VIDEO: About 100 years ago , the town of Nome, Alaska, was a busy place with a population of more than 20,000, most of them gold seekers. Today, fewer than 4,000 people live there, and prospecting for gold is no longer the main occupation. Still many come to this town with a golden past, hoping to find a share of the precious metal.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On December 17, 1777, France officially recognizes the United States as an independent country. The decision, which was made after the Continental Army’s defeat of British forces at Saratoga earlier in the year, was made at the urging of Benjamin Franklin, the American ambassador to France. France was eager to get revenge on the British for their North American losses during the Seven Years War.

A quarter of U.S. government operations could shut down Friday at midnight unless the White House and lawmakers agree on a new spending plan, including whether to fund President Donald Trump’s proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to thwart illegal immigration.

Pakistan-organized peace talks involving U.S. and Taliban officials took place in the United Arab Emirates Monday. Government officials were not immediately available to discuss details of the meeting.

Every Christmas season for the past 14 years, small business owners from across the United States and overseas come to the heart of the nation’s capital to sell their crafts in a festive, village environment.

Vietnam is gradually offering the eager Chinese new places to invest, from real estate to factory production, despite its history of resisting China over political issues.