Keeping Up With America

Swatting hoaxer admits to scheme targeting dozens of members of Congress and social media influencers: Thomasz Szabo was an invisible menace, according to federal prosecutors. His alleged targets: They are quite visible.

Education Dept. threatens Columbia University’s accreditation: The Education Department said Wednesday that Columbia University has violated federal antidiscrimination laws and has therefore failed to meet accreditation standards.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from deporting family of Boulder attack suspect: A federal judge in Colorado temporarily blocked federal immigration officials from removing the wife and five children of the man charged in Sunday’s attack in Boulder from the country or the state.

Man charged with supplying chemicals in Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing: A Washington man is charged with providing large amounts of chemicals used in a car bomb outside a Palm Springs, California, fertility clinic last month, federal authorities said Wednesday.

State Department shifts $250 million from refugee aid to ‘self-deportations’: The U.S. State Department has moved $250 million to the Department of Homeland Security for voluntary deportations by migrants without legal status, a spokesperson said, an unprecedented repurposing of funds that have been used to aid refugees uprooted by war and natural disasters.

Around the World

North Korea pulls capsized warship upright after botched launch, report says: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called the accident an insult to the nation’s prestige and vowed to punish those responsible.

3 World War II bombs defused in a German city’s biggest evacuation since the end of the war: Three unexploded U.S. bombs from World War II were defused on Wednesday in Cologne after the German city’s biggest evacuation since the end of the war.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

Mortgage demand drops for the third straight week, even as interest rates ease

Venmo adds debit card perks, checkout options in push to catch rival Cash App

Nissan CEO says mega savings plan will fix the struggling automaker

Richer, Wiser, Happier

On-time debt payments aren’t a magic fix for your credit score, experts say. Here’s why: Americans have a near-record level of credit card debt — $1.18 trillion as of the first quarter of 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average credit card debt per borrower was $6,371 during that time, based on data from TransUnion, one of the three major credit reporting companies.

3 Little-Known Investing Tricks That Rich People Use | James McClenathen, Fool. We all know the wealthy invest — but what really sets them apart is how they invest. Their strategies go beyond “buy stocks and hold.” Rich investors use tools that help them avoid taxes, earn high returns, and preserve their wealth for generations. Here are three investing tactics the rich use — and what the rest of us can learn from them.

What is the 5-year rule for annuities?: In today’s uncertain financial environment, annuities can seem like the quiet, dependable retirement funding option, offering guaranteed income and helping protect against outliving your savings. And, with sticky (but cooling) inflation still putting pressure on household budgets and the stock market delivering mixed signals, the idea of guaranteed monthly payouts is even more appealing, especially for those nearing retirement or planning their estate.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Ceddanne Rafaela’s 308-foot HR lifts Red Sox past Angels | U.S. Open could be last Grand Slam chance for Phil Mickelson

‘Prison Break’ Reboot Pilot Casts Ray McKinnon, Margo Martindale, Donal Logue, Lili Taylor | ‘One of Them Days’ Sequel With Keke Palmer and SZA in the Works at TriStar (EXCLUSIVE)

Michelle Obama reveals daughter Malia Obama’s name change | ‘White Lotus’ stars Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood deny feud rumors: ‘I love this woman’

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How to Protect Your Car From Identity Theft

avoid collagen – use this instead for thick nails, glowing skin and gorgeous hair…

21 Easy Dishes to Make While You’re On Summer Vacation

What’s the Difference Between Bananas and Plantains—and Is One Better for You?