Midwestern powerhouse and U.S. city of big consequences
The PGA Tour has announced a major revision to its postseason format beginning in 2028: the BMW Championship will lead 90 players into a two-week, group-stage followed by a four-day match-play Tour Championship. The top 32 will advance; the final week is a four-day match-play bracket to crown the season-long champion.
A personal reflection on doomscrolling and how small, concrete learning habits are replacing constant negative updates. The writer describes how they have shifted from chasing distress to pursuing tiny, manageable curiosities, and how that change is shaping daily routines.
New York state officials have filed a state Supreme Court lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging the prediction market platform operates illegally without a Gaming Commission license, endangers consumers, and should forfeit gains and pay restitution and penalties. The action adds to a broader clash over how prediction markets are regulated between states and the federal government.
Ariana Grande’s eighth studio album Petal has sparked conversation about her artistic direction and handling of fame. Critics note a more restrained vocal approach and darker production, while Grande faces ongoing questions about identity, media scrutiny and fan relationship as she navigates post-Wicked press tours and personal challenges.
A total solar eclipse has swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to parts of Spain and a sliver of Portugal, while much of western Europe, Canada and the northern US has seen a dramatic partial eclipse. Crowds have flocked to Spain and Iceland for minutes of totality; scientists and space agencies have run live coverage and field experiments.
California voters will decide Prop 40 in November. Billionaire wealth, tax politics, and business interests collide as wealthy residents consider plans that would impose a 5% one-time tax on net worth to fund healthcare, with heavy pushback from residents and business leaders.
Tui has seen a sharp drop in pre-tax profits in its third quarter as fuel costs rise amid the Middle East conflict. The group reports weaker bookings and higher costs, but notes some signs of recovery in demand and continued price pressure.
ICE has rolled out body-worn cameras to all field officers by the end of August, aiming for transparency after recent deadly shootings. Policy allows withholding footage if release could impede investigations or privacy, with potentially prompt releases within 72 hours if the agency deems it in the best interests. Critics warn this could enable selective disclosures.
A Porter Airlines flight in British Columbia has been halted after a child standing in their seat could not be strapped in during taxi. The crew returned to the terminal to remove the parent and child, delaying takeoff past the airport’s 12:30 a.m. runway closure. Passengers were rebooked for the next day.
The WNBA is continuing discussions on transgender athlete participation, with a memo from commissioner Engelbert and a task force set to meet. Public responses vary as players and allies voice opinions; two ex-NBA players have signaled interest in WNBA draft consideration. The league states it will approach the topic thoughtfully and in line with its values.
Federal investigators have linked multiple foodborne outbreaks to imported produce and peppers, prompting recalls and product removals. Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce and jalapeño-containing products after investigators connected its supply chain to a nationwide cyclospora outbreak and a separate jalapeño-linked salmonella outbreak. Retailers and restaurants have pulled affected items and public concern is rising.
A lawsuit alleges contaminated oysters from Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar contributed to a 44-year-old man’s cardiac arrest, prolonged coma, and permanent brain damage after he ate at the Oak Brook restaurant in 2025. The claim implicates two seafood suppliers and notes a history of health-code violations at Gibsons Chicago locations.
Serve Robotics has expanded its autonomous sidewalk delivery rollout in Washington and San Jose, while continuing partnerships in Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami. Uber has divested its stake, signaling a strategic pivot as Serve scales the fleet and explores coordination with new partners.
A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly entering a neighbor’s home, hurling dog feces, and engaging in a physical confrontation that included the use of a child’s scooter as a weapon. The incident followed an ongoing dispute over unscooped dog waste.
Rising heat advisories affect millions across the central Plains to the Southeast, with temperatures pushing toward 100 F and humidity making it feel hotter. In the U.K., calls for legal maximum workplace temperatures gain momentum as workers advocate protective laws amid intensifying heat waves.
Audio shows two American 2482 flights with identical call signs maintaining separation as one arrives from Chicago and another departs Phoenix. Controllers identify each by arrival and departure call signs, ensuring safe spacing. FAA and American Airlines will investigate.
Heavy rains have inundated central Indiana, prompting local officials to seek federal help. Governors say President Trump has pledged to approve a presidential emergency declaration, unlocking resources for rescue and recovery as floodwaters crest along the White River. Dozens have been rescued; several fatalities are confirmed amid the deluge.
A severe derecho has left Gary, Indiana, and parts of northern Indiana without power for days. Officials warn it will take until Aug. 25 to restore full service, as residents rely on generators, community centers, and aid from volunteers amid rising health and safety concerns.
Walmart has reported mixed results as consumer spending tightens. The company has highlighted slower comparable sales, partly driven by tariff refunds and higher costs, while maintaining guidance. Analysts note the consumer is under pressure as July retail data underscored a broader slowdown.
Amazon’s Prime Air has expanded to hundreds more cities, promising five-pound-capable, near-instant deliveries. A Texas pool incident and earlier midair collision highlight growing operational risks as deployment widens.
Veteran guard DeMar DeRozan is reportedly signing a one-year, 3.9 million pact with the Denver Nuggets, aiming to chase a championship after being waived by Sacramento. The move adds veteran scoring and backcourt experience as Denver reshapes its roster around Nikola Jokic. The deal includes discussions with Jokic, Gordon and Murray, and follows trade activity involving Peyton Watson.
A derecho swept through Gary, Indiana on Aug. 11, causing widespread outages and damage. Restorations remain slow days later, with officials warning on timelines while residents face food, medicine shortages and rising community strain.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has been ejected from a Chicago Sky–Indiana Fever WNBA game after a verbal confrontation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud. Kanter Freedom wore a T‑shirt reading “WOMAN noun. Adult human female.” Security and team staff intervened; he spoke with police before leaving Wintrust Arena. The Fever won 113‑90.
The U.S. has begun a phased reopening of its border for Mexican cattle as concerns over the New World screwworm have lessened, with a plan to restore crossings in New Mexico and Texas. Trump is pushing into action to curb high beef prices by allowing a large influx of duty-free ground beef imports over the next 90 days. Experts warn relief may be gradual as the U.S. herd remains at a multi-decade low.
Kacey Musgraves has used her 38th birthday performance in Chicago to urge donations to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. Her appeal, made during the Middle of Nowhere tour opening night, is described as non-political and aims to aid children separated from their families. The moment has drawn mixed reactions online.