Keeping Up With America

Nearly 300 Detroit residents forced out of homes after water line break: Nearly 300 Detroit residents moved into hotel rooms this week after a water main break flooded their homes with icy water and disabled furnaces amid subfreezing temperatures, officials said.

Home of Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban burglarized on Valentine’s Day: The home of actress Nicole Kidman and musician Keith Urban was burglarized on Valentines Day, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said.

Jury finds rapper A$AP Rocky not guilty in gun assault trial: Rapper A$AP Rocky was found not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after he was accused of shooting at his onetime friend and bandmate following a heated argument in 2021.

USDA accidentally fired officials working on bird flu and is now trying to rehire them: The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday that, over the weekend, it accidentally fired “several” agency employees who are working on the federal government’s response to the H5N1 avian flu outbreak.

Judge denies states’ bid to curtail DOGE’s powers: A federal judge on Tuesday denied an effort by 14 states to immediately block Elon Musk and his advisory Department of Government Efficiency from accessing data systems or making personnel decisions at seven federal agencies.

Around the World

Scotland frees hundreds of inmates as U.K. grapples with prison overcrowding crisis: Hundreds of prisoners will be freed in Scotland as part of a broader emergency response to ease the burden of overcrowded prisons across the United Kingdom.

U.S. and Russia agree to restore embassy staffing in high-level talks on Ukraine war: The United States and Russia agreed in high-level talks Tuesday to re-establish embassy staffing in a reversal of American policy by President Donald Trump, fueling fears in Kyiv and building up Moscow’s hopes of re-entering the international mainstream.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

KFC moves U.S. headquarters from Kentucky to Texas

Intel pops 16% for best day since March 2020 on potential breakup

Nike teams up with Kim Kardashian shapewear brand Skims as it looks to reach more women

Richer, Wiser, Happier

What’s the mortgage rate forecast for March 2025?: A mix of high home prices, low inventory and steep mortgage rates has caused homebuying activity to drop. At the end of 2024, the median sales price for houses sold in the U.S. was $419,200, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Average mortgage interest rates for a 30-year term were 6.87% as of February 13, 2025, based on data from Freddie Mac.

The IRS Could Take a Cut of Your Social Security Benefits if Your Income Exceeds Certain Thresholds | Kailey Hagen, Fool. I’ve yet to meet anyone who gets excited about filing their taxes, but for most it’s a dull afternoon and then they get a refund deposited to their bank account. That’s not the case for many seniors, though. There’s usually no tax withholding on their retirement account withdrawals, so many actually owe the IRS money at tax time.

What is the rule of 72 for credit card debt (and why does it matter)?: We’ve all heard about the dangers of credit card debt, but few people truly grasp how quickly this type of debt can spiral out of control. It typically starts with a small balance that you plan to pay off in the next month or two, but before you know it, the interest charges on that debt have doubled what you originally owed. Credit card companies win big by charging this type of compound interest, and if you’re not paying attention, your debt can grow at an alarming rate.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Lonnie Walker returns to NBA on 2-year, $3.7M deal with 76ers | Sources: Justin Turner, Chicago Cubs agree on 1-year, $6M deal

‘Court of Gold’ Director on Making Kevin Durant Cry, Getting Kicked Out of Serbia’s Locker Room and Interviewing 7’3” Victor Wembanyama on a Stool | Steven Spielberg’s New Film Moves to June 2026, Daniels’ ‘Everything Everywhere’ Follow-Up Removed From Calendar

Marlon Wayans drops AI-generated country music diss track to taunt Soulja Boy amid feud | Duchess Meghan shares rare photo of Princess Lilibet, launches As Ever lifestyle brand

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

10 Closet Organization Mistakes to Avoid, According to Experts

AOC’s Quiet Coup Could Wipe Out Your Retirement

The Single Ingredient That Makes Your Grilled Cheese Unforgettable

The 10 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors or Outside, Recommended by Garden Experts