These Are the Best Colleges in America Right Now

The University of Michigan is crushing it in Money’s latest rankings, standing out as a top-tier school across the board. For in-state students, the estimated cost of a degree before financial aid kicks in is around $102,000—cheaper than about 650 other schools on the list. And with a 93% quality rating, it’s clear Michigan delivers both value and excellence.

Editor’s Note: If you’re weighing college options, Michigan’s strong rankings and relatively lower cost (for a top public school) make it a smart pick. This isn’t just about prestige—it’s a practical win for students who want quality without drowning in debt.

The article suggests that financial markets are returning to their usual state of brushing off geopolitical tensions with Iran, despite lingering uncertainties. The tongue-in-cheek subhead hints at skepticism about whether U.S. policy shifts will meaningfully change this dynamic.

Editor’s Note: Markets have a short memory when it comes to Middle East volatility—they’ll price in a crisis, then move on. But the snarky tone here implies that beneath the surface, there’s still unease about whether stability is just an illusion. For investors, it’s a reminder that complacency can be risky when dealing with unpredictable regimes.

Former President Trump is pushing for a shift in military spending, favoring an increase in drones and missiles while cutting back on the controversial F-35 fighter jet program. The proposed $893 billion budget reflects his preference for cost-effective, high-impact weapons over expensive, high-tech aircraft.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about dollars and cents—it signals a broader debate over how the U.S. should modernize its military. Drones and missiles are cheaper and increasingly pivotal in modern warfare, but critics argue cutting advanced jets like the F-35 could weaken air superiority. It’s a tug-of-war between pragmatism and traditional military dominance.

Meta (formerly Facebook) has reportedly hired away three AI researchers from OpenAI to work on its own "superintelligence" project, according to The Wall Street Journal. This move signals Meta's aggressive push into advanced AI development, directly competing with OpenAI—a key player in the field.

Editor’s Note: The AI talent wars are heating up. Meta snagging OpenAI researchers isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s a power play in the race to build smarter, more capable AI systems. For tech watchers, it’s a sign that big players are doubling down on cutting-edge AI, which could accelerate breakthroughs (or intensify rivalries). For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that the future of AI isn’t just about tech—it’s about who’s building it.

The Taiwan dollar just hit its highest value in three years, thanks to a surge of foreign money flowing into the local stock market and a broader slump in the US dollar. Investors are either betting on Taiwan’s economic resilience or bringing cash back home—either way, the currency’s getting a boost.

Editor’s Note: A stronger Taiwan dollar isn’t just a number on a screen—it reflects confidence in the island’s economy, even amid global uncertainty. For businesses and consumers, it could mean cheaper imports or more purchasing power abroad, but exporters might feel the pinch. It’s also a sign of how global money moves ripple through smaller, trade-reliant economies like Taiwan’s.