Japan hints at using U.S. Treasury holdings as leverage in high-stakes trade talks with Trump Japan’s finance minister acknowledged that its $1.13 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds could be used as leverage in trade talks with the Trump administration. The comments mark a shift from Japan’s previous stance, as frustration grows over U.S. tariffs on…

Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, avocado oil supports cardiovascular health. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin E, lutein and beta-sitosterol. With a high smoke point, it is ideal for frying, grilling and roasting, unlike many processed seed oils. Avocado oil boosts uptake of fat-soluble vitamins in meals, making it perfect for salads and vegetable…

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a widespread issue impacting millions, causing embarrassment, strained relationships and social withdrawal. It is often a symptom of underlying health problems rather than a standalone condition. The root causes of bad breath are varied and can include gum disease, sinus infections, digestive disorders and even diabetes. Identifying these underlying issues…

Gold swings wildly as China’s sudden gold selloff triggers two-week low amid holiday lull On Wednesday, gold prices dropped sharply to a two-week low of $3,220.54 per ounce after Chinese traders sold nearly 1 million ounces on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) and Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE), marking the largest single-day liquidation in months. The…

Spanish authorities ignored grid operator’s warnings before historic blackout exposed green energy risks Spain’s power grid collapse left 60 million in darkness, exposing the dangers of aggressive renewable energy adoption without backup systems. Engineers had warned for years about grid instability from unchecked renewable expansion, but their concerns were ignored. The blackout caused at least…

Prominent climate scientists challenge catastrophic warming claims, argue net zero policies are unjustified Physics shows CO2's warming effect diminishes as concentrations increase, making current levels (420 ppm) nearly saturated. Net Zero policies would lower temperatures by just 0.06°F to 0.5°F – far less than exaggerated model projections. Extreme weather events, like 1930s U.S. heatwaves, occurred…

Factory closures, mass layoffs hit China’s manufacturing sector amid U.S. trade war China's economy faces severe pressure as U.S. tariffs (including a 145 percent levy on some imports) trigger factory closures, mass layoffs and a surge in worker protests, particularly in export-heavy regions like Guangdong and Zhejiang. Hundreds of workers across Sichuan, Inner Mongolia and…

“Wartime Homefront Essential Skills” on BrightU: How billions of microbes can save your garden and your health In episode 6 of "Wartime Homefront Essential Skills," Marjory Wildcraft and Tom Bartels discussed how a thriving garden depends on billions of bacteria, fungi and nematodes working symbiotically — similar to the human gut microbiome — to create…

Moscow draws red line: Ukraine’s 1991 borders are dead as Kiev’s terrorist strikes escalate bloodshed The Kremlin has issued an unequivocal warning: Ukraine’s dreams of reclaiming its 1991 borders are OVER. In a scathing statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Kiev’s latest drone attack on a civilian market in Aleshki, Kherson, as a calculated act…

Walmart commits $350 billion over 10 years to source American-made products, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and create 750,000 jobs. The "Grow with US" program provides small businesses with training, mentorship, and financial tools to scale and sell through Walmart’s supply chain. Walmart’s annual Open Call event allows small businesses to pitch directly to…