Keeping Up With America

New Jersey declares drought warning and urges residents to reduce water use: New Jersey’s governor issued a drought warning Wednesday and said the state could implement mandatory water restrictions if conditions worsen.

Teen ‘serial swatter’ behind hundreds of hoax threats across U.S. pleads guilty: In one of the most prolific “swatting” cases ever prosecuted, a teenage “serial swatter” pleaded guilty Wednesday to making hoax threats to schools, religious institutions and government officials about mass shootings and bombings across the country.

House Ethics Committee planned to vote Friday on whether to release report on Matt Gaetz: The House Ethics Committee, which has been conducting an investigation into sexual misconduct and obstruction allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, scheduled a vote for Friday on whether to release its report, according to three sources with knowledge of the committee’s work.

Startling claims made at UFO hearing in Congress, but lack direct evidence: US government employees have been injured by UFOs and the US government has conducted a secret UFO retrieval program, a former department of defense official told a congressional committee on Wednesday, though the hearing lacked any direct evidence to back up the startling claims.

Trump’s pick for defense secretary doesn’t want women serving in combat: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, has said that he believes women should not serve in combat and that he wants to see the military purged of “woke” officials who support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Around the World

Israel accused of crimes against humanity over forced displacement in Gaza: Israel is using evacuation orders to pursue the “deliberate and massive forced displacement” of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, according to a report by Human Rights Watch, which says the policy amounts to crimes against humanity.

Spain arrests top police officer after over $21 million found at his home following record cocaine bust: Spain has arrested one of its top police officers after 20 million euros were found hidden in the walls of his house, as part of a probe into the country’s largest-ever cocaine bust.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Which? launches £3 billion legal claim against Apple over ‘forced’ iCloud use

This Strategy is the Key to Scaling Your Business — and Reducing Costs Along the Way

O2 creates AI tool to waste phone scammers’ time

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Credit card debt just hit a new high. Here’s how to tackle yours now: Credit card debt has been a growing issue nationwide over the last couple of years and it appears that the issue isn’t under control just yet. According to the latest household debt report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card debt hit a staggering $1.17 trillion in the third quarter of this year, up from $1.14 trillion in Q2 2024. This sharp increase highlights the growing financial strain many Americans face as the lingering impacts of high inflation continue to reduce disposable incomes, leading more people to rely on credit to make ends meet.

The Fed Just Cut Interest Rates Again. Should You Sign a Mortgage ASAP?: There’s a reason the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate first in mid-September, and then again in early November. The rate of inflation has been slowing, so the Fed doesn’t need to keep its federal funds rate as elevated.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Ravens’ Lamar Jackson can’t explain 1-3 record vs. Steelers | Giannis erupts for season-best 59 as Bucks outlast Pistons

Sydney Sweeney: Hollywood Says It’s About ‘Women Empowering Other Women’ but ‘All of It Is Fake’ and ‘None of It’s Happening’ | Lady Gaga to Appear in ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

Dick Van Dyke says he ‘fortunately’ won’t be around for Trump’s second presidency | ​​Margot Robbie Used the ‘Titanic’ Soundtrack to Cry in a Scene — And Then Leo and Kate Walked By

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

18 Movies to Get You Into the Thanksgiving Spirit

CASH BANNED: You Won’t Believe Who’s Stopping Payments!

Do You Really Need to Preheat Your Oven Before Using It?

The Best Gadgets to Keep You Warm (That Aren’t Space Heaters)