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reed birney

The Wind Energy Standstill: What's Really Going On?

January 21, 2026

The Trump administration has put a stop to several big wind energy projects along the East Coast. They say it's because of national security worries, but they won't share any details. This has left the companies building these projects in the dark. The Interior Department sent stop-work orders to f

politics

Gaza Board of Peace: A Divided Response

January 21, 2026

The Board of Peace, a new initiative by the U. S. President, has sparked mixed reactions among Western European nations. Some countries have outright rejected the invitation, while others remain unsure. This board, initially meant to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, has grown into a larger project. It ai

health

North Carolina's Big Move: Wiping Out Medical Debt for Millions

January 21, 2026

North Carolina made a bold move. It cleared medical debt for 2. 5 million people. This happened because of a deal with all 99 hospitals in the state. They agreed to cancel old debts and offer discounts to those who qualify. Dawn Daly-Mack, a nurse from Gaston, got a surprise. She found a letter in

politics

Latin Americans' Mixed Reactions to U. S. Involvement in Venezuela

January 21, 2026

People across Latin America had strong feelings about the U. S. getting involved in Venezuela. News of Nicolás Maduro's capture sparked lively discussions in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and even Peru. In schools, workplaces, and social media, people shared their thoughts. But unlike past events, t

politics

Syria's Government Takes Back Land: What's Next for the Kurds?

January 21, 2026

Syria's government has taken control of large areas in the north and east of the country. These areas were once held by Kurdish forces. This change happened quickly. It brings almost all of Syria back under the control of the central government in Damascus. The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led

celebrities

A Couple's Journey: From Health Scare to Welcoming a Rainbow Baby

January 21, 2026

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert have shared their emotional journey of becoming parents. Their story begins with a health scare that put Erbert's life at risk. She had surgery to replace a large part of her skull. This was a big deal, but she made it through. After that, they wanted to start a family.

lifestyle

Choosing Freedom: How One Couple Found Joy in a Child-Free Life

January 21, 2026

In a world where parenthood is often seen as the default, one couple is challenging the norm. Ali and Charlie, aged 33 and 37, have embraced a lifestyle that many find surprising: they chose not to have children. This decision has given them a level of freedom that most can only dream of. They can s

politics

Fewer Journalists Jailed in 2025, But Press Freedom Still at Risk

January 21, 2026

In 2025, there was a drop in the number of journalists locked up around the world. However, the situation is still far from good. As of December 1, 330 journalists were in jail. This is a decrease from the record high of 384 in 2024. But why does this matter? China leads the way in jailing journali

business

Met Opera's Financial Struggles: Layoffs and Budget Cuts

January 21, 2026

The Metropolitan Opera has been trying to stay afloat in a sea of financial troubles. Over the past five years, it has taken some big steps to save money. It has used up some of its savings, made a deal with Saudi Arabia, and cut back on performances. But now, it's still in trouble. The Met recentl

business

Why Cutting Down Trees Hits Your Pocket

January 21, 2026

Forests are more than just trees. They are the backbone of many industries, especially agriculture. When forests disappear, so do the benefits they provide, like clean water and healthy soil. This is not just an environmental issue; it is a business problem. Take coffee, for example. In Brazil, cut