1 day ago
Tyrone Taylor is one of many names rumored to be on the block as the Mets get closer to the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
And as the Mets continue to start Taylor to showcase the veteran outfielder to potential trade partners, he's been making the most of the opportunity, including in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Marlins. Taylor's two-run blast accounted for the only offense by the Mets, another blast in what's become a string of them for Taylor.
The second-inning blast was Taylor's 10th of the season, with seven of them coming in his last 19 games dating back to July 4. It's the most he's hit in that span in his career and the fourth-most in the National League during that period. He's also leading the majors in slugging (.951) and OPS (1.389) in that span.
"He's been phenomenal," interim manager Andy Green said after the game. "Swung the bat as well as anybody in the league. Feels like he's homering every time we put him in the lineup. Absolutely crushed that ball today. Defends the field, plays with energy, runs the bases well; he's been great."
Green was asked what's changed for Taylor to give him these types of power numbers and the skipper said it comes down to belief.
#tyrone
And as the Mets continue to start Taylor to showcase the veteran outfielder to potential trade partners, he's been making the most of the opportunity, including in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Marlins. Taylor's two-run blast accounted for the only offense by the Mets, another blast in what's become a string of them for Taylor.
The second-inning blast was Taylor's 10th of the season, with seven of them coming in his last 19 games dating back to July 4. It's the most he's hit in that span in his career and the fourth-most in the National League during that period. He's also leading the majors in slugging (.951) and OPS (1.389) in that span.
"He's been phenomenal," interim manager Andy Green said after the game. "Swung the bat as well as anybody in the league. Feels like he's homering every time we put him in the lineup. Absolutely crushed that ball today. Defends the field, plays with energy, runs the bases well; he's been great."
Green was asked what's changed for Taylor to give him these types of power numbers and the skipper said it comes down to belief.
#tyrone
2 days ago
The SEC generally, and Georgia's schedule specifically is absolutely full of elite players. Along with the other preview series we're running here at Dawg Sports as fall practice looms, I thought it would be instructive to look at the ten best players the Red and Black will see this season. We begin with a Vandy defensive back who's going to have a lot on his shoulders this year.
Martel Hight, CB, Vanderbilt (vs. Vanderbilt, Oct. 3)
With Diego Pavia gone to the NFL, Vanderbilt's defense becomes the more proven side of the ball, and Hight is its anchor. In 2025 he led the SEC in interceptions among defensive players, finishing with four picks and 35 tackles despite Vanderbilt not placing any defenders on the All-SEC teams.
Hight has been a steady piece of the Vanderbilt secondary since his true freshman year, when he played in all 12 games and accounted for 38 tackles and an interception. As a sophomore he added 33 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, and a forced fumble, while also handling return duties. He was chosen to represent the program at SEC Media Days entering his senior season, a sign of the trust the staff has in his leadership as the Commodores transition to a new quarterback.
In 2025 the Commodore staff gave Hight a look at receiver, where he'd been a standout in high school. The move made sense with Diego Pavia at QB but question marks surrounding Vandy's receiving corps. Getting Hight, among the best athletes on the roster, more snaps to be explosiive made sense on paper.
On the field it was less of a winner. Hight was targeted just 11 times out of 55 offensive snaps, catching just 7 ***** and accounting for just 64 yards and no touchdowns. Hight played more than 10 offensive snaps in three of Vanderbilt's first four games, then never got that level of usage again. Just one throw went Hight's way after week four, as the staff seems to have realized his highest and best use is at corner.
#hight #vanderbilt #staff #pavia
Martel Hight, CB, Vanderbilt (vs. Vanderbilt, Oct. 3)
With Diego Pavia gone to the NFL, Vanderbilt's defense becomes the more proven side of the ball, and Hight is its anchor. In 2025 he led the SEC in interceptions among defensive players, finishing with four picks and 35 tackles despite Vanderbilt not placing any defenders on the All-SEC teams.
Hight has been a steady piece of the Vanderbilt secondary since his true freshman year, when he played in all 12 games and accounted for 38 tackles and an interception. As a sophomore he added 33 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, and a forced fumble, while also handling return duties. He was chosen to represent the program at SEC Media Days entering his senior season, a sign of the trust the staff has in his leadership as the Commodores transition to a new quarterback.
In 2025 the Commodore staff gave Hight a look at receiver, where he'd been a standout in high school. The move made sense with Diego Pavia at QB but question marks surrounding Vandy's receiving corps. Getting Hight, among the best athletes on the roster, more snaps to be explosiive made sense on paper.
On the field it was less of a winner. Hight was targeted just 11 times out of 55 offensive snaps, catching just 7 ***** and accounting for just 64 yards and no touchdowns. Hight played more than 10 offensive snaps in three of Vanderbilt's first four games, then never got that level of usage again. Just one throw went Hight's way after week four, as the staff seems to have realized his highest and best use is at corner.
#hight #vanderbilt #staff #pavia
2 days ago
By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK, July 30 (Reuters) - Coinbase won the dismissal on Thursday of much of a lawsuit in which customers accused the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange of illegally selling securities without registering as an exchange or broker-dealer.
Customers sued over 60 tokens, including XRP and dogecoin, that they claimed were unregistered securities, seeking unspecified damages in the proposed class action.
• U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan dismissed all claims based on "matched" transactions where Coinbase paired customers' buy and sell orders. These accounted for an estimated 99.97% of trading volume, equal to hundreds of billions of dollars.
• The judge also said customers may pursue claims over "inventory" transactions, where Coinbase fills orders from tokens it owns. These accounted for the remaining trading volume, comprising at least $178 million in sales.
#Coinbase #accounted
NEW YORK, July 30 (Reuters) - Coinbase won the dismissal on Thursday of much of a lawsuit in which customers accused the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange of illegally selling securities without registering as an exchange or broker-dealer.
Customers sued over 60 tokens, including XRP and dogecoin, that they claimed were unregistered securities, seeking unspecified damages in the proposed class action.
• U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan dismissed all claims based on "matched" transactions where Coinbase paired customers' buy and sell orders. These accounted for an estimated 99.97% of trading volume, equal to hundreds of billions of dollars.
• The judge also said customers may pursue claims over "inventory" transactions, where Coinbase fills orders from tokens it owns. These accounted for the remaining trading volume, comprising at least $178 million in sales.
#Coinbase #accounted
2 days ago
By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK, July 30 (Reuters) - Coinbase won the dismissal on Thursday of much of a lawsuit in which customers accused the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange of illegally selling securities without registering as an exchange or broker-dealer.
Customers sued over 60 tokens, including XRP and dogecoin, that they claimed were unregistered securities, seeking unspecified damages in the proposed class action.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan dismissed all claims based on "matched" transactions where Coinbase paired customers' buy and sell orders. These accounted for an estimated 99.97% of trading volume, equal to hundreds of billions of dollars.
The judge also said customers may pursue claims over "inventory" transactions, where Coinbase fills orders from tokens it owns. These accounted for the remaining 0.03% of trading volume, comprising at least $178 million in sales.
#exchange #securities
NEW YORK, July 30 (Reuters) - Coinbase won the dismissal on Thursday of much of a lawsuit in which customers accused the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange of illegally selling securities without registering as an exchange or broker-dealer.
Customers sued over 60 tokens, including XRP and dogecoin, that they claimed were unregistered securities, seeking unspecified damages in the proposed class action.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan dismissed all claims based on "matched" transactions where Coinbase paired customers' buy and sell orders. These accounted for an estimated 99.97% of trading volume, equal to hundreds of billions of dollars.
The judge also said customers may pursue claims over "inventory" transactions, where Coinbase fills orders from tokens it owns. These accounted for the remaining 0.03% of trading volume, comprising at least $178 million in sales.
#exchange #securities
3 days ago
WEST LONG BRANCH -- Monmouth football had a new coach and almost an entirely new starting offense when they hit the practice field to embark on the 2026 season on Thursday, but the expectations haven't changed for the Hawks.
Despite losing the weapons that accounted for 73% of the production for the top offense in the country at the FCS level, Monmouth was chosen as the second team in the Coastal Athletic ****** ociation preseason rankings behind only the defending conference champion Rhode Island.
Most teams undergoing this level of change are not burdened with expectations, but it's a testament to the growth of the Monmouth program and the respect for the transition from formerly the longest-tenured coach in Division I to a longtime ****** istant that was a mastermind behind the Hawks' gaudy offensive production. Good or bad, the Hawks remain indifferent to outside ****** sments.
"You always want to focus on execution over expectations," first-year head coach Jeff Gallo said. "It'll come down to how well we execute what we do. That is what's important. Expectations are—it's all about how you execute. And we always say, we're performance over perception."
3 big takeaways from Monmouth football coaching change to Jeff Gallo
#hawks #coach #gallo #Football
Despite losing the weapons that accounted for 73% of the production for the top offense in the country at the FCS level, Monmouth was chosen as the second team in the Coastal Athletic ****** ociation preseason rankings behind only the defending conference champion Rhode Island.
Most teams undergoing this level of change are not burdened with expectations, but it's a testament to the growth of the Monmouth program and the respect for the transition from formerly the longest-tenured coach in Division I to a longtime ****** istant that was a mastermind behind the Hawks' gaudy offensive production. Good or bad, the Hawks remain indifferent to outside ****** sments.
"You always want to focus on execution over expectations," first-year head coach Jeff Gallo said. "It'll come down to how well we execute what we do. That is what's important. Expectations are—it's all about how you execute. And we always say, we're performance over perception."
3 big takeaways from Monmouth football coaching change to Jeff Gallo
#hawks #coach #gallo #Football
3 days ago
(NewsNation) — Canadian taxpayers are furious they had to fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars to protect Prince Harry while he was wooing Meghan Markle and during his time promoting Invictus.
Even worse, they also found out they spent more to cover the ginger prince over five years than any other internationally protected person over the same period.
According to a document obtained by CBC News (which it received under Canada's access to information law), "the RCMP spent at least $539,575 to provide security between 2014/15 and 2019/20 when Prince Harry travelled to Canada for events like the Invictus Games and to date his future wife, Meghan Markle."
Rosie O'Donnell avoided weight loss drug side effects by taking it slowly
These costs were much higher than the $334,337 initially revealed by the RCMP in 2021, which "accounted for around 10% of the over $5.2 million spent during that period to provide security to more than 100 internationally protected persons who visited Canada."
#prince
Even worse, they also found out they spent more to cover the ginger prince over five years than any other internationally protected person over the same period.
According to a document obtained by CBC News (which it received under Canada's access to information law), "the RCMP spent at least $539,575 to provide security between 2014/15 and 2019/20 when Prince Harry travelled to Canada for events like the Invictus Games and to date his future wife, Meghan Markle."
Rosie O'Donnell avoided weight loss drug side effects by taking it slowly
These costs were much higher than the $334,337 initially revealed by the RCMP in 2021, which "accounted for around 10% of the over $5.2 million spent during that period to provide security to more than 100 internationally protected persons who visited Canada."
#prince
3 days ago
Social Security's share of older Americans' income climbs with age, reaching 40% among those 80 and older.
Most older adults supplement Social Security with wages, pensions, retirement funds, and income from ****** ets.
You may envision relying on Social Security during retirement, but the data shows older adults tend to depend on other income sources.
About 19% of Americans 65 and older rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income, according to a 2025 Congressional Research Service report. Other sources fill the gap, according to the ****** ysis: wages, pension and retirement fund payments, along with income from ****** ets. The report matched individual tax records with survey responses.
All told, Social Security accounted for 30% of income among Americans 65 and older, with wages contributing 27%, pensions and retirement funds 24%, and ****** et income 12%, the report found. The last category includes interest and dividends, as well as income from renting out property or owning a business.
#pensions
Most older adults supplement Social Security with wages, pensions, retirement funds, and income from ****** ets.
You may envision relying on Social Security during retirement, but the data shows older adults tend to depend on other income sources.
About 19% of Americans 65 and older rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income, according to a 2025 Congressional Research Service report. Other sources fill the gap, according to the ****** ysis: wages, pension and retirement fund payments, along with income from ****** ets. The report matched individual tax records with survey responses.
All told, Social Security accounted for 30% of income among Americans 65 and older, with wages contributing 27%, pensions and retirement funds 24%, and ****** et income 12%, the report found. The last category includes interest and dividends, as well as income from renting out property or owning a business.
#pensions
6 days ago
Watch Ceddanne Rafaela's Frustration Before Realizing He Hit Grand Slam originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On the swing that accounted for all four of the Boston Red Sox runs on Monday night in Sacramento against the A's, Ceddanne Rafaela thought he'd made an out.
He was hitting with the bases loaded, and he lofted a fly to left field, and he was ticked off.
Rafaela chucked the bat onto the ground in disgust as he jogged toward first base.
When he finally picked his head up, though, he learned that he had actually left the building.
#rafaela
On the swing that accounted for all four of the Boston Red Sox runs on Monday night in Sacramento against the A's, Ceddanne Rafaela thought he'd made an out.
He was hitting with the bases loaded, and he lofted a fly to left field, and he was ticked off.
Rafaela chucked the bat onto the ground in disgust as he jogged toward first base.
When he finally picked his head up, though, he learned that he had actually left the building.
#rafaela
9 days ago
Whether Kayshon Boutte remains a New England Patriot or not, the 24-year-old wide receiver was present and accounted for at the start of training camp.
Boutte is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and there's still a chance that he winds up on the trade block at some point. His presence on the roster makes the team better, but it won't benefit him in the long run with his future contract tied to this season's production.
The best opportunity for Boutte would come in an offense where he'd see significant snaps and maximize his stat output. He won't have an opportunity to do that in New England, where A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are expected to be the top receivers.
With that said, the Patriots aren't going to give Boutte away, either. NFL insider Albert Breer noted that he believed that the former LSU standout could have been had for a fifth-round draft pick during the 2026 NFL Draft. If that remains the case, a receiver-needy team could float the Patriots an offer at some point.
Until that happens, it looks like Boutte is in New England to stay.
#boutte #england #receiver #team
Boutte is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and there's still a chance that he winds up on the trade block at some point. His presence on the roster makes the team better, but it won't benefit him in the long run with his future contract tied to this season's production.
The best opportunity for Boutte would come in an offense where he'd see significant snaps and maximize his stat output. He won't have an opportunity to do that in New England, where A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are expected to be the top receivers.
With that said, the Patriots aren't going to give Boutte away, either. NFL insider Albert Breer noted that he believed that the former LSU standout could have been had for a fifth-round draft pick during the 2026 NFL Draft. If that remains the case, a receiver-needy team could float the Patriots an offer at some point.
Until that happens, it looks like Boutte is in New England to stay.
#boutte #england #receiver #team
9 days ago
Bengen's 2025 research drops the safe withdrawal rate to 4.2% for a 50-year retirement, undercutting the standard 4% rule for anyone retiring at 55.
Retiring at 55 forces a full decade of self-funded healthcare before Medicare at 65, a cost the original 4% rule never accounted for.
BLS data shows household spending peaks between ages 45 and 54, meaning early retirees exit income at their highest-spending years, not during natural tapering.
Don't wait: the ******* yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The 4% withdrawal rule has been a fixture of retirement planning for three decades and for good reason. It is simple, intuitive, and, for the right retiree, it can and has worked well. The challenge is that it was never designed for someone who would stop working at 55.
#spending
Retiring at 55 forces a full decade of self-funded healthcare before Medicare at 65, a cost the original 4% rule never accounted for.
BLS data shows household spending peaks between ages 45 and 54, meaning early retirees exit income at their highest-spending years, not during natural tapering.
Don't wait: the ******* yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The 4% withdrawal rule has been a fixture of retirement planning for three decades and for good reason. It is simple, intuitive, and, for the right retiree, it can and has worked well. The challenge is that it was never designed for someone who would stop working at 55.
#spending
9 days ago
In May, President Donald Trump said in an interview he was eager to open the vault at Fort Knox to ensure the U.S. reserves of gold—valued at more than $600 billion—were still there.
Trump was doubling down on plans he and Elon Musk, then-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made last year, calling on an audit of the reserves to delve into conspiracies that gold had been stolen.
Now, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is offering **** urance the cache of gold is indeed safe and sound—but is completely inconsequential to the value of the dollar today.
"The treasurer has been to Fort Knox," Bessent said in a recent Fox News appearance. "I am happy to say all gold is present and accounted for. The U.S. has the largest pile of gold in the world, over a trillion dollars at current market value."
Established in 1918 in Kentucky, Fort Knox was a key military installation for the U.S. through both World Wars and the Vietnam War. The Fort Knox Bullion Depository was added years later, holding much of the U.S. gold reserves beginning in 1937. Today it holds about 147.3 million ounces, worth about $608 billion, according to the U.S. Mint.
#World
Trump was doubling down on plans he and Elon Musk, then-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made last year, calling on an audit of the reserves to delve into conspiracies that gold had been stolen.
Now, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is offering **** urance the cache of gold is indeed safe and sound—but is completely inconsequential to the value of the dollar today.
"The treasurer has been to Fort Knox," Bessent said in a recent Fox News appearance. "I am happy to say all gold is present and accounted for. The U.S. has the largest pile of gold in the world, over a trillion dollars at current market value."
Established in 1918 in Kentucky, Fort Knox was a key military installation for the U.S. through both World Wars and the Vietnam War. The Fort Knox Bullion Depository was added years later, holding much of the U.S. gold reserves beginning in 1937. Today it holds about 147.3 million ounces, worth about $608 billion, according to the U.S. Mint.
#World
10 days ago
Alphabet made history Wednesday with a quarterly profit that stretched into 12 figures for the first time in the search giant's history—and perhaps for the first time in any company's history. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, grew its bottom line by 298% year-over-year in the second quarter, totaling an astounding $112.1 billion in net income.
That's more profit in three months than 459 of the Fortune 500 companies generate in top line revenue in a full year.
What gives? Alphabet's Q2 revenue increased by a very impressive 24%, to $119.8 billion, with the Google Cloud business reaching an 82% growth clip—results CEO Sundar Pichai called proof that the company's "full stack approach to AI is delivering real, measurable value."
Well, that—plus $99 billion in additional (or "other") income that's not directly produced by Alphabet's day-to-day business operations such as search advertising and YouTube subscriptions.
A footnote in Alphabet's Q2 earnings release provides a bit more insight about where these record-shattering profits came from. Alphabet booked $99 billion in "unrealized and realized" gains on the equity securities in its investment portfolio during the quarter—adding $77.1 billion to Alphabets overall net income after taxes, according. The investment windfall accounted for $6.26 of Alphabet's $9.11 in earnings per share.
Most of the $99 billion in "other income" is from Alphabet's AI investments, primarily Anthropic and ***** eX. Though it's unclear how much each of the individual investments contributed to the $99 billion gain, both companies saw their valuations soar in Q2.
#income
That's more profit in three months than 459 of the Fortune 500 companies generate in top line revenue in a full year.
What gives? Alphabet's Q2 revenue increased by a very impressive 24%, to $119.8 billion, with the Google Cloud business reaching an 82% growth clip—results CEO Sundar Pichai called proof that the company's "full stack approach to AI is delivering real, measurable value."
Well, that—plus $99 billion in additional (or "other") income that's not directly produced by Alphabet's day-to-day business operations such as search advertising and YouTube subscriptions.
A footnote in Alphabet's Q2 earnings release provides a bit more insight about where these record-shattering profits came from. Alphabet booked $99 billion in "unrealized and realized" gains on the equity securities in its investment portfolio during the quarter—adding $77.1 billion to Alphabets overall net income after taxes, according. The investment windfall accounted for $6.26 of Alphabet's $9.11 in earnings per share.
Most of the $99 billion in "other income" is from Alphabet's AI investments, primarily Anthropic and ***** eX. Though it's unclear how much each of the individual investments contributed to the $99 billion gain, both companies saw their valuations soar in Q2.
#income
10 days ago
Showing the kind of murderous touch that has made him the most feared batsman in the IPL, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blazed to his maiden international half-century as India thrashed Zimbabwe by seven wickets, with 40 ******* to spare, in the opening T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
Aged 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi smashed 50 off only 18 ******* in an innings studded with four sixes and four fours.
The teenage batting sensation had endured a difficult start to his international career during India's T20I series against England in July, after scores of 14 (10), 13 (5) and 15 (10) in his first three innings.
Returning to the scene of his 80-ball 175 against England in the 2026 U-19 World Cup final, the precociously talented opener produced a dazzling display to make light work of a modest 126-run chase, racing to an 18-ball fifty.
Sooryavanshi smashed 19 runs off Richard Ngarava in the second over, clobbering the left-arm pacer for two sixes.
Zimbabwe hit back in the third over as Blessing Muzarabani (2-26) had Abhishek Sharma, who scratched around for one off eight ******* , caught at deep backward point off a slash. But Sooryavanshi continued to attack, launching two more sixes straight down the ground besides several fiercely struck boundaries.
He eventually fell to Ngarava in the seventh over, chasing a wide delivery outside off and top-edging to Ben Curran at deep third. By then, however, India had raced to 68 and the youngster had virtually settled the contest.
The visitors completed the chase in just 13.2 overs. The win also ended new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer's winless run, as he registered his maiden victory in his eighth match in charge. Shreyas had lost six of his first seven games as captain during the tours of Ireland and England.
It was also India's first win to kick off the three-match series since lifting the 2026 T20 World Cup in March.
Earlier, India's new-look pace attack starred after the visitors elected to field, with Mayank Yadav (2-18) and Prince Yadav (2-19) sharing four wickets for just 37 runs in eight overs to restrict Zimbabwe to 125 for seven.
Vindicating the selectors' decision to back him despite an ordinary IPL 2026, Mayank made an immediate impact by dismissing opener Brian Bennett, who had scored 97 against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Chennai, with the very first ball of the match.
His 150 kmph thunderbolt brushed Bennett's bat before carrying through to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, whose review overturned the umpire's decision. Mayank struck again in the fifth over, removing No. 3 batter Dion Myers for six, caught at mid-on.
Prince accounted for the other opener, debutant Ben Curran, as Zimbabwe slumped to 20 for three. The hosts slipped further to 32 for four in the eighth over when captain Sikandar Raza (4) pulled Shivam Dube straight to substitute fielder Suryansh Shedge at deep midwicket.
132599382
Brief scores: India 126 for 3 (Sooryavanshi 50, Kisha
Aged 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi smashed 50 off only 18 ******* in an innings studded with four sixes and four fours.
The teenage batting sensation had endured a difficult start to his international career during India's T20I series against England in July, after scores of 14 (10), 13 (5) and 15 (10) in his first three innings.
Returning to the scene of his 80-ball 175 against England in the 2026 U-19 World Cup final, the precociously talented opener produced a dazzling display to make light work of a modest 126-run chase, racing to an 18-ball fifty.
Sooryavanshi smashed 19 runs off Richard Ngarava in the second over, clobbering the left-arm pacer for two sixes.
Zimbabwe hit back in the third over as Blessing Muzarabani (2-26) had Abhishek Sharma, who scratched around for one off eight ******* , caught at deep backward point off a slash. But Sooryavanshi continued to attack, launching two more sixes straight down the ground besides several fiercely struck boundaries.
He eventually fell to Ngarava in the seventh over, chasing a wide delivery outside off and top-edging to Ben Curran at deep third. By then, however, India had raced to 68 and the youngster had virtually settled the contest.
The visitors completed the chase in just 13.2 overs. The win also ended new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer's winless run, as he registered his maiden victory in his eighth match in charge. Shreyas had lost six of his first seven games as captain during the tours of Ireland and England.
It was also India's first win to kick off the three-match series since lifting the 2026 T20 World Cup in March.
Earlier, India's new-look pace attack starred after the visitors elected to field, with Mayank Yadav (2-18) and Prince Yadav (2-19) sharing four wickets for just 37 runs in eight overs to restrict Zimbabwe to 125 for seven.
Vindicating the selectors' decision to back him despite an ordinary IPL 2026, Mayank made an immediate impact by dismissing opener Brian Bennett, who had scored 97 against India in the 2026 T20 World Cup in Chennai, with the very first ball of the match.
His 150 kmph thunderbolt brushed Bennett's bat before carrying through to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, whose review overturned the umpire's decision. Mayank struck again in the fifth over, removing No. 3 batter Dion Myers for six, caught at mid-on.
Prince accounted for the other opener, debutant Ben Curran, as Zimbabwe slumped to 20 for three. The hosts slipped further to 32 for four in the eighth over when captain Sikandar Raza (4) pulled Shivam Dube straight to substitute fielder Suryansh Shedge at deep midwicket.
132599382
Brief scores: India 126 for 3 (Sooryavanshi 50, Kisha
10 days ago
Norfolk Tides @ Charlotte Knights — Postponed due to weather
The Knights and Tides will make up Thursday's game as a part of a doubleheader on Friday, July 24.
Montgomery Biscuits 6, Birmingham Barons 4
A three-run eighth inning for the Biscuits (46-46) was the difference in this one, as the Barons (35-58) fumbled the lead to drop their second of the series, 6-4. Even though he gave up a home run, lefthander Lucas Gordon put together a decent enough start for Birmingham to win the game, but the bullpen couldn't hold up its end of the bargain. Gordon surrendered three runs on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts, but Pierce George gave up a game-tying double followed by a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth that immediately sent their chances of winning off a cliff.
The Barons outhit Montgomery, 10-6, with 60% of those mashed for extra bases: four doubles and two home runs. B-ham went 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left five on base, and the Biscuits were nearly identical on that front except they left four on instead. Anthony DePino (one) and Colby Shelton (two) accounted for three of the four two-baggers and posted two hits apiece. The long ******* , however, were both solo shots, one by Jorge Corona and the other by Adam Fogel.
MVP
Colby Shelton (2B): 2-for-4, RBI, 2 2B
Runners-Up
Caleb Bonemer (SS): 1-for-4, R, 2B, K
Anthony DePino (DH): 2-for-4, RBI, K, 2B
Jorge Corona (1B): 1-for-4, R, RBI, HR
Liam Paddack (LHRP): 1 IP, H, BB, K, PO, Hold
Morris Austin (RHRP): 1 IP, 0 H, BB, K, Hold
#barons #three #knights #birmingham
The Knights and Tides will make up Thursday's game as a part of a doubleheader on Friday, July 24.
Montgomery Biscuits 6, Birmingham Barons 4
A three-run eighth inning for the Biscuits (46-46) was the difference in this one, as the Barons (35-58) fumbled the lead to drop their second of the series, 6-4. Even though he gave up a home run, lefthander Lucas Gordon put together a decent enough start for Birmingham to win the game, but the bullpen couldn't hold up its end of the bargain. Gordon surrendered three runs on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts, but Pierce George gave up a game-tying double followed by a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth that immediately sent their chances of winning off a cliff.
The Barons outhit Montgomery, 10-6, with 60% of those mashed for extra bases: four doubles and two home runs. B-ham went 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left five on base, and the Biscuits were nearly identical on that front except they left four on instead. Anthony DePino (one) and Colby Shelton (two) accounted for three of the four two-baggers and posted two hits apiece. The long ******* , however, were both solo shots, one by Jorge Corona and the other by Adam Fogel.
MVP
Colby Shelton (2B): 2-for-4, RBI, 2 2B
Runners-Up
Caleb Bonemer (SS): 1-for-4, R, 2B, K
Anthony DePino (DH): 2-for-4, RBI, K, 2B
Jorge Corona (1B): 1-for-4, R, RBI, HR
Liam Paddack (LHRP): 1 IP, H, BB, K, PO, Hold
Morris Austin (RHRP): 1 IP, 0 H, BB, K, Hold
#barons #three #knights #birmingham
10 days ago
China produced a record amount of crude oil last year, at 216 million tons, with natural gas production also rising substantially, the National Energy Administration reported today.
Together, the oil and gas output of China in terms of oil equivalent rose to 420 million tons—a record high. Natural gas alone rose by 10 billion cubic meters last year. The annual growth rate was unchanged for the ninth year in a row, the NEA said.
Chinese oil and gas companies also boosted their reserves, with new recoverable oil and gas volumes at 1.32 billion tons of oil equivalent, the report also revealed. This was a 5.6% increase on the year. Of that total, newly discovered conventional oil and gas accounted for 1.29 billion tons, while unconventional oil and gas accounted for 30 million tons.
China has been putting a lot of effort into reducing its dependence on imported energy, and the war between the United States and Iran has helped—as has the government's strategy of filling up storage with discount Russian and Iranian crude over the last two years. This gave China a supply cushion of an estimated 1 billion barrels that it tapped into when the war prompted a surge in international oil prices.
Higher domestic production has also helped but to a lesser extent—China is still nowhere near any meaningful self-reliance in energy commodities as demand rises much faster than local production of oil and gas.
#production #natural #record
Together, the oil and gas output of China in terms of oil equivalent rose to 420 million tons—a record high. Natural gas alone rose by 10 billion cubic meters last year. The annual growth rate was unchanged for the ninth year in a row, the NEA said.
Chinese oil and gas companies also boosted their reserves, with new recoverable oil and gas volumes at 1.32 billion tons of oil equivalent, the report also revealed. This was a 5.6% increase on the year. Of that total, newly discovered conventional oil and gas accounted for 1.29 billion tons, while unconventional oil and gas accounted for 30 million tons.
China has been putting a lot of effort into reducing its dependence on imported energy, and the war between the United States and Iran has helped—as has the government's strategy of filling up storage with discount Russian and Iranian crude over the last two years. This gave China a supply cushion of an estimated 1 billion barrels that it tapped into when the war prompted a surge in international oil prices.
Higher domestic production has also helped but to a lesser extent—China is still nowhere near any meaningful self-reliance in energy commodities as demand rises much faster than local production of oil and gas.
#production #natural #record
11 days ago
Single-asset continuation funds carried secondary deal volume to a first-half record in 2026, according to one of the most active intermediaries in the ***** e.
The total surpassed $120 billion in the first six months of the year, a 20% jump over H1 2025, the previous record, according to Evercore.
GP-led transactions, which are centered on one or a small number of companies, accounted for 53.7% of deal volume as sponsors turned to the vehicles to generate distributions for investors and get more time to hold onto "trophy" ***** ets.
That's a switch-up from years prior, when LP-led transactions accounted for the largest share of deal volume, driven by favorable pricing and muted distributions, per Evercore's data. Such deals involve acquiring stakes in private funds, typically offloaded by institutional investors.
In H1 2026, single ***** et continuation vehicles accounted for $34 billion of deal value, representing over half of the GP-led volume in the period. Evercore attributed this to sponsors wanting to extend ownership of their highest-conviction ***** ets.
#volume
The total surpassed $120 billion in the first six months of the year, a 20% jump over H1 2025, the previous record, according to Evercore.
GP-led transactions, which are centered on one or a small number of companies, accounted for 53.7% of deal volume as sponsors turned to the vehicles to generate distributions for investors and get more time to hold onto "trophy" ***** ets.
That's a switch-up from years prior, when LP-led transactions accounted for the largest share of deal volume, driven by favorable pricing and muted distributions, per Evercore's data. Such deals involve acquiring stakes in private funds, typically offloaded by institutional investors.
In H1 2026, single ***** et continuation vehicles accounted for $34 billion of deal value, representing over half of the GP-led volume in the period. Evercore attributed this to sponsors wanting to extend ownership of their highest-conviction ***** ets.
#volume
13 days ago
Andy Burnham will become the United Kingdom's seventh prime minister in a decade on Monday, and must face the consequences of a bond market fiasco from three administrations ago.
A report from the International Monetary Fund this week highlighted the baggage that still hangs over the world's fifth largest economy: a 2022 budget with unfunded spending hikes and tax cuts that sparked an investor revolt leading to the ouster of Liz Truss as premier after only 44 days.
"Market feedback suggests that the September 2022 gilt market turmoil marked a structural shift in the fragility of the gilt market," it said. "Policy credibility and predictability are key to strengthening market confidence and reversing the impact of the September 2022 episode."
The IMF added that foreign investors have become bigger participants in the U.K. bond market, estimating that global factors accounted for 60%-90% of the variation in yields between 2020 and 2026.
That could leave the U.K. more vulnerable to volatile capital flows and "fast money" that's more price sensitive, the report warned.
A report from the International Monetary Fund this week highlighted the baggage that still hangs over the world's fifth largest economy: a 2022 budget with unfunded spending hikes and tax cuts that sparked an investor revolt leading to the ouster of Liz Truss as premier after only 44 days.
"Market feedback suggests that the September 2022 gilt market turmoil marked a structural shift in the fragility of the gilt market," it said. "Policy credibility and predictability are key to strengthening market confidence and reversing the impact of the September 2022 episode."
The IMF added that foreign investors have become bigger participants in the U.K. bond market, estimating that global factors accounted for 60%-90% of the variation in yields between 2020 and 2026.
That could leave the U.K. more vulnerable to volatile capital flows and "fast money" that's more price sensitive, the report warned.
15 days ago
Actor Ben Affleck's net worth has taken a massive leap following the blockbuster sale of his stealth AI startup, InterPositive, to streaming giant Netflix. The recent regulatory filing revealing a $587 million purchase price has officially rewritten the actor-director's financial trajectory, transforming him from an A-list movie star into a top-tier tech founder. Prior to the landmark March 2026 acquisition, industry trackers valued Affleck's wealth around $150 million to $200 million. Now, liquidating his stake in one of Netflix's largest acquisitions to date has comfortably catapulted his net worth past the $300 million mark, setting a new blueprint for celebrity wealth in the digital age.
Although he is best known for his movies, Affleck significantly increased his net worth after selling his AI startup, InterPositive, to Netflix. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the actor's net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. That's a big jump compared to his frequent collaborator Matt Damon, whose net worth is only estimated to be around $170 million.
So where did that large number come from? Over the decades, the actor has earned hundreds of millions of dollars in film salaries and backend bonuses. In addition to his roles in front of the camera, he has earned millions as a director and producer. However, it's the March 2026 sale of his stealth AI filmmaking company, InterPositive, to Netflix that has really boosted his net worth.
On Friday, July 17, the streamer disclosed that it paid $587 million for InterPositive in cash. The disclosure was released in the company's Form 10-Q. The filing states, "In March 2026, the Company completed an acquisition which was accounted for as a business combination for a total purchase price of approximately $587 million, consisting of cash consideration," as published in The Hollywood Reporter.
Although the filing didn't name InterPositive, Netflix announced the deal on March 5. Even though the sale is relatively recent, InterPositive is not a new company. It was created in 2022 and began exploring the AI ***** e, with an emphasis on altering a production's visual effects without inhibiting the creative aspects of filmmaking.
Although he is best known for his movies, Affleck significantly increased his net worth after selling his AI startup, InterPositive, to Netflix. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the actor's net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. That's a big jump compared to his frequent collaborator Matt Damon, whose net worth is only estimated to be around $170 million.
So where did that large number come from? Over the decades, the actor has earned hundreds of millions of dollars in film salaries and backend bonuses. In addition to his roles in front of the camera, he has earned millions as a director and producer. However, it's the March 2026 sale of his stealth AI filmmaking company, InterPositive, to Netflix that has really boosted his net worth.
On Friday, July 17, the streamer disclosed that it paid $587 million for InterPositive in cash. The disclosure was released in the company's Form 10-Q. The filing states, "In March 2026, the Company completed an acquisition which was accounted for as a business combination for a total purchase price of approximately $587 million, consisting of cash consideration," as published in The Hollywood Reporter.
Although the filing didn't name InterPositive, Netflix announced the deal on March 5. Even though the sale is relatively recent, InterPositive is not a new company. It was created in 2022 and began exploring the AI ***** e, with an emphasis on altering a production's visual effects without inhibiting the creative aspects of filmmaking.
15 days ago
Wall Street's biggest banks just posted a record first half, turbocharged by stock trading, dealmaking, and financing tied to the AI boom.
The country's five largest Wall Street banks — JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), Goldman Sachs (GS), and Morgan Stanley (MS) — collectively reported $114 billion of capital markets revenue in the first six months of 2026, up 31.5% from a year earlier. Stock trading accounted for more than half of the increase.
The windfall showed just how deeply the AI frenzy is feeding Wall Street's profit machine. It also raises the big question: How much does the sector's momentum depend on the AI revolution?
AI is the "No. 1 earnings driver" for big banks this year, Wells Fargo **** yst Mike Mayo said in an interview. He compares the capital demands from tech firms, utilities, and related industries to a "100-foot wave" lifting Wall Street.
"Big waves can cause big falls," Mayo said, but added he doesn't expect a wipeout over the next year.
The country's five largest Wall Street banks — JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), Goldman Sachs (GS), and Morgan Stanley (MS) — collectively reported $114 billion of capital markets revenue in the first six months of 2026, up 31.5% from a year earlier. Stock trading accounted for more than half of the increase.
The windfall showed just how deeply the AI frenzy is feeding Wall Street's profit machine. It also raises the big question: How much does the sector's momentum depend on the AI revolution?
AI is the "No. 1 earnings driver" for big banks this year, Wells Fargo **** yst Mike Mayo said in an interview. He compares the capital demands from tech firms, utilities, and related industries to a "100-foot wave" lifting Wall Street.
"Big waves can cause big falls," Mayo said, but added he doesn't expect a wipeout over the next year.
17 days ago
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You may have heard that you need a 20% down payment to buy a home, but that isn't the case. In reality, many types of mortgage loans allow for a lot less. One of the most common low-down-payment options is the 3%-down conventional loan, which allows you to put down just 3% of the purchase price when taking out a mortgage.
MORE: See our top picks for mortgage lenders accepting low or no down payments.
The 3%-down mortgage is a type of conventional loan called a conforming loan. These are offered by private mortgage lenders, but their rules are set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that keep money flowing into the mortgage market by purchasing loans and selling them later on to investors.
Conventional loans are offered by most mortgage lenders and are the most common type of mortgage in the U.S. According to Home Mortgage Disclosure Data, they accounted for roughly 9.2 million of the 12.2 million mortgage loans issued in 2024.
You may have heard that you need a 20% down payment to buy a home, but that isn't the case. In reality, many types of mortgage loans allow for a lot less. One of the most common low-down-payment options is the 3%-down conventional loan, which allows you to put down just 3% of the purchase price when taking out a mortgage.
MORE: See our top picks for mortgage lenders accepting low or no down payments.
The 3%-down mortgage is a type of conventional loan called a conforming loan. These are offered by private mortgage lenders, but their rules are set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that keep money flowing into the mortgage market by purchasing loans and selling them later on to investors.
Conventional loans are offered by most mortgage lenders and are the most common type of mortgage in the U.S. According to Home Mortgage Disclosure Data, they accounted for roughly 9.2 million of the 12.2 million mortgage loans issued in 2024.
17 days ago
Wholesale inflation dipped in June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday, with the Producer Price Index for final demand falling 0.3%. It marked the first time the index has moved lower on a monthly basis since August 2025. And the June pullback in wholesale prices came before the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran collapsed, driving oil prices higher again.
Final demand prices had risen 0.6% in May and 1.1% in April. On an annual basis, the index for final demand rose 5.5% through June.
The June decline was driven by a 1.4% drop in prices for final demand goods — the largest such decrease since July 2022, when goods prices fell 1.9%. Energy prices led the goods decline, falling 6.4% for the month. Food prices also slipped 0.6%. Prices for final demand goods excluding food and energy edged up 0.2%.
Gasoline accounted for nearly two-thirds of the June decline in final demand goods prices, dropping 12%. Diesel fuel, jet fuel, fresh vegetables, crude petroleum, and thermoplastic resins also fell. Plastic products and residential electric power were among the categories that posted increases.
Final demand services prices rose 0.2% in June after falling 0.1% in May. More than 60% of that gain came from trade services margins, which advanced 0.4%. Margins for fuels and lubricants retailing jumped 13%, accounting for roughly half of the services increase. Margins for machinery and vehicle wholesaling declined 8.4%.
Final demand prices had risen 0.6% in May and 1.1% in April. On an annual basis, the index for final demand rose 5.5% through June.
The June decline was driven by a 1.4% drop in prices for final demand goods — the largest such decrease since July 2022, when goods prices fell 1.9%. Energy prices led the goods decline, falling 6.4% for the month. Food prices also slipped 0.6%. Prices for final demand goods excluding food and energy edged up 0.2%.
Gasoline accounted for nearly two-thirds of the June decline in final demand goods prices, dropping 12%. Diesel fuel, jet fuel, fresh vegetables, crude petroleum, and thermoplastic resins also fell. Plastic products and residential electric power were among the categories that posted increases.
Final demand services prices rose 0.2% in June after falling 0.1% in May. More than 60% of that gain came from trade services margins, which advanced 0.4%. Margins for fuels and lubricants retailing jumped 13%, accounting for roughly half of the services increase. Margins for machinery and vehicle wholesaling declined 8.4%.
17 days ago
The Mortgage Bankers **** ociation reported a 2.7% drop in total mortgage application volume for the week ending July 10, as the 30-year fixed rate climbed to its highest point in nearly a year.
The MBA reported that the average contract interest rate on conforming 30-year fixed mortgages climbed to 6.65% — its highest reading since August 2025 — up from 6.58% the week before, with points ticking up to 0.67 from 0.64 on loans carrying a 20% down payment, after accounting for the origination fee.
Purchase mortgage applications slipped 7% week over week and trailed the comparable period from a year earlier by 2%, the MBA said. "Mortgage applications declined as the 30-year fixed rate increased to 6.65 percent, the highest level since August 2025. Purchase applications were down over the week and dipped below last year's pace in the week following the July 4th holiday," Joel Kan, MBA's vice president and deputy chief economist, said in a statement.
Prospective buyers continue to face a difficult market, squeezed by elevated home prices and a thin supply of affordable listings, according to CNBC.
Refinance applications moved in the opposite direction, rising 4% for the week and running 7% above the same period a year ago. Refinances accounted for 43.2% of all mortgage applications, up from a 40.6% share the week before, the MBA said. FHA refinance applications rose 9% and VA refinance applications gained 10%.
The MBA reported that the average contract interest rate on conforming 30-year fixed mortgages climbed to 6.65% — its highest reading since August 2025 — up from 6.58% the week before, with points ticking up to 0.67 from 0.64 on loans carrying a 20% down payment, after accounting for the origination fee.
Purchase mortgage applications slipped 7% week over week and trailed the comparable period from a year earlier by 2%, the MBA said. "Mortgage applications declined as the 30-year fixed rate increased to 6.65 percent, the highest level since August 2025. Purchase applications were down over the week and dipped below last year's pace in the week following the July 4th holiday," Joel Kan, MBA's vice president and deputy chief economist, said in a statement.
Prospective buyers continue to face a difficult market, squeezed by elevated home prices and a thin supply of affordable listings, according to CNBC.
Refinance applications moved in the opposite direction, rising 4% for the week and running 7% above the same period a year ago. Refinances accounted for 43.2% of all mortgage applications, up from a 40.6% share the week before, the MBA said. FHA refinance applications rose 9% and VA refinance applications gained 10%.
18 days ago
George Pachantouris/Getty Images
European PE sponsors are striking new deals faster than they can exit old ones, and the gap is widening.
According to PitchBook's Q2 2026 European PE Breakdown, the continent's deals-to-exit ratio widened from 2.4x in 2025 to 2.9x in the first half of this year, the highest level in at least a decade. Around 1,556 deals were struck in the first six months of 2026, while only 537 ****** ets were realized.
The backlog continues to build despite a 29.7% quarter-over-quarter surge in exit value to €98.8 billion (about $113.3 billion), the best quarter in three years. However, exit count remained flat, showing that exits are concentrated in a small number of very large realizations.
In fact, 22 mega-exits accounted for 65.8% of all exit value, compared with an average of 43.6% over the past decade. It's a top-of-market clearing event that's lifting a select group of sponsors holding marquee ****** ets, while the rest of the market remains largely stalled beneath it, according to the report.
European PE sponsors are striking new deals faster than they can exit old ones, and the gap is widening.
According to PitchBook's Q2 2026 European PE Breakdown, the continent's deals-to-exit ratio widened from 2.4x in 2025 to 2.9x in the first half of this year, the highest level in at least a decade. Around 1,556 deals were struck in the first six months of 2026, while only 537 ****** ets were realized.
The backlog continues to build despite a 29.7% quarter-over-quarter surge in exit value to €98.8 billion (about $113.3 billion), the best quarter in three years. However, exit count remained flat, showing that exits are concentrated in a small number of very large realizations.
In fact, 22 mega-exits accounted for 65.8% of all exit value, compared with an average of 43.6% over the past decade. It's a top-of-market clearing event that's lifting a select group of sponsors holding marquee ****** ets, while the rest of the market remains largely stalled beneath it, according to the report.
19 days ago
Box Score
The All-Star Game took place on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, but it was a one-sided affair the whole way. A three-run first inning by the AL gave them a lead that they would hold throughout the game, finishing with a 4-0 victory over the NL.
Even though the hometown ace, Cristopher Sánchez, got the start in this one, pitching at home didn’t help him at all. The AL sent eight men to the plate in the first. The big two hits were an RBI single by Cody Bellinger that scored two, and another RBI single from Ben Rice that scored the third run. Before the NL could even bat, they were down 3-0.
Once they were up to bat, the AL pitching staff nearly held them in check completely. The NL had just two baserunners — a hit and a walk — through the first six innings. They didn’t record their second hit until the eighth inning. As a whole, they struck out 15 batters while allowing just three hits and two walks.
The fourth run for the AL came in the eighth inning, when Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run off Justin Wrobleski. That accounted for the final score of the game.
The All-Star Game took place on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, but it was a one-sided affair the whole way. A three-run first inning by the AL gave them a lead that they would hold throughout the game, finishing with a 4-0 victory over the NL.
Even though the hometown ace, Cristopher Sánchez, got the start in this one, pitching at home didn’t help him at all. The AL sent eight men to the plate in the first. The big two hits were an RBI single by Cody Bellinger that scored two, and another RBI single from Ben Rice that scored the third run. Before the NL could even bat, they were down 3-0.
Once they were up to bat, the AL pitching staff nearly held them in check completely. The NL had just two baserunners — a hit and a walk — through the first six innings. They didn’t record their second hit until the eighth inning. As a whole, they struck out 15 batters while allowing just three hits and two walks.
The fourth run for the AL came in the eighth inning, when Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run off Justin Wrobleski. That accounted for the final score of the game.
19 days ago
The Coachella Valley has perhaps never had a group of quarterbacks quite as good, collectively, as the group that played during the 2025 high school football season. They were that impressive.
Bishop Miller V of Palm Springs High School and A.J. Rivera of Palm Desert were co-Offensive MVPs in the Desert Empire League. Each player accounted for at least 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns, with Rivera setting the school record for passing yards and touchdowns in a season.
Then there was the record breaking quarterback at Shadow Hills, Jesse Rodriguez, who threw for a valley-high 2,844 yards to go with 27 touchdowns, and All-DEL first team quarterback Roman Ansley of La Quinta, just to name a few.
This season, the crop of quarterbacks could be just as potent, depending on who you ask. With the 2026 season quickly approaching, the guys who return under center should provide a lot of excitement for valley football fans.
In this story, we’ll highlight the five who already have our attention entering the season, which begins Aug. 21.
Bishop Miller V of Palm Springs High School and A.J. Rivera of Palm Desert were co-Offensive MVPs in the Desert Empire League. Each player accounted for at least 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns, with Rivera setting the school record for passing yards and touchdowns in a season.
Then there was the record breaking quarterback at Shadow Hills, Jesse Rodriguez, who threw for a valley-high 2,844 yards to go with 27 touchdowns, and All-DEL first team quarterback Roman Ansley of La Quinta, just to name a few.
This season, the crop of quarterbacks could be just as potent, depending on who you ask. With the 2026 season quickly approaching, the guys who return under center should provide a lot of excitement for valley football fans.
In this story, we’ll highlight the five who already have our attention entering the season, which begins Aug. 21.
19 days ago
Martin Priestley/Getty Images
European dealmaking was more durable than its global counterparts in the second quarter of this year, holding up amid a wave of geopolitical uncertainty that hit other major markets much harder.
European M&A value fell 6.4% QoQ in Q2 to $344 billion, a shallower decline than the 24.3% drop recorded in North America, according to PitchBook's Q2 2026 Global M&A Report. Deal count moved in the opposite direction, up 0.9% in Europe to 5,061, even as it fell an estimated 7.3% in North America.
The resilience has been building for a year, as both sponsors and corporate acquirers have increasingly targeted Europe in search of higher returns. The region's fragmentation, need for localized expertise, and lower entry multiples than North America have made it an attractive hunting ground. At the same time, large family-owned businesses based in countries such as Italy and Spain remain largely untapped by PE.
That resilience showed up most clearly in B2B, Europe's strongest sector of the quarter, where deal value rose 35.6% quarter-over-quarter to $129 billion. Two megadeals accounted for roughly a third of the region's B2B deal value: Finnish elevator maker Kone, together with existing investors Advent International and Cinven, agreed to buy German rival TK Elevator for $34.3 billion in April, while EQT agreed to take product-testing firm Intertek private for $14.6 billion at a 62% premium to its listed shares in June.
European dealmaking was more durable than its global counterparts in the second quarter of this year, holding up amid a wave of geopolitical uncertainty that hit other major markets much harder.
European M&A value fell 6.4% QoQ in Q2 to $344 billion, a shallower decline than the 24.3% drop recorded in North America, according to PitchBook's Q2 2026 Global M&A Report. Deal count moved in the opposite direction, up 0.9% in Europe to 5,061, even as it fell an estimated 7.3% in North America.
The resilience has been building for a year, as both sponsors and corporate acquirers have increasingly targeted Europe in search of higher returns. The region's fragmentation, need for localized expertise, and lower entry multiples than North America have made it an attractive hunting ground. At the same time, large family-owned businesses based in countries such as Italy and Spain remain largely untapped by PE.
That resilience showed up most clearly in B2B, Europe's strongest sector of the quarter, where deal value rose 35.6% quarter-over-quarter to $129 billion. Two megadeals accounted for roughly a third of the region's B2B deal value: Finnish elevator maker Kone, together with existing investors Advent International and Cinven, agreed to buy German rival TK Elevator for $34.3 billion in April, while EQT agreed to take product-testing firm Intertek private for $14.6 billion at a 62% premium to its listed shares in June.
21 days ago
At least 12 people have died and 23 others are unaccounted for as firefighters in southern Spain battle a rapidly spreading wildfire, officials said.
The identities of the deceased -- who were located in the southeastern village of Bedar -- are not known yet but foreign nationals are among them, Spain's Civil Protection said on Saturday.
The weather is expected to be better on Saturday, allowing firefighters to contain the fire, officials said.
Andalusian regional leader Juanma Moreno said in a Friday post on X that at least eight people had been injured, including four who were in serious condition.
In an interview Friday morning on Spanish radio, Moreno said four of those killed were believed to be British nationals who became trapped in a car while trying to escape the flames.
The identities of the deceased -- who were located in the southeastern village of Bedar -- are not known yet but foreign nationals are among them, Spain's Civil Protection said on Saturday.
The weather is expected to be better on Saturday, allowing firefighters to contain the fire, officials said.
Andalusian regional leader Juanma Moreno said in a Friday post on X that at least eight people had been injured, including four who were in serious condition.
In an interview Friday morning on Spanish radio, Moreno said four of those killed were believed to be British nationals who became trapped in a car while trying to escape the flames.
23 days ago
Binance users doubled their flows to artificial intelligence (AI) memory stocks to $133 million last week, concentrating capital into a key theme even as the sector sold off.
The move ran against the tape. Memory names were selling off, yet SanDisk (SNDK) and Micron (MU) together accounted for 79% of net equity inflows on the platform.
The figures come from Binance Research, whose weekly fund flow report covers the week ending July 8. Total net flow reached $169.2 million, down 12% from the prior week.
The decline reflects the July 4 holiday, which left only four US trading sessions. On a per-session basis, demand actually rose.
Technology attracted $191 million in inflows, accounting for 113% of the week's $169 million net total. AI memory doubled to $133 million, making it the largest theme. SanDisk took $67 million, and Micron Technology took $66 million.
The move ran against the tape. Memory names were selling off, yet SanDisk (SNDK) and Micron (MU) together accounted for 79% of net equity inflows on the platform.
The figures come from Binance Research, whose weekly fund flow report covers the week ending July 8. Total net flow reached $169.2 million, down 12% from the prior week.
The decline reflects the July 4 holiday, which left only four US trading sessions. On a per-session basis, demand actually rose.
Technology attracted $191 million in inflows, accounting for 113% of the week's $169 million net total. AI memory doubled to $133 million, making it the largest theme. SanDisk took $67 million, and Micron Technology took $66 million.
23 days ago
Arbitrum's ARB token (CRYPTO: $ARB) jumped 19% Thursday as trading on Robinhood's (NASDAQ: $HOOD) new blockchain pushed daily volume past $568 million and started sending revenue back into the Arbitrum ecosystem.
ARB led gains among the top 100 cryptocurrencies, while bitcoin rose about 1.5% and ether added 0.5%. The outperformance followed a fast start for Robinhood Chain, which opened to the public last week after being built on Arbitrum's technology stack.
Robinhood Chain processed more than $568 million in trading volume on Wednesday, followed by another $350 million by Thursday. Memecoin activity accounted for much of the early rush, while stablecoin balances on the network climbed above $260 million during its first week.
More From Cryptoprowl:
Ripple, The Company Behind XRP, Is Valued At $50 Billion
ARB led gains among the top 100 cryptocurrencies, while bitcoin rose about 1.5% and ether added 0.5%. The outperformance followed a fast start for Robinhood Chain, which opened to the public last week after being built on Arbitrum's technology stack.
Robinhood Chain processed more than $568 million in trading volume on Wednesday, followed by another $350 million by Thursday. Memecoin activity accounted for much of the early rush, while stablecoin balances on the network climbed above $260 million during its first week.
More From Cryptoprowl:
Ripple, The Company Behind XRP, Is Valued At $50 Billion
23 days ago
M&A in the energy sector is soaring as developers of AI projects look to bypass the growing practical and regulatory hurdles to launching new power generation projects.
The total value of global energy M&A reached an estimated $217 billion in Q2, growing 62% from the prior quarter and nearly fivefold year-over-year, according to PitchBook's latest Global M&A Report. That figure lands just shy of the $220.3 billion record for the energy sector set in Q4 2023.
Deal count shows a more modest growth, rising roughly 13% year-over-year to an estimated 409. North America alone accounted for 77% of total deal value, at $166.9 billion.
The momentum was propelled by a mega-trend: the need to meet explosive electricity demand driven by the breakneck expansion of AI data centers.
It's now the largest driver of M&A activity in this sector, if not the only one, said KPMG partner Stephen Binz.
The total value of global energy M&A reached an estimated $217 billion in Q2, growing 62% from the prior quarter and nearly fivefold year-over-year, according to PitchBook's latest Global M&A Report. That figure lands just shy of the $220.3 billion record for the energy sector set in Q4 2023.
Deal count shows a more modest growth, rising roughly 13% year-over-year to an estimated 409. North America alone accounted for 77% of total deal value, at $166.9 billion.
The momentum was propelled by a mega-trend: the need to meet explosive electricity demand driven by the breakneck expansion of AI data centers.
It's now the largest driver of M&A activity in this sector, if not the only one, said KPMG partner Stephen Binz.
