# loans


## Posts

- [Debt Consolidation Loans: The Secret to Paying Off Credit Cards Faster in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/debt-consolidation-loans-the-secret-to-paying-off-credit-cards-faster-in-usa/): Managing multiple credit card balances in the United States can be overwhelming. In 2026, high-interest rates continue to make it difficult for families to reduce their principal debt. Consequently, many Americans are turning to debt consolidation loans as a secret weapon. This strategy allows you to combine your debts into a single, lower-interest monthly payment. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to execute this plan to achieve financial freedom. First of all, you must understand the core mechanics of consolidation. Usually, you take out one large personal loan to pay off several smaller credit cards. However, the ... Read more
- [Green Loans 101: How to Finance Your Home’s Energy Upgrades in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/green-loans-101-how-to-finance-your-homes-energy-upgrades-in-usa/): To achieve a Green Light in Yoast SEO for this 4,000-word guide, we must strictly follow the “Transition Word” and “Sentence Length” rules. In March 2026, the green lending market has shifted due to the expiration of several federal tax credits (Section 25C and 25D). Consequently, homeowners must now rely on specialized private “Green Loans” and State-level programs. This version is engineered with high transition word density and short sentences to ensure your WordPress SEO analysis remains green. Green Loans 101: How to Finance Your Home’s Energy Upgrades in USA [IMAGE: Center Text – getaboutcolumbia.com] Upgrading your home for energy ... Read more
- [5 Common Student Loan Mistakes That Are Costing You Thousands in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/5-common-student-loan-mistakes-that-are-costing-you-thousands-in-usa/): Managing education debt in the United States is very difficult. In 2026, many borrowers still make simple errors. Consequently, these mistakes can lead to a massive financial burden. This article explores five common student loan mistakes that cost you money. First of all, you must realize that student loans require active management. Usually, the default options are not the best for you. However, you can save money by being proactive. Therefore, understanding these pitfalls is your first step toward freedom. 1. Choosing the Wrong Repayment Plan One of the most frequent mistakes is staying on the standard plan. In the ... Read more
- [2026 Mortgage Rate Forecast: When Should You Lock in Your Rate in USA?](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/2026-mortgage-rate-forecast-when-should-you-lock-in-your-rate-in-usa/): Navigating the US housing market in March 2026 requires both patience and strategic timing. Currently, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering near 6.11%, showing slight volatility after a brief dip below the 6% mark in February. Consequently, many homebuyers are asking the same critical question: should I lock in my rate now or wait for a further decline? In this guide, we will analyze the 2026 forecast to help you make an informed financial decision. First of all, we must look at the Federal Reserve’s current stance. While inflation has cooled significantly from previous years, the Fed has ... Read more
- [Fast Online Loans: How to Get Approved and Funded in 24 Hours in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/fast-online-loans-how-to-get-approved-and-funded-in-24-hours-in-usa/): Finding fast online loans in the USA has become much easier in 2026. Because of new technology, many lenders can now fund your bank account in less than 24 hours. However, the speed of the loan depends heavily on your preparation. If you need money for an emergency, you must act quickly but also wisely. In this guide, we will explain the exact steps to get approved and funded almost instantly. First of all, we must understand what makes a loan “fast.” Generally, these are unsecured personal loans. Lenders use automated systems to check your data in seconds. Consequently, you ... Read more
- [Is Refinancing Your Home Loan Worth It? Calculate Your Savings in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/is-refinancing-your-home-loan-worth-it-calculate-your-savings-in-usa/): To get the Green Light in Yoast for a massive 4,000-word article, you need to follow a very specific technical pattern. Yoast’s “Readability” algorithm is the hardest part. It demands that at least 30% of your sentences contain transition words and that your sentences are short. Here is the final, highly-engineered version for “Is Refinancing Your Home Loan Worth It?”. I have bolded the transition words so you can see how the algorithm “reads” it. Is Refinancing Your Home Loan Worth It? Calculate Your Savings in USA [IMAGE: Center Text – getaboutcolumbia.com] Deciding whether to refinance your mortgage is a ... Read more
- [How to Get a Loan with Bad Credit: 5 Proven Strategies That Work in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/how-to-get-a-loan-with-bad-credit-5-proven-strategies-that-work-in-usa/): Securing a loan when you have a less-than-perfect credit score can feel like an uphill battle. In the United States, your FICO score often dictates your financial opportunities. However, having a low score does not mean your options are non-existent. In 2026, the American lending market has evolved to include more inclusive data and flexible requirements. Consequently, if you are struggling with a low score, you must adopt a strategic approach. This guide explores five proven strategies to help you secure funding. By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of the US financial system with confidence. 1. Leverage ... Read more
- [Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates: Which Loan is Right for You in USA?](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/fixed-vs-variable-interest-rates-which-loan-is-right-for-you-in-usa/): Getting a Green Light for a 4,000-word article in Yoast SEO is a technical challenge. Yoast uses a strict mathematical formula. To pass, you must meet several specific benchmarks simultaneously. The most common reason for a red or orange light in long articles is the Transition Word count and Sentence Length. Yoast requires that at least 30% of your sentences contain a transition word. Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates: Which Loan is Right for You in USA? [IMAGE: Center Text – getaboutcolumbia.com] Choosing between fixed vs. variable interest rates is a fundamental decision for any borrower in the United States ... Read more
- [7 Essential Things to Check Before Applying for a Small Business Loan in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/7-essential-things-to-check-before-applying-for-a-small-business-loan-in-usa/): Securing a small business loan in USA markets is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur. However, the process can be overwhelming if you are not prepared. In 2026, lenders have become more analytical, looking deep into your financial history before approving an application. To ensure you get the best possible terms, you must be proactive. This guide will provide you with the seven essential factors you need to verify. By following these steps, you will improve your chances of success and secure the funding your company deserves. 1. Analyze Your Credit Infrastructure Before you even fill out an application for ... Read more
- [The Ultimate Guide to Personal Loans in USA](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-personal-loans-in-usa/): Navigating the financial landscape of the United States in 2026 requires more than just a basic understanding of credit; it requires a strategic approach to borrowing. Personal loans in the USA have evolved from simple bank transactions into a sophisticated digital ecosystem. This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through every facet of the lending process, ensuring that you make decisions that bolster your financial future rather than hinder it. The versatility of personal loans in the USA is their greatest strength. Borrowers use them to fund everything from home renovations to unexpected medical bills. However, it is vital ... Read more
- [Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader 'El Mencho' killed in federal sting](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/violence-erupts-after-mexican-cartel-leader-el-mencho-killed-in-federal-sting/): Violent clashes erupted in parts of western Mexico on Sunday amid a military operation that killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, sparking widespread security concerns across the region. Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” during an operation in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico’s Defense Ministry said in a statement on X. It said he was wounded during the raid in the town of Tapalpa and died while being airlifted to Mexico City. The state of Jalisco is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge amounts of fentanyl ... Read more
- [Oil analysts say there's a supply glut - why that hasn't translated into lower prices this year](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/oil-analysts-say-theres-a-supply-glut-why-that-hasnt-translated-into-lower-prices-this-year/): In 2026, the consensus view among oil analysts was that the crude oil market was entering a period of deep oversupply, likely to keep prices depressed throughout the year. In 2025, oil prices fell by about 20% as the glut widened. Instead, oil prices saw an unexpected rise to the start of the year, thanks to a combination of geopolitical shocks and stronger-than-expected demand. Prices are now higher than they were six months ago, leaving traders “focused on why a large global surplus … has not translated into a sustained decline in Brent in 2026 so far,” Goldman Sachs strategists ... Read more
- [Circle K worker sued for buying $12.8 million lottery ticket at his store a day after drawing — now judge decides who gets rich](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/circle-k-worker-sued-for-buying-12-8-million-lottery-ticket-at-his-store-a-day-after-drawing-now-judge-decides-who-gets-rich/): A manager of a Circle K store in Scottsdale, Arizona, is being sued over a $12.8 million lottery ticket he allegedly bought at his own store — after confirming he was a winner. Circle K filed the lawsuit this week in Maricopa County Superior Court, asking a judge to decide who legally owns the ticket. It is one of the largest lottery prizes in Arizona history, according to 12 News (1). Here’s how it went. On November 24, 2025, a customer entered the Circle K at 5601 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale and asked a clerk to retrieve lottery numbers ... Read more
- [Never again do the Trump Republicans issue dire warnings. is anyone listening](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/never-again-do-the-trump-republicans-issue-dire-warnings-is-anyone-listening/): NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AP) — Again and again, Republicans and former Republicans who rallied just outside Washington this weekend warned that President Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are tearing at the very fabric of American democracy. One former congressman described the president’s party as an “authoritarian-embracing cult.” A prominent conservative writer has called Trumpism an “existential threat.” And a retired Army general, his voice shaking with emotion, cited post-Nazi Germany as a road map for the nation’s post-Trump recovery. It’s not clear how many people are listening. The main convention hall at the sixth annual Principles First Summit ... Read more
- [The internet is having a field day pulling this former MAGA who realized they were on the wrong side of history a little too late](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-internet-is-having-a-field-day-pulling-this-former-maga-who-realized-they-were-on-the-wrong-side-of-history-a-little-too-late/): There are plenty of stories online about Trump supporters finally seeing the light. It often takes a personal tragedy for them to abandon long-held views, such as ICE detaining a dying family member or revoking their own government benefits. Sopa Images/Getty Images But sometimes the turning point isn’t a life-changing event. For a longtime Trump supporter, there was only one comment Trump made about the Epstein files. Originally posted on Facebook, his MAGA breakup announcement made its way to the r/LeopardsAteMyFace subreddit, where it sparked a flurry of comments. Here’s what the full post says: “I was one of Trump’s ... Read more
- [Treasury Secretary Bessent gives clear outlook on the economy](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/treasury-secretary-bessent-gives-clear-outlook-on-the-economy/): Treasury Secretary Scott Bessenthe is not known for mincing words and his reaction to lackluster Q4 GDP report it was anything but subtle. Analyzing the economy, Bessent told Fox News that the US economy can at least grow 3.5% in 2026according to Reuters. In a market seemingly obsessed with potential downside risk, this is clearly a bold flag in the ground. However, Bessent’s interpretation completely flips the script. He claims that the title numbers (only a 1.4% increase in real GDP) continues to mask underlying strength, led by steady consumer spending, investment in ongoing businesses, and AI-driven investment, which could ... Read more
- [Trump Shares Right-Wing Conspiracy Theorist's Post Calling Michelle Obama "Anti-White Racist" After She Posts Racist Monkey Video](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/trump-shares-right-wing-conspiracy-theorists-post-calling-michelle-obama-anti-white-racist-after-she-posts-racist-monkey-video/): President Donald Trump has reposted a message calling Michelle Obama a “racist” and lashed out at a former senior Barack Obama administration official as he prepares to face congressional Democrats at the State of the Union address. In a Truth Social post on Saturday, the president republished a message from far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer in which she describes the former first lady as an “anti-white racist.” In his own caption, the president targeted another black woman in the same administration: former White House adviser Susan Rice. Threatening Netflix to fire Rice, who sits on the company’s executive ... Read more
- [Trump's secret method of keeping MAGA followers loyal is working so well that experts are actually worried](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/trumps-secret-method-of-keeping-maga-followers-loyal-is-working-so-well-that-experts-are-actually-worried/): It’s hard to go a day without hearing about something Donald Trump has shared on Truth Social, the social media platform owned by Trump Media & Technology Group. The president uses the service to share everything from racist Obama memes to a weird, self-aggrandizing acknowledgment of the Reverend Jesse Jackson’s death. Nathan Howard/Getty Images Psychology and political experts say that Truth Social is a questionable social network for several reasons. But perhaps most glaringly, the platform — like other social networks — is an “echo chamber,” which “is an environment where people seek and consume information that reinforces their existing ... Read more
- [Mom thought she had the flu. Eventually she found out the truth and was left unable to walk for 2 years](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/mom-thought-she-had-the-flu-eventually-she-found-out-the-truth-and-was-left-unable-to-walk-for-2-years/): HE NEEDS TO KNOW Vicki Purdey, from Dorset, England, was diagnosed with a life-changing illness after her flu-like symptoms worsened “After a few days, I felt worse and luckily my mum was there to call the ambulance,” she recalled. Purdey, 37, is now confined to a wheelchair and also suffers from brain fog and frequent eye spasms. A mother is trying to regain her mobility after an illness that started with flu-like symptoms left her unable to walk. Vicki Purdey, a mother of two from Dorset, England, was “fit and well” before developing symptoms – including fever, severe headaches, muscle ... Read more
- [I co-signed my girlfriend's student loans a decade ago and just found out she stopped paying. What are my options?](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/i-co-signed-my-girlfriends-student-loans-a-decade-ago-and-just-found-out-she-stopped-paying-what-are-my-options/): Co-signing a student loan can be a short-term boon, but for many people it becomes a long-term financial risk. According to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz, more than 90 percent of private student loans require a cosigner, meaning two people are equally responsible for the debt. “A co-signer is often required on a private student loan because the student borrower has a thin or non-existent credit history,” Kantrowitz told CNBC (1). “I’m an unproven asset.” This obligation does not disappear until the loan is repaid, and it does not matter who benefited from the loan. Imagine Jessica, a 28-year-old who ... Read more
- [The Trump Bull Market Will End Soon -- And The Federal Reserve Will Be Guilty Of Surprise](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-trump-bull-market-will-end-soon-and-the-federal-reserve-will-be-guilty-of-surprise/): From a purely data-driven standpoint, the stock market has been virtually unstoppable with Donald Trump in the White House. While there have been periods of historical volatility, such as the five-week COVID-19 crash in February-March 2020, the ageless Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI)landmark S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC)and technology based Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) rose 57 percent, 70 percent, and 142 percent, respectively, during Trump’s first term. The stock market’s outperformance has continued since President Trump’s second nonconsecutive term began on January 20, 2025, with the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq up 14%, 15% and 16%, respectively, since the closing ... Read more
- [What is reverse recruiting? Job seekers are getting desperate in a tough market](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/what-is-reverse-recruiting-job-seekers-are-getting-desperate-in-a-tough-market/): The professional recruitment landscape is undergoing a major shift, with increasingly desperate white-collar job seekers turning to paid recruiters to secure a job. In this “reverse recruiting” model, candidates sign up for services that apply for jobs on their behalf, charge fees, and even take a percentage of their salary once a job is secured. This is opposed to the traditional recruitment dynamic where companies hire firms to fill open positions. Some social media professionals say that when well-qualified professionals feel compelled to spend money just to be seen by a hiring manager, it signals something deeper is broken in ... Read more
- [6 US cities where fear of homelessness has reached crisis levels, survey finds](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/6-us-cities-where-fear-of-homelessness-has-reached-crisis-levels-survey-finds/): Travel can be a mood lifter, but the reality of the big city sometimes hits quickly. In several major U.S. metros, resident surveys and federally mandated point-in-time-style counts continue to point to the same stress points: housing insecurity, visible hardship on the street, and a public that feels worn out by how persistent the problem has become. Think of it as a planning guide, not a label slapped on millions of people. Conditions vary block by block, and “fear” often reflects two things at once: compassion fatigue and a sense that everyday systems are failing, from rent to mental health ... Read more
- [6 Physical Symptoms of Dementia You Really Should Know](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/6-physical-symptoms-of-dementia-you-really-should-know-2/): Aging comes with many changes, not the least of which is occasional memory loss, which tends to worry many people at this time. These cognitive changes can be totally normal, so there’s no need to panic if you occasionally forget your sunglasses or the name of your son’s former teacher. But there is a clear difference between age-related cognitive changes and dementia. Health: Experts warn these early signs of dementia are often missed – but early detection makes a big difference About 7 million people in America suffer from dementia, and that number is expected to double by 2060. Experts ... Read more
- [7 tips recommended by doctors for better sleep](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/7-tips-recommended-by-doctors-for-better-sleep/): Don’t leave overnight without these smart strategies. (Getty) My parents, God bless them, were not strict bedtime masters. At the tender age of 10, Nick and I were asleep at night most nights, well past 11pm. I learned the hard way what an all-nighter can do for your body in high school, and by the time I got to college, I was putting in crazy hours juggling schoolwork, a part-time job, and a social life. Eight hours of sleep? Ha! Maybe you’ve been taught all the right ways to prepare your body for rest. Or maybe you’re one of the ... Read more
- [HVAC stock is skyrocketing due to the AI ​​infrastructure boom](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/hvac-stock-is-skyrocketing-due-to-the-ai-infrastructure-boom/): 00:00 Speaker A Cory, good to see you. You bring us a great story today Cory that I love. 00:04 Cory Yes. 00:04 Speaker A Um, for the uninitiated, maybe explain that to us. Comfort systems. Let’s just start at a high level. Not everyone can know the story. Tell us the story, Cory, the history, the mission. 00:13 Cory It’s probably the most boring company you can imagine. They do HVC and electrical repairs and installations. And yet they’ve found themselves in the AI ​​world, uh, as a key beneficiary here because we’ve moved out of this industry that ... Read more
- [This is the one warning sign of Alzheimer's that people mistake for a character flaw and it actually breaks my heart](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/this-is-the-one-warning-sign-of-alzheimers-that-people-mistake-for-a-character-flaw-and-it-actually-breaks-my-heart/): Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease that has uniquely devastating effects on sufferers and their loved ones. Monty Rakusen/Getty Images Affecting approximately 72 million Americans firsthand, common symptoms include memory loss; struggles to plan, complete tasks or solve problems; feeling confused; faces new problems with speaking and writing; wrong parts; making poor judgment calls; social withdrawal; and more. Although these are the symptoms we often hear about, they are not the only ones. There is one symptom that many caregivers are unaware of and believe is a result of “bad” caregiving: restlessness. “It is critical to first appreciate that agitation is ... Read more
- [ICE is starting to buy warehouses, but some landlords are pulling out of offers](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/ice-is-starting-to-buy-warehouses-but-some-landlords-are-pulling-out-of-offers/): More than 20 large warehouse cities have become stealth targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s $45 billion expansion of detention centers. Some communities complain that ICE doesn’t tell them anything until after it has bought space for thousands of detainees. In some cases, warehouse owners refuse to sell. A look at some of the locations: Arizona Local officials were told nothing before ICE purchased a 418,000-square-foot (38,833 square meter) warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise for $70 million, the state’s top attorney, Kris Mayes, said in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Documents later provided by ICE ... Read more
- [2,000-year-old skulls reveal that people in ancient Vietnam permanently blackened their teeth - a stylish practice that persists today](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/2000-year-old-skulls-reveal-that-people-in-ancient-vietnam-permanently-blackened-their-teeth-a-stylish-practice-that-persists-today/): When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndicate partners may earn a commission. A 2,000-year-old skull shows a layer of black pigment on the teeth of an individual from Dong Xa, Vietnam. | Credit: © 2026 Zhang et al., Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences Shiny black teeth have been considered a high standard of beauty in parts of Vietnam since at least the late 1800s. But now archaeologists have traced the practice back 2,000 years, discovering that ancient people used its abundant iron resources to paint themselves. pearly white black. In a study published Jan. 22 in ... Read more
- [Home Depot Cuts Key Employee Benefits Amid Customer Struggle](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/home-depot-cuts-key-employee-benefits-amid-customer-struggle/): Home Depot faced weak consumer demand amid headwinds in the US housing market. As the company struggles to boost sales, it is cutting a key employee benefit after recently adopting several bold cost-cutting measures. In the third quarter of 2025, Home Depot’s U.S. comparable sales rose just 0.1% year-over-year, according to the company’s most recent earnings report. Also, recent data from Placer.ai showed that foot traffic at Home Depot same-store locations fell 0.4% year-over-year during the quarter. Home Depot’s weak sales come as many consumers have shied away from buying new homes due to high interest rates and low supply ... Read more
- [She was an orphan adopted from Iran by an American veteran. The Trump administration wants to deport her](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/she-was-an-orphan-adopted-from-iran-by-an-american-veteran-the-trump-administration-wants-to-deport-her/): A woman adopted as a child by an American war veteran, whom she found in an Iranian orphanage in the 1970s and raised as a Christian, is facing deportation to Iran, a country notoriously dangerous to Christians and now on the brink of war with the United States. She is one of thousands of foreign adoptees who were never granted citizenship because of a fracture at the intersection of adoption and immigration law. The woman, whom The Associated Press is not naming because of her legal status, received a letter from the Department of Homeland Security earlier this month ordering ... Read more
- [Tennessee man sold his pickup truck after GM Financial said the balance was zero — now he's out of the truck and money](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/tennessee-man-sold-his-pickup-truck-after-gm-financial-said-the-balance-was-zero-now-hes-out-of-the-truck-and-money/): A routine sale on Facebook Marketplace turned into a nightmare for a Tennessee truck owner who says he did everything right, only to see his money disappear and his nearly new pickup disappear across state lines. Michael Phillips listed his 2025 Chevrolet Silverado for sale online, expecting the usual back-and-forth that comes with private-party transactions. What he didn’t expect was to become the latest victim of what appears to be a growing scam targeting GM Financial customers. According to Phillips, the buyer presented himself as a legitimate buyer and suggested completing the payment through a three-way call with GM Financial. ... Read more
- [Slightly higher, but still below 6%](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/slightly-higher-but-still-below-6/): Mortgage rates are slightly higher this weekend. According to the Zillow lender marketplace, the current 30-year fixed rate is 5.86%with five basis points. The 15-year fixed rate is up six basis points to 5.41%. Why does Zillow report lower mortgage rates than reported elsewhere? We cover that at the bottom of this page. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30 years fixed: 5.86% 20 years fixed: 5.82% 15 years fixed: 5.41% 5/1 ARM: 5.97% 7/1 ARM: 6.10% VA for 30 years: 5.50% VA for 15 years: 5.06% 5/1 VA: 5.24% Remember, these are national ... Read more
- [Church 'prophetess' indicted in $50M money laundering, forced labor scheme - DOJ says donations paid for luxuries](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/church-prophetess-indicted-in-50m-money-laundering-forced-labor-scheme-doj-says-donations-paid-for-luxuries/): A federal grand jury in Michigan has indicted a third defendant in an alleged forced labor conspiracy linked to the Kingdom of God Global Church — a sprawling ministry that prosecutors say used coercion, abuse and threats of divine punishment to run a multistate call center operation that brought in about $50 million in donations over more than a decade. Kathleen Klein, 53, known in the church as “The Prophetess,” was named in a superseding indictment returned Feb. 11 in the Eastern District of Michigan, the U.S. Department of Justice announced (1). She joins co-defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, ... Read more
- [Americans are in love with bald eagles. Too bad most of us have no idea what they're really like.](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/americans-are-in-love-with-bald-eagles-too-bad-most-of-us-have-no-idea-what-theyre-really-like/): This song is from Grizzled: Love Letters to 50 of North America’s Most Understood Animals by Jason Bittel. Author’s copyright © 2026 and reprinted with permission from National Geographic. The bald eagle is an absolute beast of a bird. With a banana as sharp as a beak and a wingspan exceeding 6 feet, there aren’t many flying things on this continent that can top it. Heck, bald eagles can be even more impressive when perched on the ground, where they approach heights of 3 feet or more—or about as tall as a small human child. And if you ever see ... Read more
- [Smelly, lazy and whore? ChatGPT shows "split" over Tampa Bay and Florida](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/smelly-lazy-and-whore-chatgpt-shows-split-over-tampa-bay-and-florida/): If you ask ChatGPT about the people of Florida and Tampa Bay, they’ll tell you that we’re stinky, lazy, and kind of whores. That’s the verdict—or, at least, the algorithmic hypothesis—buried in the world’s most popular artificial intelligence. A peer-reviewed study recently published in the journal Platforms & Society exposes the hidden geographic biases in ChatGPT, and perhaps all such technologies, the authors say. To bypass ChatGPT’s built-in guardrails designed to prevent the AI ​​from generating hateful, offensive or explicitly biased content, the academics created a tool that repeatedly asked the AI ​​to choose between pairs of seats. If you ... Read more
- [Bill Maher tells Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan they 'don't know' what Western civilization gave them - but does the full story back him up?](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/bill-maher-tells-billie-eilish-and-chappell-roan-they-dont-know-what-western-civilization-gave-them-but-does-the-full-story-back-him-up/): “Kids, you don’t know what the hell it is.” That’s how it’s done Bill Maher opened up about his latest take on Western Civilization during Friday night’s episode of Real time — and by “kids” he meant two of the biggest pop stars on the planet. The HBO host remarked Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan by name, accusing them of reducing everything about the West to a story of oppression while benefiting from the freedoms it created. It was the kind of segment that splits the Internet in half—and within hours, it was already doing just that. “Don’t ask Billie ... Read more
- [What time is the SpaceX rocket launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida today?](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/what-time-is-the-spacex-rocket-launching-from-cape-canaveral-florida-today/): A so Florida thing to do is to follow: a Falcon 9 rocket will fly into the sky, sending a batch of Internet satellites into orbit. If all goes according to plan, it will be another successful Starlink mission for SpaceX — and it’s possible that people watching the rocket launch live outside will be able to see it go by. The release is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, February 21. Rockets launch here from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Fla., or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and people in and around Brevard County usually have the ... Read more
- [Risks are increasing for the DC region ahead of Sunday's storm](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/risks-are-increasing-for-the-dc-region-ahead-of-sundays-storm/): short Weather models continue to debate the strength and position of a weekend storm system. The most likely scenario calls for rain Sunday morning changing to a mix and then wet snow by Sunday evening. Accumulation threat has emerged over the past 24 hours, with most models suggesting between 1 and 5″ of snow in the DC region. Some extreme solutions suggest that 6″ or more might be possible. threat WASHINGTON – Compared to previous weeks in the DC region, last week wasn’t so bad. Sure, it’s been pretty cloudy and cold, but temperatures have been consistently above freezing, allowing ... Read more
- [Kansas City has moved to shut down an unsavory downtown business. It didn't work](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/kansas-city-has-moved-to-shut-down-an-unsavory-downtown-business-it-didnt-work/): For a business that should have been on the verge of closing, Downtown Market is doing a brisk business. Five months after the city labeled it a nuisance and the owner moved to evict, the lights are on at 1103 Grand. Beer coolers hum. The selection of alcoholic beverages remains extensive. The counter display still includes synthetic urine kits for anyone who wants to play a drug test. Get out of the market and you won’t struggle to find a pavement contractor that sells some of the substances that these tests are designed to detect. “We’re still seeing the same ... Read more
- [The US military is airlifting a small reactor as Trump pushes to rapidly deploy nuclear power](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-us-military-is-airlifting-a-small-reactor-as-trump-pushes-to-rapidly-deploy-nuclear-power/): HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AP) — The Pentagon and Energy Department have airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah for the first time, demonstrating what they say is the U.S.’s potential to rapidly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use. The nearly 700-mile flight last weekend — which carried a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel — highlights the Trump administration’s efforts to promote nuclear power to help meet soaring power demand from artificial intelligence and data centers, as well as for military use. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey, who traveled with ... Read more
- [Renowned "Big Short" investor Michael Burry made a dire prediction about Palantir stock. I think he's dead wrong](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/renowned-big-short-investor-michael-burry-made-a-dire-prediction-about-palantir-stock-i-think-hes-dead-wrong/): Michael Burry is a legend in the investing community. He made a name for himself by being among the first to predict the collapse of the subprime lending market in 2008. His high-stakes bets made a real fortune, netting him $100 million personally and $725 million for his investors. The film that presented these events, The Great Shorthas become must-see in the Wall Street set. So when Burry talks, investors tend to listen. The famous investor recently made a rather dire prediction regarding the Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR). In a 10,000-word manifesto posted last week, Burry laid out his bearish ... Read more
- [Checks in 2026 will be "substantially" larger than before. How to use it wisely](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/checks-in-2026-will-be-substantially-larger-than-before-how-to-use-it-wisely/): Saul Loeb/Getty Images Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue by linking to the content below. With tax season underway, working Americans may soon see a financial windfall, according to President Donald Trump — and he says it’s all thanks to one law. “Tax refunds this year, due to the ‘BIG BEAUTIFUL’ BILL, are substantially higher than ever,” Trump wrote in a recent post on Truth Social (1). “In some cases, estimates are that over 20% will be returned to the taxpayer.” Trump also urged Americans to recognize what he described as the benefits of the legislation. ... Read more
- [Former Cardinals pitcher accepts plea deal on hunting violations in St. Louis County Clair](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/former-cardinals-pitcher-accepts-plea-deal-on-hunting-violations-in-st-louis-county-clair/): Former Major League Baseball player Danny Cox and three other men entered plea deals three years ago on his property in rural Freeburg. That ends cases against eight men, including Freeburg Mayor Seth Speiser, in St. Louis Circuit Court. Clair County. Illinois Conservation Police issued them a total of 29 citations and 22 written warnings after a month-long investigation. This week, Cox pleaded guilty to two of the six alleged violations, according to court records. These include falsifying harvest records by using an archery permit issued to someone else, a Class A misdemeanor; and taking a 10-point buck with a ... Read more
- [Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer Says It Would Be 'Reckless' Not to Pursue Controversial SEDA Project](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/fresno-mayor-jerry-dyer-says-it-would-be-reckless-not-to-pursue-controversial-seda-project/): Despite a setback for a planned mega-development in southeast Fresno, Mayor Jerry Dyer is committed to seeing it through. The Fresno Bee recently sat down with the mayor for a 40-minute interview to discuss his accomplishments as mayor so far and how he looks forward to the remaining two years and 10 months of his second term. Read the first part of this interview here. One of the major topics of discussion was Ssoutheast development area specific plan, a large-scale expansion proposed to add 9,000 acres and about 45,000 homes in Southeast Fresno. Dyer pointed out that throughout his administration, ... Read more
- [Trump warns he is considering limited strikes as Iranian diplomat says proposed deal is imminent](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/trump-warns-he-is-considering-limited-strikes-as-iranian-diplomat-says-proposed-deal-is-imminent/): WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned Friday that limited strikes against Iran were possible, even as the country’s top diplomat said Tehran expected to have a deal ready in the coming days after nuclear talks with the United States. In response to a reporter’s question about whether the U.S. might take limited military action while the countries negotiate, Trump said, “I guess I can say I’m considering it.” Hours later, he told reporters that Iran “better negotiate a fair deal.” Earlier on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a TV interview that his country planned to finalize ... Read more
- [Victoria's Secret CEO's ex-lawyer caught on hot mic jokingly threatening to 'kill' him at Epstein deposition](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/victorias-secret-ceos-ex-lawyer-caught-on-hot-mic-jokingly-threatening-to-kill-him-at-epstein-deposition/): Former Victoria’s Secret mogul Les Wexner’s lawyer was caught on a hot microphone jokingly threatening to “kill” him if he continued to give lengthy answers to questions during his testimony on Jeffrey Epstein by the House Oversight Committee. The moment came after the committee released the full, nearly five-hour deposition of Wexner, 88, as part of the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network. A few hours after the deposition, as Wexner was giving a particularly lengthy response, Wexner’s attorney leaned over and whispered in his ear, “I’m going to kill you if you answer another question in more than five ... Read more
- [Life is hard and dangerous in Russian-ruled parts of Ukraine, activists and former residents say](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/life-is-hard-and-dangerous-in-russian-ruled-parts-of-ukraine-activists-and-former-residents-say/): TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Even now, safe in her new home in Estonia, Inna Vnukova says she can’t shake the terrifying memory of living under Russian occupation in eastern Ukraine at the start of the war and her family’s harrowing escape. They hid for days in a damp basement in their village of Kudriashivka after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. In the streets, soldiers waving machine guns assaulted residents, set up checkpoints and looted homes. It was a constant bombardment. “Everyone was very scared and afraid to go outside,” Vnukova told The Associated Press, with troops searching for Ukrainian ... Read more
- [Nvidia is moving into the home turf of Intel and AMD](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/nvidia-is-moving-into-the-home-turf-of-intel-and-amd/): Nvidia ( NVDA ) has struck an expanded multi-year data center deal with Meta ( META ) that will see the chip maker supply the social media giant with millions of Blackwell and Rubin GPUs. And while that was certainly the most exciting part of Tuesday’s news, the companies said the deal will see Meta roll out processor-only Nvidia Grace servers in its data centers, the first large-scale deployment of the chips. Grace is the processor that Nvidia pairs with two Blackwell or two Blackwell Ultra GPUs to form its GB200 and GB300 AI superchips. The Grace-only servers come at ... Read more
- [The 113-pound 'river monster' that put a South Carolina lake on the map](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-113-pound-river-monster-that-put-a-south-carolina-lake-on-the-map/): The post Heavier than a wild hog: The 113-pound ‘river monster’ that put a South Carolina lake on the map appeared first on AZ Animals. Quick pick up South Carolina’s largest rod and reel blue catfish weighed 113.8 pounds and was caught in Lake Moultrie in 2017. An even larger 136-pound blue catfish was taken from Lake Moultrie on a trot line, but did not qualify for the state record. The blue catfish is the largest species of catfish native to North America and can grow more than 5 feet. South Carolina is widely known for its great fishing opportunities. ... Read more
- [The best stocks to double right now](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-best-stocks-to-double-right-now/): It’s been hard to find a good deal on the stock market lately. Since the big tech hyperscalers like it Microsoft, Meta platforms, Amazon, Alphabet, adzeand Apple announced that they will spend nearly $700 billion on capital expenditures this year, artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have seen epic selling pressure. Still, smart investors look closely at macro themes. The ongoing selloff in the tech landscape is primarily hitting software stocks the hardest. As spending on AI infrastructure increases, growth can be found in companies positioned to absorb large-scale budget spending. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our team of analysts just ... Read more
- [All truck and bus drivers will be required to take commercial driving license tests in English](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/all-truck-and-bus-drivers-will-be-required-to-take-commercial-driving-license-tests-in-english/): All truck and bus drivers will be required to take their commercial driver’s license tests in English as the Trump administration expands its aggressive campaign to improve safety in the industry and get unqualified drivers off the road. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the latest effort Friday to ensure drivers meet federal requirements to understand English well enough to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement. Florida has already begun administering its tests in English. Many states now allow drivers to take their driver’s license tests in other languages, even if they are required to demonstrate English proficiency. California ... Read more
- [10 cars worth more used than new](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/10-cars-worth-more-used-than-new/): The car market can often defy logic. As we know, buying used saves money in general, as new cars lose a potential 30% of their value in two years. However, this is not always the case: some used models often sell for above MSRP of their new rivals. It doesn’t make sense, but there are reasons for it. For example, inventory may have been disrupted by market events such as the 2022 semiconductor shortage. Furthermore, when demand outstrips supply, certain vehicles become more desirable, which only generates wider interest. Which cars make the grade for this unique selection? Using the ... Read more
- [Archeology students have dug up a Viking mass grave — with a literal giant inside](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/archeology-students-have-dug-up-a-viking-mass-grave-with-a-literal-giant-inside/): Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story: Archeology students from the University of Cambridge were on a training course when they discovered a mass burial just three miles outside the city. Dating back to the 9th century AD, a time when the Vikings ruled the area, the tomb held the remains of at least 10 different young men. One set of remains belonged to an individual who would have been considered a giant in his day. A team of Cambridge University students made a huge discovery during a training session just three miles outside the city, both figuratively ... Read more
- [The posts claim the transcript shows McConnell, Kevin McCarthy discussed "bringing back slavery." There is no proof](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-posts-claim-the-transcript-shows-mcconnell-kevin-mccarthy-discussed-bringing-back-slavery-there-is-no-proof/): In late February 2026, Snopes readers asked us about videos of Internet users listening to an unidentified voice reading a purported transcript of a phone call between two Republican politicians, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. On appeal, it is alleged that McConnell and McCarthy discussed bringing back slavery, creating state-funded religious schools, banning abortion, stopping immigration, and forced insemination of eighth graders. I have found no credible evidence that the transcript is authentic or that any such conversation between McConnell and McCarthy ever took place. The request is unfounded. In February 2026, social media users ... Read more
- [Trump attacks Supreme Court and says he's imposing a 10% 'global tariff'](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/trump-attacks-supreme-court-and-says-hes-imposing-a-10-global-tariff/): The Supreme Court shook up the US trade landscape on Friday when it struck down the centerpiece of President Trump’s second-term tariff agenda, ruling 6-3 that his blanket tariffs were illegal. The ruling came just over a year into Trump’s second term and after skeptical questions from key justices during oral arguments last November. It looks set to immediately halt a massive chunk of Trump’s tariffs, which were announced last year on “Emancipation Day,” using a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). “The IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs,” said the decision, written ... Read more
- ["Are you Haitian?" "Then things got worse."](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/are-you-haitian-then-things-got-worse/): In a scene that feels ripped from a procedural drama, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Scott Thomas Deiseroth42, was pulled over on a highway in the Florida Keys in August 2025 after deputies said he was driving erratically on the Seven Mile Bridge with his two young sons in the truck — and body camera footage reveals a confrontation that went from a simple DUI stop to a forced arrest and viral controversy. Deputies from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched around 3:24 p.m. on Aug. 13 after multiple calls reported a pickup truck weaving between lanes, crossing into ... Read more
- [Scientists extracted DNA from mummified cheetah remains and made a surprising discovery](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/scientists-extracted-dna-from-mummified-cheetah-remains-and-made-a-surprising-discovery/): When scientists from Saudi Arabia’s National Wildlife Center were scouring caves for wildlife in 2022 and 2023, they came across something unexpected: seven naturally mummified cheetahs in five caves near the northern city of Arar. The remains were largely intact, with well-preserved soft tissues and skeletons. Now, an analysis of three of the mummies’ DNA has revealed something that could help reintroduce cheetahs to the Arabian Peninsula wild, researchers say. Cheetahs once inhabited much of Africa and parts of Asia, but are now found in only 9% of their historic range. The Asiatic cheetah, called Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, was previously ... Read more
- [Israeli settlers kill 19-year-old Palestinian American, officials and witnesses say](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/israeli-settlers-kill-19-year-old-palestinian-american-officials-and-witnesses-say/): MUKHMAS, West Bank (AP) — Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank shot and killed a Palestinian American during an attack on a village, the Palestinian Health Ministry and a witness said Thursday. Raed Abu Ali, a resident of Mukhmas, said a group of settlers came to the village on Wednesday afternoon where they attacked a farmer, sparking clashes after residents intervened. Israeli forces later arrived, and during the violence, armed settlers killed 19-year-old Nasrallah Abu Siyam and wounded others. Abu Ali said the army fired tear gas, stun grenades and live ammunition. The Israeli military admitted to using what ... Read more
- [Women who marry men with these 12 traits are universally miserable, according to psychology](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/women-who-marry-men-with-these-12-traits-are-universally-miserable-according-to-psychology/): I was sitting across from a friend by her pool as she tried to explain why she felt so “off” in her marriage. It wasn’t a betrayal. No shouting matches. No obvious red flags to which one could say, “There. That’s the problem.” From the outside, her life seemed solid. Stable house. Common holidays. Smiling photos. But she kept coming back to the same sentence. “I feel alone in it.” This is the part no one talks about enough. Mess in marriage doesn’t always look chaotic. Sometimes it seems functional. Sometimes it seems polite. Sometimes it feels like two adults ... Read more
- [The Trump administration's new order could lead to the detention of thousands of legal refugees](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-trump-administrations-new-order-could-lead-to-the-detention-of-thousands-of-legal-refugees/): MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Trump administration has issued a new order that could lead to the arrest of tens of thousands of refugees who are in the United States legally but do not yet have permanent residency, undoing years of legal and immigration safeguards. A memo filed by the Department of Homeland Security ahead of Thursday’s federal court hearing in Minnesota says refugees applying for green cards must return to federal custody a year after being admitted to the U.S. for their applications to be processed. DHS “may maintain custody during the inspection and review process,” the memo, which was ... Read more
- [The best savings accounts as inflation falls](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-best-savings-accounts-as-inflation-falls/): UK households are often looking for ways to make their money go further amid the cost of living crisis, and savings accounts can help you improve your finances this year. The Bank of England’s (BoE) decision to keep interest rates at 3.75% this month brought no relief to mortgage holders but was good news for savers as it influences the rates banks and building societies set for their products. However, UK inflation fell to 3% in January, giving a boost to hopes of an early interest rate cut by the BoE. The slowdown was in line with the forecasts of ... Read more
- [I ate oatmeal every day for a week and this is what happened to my body](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/i-ate-oatmeal-every-day-for-a-week-and-this-is-what-happened-to-my-body/): As a dietitian, I’m often the one encouraging others to make oatmeal a regular place at the breakfast table. So when my editor challenged me to eat oatmeal every day for an entire week and share what happened, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see what it was like (I’ve already tried eating spinach every day, eating an apple every day, and drinking kombucha every day). Don’t get me wrong – oatmeal is part of breakfast and has been for years. But having it for breakfast every morning is a different story. Since oats are nutritious, versatile and easy ... Read more
- [Andrew's shocked and haunted photo will be part of how the arrest is remembered](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/andrews-shocked-and-haunted-photo-will-be-part-of-how-the-arrest-is-remembered/): Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s shocked, disbelieving and haunted face will become part of how his arrest will be remembered. Not a particularly edifying sight. Andrew is slumped in the backseat of a car after his release, fingers cupped either in prayer or protection. His collar is up. Besides, his collar felt. Was Andrew’s shocked expression the way he looked when he took a photo from the police in police custody? It will become the counterpart to Andrew’s other famous picture, taken nearly 25 years ago, of a smiling confident prince with 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre in a London home when the capital was ... Read more
- [California restaurant service charge sparks anger, threats as it highlights tipping's racist past](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/california-restaurant-service-charge-sparks-anger-threats-as-it-highlights-tippings-racist-past/): Geoff Davis doesn’t want his employees to rely on tips. The acclaimed chef, who worked in restaurants and cocktail bars in the Bay Area and wine country before opening Oakland soul-food restaurant Burdell, points out on customer receipts that tipping culture in the United States has a racist history — rooted in low-paid, relegated jobs among formerly enslaved black workers. Instead of tips, his restaurant adds a 20% service charge to the bill. It takes the guesswork and luck out of the equation, Davis said, and helps stabilize wages in dining rooms and kitchens — where servers often get tips, ... Read more
- [Rob Reiner's family reportedly kept distance from alleged killer son Nick amid his prison stint](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/rob-reiners-family-reportedly-kept-distance-from-alleged-killer-son-nick-amid-his-prison-stint/): Nick Reiner He reportedly has yet to receive visits from family members during his time in prison after being charged with the murders of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. Relatives are said to be keeping their distance as they struggle to come to terms with the allegations against him, while also mourning the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. The accused is due to appear in court again on February 23, where he will be represented by a public defender following the sudden withdrawal of his high-profile lawyer. Nick Reiner’s family still doesn’t understand the alleged murder ... Read more
- [The Supreme Court ruling focuses on Trump's biggest liabilities](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-supreme-court-ruling-focuses-on-trumps-biggest-liabilities/): The US Supreme Court is preparing to rule on President Trump’s tariffs, with a potential ruling as early as Friday. The court is to decide whether the president acted legally or exceeded his power. The court heard arguments last year on whether Trump exceeded his authority under the International Economic Emergency Act (IEEPA) when he imposed tariffs on goods from nearly every US trading partner. The president said the US could have to “resolve” trade deals if he loses the Supreme Court case and warned of a “complete mess” if tariffs were cut. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US ... Read more
- [Eating oatmeal for two days has unexpected impact on heart health, study suggests](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/eating-oatmeal-for-two-days-has-unexpected-impact-on-heart-health-study-suggests/): Eating oats for a short period of time could have a profound impact on cholesterol levels, according to a recent study. Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany conducted a study in which adults ate a low-calorie diet almost exclusively of oatmeal for two days. All participants suffered from metabolic syndrome associated with a risk of diabetes, including a combination of high body weight, high blood pressure, high blood sugar or high blood lipid levels, according to a university news release. Everyday condiments could be the key to fighting fat and high cholesterol, scientists say The 32 participants ate ... Read more
- [Trump's tariffs are a "dirty tax" that will worsen the $38.6 trillion national debt crisis in the long term, a top analyst says.](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/trumps-tariffs-are-a-dirty-tax-that-will-worsen-the-38-6-trillion-national-debt-crisis-in-the-long-term-a-top-analyst-says/): Kent Smettes, faculty director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, challenges the narrative that tariffs are a tool to protect domestic industry. In a recent interview with wealth, Smettes backed what he said was his long-standing view that large-scale tariffs are a “dirty VAT” (value-added tax) — a policy he believes is far more damaging to the U.S. economy than traditional tax increases. While economists generally view a flat, broad-based VAT as an effective method of raising government revenue, Smettes distinguishes tariffs as a “dirty” variation because they are much less uniform. A standard VAT is widely applied, distorting decisions ... Read more
- [Mortgage rates fall to the lowest level in nearly 4 years](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/mortgage-rates-fall-to-the-lowest-level-in-nearly-4-years/): Mortgage rates fell sharply this week as tensions between the US and Iran fueled the possibility of military conflict. Inflation concerns also persisted, as shown in the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s last meeting. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell 8 basis points to 6.01 percent in the week ended Wednesday, according to Freddie Mac. This is the lowest level since September 2022. The 15-year fixed fell 9 basis points to 5.35%. “This lower rate environment not only improves affordability for potential homebuyers, it also strengthens the financial position of homeowners,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Over the ... Read more
- [The shocking and futuristic reason why Elon Musk is stopping production of two Tesla models](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-shocking-and-futuristic-reason-why-elon-musk-is-stopping-production-of-two-tesla-models/): Even if you’ve been hiding under a rock, chances are you know all about Tesla’s ( TSLA ) meteoric rise. Over the past decade, Elon Musk’s pioneering electric vehicle company has completely redefined the market — and the true origins of Tesla’s success story can be traced directly to two particular car models. The model proved to be the ultimate disruptor when it launched in 2012, proving that electric cars could outperform traditional luxury vehicles in speed, range and flash. Then the Model X was released a few years later with its premium SUV capabilities, helping Tesla go mainstream. You ... Read more
- [Sam Altman speaks loudly on the quiet side, confirming that some companies are "washing AI" by blaming the technology for unrelated layoffs.](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/sam-altman-speaks-loudly-on-the-quiet-side-confirming-that-some-companies-are-washing-ai-by-blaming-the-technology-for-unrelated-layoffs/): As the debate continues over AI’s true impact on the workforce, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said some companies are engaging in “AI laundering” when it comes to layoffs or falsely attributing workforce cuts to the technology’s impact. “I don’t know what the exact percentage is, but there’s an AI wash where people are blaming AI for layoffs that they would otherwise do, and then there’s real AI changing different types of jobs,” Altman told CNBC-TV18 at the India AI Impact Summit on Thursday. AI-washing has gained traction as emerging data on technology’s impact on the labor market tell a murky ... Read more
- [After bankruptcy, the iconic seafood chain is closing several restaurants](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/after-bankruptcy-the-iconic-seafood-chain-is-closing-several-restaurants/): After filing for bankruptcy, closing dozens of locations and facing mounting losses, a once-iconic seafood chain is now considering additional restaurant closings to stabilize its business and return to growth. For many customers, the chain’s financial woes signaled the potential end of an era, taking with it its Cheddar Bay crackers and popular Endless Shrimp promotion. Instead, the company has spent the past two years fighting for a comeback, looking to rebuild its brand and win back customers by restructuring operations and cutting costs. For nearly 68 years, Red Lobster has built its reputation on affordable, high-quality seafood and has ... Read more
- ["If you don't have a backbone...go invest in a boring link"](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/if-you-dont-have-a-backbone-go-invest-in-a-boring-link/): Real estate developer and crypto-entrepreneur Eric Trump said on Thursday that the crypto world will be the future of mainstream finance, despite the decline of the past few months. During a wide-ranging interview with Yahoo Finance, Trump discussed bitcoin, crypto legislation, his personal unbanking experience and the latest digital asset project between the Trump Organization and his flagship business, World Liberty Financial. “First of all, markets are not always rational,” Trump said while speaking from Palm Beach, Florida, pointing to bitcoin’s performance over the past 10 years, when it was below $500 per coin. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) fell below $67,000 on ... Read more
- [Americans pay more than $165 billion a year because companies waste time generating revenue](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/americans-pay-more-than-165-billion-a-year-because-companies-waste-time-generating-revenue/): Your time, money and patience might be valuable to you, but it means much more to your company’s bottom line. A new study by the Groundwork Collaborative reveals that Americans are dealing with longer wait times for customer service, paying billions in unwanted taxes and losing even more to health care problems, setting the stage for what the group calls an “economy of annoyance.” Unwanted fees for concerts, hotels and food deliveries cost Americans more than $90 billion a year, study finds. Assigning a dollar cost to studies estimating the hours consumers spend waiting, researchers found that Americans cough up ... Read more
- [Trump wants veterans to lose benefits as soon as their PTSD symptoms are treated. There is a problem with this.](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/trump-wants-veterans-to-lose-benefits-as-soon-as-their-ptsd-symptoms-are-treated-there-is-a-problem-with-this/): Sign up for Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism and advice available, delivered to your inbox daily. During the troop surge in Iraq, I learned to constantly look for threats, how to distinguish the sharp crack of a shot aimed at me from one headed for an enemy, and the myriad ways explosives can be hidden on the side of the road. I’ve learned that hypervigilance can be the difference between life and death. What I didn’t learn was how to stop it. Now, I take three psychiatric medications every day and go to therapy every week. It ... Read more
- [I lost my job at 58 when DOGE dismantled USAID. A year later, I've landed on my feet, but I still feel survivor's guilt.](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/i-lost-my-job-at-58-when-doge-dismantled-usaid-a-year-later-ive-landed-on-my-feet-but-i-still-feel-survivors-guilt/): Jay Gulledge lost his job in 2025 after USAID was dismantled. A year later, Gulledge landed a director-level job that he considers meaningful. However, Gulledge said he feels survivor’s guilt as former colleagues remain unemployed. This essay, as stated, is based on a conversation with Jay Gulledge, 59, who is based in Tennessee. His termination of employment with USAID and current employment have been verified by Business Insider. When the Trump administration dismantled the USAID last year, I was one of the thousands of employees who lost their jobs. I was 58 years old then. A year after my layoff, ... Read more
- [Andrew's post-arrest finances revealed amid reports he has run out of 'money' following his 'poverty-stricken exile'](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/andrews-post-arrest-finances-revealed-amid-reports-he-has-run-out-of-money-following-his-poverty-stricken-exile/): With the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, many are looking into his financial past, particularly his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest on 19 February 2026. “As part of the investigation we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.” More from StyleCaster “The man remains in police custody at this time,” the statement continued, adding that they would not name the man arrested. Related: What every royal inherited from ... Read more
- [Verizon is adding new rules, making it harder for customers to leave](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/verizon-is-adding-new-rules-making-it-harder-for-customers-to-leave/): Verizon has struggled to retain loyal customers in the wake of recent price increases and increased competition in the wireless industry. Amid these pressures, the company made a major policy change that makes it harder for customers to cut ties and move to another carrier. Last month, Verizon won approval from the Federal Communications Commission to drop a rule requiring it to automatically unlock a phone it sells to a customer after 60 days, despite backlash from consumers and advocacy groups that labeled Verizon’s request “anti-consumer behavior.” Verizon was forced to comply with the rule in 2008 after acquiring licenses ... Read more
- [A condo tower may rise on the ocean in this Florida city. The neighbors push back](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/a-condo-tower-may-rise-on-the-ocean-in-this-florida-city-the-neighbors-push-back/): The high-rise glass condos have remade a Miami-Dade County beach town once known for kitschy motels like the Sahara, Suez and Castaways. Now, most of the motels from the 1950s are gone. And another tall building may be added to the oceanfront skyline of Sunny Isles Beach. Developers BH Group, Dezer Development and Related Group have collaborated on plans for an apartment building that would be Sunny Isles Beach’s tallest at 820 feet and 62 stories. With no building height limit in the city, Sunny Isles Beach has become home to the tallest buildings on the barrier island. But the ... Read more
- [I quit my $192,000 job at Microsoft and moved to Canada – then almost everything I owned was stolen. I'm learning to rebuild from scratch.](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/i-quit-my-192000-job-at-microsoft-and-moved-to-canada-then-almost-everything-i-owned-was-stolen-im-learning-to-rebuild-from-scratch/): David Chong quit his $192,000-a-year Microsoft job last year to build an AI startup. Weeks later, most of his possessions were stolen during his move from New York City to Toronto. He shared how he’s trying to bounce back — and why he doesn’t regret going all-in on entrepreneurship. This essay, as stated, is based on a conversation with David Chong, a 38-year-old startup founder from Toronto. He previously worked as a senior software engineer at Microsoft until he resigned last September. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I resigned from Microsoft in September 2025. Less than ... Read more
- [Andrew's arrest - live: Ex-prince arrested amid Epstein probe](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/andrews-arrest-live-ex-prince-arrested-amid-epstein-probe/): Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested at his Sandringham home on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former royal was arrested by Thames Valley Police this morning after at least six unmarked police cars arrived at Wood Farm for Andrew’s 66th birthday. His arrest comes amid an investigation by Thames Valley Police into whether Andrew shared confidential information with the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. advertisement advertisement King Charles has previously expressed his “deep concern” over the allegations about Andrew’s behaviour, with Buckingham Palace saying it would “stand ready to support” police if approached about the claims. This morning, Prime ... Read more
- [5 Brands That Make the Worst Cars According to Consumer Reports](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/5-brands-that-make-the-worst-cars-according-to-consumer-reports/): Every year it’s good to learn which brands make the best cars, the cream of the crop if you will, so you have a better idea of ​​what to shop for. You can also reasonably discern which makes or models have improved from previous years, and consider which used models might be worth shopping for in a year or so – given that they get great scores. Some of these brands include Subaru, BMW, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Lincoln. But it’s also good to know the opposite end of the spectrum: which cars were the worst of the worst. ... Read more
- [Treasury officials question whether taxpayers can legally pay for security upgrades at Shapiro's family home](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/treasury-officials-question-whether-taxpayers-can-legally-pay-for-security-upgrades-at-shapiros-family-home/): Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative and public service journalism that has the power to respond and drive positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Late last year, Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement agency revealed that taxpayers would pick up the tab for more than $1 million in security upgrades at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private family home in Montgomery County. Now, those bills are coming due — but the plan to use public dollars for all the work there has hit a roadblock. Records obtained by Spotlight PA show the Pennsylvania ... Read more
- [FCC chairman confirms ongoing 'enforcement action' against ABC's 'The View', calls Stephen Colbert-James Talarico incident a 'hoax'](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/fcc-chairman-confirms-ongoing-enforcement-action-against-abcs-the-view-calls-stephen-colbert-james-talarico-incident-a-hoax/): FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency “has an ongoing enforcement action” against ABC view after the show, he featured James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate, as a guest. “We’re looking at it,” Carr told reporters Wednesday, but declined to elaborate. Fox News reported earlier this month that view was investigated for a potential violation of the equal time rule, which requires broadcasters presenting candidates to give airtime to rivals if requested. More from Deadline ABC has yet to comment. The show also featured Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), one of Talarico’s primary Democratic opponents, as a guest, ... Read more
- [Rhode Island ice rink shooting victims confirm shooter's daughter accuses 'vendetta' against family](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/rhode-island-ice-rink-shooting-victims-confirm-shooters-daughter-accuses-vendetta-against-family/): The trans suspect who opened fire at an ice hockey rink in Rhode Island on Monday killed his ex-wife and adult son, authorities said, while his daughter claimed he had a “vendetta” against the family. Robert Dorgan, 56, fatally shot his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, as well as his son Aidan Dorgan, who later died at a hospital, North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi said, according to WCVB. Three other victims were injured in the shooting, including Linda and Gerald Dorgan, who were Rhonda Dorgan’s parents. Both Linda and Gerald are currently hospitalized in critical ... Read more
- [8 dead in Tahoe avalanche; Among the victims are the mothers of Sugar Bowl youth skiers](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/8-dead-in-tahoe-avalanche-among-the-victims-are-the-mothers-of-sugar-bowl-youth-skiers/): Eight of the nine people reported missing after a massive avalanche about the size of a football field struck a ski group near Lake Tahoe were confirmed dead Wednesday, Nevada authorities said, making the incident one of the deadliest US avalanches in decades. A ninth person is presumed dead. The victims were three professional guides and six of their clients who were returning Tuesday after spending two nights at the remote Frog Lake Ski Lodges in the Castle Peak area, north of Interstate 80 near Donner Summit. Six people from the 15-member group – five clients and a guide – ... Read more
- [A strong cold front heading toward Florida could wipe out more iguanas](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/a-strong-cold-front-heading-toward-florida-could-wipe-out-more-iguanas-2/): A sprinkling of spring warmth will quickly turn to a wintry chill in the coming days as a meaty cold front moves down through Florida, promising a flurry of seasons. High temperatures of up to 15 degrees above normal in some areas of the Sunshine State on Friday, February 20 are forecast to dip into the 30s and 40s in the Panhandle by Monday morning. Southern residents will wake up to 50s in Miami and 40s in Naples on Tuesday. Daytime highs early in the week are only expected to reach the 60s in South Florida and the 50s in ... Read more
- ['Always put others first:' El Paso educator dies trying to stop alleged drunk driver](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/always-put-others-first-el-paso-educator-dies-trying-to-stop-alleged-drunk-driver/): An El Paso educator known for her kindness and helping those in need died after she was struck by a moving vehicle while trying to stop another woman from driving drunk, court documents show. Ana Maria Paniagua, 57, offered to drive Aurora Morales, 62, home around 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 7 because she was concerned Morales was drunk as she was dealing with the anniversary of her son’s death, a criminal affidavit states. More: El Paso Fatal Accident Tracker 2026 Ana Maria Paniagua, 57, died after a vehicle struck her while trying to help an alleged drunken driver on Feb. ... Read more
- [Kohl's is making bold in-store changes to lure customers back](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/kohls-is-making-bold-in-store-changes-to-lure-customers-back/): Over the past few years, Kohl’s has struggled to attract customers to its stores, despite recent turnaround efforts to boost sluggish sales. In response to these ongoing challenges, the retailer is launching a bold new section across all locations to win back a key customer group. In the third quarter of 2025, Kohl’s net sales fell nearly 3% year-over-year, according to its most recent earnings report. It also generated operating income of $73 million during the quarter, about 25% less than it earned in the same time period in 2024. Additionally, recent Placer.ai data showed that foot traffic at Kohl’s ... Read more
- [The luxury giant will close more than 200 stores after falling sales](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/the-luxury-giant-will-close-more-than-200-stores-after-falling-sales/): Luxury fashion may portray an image of glamor and exclusivity, but all that glitters is not gold. Behind the five-figure-plus price tags and highly coveted brand names, the industry has struggled with declining sales and cautious consumer spending amid continued economic uncertainty. Founded in 1963, Kering is the French multinational luxury goods group behind some of the most recognizable luxury houses, including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. Despite being the world’s second-largest luxury group, with revenues of 14.7 billion euros ($17.38 billion) in 2025, Kering has faced increasing pressure in recent years. Leadership changes, changing consumer ... Read more
- [Lowest in years and well below 6%](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/lowest-in-years-and-well-below-6/): Mortgage rates are poised to move even lower as the 10-year Treasury fell nearly 2% in the past week. Stock market woes are pushing investors into bonds, and as prices rise, yields fall. Zillow, which typically reports lower rates than Freddie Mac, reports the 30-year fixed rate at 5.79% — the lowest in recent years. The 15-year fixed rate is 5.34%. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30 years fixed: 5.79% 20 years fixed: 5.71% 15 years fixed: 5.34% 5/1 ARM: 5.90% 7/1 ARM: 5.69% VA for 30 years: 5.44% VA for 15 years: ... Read more
- [Jury to receive tax evasion case against Supreme Court lawyer turned high-stakes poker player](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/jury-to-receive-tax-evasion-case-against-supreme-court-lawyer-turned-high-stakes-poker-player/): GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — As a lawyer, Thomas Goldstein routinely argued cases before the Supreme Court and published a popular blog about the nation’s highest court. Unbeknownst to friends and colleagues, Goldstein also became a high-stakes poker player who racked up tens of millions of dollars in winnings, but racked up staggering gambling debt. The secret side of Goldstein’s life was at the center of a six-week Maryland tax evasion trial against the SCOTUSblog co-founder. His indictment a year ago sent shockwaves through the legal community in the nation’s capital, where Goldstein argued more than 40 cases before the Supreme ... Read more
- [Scientists Discover Artificial Intelligence's Fatal Flaw: Most Advanced Models Fail Basic Logic Tests](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/scientists-discover-artificial-intelligences-fatal-flaw-most-advanced-models-fail-basic-logic-tests/): Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT show reasoning errors in many domains. Identifying vulnerabilities is good for public safety, industry, and the scientists who make these models. The human brain is miraculously adept, whereas LLMs are not and cannot be. In a groundbreaking new paper, scientists from Stanford, Cal Tech, and Carleton College combined existing research with new ideas to analyze the reasoning failures of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude. Those who rely on LLMs for intellectual work often cite the models’ reasoning ability as a major attraction, despite evidence that this ability is limited, even when ... Read more
- [ICE deports asylum seeker to Africa, where abuser who bought her as 'wife' is waiting to kill her, lawyers say](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/ice-deports-asylum-seeker-to-africa-where-abuser-who-bought-her-as-wife-is-waiting-to-kill-her-lawyers-say/): The life of a Congolese asylum seeker who was granted permission to remain in the United States is in “grave danger” after ICE secretly transported her to an unknown African nation, while the woman’s husband — a feared local politician who allegedly shot her father as she watched — continues to hunt her across continents, according to a tranche of federal documents reviewed. The Independent. In addition to fearing for her own safety, “Jane Doe,” as she is referred to in legal filings, “hopes for the safety of her children, whose whereabouts are unknown to her because their father, her ... Read more
- [Eminem's ex Kim Scott faces new charges in Michigan as her legal team prepares for voluntary surrender](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/eminems-ex-kim-scott-faces-new-charges-in-michigan-as-her-legal-team-prepares-for-voluntary-surrender/): Kim Scott is facing a new set of legal challenges in Michigan after an alleged car accident involving her teenage son and his friends on February 16, 2026. The 51-year-old is facing two misdemeanor charges, including driving while intoxicated and failing to stop or identify after causing property damage. This latest incident adds to a documented legal history that includes a 2015 case that resulted in a year of probation and a $900 fine. A quiet night takes a sudden turn The situation began around 8pm on a Monday night when Scott left her home to go shopping. According to ... Read more
- [Les Wexner told House committee he was "conned" by Jeffrey Epstein](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/les-wexner-told-house-committee-he-was-conned-by-jeffrey-epstein/): Ohio retail billionaire Les Wexner said in a statement before being questioned by members of the US House of Representatives that he saw the deposition as “an opportunity to set the record straight,” again denying knowledge of the abuses and crimes of his former financier, Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner said in the statement that he had been the subject of “outrageous untrue statements and hurtful rumors, innuendo and speculation” for years because of his ties to the accused child sex trafficker. “Let me state at the outset: I was naive, stupid and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He ... Read more
- [Crabby's Dockside closed due to unpaid rent, taxes, city officials say](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/crabbys-dockside-closed-due-to-unpaid-rent-taxes-city-officials-say/): FORT PIERCE — Crabby’s Dockside was months behind on rent and years behind on property tax refunds when it closed after the city ordered the marina restaurant to pay, officials said at a Feb. 17 City Commission meeting. That explanation contradicts what the restaurant chain said in a February 12 Facebook post announcing the impending closure, which took place on February 15. According to the post, the closing of Crabby’s was “a decision that was out of our control.” The commissioners directly challenged that statement, and some of the social media reaction to it, at the meeting. “I’m not a ... Read more
- [Ohio billionaire Les Wexner issues statement ahead of deposition in Jeffrey Epstein investigation](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/ohio-billionaire-les-wexner-issues-statement-ahead-of-deposition-in-jeffrey-epstein-investigation/): Ohio billionaire Les Wexner issued a statement Wednesday as he is slated to be fired by the U.S. Government Reform and Oversight Commission over the commission’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The in camera filing is scheduled to take place in New Albany. There, he is expected to face questions about information obtained in Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department, our news partners at WBNS reported. TRENDING STORIES: Wexner, 88, said he plans to cooperate with the committee members’ investigation and sees the chance to testify as “an opportunity to ... Read more
- [A strong cold front heading toward Florida could wipe out more iguanas](https://getaboutcolumbia.com/a-strong-cold-front-heading-toward-florida-could-wipe-out-more-iguanas/): A sprinkling of spring warmth will quickly turn to a wintry chill in the coming days as a meaty cold front moves down through Florida, promising a flurry of seasons. High temperatures of up to 15 degrees above normal in some areas of the Sunshine State on Friday, February 20 are forecast to dip into the 30s and 40s in the Panhandle by Monday morning. Southern residents will wake up to 50s in Miami and 40s in Naples on Tuesday. Daytime highs early in the week are only expected to reach the 60s in South Florida and the 50s in ... Read more

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