The American Express Times
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power on Federal Agency Firings
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the president can remove leaders of certain independent federal agencies without cause, overturning a longstanding limit on executive power, while simultaneously protecting the Federal Reserve’s independence by blocking the immediate removal of a Fed governor. This split decision significantly increases presidential control over regulatory bodies but maintains the Fed’s…
★ Featured Stories
The American Century: A Policy Blueprint for Educational and Economic Supremacy
Abstract If the "American Century" is to endure into the coming decades, the United States must confront a fundamental structural vulnerability: an educational infrastructure optimized…
Is the office really a terrifying place?
Research from Trinity College London reveals that Generation Z workers experience notable anxiety around social interactions in traditional office settings, leading many to prefer remote…
Van Gisbergen Eyes Better Results on NASCAR Ovals
Shane van Gisbergen, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner on road courses, is working to improve his oval track performance to solidify his position in…
Supreme Court Upholds Illinois Mail-in Ballot Rules Amid Trump Challenge
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states can count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day even if they arrive afterward, upholding laws in states…
★ All Stories
Gun Violence Reduction Success Depends on Trust and Legal Education
During Juneteenth weekend in Chicago, 39 people were shot and at least eight died, prompting Mayor Brandon Johnson to create the Office of Gun Violence…
Venezuelan Earthquake Response Politicized Amid National Suffering
Twin earthquakes in Venezuela’s La Guaira and Caracas have killed over 1,700 people and displaced tens of thousands, exposing significant challenges in the government’s disaster…
Notice of Public Sale of Assets of Geo T. Schmidt, Inc.
Core Industrial Finance & Capital LLC will hold a virtual public auction on July 7, 2026, to sell the personal property assets of Geo T.…
Chicago Minimum Wage to Increase July 1
Chicago will raise its minimum wage to $17.05 per hour for most workers starting July 1, while tipped workers will see only a modest increase…
Portillo’s and McDonald’s Join Fast-Food Promotion of America’s 250th Birthday
Several major fast-food chains, including Portillo’s and McDonald’s, are launching limited-time patriotic menu items and promotions to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. While these…
Nike Designs World Cup Uniforms Blending Science and National Pride
Nike has launched advanced, environmentally friendly World Cup uniforms for teams like France, Brazil, the U.S., and co-host Canada, combining cutting-edge fabric technology with national…
Samsung and SK Hynix to Invest $518 Billion in New Chipmaking Hub
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced a joint investment of $518 billion to build new semiconductor fabrication facilities in southwestern South Korea, aiming to meet…
Supreme Court Refuses to Toss $5 Million Verdict Against Trump in Carroll Case
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Donald Trump’s appeal of a $5 million civil judgment for sexual abuse and defamation brought by E. Jean…
Israel-U.S. Relationship Faces Growing Strains After New York Primaries
Three pro-Palestinian candidates critical of Israel won Democratic congressional primaries in New York, signaling growing skepticism toward Israel within the party. This shift, combined with…
Massive Security Preparations Underway for America 250 Celebrations in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is implementing an extensive multi-agency security operation involving thousands of law enforcement officers and 5,000 National Guard troops for the America 250 celebrations…
Student Loan Cuts Threaten Illinois Physician Supply
Federal student loan limits have been reduced, capping borrowing for combined undergraduate and medical education at $257,000, which falls short of typical medical school costs…
Ron Seman, Indiana Dunes Trailmaster, Dies at 64
Ron Seman, a beloved Indiana Dunes trail leader who guided thousands on educational and therapeutic hikes, died unexpectedly at age 64. His passing leaves a…
Chicago Department of Public Health Cancer Prevention Program RFP
The Chicago Department of Public Health has issued a request for proposals to implement a community-based cancer prevention program targeting breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers…
Anderson’s Toyshop to Merge Back into Bookstore in Naperville
Anderson’s Toyshop will move into Anderson’s Bookshop in downtown Naperville later this month, combining their toy and book inventories under one roof. This change aims…
Comcast to Spin Off NBCUniversal, Ending 15-Year Union
Comcast announced it will spin off NBCUniversal and Sky into a separate publicly traded company within a year, ending their 15-year partnership. This restructuring aims…
Supreme Court Declines to Revive Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to revive Alan Dershowitz's $300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN over its coverage of his impeachment trial remarks. This decision…
Tesla’s European Sales Rebound Despite Unpopularity of Elon Musk
Tesla’s electric vehicle sales in Europe rose by 77% from January to May, surpassing established automakers like Ford, Nissan, and Honda. This growth is driven…
U.S. and Iran Disagree on Status of Talks Amid Persian Gulf Tensions
The United States and Iran are preparing delegations to meet in Doha amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to uphold a recent…
‘Flamingo Revolution’ Protests in Albania Against Coastal Development
Thousands of Albanians have protested in Tirana against a controversial coastal development connected to Jared Kushner that threatens the ecologically sensitive Narta Lagoon and Sazan…
Survivors and Descendants Reflect on Rollback of Voting Rights Act
Survivors and descendants of civil rights activists are voicing deep concern following recent Supreme Court rulings that have weakened key protections of the Voting Rights…
The little urn that hit it big
The Ashes cricket trophy originated from a satirical 1882 obituary after England’s loss to Australia, symbolized by a small urn given to England captain Ivo…
Lawsuit Filed Over Trump Administration’s Medicaid Work Requirements
Democratic officials from 25 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the CMS rule exceeds legal authority and imposes…
Israeli Strikes Kill At Least Eight in Gaza, Including Two Children
Israeli airstrikes on southern and central Gaza killed at least eight people, including two children, and injured over 20 amid ongoing military operations since October.…
Historical Look at Chicago’s Luxury Apartment Buildings
Historians Perry Casalino and John Graf have published a book chronicling over 120 luxury apartment buildings in Chicago from the late 19th to early 20th…
Advice Column: Mother Struggles with Daughter’s Breakup and Friend Caught in Romance Scam
A 35-year-old woman ended her open relationship and began a new romance, prompting her partner to plan a move out of state and causing emotional…
Speedy Zavion Thomas Could Impact Bears Offense
The Chicago Bears drafted wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the third round, aiming to bolster their offense and special teams with his speed and adaptability.…
Robert Lewandowski Joins Chicago Fire in MLS
Robert Lewandowski has signed a two-year contract with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, pending visa and transfer clearance, and is expected to debut on July…
Cubs Face Injuries, Struggles but Maintain Hope
The Chicago Cubs have again adjusted their roster amid multiple injuries, placing utility player Matt Shaw and pitcher Ethan Roberts on the injured list while…
Report: Warriors Want to Sign LeBron, Trade for AD
The Golden State Warriors are planning to pursue free agent LeBron James and explore a trade for Anthony Davis after Draymond Green declined his $27.6…
Lions Release Cornerback Terrion Arnold After Arrest
The Detroit Lions released cornerback Terrion Arnold after a judge set his bail at $1 million in a case accusing him of leading the abduction…
Former Titans RB Chris Johnson Reveals He Has ALS
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson revealed he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spoke publicly about his condition during an interview…
Doctors urged to call off strike as flu outbreak closes schools
Medical authorities have urged an immediate halt to planned doctors’ strikes amid a severe flu outbreak causing record hospital admissions and school closures across the…
Russian Attacks Kill Civilians in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Calls for More Air Defenses
Russian missile and drone strikes across multiple Ukrainian cities on Monday killed at least 11 civilians and injured around 40 more, with attacks reported in…
DC Settles Lawsuit Over Illegal Detention of Man Playing Darth Vader Music
The District of Columbia agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by Sam O’Hara, who claimed he was unlawfully detained by police while…
‘A Little Night Music’ Revitalizes Sondheim’s Classic with Stellar Cast
The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois, has launched a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s "A Little Night Music," directed by Nick Bowling and featuring acclaimed…
BET Awards Honor Lauryn Hill and Celebrate Music Legends
The 2024 BET Awards honored Lauryn Hill with the Living Legend Icon Award, highlighted by a heartfelt tribute and a surprise performance of her hit…
Blackhawks Prospects Villeneuve and Roobroeck Make Impressions
The Chicago Blackhawks kicked off their development camp featuring top draft picks Xavier Villeneuve and Ryan Roobroeck, who impressed with their skills and potential. This…