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Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2's Resolutions & Frame Rates Revealed
Switch 1 players are capped at 30fps
Walking Off into the Wildcard! Dbacks 6, A’s 5
The Arizona Diamondbacks were able to even the series with the Athletics Tuesday night thanks to a heroic walkoff from the veteran Ildemaro Vargas and a solid major league debut from Kohl Drake. Kohl Drake gave the Dbacks 5 much needed solid innings tonight for his major league debut. Overall his stuff was just ok, […]
Xbox Game Pass was a good idea in theory, former Forza Horizon 5 director says, but "the reality is not enough people have subscribed"
One of the lead creatives behind Forza Horizon 5, who departed developer Playground Games, still believes Xbox Game Pass was a solid concept.
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.
UFC Freedom 250 Fails to Knock Out The Ratings
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) If UFC fans wanted one image to say, “Hey, Paramount+ is crushing it with their UFC rights deal,” I could provide that image. Here it is: (Reminder: this is my creation of the Nielsen Top 30, since Nielsen doesn’t combine the lists or include sports. I take all three lists and combine them. Some streaming TV shows probably have higher ratings than many of the films on this list.) Look at that! UFC Freedom 250 is number one! It topped the Nielsen “Top 30” list for shows and films that made the top ten the week of 15-June. So if you’re a UFC fan or supporter of Paramount+, that’s the good news for you this week. This program topped the ratings charts for one week. Everything else is bad news, or at least a huge caveat to that story, which I’ll explain today in the first part of this week’s Streaming Ratings Report—for the weeks of 8-June and 15-June—which is a double issue since I’ve been writing on a bunch of topics recently. UFC Freedom 250 is one of the biggest streaming events of the year, and super relevant to Paramount+’s strategy, so it merited its own article. Let’s dive in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of June 8th to June 21st 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Check Out My Interview on UFC 250 at MMA Draw After you read this article, if you want even more thoughts on UFC and Paramount-Skydance/Paramount+, I did a written interview with MMA Draw. They asked me to answer some questions about UFC Freedom 250, and I was happy to chat with them. Find it here: [ The MMA Draw Newsletter Did Paramount really overpay for the UFC? What the data tells us so far If you know the history of American television, you also know that combat sports is often a leading indicator of the future… Read more a day ago · 10 likes · 1 comment · Nate Wilcox and Zach Arnold ](https://www.themmadraw.com/p/did-paramount-really-overpay-for?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web) I never thought I’d need a combat sports newsletter in my life, but the good folks at MMA Draw publish an excellent one on UFC, MMA, pro wrestling, boxing and more, analyzing both the sports themselves and the politics, economics and antitrust issues that impact them. Check the article and their newsletter out! Paramount+ Has Its Best Sporting Event of All Time…But Was It Worth It? Before we look at the UFC Freedom 250 data in particular, let’s talk about what we can’t say. Namely, let’s start with the lack of comparisons. First off, I’d love to put a chart out comparing this fight to past UFC fights on Paramount+…but we don’t have the data. This is the first time we’ve gotten Nielsen data about a Paramount+ UFC fight. As far as I can tell, Paramount provided data for the first fight, but it was a proprietary datecdote (saying it had “an average minute audience” of 5 million “views”) and then, for two fights, we got the linear viewership numbers when they aired on CBS, but no streaming data. Everything else was crickets. We also can’t compare this fight to other fights/combat sports on streaming, in particular the MMA and boxing, because Netflix also didn’t use Nielsen to track those events, opting for TVision and VideoAmp, respectively. (This isn’t Paramount’s fault, but does still suck.) We also can’t compare to UFC’s fights that used to be on ESPN+, since we don’t have any data for that, plus Disney+ didn’t have marquee fights. The comparisons would not be apples-to-apples. Can we compare to past Pay-Per-View fights? Absolutely not. The comparisons would absolutely NOT be apples-to-apples. That didn’t stop Paramount+, though, who bragged that their UFC events have reached drastically more people than past PPV fights. Duh. Sorry, but I gotta make this point again. A basic tenet of economics is that the cheaper something becomes, the more people consume or buy it. That’s Econ 101. (Sometimes pundits call things “Econ 101” that are actually like Econ 210 or even PhD-level economics, but no, this is really like first or second class basic economics.) Yet I still see one analytics firm consistently say that more people watch films on streaming than PVOD proves streaming which means that the streaming window is more valuable than the PVOD window. No, it’s not! Same thing here. Pay-Per-View events back in the day could be really, really, really expensive! So whole groups of people pitched in to buy them. That increased the perceived value of, say, the Mike Tyson fight. Or a UFC numbered event. So yes, the fact that Paramount+ makes numbered UFC fights essentially “free” if you’re already a Paramount+ member means consumption will go up. Obviously. Same for Netflix and their boxing matches. They’re talking about fights that used to cost consumers, in some cases, $50 in 1996…which is over $100 in today’s dollars. Over 1.6 million people paid that to watch the Tyson-Holyfield fight! Again, streaming is essentially “free”. Or $10 to $20, depending on what streamer we’re talking about and what tier you’re on. No wonder more people are “watching”. (Plus, Nielsen’s out-of-home viewing also helps these numbers.) UFC Freedom 250 Did Well…But I Have A Lot of Worries So what can we compare the fights to? Well, the good news is Nielsen put out that the fight averaged 7.0 million viewers for UFC Freedom 250, which is a solid number for a fight. We also know the length, at roughly 4 and a half hours. (I saw different run times, but this seems to be the consensus considering it started at 8 pm, had a delay and then finished after midnight on the East Coast. If you assume a shorter run time, then yes, the total hours viewed would go down.) That means I have the two numbers needed to add this to my Nielsen database. And then…I can compare this viewership to the NFL: And, uh, not great. But also within striking distance, mainly because the runtime for this event was so long. I’d also add that this event had viewership equal to a regular season NFL game on streaming, but if anything, it was more comparable to an NFL playoff or Super Bowl-esque event. And you can compare viewership to the top football games on broadcast, cable and streaming, and it’s not impressive at all: We can also compare it to other sports that week, including the NBA Finals and start of the World Cup: Again, not great. The NBA generated roughly four times as many average viewers each game for its NBA Finals. The World Cup has similarly big numbers. Also, that’s just a tiny fraction of the 25 most watched sporting events each week. The NBA, NHL and FIFA World Cup had many, many more games racking up hours. We could also compare this to other streaming programs to get an idea of “is this a good investment?” and here is how it ranks compared to other top Paramount+ programs: The worry here? Well, unlike scripted programming, which has rewatchability, older fights/sporting events have very little library value. Very, very few people are rewatching these fights, especially years from now. Paramount has also released datecdotes bragging about their subscriber numbers. Earlier this year, they claimed that the first UFC fight on Paramount+ brought in 1 million subscribers. Then, in their quarterly earnings report, they only ended up with 700K subs. Not great! They claimed they dropped lower-value international subscribers, but that’s why I tend to discount subscriber additions when they’re leaked to the press.1 I expect we may see a bump again for UFC Freedom 250, but I’d caution using subscriber growth so soon after these events to judge the success, since new subs with high churn (see Peacock) aren’t great either. Also, analysts often want to attribute all subscriber growth to their favorite/pet show, and that just doesn’t make sense. The biggest caveat for UFC Freedom 250 and Paramount’s very first UFC marquee event is that these could be high watermarks for the sport. UFC Freedom 250 had an incredible amount of earned media coverage compared to most UFC fights. I mean, it had wall-to-wall national news coverage in the lead up to the event. (The first fight also had a lot of promotion from Paramount since it was first.) Other fights could reach this bar—say the Conor McGregor return to the Octagon—but they’ll be fewer and far between. Was This Deal Worth It? All to ask: is this Paramount deal worth it? In this case, I think the UFC Freedom 250 numbers are more distracting than helpful. This fight did well and compares well to other top sporting events. But we know that the first marquee event was at least a third smaller, if Paramount’s own data is to be believed. And it’s likely the other fights are much, much, much smaller. And then you get to the paycheck that Paramount-Skydance paid. FIFA’s World Cup cost about the same for Fox, but clearly generated multiples more total viewership. (Though it’s only every four years.) The NBA is much more expensive, but until the playoffs, they likely didn’t pay for itself. Even still, Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video likely overpaid. So, in that context, the NBA may be an overpay that makes the UFC look not so bad. But two overpays don’t make an underpay, to paraphrase the old cliché about wrongs and rights. And looking at UFC Freedom 250 as the likely ceiling of MMA on Paramount+, Paramount-Skydance likely paid too much. Share 1 I would love regular reports on subscriber additions by programs, but as is, it’s mostly leaked or rumored in haphazard ways.
In Maine Senate Race, Jackson Sprints Ahead of Pack, as Bellows Drops Out
Troy Jackson, a progressive, solidified his edge over his rivals in an abbreviated nominating contest to replace Graham Platner. Shenna Bellows, another candidate, bowed out.
Small Business Technology News Roundup: IBM Shares Crash, ChatGPT To Replace Wall Street Analysts
IBM shares collapse, OpenAI says AI will replace workers, Upwork says AI is reshaping freelancing, Microsoft will let you pause Windows 11 updates, Expensify consolidates travel billing
The Politics of Kurdish-Palestinian Solidarity
The Kurdish and Palestinian movements were forged in a common anti-colonial tradition. Their different political trajectories now reveal two competing models of liberation in the 21st century.
When I lost my business, I started renting out my indoor pool to earn money. Now, it's my full-time job.
A small-business mecca in Philadelphia is leaning into World Cup fandom
World Cup boosts East Passyunk businesses in Philadelphia, leading to creative block parties despite denied city permits and limited support.
PENN Entertainment (NASDAQ:PENN) Shows Strong Breakout Setup with High Technical Strength
PENN ENTERTAINMENT stock shows a strong uptrend with a 7/10 Technical Rating and a high 9/10 Setup Rating, signaling a tight consolidation pattern near resistance for a potential breakout entry.
Physician lawmakers introduce bipartisan fix for radiologist Medicare pay woes
Members of the Democratic and GOP Doctors Caucuses are proposing the Patients First Act, bolstering incentives to save independent practices and “reversing decades of consolidation.”
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?
Review: Denshattack! Fast Arcade Action That's Technically Rock-Solid and Highly Addictive
Multi-track drifting!!
Public hearing set as New Paltz consolidation push continues
Leaders from both communities are expected to provide more information on the Joint Consolidation Agreement.
Bulls' Caleb Wilson: Solid again in SL win
Bulls' Caleb Wilson: Solid again in SL win
Fixing America’s polarization with proportional representation
Presidentialism plus single-member districts is a bad combination that incentivizes leaders to consolidate power by fueling division.
Chicago Cubs news
Shota Imanaga kept the Cubs in the game with five solid innings against the Reds before the Cubs succumbed in a 4-0 loss.
What SoundHound AI (SOUN)'s S-4 Business Combination and Platform Expansion Means For Shareholders
In recent days, SoundHound AI, Inc. filed an S-4 registration statement for a planned business combination and confirmed strong year-over-year revenue growth alongside ongoing quarterly losses and a solid cash balance with no debt. At the same time, the company is pushing beyond its automotive roots into a broader enterprise AI platform, using acquisitions and subscription services to expand use cases across restaurants, healthcare, retail, financial services, and telecom. We’ll now examine...
Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer: To fear AI would be a big waste of time
With media consolidation & AI taking center stage at Allen & Co’s annual conference in Sun Valley, Julia Boorstin sits down with legendary film producer Brian Grazer to discuss his outlook for the industry.
Designating the State Rock: A Dazzling Educational Experience
Here's the stone-cold truth: a team effort by UConn and Mansfield educators has built a rock-solid foundation for holistic learning across the state
Chargers Receive Honest Admission on Edge Rusher Dilemma
As Khalil Mack prepares to pass the torch, rookie sensation Akheem Mesidor joins forces with breakout star Tuli Tuipulotu to solidify a high-stakes defensive evolution in L.A.
Samsung said to discontinue its Galaxy Z Flip lineup after the Flip8
It might be for real this time. According to a Chinese tipster with a solid track record, especially when it comes to Samsung-related leaks, the company...
Hughes Solid in First Start for Rockies
Gabriel Hughes, despite a three-run first inning, showed some solid stuff in his first MLB start for the Colorado Rockies against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles, though, gets late 4-3 victory.
Why lithium battery and radar pioneers won China’s top science award
Chen Liquan and Ben De recognised for advances in solid-state energy storage and military aviation defence.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger on Switch 2 is a solid port and very good handheld, but needs some more work
Digimon Story: Time Stranger delivers a great handheld experience with some small issues, but it should've been better docked.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok Review - A Solid Expansion Well Worth Its Price
Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok is a massive expansion that enhances the base game while providing more of what it makes so enjoyable
Meta Platforms Is Entering the Neocloud Business. Here's Why CoreWeave Investors Should Not Worry.
CoreWeave stock holds competitive advantages that can solidify its business.
FEP Integrates Diaphanum US Business for Global Growth
Family Enterprise Partners Diaphanum US integration reinforces FEP's global strategy. FEP Wealth LLC consolidates US expansion for independent wealth advisory
SpaceX's $1.6 Trillion Opportunity Could Be More Valuable Than Its AI Business
It has a solid foundation and a lot of potential to build this huge business.
Rising healthcare costs are straining Texas businesses as the Legislature seeks solutions
Lawmakers and experts pin the blame for rising insurance costs on health companies consolidating and creating less competition.
Rising healthcare costs are straining Texas businesses as the Legislature seeks solutions
Lawmakers and experts pin the blame for rising insurance costs on health companies consolidating and creating less competition.
Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg: Another solid SL outing
Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg: Another solid SL outing
Kings Big Man Making Noise with French National Team
Fresh off a dominant rookie campaign, Sacramento’s standout center joins a star-studded French roster, earning high praise from coaches while solidifying his status as a rising international force.
Phillies on the Pharm: 7/5/2026
Painter with another solid start for the IronPigs
Universal Health Services (UHS) Stock May Trade At A Discount On Medicare Payment News
Universal Health Services stock has rebounded in the short term but is still down sharply year to date, which sits alongside valuation checks that currently paint the shares as looking cheap rather than stretched. After falling 28% year to date, Universal Health Services now raises the question of whether the recent bounce is simply a recovery from depressed levels or a sign that value investors are stepping back in. Expectations for solid earnings and ongoing support from Medicare payments...
Beat the Apple Price Hikes: These MacBook Pro Deals Won't Last Long
Apple recently introduced major price hikes across a number of products, including Macs, iPads, and more. This week, Apple's newly increased prices have begun to hit third-party retailers like Amazon, but there are a few select MacBook Pro models that are retaining original prices, which now represent solid discounts on each device. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon.
Solid Growth Prospects Assert Sphere Entertainment Co. (SPHR) as a Top Stock to Buy According to Ariel Investments
Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) is one of the top stocks to buy according to Ariel Investments. On June 18, Benchmark reiterated a Buy rating on Sphere Entertainment (NYSE:SPHR) and raised the price target to $175 from $155. The price target hike comes amid expectations that the company is well positioned to deliver a solid second […]
Long Reads for the Long Weekend
(Welcome to the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a newsletter on the entertainment industry and business strategy. I write a weekly Streaming Ratings Report and a bi-weekly strategy column, along with occasional deep dives into other topics, like today’s article. Please subscribe.) Happy Fourth of July weekend! As has been a tradition of mine going back to the beginning of the EntStrategyGuy website, I’m sharing my favorite long reads of the last year, like I did in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Let’s dive right in! Subscribe “Different Prices for the Same Ride: How Uber and Lyft Use AI to Get More Money Out of You“ by Derek Kravitz in Consumer Reports I don’t think surveillance pricing, like the kind described in this brilliant Consumer Reports article, is long for the world—it’s toxically unpopular—but we’ll see if either party takes on this issue. If I ran a political party focused on affordability, I would focus on a few pro-consumer and pro-market policies: Banning non-compete agreements. Ending surveillance pricing Eliminating junk fees (read more here...) Ensuring “right to repair” for consumer (and military!) products Capping excessive app store fees Stopping digital/algorithmic price-fixing tools. Preventing automatic subscription price increases. And more. If you want to fight inflation, there are a lot of great ways to do it quickly. Speaking of higher prices... “Secret Documents Show Pepsi and Walmart Colluded to Raise Food Prices Across the Economy“ by Matt Stoller in BIG Again, I think a political party should focus on lowering prices for consumers. And deals like this—Walmart making a deal/forcing Pepsi to offer the lowest prices at its stores and nowhere else—hypothetically lower prices at Walmart...but raise them everywhere else. “15 DUIs, still driving: California’s failure to take repeat drunk drivers off the road“ by Robert Lewis and Lauren Hepler in CalMatters CalMatters does terrific reporting in California, something the Golden State desperately needs more of, and this article is a great example of that. “PugLips: The next insanely popular thing you’ve never heard of…” by Simon Carless in Game Discover Co I thought that this parody article (and yes, it’s a parody, but I was definitely unsure at first) was hilarious and totally nailed how much tech/business journalism feels these days. Actually, three of my favorite articles this year were on hype in the video game industry, including Georg Zoller’s “The Video Game Industries Very Dark Night”—which I linked to recently and wrote a follow-up here—and Owen Mahoney’s “Derek Zoolander, Videogame Exec”. In particular, I like Mahoney’s focus on user experience as a guide to what trends will actually grab hold of customers. “The Matrix Lies“ by Evan Shapiro in Media War & Peace Evan Shapiro’s first person account of his experience with AI was hilarious. I think LLMs capabilities have significantly grown from last summer, and yet...my editor/researcher just had an abysmal experience using an LLM to do a quite basic task (which our LLM normally does each week) and the LLM made a mistake on every single data entry...along with seven different mistakes affecting twelve of the twenty or so entries, including mistakes that are explicitly spelled out in the prompt. That’s a brutal failure rate. Again, if you use AI/LLM for data collection, you need to take a lot of extra steps to verify and check the data. “Ghosts in the Balcony: A Cross-Country Trip to 58 Theaters Fighting to Survive“ by Matthew Frank in The Ankler I thought Matthew Frank’s pitch to head across America to visit theaters sounded insane aggressive at the time—at least it felt that way to someone a decade older than him; man, to be in your twenties again, am I right?—but I knew the result would be great. And it was, a terrific feature by a great young writer. Also, I loved Matthew’s recent article on who’s getting the precious few entry level jobs in Hollywood. (Hint: nepotism.) “Disney erased FiveThirtyEight“ and “Did Las Vegas get too greedy?” by Nate Silver in Silver Bulletin I love media history and analysis, and there’s no one better to get the history of FiveThirtyEight than from Nate Silver, who wrote about his personal experience in one of my favorite pieces from this year. I also loved Nate’s breakdown of what’s causing Vegas’ woes, but I’ll offer one criticism, summarized as “Might I suggest antitrust?” Many centrists/center-right/libertarian thinkers (Nate is self-described as the latter) often don’t consider consolidation or antitrust as factors in policy issues like housing, America’s military readiness, or, in this case, Las Vegas. Even if libertarians want to debunk antitrust/consolidation concerns, I’d love to read that debunking. In this case, Vegas is incredibly consolidated (though it also has been for a long time) and I’d have loved to read Nate at least contending with this factor, since he addresses almost every other potential factor for Vegas’ decline. “Why Microsoft’s Carbon Removal Pullback Is Such a Big Deal“ by Robinson Meyer in Heatmap News I’m a big supporter of carbon removal efforts, but this nascent industry faces a lot of headwinds, including this big move most recently. I think it’s clear that solar panels and batteries should be able to get the world to its carbon footprint goals, but effective carbon renewal remains necessary to prevent the worst impacts of global warming. “AI is killing the cheap smartphone“ by David Oks LLMs and AI will impact the world in ways we’re not ready for, and already, third world countries are seeing the prices of cheap cellphones skyrocket due to the cost of chips skyrocketing. This article by David Oks is a terrific breakdown. “100 Days of Madness: Netflix, Paramount, Warner and the Future of Hollywood“ by Wade Major at Hollywood Heretic Wade Major dove deep into Hollywood/streaming’s financials in this must read piece. Not that I agree with everything in this article (read my take on Warner Bros./Paramount here) but the analysis is top notch. I think many people discount how quality thinking, regardless of the argument/conclusion, will make you a better thinker. “Erased by the UFC: Frank Shamrock, The MMA GOAT of the 20th Century“ by Nate Wilcox in The MMA Draw Newsletter Growing up playing the UFC fighting game on the Dreamcast, Frank Shamrock was my favorite MMA fighter, and this history/tribute to him was great. Other Fun Reads “The Hardest Part Of History To Tell Is How It Felt“ by Craig Fehrman at Defector “Unmasking the Sea Star Killer“ by Craig Welch at bioGraphic “What Could Save the Industry? Fin-Syn“ by Richard Rushfield in The Ankler Alex Rollins Berg in Underexposed on movie bumpers, pillow shots, Disney trash cinema, cult films, and Casablanca. David H. Montgomery in YouGov’s The Surveyor on punctuation marks, condiments, dinosaurs, and comic strips and kids media. “How Medium finally pivoted its way to profitability“ and “Why the best journalists on YouTube are all former Vox employees“ by Simon Owens in Simon Owens’s Media Newsletter “It’s Not Just You, Netflix Shows Have Gotten Slightly Shorter: Here’s What the Data Says“ by Kasey Moore at What’s on Netflix “Numlock Awards: How Diane Warren became the biggest loser in Oscar history“ by Nathaniel Rakich and “Numlock Awards: The Oscar Bait era is over. The Oscar Chum era is here.” by Walt Hickey & Michael Domanico at Numlock Awards
The diminishing political returns of a solid labor market
A rebound in the jobs market hasn’t been enough to get Americans amped about President Donald Trump’s economy.
Bayer shifts US glyphosate business to Ruveon after seeking tariffs on Chinese imports
Bayer said on Wednesday it is consolidating its U.S. glyphosate business into its Ruveon unit, a day after it asked Washington to impose duties on Chinese imports of the chemical used in the company's weedkiller Roundup.
WHO, Member States discuss expanding South-East Asia Emergency Health Fund SEARHEF
With climate-related disasters, disease outbreaks and other health emergencies becoming more frequent and complex across South-East Asia, WHO and Member States today discussed measures to strengthen and expand the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to ensure countries have rapid access to life-saving support when crises strike. "Health emergencies are becoming more frequent, more complex and more costly. Countries need rapid, flexible financing that can be mobilized immediately when lives are at risk. SEARHEF represents regional solidarity in action, enabling Member States to support one another when emergencies strike," said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge WHO South-East Asia Region. She was addressing the Fifteenth Meeting of the Working Group on the Governance of SEARHEF.
Bayer Group to consolidate U.S. glyphosate business into distinct entity operating as Ruveon
Advances key component of Crop Science division’s Five-Year Framework strategy / Reinforces commitment to delivering trusted Roundup® brands and glyphosate products and services to U.S. customers
Wild reportedly retaining veteran UFAs Nick Foligno, Zach Bogosian
These are solid depth moves for Minnesota involving a couple guys with over 2,000 games between them.
Cleveland Guardians’ Rookie Kahlil Watson Flashing Major League Tools
Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Kahlil Watson has shown power, speed, a good hit tool, and solid defense after his graduation to the major league club
Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz Delivers Heroics in Late Innings
Facing roster pressure after a top prospect's arrival, the infielder silenced critics with a clutch eighth-inning blast to secure a vital victory and solidify his place with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Comcast Split Shows Bigger Is No Longer Seen As Better In The Media Business
Comcast's plan to split into two smaller companies may mark the unofficial end of "all under one roof" consolidation in media.
EDITORIAL: Bennet, Hick play politics with the judiciary
Facing spirited challenges from the left — in the final hours of races each thought would be a walk in the park — Colorado’s two Democratic U.S. senators are doing what comes naturally to politicians. Pandering. How else to explain their opposition, reported Sunday, to the pending nomination of respected and rock-solid U.S. District Judge […]
Interferometric scattering for optical tomoslicing of transparent solids
Light: Science & Applications - Interferometric scattering for optical tomoslicing of transparent solids
Who Wore It Best: 1
You’d think there’d be more demand from top players for the number 1 on the back of the jersey, especially since it was worn by some notable players. However, it has largely been the designation of contact first, defensively solid infielders over the years and the Jays are no exception. When the Yankees and Indians […]
Comcast to split cable business from media through NBCUniversal, Sky spinoff
Comcast will split into two publicly traded companies through a spinoff of NBCUniversal and Sky, separating its cash-generating broadband arm from a media and entertainment business under pressure from streaming rivals and industry consolidation. The latest U.S. media industry shake-up follows years of cord-cutting as legacy players chase scale to better compete with Netflix while Paramount Skydance's $110 billion deal for Warner Bros Discovery is set to boost competition. Comcast, which leans on cable for much of its cash flow, is also losing broadband customers to fixed wireless offerings from T-Mobile and Verizon and to fiber rivals building out networks.
The last, best hope for the Colorado GOP
If the Colorado Republican Party desires to retain any relevancy, let alone wrest back any of the levers of political control in the state, it needs to elect Barb Kirkmeyer in the June 30 primary. To be sure, Kirkmeyer would be a solid candidate for governor in any case, whether or not she shared the […]
I grew up in China, but I'm raising my daughter in LA. A trip back to visit family made me rethink my parenting style.
Kadyn Proctor Can Solidify Dolphins Offensive Line in Big Way
The Miami Dolphins' offensive line may be good, but it can reach a strong height if rookie Kadyn Proctor can live up to expectations.
Progressives look to Colorado as next test of a rising movement
Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist and lawyer, is challenging 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette for a solidly blue seat in Denver, where she and her allies hope voters are ready for change.
Here's How Much A 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Has Depreciated In 4 Years
Starting at $60,390 in 2022, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing did a solid job at fighting depreciation over the last four years, now trading in the low $50,000s.
Nintendo issues June 2026 backwards compatibility fixes for Switch games on Switch 2, full list
Another set of backwards compatibility fixes for Nintendo Switch games on Switch 2 are now available. There aren’t as many heavy hitters this time around, but it’s still a solid batch. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the biggest name out of the bunch – previously, Nintendo said that players may encounter audio issues in some areas. The full list of...
Walker Buehler delivers statement win for the Padres over Dodgers
The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes about Walker Buehler throwing a solid game against his former team.
It's Summer Sale Season, So I Tracked Down 25 Actually Good Gaming Deals Under $20
There's a million sales happening right now, so I sifted through them all to find 25 genuinely solid gaming deals that are each under $20.
Consumer Discretionary Stocks Drawing Institutional Rotation Into Live Entertainment Leaders
With the Federal Reserve hinting at a pause in rate hikes, stubborn inflation still in the background, and several large companies surprising on earnings, consumer discretionary stocks are back in focus for investors weighing risk and opportunity. This article looks at how that mix of easier policy signals, solid corporate reports, and ongoing geopolitical and supply chain issues could affect larger U.S. consumer-focused companies. It will walk through 3 stocks from a curated screener that...
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Health Care Professionals in New Jersey Ratify New Contract
Members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152 who work at Cape Regional Physicians Associates (CRPA) in New Jersey have secured a powerful new collective bargaining agreement.
What Does Success Look Like in 2026 for Dolphins?
After moving on from veterans such as Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, the upcoming season is about developing the Dolphins' roster, resetting the culture, and gaining salary cap flexibility for the future. The goal for any NFL team is not just to succeed in the immediate future but to establish a solid foundation for long-term success. After releasing Tagovailoa, Willis became the Dolphins' most significant free agent acquisition after he signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with $45 million guaranteed.
Record profits, terrible service: something’s got to give for US consumers
Experts say consolidation and market power have left consumers paying more for less
The shallow authoritarianism of Trump’s Reflecting Pool
The sordid saga on the Washington Mall reveals why Trump’s efforts to consolidate power keep failing.
Prime Day has some solid deals on Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox games
Save on PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox games.
Konami Sues To Find Metal Gear Solid 2 Source Code Leakers
4chan and two file-sharing sites were involved with the leak
Roku May Help Fox Avoid Aggregeddon
(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.) Scrolling through links over the last week, I stumbled across this fun headline: Wow. Formula 1 (the sport, not the docu-series) is the perfect “dog not barking”. As a reminder, each week in my Streaming Ratings Report, I call out the shows that miss every viewership chart. I dub them “dogs not barking”—like the Sherlock Holmes mystery—because without any data, we forget they even exist. This is in contrast to something like, say, a film flop—cough The Mandalorian and Grogu cough—where even underperforming at the box office is widely discussed here, there and everywhere. In the US, Formula 1 is now in “no public viewership data, so not discussed” territory. After moving to Apple TV from its former home of ESPN, basically no one talks about it. Apple did publish an initial, unsourced, unsubstantiated, (dare I say unserious) datecdote claiming more folks are watching Formula 1 on Apple than ESPN, but we haven’t gotten any updates since. This stands in contrast to when the sport streamed on ESPN, and ESPN PR provided weekly viewership figures. Formula 1 was, at best, a niche sport in America—averaging 1.3 million viewers in the Big Data Plus era—but now it’s basically anonymous. (And yeah, after moving to Apple, I very, very, very much doubt its ratings increased.) Unfortunately, that story isn’t quite big enough to warrant a section in today’s “Most Important Story of the Week” column, but I wanted to call it out, because otherwise, no one else will! Certainly, no one will write articles about the silence/ratings decline, unlike when they wrote breathless articles connecting the rise in viewership to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, including Reuters just last month. (This is a topic I’ve tried to provide a moderate/nuanced/non-hyped take since 2022.) Anyway, on to this week’s issue. I was a bit worried I didn’t have a juicy topic, then the Murdochs went out and did their Murdoch thing: buying Roku. So that’s the story of the week, and it happens to touch on quite a few themes of the streaming wars and the disruption therein. I’ll cover that, plus why more consolidation in Hollywood media looks likely, more good news on the Hollywood labor front, whether we’ll see an uptick in production in Los Angeles, some Broadway and theme park news, cellphone prices going up in the third world (and possibly everywhere), and more. Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - Another Big Media & Entertainment Merger The story of the week is clearly Fox is buying Roku for $22 billion. I read a lot of good strategy takes on why Fox bought this streaming TV device maker—and I’ll have mine below—but what fascinates me more is how this deal connects to quite a few themes of the streaming wars, linking to everything from the pace of M&A to “aggregeddon” to Netflix’s recent M&A actions/inactions to the shift to advertising from pure play streaming and more. The only topic I can’t really connect it to is my old theory, “never bet against Rupert Murdoch” because he isn’t the one who did this deal; his son Lachlan inked it. (Do I think he provided advice, even at his 95 years of age? Sure.) That plus I have one additional piece of strategy for all entertainment players, inspired by this deal. So let’s dive into all those topics, starting with why I like this deal. Roku is a Great M&A Buy
Konami Suing Over Massive Metal Gear Solid 2 Source Code Leak
Konami wants to find out who leaked its source code
Indian shares set to pause after oil-led rally
Indian shares were set to open flat on Tuesday, with analysts expecting a phase of consolidation in the absence of fresh triggers after gains in six out of seven sessions, while sentiment remained constructive on easing Middle East tensions.
House Speaker Introduces Hospital Cost Review Board and New Health Tax
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) announced legislation on June 18 that would establish a hospital cost review board and create new health facility consolidation measures.
Independence Health to open new behavioral health unit
Independence Health System will open a new behavioral health unit at Latrobe Hospital on Wednesday. The health system announced the plan to expand and consolidate inpatient behavioral health services at its Latrobe Hospital in February 2025 as part of ongoing changes at its three hospital campuses in Westmoreland County. The
A Miami couple started renting out their car as a side gig. They turned it into a full-time, 6-figure family business.
Baker Mayfield Extension Deadline: Real or Negotiating Tactic?
Baker Mayfield has set a deadline for him and the team to reach an extension, how solid is it and should fans worry?
Scientists Finally Uncover Why Solid-State Batteries Short-Circuit
Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism behind battery failure in solid-state batteries, offering new insights that could help unlock safer, longer-lasting energy storage technologies.
5 Cheaper Android Phones You Should Try Instead Of The Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 Pro is one of the best phones available, but these five alternatives cost less and offer solid competition in key areas.
Accenture Just Had Its Worst Day in Years. Is AI Coming for the Consulting Business?
The consulting giant posted solid results, yet a cautious outlook and a multibillion-dollar acquisition bet sent its stock to the lowest level in years.
Modelling the odor profile of fungal Solid-State Fermentation
npj Science of Food - Modelling the odor profile of fungal Solid-State Fermentation
Watching water nanodrops spread themselves thin
Researchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have determined the molecular origin of line tension for a water nanodroplet on a surface. This tension is the force along the droplet edge where liquid, solid, and gas phases meet. Computational studies showed that at complete wetting, collapse of tetrahedral order in liquid water causes the line tension to change sign. An ice bilayer did not wet a hydrophilic surface, showing that local order can outweigh surface chemistry.
Türkiye’s Democratic Breakdown: Authoritarian Consolidation and the Sources of Resilience
Lessons from Global Democratic Resistance is a public panel series that brings together frontline activists, civic leaders, institutional actors, and field‑informed scholars to examine how democratic actors have resisted, responded to, and learned from democratic backsliding across countries. The series aims to identify practical lessons and comparative insights for those defending democracy today and is organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in collaboration with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance at the Harvard Kennedy School; the Cornell Center on Global Democracy; Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania; the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame; the Democratic Futures Project at the University of Virginia; Stanford’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.
Android 17 update deletes homescreen widgets for some Google Pixel owners
Widgets have long been a useful part of the Android homescreen and, for many, they’ve solidified their spot and functionality...
House lawmakers tuck into budget a $36K raise for longtime Boston politician
Ways and Means Committee Chair Aaron Michlewitz says it's to keep the $156,000 pay "competitive" for Suffolk register of deeds. But the Legislature also wants to consider consolidating registries across the state.
Shubman Gill surpasses MS Dhoni, enters elite India ODI list
Shubman Gill achieved a significant milestone by reaching 1,000 ODI runs in just 954 balls, surpassing MS Dhoni. This feat came during his brilliant 154 against Afghanistan, where he partnered with Ishan Kishan for a massive 224-run stand. Gill's century, his ninth in ODIs, was a masterclass in aggressive batting, further solidifying his status as a top modern-day Indian batter.
U.S. Business Applications for May 2026: Trend Remains Solid - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
by Raymond J. Keating – The latest business applications numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau offered a mixed story for May, with the overall trend, however, remaining healthy. Total business applications in May increased by 3.7 percent to 523,971 (seasonally adjusted). At the same time, high-propensity business applications declined slightly – by 0.3 percent to […]
Stein Your Florist Co. closing Northeast Philadelphia location, consolidating business in New Jersey
Global Fund gathering in Luxembourg underscores international solidarity in health
A high-level working lunch with Members of Parliament, organized in Luxembourg by Friends of The Global Fund Europe, acknowledged that the contribution of Luxembourg to the Global Fund is an example of international solidarity and commitment for Europe and for the world.
Should You Buy Seaport Entertainment Group (SEG)?
Seaport Entertainment Group Inc. (NYSE:SEG) is one of the 6 Cheap Stocks to Buy According to Bill Ackman. Seaport Entertainment Group Inc. (NYSE:SEG) is a real estate firm focused on the entertainment sector. The shares are up by 18.8% over the past year and by 23% year-to-date. The firm has been busy in 2026 consolidating […]
‘Disclosure Day’: The truth is out there
Solid acting fuels this impressive sci-fi chiller
SpaceX makes historic debut; Musk solidifies status as world’s first trillionaire
SpaceX's IPO valued the rocket and satellite company at roughly $1.77 trillion, pushing Elon Musk's net worth to about $1.1 trillion and making him the first trillionaire on paper.
WHO urges targeted action to strengthen emergency workforce capacities for shared health risks across the Asia-Pacific region
At a time when the world is more interconnected than ever, the World Health Organization (WHO) is disseminating a comprehensive regional analysis of shared health risks across Asia and the Pacific, urging Member States to invest in enhancing workforce capacities regionwide to mitigate these risks and ensure health systems are better prepared to anticipate, tackle and withstand a range of crises and shocks. Over 100 delegates from 49 countries and areas in the Asia-Pacific region reviewed results from the regional risk analysis during the WHO-led Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) Stakeholders Meeting in Malaysia. Synthesizing insights from 21 strategic risk assessments and more than 800 multisectoral experts, the regional analysis highlighted an urgent imperative: countries must proactively invest in emergency workforce preparedness to navigate a landscape where climate hazards, disease outbreaks and geophysical events increasingly overlap. These complex converging crises create devastating, compounding impacts on health systems and communities – reiterating the need for investing in a fit-for-purpose regional health workforce and multisectoral action.Key findings: an evolving risk landscape More than half of the participating countries ranked flooding, cyclones, dengue and pandemic-potential respiratory pathogens as being of high or very high risk, while antimicrobial resistance, landslides and gastroenteritis remain widespread concerns as well. “Given that 51% – over half – of these assessed hazards are deeply interconnected, isolated health interventions are no longer sufficient,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Extreme weather events like cyclones and floods directly trigger subsequent disease outbreaks, while environmental degradation – driven by sea-level rise, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion – fuels health risks across the Pacific. Mitigating these cascading risks requires unified, cross-sectoral action linking environmental, agricultural and public health policies to build true regional resilience.” Priority recommendations for action To address critical vulnerabilities, WHO calls on Member States in the Asia-Pacific region to urgently prioritize the following strategic actions: Bridge workforce capacity gaps. Embed and standardize emergency preparedness within academia to promote regional workforce interoperability. Foster multisectoral coordination. Address ad-hoc taskforce responses and fragmented surge support through formalized contingency plans and standard operating procedures that are frequently updated and tested. Secure sustainable financing for emergencies. Overcome systemic barriers to access dedicated funding for both immediate anticipatory actions and long-term emergency preparedness initiatives. Enable emergency-ready primary health care. Embed emergency management into public health workforce readiness planning. Ensure that emergency planning is inclusive. Establish clear pathways for inclusive emergency planning that actively involves communities most at risk and other vulnerable groups. Optimize communication. Update risk communication and community engagement strategies, aligning them with seasonal risk calendars. Elevating workforce readiness to meet regional health risks While the gaps identified are significant, the Asia-Pacific region possesses solid foundational pillars, including dedicated clinicians, laboratory staff, rapid response teams, emergency medical teams and extensive community networks. However, to adequately address the compounding nature of modern crises, the various components of the emergency workforce must collaborate cohesively. True resilience depends entirely on transforming this currently fragmented workforce into a highly trained, interconnected and rapidly deployable asset. To achieve this, WHO is actively advancing regional workforce capacities through the Global Health Emergency Corps initiative. This initiative – supported by the Gates Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy – seeks to build a seamless network of emergency workforce across borders and sectors, ensuring that when a crisis strikes, a standardized, well-coordinated and trained workforce is immediately ready to respond. “Scaling up emergency workforce readiness is no longer optional,” said Dr Gina Samaan, Regional Emergency Director for WHO in the Western Pacific. “It is the definitive factor that will determine how effectively the Asia-Pacific region safeguards health and protects lives in an increasingly unpredictable future.” ____________________For more information, or to arrange media interviews, contact: Ara Johannes, WHO Western Pacific Health Emergencies Division: johannesa@who.int WHO Western Pacific Communications: wprocom@who.int
Ben Roethlisberger Predicts Steelers Record Under Mike McCarthy
Pittsburgh's former quarterback expects a solid season.
Scion Group to buy Student Quarters’ $1.5B operating business
The major student housing owner and operator sees consolidation accelerating in the sector and is eying further acquisitions, particularly at large public institutions.
Scientists Found a Continent-Sized Geological Structure Hiding Beneath Antarctica
A team led by a geophysicist in Italy now believes that about 90% of Earth’s fresh water ice may not be on solid ground after all.
Once a rising star, Nancy Mace suffers resounding defeat in governor’s race
The South Carolina congresswoman finished fifth in the state’s GOP gubernatorial primary, according to unofficial returns, solidly losing even her own home county and district.
K-Pop Powerhouse SM Entertainment Elevates Global Hitmaking with Solid State Logic ORACLE
Seoul, South Korea, June 9, 2026 — SM Entertainment, the multinational record label, talent agency, production company and music publisher that pioneered the introduction of Korean music artists to a wider global audience, has integrated a new Solid State Logic Oracle into BigShot Studio at its facility in Seoul, South Korea. Oracle, which introduces SSL’s […]
K-Pop Powerhouse SM Entertainment Elevates Global Hitmaking With Solid State Logic ORACLE
Seoul, South Korea, June 9, 2026 — SM Entertainment, the multinational record label, talent agency, production company and music publisher that pioneered the introduction of Korean music artists to | From shaping the sound of modern K-pop to scaling world-class production, SM adopts ORACLE to supercharge workflow, streamline sessions, and deliver signature SSL analogue excellence.
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 don't drop support for any iPhones—and just a few iPads
This promises to be a solid release for aging iPhones.
Allegheny County’s Sexual Health Clinic moves Downtown
The Allegheny County Health Department has relocated its Sexual Health Clinic to Downtown Pittsburgh, consolidating services in one location to make it easier for patients to access sexual health care, immunizations, pulmonary services and public health pharmacy resources. The department announced the move Monday, saying the new site provides a
I opened a business with my wife. I felt like I lived with my business partner, not my life partner.
UMW College of Business Celebrates Alumni Achievement at Annual Awards
byWith a solid foundation in finance, marketing and management, University of Mary Washington business graduates go on to careers in executive leadership, entrepreneurship and public service.At the annual College of Business Alumni Awards – held in Woodard Hall during Reunion Weekend – Mary Washington honored grads who have excelled in their professions, from founding supportive […]
Nvidia Strikes AI Infrastructure Deals With South Korean Tech Firms
Nvidia is teaming up with leading South Korean technology companies to build large-scale artificial-intelligence infrastructure in Asia, seeking to solidify its data-center footprint and expand its AI ecosystem.