When the worst happens to your home, a common consolation is, “That is what insurance is for.” But with the price of homeowners’ insurance going through the roof, more people are opting to go without. About 12% of homeowners do not carry homeowners’ insurance, according to a recent Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) analysis. Nearly half…

The United States has recently identified what could be the world’s largest lithium deposit. Lithium — a crucial component in batteries powering a wide range of devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles — holds significant economic potential. China dominates the lithium market today, but if the estimated deposit size holds true, the U.S. could potentially…

On Sept. 27, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, seven presidential candidates participated in the second Republican primary debate. This debate provided an opportunity for the candidates to explain why they believed they were more qualified than the party’s leading candidate, former President Donald Trump, who, once again, did not attend.…

Xi Jinping has greatly expanded his power and authority within China since rising to the presidency in 2013. In similarly authoritarian systems, political disappearances, assassinations, and abductions frequently rise. Throughout 2023, observers have noticed these events playing out in China. Even the most powerful and high-profile Chinese politicians have fallen victim to secretive disappearances and…

With a government shutdown averted for now, Congress faces new challenges. And an A-list celebrity is putting out a warning about artificial intelligence. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Congress passes stopgap funding bill to avert shutdown; McCarthy is called out Congress was able to avert a government shutdown…

California’s longest-serving senator, Dianne Feinstein, has died at the age of 90. President Joe Biden reacted to the news, calling her a “pioneering American and a true trailblazer.” While reactions continue to pour in, attention is already turning to the implications of her absence.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, is tasked with filling her seat.…

Beneath a remote expanse of wilderness in Canada lies a rare mineral deposit that officials have called the world’s most important untapped source of nickel, copper and cobalt. Worth an estimated $67 billion, these metals, located in a region known as the Ring of Fire, are essential for building the batteries that power electric vehicles.…

As the seasons change, Russia adapts its offensive strategy in Ukraine. Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine’s power grid, leaving millions without a regular supply of electricity. Then, in spring 2023, Russia shifted its focus to Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure. As winter approaches again, Putin and his forces are reverting to targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Straight Arrow…

The federal government employs more than 2 million civilian employees and 1.4 million active duty military service members who do not get paid during a government shutdown. But members of Congress, who make $174,000 a year, continue receiving their regular salary.  That’s because Congress members’ compensation is written directly into the Constitution.  Congressional leadership earns…