A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, nicknamed Gus, sold at Sotheby’s for $50.1 million, setting a new auction record for a dinosaur fossil. This exceptionally complete and large specimen, excavated in South Dakota, was presented as an exhibition-ready mounted skeleton. While its sale price far exceeded pre-auction estimates, concerns were raised by paleontologists regarding the impact of private ownership on scientific research. Despite these concerns, the auction appears legal due to regulations in the United States allowing landowners to retain discovered fossils.
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A firearm was stolen from an unmarked police vehicle that was parked outside an officer’s residence in San Jose. The department confirmed the weapon was secured inside a broken lockbox within the vehicle. The incident raises questions about the security of firearms stored in police vehicles, as the lockbox was reportedly not permanently affixed to the car. No arrests have been made in connection with the theft.
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Following a yearlong investigation, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on certain Brazilian imports, citing unfair trade practices that harm American interests in digital trade, preferential tariffs, and market access. The tariffs, set to take effect on July 22, stem from conclusions by the USTR that Brazil has not negotiated in good faith. While exemptions exist for specific goods, the US remains open to further negotiations to resolve these trade disputes.
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China’s economy experienced a disappointing growth of 4.3% in the second quarter, falling short of the government’s target and marking one of its weakest performances on record. This slowdown, contrasted with soaring exports, highlights a significant reliance on overseas sales while domestic consumer demand and investment lag. Experts note that substantial measures are needed to boost spending and rebalance the economy away from its export-driven model, especially as declining fixed-asset investment, particularly in real estate and construction, presents unprecedented challenges. The economic outlook is further complicated by potential US tariff escalations and global economic instability, though overall first-half growth of 4.7% may temper immediate pressure for large-scale stimulus.
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Thousands of visitors were evacuated from a remote Minnesota wilderness area due to over 100 wildfires burning in Canada, sending dangerously heavy smoke across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast. Unusually hot summer temperatures are also expected, compounding health risks for residents. While rangers worked to evacuate approximately 6,000 to 10,000 people from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, officials indicated some fires may be allowed to burn indefinitely under monitoring. Severe drought and heat have contributed to a busy fire season, with some Minnesota fires predicted to burn for months.
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As U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in discussions with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound on May 15, 2026, significant dialogues transpired. The meeting, held within the heart of Beijing’s leadership, marked a pivotal moment for bilateral relations. This high-level summit aimed to address key areas of mutual interest and potential contention between the two global powers.
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Thousands of daily commuters between Spain and Gibraltar will now enjoy seamless travel as a physical border fence was removed following the implementation of a historic EU-UK treaty. Years of post-Brexit negotiations culminated in an agreement that effectively integrates Gibraltar into the Schengen free travel area, easing movement for workers and visitors alike. While the treaty resolves border crossing issues, it does not settle the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the British territory. Security measures have been enhanced with facial recognition cameras and increased police presence to manage the new open border.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a new annual screening program for “testosterone deficiency” among troops aged 30 and older, aiming to ensure they operate at their “absolute best.” While voluntary testosterone replacement therapy will be available, the program’s scope, particularly concerning female troops, remains unclear, and it aligns with a broader Trump administration push to ease access to such therapies. This initiative follows scrutiny of performance-enhancing drug use among special operations forces and comes amid debate regarding the diagnosis and treatment of naturally declining testosterone levels.
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Jesús Manuel Arenas-Silva, a 45-year-old Venezuelan man, died in federal immigration custody in Georgia while being transferred between facilities, marking the 22nd death in ICE custody this year. His sister and immigrant rights groups claim he was denied necessary medication for an unnamed condition, despite pleas from his family. This death occurs amidst increased scrutiny of DHS and ICE enforcement tactics, following several other recent fatalities. The Irwin County Detention Center, where Arenas-Silva was initially held, has a history of allegations regarding medical abuse and unnecessary procedures.
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The impact of Norwegian football star Erling Haaland extends far beyond the pitch, even reaching Peru despite the geographical distance. Official records reveal that 563 Peruvians now share a connection to the Manchester City forward, with 468 bearing his surname and 91 children registered with his full name, Erling Haaland. A significant surge in these registrations has been observed since the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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John Q. Hosedrinker