SAMWISE
Good morning Janine. Here is your personal morning briefing · samwise.agency
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
RACE RESULT
Russell Wins Austrian Grand Prix, Cuts Antonelli’s Championship Lead to 25 Points
George Russell converted pole position into a commanding victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, winning at the Red Bull Ring by 1.611 seconds over Max Verstappen to record his second win of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Mercedes driver executed a two-stop strategy flawlessly in scorching conditions, controlling Verstappen’s late charge to take the chequered flag. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished third after a composed drive, limiting his points loss. Russell moves to second in the standings on 131 points, cutting Antonelli’s lead from 40 to 25 points. Oscar Piastri was fourth for McLaren, with Lewis Hamilton fifth.
Ferrari’s Austrian GP Unravels as Tyre Degradation and Engine Upgrade Disappoint
Ferrari suffered a deeply disappointing Austrian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc slid from second and third on the grid to fifth and eighth at the flag. Both drivers fell victim to severe rear tyre degradation in the extreme heat, forcing each onto ineffective three-stop strategies while their rivals managed on two stops. The team’s new ADUO-specification engine upgrade failed to deliver expected pace gains, and Hamilton noted a six-tenths straightline speed deficit on Friday. Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur acknowledged the team had focused too heavily on Mercedes in its race weekend preparations.
Hamilton Cleared After Stewards Reject Verstappen Penalty Demand in Epic Battle
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen produced one of 2026’s most compelling on-track battles midway through the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen lunged into Turn 3 to challenge Hamilton’s Ferrari, but when the four-time world champion attempted to hold position around the outside at Turn 6, his Red Bull clipped the gravel trap. Verstappen called on team radio for an FIA penalty, but stewards declined to investigate. Hamilton dismissed the complaint sharply: “He went off on the outside. You don’t expect to go around the outside of a champion.” The incident left both drivers to complete the race in their existing positions.
Verstappen’s Camp Initiated McLaren Talks as Exit Clause Looms in August
Max Verstappen’s management team initiated contact with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, according to Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater. The four-time world champion holds an exit clause in his Red Bull contract running to 2028, allowing him to leave for 2027 if he falls outside the top two in the standings by the summer break in August. Verstappen currently sits seventh on 73 points. McLaren boss Zak Brown did not rule out signing Verstappen, though Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both hold long-term McLaren contracts. Piastri’s management through Mark Webber adds a Red Bull connection to any potential swap.
Cadillac’s Both Cars Catch Fire and Retire in Opening Laps at Austrian GP
Both Cadillac Formula 1 cars retired within the first five laps of the Austrian Grand Prix after suffering catastrophic brake overheating in the extreme heat at the Red Bull Ring. Sergio Perez was first to report flames, followed shortly by Valtteri Bottas, who confirmed his brakes were on fire. The team’s biggest upgrade package of the season, introduced at the Red Bull Ring, had not flagged the thermal risk in practice. Perez branded the reliability failures “unacceptable,” saying it felt like the team had “taken four or five steps backwards.” Cadillac remains the only team without a championship point in 2026.
Lawson Furious as Rookie Lindblad Ignores Racing Bulls Team Orders in Austria
A heated intra-team dispute erupted at Racing Bulls during the Austrian Grand Prix after rookie Arvid Lindblad ignored explicit team orders and passed teammate Liam Lawson during the race. Lawson had been managing brake temperatures under the assurance that Lindblad would not mount a challenge. A team spokesperson confirmed Lindblad had misunderstood the instruction to hold position. Lawson vented his frustration over team radio, declaring “last f***ing time I’m listening.” Positions were reversed at the second pit stop cycle, and both drivers finished where they started — ninth and tenth — but the incident exposed significant tension within the team.
Wolff Questions How Ferrari Affords ‘Limitless’ Upgrades Under F1 Cost Cap
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff raised questions about Ferrari’s spending levels after the Scuderia brought a new ADUO engine specification, revised front wing, and multiple aerodynamic test items to the Austrian Grand Prix. Under F1’s cost cap, teams are limited to $215 million of expenditure for 2026. Wolff said Mercedes lacks the budget buffer to match Ferrari’s volume of upgrades, adding: “Ferrari seems limitless in bringing updates, and then on top of that they introduced a new engine.” Despite the investment, Ferrari struggled badly in Austria, finishing fifth and eighth. Wolff expects Ferrari will run out of cost cap budget before the season concludes.
Williams Call Austrian GP ‘Incredibly Painful’ as Sainz Retires and Albon Struggles
Williams endured their most difficult race weekend of the 2026 season at the Austrian Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz retiring due to electrical gremlins and Alex Albon describing the pace as “very, very, very slow.” Team principal James Vowles called the weekend “incredibly painful” but urged patience, pointing to a near-complete car redesign planned for September’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sainz summed up the team’s frustration: “No reliability, no pace, no points.” Williams currently sits eighth in the constructors’ championship on 11 points. Vowles acknowledged improvement would not come until the major upgrade package arrives in Baku.
Drivers' Championship
1. Andrea Kimi Antonelli — 156 pts
2. George Russell — 131 pts
3. Lewis Hamilton — 125 pts
4. Oscar Piastri — 80 pts
5. Lando Norris — 79 pts
6. Charles Leclerc — 79 pts
7. Max Verstappen — 73 pts
8. Isack Hadjar — 42 pts
9. Pierre Gasly — 41 pts
10. Liam Lawson — 30 pts
11. Oliver Bearman — 18 pts
12. Franco Colapinto — 16 pts
13. Arvid Lindblad — 14 pts
14. Carlos Sainz — 6 pts
15. Alex Albon — 5 pts
16. Esteban Ocon — 3 pts
17. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
18. Fernando Alonso — 1 pt
19. Nico Hülkenberg — 0 pts
20. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
21. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 302 pts
2. Ferrari — 204 pts
3. McLaren — 159 pts
4. Red Bull Racing — 115 pts
5. Alpine — 57 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 44 pts
7. Haas F1 Team — 21 pts
8. Williams — 11 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Aston Martin — 1 pt
11. Cadillac — 0 pts
TRADE
Brendan Gallagher Traded to Vancouver After 14 Seasons in Montreal
The Montreal Canadiens traded right wing Brendan Gallagher to the Vancouver Canucks on Monday for future considerations. Gallagher, born in Edmonton and raised in Delta, British Columbia, called the deal the best-case scenario, returning home to a team undergoing a major rebuild under new general manager Ryan Johnson and coach Manny Malhotra. Over 14 seasons and 911 games, Gallagher recorded 487 points (246 goals, 241 assists) for Montreal. The 34-year-old has one year remaining on his contract at a $6.5 million annual average value. Vancouver went 25-49-8 last season, finishing last in the NHL.
Vegas Golden Knights Trade Goalie Akira Schmid to Florida Panthers
The Vegas Golden Knights traded 26-year-old goalie Akira Schmid to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday for a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. Schmid went 16-10-6 with a 2.59 goals-against average, .893 save percentage, and two shutouts in 34 regular-season games this season. He was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round (136th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. In 10 career playoff games, Schmid posted a 4-4 record, a 2.26 GAA, a .924 save percentage, and two shutouts. Vegas issued Schmid a qualifying offer earlier the same day before completing the trade.
Veteran Defenseman Radko Gudas Returns to Florida Panthers
Veteran defenseman Radko Gudas is returning to Florida after the Anaheim Ducks traded his rights to the Panthers on Monday for forward A.J. Greer. Gudas, 36, had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 56 games for Anaheim this season and served as Ducks captain since September 2024. He previously played three seasons for Florida from 2020 to 2023, helping the team advance to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Florida holds exclusive negotiating rights with Gudas until he can become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek said Anaheim hopes to sign Greer to a contract as well.
Bedard, Robertson, Zegras Among RFAs Secured as Qualifying Offer Deadline Passes
NHL teams extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents before Monday's 5 p.m. ET deadline, preserving their rights heading into July 1 free agency. Chicago qualified Connor Bedard, who posted 75 points in 69 games this season, along with Kevin Korchinski, Drew Commesso, and Ethan Del Mastro. Dallas secured Jason Robertson and Mavrik Bourque, while Philadelphia qualified Trevor Zegras. Carolina issued offers to seven players including Noah Gunler, Ronan Seeley, and Alexander Nikishin. Columbus secured Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger. Teams that extended no offers include Detroit, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Washington, and Tampa Bay.
Malenstyn Signs Six-Year Deal; Pre-Free-Agency Signings Continue Across the NHL
The pre-free-agency signing rush produced several notable deals Monday. Beck Malenstyn agreed to a six-year, $17.5 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres, while Michael Kesselring signed a three-year, $13.5 million deal with the San Jose Sharks. Kailer Yamamoto inked a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the Utah Mammoth, and Troy Stecher signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The signings arrive as teams finalize rosters ahead of Wednesday's unrestricted free-agent market opening at noon ET on July 1. With the salary cap rising to $104 million next season, clubs are positioning themselves strategically before the market opens.
NHL Free Agency Opens July 1: Bobrovsky, Carlson, Kane Lead the UFA Market
NHL free agency opens at noon ET Wednesday, July 1, with the salary cap rising to $104 million — up $8.5 million from this season. The unrestricted free-agent class features defensemen Rasmus Andersson and John Carlson among the top available blueliners. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, 37, is the marquee netminder on the market. On the forward side, Patrick Kane, 37, had 57 points in 67 games for Detroit this season, while Claude Giroux, 38, posted 49 points in 82 games for Ottawa. Among restricted free agents, Connor Bedard, Jason Robertson, and Trevor Zegras headline a group entering significant first contract negotiations.
Nils Hoglander Traded to Nashville Predators as Vancouver Commits to Rebuild
The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Nils Hoglander to the Nashville Predators on Monday for a third-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft, the same day they acquired veteran winger Brendan Gallagher from Montreal. The trades are part of Vancouver's sweeping offseason overhaul under new general manager Ryan Johnson and coach Manny Malhotra, who selected his son Caleb Malhotra third overall at last week's NHL Draft. The Canucks went 25-49-8 last season, finishing last in the NHL. Hoglander, originally selected by Vancouver in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, spent five seasons with the club before the trade.
Matthew Schaefer Reflects on Record-Breaking Calder Trophy Season with Islanders
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, 18, capped a historic NHL rookie season as the first unanimous Calder Trophy winner since Teemu Selanne in 1992–93. Selected first overall by New York at the 2025 NHL Draft, the Hamilton, Ontario native set NHL records for goals (23) and points (59) by an 18-year-old defenseman. Speaking in Toronto, Schaefer credited his teammates and a step-by-step approach for the breakthrough. Entering his second season under new coach Pete DeBoer, Schaefer said the Islanders have one expectation: make the playoffs after narrowly missing the postseason this year. He does not turn 19 until September 5.
RECAP
Ohtani’s 432-Foot Blast Powers Dodgers to 9-4 Win; Roberts Earns 999th Career Victory
Shohei Ohtani clubbed his 18th home run of the season, a 432-foot, three-run blast off reliever Matt Krook in the sixth inning, as the Los Angeles Dodgers demolished the Athletics 9-4 Monday in Oakland. Max Muncy and Andy Pages also homered, and eight Dodgers collected two hits apiece in the 17-hit outburst. Eric Lauer (4-5) allowed three runs and nine hits over six innings, seven days after throwing six hitless innings of bulk relief against Minnesota. Manager Dave Roberts earned his 999th career victory. Colby Thomas homered for Oakland, which has dropped seven of its last nine games. The Dodgers improved to 55-30, baseball’s best record.
Suzuki Walk-Off Single Beats Padres’ Mason Miller; Cubs Earn MLB-Leading 10th Walk-Off Win
Seiya Suzuki delivered a game-ending single off San Diego closer Mason Miller in the ninth inning as the Chicago Cubs claimed a 3-2 victory over the Padres at Wrigley Field. Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong opened the rally with singles, and Miller allowed Alex Bregman’s base hit to load the bases. Suzuki drove a ball to the ivy-covered left-field wall that Jase Bowen could not haul in. It was Suzuki’s second career walk-off hit and Chicago’s major-league-leading 10th walk-off win of 2026. Trent Thornton (3-2) earned the win. Shota Imanaga allowed nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in his first quality start since May 13.
Casey Mize Ties Career High with 10 Strikeouts; Tigers Stun Slumping Yankees 7-3
Casey Mize matched a career high with 10 strikeouts across seven dominant innings as the Detroit Tigers capitalized on sloppy New York defense to topple the Yankees 7-3 Monday night in the Bronx. Mize allowed just one hit — a Spencer Jones double — and issued no walks, turning in one of the most statistically clean outings in the majors this season. He improved to 3-5 with the victory. The Yankees, who committed two errors while losing their fifth straight game, fell to 48-36. Detroit improved to 36-49 despite playing well above their record in recent weeks. Weathers (3-6) absorbed the loss for New York.
Contreras Homers, Then Gets Ejected Over ABS Gesture as Red Sox Win Fifth Straight
Boston first baseman Willson Contreras homered and was later ejected Monday in the Red Sox’s 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals. Contreras, emotionally focused on the fallout from two major earthquakes striking his native Venezuela, hit his 18th homer — a 421-foot three-run shot off Miles Mikolas in the first inning — before being ejected by first-base umpire Nic Lentz in the third for tapping his helmet in the gesture used for an ABS challenge after a checked-swing strikeout. Ranger Suarez (4-3) struck out eight in six innings, and Garrett Whitlock sealed Boston’s fifth straight win. The Red Sox are 37-46.
Ashby Improves to MLB-Best 11-1 as Brewers Erase 3-0 Reds Lead, Win 5-3
Aaron Ashby improved to 11-1 — the best winning percentage among qualified pitchers in the majors — as the Milwaukee Brewers erased a three-run deficit to beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 on Monday. Nick Lodolo pitched well for the Reds, who led 3-0 through five innings, but Cincinnati’s bullpen collapsed. Joey Ortiz, batting ninth in Milwaukee’s lineup, delivered the decisive blow with a two-run home run off Tejay Antone in the eighth to put the Brewers ahead for good. Trevor Megill recorded his 11th save. Cincinnati fell to 0-4 against Milwaukee in 2026; the Brewers lead the NL Central by 5.5 games at 51-31.
Pirates Rally from Five Down to Stun Phillies 11-7; Rodriguez Homers in Ninth
The Pittsburgh Pirates overcame a five-run first-inning deficit and scored 11 runs to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 11-7 on Monday night. Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh each homered off Braxton Ashcraft in the opening frame, and Bryce Harper added his 20th home run in the third. Pittsburgh responded with a six-run fifth inning against struggling Aaron Nola (3-5), then put it away when Endy Rodriguez launched a three-run homer off Chase Shugart in the ninth. Esmerlyn Valdez and Jared Triolo also went deep for the Pirates. Ashcraft (8-3) settled and went six innings for the win. Pittsburgh improved to 43-42.
Lewis and Caratini Go Back-to-Back as Twins Hold Off Late Astros Rally, 5-4
Royce Lewis and Victor Caratini hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning, and Zebby Matthews turned in seven stellar innings to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 5-4 win over the Houston Astros Monday night. Matthews (4-5) limited Houston to one run and four hits while striking out seven. Josh Bell added a two-run shot in the sixth before Kody Clemens added an RBI groundout for a 5-1 lead. The Astros rallied with two home runs in the ninth — Taylor Trammell’s two-run shot and Cam Smith’s second homer — before Yoendrys Gómez retired the final batter for his ninth save. Peter Lambert (6-5) took the loss.
Rangers Place Wyatt Langford on IL with Hamstring Strain; Out Past All-Star Break
The Texas Rangers placed outfielder Wyatt Langford on the 10-day injured list Monday with a left hamstring strain and activated fellow outfielder Evan Carter in a corresponding move. Langford suffered the injury attempting to stretch a single into a double during Friday’s game against the Blue Jays, and is not expected to return until after the All-Star break. Despite missing six weeks earlier with a right forearm strain, Langford had batted .278/.324/.500 with a 128 wRC+ in 173 plate appearances in 2026. Carter returns from his own injury absence to fill the outfield spot. The Rangers are 43-42, leading the AL West.
Kirby Wins Third in Four Starts as Mariners Beat Angels 6-2, Stay in AL West Race
George Kirby won for the third time in four starts as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-2 on Monday night. Kirby (7-7) allowed two runs and eight hits while the Mariners offense provided ample support at T-Mobile Park. Johnson (1-3) took the loss for Los Angeles. Seattle improved to 43-43, keeping pace with Texas atop the AL West, while the Angels dropped to 36-50, continuing one of the American League’s more difficult seasons. The Mariners sit a half-game behind the Rangers, who also won Monday, keeping the AL West division race tight heading into the second half of the 2026 season.
American League
1. Tampa Bay Rays — 48–33, —
2. New York Yankees — 48–36, 1.5 GB
3. Toronto Blue Jays — 40–45, 10.0 GB
4. Baltimore Orioles — 39–47, 11.5 GB
5. Boston Red Sox — 37–46, 12.0 GB
1. Chicago White Sox — 44–39, —
2. Cleveland Guardians — 44–41, 1.0 GB
3. Minnesota Twins — 41–45, 4.5 GB
4. Detroit Tigers — 36–49, 9.0 GB
5. Kansas City Royals — 35–50, 10.0 GB
1. Texas Rangers — 43–42, —
2. Seattle Mariners — 43–43, 0.5 GB
3. Houston Astros — 42–45, 2.0 GB
4. Athletics — 40–45, 3.0 GB
5. Los Angeles Angels — 36–50, 7.5 GB
National League
1. Atlanta Braves — 49–33, —
2. Philadelphia Phillies — 47–38, 3.5 GB
3. Miami Marlins — 45–40, 5.5 GB
4. Washington Nationals — 43–43, 8.0 GB
5. New York Mets — 35–50, 15.5 GB
1. Milwaukee Brewers — 51–31, —
2. Chicago Cubs — 47–38, 5.5 GB
3. St. Louis Cardinals — 43–38, 7.5 GB
4. Pittsburgh Pirates — 43–42, 9.5 GB
5. Cincinnati Reds — 39–44, 12.5 GB
1. Los Angeles Dodgers — 55–30, —
2. San Diego Padres — 43–40, 11.0 GB
3. Arizona Diamondbacks — 42–42, 12.5 GB
4. San Francisco Giants — 35–49, 19.5 GB
5. Colorado Rockies — 33–52, 22.0 GB
PROJECT
Hackaday Europe 2026 – Building A Retro PC From Scratch
Jeroen Domburg (sprite_tm) presented at Hackaday Europe 2026 how to build a 1995-era MS-DOS gaming PC from component-level silicon rather than sourcing vintage hardware or emulating. His final build used a classic i486 DX4-100 CPU and an FPGA (ECP5 LFE5UM-45) to replace all the surrounding chipset logic, with an ESP32-S3 handling peripherals. After surviving BGA soldering woes on a first attempt and two PCB spins, the machine booted Commander Keen and ran Doom benchmarks. Jeroen went on to shrink the whole system into a portable gaming device he dubbed the Vapourdeck. Project files are on Codeberg.
HamsterOS Crams Complete Graphical Desktop Onto 1.44 MB Floppy
John Swiderski is developing HamsterOS, a tiny 32-bit multitasking graphical operating system designed to fit on a single 1.44 MB floppy disk. Targeting 386 and 486-era hardware, it includes a suite of native applications and even offers DOS compatibility. Thoughtful features aimed at vintage hardware users include a CMOS crash counter that automatically forces the system into VGA safe mode after three consecutive failed boot attempts. Swiderski also released HamsterWeazle, a free graphical front-end for the open-source Greaseweazle USB device that makes writing to old floppy drives much more approachable. HamsterOS targets a November 2026 release.
Making A Magnetic Core Memory USB Drive
Builder [polymatt] combined retro computing nostalgia with DIY hardware skills to create a USB drive backed by a handmade 64-bit magnetic core memory module. PCBs were milled on a small CNC router, with L293 H-bridge ICs driving the cores and an ESP32 handling the USB stack and control logic. Core memory requires a destructive read cycle, so considerable logic surrounds each access to sense, interpret, and restore bit values. The two-board assembly lives inside an acrylic-windowed enclosure filled with silicone oil, which helps maintain a consistent operating temperature for reliable bit flipping.
Mechanical TV, Without The Benefit Of New Parts
[Paul Kocyla] is building a mechanical television constrained to parts available in the 1920s. His build so far includes a wooden chassis, period power supply, amplifier, synchronous motor, and a Nipkow disk. The electronics are still in progress — he has yet to source the flat-plate neon lamps the design requires. A key discovery: the amplifier suffered persistent 120 Hz hum traced to early directly heated cathode tubes whose low thermal mass causes them to "blink" at 120 Hz when fed with AC. Period copper oxide rectifiers now supply DC to the heaters and eliminate the hum. Follow-along video documentation is available on YouTube, with project files on Hackaday.io.
Hard Drive Speakers Crank Out Classic Demo
[Niv Singer] turned four Western Digital Caviar 500 GB hard drives into an unconventional stereo speaker system, then used them to play Second Reality — the legendary Future Crew demoscene release that won the Assembly 1993 competition. The principle is simple: audio fed to the coil that drives the read-write head causes the mechanism to vibrate and emit sound. Niv used two drives per channel and implemented a crossover so one handled low frequencies while the other took highs. PWM tricks also make the platters spin in time with the beat. Files are on GitHub at github.com/nivs/spin-doctor.
2026 Frikkin Lasers Challenge: Super-Simple Laser Precision For Your Stargazing
Prolific maker [mircemk] submitted a dead-simple star-finder to Hackaday’s 2026 Frikkin’ Lasers Challenge that could help any beginner stargazer. The build mounts a smartphone running AstroHopper — an astronomy app that uses GPS and inertial navigation to display a labeled view of the sky — in line with a green laser pointer on a tripod plate. Carefully aligning the laser axis with the phone’s axis means that activating the laser sends a green beam toward whatever the screen is pointing at. An external battery and an on/off switch replace the laser’s stock button. The Challenge closes on July 23, 2026.
It’s Linux, On A Sega Megadrive
The LinuxMD project has done the improbable: porting the latest mainline Linux kernel to the Sega Megadrive’s Motorola 68000 CPU. The 68000 lacks a memory management unit, so the kernel runs compiled with the -nommu option — a significant achievement on this architecture. The build boots from an SD card in a modern Megadrive storage peripheral and is reported to run on original hardware. Once running, it presents smolutils, a cut-down coreutils replacement, making it a genuine — if minimal — Linux environment. The project pushes both a classic gaming console and the Linux kernel to their combined limits.
Assignment: 48-DPA-11-15-07_SOI_K_NPS_Mall_Press] Press conference announcing the launch of the Trust of the National Mall, [a nonprofit organization that will help raise private-sector funds needed for restoration and preservation of the National Mall. Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joined National Park Service Deputy Director Lindi Harvey, National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent Peggy O'Dell, Trust for the National Mall Chairman John "Chip" Akridge, Washington, D.C. Delegate to Congress Eleanor Holmes Norton, and other dignitaries at the event] [48-DPA-11-15-07_SOI_K_NPS_Mall_Press_DOI_7017.JPG</div> — Department of the Interior. National Business Center. Administrative Operations Directorate. Division of Employee and Public Services. Creative Communications Branch. Photographic Services. 2000, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
FUNDRAISING
Nonprofits Launch National Campaign for Ethical Online Fundraising Platform Standards
The National Council of Nonprofits, joined by all 52 state associations, has published four principles for ethical online fundraising platform practices and launched a nationwide endorsement campaign. The initiative calls on digital platforms to commit to standards that protect nonprofits and their donors. Digital fundraising platform Every.org became the first platform to formally endorse the framework. NCN is urging other major online fundraising platforms to sign on, citing growing concerns about opaque fee structures and data practices that can disadvantage charitable organizations. The campaign seeks to establish consistent baseline standards across an increasingly fragmented platform fundraising landscape.
Record 68,000+ Responses Filed on Federal Grant Rules Overhaul
A proposed overhaul of federal grant administration rules has drawn an unprecedented public response, with more than 68,000 organizations and individuals submitting comments on the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Guidance revision. The proposal, released May 29, would reshape how federal grants are structured and administered across the nonprofit sector. The National Council of Nonprofits, which helped mobilize the response, described the comment volume as a historic milestone for sector engagement. NCN is urging all nonprofits and state associations to continue pressing for protective language before the public comment deadline closes on July 13.
New House Task Force Signals Intensified Federal Scrutiny of Nonprofits
The House Oversight Committee has established the Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses, chaired by Rep. Gill (R-TX), with a focus that includes tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations. The National Council of Nonprofits flagged the development in its June 29 Nonprofit Champion newsletter, alerting its network of 52 state associations to the new oversight body. The move reflects a broader pattern of federal attention directed at civil society organizations. NCN said it is closely monitoring the task force’s activities and will keep member organizations informed as the body’s specific agenda and focus on nonprofits become clearer.
House Passes Fraudulent Payments Bill Nonprofit Groups Say Will Harm Charities
The House of Representatives has passed the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act (H.R. 8464), and the National Council of Nonprofits is urging senators to block or amend the measure before it advances further. NCN warned the bill as written poses unintended risks to nonprofit organizations, potentially disrupting legitimate charitable payment transactions and creating new compliance burdens. The bill has cleared the full House and now awaits Senate action. NCN alerted its member network through its June 29 Nonprofit Champion newsletter, calling on the sector to contact their senators. The organization characterized the legislation as a clear threat to nonprofit financial operations.
Conflicting Court Rulings on $100K H-1B Visa Fee Leave Nonprofit Employers in Limbo
Conflicting federal court decisions on the H-1B visa fee are creating legal uncertainty for nonprofits that employ skilled foreign workers. A ruling issued June 8 found that a $100,000 H-1B application fee exceeded the agency’s statutory authority and struck it down — but that ruling directly conflicts with an earlier decision that found the fee permissible. Charitable employers are left navigating contradictory guidance with no clear resolution in sight. The National Council of Nonprofits highlighted the conflict in its June 29 newsletter, noting nonprofits have significant workforce stakes in the outcome as the fee issue works through the courts.
Wave of State Anti-Terrorism Bills Targeting Nonprofits Tracked as 36 Legislatures Adjourn
A significant wave of state-level anti-terrorism legislation with potential impact on nonprofits is spreading across the country, with the National Council of Nonprofits tracking more than 270 bills introduced in state legislatures this session. As of late June, 36 state legislatures have adjourned their sessions. Among states that enacted laws NCN has flagged as problematic, Florida (HB 1471), Tennessee (SB 1956), and Indiana (SB 256) all passed anti-terrorism measures that could impose new restrictions or burdens on charitable organizations. NCN is urging nonprofits in affected states to consult their state association to understand the legal implications.
Four States Ease Charitable Bequest Laws, Bolstering Planned Giving Pipeline
Colorado, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Illinois all enacted legislation during their 2026 sessions to make it easier for donors to leave charitable bequests to nonprofit organizations. The National Council of Nonprofits highlighted the measures as welcome developments in its June 29 Nonprofit Champion newsletter. Charitable bequests — gifts made through wills, trusts, and estate plans — represent a growing and critical revenue stream for the nonprofit sector. The new state laws are designed to reduce legal barriers and administrative friction that have historically complicated or delayed the transfer of planned gifts from donor estates to their intended charitable recipients.
BOX OFFICE
Michael Jackson Biopic Surpasses Oppenheimer as Highest-Grossing Biopic of All Time
Michael , the Lionsgate-distributed biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua , crossed $977 million worldwide this weekend to overtake Oppenheimer ($975 million) as the highest-grossing biopic in box office history. Starring Jackson’s real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film has earned $370 million domestically across ten weekends and now stands as Lionsgate’s biggest release ever. The previous record was held by Bohemian Rhapsody at $911 million. The film’s sustained run reflects a fan-centric marketing campaign built on moonwalk flash mobs across 20 global markets and more than 564 million social media views . Colman Domingo and Nia Long co-star alongside Jaafar Jackson as Joe and Katherine Jackson.
Supergirl Opens to $37M, Projects $125M Loss Despite DC’s Record $100M-Plus Ad Campaign
Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ Supergirl stumbled to a $37.1 million domestic opening—well short of its $40–50 million target—putting the film on course to lose an estimated $125 million . The studio spent $170 million to produce and roughly $120 million to market the Milly Alcock-led picture, DC’s largest promotional campaign ever, with more than 80 brand partners including Waymo , Samsung, KFC, and Ulta delivering over $100 million in media value. Despite the scope of the blitz, audiences skewed 59% male, meaning the film failed to attract the young-female casual moviegoer it targeted. The film scored a “B-” on CinemaScore and 56% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Toy Story 5 Holds No. 1 With $70.8M Second Weekend, Reaching $298M Domestically
Toy Story 5 retained the top domestic box office spot in its second frame, earning $70.8 million from 4,425 theaters—a 55.6% drop from its $160 million opening. The Disney and Pixar sequel has now amassed $298 million domestically after just two weekends, holding strongly despite new competition from Supergirl and Jackass: Best and Last . The film’s durable run reflects a campaign anchored by a $200 million global partnership portfolio —the largest in Pixar franchise history—and a marketing boost from Taylor Swift’s original song “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 before the film’s opening weekend.
Disney Becomes First Studio to Cross $3 Billion at the Global Box Office in 2026
Walt Disney Studios became the first studio to cross $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales in 2026, a milestone powered by Toy Story 5 ’s second-weekend performance. The studio’s total was built on a diverse portfolio: The Devil Wears Prada 2 ($677.6 million), Pixar ’s Hoppers ($372 million), Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu ($323 million-plus), and 20th Century Studios’ Send Help ($94 million), alongside carryover from Zootopia 2 . Toy Story 5 opened to $312 million globally , the second-best Pixar launch ever. The achievement underscores Disney’s franchise-heavy strategy and high-profile cultural partnerships—led by Taylor Swift ’s involvement—as a template for sustaining theatrical momentum in 2026.
Cannes Lions 2026: Creator Economy and AI ROI Take Center Stage for Entertainment Marketers
The 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity closed with two themes dominating entertainment marketing: the explosive growth of the creator economy and a shift from AI experimentation to measurable ROI. 500 creators attended—up from 400 in 2025—as major platforms courted influencer talent for branded content deals. Nvidia, Palantir, and Pinterest unveiled agent infrastructure to automate marketing tasks previously done by humans. Adidas ’ Oasis-inspired campaign “Original Forever” won the Entertainment Grand Prix. Apple’s Eddy Cue was named Entertainment Person of the Year, and Oprah Winfrey received the LionHeart honor. Executives noted that brands are now entering entertainment partnerships from the earliest stages of creative development, displacing traditional late-stage placements.
What DC Studios Must Learn From Supergirl’s $125M Box Office Failure
Supergirl ’s projected $125 million loss has prompted a reckoning at DC Studios and across the industry about the economics of mid-tier superhero films. Analysts argue casual moviegoers need a film to feel “culturally inevitable” before studios commit $200-plus million in combined production and marketing—a bar Supergirl never cleared. DC’s next release, body-horror film Clayface (October 23), carries a modest $40 million budget—a deliberate correction. The studio’s bigger bet arrives next summer with Superman: Man of Tomorrow , starring David Corenswet , whose universal character recognition gives DC its clearest path to restoring audience trust after misfires including The Flash and Joker: Folie à Deux .
Obsession Surpasses Blair Witch Project as Highest-Grossing Film Festival Acquisition Ever
Obsession , the micro-budget horror romance directed by first-time filmmaker Curry Barker , crossed $286.5 million worldwide to become the highest-grossing film ever acquired at a festival, surpassing The Blair Witch Project ’s $248.6 million global final. Focus Features bought the film for $15 million out of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Produced for under $1 million, the film earned $9.7 million domestically in its seventh weekend—now ranking as Focus Features’ all-time highest-grossing title. Its marketing campaign, built around cryptic Out of Home billboards and an interactive phone-number activation mimicking the film’s protagonist, drove audience turnout that skewed heavily toward 18-to-25 moviegoers .
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