Good morning.
From Trump declaring America is “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever”, to a tourist caught in cartel chaos in Mexico — plus a bizarre $12.8M lottery lawsuit — today’s stories are anything but ordinary. Let’s dive in.
■ TRAVEL
When a beach getaway turns into trouble in paradise overnight, tourists need to know what to do.
Vacationers in Mexico — including many Americans — faced that reality after cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was killed Sunday, sparking violence in hotspots like Puerto Vallarta.
Airports shut down, cruise ships were diverted and the U.S. Embassy issued a shelter-in-place warning as tourists described scenes of chaos and fires near beach resorts.
■ SPONSORED BY FISHER INVESTMENTS
Is your retirement plan prepared for the unexpected? It isn't just about saving enough—it's also about making sure your savings last. Over that time, the steady effects of inflation can significantly reduce your purchasing power, especially as costs for essentials like healthcare continue to rise. What seems like a comfortable nest egg today could fall short tomorrow without a forward-looking strategy.
A successful plan requires a clear objective that accounts for your goals, time horizon and the impact of rising costs. Fisher Investments' free guide, The 15-Minute Retirement Plan, can help you define your goals, understand these challenges and build a tailored strategy designed to support the retirement lifestyle you've worked for.
■ COURTS
A Circle K store manager in Scottsdale is being sued over a $12.8 million lottery ticket he allegedly bought from his own store after confirming it was a winner.
Circle K filed a lawsuit asking a judge to decide who legally owns the ticket — one of the largest lottery prizes in Arizona history.
There’s also a ticking clock: the ticket must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing, and that deadline is May 23.
■ NEWS
President Trump declared a new American “golden age,” pointing to surging markets and a roaring economy as proof of a dramatic turnaround. But recent data shows growth may be cooling. Is the rally as strong as it seems — and are you positioned to benefit?
■ MORE FROM MONEYWISE
ECONOMY: Former US officials raise red flag over looming ‘widespread collapse’ of American agriculture. Why our farmers ‘can’t compete’ (and what it means)
CRIME: BlackRock was duped into loaning $430M to a telecom entrepreneur allegedly using fake invoices as collateral. How a similar scam could impact you
REAL ESTATE: Federal government issues critical alert to specific buyers of US residential real estate — new rule effective March 1. What you must do to comply
DEBT: I co-signed my friend's student loans a decade ago and I just found out she’s stopped paying. What are my option