Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced his decision to vacate all his current WBA 'super', WBC, and IBF belts, but confirmed he is not retiring from the sport. The undefeated 39-year-old Ukrainian, with 25 professional wins, shared his decision on X, stating it would open new opportunities and that his "last dance" is still ahead. This move will make the belts available for other contenders, including WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel. Usyk had previously indicated he wished to fight two more times before considering retirement.

75/100

Former Apollo Global Management CEO Leon Black refused to answer questions regarding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) during his testimony before a House committee investigating his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses. Representative James Comer, the committee's Republican chairman, subsequently issued two subpoenas to Black: one for all NDAs he is party to and another for a deposition on July 16. Comer stated that Black's refusal to disclose NDA details is crucial to their investigation. Black's lawyer called the subpoenas a "premeditated political decision."

35/100

President Donald Trump has accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement with the United States by launching drone attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that at least four "One Way Attack Drones" were fired, with one hitting a cargo vessel and causing damage, while three others were intercepted. This accusation follows the International Maritime Organization's decision to temporarily pause efforts to evacuate stranded ships in the strait, citing concerns over safety guarantees in the region.

25/100

OpenAI has not yet conducted pre-IPO meetings with investors to discuss potential pricing and demand, nor has it established an official timeline for its public listing, according to sources familiar with the company's plans. While OpenAI confidentially filed its prospectus with the SEC earlier this month, the company has consistently cautioned that an IPO "may be a while." CEO Sam Altman emphasized that going public is a financing event, not the current primary focus. This follows speculation that the company might delay its IPO until 2027.

50/100

Engineers from the University of Texas have developed a groundbreaking jacket capable of converting water vapor from the air into potable drinking water. This innovation is part of their broader AirGel technology, which utilizes hydrogel material and solar energy to address global water scarcity. The wearable prototype, which produced 14 to 30 ounces of water depending on humidity, offers a portable and efficient solution for individuals in remote environments, such as soldiers and emergency responders. The researchers aim to deploy AirGel globally to areas in critical need of water.

85/100

A judge has declared a mistrial in the case of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is accused of starting the devastating Pacific Palisades fire in January 2025, which claimed 12 lives and destroyed over 6,000 buildings. Jurors informed the court they were unable to reach a unanimous decision after two days of deliberations, leading to the mistrial declaration. Prosecutors have stated their intention to retry the case. This legal setback prolongs the pursuit of justice for one of Los Angeles' deadliest wildfires in history.

40/100

An auction house in Northern Ireland, On The Square Emporium, has drawn significant criticism from academics and a Labour MP for selling human remains, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy head and a Dayak tribal trophy skull. Anthropologists question the ethics of such sales, citing concerns over how these items were originally obtained. The auction house owner, Justin Lowry, defended the sales, viewing the remains as inanimate objects for collectors. However, a bill to ban the sale of human remains in the UK is being sponsored, highlighting the contentious nature of this trade.

30/100

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a "100% TARIFF" on goods from any country that implements a digital services tax targeting U.S. companies. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated these tariffs would immediately supersede existing trade deals. He has previously vowed retaliation against such taxes, which typically apply to large U.S. tech giants like Meta and Amazon. While numerous European countries are considering these taxes, the legal authority for Trump to unilaterally impose such sweeping tariffs remains unclear, following a Supreme Court ruling against similar past efforts.

30/100

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace following its $487 million refurbishment, breaking a nearly 200-year tradition. The palace will continue to serve as the monarchy's ceremonial and operational hub, but the King and Queen will remain at Clarence House. This decision aims to increase public access to the palace, allowing for more events and tours. The extensive 10-year renovation, set to conclude next year, addresses obsolete infrastructure to ensure the building can house the monarchy for another five decades.

60/100

Jeffrey Epstein's longtime assistant, Lesley Groff, was questioned by U.S. lawmakers about his use of American Express to book travel for numerous women and girls. A transcript of her testimony revealed that Groff denied arranging travel for minors or being aware of any sexual activity purposes, claiming the bookings were for "traveling assistants." Lawmakers pressed her on "decoy flights" seemingly arranged to obtain visas, a practice American Express had flagged as against policy. Groff maintained she only facilitated ticket and hotel reservations, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

35/100

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least 589 fatalities and over 2,900 injuries. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the rising death toll, with foreign nationals among the victims. Rescue operations are intensely underway, searching for survivors amidst the rubble in affected areas, including Caracas. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas announced the arrival of an 80-member search and rescue team, comprising firefighters, doctors, structural engineers, and canines, to assist in the hardest-hit regions.

15/100

Child sexual abuse campaigners have strongly criticized disgraced former BBC News presenter Huw Edwards for launching a new Substack blog, calling it "inappropriate and disrespectful" and demonstrating a "staggering lack of awareness." Edwards, who was sentenced for accessing images of children and is on the sex offenders' register, aims to rebuild his life through commentary on current affairs and mental health. Campaigners argue he lacks remorse and should pursue rehabilitation privately, emphasizing the impact on survivors and the need for accountability over public platforms.

20/100

OpenAI has announced three new artificial intelligence models—GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna—but will initially limit their rollout to a "small group of trusted partners" at the U.S. government's request. The company plans to make the models generally available in the coming weeks, despite expressing a belief in broad access. This move aligns with a Trump administration executive order asking AI developers to voluntarily allow government assessments before full releases. OpenAI is collaborating with the administration to establish a framework for such evaluations, with Sol touted as its most capable model, particularly in cybersecurity.

50/100

A Venezuelan mother, identified as Andrea, tragically died saving her toddler daughter during the recent powerful earthquakes that struck the country. Her husband, footballer Héctor Bello, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, recounting how his wife sacrificed her life for their child. Rescuers continue to search for survivors after the twin quakes killed at least 589 people and injured nearly 3,000. Bello's daughter and her aunt are recovering in the hospital, while the family grapples with the immense loss and the heroic act of love.

10/100

Writer John Paul Brammer discusses his personal journey of rekindling a love for deep reading amidst the constant distractions of digital life. In an interview, he explains how he overcame a "reading slump" by tapping into genuine curiosity rather than feeling obligated to read impressive tomes. Brammer argues that while technology often traps us in an "absolute present" of disconnected information, deep reading fosters stillness and allows for the generation of higher-quality thoughts, profoundly enhancing one's writing and relationship with reality. He advocates for prioritizing an innate appetite for knowledge, much like a child's curiosity.

70/100

When a loved one dies, their outstanding debts are typically paid from their estate through a legal process called probate, which allows creditors to seek payment. However, debt collectors have limited time to file claims against an estate, with specific deadlines varying by state. Executors must understand these "creditor claim periods," which can range from a few months to over a year, as missed deadlines may prevent creditors from collecting. Secured debts, like mortgages, remain attached to collateral, but unsecured debts may go unpaid if the estate is insolvent. (not investment advice)

50/100

Billionaire investor Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee regarding his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses, stating he met Epstein in the 1990s and began paying him for wealth management in 2013. Black expressed remorse for Epstein's victims, claiming he was unaware of Epstein's "nefarious activity" until 2019 and was duped by his "Jekyll and Hyde" personality. Despite Black's account, lawmakers raised questions about $158 million in payments to Epstein and his involvement in NDAs, leading to the issuance of subpoenas for more information.

35/100

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, has been sentenced to three and a half years in jail for assaulting two female police officers at Manchester Airport. Amaaz punched PC Lydia Ward, breaking her nose, and PC Ellie Cook, causing "excruciating pain," as they attempted to arrest him for headbutting a Starbucks customer. The judge described the assaults as "prolonged and unprovoked." Both officers shared powerful victim impact statements, with Ward highlighting the cowardly nature of attacking a smaller female officer, and Cook revealing the incident led her to give up her role as a firearms officer.

20/100

John Bolton, former national security adviser to Donald Trump, has pleaded guilty to one count of illegal retention of classified information. Bolton, now a vocal critic of Trump, admitted to retaining diary entries containing top-secret national defense information, some of which he shared with family members. He faces a potential five-year prison sentence and has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, debrief national security officials, and perform 100 hours of community service. His lawyer contrasted Bolton's acceptance of responsibility with Trump's handling of classified documents.

40/100

The pilot of a light aircraft has died after it crashed on a farm near Dunkeswell Aerodrome in East Devon. Emergency services responded to the incident, where the pilot, a woman in her 40s and the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are collaborating with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to thoroughly investigate the circumstances. Witnesses reported seeing a large plume of black smoke. The aerodrome extended its sincere condolences to the pilot's family, urging the public not to speculate and to share any relevant footage directly with authorities.

5/100

A prosecutor in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been found in civil contempt for making public comments about a bullet fragment. Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled against the defense's request to block the death penalty, allowing the prosecution to continue pursuing it despite concerns about swaying potential jurors. The defense had previously accused prosecutors of a "media tour." Graf indicated that additional jury questionnaires and an expanded jury pool would be implemented to address potential bias. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.

30/100

Following a recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, analysts suggest their personal relationship has become the weakest link in US-China ties. The summit yielded minimal deliverables and lacked transparency, highlighting an over-reliance on the two leaders for bilateral stability. Experts note Trump's turbulent and mercurial management style now heavily dictates China policy, departing from traditional Washington playbooks that involve extensive inter-agency expertise. This personalized approach creates a precarious foundation for one of the world's most consequential relationships, raising concerns about future stability.

40/100

Honeywell Aerospace is poised for its stock market debut, receiving a 'buy-equivalent' rating and a $300 price target from RBC Capital Markets. Analysts believe the company's aerospace and defense business is undervalued, projecting a significant upside from its expected opening price of around $220 per share. This endorsement comes as the S&P 500 experiences a volatile week, with semiconductor stocks generally lower. The Investing Club plans to build its position in Honeywell Aerospace over time, anticipating growth in the sector. (not investment advice)

65/100

The UK government has rejected claims by Sarah B Rogers, a senior Trump administration official, that British police are making thousands of "freedom of speech" arrests. Speaking at a right-wing conference in London, Rogers echoed far-right memes and conspiracy theories, criticizing UK policies on hate speech and immigration. A UK government spokesperson firmly stated that their justice system operates without bias and dismissed Rogers' characterization. Liberal Democrats and Labour MPs condemned her remarks, calling them an attempt to undermine UK democracy and urging U.S. officials to focus on their own domestic issues.

35/100

President Donald Trump is reportedly diverting taxpayer money from national parks to fund lavish renovations and projects in the Washington D.C. area, according to obtained budget documents. Spending on projects in the National Capital Region has surged by 92% over the past year, drawing from maintenance accounts and fees collected from parks nationwide. This redirection has forced over 900 park projects, including critical repairs and accessibility upgrades, to be canceled or defunded. Critics argue Trump is prioritizing "vanity projects" at the expense of national parks across the country, exacerbating a $24 billion maintenance backlog.

30/100

Nicholas Rossi, the American rapist who faked his death and fled to Scotland to avoid justice, has died in a U.S. hospital at 38. The Utah Department of Corrections stated Rossi, suffering from "chronic, degenerative conditions," chose to discontinue medical treatment. He was serving a 10-years-to-life sentence after being found guilty of raping two women in Utah in 2008. Rossi had been arrested in Glasgow in 2021 after being identified by his distinctive tattoos, despite his claims of mistaken identity and being an Irish orphan.

20/100

CBS "Sunday Morning" is set to broadcast a special program titled "These United States - America at 250," hosted by Jane Pauley, celebrating the nation's semiquincentennial. The episode will feature a diverse range of segments, including an "Essential American Songbook," an exploration of the Founding Fathers' radical beliefs, a drive along historic Route 66, and a look at the Equal Rights Amendment's unfulfilled promise. Additionally, it will cover the rise of Viet-Cajun cuisine, the impact of trains on American history, and Frederick Douglass's use of photography. The program offers a comprehensive reflection on America's past and present.

70/100

A growing number of World Cup fans who purchased resale tickets through platforms like StubHub are being left empty-handed on match day, forcing them to miss games or buy new, more expensive seats. Many complaints target StubHub, which blames FIFA's "ticketing infrastructure" and app for transfer issues, a claim FIFA has not addressed. This controversy highlights the risks of speculative ticketing, where resellers list tickets before possessing them. While refunds are offered, fans express deep disappointment over missed, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and significant travel costs.

30/100

Ireland achieved a historic victory, stunning world champions India by 34 runs in the opening T20 international at Stormont. With key bowlers absent, debutants Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard played crucial roles in securing Ireland's first senior international win over India in any format. Ireland posted 182-9, led by captain Lorcan Tucker's half-century. Despite a quick start from India's Abhishek Sharma, Ireland's bowlers, including Hollard and Moondra, dismissed the visitors for 148. This unexpected win marks a significant moment for Irish cricket.

80/100

New York City's Rent Guidelines Board has voted 7-1 to freeze rent increases for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments, marking a significant victory for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on this pledge. The decision applies to both one- and two-year leases, providing relief to over 40% of the city's rental housing tenants. While Mamdani hailed it as a "historic victory," the vote drew criticism from property owners and the Libertarian party, who argue rent freezes exacerbate housing crises. The board's chair defended the process amid a member's resignation citing political influence.

60/100

New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan's book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," reveals a fundamentally different conception of the U.S. presidency under Trump's second term. The authors highlight Trump's unprecedented use of executive power, his focus on loyalty and appearance in appointments, and his operation within an "information bubble" where bad news is rarely conveyed. Notably, the book details extraordinary meetings in the Situation Room, typically reserved for national security, that were used to manage the political fallout from Jeffrey Epstein and the Epstein files.

45/100

A group of Senate Democrats is pressing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for details on the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and whether its creation violated Justice Department rules for settlement agreements. Led by Senator Cory Booker, the Democrats argue the fund, established as part of a settlement with President Trump, represents an abuse of authority that bypasses congressional appropriations. They also requested a scheduled Justice Department oversight hearing proceed, accusing Blanche of an "integral role" in controversial actions. The fund has faced significant pushback and a federal judge has already blocked its implementation.

40/100

Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari has revised his economic outlook, now expecting one interest rate increase this year due to persistent inflation. Kashkari cited ongoing fighting in the Middle East and other supply dynamics, such as tariffs and massive investments in data centers, as key drivers behind the sustained inflation. His projection comes after the Federal Open Market Committee held its benchmark rate steady, with other Fed officials expressing mixed views on future rate movements. Inflation has remained above the Fed's 2% target for five years. (not investment advice)

45/100

Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) has introduced articles of impeachment against Education Secretary Linda McMahon, accusing her of attempting to abolish the Department of Education and making "illegal transfers" of critical functions. Bonamici claims McMahon has shown a "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and breached public trust. McMahon, who has been moving special education and civil rights services to other departments, dismissed the effort as Democrats being bothered by efforts to improve student outcomes and reduce federal bureaucracy. The resolution faces a challenging path in the Republican-controlled Congress.

40/100

Tennis icon Chris Evert has revealed she is battling ovarian cancer for a third time, necessitating her absence from Wimbledon this year. The 18-time Grand Slam champion announced on Instagram that she has undergone surgery and will begin chemotherapy soon. Evert, first diagnosed in December 2021, expressed optimism and determination in her fight, thanking her medical team, family, and friends for their support. Fellow tennis legends, including Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King, offered heartfelt messages of encouragement, highlighting Evert's formidable competitive spirit in facing this health challenge.

40/100

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency ahead of the July holiday season, as the nation's largest wildfire, the Cottonwood Fire, remains entirely uncontained. The fire has grown to nearly 111 square miles, severely damaging the Eagle Point ski resort and forcing evacuations. The National Weather Service issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" warning for five Utah counties, predicting extreme fire conditions due to dry, windy weather. Over 75% of Utah's wildfires this season have been human-caused, prompting the urgent restrictions.

20/100

Canada's long-abandoned official prime minister's residence, 24 Sussex Drive, is finally getting a lifeline through a crowd-funded restoration plan announced by Mark Carney. The multi-million dollar project includes a design competition for Canadian architecture firms to propose its future, with a winner selected by next July. Years of deferred maintenance have left the historic 19th-century building uninhabitable, plagued by asbestos and rodents. Carney emphasized the residence's historical significance, aiming to transform it into a secure, accessible, and sustainable home for future prime ministers, despite likely not residing there himself.

65/100

Sandra Brunson, mother of NBA champion Jalen Brunson, shared insights into teaching her son leadership and the mission of their nonprofit, The Second Round Foundation. The foundation, co-founded with Jalen, aims to empower youth through educational opportunities, sports access, and healthy nutrition, inspired by Jalen being the 33rd pick in the NBA draft. Sandra emphasized that true leadership involves making teammates comfortable in their roles and believing that responding effectively to challenges is more important than what happens. She highlighted the foundation's methodical, volunteer-driven approach to impact schools and families.

80/100

In a tragic incident in Nablus, Nayef Samaro, a 25-year-old Palestinian, was shot dead by an Israeli soldier on the same day his wife, Raghed al-Shami, gave birth to their first child. Samaro was on his way to the hospital when he was killed during an Israeli military raid, making him one of over 1,100 Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank since October 2023. His grieving widow, recovering from a C-section, expressed little hope for justice through Israeli courts, highlighting the widespread impunity for violence against Palestinians in the region.

5/100

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a national minimum tax on billionaires and a federal "public equity" fund for AI wealth, outlining a populist economic agenda. Newsom advocates for a "modern Buffett rule" to ensure the wealthiest pay at least the same tax rate as their workers, blaming loopholes for current disparities. He also suggests rewriting inheritance rules and returning to pre-2017 corporate tax rates. The proposed AI fund would support workers displaced by AI, funding severance, portable benefits, and universal child care. Newsom will, however, vote against a state-level billionaire tax. (not investment advice)

55/100

Micron Technology's shares tumbled 4% on Friday, extending a volatile trading week for the memory chipmaker, as other tech firms like Intel and Arm also saw declines. This sell-off reverberated across global markets, fueled by investor apprehension over the rising costs associated with artificial intelligence infrastructure. A New York Times report suggesting OpenAI might delay its IPO until next year further contributed to market jitters. European chip stocks also experienced losses, reflecting broader concerns within the tech sector regarding AI investment and market stability. (not investment advice)

30/100

For individuals burdened with $45,000 in credit card debt, repayment can feel insurmountable due to stubbornly high interest rates and rising living costs. Debt forgiveness, often through debt settlement programs, can reduce the amount owed by 30% to 50%, potentially forgiving $13,500 to $22,500. This option typically requires accounts to be delinquent, impacting credit scores. Alternatives include debt consolidation loans for lower interest rates, debt management plans from credit counseling agencies, or bankruptcy for overwhelming hardship. Evaluating these options carefully is crucial for regaining financial stability. (not investment advice)

50/100