Author: Reporter

As chances rise of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the U.S. presidential election, America’s allies are bracing for a bumpy ride. Many worry that a second term for Trump would be an earthquake, but tremors already abound — and concerns are rising that the U.S. could grow less dependable regardless of who wins. With a divided electorate and gridlock in Congress, the next American president could easily become consumed by manifold challenges at home — before even beginning to address flashpoints around the world, from Ukraine to the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent verdict was blunt:...

Israel should not conduct a military operation against the Hamas militant group in the densely populated Gaza border town of Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians, U.S. President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 11, the White House said. It was the most forceful language yet from the president on the possible operation. Biden, who last week called Israel’s military response in Gaza “over the top,” also sought “urgent and specific” steps to strengthen humanitarian aid. Israel’s Channel 13 television said the conversation lasted 45 minutes. Discussion of the potential for a...

Will she make it in time? Intrepid flight trackers online seem to think so. On social media, fans of Taylor Swift and aviation journalists believe they have located Swift’s private jet, labeled “The Football Era,” currently on its way to Los Angeles’ LAX airport and expected to arrive around 3:00 p.m. local time. Her transportation plans onward to Las Vegas, where her boyfriend, NFL star tight end Travis Kelce, will play in the Super Bowl on February 11, have yet to be revealed. Swift’s last song was still ringing in the ears of thousands of fans at the Tokyo...

When Americans gather to watch the Super Bowl on February 11, the culinary choices may be as important as the final score. Because the event can stretch for more than four hours, that raises the risks of foodborne illness if party hosts and guests are not careful. Preparing and keeping foods at the right temperature, avoiding cross-contamination (no double-dipping!), and being mindful about leaving out perishable snacks like chicken wings, meatballs, and veggie platters are all keys to keep people from getting sick, health experts said. Here is a game plan to party safely: CHECK FOR RECALLS Many items...

Elise Plessis has not been in a long-term relationship for 26 years. It was by choice, yet she still suffers FOMO (fear of missing out) when Valentine’s Day rolls around. “I’m the singleton of the family and the friend group,” said the 53-year-old Plessis, who lives in Manitoba, Canada. “Valentine’s Day makes me feel hopeless, like a loser who can’t find anyone who wants me.” But she will not be sitting at home cursing her fate, self-imposed after she tired of “toxic” hookup culture. Instead, Plessis plans to do what loneliness researchers and psychologists advise: She will be helping...