SAMWISE
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Friday, June 26, 2026
CHAMPIONSHIP
Hamilton Declares Ferrari Title Bid Real as Austrian GP Weekend Opens
Lewis Hamilton said Ferrari has finally found its “North Star” and the 2026 title race is on, speaking ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. Hamilton, who claimed his first victory for the Scuderia at Barcelona last weekend, believes the team now has the momentum to mount a sustained championship challenge. He currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 41 points heading into Round 10. Antonelli suffered a shock retirement from the Barcelona race three laps from the finish after a component experienced a sudden temperature spike, triggering a battery failure. A new Ferrari power unit featuring a steel-alloy cylinder head is expected to debut in Austria this weekend.
Mercedes Brings Battery Fix to Austria After Antonelli and Russell DNFs
Mercedes will introduce battery fixes at the Austrian Grand Prix following a run of retirements that damaged its championship prospects. Kimi Antonelli confirmed the component causing his Barcelona retirement experienced a sudden sharp temperature spike three laps from the finish, triggering battery failure. George Russell suffered a similarly battery-related retirement in Montreal. The Race reported that Mercedes, as both team and engine supplier, had lost more points than any other outfit through reliability issues in the 2026 season. Antonelli will run a new power unit paired with an updated battery pack featuring corrective measures in Austria, though only one of Mercedes' customer teams will receive the fix this weekend.
Ferrari Confirms First ADUO-Assisted Power Unit Upgrade for Austrian Grand Prix
Ferrari has committed to introducing its first ADUO-assisted power unit upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix following Lewis Hamilton's maiden victory for the team in Barcelona. The team will ship the third version of its 067/6 power unit to Spielberg, featuring a steel-alloy cylinder head that permits combustion chamber temperatures significantly higher than conventional aluminium designs. The upgrade is paired with a new Shell fuel developed specifically for the configuration. Ferrari received authorisation for two development opportunities under the ADUO programme after the FIA classified the team as more than four percent behind the benchmark power unit. Ferrari's simulation data suggests the upgrade could eliminate the qualifying gap to Mercedes.
Red Bull Brings Second Major 2026 Upgrade to Home Race but Gap Remains
Red Bull Racing brings a second major upgrade package to its home Austrian Grand Prix, but team bosses have cautioned it alone will not close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari. The update focuses on further weight reduction, as the car remains above the minimum weight limit of 768kg. Technical director Pierre Wache previously stated the plan was to reach minimum weight with the Austrian package. Team boss Mekies estimated Red Bull still requires approximately four tenths of a second per lap relative to rivals. Max Verstappen, seventh in the championship with 55 points, described himself as excited to test the new parts at the Red Bull Ring.
Mercedes and Racing Bulls Forced to Modify Diffusers Under FIA Technical Directive
Mercedes and Racing Bulls have been required to modify their diffuser designs following a technical directive issued by the FIA, in force from the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. Mercedes' diffuser design introduced at Montreal, which featured spike-like profiles on the upper section, drew attention from Ferrari and other rivals who sought FIA clarification on whether they could develop a similar solution. The governing body declined to approve the concept and issued a directive addressing solutions it was not comfortable with. The spike-like profiles have been removed from the Mercedes car, though diffuser extensions remain, and Racing Bulls made corresponding changes to its design.
FIA Ratifies 2027 Engine Power Split Shift Away from 50/50 Formula
The FIA has ratified changes to Formula 1's engine regulations for 2027 and 2028, moving away from the current 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power. The framework will raise ICE output from 400kW to 420kW for 2027 and 450kW by 2028, with the electrical component capped at 300kW maximum. Alongside the power changes, modifications to wet weather boost mode were also ratified: boost mode will be permitted in low-grip conditions solely to prevent power reductions without increasing output, with the overtake function disabled. Max Verstappen, who had warned about his F1 future if engine rules were not addressed, said the ratified adjustments were “heading in the right direction.”
Monaco GP Result Heads to FIA International Court as Gasly Receives Trophy
Pierre Gasly received his Monaco Grand Prix third-place trophy this week despite McLaren and Red Bull Racing taking their appeal against the reinstated result to the FIA's International Court of Appeal in Geneva. Gasly had originally received two time penalties for speeding in the pit lane, but Alpine contested the decisions after FOM conceded the speed measurement device had been out by 77cm. The stewards subsequently reinstated Gasly's podium, relegating Isack Hadjar, who had already appeared on the podium in his place. McLaren and Red Bull formally objected, arguing the decision rewarded Gasly for not serving his penalties on track during the race itself.
FIA Declares Heat Hazard for Austrian GP as Temperatures Expected to Hit 31°C
The FIA has declared a Heat Hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend at the Red Bull Ring after forecast temperatures are expected to exceed 31 degrees Celsius on race day. The declaration requires drivers to either wear mandatory cooling vests or carry additional ballast in their cars. The regulation was introduced following extreme conditions at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers were left requiring medical attention. A new rule tweak for 2026 also allows the Heat Hazard declaration to be split between a sprint race and the main race at sprint weekends. Austria is not a sprint venue this year, so the standard declaration applies.
Mercedes Set to Announce Russell Contract Decision with Verstappen Implications
Mercedes is expected to announce a decision on George Russell's contract ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, with reports indicating the outcome could influence Max Verstappen's plans for 2027. Russell has won one race in 2026 compared to team-mate Kimi Antonelli's five victories and trails him by 50 points in the standings. Verstappen holds an exit clause in his Red Bull contract understood to activate if he falls outside the championship's top two by the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently seventh with 55 points, the Dutchman is well outside that threshold. Red Bull is also bringing a major upgrade package to Austria with the aim of demonstrating competitive potential.
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 156 pts
2. Lewis Hamilton — 115 pts
3. George Russell — 106 pts
4. Charles Leclerc — 75 pts
5. Lando Norris — 73 pts
6. Oscar Piastri — 68 pts
7. Max Verstappen — 55 pts
8. Pierre Gasly — 41 pts
9. Isack Hadjar — 34 pts
10. Liam Lawson — 28 pts
11. Oliver Bearman — 18 pts
12. Franco Colapinto — 16 pts
13. Arvid Lindblad — 13 pts
14. Carlos Sainz — 6 pts
15. Alexander Albon — 5 pts
16. Esteban Ocon — 3 pts
17. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
18. Fernando Alonso — 1 pts
19. Nico Hülkenberg — 0 pts
20. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
21. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 262 pts
2. Ferrari — 190 pts
3. McLaren Mastercard — 141 pts
4. Red Bull Racing — 89 pts
5. Alpine — 57 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 41 pts
7. Haas — 21 pts
8. Williams — 11 pts
9. Audi Revolut — 2 pts
10. Aston Martin — 1 pts
11. Cadillac — 0 pts
RACE RESULT
Lundgaard Wins Road America from Last After Lap-1 Front Wing Damage
Christian Lundgaard recovered from dead last to win the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America on June 21, claiming his second IndyCar victory of 2026. The Arrow McLaren driver dropped to the tail of the field after contact on the opening lap damaged his front wing, requiring a pit stop for repairs. Lundgaard drove through the field on strategy and raw pace, moving into contention when leaders ahead faltered in the final stages. He crossed the line 0.624 seconds ahead of Team Penske’s David Malukas. The result further tightened the battle for second in the championship, while Alex Palou extended his points lead to 60 despite a pit-lane speeding penalty.
Palou Extends Championship Lead to 60 Points After Road America Pit Penalty Recovery
Alex Palou leads the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series championship with 374 points following the Road America race on June 21, holding a 60-point advantage over second-placed David Malukas. Palou started from pole and led the opening 13 laps but received a drive-through penalty for speeding in pit lane. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver recovered to finish fifth in the No. 10 DHL Honda, salvaging crucial points. Malukas sits second with 314 points, ahead of Kyle Kirkwood at 313. Christian Lundgaard’s win moved him to fourth with 297 points. Nine races remain in the 18-event 2026 season, with the next round at Mid-Ohio on July 5.
Malukas Second, Power Third After Post-Race Review Reshuffles Road America Podium
The final Road America podium was confirmed as Christian Lundgaard first, David Malukas second, and Will Power third following a post-race stewards review on June 21. Power initially crossed the line third after contact with Graham Rahal on the final lap at Turn 12, sending Rahal into the gravel. Stewards ruled Power not at fault and reinstated his result, elevating his No. 26 Andretti Global Honda to the podium. Kyffin Simpson of Chip Ganassi Racing was bumped to fourth as a result. Malukas recorded his third runner-up finish of the season, continuing a consistent run that has moved him to second in the drivers’ championship.
How Lundgaard Drove from Dead Last to Victory in 55 Laps at Road America
Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard required a pit stop for a new front wing on Lap 1 of the Road America race after contact sent him to last place among the 27-car field. His team executed an extended first stint on the alternate Firestone compound to undercut rivals during the caution period, cycling Lundgaard to second place behind Marcus Armstrong with four laps remaining. Armstrong then suffered a mechanical failure, handing Lundgaard the lead. The Dane held off David Malukas over the final laps by 0.624 seconds. It was Lundgaard’s second 2026 win, following his earlier victory on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in May.
Road America Race Draws 1.8 Million Viewers, IndyCar’s Best Non-Indy 500 Audience Since 2011
The 2026 XPEL Grand Prix at Road America averaged 1.803 million viewers on FOX, a 131 percent increase over the 2025 Road America broadcast, which drew 781,000. The broadcast peaked at 2.943 million viewers and was boosted by a FIFA World Cup group stage lead-in featuring Spain versus Saudi Arabia, with 64 percent of soccer viewers remaining for the IndyCar race. The 18-to-34 demographic rose 294 percent year-over-year. For the 2026 season through 10 races, IndyCar on FOX is averaging 2.033 million viewers, up 14 percent from the 2025 average of 1.783 million across FOX’s first IndyCar broadcast season.
Power and Rahal Trade Blame After Last-Lap Contact Costs Rahal Podium Spot
Will Power and Graham Rahal publicly disagreed over their last-lap collision at Turn 12 during Sunday’s Road America race on June 21. Power said he was at the limit of braking and could not avoid contact when Rahal moved to defend. Rahal, driving the No. 15 MSC Industrial Supply Honda for Meyer Shank Racing, said he was deeply disappointed in Power’s move on the final lap. The contact ended Rahal’s bid for a fourth podium of the 2026 season as his car spun into the gravel. IndyCar stewards reviewed the incident and determined Power was not at fault, a decision Rahal’s camp contested.
Indy 500 Winner Rosenqvist Confirmed Departing Meyer Shank Racing at Season’s End
Meyer Shank Racing confirmed on June 24 that Felix Rosenqvist will leave the team at the conclusion of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. Rosenqvist, 32, won the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24, edging David Malukas by 0.0233 seconds in the closest finish in race history and earning a record $4.34 million payout. The Swede joined MSR in 2024 after stints at Arrow McLaren and Chip Ganassi Racing. Reports indicate the split stems from performance direction and Rosenqvist’s ambition to join a more competitive multi-car operation. His destination for 2027 has not been confirmed, with Andretti Global and Arrow McLaren mentioned as possibilities.
Kirkwood Sets Fastest Time as 14 IndyCar Drivers Test at Mid-Ohio Ahead of July 5 Race
Kyle Kirkwood set the quickest time at a 14-car IndyCar private test at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on June 23, posting 1m05.354s in the No. 27 Andretti Global Honda. Rinus VeeKay was second in the Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet at 1:05.413, 0.059 seconds behind. Six teams participated, including Andretti Global, Dale Coyne Racing, ECR, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, and Team Penske. Felipe Nasr substituted for Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 Penske Chevrolet as Newgarden continues to manage the foot injury he sustained during his Indianapolis 500 crash on May 24. The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio is scheduled for July 5.
Newgarden Sits Out Mid-Ohio Test; Nasr Steps In as Penske No. 2 Chevrolet Stand-In
Two-time IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden sat out the June 23 Mid-Ohio team test while recovering from the foot injury he sustained during his crash at the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. Felipe Nasr drove the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet in his place. Newgarden has raced through the pain since Indianapolis, including a win at World Wide Technology Raceway on June 7, but the team chose not to risk aggravating the injury during a non-points test day. No official timeline for Newgarden’s full recovery has been given. He is expected to race in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio on July 5 barring a setback.
Drivers’ Championship
1. Alex Palou — 374 pts
2. David Malukas — 314 pts
3. Kyle Kirkwood — 313 pts
4. Christian Lundgaard — 297 pts
5. Pato O’Ward — 257 pts
6. Scott McLaughlin — 248 pts
7. Josef Newgarden — 247 pts
8. Scott Dixon — 211 pts
Teams’ Championship
1. Chip Ganassi Racing — 585 pts
2. Team Penske — 561 pts
3. Arrow McLaren — 554 pts
4. Andretti Global — 481 pts
5. Meyer Shank Racing — 198 pts
6. Juncos Hollinger Racing — 112 pts
7. Dale Coyne Racing — 98 pts
GT WORLD CHALLENGE
Kirchhöfer Puts McLaren on Pole for First Time at CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa
Marvin Kirchhöfer delivered Garage 59 and McLaren their first-ever pole position at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa on Friday, setting a 2m15.113s in the Superpole shootout at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The Swiss driver navigated the new reverse-order four-stage format decisively, going purple in the first sector and maintaining the pace throughout his single-timed lap. Drama struck elsewhere on the grid: BMW Team WRT’s No. 31, which had qualified third during the session, was penalised for beginning its Superpole run before the stated time and will start 14th for Saturday’s race. The No. 17 and No. 9 Mercedes-AMG entries will occupy the second and third grid positions.
GetSpeed Mercedes Thrown Out of Spa Superpole After Illegal Brake Work
Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed was excluded from Friday’s Superpole at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa after the crew of the No. 17 car performed illegal work on the brake assembly during the third qualifying segment. The team removed the right rear brake disc to clear debris, a procedure prohibited under Spa’s technical regulations. Stewards deleted all Q3 lap times for the car, eliminating Maxime Martin, Maximilian Götz and Fabian Schiller entirely from Superpole contention. The No. 17 had recorded a combined qualifying average of 2m17.049s — fastest overall before the penalty — with AF Corse Ferrari No. 51 of Rovera, Mosca and Nielsen inheriting the classification lead on 2m17.068s.
Cadillac Whelen Brings Record Seven-Podium Streak to Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen
The No. 31 Cadillac Whelen arrives at Watkins Glen International this weekend with a class-record seven consecutive GTP podiums dating to Indianapolis 2025, making Sunday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours the next test of the team’s dominant mid-season form. Earl Bamber and Jack Aitken won at Detroit for the team’s first 2026 victory; Aitken now leads the GTP Drivers’ Championship by 144 points. The six-hour race marks the halfway point of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season and the third of five IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup rounds, with a 54-car field across all four classes for the first time since Sebring in March.
Heart of Racing Seeks Fifth Watkins Glen Win in Four Years with GTD Championship Lead
The No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin heads to Watkins Glen as GTD championship leader with three podiums in four races and a formidable local record. The team has won four times at Watkins Glen across two GT classes in the last four years, sweeping both GTD PRO and GTD in 2022, then taking GTD PRO in 2024 and GTD in 2025. A 140-point GTD championship advantage makes Sunday’s result significant: the six-hour format, regarded as a sprint rather than endurance race by competitors due to the unrelenting pace, plays to Heart of Racing’s strengths at a track where high-speed consistency is the defining factor.
BMW M Team WRT Targets First 2026 GTP Win at Physically Demanding Watkins Glen
The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT enters the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen having scored back-to-back GTP podiums, with Philipp Eng and Marco Wittmann seeking BMW’s first GTP class victory of 2026 at a circuit where the M Hybrid V8 won on its debut in 2023. Eng described Watkins Glen as the most physically demanding race on the IMSA calendar, citing sustained high-G loading through the fast chicane and sweeping corners. BMW is the only manufacturer among the top four in the GTP standings yet to reach victory lane this season, with Porsche, Cadillac and Acura all having won already in 2026.
Seventy GT3 Cars Set for 2026 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa with New Superpole Format
Seventy GT3 cars line up for the 2026 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, with the race serving as the third round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Eight Ferrari 296 GT3 Evos lead the manufacturer representation, joined by strong entries from Mercedes-AMG, BMW, McLaren, Porsche and Aston Martin. The weekend introduces a new multi-stage Superpole format for the first time, replacing the previous single-lap shootout, and features six official Ferrari factory drivers including Lilou Wadoux-Ducellier, Arthur Leclerc and Nicklas Nielsen. The 24-hour event begins Saturday and marks the halfway point of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup season.
WEC Hypercar — Drivers
1. M. Conway / K. Kobayashi / N. de Vries — 75 pts
2. R. Rast / R. Frijns — 71 pts
3. S. van der Linde — 61 pts
4. B. Hartley / R. Hirakawa / S. Buemi — 56 pts
1. Toyota Gazoo Racing — — pts
2. BMW M Motorsport — — pts
3. AF Corse Ferrari — — pts
IMSA GTP — Drivers
1. Jack Aitken / E. Bamber — 1,760 pts
2. L. Heinrich — 1,616 pts
3. J. Andlauer / F. Nasr — 1,606 pts
4. R. van der Zande / N. Yelloly — 1,552 pts
1. No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Racing — 1,760 pts
2. No. 7 Porsche Penske Motorsport — 1,606 pts
3. No. 93 Acura ARX-06 — 1,552 pts
DRAFT
2026 NHL Draft Round 1 Opens Tonight at KeyBank Center in Buffalo
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft opens Friday at 7 p.m. ET at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the first overall pick for the first time since 2016, when they selected Auston Matthews at the same venue. New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka is expected to select Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna with the top pick, the consensus best prospect in the class. San Jose holds No. 2, with Frölunda winger Ivar Stenberg the projected selection. Vancouver picks third. Buffalo moved up to No. 4 after trading Bowen Byram to Chicago. Rounds 2–7 follow Saturday at 11 a.m. ET.
Five Blockbuster Trades in 48 Hours Reshape the NHL Heading Into Draft
The 2026 NHL offseason began with a flurry of blockbuster trades as five deals reshaped rosters in the 48 hours before Friday’s draft. The Chicago Blackhawks landed defenseman Bowen Byram from Buffalo for the No. 4 overall pick and Louis Crevier. The Washington Capitals acquired winger Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis for Connor McMichael and the No. 16 pick. Ottawa sent No. 9 to San Jose for William Eklund and two prospects. The Florida Panthers landed Brady Tkachuk in exchange for multiple first-round picks. Calgary added defenseman Simon Nemec from New Jersey for defenseman Etienne Morin and a second-round selection.
Alex Tuch Completes Sign-and-Trade to Washington Capitals for Eight-Year, $10.5M Deal
Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen had signaled publicly that he expected to lose forward Alex Tuch as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but a sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals was completed ahead of that deadline. Tuch signed an eight-year extension with Washington at an average annual value of $10.5 million, adding a skilled left winger to a Capitals squad that also acquired Jordan Kyrou this week. Buffalo received forward David Kampf and a third-round draft pick in return. The Sabres, unable to match Tuch’s market value, now hold a new batch of assets heading into Friday’s draft.
Dylan Larkin Trade Request: New Frontrunner Emerges as Red Wings Weigh Options
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin formally requested a trade this offseason after the club missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive year, marking the longest active postseason drought in the league. A new frontrunner destination has reportedly emerged per an NHL insider, though Larkin’s full no-trade clause gives him control over where he lands. GM Steve Yzerman is in no hurry to move him, seeking fair value for the forward. Larkin had been linked to the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild, but the Panthers’ acquisition of Brady Tkachuk this week reportedly narrowed his options.
NHL Free Agency Countdown: Bobrovsky, Robertson Among Biggest Unresolved Names
With NHL free agency set to open July 1, several major contracts remain unresolved. Two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky is seeking a six-to-seven-year deal worth approximately $42 million as an unrestricted free agent, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres among reported suitors after a down season in Florida. Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson, who posted 45 goals and 96 points this season, remains a restricted free agent amid a contract standoff — Robertson’s camp is seeking north of $14 million per year, while Dallas has reportedly offered $12 million annually. John Carlson and Joe Trouba are also among notable pending free agents.
IIHF President Tardif Honored with Olympic Order Amid Federation Leadership Change
IIHF president Luc Tardif was honored with the Olympic Order on June 25, recognizing his contributions to international ice hockey and the Olympic movement. The timing coincides with a leadership transition at the federation: candidates for the IIHF’s upcoming election were confirmed on June 24, and reports indicate Tardif has stepped down from his role as federation president. Tardif has served as IIHF president since 2021. The organization will hold its election at an upcoming Congress to select new leadership. The Olympic Order is awarded by the International Olympic Committee to individuals with distinguished contributions to Olympic sport.
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka Lands Raddysh in 8-Year Deal, Holds No. 1 Pick Tonight
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ new management group, led by first-year general manager John Chayka, has moved aggressively in the days before the 2026 draft. Chayka completed a sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire defenseman Darren Raddysh, who signed an eight-year contract with an annual value of $8.5 million after setting career highs in goals (22), assists (48), points (70), and a plus-21 rating in 73 games. The Leafs also traded goalie Joseph Woll to the Flyers. Toronto holds the No. 1 pick tonight and is expected to select Gavin McKenna, giving Chayka a cornerstone piece in his first NHL draft as a general manager.
RECAP
Caminero Hits Three Home Runs as Rays Combine for Near No-Hitter in 13-2 Rout of Royals
Junior Caminero hit three home runs and drove in six runs while three Tampa Bay pitchers combined for 8 1/3 no-hit innings as the Rays routed the Kansas City Royals 13-2 on Thursday to salvage a series split. Opener Casey Legumina and Ian Seymour (4-1) combined to retire the first 16 Kansas City batters before Starling Marte drew a walk in the sixth. Craig Kimbrel started the ninth before Carter Jensen broke up the no-hit bid with a two-run homer — the Royals’ only hit. Victor Mesa Jr. added a three-run shot. Caminero tied a Tampa Bay franchise record with three home runs in one game. Tampa Bay is now 45-33.
Crow-Armstrong’s 10th-Inning Double Completes Cubs’ Four-Game Sweep of Mets
Pete Crow-Armstrong laced a tiebreaking RBI double in the 10th inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 4-3 win over the New York Mets and complete a four-game sweep at Citi Field. Crow-Armstrong — a former first-round Mets pick dealt to Chicago in the 2021 Javier Baez trade — delivered off Brooks Raley (2-3). Michael Conforto, Alex Bregman and Ian Happ drove in runs in the sixth, all unearned after a pair of Mets errors. Jacob Webb (2-2) worked the ninth and Trent Thornton earned his second career save. Chicago went 7-0 against New York this season, outscoring the Mets 51-24. New York fell a season-high 13 games under .500.
Durbin Homers Day After Dislocated Pinkie as Red Sox Top Yankees 6-3 at Fenway
Caleb Durbin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning — one day after dislocating his left pinkie — and Connelly Early struck out a season-high nine as the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Yankees 6-3 Thursday at Fenway Park. Durbin’s shot landed in the first row of the Green Monster seats off Cam Schlittler (8-4, 1.62 ERA) for his fifth homer of the month. Early (7-5) allowed five hits over six innings. Aroldis Chapman earned his 15th save. Nate Eaton and Ceddanne Rafaela each had RBI hits for Boston, which beat the Yankees at Fenway Park for the first time this season. Jose Caballero homered for New York.
Harper’s 103rd Homer at Nationals Park Caps Phillies’ Ninth-Inning Comeback
Bryce Harper hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the ninth — his 103rd at Nationals Park, where he played his first seven seasons — and Derek Hill added a three-run blast as the Phillies rallied from five down to beat Washington 10-5 Thursday. Philadelphia trailed 5-0 after Curtis Mead’s homer highlighted a four-run first off Cristopher Sanchez. Brandon Marsh hit his 12th homer in the sixth to cut the gap. Gus Varland (1-2) gave up five runs in two innings. Orion Kerkering (5-0) earned the win. The Phillies came from behind for a third straight game, winning the series 3-1 and scoring 15 ninth-inning runs against Washington’s bullpen this week.
Imai Fans 10 in Six Scoreless Innings as Astros Edge Tigers 2-1
Tatsuya Imai struck out 10 in six scoreless innings as the Houston Astros edged the Detroit Tigers 2-1 Thursday in the series opener at Comerica Park. Imai (5-3) allowed two hits and a walk, throwing 63 of 96 pitches for strikes. Taylor Trammell hit a 422-foot solo homer in the fifth — the first hit by either team after opposing starter Troy Melton had carried a perfect game into the sixth. Jeremy Pena scored on an Isaac Paredes sacrifice fly in the ninth for Houston’s insurance run. Enyel De Los Santos earned his fifth save despite giving up Dillon Dingler’s 19th homer. Houston has won seven of its last nine games.
Athletics Score Four Times with Two Outs in Ninth to Stun Giants 9-6
The Athletics scored four runs with two outs in the ninth inning to stun the San Francisco Giants 9-6 Thursday and take the series finale. Henry Bolte opened the ninth with an infield single off Caleb Kilian (2-4), who walked Tyler Soderstrom before Jonah Heim’s RBI single tied it. Lawrence Butler’s go-ahead hit and Max Muncy’s two-run bloop completed the comeback. The Athletics had led 2-1 before Jung Hoo Lee hit a three-run triple and Victor Bericoto added a two-run homer to put San Francisco ahead 6-2. Geoff Hartlieb (1-0) threw two hitless innings and Mason Barnett worked a perfect ninth for his second save.
Langford’s Three-Run Homer and Seager’s Return Power Rangers Past Blue Jays 6-5
Wyatt Langford hit a three-run home run and MacKenzie Gore (5-6) allowed three runs over seven innings as the Texas Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 Thursday to open their series. Jake Burger and Joc Pederson also homered for Texas; Pederson went 2-for-3 with two walks and scored twice. Gore snapped a four-start winless streak, generating 10 swings and misses on 98 pitches. Corey Seager, activated off the concussion list after missing 12 games, went 0-for-3 with two walks in his return. Kazuma Okamoto’s 18th homer cut the deficit to one in the ninth before Jacob Latz recorded his 15th save.
Chandler Wins as Pirates Take Series with 5-1 Decision Over Mariners
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings as the Pirates beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1 Thursday to win two of three in the series. Chandler has posted a 2.82 ERA over his last four starts while improving his command. Brandon Lowe hit his team-leading 19th homer off Bryce Miller (3-2, 1.97 ERA) in the first inning and Henry Davis added a two-run blast in the third. Miller struck out 11 with no walks in 5 2/3 innings but absorbed the loss. Seattle leads the AL West but dropped two of three to Pittsburgh.
American League
1. New York Yankees — 48–32, —
2. Tampa Bay Rays — 45–33, 2 GB
3. Toronto Blue Jays — 39–42, 9.5 GB
4. Baltimore Orioles — 38–44, 11 GB
5. Boston Red Sox — 33–46, 14.5 GB
T1. Chicago White Sox — 41–38, —
T1. Cleveland Guardians — 42–39, —
3. Minnesota Twins — 38–44, 4.5 GB
4. Detroit Tigers — 34–47, 8 GB
5. Kansas City Royals — 34–48, 8.5 GB
1. Seattle Mariners — 41–41, —
2. Houston Astros — 40–43, 1.5 GB
T2. Athletics — 39–42, 1.5 GB
T2. Texas Rangers — 39–42, 1.5 GB
5. Los Angeles Angels — 34–48, 7 GB
National League
1. Atlanta Braves — 48–31, —
2. Philadelphia Phillies — 45–36, 4 GB
3. Miami Marlins — 42–39, 7 GB
4. Washington Nationals — 41–41, 8.5 GB
5. New York Mets — 34–47, 15 GB
1. Milwaukee Brewers — 49–29, —
2. Chicago Cubs — 44–37, 6.5 GB
3. St. Louis Cardinals — 42–36, 7 GB
4. Pittsburgh Pirates — 41–40, 9.5 GB
5. Cincinnati Reds — 37–42, 12.5 GB
1. Los Angeles Dodgers — 52–29, —
2. San Diego Padres — 42–37, 9 GB
3. Arizona Diamondbacks — 41–39, 10.5 GB
4. San Francisco Giants — 33–47, 18.5 GB
5. Colorado Rockies — 32–49, 20 GB
REGULATION
White House Asks OpenAI to Gate GPT-5.6 Release, Approving Access Customer by Customer
The Trump administration has told OpenAI to hold back public distribution of its newest model, GPT-5.6, directing the company to share it only with select partners while the government reviews access. CEO Sam Altman informed staff this week that officials would be "approving access customer by customer" during a preview period. The move mirrors Anthropic's existing voluntary practice of limiting its Mythos model, and stems from government concern that frontier AI systems—including GPT-5.5 Cyber—can autonomously find and exploit security vulnerabilities. Altman indicated a broader rollout could follow within "a couple of weeks" if the controlled preview goes well.
General Intuition Raises $320M to Train Robots Using Video Game Footage, Valued at $2.3B
General Intuition, a startup training AI agents on video game footage, raised $320 million at a $2.3 billion valuation Thursday, bringing total funding to $454 million. The company uses hundreds of millions of hours of gameplay from Medal—a video clip sharing platform—to teach its model spatial-temporal reasoning: how to navigate space and time. The same AI driving its video game agent also powers a quadrupedal robot, demonstrating the potential for game-derived intelligence to operate physical systems. The round was backed by Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, Khosla Ventures, and General Catalyst.
Unconventional AI Releases First Model, Claims Oscillator Architecture Cuts Inference Power by 1,000x
Unconventional AI, founded by Naveen Rao—former head of AI at Databricks—released Un-0 Thursday, its first model: an image-generation system that demonstrates its oscillator-based computer architecture in action. Unlike standard silicon AI chips, Unconventional's approach uses oscillating circuits that the company says will cut inference power consumption by up to 1,000 times over conventional hardware. Un-0 currently runs on a software simulation of those future chips, with actual hardware schematics scheduled for release soon. The company raised $475 million in seed funding last December and aims to rebuild the AI inference stack from scratch.
Amazon Will Invest $13B More in India AI and Cloud Through 2030, Its Third Major Pledge in Three Years
Amazon will invest an additional $13 billion to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in India through 2030, CEO Andy Jassy announced Thursday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Funds will expand Amazon Web Services data center capacity in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The commitment marks Amazon's third major India pledge in three years: the company previously announced $15 billion in 2023—including $12.7 billion through AWS—and more than $35 billion in December 2025. The latest announcement was made during Jassy's visit to New Delhi to meet with government officials.
Adobe Acquires Emmy-Winning Topaz Labs to Bring AI Video Upscaling and Image Enhancement In-House
Adobe is acquiring Topaz Labs, a maker of AI models for video and image enhancement, and will integrate the company into its creative software business. Topaz Labs has operated for more than two decades and produces two flagship AI products: Astra for video upscaling and Wonder for image retouching. The company won an Emmy last year for its production technology. Adobe, which already bundles some Topaz tools in Creative Cloud, plans to fold Topaz's AI models into its Firefly app and other editing suites. The deal closes in the second half of 2026 and aims to keep Adobe's users from migrating to rival software.
Claude's Paying Consumer Base Up 75% Since January, Conversion Rate Leads the Field at 13%
Anthropic's Claude is gaining on ChatGPT in the paid consumer market, with paying users up roughly 75 percent since January 2026, according to a new TechCrunch analysis of payment data. The analysis covers weekly transactions through May 10, 2026, and found that 13 percent of Claude users have converted to paid subscriptions—a rate that leads the field. Claude has been gaining on ChatGPT in both consumer awareness and dollars collected from consumers, though OpenAI's platform still commands the largest overall user base. ChatGPT's market share slipped below 50 percent for the first time in June, with users migrating to Claude, Gemini, and Grok.
Shanghai AI Lab's Self-Harness Framework Lets Agents Rewrite Their Own Rules, Boosting Performance Up to 60%
Researchers at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have introduced Self-Harness, a framework that lets AI agents systematically improve their own operating rules by examining their execution traces. Traditional AI agent harnesses—the code scaffolding that provides context and enables agents to interact with their environment—have been tuned through manual, ad hoc debugging. Self-Harness replaces this with an empirical process: the agent analyzes where it fails, then rewrites the rules that govern its behavior. In tests on held-out tasks, performance improved between 33 and 60 percent relative to baseline across different AI models tested.
CYBERSECURITY
Amazon's One Medical Seniors Hit by Ransomware Group, Legacy System Files Exposed
Amazon-owned One Medical disclosed that an unauthorized party accessed third-party file storage systems belonging to One Medical Seniors—formerly Iora Health—between June 8 and 11. An investigation revealed that archived patient files, including demographic and clinical records, were stored on legacy systems. The ransomware group ShinyHunters claimed to have exfiltrated 8.8 terabytes of data and reportedly set a June 22 payment deadline. One Medical says it immediately deactivated the affected systems and revoked all access. The breach affected a limited number of One Medical Seniors and legacy Iora Health patients, and an investigation is ongoing.
DOJ and HHS Use AI to Power $6.5 Billion Healthcare Fraud Takedown
Federal officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Justice announced a $6.5 billion healthcare fraud takedown bolstered by artificial intelligence and data analytics. The 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown resulted in charges against 455 defendants—including nearly 100 physicians and other licensed clinicians—for alleged Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The crackdown included the first prosecution from the agencies’ Fusion Center, which combines data analytics with financial investigation tools. Officials highlighted a scheme in which a fraudster billed Illinois Medicaid for hundreds of hours of behavioral health services to patients who were hospitalized elsewhere on those same days.
Assort Health Hits Unicorn Status with $120M Series C for Patient AI Agents
Healthcare AI startup Assort Health raised $120 million in a Series C funding round led by Menlo Ventures, valuing the company at $1.2 billion and pushing it into unicorn status. The company provides voice AI agents for patient access and engagement, and the new capital will support expansion from a patient access platform into what it describes as an agentic operating system for the full patient journey. The raise brings Assort’s total funding to more than $222 million. Investors include Lightspeed Venture Partners, Felicis, First Round Capital and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana.
HIMSS AI Forum: Healthcare Must Shift AI From Admin Tasks to Clinical Transformation
At the HIMSS AI in Healthcare Forum in Boston this week, experts said true AI sustainability will require smaller models at the edge, automated governance and a shift from administrative automation toward direct clinical transformation. While healthcare investments in AI are two to three times that of other industries, most providers still use AI primarily for administrative tasks. Speakers warned that a growing digital divide could stratify care quality by health system size and resources. CommonSpirit Health’s chief medical information officer highlighted AI’s potential to scale cancer screening by identifying overlooked findings while reducing administrative burden on clinicians.
Oracle Health Partners With Theator to Automate OR Operative Reports Using AI
Oracle Health announced a partnership with surgical intelligence company Theator to bring AI-powered operative documentation to the operating room. Theator’s platform captures surgical video in real time and analyzes it alongside EHR data to automatically generate structured operative reports that surgeons can review and sign within their existing workflow—eliminating manual transcription or dictation. A June 24 news release noted the integration addresses longstanding OR documentation challenges; peer-reviewed research in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that operative reports written from memory were only 72.8% accurate. The technology is expected to improve coding precision and reduce revenue leakage for health systems.
xCures Raises $46M to Grow AI Clinical Data Platform Bridging Fragmented EHRs
Healthcare data company xCures closed a $46 million Series B funding round led by Innovius Capital, bringing its total raise to $76 million. The company’s AI-powered Clinical Clarity Engine assembles and structures patients’ medical records from disparate sources to support clinical decision-making and improve patient health outcomes. xCures says its platform synthesizes longitudinal patient data from across different health systems to surface actionable insights at the point of care. The new funding will support expansion of the platform’s capabilities and broader rollout to health systems seeking tools to bridge fragmented electronic health records.
TigerConnect Launches AI Scheduling Tool to Close Staffing Gaps Before They Hit Patients
Clinical communications company TigerConnect expanded its AI-powered platform by launching TigerConnect Scheduling, a new workforce scheduling tool designed to help hospital operators fill clinical gaps before they become patient care crises. The tool features AI-automated scheduling, real-time gap detection, conversational workflows and intelligent assignment logic to balance staff workloads across facilities. TigerConnect says the platform integrates with existing EHRs, telephony systems, physician scheduling tools and secure messaging platforms. The company, which works with nearly 6,000 healthcare organizations reaching more than one million care providers, positioned the product as part of a broader clinical communication orchestration strategy.
Infinitus Launches AI Safety Net to Catch At-Risk Patients in Routine Conversations
Infinitus, an AI communications company for healthcare, launched Clinical Escalations, a risk-detection system to ensure AI agents correctly triage patients regardless of how interactions are framed. The system continuously assesses risk during patient conversations using the Schmidt Thompson Call Prioritization Index framework, assigning a real-time severity score to every exchange and allowing organizations to reclassify routine inquiries as emergent clinical situations when necessary. All interactions are logged for human clinical review. Accompany Health, a comprehensive at-home care provider serving the dual-eligible population, is among the organizations currently piloting the tool.
SOFTWARE
Gea Stack Brings CSS and TypeScript UI Development to the ESP32
The Gea stack, a cross-platform UI framework, can now target the ESP32 microcontroller alongside embedded Linux, iOS, and macOS from a single TypeScript and CSS codebase. Developers compose standard CSS and TypeScript, which the toolchain compiles into generated C++ native firmware. A demonstration video shows a fully animated 3D cube running at up to 60 frames per second on a 410×502 AMOLED screen, with transparency effects supported at a modest performance cost. The framework does not support CSS :hover states, rasterizes fonts, and caps the UI tree at 512 nodes. The project shows that web-style declarative UIs are becoming a practical option for microcontroller firmware development.
RTK GPS Brings Sub-Meter Precision to a DIY Tracked Robot Platform
YouTuber GreatScott! has built a tracked outdoor robot using real-time kinematic GPS positioning to achieve sub-meter navigation accuracy. Standard GPS receivers typically deliver accuracy in the two-meter range, which is insufficient for precision autonomous movement. RTK systems improve on this by pairing a mobile receiver with a fixed base station and comparing signal phase angles between the two units, enabling centimeter-level corrections. The project uses an RTK module mounted on the robot platform alongside a base station fixed to a fence post. Results showed the RTK positioning was effective, though the robot’s steering mechanism and turning radius became the limiting factor in achieving precise waypoint navigation.
Orange Pi 6 Launches With 12-Core Arm SoC, Dual 2.5GbE, and 45 TOPS AI Compute
Orange Pi has refreshed its flagship single-board computer lineup with the Orange Pi 6, powered by the CIX P1 CD8180 12-core Arm SoC featuring a tri-cluster architecture: four Cortex-A720 Big cores at up to 2.8 GHz, four Cortex-A720 Medium cores at 2.4 GHz, and four Cortex-A520 Little cores at 1.8 GHz. The board integrates an Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU with hardware ray tracing and a dedicated 28.8 TOPS NPU, totaling 45 TOPS AI compute. Compared to prior versions, the Orange Pi 6 adopts a smaller 90×90mm footprint, upgrades to dual 2.5GbE networking, and drops battery support. Pricing starts at $239 for the 8GB LPDDR5 variant.
OpenC6 Brings PC-Style BIOS Architecture to the ESP32-C6 Microcontroller
Developer Rompass has released OpenC6 BIOS, an open-source firmware platform for the ESP32-C6 microcontroller that separates the base system from application payloads. Rather than flashing a combined firmware image, OpenC6 loads small payload programs independently via flash or RAM using a custom system call Application Binary Interface without needing full firmware replacement. Key features include an LP-Core management engine using the ESP32-C6’s low-power RISC-V core for system health monitoring, PXE-like network boot for downloading and executing payloads over Wi-Fi, and an A/B OTA update system with rollback support. The project targets ESP32-C6 boards with at least 8MB of Flash and is released under the MIT license.
Louder ESP32 Mini Retrofits Passive Speakers With Smart Home Audio for $15
Sonocotta has released the Louder ESP32 Mini, a compact open-source board designed to retrofit passive legacy speakers with wireless Smart Home connectivity. Available in 42×42mm and 52×52mm sizes, the board is powered by an ESP32-S3 with 8MB PSRAM and uses a TAS5805M DAC with onboard DSP. It supports Squeezelite-ESP32 for Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and Bluetooth audio, Snapclient for multi-room audio with Snapserver, and ESPHome for Home Assistant integration. The board connects to passive speakers only and is not intended for active speakers or headphones. EasyEDA schematics, Gerber files, and firmware are available on GitHub. Pricing is $15 for the 42×42mm version and $20 for the larger variant.
Canonical Declares 2026 the Year RISC-V Goes Mainstream for Desktop and Server
Canonical has declared 2026 the year RISC-V goes mainstream for desktop and server compute, stating that if 2025 was about readiness, 2026 will be about scale. The announcement accompanies Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, which raises the baseline RISC-V requirement to the RVA23 specification for officially supported Ubuntu Linux releases. Canonical has also partnered with DeepComputing to produce an Ubuntu Desktop image for the DC-ROMA II, marking the first RISC-V device to receive a full Ubuntu Desktop build rather than Ubuntu Server. The push positions RISC-V as a credible open-architecture alternative in embedded, desktop, and server segments, with Canonical targeting commercial-scale deployments rather than hobbyist pilots.
ESPHome Replaces Legacy Dashboard With New Device Builder as Default Interface
ESPHome has shipped the new Device Builder dashboard as the default interface for Home Assistant users, replacing the legacy in-tree dashboard that the project has carried for years. The Device Builder is a complete rewrite delivered as a standalone web app with a CodeMirror YAML editor, a visual component and automation builder, a component catalog with dependency resolution, a per-board pin info viewer, and a firmware job queue with progress tracking, history, and cancel support. Multi-select bulk actions, labels, areas, out-of-sync detection, and cross-config search are also included. The backend lives in two separate repositories, device-builder and device-builder-frontend, and consumes ESPHome through stable public interfaces.
Quectel FCM365X Combines Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.4, Zigbee, and Thread in One Compact Module
Quectel has announced the FCM365X, a compact IoT module combining dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.4, Zigbee, and Thread connectivity in a single 25.5×18.0mm LCC+LGA package. The module is built around the NXP RW612 wireless MCU, which pairs a 260 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 core with TrustZone technology, 1.2MB of SRAM, and 8MB of Flash, with optional PSRAM expansion. Interface support spans GPIO, SDIO, UART, USB, JTAG, I2C, I2S, ADC, LCD, and PWM. Operating across the −40°C to +85°C industrial range, the FCM365X targets smart home and industrial IoT applications requiring multi-protocol connectivity in a space-constrained design. An RF coaxial connector is standard, with a PCB antenna available as an option.
HIRING
Anthropic’s Global Hiring Push Targets Asia-Pacific Data Center Roles
Anthropic is racing to build compute capacity in Asia-Pacific as demand for its AI products surges. The San Francisco-based lab posted 13 open roles in its compute department this week, with eight positions based in Australia or Japan. Six Australian roles focus on data center engineers and operators; Japan’s two postings cover deal sourcing and electrical engineering. Anthropic cited Australia’s “renewable energy potential, stable regulatory environment, and distance from military threats” and Japan’s government interest in domestic AI infrastructure. The hiring push follows a $65 billion raise in May that valued the company near $1 trillion, with revenue exceeding $47 billion annualized.
Oracle Confirms 21,000 Cuts in FY2026; Warns AI Adoption May Drive More
Oracle’s annual report filed this week confirmed the company cut 21,000 employees — roughly 13 percent of its global workforce — over the fiscal year ending May 31, 2026. AI adoption across operations was cited as the primary driver. The company warned investors that workforce reductions “may continue” as AI deployment expands, while separately acknowledging difficulty recruiting staff with AI-specific skills. Total GAAP operating expenses rose $7 billion in FY2026, partly driven by cloud and software investments. Analysts noted escalating data center costs — depreciation, financing, and utilities — creating additional pressure to reduce headcount. IT professionals are being urged to prioritize AI upskilling to remain competitive.
Tech Sector 2026 Layoff Count Tops 157,000 as Wave Continues Into Late June
The technology sector has shed 157,147 jobs through June 25, 2026, across 415 separate layoff events — an average of 893 daily, according to TrueUp’s real-time tracker. The most recent wave, announced June 24, included Elastic cutting 280 workers (7 percent of headcount), Keywords Studios eliminating 128 positions, Cyberbit shutting down entirely, and Snyk releasing 90 employees. The prior day saw Lazada reduce headcount by 5 percent and the Ethereum Foundation cut 20 percent of staff. Across 2026 to date, TrueUp has logged 415 separate events spanning tech companies of varying size and sector.
PHILANTHROPY
U.S. Charitable Giving Topped $600 Billion for the First Time, With Megadonors and Bequests Driving the Record
American charitable giving surpassed $600 billion for the first time in the six-decade history of the Giving USA report, reaching $617.2 billion in 2025, CNBC reported Thursday. Nine donors together contributed $22.32 billion of the total, with MacKenzie Scott leading at $6.65 billion, followed by Michael Bloomberg at $4.3 billion, Bill Gates at $3.7 billion, Warren Buffett at $1.34 billion, and Susan and Michael Dell at nearly $1 billion. Bequest giving also surged, with nearly one-third of that category’s increase coming from the $3.1 billion estate of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
MacKenzie Scott’s $7 Billion in 2025 Gifts Made Her One-Third of All U.S. Megadonor Giving for the Year
MacKenzie Scott donated approximately $7 billion to nonprofits in 2025, alone accounting for one-third of all U.S. megagifts that year, according to data provided to Fortune by Giving USA and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her five-year cumulative total has reached $26.2 billion, directed to organizations working in housing, diversity, disaster recovery, and other causes. Scott, the former spouse of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, gave quietly and without seeking attention, leading the Chronicle of Philanthropy to omit her from its annual Philanthropy 50 list because she declined to provide data to the publication.
Wealthy Donors Are Giving More, but Political and Economic Forces Complicate Their Plans
Seven wealthy donors each made gifts of at least $100 million in May 2026—the first time this year that many nine-figure donations were announced in one month—signaling that affluent philanthropists are pushing through political and economic uncertainty, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reported Thursday. Some major donors are overcoming reluctance to give publicly, while others are pivoting from multi-year programs to fund the immediate survival of nonprofits squeezed by government cuts. “People have just decided or figured out they’re going to have to live with this political uncertainty,” said James Joseph, an Arnold & Porter partner who advises high-net-worth donors.
Giving USA 2026: Fundraisers Urged to Lean Into Planned Giving and Donor-Advised Funds for Year-End
The Giving USA 2026 report, which showed total U.S. charitable giving of $617.20 billion in 2025, holds four key lessons for fundraisers preparing for year-end campaigns, the Association of Fundraising Professionals said Thursday. Bequest giving grew 19.7 percent to $62.19 billion—the strongest gain of any giving source—and AFP recommends organizations lean into planned giving as a result. Donor-advised fund assets reached $326.45 billion in 2024, with an estimated 15.1 percent of all charitable contributions now flowing through these vehicles. AFP also recommends strengthening foundation relationships and diversifying revenue beyond reliance on small individual gifts, which grew only 1.4 percent after inflation.
Rural Health Nonprofits at the Limits of Resilience, Candid Analysis Finds
Rural health nonprofits are stretched to their limits by funding cuts and policy uncertainty, and the expectation that organizations can sustain their services by doing more with less has now reached its limits, according to a Candid analysis published Thursday by Ivonne Arauz Simms, MSEd. The analysis draws directly on conversations with rural health leaders, who explain why resilience alone is no longer a sufficient response to current funding conditions and why their organizations need direct philanthropic investment—not continued calls to increase efficiency.
Ken Griffin Gives $26 Million to Complete the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Ken Griffin, the hedge fund billionaire, has given $26 million toward the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, a gift that will carry his name on a new west wing, Fortune reported Thursday. The library opens July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of American independence—and was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. It is the only carbon-neutral presidential library in the country. Griffin has given approximately $2 billion to charitable causes in his lifetime and also owns both of the surviving private copies of the U.S. Constitution.
Paul Allen’s $3.1 Billion Estate Bequest, Paid Out Seven Years After His Death, Helped Set a U.S. Giving Record
A $3.1 billion bequest from the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who died in 2018, was paid out in 2025—seven years after his death—and significantly influenced the record U.S. charitable giving total for the year, according to a Fortune analysis. Bequest giving rose 16.6 percent after inflation to $62 billion in 2025, driven in part by the Allen payment. Individual giving’s share of total giving fell to 64 percent, its second-lowest level on record. Foundation giving hit an all-time high of $117 billion. A new universal charitable deduction takes effect in 2026 as part of federal tax legislation.
Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr Give to Undue Medical Debt, Erasing $550 Million for 261,000 Californians
Snap co-founder Evan Spiegel and his wife, model and entrepreneur Miranda Kerr, donated to Undue Medical Debt this spring, setting in motion the erasure of $550 million in unpaid medical bills for more than 261,000 Californians, Fortune reported Friday. San Diego County will see the largest share of the relief, about $99 million for roughly 40,000 residents. Recipients earning at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level, or whose medical debt exceeds 5 percent of annual income, are automatically eligible. Letters informing qualifying Californians their debt has been erased will begin arriving in mid-July.
BOX OFFICE
Supergirl Eyes $40M–$50M U.S. Opening as Toy Story 5 Dominates Second Frame
Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow , the Craig Gillespie-directed adaptation of Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s graphic novel, is opening this weekend at 3,600 North American theaters with tracking pointing to a $40M–$50M domestic debut. The $170M production starring Milly Alcock enters a weekend already owned by Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 5 , which is eyeing an $88M–$96M second frame after its record-breaking $159.6M domestic opening last weekend. An upper-$40M debut would land above Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam: Fury of the Gods, but below James Gunn’s Superman, which opened to $125M domestic last summer.
Disney Becomes First Studio to Cross $3 Billion Worldwide in 2026
Walt Disney Studios has become the first movie studio to surpass $3 billion at the global box office in 2026, a milestone powered by Toy Story 5 ’s $312M worldwide opening weekend — the second-best Pixar animated debut ever — and a string of earlier hits. The studio’s 2026 gross also includes The Devil Wears Prada 2 at $677.6M globally, pushing the franchise past $1 billion, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu at $323M and Pixar’s Hoppers at $372M. All Disney theatrical releases this year opened at No. 1. Still ahead: live-action Moana (July 10), Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars (August 28) and Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday on December 18.
Focus Features Debuts ‘Sense and Sensibility’ Trailer Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Set for October 16 Release
Focus Features unveiled the first trailer for director Georgia Oakley ’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s debut novel Sense and Sensibility , set for U.S. theaters on October 16 . Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Elinor Dashwood alongside Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne, Caitríona Balfe as Mrs. Dashwood, Frank Dillane as Willoughby and George MacKay as Edward Ferrars. The film is produced by Working Title Films, whose Austen catalog includes the 2005 Keira Knightley “Pride & Prejudice” and Anya Taylor-Joy’s 2020 “Emma.” Oakley’s debut feature “Blue Jean” earned BAFTA and British Independent Film Award nominations.
Cannes Lions Day 2: Disney, Taco Bell, Kraft Heinz on AI, Live Sports and Cultural Agility in Brand Marketing
Senior marketing executives from Disney , Taco Bell, Kraft Heinz and Walmart gathered Thursday at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity to discuss how entertainment partnerships and AI are reshaping brand strategy. Disney advertising president Rita Ferro highlighted the studio’s first Super Bowl telecast on ABC in 20 years as a live marketing catalyst. Taco Bell detailed its viral LeBron James “Taco Tuesday” campaign, while Kraft Heinz leveraged World Cup buzz to sell TSA-friendly ranch dressing within a day of spotting the consumer trend. L’Oréal’s chief marketing officer urged brands to audit their AI “answer layer” presence as large language models increasingly reshape product discovery.
Netflix’s Live-Action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Season 2 Premieres, Showrunners Detail Key Story Departures
Netflix ’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender returned for Season 2 on June 25 , with new cast member Miyako as blind earthbender Toph Beifong joining returning leads Gordon Cormier as Aang and Dallas Liu as Zuko. Showrunner Christine Boylan and executive producer Jabbar Raisani told Variety they adapted the Nickelodeon animated classic by cannibalizing scenes rather than wholesale cutting — most notably condensing a full “The Drill” episode into Azula’s strategy speech. The season also moves Katara’s “Painted Lady” arc from the original’s Season 3 into Season 2 and builds the walled city of Ba Sing Se into a deeper narrative setting.
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