Headlines From The Times

Christopher Nolan's nearly three-hour epic "The Odyssey" grossed over $124 million domestically this weekend, proving it was worth the risk for Universal despite being one of the priciest R-rated movies ever made. Shot entirely on IMAX 70-millimeter cameras, the film set a new IMAX record for the largest opening weekend in international markets, excluding China, Japan, and South Korea. Universal Pictures' president of domestic distribution says "it's something that truly has to be experienced on the big screen," and audiences are running to theaters to be part of this cultural moment.

Meanwhile, FIFA celebrated its own victory, as Spain lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy, with the organization estimating nearly $9 billion in revenue for the tournament. The expanded format went from 32 to 48 teams with 104 matches instead of 64. This meant increased ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcast rights – though fans complained the tournament was wildly unaffordable.

A major water main break continues to shut down part of Sunset Boulevard after a 110-year-old pipe spilled nearly 17 million gallons of water across West Hollywood. As crews work to repair the damage, additional water pipe breaks were reported in Venice & Hollywood, raising new concerns about Los Angeles' aging water infrastructure.

Spain defeated defending champion Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA world cup. Ferran Torres scored the match-winning goal, Rodri was named the tournament's best player & Lionel Messi closed out what is expected to be his final world cup appearance.

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The AI boom is fueling a race to build data centers across the United States. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul is hitting pause, becoming the first state to temporarily ban approvals for the largest of those projects. The executive order halts new permits for "hyper-scale" data centers that use over 50 megawatts of power for one year. And, AI-generated character Tilly Norwood is set to star in the feature film "Misaligned," reigniting debate across Hollywood over whether artificial intelligence can truly be considered an actor. Meanwhile, a man was arrested in East Hollywood after police say he climbed on top of a Waymo & vandalized it.

Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, died on Saturday at 71 years old. According to the medical examiner, Graham died from an aortic dissection, a tear in the main artery. Graham served as a close advisor to President Trump. A fierce supporter of Ukraine and Israel, he pushed for more aggressive foreign policy measures.

And for months, lawmakers called it a ‘once in a lifetime’ housing bill. Over the weekend, it quietly went into effect. The measure won't bring a single sweeping change; instead, it's a collection of 56 regulatory tweaks aimed at boosting the housing supply by lowering costs and encouraging more construction. It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Meanwhile, the LAPD has suspended its use of Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras while officials work to address concerns over data privacy, security & information sharing.

Finally, Conor McGregor's return to the Octagon ended just 69 seconds into UFC 329 after suffering a right knee injury against Max Holloway. UFC President Dana White says doctors believe McGregor may have torn his ACL.

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In Maine, Graham Platner is officially suspending his campaign for U.S. Senate after sexual assault allegations against him came to light this week. In an eleven-minute video posted to social media, Platner said his movement will continue, but that he can't carry the torch forward. Under Maine law, a political party can choose a new nominee when one steps aside, meaning Democrats have until July 27th to pick a replacement candidate for the general election in November.

Also, a federal judge ordered President Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll the more than $5 million that he owes her. A Manhattan jury awarded Carroll the settlement over three years ago, after Trump was found liable of sexually assaulting and defaming her.

And Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer behind one of the biggest power ballads of all time, has died at 75. Tyler's family said she died unexpectedly at a hospital in Portugal, where she was being treated for an illness. Best known for her 1983 hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," Tyler's distinct, raspy voice made the song a global phenomenon.

Meanwhile, former Chargers star Marcellus Wiley is denying allegations made by his wife after she filed for divorce & obtained a temporary restraining order. Wiley says the claims are false & plans to fight them through the legal process.

Finally,  a new California bill would allow abused & neglected animals seized in cruelty cases to be placed in foster homes or with rescue groups while criminal cases move through the courts, helping reduce long shelter stays.

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President Trump says the U.S. will let Ukraine manufacture Patriot air defense systems to help counter Russian missile attacks, which killed at least 21 people in Kyiv just days ago. Trump also shifted his tone while meeting with Zelensky, praising the Ukrainian leader as "very effective" in the war.

Meanwhile, the market is down and oil prices are surging after Trump announced the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran is over, following Iran's retaliatory attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump says Iran's civilian infrastructure could be next, after Iran targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Also, Netflix is expanding beyond movies and TV shows by adding short-form videos from major digital publishers. The new feature launches August 3 and will include celebrity interviews, travel, gardening and more.

Meanwhile, after more than five decades of family fun, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park in Colton is closing for good. Park owners cite rising operating costs & declining attendance as the main reasons behind the closure.

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