Keeping Up With America

‘Slender Man’ attacker set to be released after 7 years in Wisconsin mental hospital: The Wisconsin woman, who at age 12 conspired with a friend to brutally stab a classmate to please fictional horror character “Slender Man,” is well enough to be released from a psychiatric hospital, a judge ruled Thursday.

Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution after judge dismisses case of fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting: Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western movie “Rust.”

Delta passengers in Atlanta forced to evacuate plane on emergency slides amid winter storm: Delta Air Lines passengers had to evacuate onto the tarmac at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning due to an engine issue amid a winter storm, according to the airline.

Trump sentenced to penalty-free ‘unconditional discharge’ in hush money case: The New York judge who presided over Donald Trump’s hush money case on Friday sentenced the president-elect to an “unconditional discharge,” meaning he is now a convicted felon in the eyes of New York state law but will face no further penalties.

Haitians in the U.S. under temporary protection in anxious limbo amid shifting immigration policies: Haitians who are in the U.S. legally under temporary programs say they are concerned about their ability to remain in the country as President-elect Donald Trump plans to end the programs and carry out mass deportations on Day One of his administration.

Around the World

Trump says Putin meeting being set up to end ‘bloody mess’ of Ukraine war: President-elect Donald Trump said late Thursday that a meeting is being arranged with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, a summit that would be eyed anxiously by Ukraine and its other Western allies.

Gaza death toll may be 41% higher than official figures, study finds: The number of people killed in Gaza during Israel’s deadly offensive in the Palestinian enclave is significantly higher than the figures reported by local health authorities, researchers at a leading health university in Britain have found.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Insurance stocks sell off sharply as potential losses tied to LA wildfires increase

World’s biggest chipmaker TSMC posts record 2024 revenue as AI boost continues

Chuck E. Cheese makes a comeback, with trampolines and a subscription program

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Why you should get a home equity loan for spring projects now: Home equity loans are used for a wide variety of financing purposes. One of the best ways to use them is for home improvement projects, repairs and renovations. Not only will these have the potential to boost your home’s value (giving you more equity to utilize in the future) but, if used for IRS-eligible purposes, you may even qualify to deduct the interest paid on the loan when you file your tax return.

4 Top Dividend Growth Stocks to Build Your Portfolio Around in 2025 | Justin Pope, Fool. These companies have track records of success, increasing dividends, and fantastic growth prospects, making them all ideal portfolio anchor stocks for a long-term investor. You will want to build your portfolio the right way if you’re going to make money with stocks over the long haul. You wouldn’t build your house on a shaky foundation, would you?

3 ways to maximize your savings returns in 2025: While higher interest rates weren’t great for homebuyers or borrowers over the last two years, they’ve been a boon to savers — allowing consumers to earn significantly more on savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other savings products than they could have in years past.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts clears protocol, set to face Packers | Bradley Beal can ‘play free’ in his new bench role on loaded Suns team, Devin Booker says

L.A. Reporters Cover Devastation in Their Own Neighborhoods During Wildfires: ‘Feels Like a Nightmare’ and ‘Fatigue Is Setting In’ | ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Warwick Davis to Receive BAFTA Fellowship

Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan open home to friends evacuating, encourage aid for LA fires | Milo Ventimiglia chokes up as home with pregnant wife burned down in LA fires

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Three Early Signs Your Home Has a Rodent Problem

What Is The Best Soil For Container Gardening?

Elon Musk’s Goodbye Shocks The Nation

How To Make Baked Potatoes 10x Better, According to an Expert