Keeping Up With America

Oklahoma woman scammed $1.5 million out of elderly women posing as men in fake romances, officials say: In December 2024, Oklahoma officials say Jason Morris convinced his online, elderly girlfriend to send him $120,000 to pay for an oil vessel carrying 700,000 barrels in Alaska he allegedly owned to return to shore. Once the rig returned, she and Morris would move in together.

Texas lawmakers discuss bill allowing guns to be carried at the State Fair: Texas lawmakers are considering a bill prohibiting the State Fair of Texas from banning the carrying of firearms inside the annual fair.

Plane with at least 6 House members clipped by aircraft on taxiway at Reagan National Airport near D.C.: A plane carrying at least a half-dozen U.S. House of Representatives members was clipped by another aircraft on the ground at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., on Thursday, officials said.

House adopts budget blueprint for Trump's agenda after GOP leaders sway holdouts: Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., muscled a revised budget blueprint needed to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda through the House on Thursday, beating back a conservative rebellion that had threatened to sink the measure just a day earlier.

Drastic staffing cuts at the Education Department to be reviewed: The Education Department’s Office of Inspector General plans to conduct a “series of reviews” into the recent mass layoffs at the nation’s education agency, according to a letter obtained by NBC News.

Around the World

L.A. ballerina imprisoned by Russia for treason has been freed: A Russian-American woman who was imprisoned for treason by Russia has been freed, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday.

U.K.'s LGBTQ workers still feel pressured to 'be less gay,' report says: Pride in Leadership's survey of 1,000 LGBTQ professionals found 85% of respondents encountered career obstacles due to their identity.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

State Farm pleads for emergency rate hikes on California homeowners

Fintech’s Affirm, Paypal sink as stocks pull back from massive tariff pause rally

Trump’s pivot on tariffs shows that Wall Street still has a seat at his table

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Americans Scrapping Plans to Buy Cars While Expecting Prices to Jump, Survey Found: Fewer Americans are planning to buy cars because they expect a nearly 15% surge in prices, according to a survey released Thursday. The majority of consumers think it’s a bad time to buy a car, according to a survey of about 1,760 adults conducted by HarrisX, a market research and analytics company, and the marketing firm, Allison Worldwide.

1 Unstoppable Investment Strategy for Buying Bitcoin During a Market Decline | Dominic Basulto, Fool. It's safe to say that Bitcoin (BTC -3.10%) is entering bear market territory. It's now down 30% from its January highs, and investors are understandably rattled. Wasn't 2025 supposed to be the year that Bitcoin skyrocketed in value on its way to $1 million? If you're feeling nervous about Bitcoin during a market decline, the good news is that there is a tried-and-true investment strategy that seems to be tailor-made for the current situation in the financial markets.

Why the inflation drop is good news for new gold investors: Inflation is continuing its descent. That was one of the big economic takeaways on Thursday when the latest inflation reading from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this time for March, showed the inflation rate dropping more than anticipated. Down to just 2.4%, the rate fell from February's 2.8% and has now dropped two months in a row. It's also very close to the Federal Reserve's aimed-for 2% goal, meaning that additional interest rate cuts could soon be back in play, perhaps as soon as when the bank meets again this May.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Lakers' Luka Doncic wipes away tears, then whips Mavs in return | Mets' Pete Alonso showing why he's the guy Juan Soto wanted

Why ‘Black Mirror’ Season 7 Might Be Its Best Shot at Emmy Gold | Rosie O’Donnell’s Doc ‘Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children With Autism’ Sets April Debut on Hulu (EXCLUSIVE)

Soulja Boy found liable of sexual assault, kidnapping of former assistant | Olivia Munn calls postpartum 'brutal' and 'more difficult' than battling breast cancer

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How Much Exercise Do You Really Need?

popular drink linked to Alzheimer’s disease?

How to Grow Green Onions—Plus, Tips for Regrowing Them From Scraps

The Impressive Benefits of Cherries, Plus How to Enjoy Them—Whether Sweet or Tart