Comment on Mexico Death Tied to Bird Flu Strain Never Before Seen in People

After Jackie Trapp was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, in 2015, she thought her biggest health shock was behind her. Then came the bills for Revlimid, a powerful cancer drug that her doctor said was her best hope for controlling the disease. The first month’s supply cost $11,148; the second, $12,040—and her insurer denied coverage.

ALTON, Ill. — A giant sinkhole has swallowed the center of a soccer complex that was built over an operating limestone mine in southern Illinois, taking down a large light pole and leaving a gaping chasm where squads of kids often play. But no injuries were reported after the sinkhole opened Wednesday morning. “No one was on the field at the time and no one was hurt, and that’s the most important thing,” Alton Mayor David Goins told The (Alton) Telegraph. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Security video that captured the hole’s sudden formation shows a soccer field light pole disappearing into the ground, along with benches and artificial turf at the city’s Gordon Moore Park. The hole is estimated to be at least 100 feet (30.5 meters) wide and up to 50 feet (15.2 meters) deep, said Michael Haynes, the city’s parks and recreation director. “It was surreal.

MATTESON, Ill. — Emergency officials ordered an evacuation after a freight train derailed in suburban Chicago on Thursday. The train derailed in the village of Matteson around 10:30 a.m., WGN-TV reported. No injuries have been reported. Workers are trying to determine whether any hazardous materials have leaked from the train. Officials ordered residents within a mile of the incident to evacuate. A message on the village’s Facebook page warns people to plan to for a “long-term” evacuation and take medication and supplies with them when they leave. Messages The Associated Press left for village officials and Matteson Police Chief Michael Jones seeking more details weren’t immediately returned.

U. K. Prime MInister Rishi Sunak took the British public by surprise last month when he announced a general election on July 4. Sunak was not under obligation to call an election until December 2024, so calling an election earlier than necessary while the Conservative Party had not been performing well in the polls was especially unexpected.

As Americans prepare to watch the presidential debate on Thursday night, the economy will likely be top of mind for many voters. Although inflation has cooled and hiring has continued to grow, polls show that many Americans have maintained negative views about the economy and some 22% of voters say that inflation and the price of goods are their most important issue in the November election. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Ahead of the debate, TIME sat down with Heather Boushey, a member of President Joe Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers and a key architect of “Bidenomics,” to discuss the biggest challenges facing the economy and why there’s a disconnect between public perception of the economy and economic indicators. Below is a transcript of that conversation, which has been edited for clarity. Nik Popli: Economic policy is undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest issues as we head into the election.

Even if you can’t escape rising summer temperatures to more comfortable climes, you can at least get lost in a good book. The best new books coming in July include Kevin Barry’s Western romance, Lev Grossman’s reimagining of King Arthur’s legend, and Laura van den Berg’s unsettling new novel set in Florida’s underbelly. Keep Shark Week going with shark scientist Jasmin Graham’s debut memoir focused on her work with the most misunderstood fish in the sea.