Best U.S. Colleges • Trump Signs Russia Sanctions • Dow Jones Hits Record 22,000: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Thursday, and the week is more than half over. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Forbes' Ranking Of Top Colleges

Harvard University has reclaimed its place as the number one college in America on Forbes' annual list. The 2017 list, which was released on Wednesday, looks at what institutions give back to students on the money they spend on a college education. This year's rankings, as Forbes explains, were created to better align with what the magazine values most, "superior return on investment; high impact, leadership and success; and a first-rate student-consumer experience." (Patch)

President Trump Signs Bill Sanctioning Russia, Iran, North Korea

President Trump signed a bill sanctioning Russia, North Korea and Iran Wednesday while maintaining significant doubts about it and despite the fact that the legislation will limit his discretion in foreign policy. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the new sanctions with overwhelming bipartisan support. Trump, who has repeatedly said that he wants to have a friendlier relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin than his predecessor had, has expressed misgivings about signing the bill into law. (Patch)

Dow Jones Closes At 22,000

The stock market opens for the first time Thursday morning after closing with the Dow Jones at 22,000 Wednesday night, a record high for the 121-year-old average. While insiders are particularly critical of the Dow Jones itself as a stock market indicator, it has symbolic importance and reflects continued optimism on Wall Street. Meanwhile, Asian stock prices declined on Wednesday. (Reuters)

Quick Hits

McDonald's Resurrects Szechuan Sauce For 'Rick And Morty' (Patch)

Should Parents Sue School Over Bullying That Led To Suicide? Your Thoughts (Patch)

NJ Man Nabbed For Flag-Stealing In Pearl River [VIDEO] (Patch)

Bushwick Toddler Falls Three Stories, Bounces On Awning And Survives: NYPD (Patch)

ICE Raid Seizes 650 People In 4-Day Operation, Most Not Convicted Of Crimes

The raid targeted undocumented immigrants from South America — mostly unaccompanied minors and families. (Patch)

Mom, 20-Year Model Citizen With No Rap Sheet, Deported In Michigan

Mom of three who has lived in Michigan for 20 years and has no criminal record isn’t one of the “bad hombres” President Trump warned about. (Patch)

Remodeling Done Right: A Cost Guide For Every Room In The House

Do you know which rooms in your house are considered "big money" areas? Read on to up your remodeling smarts. (Patch)

ISIS Supporter In Akron Sentenced To 20 Years

Terrence McNeil also solicited the murder of U.S. military servicemen and women on social media. (Patch)

NASA Is Hiring: Protect The Planet From Aliens On A Six-Figure Salary

The Planetary Protection Officer position, based at NASA's DC headquarters, comes with a major perk: You get to say you saved the universe. (Patch)

This Day In History

1852 — In the first American intercollegiate sports match, Harvard and Yale hold a boat race (Harvard wins)

1936 — At the Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens wins gold in the 100 meter dash

Famous Birthdays

1939 — Martin Sheen, an American actor who first became widely known for his role in "Apocalypse Now"

1941 — Martha Stewart, lifestyle entrepreneur and convict for insider trading

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images