Real Madrid are back in domestic action on Saturday, as they prepare to host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho's side are aiming to bounce back after their narrow defeat at the hands of Real Betis last weekend, and three points would take them level with arch rivals Barcelona, who are not in action until Sunday.
Real Madrid have been excellent at the Bernabeu so far this season, with three victories out of three and 10 goals scored. They will hope to build on the weekend win over Inter Milan in the Champions League, and they face an opponent in Rayo that have struggled to stop the goals from going in.
Rayo have conceded 10 goals in their opening four La Liga matches, with half of those coming in a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona. Los Franjirrojos are feeling the absence of starting goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who is currently sidelined with a broken leg, which he sustained against Alaves last month. Dani Cardenas has failed to live up to the Argentine's standards, and if that continues to be the case at the Bernabeu, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham will be licking their licks.
At the other end, Real Madrid must keep Sergio Camello quiet. The former Atletico Madrid striker has scored five goals in his last three matches, with two of those coming in the aforementioned defeat to Barcelona. However, Rayo will be without talented winger Jorge de Frutos, who was sent off against Racing de Santander last weekend.
It is no surprise that Real Madrid start as heavy favourites, and if they play to their best, they should dispatch Rayo will relatively ease. However, Mourinho will be making it very clear that they cannot take the Vallecas side for granted, as they are capable of causing problems in attack.

#bernabeu #goals

This may come as somewhat of a shock, but the White Sox lost again Friday night. I know, who could've seen it coming that the team that has looked like a dumpster fire since late August would once again do everything possible to lose a game.
I don't even know how to feel, but I do know I feel numb. Just another game where the White Sox gave false hope, had plenty of opportunities to grab the win, and instead tripped over their own feet and got caught with their pants around their ankles.
It's usually a great sign to get a homer on the first pitch of the game, which Chase Meidroth did later than usual thanks to a 70-minute "rain delay" to start the game. That was followed by a Randal Grichuk double, six total bases on three pitches that got fans hopeful that the team wouldn't completely choke. Unfortunately, the starting burst was followed by a weak ground out and two awful at-bats that ended in strikeouts.
Say I'm a pessimist or "not a real fan," I don't care; anybody that's been following this team lately with a pulse knew what kind of game we were in store for. It was at that time I started checking the score of the Cleveland Guardians, game knowing what was bound to happen. Like a fool who believed in the White Sox, I also believed that maybe the Guardians wouldn't pull a win out of their hat late.
As we kept our eyes on the Cleveland score, the White Sox immediately gave back a run in the first. They never like holding a lead for long, and what are the White Sox if not predictable?

#white #don 't

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) reported on September 7 that it averaged 101 revenue-earning drilling rigs in the United States during August and 100 over the two months ended August 31.
The count measures rigs earning revenue under drilling contracts. The announcement provided no day rates, contract duration, utilization by rig class, or margins. Management explicitly cautioned that rig-count trends alone may not indicate financial performance.
For investors, the update supplies evidence that customers are putting equipment to work. Whether that activity produces better returns depends on the revenue earned and costs incurred for each contracted rig.
The two-month average is consistent with management's earlier outlook for approximately 100 U.S. rigs in the third quarter, compared with 92 in the second quarter. That supports an activity recovery from the prior quarter, although September will determine the final quarterly average.
There is also pricing evidence outside the monthly release. In its July 29 results, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) said recently awarded term contracts carried approximately 10% to 15% higher pricing than levels at the start of the year. Management attributed that improvement to higher demand and customer interest in structural rig upgrades. Those increases applied to recently awarded contracts, rather than the entire fleet.

#rigs #energy #pten

Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) announced the first patient implantation in BREATHE on September 7. The prospective, single-arm U.S. post-approval study will evaluate Genio hypoglossal-nerve stimulation in adults aged 22 or older with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea for whom standard-care treatments have failed, cannot be tolerated, or are unsuitable. Plans call for up to 229 patients at up to 25 centers, with follow-up lasting up to five years.
For Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH), the milestone begins a new phase of evidence collection following Genio's August 2025 FDA approval. The co-primary effectiveness endpoints are apnea-hypopnea-index and oxygen-desaturation-index responder rates at 12 months. Device- and procedure-related serious adverse events will be **** sed at 12 months and annually thereafter. The investment question is whether that evidence can help turn clinical credibility into sustained commercial adoption.
Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) has an opportunity to demonstrate how Genio performs across different physicians and treatment settings. Consistent outcomes across participating centers could give referring sleep physicians and implanting surgeons greater confidence in patient selection and treatment delivery.
The product offers a distinct approach. Genio stimulates hypoglossal nerves on both sides of the tongue, using a battery-free implant powered by an external wearable. For Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH), documenting effectiveness and safety in routine practice could help physicians **** s how that design fits their patients' needs.
Longer follow-up could also strengthen the evidence available to payers. Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) could use sustained responses and safety findings to support coverage discussions, while participating centers gain practical experience with implantation and follow-up. That would make BREATHE valuable beyond a single headline response rate.

#nyxoah #NASDAQ #nyxh

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — New PayPal (PYPL) CEO Enrique Lores doesn't sound like a guy running toward the exit after inking a huge deal to sell the company he just started leading. He sounds like a veteran top executive who's head-down trying to reinvent a fintech icon.
"First of all, we have said that we are totally open and objective to evaluating the plan that we have versus external offers," Lores told Yahoo Finance from the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Tech Conference (video above). "We will always choose whatever provides more value. We have three growing businesses, three businesses where we can increase the value and the profit that we generate. We believe we have a strong plan to execute. We have the right team, and we think that we are going to be creating a lot of value for shareholders."
Payments player Stripe (STRI.PVT) and private firm Advent International walked away in late August from trying to acquire PayPal for a reported $53 billion, or $60.50 per share, after the board rejected their overture.
It has been speculated that PayPal's board was looking for $70 per share.
PayPal stock has since plunged to $53.20 as investors become more cautious again about the pace of a turnaround. The stock is down 81% over the past five years.

#value #like

Carter Jensen hit a pair of doubles, drove in a run, and scored a pair to lead the Royals to their second straight victory and first win against Boston since August 6 of last year. The final score was 3-2 in favor of Kansas City.
It was kind of a weird start for Seth Lugo. I attempted to do a reverse jinx on him with the game preview, and he ultimately allowed only two runs in five innings. That's good enough for now. However, looking toward the future, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks, even while striking out 7, in 5 innings is not a recipe for sustained success.
He only threw seven of his pitches tonight and, perhaps most notably, eschewed the slow curve entirely. The curveball and four-seamer were both much more effective than they have been of late. Perhaps this is a sign he's on the rebound.
For a while it seemed like the jinx on Sonny Gray might work, too. Gray came into the game with a 1.74 ERA against the Royals, the best among any pitchers with at least 10 starts against the team. Jensen's first double led off the game. He advanced to third on a groundout from Bobby Witt Jr. and scored on a Salvador Perez single when Gray inexplicably threw Salvy a sinker in instead of the usual breaking stuff away.
In the third inning, it seemed like the Royals might just go ahead and knock out Gray then and there. Isaac Collins led off with an automatic double at 103.2 MPH down the right field line that hopped over the short fence near the pole. Carter followed up by smashing one at 102.6 off the monster in left to trade places with Collins. Bobby flew out to center at 103.3 to advance Carter to third and Vinnie Pasquantino hit one at 102.4 to give the Royals their final run. Sadly, Salvy grounded into a double play to end the inning and that was the last time KC would score.

#game #collins

Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) reported that August less-than-truckload shipments per workday increased 1.1% year over year, while tonnage per workday rose 8.7% and weight per shipment increased 7.5%. For July and August combined, shipments per workday increased 1.0%, tonnage per workday rose 8.3%, and weight per shipment grew 7.2%.
The data show higher freight intensity, but most of the tonnage growth came from heavier shipments rather than strong shipment-count growth. The investment question is whether that mix can improve trailer utilization and spread terminal, driver, and line-haul costs across more freight without weakening yield or service.
Heavier shipments can support operating leverage when added weight fills available trailer capacity and moves through the network efficiently. The 218-terminal network of Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) may provide room to absorb incremental tonnage, although Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) did not disclose network utilization.
Second-quarter results offer evidence that higher volume can translate into improved economics. Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) increased tonnage per workday 8.4%, grew revenue 17.1%, and increased operating income 26%. The operating ratio improved to 86.9% from 87.8%, meaning operating expenses consumed a smaller share of revenue.
Pricing and shipment economics were mixed but constructive. Second-quarter revenue per shipment, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, increased 1.5%. If heavier freight continues to raise revenue per shipment while fixed network costs grow more slowly, Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) could produce additional operating leverage.

#operating #revenue #shipments

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., gave the cold shoulder when asked to weigh in on her son's home being raided by police after his convicted felon roommate was arrested.
Minneapolis police officers found while carrying out a search warrant on August 25 multiple weapons and ammunition in the shared home of Omar's son, Adnan Hirsi, 20, and his roommate Abdulrahman Abdi, 22. The warrant was obtained after Abdi was pulled over in a routine traffic stop and was found to have no driver's license or proof of insurance.
Abdi was released and the car was impounded, but a firearm was later found. As a convicted felon, it is illegal for Abdi to possess a firearm, so the property that he shares with Abdi was raided.
Caught On Camera: Squad Dem Squirms When Pressed On Vance Doj Fraud Probe
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is seeking another term in Minnesota's heavily Democratic 5th Congressional District.

#found

LAS MINAS, Cuba (AP) — Liexer De La Cruz took a deep breath as he entered a federal courtroom in Miami, where life as he knew it would end.
It was Jan. 9, and he thought he was attending a routine immigration hearing — not deciding on the rest of his life in just seconds, having to choose between returning to Cuba or risking deportation at any moment. He didn't have a chance to confer with his wife and sister who were waiting outside.
De La Cruz had spent five years putting down roots in the United States after crossing almost a dozen countries by car, foot, bus and boat. He thought of what he and his wife had accomplished after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas in August 2021, obtaining the immigration forms in hopes of requesting green cards via the Cuban Adjustment Act.
"The first thing I did was call my aunt and I told her, 'I'm in the United States. I'm in the United States.' And we began to cry," he recalled.
Cubans have historically received preferential access to a pathway to U.S. citizenship via the Cuban Adjustment Act, but they have been increasingly targeted under the second Trump administration.

#cuban

XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) reported that preliminary August 2026 North American less-than-truckload, or LTL, tonnage per day increased 3.7% from a year earlier. Shipments per day rose 5.7%, while average weight per shipment declined 1.8%. Final July figures showed tonnage per day increasing 5.8%, shipments per day rising 5.9%, and weight per shipment slipping 0.2%.
The two months indicate stronger shipment activity, but August's wider gap between shipment and tonnage growth points to lighter freight. The investment question is whether XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) can convert additional shipments into better network density and fixed-cost absorption without allowing extra handling costs to dilute margins.
Higher shipment counts can improve the utilization of routes, service centers, dock doors, and equipment. XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) operates an ****** et-based North American LTL network that moves approximately 16 billion pounds of freight annually. More shipments moving through that infrastructure can spread terminal, technology, and equipment costs across a larger revenue base.
The second quarter provides evidence that XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) has recently translated volume and pricing growth into stronger economics. North American LTL revenue increased 15.2% to $1.43 billion. Fuel-surcharge revenue accounted for part of that increase, rising to $314 million from $183 million. Separately, yield excluding fuel increased 4.4%, shipments per day rose 2.8%, and tonnage per day increased 1.0%.
XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) reported a company-defined non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio of 79.9%, an improvement of 300 basis points. XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) calculates adjusted operating ratio as one minus adjusted operating income divided by segment revenue, using unrounded amounts. Adjusted operating income removes amortization and restructuring costs and adjusts for gains on real estate transactions. XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) also reported a damage claims ratio below 0.2%.

#adjusted #north #operating

Florida basketball senior guard Denzel Aberdeen is taking his case to return to the basketball court to the judicial courts.
Aberdeen has filed a temporary injunction for a fifth season of eligibility to play for the Florida Gators, according to a report from the Field of 68.
"Denzel Aberdeen, a senior at Florida, should be allowed to compete as a student-athlete under the NCAA's 5-in-5 rule," Aberdeen's attorney, Jesse Panuccio, said in a statement provided to the Field of 68. "But the NCAA has announced an unwritten exception to its rule that strips Class of 2022 students from this policy, even though they competed for years against fifth-, sixth-, and sometimes seventh-year seniors who received Covid-era eligibility waivers. The NCAA's decision violates its contractual commitment to fairness to all student-athletes, and we have sued to vindicate Aberdeen's rights and get him back on the court as he finishes his degree at UF."
As a member of the Class of 2022, Aberdeen wasn't grandfathered into the NCAA's new 5-for-5 rule, which allows for college athletes to play for five seasons within five years of eligibility.
On July 31, a Colorado court ruling by U.S. District Court judge Charlotte Sweeney (Tyson, Wisne v NCAA) granted an extra year of eligibility to Aberdeen and every athlete in the 2022 class without requiring an NCAA waiver. But on August 22, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay in the Wisne ruling, which now places the onus back on athletes to fight for their NCAA eligibility in state courts.

#class

The Arthur Ashe Stadium glowed light blue from dusk until dawn as the US Open marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
American flags were flown at half-mast as New York remembered the 2,977 people who died when hijackers crashed passenger jets into the Twin Towers in Manhattan on that day in 2001.
That year's US Open had concluded just two days earlier, with Lleyton Hewitt winning the men's singles **** le.
American player James Blake had lost in the second round that year and was in Augusta, Georgia, on Tuesday, 11 September.
But the New York-born future world number four says the day "shattered the guise of safety" felt by Americans and many professional tennis players.

#arthur #ashe #stadium

25-year-old Guardians LHP Parker Messick made his MLB debut last August, and so far the results have been pretty spectacular. Even if they're helped a little by a lucky batting average on **** in play (he's at .264 for the season, the MLB average is .289). That's not a crazy outlier though, I don't think. Messick relies heavily on a 94-ish fastball and slightly slower sinker; that combo has been dynamite for him this season. He'll frequently mix in a change, less frequently some breaking stuff.
75 years ago, Bill Veeck pulled one of his signature wacky baseball stunts. He signed 3'7" Eddie Gaedel to the Browns' roster and had him pinch-hit in a game. Gaedel drew a walk — obviously his strike zone was small — and Veeck replaced him with a pinch-runner. The pinch-runner didn't score
Now, Veeck owned the St. Louis Browns at that time, not the team in Cleveland. (So this is kinda the wrong week for this post. I thought this happened in Cleveland, until I started writing it.)
But Veeck had owned the Indians for four years, selling them in 1950 when he needed money for a divorce settlement. And had done some notable things with the team, like signing the first Negro League player to join the American League, Larry Doby. (When manager Lou Boudreau introduced Doby to the team, three players refused to shake his hand — and Veeck got rid of all three.) In 1949, Veeck signed Satchel Paige, the oldest rookie to ever play in MLB at the age of 41; he'd pitch 155.2 innings over two seasons for the team (and then became a two-time All-Star with the Browns).
Veeck claimed the idea of using a small person as a pinch-hitter was his own notion… however, there'd been a 1941 story in The Saturday Evening Post called "You Could Look it Up" by James Thurber, author of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." You can read the Thurber story here, if you like. It has paintings by Norman Rockwell which are very detailed and striking, as usual:

#pinch #cleveland

The 2026 Venice Film Festival runs from September 2 to September 12, 2026, with A-listers like Kendall Jenner and Robert Pattinson in attendance.
Stars traditionally hit the red carpet in couture gowns, statement-making pieces, and custom tuxedos.
InStyle looks back at the festival's best fashion moments, dating all the way back to 1958.
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival is officially underway. Film junkie or not, you can't deny that Hollywood's finest arrive in Italy ready to bring their best-dressed game. After all, when you're surrounded by your peers competing for some of the industry's highest honors, why wouldn't you dress the part? C'mon. First held in August 1932, the Venice Film Festival has long been one of the industry's most glamorous events, welcoming everyone from Jane Fonda to Lady Gaga over the decades. I'd argue the red carpet is a spectacle all its own, with our favorite fashion houses playing a starring role.
From the water-taxi arrivals to the actual carpet, celebrities often use Venice to offer a glimpse at fashion's next era, stepping out in fresh-of-the-runway Chanel, Dior, Versace, and more. Robert Pattinson, for instance, pulled up in Dior 2027, while Timothée Chalamet famously tested the waters in a daring backless ensemble. Or Zendaya in that Dune-coded Balmain look in 2021? And of course, we have to pay our respects to the style icons who came before them—ahem Jane Birkin—who brough their signature effortless staples to the Lido.

#venice #carpet #september #dior

Olivia Oras, a popular Finnish social media influencer, died aged 27 after losing consciousness under anesthesia before a scheduled liposuction procedure at a private clinic in Helsinki. Olivia's death is currently being investigated by police as aggravated manslaughter.
The incident occurred on September 3rd. The police received a notification requesting an investigation on September 6th.
According to an investigative broadcast from the Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Olivia's problems started due to the anesthesia before the liposuction. Olivia lost consciousness and was moved to Helsinki University Hospital, where she eventually died. Later, Yle discovered from Helsinki District Court that August 31st is considered the date of the suspected offense. Detective Chief Inspector Juha Piippo, who led the case, reported that Olivia stayed in the hospital for several days between the suspected crime and her death.
Juha Piippo revealed that police suspect the involvement of a doctor or doctors in Olivia's death. However, the detective refused to provide any information on suspects' detainment or arrest.
Police carried out a special search at the Plastic Surgery Center clinic on Aleksanterinkatu street on Thursday. Police conduct a special search when there is possible information that a doctor's office or similar institution is involved. Police are ******* yzing technical equipment, and the clinic's operations have been halted for the patient's safety. The clinic removed staff profiles from its website upon the disclosure of Olivia's death.

#olivia

After four big wins in the quarterfinals, the United States, France, Spain, and Germany all earned their spots in the semifinals. Saturday's two matchups will be intense. Each team left in the competition can find its way to the finals. Let's take a look at the two semifinal games.
France has been putting up insane statistics during this tournament. Between breaking the single-game three-point record and heavily outscoring their opponents, it is safe to say they are the team to beat. However, this semifinal clash against Germany, who have home-court advantage, will be their biggest test of the tournament.
The good news for France is their depth. There are many strong players who have been coming off the bench and making an impact. One of those players is none other than Marine Johannès. Johannès ranks eighth in the tournament in points scored per game with 16.5. She is currently leading the tournament with 16 three-pointers made so far. Once again, Johannès is not starting in games and making a strong impact each time.
August 15, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes (23) shoots the ball against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, starter Gabby Williams has been playing some of her best basketball in the World Cup. If she continues this strong play, France has a strong chance to make it into the finals.

#connecticut

The death of Princess Astrid of Norway marks the end of an era in the country's history. After the passing of King Harald V of Norway on August 28, news of his sister's death was made public today, plunging the Nordic nation into deep sadness. Even so, the legacy of the woman who stood faithfully beside her brother in service to the Crown lives on with a truly legendary life story.
Princess Astrid of Norway owns one of the most solemn pieces of the dynasty (@ Antony Jones)
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#nordic

Perez Hilton has cut $350,000 from the asking price of the Las Vegas home he put up for sale before moving his family to Miami.
The 48-year-old media personality is now asking $3.9 million for the six-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom property, down from the $4.25 million price he set when it hit the market in June. Realtor.com reported the reduction on September 10 after the home remained unsold through the summer.
The price change comes while Hilton continues receiving medical and mental health care following a serious crisis at his Miami home in August. His family said in its most recent authorized health update that he remained hospitalized in an inpatient setting, while Page Six reported on September 11 that he was still hospitalized.
Hilton's decision to sell the Las Vegas property predates that hospitalization. He announced his move to Miami in June after about three and a half years in Nevada, saying he wanted to be closer to relatives and believed the change was right for his three children and his mother.
Hilton's home spans about 7,000 square feet in Prado, a gated community with fewer than 20 residences. The property sits on a corner lot roughly between the Las Vegas Strip and Summerlin.

#hilton #asking #family

While much of the clothing and footwear industry has spent this earnings season explaining away low consumer demand, Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) showed an entirely different story, and investors rewarded it accordingly.
Shares of the German footwear manufacturer rose up to 20% on August 13 after the company published fiscal third-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations and prompted management to improve its full-year guidance. Revenue for the quarter came in at €720 million (about $829 million), up 13% on a reported basis and 15% in constant currency, exceeding ****** ysts expectations of around €713-715 million. Meanwhile, adjusted earnings per share of €0.74 happened to be somewhat lower than the €0.76 consensus, though this fact did little to dampen enthusiasm given the report's overall strength.
The headline change was direction. Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) now targets fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 15% on a constant-currency basis, up from its previous range of 13% to 15%, putting the company at the upper end of its own previous objective rather than just reiterating it. Management also increased its adjusted EBITDA forecast to at least €710 million, up from a previous floor of €700 million, and now expects reported revenue to be at the high end of the €2.30 billion-€2.35 billion range.
According to Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK), the reason for some of the strength is simple: full-price demand from affluent buyers who haven't reduced their discretionary spending in the same manner that the broader consumer has. Strong pricing power and brand loyalty helped shield companies catering to wealthier customers from the broader spending pullback affecting much of the apparel and footwear sector, and Birkenstock's results reflect this across all regions it operates in, with the Americas growing 14%, EMEA 15%, and Asia-Pacific rising the fastest at 23%, all in constant currency terms.
Birkenstock Holding plc (NYSE:BIRK) has also carefully managed its balance sheet during this period of strength. On June 30, the company executed an accelerated share buyback program of €230 million, decreasing its outstanding share count by about 6 million shares. The move helped enhance per-share earnings growth, with adjusted EPS rising 19% year-over-year.

#million #birk #company

Defense attorneys for the New Jersey man accused of killing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother in an August 2024 crash will retest their client's blood from that night.
Sean Higgins, 44, appeared Sept. 11 via video conference in Salem County Superior Court, where he faces charges including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter in connection with the Aug. 29, 2024, deaths of Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29.
The Sept. 11 video conference happened a day after attorneys and the judge met to discuss procedural issues, Judge Michael Silvanio said. Defense attorney Richard Klineburger III said the issues have to do with data and diagrams from state police, including a crash reconstruction report and blood testing.
Depending on the evidence prosecutors share and the results of the new blood test, the defense might ask for a hearing to determine whether to exclude evidence or witness testimony at trial, Klineburger said.
Silvanio declined to issue any orders, saying prosecutors and defense attorneys have shown a good-faith effort.

#brother

The theme of our final regular-season free-agency update? Status quo.
Frankly, not much has happened since the trade deadline. The good players have continued to play well. A few characters have tumbled from underperformance or skyrocketed up from anonymity, but for the most part, August solidified what we already thought we knew.
As a reminder: This is a weak class. It's increasingly unlikely that a single position player will surpass the $100 million threshold, something that hasn't happened in more than a decade. The uncertainty of the lockout will have an impact as the sport prepares to go on a transactional hiatus starting Dec. 1.
We'll be back with free-agency coverage before then, with our comprehensive top 50 free agents list dropping in October.
Notes: Whenever you see a number, a slash and another number, that's a reference to contract years and total earnings. For instance, the shorthand for Bryce Harper's 11-year, $330 million deal would be "11/330." Ages listed below are for the 2027 season.

#agency

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan State University Board of Trustees officially approved Dan Bartholomae as the school's new athletic director during its meeting on Friday.
Bartholomae comes to MSU from Western Michigan University, where he was the athletic director since 2022.
"The future of college athletics will belong to institutions that embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission," MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., said in a release "At Michigan State, that mission is clear: to provide our student-athletes with an experience that prepares them to compete at the highest levels, earn a world-class education and become leaders who make a difference long after their playing days are over. Dan shares that commitment and has the experience, vision and values to lead Spartan Athletics into its next era. We are excited to start this next chapter with him as our leader."
The terms of the contract are unclear. Bartholomae's August 2025 contract with Western Michigan includes a $5.1 million buyout, partly offset by a $3.95 million buyout Michigan State negotiated with Kentucky over J Batt's departure.
Western Michigan won 37 total conference championships and made 35 NCAA postseason appearances during Bartholomae's tenure, and its men's hockey team won the 2025 NCAA championship. He also had success as a fundraiser during his time in Kalamazoo, where he led record-breaking fundraising efforts. Michigan State in a previous news release highlighted that the average annual giving increased by 473% under his tenure, while the number of unique donors increased by 105%.

#university #director

Now that the late Princess Diana's iconic "revenge dress" is heading to auction at Sotheby's, one particular person has their eye on taking it home.
A Friday, September 11, report in journalist Rob Shuter's Naughty But Nice Substack claims the late royal's son Prince Harry is incredibly fond of his mother's iconic ensemble.
"He doesn't want it disappearing into a collector's closet," a source told Shuter, adding that the Duke of Sussex, 41, "believes it should stay connected to Diana" and "belong to" wife Meghan Markle.
Diana — who was just 36 when she died on August 31, 1997, following a car crash in Paris — was known for her incredible fashion sense and became synonymous with the term "revenge dress."
On June 29, 1994, the royal stepped out for a gala held at the Serpentine Gallery in London wearing a black, fitted, chic, off-the-shoulder dress by designer Christina Stambolian that featured an asymmetrical hemline and chiffon train.

#dress #late #naughty

The Mets are making a change in their bullpen ahead of their series in the Bronx, recalling Jack Weisenburger and sending Chris Devenski back to Triple-A Syracuse.
Weisenburger appeared in three games for the Mets in August, tossing four and a third innings, allowing one run on three hits, walking two and striking out four. In 18 games for Syracuse (13 starts), Weisenburger has a 6.68 ERA over 62 innings pitched, with 53 strikeouts to 34 walks and eight home runs allowed.
Devenski split time between the Mets and Pirates organizations this season, and in six appearances for the Mets was more or less fine until his last appearance against the Marlins, where he was responsible for five of the runs in the Mets' wild 15-14 dub on Wednesday. The 35 year old veteran has a 13.50 ERA for the Mets this season, and an 11.74 ERA across both clubs in the majors.
With a little more than a week left in the Triple-A season and Syracuse two and a half games out of a playoff spot, Devenski will have plenty of opportunity for some innings before, potentially, rejoining the Mets if the need arises.
The second half of the Subway Series with the Yankees starts tonight at 7:05pm on PIX11 with Nolan McLean facing off against Carlos Rodón.

#weisenburger #games #innings #season

Major indexes climbed Friday afternoon, holding to early momentum as investors took in stride inflation data showing consumers continued to pay higher prices for goods and services in August. Among movers rounding off the holiday-shortened week, shipping and logistics provider Matson (MATX) broke out.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.1%, or about 590 points, as the S&P 500 moved up 1.1%. Ten of the index's 11 sectors moved higher. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite tacked on 1.2%, and the Russell 2000 small-cap index picked up 0.7%.
Stocks found some relief from a nearly 3% slide in West Texas Intermediate crude futures to just below $100 a barrel. The 10-year Treasury yield was steady at a 52-week high of 4.95%. Bitcoin rose to roughly $77,700.
Matson (MATX) broke out of a consolidation at a 230.74 pivot. The Hawaii-based company's fleet of vessels includes containerships and barges. Matson is on the IBD Ready List – a list of stocks that are or may become actionable soon.
Meanwhile, Best Buy (BBY) neared a buy point of 91.27 in a consolidation base. The stock was the biggest gainer on the list on Friday.

#matx #higher

The U.S. dollar remains flat amid higher treasury yields driven by soaring energy costs. With Brent crude topping $100, worries of inflation across the globe are coming back, with the U.S. 10-year yield climbing to a 2023 high. That said, the dollar has remained unchanged, demonstrating lack of interest from investors to add long positions before the release of the upcoming US inflation data and next week's FOMC meeting.
The U.S. data on tap to influence markets is the Producer Price Index (PPI) today and Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Friday. The market currently puts odds at around 60% that the Fed may hike at its next meeting on Wednesday, following strong labor market data and increased energy shock. The energy crisis may also bring inflation concerns to investors, while the data may be weaker and may even lead market ****** ysts to turn less hawkish.
The euro zone also remains front and center. The ECB is going to hike rates by 25 bps today and mail the deposit rate at 2.50%. The consensus in the market is that the ECB will not hike again this year. Euro zone inflation was at 3.3% in August, and pressure on energy prices is building, with Deutsche Bank calling for a December rate hike.
Sterling remains subdued. The Bank of England is more cautious than its peers. There is a high consensus in the market that the BoE will hold rates on September 17. 57 of the economists polled in the REUTERS survey expect the BoE to hold for the remainder of the year. Energy concerns are high, and wage and price inflation are still muted.
As indicated in the chart, tightening by the ECB contrasts with the Fed's data dependency and the BoE's wait-and-see approach.

#energy #inflation #hike #remains

On Aug. 27, 18-year-old Addisyn Baird was in Hartford, Connecticut, preparing to play in a hockey tournament when she received a life-changing phone call.
The call was from Justine Siegal, commissioner of the Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL). The Los Angeles Queens needed another player after one of their outfielders left to play for Curaçao's national team and the team wanted to sign Baird as a replacement for the remainder of the season.
"How fast can you get here?" Siegal asked.
The next morning, Baird played in one hockey game. Then she and her dad jumped in the car and drove more than 20 hours to Springfield, Illinois, where the WPBL plays all its games. On Sept. 3, Baird made her professional debut for the Queens, whose roster includes former Little League World Series phenom Mo'ne Davis.
Baird is the only current high school student playing in the inaugural season of the WPBL, which launched in August with four teams. The WPBL playoffs are underway this month, with two best-of-three semifinal series preceding a best-of-five championship series scheduled to begin Sept. 16.

#wpbl #series #sept #call

Amanda Seyfried went for an earthy color palette while attending the Tory Burch spring 2027 show during New York Fashion Week on Thursday. For the event, the actress paired one of the brand's most popular shoes with a fall-ready brown-and-green look. Amanda Seyfried attends the Tory Burch spring 2027 show. Getty Images for Tory Burch She opted for the Tory Burch Peep Toe pump, which has been a favored choice among celebrities in recent years. The peep-toe pump riffs on the classic style with a twisted, sculptural heel, designed to look as if it is in motion. Rather than reveal several toes like a traditional peep-toe silhouette, the cutout frames only the hallux, or big toe — a highly specific footwear trend that surfaced at Copenhagen Fashion Week at the end of August. Grosgrain details and side seaming borrow from balletic pointe shoes. The pumps were made in partnership with a Leather Working Group-certified tannery, which supports high standards in leather manufacturing and chemical management. Their twisted heels measure 90mm, or approximately 3.54 inches, while a cushioned leather footbed offers comfort. The shoes also boast a patent leather upper and grosgrain binding. Napa leather lining and a buffed leather sole complete the construction. A closeup
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#burch #peep #fashion #footwear

With 2.5 weeks remaining in the regular season, those in the fantasy baseball playoffs should be focused on adding players with favorable schedules in the coming days. The list this week includes hitters to stream this weekend (Henry Bolte, Jeff McNeil, Colt Keith) as well as those who should be added by Monday (Ty France, Mickey Moniak, Cole Carrigg).
The same can be said on the pitching side, as those who need a weekend streamer can skip to the bottom of this article.
Ty France, 1B, Padres, 31%: France has been one of baseball's best hitters in the second half, batting .324 with a .937 OPS. Unfortunately, he remains on waivers in many leagues, as managers opt to chase an influx of exciting rookies rather than adding a boring veteran. But that should change over the weekend, as France and his teammates will open next week with four games at Coors Field against a Rockies pitching staff that ranks last in baseball with a 5.50 ERA. Managers in deeper formats could also consider Jake Cronenworth (6%), who has hit second in the lineup of late, or catcher Luis Campusano (1%), who is working as a DH often enough to keep him in the regular lineup.
Mickey Moniak, OF, Rockies, 26%: Moniak has some similarities to France, as a boring veteran who is having his productive season overshadowed by a constant stream of youngsters on the waiver wire. The 28-year-old has been terrific at home (.957 OPS) and against right-handers (.835 OPS) this season, which makes him a potential league-winner next week when the Rockies play seven games at their hitter-friendly home park, including five versus right-handed starters. Those who cannot add Moniak can consider his teammate, Cole Carrigg (15%).
Henry Bolte, OF, Athletics, 30%: Bolte is the fastest runner in baseball and has a bit of pop, which has made him the Athletics regular leadoff hitter and one of baseball's most explosive players. He is batting .320 since the beginning of August, and during September he has already accumulated four homers and five steals. Like many Athletics hitters, Bolte has fared best at his offense-inducing home park, which is where he will play this weekend. It helps that the series will come against the Mariners, who surprising rank 28th in baseball with a 5.39 ERA since the All-Star break.

#moniak #Rockies #athletics #week

Dolly Parton's sister, Stella Parton, said that no one from Nashville has reached out following the "9 to 5" singer's death — and she thinks she knows why.
During a September 10 interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Stella, 77, opened up about her older sister's death on August 25 at 80.
"I haven't heard from anybody in Nashville since my sister passed away," she admitted. "I haven't had one condolence from anyone — anybody that I know, entertainers that I know. ****** ody. Not one."
Additionally, Stella speculated on the reason for radio silence. "I'm ****** uming it might be because of my political, you know, activism on social media," she said. "I don't know."
Dolly Parton's sister, Stella, told gayleking in an exclusive interview that she hasn't received condolences from "anyone I know" in Nashville — which she said might have something to do with the political opinions she shares on social media.

#nashville