A state and a city, shaping power, culture and markets in the United States.
A collection of recent articles explores relationships, sex, and intimacy across couples and individuals. From non-monogamy experiences to menopause-related changes, therapy, and conflict management, readers are getting personal accounts and expert perspectives on sexual well-being and relationship dynamics.
Slate Auto has unveiled a bare‑bones electric pickup priced at $24,950 and has opened preorders after claiming large reservation numbers. Rising gasoline prices and shifting manufacturer strategies have increased demand for affordable new and used EVs, lifting second‑quarter US EV sales and boosting used EV prices at auction.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has become law without President Trump’s signature, as lawmakers push to ease housing costs and expand supply. The bill includes limits on large institutional investors, a broader definition of manufactured homes, and a four-year pilot for small mortgages. The move follows a day of political maneuvering over voter ID legislation, with Republicans and Democrats weighing the implications for affordability and development.
The New York Times reports that federal subpoenas have been issued to several reporters to testify before a Manhattan grand jury, as the Justice Department investigates leaks related to security concerns over a Qatar-donated Air Force One. The White House says journalists are not targets; the case centers on leaks. The Times notes taxpayers funded upgrades to the new jet, which reportedly lacks some defenses of the old plane. Several outlets confirm the subpoenas and the broader crisis of press freedom.
Conor McGregor has returned to the UFC after five years away, but his comeback ends in 69 seconds as his knee buckles during a flying kick against Max Holloway. UFC doctors suspect a torn ACL, and White says the injury will likely keep him out for months; Holloway calls for a rematch.
A wave of funding rounds and strategic moves across AI startups and defense-tech firms has reshaped the tech landscape. Gradium, General Intuition, 1001, and BR-DGE showcase continued investor appetite, while others push into Europe and North America. New capital is funding expansion, product development, and regional hubs as startups scale from seed to revenue.
The Pfizer-era office tower at 235 East 42nd Street is stabilized after beams buckled on the 21st floor. Evacuations have ended as investigators assess what caused the failure and how to prevent a collapse during the largest office-to-residential conversion in New York City.
A wave of legal actions has unfolded as multiple individuals face charges for fraud, embezzlement and money laundering across the U.S. and Europe. Proceedings highlight the reach of illicit finance in corporate and public institutions, with investigations centering on unemployment benefits fraud, luxury embezzlement and political corruption.
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.
Recent reporting shows Donald Trump has publicly labeled Democrats and candidates allied with democratic socialism as “communists,” arguing this stance threatens religion and the American way of life. He cites New York primary victories by Mamdani-backed progressives as evidence of a leftward shift, while analysts warn the tactic risks conflating democratic socialism with communism.
The Alaska Supreme Court has allowed Dan J. Sullivan to appear on the Republican ballot alongside incumbent Dan S. Sullivan, reversing an earlier disqualification for allegedly aiming to confuse voters. The court directs the Division of Elections to differentiate candidates within ballot design law as appeals proceed. The controversy centers on whether the challenger’s name and party affiliation could mislead voters ahead of the primary.
A federal judge has ordered the release of roughly $5.8m that Donald Trump deposited after a 2023 jury found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The Second Circuit denied an emergency stay; Trump has appealed and signalled further legal challenges. Carroll's separate $83.3m defamation award remains under appeal.
A Melbourne-based woman has escaped a perilous car incident during a kiteboarding meetup in Lo Stagnone, Sicily, after texting for help and fleeing to safety. The incident follows a trend of travel-related safety concerns for expatriates and adventure tourists.
Clinique has launched the Daily Calm collection, a four-product skincare-to-makeup line designed for sensitive skin. The range aims to soothe irritation, repair the skin barrier and prevent future sensitivity, with a focus on hydrating, fragrance-free formulas. The rollout coincides with a broader market push for gentle, barrier-supportive products.
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.
Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates have swept primaries in New York City and beyond, signaling a growing movement that now confronts rural areas and state legislatures.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga couture debut reimagines the house through sculptural forms, bold color, and tech-inspired craft. The collection plays with body, clothing as sculpture, and a heatwave setting that amplifies airy, architectural silhouettes while nodding to Balenciaga’s heritage.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have spread across multiple US states, with New York, Illinois and Texas reporting higher case counts. The CDC is investigating clusters tied to fresh produce, and health officials urge thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk.
South African authorities have processed 53,499 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation after weeks of anti-migrant protests that have driven tens of thousands to leave and prompted evacuations by Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and others. Violence has included door-to-door searches, killings of foreign nationals and widespread looting, and neighbouring governments have demanded investigations and repatriated citizens.
The cyclospora outbreak has grown, spreading to Michigan and other states. Authorities report rising case counts, with no single source identified. Health departments urge caution and safe food handling as investigations continue.
Saudi Arabia has stressed its commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians amid armed conflict. Speaking at a high-level UN council session, the envoy has urged accountability for sexual violence and called for strengthened cooperation with global partners. The Kingdom highlights KSrelief’s aid work and reiterates adherence to the Geneva Conventions.
Subversive ETFs has filed to launch two anti-Elon ETFs that would exclude companies founded or led by Elon Musk. The funds would track Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500 exposures while removing Tesla and SpaceX, with SpaceX likely unavailable in the S&P 500 index for at least a year. Launch date is slated for September 21, subject to changes.
Jewish Americans are increasingly feeling politically homeless as support for Israel and concerns about antisemitism divide Democrats and Republicans. A recent AP-NORC poll shows most Jewish adults feel neither party represents them well, with many invoking fear and isolation amid the Gaza war’s ongoing political fallout.
PepsiCo has reported quarterly results showing mixed signals: overall revenue rose 6.4% to $24.18 billion, driven by international markets, while North American snack and beverage volumes fell. Analysts expected earnings of $2.19 per share; the company earned $2.18 per share, with flat North American volumes and a 4% drop in North American beverages. The guidance remains for modest full-year growth amid inflation headwinds.
Justin Baldoni and wife Emily say they have faced trauma from a long-running legal battle with Blake Lively over harassment and retaliation claims. The case has been settled ahead of a trial, with judges dismissing parts of the claims and both sides expressing gratitude while acknowledging ongoing pain.
Renewables are expanding globally, with 34% of electricity from renewables in 2025 and half expected by 2030 when combined with nuclear. Yet Africa’s transition faces institutional and regulatory bottlenecks. Bloomberg Philanthropies is funding capacity-building to attract private investment and connect projects to grids, highlighting that success hinges on stronger market design and governance.
Airbnb has purchased its first Manhattan office, a six‑story 42,500‑sq‑ft Beaux‑Arts building at 281 Park Avenue South for $81.5 million. The move accompanies a long-running clash with New York City over Local Law 18 restrictions on short-term rentals and signals a deeper commitment to the city with an employee hub for 600+ staff in the region.
New York has filed a lawsuit in Albany against 3M, DuPont de Nemours, The Chemours Company, Corteva and others over PFAS, alleging they knew these “forever chemicals” were toxic and polluted air, water and soil. The suit seeks funding for cleanup, consumer warnings, damages and other penalties..
The Independent reports that Taco Bell locations have posted notices in several states, including Michigan, saying they cannot sell Lettuce, Cilantro, Onion, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole due to a nationwide recall amid a spike in cyclosporiasis cases. Health officials say Cyclospora exposure can cause cyclosporiasis with watery diarrhea and other symptoms. No source supplier has been identified yet, and officials say cases have surged in several states.
Goldman Sachs has updated its personal trading policy to bar employees from trading on event-based contracts tied to the bank, elections, financial markets and geopolitics. The move aims to curb the risk of insider trading and conflicts of interest as platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi expand activity. Other banks are reviewing policies as regulators watch closely.
Ticket data from FIFA and PMAs show dramatic price variation for the 2026 World Cup final and surrounding matches, with front-row seats commanding tens of thousands of dollars while cheaper options exist, highlighting affordability concerns and the economics of major sports events.
Caribbean talks have inked MOUs for a 300MW data center and a 150MW AI facility, plus a plan to recommission a local steel plant. The deals are framed as development but raise concerns about energy use, water stress, and environmental impact amid global push for data infrastructure by US partners.
A sprawling heat dome has kept tens of millions under extreme heat alerts across the Midwest to the East Coast. Nights remain dangerously hot, records are being tied or broken, and officials warn about health risks and power outages as El Niño strengthens.