The midwestern metropolis at the heart of American life
Leo Radvinsky, billionaire owner of OnlyFans, died of cancer at 43. His death was announced on March 23, 2026, with tributes from creators. Radvinsky transformed the platform into a multibillion-dollar enterprise, supporting many content creators and maintaining a private life. His passing impacts the industry and raises questions about his legacy.
Leo Radvinsky, the Ukrainian-American billionaire who transformed the adult content platform OnlyFans, died of cancer last week. His death raises questions about the platform's future, its role in normalising pornography, and the influence of controversial investors. Radvinsky's family now controls a stake valued at $5.5bn.
Recent data shows US cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York, are experiencing population declines driven by reduced international migration and domestic outflows. The trend reflects broader national shifts, with many regions losing residents due to high living costs and policy changes. The impact on local economies and growth prospects is significant.
On Saturday, over 3,200 protests across all 50 US states and internationally marked the third 'No Kings' demonstration against President Trump’s policies. The protests focus on immigration, foreign policy, and domestic issues, with large turnout expected outside major cities and smaller communities. The main event is in Minnesota, commemorating controversial immigration raids and deaths.
Bohan Lueders, co-founder of Harm’s Way and host of the HardLore podcast, died by suicide at age 38. Known for his empathy and musical influence, he helped shape the hardcore scene and was remembered fondly by friends and fans. A GoFundMe supports memorial costs.
Large groups of young people gathered in Clapham, south London, causing disorder over several days. Police responded with dispersal orders, arrests, and increased patrols. The incidents, fueled by social media trends, led to shop closures and concerns among residents. Authorities warn of further unrest during the Easter holidays.
Los Angeles-based taqueria Villas Tacos, recognized for its Michelin-style street food, is opening its first location in Las Vegas at Durango Casino & Resort. The expansion has sparked debate over quality and growth, with some locals concerned about losing the brand's authenticity amid rapid scaling.
Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Once a vital highway connecting rural America to the West Coast, it became a symbol of hope, freedom, and American culture. Despite its decline, it remains a popular destination for travelers seeking nostalgia, quirky attractions, and historic sites across eight states.
Pope Leo presided over a prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica as US-Iran negotiations began in Pakistan. He criticized military superiority and war rhetoric, urging dialogue and peace. The pope’s tone appeared aimed at US officials, especially President Trump, amid ongoing regional conflict and calls for diplomacy.
Human rights groups have warned that the 2026 World Cup in the United States faces ongoing rights and security challenges. Reports highlight immigration enforcement, potential racial profiling, and concerns over entry controls, with FIFA urged to secure protections for fans, workers, and visitors across 11 host cities.
Two Chicago police officers have been shot during a transport operation at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital. One officer has died, and another is fighting for his life. The suspect, who was in custody, has been arrested after fleeing the scene. The incident is under investigation.
A new AI-focused arts museum has opened in Los Angeles, presenting Refik Anadol’s Infinity Room and an array of AI-driven installations. The museum explores human creativity alongside machine intelligence, with exhibits spanning immersive projections and scent-infused experiences. Meanwhile, Chicago’s Griffin Museum expands with a major energy exhibit and a new Anne Frank display, signaling broader museum diversification.
David Venturella has been named Acting ICE Director to replace Todd Lyons as Lyons departs at the end of May. Venturella previously led ICE detention contracts and has ties to the GEO Group; confirmation remains pending amid ongoing DHS management changes.
Scores of teens have sparked disorder at beaches and public spaces across several U.S. cities over Memorial Day weekend. Incidents include a Chicago street takeover injuring police, a Jersey Shore pop-up in Long Branch prompting an 8 p.m. curfew, stabbings near Narragansett Town Beach, and other mass congregations leading to arrests and heightened police presence.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said the department is drawing up plans to halt customs processing at international airports in sanctuary cities, signaling a potential disruption to major hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He has also argued that sanctuary jurisdictions hinder immigration enforcement and may prompt changes to travel safety procedures.
Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry into whether E. Jean Carroll lied under oath in depositions tied to two civil suits she won against Donald Trump; the probe is focusing on statements about outside funding, including donations from Reid Hoffman’s nonprofit, and is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after an unruly passenger attempted to breach the cockpit. The plane has landed safely, and authorities are investigating. No injuries are reported among the 147 passengers and six crew members.
A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after a passenger attempted to open exit doors and attacked a crew member. Off-duty staff and passengers helped restrain him before authorities arrested him in Miami. A separate Bluetooth-word incident on a Newark flight prompted a later security sweep and reboarding.
The Chicago Bears have voted to move forward with a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, after Illinois talks over a new stadium site stalled in the legislature. The team has committed about $2 billion of its own money, while the site remains to be confirmed and no public funding has been secured. Indiana has established a stadium authority and is positioning Hammond as the primary site, signaling a potential shift of the Bears’ home from Soldier Field.
A roundup of recent cancer breakthroughs highlights new immunotherapies, targeted drugs and surgical-sparing treatments. The Independent reports on Scolyer’s pioneering work and a landmark NICE decision; The Guardian covers durvalumab’s promise in bladder cancer; Business Insider UK and Reuters summarize ASCO findings on pancreatic and colon cancers, among others.
A review of fresh court actions shows renewed grand jury activity and ongoing prosecutions across several cases. In Chicago, prosecutors have faced questions about how they handled a grand jury while pursuing charges against protesters; in Arizona, a separate case involving fake electors awaits a grand jury decision; and other venues see judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers navigating new rulings and delays as cases adapt to evolving legal challenges.
The Obama Presidential Center has opened to the public amid ongoing scrutiny of its cost, timing and design. A new museum tower and campus provide digital, interactive exhibits and community spaces, while critics and Trump have highlighted the political dimensions of the project.
The Vatican has confirmed a brief encounter between Pope Leo XIV and reggaeton star Bad Bunny during Madrid events as the pop star performs two shows in the city. The pope is on a weeklong Spain visit with stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, aiming to promote unity amid political and church tensions.
The Bulls have confirmed the death of Stacey King, 59, a former player and longtime broadcaster. King died Sunday; cause of death has not been disclosed. ESPN Chicago reports a possible fatal fall at his River Forest home. King helped Chicago win three titles and later became a beloved voice in Bulls broadcasts.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings as a potent storm system moves through the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast. Forecasters have warned of damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes, with power outages and flight disruptions already reported. Authorities are advising residents to monitor updates as storms unfold.
The World Cup in the United States is facing renewed scrutiny as visa delays and immigration enforcement collide with the event’s logistics. Referees and players have faced entry issues, drawing international attention to how U.S. policies could affect a global tournament.
The court has affirmed the conviction of Hannah Dugan for obstructing immigration proceedings. She has resigned from the Milwaukee County Circuit Court and faces up to five years in prison, though probation is likely. The case highlights disputes over immigration enforcement at courthouses under the Trump administration.
A span of severe weather has hit multiple Midwest communities, causing widespread damage, power outages for hundreds of thousands, and flight disruptions. Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and nearby areas report collapsed roofs, downed trees, and evacuations as responders assess the aftermath.
Multiple outlets confirm the death of Daniel Shalit, longtime Today Show film critic, who has died at age 100. The tributes praise his wit, distinctive appearance and role in shaping American film criticism on television since the 1970s.
A set of personal stories and policy calls highlight gaps in UK brain cancer research funding and access to treatments. Campaigners want more government support, faster access to drugs like Vorasidenib, and a dedicated brain cancer lead to accelerate trials.
California restaurants lead Robb Report’s 2026 list of the best new and top restaurants, with Lilo in Carlsbad named Best New Restaurant and multiple L.A. honorees, underscoring the state’s culinary surge. Meanwhile, Yelp highlights outrageous concepts like Trailer Park After Dark and The Magic Castle in Hollywood in separate rankings.
The Obama Presidential Center has opened on Chicago’s South Side with a star-studded dedication ceremony and performances. Four living former presidents attended the invite-only event; President Donald Trump did not. The $850 million, 19-acre campus will open to the public on Juneteenth and will house a museum, public library branch, athletic facilities and public spaces.
Merlin Lu has admitted to a cross burning in Grant Park on June 9 and says the act was a protest against Trump and the ruling class. He faces four felonies and four misdemeanors, including a hate crime, with prosecutors releasing details and Lu stating the intent was not racist.
Romanch Mahajan, 18, died after a horse-drawn carriage bolted in Central Park while his mother was injured. The incident has intensified calls to suspend or ban horse carriages; unions demand safety reforms as the city reviews Ryder's Law and related rules.
Pope Leo XIV has underscored that war is never blessed by God, with the Vatican hosting a two‑day cardinal meeting to discuss the international scene, AI encyclicals, and listening to ordinary faithful. The Society of St Pius X (SSPX) plans four bishop consecrations in Switzerland, a move the Vatican labels schismatic, triggering an excommunication risk. Meanwhile, the pope advances a wider migration and global‑citizenship narrative during a mid‑summer Italian tour.
Since Friday, Chicago has experienced multiple shootings during Juneteenth celebrations, leaving several dead or injured. President Trump has pressed for federal intervention, while Illinois Governor Pritzker and local officials condemn the violence and defend local policing strategies.
ABC has launched on-air appeals to viewers to weigh in with the FCC as the commission reviews The View’s status and ABC’s broadcast licenses amid broader diversity probes. The network argues the case centers on political speech rules and public-interest licensing.
The public debate over Donald Trump’s health has intensified as new reporting details reveal how health concerns are shaping the administration’s handling of power and secrecy. Reporters describe a presidency marked by cautious messaging on health while decision-making appears more opaque than ever.
Across the U.S., the 250th anniversary is prompting mixed emotions as Americans express pride and concern about the country’s direction. In Montana, a veteran drives a restored pickup in Fourth of July parades, symbolizing national sentiment. The Smithsonian and political groups organize events that reflect a divided approach to the anniversary.
Investors are shifting focus from headline AI stories to smaller themes that Citrini says could outperform. US airlines are seen as likely beneficiaries, while senior living facilities and live events are highlighted as growth areas. Prediction markets are expanding, with Cboe launching a new product amid a broader trend of outcome-based trading.
Final Bear season closes a chapter in TV history. Carmy Berzatto resigns; Syd prepares final dishes as the restaurant faces the financial wind-down and a potential Michelin fate.
The pontiff has received the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. Pierzynski posted photos from the Vatican, confirming the moment when Leo XIV, then Father Robert Prevost, accepted the ball. The White Sox plan an Aug. 11 tribute with pope-themed hats as fans remember the team’s 2005 title.