CALIBER

You You Xue, the owner of Chez Xue in Foster City, Calif. was exasperated with the seemingly deteriorating behavior of his customers. So he began issuing fines. Last year, Xue noticed a customer was changing a child's diaper at one of the booths in the dining room, he recounted to the LA Times. Shortly after, Xue updated his menu: not with a new dish or seasonal special, but with a warning. Control your children, or you will be fined. Chez Xue will fine parents with unruly children.

The New York Islanders have asked their fans to design their third jersey for the 2027-2028 season, in what is a first in league history. "Islanders fans are among the most passionate in all of sports, and their emotional investment is the heartbeat of this franchise," said Kelly Cheeseman, president of business operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena, in a statement released Wednesday, July 8.

A skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan that officials warned was at risk of collapsing earlier this week has been deemed stable, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 8. "I want to assure all New Yorkers that there has been no additional movement of the structure since yesterday morning," said Mamdani.

Vitalant, a nonprofit blood services provider, is facing a critical shortage of type O blood and is urging eligible donors to schedule an appointment to give blood. Since May, the organization's supply of type O blood has steadily declined and recently reached its lowest level in two years. Vitalant said thousands of donation appointments remain available nationwide and need to be filled to help replenish the supply.

Happy Independence Day! Today, July 4, the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday. But beyond the parades, fireworks, and general merriment, some companies are joining in on the celebrations as well — and they are putting the "free" in freedom. Here's four places that are celebrating the Fourth of July with some freebies. Be sure to check with your local location to ensure they are participating.

Kroger will buy the supermarket chain Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, the company announced on Wednesday, July 1. Giant Eagle is a regional supermarket chain with 197 stores located in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Kroger is a corporation with numerous supermarket and department store chains located throughout much of the United States. Kroger presently operates more than 2,700 store locations.

Taco Bell Rewards members can earn tacos, rewards and exclusive merchandise through the new L.O.C.O.S. in-app game during the World Cup. Taco Bell is giving soccer fans a new way to celebrate wins, or cope with losses during the World Cup with the launch of L.O.C.O.S., short for Loss or Celebration Outcome Support. Available through July 13, the promotion lets Taco Bell Rewards members play the L.O.C.O.S. game in the Taco Bell app while following the tournament.

A patriotic plastic cup has taken social media by storm as customers flock to Dunkin' to buy a special limited-edition eagle-shaped cup. "This summer, Dunkin’ is giving guests a bold new way to sip in patriotic style. Just in time for Fourth of July celebrations – and in honor of America’s 250th birthday – the limited-edition Dunkin’ Eagle Cup is officially available nationwide, " said Dunkin' in a June 29 news release.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's ... a burrito? Starting in January 2027, customers in Texas will have the option to get their takeout orders from Wonder food halls delivered by drone, thanks to a new partnership with Zipline, an autonomous drone delivery service. The partnership was announced in a press release published on June 30. "At Wonder, we're constantly exploring new ways to make great food more accessible," said Tony Hoggett, CEO of Wonder North America, in the release.

One of the more heartwarming stories to come out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the sudden friendship between residents of the city of Boston and members of Scotland's "Tartan Army" of supporters. Scotland, making its first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades, played two of its three group-stage games at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.