King Charles III, the Loch Ness Monster and thousands of athletes and Para-athletes took centre stage as the 2026 Commonwealth Games officially began with the opening ceremony.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived into Glasgow's Hydro Arena in Doctor Who's Tardis – a reference to the blue police boxes seen around the city.
After taking their seats alongside new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was attending his first major engagement since replacing Sir Keir Starmer, athletes from the 74 competing nations and territories entered the arena.
Those from Botswana were the first to emerge, with athletes dressed in the colours of their nations, including Ghana's red, green, yellow and black stripes, South Africa in Springbok-style rugby jerseys, and Barbados in blue and yellow combined with tartan scarves.
One of the louder cheers came for the Falklands Islands – in the news recently following Argentina's victory over England in the football World Cup semi-finals – and another followed when the Samoa team emerged and performed a haka in front of the dignitaries in the Royal Box.

#athletes #king #charles #loch

King Charles and Queen Camilla emerged from a Tardis at the start of a spectacular Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.
The royal couple drew gasps and cheers from the audience at the Hydro as they appeared on a stage that had been turned into a giant garden.
Flags from 74 nations and territories were carried into the arena during the event, which also featured the Loch Ness monster and performances from Nathan Evans, Tom Walker and KT Tunstall.
The show celebrated the story of Glasgow - from its industrial past to its vibrant nigh life - ahead of a Games that will see 215 medals awarded across 10 sports.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth were among the dignitaries in the royal box for a show that lasted two hours and 20 minutes.

#minister #first #show #king

The hype for Jahmyr Gibbs' 2026 season has almost gotten too much.
With Gibbs expected to be the bell-cow back, plus Detroit's investment in the offensive line, some are predicting a monster year from the fourth-year Detroit Lions running back. In fact, so many people are predicting a career season from Gibbs, that he is actually the odds-on favorite to win the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
As of Thursday afternoon, here were the five players with the best odds to come away with the award:
Jahmyr Gibbs: +650
Bijan Robinson: +900

#predicting #odds #detroit

MNST develops, markets, distributes, and sells 11 different brands of drinks and concentrates, including its namesake Monster Energy brand. MNST's first-quarter fiscal 2026 report showed quarterly net sales of $2.35 billion (a 26.9% rise), double-digit growth in all regions, net income per diluted share of $0.58 (a 27.6% rise), as well as returning $100 million to shareholders through repurchases. The company reports again on July 30.
It's no wonder MNST shares are up 23% so far this year – and they could rise more. MoneyFlows data shows how Big Money investors are again betting heavily on the stock
Institutional volumes reveal plenty. Over the last year, MNST has enjoyed strong investor demand, which we believe to be institutional support.
Each green bar signals unusually large volumes in MNST shares. They reflect our proprietary inflow signal, pushing the stock higher:
Plenty of staples names are under accumulation right now. But there's a powerful fundamental story happening with Monster Beverage.

#rise #monster

The Orioles jumped on Boston’s starter Eduardo Rivera early and used that early offensive explosion to propel them to victory. After Taylor Ward barely missed a leadoff double into the right field corner, Pete Alonso started the rally with a ground rule double over the low wall in right. Gunnar Henderson then worked a four-pitch walk to bring former Red Sox Tyler O’Neill to the plate. TON hit a hard grounder to third, but Caleb Durbin’s throw to second was bobbled by Anthony Seigler, leaving everyone safe and the bases loaded.
After Christian Encarnacion-Strand struck out, Dylan Beavers stepped into the box looking to make sure the early opportunity wouldn’t go to waste. Rivera’s first-pitched slider bounced well in front of home plate, skipping past catcher Carlos Narváez and allowing Alonso to score from first.
Rivera went back to slider 2-2, but the breaking ball caught too much of the plate, and Beavers flipped it into center field for a two-run single. Johnathan Rodríguez then capped off the rally, lining a ball just over the head of Jaren Durran in left and off the Green Monster. The double scored Beavers from first, gave Baltimore a 4-0 lead and chased Rivera after just 41 pitches and two outs.
The early four-run lead was more than enough for Kyle Bradish, as he continued his recent run of good form. The newly minted $90M man, in his first start since his extension, breezed through the 1st inning on nine pitches. He got Seigler to ground out to second on two pitches, got Ceddane Rafaela to fly out to right on three pitches and punctuated the inning with a punch out of Wilyer Abreu.
The Red Sox made Bradish work a little harder in the 2nd, making him throw nine pitches to get the first two outs before getting their first base runner via a Durbin walk. Duran then sent his own hard liner to left, but it was hit right at Ward to end the inning.

#right

Canelo vs. “The Mexican Monster” is never happening.
Former WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring Super Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez returns to action later this year for the first time since losing all of his ***** les to Terence Crawford.
Alvarez will face Christian Mbilli for the WBC Super Middleweight ***** le on Oct. 31, 2026 — not Sept. 12 — in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
But while in New York doing press for his upcoming boxing match, Alvarez was once again asked about the one fight that just will not go away:
David Benavidez.

#middleweight #monster #former #terence

So I was scrolling after dinner and saw this:
…to which I replied:
…and just like that, I give you all your marching orders. Now you give those band nerds those orders. Fill up that tweet with likes and replies also suggesting the classic Ivan Mladek song about a Prague monster until we bend them to our collective wills.
Hail Pinman.
For those of you who are confused, you can just click the link embedded in my tweet and listen to the song. Why does this confuse you?

#give

Just one day after Hollywood was left mourning the sudden loss of "Godzilla x Kong" actress Kaylee Hottle, officials have released the heartbreaking details surrounding her death.
The 18-year-old actress, whose portrayal of Jia helped make the MonsterVerse more inclusive for deaf audiences, died from multiple blunt force injuries after a devastating car crash in Maryland.
The latest findings provide new answers about the tragedy that cut short the rising star's promising career while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has officially ruled Kaylee Hottle's death an accident after completing her autopsy.

#actress #kong

Valued at a market cap of $95.4 billion, Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) is one of the world's largest energy drink companies, developing, marketing, and selling energy drinks and alternative beverages. The company is based in California and is best known for its Monster Energy brand, but its portfolio also includes Reign, NOS, Full Throttle, Burn, Java Monster, Monster Hydro, and Bang Energy, among others.
The beverage behemoth is expected to announce its fiscal 2026 Q2 earnings in the near future. Ahead of the release, ******* ysts expect this beverage company to report a profit of $0.59 per share, up 13.5% from $0.52 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters.
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#company #earnings

Aaron Donald continues to work out as he contemplates coming out of retirement, training both privately at the Los Angeles Rams' facility and at home in videos that he's been posting on Instagram.
Drew Brees has seen some of the workouts Donald has posted and it leaves no doubt in his mind that the All-Pro pass rusher could realistically return to the Rams. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Brees said he "absolutely" thinks there's a real chance Donald comes back because of the favorable situation he'd be put in.
"I do. I absolutely do," Brees said. "I absolutely do because first off, I've watched the guy on Instagram and he looks like he's staying in pretty good shape. I mean, I'm still pretty scared of him," Brees said. "For him to sit there and go, 'Wait a minute, you mean I can come back, I don't have to play a full game, I can play between 20, 25 snaps a game, it's always going to be a pass rush, I'm always going to be matched up against the worst offensive lineman and all the attention is going to Myles Garrett and some of these other monsters up there? Like, yeah, why not?' And truly make a Super Bowl run, I think that temptation might be too much for him to pass up."
The Rams' acquisition of Garrett is what got the ball rolling and the wheels spinning in Donald's mind. He's never thought about returning before, but with the chance to pair with another multi-time Defensive Player of the Year, Donald is seriously thinking about it.
Adam Schefter of ESPN says it'll be "a while" before we get a final decision from Donald but it's a very real possibility that he comes out of retirement after watching from the sidelines for the last two years.

#pass #like #Retirement

The summer league has ended for the Philadelphia 76ers after they finished 2-3 out in Las Vegas. They won their first two games, but then ended on a 3-game skid. However, wins and losses do not matter out in Vegas. It's all about how the young players look and how they can adjust to the NBA game after to prepare for what's to come.
Sixers big man Johni Broome went out to Vegas looking to still establish himself in the league. He had a tough rookie season in which he was limited to only 11 games due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he was able to get some run while in the summer league. The No. 35 pick of the 2025 draft averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.7 ****** ists in the three games he played.
For Broome, here are three observations that stood out in the 2026 summer league:
Broome had a poor showing in his third and final summer league game, but he was a monster on the boards in the first two games. He grabbed 13 rebounds in the first game against the Detroit Pistons and then 11 in an overtime win over the Indiana Pacers. There was ****** ody on either team who could slow him down on the glass and Broome went to work as he attacked the glass and really gave Philadelphia a presence in the paint. That has to continue into the 2026-27 season as it would give him a real chance to produce and earn some minutes from coach Nick Nurse and the coaching staff.
If one has been following along with Sixers Wire, they would know that summer league coach TJ DiLeo wanted Broome to launch some 3s and show off his work there. Broome struggled as he shot just 2-for-15 from deep in the three games, but he has been working hard on that shot and has been wanting to show it off in a game setting. As he continues to develop his game, Broome will get more opportunities to show his game, but he will have to beat out both Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti in the coming season in order to earn some minutes behind Joel Embiid in the center rotation.

#three

Georgia has become what all the College Football Playoff expansion naysayers feared could happen.

This is the best program in the SEC. It won two straight conference ***** les, three in the last four years, came achingly close to making it four in a row, and ...

Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10.

Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34.

Two appearances in the 12-team College Football Playoff, two instant outs.

The regular season still matters, but who wants to put on a 2025 SEC Championship t-shirt when the team left the playoff building in a hurry?

And that's not fair.
Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Last year's Georgia team was brutally flawed in several key ways.

It was too inexperienced, the defense couldn't rush the passer, there weren't enough downfield shots, and to be totally honest, it's not like it dealt with a tough Big Ten-level schedule.

Including the playoff, it played all SEC teams, Marshall, and Austin Peay. The only Power Four non-conference game was Georgia Tech, and that was a 16-9 fight of a victory.
And even with all of the problems, and all the inconsistencies, that team not only gut-checked its way to thrilling wins over Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, and Georgia Tech.

It totally dominated Bama in the SEC Championship, rolled at will over Texas, and it got a prime spot in the playoff - it came super-close to being 14-0 and on the way to deal with Miami.

And that was in a relatively just-okay season under Smart.
The defense is about to be a destructive force, the offense will pound away like it did last year, and there should be more consistency to it all.

There will be plenty of preseason hype around Texas - and rightly so. Alabama is good, LSU is a burgeoning monster, Oklahoma is great, and it's still the SEC. (These things go in cycles.)

Georgia is the SEC standard-bearer, but it has to be even better.

- 2026 Georgia Schedule ***** ysis

#playoff #four #Football #Tech

Cher will have to pay more than $1 million in legal fees after a protracted court battle over royalties.
The Believe singer had applied to recoup her legal bills after battling her ex-husband's widow, Mary Bono, in court.
Cher, 80, had spent $1,023,605 (£764,810) on top-ranked legal representation as she worked to fight Mary, the widow of Cher's ex-husband Sonny Bono, after Mary stopped royalty payments to Cher.
The singer's 1978 divorce settlement with Sonny had previously entitled Cher to a permanent 50% cut of any publishing revenue from songs written before their split, including their monster hit, I Got You Babe.
Mary discontinued the 50-50 royalty payments in 2021, 23 years after Sonny's 1998 death in a skiing accident, claiming she had "termination right".
However in December 2025, a judge determined Cher should continue to be entitled to the payments - at which point Cher attempted to retrieve the money she had spent warring with Mary in court.

#mary #widow

Ron Perlman, the gruff and grizzled actor known for his work in Sons of Anarchy and for his starring turn as monster hero ******* boy, has signed with Independent Artist Group.
The agency will also represent Perlman's production company Asylm Studios.
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Why Taylor Sheridan Left 'Sons of Anarchy' After Just 2 Seasons
Ron Perlman Joins 'Cross' Season 3

#anarchy

Trick Williams, draped in his now customary fur coat, is unveiled under a single spotlight before making his way into WWE's famed Elimination Chamber. It's late February, and as the audience in Chicago sings "Whoop That Trick," following each beat of the 32-year-old's theme song, Williams feeds energy right back to the crowd.
Backstage on the latest season of "WWE: Unreal," which premiered Tuesday, Paul Heyman is then seen chatting with WWE executive Michael Hayes. Both men gush over the 6-foot-5, 250-pound newcomer.
"This motherf***er's going to be a monster," Heyman says.
"Just in time, too. This year is going to be a breakout."
Williams rose to stardom on the NXT scene, firmly planted his flag through a crossover run with TNA, and since debuting on the WWE main roster in January, has wasted no time establishing himself in less than a full year on "WWE Smackdown," capturing and defending the promotion's U.S. Championship.

#going

Minnesota's flagship paper came under fire over the weekend after a columnist defended Democrat Gov. Tim Walz's reasoning for pardoning a foreign born man just before the convicted child rapist was set to be deported.
"The Minnesota Star Tribune is cheering on Tim Walz protecting an illegal alien monster who raped a 10 year old girl. No one should read this depraved rag. They are sick," said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., on X.
Minnesota's Board of Pardons is composed of Walz, state Attorney General Keith Ellison and state Chief Justice Natalie Hudson. They voted on June 10 to grant clemency to Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national who between 2002 and 2004 repeatedly raped a child. Lue was set to be deported from the United States before the clemency was issued.
Walz, Minnesota Board Of Pardons Clears Convicted Illegal Alien Child ****** Offender Facing Deportation
In a section of the column called "Cheers to Gov. Tim Walz," writer Rochelle Olson praised the governor and failed vice presidential candidate for his decision to defend the pardon.

Tom Cruise made a special appearance at the FIFA World Cup final, delivering a pre-match speech about global unity and the love of football.
Following his pitchside address to the crowd at MetLife Stadium, he was spotted in the stands and even posed for photos with Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster
Blake Lively was also among the myriad stars who attended the game.
The Gossip Girl alum shared a glimpse of her sun-soaked day with three friends via her Instagram Stories, posing for selfies just steps away from the pitch prior to the match.
Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of the professional Welsh football club Wrexham AFC, was not in the snap; he was reportedly enjoying the fun at the FIFA World Cup's Fanatics Fest over in Manhattan.
Sunday's World Cup Final may well go down as the most star-studded championship match in FIFA history, as the stadium was packed with celebrities from film, TV, music, sports and more.

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG) is a digital advertising juggernaut. That goes without saying. In the first quarter, it collected $77.3 billion in ad revenue, up 16% year over year and representing 70% of the company's total top line. This figure puts the business significantly ahead of its industry peer, Meta Platforms.
But Alphabet's Google Cloud division, which posted 63% year-over-year revenue growth in Q1, is the main attraction. That sales gain matters more than the company's advertising operations.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Google Cloud is really hitting its stride. In addition to the robust revenue jump mentioned, this segment reported a monster 203% surge in operating income. Advertising growth metrics don't hold a candle to these figures.
The market is so focused on the overall cloud market these days. And in Alphabet's case, its shareholders are locked in on how Google Cloud performs. That's because hyperscalers are spending incredible amounts of money to build data centers to capture artificial intelligence (AI)-related demand.

Comedian and pundit Bill Maher ripped people who compare President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, and giving an example of someone he really does think is Hitler — Nick Fuentes.
Maher was a guest on this week's edition of NPR's Newsmakers, during which host Steve Inskeep asked him about political personalities who have "recreational beliefs."
As he responded, Maher went into a rant about liberals who find the other side "too deplorable even to break bread with":
BILL MAHER: They, the, the left has this attitude like, and this is true of the Trump dinner. You are just too deplorable even to break bread with that really gets them. And I don't blame the feeling, the feeling they have about that, you know, talk to them there, as I always say, everybody's a monster till you talk to them.
STEVE INSKEEP: Is there anybody you wouldn't talk to?

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Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ:PLPC) was among Jim Cramer's stock calls on Mad Money, as he advised investors to stick with the largest tech companies in the market. Cramer was bullish on the stock during the episode, as he stated:
After decades where software was in charge, now it's all about setting up massive buildings, filling them with tech, and even building new power plants to supply them with electricity. That's how something like a Caterpillar's become a big AI winner, and it's why Preformed Line Products keeps winning. In its latest quarter, the company delivered a monster earnings beat… Look, the electric grid hasn't grown much in this country in the last couple of decades, but now there's a colossal amount of spending to make the grid much faster and more powerful… I think PLPC is a great derivative play on the market's biggest theme. I think you're getting a nice entry point here given the recent pullback. Sure, it's doubled over the last year, but I don't think it's crazy anymore to buy a stock like Preformed at 35 times earnings in this data center-obsessed market.
So here's the bottom line… Preformed Line Products Company is a small but critical part of the AI build-out. If you believe in this story and you believe the company can earn nearly $13 per share in 2028, which is what the **** ysts are projecting, then you've got my blessing to put a position on right here. Now, look, ideally, the stock would pull back a little bit more… Because I don't see the data center build-out slowing down anytime soon. But the stock has already pulled back. I say you're getting it at a much better level than I thought you'd get anytime soon.
A stock market data. Photo by AlphaTradeZone on Pexels
Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ:PLPC) manufactures hardware systems, solar mounting solutions, and EV foundations for building and maintaining overhead, ground, and underground networks. The company supplies these products and drone inspection services to energy utilities, communication providers, and field contractors.

Max Anstie will join ClubMX for the remainder of the 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship and remain with the team through 2028. The announcement came 10 days after he announced the parting of ways with Monster Energy / Yamaha Star Racing.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Max to ClubMX," said Brandon Haas, Owner of ClubMX in a news release. "I've always respected the way Max carries himself. He's a true professional and represents himself exactly the way you'd want someone to represent your organization. He's the kind of person who naturally raises the level of everyone around him, and I honestly don't believe we've seen the best version of Max yet."
The deal includes the 2026 SMX Playoffs. Anstie is currently 44 points above the cutoff line of 21st in combined Monster Energy Supercross and Pro Motocross points. He has not raced in the outdoor series since a crash in the first moto at Fox Raceway in the season opener.
If he falls out of the top 20 in combined points, Anstie will be guaranteed a spot in the Last Chance Qualifiers for the three playoff rounds after winning the first race of the Supercross 250 West division at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
Anstie's role at ClubMX will be more than simply as a rider. Considering the youth of the majority of the team's riders, Anstie will provide mentorship.

Jude Bellingham continued his monster World Cup for England as his second goal in Saturday's quarterfinal over Norway was the difference during a 2-1 win.
The teams could not decide a winner after 90 minutes. Extra time was needed and three minutes in Bellingham pounced on a rebound created off a Morgan Rogers' shot to put the Three Lions ahead.
Three of Bellingham’s goals have given England leads for good. His six goals in the tournament puts him with Gary Lineker (1986) and Harry Kane (2018, 2026) as the only England players to score at least five goals in a single men’s World Cup.
Following the first-half hydration break, the match was looking promising for Norway. Instead of continuing to sit back and allow England to devise ways to break down their back line, they pressed more, putting their opponents on the back foot.
The attacking mindset paid off in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup, who replaced Antonio Nusa in the starting lineup, sent a wonderful strike from the left side of the England box over Jordan Pickford for the opening goal.

Timberwolves officially ties with declining $100 million ex-Lakers, Knicks forward via four-team trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are moving on from a declining former Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks forward after two seasons with the franchise.
On Friday, Minnesota completed a monster four-team LaMelo Ball-centered deal to send the 31-year-old veteran to the Brooklyn Nets.
“The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has acquired guards LaMelo Ball and Josh Green from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for forward Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, three second-round picks, and three future first-round pick swaps,” the franchise’s press release stated.
“As part of the four-team deal, which includes the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls, the Timberwolves will receive the draft rights to guard Isaiah Evans from the Nets in exchange for forward Julius Randle and the draft rights to forward Joshua Jefferson.”

The Seattle Seahawks underwent significant changes at running back this offseason. They lost Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III to free agency and replaced him by drafting Jadarian Price. The NFC West has some very competitive backfields throughout the division. Heading into the 2026 NFL season, we've ranked all four backfields in the division from best to worst.
A healthy Christian McCaffrey is still arguably the best running back in the league. The dual-threat playmaker has been a cheat code for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. When available, McCaffrey is an annual Offensive Player of the Year candidate.
The rebuilding Arizona Cardinals wouldn't rank highly on most division-based lists, but their running back room is undeniably in good shape. Veteran James Conner is still impactful. The Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall. Love was arguably the best overall prospect in the 2026 NFL draft. Before drafting him, they also signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency. This backfield has three-headed monster potential.
Kyren Williams has firmly established himself as a top-10 back in the NFL. The former Notre Dame standout has rushed for 1,000+ yards in three straight seasons. Blake Corum rushed for 746 yards and six touchdowns last year, proving he's one of the better handcuffs in the NFL.
The unknown factor surrounding the Seahawks' backfield has them currently ranking last in the division. Will Jadarian Price be an effective rookie? When will Zach Charbonnet be healthy and available? How involved will George Holani be? The Seahawks have questions at running back heading into camp.

At face value, the Toronto Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard is extremely exciting.
Even while he's older, Leonard is the sort of player who could, once again, elevate Toronto to NBA ****** le contender status. Unfortunately, with news that Leonard's trade from the L.A. Clippers is being delayed to allow for continued investigation into the Aspiration scandal (unless the Raptors simply agree to accept all potential Leonard punishments), there's a distinct chance we don't see the all-timer playing in Toronto again.
This Leonard trade snag could also affect the future of a promising and still-ascending young NBA restricted free agent: Peyton Watson.
You see, the Clippers were all too ready to start operating without Leonard's monster $50.3 million salary on their books. That gave them the sort of breathing room to enter earnest contract negotiations with Watson. As it stands, the Clippers appeared to be the only reported team earnestly trying to pry Watson away from the Denver Nuggets, either by giving him a deal the Nuggets wouldn't match or executing a complicated sign-and-trade.
But unless the Raptors agree to accept the conditions of Leonard's possible punishment any time soon, the Clippers and Toronto will have to wait indefinitely for further clarity on the NBA's investigation. That is time inherently taken away from any ongoing Watson talks. And the more time passes in this situation, the more likely the young forward is to accept whatever terms the Nuggets offer to keep him in Denver. This is the case regardless of whether the Leonard trade to Toronto is eventually finalized or whether the Raptors decide to back out once they see a possible Leonard punishment they're uncomfortable with taking on.

Jordan Walker announces he'll compete in Home Run Derby after monster first half originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jordan Walker's first All-Star campaign just got even more exciting. The St. Louis Cardinals slugger announced on Instagram that he'll be participating in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, giving baseball fans another reason to tune in to one of All-Star Week's most anticipated events.
MLB quickly confirmed the news on social media, revealing that Walker will bring his powerful bat to the Derby on July 13. The event will stream live on Netflix beginning at 8 p.m. ET, with special pre-event coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET.
For Cardinals fans, the invitation feels well deserved.
Walker has developed into one of the National League's most dangerous hitters this season. Through 89 games, the 24-year-old is batting .294 with 21 home runs and a league-leading 70 RBIs while posting an .889 OPS. His combination of power and run production has helped anchor the middle of St. Louis' lineup and earned him his first trip to the Midsummer Classic.

New York Giants third-year wide receiver Malik Nabers is hoping to come back strong after tearing both his ACL and his meniscus in Week 4 last year, which ended his season.
At the moment, Nabers is still rehabbing, and the goal is to have him ready for the start of the regular season when the Giants host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, September 9.
Nabers could likely begin training camp, which begins in three weeks, on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as a precaution. If he's not 100 percent ready, the Giants will want options.
If he is ready, some believe he can have a monster season. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report recently named Nabers as a "dark horse" candidate for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, albeit the odds are steep (+4500).
With Wan'Dale Robinson taking his whopping 140 targets to the Tennessee ****** ans in free agency, the door is wide open for Nabers to average 10-plus looks a game and even eclipse the career-high 170 targets he amassed as a rookie in 2024.

Our ******* ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Samsung posted a monster preliminary quarter, and chip stocks sold off anyway. That sounds backward until you remember how much optimism was already baked into the AI trade. Samsung's operating profit surged almost 19-fold from last year, but investors dumped shares across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. as doubts grew about whether AI infrastructure spending can keep rising at this pace. In chip land, great numbers are only great if they beat the fantasy.
Global semiconductor stocks fell on Tuesday after Samsung Electronics released preliminary second-quarter results that looked spectacular on paper but failed to satisfy investors.
Samsung forecast operating profit of 89.4 trillion won, or about $58.4 billion, nearly 19 times higher than a year earlier. Revenue is expected to more than double to 171 trillion won. The profit figure also beat ******* yst expectations.
That still was not enough. Samsung shares fell around 7% in Seoul, while rival SK Hynix dropped about 6%. South Korea's KOSPI index slid almost 5%.