Keeping Up With America

Prosecutors add 2 more alleged victims to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs federal indictment: Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of dangling a person over an apartment balcony and of coercing two additional women into commercial sex acts in an expanded indictment federal prosecutors filed against him Thursday.

Doomed American Eagle flight was carrying elite figure skaters going home from a training camps: A dozen or more elite figure skaters were onboard the American Eagle flight that collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night, officials said.

‘Fear’ and ‘chaos’ grip federal workers as Trump rapidly remakes the government: Fear, anger and confusion have swept across federal agencies as workers grapple with a deluge of orders from President Donald Trump that they see as an effort to “scare” them out of their jobs.

Trans service members say they want to fight for their country, not for their jobs: When Alivia Stehlik, an Army major, came out as a transgender woman in the spring of 2017, she said she was nervous about how her colleagues and other soldiers would react, especially because she’s a physical therapist.

Several top FBI officials are told to resign or face demotion as Trump continues federal purge: Several top FBI executives promoted by former Director Christopher Wray were told Thursday to resign or retire and that they will be demoted or reassigned if they don’t leave, according to one current and three former bureau officials.

Around the World

Germany’s far right upends convention with landmark vote on immigration: Germany’s opposition conservatives won parliamentary approval on Wednesday for a proposal to drastically restrict migration with the help of votes from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), breaking a taboo on cooperation with the far-right.

Syrian rebel leader Sharaa has been declared transitional president: Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, was declared president for a transitional phase on Wednesday, tightening his hold on power less than two months after he led a campaign that toppled Bashar al-Assad.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Shares of fashion giant H&M drop as fourth-quarter sales miss estimates

Apple shares rise 3% as boost in services revenue overshadows iPhone miss

Pending home sales drop sharply in December as mortgage rates surge back over 7%

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Can you get a home equity loan with no credit check?: There aren’t too many cost-effective borrowing options available right now. And after this week’s interest rate pause, the status quo is likely to remain unchanged for at least the next few months. With credit card interest rates hovering around a record high and personal loans sitting close to 13% right now, on average, borrowers may be considering turning elsewhere.

If You’re Still Doing This With Your 401(k), You Might Need to Fix It ASAP | Kailey Hagen, Fool. Whether you’re starting a new job or staying where you work right now, it always makes sense to look at employee benefits you’ve earned. That includes reviewing your 401(k) plan if your employer offers one.

These child tax credit mistakes can halt your refund, experts say: For 2024 returns, the child tax credit is worth up to $2,000 per kid under age 17, and decreases once income hits certain thresholds. The refundable portion, known as the additional child tax credit, or ACTC, is up to $1,700, which you can claim without taxes owed. However, common mistakes could delay your refund, experts say.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Auston Matthews picked as U.S. captain in 4 Nations Face-off | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 52, ‘not satisfied’ as OKC falls

Jake Paul and Logan Paul Will Not Fight —They’re Launching a Max Reality Series Instead | Super Bowl Trailers Set for ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ and ‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,’ but No ‘Wicked 2’ Spot

Bristol Palin opens up about facial paralysis condition | Will Smith announces first album since 2005, previewing pivot back to music

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

15 Unexpected Uses For A Bar Of Soap

5 Reasons To HOLD Your Own Gold & Silver

The Health Benefits of Beets—and the Most Delicious Ways to Eat Them

Eight Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Decluttering Your Home