Keeping up with America

Think you can stay off your phone? One company will pay you $10,000 to do a digital detox: Staying off your phone for a full month may sound like an impossible ask, but one company promises to make it worth your while.

A woman alleges Panera’s highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade caused her to develop permanent heart problems: A lawsuit says that Lauren Skerritt, 28, was an athlete with no underlying health issues before she drank the lemonade, which has also been blamed for two deaths in other lawsuits.

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend: Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely.

Tech billionaires want to build a new city in rural California. Voters may get a say on it: California Forever, which bought 60,000 acres, has received fierce opposition from local officials and environmental groups.

Drinking 100% fruit juice linked to weight gain in kids; doctor suggests alternatives: Dr. Darien Sutton explains why whole fruit is more nutritious.

Around the World

Russia protest - Crowds clash with riot police as activist jailed: Russian riot police fired tear gas and hit protesters with batons in Bashkortostan on Wednesday after a rights activist was sentenced to four years in a penal colony.

Medicine for hostages and Palestinians arrives in Gaza under first Israel-Hamas deal since November: A shipment of medicine for dozens of hostages held by Hamas arrived in Gaza on Wednesday, part of a France- and Qatar- mediated deal that marked the first agreement between Israel and the militant group since a weeklong cease-fire in November.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Does your business need a loan? Banks aren't your only option: Nonbank lending is a $1.4 trillion business in the U.S. Plus, the rights of nature in legal proceedings.

New camera technologies could increase school bus safety: There were 12 deaths in school bus-related crashes in Florida in 2021, according to the National Safety Council.

Ten ways artificial intelligence will shape the next five years: Over the past year, artificial intelligence has made a significant impact on the world.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

5 Steps to Take Control of Your Finances: Educating yourself and making well-informed financial decisions will help you greatly in the long run.

10 Best Free First Date Ideas To Save Money as a Single Person | Nicole Spector, GoBankingRates. You needn’t let the prospect of cost discourage you either because, according to dating and relationship experts, there is no shortage of beautiful first dates that are not only cute and thoughtful — but also completely free. Let’s explore 10 options.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

MLB trade candidates: Four teams, including Dodgers and Orioles, with interesting depth pieces to move | NFL Power Rankings, playoff QB edition: Top-shelf QBs are more valuable than ever

James Stewart: Mastering the Art of the Impossible in Film and Commercial Production | Netflix's Spooky 'Fear Street' Film Franchise: Everything to Know

Arnold Schwarzenegger detained due to unregistered watch, reports say | Where to Stream ‘The Bear,’ ‘Beef’ and More of 2023’s Emmy-Winning TV Shows

 Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

Why Do Fire Trucks Come When You Call for an Ambulance?

Boost Your Eye Health With These 10 Simple Tips

Alzheimer's: 5 ideas for keeping relationships with loved ones strong

15 Best General-Interest Nonfiction Books You Dare Not Overlook For Your 2024 Reading List