and industrial areas. Roadside heritage signs often highlight their presence. Though familiar, these stones still hold mysteries and stories yet to be uncovered. The Origins of Runes The word "rune" comes from the Old Norse rún, meaning secret. Vikings used runes to capture northern European languages, including Old Norse. The script evolved from influences like the Latin alphabet, which traders and travelers encountered in southern Europe. Runes were carved on wood, bone, stone, and even tools. One 11th-century textile tool found outside Gothenburg reads: "Do you think of me, I think of you, do you love me, I love you." Stone inscriptions were the most durable and visible form. Some runes even appear on cliffs. Rune Stones as Memorials and Messages Rune stones often served as memorials, placed along roads, fords, or council sites to be seen by the public. They became especially popular during the Viking Age (800-1050 AD) and are sometimes called the social media of the time. Commissioning a rune stone was costly, often requiring a skilled carver. During the spread of Christianity, many stones included prayers or crosses. Runes for Fun and Jokes Not all runes were serious. Vikings also used them for humor. Källström mentions "riddle bones," where messages change when the object is rotated. Examples include instructions like "decipher this" or playful phrases such as "tasty beer." These show that Vikings enjoyed puzzles and social games. Rune stones remain a bridge to the past. They offer insights into Viking life, from love and loss to faith and humor. Every discovery adds a new chapter to their story.
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Ancient Viking Rune Stones Reveal Messages of Love, Loss, and Celebration in Sweden

Runic inscriptions from the Viking Age continue to surface across Sweden, offering glimpses into lives lived more than 1,000 years ago. These ancient writings reveal personal messages, memorials, and even…

Title: Parts of England and Wales See Rain Every Day in 2026
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Parts of England and Wales See Rain Every Day in 2026

Record-Breaking Wet Start to 2026 Parts of England and Wales have experienced rain every day this year, marking a record-breaking start to 2026. South-west England and south Wales have seen…

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France Ice Dance Controversy: Gold at Stake Amid Rivalry and Drama The ice dance event at Milan Cortina 2026 is heading toward a dramatic finish. Two elite teams are fighting for Olympic gold, and the margin between them is razor thin. American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates sit in second place. The married pair already won gold in the team event and hold three world titles. They have skated together since 2011 and bring years of chemistry to the ice. Just 0.46 points ahead are France’s Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry. They teamed up only last November, yet they have already made a huge impact. Cizeron, the reigning Olympic champion, aims to win back to back titles. A New Partnership, Instant Results Cizeron won Olympic gold at Beijing 2022 with Gabriella Papadakis. After their split, he formed a new partnership with Fournier Beaudry. The decision raised eyebrows, but the results speak loudly. The French pair delivered a technically sharp rhythm dance to Madonna’s Vogue. Judges awarded them a stronger technical score on their step sequence than the Americans. That edge gave them the slim lead. Since joining forces, they have won four of five major events. One of those victories came at the 2026 European Championship in Sheffield. Their only loss happened at the Grand Prix Final, where Chock and Bates beat them. The final medals will depend on the free dance. Unlike the rhythm dance, the free program gives skaters more creative control. Both segments combined will decide the champion. Judging Debate Adds More Tension Figure skating judging has sparked debate for decades. Ice dance relies on both technical elements and artistic interpretation. Even small scoring differences can decide medals. This time, less than half a point separates gold from silver. That tiny gap keeps fans guessing. Fallout From a Bitter Split The drama off the ice rivals the competition itself. Cizeron’s former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, released a memoir earlier this year. In it, she described their partnership as unbalanced. She said she felt controlled and pressured during their years together. Cizeron strongly denied the claims. He called the book a smear campaign and said it spreads false information. He has started legal action in response. The situation also affected Papadakis professionally. NBC removed her from its Olympic analyst role, citing a conflict of interest linked to her memoir. Citizenship Change and Fresh Controversy Fournier Beaudry’s journey to Team France also stirred debate. She previously competed for Canada and Denmark. France granted her citizenship in November so she could skate with Cizeron at the Games. Before this partnership, she skated with Canadian athlete Nikolaj Sorensen, who is also her partner in real life. In 2025, officials handed Sorensen a six year suspension after a sexual assault allegation dating back to 2012. The case involves an American skating coach. It does not involve Fournier Beaudry. Sorensen denies the allegation and calls it false. Fournier Beaudry has publicly supported him. In a Netflix documentary, she said she fully trusts him. The anonymous complainant criticized her comments. The accuser argued that such statements could discourage others from reporting abuse. Since gaining French citizenship, Fournier Beaudry has declined further comment on the issue. All Eyes on the Free Dance Now, the focus returns to the ice. Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry hold a narrow lead. Chock and Bates bring experience and consistency. The free dance will test not only skill but also nerve. One small mistake could change everything. At Milan Cortina 2026, the battle for gold carries more than medals. It carries history, rivalry, and controversy that has followed these skaters all the way to the Olympic stage.
France Ice Dance Controversy: Gold at Stake Amid Rivalry and Drama
Sports
Iran Revolution Anniversary Rallies in Tehran Marked by Loyalty and Growing Discontent Massive Turnout in Tehran for Revolution Anniversary Tehran’s streets filled with large crowds as Iran marked the final day of its Islamic Revolution anniversary celebrations. Supporters of the government gathered in the capital and other major cities in a strong public display of loyalty. Officials treated the rallies as a direct response to recent anti government protests. Families walked together under a warm winter sun. The atmosphere felt festive. Children waved Iranian flags. Many people carried posters of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Chants of “death to America” and “death to Israel” echoed through the streets, a familiar slogan at state organized events. The government’s most loyal supporters showed up in large numbers. Their presence sent a clear political message at a time when public frustration continues to grow over economic hardship. Support for the Revolution Still Runs Deep Many participants expressed strong pride in the 1979 revolution. A young woman wearing a long black veil described the revolution as a turning point for Iran. She said it revived the country and gave new life to society. In her view, its impact extended beyond Iran and influenced the wider Islamic world. Her words reflected a belief shared by many at the rally. For them, the revolution remains a source of identity and national strength. They see it as a symbol of independence and resistance against foreign influence. Acknowledging Economic Frustration At the same time, some supporters admitted that economic problems have caused real frustration. When asked about the recent protests, the young woman said that some people had valid concerns. She acknowledged that many Iranians struggle with rising prices and financial pressure. However, she drew a line between peaceful protest and unrest. She claimed that those who turned protests into chaos acted with motives linked to foreign actors. This argument mirrors the government’s stance. Officials often blame outside forces for fueling instability inside the country. Revolution Celebrations Overshadowed by Tension While the rallies projected unity and strength, they also highlighted divisions within Iranian society. The government aimed to show that it still commands strong public support. Yet the acknowledgment of economic dissatisfaction revealed deeper challenges. Iran continues to face international sanctions, inflation, and political pressure. These issues have sparked repeated protests in recent years. The anniversary events served both as a celebration and as a reminder of the tensions shaping the country today. As Iran reflects on decades since the revolution, the contrast between loyalty and defiance remains clear. Public celebrations showcased pride and commitment. But the undercurrent of economic frustration suggests that the conversation inside Iran is far from settled.
Iran Revolution Anniversary Rallies in Tehran Marked by Loyalty and Growing Discontent
Politics
Title: Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Leaves Small Canadian Town Devastated
Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Leaves Small Canadian Town Devastated
Politics
Extreme Cold in New York City Leaves 18 Dead as Temperatures Slowly Rise New York City is recovering after a severe cold wave claimed 18 lives. Officials confirmed that the extreme winter conditions, which began in late January, led to one of the longest freezing streaks the city has seen in decades. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city faced 13 straight days of temperatures at or below 0C, a rare event not seen at this scale since 1963. Over the weekend, another person died on the streets, bringing the total number of deaths to 18. He called each loss a tragedy and urged residents to continue looking out for one another. Record Breaking Cold Snap Hits NYC The cold spell started on 19 January when the city announced a Code Blue emergency. This measure allowed homeless shelters to relax intake rules so more people could come inside and stay warm. Since then, officials have placed about 1,400 people into shelters. The city also added 64 hotel rooms to increase shelter space. Outreach teams expanded their efforts as well, with at least 150 additional workers sent onto the streets to assist vulnerable residents. Earlier reports confirmed that at least 10 victims were found outdoors. Authorities have not released full details about the remaining deaths. Although temperatures have started to rise, they remain below seasonal averages. The National Weather Service expects readings to hover around 0C this week. Normally, temperatures reach about 4C during this time of year. Dangerous Wind Chills and Ongoing Risks An Arctic air mass swept across the region over the weekend. It brought intense wind chills that made conditions feel even colder than the actual temperature. These conditions increased the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. While the 13 day freezing streak officially ended on Friday, the danger has not fully passed. Melting snow and ice may fall from rooftops without warning. Streets and sidewalks can refreeze overnight, creating hazardous walking and driving conditions. NYC Emergency Management continues to warn residents to remain cautious. City officials advise people to stay indoors whenever possible and check on elderly neighbors, homeless individuals, and anyone without reliable heating. Mayor Mamdani reminded residents that even 35 degrees Fahrenheit is far from warm. He emphasized that the city will continue working to protect New Yorkers during the remaining cold days.
Extreme Cold in New York City Leaves 18 Dead as Temperatures Slowly Rise
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