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Oklahoma political parties must alter future reporting of expenditures to candidates
Political parties should begin adjusting how they report expenditures to Oklahoma candidates in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision removing caps on certain expenses, the head of the state ethics commission said.
Maine Supreme Court affirms Bellow’s decision to invalidate trans sports ballot question
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court Friday affirmed the Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ decision to remove a question about transgender sports from the ballot this November because its campaign committee did not collect enough valid signatures. The group, called “Protect Girls Sports,” initially submitted enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, proposing an […]
New ‘RHOC’ Housewife and former Playboy Playmate addresses if she slept with Hugh Hefner
New ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ housewife and former Playboy Playmate Carmella Garcia answers intimate questions about Hugh Hefner on the reality show’s season 20 premiere.
Premiums rise, but overall costs could fall for NC State Health Plan members under a new system
Significant changes coming for the health insurance plan for NC teachers and state workers, including premium increases and a tiered system for hospital choices.
MAGA's attack on science is even worse than it looks
In my post on America’s 250-year anniversary, I argued that respect for the individual was the “secret sauce” in the U.S.’ long-lasting preeminence among nations. But it was certainly not the only factor. There were plenty of institutional innovations that helped the U.S. stay on top — economically, militarily, and in terms of the attractiveness of its society. One of these was American science. Today we take things like the modern research university, government grants for science, public-to-private research spinoffs, etc. for granted, but a lot of that infrastructure wasn’t there before World War 2. It was either invented or scaled up massively by the U.S. government in the postwar period, led by far-sighted scientist-bureaucrats like Vannevar Bush (pictured above). If you want to read about this history, a good place to start would be Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson’s excellent book Jump-Starting America. Those scientific institutions didn’t exist in a vacuum, however. They were backed by the U.S. government’s abiding faith in the power of science — and, even more fundamentally, by deep popular trust in the scientific enterprise. Science gave us radar and the atom bomb in wartime, and in peacetime it gave us plastics, vaccines, cheap food, and a thousand other things that made our lives easier. Science was also the driver behind American industry — chemicals, aerospace, telecommunications, computers, electronics, and so on. We owed science our jobs, our livelihoods, our comfortable living standards, and our greatness and power as a nation. It’s little wonder that both political parties, even as they fought viciously over other issues, were steadfast in their support of science. For a long time, the only people who distrusted science were a hippie fringe on the left who disliked modernity (or thought they did, anyway), who also disliked American industry and American power, and who subscribed to an early version of degrowth environmentalism. America’s scientific enterprise is still strong, especially compared to the systems in Europe, Japan, Korea, and other developed countries. It has lost a lot of ground to China in a relative sense, but a lot of that is because of China’s incredible growth; as China has poured untold amounts of money and talent into its research labs, spending and output have overtaken the U.S. by some measures. There are a few ways in which China’s rise creates problems for American science — for example, top scientists can choose to work in China instead of in the U.S. — and of course there’s the concern that China’s technological strength will help its military to reign supreme. But overall, China’s rise in science should be good for American science, since American scientists can use Chinese discoveries for free and build on them. The much bigger problem is that the scientific enterprise America built during and after World War 2 is now being threatened with absolute decline. The biggest problem, of course, is that much of the country — the Republican half — has basically lost faith in the scientific enterprise. To what degree this loss of faith is justified is an open question, and deserves to be discussed openly. But the larger point — that the system that powered American dominance is under threat — is true either way. Most Americans still trust science, but MAGA Republicans don’t There’s a myth, popular in right-wing circles, that scientists have lost the trust of regular Americans — either due to the increasingly left-wing composition of academic departments, or to misbehavior during Covid, or to DEI-related research taking over science, etc. This also fits with a wider narrative that Americans are losing trust in all of our institutions. But it just isn’t true. Poll after poll shows that on the whole, Americans still trust scientists and want to spend more on science. For example, here’s a Pew poll from late 2025 showing that although about a fifth of Republicans did lose confidence in science in 2020, two thirds still have at least “a fair amount” of confidence: That same poll found that scientists are among America’s most trusted groups — even better trusted than the military! In fact, Americans trust scientists more than people in most other countries do. Other polls show that although Republican trust in science has dropped somewhat, Republican support for spending more on science remains very strong: A Pew poll in 2023 found the exact same thing: So when MAGA types tell you about scientists losing their credibility, or a drop in trust in science, they’re only talking about themselves. Whatever left-wing politicization of science happened during the Biden administration — and there was definitely some of that — it was not enough to make most Republicans lose faith in the scientific enterprise, or favor research cuts in order to purge unwanted ideology from the system. That doesn’t mean I think progressives should continue down the path of politicizing scientific research. They should not, and Biden made real missteps in this area. Objectivity clearly matters for public trust of science in the long term. But as of right now, there’s no crisis of trust in science, except among the smallish minority of people who are running around screaming that there’s a crisis of trust in science. But despite science’s overwhelming popularity and public trust, Trump and his administration are launching an unprecedented and devastating attack on American science — cutting funding, and forcing science projects to undergo ideological review by government commissars. Trump’s comprehensive attack on science
NC State Health Plan approves new premium hikes, picks preferred network hospitals
It’s the latest round of changes for the plan.
Transgender girls drop lawsuit against Trump's sports order after Supreme Court ruling
Two transgender girls who were the first to challenge President Donald Trump's executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports,” have withdrawn their lawsuit in New Hampshire based on a recent U.S.
Trump ousts election commission members
It comes after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave the president new personnel authority to fire members of independent agency boards
Liverpool latest: Michael Edwards leaves as chief executive officer of football for Fenway Sports Group
Michael Edwards spent almost 15 years at Liverpool over two spells; he oversaw the arrival of Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopps departure; Slot was replaced by Andoni Iraola this summer; Edwards is credited with signing players that helped with Liverpools last two Premier League titles
Shaquille O’Neal, TNT Sports announce ‘Dunkman’ premiere date
In April, Shaquille O’Neal and TNT Sports announced that they’re launching “Dunkman,” a professional dunking league. And on Thursday night, TNT Sports revealed the premiere date and additional details about Dunkman. Dunkman will premiere on Tuesday, July 21, at 8 p.m. ET. There will be four hour-long league events on Tuesdays this summer before the…
HP OmniBook Ultra 14 review: HP's best ultraportable in years
While fully loaded models are quite pricey, the HP OmniBook Ultra is hard to beat for those in the market for a premium Windows ultraportable.
Meta Weighs Renting AI Compute as Cloud Business Takes Shape
Zuckerberg says strong demand for AI computing power could support cloud services and premium infrastructure deals.
Of course ACA premiums are rising
The government encourages higher prices through policy.
State Health Plan premiums could rise again, and some might pay more to keep their doctors
The State Health Plan is scheduled to vote Friday on a preferred provider program and whether to raise premiums on many of its 750,000 members.
White House Moves to Control Federal Science Grants as RFK Jr. Threatens Scientific Journals
A proposed tax bill could raise premiums on privately insured Californians, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes aim at medical journals.
What's next for immigrants with TPS status after Supreme Court ruling?
The legal status of nearly 1.3 million immigrants facing war or environmental disasters in their home countries is up in the air following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. In a 6-3 decision, the high court ruled last month that the Homeland Security secretary’s decision to grant, extend or terminate a country’s TPS designation, which lets people from eligible countries legally live and work in the U.S. for periods
NJ's top court says defendant can seek sex assault victim's mental health records
The state Supreme Court said a judge can privately look at mental health records, reversing a lower court that previously denied it.
Trans athletes drop lawsuit to gain access to girls' sports in New Hampshire after SCOTUS ruling
Trans athletes Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle dismissed their lawsuit challenging the state law after the Supreme Court's landmark Title IX ruling.
Hip-hop musical 'On Da Block!' premieres in New Orleans, celebrating culture and youth voices
"It gives our young people a professional stage on which to discover their voices, build confidence, and believe in themselves."
Cannes Drama ‘A Girl Unknown’ Gets Domestic Deal With Greenwich Entertainment
EXCLUSIVE: Greenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to A Girl Unknown, the debut feature by Chinese filmmaker Zou Jing. The movie premiered in the Critics Weeks section of the 202...
CNN Original Series “Decades in Sports” Premieres Sunday, August 2
Decades in Sports from executive producer Tom Hanks explores the milestones that transformed sports and helped shape America.
Trump to ask Supreme Court to rehear birthright citizenship case after 'insane decision'
Trump says he will immediately ask the Supreme Court for a rehearing on its 6-3 birthright citizenship ruling, calling the decision "absolutely insane."
Pelosi, Rowe-Finkbeiner: We can fix health care, but Trump chooses Iran
Republicans triggered this health care crisis by slashing $1 trillion from Medicaid and failing to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
Greek firefighters battle fire at business site, at least two injured
Greek firefighters on Thursday were battling a fire which broke out at a business premises some 15 km (9 miles) northwest of Athens, seriously wounding at least two people, the fire brigade said.
Delta rolls out cheaper first-class, business fares with fewer perks: 'More ways to choose'
The fares include the same onboard premium experience but with added restrictions.
Trump to seek Supreme Court rehearing on birthright citizenship
President Donald Trump said he would ask the Supreme Court to rehear a case over birthright citizenship, a longshot bid to undo a ruling that went against his administration.
Transgender student athletes end legal fight over N.H.’s girls’ sports law after recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling
Student athletes withdraw lawsuit against New Hampshire law barring transgender girls from participating in girls' school sports after Supreme Court ruling.
Delta rolls out cheaper first-class, business fares with fewer perks: 'More ways to choose'
Delta Air Lines is expanding its stripped-down fare model to premium cabins, offering lower-cost access to Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One seats.
Fort McCoy hosts 20th Government Opportunities Business Conference
Business leaders, government representatives, contractors, and economic development professionals gathered at Fort McCoy on July 7 for the 20th Government Opportunities Business Conference (GOBC), highlighting the installation's role as both a premier military training center and a major economic engine for Wisconsin.
Obamacare premiums surged this year. A new analysis shows it's likely to happen again in 2027
Middle-income Americans straining to pay for Affordable Care Act health insurance are unlikely to get relief next year, according to a new analysis.
Phil Scott issues executive order that would allow age-based health insurance premiums
The order directs the Department of Financial Regulation to explore alternative insurance options for small businesses, beyond the Affordable Care Act.
Supreme Court ruling likely means more political ads in Ohio
Thanks to the new U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down limits on campaign finance restrictions, even more political ads will likely be flooding the airwaves ahead of the November election.
The Politics of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral
Under the shadow of a fragile ceasefire, Iran transforms the funeral of its slain Supreme Leader into a display of defiance, resilience, and continuity.
Public worker health plans poised for another year of premium hikes
Premiums under New Jersey’s public worker health plans should rise by double digits, with current and former local government workers again poised to face the steepest increases, state officials learned Wednesday. Premiums for local government workers should increase by 17.3%, with a 15.1% increase for their counterparts in state government, actuaries from Aon told the […]
Reflecting on the World Cup's complex colonial politics
The Haitian team's heroic efforts were followed by news that the U.S. Supreme Court has greenlighted the end of Temporary Protected Status.
The Supreme Court just handed the political parties their best day in a generation
The Supreme Court’s decision in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. FEC has strengthened the political parties, allowing them to spend without limit in direct coordination with their …
Delta’s Basic Business Offers Cheaper Luxury Ticket With Fewer Perks
The airline’s strategy reflects a push toward a la carte pricing even for premium tickets.
'We need to get money out of our politics' says U.S. Rep Eric Sorensen
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen criticized a Supreme Court decision that struck down limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with their candidates.
'We need to get money out of our politics' says U.S. Rep Eric Sorensen
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen criticized a Supreme Court decision that struck down limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with their candidates.
Delta Air Lines' business class fare no longer guarantees these perks
Delta Air Lines announced basic tickets in all of its premium cabins. Here's what to know.
Delta launches 'basic business' fares without lounge access, seat selection
Delta is launching basic business and other stripped-down premium classes that come with fewer perks.
Storm warning for ACA shoppers: Double-digit premium hikes are coming
The 2027 outlook for the Affordable Care Act is severe.
Another big premium hike on the horizon
FDA's crackdown on online ketamine retailers, unprecedented health care premium hikes, and more health news from Morning Rounds
What to know about Delta’s expanded Basic fare options, available now
Starting today, Delta is offering Basic fares in premium products (Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One — known as Basic Business) alongside Classic and Extra fares in select markets. This expansion of the Basic experience allows customers to access premium products at a lower price point, giving them more choice and the ability to tailor their travel based on what matters most.
In Preliminary Rate Filings, ACA Marketplace Insurers Largely Propose Double-Digit Premium Increase For 2027, Following a Steep Climb This Year
ACA Marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of 14% for 2027— indicating a likely second consecutive year of double-digit increases, according to a new analysis of preliminary rate filings in 16 states and DC. If these increases hold, typical premiums for insurers participating in the ACA Marketplaces would jump by more than one-third between 2025 and 2027.
ACA premiums likely set for another double-digit rise next year
Insurers are proposing a rate hike of about 14%, driven by rising healthcare costs, inflation and the loss of enhanced tax subsidies.
Principal to acquire Beam Benefits in small business benefits deal
Beam generated $175 million in premiums last year, and the deal targets Principal's specialty benefits 5-9% growth range
Can Sphere Entertainment's (SPHR) Wizard of Oz Bet Justify Its Rich Venue-Driven Valuation?
In recent days, Sphere Entertainment drew attention as investors reacted to renewed optimism around its flagship Sphere venue and an expanded content slate, including immersive productions such as The Wizard of Oz. The key tension now is that while some valuation models suggest the shares may be trading below intrinsic value, others imply the company already carries a premium earnings multiple, highlighting how sensitive sentiment could be to venue performance and cost control. We’ll now...
How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2027 - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker
For 2027, across 77 insurers participating in the ACA Marketplaces from the 16 states and DC, the median proposed premium increase is 14%.
The Ultimate NOLA Golf Experience 2026 at Five O Fore Golf + Entertainment
New Orleans, La. (WGNO) — FIVE O FORE GOLF + ENTERTAINMENT is New Orleans’ premier golf entertainment venue, featuring three levels of interactive golf bays, live local music, and one of the bigges…
50% PlayStation Plus discounts offered to fans canceling over end of physical games
Facing criticism over a shift to digital games, Sony has made an overture to discontented supporters. Gamers threatening to cancel subscriptions may receive a PlayStation Plus price cut. Some PS Plus Extra and Premium members have secured 3-12 months of service at steep discounts.
Materials science and engineering students gain hands-on experience as part of a national manufacturing competition
Five engineering students put their design and manufacturing skills to the test in the Steel Founders' Society of America's Cast in Steel competition. The first season of the organization's YouTube series premieres on July 9.
After Supreme Court Ruling, CT Republicans Renew Push For Ban On Transgender Athletes In School Sports
Legislative Republicans are preparing for another attempt to ban transgender athletes from girls sports in Connecticut, this time with the backing of the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled last week that states could regulate gender identity in sports and could ban transgender athletes from competing in girls sports.
Supreme Court justices Kagan and Barrett to testify on Capitol Hill
Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are scheduled to testify before Congress next week as lawmakers consider the judiciary’s funding request. Barrett and Kagan are slated to appear before the House Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on Tuesday, July 14, according to the House committee schedule. They will also testify […]
Liverpool urged to consider move for electric Premier League winger
David Lynch Explains Why Yankubah Minteh Could Be Liverpool’s Alternative Winger OptionLiverpool’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements remains one of the biggest talking points of the summer, and ...
Wisconsin Supreme Court refuses to release voter records sought by conservative activist
The case has been wending its way through the courts for years and stems from attempts by conservatives to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory in Wisconsin over President Donald Trump in 2020.
Matt Damon has ‘teary moment’ seeing all 4 daughters together at ‘The Odyssey’ premiere
Matt Damon got a little ‘teary’ after walking ‘The Odyssey’ red carpet with his four daughters, who are now all grown up.
John Jastremski, Sal Licata launch ‘New York Sports Rush’ on BetRivers Network
Former WFAN hosts John Jastremski and Sal Licata have teamed up to launch a New York sports podcast on the BetRivers Network. New York Sports Rush featuring Jastremski and Licata premiered this Monday. New episodes are expected to be released on the New York Sports Rush YouTube channel every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday around 11…
Companies Brace for Fresh Political Uncertainty at U.S. Agencies
A Supreme Court ruling that presidents can fire independent regulators without cause has added volatility for industries that prefer stable enforcement.
Companies Brace for Fresh Political Uncertainty at U.S. Agencies
A Supreme Court ruling that presidents can fire independent regulators without cause has added volatility for industries that prefer stable enforcement.
Zendaya stuns at 'Odyssey' premiere in look straight off the runway
Is anyone having a busier July than Zendaya?
‘Marie Antoinette would feel very comfortable’: How U.S. airlines built their business around big spenders
Delta, United and American are pouring billions into first-class lounges, caviar service and lie-flat seats as premium cabins become their most profitable real estate—while economy travelers face rising fares and add-on fees.
Who is in charge of Iran?
Various factions look to exploit the political vacuum left by new supreme leader’s enforced absence
ServisFirst Becomes Premier Partner To American Banking Association
In a move to expand its industry engagement, ServisFirst Bank has joined the American Bankers Association’s Premier Partner Network.
It's possible to end corporate influence in politics
More than 15 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court removed limits on corporate political spending in its notorious Citizens United decision, ushering in an era of unprecedented influence by moneyed interests. As a result, a small group of ultrawealthy donors have skewed the political system to their advantage — and today, social scientists link the […]
2027 Health Care Plan Update
Greg McLaughlin, director of Health Care Services, discusses recent board-approved changes to 2027 premiums for the STRS Ohio Health Care Program.
How Political Is This Supreme Court?
Legal commentator Elie Honig thinks that the Trump-appointed Justices are getting unfair criticism.
SCOTUS won't block Texas from enforcing age verification law for app downloads
Plaintiffs' lawyers argued that the law impermissibly seeks to limit access to content protected by the First Amendment.
‘Untitled Vampire Play’
The world premiere of ensemble member Kevin Douglas' “Untitled Vampire Play” at Lookingglass Theatre Company can't decide if it wants to be a parody or make a serious point, so
OCEAN SIGNATURE RESORTS OFFERS UNMATCHED MULTIGENERATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT IN PUNTA CANA
/PRNewswire/ -- Ocean Signature Resorts is redefining the premium all-inclusive experience in the Caribbean by unveiling an elevated, sports-forward...
Money in politics, part 94
The US Supreme Court handed down a potentially transformative judgment on campaign finance last week
Apple and Intel Could Be Going Into Business Together. Which Is the Better Buy?
Both tech giants are trading at premium valuations.
Supreme Court ruling may wipe out Democrats' cash advantage in Senate battlegrounds
The GOP and Democratic national committees, others can now spend unlimited funds from their big donors in coordination with political campaigns.
Why Serbia dismisses Vučić's sudden resignation talk as a distraction
Some have likened his move to Vladimir Putin's rotation between the presidency and the premiership
NCAA president expects no changes to trans athlete rules after US supreme court ruling
Collegiate sports organization led by Charlie Baker banned trans athletes from women’s sports after 2025 Trump order
Evidence in action: how science helps us make better decisions
Anita Chandran reviews Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works by Helen Pearson
These Medicare beneficiaries thought their drug plan was free. Then they lost it
Thousands of people lost coverage over as little as $8 in delinquent payments. They didn't know their zero-dollar premiums had gone up and they owed money. Most now can't get coverage until 2027.
The Supreme Court gave political parties their power back
A little-noticed Supreme Court decision could reshape how elections are funded ‒ and it's a win for democracy, not just donors.
Gossip: Hull target Milinkovic-Savic
Hull City want to sign Napoli and Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, 29, as they prepare for their Premier League return. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian)
'Minions & Monsters' knocks out 'Toy Story 5' out in animated brawl at Fourth of July box office
It was an animated blood bath at the box office this weekend, and though 'Minions & Monsters' bested 'Toy Story 5,' its $36.4 million premiere marks a franchise low by a wide margin.
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) July 5, 2026
State Senator Analise Ortiz discusses No Safe Seats, an effort to raise money for progressive Democrats who are challenging establishment Democrats in the state. Plus, former Democratic lawmaker Reginald Bolding and Republican businesswoman Christine Jones discuss the Supreme Court ruling upholding birthright citizenship. Then, Reginald and Christine talk about the Department of Justice investigation into Senator Roben Gallego.
Watch: Emotion and politics merge in Tehran at funeral of former supreme leader
The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet is in Tehran, where funeral events are taking place in honour of Iran's former leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Science SARU's New 'The Ghost in the Shell' Series Premieres on Prime Video on July 7
A new anime series based on the hugely popular Ghost in the Shell franchise is coming to Prime Video on July 7. The news was announced at Prime Video’s new International Originals event held in London. The new Ghost in the Shell series will be directed by Mokochan, who will be making his directorial debut […]
Politics Now: July 4, 2026
This week on Politics Now with host John Langeler: Colorado’s chief negotiator on the Colorado River Compact, Rebecca Mitchell Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen (D) on the housing bill & Supreme Co…
Everton set to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea
The two Premier League clubs have agreed a deal over the 20-year-old winger
Politics chat: Trump's July 4 speech, financial disclosures; Supreme Court rulings
We take a look at President Trump's July 4th speech, as well as his reluctance to sign the bipartisan housing bill intended to help make homes affordable for Americans.
Apple’s Strategy To Minimize iPhone 18 Pro Price Rise
As memory costs push the iPhone 18 Pro retail price upward, Apple can rely on services such as online backups and connected accessories to prevent premium users from moving to Android.
How the Supreme Court has changed on transgender rights since 2020
In 2020, when the Supreme Court declared that transgender workers were covered by federal anti-discrimination law, the opinion authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch marked a legal breakthrough.
Supreme Court’s dramatic moves will reshape elections — and give the GOP a midterm boost
Legal experts said the justices’ intervention amid an election cycle and the pace at which the court moved to implement changes that largely benefit one party is all but unprecedented in recent years.
Sky Sports: Ipswich Set To Rival Fellow Promoted Side For Ligue 1 Star
Ipswich Town Enter Emersonn Race as Premier League Newcomers Move Against Hull CityIpswich Town have moved for Emersonn, and that tells you two things straight away. First, they are not approaching th...
Funeral of Iran's former supreme leader 'intensely political moment'
Authorities expect up to 20 million people to attend ceremonies across Iran and Iraq over the coming days.
iPhone 18 Pro Strategy Tests Premium Brand Loyalty
As memory costs push the iPhone 18 Pro retail price upward, Apple can rely on services such as online backups and connected accessories to prevent premium users from moving to Android.
Newsom faces criticism for state's stance on trans athletes in girls' sports after SCOTUS ruling
Gavin Newsom's office says California will keep allowing trans athletes in girls sports despite the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling upholding bans.
White supremacist group marches on U.S. Capitol on Fourth of July
A few hundred masked members of Patriot Front marched with American and confederate flags
White supremacist group marches on U.S. Capitol on Fourth of July
A few hundred masked members of Patriot Front marched with American and confederate flags
White supremacist group marches on U.S. Capitol on Fourth of July
A few hundred masked members of Patriot Front marched with American and confederate flags
Politics panel says court rulings have little effect in Indiana
Two members of Indiana’s best political team said they don’t expect the Supreme Court’s transgender athlete ruling to factor heavily into elections this fall.
Fireworks stand owner says tariffs have impacted business
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A local fireworks stand saw fewer customers heading into the holiday weekend as tariffs continue to impact business. The owner of Boomerz Fireworks on Marketplace Drive said tariffs have affected their business. The Supreme Court struck down global tariffs in February, but fireworks stands are feeling the impact this year because many […]
Long Reads for the Long Weekend
(Welcome to the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a newsletter on the entertainment industry and business strategy. I write a weekly Streaming Ratings Report and a bi-weekly strategy column, along with occasional deep dives into other topics, like today’s article. Please subscribe.) Happy Fourth of July weekend! As has been a tradition of mine going back to the beginning of the EntStrategyGuy website, I’m sharing my favorite long reads of the last year, like I did in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Let’s dive right in! Subscribe “Different Prices for the Same Ride: How Uber and Lyft Use AI to Get More Money Out of You“ by Derek Kravitz in Consumer Reports I don’t think surveillance pricing, like the kind described in this brilliant Consumer Reports article, is long for the world—it’s toxically unpopular—but we’ll see if either party takes on this issue. If I ran a political party focused on affordability, I would focus on a few pro-consumer and pro-market policies: Banning non-compete agreements. Ending surveillance pricing Eliminating junk fees (read more here...) Ensuring “right to repair” for consumer (and military!) products Capping excessive app store fees Stopping digital/algorithmic price-fixing tools. Preventing automatic subscription price increases. And more. If you want to fight inflation, there are a lot of great ways to do it quickly. Speaking of higher prices... “Secret Documents Show Pepsi and Walmart Colluded to Raise Food Prices Across the Economy“ by Matt Stoller in BIG Again, I think a political party should focus on lowering prices for consumers. And deals like this—Walmart making a deal/forcing Pepsi to offer the lowest prices at its stores and nowhere else—hypothetically lower prices at Walmart...but raise them everywhere else. “15 DUIs, still driving: California’s failure to take repeat drunk drivers off the road“ by Robert Lewis and Lauren Hepler in CalMatters CalMatters does terrific reporting in California, something the Golden State desperately needs more of, and this article is a great example of that. “PugLips: The next insanely popular thing you’ve never heard of…” by Simon Carless in Game Discover Co I thought that this parody article (and yes, it’s a parody, but I was definitely unsure at first) was hilarious and totally nailed how much tech/business journalism feels these days. Actually, three of my favorite articles this year were on hype in the video game industry, including Georg Zoller’s “The Video Game Industries Very Dark Night”—which I linked to recently and wrote a follow-up here—and Owen Mahoney’s “Derek Zoolander, Videogame Exec”. In particular, I like Mahoney’s focus on user experience as a guide to what trends will actually grab hold of customers. “The Matrix Lies“ by Evan Shapiro in Media War & Peace Evan Shapiro’s first person account of his experience with AI was hilarious. I think LLMs capabilities have significantly grown from last summer, and yet...my editor/researcher just had an abysmal experience using an LLM to do a quite basic task (which our LLM normally does each week) and the LLM made a mistake on every single data entry...along with seven different mistakes affecting twelve of the twenty or so entries, including mistakes that are explicitly spelled out in the prompt. That’s a brutal failure rate. Again, if you use AI/LLM for data collection, you need to take a lot of extra steps to verify and check the data. “Ghosts in the Balcony: A Cross-Country Trip to 58 Theaters Fighting to Survive“ by Matthew Frank in The Ankler I thought Matthew Frank’s pitch to head across America to visit theaters sounded insane aggressive at the time—at least it felt that way to someone a decade older than him; man, to be in your twenties again, am I right?—but I knew the result would be great. And it was, a terrific feature by a great young writer. Also, I loved Matthew’s recent article on who’s getting the precious few entry level jobs in Hollywood. (Hint: nepotism.) “Disney erased FiveThirtyEight“ and “Did Las Vegas get too greedy?” by Nate Silver in Silver Bulletin I love media history and analysis, and there’s no one better to get the history of FiveThirtyEight than from Nate Silver, who wrote about his personal experience in one of my favorite pieces from this year. I also loved Nate’s breakdown of what’s causing Vegas’ woes, but I’ll offer one criticism, summarized as “Might I suggest antitrust?” Many centrists/center-right/libertarian thinkers (Nate is self-described as the latter) often don’t consider consolidation or antitrust as factors in policy issues like housing, America’s military readiness, or, in this case, Las Vegas. Even if libertarians want to debunk antitrust/consolidation concerns, I’d love to read that debunking. In this case, Vegas is incredibly consolidated (though it also has been for a long time) and I’d have loved to read Nate at least contending with this factor, since he addresses almost every other potential factor for Vegas’ decline. “Why Microsoft’s Carbon Removal Pullback Is Such a Big Deal“ by Robinson Meyer in Heatmap News I’m a big supporter of carbon removal efforts, but this nascent industry faces a lot of headwinds, including this big move most recently. I think it’s clear that solar panels and batteries should be able to get the world to its carbon footprint goals, but effective carbon renewal remains necessary to prevent the worst impacts of global warming. “AI is killing the cheap smartphone“ by David Oks LLMs and AI will impact the world in ways we’re not ready for, and already, third world countries are seeing the prices of cheap cellphones skyrocket due to the cost of chips skyrocketing. This article by David Oks is a terrific breakdown. “100 Days of Madness: Netflix, Paramount, Warner and the Future of Hollywood“ by Wade Major at Hollywood Heretic Wade Major dove deep into Hollywood/streaming’s financials in this must read piece. Not that I agree with everything in this article (read my take on Warner Bros./Paramount here) but the analysis is top notch. I think many people discount how quality thinking, regardless of the argument/conclusion, will make you a better thinker. “Erased by the UFC: Frank Shamrock, The MMA GOAT of the 20th Century“ by Nate Wilcox in The MMA Draw Newsletter Growing up playing the UFC fighting game on the Dreamcast, Frank Shamrock was my favorite MMA fighter, and this history/tribute to him was great. Other Fun Reads “The Hardest Part Of History To Tell Is How It Felt“ by Craig Fehrman at Defector “Unmasking the Sea Star Killer“ by Craig Welch at bioGraphic “What Could Save the Industry? Fin-Syn“ by Richard Rushfield in The Ankler Alex Rollins Berg in Underexposed on movie bumpers, pillow shots, Disney trash cinema, cult films, and Casablanca. David H. Montgomery in YouGov’s The Surveyor on punctuation marks, condiments, dinosaurs, and comic strips and kids media. “How Medium finally pivoted its way to profitability“ and “Why the best journalists on YouTube are all former Vox employees“ by Simon Owens in Simon Owens’s Media Newsletter “It’s Not Just You, Netflix Shows Have Gotten Slightly Shorter: Here’s What the Data Says“ by Kasey Moore at What’s on Netflix “Numlock Awards: How Diane Warren became the biggest loser in Oscar history“ by Nathaniel Rakich and “Numlock Awards: The Oscar Bait era is over. The Oscar Chum era is here.” by Walt Hickey & Michael Domanico at Numlock Awards