Keeping Up With America

Appeals court upholds $5 million E. Jean Carroll verdict against Trump: A federal appeals court has upheld writer E. Jean Carroll’s $5 million civil judgment against President-elect Donald Trump. A jury had awarded Carroll the sum in 2023 after finding Trump liable for sexual abusing her in the 1990s and then defaming her after she went public with her allegations.

Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson to remain House speaker: Johnson has faced backlash from some in his party since he passed legislation to prevent a government shutdown without major spending cuts just before the holidays. President-elect Donald Trump backed House Speaker Mike Johnson in his campaign to hold onto the gavel, writing on his social media platform that the Louisiana Republican has his “Complete & Total Endorsement.”

Matthew Gaudreau’s wife gives birth months after her husband and NHL star brother Johnny Gaudreau are killed: Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau’s brother Matthew Gaudreau, gave birth to her first child just months after her husband and his brother were killed by an alleged drunk driver. The new mom shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, revealing her baby boy’s name: Tripp Matthew.

Chess champion returns to tournament after being fined for wearing jeans: Magnus Carlsen had quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of a pair of jeans, violating the dress code. Facing a public relations checkmate, the International Chess Federation surrendered and allowed world champ Magnus Carlsen to wear jeans Monday at the World Blitz Championship in New York City.

State funeral for Jimmy Carter to be held Jan. 9: Former President Jimmy Carter’s official state funeral will be held Jan. 9, the same day as a national day of mourning announced by President Joe Biden on Sunday. Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy for the former president, and on Monday he ordered federal offices closed on Jan. 9 “as a mark of respect” for Carter. The Supreme Court followed suit in the afternoon, announcing it would also be closed that day in recognition of the day of mourning.

Around the World

What we know about the South Korea plane crash that killed 179 people: A major investigation was underway Monday after 179 people were killed in one of South Korea’s deadliest plane crashes ever when an airliner belly-landed at Muan International Airport on Sunday before skidding into a wall and bursting into flames.

Concerns grow after Israeli forces detain the director of besieged Gaza hospital: Concerns are growing for the safety of a prominent hospital director in Gaza who was taken into Israeli custody after the Israel Defense Forces raided the site, detained scores of people and forced the closure of one of the last functioning medical facilities in the enclave’s north.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Treasury yields dip as final trading week of 2024 kicks off

Ransomware is 35 years old and now a billion-dollar problem. Here’s how it could evolve

Natural gas surges as much as 20% on expectations for colder-than-usual January on the East Coast

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Can you remove collections from your credit report without paying?: Having a collection account on your credit report can feel like a heavy burden, as it can significantly impact many areas of your life — and your finances — including your ability to secure loans, rent apartments or even land certain jobs. In fact, one of the most damaging marks on a credit report is a collection account, so if this issue comes up, it’s important to try and tackle it as quickly and effectively as possible. Otherwise, you could end up paying a hefty price, both literally and figuratively.

3 Important Changes Coming to Social Security in 2025 Everyone Must Know | Adam Levy, Fool. Social Security won’t get the overhaul it needs in 2025, but these three changes could have a big impact on you. The clock is ticking on politicians in Washington to make major Social Security reforms. Without changes to the program, the Social Security Board of Trustees expects to deplete the trust fund by 2033 as outflows continue to exceed inflows. At that point, inflows from Social Security tax will only support 79% of benefits due to retirees.

WR Diontae Johnson looking for ‘fresh start’ with Texans | Cam Skattebo, Arizona State confident about CFP matchup vs. Texas

House Of Black’s Julia Hart on AEW Return, Feuding With Jamie Hayter, and Horror Inspirations | Spencer Boldman Playing Country Music Legend Ronnie Milsap in Biopic (EXCLUSIVE)

Anthony Hopkins celebrates 49 years of sobriety and his ‘unexpectedly long life’ | Keanu Reeves says heart wants ‘John Wick 5,’ but ‘I don’t know if my knees do’

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Five Ways to Save Money With a ‘Low-Buy’ Period

Seven Ways to Repurpose a Closet Into a Totally Different Space

THIS can lower A1C in seconds

Don’t Use Your Christmas Tree for Firewood (but You Can Recycle It in Other Ways)