Keeping up with America

The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse: Bell County’s population of 400,000 is expected to double in tourists in April.

Privately built lunar lander makes history with successful moon touchdown: The lander, built by Intuitive Machines, touched down on the lunar surface at around 6:24 p.m. ET, overcoming a late-stage glitch with its onboard laser instruments.

AT&T says the outage to its US cellphone network was not caused by a cyberattack: AT&T said the hourslong outage to its U.S. cellphone network Thursday appeared to be the result of a technical error, not a malicious attack.

Apple says Spotify wants ‘limitless’ access to its tools without paying: US tech firm condemns streamer for seeking to overturn its App Store rules as EU judgment is expected.

Dunkin’ adds new caffeine energy drink Sparkd’ Energy in wake of Panera Bread lawsuits: Dunkin’ is releasing its own caffeinated energy drink line called Sparkd’ Energy, the chain announced Wednesday.

Around the World

Russian forces are probing Ukrainian defenses for weak points in the country’s northeast, an official said Thursday, an area where analysts believe the Kremlin seeks to build on its recent success in taking a key city by mounting an ambitious four-pronged offensive to break through the front line.

Germany – Small boat smuggling gang ‘dismantled’ by police, says Europol: Police say they have “dismantled” one of the most active smuggling gangs operating in the English Channel.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Understanding the shift: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on tech layoffs

Debunking The 4 Biggest Myths About Artificial Intelligence in Retail

Entertainment tech news sees Microsoft shuffle their strategy

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Budgeting Tips – Keeping Division Finances on Track: Keeping costs down. To balance a budget, keeping expenses down may be necessary.

Just be careful where, when, and how you have those fights. | Monica Vilhauer, Psychology Today. A new study finds that small fights about money may be good for families. Managing where, when, and how those difficult conversations happen can help bring ease to them.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Ranking NBA’s top 25 players this season: Big man debate at No. 1, Wemby makes list, Steph, LeBron miss top 10 | 2024 NFL offseason primers: All 32 teams’ needs, free agents, draft picks, cap space, and more

Tom Cruise teams up with Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s secret collab with Warner Bros | The Beatles: Sir Sam Mendes to direct four films – one about each band member

How ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Broke New Ground 20 Years Ago | Country breakout star Jelly Roll is going on tour this fall

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

14 Fast Food Slogans You Probably Forgot All About

Rich & Comforting French Onion Soup Recipe Is Low In Carbs

“It should be part of any fitness routine”—get a taste for strength training with this expert’s four-move dumbbell workout

How to Optimize Your Gut Health for a Better-Functioning Brain, According to Experts