6 days ago
Jeffrey Archer said he was feeling "wistful and nostalgic" about his upbringing in Somerset a week before his death.
The bestselling author and former politician, who grew up in Weston-super-Mare, died on Monday at the age of 86, the day before the release of his latest - and last - novel.
BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay interviewed Archer last week at his alma mater, Wellington School in Somerset. He said Archer had been reflecting on his "extraordinary life" during their conversation.
"He admitted he was feeling a little wistful and nostalgic, reminiscent about Somerset in his later years," Kay said.
Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
#somerset #feeling #week
The bestselling author and former politician, who grew up in Weston-super-Mare, died on Monday at the age of 86, the day before the release of his latest - and last - novel.
BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay interviewed Archer last week at his alma mater, Wellington School in Somerset. He said Archer had been reflecting on his "extraordinary life" during their conversation.
"He admitted he was feeling a little wistful and nostalgic, reminiscent about Somerset in his later years," Kay said.
Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
#somerset #feeling #week
30 days ago
The Men's First Team are in Serie A action on the road on Sunday, 13 September, travelling to Emilia-Romagna to take on Sassuolo on Matchday 4.
Ahead of the game, coach Luciano Spalletti gave his traditional MD-1 press conference.
"We'll start by saying that we're sorry about what happened to [Manuel] Locatelli. His absence, though, spreads responsibility across everyone because he's always attentive to everything. This week I've seen a team that's very willing to fight against whatever it comes up against, a team that's trained very well.
"Because of the individual pressure players carry now, there's much more freedom on the pitch, so we've used different systems. Nothing changes without Locatelli in that sense. We can use any system because we have a squad that allows us to do that.
"[Weston] McKennie and [Andrea] Cambiaso are unlikely to be there tomorrow. Andrea will do a fitness test tomorrow morning. But [Pape Matar] Sarr will be available.
#andrea
Ahead of the game, coach Luciano Spalletti gave his traditional MD-1 press conference.
"We'll start by saying that we're sorry about what happened to [Manuel] Locatelli. His absence, though, spreads responsibility across everyone because he's always attentive to everything. This week I've seen a team that's very willing to fight against whatever it comes up against, a team that's trained very well.
"Because of the individual pressure players carry now, there's much more freedom on the pitch, so we've used different systems. Nothing changes without Locatelli in that sense. We can use any system because we have a squad that allows us to do that.
"[Weston] McKennie and [Andrea] Cambiaso are unlikely to be there tomorrow. Andrea will do a fitness test tomorrow morning. But [Pape Matar] Sarr will be available.
#andrea
1 month ago
A fresh start, perhaps?
Lineups:
Kirby takes the mound tonight, hoping to be steadier than the uneven Jeffrey Springs. JP is back to leading off, and Birthday Boy Weston Wilson hits ninth. Taylor Ward is the DH tonight against the lefty Springs, and not to complain, but Arroyo would have been more fun.
Back in West Sacramento for three against the A’s. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/FcBpryS2RQ
your friday night plans ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/edUqfja3yE
#kirby
Lineups:
Kirby takes the mound tonight, hoping to be steadier than the uneven Jeffrey Springs. JP is back to leading off, and Birthday Boy Weston Wilson hits ninth. Taylor Ward is the DH tonight against the lefty Springs, and not to complain, but Arroyo would have been more fun.
Back in West Sacramento for three against the A’s. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/FcBpryS2RQ
your friday night plans ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/edUqfja3yE
#kirby
1 month ago
Juventus had won their first two games of the season, but it would be entirely fair to say that they had come close to leaving those matches ruing missed opportunities. Each of them could've been put away long time before they were, and indeed one of the major talking points headed into Sunday's matchup against AC Milan was the fact that the Bianconeri had gotten the results without reaching the level of performance they desired. Milan were in the same boat, winning two straight under new manager Ruben Amorim but not convincing in either. It felt as though the team that managed to perform better would be the likelier to come out of the Allianz on top.
It was ultimately Juve that had the better of a game that was equal parts chaotic and sloppy. But once again they failed to take advantage of their performances. They failed to make the most of the chances they made over the game's first 70 minutes before Milan scored on — stop me if you've heard this one before — their first shot on target of the match. It took until the second minute of stoppage time for Juve to finally even things out, when Federico Gatti powered home a Teun Koopmeiners cross from six yards to earn the Old Lady a 1-1 draw.
The problems for Juventus were the same as we've talked about all season so far. The finishing wasn't nearly good enough, the passing was disjointed and often inaccurate, and overall creativity seemed to be lacking. But in spite of all of that, they can honestly say that they were the better of the two sides and deserved victory — even more so when you consider the fact that Milan's goal really should've been disallowed for a foul in the buildup that was never flagged by VAR. Considering they were missing seven players due to injury, several of whom were extremely important, it's far too early to start abandoning hope of a successful year—provided they make the improvements that their play so far suggest is possible.
Luciano Spalletti was missing Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie, Khéphren Thuram, Andrea Cambiaso, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal, and Pape Matar Sarr. His 4-2-3-1 formation gave several players their first starts of the year. Guglielmo Vicario started behind the back four of Pierre Kalulu, Bremer, Jhon Lucumí, and Zeki Celik. Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz started in the middle of the park, while Francisco Conceição joined Nico González and Kerim Alajbegovic behind Randal Kolo Muani in attack.
Amorim missed Matteo Gabbia due to an ankle injury, but returned a few players to the starting lineup who had been eased back into things after long World Cup runs. Mike Maignan started in goal, ahead of a 3-4-2-1 setup that was a slight tweak to Amorim's usual 3-4-3. Former Juve prospect Koni De Winter joined Strahinja Pavolovic and Mario Gila in defense. Big-money signing Diego Moreira got his first start of the season opposite Pervis Estupiñán at the wing-back spots, while Luka Modric and Yunis Musah manned the double pivot. Adrien Rabiot joined Alexis Saele
It was ultimately Juve that had the better of a game that was equal parts chaotic and sloppy. But once again they failed to take advantage of their performances. They failed to make the most of the chances they made over the game's first 70 minutes before Milan scored on — stop me if you've heard this one before — their first shot on target of the match. It took until the second minute of stoppage time for Juve to finally even things out, when Federico Gatti powered home a Teun Koopmeiners cross from six yards to earn the Old Lady a 1-1 draw.
The problems for Juventus were the same as we've talked about all season so far. The finishing wasn't nearly good enough, the passing was disjointed and often inaccurate, and overall creativity seemed to be lacking. But in spite of all of that, they can honestly say that they were the better of the two sides and deserved victory — even more so when you consider the fact that Milan's goal really should've been disallowed for a foul in the buildup that was never flagged by VAR. Considering they were missing seven players due to injury, several of whom were extremely important, it's far too early to start abandoning hope of a successful year—provided they make the improvements that their play so far suggest is possible.
Luciano Spalletti was missing Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie, Khéphren Thuram, Andrea Cambiaso, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal, and Pape Matar Sarr. His 4-2-3-1 formation gave several players their first starts of the year. Guglielmo Vicario started behind the back four of Pierre Kalulu, Bremer, Jhon Lucumí, and Zeki Celik. Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz started in the middle of the park, while Francisco Conceição joined Nico González and Kerim Alajbegovic behind Randal Kolo Muani in attack.
Amorim missed Matteo Gabbia due to an ankle injury, but returned a few players to the starting lineup who had been eased back into things after long World Cup runs. Mike Maignan started in goal, ahead of a 3-4-2-1 setup that was a slight tweak to Amorim's usual 3-4-3. Former Juve prospect Koni De Winter joined Strahinja Pavolovic and Mario Gila in defense. Big-money signing Diego Moreira got his first start of the season opposite Pervis Estupiñán at the wing-back spots, while Luka Modric and Yunis Musah manned the double pivot. Adrien Rabiot joined Alexis Saele
1 month ago
Luciano Spalletti will likely look to Jeremie Boga, Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceiçao behind Randal Kolo Muani in the Juventus attack, while Diego Moreira is tipped to start his first Milan game.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 BST] at the Allianz Stadium.
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 5: Jeremie Boga of Juventus FC (L) and Marco Palestra of Chelsea FC (R) competes to the ball during the Chelsea v Juventus – Pre-Season Friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Juventus must cope without Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal, Weston McKennie, Andrea Cambiaso, Pepe Matar Sarri and Arkadiusz Milik, while Milan have travelled to Turin without Matteo Gabbia.
Juventus coach Spalletti is expected to pick a 4-2-3-1 system with Boga, Gonzalez and Conceiçao playing as attacking midfielders behind Kolo Muani, according to multiple Italian sources, including Sky Sport.
#boga #kolo #muani #stadium
It kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 BST] at the Allianz Stadium.
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 5: Jeremie Boga of Juventus FC (L) and Marco Palestra of Chelsea FC (R) competes to the ball during the Chelsea v Juventus – Pre-Season Friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Juventus must cope without Khephren Thuram, Kenan Yildiz, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal, Weston McKennie, Andrea Cambiaso, Pepe Matar Sarri and Arkadiusz Milik, while Milan have travelled to Turin without Matteo Gabbia.
Juventus coach Spalletti is expected to pick a 4-2-3-1 system with Boga, Gonzalez and Conceiçao playing as attacking midfielders behind Kolo Muani, according to multiple Italian sources, including Sky Sport.
#boga #kolo #muani #stadium
1 month ago
STATESBORO, Ga. (AP) — Max Johnson threw for 281 yards, three Eagles scored rushing touchdowns, and Georgia Southern cruised past FCS member Charleston Southern 31-0 on Saturday night.
Johnson was 28-for-39 passing and Ashton Hollins caught eight passes for 106 yards and a score. Jamarian Samuel, Ty **** s, and Weston Bryan each scored on the ground.
The Eagles scored touchdowns on each of their first three opening drives in the first quarter to take a 21-0 lead.
Samuel capped off the opening drive with a 7-yard rush, Hollins reeled in a 59-yard scoring grab, and Bryan punched it in from one yard out before the end of the quarter.
The Eagles defense held Charleston Southern to 35 yards of total offense. The Buccaneers had just four drives that lasted longer than four plays.
#hollins
Johnson was 28-for-39 passing and Ashton Hollins caught eight passes for 106 yards and a score. Jamarian Samuel, Ty **** s, and Weston Bryan each scored on the ground.
The Eagles scored touchdowns on each of their first three opening drives in the first quarter to take a 21-0 lead.
Samuel capped off the opening drive with a 7-yard rush, Hollins reeled in a 59-yard scoring grab, and Bryan punched it in from one yard out before the end of the quarter.
The Eagles defense held Charleston Southern to 35 yards of total offense. The Buccaneers had just four drives that lasted longer than four plays.
#hollins
1 month ago
Johnston Carmichael, a UK-based independent accountancy and business advisory business, has bolstered its leadership team with four new appointments.
Tamsyn Weston joined the company as chief technology officer in Edinburgh. She will lead the company strategy across IT, cybersecurity, digital development, AI and automation.
Weston has more than 20 years of experience in technology, transformation and cybersecurity roles in regulated environments. Her role will focus in part on the responsible use of emerging technology to support the company's growth.
In Glasgow, Deborah Ramsay has joined as an audit partner.
Ramsay is a chartered accountant and has held Responsible Individual status since 2020. She brings more than 20 years of audit experience, including a background at a 'Big Four' company.
#ramsay #business
Tamsyn Weston joined the company as chief technology officer in Edinburgh. She will lead the company strategy across IT, cybersecurity, digital development, AI and automation.
Weston has more than 20 years of experience in technology, transformation and cybersecurity roles in regulated environments. Her role will focus in part on the responsible use of emerging technology to support the company's growth.
In Glasgow, Deborah Ramsay has joined as an audit partner.
Ramsay is a chartered accountant and has held Responsible Individual status since 2020. She brings more than 20 years of audit experience, including a background at a 'Big Four' company.
#ramsay #business
1 month ago
The Junior Players Championship begins its third decade Sept. 4-6 at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.
This will be the 20th edition of the American Junior Golf ******* ociation invitational and the field is loaded as usual, with 15 of the top 25 players on the AJGA rankings as of July 31, including a pair of University of Florida commits, No. 4 Jessy Huebner of Port St. Lucie and No. 7 Guiseppe Puebla of Royal Palm Beach.
Also in the field are No. 2 Jaden Soong of Los Angeles (uncommitted), No. 6 Ronin Banjerjee of Irvine, Calif., (Tennessee), No. 8 Grayson Baucom of Hickory, N.C. (uncommitted), No. 13 Sam Carraher of Crown Point Ind. (Purdue) and No. 17 Sohan Patel of Weston (Vanderbilt), the defending FHSAA Class 2A state champion.
Two-time Junior Players winner and defending champion Miles Russell is not in the field this year. He's playing for the U.S. team in the Walker Cup Sept. 5-6 at the Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland.
JUNIOR PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST AND SECOND TEE TIMES
#junior #championship #sept #golf
This will be the 20th edition of the American Junior Golf ******* ociation invitational and the field is loaded as usual, with 15 of the top 25 players on the AJGA rankings as of July 31, including a pair of University of Florida commits, No. 4 Jessy Huebner of Port St. Lucie and No. 7 Guiseppe Puebla of Royal Palm Beach.
Also in the field are No. 2 Jaden Soong of Los Angeles (uncommitted), No. 6 Ronin Banjerjee of Irvine, Calif., (Tennessee), No. 8 Grayson Baucom of Hickory, N.C. (uncommitted), No. 13 Sam Carraher of Crown Point Ind. (Purdue) and No. 17 Sohan Patel of Weston (Vanderbilt), the defending FHSAA Class 2A state champion.
Two-time Junior Players winner and defending champion Miles Russell is not in the field this year. He's playing for the U.S. team in the Walker Cup Sept. 5-6 at the Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland.
JUNIOR PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST AND SECOND TEE TIMES
#junior #championship #sept #golf
1 month ago
Ever since the great Claude Rains first uttered the immortal line "Round up the usual suspects!" in Casablanca, the phrase has been ingrained in the popular lexicon — so much so that it inspired the ****** le of an entirely different movie nearly 50 years later. You hear it everywhere, in any context where you can expect to see a predictable set of participants.
On Saturday, a struggling Juventus were buoyed by a pair of very unusual suspects — guys most fans figured would be gone, or at least on their way out the door, by this point in the transfer window. Unable to penetrate a deep-lying Parma defense, it was Nico González who gave a moribund attack an instant shot in the arm, forcing a magical save before scoring a deflected goal off his own rebound to open the scoring. Then, with two minutes left, the game was sealed by another unlikely goalscorer: Teun Koopmeiners, who had just come on after an injury to Andrea Cambiaso and finished off a quick attack with a beautiful finish.
The unlikely redemption arcs from players most ****** umed were out of the team's plans, or at least on the very fringes, were welcome developments for a team that learned this week that their talisman, Kenan Yildiz, would miss two to three months once he undergoes surgery on a broken metatarsal. After a first half that seemed to be crying out for his creativity, it was the transfer-listed González who gave the Bianconeri the necessary spark to take Parma down 2-0 as they began to look forward to next week's big match against AC Milan.
Apart from Yildiz, Luciano Spalletti was also missing Weston McKennie (muscle fatigue), Edon Zhegrova, and Khéphren Thuram, who suffered a setback in his knee recovery and could now require surgery. Jeff Ekhator came back to make his first Juve squad in a competitive game. Spalletti's 4-2-3-1 was therefore shuffled a bit. Guglielmo Vicario started in goal after getting over the cramp that forced him off late against Frosinone. Pierre Kalulu and Zeki Çelik played on the defensive flanks, while Bremer was partnered with new signing Jhon Lucumí in the middle of defense. Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz played in the midfield, while Francisco Conceição, Jonathan David, and Jérémie Boga supported Randal Kolo Muani in attack.
Carlos Cuesta lost his first Parma match last week against Cagliari, and were looking for something better here. His only missing player was former Juve prospect Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, who had to have a surgery of his own this week. Edoardo Corvi started behind a 4-4-2. Enrico Delprato, Mariano Troilo, Dominik Drobnic, and Emanuele Valeri arrayed themselves in front of him. Sascha Britschgi and Mandela Keita bookended Christian Ordóñez and Adrían Bernabé in midfield. El Bilal Touré and Simone Lontani started up front. Drobnic and Lontani were both teenagers, and the former was making his debut.
#juve #drobnic
On Saturday, a struggling Juventus were buoyed by a pair of very unusual suspects — guys most fans figured would be gone, or at least on their way out the door, by this point in the transfer window. Unable to penetrate a deep-lying Parma defense, it was Nico González who gave a moribund attack an instant shot in the arm, forcing a magical save before scoring a deflected goal off his own rebound to open the scoring. Then, with two minutes left, the game was sealed by another unlikely goalscorer: Teun Koopmeiners, who had just come on after an injury to Andrea Cambiaso and finished off a quick attack with a beautiful finish.
The unlikely redemption arcs from players most ****** umed were out of the team's plans, or at least on the very fringes, were welcome developments for a team that learned this week that their talisman, Kenan Yildiz, would miss two to three months once he undergoes surgery on a broken metatarsal. After a first half that seemed to be crying out for his creativity, it was the transfer-listed González who gave the Bianconeri the necessary spark to take Parma down 2-0 as they began to look forward to next week's big match against AC Milan.
Apart from Yildiz, Luciano Spalletti was also missing Weston McKennie (muscle fatigue), Edon Zhegrova, and Khéphren Thuram, who suffered a setback in his knee recovery and could now require surgery. Jeff Ekhator came back to make his first Juve squad in a competitive game. Spalletti's 4-2-3-1 was therefore shuffled a bit. Guglielmo Vicario started in goal after getting over the cramp that forced him off late against Frosinone. Pierre Kalulu and Zeki Çelik played on the defensive flanks, while Bremer was partnered with new signing Jhon Lucumí in the middle of defense. Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz played in the midfield, while Francisco Conceição, Jonathan David, and Jérémie Boga supported Randal Kolo Muani in attack.
Carlos Cuesta lost his first Parma match last week against Cagliari, and were looking for something better here. His only missing player was former Juve prospect Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, who had to have a surgery of his own this week. Edoardo Corvi started behind a 4-4-2. Enrico Delprato, Mariano Troilo, Dominik Drobnic, and Emanuele Valeri arrayed themselves in front of him. Sascha Britschgi and Mandela Keita bookended Christian Ordóñez and Adrían Bernabé in midfield. El Bilal Touré and Simone Lontani started up front. Drobnic and Lontani were both teenagers, and the former was making his debut.
#juve #drobnic
1 month ago
Juventus hosts Parma in their first home league game of the season this evening, and it is one of the fixtures to follow today.
The Old Lady is one of the top teams in the country, and after a strong summer spending spree, they have been tipped to outperform their previous campaign.
The men at the Allianz Stadium know Parma will not be easy opponents, and if they do not improve on their performance against Frosinone, it could be bad news for them.
They have already lost Kenan Yildiz, while Weston McKennie is also unavailable for the fixture, meaning the men at the Allianz Stadium will make some changes to the team for this match.
With Yildiz unavailable, Kerim Alajbegovic could be handed a start on the left wing, a position he played many times at RB Salzburg, even though Luciano Spalletti sees him as a number 10.
#kenan
The Old Lady is one of the top teams in the country, and after a strong summer spending spree, they have been tipped to outperform their previous campaign.
The men at the Allianz Stadium know Parma will not be easy opponents, and if they do not improve on their performance against Frosinone, it could be bad news for them.
They have already lost Kenan Yildiz, while Weston McKennie is also unavailable for the fixture, meaning the men at the Allianz Stadium will make some changes to the team for this match.
With Yildiz unavailable, Kerim Alajbegovic could be handed a start on the left wing, a position he played many times at RB Salzburg, even though Luciano Spalletti sees him as a number 10.
#kenan
1 month ago
Juventus host Parma this evening with both Randal Kolo Muani and Jonathan David expected to start up front, while Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie are injured.
It kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 BST] at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The Bianconeri must cope without the injured Yildiz and McKennie, but Kehphren Thuram is also not fully fit and might not be included in the squad for this evening's match.
Lloyd Kelly remains favourite over new signing Jhon Lucumì, while Zeki Celik and Andrea Cambiaso compete for a starting spot at left-back.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Kerim Alajbegovic of Juventus makes a run makes a during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
#injured
It kicks off at 20:45 CET [19:45 BST] at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The Bianconeri must cope without the injured Yildiz and McKennie, but Kehphren Thuram is also not fully fit and might not be included in the squad for this evening's match.
Lloyd Kelly remains favourite over new signing Jhon Lucumì, while Zeki Celik and Andrea Cambiaso compete for a starting spot at left-back.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Kerim Alajbegovic of Juventus makes a run makes a during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
#injured
1 month ago
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Scaled ***** et-light appliance platform extending into commercial and health markets. HBB designs, markets and distributes branded household appliances, specialty housewares, commercial foodservice equipment and connected medication-management solutions, generating $606.9 million of revenue and shipping more than 25 million appliances in 2025. The company outsources substantially all manufacturing while retaining product development, engineering, quality ***** urance, marketing and distribution, keeping capex near 1% of revenue. This model combines a scaled consumer foundation with growing Commercial and Health platforms, while preserving capital for brand investment, innovation and adjacent growth opportunities.
A defensible business model built on reinforcing brand strength, category breadth, retailer access and repeatable innovation. Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex and Weston provide broad mass-market reach, while Lotus and licensed CHI products extend into premium applications. HBB participates in more than 50 categories, ranked second among U.S. national small-kitchen-appliance brands by 2025 unit sales and draws on 300,000+ annual consumer touchpoints to support product development. Established retail relationships and an ***** et-light sourcing network reinforce the platform, making its competitive position broader than any single brand, product or patent.
Five growth pillars broaden mix across premium, commercial, digital and health markets. Recent initiatives include wider Lotus distribution, new core-product placements, Sunkist commercial products, foodservice-chain trials, AI-optimized content across 500 SKUs and expanding specialty-pharmacy partnerships; Health remained on track to grow 2026 sales 50%. Execution now hinges on converting these initiatives and incremental advertising into sustained revenue growth, better mix and profitable sell-through.
A large addressable market provides multiple growth pockets aligned with HBB's positioning. U.S. small-appliance sales grew 1.0% in 2025, while kitchen electrics increased 4.1% and replacement accounted for 52% of 4Q25 purchases. HBB's strong unit position and accessible price points support replacement demand, while its lower dollar share and roughly 1% position in an estimated $4.2 billion premium TAM leave meaningful premiumization headroom. Commercial automation, home-administered therapies and AI-mediated discovery add further growth avenues.
#Growth #Health #appliance
Scaled ***** et-light appliance platform extending into commercial and health markets. HBB designs, markets and distributes branded household appliances, specialty housewares, commercial foodservice equipment and connected medication-management solutions, generating $606.9 million of revenue and shipping more than 25 million appliances in 2025. The company outsources substantially all manufacturing while retaining product development, engineering, quality ***** urance, marketing and distribution, keeping capex near 1% of revenue. This model combines a scaled consumer foundation with growing Commercial and Health platforms, while preserving capital for brand investment, innovation and adjacent growth opportunities.
A defensible business model built on reinforcing brand strength, category breadth, retailer access and repeatable innovation. Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex and Weston provide broad mass-market reach, while Lotus and licensed CHI products extend into premium applications. HBB participates in more than 50 categories, ranked second among U.S. national small-kitchen-appliance brands by 2025 unit sales and draws on 300,000+ annual consumer touchpoints to support product development. Established retail relationships and an ***** et-light sourcing network reinforce the platform, making its competitive position broader than any single brand, product or patent.
Five growth pillars broaden mix across premium, commercial, digital and health markets. Recent initiatives include wider Lotus distribution, new core-product placements, Sunkist commercial products, foodservice-chain trials, AI-optimized content across 500 SKUs and expanding specialty-pharmacy partnerships; Health remained on track to grow 2026 sales 50%. Execution now hinges on converting these initiatives and incremental advertising into sustained revenue growth, better mix and profitable sell-through.
A large addressable market provides multiple growth pockets aligned with HBB's positioning. U.S. small-appliance sales grew 1.0% in 2025, while kitchen electrics increased 4.1% and replacement accounted for 52% of 4Q25 purchases. HBB's strong unit position and accessible price points support replacement demand, while its lower dollar share and roughly 1% position in an estimated $4.2 billion premium TAM leave meaningful premiumization headroom. Commercial automation, home-administered therapies and AI-mediated discovery add further growth avenues.
#Growth #Health #appliance
2 months ago
Jordan Seaton arrived at LSU football as the nation's top transfer portal offensive lineman after two years as a starter at Colorado. He came into a room of returners and fellow transfers. The left tackle said the unit built trust over the offseason.
"I think being with each other for a long period of time is a great thing and not only that, just trying to build that non-verbal communication," Seaton said. "I think that's huge in a game where it's a stadium of 110, 105, 100,000 at that. Just being able to know what's what and being able to have those non-verbal communication, I think that goes very well with playing and playing together and practicing together."
LSU experienced instability at offensive line last year between injuries and shifting positions. The Tigers' inconsistent offensive line played a large role in LSU falling short of expectations in 2025. LSU ranked 129th in offensive line yards and 80th in pass blocking efficiency.
LSU retained fifth-year senior Braelin Moore at center along with left guard Bo Bordelon and right tackle Weston Davis. Combined with Seaton and Aliou Bah, the Tigers have a solidified starting five early in fall camp.
But Seaton says the camaraderie extends beyond the projected starters down the depth chart. He sees every offensive lineman as important to the unit's success throughout the 2026 season.
#offensive #tigers #communication
"I think being with each other for a long period of time is a great thing and not only that, just trying to build that non-verbal communication," Seaton said. "I think that's huge in a game where it's a stadium of 110, 105, 100,000 at that. Just being able to know what's what and being able to have those non-verbal communication, I think that goes very well with playing and playing together and practicing together."
LSU experienced instability at offensive line last year between injuries and shifting positions. The Tigers' inconsistent offensive line played a large role in LSU falling short of expectations in 2025. LSU ranked 129th in offensive line yards and 80th in pass blocking efficiency.
LSU retained fifth-year senior Braelin Moore at center along with left guard Bo Bordelon and right tackle Weston Davis. Combined with Seaton and Aliou Bah, the Tigers have a solidified starting five early in fall camp.
But Seaton says the camaraderie extends beyond the projected starters down the depth chart. He sees every offensive lineman as important to the unit's success throughout the 2026 season.
#offensive #tigers #communication
2 months ago
LSU Tigers offensive line received some encouraging news as right tackle Weston Davis returned to practice Monday to begin the second week of fall camp.
Davis was back working with the first-team offensive line on Monday, resuming his spot at right tackle. The sophomore's return is significant for an LSU offense that relied heavily on Davis last season. He played 699 offensive snaps in 2025, the second-most on the Tigers' offense.
It also appears the Tigers may have a clear picture of what they want the right side of their offensive line to look like.
Center Braelin Moore appeared to note that Davis and Aliou Bah are currently occupying the starting spots at right tackle and right guard, respectively.
"West and Liou gonna hold that right side down," Moore said.
#right #Monday #offense
Davis was back working with the first-team offensive line on Monday, resuming his spot at right tackle. The sophomore's return is significant for an LSU offense that relied heavily on Davis last season. He played 699 offensive snaps in 2025, the second-most on the Tigers' offense.
It also appears the Tigers may have a clear picture of what they want the right side of their offensive line to look like.
Center Braelin Moore appeared to note that Davis and Aliou Bah are currently occupying the starting spots at right tackle and right guard, respectively.
"West and Liou gonna hold that right side down," Moore said.
#right #Monday #offense
2 months ago
Juventus have ended their pre-season tour of South-East Asia and Australia with a 2-0 victory over Serie B outfit Palermo on Tuesday afternoon thanks to goals from starman Kenan Yildiz and a rare strike from the lesser-spotted Arkadiusz Milik.
Following victories against Standard Liege and OGC Nice back in Europe, Juventus beat Chelsea 1-0 in Hong Kong, fell to a 2-1 victory against Inter in Perth over the weekend but bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Palermo in their final Australian friendly on Tuesday.
Luciano Spalletti named a strong Bianconeri XI for the pre-season test against Palermo, including both of his two most recent signings in Kerim Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani. They were joined by Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao in attack, with Weston McKennie and Douglas Luiz in a midfield double pivot.
Click here to read more about how today's teams lined up.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Juventus and Palermo observe a minutes silence during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
#palermo #juventus #australia #season
Following victories against Standard Liege and OGC Nice back in Europe, Juventus beat Chelsea 1-0 in Hong Kong, fell to a 2-1 victory against Inter in Perth over the weekend but bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Palermo in their final Australian friendly on Tuesday.
Luciano Spalletti named a strong Bianconeri XI for the pre-season test against Palermo, including both of his two most recent signings in Kerim Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani. They were joined by Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao in attack, with Weston McKennie and Douglas Luiz in a midfield double pivot.
Click here to read more about how today's teams lined up.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Juventus and Palermo observe a minutes silence during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
#palermo #juventus #australia #season
2 months ago
Kenan Yildiz and Kerim Alajbegovic get to start together for the first time as Juventus take on Palermo in their penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer on Tuesday afternoon.
Juventus are taking on Palermo in Perth, Australia on Tuesday, which kicks off at 11.00 BST (12.00 CET).
Luciano Spalletti appears to have gone with a 4-2-3-1 on Tuesday, featuring both of his two most recent signings in Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani. Alajbegovic appears set to play in a central role behind Kolo Muani with Yildiz to his left and Francisco Conceicao to his right.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Kerim Alajbegovic makes a run makes a during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
Douglas Luiz and Weston McKennie are the chosen midfielders in the double pivot. It is somewhat of a makeshift back four featuring Teun Koopmeiners at centre-back along with Zeki Celik, Federico Gatti and Juan Cabal across the rest of the back four.
#Perth #back #yildiz
Juventus are taking on Palermo in Perth, Australia on Tuesday, which kicks off at 11.00 BST (12.00 CET).
Luciano Spalletti appears to have gone with a 4-2-3-1 on Tuesday, featuring both of his two most recent signings in Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani. Alajbegovic appears set to play in a central role behind Kolo Muani with Yildiz to his left and Francisco Conceicao to his right.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Kerim Alajbegovic makes a run makes a during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
Douglas Luiz and Weston McKennie are the chosen midfielders in the double pivot. It is somewhat of a makeshift back four featuring Teun Koopmeiners at centre-back along with Zeki Celik, Federico Gatti and Juan Cabal across the rest of the back four.
#Perth #back #yildiz
2 months ago
Weston McKennie has professed his desire to spend the rest of his career at Juventus, describing the prospect as a dream come true ahead of a pre-season meeting with Inter.
According to calciomercato.com, relaying Tuttosport, the American midfielder, set to start against the champions, reflected on his longevity in Turin. "Staying so long at a club, and especially a club like Juventus, isn't easy," he said.
"Being here for six years already and starting, I think, my seventh season is a dream come true, so I hope I can carry on."
A lesson from Andrea Pirlo has stayed with him: "He told me something that stuck in my mind: any player can be lucky enough to reach a club like this and stay a year or two, but only the professionals, the ones who can perform day after day, manage to stay at such a club for five, six or seven years."
Tellingly, McKennie named a Roma icon as his boyhood idol. "Even if some people won't like hearing me say it, my idol was Francesco Totti, above all for his loyalty," he said, "but I'd also cite the example of Del Piero, of course."
#dream #season #years
According to calciomercato.com, relaying Tuttosport, the American midfielder, set to start against the champions, reflected on his longevity in Turin. "Staying so long at a club, and especially a club like Juventus, isn't easy," he said.
"Being here for six years already and starting, I think, my seventh season is a dream come true, so I hope I can carry on."
A lesson from Andrea Pirlo has stayed with him: "He told me something that stuck in my mind: any player can be lucky enough to reach a club like this and stay a year or two, but only the professionals, the ones who can perform day after day, manage to stay at such a club for five, six or seven years."
Tellingly, McKennie named a Roma icon as his boyhood idol. "Even if some people won't like hearing me say it, my idol was Francesco Totti, above all for his loyalty," he said, "but I'd also cite the example of Del Piero, of course."
#dream #season #years
2 months ago
Italy's front pages on Saturday are given over to a trio of big exclusive interviews, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Cesc Fabregas and Weston McKennie all taking centre stage, set against the "Derby d'Italia" friendly between Juventus and Inter in Perth.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Çalhanoğlu has firmly committed his future to Inter. "I want only Inter," runs the headline, with the Turkey midfielder dismissing links to his homeland, "Forget Turkey, I'm staying here", and declaring the Nerazzurri can go all the way in the Champions League, while awaiting the club's call over a new contract. His stance follows the collapse of Galatasaray's long-running interest.
Corriere dello Sport, meanwhile, leads on Cesc Fabregas, who hails Inter as the benchmark of Serie A.
"The peak is Inter," the Como coach declares, praising Lautaro Martínez as the league's finest, "I'd buy him in Fantasy football", and likening his own Nico Paz to Kaká, as he sets out the "Como model" and his Champions League ambitions.
Tuttosport gives its front page to Weston McKennie, under the headline "Juve forever."
#cesc #weston #turkey #como
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Çalhanoğlu has firmly committed his future to Inter. "I want only Inter," runs the headline, with the Turkey midfielder dismissing links to his homeland, "Forget Turkey, I'm staying here", and declaring the Nerazzurri can go all the way in the Champions League, while awaiting the club's call over a new contract. His stance follows the collapse of Galatasaray's long-running interest.
Corriere dello Sport, meanwhile, leads on Cesc Fabregas, who hails Inter as the benchmark of Serie A.
"The peak is Inter," the Como coach declares, praising Lautaro Martínez as the league's finest, "I'd buy him in Fantasy football", and likening his own Nico Paz to Kaká, as he sets out the "Como model" and his Champions League ambitions.
Tuttosport gives its front page to Weston McKennie, under the headline "Juve forever."
#cesc #weston #turkey #como
2 months ago
Things turned awfully testy during the late innings of Wednesday night's 4-2 Mariners victory over the Detroit Tigers, which evened the pivotal series for both teams in an American League playoff race that is heating up more and more with every passing day. A half-inning after Cal Raleigh was drilled in the ribs with 95 mph four-seam fastball by Enmanuel De Jesus — and no warnings were issued — Gabe Speier pegged Gleyber Torres with a 96 mph four-seamer of his own, leading to an exchanging of words and the benches clearing. Speier and Dan Wilson both ended up ejected. As Kate said in the recap, we'll see if this has any ramifications Thursday.
Speaking of throwing at people, Framber Valdez gets the start for the Tigers on Thursday. His first season in Detroit hasn't gone quite to plan, with many of his numbers across the board taking a step back. His FIP has ballooned to 4.13 in 2026, having not exceeded 3.50 over his previous four seasons in Houston.
The Mariners will look to Bryce Miller to try to secure an important series win before the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays come to town for 50 Seasons weekend. Big Tex had a much shakier month of July (4.93 FIP) after beginning his 2026 campaign with solid performance in May (2.86) and June (3.22). For more on the pitching matchup, check out the series preview.
Taylor Ward is in the leadoff spot for his first time as a Mariner. Brendan Donovan and Josh Naylor both get scheduled days off, and Raleigh gets a rest day (unrelated to the hit-by-pitch last night). Jhonny Pereda will be behind the plate for the first time since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, while Weston Wilson and Leo Rivas make starts at first and third base.
In the aftermath of Wednesday's bench-clearing incident, both Speier and Dan Wilson have been suspended by Major League Baseball. Speier's discipline amounts to three games, which he is appealing. Dan Wilson, on the other hand, will serve his one-game suspension on Thursday afternoon. Manny Acta will be the Mariners' acting manager for this important rubber game.
#speier
Speaking of throwing at people, Framber Valdez gets the start for the Tigers on Thursday. His first season in Detroit hasn't gone quite to plan, with many of his numbers across the board taking a step back. His FIP has ballooned to 4.13 in 2026, having not exceeded 3.50 over his previous four seasons in Houston.
The Mariners will look to Bryce Miller to try to secure an important series win before the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays come to town for 50 Seasons weekend. Big Tex had a much shakier month of July (4.93 FIP) after beginning his 2026 campaign with solid performance in May (2.86) and June (3.22). For more on the pitching matchup, check out the series preview.
Taylor Ward is in the leadoff spot for his first time as a Mariner. Brendan Donovan and Josh Naylor both get scheduled days off, and Raleigh gets a rest day (unrelated to the hit-by-pitch last night). Jhonny Pereda will be behind the plate for the first time since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, while Weston Wilson and Leo Rivas make starts at first and third base.
In the aftermath of Wednesday's bench-clearing incident, both Speier and Dan Wilson have been suspended by Major League Baseball. Speier's discipline amounts to three games, which he is appealing. Dan Wilson, on the other hand, will serve his one-game suspension on Thursday afternoon. Manny Acta will be the Mariners' acting manager for this important rubber game.
#speier
2 months ago
At the All-Star Break's conclusion, I wrote on expectations, and their virtue as an exercise with this franchise towards a more hopeful future near and far. These Seattle Mariners, 3.0 games back of the AL West and the third Wild Card spot alike, have earned little and less belief. They've played poorly, wasted chances, and frittered opportunities to cleanse their palates. Much has rightly been made of the necessity for the core players to perform at or near the standards they've set for several years. But Seattle is giving up massive production on the fringes, and they've forced themselves into an uncomfortable, desperate position.
It is time for them to call up Michael Arroyo.
Seattle needs right-handed hitting, and with J.P. Crawford sidelined at least for several weeks, there is no easy solution at third base. Brendan Donovan returns on Tuesday to rotate around the field, but it's hard to look at the lineup as constructed and see anywhere for him to play more frequently than the hot corner. Arroyo has played some third base, but it's realistically not where he could be thrown in, although his defense is less egregious and more limited if asked to play second base or corner outfield. But they need his bat, because the Mariners need to take some risks, and rotating Weston Wilson, Victor Robles, Rob Refsnyder, Leo Rivas, and Mitch Garver through to take flaccid swing after flaccid swing is a Wile. E. Coyote kind of road that the Mariners have been slamming into the wall of all summer. The Rainiers' roster is stocked with similar players who've struggled to set themselves apart this year and over many years, from Connor Joe to Patrick Wisdom to Stuart Fairchild, along with injured options like Ryan Bliss and Brennen Davis. With Luke Raley seemingly ailing, the M's have to be more aggressive to rev up their offense before it's too late.
View Link
Arroyo is a 21 year old Colombian ~utilityman whose profile made him the most-heralded hitting prospect from his burgeoning baseball nation since Colombia's first and greatest star: SS Edgar Renteria. The 5'10, compact youngster has never been at the top of Seattle's prospect list, but has hit his way into top-100 status nationally over the past couple seasons, with an approach I first wrote about in the winter before the 2024 season. Following a strong debut at age 18 with the Low-A Modesto Nuts, I said this of Arroyo:
#arroyo #Seattle #wrote
It is time for them to call up Michael Arroyo.
Seattle needs right-handed hitting, and with J.P. Crawford sidelined at least for several weeks, there is no easy solution at third base. Brendan Donovan returns on Tuesday to rotate around the field, but it's hard to look at the lineup as constructed and see anywhere for him to play more frequently than the hot corner. Arroyo has played some third base, but it's realistically not where he could be thrown in, although his defense is less egregious and more limited if asked to play second base or corner outfield. But they need his bat, because the Mariners need to take some risks, and rotating Weston Wilson, Victor Robles, Rob Refsnyder, Leo Rivas, and Mitch Garver through to take flaccid swing after flaccid swing is a Wile. E. Coyote kind of road that the Mariners have been slamming into the wall of all summer. The Rainiers' roster is stocked with similar players who've struggled to set themselves apart this year and over many years, from Connor Joe to Patrick Wisdom to Stuart Fairchild, along with injured options like Ryan Bliss and Brennen Davis. With Luke Raley seemingly ailing, the M's have to be more aggressive to rev up their offense before it's too late.
View Link
Arroyo is a 21 year old Colombian ~utilityman whose profile made him the most-heralded hitting prospect from his burgeoning baseball nation since Colombia's first and greatest star: SS Edgar Renteria. The 5'10, compact youngster has never been at the top of Seattle's prospect list, but has hit his way into top-100 status nationally over the past couple seasons, with an approach I first wrote about in the winter before the 2024 season. Following a strong debut at age 18 with the Low-A Modesto Nuts, I said this of Arroyo:
#arroyo #Seattle #wrote
3 months ago
This weekend, nearly a dozen Texas A&M players were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, including former Maryland transfer infielder Chris Hacopian, who was selected 11th overall by the Washington Nationals, and veteran RHP Weston Moss, who will join his teammate in Washington after the Nationals selected him in the 11th round.
The Aggies' top three hitters this season, Hacopian, Caden Sorrell, and Gavin Grahovac, were all picked in the first three rounds, with Sorrell going 62nd overall to the Chicago Cubs, while Grahovac, who missed all but one game during the 2025 season, looks like an absolute steal for the Los Angeles Angels, who selected him 81st overall in the top of the third round on Saturday.
Last season, Grahovac started all 57 games, slashing .339/.429/.722 with 22 home runs and 74 RBI, and led the Aggies with 78 hits and 26 multi-hit performances, which included 20 multi-RBI games. Compared to his freshman season, the California native looked more confident at the dish, as his .754 slugging percentage ranked first in the SEC.
Heading home to start out in the minor leagues, Grahovac's potential is through the roof. In full agreement with the D1Baseball staff, the versatile infielder's drop to the third round was one of several surprising outcomes but should not hinder his development, especially given his improvement in 2026.
"Even the much lessened swing and miss of Texas A&M’s Gavin Grahovac couldn’t elevate his value beyond No. 81 overall. As much as his pick was a surprise fall, it was a steal as far as we’re concerned. The Aggies’ slugger lowered his strikeout rate from 23.1% to 16.5% while raising his ISO. This dual improvement is rarely accomplished, especially in a major conference."
The Aggies' top three hitters this season, Hacopian, Caden Sorrell, and Gavin Grahovac, were all picked in the first three rounds, with Sorrell going 62nd overall to the Chicago Cubs, while Grahovac, who missed all but one game during the 2025 season, looks like an absolute steal for the Los Angeles Angels, who selected him 81st overall in the top of the third round on Saturday.
Last season, Grahovac started all 57 games, slashing .339/.429/.722 with 22 home runs and 74 RBI, and led the Aggies with 78 hits and 26 multi-hit performances, which included 20 multi-RBI games. Compared to his freshman season, the California native looked more confident at the dish, as his .754 slugging percentage ranked first in the SEC.
Heading home to start out in the minor leagues, Grahovac's potential is through the roof. In full agreement with the D1Baseball staff, the versatile infielder's drop to the third round was one of several surprising outcomes but should not hinder his development, especially given his improvement in 2026.
"Even the much lessened swing and miss of Texas A&M’s Gavin Grahovac couldn’t elevate his value beyond No. 81 overall. As much as his pick was a surprise fall, it was a steal as far as we’re concerned. The Aggies’ slugger lowered his strikeout rate from 23.1% to 16.5% while raising his ISO. This dual improvement is rarely accomplished, especially in a major conference."
3 months ago
Texas A&M absorbed another major hit to its pitching staff on Tuesday, as junior right‑hander Clayton Freshcorn was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 19th round (No. 564 overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft. The Aggies did well to reinforce the rotation and bullpen through the transfer portal, but with Shane Sdao, Weston Moss, and now Freshcorn all drafted, a full‑scale overhaul on the mound feels inevitable.
Still, the door isn't completely closed on Freshcorn's return. With NIL now a legitimate factor in draft‑return decisions, Texas A&M could have enough incentive to entice the All‑SEC closer back for a senior season, especially under a new pitching coach and a clear opportunity to elevate his stock.
Freshcorn has long been more than a one‑inning weapon. Earlier in his career, he competed for a weekend rotation role, and another year in Aggieland could give him the chance to showcase that versatility. A strong senior campaign, one that expands his usage beyond high‑leverage relief, could push him into a higher draft tier in 2027.
He certainly has the résumé to build on. Freshcorn finished the 2026 season as a Stopper of the Year finalist, recording 12 saves across 27 appearances. He posted a 4–3 record, 2.82 ERA, and 56 strikeouts, earning All‑SEC honors and a spot on the NCBWA First‑Team All‑America roster.
Whether he signs with St. Louis or returns to College Station, Freshcorn's decision will shape the Aggies' pitching identity heading into 2027 and determine whether Texas A&M retains one of the nation's most reliable late‑game arms.
Still, the door isn't completely closed on Freshcorn's return. With NIL now a legitimate factor in draft‑return decisions, Texas A&M could have enough incentive to entice the All‑SEC closer back for a senior season, especially under a new pitching coach and a clear opportunity to elevate his stock.
Freshcorn has long been more than a one‑inning weapon. Earlier in his career, he competed for a weekend rotation role, and another year in Aggieland could give him the chance to showcase that versatility. A strong senior campaign, one that expands his usage beyond high‑leverage relief, could push him into a higher draft tier in 2027.
He certainly has the résumé to build on. Freshcorn finished the 2026 season as a Stopper of the Year finalist, recording 12 saves across 27 appearances. He posted a 4–3 record, 2.82 ERA, and 56 strikeouts, earning All‑SEC honors and a spot on the NCBWA First‑Team All‑America roster.
Whether he signs with St. Louis or returns to College Station, Freshcorn's decision will shape the Aggies' pitching identity heading into 2027 and determine whether Texas A&M retains one of the nation's most reliable late‑game arms.
3 months ago
Texas A&M's 2026 season wasn't a failure by any means, as second-year coach Michael Earley led the Aggies back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the program's magical run to the College World Series ***** le game, but failed to capitalize on hosting in the regional round, losing to USC in back-to-back games, primarily due to poor pitching and a lack of timely offense.
The 2026 season also served as a final farewell for the Aggies' top three batters, as Caden Sorrell, Gavin Grahovac, and one-year rental, former Maryland transfer Chris Hacopian, are expected to be selected high in the 2026 MLB Draft, which will begin on Saturday afternoon, with the first ten selections airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Combined with the Aggies' top three hitters, starting pitchers Shane Sdao and Weston Moss, and elite closer Clayton Freshcorn could also depart if selected high enough, as money and the chance to quickly advance through the minor leagues will be tempting. However, Sdao and Moss would benefit from working under the new pitching coach, Barry Enright, before heading to MLB.
Other names to watch include a handful of the Aggies' offseason transfer portal additions, now including former Dallas Baptist outfielder Dylan Schlaegel and UConn All-American Tyler Minick, both of whom are draft-eligible. Texas A&M's 2026 recruiting class could also lose several top-ranked prospects, led by shortstop Connor Comeau.
Day 1 is broken into three windows
The 2026 season also served as a final farewell for the Aggies' top three batters, as Caden Sorrell, Gavin Grahovac, and one-year rental, former Maryland transfer Chris Hacopian, are expected to be selected high in the 2026 MLB Draft, which will begin on Saturday afternoon, with the first ten selections airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Combined with the Aggies' top three hitters, starting pitchers Shane Sdao and Weston Moss, and elite closer Clayton Freshcorn could also depart if selected high enough, as money and the chance to quickly advance through the minor leagues will be tempting. However, Sdao and Moss would benefit from working under the new pitching coach, Barry Enright, before heading to MLB.
Other names to watch include a handful of the Aggies' offseason transfer portal additions, now including former Dallas Baptist outfielder Dylan Schlaegel and UConn All-American Tyler Minick, both of whom are draft-eligible. Texas A&M's 2026 recruiting class could also lose several top-ranked prospects, led by shortstop Connor Comeau.
Day 1 is broken into three windows
3 months ago
WESTON − Opening ceremonies for the National Horseshoe Pitchers ****** ociation World Tournament will take place at 11 a.m. July 13 at Greenheck Turner Community Center in Weston, marking the start of nearly two weeks of competition.
The event is expected to draw athletes, families and fans to central Wisconsin, according to a community announcement, as competitors participate in a wide range of divisions and tournaments.
The competition runs July 13-25 at the community center, 6400 Alderson St. in Weston, and will feature preliminary rounds in men's, women's, elder, junior and cadet classes before championship play begins later in the schedule.
Opening ceremonies are planned between morning and afternoon pitching sessions on July 13, offering the public a closer look at the scale and tradition of the sport.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our community to welcome athletes and visitors from across the world and to showcase Greater Wausau as a place built for sports, outdoor recreation and hospitality," said Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau. "The opening ceremonies are a great moment for the public to see the scale of this event and the tradition behind competitive horseshoe pitching."
The event is expected to draw athletes, families and fans to central Wisconsin, according to a community announcement, as competitors participate in a wide range of divisions and tournaments.
The competition runs July 13-25 at the community center, 6400 Alderson St. in Weston, and will feature preliminary rounds in men's, women's, elder, junior and cadet classes before championship play begins later in the schedule.
Opening ceremonies are planned between morning and afternoon pitching sessions on July 13, offering the public a closer look at the scale and tradition of the sport.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our community to welcome athletes and visitors from across the world and to showcase Greater Wausau as a place built for sports, outdoor recreation and hospitality," said Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau. "The opening ceremonies are a great moment for the public to see the scale of this event and the tradition behind competitive horseshoe pitching."
3 months ago
MIAMI (AP) — Jakob Marsee hit a game-ending single off the wall in right field in the 10th inning, and the Miami Marlins beat the Seattle Mariners 6-5 on Tuesday night.
With runners at the corners and one out, Marsee hit a high drive against Michael Rucker (0-2) to easily score automatic runner Xavier Edwards.
Cade Gibson (2-0) got three outs in the top half, erasing automatic runner Weston Wilson on his first pitch when he induced a fielder's-choice grounder to shortstop by Cal Raleigh.
Pinch-hitter Heriberto Hernández led off the eighth for the Marlins with a 422-foot homer to left, his 12th of the season, to tie the game at 5-all. Owen Caissie also hit his 12th for Miami, a solo shot in the second.
Marsee drove in a run with a third-inning single on his 2-for-4 night.
With runners at the corners and one out, Marsee hit a high drive against Michael Rucker (0-2) to easily score automatic runner Xavier Edwards.
Cade Gibson (2-0) got three outs in the top half, erasing automatic runner Weston Wilson on his first pitch when he induced a fielder's-choice grounder to shortstop by Cal Raleigh.
Pinch-hitter Heriberto Hernández led off the eighth for the Marlins with a 422-foot homer to left, his 12th of the season, to tie the game at 5-all. Owen Caissie also hit his 12th for Miami, a solo shot in the second.
Marsee drove in a run with a third-inning single on his 2-for-4 night.
3 months ago
USA and Belgium face off this Tuesday at the Lumen Field in World Cup.
In their last match, USA prevailed 2-0 against Bosnia & Herzegovina (World Cup 2026). In their last fixture, Belgium won 3-2 against Senegal (World Cup 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Belgium winning 5-2.
USA ( vs Bosnia & Herzegovina 2026-07-02): Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun
Belgium ( vs Senegal 2026-07-01): Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Hans Vanaken, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere
In their last match, USA prevailed 2-0 against Bosnia & Herzegovina (World Cup 2026). In their last fixture, Belgium won 3-2 against Senegal (World Cup 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Belgium winning 5-2.
USA ( vs Bosnia & Herzegovina 2026-07-02): Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun
Belgium ( vs Senegal 2026-07-01): Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Hans Vanaken, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere
3 months ago
The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary at a time when the men's soccer team has a plausible shot at chasing an improbable World Cup ******* le. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, defender Tim Ream compared the squad to the nation it represents.
"[W]e've said this as a group with all our different backgrounds, where we all have grown up, it's a true representation of what America is," Ream said, via Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.
The roster includes players born inside, and outside, of the country. Two of them — like Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest — were born abroad as children of U.S. service members.
"It's a melting pot of people, of personalities, of characters, and like I said, it's a perfect representation of what the U.S. is and what it's about," Ream added.
We are different, but the same. Americans. But for those whose lineage traces to those who inhabited the land before Columbus arrived, we're all immigrants. We all came from established cultures to a land that embraces all. (Despite the misguided opinions of some.)
"[W]e've said this as a group with all our different backgrounds, where we all have grown up, it's a true representation of what America is," Ream said, via Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.
The roster includes players born inside, and outside, of the country. Two of them — like Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest — were born abroad as children of U.S. service members.
"It's a melting pot of people, of personalities, of characters, and like I said, it's a perfect representation of what the U.S. is and what it's about," Ream added.
We are different, but the same. Americans. But for those whose lineage traces to those who inhabited the land before Columbus arrived, we're all immigrants. We all came from established cultures to a land that embraces all. (Despite the misguided opinions of some.)
3 months ago
Even though it's fairly straightforward, soccer's offside rule can be confusing for casual fans. And even controversial at times.
The United States had two goals called back for offside in its 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night. However, it also had a goal that was initially disallowed for offside ruled good in its group stage win over Australia thanks to FIFA's automatic review process in the World Cup.
Here's how the offside rule works and why the infraction isn't always immediately called during games.
Simply put, two players from the opposing team have to be between a player and the goal at the time the ball is played forward by a teammate. There are exceptions, but we'll get to those in a moment.
Wednesday night, Folarin Balogun had a goal ruled out in the first half because the only Bosnian player between him and the goal when Weston McKennie passed him the ball was goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Here's how close it was.
The United States had two goals called back for offside in its 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night. However, it also had a goal that was initially disallowed for offside ruled good in its group stage win over Australia thanks to FIFA's automatic review process in the World Cup.
Here's how the offside rule works and why the infraction isn't always immediately called during games.
Simply put, two players from the opposing team have to be between a player and the goal at the time the ball is played forward by a teammate. There are exceptions, but we'll get to those in a moment.
Wednesday night, Folarin Balogun had a goal ruled out in the first half because the only Bosnian player between him and the goal when Weston McKennie passed him the ball was goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Here's how close it was.
3 months ago
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The 4th of July isn’t until Saturday. But you would’ve sworn it had arrived sooner if you were on the grounds at Levi’s Stadium Wednesday.
The festive atmosphere amid a sea of red, white and blue supporters dominated the scene. The only thing missing were fireworks and a hot dog eating contest. Which by the way FIFA officials should have rigged up considering it was in world champion Joey Chestnut’s backyard (he’s a graduate of nearby San Jose State).
Actually, there were plenty of fireworks. More on that in a moment.
It was against that backdrop that the United States began its quest for true glory at the 2026 World Cup. The Americans had no excuses as they sauntered onto the pitch against Bosnia and Herzegovina on a seasonably warm summer’s late afternoon.
Of course only in FIFA’s bizzarro world does the USA play a match on Canada Day and Canada plays a game on the 4th of July when our neighbors to the North face Morocco in Houston. Makes perfect sense, right?
LOL.
But if you want truly bizarre, look no further than Folarin Balogun’s night on the pitch.
The talented striker who was born in Brooklyn, has lived most of his life in the United Kingdom and has his place on Team USA because of his birthright citizenship, something affirmed the day before by the U.S. Supreme Court, scored the first goal, had a second called back for offsides, would’ve had a third had his shot not hit the crossbar and had his night cut short when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus showed him the red card in the 64th minute following a harsh challenge, forcing the Americans to play with 10 men the rest of the way.
It left the majority of the sellout crowd of 68,827 scratching their heads wondering what had happened to the man who had dominated the match up until he was shown to the exit. It also meant Balogun’s services will not be available come Monday when the U.S. faces Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle in the Round of 16.
But they managed to survive the shorthanded situation as Malik Tillman’s free kick in the 82nd minute found the back of the net and was the capper of a 2-0 victory over the Dragons.
“I think it showed how strong a team we are,” said defender Chris Richards. “We got down a man but ****** ody got stressed out.
“It was unlucky for Flo but it is what it is and it was very important that we kept a clean sheet. But the cherry on top was Malik’s free kick.”
Freeman said of his big goal that helped put the game on ice: “We talked about going around the wall or going over the wall. But I practiced it in training and I’m glad it went in.”
For the Americans, everything seemed to be in place to begin the big push forward. There were no suspensions to worry about. Christian Pulisic’s left calf was fine, thank you as he returned to Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI. And the familiar faces we’ve grown accustomed to seeing — Balogun, Freeman, Richards, Tyler Adams, Matt Freese —rejoined Weston McKennie as
The festive atmosphere amid a sea of red, white and blue supporters dominated the scene. The only thing missing were fireworks and a hot dog eating contest. Which by the way FIFA officials should have rigged up considering it was in world champion Joey Chestnut’s backyard (he’s a graduate of nearby San Jose State).
Actually, there were plenty of fireworks. More on that in a moment.
It was against that backdrop that the United States began its quest for true glory at the 2026 World Cup. The Americans had no excuses as they sauntered onto the pitch against Bosnia and Herzegovina on a seasonably warm summer’s late afternoon.
Of course only in FIFA’s bizzarro world does the USA play a match on Canada Day and Canada plays a game on the 4th of July when our neighbors to the North face Morocco in Houston. Makes perfect sense, right?
LOL.
But if you want truly bizarre, look no further than Folarin Balogun’s night on the pitch.
The talented striker who was born in Brooklyn, has lived most of his life in the United Kingdom and has his place on Team USA because of his birthright citizenship, something affirmed the day before by the U.S. Supreme Court, scored the first goal, had a second called back for offsides, would’ve had a third had his shot not hit the crossbar and had his night cut short when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus showed him the red card in the 64th minute following a harsh challenge, forcing the Americans to play with 10 men the rest of the way.
It left the majority of the sellout crowd of 68,827 scratching their heads wondering what had happened to the man who had dominated the match up until he was shown to the exit. It also meant Balogun’s services will not be available come Monday when the U.S. faces Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle in the Round of 16.
But they managed to survive the shorthanded situation as Malik Tillman’s free kick in the 82nd minute found the back of the net and was the capper of a 2-0 victory over the Dragons.
“I think it showed how strong a team we are,” said defender Chris Richards. “We got down a man but ****** ody got stressed out.
“It was unlucky for Flo but it is what it is and it was very important that we kept a clean sheet. But the cherry on top was Malik’s free kick.”
Freeman said of his big goal that helped put the game on ice: “We talked about going around the wall or going over the wall. But I practiced it in training and I’m glad it went in.”
For the Americans, everything seemed to be in place to begin the big push forward. There were no suspensions to worry about. Christian Pulisic’s left calf was fine, thank you as he returned to Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI. And the familiar faces we’ve grown accustomed to seeing — Balogun, Freeman, Richards, Tyler Adams, Matt Freese —rejoined Weston McKennie as
