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Alan Rothenberg on Soccer’s American Future
The architect of the 1994 World Cup on soccer's future, MLS growth, franchise values, and the 2026 final.
How the hold-in has become the ploy of choice for Steelers with stalled contract talks
Six years ago, Le’Veon Bell became the last Steelers player to hold out during training camp. Upset the Steelers placed the franchise tag on him...
Belgian GP: Max Verstappen tops Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes struggle in Spa-Francorchamps first practice
She could be America’s first socialist governor
Francesca Hong is running for governor of Wisconsin. We talked to her about how she’d govern this swing state.
San Francisco Demands Apple and Google Delete AI ‘Nudify’ Apps From App Stores
The City Attorney’s Office sent the tech giants cease-and-desist letters this week telling them to stop profiting from 13 “face-swap” apps that are overwhelmingly used to target women and girls.
Bucs' Wirfs Ranked One of NFL's Top-10 Franchise Players
As an elite left tackle with Hall of Fame potential, Tristan Wirfs anchors Tampa Bay’s future while outshining nearly every non-quarterback on this exclusive ranking of cornerstone players.
ThaiBev Is Said to Consider Selling KFC Franchise Business
Thai Beverage Pcl, the maker of Chang beer and SangSom rum, is considering a sale of its KFC restaurant franchise business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter.
Franklin club tied to sex-trafficking investigation could lose its liquor and entertainment license
The Franklin Common Council is expected to vote on revoking the license of On the Border Gentlemen's Club amid a sex-trafficking investigation.
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
‘Old folks’ and ‘rookies’ in politics
After what we have experienced recently I assure you America will never again hire anyone who would serve as president into their 80s. No blame can go to the founders of our nation who did not feel that it was necessary to put an age limit on the presidency. And then we had the “Joe […]
Ex-MLB star returning to baseball after being found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor
Former Tampa Bay Rays star Wander Franco will play for the Dominican Republic in an upcoming baseball tournament.
SF overdose deaths decline as public health officials expand treatment, drug monitoring
Overdose deaths in San Francisco have declined compared to last year, a trend local public health officials say reflects both national patterns and the city's ongoing efforts to expand treatment and other interventions.
New Anthony Edwards Contract Report Should Not Shock Timberwolves Fans
The Timberwolves reportedly want another massive extension for Anthony Edwards, and it feels like the obvious next move for the franchise.
Soccer stadium partners with Rock Entertainment Group
Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) today announced that Rock Entertainment Group (REG) – the organization behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rocket Arena and Cleveland’s incoming WNBA franchise – will lead the naming rights and entitlement sales process for South Gateway Stadium, CSG’s planned 10,000-seat venue on the south side of downtown Cleveland. Read More
Every Team Has an Edge: EA SPORTS™ NHL® 27 Overhauls All 32 Arena Atmospheres and Presentation for Total Immersion
Powered by Real-World NHL EDGE™ Data and Unique Team Playbooks, NHL® 27 Releases September 11 with Generational Talent Macklin Celebrini Gracing the Cover Watch the Reveal Trailer HERE Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today unveiled EA SPORTS™ NHL 27 , launching September 11, 2026 on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. EA SPORTS™ NHL® 27 brings all 32 NHL arenas to life with authentic atmospheres: presentation that reflects each team’s identity, a new commentary team, a new dynamic crowd system, and a new modernized broadcast package. Alongside new social and competitive mode Connected Franchise, this year marks one of the most significant upgrades in franchise history. Generational talent and San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini headlines the Standard and Deluxe Edition covers, ushering in a new era of the EA SPORTS™ NHL franchise. NHL 27 Deluxe Edition Cover “Seeing the Shark Tank brought to life like that is honestly unreal,” said Macklin Celebrini, NHL 27 cover athlete. “The
Winter Sports Club responds to Nordic combined’s removal from Olympics
In a gut-punch to the Steamboat Springs Nordic combined community, the sport has been removed from the Alpes 2030 Winter Olympic games in France. Nordic combined has long been a bread-and-butter sport for the Steamboat...
Messi hails 'special' World Cup win over England
Lionel Messi hailed a "special" win after Argentina beat England to reach the World Cup final, with the veteran at the heart of a come-from-behind 2-1 win.He said Spain, who beat France 2-0 to reach the final, were "a fantastic side, wonderful players".
Chico City Council approves entertainment zones for downtown and Meriam Park
CHICO, Calif. - Chico City Council voted 6 to 0 to approve an ordinance creating entertainment zones in downtown Chico and Meriam Park.The ordinance, taking effect September 18, 2026, will allow customers to carry approved alcoholic beverages and walk around outside within those designated areas."I feel like the downtown could use all the help it could get right now," said Celeste Cramer, general manager of Downtown Chico Business Association. "In the other areas where they have been doing the entertainment zones and throughout California, it has increased their sales. They haven't seen an increase in violence, or tickets, or anything like that. It's a good thing to try out."Numerous other cities around California such as Redding, Sacramento and San Francisco have put their own entertainment zones into effect and have had success.Action News Now stopped by both designated locations and spoke with organizers and bar owners."I'm super excited, I think this is an opportunity for us," said Scott Baldwin, owner of Argus. "We can get a booth at the farmers market. You can order a cocktail from that booth and then we'll have it ready for you at the door as you walk through. Think of it as a picnic situation. You can grab some tacos, you can get a Kentucky Buck. You can sit down anywhere in the entertainment zone and enjoy Argus outside of Argus."Chico's Chamber of Commerce hosted community stakeholder meetings and community engagement sessions to tailor the ordinance to the city's needs as a university town and rural area.The ordinance will allow people 21 and older to walk around with open containers of alcohol within the entertainment zones as long as they have a wristband, stamp or another visible marker showing they're allowed to do so."To us it's more than an ordinance," said Jen Rothenwander, marketing manager at Meriam Park. "It's an opportunity to invest back into the community, and to continue to do what Chico does well – which is to create the spaces for people to stick around and gather, and shop and spend."The Meriam Park entertainment zone will be enclosed by Springfield Drive, Alcott Avenue, Notre Dame Boulevard and E. 20th Street.The Downtown Chico entertainment zone will span mostly from Highway 32 to Lost Park.Chico Chief of Police Billy Aldridge spoke with Redding Police and was informed they had zero problems with their entertainment zone.Chief Aldridge endorses the ordinance in Chico. freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "actionnewsnow-com_blox_yup-rectangle-one", slotId: "actionnewsnow-com_blox_yup-rectangle-one", targeting: { "pos": "yup-rectangle-one" } });
Joey, Jesse Buss reportedly interested in NBA Europe ownership, stake in Padres
The brothers were fired from their positions within the Los Angeles Lakers' front office last fall, not long after Mark Walter's purchase of the franchise from the Buss family was approved.
SF supes give final OK to cannabis cafes to offer food, drinks and entertainment
San Francisco may become the first city in the Bay Area to license cannabis cafes that will allow consumers to enjoy food, beverages and live San Francisco supervisors gave final approval to cannabis cafes that can serve food, beverages and entertainment alongside onsite cannabis consumption, pending the mayor’s signature.
The States Try to Topple WarnerMount…Thus Begins the Local Antitrust Era
(Welcome to the “Most Important Story of the Week”, my bi-weekly strategy column analyzing the most important (but often not buzziest) news story of the last two weeks. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. Please subscribe.) Well, it looks like it’s time for another strategy column. Can I finally avoid writing about M&A? No, it seems I cannot. Admittedly, I’m a week early with this column, since I usually put it out every other week. But this news couldn’t wait. This will make three “Most Important Stories” in a row with a merger or acquisition as its centerpiece. First, Roku-Fox (an acquisition), then Comcast-NBCUniversal (a divestment!), and now the State AGs and the WGA’s lawsuits against Paramount’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery (antitrust). M&A is usually the “most important” topic any given week, simply because a giant company merging or breaking up (or preventing those outcomes) can have the biggest impact on the streaming board. If you think about these companies as players in a game, changing the number of players is one of the biggest changes you can make. I shouldn’t really complain, either, since this lawsuit is very good news for customers and suppliers (econ speak for talent, workers and indie studios in Hollywood). So let me answer some questions about this potential trial, along with (shudder) making some heavily caveated predictions. I’ll also look at whether Hollywood must consolidate, whether or not the states can win, trouble at X-Box, Netflix’s YouTube binge, and more. Plus, I have five images that visualize this merger and the harm, including three brand new data looks you’ve never seen before. Subscribe Most Important Story of the Week - Can The States and the WGA Stop Hollywood’s Consolidation (Crisis)? If every other newsletter and news outlet is writing about the same story, I try to avoid writing about it as well, but I can’t ignore a story this consequential. The story of the last year was the fate of Warner Bros. Discovery, and this development potentially extends that saga into 2027. As I tried to figure out my angle, I realized, like my last column, I’m again faced with a series of questions. These questions, though, are much more forward-looking. Will the states win? Will the WGA win? If so, what happens to Warner Bros. Discovery? Either way, will this chill the market for future mergers? So you know what that means: predictions. About the future, no less, the hardest thing to predict.1 Just remember: nothing here comes with a guarantee. And the more confident someone is in their predictions, the less you should trust them. This situation is incredibly fluid, nuanced, uncertain and tenuous. So let’s try to explain what may happen. Question: Why File this Lawsuit? I’ll admit, a few months back, I was fairly pessimistic about the fate of this lawsuit. Rumors had started bubbling up that the state Attorneys General (in particular California) wanted to settle with either some minor divestments (usually CNN) or behavioral remedies. And that tracked for me: the states usually settle lawsuits, like the recent John Deere right-to-repair suit. Yet, they plan to fight this. (As they did the LiveNation-Ticketmaster monopolization trial and the Nexstar-Tegna merger.) Honestly, that also makes a ton of sense. Frankly, this move is just good politics for these State AGs. Most are still running for higher and higher office in blue states—some folks have emphasized that only Democratic AGs joined this suit, but given the Ellison/Trump ties, and fears of retribution, that tracks—and a high profile case like this will help them move up the electoral ladder, especially since Paramount and its leadership (the Ellisons, father and heir) have sided with the other side of the political aisle. That makes them unsympathetic to Democratic voters and Hollywood workers in particular. Why did this lawsuit happen? In addition to the very real concerns about industry consolidation, this is why. That said, I don’t think we would have seen this lawsuit for Netflix and Warner Bros., simply because they’re more sympathetic and aligned with Democrats. But those consolidation concerns are real. The “town”—meaning Hollywood and such—really is seeing the damage of mergers on this industry. That’s why the WGA also filed its own lawsuit in defense of workers as well. (Wildcard: What about Europe? Will they try to stop the deal, too? There have been some rumors out of the UK they may try to fight the deal, and UK enforcers just stopped a Getty Images-Shutterstock tie up, so there is precedence. This argument could go either way, though. On one hand, the EU doesn’t need to step in, cause they states are handling it. On the other hand, this could make the EU’s case easier. Just imagine if both sides coordinated. I’ll simply say, “We’ll see!”) Question: Will The State AGs or the WGA Win? Can the state AGs play David to Paramount-Skydance’s Goliath here? That’s really the whole thing, isn’t it? If you know this result, you could make a lot of money. When things are uncertain, it’s tempting to shrug and say, “Eh” meaning it’s a 50/50 proposition. I wouldn’t, though. When in doubt, you should expect that the merging parties succeed. AT&T did successfully buy Warner Bros., after all, and Disney bought Fox without any challenges. Many judges are extremely sympathetic to mergers, and I’d bet the state AGs get a judge who will allow the merger. (Even Obama-appointed judges often allow mergers.) As I understand it, we’ll see two main attacks. First, theatrical films. The AGs are arguing that, when it comes to share of box office and the number of both “wide releases” and blockbuster (or “tentpole”) films, the merging parties will have over 27% market share. Now, the Supreme Court once ruled from on high that any merger that exceeds 30% is presumptively illegal, but that’s guidance, not an ironclad bar. Still, the states will have to argue that this is close to having too much power, and with that power, this will likely further worsen the theater/studio splits in particular. Indeed, as Matthew Stoller pointed out, “just five studios are responsible for 95% of all blockbusters; if this merger goes through, then Paramount and Disney will control 60% of that.” So yes, movie studios will be very concentrated after this merger. Want me to visualize some of that? Well, here’s the share of films that grossed over $200 million at the domestic box office since 2022. (Note: this isn’t all films released in over 3,000 screens, but it is a good look at market power.) First, here are the 43 films by studio: Notice all the blue (Disney), orange (Universal), and purple (Warner Bros)? Yeah, those studios are powerful, and this combines Paramount with one of them. Here’s the look by studio and share of the films that grossed over $200 million: Now, if you look at that and also think, “Huh, should we break up Disney?” I’m with you. I’ve seen some folks poo-poo this idea that this is a real category, but it is! For an upcoming article, I’ve been pulling data on the share of top 100 films at the box office as a share of total box office, and it’s massive. Here’s the chart: (This analysis looks at The-Number’s top 100 films and total domestic box office each year.) To be clear, tentpoles make up 80.7% of the box office each year, so I do think it’s a genuine market. (To be clear, films grossing over $50 million make up 80% of the domestic box office, and films grossing over $100 million make up 64.1%.) I mean, the top 100 films at the box office make up 95% of each year’s grosses. Worse, the combined studios will likely cut output to flex that market power. Everyone can just look at what happened to Disney and Fox to see the precedent. (With fewer films, the remaining theaters have to give more for those few films that remain.) Here’s an image I’ve used a lot, the share of wide-release films from Disney and Fox over time: The AGs will also argue that this consolidation will also impact the cable industry. In this case, the consolidation is actually worse, but that environment is…complicated. Paramount will argue that the cable industry is shrinking. That said, predictions that cable will “go to zero” also don’t look very well supported by the data, as the declines are shrinking, meaning “cable” or “vMVPDs” will likely stabilize at some point. Can the state Attorneys General win on those two main arguments? I honestly don’t know. Again, I’d bet no, since history in general supports that, but it depends on the judge/jury and how they interpret the arguments. Notably, Paramount won’t face accusations about monopoly power in other areas, like streaming, news, sports rights, or vertical integration. I tend to disagree with leaving out sports rights, but I also see the appeal for a simpler case. The states also aren’t really pushing novel theories about labor harm either, which should help. (By the way, Sean McNulty at The Ankler wrote a great run through of potential options, and Capitol Forum also wrote a great paper on theatrical consolidation. Both these pieces predated the lawsuit. Matthew Stoller is also out with his analysis of the pros and cons of the case too.) In some ways, the WGA’s case is even stronger. Quoting Sean McNulty’s summary: “The WGA is citing WARNAMOUNT as crossing a 30% market share in multiple sectors, a number that the Supreme Court has precedent for deeming “presumptively anticompetitive” in a market. According to the WGA numbers, WARNAMOUNT would have represented: - 35% of film writing jobs between 2021 and 2024 - 36% of TV writing projects between 2022 and 2025 - 38% of overall deals between 2021 and 2024” Notably, antitrust enforcers did win recently in the Penguin-Simon & Schuster merger by focusing on labor impact, so don’t count this thinking out. (Wildcard: Will the states try to get a jury trial? Most likely no, they’ll let a judge handle it. If I’m them, though, I’d try to put this in front of a jury. Juries tend to understand monopoly power in a more realistic way than judges faced with legions of economists.) Question: What if They Win? What if They Lose?
Who pays the cost when Americans opt out of science?
Astronomer Adam Frank used to think the consequences would play out on the individual level. Today, he's changed his mind.
Jalen Brunson to Join Variety’s Inaugural Sports & Entertainment Studio in New York
Variety is bringing its acclaimed Sports & Entertainment franchise to New York City in its first-ever interview studio featuring conversations with the voices shaping the future of the sports and ente...
San Francisco supervisors approve cannabis cafés offering food, live entertainment
An All-Star goodbye? Plus, another World Cup surprise
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Earn some boos today. Coming up: 😳 Spain shocks France 🤨 Strange vibes at ASG 🔍 Another Leonard investigation There are days when the important sports events pile up. Sometimes I stare at the metaphorical mountain and feel lost. What stories are most important? What slice of the sports world am I leaving on the cutting room floor? Then I looked at my TV screen and saw the box score of the MLB All-Star Game. Nine’s a good...
Timothée Chalamet and David Beckham, Summer of Sports Kings, Meet at the World Cup
Grabbing a chat in the VIP box at the France vs Spain match, Timothée Chalamet and David Beckham’s game-day fits couldn’t be more different.
Raiders Get Strong Fernando Mendoza Take From Former NFL Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders have a decision on their hands with training camp nearing, and that’s whether the Silver and Black should go with veteran Kirk Cousins or hand the keys to the franchise over to Fernando Mendoza.Having Cousins start the season can allow Las Vegas to bring Mendoza along slowly. Nonetheless, one former NFL […] The post Raiders Get Strong Fernando Mendoza Take From Former NFL Coach appeared first on HEAVY.
Landon Donovan: Lamine Yamal Instills 'Real Fear' In Defenders
FOX Sports analyst Landon Donovan praised Spain's Lamine Yamal for his performance in the World Cup semifinal victory over France.
Moderate San Francisco mayor's 'political machine' indicate the city's shift to the center: report
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie holds a 74% approval rating as moderate Democrats and tech-backed groups spend millions to lock progressives out of power.
Ex-Kings Star Cousins Excited About Acuff Jr., Team’s Future
DeMarcus Cousins hails Darius Acuff Jr. as a franchise-altering talent while general manager Scott Perry overhauls the roster to launch a bold new era in Sacramento.
Straight to business from Kylian Mbappé as France concedes first
Straight to business from Kylian Mbappé as France concedes first
Who scored for Spain? See Mikel Oyarzabal penalty goal vs. France at World Cup
Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty to give his team and early 1-0 lead vs. France at the 2026 World Cup semifinals. See the highlight.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal nets penalty, taking lead vs France
Mikel Oyarzabal scored an early penalty, that gave Spain a 1-0 lead against France.
Wall of Entertainment Taps Chronicle Media to Power Audience Discovery and Growth for Its First U.S. Series
SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON, July 14, 2026--How do you find the exact viewers a new show is built for and turn them into a loyal, growing audience? That question is at the heart of a new multi-series partnership announced today between UK digital entertainment studio Wall of Entertainment and audience simulation platform Chronicle Media.
Mets' Francisco Lindor Refuses to Discuss Waiving No-Trade Clause
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor wouldn't discuss the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause.
World Cup predictions: Expert picks for Argentina-England, Spain-France
The 2026 World Cup semifinals are set to kick off with Spain vs. France and Argentina vs. England. Here are expert picks and predictions for the games
Suburban business park developer Michael Mooney has died at age 83
Mooney LeSage was known for developing business parks in such communities as Franklin, Germantown, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Sturtevant, and Sussex.
France face Spain for place in World Cup final
Follow live text coverage and analysis and listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary as France face Spain for a spot in World Cup final.
From The Sports Desk: Spain, France meet in star-studded World Cup semifinal
Spain’s teenage phenom Lamine Yamal has only scored once during this tournament. Will he rise to the occasion today against Kylian Mbappé and France?
Brick Pizzeria closes in Franklin; new 'entertainment experience' coming
Brick Pizzeria and Ristorante has closed at Ballpark Commons in Franklin after opening just over three years ago.
How Cycling Solved Sleep
AURILLAC, France — Is the Tour de France is the most competitive sleep environment in sports? “Probably, yeah,” answered Dr. Jon Greenwell, EF-Education EasyPost’s Head Doctor when I asked him. Every athlete needs to recover, though the demands on professional cyclists at the biggest race in the sport are unique. Riders have to be fresh…
The Trae Young Era with Washington Wizards Is Nearly Underway
After Trae Young embraced a new franchise, the Washington Wizards are officially embracing him back
49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Gets Brutal Commanders Prediction
Former NFL wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh issued a blunt prediction to the San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk. Over the last few weeks, Aiyuk has been on a tirade on social media with several videos explaining his side of the story while attacking the Niners.Nonetheless, after attacking the 49ers, Aiyuk then transitioned to shots at Washington Commanders […] The post 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Gets Brutal Commanders Prediction appeared first on HEAVY.
Letter to the Editor: A give-away contract with Another Planet Entertainment
The contracts proposed, between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Dept. and APE fall short of the industry standard. The APE contracts are not typical for a venue this size, potentially costing…
2026 World Cup Odds: Back Spain In Double Chance Market Against France
What's the best way to wager on the Spain-France semifinal match? Will Hill breaks it down.
France and Spain prepare to duel at World Cup
The World Cup held its breath Monday on the eve of the first semi-final that pitches France's fearsome attack against a technically gifted Spain team.Coach Luis de la Fuente has restored the possession-based style that was a trademark of earlier Spain teams, meaning France will have to win the ball from them before they can launch their attacks. gj/jw
The Friendly Wager: Expect Fireworks In ENG-ARG; Back France Plus Scheffler
Sammy P is back with his sixth Friendly Wager. Here's how he's betting on France-Spain and England-Argentina.
New York Yankees Proposed Trade for Giants’ Luis Arraez Revealed
San Francisco Giants infielder, Luis Arraez, who is on an expiring contract, is starting to become one of the most popular trade targets on the MLB trade market, and the New York Yankees stand out as a top fit, given their need for a contact hitter who can hit for average, play good defense, and […] The post New York Yankees Proposed Trade for Giants’ Luis Arraez Revealed appeared first on HEAVY.
"I was verbally blasted by Pierre." Xbox and Halo Studios' Pierre Hintze has reportedly 'repeatedly' been referred to HR. Is he the right person to lead Halo?
Xbox has a new CEO, Asha Sharma, and one of her stated goals is to boost the Halo franchise. Is Pierre Hintze the right person for the job?
Chuck Edwards sells McDonald’s franchises amid tight congressional race
The North Carolina U.S. member of Congress and his wife transferred their franchises to Asheville operators Christine and Chris Nevant.
Are There Any World Cup Games Today? Semifinal Schedule France vs Spain, England vs Argentina
No World Cup matches today. See the full semifinals schedule for France, Argentina and more, airing on FOX starting Tuesday.
The World Cup semifinals are set
The World Cup semifinals are set, with Spain, England, Argentina and France making up the chalkiest final four in tournament history.
⚽️ Y! Sports AM: The final four
The World Cup semifinals are set, with Spain, England, Argentina and France making up the chalkiest final four in tournament history.
World Cup 2026: France, Spain, England & Argentina statistical analysis
BBC Sport compares statistics for France, Spain, Argentina and England in the World Cup so far as the semi-finalists prepare to meet.
49ers News: Rookies reporting this week
Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Monday, July 13th, 2026
Packers Get Blunt Jadeveon Clowney Take Amid 49ers Speculation
The San Francisco 49ers have surfaced in plenty of rumors involving veteran pass rushers, but they haven’t signed one as training camp approaches.After finishing last season with 20 sacks, the 49ers are counting on Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams to help generate more pressure this year. They also added another edge rusher by selecting Romello […] The post Packers Get Blunt Jadeveon Clowney Take Amid 49ers Speculation appeared first on HEAVY.
Grace abandoned: Ohio’s journey to politicians stealing power from voters in elections
Ohio’s mail-in ballot grace period began as an effort to help all Ohioans vote and avoid embarrassing catastrophes like 2004, but axing it has become a tool for disenfranchising Democrats and concentrating power in the hands of Republicans.
Bears Get Strong Joey Bosa Message Amid 49ers Speculation
Joey Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers have been in the speculation conversation this offseason as a potential fit for the two sides. Bosa might be looking to play for a contender, while the Niners need help with their pass rush situation. Last season, the 49ers put together 20 team sacks. Still, the team is […] The post Bears Get Strong Joey Bosa Message Amid 49ers Speculation appeared first on HEAVY.
Who Are The Referees For France vs. Spain?
Ivan Barton of El Salvador will be the head official between France vs. Spain in Dallas.
Seahawks’ New Ownership Gets Blunt Devon Witherspoon Take
The Estate of Paul G. Allen announced on July 11 that it has agreed to sell the Seattle Seahawks to the Khosla family. Vinod Khosla, a limited partner with the San Francisco 49ers, is leading the ownership group.Moreover, the transaction will set a new benchmark for NFL franchise sales. ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Adam Schefter […] The post Seahawks’ New Ownership Gets Blunt Devon Witherspoon Take appeared first on HEAVY.
TPA plans to bring more local businesses into upcoming Airside D
As Airside D rises at Tampa International Airport, local businesses and franchises are vying for storefronts.
Mallett Brothers Band to open downtown concerts
Mallet Brothers Band to play in Ellsworth's Franklin Street Parklet on July 23.
Kyle Juszczyk raves about 49ers rookie ahead of training camp
Kyle Juszczyk thinks Kaelon Black has what it takes to stand out in the 49ers offense as a rookie.
Are There Any World Cup Games Today? Semifinal Schedule France vs Spain, England vs Argentina
No World Cup matches today. See the full semifinals schedule for France, Argentina and more, airing on FOX starting Tuesday.
Plan Crowd-Free European Travel to This Popular Layover Hub
Consider this less crowded alternative to Berlin and Munich for travel to Germany for apple wine, fine dining, a hip new hotel, and the world’s capital of design this year. Frankfurt is drawing more locals and becoming a destination for food and culture.
Have your say on the World Cup semi-finals 🤔
France vs Spain and England vs Argentina — who will advance to the grand FINAL of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Share your thoughts on the final in the comments!The decisive matches will take place on Tu...
49ers News: Shout out Trent Taylor
Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Sunday, July 12th, 2026
Khosla Family Get Strong Message After Record Seahawks Sale
On July 11, the Estate of Paul G. Allen announced that the Khosla family has agreed to purchase the Seattle Seahawks. Moreover, the group is led by San Francisco 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla. As for the financial terms of the sale, Seth Wickersham and Adam Schefter of ESPN reported, citing multiple league sources with knowledge of the situation, […] The post Khosla Family Get Strong Message After Record Seahawks Sale appeared first on HEAVY.
Moving from SF to Buenos Aires helped him build a family
Sunflower cofounder Koby Conrad moved from San Francisco to Buenos Aires. Its helped him "lock in" and build a family.
MLB World Reacts To San Francisco Giants Drafting Intriguing Pitcher
On Saturday, the San Francisco Giants played the third game of their series with the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park.They won by a score of 4-2.MLB World Reacts To SF Giants Drafting PitcherAlso on Saturday, the Giants selected Carson Bolemon in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft.SFGProspects wrote: “With the 29th pick in […] The post MLB World Reacts To San Francisco Giants Drafting Intriguing Pitcher appeared first on HEAVY.
'Win-Now' 49ers Trend for Blockbuster Trade in Bold Prediction
Microsoft defends Asha Sharma, says she is an American CEO and Xbox layoff had nothing to do with H-1B
As Asha Sharm, the CEO of Xbox, came under vicious trolling after the gaming division of Microsoft announced the elimination of 3,200 positions, Microsoft came to her rescue and clarified that it had nothing to do with replacing Americans with foreign workers. Frank X Shaw, the lead for the communications for Microsoft, also addressed the 'Indian-origin' angle of the immigration debate and called Asha an American born, educated CEO from Wisconsin.
Two Unfathomable Stats from Giants' Latest Meltdown
Late-inning meltdowns and a high blown save rate have pushed the San Francisco Giants to the brink of the division cellar as the bullpen squanders yet another late lead.
Milwaukee Bucks returning to full-season over-the-air television
It’s a new era for the Milwaukee Bucks, on and off the court. The NBA franchise announced Friday it will return to full-season over-the-air television for the first time in 31 years, with games airing locally on MY24 and statewide affiliates in partnership with Rincon Broadcasting Group. It’s a homecoming of sorts, as MY24 was…
Ryse: Son of Rome Is Now Just an Xbox One Memory, but in 2013 It Was Planned To Be an Era-Hopping Franchise To Rival Assassin’s Creed’s Global Ambition
Ryse: Son of Rome was originally planned to explore multiple eras, Assassin's Creed style, before critical and commercial failure sank Crytek and Xbox's ambition.
49ers News: 60 days until the season opener
Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Saturday, July 11th, 2026
Exciting news for Commanders' new stadium
Commanders president Mark Clouse reveals some exciting plans for new stadium with a big nod to franchise's successful past.
Patriots Fans Claim Tom Brady Is Sabotaging Drake Maye
Do Tom Brady and Drake Maye have unresolved beef? New England Patriots fans certainly think so. Brady had an incredible run with the Patriots, throwing for 74,571 yards and 541 touchdowns. He's undoubtedly the best player to ever suit up for the franchise. Maye, on the other hand, was an MVP ...
Sexual Assault Allegations Reshape Political Races from Maine to San Francisco
Sexual assault allegations have upended high-profile political campaigns across the country. This week, Democrat Graham Platner, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign following an accusation of rape. It comes months after former East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial bid collapsed under similar allegations. Now, a sexual assault allegation has emerged
Grant McCray makes season debut as Bericoto placed on IL
This afternoon, the San Francisco Giants announced that they placed Victor Bericoto on the 10-day IL “with an oblique strain” and taking his spot on the roster is 25-year old Grant McCray, in the majors for the first time in 2026. McCray had surgery back in June to repair his left hamate bone and up […]
‘Underwhelming’ 49ers’ 1st-Round Pick Called NFL’s Biggest Bust
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton predicts San Francisco 49ers WR and 2024 1st-round pick Ricky Pearsall will be NFL's "Biggest Bust" in 2026. The post ‘Underwhelming’ 49ers’ 1st-Round Pick Called NFL’s Biggest Bust appeared first on HEAVY.
Citi Taps Former Merrill Lynch Executive to Lead Northeast Wealth Business
The bank has hired Frank Castellanos amid an ongoing turnaround effort that is placing the wealth unit at the center of the company.
Zarb School of Business Remembers Douglas L. Maine, MBA, '73, Chair of the Dean's Advisory Board
The Hofstra University community mourns the passing of Douglas L. Maine, MBA, '73, a distinguished business executive, visionary, philanthropist, and steadfast advocate for the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. Maine, who chaired the Zarb School's Dean's Advisory Board, leaves an extraordinary legac
Beloved American ice cream chain shuttering dozens of stores nationwide
From Alaska to Texas, Dairy Queen closures are mounting as franchisees face strict corporate compliance mandates and tightening economic pressures.
HOTWORX Franchise Expands to Alaska, Starting in Wasilla
Former Alaskans return with a new fitness trend: hot yoga, hot pilates, and hot cycle sessions held in saunas to keep muscles limber and lithe.
The Steelers Have the Pieces to Contend in the AFC
The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone a lot of change during the 2026 offseason. While the team has not answered the question of who their franchise quarterback is, they are focused on gearing up for a deep run next year. This will not be easy. The AFC is a bloodbath of a conference, with teams trading […] The post The Steelers Have the Pieces to Contend in the AFC appeared first on The Lead.
From The Sports Desk: France steamrolls another opponent, cruises into semifinals
Can either Spain or Belgium, who play in today’s quarterfinal, stop the Frenchmen?
All Five HUNGER GAMES Films Return to Theaters from Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment in Anticipation of THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
The odds will be in audiences’ favor as fans of the The Hunger Games saga—new and returning—experience all the magic of the franchise once again, with all five Hunger Games films returning to theaters September 3- 7, 2026. Back in theaters from Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment each of the entries in The Hunger Games: All Five Films will […]
⚽️ Y! Sports AM: Liberté, Égalité, Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé delivered yet again, leading France to a 2-0 victory over Morocco to bring Les Bleus within one win of reaching the World Cup Final.
The Wasteland Calls Again: Obsidian Entertainment Reportedly Working on New Fallout Title
Bloomberg reports that Obsidian Entertainment is in early development on a new Fallout game, with New Vegas director Josh Sawyer leading the project. The move comes as Xbox restructures its studios and pivots toward major franchises, reportedly cancelling an Avowed sequel and implementing layoffs at Obsidian.
MidFirst Business Credit Appoints Nelson as Business Development Officer
MidFirst Business Credit, a subsidiary of MidFirst Bank, a privately owned bank, appointed Graham Nelson as vice president, business development officer,
SF Supervisor Jackie Fielder holds first town hall after mental health leave
San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder attended her first town hall meeting in three months following a leave of absence.
Taylor Frankie Paul reportedly filming again on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
Embattled reality star Taylor Frankie Paul reportedly back in front of the cameras for ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’ four months after video surfaced of her throwing a chair at her boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Bucs Ranked Very Low in Offseason Power Rankings
Haunted by a historic late-season collapse and the departure of franchise icons, Tampa Bay faces skepticism as critics question if this roster can still dominate the division.