9 mins. ago
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's currency hit a record low Monday as Washington prepared to announce new sanctions it said would be an "economic D-Day" and would add further pressure on an economy already battered by previous sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade.
The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar as trading opened on informal currency markets. Iran's official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.
The currency had already been under pressure before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with double-digit inflation and negative growth, but has been hitting new record lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.
Still, U.S. President Donald Trump has been unable to win concessions from Iran, which continues to keep a firm grip on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway through which a fifth of the world's traded oil transited freely before the war began. Iranian attacks and threats have severely hampered that traffic during the war.
Iran and Oman, which is on the opposite side of the strait, are reportedly in the final stages of agreeing upon a plan for joint management of the waterway, which regional officials have said would include having ships to enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman.
#Oman #strait #sanctions
The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar as trading opened on informal currency markets. Iran's official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.
The currency had already been under pressure before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with double-digit inflation and negative growth, but has been hitting new record lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.
Still, U.S. President Donald Trump has been unable to win concessions from Iran, which continues to keep a firm grip on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway through which a fifth of the world's traded oil transited freely before the war began. Iranian attacks and threats have severely hampered that traffic during the war.
Iran and Oman, which is on the opposite side of the strait, are reportedly in the final stages of agreeing upon a plan for joint management of the waterway, which regional officials have said would include having ships to enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman.
#Oman #strait #sanctions
49 mins. ago
The UConn women's basketball dynasty wasn't built by accident. In the new Apple TV docuseries that released on Friday, longtime coach Geno Auriemma explained why.
"The Dynasty: UConn Huskies," traced the 40-year history of the Huskies' rise from the bottom of the college basketball world to the most storied program in the sport's history.
But its most revealing moments came from the 2025 championship team led by stars Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, who opened up about the toll of Auriemma's demands, the pressure of ending UConn's nine-year national championship drought and what it took to reach the mountaintop once again.
Here are the biggest things we learned:
It's no secret that Bueckers and Fudd have kept their relationship private.
#championship #Apple
"The Dynasty: UConn Huskies," traced the 40-year history of the Huskies' rise from the bottom of the college basketball world to the most storied program in the sport's history.
But its most revealing moments came from the 2025 championship team led by stars Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, who opened up about the toll of Auriemma's demands, the pressure of ending UConn's nine-year national championship drought and what it took to reach the mountaintop once again.
Here are the biggest things we learned:
It's no secret that Bueckers and Fudd have kept their relationship private.
#championship #Apple
1 day ago
Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) beat consensus estimates for its fiscal third quarter even as fewer deliveries reduced home-sales revenue and weaker margins and impairment charges weighed on profit. Total revenue declined 9.7% to $2.66 billion, while deliveries fell to 2,662 homes from 2,959. Diluted earnings dropped to $2.97 per share from $3.73 but exceeded the consensus estimate of $2.93. Shares edged higher in early after-hours trading on August 18.
The mix was more encouraging than the headline decline. Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) delivered homes at an average price of $996,400, while net signed contracts increased 5% in both units and value to 2,508 homes worth $2.52 billion. The question is whether affluent demand and high selling prices can protect earnings as delivery volume shrinks.
Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) reaffirmed its major full-year targets, including approximately $10.5 billion of home-sales revenue and a 26.1% adjusted home-sales gross margin. It narrowed expected deliveries to 10,500 to 10,600 homes and raised the lower end of its average delivered-price forecast to $995,000.
Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) serves an affluent customer base. In fiscal 2025, 25% of its buyers paid entirely in cash, while financed buyers borrowed an average of 69% of the purchase price. That financing profile helps explain why signed contracts continued growing despite elevated mortgage rates.
Buyer commitment also held up. Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) reported cancellations equal to 5.4% of contracts signed during the quarter, down from 7.5% a year earlier. Quarterly cancellations equaled 2.6% of beginning-quarter backlog, down from 3.2%. Buyers entering contracts are still following through, supporting future deliveries.
#toll #home #sales
The mix was more encouraging than the headline decline. Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) delivered homes at an average price of $996,400, while net signed contracts increased 5% in both units and value to 2,508 homes worth $2.52 billion. The question is whether affluent demand and high selling prices can protect earnings as delivery volume shrinks.
Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) reaffirmed its major full-year targets, including approximately $10.5 billion of home-sales revenue and a 26.1% adjusted home-sales gross margin. It narrowed expected deliveries to 10,500 to 10,600 homes and raised the lower end of its average delivered-price forecast to $995,000.
Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) serves an affluent customer base. In fiscal 2025, 25% of its buyers paid entirely in cash, while financed buyers borrowed an average of 69% of the purchase price. That financing profile helps explain why signed contracts continued growing despite elevated mortgage rates.
Buyer commitment also held up. Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) reported cancellations equal to 5.4% of contracts signed during the quarter, down from 7.5% a year earlier. Quarterly cancellations equaled 2.6% of beginning-quarter backlog, down from 3.2%. Buyers entering contracts are still following through, supporting future deliveries.
#toll #home #sales
3 days ago
Former NBA guard Kent Bazemore is sounding the alarm for professional athletes after opening up about the heavy financial toll of his recent divorce.
Following a ten-year career where he earned nearly 78 million dollars in salary, the retired basketball player shared candid reflections on how quickly wealth and relationships can collide once the playing days are over.
His ex-wife filed for divorce in 2022, the exact same year he retired from professional basketball, ultimately leaving him with substantial financial settlements. His cautionary comments have struck a major chord across social media, reigniting intense debates on how athletes manage their personal lives amidst massive wealth.
His personal experience highlights a growing pattern of high-profile financial and legal battles between superstar athletes and their former partners.
The retired shooting guard openly questioned the true motivations behind marriages formed during the height of an athletic career.
#financial #guard #Basketball
Following a ten-year career where he earned nearly 78 million dollars in salary, the retired basketball player shared candid reflections on how quickly wealth and relationships can collide once the playing days are over.
His ex-wife filed for divorce in 2022, the exact same year he retired from professional basketball, ultimately leaving him with substantial financial settlements. His cautionary comments have struck a major chord across social media, reigniting intense debates on how athletes manage their personal lives amidst massive wealth.
His personal experience highlights a growing pattern of high-profile financial and legal battles between superstar athletes and their former partners.
The retired shooting guard openly questioned the true motivations behind marriages formed during the height of an athletic career.
#financial #guard #Basketball
3 days ago
Crypto bears just had one of their worst hours of 2026. Short positions worth $1.23 billion were liquidated in 60 minutes as Bitcoin (BTC) climbed 2.5% to near $68,424.
Three whale wallets on Hyperliquid, a decentralized derivatives exchange, absorbed $194 million of the damage. The forced buying added fuel to a rally that began in the bond market.
Total liquidations reached $1.31 billion in the hour, and shorts made up nearly all of it, per data from CoinGlass.
Bitcoin positions accounted for roughly $770 million of the wipeout, with Ethereum (ETH) adding another $430 million. ETH itself gained 3.9% and traded back above $2,000, near $2,084.
The 24-hour toll ran to $1.57 billion across 114,038 traders, with shorts making up $1.41 billion. The largest single order, an ETH position on Bitget, was worth $32.18 million.
#billion #positions #near #Crypto
Three whale wallets on Hyperliquid, a decentralized derivatives exchange, absorbed $194 million of the damage. The forced buying added fuel to a rally that began in the bond market.
Total liquidations reached $1.31 billion in the hour, and shorts made up nearly all of it, per data from CoinGlass.
Bitcoin positions accounted for roughly $770 million of the wipeout, with Ethereum (ETH) adding another $430 million. ETH itself gained 3.9% and traded back above $2,000, near $2,084.
The 24-hour toll ran to $1.57 billion across 114,038 traders, with shorts making up $1.41 billion. The largest single order, an ETH position on Bitget, was worth $32.18 million.
#billion #positions #near #Crypto
3 days ago
The Philadelphia 76ers will have a lot of expectations placed upon them in the 2026-27 season after they swung a huge deal to acquire Jaylen Brown and then landed LeBron James in free agency. That star duo will join established stars such as Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
Embiid seems like the forgotten man at times when considering the talent around him now. Of course, that's what happens when injuries take a toll, but the big fella is still as dominant as they come when he is on the floor. The 2023 MVP winner was a huge part of the Sixers rallying from 3-1 to eliminate the Boston Celtics in Round 1 and will be a big part of any success they have in the coming season.
Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has high expectations for the new-look Sixers, but for Embiid, specifically, he wants to see him wrestle the best big man ***** le away from Nikola Jokic:
Championship or bust. You got the great LeBron. You got great Embiid, who was, like three or four years ago, Charles (Barkley) and I would always say how he's the best big man. Joker has surpassed him. I will be honest, making a name for himself. My question to Joel: does he want it back? And if he does, please show me. I know LeBron wants to get one last one. Jaylen is feeling slighted. Maxey is making a name for himself, definitely the team to watch. I don't wanna hear next year--this team was put together to win a championship now. I think if they don't win a championship, as players, I think all those players will be very, very disappointed. They have all the pieces they need.
To O'Neal's point, this team still belongs to Embiid and Maxey. While Brown and James are obviously the more decorated players, it still comes down to that duo as Philadelphia pushes forward. If Embiid is really healthy, then it changes everything for the Sixers on the floor. He is still such a dominant big man who can do nearly everything on offense and be a force on the defensive end. Philadelphia's hopes hinge on Embiid's health.
#embiid #championship #team #philadelphia
Embiid seems like the forgotten man at times when considering the talent around him now. Of course, that's what happens when injuries take a toll, but the big fella is still as dominant as they come when he is on the floor. The 2023 MVP winner was a huge part of the Sixers rallying from 3-1 to eliminate the Boston Celtics in Round 1 and will be a big part of any success they have in the coming season.
Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has high expectations for the new-look Sixers, but for Embiid, specifically, he wants to see him wrestle the best big man ***** le away from Nikola Jokic:
Championship or bust. You got the great LeBron. You got great Embiid, who was, like three or four years ago, Charles (Barkley) and I would always say how he's the best big man. Joker has surpassed him. I will be honest, making a name for himself. My question to Joel: does he want it back? And if he does, please show me. I know LeBron wants to get one last one. Jaylen is feeling slighted. Maxey is making a name for himself, definitely the team to watch. I don't wanna hear next year--this team was put together to win a championship now. I think if they don't win a championship, as players, I think all those players will be very, very disappointed. They have all the pieces they need.
To O'Neal's point, this team still belongs to Embiid and Maxey. While Brown and James are obviously the more decorated players, it still comes down to that duo as Philadelphia pushes forward. If Embiid is really healthy, then it changes everything for the Sixers on the floor. He is still such a dominant big man who can do nearly everything on offense and be a force on the defensive end. Philadelphia's hopes hinge on Embiid's health.
#embiid #championship #team #philadelphia
3 days ago
Duke Football is close to opening up their season as the defending ACC champions. What's in store for them? On Episode 840, we speak with Anna Snyder of the Fayetteville Observer on where the football team is at as they finish out the preseason.
The biggest question facing the Blue Devils this season: who will start at QB? All signs point to either transfer Walker Eget or sophomore Dan Mahan. Whoever is under center, they will have Nate Sheppard to hand the ball to and Jeremiah Hasley to throw the ball downfield to as they try to put points on the board. Anna takes us through the offense and defense and speaks to what qualities will be the calling card for Duke this season as they seek to defend their ******* le against all doubters.
We also dip a bit into the basketball, asking Anna about the summer and which players have been the ones to stand out in practice. We also see which non-conference games have her the most excited about the season as Duke hopes to add to their banner collection atop Cameron Indoor Stadium.
We end the show with an update on Mike Corey's recovery from a tragic car accident that claimed the life of his son, Teddy. Mike physically is doing much better and appreciates all the well-wishes. Emotionally, that toll will take a bit longer for him and his family to process. A memorial fund has been established in Teddy's honor, and we encourage everyone to share it widely and pay tribute to Teddy's life that was taken far too soon.
Make sure you're following us! Head to our Linktree to get all our available social media and links to follow and subscribe to the show. That includes our affiliate partnerships, from Fanatics and SLAM (use the code DBR15 to save 15%), Homefield Apparel (use the code DBRPODCAST to save 15% off your first order), to the NBA Store, NFL Shop, and even Fubo TV. Save some cash on the latest gear or follow the Blue Devils on the go by hitting those affiliate links and it helps support the show as well. We are now on YouTube and Instagram! Subscribe there, rate, and review our episodes on there and everywhere you get your podcasts. Also, follow us on Bluesky DukeRoundup!
#anna #save #devils
The biggest question facing the Blue Devils this season: who will start at QB? All signs point to either transfer Walker Eget or sophomore Dan Mahan. Whoever is under center, they will have Nate Sheppard to hand the ball to and Jeremiah Hasley to throw the ball downfield to as they try to put points on the board. Anna takes us through the offense and defense and speaks to what qualities will be the calling card for Duke this season as they seek to defend their ******* le against all doubters.
We also dip a bit into the basketball, asking Anna about the summer and which players have been the ones to stand out in practice. We also see which non-conference games have her the most excited about the season as Duke hopes to add to their banner collection atop Cameron Indoor Stadium.
We end the show with an update on Mike Corey's recovery from a tragic car accident that claimed the life of his son, Teddy. Mike physically is doing much better and appreciates all the well-wishes. Emotionally, that toll will take a bit longer for him and his family to process. A memorial fund has been established in Teddy's honor, and we encourage everyone to share it widely and pay tribute to Teddy's life that was taken far too soon.
Make sure you're following us! Head to our Linktree to get all our available social media and links to follow and subscribe to the show. That includes our affiliate partnerships, from Fanatics and SLAM (use the code DBR15 to save 15%), Homefield Apparel (use the code DBRPODCAST to save 15% off your first order), to the NBA Store, NFL Shop, and even Fubo TV. Save some cash on the latest gear or follow the Blue Devils on the go by hitting those affiliate links and it helps support the show as well. We are now on YouTube and Instagram! Subscribe there, rate, and review our episodes on there and everywhere you get your podcasts. Also, follow us on Bluesky DukeRoundup!
#anna #save #devils
4 days ago
Aristotle Capital Boston, LLC, an investment advisor, released its "Small Cap Equity Fund" Q2 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund returned 13.69% in the second quarter of 2026, trailing the Russell 2000 Index's 21.49% gain as security selection in information technology and industrials weighed on performance despite positive allocation effects. Top contributors included MACOM Technology Solutions and Mercury Systems, which benefited from strong demand in semiconductor, aerospace, and defense markets, while Alamos Gold and Huron Consulting Group detracted due to operational challenges, weaker gold prices, and investor concerns surrounding artificial intelligence disruption. During the quarter, the fund initiated positions in IPG Photonics and UMB Financial, citing opportunities tied to advanced manufacturing, automation, reshoring trends, and diversified financial services, while exiting Americold Realty Trust, Byline Bancorp, and Verra Mobility. Looking ahead, management remains constructive on U.S. small-cap equities, noting that valuations remain attractive relative to large caps and that earnings growth is expected to accelerate into late 2026 and 2027. Factors such as increased merger and acquisition activity, improving domestic manufacturing due to reshoring and infrastructure investments, and a favorable regulatory environment are expected to support this ******* et class in the long term. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund highlighted stocks like Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM). Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) provides smart mobility technology and transportation solutions for commercial fleets, government programs, and parking management. The one-month return of Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) was 19.62% while its shares traded between $3.4000 and $25.56500 over the last 52 weeks. On August 19, 2026, Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) stock closed at approximately $4.500 per share, with a market capitalization of about $709.74 million.
Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund stated the following regarding Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) is a provider of automated enforcement, tolling and parking technologies and solutions. We exited the position after the loss of a significant customer contract materially changed our investment thesis, reducing confidence in the company's long-term earnings and growth outlook. The proceeds were redeployed into higher-conviction opportunities.
#vrrm
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund highlighted stocks like Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM). Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) provides smart mobility technology and transportation solutions for commercial fleets, government programs, and parking management. The one-month return of Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) was 19.62% while its shares traded between $3.4000 and $25.56500 over the last 52 weeks. On August 19, 2026, Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) stock closed at approximately $4.500 per share, with a market capitalization of about $709.74 million.
Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund stated the following regarding Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ:VRRM) is a provider of automated enforcement, tolling and parking technologies and solutions. We exited the position after the loss of a significant customer contract materially changed our investment thesis, reducing confidence in the company's long-term earnings and growth outlook. The proceeds were redeployed into higher-conviction opportunities.
#vrrm
4 days ago
Crossroads Capital LLC, an investment management firm, published its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund increased by 11.5% net of fees and expenses during the quarter. Since its founding, the fund has compounded at a net rate of 17.9%. By the end of June 2026, the fund's overall non-delta-adjusted gross and net exposures were 115.0% and 86.9%, respectively. In Q2, the S&P 500 rebounded 14.9%, its best since 2020, as market uncertainty eased. The oil market showed a transition, with Brent crude prices fluctuating. AI and semiconductors thrived, with 25% earnings growth. The quarter underscored a key principle: risk is priced continuously but resolved discontinuously. Small-cap benchmarks hit new highs, though the Magnificent 7 saw modest gains. In Q2, market activity focused on adjustments rather than facts, capitalizing on high option premiums. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Crossroads Capital highlighted AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS). AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is a US-based satellite communication company developing a ***** e-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly to smartphones through its BlueBird satellites. On August 19, 2026, AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) closed at $66.43 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $25.85 billion. AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) posted a one‑month return of 12.25%, while its shares gained 47.69% over the past 52 weeks.
Crossroads Capital stated the following regarding AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS): Q2 picked up exactly where Q1 left off. As we've stated before, the transition we laid out last quarter—from R&D stage startup to operational scaleup—went from "underway" to "unmistakable" over the last three months. It charged us a toll along the way, however: The BB7 satellite launched on April 19 but was then lost when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket failed during deployment. The failure was cleanly attributable to Blue Origin, not to AST; it amounted to a ~$125 million write-off (partially covered by launch insurance, and claims have been filed). AST's response on the May call was the right one, citing its 33 satellites (now 42, as of this writing) in advanced stages of production. So, yes, BB7 was a loss, but it's moving on to the next launch.
First-quarter results in May landed with modest revenue from gateways and government milestones, guidance reaffirmed, and. roughly $3.5B of cash. More important, the FCC granted commercial authorization for ***** eMobile service in the United States, covering a network of up to 248 satellites. So the regulatory question for the home market is now answered. Block 1 satellites also set a 98.9 Mbps peak-speed record to unmodified smartphones, with Block 2 expected to nearly double it..."
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Crossroads Capital highlighted AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS). AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) is a US-based satellite communication company developing a ***** e-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly to smartphones through its BlueBird satellites. On August 19, 2026, AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) closed at $66.43 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $25.85 billion. AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) posted a one‑month return of 12.25%, while its shares gained 47.69% over the past 52 weeks.
Crossroads Capital stated the following regarding AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"AST ***** eMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS): Q2 picked up exactly where Q1 left off. As we've stated before, the transition we laid out last quarter—from R&D stage startup to operational scaleup—went from "underway" to "unmistakable" over the last three months. It charged us a toll along the way, however: The BB7 satellite launched on April 19 but was then lost when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket failed during deployment. The failure was cleanly attributable to Blue Origin, not to AST; it amounted to a ~$125 million write-off (partially covered by launch insurance, and claims have been filed). AST's response on the May call was the right one, citing its 33 satellites (now 42, as of this writing) in advanced stages of production. So, yes, BB7 was a loss, but it's moving on to the next launch.
First-quarter results in May landed with modest revenue from gateways and government milestones, guidance reaffirmed, and. roughly $3.5B of cash. More important, the FCC granted commercial authorization for ***** eMobile service in the United States, covering a network of up to 248 satellites. So the regulatory question for the home market is now answered. Block 1 satellites also set a 98.9 Mbps peak-speed record to unmodified smartphones, with Block 2 expected to nearly double it..."
4 days ago
"The dream is absolutely not dead for me."
Mason Jones made that statement shortly after making the bold decision not to re-sign with the UFC in 2022.
He had won just one of his four fights under the UFC banner - losing two with one no-contest - but decided to explore options elsewhere.
The 31-year-old returned to Cage Warriors, where he had previously been a two-weight champion, to resurrect his career - even if it took a toll financially.
"I chose to leave [UFC]. I went back and I rebuilt everything I needed. It cost me a stupid amount of money, put me in debt at my eyeballs," Jones told BBC Wales.
#dream
Mason Jones made that statement shortly after making the bold decision not to re-sign with the UFC in 2022.
He had won just one of his four fights under the UFC banner - losing two with one no-contest - but decided to explore options elsewhere.
The 31-year-old returned to Cage Warriors, where he had previously been a two-weight champion, to resurrect his career - even if it took a toll financially.
"I chose to leave [UFC]. I went back and I rebuilt everything I needed. It cost me a stupid amount of money, put me in debt at my eyeballs," Jones told BBC Wales.
#dream
5 days ago
On August 7, **** ured Guaranty (NYSE:AGO) closed out a first half that pushed several core valuation metrics to record territory. Shareholders' equity, adjusted operating shareholders' equity, and adjusted book value per share all hit new highs at quarter-end, while new business production climbed to $152 million in present value of new business production/PVP for the first six months of 2026, up from $103 million a year earlier. That growth came even as the company kept underwriting through credit exposures that haven't gone away.
US public finance alone generated $106 million of PVP in the first half of 2026, more than the entire company produced in the first half of 2025, while insuring $9.6 billion of new issue par across 423 transactions. Global structured finance PVP more than doubled to $35 million from $15 million a year earlier, helped by fund finance deals that typically mature in a few months to a little over two years, letting the company recycle capital faster than in its longer-duration public finance book. The newer annuity reinsurance platform, **** ured Life Re, launched in January, and management says it remains on track to hit its production and income milestones.
Overseas, the company added deals in the UK, Spain, and France, part of a stated push into Europe and Asia Pacific. Second quarter adjusted operating income rose 22% year-over-year to $55 million, or $1.23 per share, helped by loss expense falling to $4 million from $28 million a year earlier. The company also kept returning cash, repurchasing 554,000 shares for $45 million in the quarter and paying $17 million in dividends, with the quarterly dividend per share now at $0.38.
Not everything moved in a straight line. The Brightline transaction was the biggest driver of economic loss development in the quarter, and management said the toll operator continues to face liquidity pressure even as its revenue grows; the exposure hasn't hurt adjusted operating income yet because expected losses haven't exceeded the deferred premium revenue on the policy, but the company said it is still working with Brightline and its other creditors on a resolution.
Thames Water remained a live issue too, though management reported no material change to its loss expectations in the second quarter, and the company is waiting on a new administration to help implement a solution creditors already negotiated with the UK regulator. The alternative investment book, which has delivered a roughly 12% inception-to-date internal rate of return against a 4.3% three-year average yield on the fixed maturity portfolio, took a step back after a $19 million mark-to-market loss tied to a CLO equity fund investment that reports on a one-quarter lag, a reminder of how much a single position can sway quarterly results.
#company #finance
US public finance alone generated $106 million of PVP in the first half of 2026, more than the entire company produced in the first half of 2025, while insuring $9.6 billion of new issue par across 423 transactions. Global structured finance PVP more than doubled to $35 million from $15 million a year earlier, helped by fund finance deals that typically mature in a few months to a little over two years, letting the company recycle capital faster than in its longer-duration public finance book. The newer annuity reinsurance platform, **** ured Life Re, launched in January, and management says it remains on track to hit its production and income milestones.
Overseas, the company added deals in the UK, Spain, and France, part of a stated push into Europe and Asia Pacific. Second quarter adjusted operating income rose 22% year-over-year to $55 million, or $1.23 per share, helped by loss expense falling to $4 million from $28 million a year earlier. The company also kept returning cash, repurchasing 554,000 shares for $45 million in the quarter and paying $17 million in dividends, with the quarterly dividend per share now at $0.38.
Not everything moved in a straight line. The Brightline transaction was the biggest driver of economic loss development in the quarter, and management said the toll operator continues to face liquidity pressure even as its revenue grows; the exposure hasn't hurt adjusted operating income yet because expected losses haven't exceeded the deferred premium revenue on the policy, but the company said it is still working with Brightline and its other creditors on a resolution.
Thames Water remained a live issue too, though management reported no material change to its loss expectations in the second quarter, and the company is waiting on a new administration to help implement a solution creditors already negotiated with the UK regulator. The alternative investment book, which has delivered a roughly 12% inception-to-date internal rate of return against a 4.3% three-year average yield on the fixed maturity portfolio, took a step back after a $19 million mark-to-market loss tied to a CLO equity fund investment that reports on a one-quarter lag, a reminder of how much a single position can sway quarterly results.
#company #finance
5 days ago
(Bloomberg) -- Xiaomi Corp. posted its third consecutive profit decline, underscoring the heavy toll a persistent global memory shortage has taken on one of the world's top smartphone makers.
Most Read from Bloomberg
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US-Iran Peace Prospects Dim as Trump Rejects Truce Extension
Anthropic's Annualized Revenue Tops $65 Billion Before IPO
#selloff #year #yields #since
Most Read from Bloomberg
US Bond Selloff Drives 30-Year Yields to Highest Since 2007
US-Iran Peace Prospects Dim as Trump Rejects Truce Extension
Anthropic's Annualized Revenue Tops $65 Billion Before IPO
#selloff #year #yields #since
5 days ago
The dog days of summer are in full effect, and NFL training camps are taking their toll.
Take, for instance, Tuesday's joint practice between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints in Oxnard, California. The NFC rivals squared off for a full practice in pads. That meant competing, hitting and some guys performing for their jobs.
The result was a scrimmage that was spicy throughout and eventually erupted to multiple big fights and the ejection of Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
There was the normal pushing and shoving that should be expected from any sort of joint practice. This involved Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and Cowboys safety Malik Hooker, among others.
But things really got heated multiple times as full-on fights broke out between pretty much all the players on the field.
#take
Take, for instance, Tuesday's joint practice between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints in Oxnard, California. The NFC rivals squared off for a full practice in pads. That meant competing, hitting and some guys performing for their jobs.
The result was a scrimmage that was spicy throughout and eventually erupted to multiple big fights and the ejection of Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
There was the normal pushing and shoving that should be expected from any sort of joint practice. This involved Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and Cowboys safety Malik Hooker, among others.
But things really got heated multiple times as full-on fights broke out between pretty much all the players on the field.
#take
5 days ago
The dog days of summer are in full effect, and NFL training camps are taking their toll.
Take, for instance, Tuesday's joint practice between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints in Oxnard, California. The NFC rivals squared off for a full practice in pads. That meant competing, hitting and some guys performing for their jobs.
The result was a scrimmage that was spicy throughout and eventually erupted to multiple big fights and the ejection of Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
There was the normal pushing and shoving that should be expected from any sort of joint practice. This involved Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and Cowboys safety Malik Hooker, among others.
But things really got heated multiple times as full-on fights broke out between pretty much all the players on the field.
#multiple
Take, for instance, Tuesday's joint practice between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints in Oxnard, California. The NFC rivals squared off for a full practice in pads. That meant competing, hitting and some guys performing for their jobs.
The result was a scrimmage that was spicy throughout and eventually erupted to multiple big fights and the ejection of Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
There was the normal pushing and shoving that should be expected from any sort of joint practice. This involved Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and Cowboys safety Malik Hooker, among others.
But things really got heated multiple times as full-on fights broke out between pretty much all the players on the field.
#multiple
6 days ago
CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Ayoub Akbili needed money for his mother's surgery. Hamza Haibouri wanted a shot at a professional soccer career. Abdelouahed Iken was chasing the glossy life a friend posted about on Facebook from Italy.
So when they heard rumors that Morocco's border with Spain was open, they decided to join the rush to try to reach Europe.
All three died attempting to cross, becoming victims of the deadliest migration crisis between Morocco and Spain.
Fueled by misinformation, poverty and lack of opportunities, more than 70,000 would-be migrants from Morocco and beyond swam or climbed over a breakwater last month to try to reach Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast. At least 90 people died attempting to cross the border, according to official figures; rights groups reported a much higher toll. Many families still haven't been able to retrieve the bodies.
Nearly all the survivors have returned to Morocco, and both countries have intensified security measures. Moroccan and Spanish authorities blamed social media rumors and human smuggling networks for the surge, while migrants cited unemployment and low wages as major factors.
#migrants
So when they heard rumors that Morocco's border with Spain was open, they decided to join the rush to try to reach Europe.
All three died attempting to cross, becoming victims of the deadliest migration crisis between Morocco and Spain.
Fueled by misinformation, poverty and lack of opportunities, more than 70,000 would-be migrants from Morocco and beyond swam or climbed over a breakwater last month to try to reach Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast. At least 90 people died attempting to cross the border, according to official figures; rights groups reported a much higher toll. Many families still haven't been able to retrieve the bodies.
Nearly all the survivors have returned to Morocco, and both countries have intensified security measures. Moroccan and Spanish authorities blamed social media rumors and human smuggling networks for the surge, while migrants cited unemployment and low wages as major factors.
#migrants
6 days ago
On Aug. 15 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Gonzaga Bulldogs alum and 6-2, 220-pound guard Jeremy Pargo was named the BIG3's Most Valuable Player. The 2007-08 West Coast Conference Player of the Year is also a three-time all-star with the 3-on-3 league founded by rapper Ice Cube.
At 40 years old, Pargo has still got it. The captain hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat the Chicago Triplets, 50-47, and send the Boston Ball Hogs to their first-ever ***** le game against the Dallas Power next Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. PT on CBS/BET. He finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and four ***** ists in the semifinal victory over the Triplets.
This summer with the Ball Hogs, the Chicago, Illinois native led the BIG3 in total points (180), ***** ists (35), three-pointers made (20), and four-pointers made (seven, a single-season record).
Most recently, Pargo competed with Grindavik of the Urvalsdeild Karla in Iceland. He won the Icelandic League championship and was named the Most Valuable Player there as well, scoring 48 points on 10-of-16 three-pointers in the championship-clinching game over Tindastoll.
During his 17-year professional basketball career, Pargo has played in countries like Israel, Russia, China, Italy, Lebanon, and Spain, to go along with three seasons in the NBA.
#four #Chicago
At 40 years old, Pargo has still got it. The captain hit a game-winning three-pointer to beat the Chicago Triplets, 50-47, and send the Boston Ball Hogs to their first-ever ***** le game against the Dallas Power next Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. PT on CBS/BET. He finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and four ***** ists in the semifinal victory over the Triplets.
This summer with the Ball Hogs, the Chicago, Illinois native led the BIG3 in total points (180), ***** ists (35), three-pointers made (20), and four-pointers made (seven, a single-season record).
Most recently, Pargo competed with Grindavik of the Urvalsdeild Karla in Iceland. He won the Icelandic League championship and was named the Most Valuable Player there as well, scoring 48 points on 10-of-16 three-pointers in the championship-clinching game over Tindastoll.
During his 17-year professional basketball career, Pargo has played in countries like Israel, Russia, China, Italy, Lebanon, and Spain, to go along with three seasons in the NBA.
#four #Chicago
7 days ago
After becoming one of the Premier League's main 'banter clubs' last season, Chelsea will head into the 2026/27 season with a point to prove.
The scattergun approach to transfer business coupled with impatience towards managers ultimately took a heavy toll on the Blues' fortunes last term.
Xabi Alonso has been appointed to steady the ship, and it will be intriguing to see if he can get Chelsea heading in the right direction again.
Without further ado, read on as we ******* s Chelsea's hopes of enjoying a productive 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
IN:Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, £117m), Quenda (Sporting CP, £44m), Pep Chavarria (Rayo Vallecano, £16.3m), Denner (Corinthians, £8.7m), Dastan Satpaev (Kairat Almaty, £2.1m), Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg, undisclosed), Marco Palestra (Atalanta, undisclosed), Harrison Bettoni (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion, undisclosed), Jordan Henderson (free agent), Valentin Barco (undisclosed),
#Chelsea
The scattergun approach to transfer business coupled with impatience towards managers ultimately took a heavy toll on the Blues' fortunes last term.
Xabi Alonso has been appointed to steady the ship, and it will be intriguing to see if he can get Chelsea heading in the right direction again.
Without further ado, read on as we ******* s Chelsea's hopes of enjoying a productive 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
IN:Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, £117m), Quenda (Sporting CP, £44m), Pep Chavarria (Rayo Vallecano, £16.3m), Denner (Corinthians, £8.7m), Dastan Satpaev (Kairat Almaty, £2.1m), Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg, undisclosed), Marco Palestra (Atalanta, undisclosed), Harrison Bettoni (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion, undisclosed), Jordan Henderson (free agent), Valentin Barco (undisclosed),
#Chelsea
7 days ago
The Boston Red Sox were one of the hottest teams in baseball over the last month and a half, but have cooled down as of late.
They are 3-7 in their last 10 and have seen some of their pitchers struggle. On Sunday, Patrick Sandoval allowed seven earned runs in four innings of work. He had been pitching well recently, so Sunday's blow up start was a shock. He received a visit from the trainer on Sunday as well, in the fourth inning.
"Patrick Sandoval said he's been pitching through a blister on his left foot basically all season (thus the trainer visit in the fourth inning)," The Boston Globe's Alex Speier reported on Sunday. "He says it's just a matter of pain tolerance."
Any sort of minor injury can impact any player's performance, but especially pitchers. A blister in his left foot would certainly be something that is difficult to manage, but he has been doing it all year. Given Jake Bennett's recent struggles, the Red Sox will need their other arms to step up. They know what they are going to get out of the top-end guys like Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle and Sonny Gray.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#sunday #patrick #visit
They are 3-7 in their last 10 and have seen some of their pitchers struggle. On Sunday, Patrick Sandoval allowed seven earned runs in four innings of work. He had been pitching well recently, so Sunday's blow up start was a shock. He received a visit from the trainer on Sunday as well, in the fourth inning.
"Patrick Sandoval said he's been pitching through a blister on his left foot basically all season (thus the trainer visit in the fourth inning)," The Boston Globe's Alex Speier reported on Sunday. "He says it's just a matter of pain tolerance."
Any sort of minor injury can impact any player's performance, but especially pitchers. A blister in his left foot would certainly be something that is difficult to manage, but he has been doing it all year. Given Jake Bennett's recent struggles, the Red Sox will need their other arms to step up. They know what they are going to get out of the top-end guys like Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle and Sonny Gray.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#sunday #patrick #visit
7 days ago
Today marks Dave Lemanczyk's 76th birthday.
Dave was a starting pitcher for the Blue Jays during their inaugural season. He started the second game in franchise history, recording the team's first-ever loss.
He was a solid pitcher, selected from the Detroit Tigers in the Expansion Draft. The draft itself was something of a sucker's bet; expansion teams got to choose from players the established clubs didn't want. While we did get Jim Clancy, Ernie Whitt, Rico Carty, and Pete Vuckovich (who would later win a Cy Young, though not as a Jay), most of our selections were cast-offs.
Lemanczyk enjoyed a strong year, setting career highs in wins, starts, and innings pitched. He threw 252 innings, completed 11 games, won 13, lost 16, and posted a 4.25 ERA, leading the team in victories.
Dave was our Opening Day starter in 1978, but he made only 20 starts, finishing with a 4-14 record and a 6.26 ERA. The heavy workload from the previous season had taken its toll on his arm.
#expansion #pitcher
Dave was a starting pitcher for the Blue Jays during their inaugural season. He started the second game in franchise history, recording the team's first-ever loss.
He was a solid pitcher, selected from the Detroit Tigers in the Expansion Draft. The draft itself was something of a sucker's bet; expansion teams got to choose from players the established clubs didn't want. While we did get Jim Clancy, Ernie Whitt, Rico Carty, and Pete Vuckovich (who would later win a Cy Young, though not as a Jay), most of our selections were cast-offs.
Lemanczyk enjoyed a strong year, setting career highs in wins, starts, and innings pitched. He threw 252 innings, completed 11 games, won 13, lost 16, and posted a 4.25 ERA, leading the team in victories.
Dave was our Opening Day starter in 1978, but he made only 20 starts, finishing with a 4-14 record and a 6.26 ERA. The heavy workload from the previous season had taken its toll on his arm.
#expansion #pitcher
7 days ago
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Chris Webber from the Sacramento Kings at the 2005 deadline with the hope that he could bring his all-around game to Philadelphia and be a great sidekick next to Allen Iverson.
On paper, the numbers were great as he averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.4 ****** ists in 114 games across three seasons for Philadelphia. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him and he wasn't the same dominant player he was during his days in Sacramento.
However, that doesn't change the fact that Webber was terrific in his career. HoopsHype ranked the top 20 power forwards in the history of the game and he comes in ranked No. 16 on the list:
An explosive, skilled scorer and rebounder in his prime, Chris Webber was an absolute force at the power-forward position in his heyday, a big man capable of facing up and shooting from the midrange or bullying foes down low. Was also known for throwing down monster dunks in transition – just ask Charles Barkley.
Overall, Webber was a 5-time All-Star, won Rookie of the Year in 1994, and is a Hall of Famer with career averages of 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 ****** ists. He was phenomenal out on the floor before the injuries took a toll on him.
#rebounds
On paper, the numbers were great as he averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.4 ****** ists in 114 games across three seasons for Philadelphia. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him and he wasn't the same dominant player he was during his days in Sacramento.
However, that doesn't change the fact that Webber was terrific in his career. HoopsHype ranked the top 20 power forwards in the history of the game and he comes in ranked No. 16 on the list:
An explosive, skilled scorer and rebounder in his prime, Chris Webber was an absolute force at the power-forward position in his heyday, a big man capable of facing up and shooting from the midrange or bullying foes down low. Was also known for throwing down monster dunks in transition – just ask Charles Barkley.
Overall, Webber was a 5-time All-Star, won Rookie of the Year in 1994, and is a Hall of Famer with career averages of 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 ****** ists. He was phenomenal out on the floor before the injuries took a toll on him.
#rebounds
7 days ago
By Charles Boehm
The days are growing shorter, and the kids are going back to school. The FIFA World Cup is in the rearview mirror, and so is Phase One of Leagues Cup.
You might not have heard a starter's gun or a bell tolling, but make no mistake: Matchday 20's busy slate marked the unofficial start of the MLS stretch run. Aside from the newly combined September-October FIFA international window, it's all systems go from here until early November as clubs race for their spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Here's how it all kicked off this weekend.
Music City statement
#charles #phase #leagues
The days are growing shorter, and the kids are going back to school. The FIFA World Cup is in the rearview mirror, and so is Phase One of Leagues Cup.
You might not have heard a starter's gun or a bell tolling, but make no mistake: Matchday 20's busy slate marked the unofficial start of the MLS stretch run. Aside from the newly combined September-October FIFA international window, it's all systems go from here until early November as clubs race for their spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Here's how it all kicked off this weekend.
Music City statement
#charles #phase #leagues
7 days ago
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Scrumhalf Noah Hotham will join the All Blacks in South Africa ahead of Saturday's first test as cover for injured halves Cortez Ratima and Cam Roigard.
Ratima suffered a knee injury during New Zealand's most-recent match against the Bulls in Pretoria while Roigard has yet to play on tour because of a calf injury.
Hotham was a contentious omission from the All Blacks' original 44-man touring squad as the selectors opted instead for his Crusaders understudy Kyle Preston.
Prop Ollie Norris also has been ruled out of the tour with a knee cartilage injury. Norris will return to New Zealand, and a prop replacement is set to be named in due course.
The South Africa tour has exacted a heavy injury toll before the first of four test matches between the world champion Springboks and second-ranked All Blacks.
#injury #hotham #south #africa
Ratima suffered a knee injury during New Zealand's most-recent match against the Bulls in Pretoria while Roigard has yet to play on tour because of a calf injury.
Hotham was a contentious omission from the All Blacks' original 44-man touring squad as the selectors opted instead for his Crusaders understudy Kyle Preston.
Prop Ollie Norris also has been ruled out of the tour with a knee cartilage injury. Norris will return to New Zealand, and a prop replacement is set to be named in due course.
The South Africa tour has exacted a heavy injury toll before the first of four test matches between the world champion Springboks and second-ranked All Blacks.
#injury #hotham #south #africa
7 days ago
Kellan Lutz has spoken about the mental toll of ending the Twilight franchise and unsuccessfully auditioning for other films.
Lutz, 41, played Emmett Cullen across all five Twilight films, and despite the $3.3 billion success of the vampire franchise, the actor struggled to land other franchise roles, some of which were for Marvel Studios.
The entertainer appeared on the Tuesday (August 11) episode of podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum and discussed the aftermath of Twilight along with his succeeding auditions. The Twilight run ended in 2012 with the fifth installment Breaking Dawn - Part 2.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
Around the 44-minute mark of the video above, Lutz shared that he received advice from his Stick It costar Jeff Bridges to "make your life outside of the industry" rather than let the business "chew you up and spit you out."
#franchise #emmett #studios
Lutz, 41, played Emmett Cullen across all five Twilight films, and despite the $3.3 billion success of the vampire franchise, the actor struggled to land other franchise roles, some of which were for Marvel Studios.
The entertainer appeared on the Tuesday (August 11) episode of podcast Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum and discussed the aftermath of Twilight along with his succeeding auditions. The Twilight run ended in 2012 with the fifth installment Breaking Dawn - Part 2.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
Around the 44-minute mark of the video above, Lutz shared that he received advice from his Stick It costar Jeff Bridges to "make your life outside of the industry" rather than let the business "chew you up and spit you out."
#franchise #emmett #studios
8 days ago
On the morning after a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in their 2026 preseason opener, the Baltimore Ravens have reportedly made a running back addition. According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, the Ravens signed veteran Jonathan Ward on Sunday.
Ward is a five-year veteran who has played for four teams in the NFL thus far. He was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan. After playing 32 games for the Cardinals, Ward joined the Tennessee ****** ans for two years and appeared in four games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
The 28-year-old running back has only 22 rushing attempts for his career with 91 rushing yards, along with another 52 receiving yards a touchdown. Ward was previously a very productive college player, totaling 3,446 scrimmage yards and 32 scores in four seasons at Central Michigan.
The Ravens are already set at running back with Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali and Adam Randall all likely to be on the regular season roster. Ali suffered an injury earlier this week in practice, though, which sidelined him for consecutive practice sessions and Saturday's preseason game. The signing of Ward could signal the Ravens expect Ali to continue to miss some time and thus need another running back to take snaps.
In their win over the Eagles, Randall led the team in rushing with 46 yards and a touchdown. Undrafted rookies Elijah Tau-Tolliver and Donte McMillan combined for 19 carries and 82 yards on the ground. Henry and Hill are unlikely to see any preseason action, so expect Ward to join this group as a candidate to receive playing time over the next couple weeks.
#back
Ward is a five-year veteran who has played for four teams in the NFL thus far. He was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan. After playing 32 games for the Cardinals, Ward joined the Tennessee ****** ans for two years and appeared in four games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.
The 28-year-old running back has only 22 rushing attempts for his career with 91 rushing yards, along with another 52 receiving yards a touchdown. Ward was previously a very productive college player, totaling 3,446 scrimmage yards and 32 scores in four seasons at Central Michigan.
The Ravens are already set at running back with Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali and Adam Randall all likely to be on the regular season roster. Ali suffered an injury earlier this week in practice, though, which sidelined him for consecutive practice sessions and Saturday's preseason game. The signing of Ward could signal the Ravens expect Ali to continue to miss some time and thus need another running back to take snaps.
In their win over the Eagles, Randall led the team in rushing with 46 yards and a touchdown. Undrafted rookies Elijah Tau-Tolliver and Donte McMillan combined for 19 carries and 82 yards on the ground. Henry and Hill are unlikely to see any preseason action, so expect Ward to join this group as a candidate to receive playing time over the next couple weeks.
#back
8 days ago
Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to Test cricket in style, scoring his maiden century in the format during India's first innings of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
The Karnataka left-hander produced a composed yet attacking knock, handling the challenging conditions with maturity and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Padikkal was particularly effective against spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, combining caution with well-timed aggression.
The 26-year-old came into the Test on the back of a century against SLC XI in the warm-up game and continued his strong run of form when it mattered most.
Padikkal may have found it difficult to break into India's playing XI had Sai Sudharsan been fit and available for the series. However, his century has strengthened his case for a continued run at No.3.
Speaking after the close of play on Day 1, Padikkal revealed that determination was key to getting through a physically demanding innings in Galle, where the heat and humidity took a toll.
"In this knock, determination for me was playing through that tiredness and fatigue that I was feeling, especially towards the third session. I think it was getting really hot, and we were losing a lot of fluid. We were sweating all the time. So it was really important that I was determined enough to keep going and keep pushing forward," Padikkal said in a video shared by BCCI.
The batter also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration on a surface that did not make batting easy.
"It wasn't the easiest of wickets to bat on. I think we had to make sure that we didn't play too many last shots. We had to make sure that we kept our minds in the game as long as possible because, like I said, again, when you get tired, it's easy to lose that discipline, and I think as a team we did that well today," he added.
Padikkal shared a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul before Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering from cramps. For Padikkal, the century was particularly significant as he had not played a Test for India since 2024 and had waited almost two years for another opportunity.
His return to the side came after a prolific run across domestic cricket and the IPL. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, along with his IPL form, helped him force his way back into the reckoning.
Padikkal admitted that the long wait had tested his patience but also gave him time to improve his game.
"Patience for me, I think it was more to do with what I've gone through before this game. I think my last Test was in 2024. So it's been a long time coming, and I've had to patiently wait, look on from the outside. It's never easy. But at the same time, it gave me time to really work on my game and perfect things that needed perfecting. And I'm really glad that all that hard work came to effect today. It feels great," said Padikkal.
The left-hander also revealed that he felt nervous as he approached the thr
The Karnataka left-hander produced a composed yet attacking knock, handling the challenging conditions with maturity and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Padikkal was particularly effective against spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha, combining caution with well-timed aggression.
The 26-year-old came into the Test on the back of a century against SLC XI in the warm-up game and continued his strong run of form when it mattered most.
Padikkal may have found it difficult to break into India's playing XI had Sai Sudharsan been fit and available for the series. However, his century has strengthened his case for a continued run at No.3.
Speaking after the close of play on Day 1, Padikkal revealed that determination was key to getting through a physically demanding innings in Galle, where the heat and humidity took a toll.
"In this knock, determination for me was playing through that tiredness and fatigue that I was feeling, especially towards the third session. I think it was getting really hot, and we were losing a lot of fluid. We were sweating all the time. So it was really important that I was determined enough to keep going and keep pushing forward," Padikkal said in a video shared by BCCI.
The batter also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration on a surface that did not make batting easy.
"It wasn't the easiest of wickets to bat on. I think we had to make sure that we didn't play too many last shots. We had to make sure that we kept our minds in the game as long as possible because, like I said, again, when you get tired, it's easy to lose that discipline, and I think as a team we did that well today," he added.
Padikkal shared a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul before Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering from cramps. For Padikkal, the century was particularly significant as he had not played a Test for India since 2024 and had waited almost two years for another opportunity.
His return to the side came after a prolific run across domestic cricket and the IPL. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, along with his IPL form, helped him force his way back into the reckoning.
Padikkal admitted that the long wait had tested his patience but also gave him time to improve his game.
"Patience for me, I think it was more to do with what I've gone through before this game. I think my last Test was in 2024. So it's been a long time coming, and I've had to patiently wait, look on from the outside. It's never easy. But at the same time, it gave me time to really work on my game and perfect things that needed perfecting. And I'm really glad that all that hard work came to effect today. It feels great," said Padikkal.
The left-hander also revealed that he felt nervous as he approached the thr
9 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday downplayed the toll on American sailors enduring nearly nine months at sea on the USS Abraham Lincoln as concerns escalated about mental health and supply issues aboard the aircraft carrier supporting U.S. operations against Iran.
In a brief exchange with reporters before flying to New York for an event to highlight falling violent crime rates across the U.S., Trump refuted that family members have raised concerns about the deployment's length and even said that the deployment — which includes a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 240 days — is "not nearly long enough."
"That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it's being replaced with another very similar ship," Trump said when asked about the lengthy deployment. The acting navy secretary, Hung Cao, said the Lincoln "will return home soon" in a social media post on Friday.
Trump strode into office for a second term vowing to avoid lengthy and expensive military entanglements. And after launching the Iran war, alongside Israel, Trump and his advisers said the conflict would last a matter of weeks. The war is now more than five months old.
But on Friday, during his crime address in Garden City, New York, he acknowledged that he's used the U.S. military "a little bit more than I wanted to," while ******* erting anew that the U.S. operation against Iran is going well. He even said, seemingly in jest, that "pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States."
#Trump #months #even
In a brief exchange with reporters before flying to New York for an event to highlight falling violent crime rates across the U.S., Trump refuted that family members have raised concerns about the deployment's length and even said that the deployment — which includes a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 240 days — is "not nearly long enough."
"That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it's being replaced with another very similar ship," Trump said when asked about the lengthy deployment. The acting navy secretary, Hung Cao, said the Lincoln "will return home soon" in a social media post on Friday.
Trump strode into office for a second term vowing to avoid lengthy and expensive military entanglements. And after launching the Iran war, alongside Israel, Trump and his advisers said the conflict would last a matter of weeks. The war is now more than five months old.
But on Friday, during his crime address in Garden City, New York, he acknowledged that he's used the U.S. military "a little bit more than I wanted to," while ******* erting anew that the U.S. operation against Iran is going well. He even said, seemingly in jest, that "pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States."
#Trump #months #even
9 days ago
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes he could have taken 400 Test wickets if he had played under Imran Khan's leadership earlier in his career.
Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Tests during his international career, which ended during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.
Speaking on a Geo TV show, Shoaib pointed to his first-class record, where he took more than 400 wickets, and said playing under Imran could have helped him develop further as a Test bowler.
"If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan I would have learnt a lot and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket," said the 51-year-old, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Shoaib made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, his hometown. At the time, Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had reservations about giving the young fast bowler his debut, believing it was not the right time.
The relationship between Akram and Shoaib remained complicated during their careers, with both having moments of admiration and disagreements.
The two also formed part of Pakistan's bowling attack during some notable performances, including the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England. Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia in the final at Lord's.
Shoaib also spoke about the physical toll of his career, which lasted from 1997 to 2011.
He recalled the routine he followed to stay fit and recover from injuries, including problems with his knees.
"I had to wake up three hours before everyone else. I had to cycle first, then go to the gym. My knees would get jammed and lock up.
"I would have fluid drained from them, apply medication, and ice them," said the 51-year-old.
133249043
#Pakistan
Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Tests during his international career, which ended during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.
Speaking on a Geo TV show, Shoaib pointed to his first-class record, where he took more than 400 wickets, and said playing under Imran could have helped him develop further as a Test bowler.
"If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan I would have learnt a lot and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket," said the 51-year-old, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Shoaib made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, his hometown. At the time, Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had reservations about giving the young fast bowler his debut, believing it was not the right time.
The relationship between Akram and Shoaib remained complicated during their careers, with both having moments of admiration and disagreements.
The two also formed part of Pakistan's bowling attack during some notable performances, including the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England. Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia in the final at Lord's.
Shoaib also spoke about the physical toll of his career, which lasted from 1997 to 2011.
He recalled the routine he followed to stay fit and recover from injuries, including problems with his knees.
"I had to wake up three hours before everyone else. I had to cycle first, then go to the gym. My knees would get jammed and lock up.
"I would have fluid drained from them, apply medication, and ice them," said the 51-year-old.
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#Pakistan
9 days ago
In one of the biggest shocks of the meet through three days, world record holder Summer McIntosh missed the championship final of the women's 400 freestyle Friday morning, finishing ninth in prelims in 4:08.56.
McIntosh posted a time more than 14 seconds slower than her own world record. It's a stunning result in an event she's dominated internationally over the past year, and it continues a disappointing week in freestyle events for the Canadian superstar.
McIntosh came into the 400 off after losing the 200 freestyle by 0.19 seconds to Australia's Lani Pallister on day one after scratching the 200 ******* erfly. That result already raised eyebrows given her status as one of the most dominant swimmers in the sport. However, missing a final outright is a different level of surprise.
McIntosh is never shy about racing a heavy program, and the ******* ulative toll of that schedule may be part of the story. She was able to win gold last night in the 400 IM, making the freestyle stumbles specifically notable rather than a sign of an across-the-board slump.
With McIntosh out of the picture, Katie Ledecky and Pallister will settle the 400 free between themselves tonight, a rematch of sorts after Pallister pushed Ledecky hard in the 1500 free on Wednesday.
#mcintosh #pallister #free
McIntosh posted a time more than 14 seconds slower than her own world record. It's a stunning result in an event she's dominated internationally over the past year, and it continues a disappointing week in freestyle events for the Canadian superstar.
McIntosh came into the 400 off after losing the 200 freestyle by 0.19 seconds to Australia's Lani Pallister on day one after scratching the 200 ******* erfly. That result already raised eyebrows given her status as one of the most dominant swimmers in the sport. However, missing a final outright is a different level of surprise.
McIntosh is never shy about racing a heavy program, and the ******* ulative toll of that schedule may be part of the story. She was able to win gold last night in the 400 IM, making the freestyle stumbles specifically notable rather than a sign of an across-the-board slump.
With McIntosh out of the picture, Katie Ledecky and Pallister will settle the 400 free between themselves tonight, a rematch of sorts after Pallister pushed Ledecky hard in the 1500 free on Wednesday.
#mcintosh #pallister #free
10 days ago
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — New Zealand's injury toll has worsened on its historic rugby tour of South Africa — and the test series was still a week away.
Winger Caleb Clarke was the third player to be going home after rupturing a shoulder tendon on Tuesday in the 54-0 win against the Sharks in Durban.
The injury required surgery and only then will a timeframe on his recovery be known, the All Blacks said on Friday.
Clarke will not be immediately replaced. Coach Dave Rennie said he was comfortable that their six other outside backs were enough cover, although test regular Will Jordan was a doubt for the first test against the Springboks next week because of a back injury.
"I am gutted to be going home because I've loved my time here so much," Clarke said in a statement.
#africa
Winger Caleb Clarke was the third player to be going home after rupturing a shoulder tendon on Tuesday in the 54-0 win against the Sharks in Durban.
The injury required surgery and only then will a timeframe on his recovery be known, the All Blacks said on Friday.
Clarke will not be immediately replaced. Coach Dave Rennie said he was comfortable that their six other outside backs were enough cover, although test regular Will Jordan was a doubt for the first test against the Springboks next week because of a back injury.
"I am gutted to be going home because I've loved my time here so much," Clarke said in a statement.
#africa
12 days ago
As the death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surpasses 2,000 people, infectious disease experts say Americans should remain aware of the humanitarian crisis overseas while understanding the reality of domestic risk.
The virus has spread rapidly across parts of eastern and northeastern DRC, with earlier cross-border cases in Uganda. Published government data shows a total of 4,381 confirmed cases.
"There's a lot of people who live there. So this is not breaking out in a town of 50, but in rural cities of hundreds of thousands," David Wohl, M.D., a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Fox News Digital.
Fauci Texts Suggest Officials Were 'Too Slow To Pivot' Amid Pandemic, Says Dr Marc Siegel
"Compared to previous outbreaks, the pace at which this is moving is unprecedented," he went on.
#infectious #ebola #congo
The virus has spread rapidly across parts of eastern and northeastern DRC, with earlier cross-border cases in Uganda. Published government data shows a total of 4,381 confirmed cases.
"There's a lot of people who live there. So this is not breaking out in a town of 50, but in rural cities of hundreds of thousands," David Wohl, M.D., a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Fox News Digital.
Fauci Texts Suggest Officials Were 'Too Slow To Pivot' Amid Pandemic, Says Dr Marc Siegel
"Compared to previous outbreaks, the pace at which this is moving is unprecedented," he went on.
#infectious #ebola #congo
