Most people will face at least a couple of large expenses at various points in their lives — and it’s usually smart to prepare for those expenses by saving over time to cover them. For example, when you want to buy a car, put a down payment on a home or take a vacation, you may need to save to …

In today’s economy, with cooling but still stubborn inflation and higher interest rates meant to combat it, many Americans may find themselves looking for new ways to help make ends meet. Relying on traditional products like credit cards and personal loans can be costly currently thanks to double-digit interest rates on both. Homeowners, however, have a safe and reliable option …

Homebuyers hoping for an imminent reduction in mortgage interest rates saw their hopes dashed this month when the newest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed inflation higher than expected. That January report followed a disappointing December one, underlining that more work needs to be done before the Federal Reserve hits its target 2% goal (inflation currently sits at …

President Biden and Democrats started off the year with a significant fundraising edge over former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee, campaign finance reports filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission show. Mr. Biden’s campaign says it entered February with $130 million cash on hand across its affiliated committees. Two of those entities, the Biden for President Committee …

At a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, three men tossed around what looked like a football — but was a baby pig, according to a bystander. Fortunately, the witness rescued the animal from the situation and now the pig has a new home. The alleged incident occurred in a park not far from a Mardi Gras parade earlier this …

Human remains discovered 33 years ago in a remote mountain pass in Colorado have been identified thanks to modern forensic tests, authorities said. Those remains belonged to Steven Kenneth Risku, who was in his mid-30s and lived in Indiana at the time of his death, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced in a news release. The remains were initially found …

A widespread transition to zero-emission vehicles and electricity would dramatically improve the health and well-being of children nationwide and save hundreds of infant lives by 2050, estimates a new report by the American Lung Association. The shift to greener transportation and energy would also prevent 2.79 million pediatric asthma attacks and millions of other respiratory symptoms over the next quarter …

The Biden administration on Wednesday said it is automatically forgiving $1.2 billion in student debt for 153,000 borrowers. Loan holders whose debt will be discharged will receive an email from President Joe Biden today informing them of the forgiveness, the Department of Education said. The debt relief is the latest push from the White House to address the nation’s $1.77 …

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority seemed skeptical Wednesday as a government lawyer argued that the Environmental Protection Agency should be allowed to continue enforcing its anti-air-pollution “good neighbor” rule in 11 states while separate legal challenges continue around the country. The rule is intended to restrict smokestack emissions from power plants and other industrial sources that burden downwind areas with …

Alabama has asked the state’s Supreme Court to approve a date for death row inmateAlan Eugene Miller’sexecution, which would be carried outusing nitrogen hypoxia. The request, filed Wednesday, comes just under a month after Alabama executed Kenneth Eugene Smith using nitrogen hypoxia, the first time the controversial and widely-contested death penalty method was used in the United States. Both Smith …

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, a surrogate for President Biden’s reelection campaign, is meeting in his personal capacity with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Michigan this week to discuss U.S. policy toward Israel, amid a growing push by activists who are encouraging Democrats to cast protest votes in next week’s primary. Local organizers are pushing for Michigan voters …

The parents of Gabby Petito have reached an agreement with Brian Laundrie’s parents to resolve a civil lawsuit and avoid a trial, the families’ attorneys confirmed Wednesday. Petito’s parents and their attorney said in a statement that “all parties reluctantly agreed” to the confidential terms “to avoid further legal expenses and prolonged personal conflict. Our hope is to close this …

Cassie Gray says she doesn’t want diabetes to define her, but it can take a toll. “I feel defeated sometimes, like it takes over my life,” the 14-year-old said. For her mother, Tara, the cost of Cassie’s medication brings an added worry. “We tried to hide some of our stress from our daughter because she already has enough on her …

Beyoncé on Wednesday became the first Black woman to score a No. 1 hit in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, after “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted at the top of the chart. “Texas Hold ‘Em,” a twangy, feel-good ode to the pop superstar’s home state, and the lead single off her forthcoming eighth studio album, dropped during the Super …

Washington — A Navy sailor who was based in Japan was charged by the U.S. military with espionage for allegedly giving classified information to an employee of a foreign government. Bryce Pedicini, a chief petty officer fire controlman, is accused of providing documents to an employee of a foreign government at least seven times between November 2022 and February 2023 …