Today’s News:
 
Featured News
 
What if Apple's engineers refuse to crack open the iPhone?
What if Apple's engineers refuse to crack open the iPhone?

In all the back-and-forth sabre rattling over the FBI's demand that Apple help it break into the iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists, there's one element no one has previously discussed -- Apple's engineers.

If the courts eventually rule that Apple must give the FBI access to the phone's contents, that's a chore that will presumably be handled by Apple's engineers, who may well be the only people on Earth who know how to reliably de-encrypt the iPhone.

But...

 
Noteworthy News
 

Automotive

Google wants Congress to put self-driving cars in the fast lane

The states shouldn't be allowed to stand in the way of progress, Google argues

Automakers and feds agree to incorporate forward crash-prevention systems in future car models

The agreement covers that vast majority of passenger vehicles and may help mitigate thousands of accidents

Credit cards

The four best airline credit cards

They aren't for everyone, but if you travel a lot you can reap generous rewards

Employment

Job openings on the rise in January

Initial jobless claims at a milestone

Leading indicators suggest continued modest economic growth

The Leading Economic Index posted its first gain in three months

Family & parenting

Poor families pay more for diapers, government data shows

Low-income families see federal aid for other essentials, but not diapers

Children with younger siblings may be healthier, study finds

Researchers find an association between having a younger sibling and a healthier BMI

Health

CDC releases guidelines in hopes of curbing opioid prescriptions

Several agencies have taken steps towards addressing America's opioid dependence

Scientists report breakthrough in Zika virus research

The discovery explains how the virus poses a threat to pregnant women

Home & garden

It might get a little easier to obtain a mortgage

Lenders get a little more leeway under new FHA rules

Best refrigerators for style and quality

Five refrigerators named top picks by online experts

Insurance

Florida bill requires life insurance companies to pay up when policyholders die

Companies too often look the other way, lawmakers say

Life insurance rates may jump for new moms with postpartum depression

The simplest precaution is to buy insurance before starting a family

Personal finance

Four productive uses for your tax refund

Adding to an emergency cash reserve tops the list

Is having a savings account worthwhile?

It is if it will help you accumulate savings. Just don't expect any interest.

Pets

Some companies now offer time off for pet bereavement

Experts say it's critical that pet owners be allowed time off to mourn the loss of a pet

Privacy

Choosing a home security camera -- local or cloud-based storage?

Each method has its benefits and drawbacks

Robocaller hounded millions with vacation packages, feds charge

Many of those called were on the Do Not Call list, the FTC alleges

Scams

Sweepstakes scam netted millions -- and a prison sentence

Call center operator sentenced to nine years in prison

Lord & Taylor settles with the FTC over deceptive advertising claims

The company paid sources to endorse their product but did not disclose that to consumers

Seniors

Honest Dollar provides low-cost retirement plans for small businesses

Small company is being acquired by Goldman Sachs

Shopping

Easter spending expected to be greater than ever in 2016

An NRF survey calculates that consumers will spend $17.3 billion on the holiday this year

Whole Foods commits to slow-growing chickens, better living conditions

Modern chickens have become overgrown monsters, animal welfare groups say

Social & dating

Study: gender stereotypes haven't changed in 30 years

Researchers find that people are just as likely as they were in 1983 to believe in traditional gender roles

Sustainability

Why honeybees are disappearing

Polish researchers may have uncovered an important clue

Tax preparation

Tax deadline a month away

The IRS offers a number of tools that might help last minute filers

Travel

Cruise ship specialty restaurants – are they worth it?

They offer variety and the chance to celebrate a special occasion in style

Airbnb will let you complain about noisy renters

It's an effort to silence complaints about loud parties and unruly guests

Recalls

Room & Board recalls Doyle arm chairs and side chairs

The backrest can break during normal use

Keystone recalls Sprinters equipped with Haier TV

The TV may break off of the wall mounting inside the vehicle

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