Keeping Up With America

Columbia University student data stolen by politically motivated hacker, university says: A politically motivated hacker breached Columbia University’s data systems last week, stealing troves of student documents while briefly shutting down the school’s computer systems, a university official said Wednesday.

Elon Musk vows to start a new political party after Trump feud. Here’s why that’s harder than it sounds.: As billionaire Elon Musk feuds with President Trump over his signature tax and domestic policy legislation, Musk has reupped his calls to launch a new political party — a daunting task even for the wealthiest person on Earth.

Obama-appointed judge strikes down Trump order preventing asylum requests, protections for illegal immigrants: A federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to prevent migrants crossing the border from seeking asylum or applying for withholding of removal in the U.S., a major blow to Trump as he looks to further enforce his broad immigration crackdown.

Congressional intern killed in Washington shooting: A 21-year-old intern in a congressman’s Washington office was fatally shot Monday in the city after gunmen opened fire on a group of people, authorities said.

Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center is set to receive its first group of immigrants: The first group of immigrants were scheduled to arrive Wednesday night at a new detention center deep in the Florida Everglades that officials have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the state’s attorney general said.

Around the World

Australia revoked Ye’s entry visa over his “Heil Hitler” song, immigration minister reveals: Ye, the American rapper formerly known as Kanye West, has been barred from entering Australia because of his pro-Nazi song “Heil Hitler,” the country’s immigration minister told Australia’s ABC television network on Tuesday.

Dalai Lama says he’ll have a successor, after all — meaning he’d be reincarnated: The Dalai Lama said Wednesday that the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death, ending years of speculation that started when he indicated he might be the last person to hold the role. His having a successor would mean he would be reincarnated.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

​Gold Holds Ground as Investors Await US Jobs Data, Tax Bill Vote

Microsoft laying off about 9,000 employees in latest round of cuts

Mortgage refinance demand surges, as interest rates drop further

Richer, Wiser, Happier

How to lower auto insurance costs without sacrificing security: Inflation has been widespread over the last few years, but the car insurance industry has been hit particularly hard by the higher costs that have resulted from it, which have led to increases in auto repair prices. Over the last three years, auto insurance costs in the U.S. have increased by a staggering 51%, according to Insurance Business America. Other factors, like extreme weather events and an uptick in litigation, have also helped to drive up the cost of car insurance.

4 Retirement Savings Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make | Joel O’Leary, Fool. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of studying personal finance, it’s this: Building wealth is less about doing all the right things and more about avoiding a few key wrong things. The good news is most mistakes are fixable. And the earlier you catch them, the more your money can grow. Let’s walk through the biggest retirement savings mistakes I see — and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

6 HELOC fees that could increase the cost of borrowing: Rising home values over the last several years have created a windfall of equity for millions of American homeowners, making home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) an increasingly attractive option for financing everything from home renovations to debt consolidation. With the average homeowner now sitting on over $300,000 in tappable equity, and with average HELOC rates lower than many borrowing alternatives, tapping into this resource seems like an obvious move for those needing to borrow money.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Bronny James says he’s not paying attention to LeBron speculation | Cal Raleigh, rookie Jacob Wilson among MLB All-Star starters

‘Last of Us’ Shocker: Neil Druckmann Exits HBO Series Ahead of Season 3 | ‘Pretty Thing’ Review: A Casual Lover Turns Committed Stalker in a Medium-Hot Thriller With Alicia Silverstone

Kate Middleton Details “Really Difficult” Phase After Completing Cancer Treatment | Sean “Diddy” Combs Found Guilty on 2 Out of 5 Counts in Sex Trafficking Trial Verdict

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How To Clean A Toilet Tank To Prevent Rust And Mildew

The biggest breakthrough in circulatory health in a century

The Surprising Health Benefits of Red Cabbage—and the Best Ways to Eat It

The 1-Minute Cleaning Tasks Professionals Say Make the Biggest Difference