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NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Just Rolled Out 50 Small Business Reforms. An Advocate Says It's Only the Beginning
While the reforms aim to ease some of the day-to-day burdens facing small businesses, not everyone agrees they go far enough.
NC State’s schedule could open unexpected darkhorse path
The college football season is less than a month away, and the race for a College Football Playoff berth is about to begin. The expanded playoff field will almost certainly feature some new faces. One of those teams could come…
On 'Little Miss Twain,' Shania Twain reflects on her humble beginnings and her late mother
Shania Twain's new album, “Little Miss Twain,” explores her early life in Northern Ontario, Canada, a chapter she says most of her fans don't know much about.
Devonian’s Phase II/III Thykamine paediatric study secures Health Canada approval
Devonian Health Group has received authorisation from Health Canada for its CTA to begin a Phase II/III study of Thykamine cream to treat mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in paediatric patients.
When do Section 1 Fall 2026 sports practices and competition begin?
High school sports kick off in Section 1 with practices starting in about a month. See when practice starts and the first competition of the season
Florida Poly's fledgling athletics program secures use of Auburndale sports facilities
The Phoenix will use the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale Softball Complex and Auburndale Community Center for three years, beginning with the inaugural men's soccer match next month.
President Donald Trump to travel to Michigan ahead of swing state's primary election
President Donald Trump is expected to rally in Oakland County on Monday as early voting begins in Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary
President Donald Trump to travel to Michigan ahead of swing state's primary election
President Donald Trump is expected to rally in Oakland County on Monday as early voting begins in Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary | 830 WCCO
Former Bruin Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal With Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed a local relief pitcher as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 MLB Draft. UCLA relief pitcher Ian May will begin his professional career with the Dodgers’ organization. May is the 11th former Bruin to join an MLB organization this year. UCLA baseball had 10 total players drafted earlier […] The post Former Bruin Signs Undrafted Free Agent Deal With Dodgers appeared first on LA Sports Report.
NC health officials report over 500 cyclosporiasis cases
There have been more than 500 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in North Carolina since the beginning of May. But officials say the state does not seem to be associated with the Taco Bell outbreak.
Businesses begin recovering after Cincinnati neighborhood hit with flash flooding
Experts agree at landmark event that simulation should be built into health system
On 15 June 2026, over 80 representatives from simulation societies, ministries of health, hospitals, universities, international organizations, professional associations and industry partners met at the WHO Academy in Lyon for a joint event of WHO and the Society for Simulation in Europe (SESAM). Together they tackled a pressing question: how can simulation move from isolated initiatives to systematic integration within health systems? The consensus was clear: simulation is no longer a niche educational tool. Beyond training, it strengthens health systems by improving quality of care, patient safety, workforce preparedness, team performance and organizational resilience.Participants agreed the evidence for simulation’s value no longer needs to be demonstrated, but that implementation remains fragmented and too often dependent on individual local champions. Bridging that gap, they said, means both generating further evidence and raising awareness among decision-makers.Discussions pointed to a shared path forward. To achieve scale and lasting impact, simulation must be embedded in national policies, workforce development plans, education systems and financing mechanisms. No institution can do this alone; stronger collaboration between governments, health institutions, academia, professional societies, international organizations and industry partners will be essential.“At the WHO Academy, we see simulation not simply as a training methodology but as a strategic tool for capacity-building, workforce readiness and stronger health systems,” said Dr Bart Janssens, Unit Head, Health Learning and Capacity Building. “This event is not only about discussion; it is about moving from ideas to action.”As health systems worldwide face workforce shortages, growing complexity of care and rapidly evolving competency needs, participants concluded that the question is no longer “Why simulation?” but rather how to scale it, how to sustain it, and how to ensure it becomes an integral part of stronger health systems.Looking aheadThe event marked the beginning of a collaborative effort rather than the end of a conversation. Over the coming weeks, WHO and SESAM will consolidate the discussions, recommendations and priorities that emerged, with a joint WHO–SESAM report to be published soon.
Atlanta Braves Announce Notable Austin Riley Change Before Padres Series
The Atlanta Braves are set to begin a new series in MLB. They defeated the Texas Rangers in a three-game weekend set to ensure their NL East lead stays put at three games. Now, the Braves will take on the San Diego Padres for a four-game series (at home). Before the Padres series, Atlanta released […] The post Atlanta Braves Announce Notable Austin Riley Change Before Padres Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Arizona Snowbowl Invests in Forest Health & Mountain Enhancements for Winter 2026/27
Arizona Snowbowl is investing in forest health, snowmaking enhancements, and beginner terrain upgrades ahead of the 2026/27 season. Learn what's new and get your Season Pass.
Multi-Restaurant and Entertainment Concept The Forge Begins Soft Opening in Midtown Ocala
The Forge has officially entered its soft opening phase, with six restaurant concepts now open and additional businesses planned in the coming weeks and months.
Leadership Conference: Business Improves When Employees Feel They Matter
Matthew Emerzian urges business leaders to make human connection a priority, saying strong workplace cultures begin by letting employees know they are important.
CAITLIN CLARK, PAIGE BUECKERS, AND OLIVIA MILES HEADLINE USA SPORTS’ THREE WNBA GAMES ON USA NETWORK THIS WEEK, BEGINNING TONIGHT WITH LYNX-STORM AT 10 P.M. ET
A global media and technology company.
House Momentum, Senate Headwinds, and the Return of Shutdown Politics
With the House finally beginning to break its floor paralysis, appropriations may be back in motion. However, the path to funding the government for FY27, and keeping the lights on past September 30, remains complex. Last week, the House passed the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill, which included a closely watched vote on Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment targeting aid to Israel.
WhatsApp begins rolling out Liquid Glass revamp to its Mac app
WhatsApp is now rolling out its Liquid Glass redesign to the Mac app, bringing it in line with the iPhone and iPad versions.
Mysterious 'little red dots' at the beginning time may finally have an explanation, thanks to newfound 'little blue companions'
Astronomers may have found an unexpected origin for the mysterious "little red dots" that appear to be so common in James Webb Space Telescope surveys of the early universe.
Dodgers Announce Starters New For Phillies Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced their starters for their three-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies beginning Monday.
Which Running Backs Will Outperform Their Fantasy Football ADP?
With the 2026-2027 NFL campaign drawing near, fantasy football managers are eagerly waiting for draft season to begin. And every year, many wonder which running backs are going to be the key to their fantasy team. With that said, there are several halfbacks that are flying under the radar on most draft boards, with many […] The post Which Running Backs Will Outperform Their Fantasy Football ADP? appeared first on The Lead.
Telemundo adds UEFA Champions League rights in multiyear deal
With a record-breaking World Cup drawing to a close on Sunday, Telemundo is announcing its next step in soccer broadcasting. The NBCUniversal-owned network announced on Sunday that it has secured exclusive U.S. Spanish-language broadcast rights for all UEFA men’s club competitions, including Champions League, for three years beginning with the 2027-28 season. Currently, U.S. Spanish-language…
Bill Montevecchi, seabird ornithologist and science communicator
The North Atlantic can look empty until someone begins paying attention. A stretch of gray water off Newfoundland may appear to hold little more than waves and scattered birds. To Bill Montevecchi, those birds were evidence. Their breeding success, feeding trips, and changing numbers revealed what was happening beneath the surface, offering clues about fish [Continue reading]
Voyageur Canoe Outfitters navigates business impacts from BWCAW closures, wildfires
Summer days at the end of the Gunflint Trail usually begin with tow-boats idling at the dock, canoes entering the water, and the excited chatter of guests and outfitter guides before a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) trip begins. This week, however, the atmosphere around Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and other outfitter businesses along the...
Flamenco class during Concert of Colors at Michigan Science Center
Lisa Montes of Ann Arbor leads a group of children in a beginner’s flamenco workshop, held as part of the annual Concert of Colors music and culture event, on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit.
The beginning of the end
To start our final weekend of an incredible World Cup tournament: the third-place match in Miami.
The Clock Is Now Ticking on Netanyahu’s Political Future
Israel’s prime minister is bracing for a fight to stay in power as the parliament dissolves and the countdown to an election begins.
Here's When UConn Football Fans Can Buy 2026 Game Tickets
The Huskies season begins 49 days from Saturday when they host Lafayette.
NBA business stalls out while waiting for word on LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard
The NBA enjoys being part of the sports news cycle with NFL training camps set to open and MLB beginning the second half of its season.
"There has to be a reason for people to buy an Xbox": Making sense of Microsoft's messy return to console exclusivity
The Saturday Read | Senior leaders across Xbox detail why the platform is returning to console exclusivity, and explain why Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are only the beginning
Cowboys Headlines: Dak embraces pressure, Guyton's fresh start begins
Cowboys Headlines: Dak welcomes pressure, Guyton's make-or-break year
ESPN announces NHL opening night tripleheader
The 2026-27 NHL season begins on Tuesday, September 29, and ESPN will celebrate the festivities with an opening night tripleheader. ESPN recently announced that the network will televise three NHL games on opening night, beginning with the banner-raising ceremony for the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will host the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m.…
4 Disadvantages Of Using Microsoft Word Instead Of Google Docs
MS Word's Ribbon interface is not beginner-friendly, there's no free offline version, working in the cloud requires setup, and there are formatting issues.
How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Seattle Mariners
The Giants hit the road to begin a three-game series against the Mariners tonight.
Yankees' Max Fried begins minor-league rehab assignment with 3 innings for Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre
Aaron Boone Reveals the Latest on Yankees Star Max Fried
The New York Yankees have been one of baseball’s best teams throughout the 2026 season to date, and as they begin the second half of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers, optimism continues to grow.With the trade deadline being just under three weeks away, there’s plenty of opportunities for this team to take a […] The post Aaron Boone Reveals the Latest on Yankees Star Max Fried appeared first on HEAVY.
Mets to Begin Extension Talks with Clay Holmes
With Clay Holmes' return from injury looming, the Mets are reportedly set to begin extension talks with the right-hander in "the coming days."
2026 NFL Season Predictions
NFL training camps are beginning to open this weekend, and a lot can happen between now and the start of the 2026 regular season. Still, the editors of Athlon Sports' 2026 NFL Preview magazine have already made their predictions for who will be in the playoffs and who takes home individual player awards. The following picks are from the magazine, which is on sale now.
Three Storylines as Nationals Begin Second Half of 2026 Season
The Washington Nationals will kick off the second half of the 2026 regular season on Friday as we break down the three key storylines to watch
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.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Best friends’ home interiors store starts new chapter with a move
Opening Clover last November fulfilled a longtime dream for best friends Kyle Donovan and Julie Pitt. Less than a year later, the Marblehead entrepreneurs are beginning a new chapter — relocating their home interiors store to a larger, more visible storefront at 9 Pleasant St. The Marblehead natives spent two years planning the business before
Giving old sweaters ‘Anu’ life: Greenfield business celebrates one year of upcycling cashmere into new winter sportswear
Greenfield based company Anu recently celebrated its first anniversary since beginning its journey of upcycling used cashmere sweaters into neck warmers, reducing exposure to microplastics and toxins in outdoor wear.
Midco Sports® Launches NSIC’s New Streaming Home
A new era begins today for the NSIC on Midco Sports Plus®! Through an expanded partnership, Midco Sports® will power the NSIC Network and serve as the centralized home for NSIC digital content, delivering exclusive live and on-demand streaming coverage of all 16 member schools.
Irate PlayStation Fans Want You to Buy Games Anywhere But PS5
Disc debacle is really beginning to bite
As fires burn, Boundary Waters businesses confront lost peak season
After days spent evacuating campers from the Boundary Waters as wildfires spread, outfitters and tourism businesses are beginning to consider the financial fallout. With the wilderness closed during the height of the summer season, many are facing mounting cancellations and an uncertain future.
Business 51 Southside Project begins Stage 3 construction Monday in Stevens Point
The City of Stevens Point will begin Stage 3 construction on the Business 51 Southside Project on Monday, July 20.
Hasbro announces new partnership with Nintendo for Zelda toys
Today, Hasbro announced a new licensing partnership with Nintendo for toys based on The Legend of Zelda. The collaboration begins in 2027. We should be getting our first look at what’s planned very soon. At San Diego Comic Con, three 6″ scale figures will be revealed. Comic Con takes place between July 23 and July 26. Billy Lagor, President Toys...
49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Reacts to Former Teammate’s NFL Retirement
The NFL world received somewhat unexpected news on Wednesday just weeks before training camps begin.Carolina Panthers backup quarterback and seven-year veteran Will Grier, a former West Virginia star, announced his retirement from football at age 31.The Panthers selected Grier in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He later spent time with the Dallas […] The post 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Reacts to Former Teammate’s NFL Retirement appeared first on HEAVY.
Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores
Google and Epic Games this week withdrew their joint settlement agreement after it became clear the court was unlikely to allow it. With the settlement out, Google is bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices. In a court filing [PDF], Google said that it plans to begin supporting alternative app stores on July 22. In a statement to The Verge, Google said it decided to withdraw the motion to avoid a prolonged legal fight.
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'Block out the noise': Byron Donalds takes political lessons from Donald Trump
Endorsements aren't the end. They're just the beginning.
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?
NC State Health Plan adds Duke Health to its access tier, meaning members will pay more for WakeMed
The State Health Plan's board last week approved tiered benefits beginning in 2027.
ESPN New York joins Buffalo Bills Radio Network
ESPN and the Buffalo Bills are giving New York sports fans something few people in the metropolitan area have been clamoring for. Beginning in the 2026 NFL season, ESPN New York 1050 will be part of the Buffalo Bills Radio Network. The Bills made the announcement Tuesday morning, revealing 23 affiliates in their radio network…
Duke Health to Continue Caring for State Health Plan Members Under New Access Provider Network
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As Russia’s assault continues, Ukraine’s politics shift and an old alliance begins to fray
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Eureka Springs, Ark., begins trial run of permanent entertainment district
KY3's Billie Brightman reports.
Eureka Springs, Ark., begins trial run of permanent entertainment district
The trial period started on July 1, and it’s coming in for mixed reviews.
Shane Ryan defends Rory McIlroy ‘legacy’ question after internet blowback
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PlayStation Store’s Summer Sale starts July 15 with up to 75% off hundreds of games
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Fall sports updates and information
The fall sports season will be here before we know it! Here are some key summer details for students and families as we look forward to the coming season. Registration begins: High school football (grades 9-12): July 17 All other high school fall sports (grades 9-12): July 24 Modified football (grades 7-8): July 27 All other modified fall sports (grades 7-8): July 31 Please register via Final Forms. Sports physicals: All student-athletes interested in trying out for a fall sport must have an up-to-date physical submitted to Final Forms in advance of the first day of tryouts and practices. Families are encouraged to get a completed physical from their child's physician. If you are unable to get a physical from your child's physician, you can schedule a physical with Whitney Young's school-based health center by calling (518) 573-2556. Appointments will be available at Albany High School in room 4253 during July on the following dates: Thursday, July 16 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Again, you must call (518) 573-2556 to schedule your appointment and receive instructions. Whitney Young does require paperwork that must be filled out by the child's parent or guardian in order for them to be seen by the provider. Tryouts & practices begin: High school football (grades 9-12): Aug. 17 All other high school fall sports (grades 9-12): Aug. 24 Modified football (grades 7-8): Aug. 27 All other modified fall sports (grades 7-8): Aug. 31 High school student-athletes are encouraged to take part in our open gym sessions during July and August in preparation for the fall sports season. Stay tuned for fall practice schedules and competition schedules, which will be posted on our Athletics page! If you have additional questions, please contact the Athletics Department at (518) 475-6310. Let's go Falcons!
Scientists Finally Solved the Mystery of Earth’s ‘Great Dying.’ It’s Bad News for Our Future
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Here's How Big Wall Street Expects SpaceX's Business to Get in 5 Years
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Days after leaving Xbox, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games broadcasts that it's looking for work
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Dodgers on Deck: Friday, July 17 at Yankees
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Michigan health officials reveal potential source for cyclosporiasis outbreak
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Amex Platinum digital entertainment credit updating Aug. 1
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New lawsuits over NCAA eligibility are likely only the beginning
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Scientists discovered the brain doesn't make decisions the way we thought
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State budget advances plan to reopen Martin County hospital
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Danville Field Notes: BWXT employees earn data science certifications through Danville workforce development program
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Syria to host 1st US business forum after sanctions eased
Event in Damascus to bring together officials and business leaders as economic ties begin to recover | Anadolu
Dak Prescott gets positive George Pickens update before Cowboys camp
Jerry Jones received an encouraging sign as George Pickens joined Dak Prescott's offseason workout before Cowboys training camp begins.
The last MLB Draft of its kind? Plus: Sinner makes Wimbledon final, again
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Let’s talk about high school. Coming up: ⚾ MLB Draft’s endangered future 👊 Ex-teammates brawl ⭐ Haaland-Kane clash Major League Baseball’s draft begins today at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC. (Our live blog will be here.) If commissioner Rob Manfred gets his way, it’ll be the last draft before the rules begin to change, and what comes next will be worse. MLB and its player union continue to swap proposals ahead of a...
Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs at GABP. See photos
The Cincinnati Reds begin their series against the Chicago Cubs at home at Great American Ball Park.
Recently Cut Chicago Cubs Pitcher Lands with Kansas City Royals
The Chicago Cubs are set to begin their final MLB series before the All-Star break against the Cincinnati Reds in an NL Central showdown. Before the Reds series, the Chicago Cubs received some news adjacent to their organization regarding a former pitcher who recently suited up for the Cubbies. More MLB on Heavy: Recently Cut […] The post Recently Cut Chicago Cubs Pitcher Lands with Kansas City Royals appeared first on HEAVY.
Discover Downtown returns July 18 with shopping, entertainment and family fun
Several downtown streets will close to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. to make room for the event.
For NC State Health Plan members, Blue Cross NC is back in 2028
Blue Cross NC served as the State Health Plan's third party administrator for 40 years until then-Treasurer Dale Folwell sought a change. Beginning in 2028, Blue Cross will again have that role.
Stanislaus County Fair begins 10 days of entertainment with Clint Black concert
Friday will also feature a rock cover band, DJs, truck and tractor pulls, animal shows and various events for kids.
Free workshop in Swisher to help beginning farmers with business planning
Practical Farmers of Iowa is inviting beginning farmers to a free Beginning Farmer Business Workshop on Monday, Aug. 10, at Cedar Ridge Distillery, 1441 Marak Road in Swisher. The one-day event is designed to help attendees build the business skills and connections needed for long-term success. Beginning farmers face a range of challenges, from accessing […]
Oklahoma political parties must alter future reporting of expenditures to candidates
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Layoffs begin at Ubisoft Barcelona following Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launch
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Google starts rolling out local Documents backup on Android, lets you turn off SMS & RCS
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Rockies Reacts Results: Let the draft speculation begin!
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Orlando Science Center’s Stellar Nights event series begins tomorrow
Experience Stellar Nights at Orlando Science Center with mesmerizing laser light shows every Friday and Saturday. Don't miss out!
Who will replace Graham Platner on the Maine ballot?
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Kilgore College adds competitive cheerleading as new sports program
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Fort Bend County Fair Announces 2026 Entertainment Lineup Featuring Sawyer Brown, Pat Green
ROSENBERG, Texas (Covering Katy News) — The Fort Bend County Fair has announced its entertainment lineup for its 90th annual celebration, featuring a mix of Texas country stars, Tejano favorites and nationally recognized performers during Championship BBQ Weekend and the fair's 10-day run. The 2026 Fort Bend County Fair begins with Championship BBQ Weekend on Sept. 18-19, followed by the fair Sept. 25 through Oct. 4. The entertainment schedule opens Friday, Sept. 18, with Tejano group Los Morales, followed by Texas country artist Cole Phillips on Saturday, Sept. 19. Phillips has gained attention for his traditional country sound influenced by classic honky-tonk music. The fair officially opens Friday, Sept. 25, with Tyce Delk, a New Mexico native whose touring schedule has expanded across the country. Country music veterans Sawyer Brown will headline Saturday, Sept. 26. The band, whose career spans more than four decades, remains known for hits including "Some Girls Do," "The Race Is On" and "Thank God for You." Go Tejano Day on Sunday, Sept. 27, will feature Prófugos de Nuevo León, along with performances by Los Rinches and Grupo Zenio. The second week of the fair begins Wednesday, Sept. 30, with Bellville singer-songwriter David Lewis, a recent Texas Country Music Association Male Artist of the Year nominee. Oklahoma Red Dirt artist Josh Meloy will perform Thursday, Oct. 1. Texas country star Pat Green returns to the Fort Bend County Fair stage Friday, Oct. 2. Green, whose career includes three Grammy Award nominations, has sold more than 2 million albums and amassed more than 200 million career streams. He is best known for songs including "Wave on Wave" and "Carry On." Country newcomer Vincent Mason will perform Saturday, Oct. 3. Mason has accumulated more than 500 million career streams and was recently nominated for Academy of Country Music New Male Artist of the Year. The fair concludes Sunday, Oct. 4, with Texas music legend Gary P. Nunn, whose "London Homesick Blues" remains one of the state's most recognizable songs. Weekend visitors also can enjoy performances on Music Row by J Paul Jr. & the Zydeco Nubreeds, Southern County Line, Los Rangerz and Horizon. The Fort Bend County Fair Association, a nonprofit organization, supports youth, agriculture and education. According to the association, it has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships during the past decade and generated $1.4 million through its 2025 youth auctions. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 10. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and select the specific day they plan to attend, as tickets are valid only for the date purchased. Admission includes entry to the fairgrounds, access to the carnival, shopping, exhibits, food vendors and, when scheduled, admission to the rodeo and that day's concert. Season passes and single-day tickets will be available. For tickets and additional information, visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call the Fair Office at 281-342-6171. The address of the Fairgrounds is 4310 Texas 36 S in Rosenberg. 2026 Fort Bend County Fair Entertainment Schedule Championship BBQ Weekend Friday, Sept. 18: Los Morales Saturday, Sept. 19: Cole Phillips Fair Entertainment Friday, Sept. 25: Tyce Delk Saturday, Sept. 26: Sawyer Brown Sunday, Sept. 27 (Go Tejano Day): Prófugos de Nuevo León, Los Rinches and Grupo Zenio Wednesday, Sept. 30: David Lewis Thursday, Oct. 1: Josh Meloy Friday, Oct. 2: Pat Green Saturday, Oct. 3: Vincent Mason Sunday, Oct. 4: Gary P. Nunn × Expand FBCF Fort Bend County Fair 2026 Artist Lineup
Disney Entertainment Television Announces Panels, "Percy Jackson" Offsite, Hulu Animayhem, More
It’s the moment (at least some of us) have been waiting for. As revealed by Deadline this morning, Disney Entertainment Television is heading back to San Diego Comic-Con with a panel and activation schedule that includes Percy Jackson, Futurama, King of the Hill, and more. Up first, they’re bringing back Percy Jackson and the Olympians for another mythological adventure that begins […]
Sony’s Affordable New In-Ear Monitors Might Be Perfect for Beginners
Even if they're geared toward musicians.
Report: Obsidian Cancels Avowed Sequel To Begin Work On A New Fallout Game
The studio has also lost roughly a quarter of its staff in the Xbox layoffs.
FSU sports scientist shares the keys to staying fit in your 40s
Staying fit can become more challenging as you enter your 40s, when natural biological changes begin to affect muscle mass, metabolism and more. A massive
David I. Backer on the Hidden Politics of School Finance | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
The author of As Public as Possible: Radical Finance for America’s Public Schools talks about why we must begin to look at the dismantling of public education not just from a cultural and racial standpoint but from an economic standpoint to truly understand the innerworkings of school financing.
Cowboys, Dolphins Get Compelling Jordyn Brooks Trade Idea
While the Miami Dolphins parted ways with several notable players this offseason, including Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Tua Tagovailoa, while also trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, they made sure to keep a few key pieces in place as the franchise begins its rebuild.De’Von Achane and Aaron Brewer received contract extensions to be […] The post Cowboys, Dolphins Get Compelling Jordyn Brooks Trade Idea appeared first on HEAVY.