Janine’s Daily Digest

Alonso Back Injury Rules Him Out of FP1; Drugovich Steps In for Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso missed the first practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix after suffering a back problem that medical staff deemed too painful to race through. Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich stepped into the AMR26 and completed FP1 without incident. Alonso's race weekend status was initially uncertain, though he was subsequently cleared to return to the cockpit from FP2 onwards. The injury came at a particularly awkward moment for the 44-year-old Spaniard, as Aston Martin unveiled their most substantial upgrade package of the 2026 season at the Hungaroring this weekend — a critical step the team hopes can transform their mid-season fortunes. Alonso spent time with team physios before being given the green light for FP2.

McLaren Brings 'Significant' New Floor to Hungary; Norris Tops FP1

McLaren arrived at the Hungaroring with what the team describes as a significant aerodynamic update package, including a revised floor and new bodywork elements, aimed at closing the gap to championship-leading Mercedes. Lando Norris subsequently topped the opening practice session, with the new specification running on the MCL38 for the first time in a race-weekend environment. Norris was characteristically measured, describing the team as 'cautious' about reading too much into early practice performance while the new components are better understood. The upgrade represents McLaren's most ambitious technical step since mid-season and was motivated by the performance advantage Mercedes demonstrated throughout the first half of the campaign.

Aston Martin's 'Make-or-Break' Upgrade Package Arrives at Hungaroring

Aston Martin arrived at the Hungarian Grand Prix with what team principals describe as the AMR26's most comprehensive technical update of the 2026 season — a package seen internally as a make-or-break moment for the team's campaign. The Silverstone outfit has endured what rivals have bluntly called the weakest car on the grid, and the Hungary upgrade targets fundamental aerodynamic deficiencies. Fernando Alonso, despite missing FP1 with a back injury, offered positive early impressions ahead of the weekend. Questions persist about the team's spare parts inventory as they navigate a critical upgrade race against mid-field rivals. Lance Stroll and Alonso have scored just one championship point between them all season.

Hamilton Insists Ferrari 'Really Believes' It Can Fight for 2026 World Championship

Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari has what it takes to overhaul championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the second half of the 2026 season, declaring that the entire Scuderia team 'really believes' a title challenge is possible. Hamilton trails Antonelli by 45 points heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix — the final round before the summer break — meaning Ferrari must make meaningful gains before racing resumes in September. The seven-time world champion praised the trajectory of the SF-26 and expressed genuine optimism about the team's development pace. Hamilton currently sits second in the standings with 159 points to Antonelli's 204, with George Russell a further five points back in third.

Hamilton: 'Worlds Away' from 'Useless' 2025 F1 Low as He Teases Documentary

Lewis Hamilton used the Hungarian Grand Prix media day to reflect on the remarkable reversal of his fortunes since he described his final season at Mercedes in 2025 as 'useless.' Now second in the championship with Ferrari and fighting for an eighth title, Hamilton said he feels 'worlds away' from those lows and is energised by the prospect of becoming the most decorated world champion in the sport's history. The 41-year-old also teased details of an upcoming documentary chronicling his move from Mercedes to Ferrari and what unfolded behind the scenes. Hamilton's revival at Maranello has become one of the defining story arcs of the 2026 season.

Mercedes Confirms Fix for Russell's Power Unit Software Glitch That Caused Belgian GP Crash

Mercedes confirmed at the Hungarian Grand Prix that engineers have identified and resolved the power unit software fault that caused George Russell's race-ending collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix. The glitch triggered an unexpected power reduction mid-corner during a wheel-to-wheel battle, causing Russell to brake later than Hamilton anticipated and resulting in contact that retired Russell and compromised Hamilton's race. Mercedes diagnosed the issue as a software bug rather than a hardware failure, requiring no physical component replacement. Russell arrived in Budapest optimistic that the technical cause has been eliminated, with the three-time race winner sitting third in the championship, five points behind Hamilton.

Verstappen: Red Bull Saw 2026 F1 Engine Power Crisis 'Coming Years Ago'

Max Verstappen revealed at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he and Red Bull foresaw the power unit challenges created by the 2026 technical regulations years before the season began, but were powerless to alter the championship's course. Verstappen has been among the most vocal critics of the new rules, arguing the Active Rear Aero system punishes drivers who push harder by costing them straight-line speed on the following straight — effectively neutralising the talent gap between the sport's best and average drivers. The four-time world champion currently sits seventh in the standings with just 91 points, a position that would have been unthinkable under the previous regulatory framework.

F1 in Talks Over Surprise Return of Malaysian Grand Prix to 2026 Calendar

Formula 1 is in active discussions to add a surprise Malaysian Grand Prix to the 2026 calendar, with Sepang International Circuit tipped as the venue. The race is proposed for October 4, slotting between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 27 and the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. Malaysia last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017 before its contract lapsed over commercial disagreements. The return would bring the 2026 season's total race count to a new record. Reports suggest the race has gained significant support from teams and promoters, with a formal announcement potentially imminent. Confirmation is expected in the coming weeks if ongoing negotiations conclude successfully.

Leclerc Admits He Went 'Too Far' in Aggressive Belgian GP Clash with Piastri

Charles Leclerc acknowledged at the Hungarian Grand Prix media day that he overstepped the mark in his wheel-to-wheel battle with Oscar Piastri at the Belgian Grand Prix, saying his defensive driving 'went too far.' Leclerc escaped without a penalty from stewards at Spa despite Piastri publicly expressing frustration with the move at the time. The Ferrari driver, who finished second at Belgium to consolidate fourth place in the championship with 126 points, said he had reflected on the incident during the week and accepts his defence was excessively aggressive. Piastri had previously voiced concern about how the clash was handled by race officials.

RECAP

Walker Returns From Home Run Derby to Heroes’ Welcome as D-backs Rout Cardinals 10-6

Jordan Walker received a standing ovation and lined an RBI double on the first pitch of his return from winning the 2026 Home Run Derby, but Arizona’s offense overwhelmed St. Louis in a 10-6 Thursday victory. Tyler Locklear, a late addition after Ketel Marte was scratched with back stiffness, hit a two-run homer in the fourth and added an RBI single in the eighth. Corbin Carroll hit his league-leading 12th triple in the fifth, and Nolan Arenado drove in two runs with singles. Arizona scored five times in the eighth inning, putting the game out of reach and dropping the Cardinals to 11 losses in their last 16 games.

RECAP

Twins Rally in 12th to Edge Guardians in Extra-Innings Thriller

The Minnesota Twins scored twice in the 12th inning to beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 Thursday, overcoming a pitching gem by Guardians starter Gavin Williams. Patrick Bailey’s solo homer in the fifth gave Cleveland the lead off Twins starter Taj Bradley. Williams was brilliant, throwing an immaculate inning in the fourth in his third straight start with at least 11 strikeouts. Alan Roden tied the game with an RBI single in the eighth, and in the 12th, Trevor Larnach’s go-ahead single off reliever Erik Sabrowski put Minnesota ahead before Luke Keaschall added an insurance run. Jack Anderson retired the final Guardians batter to secure the win.

RECAP

Outman Three-Run Homer, Dingler Double Lift Tigers Past Royals

James Outman hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning, and Dillon Dingler added a tiebreaking double in the eighth as the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 Thursday. Detroit has now won 14 of its last 19 games, keeping the Tigers in the wild-card hunt and adding pressure to any decision to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal before the August 3 deadline. The Royals, who placed star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. on the injured list Wednesday with back tightness, fell to 43-61 and last place in the AL Central, 12.5 games back of the division-leading Chicago White Sox.

RECAP

Iglesias Earns 21st Save as Braves Hold Off Padres Late Rally

Raisel Iglesias pitched a scoreless ninth inning, striking out Luis Rengifo with two runners on base to earn his 21st save as the Atlanta Braves held off the San Diego Padres 6-5 Thursday. Ty France hit a two-run homer off Braves reliever Tyler Kinley in the eighth to pull San Diego within one. Michael Harris II went 2 for 4 with two runs scored, and Ozzie Albies collected two hits for Atlanta. The Braves, who have won six of their last eight games, improved to 60-42 and sit atop the National League East, while the Padres fell to 50-53, 15 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.

RECAP

Bieber Goes Season-High Seven Innings as Blue Jays Avoid Sweep

Shane Bieber pitched a season-high seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits with no walks and three strikeouts, as the Toronto Blue Jays avoided a four-game home sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with a 3-1 victory Thursday. Bieber needed just 86 pitches to record his second consecutive win. George Springer went 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI single, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed two singles and a run batted in. Closer Louis Varland worked a clean ninth for his 21st save in 21 opportunities. The Blue Jays, at 47-56, remain 12.5 games behind division-leading Tampa Bay in the AL East.

TRADE

Rival Executives 'Convinced' Padres Will Deal All-Star Closer Mason Miller

Rival front office executives say they are convinced the San Diego Padres will trade All-Star closer Mason Miller before the August 3 trade deadline, with the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies identified as the primary suitors. The Padres have also not ruled out dealing starter Michael King or high-leverage reliever Adrian Morejon. Miller, who has said he loves playing in San Diego, addressed reporters about the trade talk this week and acknowledged an active deadline looms. The Padres sit at 50-53 and are considered deadline bubble teams; the Phillies, who need rotation and bullpen help, are said to be actively seeking both Miller and a back-end starting pitcher.

INJURY

Bobby Witt Jr. Placed on IL for First Time in Career With Back Tightness

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with lower back tightness, the first IL stint of his five-year major league career. Witt exited Monday’s game against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning and did not return to the lineup before the team made the move official. The Royals recalled infielder Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Omaha to fill the vacant roster spot. Kansas City has not given a timetable for Witt’s return. The Royals sit at 43-61, last in the AL Central, though Witt himself has been one of the game’s most consistent stars before this week’s setback.

STANDINGS

Dodgers and Brewers Lead Their Leagues as Trade Deadline Race Heats Up

With ten days until the August 3 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead all of baseball at 65-38, while the Milwaukee Brewers pace the NL Central at 64-38, seven games clear of the Cubs. In the American League, Tampa Bay leads the AL East at 59-43, two games ahead of the Yankees. The Chicago White Sox hold the AL Central at 54-47, one and a half games in front of the Cleveland Guardians. The Texas Rangers (51-51) and Seattle Mariners (51-52) are in a near tie atop the AL West. Standings are through Thursday, July 23.

HARDWARE

AMD’s 7,000-Pound Helios AI Rack Takes On Nvidia with Anthropic Partnership

AMD launched Helios, its highest-performance AI rack, targeting Nvidia’s dominance in data-center AI infrastructure. The double-wide system, built on the OCP open rack wide standard co-developed with Meta, weighs nearly 7,000 pounds and is slated to ship later this year. Anthropic and AMD announced a strategic partnership Wednesday to deploy up to two gigawatts of GPUs via Helios; OpenAI, Meta, Oracle, and Microsoft have also committed to deploying the system. AMD expects the AI accelerator market to approach $1.4 trillion by 2030. The company separately introduced the Venice-X data-center CPU, built for high-compute workloads, scheduled to launch in 2027.

OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Health to All US Users as Weekly Health Queries Hit 300 Million

OpenAI expanded ChatGPT Health to all U.S. users aged 18 and over Wednesday, making it available on free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans on web and iOS. The feature, first tested in January, integrates data from Apple Health, Function, and MyFitnessPal, and connects to medical records from Epic and Oracle Health. Weekly health-related queries have grown from 230 million at January’s launch to 300 million. The rollout comes one day after a Florida pastor sued OpenAI, claiming ChatGPT gave advice not to consult a doctor in what his lawsuit describes as a near-fatal situation. OpenAI maintains its services are not intended for diagnosis or treatment of health conditions.

SOFTWARE

Black Forest Labs Launches FLUX 3, Its First Model to Generate Video and Audio Together

Black Forest Labs, the Freiburg-based startup behind the FLUX image generator series, launched FLUX 3 Thursday in limited Early Access — its first public video generation model. Unlike systems that stitch together separate image, video, and audio models, FLUX 3 was jointly trained across all three modalities from a single architecture and extends to robotic vision and action prediction. The model generates images and audio/video clips up to 20 seconds from a single prompt. BFL is positioning FLUX 3 as a universal visual intelligence platform spanning creative generation, simulation, computer use, and robotics. Open-weight versions and a FLUX 3 Dev build are planned for later this year.

INDUSTRY

AI Chip Startup Etched Doubles Valuation to $10.3B as First Client Systems Go Live

Etched, the AI chip startup founded in 2022 by three Harvard dropouts, closed a $300 million Series C round Thursday at a $10.3 billion valuation — double its $5 billion valuation from December. The round was led by Sequoia, with Andreessen Horowitz, SK Hynix, Jane Street, and Diffusion Capital also participating; the company said it is the highest valuation for any Series C Sequoia has led. Etched’s chips are designed to accelerate inference through two proprietary components the company built from scratch. Clients are now testing its first full systems, and Etched has booked $1 billion in orders.

SECURITYREGULATION

AI Safety Guardrails Are Blocking Legitimate Cybersecurity Researchers, Security Pros Warn

The same AI safety guardrails designed to stop malicious hackers are now blocking legitimate offensive cybersecurity researchers from doing their jobs, TechCrunch reported Thursday. Security researchers outside vetted-access programs — such as Anthropic’s cybersecurity vetting program — find frontier AI models too restricted to perform vulnerability research; some at non-enrolled companies say the guardrails render the tools nearly useless. The tensions are compounded by export controls: the U.S. government placed restrictions on Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable models in June after a report found those guardrails could be bypassed to execute cyberattacks, adding a regulatory dimension to an already fraught debate over AI safety and security access.

ROBOTICS

Mobileye Founder Amnon Shashua Steps Down After 28 Years as Company Enters Robotics

Mobileye founder and CEO Amnon Shashua announced Thursday he will step down after nearly three decades, remaining in the role until the company finds a replacement. The announcement, filed with regulators, comes as Mobileye pushes into robotics and autonomous vehicles. In January, the company acquired Shashua’s own humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for $900 million — a phase Shashua called Mobileye 3.0. In June, Mobileye said it would launch a robotaxi service in a U.S. city in 2027. Mobileye built its business on computer vision chips rooted in Shashua’s Hebrew University research, was acquired by Intel in 2017 for $15.3 billion, and returned to public markets in 2022.

HIRING

Initial Jobless Claims Fall to 187,000 — Lowest Weekly Level Since 1969

Initial unemployment claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 187,000 for the week ending July 18, the Labor Department reported Thursday — the lowest weekly total since September 1969. The figure dropped 22,000 from the prior week's revised 209,000 and came in far below the 212,000 analyst forecast. The four-week moving average also declined, suggesting the reading is part of a sustained trend rather than a one-week anomaly. For tech recruiters, the data presents a double-edged picture: the broader labor market remains resilient, but candidates displaced by individual tech layoffs — like Patreon's this week — may find competition stiffer than headlines suggest.

HR TECHTALENT

Directing AI Agents — Not Just Using Them — Is the New Critical Workplace Skill

A joint field study from KPMG and the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business tracked 523 early-career professionals and found that directing AI — refining its output, questioning its conclusions — produced significantly better results than simply delegating tasks to it. Workers at the top and bottom of the performance scale had nearly identical knowledge, skill levels, and AI literacy scores; the difference was entirely behavioral. Top performers treated AI as a collaborator that required direction and judgment. KPMG recommends that organizations build workflows that document why employees accepted, changed, or rejected AI output — making the skill visible and trainable.

HIRINGCOMPENSATION

55% of Companies Are Redirecting Entry-Level Hiring Budgets to AI

More than half of companies — 55% — say they have redirected entry-level hiring budgets toward artificial intelligence tools rather than human workers, according to a ResumeTemplates.com survey cited Thursday by HR Dive. The shift quantifies what many new graduates have noticed anecdotally: entry-level roles are disappearing fastest as AI automates the work that once served as a career on-ramp. Separately, an NFP survey found that 69% of workers are unsure they will retire comfortably, and West Health and Gallup data show 24% remain in jobs they dislike solely for health insurance access — friction points that affect both who is available to hire and who is willing to move.

LAYOFFSCOMPENSATION

More Than Half of Laid-Off Workers Considered Accepting Lower Pay to Get Back to Work

More than half of workers who experienced a layoff say they considered accepting a lower salary offer than they would have demanded before the job loss, according to Glassdoor data published Thursday. The findings also point to a potential worsening of the gender pay gap through layoffs, with laid-off employees ultimately landing at compensation levels below their prior earnings at rates that differ by gender. For tech recruiters actively sourcing from a growing pool of AI-displaced and restructured candidates, the data highlights a critical ethical consideration: the desperation that comes with job loss should inform more equitable and transparent offer strategies, not become a negotiating lever.

PHILANTHROPY

Progressive Foundations Expand Support for Conservative Groups in Bid to Bridge Political Divides

Progressive foundations are increasingly funding conservative and bipartisan organizations in an effort to bridge political divides, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reports. Institutional funding for democracy programs reached $6.7 billion in 2024, a 17% increase, with nearly $1 billion directed to bridge-building efforts—a 36% jump from the prior year. Ford Foundation announced a $60 million nonpartisan democracy commitment in April. Freedom Together Foundation, led by Deepak Bhargava, increased its payout to 10% of assets for the second consecutive year, generating $280 million extra for democracy efforts. Andrew Carnegie Foundation has shifted grants toward center-right groups including the Cato Institute and Be the People coalition, co-chaired by the Koch-linked Stand Together.

INDUSTRY

Trust in Nonprofits Holds at 56% While Confidence in Philanthropy Falls to 29%, Survey Finds

Public trust in nonprofits held near-steady at 56% in 2026—down one point from last year but 27 points ahead of philanthropy, which dropped four points to 29%, according to Independent Sector’s seventh annual trust study with Edelman Data & Intelligence, based on 3,000 U.S. adults. Human service organizations were most trusted at 67%; seven of nine nonprofit categories posted declines, with civic organizations falling four points. Trust was bipartisan: 64% of Democrats and 58% of Republicans expressed confidence in nonprofits. CEO Akilah Watkins attributed high nonprofit trust to transparency and direct community engagement, and called on nonprofits to invite more Americans into volunteer and advocacy roles.

ANALYSIS

Philanthropy Must Share Risk, Not Just Resources, Former Anti-Violence Worker Argues

Marcel D. Woodruff, an implementation strategist at the California Endowment, argues in Nonprofit Quarterly that philanthropy risks what political philosopher Joy James calls “the captive maternal”—a mode of care that demands labor from communities closest to suffering while leaving underlying structures intact. Drawing on his experience mentoring youth caught in gun violence, Woodruff argues that solidarity must be material, not theoretical. He cites The California Endowment’s Schools Not Prisons campaign as a model of philanthropy that shared physical and political risk alongside communities, contrasting it with philanthropy that “soothes the conscience of wealth” while managing symptoms rather than building community power.

ANALYSIS

Burnout Is an Issue for Nine in Ten Nonprofit Organizations, Survey of Sector Leaders Finds

Nine in ten nonprofit sector leaders say burnout is an issue for their staff, according to the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s 2026 State of Nonprofits report. In a Nonprofit Quarterly advice column, executive coach Marian Urquilla responds to a 20-year nonprofit professional weighing a move to the corporate sector, arguing that overwork has become “a sectoral feature rather than a glitch.” Urquilla says the sector is under heightened pressure from federal instability, and advises experimenting with new roles rather than an abrupt switch. She encourages treating the desire for sustainable conditions as “important information rather than a moral failure.”

POLICY

Tax Reform Without Reparations Is Incomplete, Former Grocery Chain Executive Argues

Nicole Piccinini Pesco, former co-president and CEO of The Save Mart Companies, argues in Nonprofit Quarterly that tax reform alone is insufficient to repair systemic economic inequity. Drawing on her family’s grocery business—built with capital routinely denied to Black entrepreneurs—she notes that just 8% of Black families inherit anything, compared with 26% of white families. She cites Justice Louis Brandeis’s warning that concentrated wealth is “inconsistent with democracy” and a cross-national study linking inequality to democratic erosion. Pesco argues that reparations and fair taxation must work together to address both present inequality and the nation’s founding harms.

PHILANTHROPY

Feminist Organizations Face Severe Funding Fragility, AWID Study of 1,174 Groups Across 128 Countries Finds

Feminist organizations worldwide face severe funding fragility, according to AWID research covering 1,174 organizations across 128 countries. While 71% now receive some core funding—up from roughly half receiving none in 2010—62% report core funding covers less than one-fifth of their budgets, and only 4% have access to grants longer than three years. By 2025, 28% had no financial reserves; 46% projected no savings past 2026; and 64% could not sustain operations for more than six months without external funding. AWID Co-Executive Directors Faye Macheke and Inna Michaeli call for multi-year, flexible core funding for feminist movements.

Peacock Posts First-Ever Quarterly Profit of $189 Million, Hits 48 Million Subscribers as NBCUniversal Spinoff Advances

Peacock has reached a landmark milestone, posting itsfirst-ever quarterly operating profit of $189 millionin Q2 2026 — a major turnaround for the streaming service that has been loss-making since its 2020 launch. The platform added two million subscribers to reach48 million, fueled by the FIFA World Cup, NBA Playoffs, andLove Island USA. Comcast ad revenue jumped55%in the quarter, underlining the role of live sport and unscripted programming in the platform’s commercial recovery. The results arrive as Comcast finalizes plans tospin off NBCUniversalinto a separate publicly traded company, with Peacock’s profitability now a central argument for the spinoff’s valuation.

IMAX Posts $103 Million Q2 Revenue, 65% EPS Surge as CEO Calls The Odyssey ‘Transformational’

IMAX Corporation reported a standout second quarter, withQ2 2026 revenue of $103 million— up 12% year-over-year — and adjusted earnings per share surging65%to $0.43. CEO Rich Gelfond calledChristopher Nolan’sThe Odyssey“a transformational event” and “the purest and most complete expression yet of the power of our global platform.” The Odyssey captured20% of its worldwide debut grosson IMAX screens despite the format occupying less than 1% of total screens globally. The results reinforce the premium-format-first rollout as a distinct marketing strategy: IMAX exclusivity windows, early ticket sales, and 70mm roadshows are now measurable commercial drivers, not just prestige signals.

Judge Extends Paramount-WBD Merger TRO to August 17 as 12 State AGs and WGA Join Legal Fight

A federal judge has extended the temporary restraining order blocking the$110 billion Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery mergertoAugust 17, giving opponents additional time to mount their injunction bid. The TRO extension follows a significant legal broadening:12 state attorneys generalhave joined the challenge, arguing the combined company would distort content markets, while the Writers Guild of America also filed as a plaintiff over labor-competition concerns. The European Union has already approved the deal. With studio operations and development pipelines in limbo, the extended legal timeline is creating ripple effects on marketing budgets andrelease-calendar planningat both Paramount and Warner Bros.

Atari and Universal Pictures Strike 10-Film Deal for Asteroids, Pong, Missile Command and More Classic Arcade IP

AtariandUniversal Pictureshave signed a deal giving Universal the rights to develop10 classic arcade game propertiesinto feature films: Asteroids, Adventure, Berzerk, Breakout, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Millipede, Missile Command, Pong, and Yars’ Revenge. Entertainment 360’s Guymon Casady will produce. Universal has already purchased the first project — an original script byMatt Reilly and Carl Hampe— and will develop big-scale action-adventure films from the catalog. The deal signals Hollywood’s escalating bet that retro game nostalgia can anchor franchise tentpoles with the same commercial logic as superhero IP, targeting audiences with multi-decade relationships to the source material.

Paramount’s Ebenezer Goes Guerrilla at Comic-Con: Johnny Depp as Scrooge in Gaslamp, Then a Hall H Trailer Reveal

Paramount Picturesstaged one of Comic-Con 2026’s most talked-about marketing stunts Thursday:Johnny Deppappeared unannounced in full Scrooge costume inside a faux 1880s British Christmas village erected in San Diego’s Gaslamp district, drawing a crowd that had gathered for over an hour. Depp then crashed Collider’sHall H panelto unveil the trailer for director Ti West’sEbenezer, in which he delivers the in-character line “It’s good to be back.” The film — releasingNovember 13, 2026and co-starring Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, and Daisy Ridley — marks Depp’s most prominent Hollywood marketing appearance since his 2022 defamation trial.

CBS Switches Affiliations From Nexstar to Hearst TV and Forum Communications in Six Markets, Effective August 1

CBSis pulling its affiliate agreements fromNexstar-owned stations insix markets, reassigning them to Hearst Television and Forum Communications stations effectiveAugust 1. The affected Nexstar stations will convert to CW Network affiliates. Among the impacted markets: Albuquerque, New Mexico, where KOAT-TV (Hearst) becomes the new CBS affiliate, while Nexstar’s KRQE-TV will carry Fox on its primary channel. Nexstar confirmed CBS is extending affiliation in 36 other markets. The realignment reflects ongoing friction between broadcast networks and local station groups over retransmission consent fees and distribution terms — pressures that directly shape how network entertainment is programmed, branded, andmarketed to household audiencesacross America.