2 days ago
The Oklahoma Sooners made some key transfer portal additions this past winter, with many of them coming on offense. Once it was confirmed that quarterback John Mateer was going to be back in the saddle to run the show in Norman, the focus for OU turned to surrounding him with talent offensively.
One of those crucial portal additions was former Texas wide receiver Parker Livingstone, who was a breakout player in Austin last year. Now, he crosses the Red RIver to the other side of the iconic rivalry, where he'll hope to help jump-start the Sooner offense.
According to ESPN's list of each top 25 team's x-factor for this upcoming season, Livingstone is the player for the Sooners that can heavily impact where Oklahoma ends up. The redshirt-sophomore should be slated into one of the outside receiver spots, likely the X-WR role that was held down by the combination of Keontez Lewis and Javonnie Gibson last season, and OU needs him to be an improvement piece there this fall.
"In the history of the Red River Rivalry, rarely ever has a player left the Longhorns for the Sooners. But former Texas receiver Livingstone -- quarterback Arch Manning's roommate last year -- could become a difference-maker for his new quarterback, John Mateer. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Livingstone, who had six touchdown catches as a redshirt freshman last year, should give Oklahoma a physical weapon on the outside alongside returning go-to pass-catcher Isaiah Sategna III and Virginia transfer Trell Harris, who was a third-team All-ACC selection last year." - Jake Trotter, ESPN.
With the speedy Sategna once again manning the H-WR role in the slot and Harris occupying the deep threat Z-WR role that Deion Burks held last year, Livingstone can use his size and physicality to offer OU something it didn't really have last year: a jump ball threat on the outside. Combine that trio with the likes of Jer'Michael Carter, Mackenzie Alleyne, Jacob Jordan, Ivan Carreon, and some promising youngsters, and the Sooners have a chance to be an improved WR group this year.
#year #livingstone #oklahoma #player
One of those crucial portal additions was former Texas wide receiver Parker Livingstone, who was a breakout player in Austin last year. Now, he crosses the Red RIver to the other side of the iconic rivalry, where he'll hope to help jump-start the Sooner offense.
According to ESPN's list of each top 25 team's x-factor for this upcoming season, Livingstone is the player for the Sooners that can heavily impact where Oklahoma ends up. The redshirt-sophomore should be slated into one of the outside receiver spots, likely the X-WR role that was held down by the combination of Keontez Lewis and Javonnie Gibson last season, and OU needs him to be an improvement piece there this fall.
"In the history of the Red River Rivalry, rarely ever has a player left the Longhorns for the Sooners. But former Texas receiver Livingstone -- quarterback Arch Manning's roommate last year -- could become a difference-maker for his new quarterback, John Mateer. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Livingstone, who had six touchdown catches as a redshirt freshman last year, should give Oklahoma a physical weapon on the outside alongside returning go-to pass-catcher Isaiah Sategna III and Virginia transfer Trell Harris, who was a third-team All-ACC selection last year." - Jake Trotter, ESPN.
With the speedy Sategna once again manning the H-WR role in the slot and Harris occupying the deep threat Z-WR role that Deion Burks held last year, Livingstone can use his size and physicality to offer OU something it didn't really have last year: a jump ball threat on the outside. Combine that trio with the likes of Jer'Michael Carter, Mackenzie Alleyne, Jacob Jordan, Ivan Carreon, and some promising youngsters, and the Sooners have a chance to be an improved WR group this year.
#year #livingstone #oklahoma #player
2 days ago
Wood Mackenzie now estimates that the global upstream oil and gas sector could generate $495 billion in free cash flow in 2026 if crude averages $90 per barrel, more than doubling its previous forecast based on a $60 oil price **** umption. The revision follows the sharp jump in crude prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, turning what had been expected to be another year of disciplined cash generation into one of the industry's most lucrative windfalls in recent years. Yet the gains will be concentrated among the world's largest producers, with the 49 national and international oil companies covered by Wood Mackenzie expected to capture $272 billion of the total.
Wood Mackenzie expects the conflict to reduce global oil production by at least 3%, with Iraq accounting for roughly 3 million barrels per day of lost output, while damage to infrastructure in Qatar is projected to cut global LNG supply by 2%. The stronger cash flow outlook does not alter the industry's longer-term production trajectory. Wood Mackenzie projects average production across the 155 upstream companies it tracks will fall 30% between 2030 and 2040, with more than 70 producers facing declines of more than 50% unless they make significant new investments.
However, WoodMac says energy companies are likely to maintain capital discipline despite the unexpected influx of cash, with capex budgets expected to largely remain flat while share buybacks are projected to decrease by 5% as boards prioritize balance sheet strength and deleveraging.
Related: War Sends Saudi Oil Output Down and Revenue Up
Meanwhile, energy companies are expected to continue to deploy the excess cash to purchase attractive oil and gas **** ets. Upstream M&A surged to a two-year high in the first half of the year, including Shell Plc's (NYSE:SHEL) $16 billion acquisition of ARC Resources, Devon's (NYSE:DVN) $25 billion merger with Coterra and Mitsubishi's (OTCPK:MSBHF) $7.5 billion purchase of Aethon. Dealmakers are increasingly prioritizing stable, low-cost regions and natural gas/LNG **** ets to ensure supply chain security.
#wood #mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie expects the conflict to reduce global oil production by at least 3%, with Iraq accounting for roughly 3 million barrels per day of lost output, while damage to infrastructure in Qatar is projected to cut global LNG supply by 2%. The stronger cash flow outlook does not alter the industry's longer-term production trajectory. Wood Mackenzie projects average production across the 155 upstream companies it tracks will fall 30% between 2030 and 2040, with more than 70 producers facing declines of more than 50% unless they make significant new investments.
However, WoodMac says energy companies are likely to maintain capital discipline despite the unexpected influx of cash, with capex budgets expected to largely remain flat while share buybacks are projected to decrease by 5% as boards prioritize balance sheet strength and deleveraging.
Related: War Sends Saudi Oil Output Down and Revenue Up
Meanwhile, energy companies are expected to continue to deploy the excess cash to purchase attractive oil and gas **** ets. Upstream M&A surged to a two-year high in the first half of the year, including Shell Plc's (NYSE:SHEL) $16 billion acquisition of ARC Resources, Devon's (NYSE:DVN) $25 billion merger with Coterra and Mitsubishi's (OTCPK:MSBHF) $7.5 billion purchase of Aethon. Dealmakers are increasingly prioritizing stable, low-cost regions and natural gas/LNG **** ets to ensure supply chain security.
#wood #mackenzie
3 days ago
Greg Taylor during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park, on 14 September 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI
The Scottish champions are weighing up the prospect of re-signing the left-back only 12 months after he left the Hoops at the expiry of his contract.
Taylor's spell with PAOK has failed to fully take off and, following the arrival of new head coach Alessio Lisci, he is no longer believed to feature prominently in the club's plans.
According to reports in Greece via Daily Record, "significant developments" surrounding the 28-year-old are expected shortly as interest in his services grows.
Celtic remain among the clubs monitoring the situation, although they are reportedly facing competition from teams in both the English Championship and Major League Soccer.
#celtic #scottish #september
The Scottish champions are weighing up the prospect of re-signing the left-back only 12 months after he left the Hoops at the expiry of his contract.
Taylor's spell with PAOK has failed to fully take off and, following the arrival of new head coach Alessio Lisci, he is no longer believed to feature prominently in the club's plans.
According to reports in Greece via Daily Record, "significant developments" surrounding the 28-year-old are expected shortly as interest in his services grows.
Celtic remain among the clubs monitoring the situation, although they are reportedly facing competition from teams in both the English Championship and Major League Soccer.
#celtic #scottish #september
6 days ago
Jack Draper has pulled out of this week's Mubadala DC Open with an arm injury, tournament officials have announced.
It is the latest setback for the 24-year-old, who has been dogged by fitness issues throughout the year and missed the first three grand slam events.
The former world No 4, who has now fallen to a ranking of 147, had been due to play American Alex Michelsen in the first round.
A statement on X read: "Jack Draper has withdrawn from the tournament with a left arm injury. He will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald."
It is understood that Draper has withdrawn to focus on next month's ATP Tour events in Montreal and Cincinnati, although he would need a wild card in both, and the US Open, for which he would probably need to qualify.
#draper #injury
It is the latest setback for the 24-year-old, who has been dogged by fitness issues throughout the year and missed the first three grand slam events.
The former world No 4, who has now fallen to a ranking of 147, had been due to play American Alex Michelsen in the first round.
A statement on X read: "Jack Draper has withdrawn from the tournament with a left arm injury. He will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald."
It is understood that Draper has withdrawn to focus on next month's ATP Tour events in Montreal and Cincinnati, although he would need a wild card in both, and the US Open, for which he would probably need to qualify.
#draper #injury
20 days ago
By Nell Mackenzie and Gregor Stuart Hunter
LONDON/SINGAPORE, July 14 (Reuters) - Stocks moved back into negative territory after yo-yoing between gains and losses as oil hit one-month highs on Tuesday after President Donald Trump said the U.S. was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping and would collect a 20% fee on the Strait of Hormuz cargo traffic.
Brent crude futures climbed over $3.00 to $86.36 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June.
European shares opened lower as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions spooked investors, scrutinizing quarterly earnings from companies such as oil major BP and telecom equipment maker Ericsson to gauge the conflict's impact on corporate health.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index slipped 0.7%, dragged down by travel and leisure which was last down 2.4%.
LONDON/SINGAPORE, July 14 (Reuters) - Stocks moved back into negative territory after yo-yoing between gains and losses as oil hit one-month highs on Tuesday after President Donald Trump said the U.S. was reinstating its blockade of Iranian shipping and would collect a 20% fee on the Strait of Hormuz cargo traffic.
Brent crude futures climbed over $3.00 to $86.36 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June.
European shares opened lower as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions spooked investors, scrutinizing quarterly earnings from companies such as oil major BP and telecom equipment maker Ericsson to gauge the conflict's impact on corporate health.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index slipped 0.7%, dragged down by travel and leisure which was last down 2.4%.
22 days ago
Nationals part ways with former Yankees 14.73 ERA reliever originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Washington Nationals have made a notable roster move before Sunday's series finale against the New York Yankees.
The NL East club announced that first baseman Abimelec Ortiz was called up from Triple-A Rochester.
Ortiz will take the roster spot of left-hander Matt Krook, who was designated for **** ignment, per Washington's announcement.
The 24-year-old was acquired from the Texas Rangers in the trade that sent MacKenzie Gore to Texas.
The Washington Nationals have made a notable roster move before Sunday's series finale against the New York Yankees.
The NL East club announced that first baseman Abimelec Ortiz was called up from Triple-A Rochester.
Ortiz will take the roster spot of left-hander Matt Krook, who was designated for **** ignment, per Washington's announcement.
The 24-year-old was acquired from the Texas Rangers in the trade that sent MacKenzie Gore to Texas.
22 days ago
Texas Rangers lineup for July 12, 2026 against the Houston Astros: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Cristian Javier for the Astros.
It is the last day before the All Star Break. MacKenzie Gore, pitching on short rest, is filling in for Jacob deGrom on the mound. It would be nice to head into the All Star Break with a win.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Langford — LF
It is the last day before the All Star Break. MacKenzie Gore, pitching on short rest, is filling in for Jacob deGrom on the mound. It would be nice to head into the All Star Break with a win.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Langford — LF
23 days ago
By Kavya Balaraman
July 9 (Reuters) - Skyrocketing demand from artificial intelligence data centers is exacerbating shortages of critical grid equipment like transformers across the U.S., driving up costs, stretching out wait times and spurring utilities and developers to lock in orders far in advance.
Transformers, which are used to step up or step down electricity voltage, have witnessed persistent shortages over the last five years, when demand began to rebound faster than supply due to COVID-19-related lockdowns.
Supplies are being further squeezed by the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure, experts say. Lead times, or the time taken between an initial order and its delivery, for some high-voltage transformers have increased to multiple years from around a year in 2020 and 2021.
"Equipment availability is becoming the biggest concern for developers as they value time to market so highly," said Ben Boucher, senior **** yst with consultancy Wood Mackenzie.
July 9 (Reuters) - Skyrocketing demand from artificial intelligence data centers is exacerbating shortages of critical grid equipment like transformers across the U.S., driving up costs, stretching out wait times and spurring utilities and developers to lock in orders far in advance.
Transformers, which are used to step up or step down electricity voltage, have witnessed persistent shortages over the last five years, when demand began to rebound faster than supply due to COVID-19-related lockdowns.
Supplies are being further squeezed by the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure, experts say. Lead times, or the time taken between an initial order and its delivery, for some high-voltage transformers have increased to multiple years from around a year in 2020 and 2021.
"Equipment availability is becoming the biggest concern for developers as they value time to market so highly," said Ben Boucher, senior **** yst with consultancy Wood Mackenzie.
28 days ago
A year ago today, the trajectory of the Washington Nationals changed drastically. Manager Davey Martinez and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo were fired on July 6th, 2025. The duo had led the Nats to a World Series **** le in 2019, but in the midst of a disappointing season, it was clear that they were no longer the right men to lead the franchise forward.
After the World Series in 2019, the Nats quickly aged out of contention, and the lack of depth on the farm meant that there were no replacements. In 2021, Mike Rizzo decided to sell off veteran pieces and lead the franchise into a rebuild. With a World Series ring only a couple years prior, Rizzo and Martinez were allowed to lead the Nats into this new era.
In 2022, the reality of the rebuild set in. This would be an even longer process than expected. That meant 23 year old future Hall of Famer Juan Soto had to be traded. The move was a painful one, but it turned out to be the best decision Mike Rizzo made in the rebuild. He got three cornerstone pieces in James Wood, CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.
However, Rizzo’s lack of success in the draft and Martinez’s archaic coaching staff meant the fruits of that trade could not be fully realized. By 2025, the Nats were stuck. They had nice pieces, but there was a clear disconnect between the coaching staff and the players, and the roster was far too top heavy. With the Nats sitting at 37-53, the Lerner family made the big decision to fire Rizzo and Martinez.
A year later, that decision is looking very wise. Right now, the Nats are above .500 with a 46-45 record. Under Paul Toboni and Blake Butera, the organization has quickly modernized and embraced **** ytics in a way that they had not in the past. A big story this spring was how much new technology the Nats had. Between the trajekt machine, weighted bats and more, the Nats were finally embracing 2020’s baseball.
After the World Series in 2019, the Nats quickly aged out of contention, and the lack of depth on the farm meant that there were no replacements. In 2021, Mike Rizzo decided to sell off veteran pieces and lead the franchise into a rebuild. With a World Series ring only a couple years prior, Rizzo and Martinez were allowed to lead the Nats into this new era.
In 2022, the reality of the rebuild set in. This would be an even longer process than expected. That meant 23 year old future Hall of Famer Juan Soto had to be traded. The move was a painful one, but it turned out to be the best decision Mike Rizzo made in the rebuild. He got three cornerstone pieces in James Wood, CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.
However, Rizzo’s lack of success in the draft and Martinez’s archaic coaching staff meant the fruits of that trade could not be fully realized. By 2025, the Nats were stuck. They had nice pieces, but there was a clear disconnect between the coaching staff and the players, and the roster was far too top heavy. With the Nats sitting at 37-53, the Lerner family made the big decision to fire Rizzo and Martinez.
A year later, that decision is looking very wise. Right now, the Nats are above .500 with a 46-45 record. Under Paul Toboni and Blake Butera, the organization has quickly modernized and embraced **** ytics in a way that they had not in the past. A big story this spring was how much new technology the Nats had. Between the trajekt machine, weighted bats and more, the Nats were finally embracing 2020’s baseball.
28 days ago
By Nell Mackenzie
LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) - U.S. hedge funds sold tech hardware stocks for a fourth week in a row, according to a client note from Goldman Sachs on Friday, in line with a recent decline in global chip shares and just before many of these companies will report earnings.
Tech shares and especially semiconductors have propelled the broader equity market higher this year. But tech stocks have been swinging dramatically on a combination of profit-taking and concern about the high levels of spending on AI and when the companies behind those outlays might see returns. The SOX index, which tracks the performance of semiconductor stocks, declined 4.2% in the week to July 3.
Here's what the Goldman Sachs note said about hedge fund trading in that week:
• Info tech stocks including semiconductor and hardware companies was the most net sold U.S. stock sector for the fourth week in a row.
LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) - U.S. hedge funds sold tech hardware stocks for a fourth week in a row, according to a client note from Goldman Sachs on Friday, in line with a recent decline in global chip shares and just before many of these companies will report earnings.
Tech shares and especially semiconductors have propelled the broader equity market higher this year. But tech stocks have been swinging dramatically on a combination of profit-taking and concern about the high levels of spending on AI and when the companies behind those outlays might see returns. The SOX index, which tracks the performance of semiconductor stocks, declined 4.2% in the week to July 3.
Here's what the Goldman Sachs note said about hedge fund trading in that week:
• Info tech stocks including semiconductor and hardware companies was the most net sold U.S. stock sector for the fourth week in a row.
28 days ago
U.S. natural gas prices are set to rise through 2035, following a decade of low Henry Hub prices, as the AI data center boom and the expansion of U.S. LNG export infrastructure will underpin strong demand, ******* ysts at Wood Mackenzie say.
During the decade to 2025, the benchmark U.S. Henry Hub prices remained in a narrow range of between $2 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) $4 per MMBtu, thanks to the surge in U.S. gas production as operators invested in standalone gas plays and boosted ******* ociated gas production from oil plays. Well productivity and technology gains have also helped raise domestic gas output.
As a result, prices have remained low for most of the past decade, but the era of cheap U.S. gas may be coming to an end, WoodMac's ******* ysts said in a new report out this week.
So what has changed?
First, U.S. LNG exports have soared over the past decade since Cheniere Energy shipped out the first LNG cargo from Sabine Pass in February 2016.
During the decade to 2025, the benchmark U.S. Henry Hub prices remained in a narrow range of between $2 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) $4 per MMBtu, thanks to the surge in U.S. gas production as operators invested in standalone gas plays and boosted ******* ociated gas production from oil plays. Well productivity and technology gains have also helped raise domestic gas output.
As a result, prices have remained low for most of the past decade, but the era of cheap U.S. gas may be coming to an end, WoodMac's ******* ysts said in a new report out this week.
So what has changed?
First, U.S. LNG exports have soared over the past decade since Cheniere Energy shipped out the first LNG cargo from Sabine Pass in February 2016.
30 days ago
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts to his win over Jack Della Maddalena of Australia in the UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
The next UFC ******* le fights take place at UFC 330. That event, which is scheduled for August 15 at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, will see two UFC belts on the line. In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Ian Machado Garry. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern puts her strawweight ******* le on the line against Gillian Robertson. The UFC recently officially confirmed 10 fights for the upcoming fight card.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry
Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson
Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Jalin Turner vs. Kauê Fernandes
Geoff Neal vs. Chidi Njokuani
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
Jeremiah Wells vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore
Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics
Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
FORBES | By Trent Reinsmith
UFC 329: Fight Card Order Set For McGregor Vs. Holloway 2
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after his knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The next UFC ******* le fights take place at UFC 330. That event, which is scheduled for August 15 at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, will see two UFC belts on the line. In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Ian Machado Garry. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern puts her strawweight ******* le on the line against Gillian Robertson. The UFC recently officially confirmed 10 fights for the upcoming fight card.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry
Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson
Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Jalin Turner vs. Kauê Fernandes
Geoff Neal vs. Chidi Njokuani
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
Jeremiah Wells vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore
Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics
Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
FORBES | By Trent Reinsmith
UFC 329: Fight Card Order Set For McGregor Vs. Holloway 2
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after his knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
1 month ago
It looks like Mackenzie Dern will have to wait a bit longer for her to fully silence some of her doubters.
Dern (16-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) finally booked her first fight as UFC strawweight champion – a ****** le defense against top contender Gillian Robertson in the co-main event of UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Although there's no denying Robertson (17-8 MMA, 14-6 UFC) is a deserving contender, many expected Dern to face Zhang Weili, who never lost the strawweight belt. She vacated it to pursue a second divisional ****** le at flyweight. Weili ended up coming short against UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in November, and voiced her interest in a return to 115 pounds.
Dern, like many, was under the impression this was her next fight, but for some reason, it didn't materialize.
"I can't give you that response," Dern said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "I don't know. I don't know. They were talking about Weili. They had mentioned Macau, and the White House, New Jersey. I'm not sure what happened or what's going on. They came back with Gillian Robertson, I think after her win against Amanda Lemos, that was maybe April. So yeah, it's August 15."
Because Weili vacated the belt and never lost it, many still see her as the best female fighter at 115 pounds. Dern is well aware of the narrative that's been built, but even then wasn't sad she didn't get the opportunity to erase any doubts.
Dern (16-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) finally booked her first fight as UFC strawweight champion – a ****** le defense against top contender Gillian Robertson in the co-main event of UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Although there's no denying Robertson (17-8 MMA, 14-6 UFC) is a deserving contender, many expected Dern to face Zhang Weili, who never lost the strawweight belt. She vacated it to pursue a second divisional ****** le at flyweight. Weili ended up coming short against UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in November, and voiced her interest in a return to 115 pounds.
Dern, like many, was under the impression this was her next fight, but for some reason, it didn't materialize.
"I can't give you that response," Dern said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "I don't know. I don't know. They were talking about Weili. They had mentioned Macau, and the White House, New Jersey. I'm not sure what happened or what's going on. They came back with Gillian Robertson, I think after her win against Amanda Lemos, that was maybe April. So yeah, it's August 15."
Because Weili vacated the belt and never lost it, many still see her as the best female fighter at 115 pounds. Dern is well aware of the narrative that's been built, but even then wasn't sad she didn't get the opportunity to erase any doubts.
1 month ago
Mackenzie Dern was widely expected to face the dominant former UFC strawweight champion, Zhang Weili, in her first ***** le defense. She instead finds herself matched against fellow jiu-jitsu ace Gillian Robertson at UFC 330 on Aug. 15.
Dern, 33, claimed the vacant 115-pound throne in Zhang's absence at UFC 321 last October, scoring a decision win over Virna Jandiroba and setting Dern up for a potential clash with a returning Zhang, who left the division in 2025 in pursuit of flyweight gold. Zhang ultimately came up short against pound-for-pound queen Valentina Shevchenko, but her departure nonetheless opened the door to strawweight's top contenders, and Dern capitalized.
Where does that leave Zhang at present? Dern has no idea, she revealed Monday on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"I can't give you that response. I don't know," Dern told Uncrowned when asked why that fight isn't happening next. "They were talking about Weili. They had mentioned [UFC] Macau, then the White House, [then] New Jersey. So I'm not sure what happened or what's going on, but they came back with Gillian Robertson, I think, after her win against Amanda Lemos [in March]. ... I'm not sure what the deal with Weili is or what is happening."
Ultimately, Dern isn't upset by the delay in facing an all-time great.
Dern, 33, claimed the vacant 115-pound throne in Zhang's absence at UFC 321 last October, scoring a decision win over Virna Jandiroba and setting Dern up for a potential clash with a returning Zhang, who left the division in 2025 in pursuit of flyweight gold. Zhang ultimately came up short against pound-for-pound queen Valentina Shevchenko, but her departure nonetheless opened the door to strawweight's top contenders, and Dern capitalized.
Where does that leave Zhang at present? Dern has no idea, she revealed Monday on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"I can't give you that response. I don't know," Dern told Uncrowned when asked why that fight isn't happening next. "They were talking about Weili. They had mentioned [UFC] Macau, then the White House, [then] New Jersey. So I'm not sure what happened or what's going on, but they came back with Gillian Robertson, I think, after her win against Amanda Lemos [in March]. ... I'm not sure what the deal with Weili is or what is happening."
Ultimately, Dern isn't upset by the delay in facing an all-time great.
1 month ago
In an era glistening with originality and sheer star power, these iconic women captured the imaginations of millions and transformed entertainment forever. While some remain household names, others have faded quietly from the spotlight, but their impact on television, film, and style is still indelible to fans and pop culture aficionados. Let's take a visual journey through unforgettable portraits of the dynamic actresses and trailblazers whose charisma and talent defined a generation and continue to inspire today.
Known for her role as Joanie on Happy Days, Erin Moran's bright presence and relatable charm made her a beloved figure in living rooms across America. Her transition to the spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi in 1982 showcased her versatility, reinforcing her status as a relatable girl next door. Despite personal challenges, her legacy as a television staple lives on in the memories of her fans.
A favorite for her role as Marion Ravenwood in the Indiana Jones franchise, Karen Allen exuded strength, wit and vulnerability on screen. Her breakthrough came when she starred opposite Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), earning her the Saturn Award for Best Actress, per Variety. Her continued work in cinema and on stage underscores the enduring appeal of her talent.
Crowned as one of Hollywood's most transformative actresses, Sissy **** ek delivered unforgettable roles, including the haunting lead in Carrie. Her ability to convey emotional depth earned her critical acclaim, including the Academy Award for Best Actress for Coal Miner's Daughter. Her influence continues to resonate through her ongoing work and industry accolades.
Captivating viewers as Julie Cooper on One Day at a Time, Mackenzie Phillips embodied youthful rebellion and resilience. She gained stardom in the 1970s playing the role on the long-running CBS sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1984, per Fandom. Her candor about her life has added depth to her celebrity, highlighting the complexities behind the spotlight.
Known for her role as Joanie on Happy Days, Erin Moran's bright presence and relatable charm made her a beloved figure in living rooms across America. Her transition to the spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi in 1982 showcased her versatility, reinforcing her status as a relatable girl next door. Despite personal challenges, her legacy as a television staple lives on in the memories of her fans.
A favorite for her role as Marion Ravenwood in the Indiana Jones franchise, Karen Allen exuded strength, wit and vulnerability on screen. Her breakthrough came when she starred opposite Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), earning her the Saturn Award for Best Actress, per Variety. Her continued work in cinema and on stage underscores the enduring appeal of her talent.
Crowned as one of Hollywood's most transformative actresses, Sissy **** ek delivered unforgettable roles, including the haunting lead in Carrie. Her ability to convey emotional depth earned her critical acclaim, including the Academy Award for Best Actress for Coal Miner's Daughter. Her influence continues to resonate through her ongoing work and industry accolades.
Captivating viewers as Julie Cooper on One Day at a Time, Mackenzie Phillips embodied youthful rebellion and resilience. She gained stardom in the 1970s playing the role on the long-running CBS sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1984, per Fandom. Her candor about her life has added depth to her celebrity, highlighting the complexities behind the spotlight.
1 month ago
The Texas Rangers scored six runs while the Toronto Blue Jays scored five runs.
After a disappointing last few games in Miami, the Rangers arrived in an entirely different country where leadoff hitter Joc Pederson immediately made an impact by battling Jays starter Kevin Gausman for an eleven pitch at-bat that concluded with a leadoff dong, his 12th of the season.
The Rangers weren't finished beating up on Gausman as in the third inning they got home runs from Wyatt Langford and Jake Burger to pad their lead. Langford's dinger was of the three-run variety to put Texas up 4-0. It was his fifth home run in the last eight games as he's gone nuclear here in late June.
Burger meanwhile hit his lead-leading 14th of the year, a two-run shot that put the Rangers up 6-0 and followed a walk from the returning Corey Seager.
With a big lead in the early innings, MacKenzie Gore was able to chew through some much-needed innings. Though he ran into some trouble in the fifth, allowing three runs to halve Texas' lead, the left-hander ultimately went seven innings and allowed just those three runs on four hits and a walk. Gore also struck out five as he picked up his first win of the month.
After a disappointing last few games in Miami, the Rangers arrived in an entirely different country where leadoff hitter Joc Pederson immediately made an impact by battling Jays starter Kevin Gausman for an eleven pitch at-bat that concluded with a leadoff dong, his 12th of the season.
The Rangers weren't finished beating up on Gausman as in the third inning they got home runs from Wyatt Langford and Jake Burger to pad their lead. Langford's dinger was of the three-run variety to put Texas up 4-0. It was his fifth home run in the last eight games as he's gone nuclear here in late June.
Burger meanwhile hit his lead-leading 14th of the year, a two-run shot that put the Rangers up 6-0 and followed a walk from the returning Corey Seager.
With a big lead in the early innings, MacKenzie Gore was able to chew through some much-needed innings. Though he ran into some trouble in the fifth, allowing three runs to halve Texas' lead, the left-hander ultimately went seven innings and allowed just those three runs on four hits and a walk. Gore also struck out five as he picked up his first win of the month.
1 month ago
Despite wanting to keep her gigantic philanthropy quiet, MacKenzie Scott's giving keeps making a splash.
Of the $19.2 billion worth of megagifts made by donors in 2025, Scott's giving represented one-third, according to data provided to Fortune from Giving USA and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, had her banner philanthropic year in 2025, when she donated about $7 billion, which brought her **** ulative giving to $26.2 billion in just five years across thousands of organizations focused on housing, DEI, disaster recovery, and many more causes.
Other 2025 megadonors included Michael Bloomberg ($4.3 billion), Bill Gates ($3.7 billion), Warren Buffett ($1.34 billion), and Susan and Michael Dell (nearly $1 billion). These megadonors are part of the larger philanthropic engine in the U.S., which totaled a whopping $617.2 billion in 2025, according to a report published by Giving USA and IU's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy released Tuesday. This included philanthropic donations from individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations to U.S. charities. The total is a 5.7% jump from the previous year.
"It was a positive year for charitable giving, with virtually all categories of recipient organizations achieving solid or better growth at the aggregate level," Gabe Cooper, vice chair of Giving USA Foundation and founder and CEO of Virtuous, said in a statement. Some of the organization types that received the most funding include religion, human services, education, health, international affairs, and arts and culture.
Despite Scott's extreme generosity in 2025, the Chronicle of Philanthropy didn't recognize her on its list of the top 50 donors this year. That's due mostly to Scott's quiet nature of giving. She is notoriously under-the-radar with her donations, never personally seeking press coverage for her gifts and rarely offering insights into the donations.
Of the $19.2 billion worth of megagifts made by donors in 2025, Scott's giving represented one-third, according to data provided to Fortune from Giving USA and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, had her banner philanthropic year in 2025, when she donated about $7 billion, which brought her **** ulative giving to $26.2 billion in just five years across thousands of organizations focused on housing, DEI, disaster recovery, and many more causes.
Other 2025 megadonors included Michael Bloomberg ($4.3 billion), Bill Gates ($3.7 billion), Warren Buffett ($1.34 billion), and Susan and Michael Dell (nearly $1 billion). These megadonors are part of the larger philanthropic engine in the U.S., which totaled a whopping $617.2 billion in 2025, according to a report published by Giving USA and IU's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy released Tuesday. This included philanthropic donations from individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations to U.S. charities. The total is a 5.7% jump from the previous year.
"It was a positive year for charitable giving, with virtually all categories of recipient organizations achieving solid or better growth at the aggregate level," Gabe Cooper, vice chair of Giving USA Foundation and founder and CEO of Virtuous, said in a statement. Some of the organization types that received the most funding include religion, human services, education, health, international affairs, and arts and culture.
Despite Scott's extreme generosity in 2025, the Chronicle of Philanthropy didn't recognize her on its list of the top 50 donors this year. That's due mostly to Scott's quiet nature of giving. She is notoriously under-the-radar with her donations, never personally seeking press coverage for her gifts and rarely offering insights into the donations.
1 month ago
Welsh bantamweight Ieuan Mackenzie says he is confident that he will be preparing for a UFC debut in 12 months' time after signing a five-fight deal with Cage Warriors.
Mackenzie, 25, faces off against unbeaten Englishman Kadeem Perkins at Cage Warriors 208 in London on Saturday, 27 June.
The Welshman, who has a record of six wins and two losses, is in self-assured mood ahead of the bout.
"I'm full of confidence leading into this, especially with the opponents I've beaten," Mackenzie told BBC Sport Wales.
"My last fight in Cage Warriors was against Keir Harvie who was highly touted, close to ***** le contention before he fought me.
Mackenzie, 25, faces off against unbeaten Englishman Kadeem Perkins at Cage Warriors 208 in London on Saturday, 27 June.
The Welshman, who has a record of six wins and two losses, is in self-assured mood ahead of the bout.
"I'm full of confidence leading into this, especially with the opponents I've beaten," Mackenzie told BBC Sport Wales.
"My last fight in Cage Warriors was against Keir Harvie who was highly touted, close to ***** le contention before he fought me.
1 month ago
By James Mackenzie
BERLIN, June 23 (Reuters) - A commission appointed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a Swedish-style pension fund and a gradual increase in the retirement age to help stabilise the country's pension system as the population ages.
The commission's report, presented on Tuesday, will form the basis for a major overhaul of Germany's pension system which the government aims to agree in the coming weeks.
It called for establishing a fund modelled on the Swedish pension system, with mandatory contributions by workers and employers that would be invested in financial **** ets as a complement to the current pay-as-you-go system.
"The use of the capital market in the statutory pension scheme is perhaps the key factor in determining the long-term viability and stability of our pension system," Merz told a conference of the German BDI industry federation.
BERLIN, June 23 (Reuters) - A commission appointed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a Swedish-style pension fund and a gradual increase in the retirement age to help stabilise the country's pension system as the population ages.
The commission's report, presented on Tuesday, will form the basis for a major overhaul of Germany's pension system which the government aims to agree in the coming weeks.
It called for establishing a fund modelled on the Swedish pension system, with mandatory contributions by workers and employers that would be invested in financial **** ets as a complement to the current pay-as-you-go system.
"The use of the capital market in the statutory pension scheme is perhaps the key factor in determining the long-term viability and stability of our pension system," Merz told a conference of the German BDI industry federation.
1 month ago
First day of Wimbledon qualifying - watch men's first round live on BBC (UK only)
LIVE: GB's Dan Evans takes first set 7-6 (7-2) against Juan Carlos Prado Angelo
Evans will retire after Wimbledon but will need to win three qualifying matches to reach a final singles main draw
Followed by: Britain's Liam Broady v August Holmgren
Mackenzie McDonald v Felipe Meligeni Alves rounds out play in Roehampton
LIVE: GB's Dan Evans takes first set 7-6 (7-2) against Juan Carlos Prado Angelo
Evans will retire after Wimbledon but will need to win three qualifying matches to reach a final singles main draw
Followed by: Britain's Liam Broady v August Holmgren
Mackenzie McDonald v Felipe Meligeni Alves rounds out play in Roehampton
1 month ago
Texas Rangers lineup for June 20, 2026 against the San Diego Padres: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Walker Buehler for the Padres.
Texas will look to build on last night’s win against San Diego. They will be doing so with MacKenzie Gore making the start instead of Nathan Eovaldi, who has been scratched due to knee soreness. Jarred Kelenic gets his first start as a Ranger.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Jung — 3B
Texas will look to build on last night’s win against San Diego. They will be doing so with MacKenzie Gore making the start instead of Nathan Eovaldi, who has been scratched due to knee soreness. Jarred Kelenic gets his first start as a Ranger.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Jung — 3B
2 months ago
The No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in MMA finally has his next ***** ignment.
Islam Makhachev is set to make the first defense of his UFC welterweight ***** le against Ian Machado Garry on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The bout headlines a card that also features Mackenzie Dern defending her UFC strawweight ***** le against Gillian Robertson in the co-main event. UFC announced the news Wednesday.
Makhachev (28-1) has been out of action since November, when he dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to capture the welterweight ***** le in his divisional debut. The performance made Makhachev a two-weight UFC champion and pulled him into a tie for the longest win streak in UFC history (16).
Prior to moving up to 170 pounds, Makhachev set the new standard for lightweight excellence in the UFC, establishing a new promotional record for the most consecutive lightweight ***** le defenses with four.
Machado Garry (17-1) has won 10 of his 11 Octagon appearances, including two straight over top contenders Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad since suffering a short-notice loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024.
Islam Makhachev is set to make the first defense of his UFC welterweight ***** le against Ian Machado Garry on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The bout headlines a card that also features Mackenzie Dern defending her UFC strawweight ***** le against Gillian Robertson in the co-main event. UFC announced the news Wednesday.
Makhachev (28-1) has been out of action since November, when he dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to capture the welterweight ***** le in his divisional debut. The performance made Makhachev a two-weight UFC champion and pulled him into a tie for the longest win streak in UFC history (16).
Prior to moving up to 170 pounds, Makhachev set the new standard for lightweight excellence in the UFC, establishing a new promotional record for the most consecutive lightweight ***** le defenses with four.
Machado Garry (17-1) has won 10 of his 11 Octagon appearances, including two straight over top contenders Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad since suffering a short-notice loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024.
2 months ago
Notorious killer Mackenzie Shirilla — who was found guilty of murdering two pals in 2022 by slamming a speeding car into a brick wall in Ohio — is gleeful over the newfound attention to her case and hopes reality star and criminal justice advocate Kim Kardashian may help get her sprung from the slammer, sources say.
According to insiders, Shirilla, 21, is thrilled over being thrust back into the spotlight by the Netflix documentary The Crash, which examines the tragic deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend Davion Flanagan, 19, and her ensuing prosecution.
"Mackenzie is totally buzzing that there's so much interest in her case. She and her parents are convinced they'll get through this and come out strong — not to mention rich and famous," an insider says.
Shirilla and her mother, Natalie, shared a prison phone call in which the jailbird, who was sentenced to 15 years to life, sounded elated over her claims of innocence becoming "national news," according to Daily Mail.
Prosecutors say the then 17-year-old driver purposely gunned the gas and hit the wall at nearly 100 mph, killing her two passengers. Shirilla has insisted a medical emergency is to blame and that she would have never intentionally hurt the two men. "I have no recollection of that morning. I'm not saying I'm innocent," she explains in the doc, per Oxygen. "I was a driver of a tragedy, but I'm not a murderer."
According to insiders, Shirilla, 21, is thrilled over being thrust back into the spotlight by the Netflix documentary The Crash, which examines the tragic deaths of her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend Davion Flanagan, 19, and her ensuing prosecution.
"Mackenzie is totally buzzing that there's so much interest in her case. She and her parents are convinced they'll get through this and come out strong — not to mention rich and famous," an insider says.
Shirilla and her mother, Natalie, shared a prison phone call in which the jailbird, who was sentenced to 15 years to life, sounded elated over her claims of innocence becoming "national news," according to Daily Mail.
Prosecutors say the then 17-year-old driver purposely gunned the gas and hit the wall at nearly 100 mph, killing her two passengers. Shirilla has insisted a medical emergency is to blame and that she would have never intentionally hurt the two men. "I have no recollection of that morning. I'm not saying I'm innocent," she explains in the doc, per Oxygen. "I was a driver of a tragedy, but I'm not a murderer."
