Millions across the US East Coast are enduring a dangerous heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs in major cities like New York City and Philadelphia as the Fourth of July holiday weekend commences. This extreme weather, affecting 25 million people, poses significant risks to planned outdoor celebrations, including President Trump's event, and raises public health concerns. The widespread nature and intensity of this heatwave are linked to human-induced climate change, making such events more frequent. Additionally, Canada is experiencing similar extreme heat, with severe thunderstorms in some regions causing significant power outages, particularly in Quebec, further disrupting the holiday period.

20/100

Two Romanian nationals, Nandito Badea and George Stana, have been jailed for their involvement in stabbing journalist Pouria Zeraati in Wimbledon, an act carried out on behalf of the Iranian regime. Zeraati, who works for the Persian language channel Iran International, critical of the Iranian government, suffered three stab wounds in his leg. Stana received 12 years and Badea eight years for wounding with intent, with the judge concluding the attack was orchestrated by a foreign power, planned for at least a year with extensive surveillance. The incident has left Zeraati with significant sleeplessness, fear, and anxiety, forcing him to move addresses multiple times and impacting his social interactions due to constant vigilance.

10/100

Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari clinched a stunning pole position for the British Grand Prix sprint race at Silverstone, narrowly beating Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified third, significantly off the pace, with George Russell and Charles Leclerc also expressing surprise at Ferrari's strong showing. Hamilton, a record nine-time winner at his home race, expressed immense satisfaction, crediting small car upgrades for the unexpected performance. Antonelli acknowledged the close competition and Ferrari's significant step forward, setting the stage for an intense and challenging sprint race.

80/100

Actor Cole Hauser, known for "Yellowstone," highlights his family's deep 140-year connection to Montana, including his ancestor Samuel T. Hauser, a former governor instrumental in shaping the state. He notes that Taylor Sheridan's hit series has significantly boosted tourism to Montana, a phenomenon dubbed "set-jetting," with fans seeking to immerse themselves in the on-screen lifestyle. As the franchise expands with "Dutton Ranch" into Texas, experts anticipate a similar tourism boom for the Lone Star State, driven by luxury ranch experiences. Hauser credits Sheridan's storytelling and Montana's beauty for the show's global appeal, while acknowledging the new challenges and different environment of filming in Texas.

70/100

A podcast, "Galaxy Brain," features historians Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff discussing their book, "Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed," which analyzes Elon Musk's immense power and influence. They define "Muskism" as selling the notion that individuals and nations can achieve self-reliance by plugging into his infrastructures, inadvertently deepening their dependency. The authors compare Musk to historical industrialists like Henry Ford, highlighting his unique focus on frontier technologies and man-machine fusion, particularly through ventures like Neuralink and OpenAI. The discussion also covers his financial fabulism, the transformation of Twitter into X into a political tool, and the implications of his AI projects like Grok, which automates propaganda and aims to shape discourse.

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Donald Trump has reportedly earned over $1 billion from his crypto businesses since returning to the White House, sparking widespread outrage and disgust among Americans who view it as a "grift." Financial disclosures reveal he made over $2.2 billion last year from a global network of investments, including crypto ventures selling "governance tokens" and "memecoins" bearing his image. Critics accuse him of selling access to the presidency, highlighting the stark contrast between his accumulating wealth and the struggles of everyday Americans facing rising inflation and cost of living. Many respondents expressed deep concerns about corruption and a perceived lack of ethical guardrails against a president's business dealings while in office. (not investment advice)

15/100

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a significant speech at City Hall for America's 250th birthday, emphasizing the power of immigrants and the importance of immigration rights. Speaking from behind George Washington's desk, Mamdani, a naturalized citizen from Uganda, offered a vision of American exceptionalism rooted in continuously fulfilling founding ideals, contrasting it sharply with "forces of division" and Trump administration policies targeting asylum seekers. He highlighted New York City's rich history as a haven for diverse immigrant waves, while also criticizing the nation's contradictions, such as extreme wealth alongside childhood hunger. Mamdani asserted that true patriotism involves righteous dissent and striving for a more perfect union.

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Louisiana's Supreme Court has temporarily halted a 16-count criminal indictment against state Attorney General Liz Murrill, who was charged with intimidation and malfeasance by a New Orleans grand jury. The charges stem from her alleged attempts to intimidate city officials opposing a new law that overhauled New Orleans courts, eliminating a clerk office won by Calvin Duncan, a man exonerated after nearly three decades in prison. Murrill called the charges "retaliatory" and "unconstitutional," while Governor Jeff Landry promised a swift pardon. The Supreme Court cited "disturbing defects" in the grand jury proceedings and trial court handling, also noting concerns about the special prosecutor's past ties to Duncan and a journalist being handcuffed for seeking access to the sealed courtroom.

30/100

Prince William made a relaxed appearance on Travis Kelce's "New Heights" podcast, sharing his passion for football and discussing England's World Cup prospects, even jokingly correcting Kelce on the term "soccer." He revealed his father, King Charles, "hates football" and pledged to attend the World Cup in the US if England reaches the final. The Prince, president of the Football Association, spoke about England manager Thomas Tuchel's attacking style and how Aston Villa's relegation intensified his support. He also offered insights into the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan, with club results affecting his mood, and his simple management advice for his FA role: "Just don't mess up."

75/100

Washington D.C. is implementing heightened security measures for its America 250 July Fourth celebrations, designated a "national special security event" under Secret Service command, a status usually reserved for inaugurations. Hundreds of law enforcement professionals, nearly 5,000 National Guard troops, and U.S. Marshals are deployed, with miles of fencing and Coast Guard patrols on waterways. Despite no specific credible threats, attendees will undergo airport-like screening and face restrictions on items like coolers. President Trump is expected to speak during the festivities, which include a large fireworks display, making safety and crowd management paramount for the anticipated hundreds of thousands of visitors.

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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that the coming months could be "critical" for Poland due to the changing nature of the war and the escalating threat from Russia. His statement follows media reports, citing US intelligence, that Moscow is planning an armed "provocation" in Poland to test NATO's resolve, potentially targeting infrastructure or sending in soldiers. Tusk affirmed Poland is preparing for various scenarios and is aware of the threats, thanks to information from allies, emphasizing the palpable concerns in Baltic states. An upcoming NATO summit, attended by Polish President Nawrocki, is expected to address increased European defense spending and continued funding for Ukraine, underscoring the alliance's collective defense commitment.

30/100

President Donald Trump is set to inaugurate the America 250 celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore on Friday, marking the nation's 250th birthday. The festivities will include military bands, flyovers, tributes to the Armed Services, and the first fireworks display at the national memorial in years. Trump, who previously mused about having his likeness etched on the mountain, will use the newly retrofitted Air Force One for the trip. This event precedes a larger July Fourth celebration in Washington D.C., where the president has teased a lengthy speech and dubbed it the "most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all," despite the ongoing extreme heatwave blanketing much of the country.

55/100

Lam Wing-kee, a dissident Hong Kong bookseller who defied China and sought refuge in Taiwan, has died at 70 from lung cancer in Taipei. Lam was one of several booksellers detained in 2015 for selling material critical of China's political elite, and he fled to Taiwan in 2019 fearing extradition under Hong Kong's proposed bill. His reopening of Causeway Bay Books in Taiwan symbolized democracy and freedom on the island. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed deep sadness, noting Lam's life bore witness to the value of freedom of expression and the fear and suffering inflicted by authoritarian repression, as he consistently refused to be silenced.

25/100

The European Union has imposed sanctions on six Russian scientists involved in the country's chemical weapons program, citing a connection to the 2024 death of dissident Alexei Navalny. The individuals are linked to the development of epibatidine, a deadly toxin identified in Navalny's body and not naturally found in Russia, contrary to Russian claims of natural causes. This move comes after five European countries concluded Navalny was poisoned, following a previous Novichok attack in 2020 that nearly killed him. The sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes, underscore Moscow's violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention and its ongoing, fierce crackdown on Kremlin critics and dissenting voices.

10/100

Michael Butler has been jailed on a manslaughter charge following a Tesla Model 3 crash near Houston that killed 76-year-old Martha Avila, an incident originally blamed on the car's self-driving mode. Butler, 44, allegedly used the car's self-driving technology, but Tesla's VP of AI software and CEO Elon Musk claimed he manually overrode it by pressing the accelerator, calling it a "high speed crash." The incident has drawn federal investigation by the NTSB and NHTSA, and a wrongful death lawsuit against Butler and Tesla, highlighting ongoing scrutiny into Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems. Texas law defines manslaughter as recklessly causing death, a second-degree felony, and this case adds to a growing number of inquiries into Tesla crashes involving such technologies.

15/100

One year after President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), a landmark tax and spending law, its impacts are becoming clear, revealing distinct winners and losers. The legislation lowered taxes for high-income households, corporations, tipped workers, and seniors, while also creating "Trump Accounts" for children. However, it financed these cuts by reducing federal spending on programs like Medicaid and food stamps, leading to a significant drop of over 4 million SNAP recipients and anticipated reductions in Medicaid enrollment. Democrats criticize the law for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy, while Republicans laud its tax relief and efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs. (not investment advice)

45/100

As England's World Cup match against Mexico kicks off at 1 AM BST, UK businesses are grappling with how to accommodate employees wanting to watch the crucial game. While some sectors like manufacturing and retail have less flexibility, many firms are offering later starts or flexible working arrangements to allow staff to catch up on sleep. The TUC advises employers to use "common sense and understanding" and allow remote work or swapped hours where possible, emphasizing fairness for all fans, including those supporting Mexico. This consideration follows the government's decision to permit pubs to stay open until 5 AM for the late-night knockout game, prompting a balance between morale and productivity.

65/100

Three men accused of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in April 2019 have been found not guilty after a non-jury trial. McKee, 29, was shot dead during disturbances, with the New IRA dissident republican group claiming responsibility. The prosecution's case, which relied partly on MTV footage, argued the men accompanied and assisted a lone gunman to a firing point, but the defense called much of it "pure speculation." McKee's sister expressed "complete and utter shock" at the verdict, lamenting the "culture of silence" and the system's failure, as the gunman who pulled the trigger has never been brought to court.

5/100

Vickrum Digwa, convicted of murdering 18-year-old student Henry Nowak in Southampton last December, is seeking to appeal his conviction and life sentence. Digwa was jailed for a minimum of 21 years for the fatal stabbing, a sentence the Solicitor General has already referred to the Court of Appeal as "unduly lenient," indicating a potential increase. The case gained further attention after police body-worn footage was released, showing officers failing to provide first aid to Henry and instead handcuffing him as he lay dying. Henry's father expressed the "unbearable" difference in treatment between his son and the killer, while Digwa's mother was also found guilty of assisting an offender.

10/100

Jonathan Freedland, in an opinion article, expresses his shifting view on the United States, questioning his former reverence for its democratic experiment in the age of Donald Trump, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. He highlights how Trump has exposed the US Constitution's fatal flaw: its reliance on human beings to enforce its will, which he argues has been shirked by Republican senators and Supreme Court judges. Freedland points to Trump's personal enrichment, a disastrous war, and the dismantling of the international order as evidence of a president acting like a monarch. He concludes that while the US has bounced back before, Trump has revealed a fundamental weakness in the country's system that, once glimpsed, cannot be unseen.

20/100

President Trump is reportedly preparing to pardon individuals convicted of emissions and clean air violations, while also privately considering clemency for high-profile figures like Sean "Diddy" Combs, Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, and Jho Low. Sources indicate the pardon team's official recommendations for Friday's meeting are expected to focus exclusively on Clean Air Act violations, aligning with the administration's past actions to scale back environmental enforcement. Trump has previously pardoned a Wyoming mechanic for disabling pollution-control equipment and granted clemency to over 1,500 people related to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. This pattern signals a continued use of presidential clemency, often benefiting allies or those whose cases align with his views on government overreach.

15/100

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asserted Germany's significant increase in defense spending, aiming to double its budget within four years to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2029. This declaration came at a meeting with Baltic leaders in Berlin, directly rebuking recent criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding NATO defense contributions, who claimed Germany's spending was "MUCH LOWER." Merz emphasized Germany's role as the EU's largest member state and its responsibility within Europe, stating they have "no reason to shy away from anyone." Meanwhile, Lithuania is seeking to lift its constitutional ban on nuclear weapons deployment, aiming for integration into Western nuclear deterrence against Russia, further highlighting regional security concerns ahead of a NATO summit.

40/100

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have issued a stark warning to parents against publicly posting images of their children online, citing the growing risk of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The IWF identified over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos of realistic child sexual abuse in 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year, with a significant rise in videos. New guidance advises parents to review privacy settings, check shared content for identifying details like faces or school uniforms, and revisit image consent with family and institutions. The government is also working to ban "nudification" apps and tweak laws to prevent AI systems from producing CSAM, underscoring the urgent need for digital safety.

5/100

The owner of The Custom House restaurant in Penarth, Tanny Martinez, has condemned a "disrespectful" pair who allegedly fled without paying their £115 bill after a two-course dinner. The customers enjoyed items like a £52 Dover sole and eight Cokes before making a swift exit when staff attention was diverted, with their vehicle leaving the car park before the manager could intervene. CCTV captured their departure, prompting the restaurant to issue a social media appeal for them to return and settle the payment. South Wales Police are investigating the incident, which Martinez described as "hugely disappointing" and detrimental to team morale in an already challenging hospitality industry, highlighting the impact beyond just financial loss.

40/100

A Greek man has been found guilty of murdering Scottish woman Jean Hanlon in Crete 17 years ago, whose body was discovered in water off Heraklion in March 2009. The 54-year-old man, whose name is withheld pending appeals, was sentenced to 10 years, with the court recognizing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. Hanlon's family relentlessly pursued reinvestigation after authorities initially ruled her death accidental, with a subsequent report finding injuries consistent with a struggle. A private investigator's report in 2023 led to the trial, which heard the suspect had stalked Hanlon after a brief relationship, and forensic evidence suggested a forceful blow to her neck. Her sons expressed relief that their mother's voice was finally heard.

30/100

A massive heatwave is set to make this July Fourth potentially the hottest on record for millions across the US, with over 185 million people under heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Major metropolitan areas like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are bracing for dangerously high temperatures, with more than 300 daily and overnight records expected to be broken. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to stay indoors, deploying mobile medical vans and opening cooling centers. The "heat dome" conditions, where trapped heat and high humidity make cooling difficult, pose significant health hazards, especially for the elderly, prompting cities to implement various public safety measures, while severe storms are also forecast.

20/100

A Ukrainian woman, Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, is the main suspect in a parcel bombing in Monaco that seriously injured a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire, Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and their 13-year-old son. Monaco's deputy prosecutor stated Berezovska was "disguised as a man" when she left the explosive package at an apartment building before fleeing the scene and driving to Germany. An Interpol Red Notice has been issued for her on charges including attempted murder and criminal conspiracy, with investigators also seeking possible accomplices. German police have searched her rented apartment, securing evidence, as authorities continue their pursuit of the suspect in what Prince Albert II described as a "heinous crime."

10/100

The United States has withdrawn most of its troops deployed to Nigeria for a special operation against "Islamic State" (IS) fighters in May, which resulted in the killing of nearly 200 IS militants, including a global second-in-command. General Dagvin Anderson of US Africa Command confirmed the withdrawal while stating that intelligence sharing with Nigerian forces will continue to prosecute these difficult tasks. This successful operation, which disrupted IS communications, followed President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a nationwide state of emergency and a previous US strike ordered by President Trump. Roughly 200 non-combat US troops also deployed to Nigeria earlier this year for broader training and technical assistance, indicating ongoing but reconfigured support.

60/100

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, its relationship with China is reshaping the global order, with the Americas emerging as a central arena for great-power competition. Initially, during the 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump dismissed concerns about Brazil and Mexico drifting towards China, asserting US dominance and claiming the US was "blowing everyone away." However, this dismissive tone soon gave way to explicit efforts to counter Beijing's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere, highlighting a significant strategic shift. This development underscores how America's traditional sphere of influence is now becoming a critical test of its power and diplomatic strategy in a complex, evolving international landscape.

50/100

This article delves into the complex and often contradictory meanings of "all men are created equal" from the Declaration of Independence, highlighting that the term's definition was far from self-evident in 1776. It explores how various interpretations, from "in just proportion" (modern progressive view) to "upon the same terms" (conservative view), continue to shape contemporary political debates over social inequalities. The article traces the concept of equality from biblical times and ancient Athens, noting its historical compatibility with slavery and patriarchy, to the radical Leveller movement in 17th-century England, which first demanded equal rights for ordinary people, significantly influencing figures like Jefferson despite his personal contradictions as a slave owner.

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Michael O'Donnell's article, "The ‘Have It Both Ways’ Theory of Great Books," critiques a film critic's assertion that movies favor extremes over "amiable muddle," arguing that memorable fiction often critiques and indulges human desires for lust, violence, and recklessness simultaneously. He cites examples like Miguel de Cervantes’s "Don Quixote," a satire blending pratfalls with action, and Gustave Flaubert’s "Madame Bovary," which offers a morality tale alongside addictive romantic plotlines. O'Donnell suggests that enduring literature and classic movies frequently explode traditional dichotomies, like whether fiction should provoke empathy or pleasure, and prompt important questions about why human psychology is so strongly drawn to such compelling narratives.

70/100

This article argues that American independence was not solely the work of the Founding Fathers, but fundamentally a mass political movement driven by thousands of ordinary citizens. It highlights the indispensable role of local committees and community gatherings across the colonies, as meticulously documented in Peter Force's "American Archives." These groups, often composed of self-made individuals with little prior political experience, debated political change, resisted British rule, and enforced boycotts, effectively practicing a form of democracy and mobilizing the populace well before July 4, 1776. Their collective actions provided the essential power and legitimacy that enabled the Founders to declare independence, demonstrating that "the people were our power."

80/100

This article highlights several positive environmental developments worldwide, offering a snapshot of global eco-wins. In Germany, the Hambach forest has been permanently saved from coal-mine expansion after decades of environmentalist campaigns and legal battles, as the country phases out coal. Australia is experiencing "free electricity" due to an abundance of solar energy production, encouraging consumers to shift electricity-hungry tasks to daytime hours to ease grid pressure. Meanwhile, Utrecht in the Netherlands has transformed into a leading cycling city, beating Copenhagen in urban mobility, by converting highways into canals and building park-and-ride facilities, showcasing successful efforts to reduce car dependency and improve urban living.

90/100

Venice's new mayor, Simone Venturini, is proposing a dynamic pricing system for the city's tourist access fee, potentially raising it to $59 on busiest days. This initiative aims to alleviate overcrowding in the UNESCO world heritage city, as the current $11 fee has proven insufficient. Venturini argues the revenue is crucial for maintaining Venice, which incurs significant costs due to its unique infrastructure and manual cleaning processes, stating that current funding is inadequate. While critics fear the price could be prohibitive for many visitors, particularly families, the mayor views the amount as an upper limit for experimentation, seeking an amendment to Italy's special law governing Venice to implement this surge-pricing structure.

55/100

Salem Michel Al-Salem, a 58-year-old former Syrian Air Force intelligence colonel accused of murder and torture as crimes against humanity, has been deemed "unfit to plead" and "unfit to stand trial." This decision by London's Old Bailey follows a unified medical opinion confirming his advanced motor neurone disease (MND), which has left him paralyzed and unable to communicate. Al-Salem faces charges related to shooting protesters in Damascus in 2011 and 2012. Despite his unfitness, not guilty pleas will be entered, and a trial of the facts will proceed in 2027, marking the first time such charges under the International Criminal Court Act 2001 have been brought in the UK for the Syrian civil war.

20/100

U.S. antitrust regulators, including the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission, announced they are closely monitoring oil markets for potential price-fixing and market monopolization. They urged state attorneys general to assist in investigating unlawful conduct, emphasizing that recent volatility in crude oil prices does not excuse anticompetitive practices, fraud, or any other lawlessness that harms Americans. Federal officials clarified that while they do not enforce price-gouging laws, they encourage states with such statutes to review whether enforcement is warranted under their respective laws. This proactive stance aims to protect consumers from market manipulation and ensure fair practices during periods of economic uncertainty. (not investment advice)

60/100

Jürgen Klopp is the overwhelming favorite to become Germany's new head football coach, with his arrival appearing a formality after Julian Nagelsmann's departure and the German FA confirming talks and Klopp's "willingness." Germany has faced a decade of tournament disappointments, making Klopp's charismatic leadership and holistic coaching style highly anticipated to restore their footballing force. Known for his success with Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, where he delivered a first league title in over 25 years, Klopp has a history of leading clubs with strong working-class roots to glory. His recent role at Red Bull and punditry during the World Cup have further positioned him for this national role, and he will have a long run-up to Euro 2028.

85/100

NHS England is set to launch a "marathon a month" challenge early next year, encouraging people to walk for about 30 minutes daily and offering rewards for consistent participation. Users can log their walks online or via smart devices, aiming to complete roughly 26 miles each month. The scheme, developed with Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster, is part of a 10-year health plan to combat physical inactivity, which is linked to one in six deaths and affects nearly a quarter of UK adults. While NHS funds the initial setup, philanthropic backing from major corporates is sought for incentives like vouchers or discounts, aiming to sign up over 100,000 people and promote long-term healthy habits through gamified challenges.

80/100

Police have criticized the government's late decision to allow pubs to stay open until 5 AM BST for England's World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1 AM. The National Police Chiefs' Council expressed concerns that the short notice forces officers to be diverted from other duties and work longer hours, despite the tournament schedule being known for a considerable time. They urged fans to be considerate and drink responsibly, noting that past knockout games have seen increases in violent incidents and domestic abuse linked to alcohol consumption. While hospitality groups welcomed the move as "fantastic news," unions warned of potential pressure on staff and increased risks from managing drunk or aggressive customers late at night.

50/100

A severe heatwave in June, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, has been linked to at least 3,700 excess deaths in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with figures expected to rise. France alone recorded over 2,000 excess deaths, with significant spikes among those over 65 and 45-64 age groups, and its Prime Minister faces a no-confidence vote over the government's handling. Belgium reported an "unprecedented" 39% increase in excess mortality, while the Netherlands saw around 480 additional deaths. Experts describe it as Europe's worst heatwave on record, leading to widespread disruptions and criticism of politicians for failing to implement sufficient measures, despite a rising trend in air conditioning adoption.

5/100

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy is having an impressive first half, leading NL third basemen in OPS and on pace for his highest slugging percentage in five years, positioning him for his third All-Star selection. Manager Dave Roberts and coaches praise this as the "best version of Max," highlighting his significant defensive improvement, now tied for the highest fielding run value among third basemen, according to Statcast. Muncy, who only moved to third base full-time in 2023 after years of injuries, credits an offseason diet and training program for his enhanced agility and ability to translate practice work into consistent game performance, even at 35 years old. His well-rounded resume, combining power hitting with elite defense, makes a strong case for him to start the Midsummer Classic, a moment he hopes to share with his children.

85/100