Chicago

After Liverpool's 1-0 pre-season win over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, midfielders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai had a heated two-minute argument on the pitch. The dispute arose when Szoboszlai gave the captain's armband to Kostas Tsimikas instead of Jones upon being substituted. Teammates and staff intervened. The incident was resolved in training the next day, but it highlights Jones' uncertain future as Inter Milan has increased its bid to €35 million for the out-of-contract player.

11 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 12, 06:52 PM UTC

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak, Jeremy Jacquet, and Florian Wirtz will make their preseason debuts in the upcoming match against Leeds United in Chicago. The four players were not included in Liverpool's squad for the previous match against Wrexham in New York. Gravenberch, Isak, and Wirtz only began training last Sunday after participating in the World Cup, while Jacquet also missed the win over Sunderland in Nashville as a precaution. Iraola stated that the decision to hold them back was to give more minutes to young players in the Wrexham game, but all four are scheduled to feature as Liverpool concludes their US tour against Leeds United this Sunday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:06 PM UTC

Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States has been disrupted by travel chaos after their flight from Chicago to New York was cancelled due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. The Reds were scheduled to arrive in New York on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, but will now land just hours before kick-off. The cancellation also affected the planned reveal of Liverpool's new away kit, with club legends Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler stepping in to model the Adidas kit at a Brooklyn event. Manager Andoni Iraola, who ended his playing career at New York City FC, will have a larger squad to choose from as Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak have returned to training, though they may not feature in the match. Meanwhile, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk will begin individual training programs at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:29 PM UTC

Liverpool's pre-season tour in the United States has been disrupted by adverse weather conditions. The team's flight from Chicago to New York was cancelled, forcing them to delay travel until Wednesday, July 29, the day of their scheduled friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium. The match is part of a series of pre-season games for British clubs in the US. Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, will also face Leeds United on August 2. Wrexham, co-owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, previously beat Leeds United in the US. Liverpool's Premier League season begins August 23 against Newcastle United, while Wrexham's Championship campaign starts August 17 against Cardiff City.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:00 AM UTC

A federal appeals court ruled that Chobani must face a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging its 'zero sugar' yogurt label misled consumers. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago reinstated the lawsuit, holding that plaintiffs may pursue claims under state consumer protection statutes. The dispute centers on Chobani Zero Sugar yogurt, which contains four grams of allulose per serving. The FDA prohibits 'zero sugar' or 'sugar free' labels unless a product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. The court was convinced by an FDA brief arguing that total sugars encompass all monosaccharides, including allulose. Judge Thomas Kirsch dismissed Chobani's argument that allulose falls outside the definition of sugar. The named plaintiffs, James and Abigail Franco, claim they would not have purchased the yogurt or would have paid less had they known the actual sugar content. Chobani maintains its labeling is accurate, noting the Nutrition Facts panel shows 0g total sugar. The case was sent back to district court for further proceedings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:14 PM UTC

A federal appeals court ruled that Chobani must face a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging its 'zero sugar' yogurt label misled consumers. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago reinstated the lawsuit, holding that plaintiffs may pursue claims under state consumer protection statutes. The FDA prohibits labeling a product 'zero sugar' unless it contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. Chobani Zero Sugar yogurt contains four grams of allulose, a sweetener found in nature. The FDA argued that total sugars encompass all monosaccharides, including allulose, a position the court found valid. The named plaintiffs, James and Abigail Franco, said they would have skipped the purchase or paid less had they known the actual sugar content. Chobani disputed the ruling, stating its Nutrition Facts panel accurately shows 0g total sugar and 0g added sugar. The case was sent back to the district court in Chicago for further proceedings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:14 PM UTC

The Dallas Flash won their second consecutive Major League Pickleball (MLP) event of the 2026 season at the Chicago Week 8 tournament, held July 25-27. The Flash dominated group play, sweeping Las Vegas 4-0 on Day 1 and securing key wins to advance. Several surprise teams made deep runs, including Chicago's young lineup which upset veteran Atlanta and advanced to the third-place game. The event followed a busy trade deadline that saw top teams make major roster moves. Key results included Miami shocking Texas in a DreamBreaker tiebreaker, and California defeating Texas to boost its playoff hopes. The MLP regular season consists of nine weekly events, with Chicago being the eighth stop.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:38 PM UTC

A federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of California alleges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) illegally used facial recognition technology, license plate readers, and other surveillance tools to identify individuals observing and protesting immigration enforcement actions during the Trump administration. The plaintiffs, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and three individuals from Minnesota, South Carolina, and California, claim DHS retaliated by revoking their TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted traveler status. The suit cites incidents in Minneapolis where two observers were killed by federal agents in January 2026. It argues DHS violated the First Amendment, federal privacy law, and the Administrative Procedure Act by targeting peaceful observers and removing a 2023 facial recognition policy from its website without proper process. A DHS spokesperson denied that trusted traveler status is revoked for exercising First Amendment rights, citing low-risk traveler criteria.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:26 PM UTC

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago is experiencing a significant surge in ticket demand and pricing, attributed largely to the return of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who missed the 2025 game due to injury. According to SeatGeek data, the average ticket sale price over the past week is $425, 35% higher than the same period last year. The cheapest available ticket is $185. Total order volume has already surpassed the entire 2025 game by 21% with 24 hours until tip-off. Clark, averaging 21 points and nearly eight assists this season, is captain of Team Weatherspoon, which is a 3.5-point betting favorite. She is also the betting favorite (+170) to be the game's leading scorer. Illinois residents account for 22% of recent ticket orders, followed by Texas, Maryland, and Indiana.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:15 PM UTC

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, Illinois, features a new KIA Shooting Stars competition debuting on July 24, alongside the Three-Point Contest and the All-Star Game. The Shooting Stars event includes WNBA legends Elena Delle Donne, Lauren Jackson, Rebekkah Brunson, and Deanna Nolan, paired with current All-Stars and top high school players. The Three-Point Contest will proceed without Caitlin Clark, Kayla McBride, and Sabrina Ionescu, but includes Rhyne Howard, Mabrina Mabrey, and rookie Azzi Fudd. The All-Star Game on July 25 at the United Center pits teams led by Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, coached by Cheryl Reeve and Becky Hammon. All events are broadcast on ESPN/ABC and streamable via fubo, Disney+, and ESPN app.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:51 PM UTC

AT&T is expanding its long-term investment in the WNBA during All-Star Weekend in Chicago, debuting new Turbo Live technology to enhance fan connectivity and real-time sharing. As the title partner of the All-Star Game, AT&T has launched the Fan Experience at Pioneer Court, featuring the 'Get Buckets For Small Biz Interactive Challenge' that can unlock up to $150,000 for local small businesses. The company is also distributing 200 devices to local youth and supporting Jr. WNBA Day and Changemaker Day programming. Sabina Ahmed, AT&T's Assistant Vice President of Sponsorships & Experiential, emphasized the intentional nature of the WNBA partnership, separate from the broader NBA deal. WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison praised AT&T's continued investment, while players Sabrina Ionescu and Flau'jae Johnson highlighted the importance of fan engagement. The article positions AT&T's strategy as part of a long-term commitment to grow alongside women's basketball.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:49 PM UTC

Great Dane, a Chicago-based privately-held OEM manufacturer of dry van and flatbed trailers and refrigerated truck bodies, has appointed Eddie Martin as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 3, 2026. Martin will lead the company's commercial strategy and sales organization, focusing on revenue growth and strengthening customer relationships. The appointment comes as key leaders retire this year, including President and COO Rick Mullininx (retiring Dec. 31) and EVP and CFO Jim Petrarca (retiring Oct. 1). Interim CEO Mel Cohen praised Martin's strategic experience and track record of driving growth. Martin brings over three decades of leadership experience, having previously served as SVP of sales at PCNA, chief commercial officer for GE Industrial Services, chief marketing officer for GE Appliances, and president at WestRock. Great Dane also appointed Diana Yan as EVP and CFO in June, and the search for a permanent CEO continues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:52 AM UTC

This Brookings Institution report examines how local leaders in Chicago, Oakland, and Washington D.C. are scaling community-centered public safety solutions amid federal funding cuts and policy uncertainty. The research, conducted in partnership with LISC, emphasizes place-based, ecosystem approaches that integrate prevention, intervention, and response, along with cross-sector partners in economic and workforce development. It argues that evidence-based local policies can reduce crime, rebuild trust, and increase economic opportunity in impacted neighborhoods. The report draws on qualitative interviews and the Community-Centered Economic Inclusion (CCEI) model, highlighting that most Americans agree on the importance of safety, jobs, and health, making such policies a win-win. The findings aim to provide actionable strategies for localities facing public safety challenges.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:35 PM UTC

The WNBA will host its 2026 All-Star Weekend on July 24-25 in Chicago, with main events at Wintrust Arena and United Center. The weekend features the State Farm 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge on Friday, and the All-Star Game on Saturday. The centerpiece is WNBA Live presented by AWS, a fan festival at McCormick Place from July 23-25, featuring interactive experiences from 34 partners and licensees, including basketball challenges, merchandise customization, player appearances, and community programming. Brands like Ally Bank, American Express, State Farm, and Google Pixel will host activations. Additional events include the Women's Basketball Without Borders All-Star Camp, Jr. WNBA clinics, and the Queens of the Court panel. The article serves as a comprehensive guide for fans attending the festivities in Chicago.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:31 AM UTC

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has stated his determination to retain key players Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson for the upcoming season, despite transfer speculation linking Mac Allister with Real Madrid and Alisson with Juventus. Iraola, speaking during Liverpool's pre-season tour in Chicago, acknowledged that Mac Allister may not be fully fit for the Premier League opener against Newcastle due to a post-World Cup holiday, but insisted the 27-year-old is part of his plans. The coach also confirmed Alisson will remain at the club, highlighting his leadership role. Liverpool faces squad depth issues with long-term injuries to Hugo Ekitiké and Conor Bradley, both out for months, and Iraola admitted the defensive line is 'very thin,' potentially forcing the club into the transfer market. The team has a young squad on the US tour, with senior players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson set to begin pre-season later on Merseyside.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:42 PM UTC

A forum post on RedCafe.net compiles the preseason friendly schedules for Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season. Key fixtures include Arsenal playing Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, plus the Community Shield against Manchester City. Aston Villa faces Porto, Bayern Munich, and PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. Chelsea and Tottenham tour Australia and Asia, playing each other in Sydney. Liverpool and Manchester United have matches in the US and Europe. The schedule covers over 20 clubs, with matches from mid-July to mid-August 2026, across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:53 PM UTC

Forbes profiles Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and Tock and head of American Express Global Dining, detailing his strategy to integrate Amex's restaurant, bar, and winery network. The article covers Amex's acquisitions of Resy (2019) and Tock ($400M in 2024), the planned integration of 25,000+ venues including 1,200 wineries into Resy, and the proposed $700M acquisition of European platform TheFork. Rivero emphasizes seamless technology that disappears once guests enter a venue, drawing on his Venezuelan upbringing and family bakery experience to frame hospitality as recognition and familiarity. The network aims to connect payments, member benefits, and guest data across approximately 75,000 bookable venues if TheFork deal is approved.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:29 PM UTC

Liverpool have officially announced a preliminary 31-man squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, including players Szoboszlai, Elliott, Jones, and Chiesa. The team departed from John Lennon Airport on Monday afternoon, flying to their training base in Chicago. Under manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool will face Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds United across three states in North America over the next two weeks before returning to Merseyside in early August. The traveling party includes several players continuing injury rehabilitation under the club's medical team, while other senior players will join later after completing World Cup commitments. The full squad list includes Gomez, Endo, Quansah, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Bradley, Chiesa, Leoni, Jones, Elliott, Tsimikas, Ekitike, Mamardashvili, Woodman, Frimpong, Abe, Nyoni, Bajcetic, Chambers, Ramsay, Scanlon, McConnell, Jaros, Kumas, Morrison, Ngumoha, W. Wright, Hall, Sonny Lambie, Ndukwu, and Davies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:25 PM UTC

Liverpool will embark on a two-week preseason tour of the United States starting July 20, with new manager Iraola seeking to implement his philosophy before the 2026-27 season. The team will train in Chicago and play three friendlies: against Sunderland on July 25 at Geodis Park in Nashville, against Wrexham on July 29 at Yankee Stadium in New York, and against Leeds United on August 2 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Eight World Cup participants, including Van Dijk, Alisson, and Mac Allister, will be absent on holiday, though Gravenberch, Wirtz, and Isak are expected to join later. Young players like Abe, Wright, and Morrison will get opportunities, while Elliott returns from loan. The tour also has significant commercial value, with partnerships with US brands like Expedia, Google Pixel, and Tommy Hilfiger, and Adidas launching the new away kit. Fan enthusiasm is high, with tickets still available across all venues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:11 AM UTC

Giada De Laurentiis, a 55-year-old Emmy Award-winning chef, cookbook author, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, shares her structured daily routine in Los Angeles. She wakes at 6:30 a.m., practices Transcendental Meditation, and exercises with a trainer for an hour. Her workday focuses on building Giadzy, her grocery startup that is shifting from direct-to-consumer Italian imports to retail. She handles meetings on importing, inventory, marketing, and finance, and visits grocery stores in Southern California for placement checks. De Laurentiis cooks dinner five nights a week for her family, including dishes like panko-crusted salmon and sheet pan lasagna. Her evening routine includes checking emails, family time, a 30-minute nighttime routine, red light therapy, and stretching. She aims to maintain structure when home, balancing business travel with family life.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:05 AM UTC

Ananya Joshi, a 26-year-old Indian national, moved to the US in 2022 to study biotechnology at Northwestern University, fulfilling her father's dream. After graduating, she worked as a bioprocess scientist in Chicago on an F-1 OPT visa. Her startup employer promised but failed to sponsor an H-1B visa due to E-Verify issues. Facing visa expiration in July 2025, she requested to resign or work part-time to job hunt, but was fired the next day. After applying globally and receiving two offers, she chose a position in Rostock, Germany, for its stability and labor protections. She now faces challenges adjusting to small-town life, a language barrier, and a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, who remains in the US on an H-1B visa. She is uncertain about returning to the US due to her traumatic experience.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 AM UTC

Zoe De La Paz, 26, left her corporate engineering drafting job in Chicago to pursue a full-time sewing career. She moved to Yellowstone National Park in June 2026 to work as a seamstress for Xanterra Parks & Resorts, earning $19.25 per hour with subsidized housing and meals. De La Paz had previously sewn as a hobby and networked her way into wardrobe work at concerts, including a gig for The Weeknd. She applied for the Yellowstone role after a friend's seasonal job inspired her. Her duties include hemming uniforms, repairing zippers and buttons, and upcycling old inventory. She hopes this role will lead to a career in Broadway or film costuming in New York City.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 02:30 PM UTC

Over 850 wildfires burning across Canada, particularly in Ontario and northern Minnesota, have sent thick smoke into the northern United States, triggering air quality alerts across 17 states and Washington D.C. Skies turned orange in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Minneapolis, with air quality reaching "hazardous" levels in parts of Michigan and Minnesota. Health officials advise staying indoors and using N95 masks. Scientists link the increased wildfire activity to climate change, noting longer and more intense fire seasons.

14 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 18, 09:26 PM UTC

A forum post on RedCafe.net compiles the preseason friendly schedules for several Premier League and other clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season. Key fixtures include Arsenal playing Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, plus the Community Shield against Manchester City. Aston Villa has a packed schedule including matches against Porto, Bayern Munich, and the UEFA Super Cup against PSG. Other clubs with listed fixtures include Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Coventry, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Ipswich, Leeds, and Liverpool. The matches take place across Europe, Asia, and the United States from mid-July to mid-August 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:47 PM UTC

Massive plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires, combined with a heat dome in the central US, have caused dangerous air quality for over 120 million people across the Midwest and Northeast. Cities including Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Toronto recorded hazardous air quality levels, with Chicago reportedly having the worst air quality in the world. The National Weather Service described the smoke levels as 'really pretty extreme.' Air in coastal cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., also reached unhealthy levels. Experts warn the Midwest could face weeks to months of continued smoke depending on wind patterns. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, have threatened punitive action against Canada, accusing its government of mismanaging the wildfires.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:41 PM UTC

A financial writer recounts buying her 3,600-square-foot dream home, only to have her marriage fall apart three months later. Struggling with upkeep, divorce, and parenting twins, she sold the house after two years when the basement flooded and property taxes rose. She initially rented a smaller house, then moved to a Chicago suburb apartment. She found joy in the closeness of a smaller space, reduced financial stress, and the freedom of renting. She now feels more financially secure and mentally at peace, redefining the American dream as financial security rather than homeownership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:03 PM UTC

The Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS match on July 16, 2026, at Soldier Field was postponed to October 6 due to hazardous air quality from over 800 Canadian wildfires. The postponement delayed Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut and a Berhalter family reunion. Chicago’s Air Quality Index reached ‘very unhealthy’ to ‘hazardous’ levels, closing beaches and pools. The match was rescheduled, with tickets remaining valid.

11 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:37 PM UTC

Wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to worsen air quality across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States through Friday. Multiple news outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and local ABC affiliates, report that air quality alerts have been issued for millions of people. The smoke has caused hazardous air conditions, with unhealthy levels recorded on air quality index maps. Outdoor events in affected areas, including Chicago, have been impacted. Tracking maps show the smoke spreading from Canada into the U.S., prompting widespread health warnings.

1 reports · 1 sources

United Airlines announced on July 15, 2026, that it expects nearly US$6 billion in additional fuel expenses this year compared to its initial 2026 estimates, driven by a renewed surge in oil prices following heightened US-Iran hostilities. Despite the fuel shock, the carrier raised the low end of its full-year profit forecast to US$9-$11 per share, citing strong travel demand, higher fares, and capacity cuts. The company reported Q2 adjusted earnings of US$1.99 per share, beating analyst estimates of US$1.88, with revenue rising 16% to US$17.7 billion. United expects to recover 80-90% of fuel cost increases in Q3 and fully offset them by Q4. The airline's Q3 earnings forecast of US$2.50-$3.50 per share is based on current fuel prices, with a midpoint of US$3.00 versus analyst estimates of US$3.60. Shares fell about 2% in extended trading.

1 reports · 1 sources

Prosperity Partners, a Chicago-based tax, client accounting and transaction support services firm, has secured a majority growth investment from private equity firm Lightyear Capital. The deal, expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, did not disclose financial terms. Unity Partners, which invested in Prosperity in April 2023, will retain a minority stake. Founded in 2003, Prosperity serves high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and entrepreneurial businesses across the US, with over 250 employees and offices in nine cities. The company introduced an Employee Purpose Plan at the time of Unity's investment, distributing approximately $18 million in proceeds to employees. Lightyear and Prosperity agreed to continue an employee ownership program. Guggenheim Securities served as lead financial advisor, with Koltin Consulting Group as additional advisor. Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel to Prosperity, while Davis Polk advised Lightyear.

1 reports · 1 sources