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Kentucky Volleyball cruises past Cal Poly, will face Creighton in the Elite Eight

Kentucky Volleyball cruises past Cal Poly, will face Creighton in the Elite Eight

Kentucky is now set to face Creighton for a spot in the Final Four.

2025-26 Gamethread #31: New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

2025-26 Gamethread #31: New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

The New Jersey Devils are back in the win column. Can they make it two, now without Timo?

Architect Frank Gehry's Legacy Celebrated Through Iconic Buildings

Architect Frank Gehry's Legacy Celebrated Through Iconic Buildings

Architect Frank Gehry's Legacy Celebrated Through Iconic Buildings

South Sudan's Economic Stability Tied to Chinese and Emirati Influence Amid Sudan Conflict

South Sudan's Economic Stability Tied to Chinese and Emirati Influence Amid Sudan Conflict

South Sudan's economic stability is heavily reliant on Chinese and Emirati activities, according to a report by Janes. The Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC) plays a crucial role in South Sudan's oil sector, which constitutes 95% of the country's exports. China's involvement is seen as a stabilizing factor, supporting South Sudan's political transition through diplomatic engagement. However, the ongoing civil war in neighboring Sudan poses significant risks to South Sudan's economic and social stability, disrupting oil exports and threatening the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

State Department Reverts to Times New Roman to Restore Professionalism

State Department Reverts to Times New Roman to Restore Professionalism

The State Department has announced a return to Times New Roman as its standard typeface, reversing a previous decision to use Calibri. This change is part of an effort to restore decorum and professionalism in official communications, as stated in a recent action request. The decision also aims to abolish what is described as a wasteful Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) program. The move comes amid broader changes in font preferences across various government departments. For instance, the Justice Department will switch to Comic Sans, and the Department of Transportation will adopt Goudy Old Style. These changes reflect a shift in the administration's approach to typography, emphasizing traditional and sometimes unconventional choices.

Federal Grand Jury Declines to Re-Indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for Mortgage Fraud

Federal Grand Jury Declines to Re-Indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for Mortgage Fraud

A federal grand jury has once again decided not to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on charges of alleged mortgage fraud. This marks the second time in a week that the grand jury has declined to pursue an indictment against James. The allegations were related to her involvement in mortgage fraud, but specific details of the case have not been disclosed. The decision was reported by CBS News, with Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen providing coverage. The lack of an indictment suggests that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant a trial, although the exact reasons for the grand jury's decision remain undisclosed.

Realtor.com Forecasts Northeast and Midwest to Lead U.S. Housing Growth in 2026

Realtor.com Forecasts Northeast and Midwest to Lead U.S. Housing Growth in 2026

Realtor.com has released its annual housing forecast, predicting a significant shift in the U.S. housing market by 2026. The report suggests that affordable metropolitan areas in the Northeast and Midwest will surpass the traditionally dominant Sun Belt region in terms of growth in home sales and prices. Cities like Hartford, Connecticut; Rochester, New York; and Worcester, Massachusetts are expected to lead this trend. These areas, termed 'refuge markets,' are attracting buyers who are priced out of major coastal cities. The forecast indicates a pivot towards affordability and value, with buyers increasingly seeking secondary markets that offer lower financial barriers to entry. The top 10 list of projected growth areas includes cities such as Toledo, Ohio; Providence, Rhode Island; and Richmond, Virginia, among others. These markets are characterized by their relative affordability, with a median list price of $384,000, which is below the national median of $415,000.

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Trade

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Trade

The United States has seized an oil tanker, known as The Skipper, which was involved in transporting Venezuelan oil. This action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to intercept ships carrying oil from Venezuela, a country under U.S. sanctions since 2019. The seizure marks the first interdiction of a Venezuelan oil cargo or tanker. The U.S. is increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by targeting vessels that transport oil from countries under U.S. sanctions, such as Iran. The U.S. Justice Department and Homeland Security have been planning these seizures for months, aiming to prevent the proceeds from black market oil sales from funding narcoterrorism.

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Spacecraft Studying Mars Atmosphere

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Spacecraft Studying Mars Atmosphere

NASA has lost communication with the MAVEN spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014 to study its atmosphere. The last successful telemetry was received on December 6, 2025. Engineers are working to re-establish contact and investigate potential causes, including software glitches, power system issues, or antenna failures. MAVEN's mission has been to measure the escape of oxygen and hydrogen from Mars, providing insights into the planet's atmospheric loss over billions of years. Despite the communication loss, the data collected over 11 years remains valuable for understanding Mars' atmospheric history.

House Republicans Push for Vote on ACA Subsidies Amid Expiration Threat

House Republicans Push for Vote on ACA Subsidies Amid Expiration Threat

Several House Republicans, led by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, are pushing for a vote to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. Fitzpatrick introduced a discharge petition, a rare legislative maneuver, to force a vote on extending these subsidies. The petition, co-authored with Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, aims to extend the credits for two years and introduce new eligibility requirements. Over two dozen House members, including 11 Republicans, have signed the petition. The ACA tax credits, expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, are crucial for about 24 million Americans. Without congressional action, these credits will expire, potentially leading to significant premium increases for enrollees.

Study Highlights 'Autonomy Crisis' as a Factor in Worker Burnout

Study Highlights 'Autonomy Crisis' as a Factor in Worker Burnout

A recent white paper from the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has identified a significant 'autonomy crisis' among workers, contributing to widespread burnout. The study reveals that 21% of workers feel they are losing control over their professional futures. This lack of autonomy is linked to increased burnout, with over half of the workforce reporting such experiences. The research highlights that workers who perceive themselves as having autonomy are more adaptable to new work situations, with 91% of these individuals adjusting easily. The findings suggest that autonomy plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction and productivity.

Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Montana Skies This Weekend

Geminid Meteor Shower to Illuminate Montana Skies This Weekend

Montana residents are set to witness a spectacular celestial event this weekend as the Geminid Meteor Shower reaches its peak. Scheduled to occur overnight on December 13 and 14, the meteor shower is expected to provide a stunning display, with the moon's waning phase minimizing interference. The Geminid Meteor Shower is unique because it originates from an asteroid rather than a comet, making it one of the most impressive meteor showers observable from Earth. This year, the shower is anticipated to be particularly strong, continuing a trend observed over nearly 200 years. Additionally, the 3I/Atlas comet, an interstellar object, will make its closest approach to Earth on December 19, although it will remain too distant to be seen without optical aids. Weather conditions, as reported by the National Weather Service, suggest that parts of Montana may experience clear skies, enhancing the visibility of this celestial event.

Senators Hassan and Hawley Demand AI Companies Address AI-Enabled Scams

Senators Hassan and Hawley Demand AI Companies Address AI-Enabled Scams

Senators Maggie Hassan and Josh Hawley have sent letters to major artificial intelligence companies, including Anthropic, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Perplexity, and xAI, requesting detailed information on their strategies to combat AI-enabled scams. The senators are particularly concerned about the increasing sophistication and frequency of scams facilitated by generative AI, which allows non-experts to create realistic fraudulent documents and websites. The letters ask the companies to outline their fraud-prevention strategies, investments, and measures to protect sensitive customer information. The companies have been given a deadline of January 14 to respond.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bill for Mental Health Support in DHS Law Enforcement

Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Bill for Mental Health Support in DHS Law Enforcement

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill aimed at establishing a mental health and wellness program for law enforcement personnel within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed legislation, known as the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act, was introduced by Representatives Andrew Garbarino and Bennie Thompson. The bill mandates the creation of a mental health program within the DHS medical office, benefiting various departmental components such as Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service, and the Transportation Security Administration. The initiative responds to an increase in assaults on DHS personnel and a rise in suicides within the workforce. The program would provide training, education, and resources to raise mental health awareness, prevent suicides, and eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help. It would also include a peer-to-peer support network and access to mental health clinicians and service animals.

U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Oil Tanker with Alleged Terrorist Ties

U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Oil Tanker with Alleged Terrorist Ties

The U.S. Coast Guard has seized an oil tanker suspected of transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The operation, which officials conducted under anonymity, did not disclose the tanker's name or the exact location of the interdiction. This action is part of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as President Nicolas Maduro has announced the deployment of military and civilian defenses across the country. The seizure is linked to efforts to curb the flow of funds to terrorist organizations through illicit oil trade.

GOP Lawmakers Urge President Trump for Aid to Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers Amid Tariff Challenges

GOP Lawmakers Urge President Trump for Aid to Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers Amid Tariff Challenges

Republican lawmakers are appealing to President Trump for additional relief for agricultural equipment manufacturers affected by his tariff policies. Despite a $12 billion bailout for farmers impacted by these trade policies, the tariffs have strained farmers' finances, reducing their ability to purchase new equipment. This has led to layoffs at major manufacturers like Deere & Co. Cory Reed, president of Deere's agriculture and turf division, highlighted the pressure on the U.S. market due to trade flow disruptions and rising internal costs. Kip Eideberg from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers expressed concerns about high tariffs on essential parts that cannot be sourced domestically, which could increase costs for farmers and ranchers. Lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Grassley and Senator John Hoeven, have raised these issues with the administration, seeking targeted relief and regulatory adjustments to make farm equipment more affordable.

Nonprofits Advised to Prioritize Strategic Pivots During Crises for Long-Term Sustainability

Nonprofits Advised to Prioritize Strategic Pivots During Crises for Long-Term Sustainability

Nonprofit organizations are being advised to make strategic pivots during times of crisis to ensure long-term sustainability. Jeanne Bell, a nonprofit strategist, suggests that beyond income diversification and strategic planning, nonprofits should consider initiating necessary staff separations, reducing or eliminating office space, and walking away from funding that no longer aligns with their mission. These actions, though challenging, are seen as crucial for maintaining organizational health and relevance. The advice comes in response to the evolving landscape of nonprofit operations, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fundamentally altered the relationship between nonprofits and their physical office spaces.

White House Cancels Meeting on FEMA Reform Amid Report Concerns

White House Cancels Meeting on FEMA Reform Amid Report Concerns

White House officials have canceled a meeting that was intended to discuss reforms for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The meeting was supposed to feature a panel appointed by President Trump, which had been working for nearly a year to assess FEMA's strengths and weaknesses. The panel's report aimed to streamline FEMA's operations and shift more responsibilities to states, tribes, and territories. However, the meeting was called off due to the need for further vetting of the report, which was criticized for lacking specific procedural changes. The report, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, suggested downsizing FEMA and converting some aid programs into direct block grants.

MMGY Study Highlights Diverse Travel Trends Among Latin American Travelers Impacting Global Tourism

MMGY Study Highlights Diverse Travel Trends Among Latin American Travelers Impacting Global Tourism

A recent study by MMGY has revealed significant shifts in travel behaviors among Latin American travelers, which are expected to influence global tourism trends by 2026. The study, titled 'Portrait of Latin American International Travelers,' surveyed 3,774 travelers from Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. It highlights the diverse travel planning, booking, and spending patterns across these countries. For instance, travelers from Peru, Mexico, and Brazil are expected to take more than 2.5 international trips in the coming year, with Brazilians and Mexicans planning the highest annual spending. Safety and service quality are top priorities, with a significant number of travelers preferring premium flying options. The study also notes the growing influence of digital tools and social media in travel planning, particularly among younger generations.

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister's Unpublicized Visit to Israel Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister's Unpublicized Visit to Israel Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu recently made an undisclosed visit to Israel, as reported by Reuters. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Taiwan and Israel, focusing on areas such as trade, technology, and culture. The visit underscores Taiwan's strategic interest in enhancing ties with Israel, a nation that has shown significant support for Taiwan compared to other Middle Eastern countries. Despite the visit, both Israel's and Taiwan's foreign ministries have refrained from confirming the details. The visit included meetings with Israeli lawmakers, although the Israeli foreign ministry did not engage with Wu, adhering to its policy of non-confrontation with Beijing.