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Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Public Markets

Small-cap stocks are experiencing their most significant rally in decades, with the Russell 2000 climbing 22% in the first six months of the year. This surge in smaller companies suggests a potential broadening of market participation beyond large-cap technology giants. Meanwhile, amid unseasonably high temperatures across the U.S., several events, including parades in Washington and Philadelphia and the Great American State Fair, faced cancellations or temporary closures, disrupting public gatherings and outdoor activities.

In political developments, President Trump has used his clemency power to pardon individuals convicted of violating the Clean Air Act, further challenging environmental regulations. In a separate political maneuver, the President reportedly intervened to prevent Assemblyman Robert Smullen from running on the Conservative Party line in a New York House race, impacting the local Republican contest. Separately, actor Adam Sandler made a surprise appearance as a wedding officiant at the highly publicized Swift-Kelce nuptials, adding a celebrity element to the event. The article also references an unsung innovation, "this simple white line," as America's greatest, suggesting a look at overlooked contributions to national development WSJ Business.