As winter tightens its grip on the Northeast, New York City and the surrounding region are experiencing a rapid and unusually severe increase in influenza cases. Health officials say flu activity is rising far earlier and more aggressively than is typical for this time of year, prompting renewed concern across hospitals, clinics, and public-health agencies. […]

In a disturbing incident highlighting rising religious intolerance in parts of India, a Hindu extremist mob violently assaulted two Christian couples and an attorney, holding them hostage for several hours. The attack occurred in Titoli village in Haryana state, near the city of Rohtak, while the group was gathered at a Christian family’s home for […]

Here is the full list of the cybersecurity Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on what made us select them for the competition.

United States ruler Donald Trump has issued a veiled threat to the ruler of Venezuela. Trump said that Nicolas Maduro would be “smart” to get out of his position of power. Maduro has stood up to the U.S. and its increasingly hostile aggressions, saying previously that if the “gringos” attack, Venezuela’s military would respond. Venezuela: …

“If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”- Malcolm X Many just go along with whatever they are told without digging into what has actually been going on in Gaza.  We already know that Israel doesn’t mind distorting …

Billy Strings is getting real about how having a son has changed the way he views music. Last year, Billy Strings and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the world. After a long labor, Strings was happy to share that mom and baby were both healthy and happy. Hilariously, Billy Strings activated full-on dad mode before leaving the hospital. Sharing a video to social media, Strings is sporting all-white New Balance sneakers, cargo shorts with a white polo shirt tucked in,  a black leather phone case (because he has class, duh), and some Costa sunglasses. “First day of the rest of my life.” Talk about a quintessential dad outfit. View this post on Instagram Yeah, I think it’s safe to say that Billy Strings was meant to be a father. Now that Strings has a one-year-old, his life has changed for the better. Earlier this month, Strings had the honor of playing the famed Tiny Desk concert series hosted by NPR. Billy says it was a very special moment in his career to be able to do his own Tiny Desk show: “We’ve been lucky to play a lot of cool venues. But this one’s different. It has that same soul to it because — I’ve seen so many amazing performances that happened right here and I kind of believe that love and spirit kind of soaks into this environment, so just standing here feels like a special thing.” Outside of his performance, he also sat down with Tiny Desk Director & Producer Kara Frame to talk about touring, his creative process, and more. One of the questions that Frame posed to Strings surrounding how his son has changed the way he tours, and how having his son on the road with him is rewarding. Strings shared a very candid answer, noting that having his son on tour has completely shifted his priorities on the road: “The most rewarding thing is just, you know, getting done with work and heading up to the hotel room and them being there. Playing with my dog, watching ‘Bluey’, and doing bathtime, and having breakfast, and all of that.  And it takes me away from all this focus about the gig and the anxiety about the shows. That stuff doesn’t really matter now. It frees me up to sing from a place of joy in my belly because I’m not so worried about if I sound good or not. My priorities have shifted.  Music used to be the most important thing for me to the point where I strangled the life out of it. So worried about it. When I’m singing and playing, it’s like taking the kids to the park and not letting them go down the slide because you’re scared they are going to get hurt. Am I singing the right note? Am I in pitch? So cautious about, ‘Oh man, what if I sound bad?’ Now, I think, yeah, what I’m worried about is, ‘Is everybody okay?’ And my family. Is my son, and dog, and wife okay? And if they are, then I’m free to go sing, and I don’t care if I sound bad.” Billy Strings has been performing mind-blowing shows all winter long, so it’s clear that his ability to unplug fully from music is helping his mind and stage presence. I am sure that being able to play music in the moment and having other things to focus your mind on when you’re not in the studio or on stage is critical to longevity as an artist. Billy Strings’ son is one lucky little guy to have a father who is this present, and Strings is fortunate to have his child on the road with him. It’s a win-win for all family members. Check out the interview below: View this post on Instagram And while you’re here, check out his Tiny Desk concert: The post Why Having His Young Son On Tour Makes Billy Strings A Better Performer first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

President Trump announced last night that he bombed ISIS jihadis in the African country of Nigeria, after he warned nearly two months ago that this might happen if the Nigerian government couldn’t . . .