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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte addressing European leaders about defense reliance on the U.S.
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NATO Chief Warns Europe Can’t Defend Itself Without U.S. Amid Greenland Tensions

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told European leaders that Europe depends on the United States for its defense. His warning comes as tensions rise over President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland.…

Rep. Vern Buchanan speaking in Congress, symbolizing his retirement after 20 years
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Florida GOP Rep Vern Buchanan Retires After 20 Years in Congress

Florida Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan announced he will retire after two decades in the House of Representatives. The 74-year-old lawmaker has served his southwest Florida district since 2003. Part of…

DHS building with a warning sign, representing potential shutdown and funding disputes
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DHS Funding Showdown: Democrats Threaten Government Shutdown While Immigration Funding Remains Secure

Senate Democrats are threatening a partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. Their push comes after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a Minnesota immigration operation.…

First Lady Melania Trump speaks on national unity and peaceful protests amid Minneapolis tensions
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Melania Trump Urges National Unity Amid Minneapolis Tensions

First Lady Melania Trump called for calm and national unity Tuesday. This comes after the fatal shootings of two civilians by federal agents in Minneapolis. Advocating Peaceful Protests Mrs. Trump…

Israeli Defense Forces patrol the West Bank as security concerns shape the two-state debate
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How Israel’s West Bank Security Shapes the Two-State Debate

The Israel Defense Forces carried out around 80 brigade-level counterterrorism operations across the West Bank last year, neutralizing hundreds of militants and confiscating over 1,300 weapons, according to military data.…

Title: US Government Invests $1.6 Billion in Rare Earths Firm to Reduce Dependence on China
BusinessUnited States

US Government Invests $1.6 Billion in Rare Earths Firm to Reduce Dependence on China

US Government Takes Stake in Critical Minerals Firm The Trump administration is set to invest $1.6 billion in USA Rare Earth, a US-based company that mines and processes rare earth…

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar addressing the media after Trump criticizes her on Truth Social
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Ilhan Omar Responds After Trump Targets Her on Truth Social

Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota fired back at President Donald Trump after he criticized her in a Truth Social post on Monday. Trump’s Accusations In his post, Trump claimed,…

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking at Davos about defense and U.S. relations
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Canada a Small Power Testing Its U.S. Alliance

Canada, our friendly neighbor to the north, has 42 million people and a $2.4 trillion economy, yet it spends less than 2% of GDP on defense. Prime Minister Mark Carney…

Gregory Bovino leaving Minneapolis amid changes to federal immigration operations
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Bovino Set to Leave Minneapolis as Trump Reshapes Immigration Operations

President Donald Trump is changing how immigration enforcement works in Minnesota. One key figure is leaving Minneapolis after strong public backlash. Bovino Exits Minneapolis Role Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino…

President Trump addressing immigration policy as changes unfold in Minnesota
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Trump Adjusts Minnesota Immigration Strategy as Doctors Break With CDC on Child Vaccines

Political pressure and public reaction are driving change on two major fronts. President Donald Trump is reshaping immigration operations in Minnesota after a deadly shooting, while a leading group of…

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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.
The Best Live Music Venues in New Orleans: Insider Tips from Andrew Duhon
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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 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.
Ancient Viking Rune Stones Reveal Messages of Love, Loss, and Celebration in Sweden
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Title: Parts of England and Wales See Rain Every Day in 2026
Parts of England and Wales See Rain Every Day in 2026
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US Moves to Secure Critical Minerals The United States has launched a strategy to secure critical minerals. These resources are essential for technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense equipment. Consequently, the US aims to reduce its reliance on China, which currently dominates the market. Global Cooperation at Ministerial Meeting On Wednesday, the US State Department hosted the first Critical Minerals Ministerial. Delegates attended from the UK, European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the meeting, officials discussed access to minerals crucial for computer chips, batteries, and other high-tech products. In addition, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized concerns about “foreign supply” flooding global markets. This situation makes it difficult for other countries to secure funding for mining projects. US Plans for Investment and Tariffs The US also plans to use tariffs to prevent critical mineral prices from falling too low. Low prices can discourage investment. Furthermore, David Copley, a special assistant to President Donald Trump, said the government intends to invest hundreds of billions of dollars into mining projects. Already, companies like MP Materials, a rare earth magnet producer, and Lithium Americas, which provides materials for rechargeable batteries, have received investment. Meanwhile, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explained that the US, Japan, and the European Commission are developing coordinated trade policies to prevent disruptions in mineral supply. China’s Role and Global Reaction Before the ministerial, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged countries to follow market principles and international trade rules. At the same time, China controls most rare earth mining and export approvals. In October, Beijing tightened restrictions on exports, which negatively affected US industries dependent on these imports. Analysts argue that China is using its dominance as leverage in trade negotiations with Washington. Project Vault and Industry Response As part of the US strategy, Trump announced a $12 billion critical mineral reserve called “Project Vault.” Industry experts welcomed the initiative. For example, Wade Senti, president of Advanced Magnet Lab, said, “It’s critical to see the United States take decisive steps to secure our supply of minerals and rare earths.” In addition, the ministerial coincided with a phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The US president described the conversation as “very positive,” showing ongoing diplomatic efforts alongside economic strategies. Looking Ahead Overall, the US plan represents a major step toward reducing dependence on China for critical minerals. By boosting domestic production, coordinating trade policies with allies, and investing in mining projects, Washington hopes to secure a stable supply chain while strengthening its geopolitical position.
TUS Unveils Plan to Reduce Dependence on China’s Critical Minerals
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