Keeping Up With America

NY man gets 20 years to life for the kidnapping, attempted robbery of pregnant woman: A New York man received his sentence in connection to the kidnapping and attempted robbery of a pregnant woman and the children under her care in 2023, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office said.

Caitlin Clark’s alleged stalker says he wants to stay in jail and yells he’s ‘guilty as charged’ in court: The Texas man accused of stalking WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark loudly declared he’s “guilty as charged” on Tuesday before a judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Michelle Obama will not attend Trump’s inauguration: Former first lady Michelle Obama will not be attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next week. “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement. No reason was given for her absence.

Minnesota state House Democrats walk out in effort to block GOP speaker vote: Minnesota’s Democratic state representatives walked out Tuesday, failing to show up for the first day of the legislative session to deny the state House a quorum amid a fight over how to manage a chamber that’s set to be equally divided.

Trump Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth pitches himself as a ‘change agent’ as he faces grilling in Senate hearing: Pete Hegseth pitched himself as a “change agent” to lead the Defense Department while Democrats excoriated him as unfit for any military leadership post in the first confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump incoming Cabinet on Tuesday.

Around the World

Queen Elizabeth II was kept in the dark for years about a Soviet spy in the palace, declassified files reveal: Anthony Blunt confessed in 1964 to spying for the Soviet Union as part of the notorious Cambridge Five spy ring during World War II.

Pope Francis, in new book, downplays health issues: ‘I am well’: The pope, who now often uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, says: “The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.”

Lets Talk Business and Tech

CFPB sues Capital One for ‘cheating’ customers out of over $2 billion in interest

OpenAI adds BlackRock exec Adebayo Ogunlesi to board of directors

JPMorgan Chase exec Daniel Pinto, longtime No. 2 to Jamie Dimon, will step down in June

Richer, Wiser, Happier

2 smart credit card debt forgiveness strategies to use (and 2 to avoid): Credit card debt has become a significant financial challenge for many Americans — including many of the cardholders who have tried to maintain responsible habits. Part of the issue is that card rates are hovering at all-time highs right now — the average credit card rate is nearly 23%, while the average retail card rate is over 30% on average. That, in turn, has driven the total amount of credit card debt up nationwide, with total credit card balances sitting at a record $1.17 trillion.

3 Little-Known Perks of Having a High Credit Score | Brendan Byrnes, Fool. A high credit score could land you lower rates on your insurance premiums. A credit report without serious black marks could help to land you your next job. Your bank or credit card company may be more likely to grant requests, like waived fees or a lower APR, to retain your business when you have a high credit score.

Who qualifies for the IRS hardship program?: Dealing with delinquent tax debt may be one of the most stressful financial challenges a person can encounter. After all, between the mounting penalties, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notices and the aggressive collection actions, the repercussions that come with late tax debt can take a severe toll on your financial life — and your stress levels. But if you’re dealing with this type of issue, what you may not realize is that the IRS offers several programs designed to help taxpayers who are genuinely struggling to meet their tax obligations.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

WR Diontae Johnson waived after two games with Texans | Sources: Jimmy Butler reiterates trade demand to Heat’s Pat Riley

Whoopi Goldberg Says ‘I Stand Behind’ Carrie Underwood and ‘Have to Support’ Her Right to Perform at Trump’s Inauguration: ‘I Won’t Be Watching’ | Ridley Scott Set Aside Bee Gees Biopic Over Paramount Deal Issues: ‘They Didn’t Like My Deal. I’m Expensive, but I’m F—ing Good’

Princess Kate cancer in remission: A timeline of the royal family’s biggest moments | Mandy Moore’s family staying with Hilary Duff amid LA fires and GoFundMe backlash

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

14 Things Every Home Gym Needs

3 simple steps to help pee out 69LBS of flab

10 Concrete Ways to Save More for Retirement in 2025

Here’s How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Carpets, According To Experts