Keeping Up With America

Tragedy in Orange County: Employee Fatally Shot by Off-Duty Deputy: An Orange County employee was fatally shot by an off-duty deputy at a Tustin apartment complex on Friday morning, authorities said.

Trump administration threatens to take Harvard's patents: The federal government told Harvard University on Friday it could take control of the school's patents stemming from federally funded research — the latest in a months-long feud between the Trump administration and the Ivy League college.

Paterson Water Main Break Sparks Service Chaos, Boil Advisory, and Long Lines: A water main break in Paterson prompted officials to issue a boil water advisory for the city and surrounding area, while residents had to wait in long lines to get bottled water for the evening.

Former LAPD officer arrested while out on bail in fraud case: A former LAPD officer and reserve officer was arrested this week while he was out on bail and awaiting trial on an insurance fraud case.

Air Force revokes approved retirement for trans service members: 'Complete and utter betrayal': Alyx, a transgender Air Force veteran of 15 years, was initially approved for early retirement under a Trump-era policy but recently had that retirement revoked without clear explanation by the Air Force. The reversal highlights ongoing tension and uncertainty surrounding military service policies for transgender individuals amid changing federal directives.

Around the World

American trophy hunter killed by buffalo during safari in South Africa: An American was killed by a buffalo he was tracking during a trophy hunt in South Africa, police said Friday.

4 arrested in Brazilian police raids against gang running illegal ride-hailing app in Rio: Police in Rio de Janeiro carried out raids against a criminal group Friday that allegedly operated a clandestine ride-hailing app that generated monthly profits of up to 1 million reais (about $185,000), authorities said. At least four people were arrested.

Lets Talk Business and Tech

​Dodge unveils additions to 2026 muscle car lineup: ‘It’s about choice’

Intel CEO responds to ‘misinformation’ and Trump threat in letter to employees

EV sales soar as Trump axes $7,500 tax credit: ‘People are rushing out’ to buy, analyst says

Richer, Wiser, Happier

3 factors that could raise (or lower) your HELOC limit this August: This is a prime moment for homeowners who are considering tapping into their home equity with a home equity line of credit (HELOC). With HELOC rates recently dropping to an average of 8.13%, their lowest level since May, and the Federal Reserve's next meeting in September carrying a high likelihood of a rate cut, many homeowners are eyeing their home equity as a source of accessible cash. But while the rate environment might seem favorable, the lending landscape is more complex than headlines suggest.

Prequalified vs. Pre-Approved: Don't Mix These Up for Your Loan | Ryan Wilcox, Fool. A personal loan can be a smart way to pay off high-interest debt, cover emergency costs, or finance a big expense. But before you start applying, you'll want to understand all your loan-shopping options, starting with prequalification and pre-approval. Even after years writing about personal finance, personal loans continue to surprise me with how complex they can get. I've broken down the key terms, traps, and trade-offs so you don't have to decode it alone. Here's my no-nonsense guide to loan prequalification versus loan pre-approval, and how to know which is right for you today.

Can't afford to consolidate your debt this August? 5 alternatives to consider: Debt consolidation can be a tempting solution when it feels like your credit card bills and loans are taking over your financial life. After all, consolidating debts into one manageable payment can cut down on interest charges and make it easier to pay back what's owed. For some people, though, taking out a consolidation loan is still too much to handle financially. All it takes is a high interest rate, a lack of available credit or simply not being able to afford the loan fees for debt consolidation to be out of reach.

Sports and Showbiz Shenanigans

Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders throws 2 TD passes in first half of NFL preseason debut vs Panthers | A’ja Wilson scores 29 on her 29th birthday to help the Aces beat the Storm 90-86

Stephen Colbert Puts on JD Vance Mask and Says ‘Netflix, Call Me’ After CBS Cancels ‘The Late Show’: ‘I’m Available in June’ | ‘Final Destination 7’ in the Works; ‘Bloodlines’ Co-Writer Returning

Kim Kardashian flew to Mexico to get unusual treatment not approved in the US as she shares scary photos from the operating room | Macaulay Culkin confirms 'Home Alone' rumors, including 'very short' stunt double

Life Hacks to Hack Your Life

How to Harvest Onions for Delicious Flavor and the Perfect Crunch

This FRENCH protein keeps arteries clean (even in your 70s)

I Swapped Coffee for These 6 Morning Habits—and I’ve Never Felt More Energized

The Best Way to Label Your Circuit Breaker and Electrical Outlets