A bipartisan cohort of current and retired judges travels by bus through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan to stress the importance of an independent judiciary and the rule of law, counter politicization of the courts, and engage students and communities; the trip is funded by civic groups Democracy Rising Collaborative and Keep Our Republic.
Charli D’Amelio says her mental health has been declining as she turns 22, noting more therapy and a new level of independence without parental guidance, while addressing rumors of a family rift and confirming she’s stepped away from Be Happy Snacks; she continues to share her experiences publicly via YouTube and other posts, highlighting the ongoing conversation about mental health in her life and career.
Across the UK, US and beyond, divorcing women are repurposing engagement rings or buying new “divorce rings” to mark fresh starts, with stories like Deb Marino wearing a sapphire on a redesigned ring and Ceri Evans calling her new piece her “USA ring.” Jewellers report rising interest as women use these rings to signal financial and personal autonomy after a split. With divorce often timing financial strain, many see the new ring as a meaningful investment and a way to reclaim control, even as resale values for old jewelry typically sit around 30% of original price. Some wear their divorce ring on the middle finger as a deliberate, defiant gesture, while others stash or repurpose other pieces to mark their new life. The trend taps into a broader cultural moment described as a “hot divorcee summer,” emphasizing empowerment and personal reinvention.
Americans celebrated the country’s 250th birthday with mixed emotions: patriotic spectacle and near‑record heat on the National Mall watched by National Guard personnel, while people across the U.S. reflected on progress and ongoing challenges amid a charged political climate surrounding President Trump and the country’s direction.
As the US approaches its 250th Independence Day, Reuters/Ipsos finds about 20% of Americans won’t celebrate, including a quarter of Democrats, and 40% doubt the country will endure another 250 years, reflecting deep partisan divisions—echoed in local stories from Bucks County and the broader political climate of Donald Trump’s era—shaping how the holiday is observed.
Police say a body found inside a burned Independence home is believed to be Oscar Sanchez-Munoz, the suspect in a weeklong string of Kansas City interstate highway shootings, potentially ending the manhunt.
Sponsored feature detailing Karen Nelson’s 25-minute Balance workout for seniors, using a chair and mini bands to improve balance, strength, and independence. The routine includes a warm-up, sit-to-stand, calf raises, squat hold, and six balance moves with pauses to train balance and posture, aiming to reduce falls and boost mobility and cognitive function; recommended three sessions per week with gradual progression and gentle stretching.
Reports suggest several Xbox Game Studios are at risk of closure or may be spun off as independent entities, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. The moves appear tied to portfolio consolidation and Game Pass economics, sparking concern for staff and what this means for Xbox’s upcoming lineup.
As Kevin Warsh takes the Fed reins, markets expect the central bank to hold the federal funds rate at 3.5%–3.75% at the June meeting, with no cut unless a new negative shock to jobs or growth emerges; inflation remains above the 2% target across measures, and Warsh’s leadership—including potential shifts in guidance and scrutiny of the Fed’s independence—could keep markets cautious while policy makers await more data.
Toys for Bob left Activision in 2024 to regain creative control and pursue the studio’s beloved whimsical platformers, escaping the Call of Duty development path; now independent, they’re launching Spyro: A Realm Beyond as part of a return to the games they’re passionate about.
Toys for Bob, one of North America’s oldest game studios known for Skylanders and Spyro Reignited, is returning to independence to focus on joyful, handcrafted games. Their first project as a standalone studio is Spyro: A Realm Beyond, revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase and set for spring 2027 on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2, and PC. The 50‑person core team emphasizes a flat, long‑tenured culture and aims to deliver mass‑appeal experiences with a modern Spyro that features true dragon flight and the return of voice actor Tom Kenny, while applying lessons learned from working on Warzone and remote collaboration.
Powell, stepping back to a Federal Reserve Board role as Kevin Warsh takes the reins, used a speech tied to a Kennedy Center award to reaffirm the Fed's independence and acknowledge past policy missteps, delivering an indirect jab at Trump while signaling that inflation remains uncertain amid energy-price pressure from the Iran conflict; with markets at record levels but policy paths still data-driven, the Fed faces a delicate balancing act that could temper Wall Street's rally if inflation surprises persist.
Nick Bilton, the new executive producer of 60 Minutes, pledges in a staff memo that the show will pursue stories without fear or favor and remain free from ownership pressure, praising veteran correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim while announcing Maria Gavrilovic as Senior Producer as Season 59 gears up for broader storytelling across platforms.
Fed governor Jerome Powell said the central bank is undergoing a “stress test” that could erode its credibility and independence if administrations can punish officials for policy disagreements. He stressed that policy decisions should be based on economic analysis rather than politics, a point he made while accepting the JFK Profile in Courage Award amid ongoing tensions with President Trump over monetary policy. The episode raises concerns about the Fed’s insulation and the rule of law in preserving a stable economy.
Jerome Powell warned that the Fed is undergoing a “stress test” and its independence from politics is essential to maintaining credibility. In remarks at the JFK Library after stepping down as Fed chair, he said any administration that tries to replace or remove Fed officials over policy would erode public trust, emphasizing decisions must be based on sound economic analysis rather than partisan aims. He also noted ongoing threats to Fed independence and commended the staff, while underscoring the broader duty to preserve democratic institutions.