This year has brought warmer temperatures sooner than usual to Santa Clarita Valley, waking up rattlesnakes earlier and pushing them into areas where people walk, hike, or just hang out. Unlike some animals that hide from cold, these snakes actually prefer the heat and become active as soon as the s
A new sports betting app wants you to try it out with a free $20 bonus. If you sign up and deposit at least $20 using the promo code WTOP, the money appears instantly in your account. The catch? You have to be in the US and at least 18 years old. The app focuses on predicting game outcomes rather th
Raccoons trash pandas are more than just pests rummaging through bins. Scientists at the University of British Columbia tested 20 captive raccoons with a clear box full of obstacles like latches and dials hiding a marshmallow prize. The team noticed something unexpected the raccoons didn’t just grab
Iran’s new president just took a bold step by writing directly to everyday Americans. His message? Stop believing everything you hear about Iran. In a post on a popular social media site, he argued that powerful governments often create enemies to push their own agendas. Instead of seeing Iran as a
In early 2024, Ripple rolled out new tools for big businesses. One was Ripple Treasury, a platform for companies to handle cash and digital money all in one place. Instead of waiting days for overseas payments, firms could now move funds in seconds using RLUSD, a dollar-backed stablecoin. Companies
The debate over funding for border security has left Congress at a standstill. Senate Republicans are pushing a plan to keep the Department of Homeland Security running, but Democrats have held back on negotiations for weeks. One senator from Kansas, who works on budget and tax issues, says the dela
A major investment firm just placed a big wager on a company most people don’t know much about. Jana Partners recently revealed it now owns 5. 4 million shares—worth about 5% of Alkami Technology. That’s according to a report filed with regulators on a recent Wednesday. The New York-based firm didn’
Experts often get excited about flashy tech trends, but the real mistake happens when bosses follow the crowd instead of thinking for themselves. Many CEOs bet big on 3D TVs, virtual reality worlds, and other hyped ideas just because everyone else was doing it. When COVID locked people inside, those
A political consultant from Annapolis, known for working with Republicans like former Gov. Larry Hogan, has been charged by federal authorities. The indictment says he took money from at least one elected official and a community group to buy a yacht. The case lists six criminal counts: three for
Flavio Bolsonaro’s name is climbing the polls, giving him extra room to decide who will guide his economic plans. The 44‑year‑old senator has spent much of his time abroad, meeting conservative allies and visiting his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is jailed in Brasilia for an attempte
