2 hours ago
The Detroit Tigers have released right-handed pitcher Duque Hebbert from the organization during their weekend series against the Athletics.
The Lakeland Flying Tigers announced the transaction Saturday, ending Hebbert's three-year run in Detroit's minor-league system.
Hebbert first captured national attention while pitching for Nicaragua during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Then 21 years old, Hebbert struck out Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez and Rafael Devers in the same inning against the Dominican Republic. All three were established MLB stars, making the performance one of the tournament's biggest surprise moments.
Detroit signed Hebbert to a minor-league contract weeks later, hoping that his WBC breakthrough could lead to something more.
#hebbert #detroit #three #flying
The Lakeland Flying Tigers announced the transaction Saturday, ending Hebbert's three-year run in Detroit's minor-league system.
Hebbert first captured national attention while pitching for Nicaragua during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Then 21 years old, Hebbert struck out Juan Soto, Julio Rodríguez and Rafael Devers in the same inning against the Dominican Republic. All three were established MLB stars, making the performance one of the tournament's biggest surprise moments.
Detroit signed Hebbert to a minor-league contract weeks later, hoping that his WBC breakthrough could lead to something more.
#hebbert #detroit #three #flying
5 hours ago
With the number of drones and missiles flying toward energy infrastructure in the Gulf these days, it might seem like a strange time to pour capital into that sector, in that region. But a gold rush is shaping up to profit from new workarounds to the Strait of Hormuz.
A group of US and Saudi investors said Wednesday they're closing in on a site for a $5 billion oil refining complex. It will be somewhere in the Gulf region, but outside the Strait, the project's organizers told me. With the aim to process up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it would be smaller than the major Gulf refineries. But the idea is to set up a port-connected "energy corridor" for producing and exporting not just staples like gasoline but also plastics, fertilizers, and just about anything else one can squeeze out of a hydrocarbon.
The idea was born before the war broke out, Mark Gunderson, a Texas oil developer whose MWG Enterprises is a partner in the project, told me. But now its logic is especially clear: Given the security and infrastructure limits on how much crude can flow out of the region, turning the oil into something else first can make it accessible to a broader range of traders and export vessels. "What can you do to make the oil move faster?" he said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be different or bigger pipes. It has to be technical solutions, and products that flow easier."
The project, whose other backers include the Patel Family Office and Saudi's AHQ Group, is part of a larger tide of capital flowing into Gulf oil infrastructure. Chevron is doubling down in Iraq. The UAE is building new pipelines and ports. On Monday, private equity giants Brookfield, Blackstone, and KKR signed a $16 billion lease on Kuwait's national pipeline network. "Security risks may be encouraging investment in more resilient infrastructure, rather than deterring it," said Salih Yilmaz, senior oil ******* yst at Bloomberg Intelligence.
The refinery project has plenty of hurdles ahead. But as refinery construction stalls out in the US and Europe, and a wider variety of crudes from Africa and elsewhere flow the Gulf, now is a good time to take the risk, Lakshmi Narayanan, Patel's vice-chair, told me: "Pre-conflict and post-conflict, Gulf countries have always been open [for energy investment], but now the market's sentiments are different."
#gulf #infrastructure #strait
A group of US and Saudi investors said Wednesday they're closing in on a site for a $5 billion oil refining complex. It will be somewhere in the Gulf region, but outside the Strait, the project's organizers told me. With the aim to process up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily, it would be smaller than the major Gulf refineries. But the idea is to set up a port-connected "energy corridor" for producing and exporting not just staples like gasoline but also plastics, fertilizers, and just about anything else one can squeeze out of a hydrocarbon.
The idea was born before the war broke out, Mark Gunderson, a Texas oil developer whose MWG Enterprises is a partner in the project, told me. But now its logic is especially clear: Given the security and infrastructure limits on how much crude can flow out of the region, turning the oil into something else first can make it accessible to a broader range of traders and export vessels. "What can you do to make the oil move faster?" he said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be different or bigger pipes. It has to be technical solutions, and products that flow easier."
The project, whose other backers include the Patel Family Office and Saudi's AHQ Group, is part of a larger tide of capital flowing into Gulf oil infrastructure. Chevron is doubling down in Iraq. The UAE is building new pipelines and ports. On Monday, private equity giants Brookfield, Blackstone, and KKR signed a $16 billion lease on Kuwait's national pipeline network. "Security risks may be encouraging investment in more resilient infrastructure, rather than deterring it," said Salih Yilmaz, senior oil ******* yst at Bloomberg Intelligence.
The refinery project has plenty of hurdles ahead. But as refinery construction stalls out in the US and Europe, and a wider variety of crudes from Africa and elsewhere flow the Gulf, now is a good time to take the risk, Lakshmi Narayanan, Patel's vice-chair, told me: "Pre-conflict and post-conflict, Gulf countries have always been open [for energy investment], but now the market's sentiments are different."
#gulf #infrastructure #strait
9 hours ago
Navajo Stirling got his chance to break into the upper tier of the light heavyweight division at UFC Fight Night 283 and took full advantage with a finish of former champion Jan Blachowicz.
Stirling (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) accepted the fight as a replacement for Bogdan Guskov on less than two weeks' notice, and he came and landed and early massive left hand that send Blachowicz (29-12-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) flying across the cage. The Kiwi pounced and landed some slicing elbows and didn't stop throwing until the referee intervened for the TKO at the 2:56 mark of Round 1 in the light heavyweight bout at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
Check out the replay of Stirling's shining performance below (via X):
After the fight, Stirling thanked the 43-year-old Blachowicz for his contributions to the weight class over the years and the opportunity to fight. Then, he took aim at the next names that will carry him forward toward a 205-pound ****** le shot.
"If (Khalil) Rountree or (Paulo) Costa wants to fight before the year ends, you know who to call," Stirling said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "1-800-I'm-Going-to-Whip-That-Ass."
#stirling
Stirling (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) accepted the fight as a replacement for Bogdan Guskov on less than two weeks' notice, and he came and landed and early massive left hand that send Blachowicz (29-12-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) flying across the cage. The Kiwi pounced and landed some slicing elbows and didn't stop throwing until the referee intervened for the TKO at the 2:56 mark of Round 1 in the light heavyweight bout at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
Check out the replay of Stirling's shining performance below (via X):
After the fight, Stirling thanked the 43-year-old Blachowicz for his contributions to the weight class over the years and the opportunity to fight. Then, he took aim at the next names that will carry him forward toward a 205-pound ****** le shot.
"If (Khalil) Rountree or (Paulo) Costa wants to fight before the year ends, you know who to call," Stirling said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "1-800-I'm-Going-to-Whip-That-Ass."
#stirling
1 day ago
The Vikings' defense has enjoyed the presence of Harrison Smith ever since he was drafted back in 2012. The team enjoys his presence on and off the field, but at 37, some things are just not the same as they used to be. As a result, the unsigned veteran is sitting on the side waiting for something to change or to retire.
Despite the age factor and being unsigned, it isn't lessening the blow of his absence in training camp. Especially for Brian Flores, who is missing his defensive leader.
This week at the start of training camp, he discussed Smith's absence, saying, "I think collectively there's a sense of trying to, you know, bring what he brought to the table from a communication, leadership standpoint. You know, with him being absent or not absent, but not being here. I still haven't gotten over it..."
It still seems very possible that Smith could return after training camp wraps up, or is close enough to being wrapped up. We have seen veterans do this before, but there has been no smoke at all with Harrison Smith, so many people flying blind in this scenario.
Plenty of time left, but for now, Vikings fans will have to keep sitting on pins and needles.
#presence #unsigned #know
Despite the age factor and being unsigned, it isn't lessening the blow of his absence in training camp. Especially for Brian Flores, who is missing his defensive leader.
This week at the start of training camp, he discussed Smith's absence, saying, "I think collectively there's a sense of trying to, you know, bring what he brought to the table from a communication, leadership standpoint. You know, with him being absent or not absent, but not being here. I still haven't gotten over it..."
It still seems very possible that Smith could return after training camp wraps up, or is close enough to being wrapped up. We have seen veterans do this before, but there has been no smoke at all with Harrison Smith, so many people flying blind in this scenario.
Plenty of time left, but for now, Vikings fans will have to keep sitting on pins and needles.
#presence #unsigned #know
1 day ago
Nvidia (NVDA) has spent the past year proving it is the backbone of nearly every major artificial intelligence (AI) project on the planet, from the biggest cloud companies to the smallest AI startups trying to find their footing.
Nvidia is known as a company that supplies GPUs to OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft (MSFT), and Alphabet (GOOGL). Now, it is putting capital and hardware behind one of the most secretive AI labs in the industry, a company that has been flying under the radar since it launched two years ago. Let's take a closer look.
Dear Sandisk Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for August 5
Intel Stock Sinks 40%, But Most ******* ysts Still Aren't Bullish on INTC
Nebius Stock Gets Another Wall Street Upgrade. Here's Why Investors Are Paying Attention.
#msft
Nvidia is known as a company that supplies GPUs to OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft (MSFT), and Alphabet (GOOGL). Now, it is putting capital and hardware behind one of the most secretive AI labs in the industry, a company that has been flying under the radar since it launched two years ago. Let's take a closer look.
Dear Sandisk Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for August 5
Intel Stock Sinks 40%, But Most ******* ysts Still Aren't Bullish on INTC
Nebius Stock Gets Another Wall Street Upgrade. Here's Why Investors Are Paying Attention.
#msft
1 day ago
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings clawed their way to a 9-8 record, winning their last five games in a row. While the offense struggled, the defensive side of the ball played very well, finishing third in total defense. This was spearheaded by a few unsung heroes who are looking to have an even bigger impact in 2026.
According to Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports, defensive tackle Jalen Redmond is in line for a big season, as Pereles listed him as an under-the-radar player entering 2026. Here is what he had to say:
Last year, the Vikings brought in bigger names -- Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave -- only for Redmond, a former undrafted free agent who spent time in the XFL, to outplay both of them by a wide margin. He racked up six sacks and finished 11th in PFF's run defense grades among interior defensive linemen. His disruptive abilities against both the run and the pass are impressive.
Redmond was a pleasant surprise last season, and with the departure of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, Redmond is in line for significantly more playing time alongside rookie Caleb Banks. Redmond is on a one-year deal, and should he play at the level of last season or even more, he could be due for quite the payday next offseason.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Which Vikings DL is flying under-the-radar heading into 2026?
#Vikings
According to Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports, defensive tackle Jalen Redmond is in line for a big season, as Pereles listed him as an under-the-radar player entering 2026. Here is what he had to say:
Last year, the Vikings brought in bigger names -- Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave -- only for Redmond, a former undrafted free agent who spent time in the XFL, to outplay both of them by a wide margin. He racked up six sacks and finished 11th in PFF's run defense grades among interior defensive linemen. His disruptive abilities against both the run and the pass are impressive.
Redmond was a pleasant surprise last season, and with the departure of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, Redmond is in line for significantly more playing time alongside rookie Caleb Banks. Redmond is on a one-year deal, and should he play at the level of last season or even more, he could be due for quite the payday next offseason.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Which Vikings DL is flying under-the-radar heading into 2026?
#Vikings
2 days ago
SummaryView Transcript
Paul Svindland, former CEO of Celadon, reveals the emotional toll of the company's bankruptcy. He recounts how FreightWaves breaking the news prematurely led to chaos, stranded drivers, and fuel cards being shut off during the harsh winter of 2019. Despite the operational health of the business, a mountain of financial and legal issues ultimately led to its demise. Svindland shares his candid thoughts on the challenges of a massive trucking turnaround and his new chapter with Mallory Alexander.
When FreightWaves published its Celadon bankruptcy scoop on a Friday night in December 2019, CEO Paul Svendlund had intended to wait until Sunday — flying into Indianapolis to brief his management team — before communicating the Chapter 11 filing to fuel-card providers and drivers the following Monday. The early publication triggered an immediate shutdown of fuel cards, stranding drivers on the road during winter holiday season and creating what Svendlund described as roughly 36 hours of chaos.
"I'm not going to lie to you. I mean, it was the first and probably only time in my professional career that I literally actually cried because I felt I let everybody down." — Paul Svendlund, former Celadon CEO
Svendlund, now CEO of Mallory Alexander and a turnaround veteran who also led Pacer and STG Logistics, told FreightWaves the filing was structured as a liquidating Chapter 11 rather than a straight Chapter 7, preserving the entity while winding it down because ******* et value exceeded outstanding loan balances. The company was burning approximately $1 million per month just to fund legal defense for former officers after exhausting its directors-and-officers insurance — a cash drain that made lenders unwilling to continue extending credit even as operations had stabilized.
#chapter #celadon
Paul Svindland, former CEO of Celadon, reveals the emotional toll of the company's bankruptcy. He recounts how FreightWaves breaking the news prematurely led to chaos, stranded drivers, and fuel cards being shut off during the harsh winter of 2019. Despite the operational health of the business, a mountain of financial and legal issues ultimately led to its demise. Svindland shares his candid thoughts on the challenges of a massive trucking turnaround and his new chapter with Mallory Alexander.
When FreightWaves published its Celadon bankruptcy scoop on a Friday night in December 2019, CEO Paul Svendlund had intended to wait until Sunday — flying into Indianapolis to brief his management team — before communicating the Chapter 11 filing to fuel-card providers and drivers the following Monday. The early publication triggered an immediate shutdown of fuel cards, stranding drivers on the road during winter holiday season and creating what Svendlund described as roughly 36 hours of chaos.
"I'm not going to lie to you. I mean, it was the first and probably only time in my professional career that I literally actually cried because I felt I let everybody down." — Paul Svendlund, former Celadon CEO
Svendlund, now CEO of Mallory Alexander and a turnaround veteran who also led Pacer and STG Logistics, told FreightWaves the filing was structured as a liquidating Chapter 11 rather than a straight Chapter 7, preserving the entity while winding it down because ******* et value exceeded outstanding loan balances. The company was burning approximately $1 million per month just to fund legal defense for former officers after exhausting its directors-and-officers insurance — a cash drain that made lenders unwilling to continue extending credit even as operations had stabilized.
#chapter #celadon
2 days ago
It was a uniquely Seattle, Pacific Northwest Seahawks day.
The fifth day of training camp was the first day the players were in full pads. Full, real football, for the first time since they won Super Bowl 60 five months ago.
It was the first morning practice of camp. A blue, crystal clear sky. Sun and 74 degrees. Eagles soared from their nests next to the fields. The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels roared over practice on the lush, green grass fields along Lake Washington.
"I don't know if it gets much better than this," coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday, grinning proudly at what he gets to do. "Beautiful weather. Training camp. Pads on. Playing football. We've got bald eagles flying. We've got the Blue Angels in the sky. It's pretty awesome.
"We're very blessed. Pretty awesome day. Great practice. Guys were after it.
#camp
The fifth day of training camp was the first day the players were in full pads. Full, real football, for the first time since they won Super Bowl 60 five months ago.
It was the first morning practice of camp. A blue, crystal clear sky. Sun and 74 degrees. Eagles soared from their nests next to the fields. The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels roared over practice on the lush, green grass fields along Lake Washington.
"I don't know if it gets much better than this," coach Mike Macdonald said Thursday, grinning proudly at what he gets to do. "Beautiful weather. Training camp. Pads on. Playing football. We've got bald eagles flying. We've got the Blue Angels in the sky. It's pretty awesome.
"We're very blessed. Pretty awesome day. Great practice. Guys were after it.
#camp
2 days ago
Last season was a rough one for the Indiana State football team's defense allowing an FCS worst 497.8 yards a game, but a new defensive coordinator and charged up players are ready to change that.
ISU coach Curt Mallory said he thinks the defense is really flying around out there. He noted how the defense does everything together from working to celebrating.
"I'm really pleased with coach Morrison and the job he's doing," Mallory said. "I've known Steve for a long time as a player, always wanted to work with him, he's done a tremendous job for us."
With the rough stat last season, Mallory said the game is the most important. That first game will see the Sycamores host Southeast Missouri State on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.
Mallory said the main thing with turning it around and not finishing last in yards allowed a game is that the team has to complement each other.
#state #coach #really
ISU coach Curt Mallory said he thinks the defense is really flying around out there. He noted how the defense does everything together from working to celebrating.
"I'm really pleased with coach Morrison and the job he's doing," Mallory said. "I've known Steve for a long time as a player, always wanted to work with him, he's done a tremendous job for us."
With the rough stat last season, Mallory said the game is the most important. That first game will see the Sycamores host Southeast Missouri State on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.
Mallory said the main thing with turning it around and not finishing last in yards allowed a game is that the team has to complement each other.
#state #coach #really
3 days ago
New York Giants fans, take a deep breath and allow yourselves a moment. Those short videos from the first day of training camp at The Greenbrier are pure fuel for the imagination.
Malik Nabers and Odell Beckham Jr. working side-by-side in individual drills, flying off the line, cutting with purpose, and hauling in passes under that West Virginia sun felt like a scene fans have been waiting years to see.
Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic captured the two of them moving in near-unison, while Paul Schwartz of the New York Post offered another angle of the same electric work.
Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY said it best with a simple, perfect post: "It's OK to dream, Giants fans."
And dream they are.
#Giants #post #greenbrier
Malik Nabers and Odell Beckham Jr. working side-by-side in individual drills, flying off the line, cutting with purpose, and hauling in passes under that West Virginia sun felt like a scene fans have been waiting years to see.
Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic captured the two of them moving in near-unison, while Paul Schwartz of the New York Post offered another angle of the same electric work.
Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY said it best with a simple, perfect post: "It's OK to dream, Giants fans."
And dream they are.
#Giants #post #greenbrier
3 days ago
Fantasy football draft season is upon us! Whether you're new to fantasy or have been playing for years, ******* yst Joel Smyth brings useful strategies that will help you this season. From No. 1 being the simplest to No. 10 being the most advanced, here are 10 tips to help you win your fantasy drafts.
This may be the simplest tip, but it is also the most important. Fantasy football has blossomed over the years and now comes in all shapes and sizes, and it's extremely important you know what shape and size your draft is. The difference between a Superflex 10-team league and a half-PPR 14-team league is night and day — more on scoring here. Find out every possible detail, how many teams are in the playoffs, how many starting spots per team, even what week your fantasy championship will be, and research from there.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
It may be fun to draft a kicker in the 10th round, but it isn't very profitable. Fantasy is already unpredictable, and when it comes to these two positions, not only does that remain true, but there are endless options and the tiniest of edge to work for. Last season, the No. 1 fantasy defense was only a couple points better than the 12th-ranked team, and that 12th-ranked team went on to outscore the top team by a mile in the fantasy playoffs. Don't buy your lottery tickets early if the odds are the same later on.
It's tempting when you see four straight receivers being drafted in front of you to follow suit. For the most part, you shouldn't. If you love a player, or truly believe the tier continues, go for it; otherwise, panic usually leads to loss of value. Rather than getting the lowest of a position to follow the herd, taking the best player available elsewhere naturally leads to more overall value. If quarterbacks are flying early, be patient, and capitalize on the value at other positions while people reach for others.
#Football #value #simplest
This may be the simplest tip, but it is also the most important. Fantasy football has blossomed over the years and now comes in all shapes and sizes, and it's extremely important you know what shape and size your draft is. The difference between a Superflex 10-team league and a half-PPR 14-team league is night and day — more on scoring here. Find out every possible detail, how many teams are in the playoffs, how many starting spots per team, even what week your fantasy championship will be, and research from there.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
It may be fun to draft a kicker in the 10th round, but it isn't very profitable. Fantasy is already unpredictable, and when it comes to these two positions, not only does that remain true, but there are endless options and the tiniest of edge to work for. Last season, the No. 1 fantasy defense was only a couple points better than the 12th-ranked team, and that 12th-ranked team went on to outscore the top team by a mile in the fantasy playoffs. Don't buy your lottery tickets early if the odds are the same later on.
It's tempting when you see four straight receivers being drafted in front of you to follow suit. For the most part, you shouldn't. If you love a player, or truly believe the tier continues, go for it; otherwise, panic usually leads to loss of value. Rather than getting the lowest of a position to follow the herd, taking the best player available elsewhere naturally leads to more overall value. If quarterbacks are flying early, be patient, and capitalize on the value at other positions while people reach for others.
#Football #value #simplest
5 days ago
The Big Ten is taking its turn in the media day fun this week in Chicago. Big Ten football media day gets underway with the start of a three-day event on Tuesday, and Penn State will be one of the schools in the spotlight. New head coach Matt Campbell is in Chicago with player representatives Rocco Becht, Anthony Donkoh, and Tony Rojas to discuss the status of the Nittany Lions heading into the 2026 season.
Penn State was picked to finish in sixth place in the unofficial Big Ten media poll, so it will be interesting to hear just what the pulse is of the program from its reps in Chicago. Will this be a team flying under the radar in the College Football Playoff push, or will there be some time needed to rebuild the confidence of the program?
Here is how to stay on top of everything going down at Big Ten Media Day today.
Watch Big Ten Media Days on Fubo
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
#Chicago #program
Penn State was picked to finish in sixth place in the unofficial Big Ten media poll, so it will be interesting to hear just what the pulse is of the program from its reps in Chicago. Will this be a team flying under the radar in the College Football Playoff push, or will there be some time needed to rebuild the confidence of the program?
Here is how to stay on top of everything going down at Big Ten Media Day today.
Watch Big Ten Media Days on Fubo
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
#Chicago #program
5 days ago
On this day in 2023, Eliezer Mayenda completed his transfer to Sunderland from Sochaux for a fee believed to be just over €1 million. The French third-tier side retained a 25% sell-on clause. Mayenda had turned 18 in May and signed a five-year contract.
He made his senior debut for Sochaux in a cup game, coming on as a substitute at the age of 16 years, seven months and 10 days – the youngest player ever to do so. Five days later, on 2 February, he became the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with the club.
Mayenda was loaned by Sunderland to Hibernian in February 2024, where he remained for the rest of the season. Upon his return to Wearside, he was reintegrated into the first-team squad ahead of the start of the 2024 – 25 Championship campaign.
His first Sunderland goals came in the second Championship match of the season, a 4 – 0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, where he netted twice. The big man went on to make 37 appearances during the Championship campaign, as well as featuring in all three play-off matches. Having scored eight goals during the regular season, he then, of course, scored twice in the play-offs, including Sunderland's opening goal in the final. It's not a stretch to say that, without his contributions, Sunderland would not have been promoted to the Premier League in May 2025.
As the Premier League season got underway following promotion, Mayenda scored Sunderland's first goal of the campaign in the 3 – 0 opening-day victory over West Ham. Despite that flying start, opportunities became harder to come by. He made a further 19 league appearances, scoring just one more goal.
#league
He made his senior debut for Sochaux in a cup game, coming on as a substitute at the age of 16 years, seven months and 10 days – the youngest player ever to do so. Five days later, on 2 February, he became the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with the club.
Mayenda was loaned by Sunderland to Hibernian in February 2024, where he remained for the rest of the season. Upon his return to Wearside, he was reintegrated into the first-team squad ahead of the start of the 2024 – 25 Championship campaign.
His first Sunderland goals came in the second Championship match of the season, a 4 – 0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, where he netted twice. The big man went on to make 37 appearances during the Championship campaign, as well as featuring in all three play-off matches. Having scored eight goals during the regular season, he then, of course, scored twice in the play-offs, including Sunderland's opening goal in the final. It's not a stretch to say that, without his contributions, Sunderland would not have been promoted to the Premier League in May 2025.
As the Premier League season got underway following promotion, Mayenda scored Sunderland's first goal of the campaign in the 3 – 0 opening-day victory over West Ham. Despite that flying start, opportunities became harder to come by. He made a further 19 league appearances, scoring just one more goal.
#league
5 days ago
Alejandro Kirk completely lost his grip on Monday night and managed to shatter a glass window inside of Nationals Park.
The Toronto Blue Jays catcher, in the fifth inning of their 3-2 win over Washington, missed on a swing and sent his bat flying behind him after letting it go accidentally. The bat went straight into the camera well in the Toronto dugout behind him and smashed a window.
Thankfully, everyone in the area was fine and the glass didn't go flying — though the bat did go directly over MLB's Hazel Mae's head.
Kirk ended up striking out in the at-bat, though the Blue Jays were up 3-1 at the time. The Nationals cut it to a one-run game in the bottom of the inning after a Andres Chaparro homer, but that was as close as they got.
Kirk did not get a hit in his three at-bats in the win. He's holding a .224 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBI.
#toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays catcher, in the fifth inning of their 3-2 win over Washington, missed on a swing and sent his bat flying behind him after letting it go accidentally. The bat went straight into the camera well in the Toronto dugout behind him and smashed a window.
Thankfully, everyone in the area was fine and the glass didn't go flying — though the bat did go directly over MLB's Hazel Mae's head.
Kirk ended up striking out in the at-bat, though the Blue Jays were up 3-1 at the time. The Nationals cut it to a one-run game in the bottom of the inning after a Andres Chaparro homer, but that was as close as they got.
Kirk did not get a hit in his three at-bats in the win. He's holding a .224 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBI.
#toronto
5 days ago
Less than a month ago, **** ysts were warning of a looming glut of crude oil as tanker traffic via the Strait of Hormuz began to recover amid a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Within days of these warnings, the ceasefire was a painful memory, missiles were flying again, and now Yemen's Houthis are striking tankers in the Red Sea, which makes two blocked oil chokepoints and a very real danger of a global recession.
Brent crude this week topped $100 per barrel on reports that the Houthis had struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Saudi Arabia is currently using as the primary outlet for its crude amid the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Soon enough it emerged that tankers that were heading to the Red Sea waterway were making U-turns and heading to alternative routes—which take longer and cost more.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes on the Caspian Pipeline System's terminus on the Black Sea have forced Kazakhstan to suspend most of its oil exports. The target of the drone attacks was the Novorossiysk port on Russia's Black Sea coast, which also happens to be the point of departure of the bulk of Kazakh oil exports to world markets. Bloomberg reported this week that tanker operators were getting nervous about sending their vessels to the port of Novorossiysk because Ukrainian drones were also striking ships at the port.
The Strait of Hormuz used to see average daily oil volumes of some 20 million barrels daily. This has now slowed to a trickle. The Red Sea chokepoint of Bab el-Mandeb has been handling between 4 and 5 million barrels daily of Saudi oil in recent weeks, according to different estimates. Now, this too appears to be almost completely blocked. Add to this the loss of 1.7 million barrels daily in Kazakh flows to Novorossiysk, and the global oil supply picture takes on a rather grim tint. Additionally, the Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian refineries, which has already led to a temporary ban on diesel exports at a time when global fuel inventories are getting strained by the first-wave effects of the Middle East war.
In fact, the situation with refined petroleum products is a major crisis in its own right. "Unlike crude oil, refined products face far fewer mitigation options. Several Middle Eastern refineries remain affected by the ongoing conflict while Russia's diesel export restrictions continue to constrain global availability," Ole Hansen, Saxo Bank's head of commodity strategy, said in an **** ysis earlier this month. "Refining capacity globally also remains relatively limited, preventing crude supply increases from quickly translating into additional diesel and gasoline production," he added.
#daily #exports
Brent crude this week topped $100 per barrel on reports that the Houthis had struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Saudi Arabia is currently using as the primary outlet for its crude amid the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Soon enough it emerged that tankers that were heading to the Red Sea waterway were making U-turns and heading to alternative routes—which take longer and cost more.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes on the Caspian Pipeline System's terminus on the Black Sea have forced Kazakhstan to suspend most of its oil exports. The target of the drone attacks was the Novorossiysk port on Russia's Black Sea coast, which also happens to be the point of departure of the bulk of Kazakh oil exports to world markets. Bloomberg reported this week that tanker operators were getting nervous about sending their vessels to the port of Novorossiysk because Ukrainian drones were also striking ships at the port.
The Strait of Hormuz used to see average daily oil volumes of some 20 million barrels daily. This has now slowed to a trickle. The Red Sea chokepoint of Bab el-Mandeb has been handling between 4 and 5 million barrels daily of Saudi oil in recent weeks, according to different estimates. Now, this too appears to be almost completely blocked. Add to this the loss of 1.7 million barrels daily in Kazakh flows to Novorossiysk, and the global oil supply picture takes on a rather grim tint. Additionally, the Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian refineries, which has already led to a temporary ban on diesel exports at a time when global fuel inventories are getting strained by the first-wave effects of the Middle East war.
In fact, the situation with refined petroleum products is a major crisis in its own right. "Unlike crude oil, refined products face far fewer mitigation options. Several Middle Eastern refineries remain affected by the ongoing conflict while Russia's diesel export restrictions continue to constrain global availability," Ole Hansen, Saxo Bank's head of commodity strategy, said in an **** ysis earlier this month. "Refining capacity globally also remains relatively limited, preventing crude supply increases from quickly translating into additional diesel and gasoline production," he added.
#daily #exports
8 days ago
By Jack Queen
NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - The Trump administration will withdraw subpoenas issued to New York Times' journalists who reported on security concerns about the president flying on a Qatari-donated Air Force One, a prosecutor said at a court hearing on Thursday.
The subpoenas issued by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton on July 10 were the latest instance of the Trump administration seeking to compel journalists to divulge confidential sources in leak investigations, a practice press-freedom advocates say can chill reporting.
A prosecutor with Clayton's office informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of the decision after the judge spent roughly 1-1/2 hours questioning government attorneys about procedural issues in the leak investigation, including their handling of subpoenas for reporters' phone records.
"The government is prepared unilaterally to withdraw the subpoenas," prosecutor Sean Buckley said, noting that the probe was ongoing and that the government could subpoena the reporters again.
#administration #issued
NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - The Trump administration will withdraw subpoenas issued to New York Times' journalists who reported on security concerns about the president flying on a Qatari-donated Air Force One, a prosecutor said at a court hearing on Thursday.
The subpoenas issued by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton on July 10 were the latest instance of the Trump administration seeking to compel journalists to divulge confidential sources in leak investigations, a practice press-freedom advocates say can chill reporting.
A prosecutor with Clayton's office informed U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian of the decision after the judge spent roughly 1-1/2 hours questioning government attorneys about procedural issues in the leak investigation, including their handling of subpoenas for reporters' phone records.
"The government is prepared unilaterally to withdraw the subpoenas," prosecutor Sean Buckley said, noting that the probe was ongoing and that the government could subpoena the reporters again.
#administration #issued
8 days ago
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant who allegedly overstayed his visa was arrested by federal immigration authorities earlier this month while at work, officials said.
Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested July 14 in Nashville, Tennessee, according to local reports.
Thompson first entered the United States April 17, 2021, on a visa that expired Oct. 16, 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told Fox News.
Man Fleeing Ice Officers In Florida Is Struck And Killed By Tractor-trailer, Police Say
A Boeing 737-MAX 8 flying for Southwest Airlines.
#thompson #immigration #lorenzo
Lorenzo Thompson, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested July 14 in Nashville, Tennessee, according to local reports.
Thompson first entered the United States April 17, 2021, on a visa that expired Oct. 16, 2021, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told Fox News.
Man Fleeing Ice Officers In Florida Is Struck And Killed By Tractor-trailer, Police Say
A Boeing 737-MAX 8 flying for Southwest Airlines.
#thompson #immigration #lorenzo
8 days ago
Brasada Capital Management, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter is available to download here. The market landscape in the past quarter has been significantly influenced by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), overshadowing other concerns like geopolitical conflicts. Currently, the AI boom is so substantial that it affects the entire market cycle. Key factors include a 400% increase in memory demand due to AI, a slow supply response that takes years to catch up, and minimal demand destruction. The Fund's investment strategy focuses on essential infrastructure that maintains competitive advantages, rather than chasing speculative momentum. The firm emphasizes secular long-term growth, regardless of which AI technologies prevail. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Brasada Capital Management highlighted Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH). Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is a leading manufacturer of electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors serving a broad range of end markets. On July 22, 2026, Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) closed at $157.51 per share. One-month return of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) was -4.63%, and its shares gained 50.78% over the past 52 weeks. Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) has a market capitalization of $193.77 billion.
Brasada Capital Management stated the following regarding Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of connectors, sensors, and interconnect systems, essentially producing the nervous system for modern electronics. The company designs solutions that allow power, signal, and data to flow reliably across demanding applications. Rather than selling off-the-shelf commodities, Amphenol acts as a crucial design partner, engineering the vast majority of its 500,000 SKUs as custom or semi-custom solutions tailored to the exact mechanical, thermal, or electrical requirements of its customers.
What makes Amphenol a high-quality business lies in its production of mission-critical components that represent a very small percentage of a customer's total cost of goods. Because the cost of failure is exceptionally high, whether in a commercial aircraft flying at 40,000 feet or a 1,000-volt EV battery, OEMs face significant switching costs and are reluctant to change suppliers once a component is proven reliable. This dynamic is further reinforced by a highly decentralized operating structure where general managers run their business units autonomously, enabling rapid, localized responses to customer needs. Additionally, the company is diversified across eight major end markets, with no single sector accounting for more than 25% of sales, which acts as a powerful shock absorber during cyclical downturns..." (Click here to read the full text)
#amphenol
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Brasada Capital Management highlighted Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH). Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is a leading manufacturer of electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors serving a broad range of end markets. On July 22, 2026, Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) closed at $157.51 per share. One-month return of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) was -4.63%, and its shares gained 50.78% over the past 52 weeks. Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) has a market capitalization of $193.77 billion.
Brasada Capital Management stated the following regarding Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of connectors, sensors, and interconnect systems, essentially producing the nervous system for modern electronics. The company designs solutions that allow power, signal, and data to flow reliably across demanding applications. Rather than selling off-the-shelf commodities, Amphenol acts as a crucial design partner, engineering the vast majority of its 500,000 SKUs as custom or semi-custom solutions tailored to the exact mechanical, thermal, or electrical requirements of its customers.
What makes Amphenol a high-quality business lies in its production of mission-critical components that represent a very small percentage of a customer's total cost of goods. Because the cost of failure is exceptionally high, whether in a commercial aircraft flying at 40,000 feet or a 1,000-volt EV battery, OEMs face significant switching costs and are reluctant to change suppliers once a component is proven reliable. This dynamic is further reinforced by a highly decentralized operating structure where general managers run their business units autonomously, enabling rapid, localized responses to customer needs. Additionally, the company is diversified across eight major end markets, with no single sector accounting for more than 25% of sales, which acts as a powerful shock absorber during cyclical downturns..." (Click here to read the full text)
#amphenol
8 days ago
The new coaching staff at La Liga giants Real Madrid have been left taken aback by the efforts of one member of the club's midfield ranks across pre-season to date.
The Blancos star in question? Arda Güler.
Midfielder Arda for his part returned to base in Spain's capital to report for pre-season training earlier this week. Afforded an extra week of rest following his exploits with his native Türkiye at the World Cup, the 21-year-old took his place under the watch of José Mourinho for the first time.
And safe to say, Arda has since gone on to make his presence very much felt at Valdebebas… As per a report from Diario AS, the engine room starlet has returned full of intent and vigour with a view to the campaign ahead:
'The coaching staff is surprised. Arda Güler has returned from his vacation not only eager to impress, but also in excellent physical condition. So much so that some key members of the team didn't hesitate to openly praise him: "Güler is flying!" was heard at Valdebebas.'
#arda #valdebebas #Coaching #liga
The Blancos star in question? Arda Güler.
Midfielder Arda for his part returned to base in Spain's capital to report for pre-season training earlier this week. Afforded an extra week of rest following his exploits with his native Türkiye at the World Cup, the 21-year-old took his place under the watch of José Mourinho for the first time.
And safe to say, Arda has since gone on to make his presence very much felt at Valdebebas… As per a report from Diario AS, the engine room starlet has returned full of intent and vigour with a view to the campaign ahead:
'The coaching staff is surprised. Arda Güler has returned from his vacation not only eager to impress, but also in excellent physical condition. So much so that some key members of the team didn't hesitate to openly praise him: "Güler is flying!" was heard at Valdebebas.'
#arda #valdebebas #Coaching #liga
9 days ago
The midfielder Arda Guler was one of the very few Real Madrid players who avoided any meaningful criticism, despite being a regular starter, for the failure of the last season. He remained a key player for both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, and the highest point of his season came in the second leg of the quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich, in which his two goals kick-started the Merengues’ comeback, although they ultimately fell short of achieving its objective.
Guler also participated in the World Cup with Turkiye where he also impressed, but his team was eliminated in the group stage. As a result, he returned to Valdebebas before any other World Cup player, last Monday.
According to Diario AS, the sessions over these five days have been enough for the Turk to impress his new coach, Jose Mourinho, and his staff. He has returned from holidays in excellent physical condition and mentally driven to continue playing an important role at Real Madrid. Some members of the coaching staff can be heard saying: “Güler is flying!”
The midfielder will find increased competition for his starting spot going into the next season. Bernardo Silva has been one of the major bets made by the Merengue club this summer, and he will compete directly with Guler for the attacking midfield spot. Meanwhile, Endrick’s ability to play on the right wing also means more competition in this position for the Turk.
However, he has the advantage of already being in Mourinho’s good books. The Portuguese manager wanted to have him in his team when he joined Turkish side Fenerbahce, and later had a meeting with the player in Istanbul.
#real #World #midfielder
Guler also participated in the World Cup with Turkiye where he also impressed, but his team was eliminated in the group stage. As a result, he returned to Valdebebas before any other World Cup player, last Monday.
According to Diario AS, the sessions over these five days have been enough for the Turk to impress his new coach, Jose Mourinho, and his staff. He has returned from holidays in excellent physical condition and mentally driven to continue playing an important role at Real Madrid. Some members of the coaching staff can be heard saying: “Güler is flying!”
The midfielder will find increased competition for his starting spot going into the next season. Bernardo Silva has been one of the major bets made by the Merengue club this summer, and he will compete directly with Guler for the attacking midfield spot. Meanwhile, Endrick’s ability to play on the right wing also means more competition in this position for the Turk.
However, he has the advantage of already being in Mourinho’s good books. The Portuguese manager wanted to have him in his team when he joined Turkish side Fenerbahce, and later had a meeting with the player in Istanbul.
#real #World #midfielder
9 days ago
NEW DELHI: India's teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again captured the spotlight on Thursday — not just for rewriting cricket history, but also for the heartfelt celebration that followed his record-breaking half-century.
The 15-year-old produced a breathtaking innings against Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare, smashing a 50 off just 18 ******* to become the youngest player ever to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Moments after reaching the milestone, Sooryavanshi broke into his now-famous 'A' celebration, forming the letter with his fingers before acknowledging the dressing room. The emotional gesture, which first went viral during IPL 2026, has now become synonymous with the young opener.
The left-hander's explosive knock featured four boundaries and four sixes, giving India a flying start in their chase of 126 after Zimbabwe were restricted to 125/7.
WATCH:
While the celebration sparked widespread curiosity during the IPL, Sooryavanshi had initially played down its significance, insisting he simply enjoyed trying different celebrations after reaching milestones.
"I don't know. I just do something new every match. I don't really plan it. There's no meaning behind it," he had said after one of his IPL knocks.
However, the real meaning behind the gesture later emerged in a behind-the-scenes Rajasthan Royals video.
Speaking to team manager Romi Bhinder, the youngster finally revealed that the 'A' is a tribute to his mother, Aarti.
"The celebration is for my mother. Her name starts with the letter 'A'," Sooryavanshi had revealed.
Since then, the celebration has become his trademark, and Thursday's emotional tribute carried even greater significance after he etched his name into the record books.
At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed Nepal's Kushal Malla, who previously held the record after scoring his maiden international fifty at 15 years and 340 days.
The Indian opener also surpassed some of cricket's biggest names on the all-time list. Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden international fifty at 16 years and 213 days in a Test against Pakistan in 1989, while Shahid Afridi reached the milestone at 16 years and 214 days during an ODI against Sri Lanka in 1996.
The innings also made Sooryavanshi the youngest player ever to register a 50-plus score in men's T20Is, comfortably bettering Gibraltar's Louis Bruce, who had held the previous T20I age record.
Already one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has now carried that form onto the international stage.
#become
The 15-year-old produced a breathtaking innings against Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare, smashing a 50 off just 18 ******* to become the youngest player ever to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Moments after reaching the milestone, Sooryavanshi broke into his now-famous 'A' celebration, forming the letter with his fingers before acknowledging the dressing room. The emotional gesture, which first went viral during IPL 2026, has now become synonymous with the young opener.
The left-hander's explosive knock featured four boundaries and four sixes, giving India a flying start in their chase of 126 after Zimbabwe were restricted to 125/7.
WATCH:
While the celebration sparked widespread curiosity during the IPL, Sooryavanshi had initially played down its significance, insisting he simply enjoyed trying different celebrations after reaching milestones.
"I don't know. I just do something new every match. I don't really plan it. There's no meaning behind it," he had said after one of his IPL knocks.
However, the real meaning behind the gesture later emerged in a behind-the-scenes Rajasthan Royals video.
Speaking to team manager Romi Bhinder, the youngster finally revealed that the 'A' is a tribute to his mother, Aarti.
"The celebration is for my mother. Her name starts with the letter 'A'," Sooryavanshi had revealed.
Since then, the celebration has become his trademark, and Thursday's emotional tribute carried even greater significance after he etched his name into the record books.
At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed Nepal's Kushal Malla, who previously held the record after scoring his maiden international fifty at 15 years and 340 days.
The Indian opener also surpassed some of cricket's biggest names on the all-time list. Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden international fifty at 16 years and 213 days in a Test against Pakistan in 1989, while Shahid Afridi reached the milestone at 16 years and 214 days during an ODI against Sri Lanka in 1996.
The innings also made Sooryavanshi the youngest player ever to register a 50-plus score in men's T20Is, comfortably bettering Gibraltar's Louis Bruce, who had held the previous T20I age record.
Already one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has now carried that form onto the international stage.
#become
10 days ago
If you thought Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) was only building flying taxis, you might want to think again.
On July 20, Archer and defense company Anduril unveiled an autonomous VTOL aircraft platform, with a defense variant, "Thunder", also introduced. Since late 2024, both companies have been jointly developing technology for the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) sector. While "Thunder" is a defense variant, Archer says it will announce the platform's first commercial customers later this week.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The importance of this platform for Archer cannot be overstated. The company is not generating meaningful revenue, and Midnight, its flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, still lacks FAA type certification. If, however, it can turn the Anduril platform into firm orders, it could create a path to meaningful revenue while Midnight continues working through the certification process.
Archer stock jumped roughly 20% on the news, which puts it roughly 30% lower on the year. If you've been waiting for a reason to buy this beaten-down aviation stock, let's take a closer look to see if now is the time to jump in.
#company #platform #vtol #thunder
On July 20, Archer and defense company Anduril unveiled an autonomous VTOL aircraft platform, with a defense variant, "Thunder", also introduced. Since late 2024, both companies have been jointly developing technology for the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) sector. While "Thunder" is a defense variant, Archer says it will announce the platform's first commercial customers later this week.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The importance of this platform for Archer cannot be overstated. The company is not generating meaningful revenue, and Midnight, its flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, still lacks FAA type certification. If, however, it can turn the Anduril platform into firm orders, it could create a path to meaningful revenue while Midnight continues working through the certification process.
Archer stock jumped roughly 20% on the news, which puts it roughly 30% lower on the year. If you've been waiting for a reason to buy this beaten-down aviation stock, let's take a closer look to see if now is the time to jump in.
#company #platform #vtol #thunder
10 days ago
UnitedHealth's stock is flying high after it raised guidance, but on its latest earnings call, ***** ysts zeroed in on an underlying margin divergence running right through the business.
After a +50% run over the past year, UnitedHealth (UNH) stock trades near its 52-week high, and on the surface, its latest earnings report was a clean beat. The company raised its full-year outlook, and the headline numbers looked strong. But the Q&A session with ***** ysts kept circling one critical tension: is the impressive turnaround in the large Medicare business strong enough to offset a new, worsening problem in the company's commercial insurance segment?
The core worry for investors is that stubbornly high medical costs in the commercial business are getting worse. On the call, management confirmed that cost trends are running "modestly above 11%," a deterioration from prior expectations. This is not a small corner of the business; if its margins cannot recover, it puts a real ceiling on the company's growth.
When pressed for the cause, management gave a surprisingly specific answer. The answer went beyond general inflation, pinpointing a federal arbitration process under the No Surprises Act that management ***** erts is being leveraged aggressively by select provider groups. This is now adding "at least 100 basis points of total cost" to the commercial business. The issue is highly concentrated, and according to data cited by management, roughly 60% of their arbitration disputes are brought by one of just five entities. The response quantified the problem, but the admission that came with it was stark: the timeline for a full margin recovery in this segment has been pushed out "past 2027." That is a concrete delay to a key part of the investment case.
While the commercial segment is a growing headache, the equally large Medicare Advantage business is performing better than planned. The key question here was whether this was just good luck from a mild flu season or the result of management's own actions. The answer was more confident than vague.
#management
After a +50% run over the past year, UnitedHealth (UNH) stock trades near its 52-week high, and on the surface, its latest earnings report was a clean beat. The company raised its full-year outlook, and the headline numbers looked strong. But the Q&A session with ***** ysts kept circling one critical tension: is the impressive turnaround in the large Medicare business strong enough to offset a new, worsening problem in the company's commercial insurance segment?
The core worry for investors is that stubbornly high medical costs in the commercial business are getting worse. On the call, management confirmed that cost trends are running "modestly above 11%," a deterioration from prior expectations. This is not a small corner of the business; if its margins cannot recover, it puts a real ceiling on the company's growth.
When pressed for the cause, management gave a surprisingly specific answer. The answer went beyond general inflation, pinpointing a federal arbitration process under the No Surprises Act that management ***** erts is being leveraged aggressively by select provider groups. This is now adding "at least 100 basis points of total cost" to the commercial business. The issue is highly concentrated, and according to data cited by management, roughly 60% of their arbitration disputes are brought by one of just five entities. The response quantified the problem, but the admission that came with it was stark: the timeline for a full margin recovery in this segment has been pushed out "past 2027." That is a concrete delay to a key part of the investment case.
While the commercial segment is a growing headache, the equally large Medicare Advantage business is performing better than planned. The key question here was whether this was just good luck from a mild flu season or the result of management's own actions. The answer was more confident than vague.
#management
10 days ago
You probably own a lot more of this one high-flying health insurer than you realize, tucked away inside your favorite funds.
Even if you feel diversified, a single stock can quietly become a concentrated position inside the funds you own. UnitedHealth (UNH), a health insurance and services giant, now trades about 25% above its 200-day moving average, a sign of a powerful run-up that has likely pulled your portfolio along with it, whether you chose to buy the stock or not.
A stock running far ahead of its own long-term trend is worth a closer look. Over the past year, the stock has returned +50%, with much of that coming in the last three months, which saw a +31% gain. Investors are paying for that performance. The stock trades at about 22 times its expected earnings for the year ahead, pricing in expectations that profits will continue to grow. The question for a fund investor is how much of this single company's story you now own indirectly.
UnitedHealth is a popular holding, found across 52 of the equity funds in our universe. But the concentration varies widely. The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF) holds UNH at about 22% of the fund. That heavy weight helped power its +31% return over the past year. The exposure is common even in broader funds. The State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) holds it at about 6.6% of the fund, and the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) holds it at about 5.6%. Even dividend-focused funds like the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) have a meaningful position, holding UNH at about 4.4% of the fund.
This concentration cuts both ways. Let's run a simple scenario, not a forecast: if UNH simply reverted to its 200-day average, it would drop about 20% from here. For the heavily concentrated iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF), that one stock's move would erase about 4.3% from the entire fund's value. For the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), the drag would be about 1.3%. For the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT), it would be about 1.1%.
#year
Even if you feel diversified, a single stock can quietly become a concentrated position inside the funds you own. UnitedHealth (UNH), a health insurance and services giant, now trades about 25% above its 200-day moving average, a sign of a powerful run-up that has likely pulled your portfolio along with it, whether you chose to buy the stock or not.
A stock running far ahead of its own long-term trend is worth a closer look. Over the past year, the stock has returned +50%, with much of that coming in the last three months, which saw a +31% gain. Investors are paying for that performance. The stock trades at about 22 times its expected earnings for the year ahead, pricing in expectations that profits will continue to grow. The question for a fund investor is how much of this single company's story you now own indirectly.
UnitedHealth is a popular holding, found across 52 of the equity funds in our universe. But the concentration varies widely. The iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF) holds UNH at about 22% of the fund. That heavy weight helped power its +31% return over the past year. The exposure is common even in broader funds. The State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) holds it at about 6.6% of the fund, and the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) holds it at about 5.6%. Even dividend-focused funds like the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) have a meaningful position, holding UNH at about 4.4% of the fund.
This concentration cuts both ways. Let's run a simple scenario, not a forecast: if UNH simply reverted to its 200-day average, it would drop about 20% from here. For the heavily concentrated iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (IHF), that one stock's move would erase about 4.3% from the entire fund's value. For the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), the drag would be about 1.3%. For the Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT), it would be about 1.1%.
#year
10 days ago
A Secret Service agent on Vice President JD Vance's security detail is under internal review and has been put on administrative leave after being suspected of leaking information for a news story that included details about Vance's travel, a source familiar with the matter said.
A second source confirmed officials had identified a person believed to have been leaking information about Vance.
The review is being conducted by the agency's internal affairs component, the first source said, and it's unclear if any possible administrative punishment or criminal charges could be forthcoming.
The employee is suspected of having been a source for a recent story on MS NOW about agents on Vance's security detail dismayed by the purported burden the vice president's personal travel schedule has placed on his security team. As part of its coverage, MS NOW also described Vance's planned travel, including flying with his son on a Marine Corps helicopter to a golf lesson — plans that were later aborted.
The story caught the attention of Secret Service, FBI and White House officials, who fumed over operational details being described in the press, the first source said.
#security #internal
A second source confirmed officials had identified a person believed to have been leaking information about Vance.
The review is being conducted by the agency's internal affairs component, the first source said, and it's unclear if any possible administrative punishment or criminal charges could be forthcoming.
The employee is suspected of having been a source for a recent story on MS NOW about agents on Vance's security detail dismayed by the purported burden the vice president's personal travel schedule has placed on his security team. As part of its coverage, MS NOW also described Vance's planned travel, including flying with his son on a Marine Corps helicopter to a golf lesson — plans that were later aborted.
The story caught the attention of Secret Service, FBI and White House officials, who fumed over operational details being described in the press, the first source said.
#security #internal
10 days ago
In the 1980s, Coca-Cola infamously introduced a reformulated version of their signature soda that ended up going by the name New **** e. It didn’t go over very well: sales slumped, chastened executives were forced to reintroduce the classic **** e, and conspiracy theories about the revamped recipe being a scheme to juice sales of the rescued original recipe spread. Tonight, Aaron Nola pitched in front of a Coca-Cola logo drawn into the mound dirt. Like that vaunted soft drink, Nola has two recipes: Nola Classic, a highly effective, if not quite ace-level, pitcher, and New Nola, the struggling hurler whose long-ball nemesis often gets the better of him. Will Coca-Nola Classic ever make a permanent return to the beverage aisle? We hope so. But tonight, we got the not-so-sweet taste of New Nola, as the Dodgers took the series.
Nola got the night started off right with a one-pitch out of Shohei Ohtani. Alec Bohm got it started off even more right with a two-run shot to left in the bottom first. In the second, Nola struck out Max Muncy on a classic knuckle curve, then put out the next two Angelenos down on fly **** . It was smooth sailing at first for the Louisianan hurler. And it continued that way through the first two outs of the third. Then, unfortunately, came the familiar refrain, the song of the summer that you wish the radio would stop playing: a homer, this one courtesy of Dalton Rushing, to narrow the lead to one.
He encountered more trouble in the fourth. Freddie Freeman doubled, then did the little dance, both arms up and waving buoyantly, that the Dodgers apparently do after hits. It is said that this dance actually traces its origins back to the Brooklyn days, when the early Dodgers used it to hone the reflexes that were necessary for the dodging of trolleys; it is still extant despite the loss of its purpose, rather like the appendix. Max Muncy singled to put two runners on, but Nola was able to wrap the inning up without further damage.
The same could not be said of the fifth. Nola allowed singles to Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman, then a two-bagger to Rushing to score two and give the visitors the lead. Ohtani was given an intentional walk. The move paid off, as Ohtani became part of a twin killing that ended the frame. But the damage was done, and the lead was lost.
Not for long. Bryan De La Cruz sent a fastball flying towards the greenery of the batter’s eye as the first batter in the Phillie fifth. Andy Pages stretched out his arm, and for a moment it looked as if he’d come down with it. Like a bank robber foiled by the dye packs in a sack of cash, his would-be burglary was foiled at the last second, with the ball glancing off his leather and landing safely over the fence to tie the game. Bryson Stott doubled, but was put out on a baserunning blunder; dredging up some bad memories from the not-so-distant past.
#classic
Nola got the night started off right with a one-pitch out of Shohei Ohtani. Alec Bohm got it started off even more right with a two-run shot to left in the bottom first. In the second, Nola struck out Max Muncy on a classic knuckle curve, then put out the next two Angelenos down on fly **** . It was smooth sailing at first for the Louisianan hurler. And it continued that way through the first two outs of the third. Then, unfortunately, came the familiar refrain, the song of the summer that you wish the radio would stop playing: a homer, this one courtesy of Dalton Rushing, to narrow the lead to one.
He encountered more trouble in the fourth. Freddie Freeman doubled, then did the little dance, both arms up and waving buoyantly, that the Dodgers apparently do after hits. It is said that this dance actually traces its origins back to the Brooklyn days, when the early Dodgers used it to hone the reflexes that were necessary for the dodging of trolleys; it is still extant despite the loss of its purpose, rather like the appendix. Max Muncy singled to put two runners on, but Nola was able to wrap the inning up without further damage.
The same could not be said of the fifth. Nola allowed singles to Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman, then a two-bagger to Rushing to score two and give the visitors the lead. Ohtani was given an intentional walk. The move paid off, as Ohtani became part of a twin killing that ended the frame. But the damage was done, and the lead was lost.
Not for long. Bryan De La Cruz sent a fastball flying towards the greenery of the batter’s eye as the first batter in the Phillie fifth. Andy Pages stretched out his arm, and for a moment it looked as if he’d come down with it. Like a bank robber foiled by the dye packs in a sack of cash, his would-be burglary was foiled at the last second, with the ball glancing off his leather and landing safely over the fence to tie the game. Bryson Stott doubled, but was put out on a baserunning blunder; dredging up some bad memories from the not-so-distant past.
#classic
10 days ago
The flying taxi company just unveiled a military drone, and investors are betting it's a much faster path to a paycheck.
If you blinked, you might have missed it. Archer Aviation (ACHR) stock jumped +19.6% on Monday, a sharp reversal after hitting its 52-week low of $4.44 just the session before. While peers like JOBY also saw a lift, Archer's move was in a different league. So what exactly put the charge back into this electric aircraft developer?
On Monday morning, the company pulled the curtain back on a new partnership with a defense technology company. They unveiled an autonomous aircraft platform called Thunder. This isn't another sleek pod designed to whisk you over city traffic. It's a craft built with military and commercial applications in mind, marking a significant new direction for the company.
Because it gives Archer a second, more tangible story to tell. Crucially, Archer remains essentially pre-revenue, with its entire valuation pinned on the future commercialization of urban air mobility. But as one report noted, the eVTOL industry is seeing "slower-than-expected progress." This pivot into defense is a "major expansion beyond its core urban air mobility business," offering a potential path to revenue that doesn't rely solely on a consumer market that doesn't exist yet. It's a strategic hedge while commercial passenger certification moves through lengthy regulatory timelines.
The company isn't abandoning its original mission. The CEO reaffirmed the goal of achieving certification for its passenger craft by 2028. But the more immediate catalyst is on the commercial front. Archer is expected to announce its "first commercial customers later this week," which could provide another jolt of validation. This pivot firmly plants a foot in the aerospace and defense sector, a move that clearly resonated with investors tired of waiting.
#Monday #investors
If you blinked, you might have missed it. Archer Aviation (ACHR) stock jumped +19.6% on Monday, a sharp reversal after hitting its 52-week low of $4.44 just the session before. While peers like JOBY also saw a lift, Archer's move was in a different league. So what exactly put the charge back into this electric aircraft developer?
On Monday morning, the company pulled the curtain back on a new partnership with a defense technology company. They unveiled an autonomous aircraft platform called Thunder. This isn't another sleek pod designed to whisk you over city traffic. It's a craft built with military and commercial applications in mind, marking a significant new direction for the company.
Because it gives Archer a second, more tangible story to tell. Crucially, Archer remains essentially pre-revenue, with its entire valuation pinned on the future commercialization of urban air mobility. But as one report noted, the eVTOL industry is seeing "slower-than-expected progress." This pivot into defense is a "major expansion beyond its core urban air mobility business," offering a potential path to revenue that doesn't rely solely on a consumer market that doesn't exist yet. It's a strategic hedge while commercial passenger certification moves through lengthy regulatory timelines.
The company isn't abandoning its original mission. The CEO reaffirmed the goal of achieving certification for its passenger craft by 2028. But the more immediate catalyst is on the commercial front. Archer is expected to announce its "first commercial customers later this week," which could provide another jolt of validation. This pivot firmly plants a foot in the aerospace and defense sector, a move that clearly resonated with investors tired of waiting.
#Monday #investors
11 days ago
On the heels of a loaded NBA Draft, there was heightened interest in this year's Summer League.
It didn't disappoint. Some of the top names from June's draft put up tantalizing performances in Las Vegas, and the NBA honored them Tuesday by announcing and MVP and All-Summer League Teams.
Yaxel Lendeborg, who was named MVP of the championship game after leading the Golden State Warriors past Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies, earned top honors as MVP of the entire league.
Boozer, who delivered with consistent production throughout, was named to the All-Summer League first team. As was his former ACC rival and Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, who generate the most buzz in Las Vegas with his high-flying dunks and improved 3-point shooting.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas joined Lendeborg, Boozer and Wilson on the first team.
#boozer #lendeborg #draft
It didn't disappoint. Some of the top names from June's draft put up tantalizing performances in Las Vegas, and the NBA honored them Tuesday by announcing and MVP and All-Summer League Teams.
Yaxel Lendeborg, who was named MVP of the championship game after leading the Golden State Warriors past Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies, earned top honors as MVP of the entire league.
Boozer, who delivered with consistent production throughout, was named to the All-Summer League first team. As was his former ACC rival and Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, who generate the most buzz in Las Vegas with his high-flying dunks and improved 3-point shooting.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas joined Lendeborg, Boozer and Wilson on the first team.
#boozer #lendeborg #draft
15 days ago
At least 200 Ukrainian drones were launched toward Moscow overnight into Thursday morning, the city's Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said, as Kyiv continued its nightly long-range strike campaign deep into Russia.
From Wednesday evening until 9 a.m. local time on Thursday, "More than 200 drones were flying towards the Moscow region. Most of them were neutralized by air defense systems at a distance," Sobyanin wrote in a post to Telegram. Ten drones "were destroyed as they approached Moscow," the mayor said.
Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces downed at least 375 Ukrainian drones overnight. The ministry said in a post to Telegram that drones were intercepted over 18 Russian regions -- including Moscow -- as well as Crimea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Ukraine has been significantly expanding its drone campaign -- referred to in Kyiv as "long-range sanctions" -- in recent months, targeting major Russian cities, Russian oil infrastructure, military and logistics targets.
'Trump does like a winner': Ukraine victories could mean more US backing, Zelenskyy adviser says
From Wednesday evening until 9 a.m. local time on Thursday, "More than 200 drones were flying towards the Moscow region. Most of them were neutralized by air defense systems at a distance," Sobyanin wrote in a post to Telegram. Ten drones "were destroyed as they approached Moscow," the mayor said.
Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces downed at least 375 Ukrainian drones overnight. The ministry said in a post to Telegram that drones were intercepted over 18 Russian regions -- including Moscow -- as well as Crimea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Ukraine has been significantly expanding its drone campaign -- referred to in Kyiv as "long-range sanctions" -- in recent months, targeting major Russian cities, Russian oil infrastructure, military and logistics targets.
'Trump does like a winner': Ukraine victories could mean more US backing, Zelenskyy adviser says
18 days ago
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arsenal Fixture News reports that the first-team players who didn't go to the World Cup are believed to be flying out to the Marbella Training Centre in Spain today, for fitness training.
The same source adds that those same players will then reunite at **** nal's London Colney training centre on Monday for screening and their official pre-season training start.
Photo via **** nal.com
Simon Collings confirms for The S*n that **** nal will indeed hold a training camp in Marbella this week, continuing a recent tradition of holding a mini training camp before pre-season properly gets underway.
Arsenal Fixture News reports that the first-team players who didn't go to the World Cup are believed to be flying out to the Marbella Training Centre in Spain today, for fitness training.
The same source adds that those same players will then reunite at **** nal's London Colney training centre on Monday for screening and their official pre-season training start.
Photo via **** nal.com
Simon Collings confirms for The S*n that **** nal will indeed hold a training camp in Marbella this week, continuing a recent tradition of holding a mini training camp before pre-season properly gets underway.
