CIA

Dec 31 2025FINANCE

US Markets: A Year of Big Wins and Big Swings

The US stock market is on track to finish a remarkable three-year streak. The S&P 500 is up 17% this year, adding to gains of 23% in 2024 and 24% in 2023. This rare feat has only happened five times since the 1940s. What drove these gains? Strong company earnings, excitement about AI, and hopes for

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Dec 31 2025POLITICS

Who's Really to Blame? Minnesota's Governor Sparks Debate

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz recently stirred up a storm with his comments on a big fraud case. He said that "a lot of white men should be holding a lot of white men accountable for the crimes that they have committed. " This was in response to fraud in the state's social services, where some peo

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Dec 31 2025OPINION

Why Meeting New People Can Change Your Mind

In a French language class, a person from Russia shared surprising views on the Ukraine conflict. They believed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was at fault for not keeping promises to Russia. This led to a "limited, special operation" by Russia, as they saw it. The conversation was shocking, showing

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Dec 31 2025POLITICS

A Judge's Behavior Under Scrutiny

A nonprofit group has taken a bold step. They filed a complaint against a federal judge. The judge is accused of creating a toxic work environment. This is not the first time such allegations have been made against Judge Sarah Merriam. The Legal Accountability Project, a group that supports judicia

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Dec 31 2025EDUCATION

France Takes a Stand: New Rules for Kids and Social Media

France is making big moves to protect kids from social media. Starting in 2026, kids under 15 won't be allowed to use social media. This is part of a bigger plan to keep kids safe online. The French government is also planning to ban phones in high schools. This rule is already in place for younger

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Dec 31 2025LIFESTYLE

New Year's Eve: The Rise of the Homebodies

New Year's Eve is often seen as a time for big parties and grand celebrations. But for many people, especially after a tough year, staying in is becoming the new norm. This shift isn't just about avoiding crowds or saving money. It's about choosing comfort and personal well-being over the pressure t

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Dec 31 2025POLITICS

New York's New Leader: Zohran Mamdani Takes Office

Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City's new mayor, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape. At just 34 years old, Mamdani is not only young but also a democratic socialist, which has sparked a mix of excitement and worry among the city's 8 million residents. Mamdani's

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Dec 31 2025POLITICS

Ukraine's 2014 Social Media Divide: A Data-Driven Look

In 2014, Ukraine saw deep divisions in its society. These splits were not just about politics. They were also about people's feelings and where they lived. To understand this better, researchers looked at Twitter data. They used this data to study how opinions changed over time and space. The study

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Dec 31 2025BUSINESS

A Company's Shift from Bitcoin to Health

Prenetics, a company known for its health and wellness products, has decided to stop buying Bitcoin. They started this Bitcoin buying spree in June but have now put a pause on it. The company has kept 510 Bitcoins in its accounts, along with a good amount of cash. Prenetics is now focusing more on

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Dec 31 2025FINANCE

Maximizing Your 401(k): A Smart Move for Your Future

In 2024, only a small group of people, about 14%, who have retirement plans like 401(k)s or 403(b)s, are putting in the highest amount allowed. This maximum amount is $23, 500 per year, but if you're over 49, it goes up to $31, 000, and even higher for older workers due to recent law changes. Why i

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