SAMWISE
Good morning Janine. Here is your personal morning briefing · samwise.agency
Thursday, July 02, 2026
DRIVER MARKET
Verstappen's Camp Opens McLaren Talks as Red Bull Exit Clause Threatens 2027 Market Chaos
Verstappen's camp has initiated talks with McLaren over a potential 2027 move, a development Sky Sports reports would trigger 'chaos' across the F1 driver market if he activates his Red Bull exit clause. That clause allows Verstappen to leave for a rival in 2027 if he is outside the championship's top two at the summer break. With three rounds remaining before August's break, Verstappen sits seventh, 58 points behind second-placed Russell. McLaren CEO Zak Brown dismissed the reports directly, insisting he is “not in the market” and expressing full confidence in Norris and Piastri. Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies admitted his team must prove Verstappen should stay.
British GP Sprint Weekend at Silverstone Sets Stage for Intensifying Antonelli–Russell Title Battle
Formula 1 heads to Silverstone this weekend for the British Grand Prix, marking the circuit's first Sprint format since 2021. The single practice session takes place Friday at 12:30 BST, with Sprint Qualifying at 16:30, the Sprint and full qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday at 15:00 BST. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli arrives 40 points clear of teammate George Russell after the Austrian GP. Russell has never won at Silverstone, with a best result of fifth. Lewis Hamilton, a nine-time British GP winner, returns seeking to reverse Ferrari's Austrian momentum.
Verstappen Calls Red Bull's Seven-Part Austrian Upgrade a “Very Big Step Forward”
Max Verstappen described Red Bull's seven-part Austrian upgrade as a “very big step forward” after finishing second behind George Russell at the Red Bull Ring. The package included a revised sidepod inlet and engine cover, changes to the RB22's floor and floor board, a reprofiled rear suspension layout, and a new rear wing and exhaust tailpipe. Verstappen said it was the first time this season he felt capable of “actually fighting for the win,” though he noted something felt off in the car's rear in the second half. Team principal Laurent Mekies conceded the upgrade alone would not be sufficient to close the gap to the leading teams.
Ferrari and Hamilton Took an “Alarming Step Backwards” at the Austrian Grand Prix
Ferrari left the Austrian Grand Prix with both Hamilton and Leclerc struggling after a weekend observers described as an “alarming step backwards.” Hamilton, who started third, finished fifth on a three-stop strategy as severe tyre degradation cost the Scuderia throughout the race. Hamilton said Ferrari “really struggled on pace, degradation was really, really high, much worse than anticipated.” Leclerc finished eighth. The result left Ferrari 98 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship heading to Silverstone — a sharp contrast to Hamilton's win at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona two rounds earlier.
Pirelli Goes One Step Softer at Silverstone as Sprint Format Trims Tyre Allocation
Pirelli has selected softer compounds than usual for this weekend's British Grand Prix Sprint at Silverstone, bringing the C2, C3, and C4 tyres — one step softer than previously used at the circuit. The change is designed to make the hardest compound slower over a stint and encourage teams to run the softer options even at the cost of an extra stop. The Sprint format also reduces each driver's allocation from 13 sets of slicks to 12. With Silverstone's demanding high-speed layout and dry, hot conditions forecast across all three days, tyre management is set to be a decisive factor in both the Sprint and Sunday's main race.
Jenson Button Backs Hamilton to Challenge for British GP Victory After Ferrari's Austrian Slump
Jenson Button believes Lewis Hamilton will be confident of challenging for victory at the British Grand Prix this weekend, telling Sky Sports that Hamilton knows Silverstone intimately and has every reason to believe Ferrari can bounce back from Austria. Hamilton has won the British Grand Prix nine times. Hamilton struck a lighter note about the conditions, joking to reporters it “could snow” at Silverstone — though the weekend forecast shows dry conditions throughout. Ferrari will be hoping Hamilton can rediscover the form that brought his maiden Ferrari victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona two rounds ago.
Verstappen Admits Red Bull Has “Too Many Issues” for a Realistic 2026 Title Challenge
Despite his strongest 2026 result at the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen acknowledged Red Bull still has too many issues to mount a realistic championship challenge. Verstappen sits seventh with 73 points, 98 behind leader Kimi Antonelli. The seven-part Austrian upgrade let him race second for the full distance and battle at the front — a marked improvement. But both Verstappen and team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged the gap to Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren remains too large to close quickly. With three rounds before the summer break and Verstappen's exit clause tied to a top-two standing, Red Bull's development trajectory is under intense scrutiny.
Analysis: Why Silverstone Represents Russell's Strongest British GP Championship Opportunity Yet
Autosport analysis ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix argues Silverstone offers George Russell his strongest championship opportunity yet at his home circuit. Russell arrives having closed Kimi Antonelli's lead from 68 to 40 points with his Austrian victory — his second win of the 2026 season. The result also moved him above Lewis Hamilton into second in the standings. Despite Silverstone being a historically difficult venue for Russell, with a best result of fifth, his recent form gives him momentum. Three rounds remain before the August summer break, and Silverstone's Sprint format adds an extra points opportunity on Saturday, making every session critical for the championship picture.
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 171 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. 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. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
21. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
22. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 302 pts
2. Ferrari — 204 pts
3. McLaren — 159 pts
4. Red Bull — 115 pts
5. Alpine — 57 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 44 pts
7. Haas — 21 pts
8. Williams — 11 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Aston Martin — 1 pts
11. Cadillac — 0 pts
TRANSACTIONS
“I’m Back”: Alex Ovechkin Re-Signs With Washington Capitals for 18th Season
Alex Ovechkin, 40, confirmed he will return for an 18th NHL season after signing a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals on Wednesday worth $4.25 million in base salary, plus a $4.75 million bonus for playing in at least 10 games. The all-time goal-scoring leader — who reached 929 career goals — said simply, “I’m back,” in announcing the deal. Capitals general manager Chris Patrick had expressed confidence the team had cap room and roster space to bring back its longtime captain after Washington missed the playoffs last season. Ovechkin turns 41 in September.
Sergei Bobrovsky Leaves Florida for Toronto, Signs Three-Year Deal With Maple Leafs
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, joining the club as a free agent after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025. The 37-year-old posted a 27-23-1 record and a .877 save percentage in 52 games for Florida last season. Bobrovsky’s 456 career regular-season wins rank seventh all-time among NHL goaltenders. Toronto general manager John Chayka called the signing part of a broader offseason overhaul intended to address a long-unaddressed need in net for the Maple Leafs.
Rasmus Andersson Re-Signs With Vegas Golden Knights on Seven-Year, $59.5M Deal
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson re-signed with the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1, agreeing to a seven-year contract through the 2032–33 season worth an average annual value of $8.5 million. Andersson, 29, was acquired from the Calgary Flames in January and played 33 regular-season games for Vegas before appearing in all 22 of the club’s 2026 playoff games, recording six assists and a plus-two rating. The Golden Knights waited until the new $104 million salary cap took effect July 1 to create the necessary cap room. GM Kelly McCrimmon announced the signing.
Mason Marchment Signs Five-Year Deal With San Jose Sharks in Family Homecoming
San Jose Sharks forward Mason Marchment signed a five-year, $33.75 million contract on July 1, returning to the city where his late father, Bryan, played six seasons for the Sharks from 1997–2003. The 31-year-old split the 2025–26 season between the Seattle Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets, totaling 47 points — 19 goals and 28 assists — in 68 combined games. Marchment described the move as “full circle,” citing his family’s deep connection to San Jose. The deal carries an average annual value of $6.75 million and runs through the 2030–31 season, keeping Marchment with a rebuilding Sharks club through his mid-30s.
Veteran Defenseman John Carlson Signs Two-Year Deal With Tampa Bay Lightning
Veteran defenseman John Carlson agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1, reuniting him with a contender after a career spent primarily in Washington. The 36-year-old had 60 points in 71 regular-season games last season between Anaheim and Washington before becoming a free agent. Carlson’s 785 career points — 170 goals and 615 assists in 1,159 games — rank him fifth among active NHL defensemen. Tampa Bay had acquired his negotiating rights from Carolina prior to the opening of free agency but could not secure a deal with the Hurricanes.
Seattle Kraken Acquire Mackie Samoskevich From Florida, Sign Him to Three-Year Deal
The Seattle Kraken acquired forward Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 2027 second-round pick, then signed the 23-year-old to a three-year extension at $3.85 million annually on July 1. Samoskevich had career highs of 12 goals and 32 points in 77 games for Florida last season and won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2025. The trade gives Seattle a young forward they can develop, while Florida received immediate draft capital in return for the restricted free agent.
Montreal Locks Up Rookie Star Ivan Demidov on Eight-Year, $73 Million Extension
Montreal Canadiens standout rookie Ivan Demidov, 20, signed an eight-year, $73 million contract extension on July 1, locking in the Russian-born forward through the 2033–34 season. Demidov led all NHL rookies in scoring during 2025–26 with 62 points — 19 goals and 43 assists — in 82 games and was named to the league’s All-Rookie Team. He finished second in Calder Trophy voting to New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The contract carries a $9.125 million average annual value and includes a 10-team no-trade clause that applies during the final three years of the deal.
Five Winners From Day 1 of NHL Free Agency: Capitals, Leafs, and Lightning Make Big Moves
The Washington Capitals emerged as one of the biggest winners on the opening day of NHL free agency after signing Alex Ovechkin to a one-year deal while also acquiring forward Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade with Buffalo and trading for Jordan Kyrou. The Toronto Maple Leafs made significant moves by landing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and acquiring defenseman Darren Raddysh on an eight-year deal. The Hockey News identified Washington, Toronto, Vegas, Tampa Bay, and San Jose as Day 1 winners, citing each club’s ability to address roster needs with the cap rising to $104 million.
RECAP
Swanson Hits 3 Homers, 8 RBI as Cubs Torch Padres 23-3 for Three-Game Sweep
The Chicago Cubs crushed the San Diego Padres 23-3 Wednesday at Wrigley Field to complete a three-game sweep. Dansby Swanson, batting ninth, slugged three home runs — including a grand slam — and drove in eight runs, the second-most by a ninth-place hitter in major league history. Swanson, who homered twice Tuesday, became the first Cub with back-to-back multi-homer games since Patrick Wisdom in August 2021. Michael Conforto hit two home runs, and Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch also went deep. The Cubs smashed eight home runs, tying the franchise record set last year on July 4. Colin Rea pitched five innings for the win. Chicago is 49-38.
Tigers Complete First Yankee Stadium Sweep Since 2008 as New York Skid Reaches Seven
The Detroit Tigers defeated the New York Yankees 6-2 in 11 innings Wednesday at Yankee Stadium to complete their first sweep at the venue since 2008. New York's losing streak stretched to seven, their longest in three years. After the Yankees tied it 2-2 in the ninth, Detroit scored four times in the 11th. Camilo Doval issued a bases-loaded walk to Spencer Torkelson, then Zach McKinstry drove in two with a single and another run scored on a throwing error. Keider Montero struck out the side in the 10th to strand two Yankees runners, and Troy Melton held New York to two hits over 6.1 innings.
Aaron Judge Approaching Four Weeks on IL With No Scan Update as Yankees Slide Deepens
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge remained sidelined Wednesday, approaching four weeks on the injured list with a stress fracture in his right rib, with no updated scan results available. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Judge was not expected to be ready for re-evaluation at the four-week mark. Judge believes the injury stemmed from a diving play in a late-April series at Houston. The prolonged absence has weighed on a struggling New York offense. The Yankees lost their seventh consecutive game Wednesday, a 6-2 extra-innings defeat to the Tigers, their longest losing streak in three years. New York sits at 48-38 on the season.
Langeliers Hits 20th Homer, Ginn Dominates as Athletics End Four-Game Skid With 7-1 Win Over Dodgers
Shea Langeliers hit his 20th home run and J.T. Ginn pitched six innings to lead the Athletics to a 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. Ginn, who improved to 7-4 and allowed one run on three hits, has won four of his last five starts. Jonah Heim and Alika Williams also homered for Oakland, which snapped a four-game losing streak. Freddie Freeman homered for Los Angeles, extending his on-base streak to 16 games. After back-to-back losses to begin the series, the A's seized an early lead on Heim's leadoff homer in the second. The major-league-leading Dodgers fall to 56-31.
Woods Homers as Nationals Rout Red Sox 10-2 for Road Series Win
James Woods slugged a three-run home run for his 22nd of the season, and Andrés Chaparro and Nasim Nuñez each went deep Wednesday as the Washington Nationals routed the Boston Red Sox 10-2 at Fenway Park. Red Sox starter Payton Tolle surrendered six runs on seven hits and three walks in three-plus innings, falling to 4-6. Brad Lord, Andrew Alvarez, Riley Cornelio and Carson Palmquist combined to allow just two runs for Washington. The Nationals improved their road series record to 11-3-1, among the best in the majors. Washington is 45-43 after taking the series.
Bradley Strikes Out 11 as Twins Top Astros 8-3 for Third Straight Road Series Win
Minnesota Twins right-hander Taj Bradley struck out 11 batters, tying his career high, as Minnesota beat the Houston Astros 8-3 Wednesday night. Bradley, who improved to 7-3, allowed one run and four hits in five innings. Josh Bell, Kody Clemens and Luke Keaschall each homered for the Twins. Trevor Larnach went 3-for-5 with a double and a two-run single. Bell extended his career-high road hitting streak to 16 games, the longest active streak of its kind in the majors. Minnesota won its third consecutive road series for the first time since May 2025. The Twins are 42-46.
McClanahan Shuts Out Royals for Six Innings as Rays Extend Win Streak to Seven
Shane McClanahan allowed just three hits over six shutout innings Wednesday as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-0, extending Tampa Bay's winning streak to seven games. The victory moved the Rays to 50-33, the best record in the AL East and 3.5 games ahead of the slumping New York Yankees, who have lost seven straight. Kansas City, which has dropped to 35-52 and sits 11 games behind the AL Central-leading White Sox, managed little against McClanahan throughout the night. Tampa Bay continues its run as the American League's hottest team heading into July.
McDonald Pitches Six Scoreless Innings as Giants Finally Beat Diamondbacks 6-4
Trevor McDonald pitched six scoreless innings as the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-4 Wednesday night in Phoenix. McDonald, who entered the game 0-6 with a 6.47 ERA in his previous seven starts, allowed just one hit — a leadoff single by Ketel Marte in the fourth — and struck out five. Heliot Ramos delivered a solo home run and an RBI triple, and Victor Bericoto added a two-run home run. The Giants avoided being swept by Arizona for the third time this season, preventing what would have been their first 0-9 start against a single opponent in franchise history. Caleb Kilian earned his seventh save.
Dean Kremer Returns From Nine-Week IL Stint, Pitches Six Strong Innings in Orioles Win
Dean Kremer returned from a nine-week stint on the injured list Wednesday and pitched six innings of one-run ball, leading the Baltimore Orioles to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards. Kremer, a right-hander, had been sidelined with a significant strain of his right quadriceps. The Orioles reinstated Kremer from the 60-day injured list and optioned pitcher Trey Gibson and left-hander Josh Walker. Tyler O'Neill homered on Canada Day for Baltimore, which snapped a four-game losing streak. The Orioles improved to 40-48 with the series finale win.
Fry, Hedges Homer as Guardians Snap Rangers’ Six-Game Winning Streak With 9-4 Win
David Fry hit a three-run home run in a five-run second inning, Austin Hedges added a two-run shot in the eighth, and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Texas Rangers 9-4 Wednesday to snap the Rangers' six-game winning streak. Fry's homer came off MacKenzie Gore. Hedges drove in three runs total. Rookie Chase DeLauter added three hits for Cleveland. Starter Joey Cantillo won for the third time in his last four outings, allowing two runs on three hits in five innings. Elias Díaz homered for Texas and drove in two runs. Cleveland improved to 45-42, while Texas fell to 44-43.
American League
1. Tampa Bay Rays — 50–33, —
2. New York Yankees — 48–38, 3.5
3. Toronto Blue Jays — 41–46, 11.0
4. Baltimore Orioles — 40–48, 12.5
5. Boston Red Sox — 37–48, 14.0
1. Chicago White Sox — 45–40, —
2. Cleveland Guardians — 45–42, 1.0
3. Minnesota Twins — 42–46, 4.5
4. Detroit Tigers — 38–49, 8.0
5. Kansas City Royals — 35–52, 11.0
1. Texas Rangers — 44–43, —
2. Seattle Mariners — 44–43, —
3. Houston Astros — 43–46, 2.0
4. Athletics — 41–46, 3.0
5. Los Angeles Angels — 36–51, 8.0
National League
1. Atlanta Braves — 50–34, —
2. Philadelphia Phillies — 49–38, 2.5
3. Miami Marlins — 46–41, 5.5
4. Washington Nationals — 45–43, 7.0
5. New York Mets — 36–51, 15.5
1. Milwaukee Brewers — 53–31, —
2. Chicago Cubs — 49–38, 5.5
3. St. Louis Cardinals — 44–39, 8.5
4. Pittsburgh Pirates — 43–44, 11.5
5. Cincinnati Reds — 39–46, 14.5
1. Los Angeles Dodgers — 56–31, —
2. San Diego Padres — 43–42, 12.0
3. Arizona Diamondbacks — 43–43, 12.5
4. San Francisco Giants — 36–50, 19.5
5. Colorado Rockies — 34–53, 22.0
INDUSTRY
Sony to End Physical PlayStation Disc Manufacturing by 2028
Sony has confirmed it will cease all physical disc manufacturing for PlayStation consoles by 2028, ending the optical media era in gaming. The move follows years of declining physical media sales as digital distribution has come to dominate consumer game purchases. For hardware enthusiasts, repairers, and archivists this matters directly: PlayStation optical drives are already becoming scarce, and disc manufacturing’s end will accelerate console obsolescence over time. Physical game preservation becomes increasingly urgent as manufacturers exit the format. The closure mirrors broader consumer electronics trends, raising the familiar maker concern: when companies abandon physical media, long-term hardware repairability and software preservation both suffer.
Denmark Sets a Sensible Standard for Hobby Drone Regulation
Denmark has introduced drone regulations that Hackaday flags as a rare example of common-sense policy-making: the new framework explicitly distinguishes hobbyist flyers from commercial operators, reduces registration requirements for sub-250g recreational craft, and creates clear carve-outs for educational and maker use cases. This stands in contrast to the European Union’s blanket drone rules, which have frustrated makers and hobbyists across the continent with disproportionate compliance burdens. Denmark’s tiered approach demonstrates that regulators can protect airspace safety while remaining genuinely friendly to innovation. Other EU member states and regulators worldwide might look to Denmark’s framework as a workable model.
OrthoRoute Brings GPU Acceleration to PCB Autorouting
OrthoRoute is a new open-source PCB autorouter that offloads the computationally intensive routing problem to the GPU, enabling it to handle densely packed boards that would stall conventional CPU-based tools. The project was demonstrated on complex designs with thousands of nets, completing in time frames no traditional router can match through GPU parallelism alone. For electronics designers dealing with high-density layouts — particularly mixed-signal, RF-heavy, or multi-layer boards — this represents a meaningful workflow shift. OrthoRoute is currently in active development and openly available, making it an early but immediately promising addition to the open-source EDA toolchain.
Researchers Engineer Fish-Inspired Micro-Submarines for Environmental Monitoring
Researchers have developed miniaturized autonomous submarines designed to replace fish as environmental monitoring platforms in aquatic ecosystems. These micro-submarines carry sensor arrays measuring water quality, temperature gradients, and biological activity while navigating via fish-inspired undulating propulsion. The engineering challenge spans multiple disciplines: the craft must be small enough to move invisibly through sensitive ecosystems, mechanically durable for extended deployments, and intelligent enough to navigate unpredictable currents without operator intervention. For makers interested in underwater robotics this research highlights a meaningful frontier — waterproof electronics enclosures, low-power acoustic sensing, and buoyancy control are all areas where community innovation can accelerate real scientific progress.
Terra System Navigates Without GPS Using Existing FM Radio Infrastructure
Terra is a positioning system that uses FM radio broadcast signals — already deployed across most inhabited areas — as a navigation reference, achieving meter-level accuracy without GPS satellites, dedicated base stations, or any specialized infrastructure. The system works by passively analyzing timing and signal characteristics from existing FM broadcast towers, requiring only a standard receiver on the device being located. For makers, this opens practical possibilities: positioning in GPS-denied environments such as tunnels, dense urban canyons, and GPS-jammed zones becomes achievable with commodity hardware. The approach also enables very low-power location systems, since passive FM reception is dramatically less power-hungry than active GPS acquisition.
Terminus: An ESP8266-Powered Text-Only Cellular Phone Built by a Maker
[Bolan Xu]’s TERMINUS project reduces the smartphone to its most essential function: a QWERTY keyboard, a small OLED display, and an ESP8266 microcontroller connected to a cellular modem for SMS. The device deliberately excludes voice calls, a camera, a web browser, and spyware in favor of simple private text communication. Built inside a skeletal 3D-printed frame, it bridges WiFi-based SMS over IP with traditional cellular messaging. The project exemplifies the maker spirit of stripping commercial hardware down to its core value and rebuilding it lean. An ESP8266 and a cellular modem, both common in maker parts bins, are genuinely sufficient for a working personal communicator.
Tanmatsu One Year On: The Open-Source ESP32-P4 Palmtop Has Matured
Hackaday’s Jenny List delivers a one-year review of the Tanmatsu, the open-source ESP32-P4 palmtop computer that grew from Dutch conference badge culture. Twelve months after launch, the device now features a stable OS, a growing app repository, MicroPython support, LoRa radio (868 or 915 MHz), WiFi via the onboard ESP32-C6, and a well-developed expansion ecosystem with Qwiic, PMOD/SAO, CSI camera, and large GPIO headers. At EUR 99, it occupies a practical niche: more capable than bare development boards, more affordable than Linux handhelds, and fully open-source from schematics to firmware. Real-world use for Meshcore mesh messaging and camera add-ons confirms it as a mature, genuinely hackable palmtop.
POLICY
Federal Courts Block Trump Rule That Would Have Stripped PSLF Eligibility From Nonprofit Workers
Two federal courts on Tuesday vacated a Trump administration rule that would have allowed the Department of Education to deny Public Service Loan Forgiveness benefits to employees of nonprofits deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose.” U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun in Washington, D.C., ruled the regulation was “contrary to law,” exceeded statutory authority, was arbitrary and capricious, and violated the First Amendment. A Massachusetts court struck down the rule hours before its July 1 effective date. The rule had targeted nonprofits whose work conflicted with administration priorities, raising concern that it would deter workers from choosing lower-paid public service careers.
House Ways and Means Committee Advances Nonprofit Hospital Reporting Bill on Party-Line Vote
The House Ways and Means Committee on July 1 approved H.R. 9504, the Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act, on a 25–15 party-line vote. The bill would require nonprofit hospitals to report community benefit spending on a facility-by-facility basis, including charity care data, 340B Drug Pricing Program participation, and service-line expenditures. Large nonprofit hospitals with more than 100 inpatient beds or $100 million in net patient revenue face additional requirements. Supporters contend the bill is needed to justify the $37.4 billion in federal tax breaks nonprofit hospitals received in 2021. The American Hospital Association warned the legislation would impose significant administrative burdens on nearly two-thirds of all hospitals.
Fundraising Platform Carey & Co. Acquires Lautman Maska Neill in Third Deal in 18 Months
Carey & Co., a growing nonprofit fundraising platform, on July 1 announced its acquisition of Lautman Maska Neill & Company, a Washington, D.C.–based direct response and donor acquisition firm. The deal marks the company’s third acquisition in approximately 18 months, following the purchases of Noble Accounting and Schultz & Williams. Carey & Co. is building a comprehensive service platform spanning donor acquisition, direct response fundraising, major and planned giving, capital campaigns, strategic planning, financial management, organizational development, and executive leadership. Lautman Maska Neill brings decades of experience serving major national charities. The consolidation reflects a broader trend of private-equity-backed rollups entering the nonprofit fundraising services sector.
Dataro Launches AI Predictive Donor Intelligence Inside Bloomerang, Reaching 24,000 Nonprofits
Dataro, an AI fundraising company, on July 1 launched a native integration with Bloomerang’s donor management platform, making predictive donor modeling available to more than 24,000 nonprofits. The integration adds AI-generated scores to every donor record within Bloomerang, identifying which donors are at risk of lapsing, ready to upgrade their giving, or strong candidates for conversion to monthly or major-gift status. Fundraisers also receive daily recommended next-best-action prompts and on-demand AI prospect research. The integration is generally available to Bloomerang customers on select plans, designed to help constrained fundraising teams surface data-driven donor priorities automatically.
Nonprofit Quarterly Examines the Ideological Shift Behind the Rise of Progressive Philanthropy
Nonprofit Quarterly on July 1 published a detailed analysis examining the growth of what scholars are calling “progressive philanthropy,” a movement that explicitly links charitable giving to systemic change rather than traditional charity. The article traces an ecosystem of grantmakers backed by living donors, including multibillion-dollar endowed foundations whose priorities center on racial justice, gender equity, and democratic institutions. Authors argue the shift reflects growing conviction among major funders that incremental service delivery is insufficient to address structural inequality. The analysis notes that the ecosystem of progressive grantmakers is now larger and more powerful than at any previous point, representing a significant reorientation in philanthropic strategy and sector identity.
Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter Reflects on a Decade of Mobilizing Southern Black Voters
Nonprofit Quarterly on July 1 published a profile co-produced with The 19th of LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, exploring her decade of voter mobilization work across the South. Brown, inspired by her grandparents’ experiences voting as Black Southerners, co-founded the organization in 2016 to formalize a lifetime of civic engagement work. Since then, Black Voters Matter has orchestrated major ground-level outreach campaigns across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana. Brown frames fundraising itself as a democratic act, arguing that nonprofits mobilizing communities generate civic power that extends well beyond any individual election cycle.
Sikh Coalition Marks 25 Years of Civil Rights Advocacy Rooted in the Aftermath of 9/11
Harman Singh, executive director of the Sikh Coalition—the largest Sikh civil rights organization in the United States—published an essay in Nonprofit Quarterly on July 2 tracing the organization’s founding in the weeks after September 11, 2001, when Sikh Americans faced widespread hate crimes and misidentification. Singh writes that the community’s resilience was rooted in a centuries-old legacy, and that the crisis galvanized advocates who built institutions to ensure no Sikh would have to choose between their faith and their safety. The Coalition, now 25 years old, continues work on civil rights, education, and religious liberty across the United States.
BOX OFFICE
Minions & Monsters Opens to $14.23M Wednesday, Fourth-Best Animated July Debut Ever
Illumination/Universal’s Minions & Monsters opened to a $14.23 million Wednesday — the fourth-best opening day for an animated July release , trailing only Despicable Me 2, Despicable Me 4, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. The seventh film in the franchise earned an A– CinemaScore and a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score , the highest-ever in the 16-year series. Tracking had projected an $80 million five-day domestic total, with international expected to contribute more than 60% of the global tally. The film opened across 69 territories this holiday weekend on a net production budget of $85 million before global P&A spend.
Illumination’s Meledandri Calls Box Office a ‘Misleading Indicator’ as Minions & Monsters Opens
Speaking to Deadline at the Annecy International Film Festival, where Minions & Monsters world-premiered on June 21 , Illumination CEO Christopher Meledandri pushed back on box-office fixation. “The box office is almost somewhat of a misleading indicator to really what happens in the world today,” he said, citing the shift toward streaming viewership. Director Pierre Coffin said his priority was creative pride over commercial targets. The film draws on Golden Age Hollywood imagery — Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin — while Coffin refined the Minions’ language across successive films. Illumination’s confirmed pipeline includes Sing 3 , The Secret Lives of Pets 3, and original film Not Alone.
GKids Acquires Studio Ghibli’s 23-Film Library for UK and Ireland, Plans Kiki’s IMAX Debut
Toho-owned animation specialist GKids has acquired distribution rights to Studio Ghibli’s 23-film library across the United Kingdom and Ireland, covering theatrical, home video, television, and digital rights. The deal partners GKids with Glasgow-based Anime Limited — recently acquired by Toho — for local market execution. The first release will be an IMAX theatrical run of Kiki’s Delivery Service on August 21 in the UK and Ireland. Future IMAX releases are planned for The Secret World of Arrietty and Whisper of the Heart. The library includes classics such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and 20 additional Ghibli titles .
Sadie Sink Joined Spider-Man: Brand New Day Without Audition in Studio’s Mystery Marketing Play
Variety reports that Sadie Sink — known for her role as Max in Stranger Things — landed a part in Spider-Man: Brand New Day via a direct offer, bypassing the standard audition process . Her role is so closely guarded that Sink has been absent from all trailers and marketing materials for the Tom Holland-led blockbuster despite her standing as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after Gen Z stars. The film opens July 31 . The casting strategy is part of a broader mystery-role approach studios use to sustain social-media speculation and audience anticipation between trailer drops in the weeks before a major release.
Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Hits EU Antitrust Crunch With UK Holding Key
The $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger has entered a critical European regulatory phase. The UK Competition and Markets Authority plans to conclude its Phase 1 review by August 7 , but a Phase 2 investigation could extend the process by more than five months , threatening Paramount CEO David Ellison’s self-imposed September 30 closing deadline . Should Ellison miss that date, deal terms require Paramount to pay shareholders a “ticking fee” of several million dollars per day. The UK review is emerging as the pivotal jurisdiction after U.S. Department of Justice clearance was secured in June.
Paramount Pledges to Exit UIP Joint Venture to Win EU Approval for $111B Warner Deal
To clear European Commission approval for its $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition , Paramount Skydance has formally committed to exiting the United International Pictures (UIP) joint venture , a theatrical distribution partnership shared with Universal Pictures across European markets. The concession addresses regulators’ concerns that a merged Paramount-WBD entity would concentrate excessive theatrical distribution power in Europe. Theater operators had flagged UIP as the primary competition risk. The European Commission has set a provisional approval deadline of July 22 , and Paramount believes the pledge will lead to clearance in time for David Ellison to close the deal by September 30 .
Your Name and Ghost in the Shell 2 Land on Disney+ in UK and France Anime Deal
Two acclaimed anime features — Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name and Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence — have been licensed to Disney+ in the UK and France via a new deal handled through distributor Anime Limited , Variety reports. The agreement expands Disney+’s anime catalog across two major European markets and adds two of international animation’s most celebrated titles to its streaming library. The deal reflects accelerating competition among major SVOD platforms for premium anime catalog rights as platforms seek differentiated content to reduce subscriber churn in competitive European streaming markets.
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