U.S. homelessness increased 18% this year, according to federal data released on Friday, with children being the age group that experienced the largest increase.
The big picture: Homelessness among nearly all populations reached record levels this year, but of the exacerbating factors have balanced out since the survey was conducted in January, the Department of Housing and Urban Development said in its report.
Bankrupt retailer Big Lots said Friday it struck an 11th-hour deal to save hundreds of its stores via a sale to Gordon Brothers and Variety Wholesalers.
Why it matters: The Columbus, Ohio-based company had about 27,700 employees and more than 1,300 stores in 48 states when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.
Nearly 200 ski patrollers and mountain safety personnel on Friday launched a strike at Park City Mountain in Utah to protest alleged unfair labor practices.
Why it matters: The post-Christmas job action threatened to disrupt operations at the largest ski resort in the U.S. during one of the busiest weeks of the season.
Sriram Krishnan has become a MAGA lightning rod since President-elect Trump named him as a senior adviser on artificial intelligence, due to both anti-Indian racism and Krishnan's pro-immigration views.
The big picture: Krishnan is an unlikely candidate for controversy, known throughout Silicon Valley for his affability and to the broader world as co-host of a podcast with his wife, tech entrepreneur Aarthi Ramamurthy.
Inflation has driven the cost of goods and services upwards — but the highest inflation of all can be found in the rising price of a dream.
Why it matters: When the Mega Millions lottery was launched in May 2002, a ticket was one of America's real bargains. A mere $1 could buy days' worth of hopes and dreams of what you might do were you to become stupendously wealthy.
