Keeping Up With America

Prosecutors seek 20-year prison term for founder of failed crypto platform Celsius Network: The founder and former CEO of the failed cryptocurrency lending platform Celsius Network should face 20 years behind bars for lying and self-dealing that cost customers billions of dollars in losses, prosecutors told a judge Tuesday.

Amazon says it won't list tariff charges on ultracheap Haul site after White House calls idea 'hostile': Amazon said Tuesday that it had considered listing tariff charges on Amazon Haul, its discount platform meant to compete with low-cost Chinese e-commerce companies like Temu and Shein, but has decided against it.

After killing unarmed man, Texas deputy told colleague: 'I just smoked a dude': Timothy Michael Randall was on the phone with his mother when a police car pulled up behind his Nissan Altima with its lights flashing. It was just after 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2022, and Randall was heading to his cousin’s house after a night out.

Wisconsin judge suspended by state high court after being charged in federal immigration case: The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended a judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities.

Hegseth boasts about ending ‘woke’ program on women and security. Trump signed it into law: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasted on social media Tuesday that he had dismantled a program supporting women on security teams, an initiative that he called “woke” but actually was signed into law by his boss, President Donald Trump.

Around the World

Alleged ISIS member accused by Iraqi officials of playing a role in inciting New Orleans terror attack: An alleged member of the Islamic State is being questioned in Iraq after officials in that country accused him of playing a role in inciting the deadly New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans.

Former aide to far-right German lawmaker charged with spying for China: A man who worked for a prominent German far-right lawmaker in the European Parliament has been charged with spying for China for more than four years, authorities said Tuesday.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Trump signs order easing some auto tariffs

Venmo revenue grows 20%, with debit card payment volume soaring

Pfizer CEO says tariff uncertainty is deterring further U.S. investment in manufacturing, R&D

Richer, Wiser, Happier

What is the success rate of debt settlement?: The total collective household credit card debt nationwide hit a new high in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching $1.21 trillion, an uptick of over $45 billion compared to the prior quarter. The number of credit card accounts that were at least 90 or more days past due also increased during Q4 of last year — a clear sign that credit card debt has become a heavy burden for some borrowers, one that they may not be able to get rid of on their own.

How to Protect Your Retirement Savings -- Even if Trump's Tariffs Threaten to Drain Them | Dana George, Fool. A recent survey commissioned by the financial services company Beyond Finance asked 2,000 Americans how they feel about their finances. Only 13% said they feel "very good," while another 28% reported feeling "somewhat good." That leaves 59% feeling not so great.

Does refinancing your home equity loan into a HELOC make sense this May? Experts weigh in: Home equity lending products have come to the forefront of homeowner funding sources as rates for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have steadily declined over the past year or so. While both are materially lower than what's available with credit cards and personal loans, home equity loans have higher rates than HELOCs right now, on average: 8.51% for 10-year loans and 8.42% for 15-year loans. Average HELOC rates dipped this past week to 7.94%, making them more than two full percentage points lower than where they were in September 2024, according to Bankrate.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

QB J.J. McCarthy: 'I know I'm ready to start' for Vikings | Brandt Snedeker, Geoff Ogilvy named Presidents Cup captains

‘Overcompensating’ Sets Trailer; Lukas Gage, Megan Fox and Bowen Yang to Guest Star (TV News Roundup) | ‘The Smashing Machine’ Trailer: Dwayne Johnson Is Unrecognizable as UFC Legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s Biopic From A24

Channing Tatum, model Inka Williams appear to confirm romance: 'Most gorgeous human ever' | Martha Stewart reveals she's never ordered food for delivery

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

‘Wrong Phone Number’ Scams Are on the Rise

Trump spares smartphones – here’s how to play it

Do Seeds Expire? Here's How To Know If They're Still Good

11 Ways to Use a Handheld Milk Frother, From Whipped Cream to Smooth Tequila