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With future of U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade in limbo, Texas businesses navigate choppy waters
The Trump administration announced July 1 it would not renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Rising uncertainty has led businesses that depend on the trade pact to pull back on investment in Texas, experts say.
Mad about Science: Batoids » Sandpoint Reader
By Brenden BobbyReader Columnist At the library’s Citizen Science events, which take place twice a month at the Waterlife Discovery Center on Lakeshore Drive, I love to ask a fun question of guests that...
Local business in Voorheesville sees extreme flooding
Streets, parks, schools and restaurants across Voorheesville are dealing with extreme flash flooding. One business owner says he never expected to see water rise this fast. Now he’s working …
Weston business owner weathers the storm, barely
Appalachian Glass owner Chip Turner said flood waters came to within one inch from entering his building.
Summer Wellness: Hydration & Gut Health
Supporting gut health doesn’t have to be complicated. Summer is the perfect time to focus on wellness by staying hydrated and choosing fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Adding water-rich fruits and vegetables alongside fiber-rich ingredients can help support digestion, hydration and overall health throughout the season. Demos are FREE to attend but space is limited. For the […]
Novant Health operations impacted from Forsyth County water main break
Novant Health has shifted some clinics to virtual visits and paused elective surgeries after a major Forsyth County water main break.
Pokémon Pokopia's First DLC Comes To Switch 2 On August 5
There's a new underwater location to explore and a dive mechanic.
Dive into Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass—Part 1: Bubbly Basin
Rebuild a watery wonderland in Pokémon Pokopia.
Florida sixth grader Naboshree Santra developed biodegradable soilshade balls designed to reduce evaporation and retain moisture; the 11-year-old is now competing for a $25,000 science prize
An 11-year-old schoolgirl from Oviedo, Florida, has created a simple tool to help farmers save water during dry weather. Naboshree Santra, a sixth grader at Jackson Heights Middle School, made special soilshade balls that break down naturally.
The science behind the slice
Last Wednesday, farmers and hobby gardeners stood together in a dusty, dry field in Starkville. At their feet were watermelon vines, planted by the dozens across a few acres.
Fitzwater's pride at becoming Exeter City captain
Jack Fitzwater says it is a "really proud moment" to be named Exeter City captain.
Everything But Water closes at Market Street in The Woodlands
The store sells swimwear, including bikinis and one-piece suits, as well as cover-ups and resort wear.
Human health risk from manganese in groundwater
Nature Water - Machine learning is the key to uncovering where populations across the globe are at risk from manganese in their groundwater-sourced drinking water.
Pokemon Pokopia DLC - Part 1, Bubbly Basin release date announced
The release date is now in for the first part of the Pokemon Pokopia Expansion Pass DLC, known as Bubbly Basin. Look for it on August 5, 2026. As previously mentioned, Bubbly Basin introduces an underwater town. Players will be able to encounter Pokemon living beneath the sea, discover ocean floor-themed furniture, and find new outfits for Ditto. Part 2...
Newport Beach Fest to bring NFL legends, beach football, and live entertainment to Fort Adams over Labor Day weekend
Fort Adams State Park will host an inaugural two-day waterfront festival over Labor Day weekend, bringing professional beach football, NFL legends, live entertainment, and more than 1,000 tons of sand to one of New England’s most iconic event venues. Newport Beach Fest is scheduled for September 5-6 and will serve as the debut of the […]
NEWPORT BEACH FEST TO BRING NFL LEGENDS, BEACH SPORTS, AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT TO HISTORIC FORT ADAMS LABOR DAY WEEKEND
/PRNewswire/ -- Newport Beach Fest is a two-day waterfront festival featuring NFL Legends, beach sports, and live entertainment at Fort Adams, bringing an...
A slowing Atlantic current could unleash stronger California storms
A weakening Atlantic current could supercharge California’s atmospheric rivers while leaving Greenland with fewer snow-producing storms. The changes could raise flood risks, strain infrastructure, and reshape water supplies far beyond the Atlantic.
Milliman Acquires Blue Water MSR Valuation, Hedging Business
Milliman has acquired Blue Water’s mortgage servicing rights valuation and hedging services from Apex Analytics Corp., extending a wave of mortgage industry investment beyond servicing portfolios themselves to the technology and expertise used to manage their value.The transaction adds Blue Water’s MSR hedging platform, customer base, trading professionals, and quantitative analytics team to Milliman’s mortgage solutions practice. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Health provider announces RRH partnership prematurely
WATERTOWN — After months of Chapter 11 bankruptcy hearings, closures and the ending of services at several of its facilities, North Star Health Alliance on Thursday announced that it would
California Scientists Find Early Warning Sign of Irreversible Groundwater Damage
The U.S. Geological Survey’s California Water Center estimates 15% of the Central Valley’s groundwater storage capacity has been permanently lost because of subsidence.
Energy Secretary’s Own Lawyers Flatly Contradict His Repeated Denials That Politics Played Any Role in Mass Termination of Projects
Murray, Kaptur respond to DOE’s recent legal filing admitting that politics was the only reason nearly 300 cost-cutting energy projects in blue states were terminated during the shutdown last October Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and […]
Austin waterway ban impacts local business
The City of Austin is still feeling the impacts of last week’s floods that hit Central Texas.
Scientists reveal what sparkling water really does to your teeth
Unsweetened sparkling water may offer a tooth-friendlier alternative to sugary soda, according to a small preliminary study tracking how different drinks change mouth acidity. Soda caused the strongest and longest drop in salivary pH, while sparkling water produced only a temporary decline before saliva restored normal conditions. Importantly, acidity remained above the level associated with enamel damage.
Edgewater Candles Expands, Scent Queens Rebrands And More Far North Side Business News
Scent Queens will change its name to The Midnight Treasury when its second store opens this summer in Andersonville. Also new on Clark Street: Homebird, which sells everything from soap to throw pillows.
Glacier Fresh Launches the “Verified by Science” Initiative to Set a New Standard for Transparent Water Filter Testing
Glacier Fresh launched the Verified by Science Initiative to promote transparent water filter testing, scientific validation, and greater consumer trust....
Ely-area businesses welcome return of day trips in parts of the Boundary Waters
Money in Ann Arbor politics: Where does it come from, and where does it go?
Pre-election campaign finance statements for candidates of the Aug. 4 Ann Arbor mayoral and City Council primaries were due Friday. The statements report all campaign contributions and expenditures — from five-figure donations, to a $3.99 purchase of water made by mayoral candidate Yousef Rabhi’s campaign. Collectively, candidates for mayor and City Council have raised more […]
Splash and Science Day Camp III—new location at Buttonwood
Kids can splash in the stream and learn about local waterways during a summer day camp offered by Buttonwood Nature Center. The Splash & Science day camp will be offered […]
Colorado Politics Calendar July 27-Aug. 2
CoPo’s weekly political calendar will help you find political and public-policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
Seafair Torchlight Parade dazzles on the waterfront
The annual Seafair Torchlight Parade was back on the waterfront Saturday evening, with marching bands, colorful floats and dancing dragons.
Austin businesses claim ‘confusing’ waterway ban submerges summer profits
The Commodore churns its paddles into Lake Austin without moving. Parked by the Tom Miller dam, the steamboat couldn’t depart for any voyage Saturday. READ MORE: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/austin-businesses-claim-confusing-waterway-ban-submerges-summer-profits/
Austin businesses claim ‘confusing’ waterway ban submerges summer profits
The Commodore churns its paddles into Lake Austin without moving. Parked by the Tom Miller dam, the steamboat couldn’t depart for any voyage Saturday.
Apple's First Water-Resistant iPad to Launch Later This Year
Apple's next iPad mini will apparently be the first iPad with a water-resistant design, and the tablet is now expected to arrive by October. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported last year that Apple is working on an updated casing that offers protection comparable to the iPhone, making the iPad mini safe for casual use in wet environments like a bathroom or a pool area.
Scientists Create a 'Breathable' Hydrogel Inspired by Human Lungs
"A way to improve gas exchange while preserving the hydrated environment that cells need."
Boil-water advisory impacts Algiers businesses and recreation
A boil-water advisory in Algiers is affecting local businesses and recreation centers after water pressure dropped during maintenance at the Algiers water plant.
Saturday Sports: Summertime wrestling, Watertown Tennis Tournament, and more
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Saturday.
Samsung (KOSE:A005930) Launches Galaxy Watch Ultra2 And Watch9 With AI Health Features
Samsung Electronics launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9, expanding its smartwatch lineup with new models focused on AI-powered health and fitness features. The devices introduce AI-driven health insights, advanced sports tracking, and specialized dive capabilities, supported by partnerships such as Mares for underwater use. The launch adds fresh products to Samsung’s wearable and digital health ecosystem, providing another data point for investors watching its consumer...
Geneva celebrates opening of Seneca W.A.V.E.
GENEVA — The city and Geneva Community Projects celebrated the official launch of Seneca W.A.V.E. — Waterfront Access, Views and Events — July 19 with a free, family-friendly community celebration
Sewage, rat pee and toxic algae: Open water swimming is booming, but is it bad for your health?
Swimming in rivers and lakes is booming, but heavy rain, sewage overflows and farm runoff can lead to disease outbreaks. Here's how to spot when the risks to health are highest.
Confusion for residents after Legionella bacteria found in Lower East Side building
Residents are confused about water issues at an apartment Complex in Alphabet City.
Inside a 25-Day Ocean Science Mission
At sea, their days will begin in darkness.Before dawn, Rutgers oceanographers Joe Gradone and Corday Selden expect to be on deck aboard the research vessel Falkor (too), preparing instruments, reviewing data and directing the first collection of water samples of the day. Gradone and Selden will serve as co-chief scientists on a 25-day expedition in the Atlantic Ocean supported by Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Local businesses recovering after recent flooding
KERRVILLE, TEXAS - Cleanup is underway at a strip mall of Junction Highway in Kerrville after two feet of water tore through businesses. Stephen and Alton Flore
Local businesses recovering after recent flooding
KERRVILLE, TEXAS - Cleanup is underway at a strip mall of Junction Highway in Kerrville after two feet of water tore through businesses. Stephen and Alton Flore
These people accidentally saw 'The Odyssey' in 4DX
Imagine not realizing you're about to get shaken and sprayed with water for three hours before walking into a 4DX IMAX theater to see "The Odyssey."
Why Europa's hidden ocean may be more difficult to reach than scientists thought
Europa, one of Jupiter's icy moons, has long fascinated scientists because of what may lie beneath its frozen shell: a global ocean of liquid water. That hidden ocean has made Europa one of the most compelling ...
PFAS Pose a Serious Threat to Human Health
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that were created in the mid20th century and quickly became popular for their water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties. A growing body of research has linked certain PFAS to various health issues.
Nestlé to sell half of waters business in $3.4B deal
Peranel, which will house brands such as S.Pellegrino and Source Perrier, will be a fully independent company and have full flexibility to “pursue growth opportunities.”
Popular CT family-friendly business washed away by floodwaters in 2024 has rebuilt and reopened
Old Sawmill Miniature Golf was destroyed nearly two years ago by floodwaters in Oxford and, with support of the community, the popular business has reopened. The soft reopening was in June with the grand reopening and ribbon cutting…
West Hollywood businesses recover from water main break while another water line leaks
West Hollywood businesses recover from water main break while another water line leaks
Science on Tap: Keeping it (Swamp) Eel
Learn about strange and slippery swamp eels at our September Science on Tap featuring Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Collection Manager Rob Robins! What exactly are swamp eels? While not true eels, swamp eels are eel-like freshwater fishes with remarkable biological adaptations that
Harnessing Abundant Electricity From the Sun—and Other CU Boulder Science Tapped for Genesis Mission
Three CU Boulder-led projects and three collaborative projects selected through the U.S. Department of Energy's Genesis Mission. Research will advance artificial intelligence for fusion energy, quantum computing, particle physics and water prediction. Awards recognize CU Boulder's leadership in applying AI to some of the nation's most complex scientific challenges.
Nestle to raise €3 billion from spin off of its water business
Nestle said on Thursday it expects to raise around €3 billion ($3.43 billion) from spinning off its water business into a 50-50 joint venture with U.S. investment firm Platinum Equity.
Nestle to Offload Half of Waters Business in Joint Venture With Platinum Equity
The Swiss company agreed with Platinum Equity to create a joint venture and sell a 50% stake in its Waters and Beverages unit.
Orcas Keep Punching Giant Sunfish to Smithereens, And Scientists Are Mesmerized
Orca SMASH!
Health department to hold free flood-recovery vaccine clinic Friday at Wesleyan
The Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department will offer free Tdap and hepatitis A vaccines beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, at West Virginia Wesleyan College for anyone who was in floodwater or is helping with cleanup.
CDC reveals massive behind-the-scenes public health operation that kept FIFA World Cup fans safe
The CDC operated behind the scenes during the FIFA World Cup, deploying disease surveillance, wastewater monitoring, and real-time data dashboards.
Two Frisco restaurants closed for health violations during latest inspections
Two Frisco restaurants were temporarily closed after inspections found no water at one kiosk and no manager at another.
ENTERTAINMENT: New exhibits show watershed, ‘Fish Guy’ paintings
Discover free art exhibitions, engaging events, and community celebrations in Little Rock from now until October.
UMaine-led team selected for inaugural DOE Genesis Mission to advance AI in underground science
Beneath Maine’s salt marshes, an invisible transformation is constantly underway. Water moves through soil and rock. Chemicals react. Tiny microbes living underground help determine whether minerals dissolve or form, how fluids move and whether pollutants break down or spread. Existing computer models used to guide decisions about energy infrastructure and…
Health officials investigating possible harmful algae bloom in the Charles River after dog's death
The Boston Public Health Commission is warning residents to avoid the water between Kendrick Street in Needham and Spring Street in West Roxbury after a dog died earlier this week.
Nestle nears sale of water business stake at close to €5 billion valuation, FT reports
Private equity firm Platinum Equity is nearing a deal to acquire about a 50% stake in Nestle's European water business in a transaction that would value the joint venture at almost €5 billion ($5.71 billion), the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
Business Beat: Monthly Chamber Ambassadors meeting scheduled for August 6
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce will host its monthl;y Ambassadors Meeting on Th...
Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses
It would normally be high season for canoe outfitters, but business is dead.
Scientists attach cameras to whale sharks, capturing how the world’s biggest fish hunts like never before
For decades, marine scientists have watched whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the world’s biggest fish, from boats and while snorkelling. They could only catch glimpses of the world’s largest fish gliding through tropical waters.
Moms Podcast Takeover: Sun, swim & science with Dr. Liza Lockwood
Summer myths are everywhere—but some can be dangerous. This week on the Mom Pod, Dr. Liza Lockwood joins the moms to separate fact from fiction on sunscreen, water safety, and hydration. From the biggest summer parenting myths to simple science-backed tips that could keep your family safer, this is one conversation you'll want before your next trip to the beach, pool, or playground.
2nd flood in a week in Gallup damages businesses
GALLUP, N.M. (KRQE) – Residents in Gallup are cleaning up the aftermath left by floods covering entire streets. City leaders said they haven’t seen a storm like this in years. Those waters ha…
Business in Oak Creek Canyon worried about impact of flooding threat
Last week’s flooding turned Oak Creek dark as water carried charred debris downstream after the Pocket Fire. Forest Houses Resort says floodwaters rose about 5 feet at its crossing, leaving it impassable until crews cleared sediment. Owners say continued flash flood concerns have prompted guest cancellations, even as their private property remains accessible. Businesses say open trails, restaurants and other attractions still give visitors reasons to come to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
The Ocean Wave Scientists Thought Was Impossible
These massive walls of water may be far more common than we once believed.
Iggy Pop, John Waters, and more turn Mosswood Meltdown into a punk party
The Return of Jackie and Judy, Bikini Kill, and more featured at this year’s California festival.
Harmful algae bloom leads to health advisory for T. Howard Duckett Reservoir
WSSC Water has detected high concentrations of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) in the Howard T Duckett reservoir, and has issued a health advisory.
Harmful algae bloom leads to health advisory for T. Howard Duckett Reservoir
WSSC Water has detected high concentrations of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) in the Howard T Duckett reservoir, and has issued a health advisory.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US, by the numbers
Some US states are facing a large and growing outbreak of diarrhea caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh food or water.
Public Comment Open for Topgolf Driving Range and Large ‘Entertainment District’ on Harbor Island
Public Has Until August 24 to Give Feedback to Port By City News Service / 7SanDiego / July 10-13, 2026 The comment period for a proposed redevelopment of East Harbor Island for a Topgolf and Water…
Public Comment Open for Topgolf Driving Range and Large ‘Entertainment District’ on Harbor Island
Public Has Until August 24 to Give Feedback to Port By City News Service / 7SanDiego / July 10-13, 2026 The comment period for a proposed redevelopment of East Harbor Island for a Topgolf and Water…
Business Beat : Ribbon cutting scheduled for Clearlake Ledgers
COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to c...
In 2025, US scientists poured 16,500 gallons of lye and bright pink dye into the Gulf of Maine, the first federally approved attempt to reverse the ocean's rising acidity
On an August morning in 2025, a research vessel in the Gulf of Maine released 16,500 gallons of sodium hydroxide (lye) into the ocean while a plume of bright pink dye spread across the water's surface. To onlookers, the vivid pink patch looked alarming.
In Gaza, a mother's hunt for water lays bare a worsening health crisis
In pre-dawn darkness, Ibtisam Al-Helou leaves her tent on Gaza's seafront on a daily search for fresh water. The Mediterranean lies only a few steps away, but the water she needs to cook, drink and wash will mean a trek across Gaza City.
Business, boaters, and wildlife hit by Erewash Canal closures
Part of the canal shut at the end of June due to low water levels, and remains closed.
UFC Freedom 250 Fails to Knock Out The Ratings
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) If UFC fans wanted one image to say, “Hey, Paramount+ is crushing it with their UFC rights deal,” I could provide that image. Here it is: (Reminder: this is my creation of the Nielsen Top 30, since Nielsen doesn’t combine the lists or include sports. I take all three lists and combine them. Some streaming TV shows probably have higher ratings than many of the films on this list.) Look at that! UFC Freedom 250 is number one! It topped the Nielsen “Top 30” list for shows and films that made the top ten the week of 15-June. So if you’re a UFC fan or supporter of Paramount+, that’s the good news for you this week. This program topped the ratings charts for one week. Everything else is bad news, or at least a huge caveat to that story, which I’ll explain today in the first part of this week’s Streaming Ratings Report—for the weeks of 8-June and 15-June—which is a double issue since I’ve been writing on a bunch of topics recently. UFC Freedom 250 is one of the biggest streaming events of the year, and super relevant to Paramount+’s strategy, so it merited its own article. Let’s dive in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of June 8th to June 21st 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Check Out My Interview on UFC 250 at MMA Draw After you read this article, if you want even more thoughts on UFC and Paramount-Skydance/Paramount+, I did a written interview with MMA Draw. They asked me to answer some questions about UFC Freedom 250, and I was happy to chat with them. Find it here: [ The MMA Draw Newsletter Did Paramount really overpay for the UFC? What the data tells us so far If you know the history of American television, you also know that combat sports is often a leading indicator of the future… Read more a day ago · 10 likes · 1 comment · Nate Wilcox and Zach Arnold ](https://www.themmadraw.com/p/did-paramount-really-overpay-for?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web) I never thought I’d need a combat sports newsletter in my life, but the good folks at MMA Draw publish an excellent one on UFC, MMA, pro wrestling, boxing and more, analyzing both the sports themselves and the politics, economics and antitrust issues that impact them. Check the article and their newsletter out! Paramount+ Has Its Best Sporting Event of All Time…But Was It Worth It? Before we look at the UFC Freedom 250 data in particular, let’s talk about what we can’t say. Namely, let’s start with the lack of comparisons. First off, I’d love to put a chart out comparing this fight to past UFC fights on Paramount+…but we don’t have the data. This is the first time we’ve gotten Nielsen data about a Paramount+ UFC fight. As far as I can tell, Paramount provided data for the first fight, but it was a proprietary datecdote (saying it had “an average minute audience” of 5 million “views”) and then, for two fights, we got the linear viewership numbers when they aired on CBS, but no streaming data. Everything else was crickets. We also can’t compare this fight to other fights/combat sports on streaming, in particular the MMA and boxing, because Netflix also didn’t use Nielsen to track those events, opting for TVision and VideoAmp, respectively. (This isn’t Paramount’s fault, but does still suck.) We also can’t compare to UFC’s fights that used to be on ESPN+, since we don’t have any data for that, plus Disney+ didn’t have marquee fights. The comparisons would not be apples-to-apples. Can we compare to past Pay-Per-View fights? Absolutely not. The comparisons would absolutely NOT be apples-to-apples. That didn’t stop Paramount+, though, who bragged that their UFC events have reached drastically more people than past PPV fights. Duh. Sorry, but I gotta make this point again. A basic tenet of economics is that the cheaper something becomes, the more people consume or buy it. That’s Econ 101. (Sometimes pundits call things “Econ 101” that are actually like Econ 210 or even PhD-level economics, but no, this is really like first or second class basic economics.) Yet I still see one analytics firm consistently say that more people watch films on streaming than PVOD proves streaming which means that the streaming window is more valuable than the PVOD window. No, it’s not! Same thing here. Pay-Per-View events back in the day could be really, really, really expensive! So whole groups of people pitched in to buy them. That increased the perceived value of, say, the Mike Tyson fight. Or a UFC numbered event. So yes, the fact that Paramount+ makes numbered UFC fights essentially “free” if you’re already a Paramount+ member means consumption will go up. Obviously. Same for Netflix and their boxing matches. They’re talking about fights that used to cost consumers, in some cases, $50 in 1996…which is over $100 in today’s dollars. Over 1.6 million people paid that to watch the Tyson-Holyfield fight! Again, streaming is essentially “free”. Or $10 to $20, depending on what streamer we’re talking about and what tier you’re on. No wonder more people are “watching”. (Plus, Nielsen’s out-of-home viewing also helps these numbers.) UFC Freedom 250 Did Well…But I Have A Lot of Worries So what can we compare the fights to? Well, the good news is Nielsen put out that the fight averaged 7.0 million viewers for UFC Freedom 250, which is a solid number for a fight. We also know the length, at roughly 4 and a half hours. (I saw different run times, but this seems to be the consensus considering it started at 8 pm, had a delay and then finished after midnight on the East Coast. If you assume a shorter run time, then yes, the total hours viewed would go down.) That means I have the two numbers needed to add this to my Nielsen database. And then…I can compare this viewership to the NFL: And, uh, not great. But also within striking distance, mainly because the runtime for this event was so long. I’d also add that this event had viewership equal to a regular season NFL game on streaming, but if anything, it was more comparable to an NFL playoff or Super Bowl-esque event. And you can compare viewership to the top football games on broadcast, cable and streaming, and it’s not impressive at all: We can also compare it to other sports that week, including the NBA Finals and start of the World Cup: Again, not great. The NBA generated roughly four times as many average viewers each game for its NBA Finals. The World Cup has similarly big numbers. Also, that’s just a tiny fraction of the 25 most watched sporting events each week. The NBA, NHL and FIFA World Cup had many, many more games racking up hours. We could also compare this to other streaming programs to get an idea of “is this a good investment?” and here is how it ranks compared to other top Paramount+ programs: The worry here? Well, unlike scripted programming, which has rewatchability, older fights/sporting events have very little library value. Very, very few people are rewatching these fights, especially years from now. Paramount has also released datecdotes bragging about their subscriber numbers. Earlier this year, they claimed that the first UFC fight on Paramount+ brought in 1 million subscribers. Then, in their quarterly earnings report, they only ended up with 700K subs. Not great! They claimed they dropped lower-value international subscribers, but that’s why I tend to discount subscriber additions when they’re leaked to the press.1 I expect we may see a bump again for UFC Freedom 250, but I’d caution using subscriber growth so soon after these events to judge the success, since new subs with high churn (see Peacock) aren’t great either. Also, analysts often want to attribute all subscriber growth to their favorite/pet show, and that just doesn’t make sense. The biggest caveat for UFC Freedom 250 and Paramount’s very first UFC marquee event is that these could be high watermarks for the sport. UFC Freedom 250 had an incredible amount of earned media coverage compared to most UFC fights. I mean, it had wall-to-wall national news coverage in the lead up to the event. (The first fight also had a lot of promotion from Paramount since it was first.) Other fights could reach this bar—say the Conor McGregor return to the Octagon—but they’ll be fewer and far between. Was This Deal Worth It? All to ask: is this Paramount deal worth it? In this case, I think the UFC Freedom 250 numbers are more distracting than helpful. This fight did well and compares well to other top sporting events. But we know that the first marquee event was at least a third smaller, if Paramount’s own data is to be believed. And it’s likely the other fights are much, much, much smaller. And then you get to the paycheck that Paramount-Skydance paid. FIFA’s World Cup cost about the same for Fox, but clearly generated multiples more total viewership. (Though it’s only every four years.) The NBA is much more expensive, but until the playoffs, they likely didn’t pay for itself. Even still, Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video likely overpaid. So, in that context, the NBA may be an overpay that makes the UFC look not so bad. But two overpays don’t make an underpay, to paraphrase the old cliché about wrongs and rights. And looking at UFC Freedom 250 as the likely ceiling of MMA on Paramount+, Paramount-Skydance likely paid too much. Share 1 I would love regular reports on subscriber additions by programs, but as is, it’s mostly leaked or rumored in haphazard ways.
The Sewer Knows What You Ate
During the Covid-19 pandemic, wastewater testing became a virus warning system. Now, scientists are using the approach to understand how communities eat.
This Week: Muni 1 Bus Improvements, Car Free Happy Hour, SF Politics 101
Here is a list of events this week. Tuesday Park Presidio and California Evening Pop-Up. This SFMTA project aims to improve the Muni 1 California bus route from 33rd Avenue to Steiner Street. Come learn about it. Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Corner of Park Presidio and California, S.F. Tuesday East Bay Car Free Happy Hour. Whether you’re car free, car light, car free curious, or just want to hang out with fun people and have nerdy urbanist conversations, everyone is welcome. Tuesday, July 21, 5:30-7 p.m., Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway, Oakland. Wednesday SF Politics 101 with Joel Engardio. SF Politics 101 is an entertaining look at how local politics work and the history that shaped San Francisco — brought to life with visuals and narrative storytelling. Wednesday, July 22, 6-7:15 p.m., SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission Street, S.F. Friday Woman and Non-Binary Morning Ride. Join the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for a socially distanced bike ride for women and nonbinary cyclists. Friday, July 24, 7:15-8:45 a.m., McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyan Street, S.F. Saturday Smart City Cycling 3 — Road Practice. In this class, you’ll go on a guided group ride to practice street-riding skills on increasingly high-volume streets. This class is the third in the Smart City Cycling sequence, and Smart City Cycling 2: Maneuvering is a prerequisite. Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Arguello Extension, Arguello Blvd and Lincoln Way, S.F. Sunday Adult & Teen Learn-to-Ride Workshop. This three-hour workshop is for adults and teens who have not yet learned to ride a bike or would like a refresher on the basics of balancing, pedaling, and steering. Sunday, July 26, Alameda Waterfront Park, 2151 Ferry Point, Alameda. Got an event we should know about? Drop us a line.
Where science meets the shoreline, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory builds for the future
Construction is underway on a new Innovation and Discovery Lab at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory that will expand hands-on learning for students of all ages. The new space will also support research to better understand and protect the water quality of the Iowa Great Lakes.
3 women's world records set at the annual Lumberjack World Championships
Meredith Ingbretson of Hayward set a world record in the Women's Boom Run, sprinting across the water and back over eight red cedar logs in 13.78 seconds.
Watertown Public Opinion-Aberdeen News poll question centers around volleyball
This week's poll question asked the readers to decide with area high school volleyball team has best chance to win a state title this fall?
Water First, Coffee in Moderation: What to Drink for Better Cognitive Health
The single best beverage for cognitive health is surprisingly simple: water. While coffee has attracted growing scientific interest for its potential brain benefits, hydration remains the foundation of healthy brain function.
Northern Virginia's Business Leaders Turn a Corner
Based on the Q2 2026 NVC/Pinkston Northern Virginia Business Leader Survey.
Sunday Sports: Finals of the Watertown City Golf Tournament and more
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Sunday.
Harvard Scientists Turned a Silicon Chip Into a DNA Factory
Harvard scientists have built a silicon chip that writes DNA using electricity and water, pointing toward a cleaner future for DNA manufacturing and biotechnology.
Scientists used children’s ‘silly sprinklers’ to solve a physics problem Richard Feynman could not; the reverse version spins 50 times slower
If you’ve ever watched a “silly sprinkler” in action (those bright, looping contraptions that twist and spray water in wild patterns) you’ve probably just seen them as summer fun. But a group of mathematicians have turned these backyard toys into tools for solving a famous physics puzzle that stumped even Nobel Prize–winning physicist Richard Feynman.
Major water company in distress as pool business collapses
Pentair (PNR) was one of the pandemic's quiet winners, riding America's backyard pool boom. However, that run ended this week. The company pre-announced weak second-quarter results on July 14, cut its full-year outlook, and revealed its CFO had left four days earlier. Shares dropped about 15% the ...
Hyde Park residents, business owners recovering after floodwaters take over neighborhood
Residents, business owners left to pick up the pieces after extreme flooding impacts Hyde Park.
Testing imminent for 2028 IndyCar
The IndyCar Series’ new-for-2028 chassis and engine combination is expected to turn its first laps of validation testing within the next two weeks.
Scientists found two powerful new ways to destroy forever chemicals
Scientists are testing two promising ways to destroy PFAS, the stubborn “forever chemicals” that can accumulate in water and resist normal treatment. One method uses collapsing vapor bubbles to generate extreme heat and reactive molecules, while the other uses cold plasma and rising gas bubbles to pull PFAS to the surface and break them apart.
Bill Montevecchi, seabird ornithologist and science communicator
The North Atlantic can look empty until someone begins paying attention. A stretch of gray water off Newfoundland may appear to hold little more than waves and scattered birds. To Bill Montevecchi, those birds were evidence. Their breeding success, feeding trips, and changing numbers revealed what was happening beneath the surface, offering clues about fish [Continue reading]
Muddy floodwaters throw Kingsland businesses into uncertainty
A tow boat circles branches surrounding a buoy on Lake LBJ. Nick Frambs stands behind the steering wheel approaching the docks of Boat Town in Kingsland.
Water main break cleanup continues as West Hollywood businesses count losses
Officials have replaced the ruptured pipe but still need to test it to ensure it is functioning properly.