The Midwest’s largest city and a national staple
Sotheby’s has sold a 67‑million‑year‑old Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus” for $50.1 million, the highest price ever paid for a dinosaur at auction. The specimen, about 61–63% complete, was excavated in South Dakota from 2021–23; scientists are warning that private ownership will restrict research access.
A string of mixed earnings and regulatory updates has left investors watching for clues on growth. Wise has reported higher revenue and customer holdings amid expansion, while Feastables growth shows signs of slowing. Gym Group expands UK footprint, and World Cup-linked prediction markets see elevated activity.
A synthesis of several recent articles shows the market increasingly depends on new data tools to drive efficiency and growth, while investors weigh risks as profits hinge on tech-enabled optimization.
Slate Auto has unveiled a bare‑bones two‑seat electric pickup with a $24,950 base price and a two‑row SUV conversion starting at $29,950. The company has raised the base EPA range estimate to about 205 miles, is taking preorders with a $300 deposit, and plans production to begin in late 2026 with direct online sales.
Ultra-conservative Catholic group SSPX has announced plans to ordain four bishops in Ecône despite Vatican warnings. Excommunication for participants is set to follow, heightening tensions within the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV faces a decisive crisis over doctrinal unity.
Federal student‑loan regulations have changed this week under the One Big Beautiful Bill and court rulings. The Education Department has rolled out new repayment plans, temporary interest‑rate cuts for autopay enrollees, and lifetime borrowing caps for graduate and professional students, while a federal judge has paused the department's narrowed definition of "professional degree," temporarily preserving wider borrowing access for many advanced‑health and other programs. Notices are going out to millions of borrowers who must pick new plans.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a 10-year program that will image the southern sky every few nights. The telescope has started regular operations from its Chilean mountaintop site and is already returning new detections, including thousands of asteroids and transient views such as Comet 3I/ATLAS.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Heat waves have intensified health risks, worsening heart and kidney conditions, triggering heat exhaustion, and contributing to inflammatory issues. Experts urge hydration, shade, and cooling measures as high temperatures persist and climate change drives higher heat.
A sweeping heatwave is driving extreme temperatures across the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. Health officials warn of heat-related risks as Fourth of July events unfold; cooling centers are opening and cities urge hydration and precautions.
Dame Penelope Keith has died after a battle with cancer. Her career spans stage, The Good Life and To the Manor Born, with a lasting impact on British comedy. Tributes praise her comic genius and decades of work in theatre, television and charity.
Vásquez has undergone X-ray testing after a comebacker struck his ankle during a game with the Dodgers. Tests are negative and he remains under observation as the Padres assess further treatment and readiness for his next start.
Airlines and hotel groups warn that reducing Customs and Border Protection staffing at major U.S. airports could devastate international travel during a FIFA World Cup window, while the administration weighs options and cities push back on immigration policy. The debate comes as industry groups warn of operational disruption and a drop in international visitation.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review challenges to AR-15 bans in Connecticut and Cook County, Illinois. The cases arrive as federal and state actions on semiautomatic rifles intensify after Bruen’s history-and-tradition framework, with gun-rights groups arguing that bans are unconstitutional while supporters say they protect public safety.
Victor Willis, founder and lead singer of Village People, has died after a short, aggressive illness. He co-wrote hits including YMCA, Macho Man and In the Navy, helping define late-1970s disco. Willis left the group in 1980, later rejoined in 2017, and his passing ends a turbulent, influential career.
A heat dome has driven record electricity demand across the eastern United States. Officials warn temperatures will stay high this week and the grid faces stress as cooling needs rise. Cooling centers expand and energy-use guidance is issued to prevent outages.
OpenAI has proposed that the U.S. government take roughly a 5% stake in the company and has discussed a plan for other leading AI firms to give similar stakes to a government-backed vehicle. The talks have taken place with Trump administration officials and would likely require congressional approval. (Updated Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:15:26 +0100)
A survey of how hot dogs have shaped American culture, from early prints to modern debates about regional styles. The piece cites historical milestones, regional varieties and how hot dogs remain a symbol in arts and diplomacy.
WeWard has launched Walking Mode, a feature that locks social apps until users meet a walking goal. The feature aims to promote activity and reduce screen time. Venus Williams funds the project, with the app reporting 30 million users in 29 countries and a 25% increase in walking time on average.
The FAA has moved to replace its 1973 ban on overland supersonic flights with new, noise-based standards. Initial proposals could allow faster cross-country travel and reduce flight times, while NASA tests aim to refine how sonic booms are perceived. Final rules are targeted for mid-2027.
A powerful weather system has caused injuries, deaths, and widespread damage in Walworth County, Wisconsin. Authorities report trees felled, power outages, and buildings damaged as Lake Geneva officials declare an emergency. The storm disrupted Independence Day events and prompted searches and investigations.
A severe storm near Lake Geneva has caused a fatal boat accident and widespread power outages across several states, with emergency crews racing to rescue the injured and manage cascading disruptions over the July 4 weekend.
Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta to Chicago Midway has been struck by a fireworks mortar during its descent. The Airbus A319 landed safely with no injuries; FAA is investigating. Passengers and flights may face delays.
A wave of earnings reports and mixed inflation signals have kept markets cautious. Major corporates report results this week as investors weigh outlooks against rising costs and central-bank expectations.
The University of Chicago Law School is banning electronic devices in first-year classes for the 2026-27 year as part of an AI-resilient pedagogy. Examinations will be in-class and offline. The school says AI will be integrated responsibly while fostering independent thinking, with broader implications for legal education as AI becomes pervasive.
A sprawling heat dome has kept tens of millions under extreme heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Overnight temperatures are staying well above normal, heightening health risks and straining power grids. El Niño is intensifying the heat, and cooling centers, water, and hydration remain critical.
CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business quality-of-life rankings have drawn criticism from conservatives who say the methodology unfairly targets red states. Critics argue the list conflicts with population growth data and different state policy outcomes.
Immigration agents have shot a driver in Biddeford, Maine, after authorities say the vehicle was used to threaten public safety. The incident is part of a series of fatal shootings during enforcement operations under the Trump-era crackdown, prompting calls for reform and independent reviews. DHS says the officer fired as the vehicle allegedly attempted to flee; witnesses dispute the account and videos are circulating.
Air quality has deteriorated across the northeastern United States and parts of Canada as wildfire smoke from Canada blankests major cities, raising health concerns ahead of Sunday's World Cup final in New Jersey. Authorities urge outdoor caution as AQI remains at unhealthy levels in several hubs.
Researchers warn wildfire smoke can damage lungs and trigger heart, brain, and pregnancy risks within days. Experts urge indoor protection and masks as smoke from Canadian wildfires spreads across the U.S. and dominates air quality headlines.
A multi-city heat dome and wildfire smoke have pushed air quality to unhealthy levels in New York and other major cities, jeopardizing outdoor events and daily life. Officials urge staying indoors, wearing masks, and monitoring AQI as forecasts warn of lingering smoke and heat.
Coca-Cola has identified unauthorized third‑party access to Fairlife systems in a ransomware incident. Production in the United States is temporarily suspended, while Canada operations are unaffected. The company has informed law enforcement and is working with cybersecurity experts to restore operations.
Canadian wildfires have worsened air quality across the Midwest and Northeast. Authorities warn residents to limit outdoor activity as smoke from Ontario and nearby fires blankets major cities, with warnings of continuing disruption as weather patterns shift.