High Jobless Rates the New Normal?

Dear Eric: I am a 60-something man who struggled for decades, working multiple jobs at a time. Many of those jobs were physically brutal, but thanks to a generous family inheritance late last year I’m finally able to rest my beaten and broken body and retire with my arthritis meds and pending joint replacements. My wife of eight months, who is physically whole and energetic, and who never held a paying job, wants us to spend my inheritance to live in “active seniors” retirement like those graying couples in AARP and prescription meds commercials: mountain climbing, volunteering to build houses, running marathons, kite-skiing, etcetera. Here’s what I want to do every day: Take my daily two-mile morning walk or pedal my bike about 10 miles, swim my laps at the YMCA, take a nap, then spend the next 10 hours writing, reading and catching up with all those long-ago movies and TV series I missed due to 70-hour work weeks and having to learn new jobs for so many years. Help? — Peaceful Retirement Dear Retirement: Congratulations on moving into this well-deserved next chapter.

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or important decisions after 11 p.m. EST today (8 p.m. PST). The Moon is in Libra. Happy Birthday for Monday, Jan. 20, 2025: You are energetic, self-confident and charming. You are also kind and playful, which makes you popular with your friends. This is a year of socializing and enjoying life!

Today is Monday, Jan. 20, the 20th day of 2025. There are 345 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 20, 1936, Britain’s King George V died after his physician injected the mortally ill monarch with morphine and cocaine to hasten his death. The king was succeeded by his eldest son, Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne 11 months later to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Also on this date: In 1841, the island of Hong Kong was ceded by China to Great Britain.

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions. Frigid weather is rewriting the pageantry of the day. Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first time that has happened in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena. When Trump takes the oath of office at noon, he will realize a political comeback without precedent in American history. Here’s how to watch Trump’s inauguration live: Contributing: Associated Press

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — More than 80 people were killed in the country’s northeast over the weekend following the government’s failed attempts to hold peace talks with the National Liberation Army, a Colombian official said. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Twenty others were injured in the violence that has forced thousands to flee as Colombia’s army scrambled to evacuate people on Sunday, according to William Villamizar, governor of North Santander, where many of the killings took place. Among the victims are community leader Carmelo Guerrero and seven people who sought to sign a peace deal, according to a report that a government ombudsman agency released late Saturday. Officials said the attacks happened in several towns located in the Catatumbo region near the border with Venezuela, with at least three people who were part of the peace talks being kidnapped. Thousands of people are fleeing the area, with some hiding in the nearby lush mountains or seeking help at government shelters. “We were caught in the crossfire,” said Juan Gutiérrez, who fled with his family to a temporary shelter in Tibú after they were forced to leave behind their animals and belongings.

When Donald Trump walked on stage at the Capitol One Arena in Washington, D. C. on Sunday night, he seemed to relish the moment, standing in front of so many supporters who have traveled the country to attend his rallies. He stretched his arms out wide and said, “We won!” Less than 24 hours before he’ll be sworn in as President again, he promised big changes to the country in the first few hours of his second term. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] During his campaign, Trump said he would be a “dictator on day one” to surge deportations and open up lands for oil drilling.