Life

A photo collage shows money next to the Capitol building.

What is the debt ceiling? How defaulting could affect Americans

If Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling, everyday Americans could see their jobs or benefits affected.

 | Jessie Cohen

Bruno, a dog at SPCA of Wake County

One-eared shelter dog removes matching ear from his stuffed toy

Bruno lost his left ear before arriving at the SPCA of Wake County in North Carolina.

 | Tricia Goss

A "for sale" sign is posted in front of a home

US cities where housing markets are growing fastest

The fastest-growing market, according to the National Association of Realtors, is Farmington, New Mexico.

 | Brittany Anas

Black History Month collage with Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X

Why is February only 28 days long?

The Romans dedicated the month to the God of purification and left it with an even 28 days. February would then be moved after January in 452 B.C.

 | Scripps News Staff

Then Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert (22) warms up on the court before an NBA basketball game

NBA players' activism on display during Black History Month

Many NBA players have spoken out about what Black History Month means to them.

 | Justin Boggs

A portrait of a woman at the Museum of Bad Art

Quirky creations find a loving home at Museum of Bad Art

The Museum of Bad Art in Dorchester, Massachusetts, features hundreds of paintings that all missed the mark in one way or another.

 | Chris Conte

9-year-old David Balogun sits in front of a laptop

This 9-year-old just graduated from high school

David Balogun, who has already founded his own website development company, is one of the youngest people to graduate from high school.

 | Chloe Nordquist

an orchestra playing

Bringing musicians from underrepresented backgrounds to America

A year-long training and mentorship opportunity is specifically designed for early-career musicians from underrepresented racial backgrounds.

 | Jessie Cohen

Valentine's Day cards sit lined up on shelves

A Valentine's Day card may be more important than flowers

It turns out the card that comes with the flowers may actually be more important than the arrangement itself.

 | Chris Conte

A carton of eggs.

Wholesale egg prices tank after months of increases

The average wholesale cost of a dozen large eggs has dropped from a high of $5.38 on December 30 to a current average of $2.73 for a dozen.

 | Scripps News Staff

A car rental counter

Rental car prices ease slightly, but still relatively high

Car rental prices were still 36% higher in December compared to the same time in 2019.

 | Scripps News Staff

Jesse Janelle and family

Millennials living with retired parents in multigenerational homes

In multigenerational homes, there are benefits for both older and younger generations.

 | Simplemost and Brittany Anas

The IRS website.

IRS delivers ruling on whether state stimulus checks are taxable

The IRS had told taxpayers in states that awarded stimulus or tax refund checks to hold off filing tax returns.

 | Justin Boggs

A man carries heart-shaped balloons at a flower market

How to do Valentine's Day on a budget without looking cheap

No need to spend $100 on long-stem roses for Valentine's Day. There are plenty of other gifts to show your love without breaking the bank.

 | John Matarese

Secretary of State Antony Blinken

US State Department issues highest advisory against travel to Russia

The level 4 warning is for many reasons, including Americans being singled out for detention, unpredictable local law enforcement and terrorism.

 | Scripps News Staff

Zyhir Baker-Elam

Philly native bringing taste of home to Eagles fans in Nashville

No matter who wins the Super Bowl, this authentic Philly food is a win for Eagles fans in Nashville.

 | Stephanie Sandoval

A logo is flashed on a stage outside State Farm Stadium ahead of Super Bowl 57.

What it costs to attend Super Bowl LVII

Tickets to the big game are out of budget, even for some of the biggest fans.

 | Adi Guajardo

A Chick-fil-A location is shown.

Chick-fil-A is testing a plant-based sandwich made with cauliflower

The chain says the plant-based alternative tastes just like its original chicken sandwich.

 | Kaitlin Gates

A bouquet of roses are displayed on sale.

Surveys: Consumer spending focused on experiences this Valentine's Day

Instead of spending money on gifts and flowers, more consumers are starting to spend on things like concerts or sporting events instead.

 | Chloe Nordquist

U.S. currency

Why personal savings have hit new lows

People only saved an average of 2.9% of their disposable income in Q4. Why?

 | Scripps News Staff

A woman painting on a canvas

How we can reflect on Black History Month's theme of resistance

Art is a powerful medium for any message, and for Black artists, it's been a way to document history and what's needed for future change.

 | Vanessa Misciagna

Outside picture of Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a hot spring hotel in Hayakawa, Yamanashi

The world's oldest hotel opened in Japan in the year 705

The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is about three hours southwest of Tokyo and two hours from Mount Fuji.

 | Simplemost and Anna Weaver

A portion of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form.

Inflation could impact your tax return this year

According to a survey by NerdWallet, most Americans are unaware of how inflation will impact their tax returns.

 | Scripps News Staff

Valentine's Day balloons are displayed.

Why is the heart the symbol of love?

The modern heart shape used to symbolize love doesn't resemble the shape of a human heart, but it dates back to illustrations in ancient times.

 | Lauren Magarino

People walk around a mall.

Malls are adapting to customer tendencies, but can they survive?

The future of shopping malls seems to be hazy, with customers turning to online shopping more, especially in the pandemic.

 | Carlos Mendez and Lauren Magarino

A young Clydesdale foal walks around the feet of her mother.

New Budweiser Clydesdales hosting Football and Foals Watch Party

The watch party for the big game Sunday will be held at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, the breeding facility for the Clydesdales.

 | Simplemost and Kaitlin Gates

A dressmaker wheels a plus-size mannequin to his workstation.

Is the fashion industry living up to promises of size inclusivity?

This edition of the "Better Beauty" explores why the fashion industry seems so slow to reflect a wider range of body types in clothing sizes.

 | Scripps News Staff

A United Airlines flight is in the air.

United flight turns around after fire in cabin

Four passengers were treated for smoke inhalation and two others declined treatment after a fire erupted from an external battery pack.

 | AP

Restaurant server carrying a tray of food.

IRS considering changing how tipped employees report tips

The IRS proposal would create one voluntary compliance agreement: The Service Industry Tip Compliance Agreement. Here's what's in it:

 | Justin Boggs

Streets around State Farm Stadium are closed

Super Bowl LVII stadium food gets culinary upgrade

Super Bowl LVII chefs say they wanted to bring culinary innovation into the menus and make it a memorable experience for game day.

 | Adi Guajardo