2 hours ago
The cream always rises to the top.
That's the message J.J. Watt is injecting into Burnley FC, the English soccer club that he is a minority investor in.
The former Houston Texans great tapped into his "Milk Man" persona to help design the side's cream-colored away kit for the 2026-2027 season. Burnley, which was founded in 1882, released a lighthearted promotional video called "The Cream Rises" on Friday, July 31 to share the design with the world.
In in the visual, Watt plays a local milk man. After starting his day among cows and sheep, he drives a milk float through the countryside, dropping off deliveries to local legends, including cricket great Sir Jimmy Anderson and entrepreneur Dave Fishwick. Instead of actual cream, the goods delivered are one of the new kits. The defensive star ends his trip at Turf Moor, the Clarets' stadium, showing off the full Castore jersey with the cream base and horizontal red and green stripes.
"From day one, I didn't want this to be just another football shirt. I wanted to create something quintessentially Burnley," Watt said in a statement on the team's website. "Every decision we made started with one question: are we doing the supporters of this club proud? As I've said many times before, this club existed long before I arrived and it will exist long after I'm gone. But during this time, my goal is to help honor its great past while also shepherding it to a brighter future."
#watt #club #design #local
That's the message J.J. Watt is injecting into Burnley FC, the English soccer club that he is a minority investor in.
The former Houston Texans great tapped into his "Milk Man" persona to help design the side's cream-colored away kit for the 2026-2027 season. Burnley, which was founded in 1882, released a lighthearted promotional video called "The Cream Rises" on Friday, July 31 to share the design with the world.
In in the visual, Watt plays a local milk man. After starting his day among cows and sheep, he drives a milk float through the countryside, dropping off deliveries to local legends, including cricket great Sir Jimmy Anderson and entrepreneur Dave Fishwick. Instead of actual cream, the goods delivered are one of the new kits. The defensive star ends his trip at Turf Moor, the Clarets' stadium, showing off the full Castore jersey with the cream base and horizontal red and green stripes.
"From day one, I didn't want this to be just another football shirt. I wanted to create something quintessentially Burnley," Watt said in a statement on the team's website. "Every decision we made started with one question: are we doing the supporters of this club proud? As I've said many times before, this club existed long before I arrived and it will exist long after I'm gone. But during this time, my goal is to help honor its great past while also shepherding it to a brighter future."
#watt #club #design #local
17 hours ago
Penybont has threatened to remove and ban any supporters using discriminatory language following a fine by the Football **** ociation of Wales (FAW).
The club was fined £450 after fans were found guilty of causing offence through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words during a European play-off final against Cymru Premier rivals Haverfordwest County on 2 May.
Bridgend-based Penybont has condemned the language used and was disappointed the club had been let down by a minority of supporters.
"The club's cooperation and positive engagement with the FAW on this matter was received positively by the governing body," a club statement read.
What to watch out for as Cymru Premier kicks off new era
#club #discriminatory #wales
The club was fined £450 after fans were found guilty of causing offence through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words during a European play-off final against Cymru Premier rivals Haverfordwest County on 2 May.
Bridgend-based Penybont has condemned the language used and was disappointed the club had been let down by a minority of supporters.
"The club's cooperation and positive engagement with the FAW on this matter was received positively by the governing body," a club statement read.
What to watch out for as Cymru Premier kicks off new era
#club #discriminatory #wales
18 hours ago
It's a tough job. But somebody's gotta do it.
Step right up, Michele Meyer-Shipp.
Nearly five months ago, Meyer-Shipp replaced Rod Graves as executive director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA), an independent organization that promotes and monitors minority hiring for head coaching roles and other high-level positions in the NFL.
Yeah, that NFL. The one where Black coaches were 1-for-18 in landing the top jobs over the past two hiring cycles. The one that is a defendant, along with several teams, in a class-action lawsuit brought forth by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and two former coaches alleging racial discrimination. The one under attack from the Florida attorney general, aiming to wipe out the Rooney Rule, which ties so closely to the FPA's mission.
The challenges for Meyer-Shipp come from multiple directions, with multiple layers, against the political winds of the anti-DEI movement pushed by the highest levels of government.
#graves
Step right up, Michele Meyer-Shipp.
Nearly five months ago, Meyer-Shipp replaced Rod Graves as executive director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA), an independent organization that promotes and monitors minority hiring for head coaching roles and other high-level positions in the NFL.
Yeah, that NFL. The one where Black coaches were 1-for-18 in landing the top jobs over the past two hiring cycles. The one that is a defendant, along with several teams, in a class-action lawsuit brought forth by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and two former coaches alleging racial discrimination. The one under attack from the Florida attorney general, aiming to wipe out the Rooney Rule, which ties so closely to the FPA's mission.
The challenges for Meyer-Shipp come from multiple directions, with multiple layers, against the political winds of the anti-DEI movement pushed by the highest levels of government.
#graves
18 hours ago
July 31 (UPI) -- FIFA on Friday said it would proceed with consultations on its proposed private-investment plan after soccer's governing body in Europe voted to boycott all FIFA competition if the proposal remained under consideration.
"Nobody is selling football," FIFA said in a statement. "This is not something FIFA would ever entertain."
The international soccer community was thrown into turmoil Wednesday when FIFA announced that it was considering creating a FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary to house its commercial and event operations, including the World Cup.
FIFA said it would invite third parties "to make minority, non-controlling investments in FFE."
The response from the soccer world was swift, with the Union of European Football ***** ociations on Thursday saying it and its 55 member ***** ociations "unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors."
#World #associations #Soccer #Europe
"Nobody is selling football," FIFA said in a statement. "This is not something FIFA would ever entertain."
The international soccer community was thrown into turmoil Wednesday when FIFA announced that it was considering creating a FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary to house its commercial and event operations, including the World Cup.
FIFA said it would invite third parties "to make minority, non-controlling investments in FFE."
The response from the soccer world was swift, with the Union of European Football ***** ociations on Thursday saying it and its 55 member ***** ociations "unanimously and unequivocally reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors."
#World #associations #Soccer #Europe
1 day ago
Every major European national soccer team threatened Thursday to collectively boycott competitions organized by global soccer's nonprofit governing body FIFA over plans by the federation to sell off a minority stake in the World Cup tournament to private investors.
A source close to Joshua Kushner's company, Thrive Capital, dismissed criticism over the firm's involvement in the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) investment plan to CBS News on Thursday, hours before UEFA, the European soccer federation, announced its boycott.
Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law. FIFA president Gianni Infantino's close relationship with Mr. Trump drew scrutiny throughout this summer's World Cup, which was hosted jointly by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
"I think the first ****** umption is that Trump was involved in FFE in any capacity, which is just not accurate," the source told CBS News on Thursday. "Josh himself does not have any links with the administration, he does not have any political roles, he has not donated to them, he is not involved in any capacity. If you look at his donation record, all of the causes he has donated to are Democrat … it's kind of unfair to ****** ume a lot about somebody just because of what their brother does."
"Thrive is a pretty big investment firm. Thrive now has $60 billion ****** ets under management," the source told CBS News when pressed about whether the Kushner family name had carried weight in getting the deal with FIFA done, adding that Joshua Kushner is "a pretty successful business person in his own right."
#thursday #thrive #european #president
A source close to Joshua Kushner's company, Thrive Capital, dismissed criticism over the firm's involvement in the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) investment plan to CBS News on Thursday, hours before UEFA, the European soccer federation, announced its boycott.
Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law. FIFA president Gianni Infantino's close relationship with Mr. Trump drew scrutiny throughout this summer's World Cup, which was hosted jointly by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
"I think the first ****** umption is that Trump was involved in FFE in any capacity, which is just not accurate," the source told CBS News on Thursday. "Josh himself does not have any links with the administration, he does not have any political roles, he has not donated to them, he is not involved in any capacity. If you look at his donation record, all of the causes he has donated to are Democrat … it's kind of unfair to ****** ume a lot about somebody just because of what their brother does."
"Thrive is a pretty big investment firm. Thrive now has $60 billion ****** ets under management," the source told CBS News when pressed about whether the Kushner family name had carried weight in getting the deal with FIFA done, adding that Joshua Kushner is "a pretty successful business person in his own right."
#thursday #thrive #european #president
1 day ago
The Nasdaq composite spiked up Thursday, with chip stocks a driver in the stock market's rebound from a sell-off in the previous session following the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. Chip equipment maker Lam Research (LRCX) shot higher on the stock market today on its raised outlook, while Meta Platforms (META) sank after its earnings report.
Near the end of the lunch hour in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 500 points, or 1%. But a minority of the 30 stocks in the share-price-weighted index actually rose. Travelers (TRV) was the worst performer, falling 17 points, or 4%, to 371.75. The blue-chip index tumbled 2.1% on Wednesday. In Thursday's session, the S&P 500 reaccelerated its advance, rising 1.3% and not straying far from its intraday high of 7,417.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite, for now, was doing a better job of holding opening-hour gains than other indexes. It leaped 2.3%, adding to a jump of 1.7% minutes after the open. The composite index hit a session high of 25,112, up 8% for the year.
The Nasdaq-100 index picked up more than 3% following brutal sessions recently for memory and storage stocks. Lam shares on Thursday shot up 18%. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) climbed nearly 7%.
Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) are the next Big Tech companies set to release earnings reports, with their latest figures due late Thursday.
#NASDAQ #index
Near the end of the lunch hour in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 500 points, or 1%. But a minority of the 30 stocks in the share-price-weighted index actually rose. Travelers (TRV) was the worst performer, falling 17 points, or 4%, to 371.75. The blue-chip index tumbled 2.1% on Wednesday. In Thursday's session, the S&P 500 reaccelerated its advance, rising 1.3% and not straying far from its intraday high of 7,417.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite, for now, was doing a better job of holding opening-hour gains than other indexes. It leaped 2.3%, adding to a jump of 1.7% minutes after the open. The composite index hit a session high of 25,112, up 8% for the year.
The Nasdaq-100 index picked up more than 3% following brutal sessions recently for memory and storage stocks. Lam shares on Thursday shot up 18%. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) climbed nearly 7%.
Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) are the next Big Tech companies set to release earnings reports, with their latest figures due late Thursday.
#NASDAQ #index
2 days ago
Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham has called the confrontation between a Seattle Storm co-owner and two teenage girls during their WNBA game this week "truly embarrassing." She noted that disagreement on the participation of transgender individuals in women's sports is acceptable.
Cunningham made the remarks on a recent post on X late Wednesday. In her post, she complimented the two girls and berated the executive.
"I truly believe there is a safe ****** e and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind," Cunningham wrote. "Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You'll be hearing from me soon. Yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is."
Cunningham posted on X following an incident that occurred Tuesday evening in Climate Pledge Arena during their 105-95 victory over Storm. According to podcaster Brandi Kruse, who was present with the girls, Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton screamed at the girls who were holding handmade posters thanking Cunningham for speaking out on the girls' behalf.
According to yoursourceone.com, two 16-year-old girls seated courtside said they were cheering for both teams and were respectful before the encounter. The two girls wore shirts from XX-XY Athletics, which advocates for ****** -based categories in women's sports. One of the girls identified is Ahnaleigh Wilson, 16, a track and cross country athlete from East Wenatchee, attending Eastmont High School.
#storm #truly #owner #embarrassing
Cunningham made the remarks on a recent post on X late Wednesday. In her post, she complimented the two girls and berated the executive.
"I truly believe there is a safe ****** e and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind," Cunningham wrote. "Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You'll be hearing from me soon. Yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is."
Cunningham posted on X following an incident that occurred Tuesday evening in Climate Pledge Arena during their 105-95 victory over Storm. According to podcaster Brandi Kruse, who was present with the girls, Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton screamed at the girls who were holding handmade posters thanking Cunningham for speaking out on the girls' behalf.
According to yoursourceone.com, two 16-year-old girls seated courtside said they were cheering for both teams and were respectful before the encounter. The two girls wore shirts from XX-XY Athletics, which advocates for ****** -based categories in women's sports. One of the girls identified is Ahnaleigh Wilson, 16, a track and cross country athlete from East Wenatchee, attending Eastmont High School.
#storm #truly #owner #embarrassing
2 days ago
Fifa has been strongly criticised by Concacaf, football's governing body for the Caribbean and North America, along with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for failing to consult on its shock plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
On Tuesday, Fifa said it plans to create a $20bn subsidiary to run the World Cup and its other events and will offer stakes of up to 20 per cent in it to external investors – a move that provoked a furious response from Uefa, which accused Fifa president Gianni Infantino of putting the game's "soul" up for sale.
Under the plan, Fifa would establish a new entity called Fifa Forward Enterprise to oversee "commercial and event operations".
Fifa, which just held a 48-team World Cup across North America that was the biggest in the tournament's history, would retain control of the enterprise, but offer minority stakes in it to private investors to raise up to $4.2bn.
"Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release," a statement read. "We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
#enterprise #investors
On Tuesday, Fifa said it plans to create a $20bn subsidiary to run the World Cup and its other events and will offer stakes of up to 20 per cent in it to external investors – a move that provoked a furious response from Uefa, which accused Fifa president Gianni Infantino of putting the game's "soul" up for sale.
Under the plan, Fifa would establish a new entity called Fifa Forward Enterprise to oversee "commercial and event operations".
Fifa, which just held a 48-team World Cup across North America that was the biggest in the tournament's history, would retain control of the enterprise, but offer minority stakes in it to private investors to raise up to $4.2bn.
"Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release," a statement read. "We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
#enterprise #investors
2 days ago
The world's third-largest liner operator is taking a major leap toward becoming a major player in the ports business.
French liner CMA CGM and private equity investor Stonepeak of New York today announced the formation of United Ports LLC, a joint venture aimed at expanding the former's global network of marine terminals.
Stonepeak will invest $2.4 billion in the initiative, and receive a 25% minority stake, the partners said in a release.
"The creation of United Ports LLC, our joint venture with Stonepeak, marks an important step in the development of our terminal activities in the United States and globally," said Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief executive of closely-held CMA CGM Group.
The venture opened its doors with what are described as 10 key port **** ets on four continents:
#liner #major
French liner CMA CGM and private equity investor Stonepeak of New York today announced the formation of United Ports LLC, a joint venture aimed at expanding the former's global network of marine terminals.
Stonepeak will invest $2.4 billion in the initiative, and receive a 25% minority stake, the partners said in a release.
"The creation of United Ports LLC, our joint venture with Stonepeak, marks an important step in the development of our terminal activities in the United States and globally," said Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief executive of closely-held CMA CGM Group.
The venture opened its doors with what are described as 10 key port **** ets on four continents:
#liner #major
2 days ago
With Liverpool stating that they have more than 26 million supporters in the USA, there is little surprise over why the Reds chose America as the destination for their pre-season tour.
This has been quite the summer for football here and Billy Hogan, CEO of Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group (FSG), insists the aim is to build on that after what has been a "super difficult year" for the club "for lots of different reasons".
Last week, FSG, which owns Liverpool, confirmed that a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, a British-Indian millionaire businessman, was in talks over a strategic minority investment in the club. Those talks have been ongoing and there is a growing belief that a deal will be done.
"Look, John Henry (the principal owner) and FSG have always said that if there was an interest in an investment that would help the football club, then they would consider it. That was said many years ago and that remains the case here," Hogan tells BBC Sport.
"At this point, I wouldn't say anything different to the statement that a consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has come forward and expressed an interest in a minority investment."
#club
This has been quite the summer for football here and Billy Hogan, CEO of Liverpool and Fenway Sports Group (FSG), insists the aim is to build on that after what has been a "super difficult year" for the club "for lots of different reasons".
Last week, FSG, which owns Liverpool, confirmed that a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, a British-Indian millionaire businessman, was in talks over a strategic minority investment in the club. Those talks have been ongoing and there is a growing belief that a deal will be done.
"Look, John Henry (the principal owner) and FSG have always said that if there was an interest in an investment that would help the football club, then they would consider it. That was said many years ago and that remains the case here," Hogan tells BBC Sport.
"At this point, I wouldn't say anything different to the statement that a consortium led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has come forward and expressed an interest in a minority investment."
#club
3 days ago
FIFA will ask its 211 member ******* ociations to vote on its controversial plan to sell minority stakes in the World Cup in September, multiple outlets reported—although the plan has already been criticized by soccer governing bodies in the Americas, Asia and Europe.
FIFA confirmed plans to raise $4.2 billion for a new entity controlling the nonprofit's "commercial and event operations" at a $20 billion equity valuation.
In a deal first reported by The Times and the Financial Times, FIFA is planning to raise an estimated $4.2 billion in 2026 by selling a reported 20% minority stake in a new subsidiary at an equity valuation of $20 billion.
FIFA confirmed the plans in an announcement on Tuesday morning, which said the new company would be called FIFA Forward Enterprise and would control the nonprofit organization's "commercial and event operations."
FIFA's 211 member ******* ociations would each be given $20 million in funding if the deal goes through, the organization said, and annual funds to members would continue increasing through 2038.
#reported #associations #minority #plans
FIFA confirmed plans to raise $4.2 billion for a new entity controlling the nonprofit's "commercial and event operations" at a $20 billion equity valuation.
In a deal first reported by The Times and the Financial Times, FIFA is planning to raise an estimated $4.2 billion in 2026 by selling a reported 20% minority stake in a new subsidiary at an equity valuation of $20 billion.
FIFA confirmed the plans in an announcement on Tuesday morning, which said the new company would be called FIFA Forward Enterprise and would control the nonprofit organization's "commercial and event operations."
FIFA's 211 member ******* ociations would each be given $20 million in funding if the deal goes through, the organization said, and annual funds to members would continue increasing through 2038.
#reported #associations #minority #plans
3 days ago
FIFA said Tuesday it plans to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other competitions through the creation of a semi-private subsidiary.
World football's governing body said it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise $4.2 billion later this year by "carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests".
FIFA's statement was a rapid response to a story in British newspapers The Times and The Financial Times based on leaks of the plan from two sources.
The Times reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 56, stood to profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of the FFE after his expected next term expires in 2031. FIFA denied that this had been discussed.
The article also said discussion had started with financial advisors and potential investors.
#World #enterprise
World football's governing body said it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise $4.2 billion later this year by "carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests".
FIFA's statement was a rapid response to a story in British newspapers The Times and The Financial Times based on leaks of the plan from two sources.
The Times reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 56, stood to profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of the FFE after his expected next term expires in 2031. FIFA denied that this had been discussed.
The article also said discussion had started with financial advisors and potential investors.
#World #enterprise
3 days ago
FIFA said Tuesday it plans to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other competitions through the creation of a semi-private subsidiary.
World football's governing body said it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise $4.2 billion later this year by "carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests".
FIFA's statement was a rapid response to a story in British newspaper The Times based on leaks of the plan from two sources.
The Times reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 56, stood to profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of the FFE after his expected next term expires in 2031.
The article also said discussion had started with potential investors.
#forward #enterprise
World football's governing body said it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise $4.2 billion later this year by "carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests".
FIFA's statement was a rapid response to a story in British newspaper The Times based on leaks of the plan from two sources.
The Times reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 56, stood to profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of the FFE after his expected next term expires in 2031.
The article also said discussion had started with potential investors.
#forward #enterprise
4 days ago
Folks who are getting stressed or tetchy about an apparent lack of transfer activity, in my own humble opinion, just don't get the positivity, the strong base and the long-term planning that our owner and directors have developed and put into place for this club — they deserve huge credit and support from the fan base.
I get that we all have different opinions and varied emotions when it comes to something like the transfer window, but for me it's profoundly disrespectful to think that they don't know what they're doing, that they're going to let the club slide this coming season or that they aren't working extremely hard (and probably have been for over a year) to identify and bring in the right players, and not just buy for the sake of it to keep the noisy minority quiet.
I've seen enough knee-jerk signings and misfits over the years to see out my life on this earth. I'm extremely confident in and proud of this current regime to do the right thing and to continue to steer this club in the right direction.
From where we've been for most of my life, this is all superb and dreamland territory — anyone who thinks they're resting on their laurels and not following a well-structured plan needs to calm down and keep the faith.
I think we'll be late into the transfer market because of the level of players we're targeting.
#don 't #base #think
I get that we all have different opinions and varied emotions when it comes to something like the transfer window, but for me it's profoundly disrespectful to think that they don't know what they're doing, that they're going to let the club slide this coming season or that they aren't working extremely hard (and probably have been for over a year) to identify and bring in the right players, and not just buy for the sake of it to keep the noisy minority quiet.
I've seen enough knee-jerk signings and misfits over the years to see out my life on this earth. I'm extremely confident in and proud of this current regime to do the right thing and to continue to steer this club in the right direction.
From where we've been for most of my life, this is all superb and dreamland territory — anyone who thinks they're resting on their laurels and not following a well-structured plan needs to calm down and keep the faith.
I think we'll be late into the transfer market because of the level of players we're targeting.
#don 't #base #think
7 days ago
By Johan Ahlander
STOCKHOLM, July 23 (Reuters) - After championing huge policy shifts in Sweden by propping up a minority centre-right government for four years, the far-right Sweden Democrats say they have won the political arguments and now deserve a share of power for themselves.
But it is a demand that could prove a step too far for voters in an election in September, and potentially bring down Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The prime minister, who once told a Holocaust survivor he would never cooperate with the Sweden Democrats, now says he has lifted those "red lines".
Sweden, the stalwart of European socialism for generations, has undergone a startling rightward shift in policy and public opinion in recent years, especially over immigration in a country where one person in five was born abroad.
The number of asylum seekers last year was down 97% from the peak a decade ago. One of Europe's most welcoming immigration systems has become one of its most stringent: newcomers face employment restrictions, language and culture tests, and reduced welfare payouts. Immigrants who break the law can be swiftly expelled, and others are offered payments to leave voluntarily.
#Sweden #minister #johan
STOCKHOLM, July 23 (Reuters) - After championing huge policy shifts in Sweden by propping up a minority centre-right government for four years, the far-right Sweden Democrats say they have won the political arguments and now deserve a share of power for themselves.
But it is a demand that could prove a step too far for voters in an election in September, and potentially bring down Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The prime minister, who once told a Holocaust survivor he would never cooperate with the Sweden Democrats, now says he has lifted those "red lines".
Sweden, the stalwart of European socialism for generations, has undergone a startling rightward shift in policy and public opinion in recent years, especially over immigration in a country where one person in five was born abroad.
The number of asylum seekers last year was down 97% from the peak a decade ago. One of Europe's most welcoming immigration systems has become one of its most stringent: newcomers face employment restrictions, language and culture tests, and reduced welfare payouts. Immigrants who break the law can be swiftly expelled, and others are offered payments to leave voluntarily.
#Sweden #minister #johan
8 days ago
Aliyah Boston teams up with Dwyane Wade for special event during WNBA All-Star weekend originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aliyah Boston’s busy WNBA All-Star weekend will include much more than basketball. The Indiana Fever star is teaming up with WNBA legend Candace Parker and Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade for a live recording of the “Post Moves” podcast in Chicago. The special event comes before Boston makes her fourth consecutive All-Star Game appearance Saturday.
Boston and Parker announced the news through the podcast’s social media channels and discussed the upcoming show during their latest episode. Wade, who owns a minority stake in the Chicago Sky, will join the two basketball stars as their special guest.
The live event is free to attend, although tickets are limited. Fans unable to secure a seat will still have an opportunity to watch the conversation, as a recording is scheduled to be released on YouTube on Saturday.
Boston entered the All-Star break in the middle of the best statistical season of her WNBA career.
#aliyah
Aliyah Boston’s busy WNBA All-Star weekend will include much more than basketball. The Indiana Fever star is teaming up with WNBA legend Candace Parker and Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade for a live recording of the “Post Moves” podcast in Chicago. The special event comes before Boston makes her fourth consecutive All-Star Game appearance Saturday.
Boston and Parker announced the news through the podcast’s social media channels and discussed the upcoming show during their latest episode. Wade, who owns a minority stake in the Chicago Sky, will join the two basketball stars as their special guest.
The live event is free to attend, although tickets are limited. Fans unable to secure a seat will still have an opportunity to watch the conversation, as a recording is scheduled to be released on YouTube on Saturday.
Boston entered the All-Star break in the middle of the best statistical season of her WNBA career.
#aliyah
8 days ago
Mark Cuban is expanding his sports portfolio.
Harbinger Sports Partners, the private equity firm backed by the former Dallas Mavericks majority owner, has purchased a minority stake of undisclosed size in the Athletics ahead of their move to Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Mick Akers.
The A's are expected to complete the move in 2028. This deal is part of the team's reported effort to raise $550 million in investment money to help build a planned $2 billion stadium on the Las Vegas strip.
Other investors include $100 million (plus a $75 million capital expenditure) from stadium concessions company Aramark Sports + Entertainment and $70 million from a South Korean group that includes BTS member Suga and Chan Ho Park.
The Athletics were evaluated by Forbes to be worth $2 billion in its most recent MLB valuations, making them the 18th most valuable team in baseball.
#athletics
Harbinger Sports Partners, the private equity firm backed by the former Dallas Mavericks majority owner, has purchased a minority stake of undisclosed size in the Athletics ahead of their move to Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Mick Akers.
The A's are expected to complete the move in 2028. This deal is part of the team's reported effort to raise $550 million in investment money to help build a planned $2 billion stadium on the Las Vegas strip.
Other investors include $100 million (plus a $75 million capital expenditure) from stadium concessions company Aramark Sports + Entertainment and $70 million from a South Korean group that includes BTS member Suga and Chan Ho Park.
The Athletics were evaluated by Forbes to be worth $2 billion in its most recent MLB valuations, making them the 18th most valuable team in baseball.
#athletics
8 days ago
LAS VEGAS (AP) — An investment group that includes ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has bought a minority stake in the Athletics in anticipation of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Thursday's announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban, who maintains a minority stake in the Mavericks, is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams is the founder and chief investment officer.
Co-founder and CEO Steve Cannon is vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment that oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. Managing partner Jonathan Mariner is the former chief financial officer for Major League Baseball.
"We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money," Cuban said.
John Fisher is the majority owner of the A's and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
#falcons
Thursday's announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban, who maintains a minority stake in the Mavericks, is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams is the founder and chief investment officer.
Co-founder and CEO Steve Cannon is vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment that oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. Managing partner Jonathan Mariner is the former chief financial officer for Major League Baseball.
"We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money," Cuban said.
John Fisher is the majority owner of the A's and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
#falcons
9 days ago
When the NFL implemented the Rooney Rule, it was supposed to help minority coaches get more interviews for head coaching positions; in reality, however, the rule hurt more than helped.
ESPN recently reported on the Rooney Rule, and some of their findings are shocking.
Back in early 2025, former Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was on his way to dinner to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their then-head coaching position. What he didn't know was that they had already planned to hire Liam Coen as their new head coach.
The dinner marked Graham's second awkward moment that day -- two NFL sources told ESPN -- as he had run into Coen while he was leaving the team facility, the first sign that Coen might have had the job in hand even as Graham interviewed for it.
He knew then he didn't get the job. "That's life," he said -- it was because of the way he didn't get the job. "I was hurt through the process," Graham said.
#head #rooney #espn
ESPN recently reported on the Rooney Rule, and some of their findings are shocking.
Back in early 2025, former Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was on his way to dinner to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their then-head coaching position. What he didn't know was that they had already planned to hire Liam Coen as their new head coach.
The dinner marked Graham's second awkward moment that day -- two NFL sources told ESPN -- as he had run into Coen while he was leaving the team facility, the first sign that Coen might have had the job in hand even as Graham interviewed for it.
He knew then he didn't get the job. "That's life," he said -- it was because of the way he didn't get the job. "I was hurt through the process," Graham said.
#head #rooney #espn
9 days ago
The NFL is getting a double dose of the Paul brothers this week.
Days after former NFL quarterback-slash-Las Vegas Raiders minority owner-slash-Fox Sports NFL color commentator Tom Brady slapped Logan Paul at Fanatics Fest, Logan's brother, Jake Paul, laid out his plans to join the NFL.
"I mean, it's pretty simple," Jake Paul said in an interview at Fanatics Fest. "Really all it's gonna take is just me, after boxing, practicing some routes. I have a couple teams and coaches that I've already talked to that are interested in bringing me on to the team. It's really going to be quite easy."
PAUL BROTHERS: Tom Brady, Logan Paul continue feud with NSFW greeting at World Cup
Paul, 29, rose to fame on Vine and YouTube in the early 2010s. After a brief acting career from 2016, he began his pro boxing career in 2020. Since then, he's compiled a 12-2 record in 14 professional fights, with seven wins by knockout. Paul's most recent match was against British boxer Anthony Joshua and ended in Paul's second loss – and his first loss via knockout – as well as a double jaw break.
#logan #jake #really #slash
Days after former NFL quarterback-slash-Las Vegas Raiders minority owner-slash-Fox Sports NFL color commentator Tom Brady slapped Logan Paul at Fanatics Fest, Logan's brother, Jake Paul, laid out his plans to join the NFL.
"I mean, it's pretty simple," Jake Paul said in an interview at Fanatics Fest. "Really all it's gonna take is just me, after boxing, practicing some routes. I have a couple teams and coaches that I've already talked to that are interested in bringing me on to the team. It's really going to be quite easy."
PAUL BROTHERS: Tom Brady, Logan Paul continue feud with NSFW greeting at World Cup
Paul, 29, rose to fame on Vine and YouTube in the early 2010s. After a brief acting career from 2016, he began his pro boxing career in 2020. Since then, he's compiled a 12-2 record in 14 professional fights, with seven wins by knockout. Paul's most recent match was against British boxer Anthony Joshua and ended in Paul's second loss – and his first loss via knockout – as well as a double jaw break.
#logan #jake #really #slash
9 days ago
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has reportedly engaged in discussions about investing in Liverpool FC as negotiations with owners FSG progress.
Mr Bezos, believed to be the world's fourth-wealthiest person, has been contacted by a consortium headed by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who stepped away from his controlling interest at Queens Park Rangers to pursue a deal for the Reds.
A spokesperson for FSG previously told the ECHO: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
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#World #consortium
Mr Bezos, believed to be the world's fourth-wealthiest person, has been contacted by a consortium headed by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who stepped away from his controlling interest at Queens Park Rangers to pursue a deal for the Reds.
A spokesperson for FSG previously told the ECHO: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
Argentina World Cup Final red card rescinded, face potential FIFA disciplinary action
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
#World #consortium
10 days ago
Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and fourth-richest man in the world, has been “approached” by a consortium that is in talks to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed on Tuesday that they had been approached by a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, the British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of QPR.
Sky News reported that Bezos has held “discussions” with the group, with talks still at an early stage.
Bezos, whose fortune is reportedly worth $257bn and who owns The Washington Post, explored bids for two NFL teams last year, the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but did not proceed with either deal.
A spokesperson for FSG said on Tuesday: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
#Liverpool #consortium
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed on Tuesday that they had been approached by a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, the British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of QPR.
Sky News reported that Bezos has held “discussions” with the group, with talks still at an early stage.
Bezos, whose fortune is reportedly worth $257bn and who owns The Washington Post, explored bids for two NFL teams last year, the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but did not proceed with either deal.
A spokesperson for FSG said on Tuesday: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
#Liverpool #consortium
10 days ago
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has held talks about joining the Amit Bhatia-fronted consortium that has expressed interest in buying a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports on Wednesday.
Bezos, one of the world's richest men, could become part of the group led by British-Indian businessman Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
Sky News reported Bezos' interest but said he is not certain to proceed with the potential plan.
The 62-year-old American is estimated by Forbes to be worth around £192 billion ($257 billion).
Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed on Tuesday Bhatia's consortium had approached them to discuss buying a minority stake in the 20-time English champions.
#interest #billion
Bezos, one of the world's richest men, could become part of the group led by British-Indian businessman Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
Sky News reported Bezos' interest but said he is not certain to proceed with the potential plan.
The 62-year-old American is estimated by Forbes to be worth around £192 billion ($257 billion).
Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed on Tuesday Bhatia's consortium had approached them to discuss buying a minority stake in the 20-time English champions.
#interest #billion
10 days ago
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has held talks over potentially joining a consortium which has expressed an interest in buying a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports.
According to Sky News, Bezos, one of the world’s richest men, could become part of a syndicate which is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
On Tuesday, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed that Bhatia’s group had approached them to discuss investing in the club.
A spokesperson for FSG said: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
Bezos has reportedly explored previous bids for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but decided against pursuing either deal.
#Liverpool
According to Sky News, Bezos, one of the world’s richest men, could become part of a syndicate which is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
On Tuesday, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed that Bhatia’s group had approached them to discuss investing in the club.
A spokesperson for FSG said: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”
Bezos has reportedly explored previous bids for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, but decided against pursuing either deal.
#Liverpool
10 days ago
A lifelong Democrat and former Clinton administration official issued a warning to his party, arguing that radical socialist factions will "destroy" the Democratic Party if leadership fails to act.
Speaking on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, Jamie Metzl called on Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and party leaders to stand against the threat posed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
"The DSA is a radical extremist movement trying to take over the Democratic Party," Metzl said. "They want to seize the means of production. They want to eradicate police and prisons. They have a terrible message of discord and hate.
Dem Rep Henry Cuellar Rejects Dsa Agenda, Says Socialists Are Trying To 'Use' Democratic Party
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., spoke during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on July 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
#party #hakeem #jeffries #radical
Speaking on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, Jamie Metzl called on Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and party leaders to stand against the threat posed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
"The DSA is a radical extremist movement trying to take over the Democratic Party," Metzl said. "They want to seize the means of production. They want to eradicate police and prisons. They have a terrible message of discord and hate.
Dem Rep Henry Cuellar Rejects Dsa Agenda, Says Socialists Are Trying To 'Use' Democratic Party
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., spoke during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on July 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
#party #hakeem #jeffries #radical
10 days ago
A consortium led by British-Indian millionaire Amit Bhatia, formerly a co-owner of QPR, has expressed interest in acquiring a minority stake in Liverpool Football Club.
Owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed they had been approached regarding the potential investment.
This development coincides with Bhatia's departure from the QPR board, concluding an 18-year involvement, after agreeing to transfer his shares to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam.
A spokesperson for FSG said: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
No deal has been agreed with discussions at an early stage.
#investment #amit #owner #expressed
Owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed they had been approached regarding the potential investment.
This development coincides with Bhatia's departure from the QPR board, concluding an 18-year involvement, after agreeing to transfer his shares to majority owner Ruben Gnanalingam.
A spokesperson for FSG said: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
No deal has been agreed with discussions at an early stage.
#investment #amit #owner #expressed
10 days ago
FSG originally made clear in 2022 that it would be open to new investment in Liverpool, either from minority shareholders or a potential full sale.
It said at the time: "FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool.
"FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions, we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club."
The full sale never materialised but the agreement with Dynasty in 2023 was valued at between £82m and £164m, and was hailed by FSG as helping offset bank debt accrued from infrastructure projects, including the redevelopments of the Main Stand, Anfield Road End and the club's Kirkby training ground.
At the time of that deal, FSG president Mike Gordon said: "Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever. [We want] to further strengthen the club's financial position and sustain our ambitions for continued success on and off the pitch."
#stand #anfield
It said at the time: "FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool.
"FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions, we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club."
The full sale never materialised but the agreement with Dynasty in 2023 was valued at between £82m and £164m, and was hailed by FSG as helping offset bank debt accrued from infrastructure projects, including the redevelopments of the Main Stand, Anfield Road End and the club's Kirkby training ground.
At the time of that deal, FSG president Mike Gordon said: "Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever. [We want] to further strengthen the club's financial position and sustain our ambitions for continued success on and off the pitch."
#stand #anfield
10 days ago
Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are reportedly in discussions with a consortium led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia over a strategic minority investment in the Premier League champions.
The proposed deal remains at an early stage, with no agreement yet reached, but FSG has confirmed that Bhatia's group has expressed an interest in acquiring a minority stake in the club.
In a statement released to several media outlets, an FSG spokesperson said an investment consortium "led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
The potential investment is expected to mirror the structure of FSG's previous partial sale.
In 2025, American investment firm Dynasty Equity purchased a minority stake of around three per cent in Liverpool in a deal reportedly worth approximately £150 million, valuing the club at around £4.5 billion.
#club #bhatia #consortium
The proposed deal remains at an early stage, with no agreement yet reached, but FSG has confirmed that Bhatia's group has expressed an interest in acquiring a minority stake in the club.
In a statement released to several media outlets, an FSG spokesperson said an investment consortium "led, managed and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
The potential investment is expected to mirror the structure of FSG's previous partial sale.
In 2025, American investment firm Dynasty Equity purchased a minority stake of around three per cent in Liverpool in a deal reportedly worth approximately £150 million, valuing the club at around £4.5 billion.
#club #bhatia #consortium
10 days ago
A consortium led by British-Indian millionaire businessman Amit Bhatia has expressed an interest in buying a minority stake in Liverpool.
Bhatia, the son-in-law of the Indian billionaire businessman Lakshmi Mittal, was director and co-owner at QPR for 18 seasons but stepped down from the board and relinquished ownership of the club on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) told BBC Sport: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
BBC Sport understands that the deal has not yet been finalised with FSG.
If the investment was to proceed, it would follow a similar structure to deal made in 2023, when FSG sold a minority stake in the Reds to global sports investment firm Dynasty.
#Liverpool #investment #sport #sports
Bhatia, the son-in-law of the Indian billionaire businessman Lakshmi Mittal, was director and co-owner at QPR for 18 seasons but stepped down from the board and relinquished ownership of the club on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) told BBC Sport: "An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club."
BBC Sport understands that the deal has not yet been finalised with FSG.
If the investment was to proceed, it would follow a similar structure to deal made in 2023, when FSG sold a minority stake in the Reds to global sports investment firm Dynasty.
#Liverpool #investment #sport #sports
14 days ago
Amy Schumer tried to absolve her second cousin once removed, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, who was accused of passing gas on the Senate floor earlier this week.
The comedian came to the 75-year-old Senate minority leader's defense after a Republican colleague called him out after the tooting dilemma on Tuesday, July 14. The sound of the alleged fart can be heard during a video obtained by USA TODAY, as Schumer was speaking about President Donald Trump and the conflict in Iran.
Neither Schumer nor his office has officially confirmed the incident. USA TODAY contacted Schumer's office for comment on July 17.
Here's what you should know about the stinky senatorial situation.
Amy Schumer took to social media on July 16, explaining that she was the one who farted during Chuck Schumer's speech criticizing the Trump administration a day earlier.
The comedian came to the 75-year-old Senate minority leader's defense after a Republican colleague called him out after the tooting dilemma on Tuesday, July 14. The sound of the alleged fart can be heard during a video obtained by USA TODAY, as Schumer was speaking about President Donald Trump and the conflict in Iran.
Neither Schumer nor his office has officially confirmed the incident. USA TODAY contacted Schumer's office for comment on July 17.
Here's what you should know about the stinky senatorial situation.
Amy Schumer took to social media on July 16, explaining that she was the one who farted during Chuck Schumer's speech criticizing the Trump administration a day earlier.