MOSCOW, Aug 24 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin on Monday handed the Russian state the authority to take ‌control of critically-important infrastructure facilities if they are ‌deemed to be poorly protected from Ukrainian drone attacks and other threats.
The special powers, set out in a presidential decree, will allow the state to take over temporary administration of such facilities at a time when Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks ‌on oil refineries and ⁠retail warehouses.
The state will be able to take control of physical and financial ****** ets and ⁠formal ownership rights if the entities responsible for such facilities are judged to have failed in their duty to protect them and are too slow to repair them after any attack, ‌according to the decree.
It listed fuel, energy, industrial, communications, transport and logistics facilities and other objects regarded as critically-important for ensuring the security and economic stability of the state and the population as falling within the new decree's scope.
Putin ‌last week ordered the government to launch a programme to rebuild commercial warehouses damaged or destroyed by Ukraine in recent weeks.

#facilities

(Removes repetitive bullet)
BEIJING, Aug 24 (Reuters) - China's Foreign Minister **** Yi said on ‌Monday the situation in the Middle East ‌and Gulf region had again reached a critical juncture and urged parties involved to return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.
Wang made the remarks in a meeting with Foreign Minister ‌of Kuwait ⁠Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Beijing, according to a Chinese foreign ⁠ministry statement.
• **** said "the old script of recurring conflict should not be repeated" and the top priority is to de-escalate the situation.
• He said ‌China was willing to strengthen coordination with Kuwait and continue contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in the region.

#minister #removes

Choosing between precious metals and critical rare earths requires balancing traditional mining stability against high-tech growth potential. Is First Majestic Silver Corp (NYSE:AG) or MP Materials Corp (NYSE:MP) the better addition for your portfolio today?
First Majestic focuses on maximizing silver and gold production through underground mining operations in North America. MP Materials provides the materials necessary for electric vehicles and defense systems. Both companies operate within the metal stocks industry, yet they offer very different financial profiles for investors looking toward 2026.
First Majestic Silver focuses on mining silver and gold within Mexico and the United States. It operates four primary underground mines, including San Dimas, Santa Elena, La Encantada, and Los Gatos. The company manages a workforce of more than 5,100 employees to supply physical metals to global markets. Customer concentration is not disclosed as a significant factor in its latest annual report, filed for the most recent fiscal period.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $1.3 billion (the company reports in Canadian dollars; they have been converted to U.S. dollars here), representing a significant growth of approximately 128% compared to the prior year. This sharp increase helped the company achieve net income of close to $168 million, a major improvement from the net loss reported in FY 2024. The net margin, which measures the percentage of revenue kept as profit, stood at roughly 13% for the period.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.1x. This ratio shows that for every dollar of shareholder equity, the company has roughly ten cents in total debt. The so-called current ratio, which measures the ability to pay short-term bills, is close to 2.6x. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital spending, reached approximately $352 million during the year.

#silver #majestic #NYSE

Steve Hanke earned the moniker "Money Doctor" after advising governments across the globe on how to use currencies to get inflation under control.
The professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University is now helping Venezuela and has been named a special advisor to a leading member of the country's National ******* embly.
He told Fortune's Shawn Tully that his solution for Venezuela's 400% inflation is full adoption of the U.S. dollar, meaning bolivars and the central bank would be abandoned. The idea is to remove the risk of a central bank printing money to help the government pay its bills, stoking higher prices.
"Taming inflation is the key to restoring stability in Venezuela, and all the other progress flows from that," Hanke explained. "Stability isn't everything, but without stability, which means stable prices, you have nothing. And there's no better case study showing that's true than Venezuela."
He should know. The Money Doctor persuaded Montenegro in 1999 to dump theYugoslav dinar for the Deutschemark. He also oversaw Ecuador's switch from the sucre to the U.S. dollar in 2000, marking the first dollarization in Latin America since Panama a century earlier.

#stability #bank

As preseason watch lists continue to roll in, the Texas Longhorns have been a popular team. That continued on Thursday when junior offensive lineman Brandon Baker was named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award. The award is given annually to the most outstanding player of Polynesian descent.
For many in Austin, Baker's inclusion on the watch list comes as no surprise. He was a staple on the Longhorns' offensive line last season, starting all 13 games. With Baker providing stability at right tackle, Texas' offense was hard to stop. One of their best performances came in the home opener against San Jose State when the Longhorns had 472 yards of total offense.
Over the last week, Baker's play last season has been rewarded with multiple honors. The California native is also on the preseason watch list for the 81st Outland Trophy. His success does not stop there, as earlier this month, Baker received Preseason All-SEC Third Team honors.
As the Longhorns look to win a national ****** le, Baker will again be an important piece. He showed during the 2025 season that he could hold his own in the SEC and stepped up when injuries piled up. In just a few weeks, Baker will get to continue building on his success.
While Baker is focused on winning a national ****** le, he will be watching how voting for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year plays out. Finalists for the award will be revealed on Dec. 8, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 15. For Baker, the hope is that he can add some hardware to his trophy case this holiday season.

#preseason #watch #polynesian #last

The pressure is mounting at Bellerive Golf Course. For the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings, the BMW Championship represents the final hurdle before the season finale. One mistake can end a season. One great week can change everything. For players sitting on the edge of the top 30, the need for a massive scoring surge is intense. There is no room for error when a trip to East Lake is on the line. Some pros are even changing their equipment to find that extra edge. They want a shot at the big trophy in Atlanta.
Sepp Straka faces a difficult climb to reach the Tour Championship. The Austrian golfer has reached this prestigious event in each of the last four seasons. His best result during this stretch was a T7 finish back in 2022. However, his current standing tells a different story. According to GolfWRX, Straka is currently sitting at 39th in the FedExCup rankings. He needs at least a solo 11th place finish at Bellerive to qualify for the next stage. To make this happen, he is changing his setup. He is moving away from the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max. He previously used an 8.5-degree head set at 9.1 degrees. This change comes after a tough year off the tee. Straka ranks 99th in strokes gained from the tee this season. It is his first time losing ground in this category with the Ai Smoke driver in his bag. Now, he is picking up the Srixon ZXi RKT driver. This move is significant for Srixon because Straka rarely alters his gear. The ZXi RKT driver is a relatively new release. Srixon staffer Ryan Fox used it to win the Open Championship recently. Since Brooks Koepka claimed the 2023 PGA Championship using a ZX5 LS Mk II, no Srixon driver had secured a major victory until that win. Straka's new setup includes a 9.0-degree head with an actual loft of 9.5 degrees. He is also using a Fujikura Ventus Blue+ 6x shaft that is tipped one inch. The club length is 45 1/8 inches with a D-4 swing weight. He is also using a Golf Pride Tour Velvet Mid-size upside down grip. The new driver aims to help his ball flight. "It's allowing him to be more aggressive without overspinning it, and he doesn't feel like he's lost anything around the green compared to Pro V1," GolfWRX reported.
The numbers show why this move is necessary. You can't climb from 39th to the top 30 without driving the ball well. If you rank 99th in strokes gained, you are essentially giving away shots. Straka needs to find yards and stability. The ZXi RKT offers a different profile than the Callaway head he just dropped. By adjusting the loft and the shaft, he is trying to stop the bleeding. If he can turn that 99th rank into a positive number, the 11th place finish becomes much more realistic. It is a calculated risk. He is betting his season on a new piece of technology. If the ball stays in play, he stays in the hunt. If it fails, his season ends at Bellerame.

#ball #bellerive

It is a season of change at Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola has arrived as manager, hoping to get the club back into competition for the ******* le after a bit of a slump last year. The offseason has brought more change, with Mo Salah leaving the club after nearly a decade with the Reds.
So, the visit to Newcastle United in Iraola's first official match in charge feels important. But which of the many new acquisitions will take a place in the squad - and which regulars will provide stability? And how will forward Alexander Isak react to returning to the club where he made his name?

#Liverpool #salah

As we look toward 2027, the contrast between a high-flying satellite newcomer and a legacy aerospace giant creates a unique dilemma for investors. You must choose between AST ***** eMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) and Boeing Co (NYSE:BA).
AST ***** eMobile is pioneering a ***** e-based cellular network, while Boeing continues to be a ***** an in commercial aviation and defense. This comparison pits a speculative, rapid-growth technology story against a massive industrial turnaround effort. Deciding which to buy requires balancing the potential for massive disruption against the stability of established manufacturing.
AST ***** eMobile is building the first ***** e-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly to standard smartphones for commercial and government use. Its strategy, detailed in its latest annual report, relies on partnering with mobile network operators like AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) and Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) to fill coverage gaps for nearly 3 billion subscribers. With definitive agreements with these major carriers and various U.S. government agencies, customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business. That said, it also counts Vodafone Group (NASDAQ:VOD) and Saudi Telecom Co as strategic international partners who help it navigate local regulatory markets.
In FY 2025, revenue reached approximately $70.9 million, a substantial jump from the $4.4 million reported in the prior fiscal year. The company reported a net loss of nearly $342 million for the period. While revenue growth is accelerating as the company begins its commercial rollout, profitability remains a distant goal during this build-out phase.
The current debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 1.2x, showing the company relies more on debt than equity to fund its operations. Free cash flow, which is cash flow from operations minus capital expenditures, was more than negative $1.1 billion for FY 2025, as the firm invested heavily in its proprietary manufacturing and launch capabilities.

#boeing

Oliver Glasner stood in the centre circle after the final whistle and applauded the rapidly emptying City Ground.
It was almost apologetic from the Austrian after his first Premier League game as Nottingham Forest manager ended in frustration with a late defeat to Leeds.
There was the contrast to Leeds manager Daniel Farke's celebrations with the away fans after Anton Stach's free-kick deceived Matz Sels with two minutes left.
Forest were always going to be a work in progress and desperately need stability after going through four managers last season. Glasner will be looking to deliver it and it is not time to judge after just one game, something the head coach was keen to emphasis.
"There is no **** on to press," said the 51-year-old. "There are still a lot of things to do.

#forest #game #manager #austrian

It's showtime again in Chicago. Patrick Kane is back where it all began, signing a 2-year contract to likely finish his career as a Blackhawk.
Reactions were mixed, but most Blackhawks fans were thrilled to see him back where he belongs. The $8 million cap hit raised concerns, and many hockey fans were surprised by the high number. Regardless, the team has the cash, and they used it on a player whose value transcends the ice.
The truth is, Kane might be more of a business decision than a hockey decision. With Connor Bedard out to start the season, Kane will get fans at the United Center through the opening chapter of the year. Even after a lackluster offseason headlined by their star's injury, this signing alone has Blackhawks buzz at a recent high. Fans are excited, and the team should keep filling the United Center.
Of course, that doesn't mean Kane won't improve the team's overall quality. Had Kane played for the Blackhawks last year, he would have been third in total points and fourth in goals. Even playing just 67 games, Kane would have been an important offensive contributor. He provides stability in the top-six, an exits-and-entries game that the Blackhawks are desperate for, and he can help lead the power play to success that they struggled to find last season.
Additionally, and most obviously, is his leadership. Who better to lead a young group of Blackhawks than the man himself? Originally, Kyle Davidson wanted to move on from Kane so that the next generation could take over. Now that players like Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Alex Vlasic are starting to establish themselves as leaders, there should be little concern about whether Kane will stunt their growth. If anything, it's the opposite. Three Stanley Cups just entered the locker room, and he's going to teach them how to win a few more.

#blackhawks #fans #united #back

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves franchise player, is mandated by the judge to pay $14,000 per month in child support for his son, whom he claims to have never met.
TMZ reports that court documents indicate the mandate was set for Amir, Edwards, and Alexandria Desroches' son. Amir was born in October 2023, and Alexandria is currently living in New York with him.
Under oath, Edwards testified that he hasn't seen Amir in person and doesn't want parenting time.
The monthly support is extremely high than the base $3,200 support. At the start, Alexandria requested additional funds, stating that the base amount doesn't cover the child's needs because of Edwards' lifestyle.
The court considered Edwards' finances. His gross monthly income is $4.8 million, and about $31,000 goes to food, while Edwards spends about $70,000 on entertainment and $30,000 on vacations. Alexandria earns around $1,016 monthly and hopes to complete her education to provide greater financial stability for the child.

#alexandria #support #child #doesn 't

The Baltimore Ravens' two joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings should give the key starters, critical rookies, and role players the type of intense, controlled work that Jesse Minter values more than extended preseason action. That makes Saturday afternoon's game at U.S. Bank Stadium especially important for other rookies, reserves and veterans competing near the bottom of the depth chart.
Some of those players will receive snaps during the joint sessions, but the first-team periods and situational work will naturally command most of the attention. Saturday afternoon's game offers longer evaluations, live tackling and unscripted situations that cannot be fully recreated in practice. Minnesota has also indicated that productive joint work could limit the number of additional snaps its starters receive Saturday, creating another reserve-heavy opportunity for both coaching staffs.
Here are 10 matchups to watch when the Ravens and Vikings complete their week in Minnesota.
Huntley was efficient in Baltimore's preseason opener, completing six of seven passes for 76 yards, but he also took two sacks. Minnesota's defense should present a more complex protection test, even if Flores does not use his full pressure package in an exhibition game. Huntley must identify the unblocked defender, get the offense into the correct answer, and avoid turning a negative play into a turnover. His experience and mobility give Baltimore stability behind Jackson, but a clean operation against Minnesota's reserve front would be more valuable than a few highlight throws. The evaluation begins with how consistently Huntley keeps the offense on schedule.
Fagnano delivered one of Baltimore's strongest performances against Philadelphia, completing 11 of 14 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, although he also threw an interception. Thomas enters the matchup with momentum after the undrafted Vikings rookie intercepted a pass in Minnesota's opener against the Giants and continued receiving additional practice work. ******* nano must move the safety with his eyes and avoid predetermining throws over the middle. Thomas, meanwhile, will be tested in his communication and patience against a quarterback who has shown he can distribute the football accurately when the initial read is available.

#Vikings #baltimore

On Wednesday, WDRB's Eric Crawford reported that many power conference commissioners voiced their opinions on the court rulings allowing the class of 2022 athletes another year of eligibility and the opportunity to transfer.
Among the commissioners, the SEC's Greg Sankey was firm in his stance on the matter. The commissioners of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and Pac-12 also all joined together against the court case in Kentucky.
"Their joint declaration was among documents filed Tuesday in Jefferson Circuit Court, where Judge Brian Edwards is considering a request from 13 athletes seeking another season of NCAA eligibility," Crawford wrote.
The biggest concern among the commissioners is that the return of the athletes would create "significant roster instability" for the schools and across the sports. This stance by these conference leaders greatly affects Kentucky because Kentucky's 5-for-5target, Mark Mitchell, is in this group of athletes fighting for another year and the ability to transfer.
In a nutshell, Sankey is doing his best to prevent Mitchell from transferring to Kentucky.

#crawford #sankey #eligibility

As Perez Hilton focuses on his recovery, his family is stepping in to provide stability for his three young children. The blogger's mother has reportedly been granted temporary custody, though Hilton has not been cut off from his kids and is allowed supervised visits. The arrangement comes amid a challenging period for the celebrity blogger as he works toward recovery and his family rallies around him.
Perez Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., remains hospitalized following his suicide attempt on August 4. As The Blast previously reported, the celebrity blogger's family is stepping in to care for Hilton's three children, 13-year-old Mario, 11-year-old Mia, and 8-year-old Mayte. His mother, Teresita Lavandeira, filed for temporary custody of the kids, which his son consented to.
A judge has granted the request, and Teresita is now in charge of doing "all things necessary for the care" of her grandchildren. Per Us Magazine, the ruling highlighted that Hilton remains the children's legal parent, and the arrangement with Teresita is temporary.
"[Teresita] shall have authority to consent to all necessary and reasonable medical and dental care for the children, including nonemergency surgery and psychiatric care," the ruling noted. Furthermore, Hilton's mother will be responsible for decisions regarding the kids' schooling.
MEGA

#family #mother #year #perez

A new era of the Premier League begins on Friday as defending champions **** nal kick off what looks to one of the most unpredictable seasons in years.
Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City following a decade of dominance coincides with **** nal's return as defending champions for the first time 22 years. Mikel Arteta is now the longest-serving Premier League manager and the relative stability at the Gunners comes in sharp contrast to the upheaval across the top-flight.
Nine Premier League clubs have changed managers over the summer, while Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi begin their first full seasons at Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively. There are many unknowns across the Premier League, with Andoni Iraola taking charge of Liverpool and Xabi Alonso arriving at Chelsea.
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City were promoted from the Championship last season, replacing the relegated West Ham, Burnley and Wolves, and will hope to take inspiration from a Sunderland side who qualified for Europe last term in their first season back in the top-flight.
How does it play out this time? This is our predicted table...

#premier #manchester #seasons

High-yielding dividend stocks are riskier. Many of them have cut their payments in the past due to weaker financial profiles.
However, I fully trust Enterprise Products Partners' (NYSE: EPD) 5.8%-yielding payout right now. Here are three reasons why I think it's safe.
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 »
Enterprise Products Partners operates an integrated footprint of critical energy infrastructure. The master limited partnership (MLP), an entity that sends a Schedule K-1 Federal tax form, has broad diversification across ******* et types (e.g., pipelines, processing plants, and export terminals), products (e.g., oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and petrochemicals), customers, and geography. Long-term, fee-based contracts underpin about 80% of its earnings, providing a very stable cash flow base. This combination of diversification and stability has helped cushion the impact of market downturns over the years.
Enterprise Products Partners generated a record $2.3 billion of operational distributable cash flow during the second quarter. That was enough to cover its high-yielding distribution by a very comfortable 1.9 times. This allowed the MLP to retain $1.1 billion in distributable cash flow during the quarter, which it used to invest in expansion projects, repurchase units, and maintain its balance sheet strength.

#products #flow #high

The Oklahoma Sooners and head coach Brent Venables have agreed to a contract extension, the university announced on Thursday. OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Roger Denny announced that Venables has agreed to a new contract that spans six total years. The contract, which is pending approval from the OU Board of Regents, adds two seasons to Venables' current deal, and will run through the 2031 season.
Venables was hired as OU's 23rd full-time head coach in December of 2021. He replaced Lincoln Riley, who left to be the head coach at USC a week earlier. In his four seasons at the helm in Norman, Venables has compiled a 32-20 overall record.
In his first season in 2022, the Sooners went 6-7, but Oklahoma rebounded to a 10-3 mark in 2023, which was their final season in the Big 12 Conference. After Venables signed a contract extension ahead of the 2024 season, that year brought the program's first campaign in the Southeastern Conference, and with it, another 6-7 season.
In Year 4 in 2025, Venables posted his best season yet as a head coach. Oklahoma went 10-3 and made the College Football Playoff, losing in the first round. The Sooners won four big SEC games in the month of November that they absolutely had to have, making the CFP after going just 6-2 through the month of October.
Now, Venables is entering his fifth year as Oklahoma's head coach in 2026, and he's tied to the Sooners long-term. The new deal gives him more stability at OU, after the rocky 2024 season, when some questioned how long he'd be the head coach of the Sooners. His 2025 performance quieted many of his doubters, and now he has inked another extension. The board will meet in mid-September, with Venables' new deal on the agenda.

#venables #season #Sooners

LIV Golf is not guaranteed to exist once the 2027 season gets underway. After years of enormous contracts, high-profile defections and attempts to disrupt professional golf, the league is now fighting to secure fresh investment and facing serious questions about what comes next.
The 2026 season has arguably been the most turbulent in LIV's short history. Instability followed Brooks Koepka's decision at the end of 2025 to pursue a return to the PGA Tour, while rumors intensified during The Masters that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund could walk away.
New Orleans has since been postponed, doubts have emerged over the Team Championship, and several players have reportedly indicated privately that they intend to leave after the season, regardless of whether new funding arrives.
LIV did not reach this position because of one decision. Several choices along the way arguably made survival much harder.
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

#decision #instability #tour

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Israel struck an air base in northwest Syria early Tuesday, saying it aimed to prevent Turkish troops from deploying there.
Turkey, which has close ties with the Syrian government and has been providing ****** istance to Syria's military, has tense relations with Israel. The rival countries have sought to curb each other's influence in neighboring Syria.
Eight strikes hit the runway of the Abu Duhur air base in the northwestern province of Idlib, causing damage but no casualties, state TV said. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani told reporters in Damascus that Syria condemns the "Israeli aggression," adding that the strikes were "an unjustified provocation, a violation of Syria's sovereignty, and a direct threat to regional and global stability."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Israel had attacked the base because Syria had been "on the verge of breaching" an agreed-upon "status quo in security matters" by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there.
"Israel repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a threat to Israel's security. Syria chose to ignore these warnings," the statement said.

#damascus #troops #strikes

José Mourinho has given an exclusive interview to 'El Chiringuito' in which he spoke about everything. This is the second part of the interview.
"I haven't asked for anyone. I arrived after **** yzing the squad well, being absolutely aware of what I want. Looking at the things that happened last season and that you pass on to Lisbon, I wanted to come in knowing many things and behave as if I knew nothing. And finding a winger with one-on-one ability, aggressive, and who can play on both flanks (Diomandé), is not easy. I don't want to **** yze whether he cost 80, 120... I just say 'yes, I want him'."
"My player? No, he belongs to Pep Guardiola. He brings everything. I hope we can have few problems and a lot of stability and, if we do, Bernardo is a midfielder for me, but he can play as an attacking midfielder, on the right wing, anywhere... It has nothing to do with **** ing him away from Atlético or Barcelona, it was my conviction that Bernardo is Real Madrid level."
"There is only one Kroos and only one Modric. Arda Guler? I love him, and something similar to what happened with Luka will happen to him: you start as a '10', attacking, and in the end you'll finish as an '8' or a '6'... with his understanding of the game, that's the role Arda is going to play."
"How did he ask me to come back? First there were the rumors and much later, the contacts. Benfica means a lot to me and I thought I would stay there for a long time. When Real Madrid contacted me, it had the impact I want players to feel. When he called me... easy. I had no doubts. Returning to a club has a lot of meaning. When I returned to Chelsea for the second time. After so many years and so many coaches, you are the best and I want you to come back. And I came back."

#many #back #madrid #arda

The VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:PPH) offers concentrated exposure to established global drugmakers and higher yields, while the State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (NYSEMKT:XBI) provides a diversified, higher-volatility play on smaller-cap biotechnology innovation.
Both funds offer paths into the healthcare sector but serve very different roles in a diversified portfolio. One focuses on the established stability and cash flows of global pharmaceutical giants, while the other captures the high-risk, high-reward nature of early stage biotechnology research. This **** ysis examines which profile fits your strategy.
Metric
XBI
PPH

#pharmaceutical #state

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Fifty-four percent of U.S. households saved no money last month, EY-Parthenon found in a survey, highlighting how the rising price for gasoline and other goods is undermining consumers' buying power.
One out of five households spent more than it earned and tapped debt or savings to cover expenses, EY-Parthenon said. Seventy-two percent of consumers identified dining out, apparel, beauty and personal care, and other discretionary categories as candidates for spending cuts.
"Many households are maintaining stability through spending trade-offs, delayed purchases and the use of savings or debt," Mark Chambers, the retail sector leader for EY Americas, said in a statement, while noting consumers' "resilience."
Consumers are altering their outlays to cope with persistent price pressures. Inflation rose 3.4% on an annual basis last month after increasing 3.5% in June, even as energy prices during July fell 1.5%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday.

#consumers #daily #last

Here's everything Houston Texans Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud said following joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders, including his thoughts on the practice in general, the emergence of Fernando Mendoza and the stability of the run game beinging an upgraded entering 2026.
Question: On his thoughts on practicing with the Las Vegas Raiders
C.J. Stroud: "I thought it went great. I thought we made a lot of plays. Of course, all our mistakes, you can clean up. But I thought we moved the ball very well, ran the ball great, threw the ball great, took care of it for the most part. At the end, I have to do better there, but I think overall, we had a really good day."
Q: On RB David Montgomery and RB Woody Marks as receiving threats
Stroud: "I think they're both great out the backfield."

#great #ball #thoughts #think

Chargers center Tyler Biadasz was carted off during their joint practice against the 49ers with a leg injury.
Biadasz went down after 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez fell on his left knee during 11v11. The medical cart came out after he couldn't put any weight on his leg.
The Chargers made Biadasz a key part of their offensive-line overhaul this offseason, signing the 28-year-old to a three-year, $30 million contract after the Commanders released him. Los Angeles quickly installed him as its starting center.
Biadasz is set to bring plenty of experience to the position, having earned a Pro Bowl selection with the Cowboys in 2022. His presence should provide Justin Herbert with added stability up front while giving the Chargers a veteran anchor between Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.
However, things aren't looking so bright in that department after this latest update. Still, the severity of the injury is unclear.

#biadasz #chargers #tyler #angeles

LIV golf has had an interesting existence. The rogue golf league burst onto the scene five years ago, luring star golfers away from the PGA Tour with huge sums of guaranteed money. LIV remained defiant throughout its existence, but earlier this year it seemed the ride might be coming to an end when Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced it was walking away.
At the time, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil insisted the organization was funded through 2026. He even sent an e-mail to staff saying the season would go on "exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle."
MORE: Bryson DeChambeau makes $500 million demand as LIV Golf scrambles for viewers
Two weeks later LIV "postponed" an event scheduled for the end of June in Louisiana. This only raised more questions about whether the league really was actually funded. Luckily, in early August O'Neil announced that LIV had found new funding. Via ESPN:
"LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the league's next era, driven by and for the players," O'Neil said in a statement. "We're also seeing strong interest from more than a dozen additional parties to potentially serve as minority investors, creating a multi-partner model built for long-term stability and growth."

#golf #funded #tour

For decades, big banks were the center of the U.S. financial system, with JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) in the lead. But financial technology, or fintech, companies keep pushing into the same turf with digital-first platforms, aggressive pricing, and simpler ways to borrow, save, and invest.
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 »
That creates a real investor question: Do you stick with traditional bank stocks for stability or lean into fintech for potentially better returns during the next several years? The truth is it's not an either-or call for everyone, and the trade-offs are clearer once you separate durability from upside.
Traditional banks are still among the safest bets today. The biggest U.S. banks, like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, have diversified revenue streams, decades of market leadership, and a solid customer base that will be tough to crack.
In fact, both JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of about 15, a common metric for gauging whether a stock's valuation is high or low relative to its earnings. The lower, the better.

#chase #banks

Argentina LNG, the liquefied natural gas project backed by YPF, Eni and Abu Dhabi-based XRG, has applied for inclusion in Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime, or RIGI, as the partners work toward a final investment decision by the end of 2026.
The proposed integrated development would connect natural gas production from Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation with processing, transportation and LNG export infrastructure. The project calls for two floating LNG vessels offshore Río Negro province with combined liquefaction capacity of 12 million tonnes per year.
YPF said in a separate project announcement that total spending over the life of Argentina LNG could reach $51 billion, making it the largest project submitted under the RIGI framework to date. The company expects the two floating LNG units to begin operations around 2031.
RIGI was established to encourage large-scale investments in Argentina by providing qualifying projects with long-term fiscal, customs and foreign-exchange benefits and greater regulatory stability. For Argentina LNG, securing those terms would help underpin the financing of a capital-intensive project intended largely for export markets.
The application follows several steps by the partners to deepen their involvement in the project. YPF, Eni and XRG signed a binding joint development agreement in February to advance engineering, commercial and financing work for the 12-million-tonne-per-year development.

#project #rigi #export

Impressive preseason performances from Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar and second-year quarterback Will Howard have sparked early optimism surrounding the team's future.
This has fans calling for one of the young quarterbacks to start. However, longtime sports ****** yst Rich Eisen is shutting down any speculation that the young signal-callers will push veteran starter Aaron Rodgers to the bench this season.
During an "Overreaction Monday" segment on "The Rich Eisen Show," Eisen pushed back against the notion that Rodgers should be on a short leash at age 42 if his play declines or if the rookies appear ready.
"That's absurd. That's just not going to happen," Eisen said. "He will be, his final season will be sacrificed on the altar of evaluation for the future? That's what you're saying. They're not benching Rodgers."
While dismissing the idea of an in-season benching, Eisen noted that the strong preseason debuts from Allar and Howard validate Pittsburgh's hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy. Known for his history of developing quarterbacks with both the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy was brought in specifically to establish stability at the position for the post-Rodgers era.

#quarterback

By the end of the 2026 NBA playoffs, Isaiah Hartenstein turned himself from a luxury to an essential. The Oklahoma City Thunder had learned through their two seasons together that they had to figure something out this summer. Before he could even test the open waters, they extended their marriage.
Ripping apart his $28.5 million 2026-27 team option, the Thunder awarded Hartenstein a three-year, $75 million contract. He's now in OKC through the 2028-29 season. At least, theoretically. The final year is a mutual option. It provides the seven-footer with some sense of financial security and control over his future.
In his two seasons, Hartenstein has been a grand-slam addition. He helped the Thunder win the 2025 NBA championship as a prominent starter. He almost helped them win another one in their back-to-back ambitions that fell just short. In his time in OKC, he's averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.7 ***** ists.
Safe to say that both the Thunder and Hartenstein have been ecstatic since his arrival. For OKC, it finally added a traditional center who allows Chet Holmgren to play power forward. He's also single-handedly fixed their rebounding woes and gives them a legitimate screen-setter and lob threat. Something this iteration of the team has never had before.
And for Hartenstein, he's enjoyed his best years and some stability. Before he joined OKC, he was a career journeyman trying to find his footing in the NBA. But the Thunder have given him creative freedoms that his previous stops didn't allow. The seven-footer's playmaking has been on full display. He's served as an offensive hub. He's also averaged a double-double.

#thunder #something #option

A new era of the Premier League begins on Friday as defending champions ***** nal kick off what looks to one of the most unpredictable seasons in years.
Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City following a decade of dominance coincides with ***** nal's return as defending champions for the first time 22 years. Mikel Arteta is now the longest-serving Premier League manager and the relative stability at the Gunners comes in sharp contract to the upheaval across the top-flight.
Nine Premier League clubs have changed managers over the summer, while Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi begin their first full seasons at Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively. There are many unknowns across the Premier League, with Andoni Iraola taking charge of Liverpool and Xabi Alonso arriving at Chelsea.
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City were promoted from the Championship last season, replacing the relegated West Ham, Burnley and Wolves, and will hope to take inspiration from a Sunderland who qualified for Europe last term in their first season back in the top-flight.
How does it play out this time? This is our predicted table...

#manchester #seasons #years