Keeping up with America

Four people, including three from Southern California and one from Chicago, accused of fraud and money laundering were charged in an alleged “pig butchering” scheme that scammed victims out of more than $80 million over at least 284 transactions, the United States Department of Justice said.

Quaker Oats recalls some granola bars and cereals nationwide over salmonella risk: The Quaker Oats Company said Friday that it is recalling some granola bars and granola cereals sold across the U.S. because they could be contaminated with salmonella, a potentially lethal bacterium.

Homelessness hits its highest reported level as rents soar and pandemic aid lapses, U.S. says: About 653,000 people were experiencing homelessness, the highest number since the country began using the yearly point-in-time survey in 2007 to count the homeless population.

Vermont, ranked as one of the safest states, sees dramatic spike in gun violence: The recent shootings of three college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont’s largest city come as the small rural state, often ranked as one of the nation’s safest, is grappling with a spike in gun violence.

US Congress passes stripped-down measure to release UFO records: National Archives directed to collect reports but measure gives government departments broad authority to keep them secret

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Around the World

International court rules against Guatemala in a landmark Indigenous and environmental rights case: Guatemala violated Indigenous rights by permitting a huge nickel mine on tribal land almost two decades ago, according to a ruling from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Friday.

Shipping firm pauses Red Sea journeys over attacks: Danish shipping company Maersk has said it is pausing all journeys through the Red Sea.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

How can this matcha tea trader keep nurturing her business? Lauren Danson Purvis’s company, Mizuba, has had a successful 10-year run.

What does it mean to trust a technology? A survey published in October 2023 revealed what seemed to be a paradox.

DeepMind AI outdoes human mathematicians on unsolved problem: Large language model improves on efforts to solve combinatorics problems inspired by the card game Set.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Helping aging loved ones with finances: For older adults, sometimes finances can become something that’s too difficult to manage.

Single? Married? How Relationship Status Impacts Your Money Mindset | Kathryn Pomroy, Kiplinger. Single? Partnered? Widowed? Relationship status plays a big role in how women think about and manage their money, as demonstrated in a new study from financial services organization Equitable. Equitable employed an independent research firm to survey more than 1,200 U.S. women, ages 18 to 77. The study, “Women, Money and Relationships,” explores how single, married/partnered, divorced or widowed women manage their finances.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Giants DC Wink Martindale: Pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux ‘becoming that football savant’ in Year 2 | UNC Basketball: Tar Heels Practice in NBA Team’s Facility

Michael Kendall’s Midwood Media Makes $100M Power Move in Film Industry | John Krasinski teases ‘The Office’ reunion in ‘IF,’ about imaginary friends

What to know about ketamine, the drug linked to Matthew Perry’s death | Jason Momoa Says the Future of ‘Aquaman’ Films Is “Not Looking Too Good”

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

18 Brilliant Gifts for the Movie Buff in Your Life

Ina Garten’s Salted Caramel Nuts Are the Best Holiday Party Favor

5 steps for making tech ethics work for your company

8 Ways to Feel Happy and Healthy this Season