Keeping Up With America

Florida jury convicts CNN of libeling Navy veteran in Afghan story: A Florida jury on Friday found CNN guilty of libeling a U.S. Navy veteran in a 2021 story about people paid to rescue endangered Afghans following the Taliban takeover of that country. The jury in Panama City, Florida, deliberated for more than eight hours starting Thursday before ruling in favor of Zachary Young, who blamed CNN for destroying his business by showing his face onscreen in a story about a “black market” that was smuggling out desperate Afghans for high fees.

Louisiana State Police engaged in pattern of excessive force for years, scathing DOJ report finds: The Louisiana State Police for years have used excessive force during arrests and vehicle pursuits, a statewide pattern of misconduct that places the public at “serious risk of harm,” according to a scathing report released Thursday by the U.S. Justice Department.

College students appear in court in case stemming from 'Catch a Predator' fad on TikTok: Five Massachusetts college students appeared in court Thursday, accused of plotting to lure a man to their campus through a dating app and then seizing him as part of a “Catch a Predator” trend on TikTok. The Assumption University students, all teenagers, were arraigned on conspiracy and kidnapping charges. Not-guilty pleas were entered for all of them, and they are due back in Worcester District Court on March 28 for a pre-trial conference.

Biden says the Equal Rights Amendment is ‘the law of the land.’ What is it, and what happens next?: President Joe Biden’s symbolic declaration on Friday that the Equal Rights Amendment is “the law of the land” likely only sets up more debates for Congress and the courts over the constitutional prohibition on gender-based discrimination.

Supreme Court takes up parents’ bid to opt out of LGBTQ content at elementary schools: The Supreme Court on Friday took up a new dispute on the tensions between LGBT rights and religious rights by agreeing to hear a claim by parents of elementary school students in Maryland who objected to books available in classrooms concerning gender transition and same-sex relationships.

Around the World

Russia and Iran sign a partnership treaty to deepen their ties in the face of Western sanctions: Russian and Iranian officials say the “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” covers all areas — from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture.

Jewish leader's former home is vandalized in Sydney's latest antisemitic attack: A home in Sydney previously owned by a senior Jewish community leader was vandalized on Friday morning and two cars were set on fire, with one spray-painted with an antisemitic slur, Australian authorities said.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

FTC sues PepsiCo, alleging price discrimination is raising costs for consumers

Crypto firm Digital Currency Group to pay SEC $38.5 million for misleading investors

Vanguard to pay more than $100 million to SEC over violations involving target date retirement funds

Richer, Wiser, Happier

5 ways to spend less money in 2025: Getting in shape is always a popular New Year's resolution, but this year, many Americans are also making financial fitness a top priority. That way, they can get a better handle on their finances, as the inflationary issues that have caused prices of essentials — like housing, gas and groceries — continue to strain their budgets.

3 Social Security Moves to Make in Early 2025 | Maurie Backman, Fool. A lot of us start off the new year eager to tackle different financial resolutions — paying down debt, increasing savings, and kicking expensive habits. But the start of a new year is also a great time to focus on Social Security.

Do you need an appraisal for a home equity loan?: Home equity borrowing can be one of the least expensive ways to access a large sum of money. And, right now, it's one of the only ways to do so. With interest rates elevated on everything from credit cards (near a record high of 23%) to personal loans, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have become clear, cost-effective alternatives. And with the average home equity amount sitting around $320,000 right now, these products also offer a more effective and simple way to borrow a large, six-figure sum of money.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Tsarukyan out of UFC 311, Makhachev to defend title vs. Moicano | Thunder even score, rout Cavs in battle of NBA's best teams

CNN Could Face Backlash Over Potential Move of Jim Acosta | Why Would Warner Bros. Fire Its Marketing Chief Ahead of Its Riskiest Movie Slate in Years?

Jamie Foxx is Cameron Diaz's biggest cheerleader on her first film in a decade | Busta Rhymes charged with assault in New York; investigation 'ongoing'

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How to Do an Audit on Your Own Spending

Heart Attack Test: touch your feet like THIS (for 7 sec)

4 Foods to Never Cook In Your Nonstick Skillet, According to a Chef

Yes, You Really Need To Clean Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan–Here's How