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This value predicts future quality of life. In Australia, it’s tanking
More than 600 scientists are sounding the alarm that our standard of living is under threat.
Milliman Acquires Blue Water MSR Valuation, Hedging Business
Milliman has acquired Blue Water’s mortgage servicing rights valuation and hedging services from Apex Analytics Corp., extending a wave of mortgage industry investment beyond servicing portfolios themselves to the technology and expertise used to manage their value.The transaction adds Blue Water’s MSR hedging platform, customer base, trading professionals, and quantitative analytics team to Milliman’s mortgage solutions practice. Financial terms were not disclosed.
'Skating on thin ice': Lincoln small business struggles to keep up with rising prices, less customers
"We're not closing the doors, but we're skating on thin ice when it comes to which bills to pay this week and which bills to pay next week," said owner Rian Hall.
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen
Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website HERE. Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen of Warren County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties. "Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse has been an outstanding addition to the Indianola community," said Chair Ernst. "For 23 years, the Nguyen family has proudly served Iowans with their signature thin-crust pizzas and hand-cut steaks, building a loyal following through exceptional food and service. The Nguyen family’s dedication to their customers and community embodies the very best of Iowa’s entrepreneurial spirit." Founded in 2003 by Winn Nguyen, Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse has become a beloved fixture in the Indianola community. In 2015, Winn expanded to Norwalk, bringing the business’ssignature hospitality and comfort food to even more Iowans. Most recently, the launch of Winn & Sara’s Kitchen in 2024 further strengthened the family’s connection to the community, earning widespread praise during its first three appearances at the Iowa State Fair. For over two decades, the Nguyen family has worked tirelessly to serve classic comfort food with a creative twist. Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award. ###
Intel Just Secured a Huge Customer for Its Foundry Business
The tech company recently landed Fortinet as a customer of its foundry service.
Minneapolis starts Black Business Week with focus on investment, entrepreneurship
The kickoff comes as small businesses across the Twin Cities continue to navigate economic uncertainty. Some business owners have reported challenges tied to the recent increase in federal immigration enforcement activity, including fewer customers, staffing concerns and financial strain.
Your AI Strategy May Be Making Your Business Look Like Everyone Else's. Here's How to Ensure Customers Still Choose You.
As AI lowers the barriers to starting and scaling a business, creating a memorable brand and great customer experiences will become the ultimate competitive advantage.
FDA shares warning about stroke prevention device after injury
Customers should return these devices to the manufacturer, Boston Scientific, due to a risk of the tip separatng during use.
Governor Moore Announces Nearly $4 Million in NourishMD Grants to Expand Fresh Food Access in Food Deserts
Governor Moore Announces Nearly $4 Million in NourishMD Grants to Expand Fresh Food Access in Food Deserts
Ex-Fallbrook Porsche resale business owner sentenced for wire fraud
A woman who defrauded customers of her Fallbrook-based Porsche restoration and resale business was sentenced Friday to one year and nine months in prison.
Xbox service is down, with outages meaning players can't play any digital or physical games, after similar PlayStation Network issues last week
Shortly after PlayStation Network's outage last week, Xbox's online services are facing trouble too, with the support team saying work is underway.
End of the search bar: Why Utah businesses are racing to solve the 'GEO' puzzle
If you own a business in Utah, the way customers find you is about to undergo its biggest shift since the invention of the smartphone.
Miyamoto Says Players No Longer Care About Hardware Specs
Gaming trends have the Mario creator feeling that cutting edge graphics and performance are no longer the priority for customers, and the evidence seems to be on his side
'Apple Upgrade' Program Launching on Tuesday
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that a new "Apple Upgrade" program is set to launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28. Apple will stop accepting iPhone Upgrade Program sign-ups on the same day, but he said customers who are already enrolled will be able to remain in the program "for the time being". Apple is partnering with buy-now, pay-later company Klarna on the program, he said.
Boilers Sprint Past Langara Select in Exhibition Game 102-63
For the first time since 2022, Purdue fans got their first look at the Boilers without Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, or Trey Kaufman-Renn on the roster. Those are some big shoes to fill for a program accustomed to needing to fill big shoes in the past but there are ample familiar faces that appear willing […]
Her Customers Complained on TikTok. What Happened Next Changed the Business
Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson turned her social media platforms into a focus group, product lab, and customer research team all at once.
Lynchburg florist closes storefront but keeps business blooming with a new mobile model
After years of helping customers celebrate life's biggest moments, a longtime Lynchburg florist is preparing for a new chapter.
Construction slows down business at downtown Sioux Falls restaurant
Despite a sales drop from nearby construction, Roots of Brasil says it remains open and is looking forward to its annual festival and serving more customers.
#paramount #streaming #entertainment
Paramount Skydance isn't waiting around for its planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery to bolster its flagship streaming service. Paramount's streaming leaders have told employees that they're planning major upgrades to Paramount+ in the coming weeks. An internal presentation, which was unveiled during a streaming town hall this week and viewed by Business Insider, shows "Product Priority Highlights" for Paramount's streaming business this quarter. These initiatives are part of Paramount CEO David Ellison's plan to improve the tech of a 114-year-old media company that trails Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney in streaming subscribers. Buying WBD would help Paramount catch up quickly and give it over 200 million streaming customers, the company has said. Read more about Paramount’s streaming projects on Business Insider: https://lnkd.in/eKfn9wyH (Credit: Getty Images) #paramount #streaming #entertainment
Siri Settlement Approved: Apple to Pay Owners of Some iPhone Models
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. Apple's settlement has now received preliminary approval from a judge, according to a July 17 court document. However, there is no settlement website yet, and it may take months before eligible customers can begin submitting claims.
Annual STEM Day offers hands-on science and tech activities for families
Families looking for something fun and educational this weekend can check out the Lexington Children's Museum annual STEM Day on Saturday.
AmEx raises 2026 revenue growth forecast as affluent cardholders keep spending
American Express increased its full-year revenue growth forecast and beat Wall Street expectations for second-quarter profit on Friday as its affluent customers continued to swipe their cards for travel and dining despite lingering economic uncertainty.
Plum business owners to host backpack drive, free back-to-school haircuts
A new back-to-school backpack drive is coming to Plum this summer, but with a twist. On Aug. 17, school-age kids (K-12) can stop by the Unity Volunteer Fire Station on Old Leechburg Road for school supplies and a custom haircut from local barbers and stylists. Patyn McCune, owner of Lelulo’s
Cigna expands chronic care management, projects $200M savings
Cigna Healthcare is broadening its AI-enabled care management programs to reach more customers with emerging, complex and chronic health needs. The expanded approach is expected to support 20% more customers across areas including behavioral health, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease and high-risk pregnancy. The initiative combines predictive analytics with AI-enabled tools to help identify customers […]
OSU’s Chet Udell builds instruments that measure the environment and bring science to life
This Thursday at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, a one-of-a-kind live performance will blend marine science, original music, and custom-built instruments into an immersive experience.
Entertainment
The New BROADway Divine Drag Show will present an original “Heathers”-themed drag cabaret at 9 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Bedford Arts Cooperative, 110 W. Pitt St., Suite 2, Bedford.
Cyclospora outbreak prompts caution among restaurants, boosts business for local farmers
A Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated fresh produce is prompting some customers to avoid leafy greens while encouraging others to buy locally grown produce.
Immigration sweeps in L.A. cost businesses millions in revenue, UCLA study finds
Researchers found there were 46,000 fewer customer visits among formal businesses within half a mile of nine documented enforcement sites and an estimated $3.16 million in accumulated revenue losses during the two weeks after enforcement activity.
Forward woos $250M customer, retains at least 50% of business
Forward Air will retain at least 50% of the business of a longtime customer that accounted for around 10% of the motor carrier and logistics business’ revenue.
Governor Moore Announces Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board of Trustees Appoints Johanna Fabian-Marks as Executive Director
Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board of Trustees Appoints Johanna Fabian-Marks as Executive Director
Professor Chet Udell builds instruments that measure the environment and bring science to life
OSU artist-in-residence Chet Udell will blend marine science, custom instruments, and soundscapes in a free live performance at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport this Thursday.
How loan syndications help businesses fund major growth investments
For companies pursuing a major acquisition or substantial real estate purchase, a syndicated loan may be the most practical path forward. Learn about Commerce Bank's role in arranging and participating in loan syndications for its business customers.
Leveraging Customer Relationship Management to Advance Public Health
This toolkit provides actionable strategies for choosing a CRM tool best for your public health agency.
Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18
Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports
St. Pete Beach parking: Business owners say higher rates drive customers away
Higher parking rates at St. Pete Beach are drawing criticism from local business owners who say the increased costs are keeping visitors away. One owner has launched an online petition urging city leaders to revisit the parking policy before more businesses are affected.
Clovis Janitorial Outlet celebrates 45 years in business
Clovis Janitorial Outlet is celebrating its 45th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the owners are offering customers 15% off in-store purchases through July 31.
With Another Storm On the Way, Businesses Brace for More Flooding
Some businesses in low-lying areas of New York City have developed routines to keep their goods and customers dry.
Ramp Opens Stablecoin Accounts and Payments to Business Clients
Financial operations platform Ramp says it has begun offering customers stablecoin accounts and payments. The new offering, announced Tuesday (July 21),
Nintendo customers have no legal right to tariff refunds, company tells judge
Nintendo says Switch buyers got what they paid for, urges court to dismiss lawsuit.
A Photo of a Croissant Got 1.6 Million Views and Filled Their Restaurant for Four Months. Here's the Simple Strategy Behind It.
One photo of a croissant changed everything. Here's how a London restaurant turned a scrappy content habit into a customer pipeline.
Apple Fixes Hide My Email Vulnerability After 404 Media Coverage
For a year, Apple knew that an issue in its Hide My Email feature was exposing customers’ real email addresses. Apple only fixed the issue after 404 Media covered it.
Thanks to BookTok, business is booming for some North Texas independent bookstores
Some fear America is experiencing a literacy crisis, but business has been so good at Talking Animals Books in Grapevine that they opened a second location.
Mercedes reveals ultra-luxe SUV and U.S. studio for custom vehicles
The automaker pulled the wraps off a 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS and introduced American customers to its Manufaktur customization program.
Fake Spa Listings Take Deposits, Then Send Customers to Real Businesses
Customers searching online for a late-night massage around Jackson, Mississippi, are finding spa listings with real street addresses, glowing reviews, and around-the-clock availability. The businesses...
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Taylor’s Maid-Rite
Read the release on Sen. Ernst's website HERE. Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Taylor's Maid-Rite of Marshall County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties. "Taylor's Maid-Rite has truly maid their mark as a cornerstone of Marshalltown's business community," said Chair Ernst. "For nearly a century, this shop has served generations of Iowans with a signature burger made fresh every day. This 'Maid in Iowa' success story has proven that consistency, quality, and genuine customer care are the recipe for lasting success." Founded in the heart of Marshalltown, Taylor's Maid-Rite has remained a family-owned business for nearly a century and is now entering its fourth generation of Taylor family ownership. Best known for its signature Maid-Rite sandwich, the restaurant also serves classic American diner favorites, including malts, pies, fries, and sodas. Throughout its history, Taylor's Maid-Rite has remained committed to fresh ingredients, personalized service, and strong community involvement. Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award. ###
Senators demand ICE answers and body cameras
Dozens of Democratic senators and Maine’s Independent Sen. Angus King want more details on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s vetting practices and vehicle pursuit policies following more deaths in ICE shootings.
Abbott's Frozen Custard celebrates 100 years of business in Rochester
Abbott’s frozen custard has been serving up sweet treats from their original location to generations of customers.
Senators want answers on ICE policies
Dozens of Democratic senators and Maine’s Independent Sen. Angus King want more details on Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s vetting practices and vehicle pursuit policies following more deaths in ICE shootings.
Bluehost Expands AI Business Platform with New Simple-to-Use AI & Agentic Solutions Purpose-Built for Small Business
Today, Bluehost, the all-in-one platform trusted by millions of small businesses to build, grow, and run online, today unveiled its next-generation AI business platform for small businesses, introducing intelligent AI agents that can build websites, run online stores, capture leads, answer customer questions, and book appointments, all without requiring technical expertise. The solutions are purpose-built for small business needs, giving entrepreneurs the capabilities of a much larger business w
Kraken Robotics Announces $35 Million in New Orders and Business Update
Year-to-Date the Company has Announced $327 Million in Combined Product OrdersTORONTO, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraken Robotics Inc. (“Kraken” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) is pleased to announce continued momentum with $35 million in new product orders from customers in maritime defense, offshore energy, and ocean science. By technology solution, these orders are across navigation and positioning systems, multi-aperture sonar, positioning, and monitoring systems from Cov
Health tech firm Craneware says customer and staff data stolen in cyber attack
The Edinburgh-based company provides software to the US healthcare industry, including thousands of hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:54 p.m. EDT
Shakira, Madonna and many Muppets take the World Cup stage, along with BTS and Bieber
Fake spa listings use real Jackson-area business addresses to scam customers
The fake listings also include multiple five-star reviews in the comments.
Apple Testing New 'Live Notes' Feature at Genius Bar
Apple is testing a new AI-powered "Live Notes" feature that can transcribe conversations between Genius Bar employees and customers at some of its stores, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The system is currently opt-in, meaning it is only active if both the employee and customer agree to use it. "The transcript is then added to the employee's iPad as part of the record of the repair session," he said.
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 4:22 p.m. EDT
BTS, Madonna and the Muppets take the World Cup stage
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:53 p.m. EDT
Not Greek to them. Scholars question Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
New Instagram directory aims to connect KC customers with Black-owned businesses
It’s a project from an organization that has spent years uplifting Black businesses in KC.
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:58 a.m. EDT
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in Miami, US Marshals Service tells AP
Unity Pond Pottery marks 40 years in business
A local pottery business marked its 40th anniversary Saturday with a community celebration, bringing together longtime customers and new visitors alike.
Veteran-owned business supports Gold Star families through custom fishing rods
Hellbender Outfitters owner Matt Moore joins ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to discuss his Tennessee-based business and how he supports military families.
The Biggest Science Fiction Books of 2026
Browse 22 of the most exciting new science fiction books out in 2026 so far and add them to your own custom collections.
Colorado business owner removes raspberry products to protect customers
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:12 p.m. EDT
10 songs to get hyped for the World Cup final
The Haven Exchange: New business downtown provides a unique dining experience
LOCK HAVEN — A building that once welcomed customers to manage their finances is now welcoming them to gather over food, drinks and conversation. After months of renovations, planning and a few last minute hurdles, Emma and Parker Everett officially opened The Haven Exchange, 104 E. Main St., Lock Haven, on Friday, July 17, transforming […]
Homestead businesses gain new customers from Parkway East detour
The Parkway East detour is sending drivers through Homestead, and local businesses are seeing benefits from the increased traffic.
'Support us' | Madeira businesses feel strain as road construction projects intensify
Major road projects in Madeira are disrupting traffic and frustrating business owners who say construction is keeping customers away.
Nintendo Gives Fans Their First Official Look at New Switch Joy-Con
Nintendo quietly shares a glimpse at a change the company made to its Joy-Con controller lineup for customers to consider moving forward.
Foodborne illnesses at restaurant chains are rare but can sicken customers, roil businesses
Here’s a brief history of some other recent outbreaks that roiled restaurant companies.
AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:07 p.m. EDT
10 songs to get hyped for the World Cup final
World Cup crowds brought record-breaking business to Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Will momentum last?
The organization says the focus now is on turning one-time visitors into repeat customers.
MSG Entertainment Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Wired Over July 9 Article
Company alleges article contained false and misleading claims regarding customer data Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG Entertainment) has filed a defamation lawsuit against Wired magazine, reporter Noah Shachtman, and related...
Iowa health insurers propose premium increases for ACA customers
Iowa health insurance companies are proposing another round of premium increases for Affordable Care Act customers in 2027.
DSW Marks 35 Years With Slate of Celebrations Amid Evolving Business
DSW is marking 35 years in business with a two-week customer appreciation sale this month as the company continues to evolve.
Governor Moore Announces Code Red Air Quality Condition in Maryland Resulting from Wildfire Smoke
Governor Moore Announces Code Red Air Quality Condition in Maryland Resulting from Wildfire Smoke
Win In Business By Showing Customers Why Your Product Is Better
A well-designed product gets you into the game. But winning in business means getting others to see your product's merit.
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
A commitment to reliability fuels Trash Rangers’ rapid business growth
Trash Rangers began in 2018 when Jake Poche identified a need for more reliable, customer-focused waste services in Ascension Parish, Ascension Business Report reports. Built on the promise of showing up when it says it will, the locally owned company has grown from a residential garbage service into a regional waste provider serving communities throughout […]
Google preps letting you customize Gemini voices by Speed, Energy, and more
After releasing two new options after I/O, Google might soon let you customize Gemini voice across four parameters.
Maryland Community Health Resources Commission Awards $7.5 Million to Expand Health Care Access Across the State for Vulnerable Populations
Maryland Community Health Resources Commission Awards $7.5 Million to Expand Health Care Access Across the State for Vulnerable Populations
Dollar Tree installs customer price scanners for a disheartening reason: ‘Never thought I'd see the day’
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X3D 4.5 GHz "3D V-Cache" CPU Review: The Budget X3D Champ For AM5
AMD's Ryzen 7 7700X3D features 8 cores, 16 threads, 96 MB cache, & costs $329, offering strong gaming performance with 3D V-Cache technology.
The Science Behind Ketchup Pouring Could Lead to Ceramic 3D Printing
3D printing’s usefulness goes far beyond plastic.
More chief sustainability officers are taking on risk management, survey finds
3 top priorities for chief sustainability officers: risk management, cost savings and customer acquisition and retention.
CVS wants to become the AI front door to health care
CVS Health is betting it can drive customer engagement with an AI assistant it developed with Google.
Capital One (COF) Unveils Up To $500 In Spark Business Travel Credits
Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF) has introduced new travel credits for Spark Cash Plus and Spark Cash business cardholders. The credits are designed to be used on Capital One Business Travel bookings, adding a new benefit for business customers. This move links card rewards more directly to Capital One's business travel platform and could influence how companies manage travel spend. Capital One Financial, trading at around $208.89 per share, is adding this travel credit feature at a time...
AirPods just got a long-requested feature in new public beta
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Chico City Council approves entertainment zones for downtown and Meriam Park
CHICO, Calif. - Chico City Council voted 6 to 0 to approve an ordinance creating entertainment zones in downtown Chico and Meriam Park.The ordinance, taking effect September 18, 2026, will allow customers to carry approved alcoholic beverages and walk around outside within those designated areas."I feel like the downtown could use all the help it could get right now," said Celeste Cramer, general manager of Downtown Chico Business Association. "In the other areas where they have been doing the entertainment zones and throughout California, it has increased their sales. They haven't seen an increase in violence, or tickets, or anything like that. It's a good thing to try out."Numerous other cities around California such as Redding, Sacramento and San Francisco have put their own entertainment zones into effect and have had success.Action News Now stopped by both designated locations and spoke with organizers and bar owners."I'm super excited, I think this is an opportunity for us," said Scott Baldwin, owner of Argus. "We can get a booth at the farmers market. You can order a cocktail from that booth and then we'll have it ready for you at the door as you walk through. Think of it as a picnic situation. You can grab some tacos, you can get a Kentucky Buck. You can sit down anywhere in the entertainment zone and enjoy Argus outside of Argus."Chico's Chamber of Commerce hosted community stakeholder meetings and community engagement sessions to tailor the ordinance to the city's needs as a university town and rural area.The ordinance will allow people 21 and older to walk around with open containers of alcohol within the entertainment zones as long as they have a wristband, stamp or another visible marker showing they're allowed to do so."To us it's more than an ordinance," said Jen Rothenwander, marketing manager at Meriam Park. "It's an opportunity to invest back into the community, and to continue to do what Chico does well – which is to create the spaces for people to stick around and gather, and shop and spend."The Meriam Park entertainment zone will be enclosed by Springfield Drive, Alcott Avenue, Notre Dame Boulevard and E. 20th Street.The Downtown Chico entertainment zone will span mostly from Highway 32 to Lost Park.Chico Chief of Police Billy Aldridge spoke with Redding Police and was informed they had zero problems with their entertainment zone.Chief Aldridge endorses the ordinance in Chico. freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "actionnewsnow-com_blox_yup-rectangle-one", slotId: "actionnewsnow-com_blox_yup-rectangle-one", targeting: { "pos": "yup-rectangle-one" } });
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The States Try to Topple WarnerMount…Thus Begins the Local Antitrust Era
(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) Well, it looks like it’s time for another strategy column. Can I finally avoid writing about M&A? No, it seems I cannot. Admittedly, I’m a week early with this column, since I usually put it out every other week. But this news couldn’t wait. This will make three “Most Important Stories” in a row with a merger or acquisition as its centerpiece. First, Roku-Fox (an acquisition), then Comcast-NBCUniversal (a divestment!), and now the State AGs and the WGA’s lawsuits against Paramount’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery (antitrust). M&A is usually the “most important” topic any given week, simply because a giant company merging or breaking up (or preventing those outcomes) can have the biggest impact on the streaming board. If you think about these companies as players in a game, changing the number of players is one of the biggest changes you can make. I shouldn’t really complain, either, since this lawsuit is very good news for customers and suppliers (econ speak for talent, workers and indie studios in Hollywood). So let me answer some questions about this potential trial, along with (shudder) making some heavily caveated predictions. I’ll also look at whether Hollywood must consolidate, whether or not the states can win, trouble at X-Box, Netflix’s YouTube binge, and more. Plus, I have five images that visualize this merger and the harm, including three brand new data looks you’ve never seen before. Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - Can The States and the WGA Stop Hollywood’s Consolidation (Crisis)? If every other newsletter and news outlet is writing about the same story, I try to avoid writing about it as well, but I can’t ignore a story this consequential. The story of the last year was the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery, and this development potentially extends that saga into 2027. As I tried to figure out my angle, I realized, like my last column, I’m again faced with a series of questions. These questions, though, are much more forward-looking. Will the states win? Will the WGA win? If so, what happens to Warner Bros. Discovery? Either way, will this chill the market for future mergers? So you know what that means: predictions. About the future, no less, the hardest thing to predict.1 Just remember: nothing here comes with a guarantee. And the more confident someone is in their predictions, the less you should trust them. This situation is incredibly fluid, nuanced, uncertain and tenuous. So let’s try to explain what may happen. Question: Why File this Lawsuit? I’ll admit, a few months back, I was fairly pessimistic about the fate of this lawsuit. Rumors had started bubbling up that the state Attorneys General (in particular California) wanted to settle with either some minor divestments (usually CNN) or behavioral remedies. And that tracked for me: the states usually settle lawsuits, like the recent John Deere right-to-repair suit. Yet, they plan to fight this. (As they did the LiveNation-Ticketmaster monopolization trial and the Nexstar-Tegna merger.) Honestly, that also makes a ton of sense. Frankly, this move is just good politics for these State AGs. Most are still running for higher and higher office in blue states—some folks have emphasized that only Democratic AGs joined this suit, but given the Ellison/Trump ties, and fears of retribution, that tracks—and a high profile case like this will help them move up the electoral ladder, especially since Paramount and its leadership (the Ellisons, father and heir) have sided with the other side of the political aisle. That makes them unsympathetic to Democratic voters and Hollywood workers in particular. Why did this lawsuit happen? In addition to the very real concerns about industry consolidation, this is why. That said, I don’t think we would have seen this lawsuit for Netflix and Warner Bros., simply because they’re more sympathetic and aligned with Democrats. But those consolidation concerns are real. The “town”—meaning Hollywood and such—really is seeing the damage of mergers on this industry. That’s why the WGA also filed its own lawsuit in defense of workers as well. (Wildcard: What about Europe? Will they try to stop the deal, too? There have been some rumors out of the UK they may try to fight the deal, and UK enforcers just stopped a Getty Images-Shutterstock tie up, so there is precedence. This argument could go either way, though. On one hand, the EU doesn’t need to step in, cause they states are handling it. On the other hand, this could make the EU’s case easier. Just imagine if both sides coordinated. I’ll simply say, “We’ll see!”) Question: Will The State AGs or the WGA Win? Can the state AGs play David to Paramount-Skydance’s Goliath here? That’s really the whole thing, isn’t it? If you know this result, you could make a lot of money. When things are uncertain, it’s tempting to shrug and say, “Eh” meaning it’s a 50/50 proposition. I wouldn’t, though. When in doubt, you should expect that the merging parties succeed. AT&T did successfully buy Warner Bros., after all, and Disney bought Fox without any challenges. Many judges are extremely sympathetic to mergers, and I’d bet the state AGs get a judge who will allow the merger. (Even Obama-appointed judges often allow mergers.) As I understand it, we’ll see two main attacks. First, theatrical films. The AGs are arguing that, when it comes to share of box office and the number of both “wide releases” and blockbuster (or “tentpole”) films, the merging parties will have over 27% market share. Now, the Supreme Court once ruled from on high that any merger that exceeds 30% is presumptively illegal, but that’s guidance, not an ironclad bar. Still, the states will have to argue that this is close to having too much power, and with that power, this will likely further worsen the theater/studio splits in particular. Indeed, as Matthew Stoller pointed out, “just five studios are responsible for 95% of all blockbusters; if this merger goes through, then Paramount and Disney will control 60% of that.” So yes, movie studios will be very concentrated after this merger. Want me to visualize some of that? Well, here’s the share of films that grossed over $200 million at the domestic box office since 2022. (Note: this isn’t all films released in over 3,000 screens, but it is a good look at market power.) First, here are the 43 films by studio: Notice all the blue (Disney), orange (Universal), and purple (Warner Bros)? Yeah, those studios are powerful, and this combines Paramount with one of them. Here’s the look by studio and share of the films that grossed over $200 million: Now, if you look at that and also think, “Huh, should we break up Disney?” I’m with you. I’ve seen some folks poo-poo this idea that this is a real category, but it is! For an upcoming article, I’ve been pulling data on the share of top 100 films at the box office as a share of total box office, and it’s massive. Here’s the chart: (This analysis looks at The-Number’s top 100 films and total domestic box office each year.) To be clear, tentpoles make up 80.7% of the box office each year, so I do think it’s a genuine market. (To be clear, films grossing over $50 million make up 80% of the domestic box office, and films grossing over $100 million make up 64.1%.) I mean, the top 100 films at the box office make up 95% of each year’s grosses. Worse, the combined studios will likely cut output to flex that market power. Everyone can just look at what happened to Disney and Fox to see the precedent. (With fewer films, the remaining theaters have to give more for those few films that remain.) Here’s an image I’ve used a lot, the share of wide-release films from Disney and Fox over time: The AGs will also argue that this consolidation will also impact the cable industry. In this case, the consolidation is actually worse, but that environment is…complicated. Paramount will argue that the cable industry is shrinking. That said, predictions that cable will “go to zero” also don’t look very well supported by the data, as the declines are shrinking, meaning “cable” or “vMVPDs” will likely stabilize at some point. Can the state Attorneys General win on those two main arguments? I honestly don’t know. Again, I’d bet no, since history in general supports that, but it depends on the judge/jury and how they interpret the arguments. Notably, Paramount won’t face accusations about monopoly power in other areas, like streaming, news, sports rights, or vertical integration. I tend to disagree with leaving out sports rights, but I also see the appeal for a simpler case. The states also aren’t really pushing novel theories about labor harm either, which should help. (By the way, Sean McNulty at The Ankler wrote a great run through of potential options, and Capitol Forum also wrote a great paper on theatrical consolidation. Both these pieces predated the lawsuit. Matthew Stoller is also out with his analysis of the pros and cons of the case too.) In some ways, the WGA’s case is even stronger. Quoting Sean McNulty’s summary: “The WGA is citing WARNAMOUNT as crossing a 30% market share in multiple sectors, a number that the Supreme Court has precedent for deeming “presumptively anticompetitive” in a market. According to the WGA numbers, WARNAMOUNT would have represented: - 35% of film writing jobs between 2021 and 2024 - 36% of TV writing projects between 2022 and 2025 - 38% of overall deals between 2021 and 2024” Notably, antitrust enforcers did win recently in the Penguin-Simon & Schuster merger by focusing on labor impact, so don’t count this thinking out. (Wildcard: Will the states try to get a jury trial? Most likely no, they’ll let a judge handle it. If I’m them, though, I’d try to put this in front of a jury. Juries tend to understand monopoly power in a more realistic way than judges faced with legions of economists.) Question: What if They Win? What if They Lose?
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Chico council OKs downtown, Meriam Park entertainment zones
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Innovative digital tool enhances aircraft paint color selection, design experience PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced the launch of the PPG AEROVIEW™ virtual aircraft painter, a digital tool designed to help business and general aviation customers explore and customize aircraft paint colors with precision and ease. This web-based tool provides an interactive platform where users can select from a variety of aircraft models and digitally apply colors from PPG’s comprehensive aerospace color library to visualize custom paint schemes in real time. The PPG AEROVIEW™ virtual aircraft painter is a digital tool designed to help business and general aviation customers explore and customize aircraft paint colors with precision and ease. The PPG Aeroview virtual aircraft painter is designed to increase the visibility and accessibility of PPG’s aerospace coatings, particularly for business and general aviation markets. The tool provides a digital alternative to traditional physical color brochures