Keeping Up With America

18-year-old girl escapes from New Jersey home where she was allegedly forced to live in dog crate and abused: A New Jersey couple has been charged after an 18-year-old escaped their residence and said she was forced to live in a dog crate for a year, given a bucket to use as a bathroom and severely abused over a seven-year span.

Ohio man accused of burning 100 books on Black, Jewish, LGBTQ history: An Ohio man is accused of burning 100 library books on African American, Jewish and LGBTQ history, sparking a public outcry.

Cartel family members entered U.S. in deal with Trump admin, Mexican security chief confirms: Mexico’s security chief confirmed Tuesday that 17 family members of cartel leaders crossed into the U.S. last week as part of a deal between a son of the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Trump administration.

Harvard joins colleges moving to self-fund some research to offset federal funding cuts: Harvard University is putting up $250 million of its own money to continue research efforts amid a federal funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, but the school’s president warns of “difficult decisions and sacrifices” to come.

Gabbard fires 2 top intelligence officials and will shift office that preps Trump’s daily brief: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard fired two veteran intelligence officials because they oppose President Donald Trump, her office said, coming a week after the release of a declassified memo written by their agency that contradicted statements the Trump administration has used to justify deporting Venezuelan immigrants.

Around the World

Man dies following hot air balloon disaster at festival in Mexico: The basket of the hot air balloon caught on fire. It was still on the ground with two other hot air balloons but broke free of the tether as a flame erupted.

Canada’s Carney attacks King Charles for silence over Trump’s annexation threats: Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly said he wants Canada to become the 51st U.S. state, a suggestion that has angered Canadians and buoyed Carney’s popularity.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Netflix says its ad tier now has 94 million monthly active users

YouTube announces Gemini AI feature to target ads when viewers are most engaged

Ketchup maker Kraft Heinz investing $3 billion upgrading U.S. manufacturing: Reuters

Richer, Wiser, Happier

Investing in gold now? Here are 4 expert-driven strategies to use.: The price of gold has seen a notable increase in recent years as investors turn to the precious metal during a period of high volatility. With ongoing economic uncertainty, global and political instability, and lingering inflation, investors are flocking to this time-tested safe-haven asset. The price of gold per ounce now is hovering close to $3,300.

Spousal Social Security Benefits: 3 Things Married Couples Must Know in Retirement | Trevor Jennewine, Fool. Spouses with no work history can collect Social Security benefits based on the work record of their retired partner. Spouses that claim Social Security at full retirement age will receive a benefit equal to 50% of their retired partner’s primary insurance amount. Divorced spouses can collect Social Security benefits based on the work record of their ex-partner in certain situations.

Credit card balances are falling. Here’s how to reduce yours now.: After reaching a historic peak in the last quarter of 2024, credit card balances are finally showing signs of improvement across the nation. Credit card balances fell to $1.18 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest Household Debt and Credit Report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, released this week, down $29 billion (2.4%) from the previous quarter. This marks a welcome reprieve for cardholders who have been grappling with record-high credit card debt since surpassing the $1 trillion milestone in 2023.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Thunder rally late for Game 5 win, 3-2 series lead vs. Nuggets | Twins sweep doubleheader vs. Orioles, extend win streak to 10

Zoë Kravitz on Getting High While Reading ‘The Studio’ Mushroom Scene and Why Getting Slapped by Kathryn Hahn Was ‘The Honor of a Lifetime’ | Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson and Daisy Edgar-Jones to Lead Fernando Meirelle’s Heist Film ‘Here Comes the Flood’ For Netflix

Bruce Springsteen calls Trump ‘corrupt, incompetent and treasonous’ on stage | Cassie Ventura reveals how much Diddy paid to settle her 2023 lawsuit

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

These Are the Best Password Managers in 2025

Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Your Knees, Hips, & Back

How to Use Baking Soda in Your Garden to Boost Flowers, Deter Pests, and More

How To Make Dirty Grout White Again—And Keep It That Way