Keeping up with America

Alabama prepares for first U.S. nitrogen gas execution after Supreme Court denies stay: Kenneth Smith, 58, is set to die by nitrogen hypoxia — a second attempt by the state to put him to death after a failed lethal injection.

Former WWE employee files sex abuse lawsuit against the company and Vince McMahon: A former WWE employee filed a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing executive Vince McMahon and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including offering her to a star wrestler for sex.

US launches inquiry into AI deals by Microsoft, OpenAI, Google and Amazon: FTC will examine what rights the tech giants’ investments in AI companies have conferred and if those deals harm competition.

New York City mayor declares social media an ‘environmental toxin’: “We are the first major American city to take this step,” the mayor said.

Rents fall nationwide for third straight month as demand cools, report shows: Millions of Americans are getting a measure of relief when it comes to keeping a roof over their head: After skyrocketing during the pandemic, rent is falling nationwide.

Around the World

Qatar ‘appalled’ by reported criticism from Israel’s Netanyahu: Qatar has said it is “appalled” by remarks attributed to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he apparently called its role as a mediator in the Gaza war “problematic”.

Asian shares are mixed, led by gains in Chinese markets following policy moves: Asian shares were mostly higher on Thursday, with Chinese stocks extending gains after Beijing announced a raft of policies to support sagging markets.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

The real issue with artificial intelligence: The misalignment problem

T-Mobile CEO: We’re in an unprecedented moment in technology history

One-third of small business owners worried their company won’t survive 2024

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Cutting down your food budget? Here’s how to save money at the grocery store: As the cost of living rises, you may be cutting back on dining out or ordering in.

How Generative AI Is Changing Personal Finance for Homeowners | John Bodrozic, Kiplinger. An explosion of generative AI technology built on large language models has been released to the market. Both consumers and businesses that service homeowners, such as our digital home management platform, HomeZada, are working on how to incorporate AI technologies to improve the financial management of their homes and how to provide more value to homeowners.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Nets’ Ben Simmons (lower back) could return Monday vs. Jazz, per report | Ranking four NFL head-coaching openings, from most to least desirable

Movie Review: ‘Tótem’ is a masterful child’s-eye view of family and death | Netflix Just Canceled a Major New Sci-Fi Movie — And Confirmed a Terrifying Trend

George Carlin Estate Sues Creators Of AI-Generated Comedy Special In Key Lawsuit Over Stars’ Likenesses | Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ returns to theaters, in IMAX 70mm

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Why Do Dogs Bark at Nothing?

Valentine’s Adventures: 5 Epic Palm Beach Date Destinations

Will It Air Fry? 8 Frozen Foods You Didn’t Think to Try

5 Recommended Reads for the New Year