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HUD rental assistance audit reveals billions in questionable payments including aid sent to deceased tenants
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HUD report flags billions in rental aid paid to deceased tenants and possible noncitizens

Federal housing officials say a recent review uncovered billions in rental aid that went to the wrong people during the Biden years. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development…

Donald Trump says the US hit a drug linked facility in Venezuela, raising questions about CIA involvement and escalating pressure on Maduro.
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Trump Claims US Hit Drug Linked Facility

Donald Trump said the United States struck a dock area tied to alleged Venezuelan drug boats. He claimed a major explosion destroyed a site where drugs were loaded onto vessels.…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump hold serious peace talks about ending the war with Russia
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We Need Clear Eyes About Putin If We Want Real Peace In Ukraine

The talks matter, but they are only the start Sunday’s meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended without a grand deal. That was expected. After years of…

Inside an affordable fashion store in India, sweaters and jeans hang on racks, showing budget pricing as fast fashion and delivery apps reach shoppers in smaller cities.
FashionUnited States

Fast fashion and delivery apps are racing to win India’s next billion shoppers

Small cities drive a new shopping waveIn places like Dehradun, young shoppers now walk into Zudio stores looking for stylish clothes at prices they can manage. The brand sells sweaters,…

The US pledges $2 billion for UN humanitarian aid but warns it must "adapt or die," funding only 17 countries and excluding climate projects.
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US Pledges $2 Billion to UN, Demands Reform in Humanitarian Aid

The United States has pledged $2 billion (£1.5 billion) to fund United Nations humanitarian programs. However, it warned the UN it must "adapt or die." Jeremy Lewin, President Trump's Under…

Six IS militants and three police officers died in a clash in Yalova, Turkey, during a police operation targeting extremist suspects.
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Clash in Turkey Leaves 6 IS Militants, 3 Police Officers Dead

Operation Targets IS Militants Across 15 ProvincesIslamic State militants clashed with police in northwest Turkey on Monday. The fighting killed six militants and three police officers. Eight other officers and…

Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds cause winter travel delays across the U.S., affecting flights, roads, and commuters post-holidays.
NewsUnited States

Winter Storms Disrupt Post-Holiday Travel

Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds are making post-holiday travel difficult across much of the U.S. Blizzard and Snow Alerts A bomb cyclone brought snow from the Midwest to the…

Authorities continue searching for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who went missing on Christmas Eve during a morning walk in Texas.
NewsUnited States

19-Year-Old Camila Mendoza Olmos Missing in Texas

Texas authorities continue searching for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who disappeared on Christmas Eve after failing to return from her usual morning walk. What She Was Wearing Officials say Olmos…

Erica Fox, a Pebble Beach triathlete, was found dead after a suspected shark attack during a swim in Monterey Bay, California.
NewsUnited States

Body Found on California Coast Confirmed as Missing Triathlete

Erica Fox, 55, from Pebble Beach, has been confirmed dead after going missing amid a suspected shark attack in Monterey Bay on December 21. Two witnesses reported seeing a shark…

Marjorie Taylor Greene admits she was naive for believing Trump is a man of the people, reflecting on her break with him and political growth.
NewsUnited States

Marjorie Taylor Greene Admits She Was ‘Naive’ About Trump

Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is days away from stepping down as a Georgia congresswoman, has said she “was just so naive” for believing Donald Trump was a man of the…

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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
News
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
Weather
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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