Flu cases are surging across much of the United States this winter, but a new report offers encouraging news: this season’s flu shot appears to be more effective than many experts initially expected. Early research suggests the vaccine is providing meaningful protection against the H3N2 subclade K strain, which is currently spreading nationwide. That strain … Read more
As global tensions rise, traders are increasingly wagering on war, regime change, and political upheaval through online prediction markets. Platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi have seen a surge in activity tied to geopolitical outcomes, from military strikes in the Middle East to leadership changes around the world. An Investopedia review of two dozen geopolitics-related … Read more
Amie Wilkinson, 45, says student loans are a decision she would approach very differently if given the chance to start over. Wilkinson graduated in 2001 from a college in California with bachelor’s degrees in English and political science, carrying roughly $60,000 in student loan debt. More than two decades later, that balance has grown to … Read more
Job openings declined again in November, signaling further cooling in the U.S. labor market as unemployed workers began to outnumber available jobs for the first time in four years. According to data released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported 7.1 million job openings in November, down from 7.4 million in October and … Read more
The U.S. labor market is showing signs of slowing, and Friday’s jobs report is expected to confirm the trend. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal anticipate that the economy added 73,000 jobs in December, slightly above November’s 64,000, while the unemployment rate is projected to dip to 4.5% from 4.6%. … Read more
Best Housing Markets for First-Time Buyers in 2026 First-time homebuyers in 2026 continue to face challenges from high home prices and elevated mortgage rates. However, certain markets are expected to be more favorable, offering affordability, solid local economies, and a range of amenities, according to a new Realtor.com report. Cities like Rochester, N.Y., Harrisburg, Pa., … Read more
The Trump administration’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and plans to open the country’s oil reserves to major energy companies have sparked renewed pro-colonialist sentiment among some MAGA figures. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, tasked with overseeing Venezuela, praised colonialism on X, arguing that the West’s post-World War II aid to … Read more
Federal law enforcement was involved in a shooting Wednesday in Minneapolis, city officials confirmed. The incident occurred near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, and residents were urged to avoid the area. A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, described the situation as “vehicle ramming related,” saying that a woman allegedly drove … Read more
Grammy-winning banjo player Béla Fleck has canceled his upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center, joining a growing list of artists boycotting the venue after it was renamed to include President Donald Trump’s name. Fleck had been scheduled for three concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra next month. “I have withdrawn from my upcoming performance with … Read more
The Department of Justice is sending additional federal prosecutors to Minnesota to support ongoing investigations into alleged fraud and misuse of federal welfare funds. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the move is aimed at ensuring “severe consequences in Minnesota” and emphasized that the DOJ is prepared to respond to similar cases in other states where … Read more
The Trump administration has released updated U.S. dietary guidelines, encouraging Americans to eat more protein and full-fat dairy while reducing ultra-processed foods and added sugars. Updated every five years by the Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments, the new guidance largely aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative … Read more
Hilary Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, has weighed in on Ashley Tisdale French’s recent essay about toxic mom groups. In a now-deleted Instagram story, Koma shared a photoshopped image of his face on Tisdale French’s body, taken from her essay for The Cut, where she discusses how her supportive circle of mom friends turned mean. Alongside … Read more
A viral Reddit post claiming to expose fraud and exploitation at a major food delivery company has been revealed as an AI-fueled hoax, highlighting the dangers of misinformation online. The anonymous poster, who claimed to be a “whistleblower” despite a strict NDA, alleged that the company used algorithms to reduce drivers’ pay based on tipping … Read more
An Ohio dentist and his wife were fatally shot in their Columbus home, and more than a week later, authorities have released few details as the search for a suspect continues. Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead on Dec. 30 from apparent gunshot wounds. Their two young children were in the … Read more
Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced Wednesday that he is actively working with Venezuelan officials and U.S. oil companies to explore conditions for expanding Venezuela’s oil production. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech and Utilities Conference in Florida, Wright said the goal is to stabilize production, prevent the industry’s collapse, and eventually increase output. Currently, … Read more
In 2017, as Donald Trump prepared to take office, Venezuela’s then-foreign minister Delcy Rodríguez sought to capitalize on the moment. She directed Citgo, a subsidiary of Venezuela’s state oil company, to donate $500,000 to Trump’s inauguration, courted Republicans in Congress, and attempted to arrange meetings with U.S. oil executives. The effort failed to sway the … Read more
Putin Makes Cameo in Beloved Russian Cartoon with Talking Cat and Dog MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise appearance in a popular Russian children’s cartoon, delivering a New Year greeting alongside a talking cat and dog. The animated scene takes place in Prostokvashino, the fictional village that inspired the long-running series. In … Read more
The U.S. has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, formerly the Bella 1 and now the Marinera, after a weekslong pursuit across the Atlantic. The vessel, sanctioned for transporting Venezuelan oil, attempted to evade U.S. authorities by changing its name and flag. In a related operation, the U.S. also apprehended the M/T Sophia, a “stateless” tanker … Read more
A year after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which killed 31 people and destroyed roughly 13,000 homes in Los Angeles County, rebuilding progress remains painfully slow. Fewer than a dozen homes have been reconstructed, leaving many neighborhoods lined with empty lots, charred foundations, and abandoned properties. Even surviving homes often remain uninhabited due to … Read more
Warner Bros. Discovery on Wednesday rejected Paramount Skydance’s amended takeover bid, reaffirming its commitment to an $82.7 billion deal with Netflix. Chairman Samuel Di Piazza said Paramount’s offer “remains inferior” and carries “significant costs, risks and uncertainties” compared with the Netflix merger. He emphasized that the structure of Paramount’s proposal creates “a lack of certainty” … Read more