Keeping Up With America

Seniors in an affluent S.C. community have had it with ‘doggone’ crypto scammers: Marianne, a retired health care worker, was on her way to a breakfast date with her girlfriends in November when her phone rang. The caller, who said he was with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, told her she was in contempt of court for missing jury duty and facing jail time. He connected her to his supervisor, who said she could pay a $7,500 bond to remain free until her court date.

2 pilots rescued after military fighter jet crashes into San Diego Bay: Two pilots were rescued after a military fighter jet crashed into the San Diego Bay on Wednesday morning, officials said, as dramatic video showed the plane falling at a high speed into the water.

Video shows woman give birth on NYC subway with help from fellow passengers: A 25-year-old woman gave birth to a baby girl on a New York City subway Wednesday morning. Police were called to the 34th Street-Herald Square station just after 11:30 a.m. for a report of a woman who gave birth on a northbound W train, authorities said in a news release.

Las Vegas finally breaks its streak of 214 dry days — with 0.01 inches of rain: After 214 straight days with no measurable rain, a drizzle finally came to the Las Vegas Valley. The National Weather Service on Thursday officially measured 0.01 inches of rain at Harry Reid International Airport, snapping one of the longest dry streaks in the city’s recorded history.

Federal prosecutors in New York and Washington resign after refusing to drop Adams charges: The top federal prosecutor in New York and two senior federal prosecutors in Washington have resigned after refusing to follow a Justice Department order to drop the corruption charges against New York City mayor Eric Adams, multiple officials said Thursday.

Around the World

Car rams into Munich crowd injuring at least 28 in suspected attack: At least 28 people were injured Thursday when a car plowed into a crowd in what German authorities called a “suspected attack,” as officials say there are indications the suspect may have “an extremist background.”

Australia braces for ‘very destructive winds’ as Category 5 cyclone nears landfall: Northern Australia is bracing for a Category 5 tropical cyclone that is expected to bring “very destructive winds” and “very heavy rain” to its coastline Friday, with meteorologists warning of gusts up to 180 mph.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Coinbase revenue surges more than 130%, driven by postelection crypto rally

Sony raises full-year forecasts after solid PlayStation 5 sales in the holidays

CVS shares are up 45% this year — here’s why it may be starting to turn its business around

Richer, Wiser, Happier

10 tips for lowering your home insurance premium: With inflation and interest rates straining household budgets in 2025, homeowners are searching for ways to cut expenses. One often-overlooked opportunity for savings is your home insurance premium. After all, homeowners insurance costs have been climbing nationwide, so reducing yours could have a big impact on your budget.

Retiring in 2025? Here’s Why the 4% Rule May Not Work for You. | Maurie Backman, Fool. Sadly, a lot of people go into retirement with minimal savings. But if you’re gearing up to retire this year, you’ve hopefully managed to amass a decent nest egg at this point. But saving up a pile of money for retirement is only half the battle. It’s just as important to manage your savings well so that money doesn’t run out on you.

$100,000 home equity loans: 5 things to know before applying: With borrowing rates remaining high on most options and home equity levels sitting at record high levels, many homeowners are eyeing their home equity as a potential source of funding for major expenses. After all, while rates on shorter-term borrowing options, like credit cards, are making borrowing cost-prohibitive, the rates on home equity products like home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are much lower, so homeowners with substantial equity often find this to be the most affordable route for borrowing large sums of money.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Jets announce split with Aaron Rodgers, wish him success | Yankees’ Marcus Stroman not at camp for first two workouts

‘Yes, Chef!’: Martha Stewart, José Andrés to Host NBC Cooking Competition for Hot-Tempered Chefs | Dave Bautista Says Drax ‘Ran Its Course,’ So He Told James Gunn and the Russo Bros. He’ll Play a New Marvel or DC Superhero: ‘Don’t Count Me Out’

Reese Witherspoon introduces Lexi Minetree as next Elle Woods for ‘Legally Blonde’ series | ‘Twilight’ star Taylor Lautner will play a werewolf hunter in new show: ‘I thought I was out’

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How to Save Money With a ‘Time of Use’ Utility Plan

This Calm Before 2025 Is a Lie—Act Now

10 Ways to Quiet the Most Common Household Noises

16 Ways to Use Frozen Fruit, From Crisps and Crumbles to Cocktails