SAMWISE
Good morning John. Here is your personal morning briefing · samwise.agency
Monday, June 22, 2026
RACE RESULT
McLaren and Red Bull Pursue FIA Appeals as Monaco Grand Prix Result Remains in Flux
Formula 1's Monaco Grand Prix result remains contested as McLaren and Red Bull formally appealed to the FIA International Court of Appeal against Pierre Gasly's podium reinstatement. Stewards had rescinded Gasly's two five-second pitlane speeding penalties after Formula One Management admitted a 77cm timing measurement error rendered the original infractions invalid. Red Bull lost Isack Hadjar's maiden F1 podium as a result. McLaren argues that teams which adjusted their pitlane procedures to allow extra speed margin during the race — specifically to account for known timing uncertainty — were disadvantaged by Gasly's reinstatement. Mercedes withdrew its concurrent review of George Russell's penalty, concluding no productive outcome would result.
Verstappen Exit Clause Set to Activate as Red Bull Shareholders Divide Over Response
Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen publicly confirmed the four-time world champion has an exit clause in his Red Bull contract which, with Verstappen seventh in the championship on 55 points, is almost certain to become active at the summer break. The clause permits Verstappen to leave after 2026 if he is not in the top two at the start of the summer break, following the Hungarian Grand Prix. Red Bull's response is divided: the team's Thai shareholder favours buying out the clause, while co-owners Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff are opposed. Reports suggest Verstappen's first preference is to honour his contract, but the team's performance trajectory will be decisive.
Mercedes Pinpoints Battery Module as Source of Costly 2026 Power Unit Failures
Mercedes has identified a recurring fault in the battery section of its 2026 power unit after a string of reliability failures hit both the works team and customer squads. Technical director James Allison confirmed the failures are not identical but originate in the same broad area of the battery. George Russell retired from Monaco and Kimi Antonelli from Barcelona with related issues, while McLaren customer cars suffered battery-linked failures — most notably both cars failing to start the Chinese Grand Prix and Lando Norris retiring from Monaco. Mercedes says most risk areas are now understood and plans to phase in new battery modules during the current season.
Hamilton, Russell, Norris Deliver Britain's Record 12th Grand Prix Podium Sweep
Lewis Hamilton's maiden Ferrari victory at Barcelona, with George Russell second for Mercedes and Lando Norris third for McLaren, delivered Britain's 12th Formula 1 grand prix podium sweep — the most of any country in the sport's history, per RaceFans statistics. The all-British top three arrived across three different constructors, highlighting the competitive spread across the 2026 field. The result was Hamilton's first race win since joining Ferrari for the 2025 season, his 106th grand prix victory in total. Hamilton now holds second place in the Drivers' Championship with 115 points, 41 behind leader Kimi Antonelli, and Russell is third on 106 points.
Austrian Grand Prix This Weekend: Hamilton Arrives in Form, Red Bull Targets Upgrade Turnaround
Formula 1 heads to Austria this week for the Red Bull Ring Grand Prix, June 26–28, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes arriving as favourites. Lewis Hamilton, 41 points off the lead after his Barcelona win, will look to maintain momentum. Max Verstappen sits seventh in the championship on 55 points — a position likely to trigger his contract exit clause — and Red Bull are reported to be bringing performance upgrades in a bid to recover ground at their home event. The 4.3km circuit features three consecutive DRS zones and a challenging uphill run to Turn 3.
Sainz Admits Being Surprised by Williams' 2026 Pace Deficit as Audi Rumours Persist
Carlos Sainz acknowledged being surprised by the scale of Williams' pace deficit in the first seven rounds of the 2026 season, with the Spanish driver sitting 14th in the championship on just six points. Rumours linking Sainz to Audi have circulated, but Williams team principal James Vowles said both Sainz and Alex Albon have personally told him they want to remain with the team. Sainz joined Williams at the start of 2025 after Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton and has seen his new-for-2026 car struggle to compete even in the midfield. Vowles insists the drivers are aware he would be told in advance if either planned to leave.
Wolff Backs ADUO System and Warns Against Balance of Performance 'Political Mess'
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called on Formula 1 to maintain the ADUO framework while firmly resisting any push toward a Balance of Performance scheme to equalise the field. Wolff warned that BoP in F1 would create a 'political mess,' with teams and manufacturers inevitably fighting over the performance parameters applied to each car. The comments come as some smaller teams have pushed for intervention to address the competitive gap created by the 2026 technical regulations, with Mercedes leading both championships. Wolff argued natural convergence through further development, rather than artificial constraints, is the correct route to a more balanced grid.
Drivers' Championship
1. Andrea 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 Jr — 6 pts
15. Alexander Albon — 5 pts
16. Esteban Ocon — 3 pts
17. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
18. Fernando Alonso — 1 pt
19. Nico Hülkenberg — 0 pts
20. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
21. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
After 7 of 22 races
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 262 pts
2. Ferrari — 190 pts
3. McLaren — 141 pts
4. Red Bull — 89 pts
5. Alpine — 57 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 41 pts
7. Haas — 21 pts
8. Williams — 11 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Aston Martin — 1 pt
11. Cadillac — 0 pts
After 7 of 22 races
RACE RESULT
Christian Lundgaard Wins Road America From 13th in Last-to-First Comeback
Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard delivered one of the great comeback drives of 2026, winning Sunday’s XPEL Grand Prix at Road America after starting 13th and sustaining a broken front wing on the opening lap. Running second with four laps remaining, Lundgaard inherited the lead when Marcus Armstrong suffered a sudden engine failure. The Dane held off Team Penske’s David Malukas in a final-lap shootout to claim his third career IndyCar victory and second of the 2026 season. Will Power of Andretti Global completed the podium in third following a dramatic final-lap incident with Graham Rahal. Championship leader Alex Palou received a drive-through penalty for pit lane speeding and finished fourth.
Engine Failure Denies Marcus Armstrong First IndyCar Win at Road America
Meyer Shank Racing’s Marcus Armstrong was on course for his first IndyCar Series victory at Road America when his engine “completely died” with just four laps remaining. Armstrong had assumed the lead after championship contender Alex Palou received a drive-through penalty, and was pulling away with a two-and-a-half-second gap over Christian Lundgaard. There were zero warning signs on his dashboard and no messages from his engineers before the engine suddenly failed at Turn 5, smoke pouring from the rear of the car. Armstrong dropped from first to 24th in the final classification, handing the win to Lundgaard in a race Armstrong had led.
Will Power and Graham Rahal Clash on Final Lap at Road America
A last-lap battle for podium position turned controversial at Road America when Will Power and Graham Rahal made contact at Canada Corner. Power, driving for Andretti Global, attempted to pass around the outside of Rahal under braking, and the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver’s car spun into the concrete wall. Rahal, who had been heading for his fourth podium finish of the 2026 season, was classified 23rd. Power was ultimately reordered to third based on the timing of the full course yellow. Rahal said he was “very disappointed” in Power, while Power insisted he “absolutely did not want to have any contact.”
Malukas Surges to Second in Championship After Masterful Road America Drive
David Malukas continued his impressive 2026 campaign with Team Penske, finishing second at Road America to move into second place in the NTT IndyCar Series championship standings. With 314 points, Malukas now sits 60 behind leader Alex Palou and just one point clear of third-placed Kyle Kirkwood, setting up a three-way battle for the runner-up spot over the remaining eight rounds. Malukas’s Road America result — crossing the line in second despite a late safety car restart — underlines the consistent finishing pace that has made him one of the revelations of the 2026 season. The series resumes at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 5.
Palou Extends Championship Lead to 60 Points Despite Road America Penalty
Alex Palou leaves Road America with his championship lead grown to 60 points, despite a drive-through penalty for pit lane speeding that dropped him to fourth in Sunday’s race. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver failed to press the pit speed limiter button on his second stop — an error he called “a huge mistake” — yet still finished fourth and extended his lead. David Malukas of Team Penske moved into second in the standings with 314 points, overtaking Kyle Kirkwood who dropped to third on 313 points. Lundgaard’s win elevated him to fourth with 297 points. Eight rounds remain in the 2026 season.
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. Felix Rosenqvist — 248 pts
7. Scott McLaughlin — 248 pts
8. Josef Newgarden — 247 pts
9. Marcus Ericsson — 213 pts
10. Scott Dixon — 211 pts
11. Marcus Armstrong — 203 pts
12. Graham Rahal — 200 pts
13. Rinus VeeKay — 187 pts
14. Will Power — 180 pts
15. Alexander Rossi — 180 pts
16. Kyffin Simpson — 179 pts
17. Santino Ferrucci — 168 pts
18. Louis Foster — 147 pts
19. Dennis Hauger — 143 pts
20. Romain Grosjean — 132 pts
21. Nolan Siegel — 125 pts
22. Christian Rasmussen — 117 pts
23. Caio Collet — 113 pts
24. Mick Schumacher — 102 pts
25. Sting Ray Robb — 100 pts
26. Conor Daly — 24 pts
27. Takuma Sato — 20 pts
28. Jack Harvey — 8 pts
29. Jacob Abel — 6 pts
30. Helio Castroneves — 5 pts
31. Ed Carpenter — 5 pts
32. Ryan Hunter-Reay — 5 pts
33. Katherine Legge — 5 pts
Teams' Championship
1. Chip Ganassi Racing — 585 pts
2. Team Penske — 562 pts
3. Arrow McLaren — 554 pts
4. Andretti Global — 526 pts
5. Meyer Shank Racing — 451 pts
6. Rahal Letterman Lanigan — 347 pts
7. Ed Carpenter Racing — 297 pts
8. Juncos Hollinger Racing — 287 pts
9. AJ Foyt Racing — 281 pts
10. Dale Coyne Racing — 275 pts
11. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing — 32 pts
12. Abel Motorsports — 6 pts
13. HMD Motorsports — 5 pts
WEC
Ford Grants Blomqvist, Yelloly and Campbell Clearance to Join 2027 Hypercar Test Program
Matt Campbell, Tom Blomqvist and Nick Yelloly have been cleared by their current manufacturers to join Ford Racing’s Hypercar test program. Global director Mark Rushbrook confirmed at Le Mans that Porsche approved Campbell’s involvement, while Acura gave clearance for Blomqvist and Yelloly, both in the final year of the Meyer Shank ARX-06 programme. Ford’s prototype rolls out on August 5 at Le Castellet. Campbell has two Porsche commitments remaining — the Spa 24 Hours and Petit Le Mans — before turning full attention to Ford. Blomqvist said the deal came together “extremely quickly, in the last couple of weeks.”
JMR Eyes Full WEC Entry After Breakthrough Le Mans LMGT3 Debut
Johor Motorsports Racing is targeting a full WEC entry following its Le Mans debut, where the Malaysian team partnered with TF Sport under a JMR badge. Prince Jefri Ibrahim shared the #2 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R with Lorcan Hanafin and Ben Green in the LMGT3 class, finishing 14th after a gearbox failure cost the crew four laps. The trio had run inside the top six during the middle stages before the setback. Founded in 2019 and established through GT World Challenge Asia, JMR now targets a permanent presence in top-level endurance competition.
Car Collection Motorsport Confirms Spa 24H Pro-Am Defence Lineup with Canadian Newcomer Krahn
Car Collection Motorsport has confirmed its four-driver lineup for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, where the team returns to defend its Pro-Am Cup title. Reinhold Krahn joins Joel Sturm, Niccolò Schirò and Nicolò Rosi in the #8 Porsche 911 GT3 R, replacing Kenzie Beecroft who appeared on the original entry list. The 59-year-old Canadian will be making both his Spa 24H debut and his first GT World Challenge Europe appearance. Krahn gained GT3 experience earlier in 2026 in the 24H Middle East series and currently races a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
Teenager Lenny Ried to Make GT3 Debut at Steller Motorsport for Spa 24H Gold Cup Campaign
Steller Motorsport has confirmed its four-driver lineup for its second Spa 24 Hours campaign, with 18-year-old Lenny Ried set for both his GT3 and Spa debut. Ried, son of Proton Competition team principal Christian Ried, joins Dennis Lind, Antoine Doquin and Mikkel Pedersen in the #24 Corvette Z06 GT3.R competing in the Gold Cup class. Lind and Doquin have raced together in both 2026 Endurance Cup rounds, posting a pair of top-six finishes including strong pace at Monza, leaving the team fifth in the Gold Cup standings. Steller made its Spa debut in 2025, securing a top-10 Silver Cup finish.
WEC Hypercar — Drivers
1. Kobayashi / Conway / de Vries — 75 pts
2. Rast / Frijns — 71 pts
3. van der Linde — 61 pts
4. Hartley / Hirakawa / Buemi — 56 pts
5. Pier Guidi / Giovinazzi / Calado — 39 pts
6. da Costa / Milesi / Habsburg — 28 pts
After Round 5 — Le Mans
1. Toyota Gazoo Racing — leads
2. BMW M Team WRT
3. Ferrari AF Corse
IMSA GTP — Drivers
1. Jack Aitken — 1,760 pts
2. Laurin Heinrich — 1,616 pts
3. Julien Andlauer — 1,606 pts
After Round 5 — Detroit
1. Cadillac — 1,797 pts
2. Porsche — 1,772 pts
3. Acura — 1,676 pts
PLAYOFFS
Over 180,000 Fans Pack Downtown Raleigh for Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Championship Parade
The Carolina Hurricanes brought the Stanley Cup home on Saturday, June 20, as more than 180,000 fans packed downtown Raleigh for the franchise's second championship celebration. Players and coaches paraded from Hillsborough and St. Mary's streets to a rally at City Plaza, drawing a crowd 50 percent larger than initial estimates of 100,000. During the rally, General Manager Eric Tulsky announced a two-year contract extension for forward Nic Deslauriers, a trade deadline acquisition who contributed to Carolina's playoff run. The Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in the Stanley Cup Final, completing the postseason with a 16-3 record.
Kucherov Claims Second Hart Trophy with 130-Point Season, Edges McDavid in Third-Closest Vote in 30 Years
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov was announced as the 2025-26 Hart Memorial Trophy winner on June 21, capturing his second career NHL MVP award. Kucherov posted 44 goals and 86 assists for 130 points in 76 games, leading the league at 1.71 points per game and recording at least one point in 60 of 76 contests. He edged Connor McDavid by just 10 voting points — 1,436 to 1,426 — in the third-closest Hart Trophy vote in 30 years. Kucherov earned first-place recognition on 72 of 198 ballots and becomes the 20th player in NHL history to win the award multiple times.
Werenski Becomes First Columbus Blue Jacket to Win Norris Trophy as NHL's Top Defenseman
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski claimed the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy on June 21, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the award as the NHL's best defenseman. Werenski recorded 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points in 75 games, leading NHL defensemen in shots with 260 and tying for first in even-strength goals. He received first-place votes on 113 of 198 ballots, 66 more than runner-up Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. Werenski is the sixth American-born player to win the Norris Trophy and also assisted on the golden goal for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Schaefer Youngest-Ever Calder Winner; Vasilevskiy Adds Vezina at NHL Awards Night
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy were also honored at the June 21 NHL Awards. Schaefer won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie by a unanimous vote — the first unanimous Calder selection in 33 years. At 18 years and 223 days, Schaefer is the youngest Calder winner in league history. The 2025 first-overall pick recorded 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points in 82 games, breaking Phil Housley's record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman. Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender, edging finalists Ilya Sorokin and Jeremy Swayman.
McKenna, Top Prospects Enter Final Countdown to 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo
The 2026 NHL Draft opens at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on June 26, with Round 1 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and Rounds 2-7 continuing June 27. Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is the consensus first-overall pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who won the draft lottery for the first time since selecting Auston Matthews in 2016. McKenna, 18, finished his NCAA freshman season with 51 points in 35 games and added 14 points in seven games at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping Canada win bronze. The San Jose Sharks are expected to select defenseman Chase Reid at No. 2.
Maple Leafs Land Raddysh from Lightning in Sign-and-Trade, Lock Him Up for Eight Years at $8.5M AAV
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a sign-and-trade on June 19, surrendering a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Raddysh, 30, signed an eight-year contract extension worth $8.5 million annually — $68 million through the 2033-34 season. The Toronto-born blueliner recorded career highs in goals (22), assists (48), points (70), and plus-minus (+21) in 73 games for the Lightning in 2025-26. General Manager John Chayka called Raddysh one of the NHL's premier two-way defensemen with elite puck-moving ability and poise in all three zones.
Hurricanes GM Announces Deslauriers Two-Year Extension at Stanley Cup Parade Rally
Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky announced a two-year contract extension for forward Nic Deslauriers at the team's Stanley Cup championship parade rally in downtown Raleigh on June 20. Deslauriers was acquired by Carolina at the trade deadline and was part of the team's 16-3 postseason run. The announcement drew a strong response from the crowd of more than 180,000 fans who gathered at City Plaza for the championship celebration. The Hurricanes won the 2026 Stanley Cup by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in the Stanley Cup Final, earning the franchise's second championship.
RECAP
Chase Burns Wins 8th Straight Decision as Reds Top Yankees 4-1
Chase Burns pitched five innings of one-run ball, and Tyler Stephenson hit a three-run home run in the fourth as the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Yankees 4-1 Sunday. Burns (9-1) allowed one run on five hits, striking out seven and walking three to extend his winning streak to eight consecutive decisions — the first Reds player to do that since Tom Browning in 1989. Noelvi Marte added an RBI double in the ninth. Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each stole two bases, giving New York six stolen bases — the first such occurrence for the Yankees since September 5, 2013.
Contreras Powers Brewers Past Braves 9-4 to End Three-Game Skid
William Contreras went 4-for-4 with a three-run home run during a massive eight-run second inning as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Atlanta Braves 9-4 on Sunday to snap a three-game losing streak. Sal Frelick added a two-run double off starter Bryce Elder (5-5) in the same inning, matching Milwaukee’s season high for runs in a single frame. Left-hander Robert Gasser (1-3) earned his first win since May 15, 2024, allowing two runs on four hits across six innings while matching career highs with seven strikeouts. Rowdy Tellez hit a two-run home run for Atlanta off Chad Patrick in the ninth.
Alvarez Hits AL-Leading 25th HR as Astros Edge Guardians 2-1
Yordan Alvarez hit his American League-leading 25th home run of the season and Kai-Wei Teng pitched six innings as the Houston Astros edged the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Sunday. Teng allowed one run to earn the victory, helping Houston post a series split after the Guardians had routed the Astros 8-1 on Saturday. Alvarez’s 25th homer led all AL hitters entering the weekend. The result leaves Cleveland at 21-21 on the season, sitting atop the AL Central standings. Houston remains at 16-25, last in the AL West, but took a competitive series against one of the division’s stronger teams.
Cardinals Outlast Royals 12-10 in High-Scoring Series Finale
Gordon Graceffo improved to 5-1 and the St. Louis Cardinals outlasted the Kansas City Royals 12-10 Sunday in a high-scoring series finale at Kauffman Stadium. Cardinals starter Dustin May was tagged for six runs in just two innings, prompting St. Louis to deploy seven relievers to close out the game. Graceffo worked one inning for the win as the offense supplied the necessary cushion. The Royals matched the Cardinals run-for-run for much of the afternoon but fell short despite scoring 10 runs. St. Louis improves to 23-17, sitting 3.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. Kansas City falls to 19-22.
Neto’s Ninth-Inning Homer Lifts Angels Past Athletics 9-7
Zach Neto hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning to give Los Angeles its first lead of the game as the Angels rallied to beat the Athletics 9-7 Sunday in Sacramento. Denzer Guzman had set the stage with a three-run home run in the eighth inning, turning the tide before Neto’s blast in the ninth completed the comeback. The Athletics led for much of the contest before the Angels’ late-inning surge. Los Angeles moves to 16-25 on the season. The Athletics drop to 21-19, holding first place in the AL West with the Texas Rangers two games behind at 19-21.
DeLuca’s Go-Ahead Homer Carries Rays Past Nationals 4-3
Jonny DeLuca hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the seventh inning on Father’s Day and Ryan Vilade also homered as the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Washington Nationals 4-3 Sunday at Tropicana Field. Nick Martinez allowed three runs in six innings before Garrett Cleavinger earned the win in relief. Kevin Kelly worked a scoreless ninth for his third save of the season. The Rays improved to 26-10 at home, winning their eighth home series in the last nine. Washington, which had won five consecutive road series, was denied a sixth straight on Sunday. C.J. Abrams homered for his third consecutive game for the Nationals.
Langford Homer, Eovaldi’s Nine Strikeouts Power Rangers Past Padres 4-3
Wyatt Langford hit a three-run home run and Nathan Eovaldi struck out a season-high nine batters across six innings as the Texas Rangers beat the San Diego Padres 4-3 Sunday at Globe Life Field. Josh Jung added a go-ahead RBI single to help Texas claim the series finale. Langford finished the three-game set 7-for-13 with seven RBIs, while Eovaldi recorded eight of his nine strikeouts over five scoreless innings. The Rangers preserve a one-run lead over the final five innings. Texas improves to 19-21 on the season. San Diego falls to 24-16 but stays tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers atop the NL West.
D-backs Lose Shortstop Lawlar Again, This Time to Hamstring Strain
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained right hamstring, just a week after returning from an extended absence with a wrist injury. Lawlar exited Friday’s game after legging out an infield single, and subsequent imaging confirmed the hamstring strain. Manager Torey Lovullo said there is some hope Lawlar could beat a potential four-to-six-week recovery timeline, though a return before the All-Star break appears unlikely. The Diamondbacks summoned Tim Tawa to fill the roster spot and shifted Jorge Barrosa to center field. Arizona stands at 19-20 in the NL West.
American League
1. Tampa Bay — 26–13, —
2. N.Y. Yankees — 26–15, 1.0
3. Toronto — 18–22, 8.5
4. Baltimore — 18–23, 9.0
5. Boston — 17–23, 9.5
1. Cleveland — 21–21, —
2. Chi. White Sox — 19–21, 1.0
3. Kansas City — 19–22, 1.5
4. Detroit — 19–22, 1.5
5. Minnesota — 18–23, 2.5
1. Athletics — 21–19, —
2. Texas — 19–21, 2.0
3. Seattle — 19–22, 2.5
4. L.A. Angels — 16–25, 5.5
5. Houston — 16–25, 5.5
National League
1. Atlanta — 28–13, —
2. Philadelphia — 19–22, 9.0
3. Miami — 19–22, 9.0
4. Washington — 19–22, 9.0
5. N.Y. Mets — 15–25, 12.5
1. Chi. Cubs — 27–14, —
2. Milwaukee — 22–16, 3.5
3. St. Louis — 23–17, 3.5
4. Pittsburgh — 22–19, 5.0
5. Cincinnati — 22–19, 5.0
1. San Diego — 24–16, —
2. L.A. Dodgers — 24–16, —
3. Arizona — 19–20, 4.5
4. San Francisco — 16–24, 8.0
5. Colorado — 16–25, 8.5
REGULATION
U.S. Export Controls Force Anthropic to Shut Down Top AI Models Globally, Triggering Cybersecurity Backlash
The U.S. Commerce Department in June 2026 invoked an export control directive banning non-Americans — including Anthropic’s own employees — from accessing the company’s Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, citing an unspecified national security concern. To comply, Anthropic shut down both frontier models for all customers worldwide. Seventy-six cybersecurity professionals — including former Facebook security chief Alex Stamos and Bugcrowd founder Casey Ellis — signed an open letter opposing the ban, warning that restricting Anthropic’s most capable AI tools weakens U.S. cyberdefense rather than protects national security. Analysis points to OpenAI and Google as the primary beneficiaries of any extended Anthropic outage.
Nobel Laureate John Jumper Leaves Google DeepMind for Anthropic as AI Talent Wars Intensify
Nobel Prize-winning scientist John Jumper, who shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his role leading the AlphaFold team at Google DeepMind, announced June 20 that he is leaving the lab after nearly nine years to join Anthropic. Jumper credited DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis for taking a chance on him as team lead just six months after he finished his PhD. Bloomberg reports that Jumper had most recently been part of Google’s team developing AI coding tools. In a parallel move, Character AI co-founder Noam Shazeer, also at DeepMind, announced he is departing for OpenAI, accelerating a wider talent reshuffle across frontier AI labs.
U.S. Claims ASML’s Most Advanced Chip-Making Machine May Have Reached China; ASML Denies It
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raised alarms in mid-June 2026 by telling senior ASML executives that one of the Dutch chipmaker’s extreme ultraviolet lithography machines — the only tools capable of printing the most advanced semiconductor patterns — may have reached China. ASML firmly denied the claim, stating no EUV machine has ever been shipped to China. ASML expects roughly 20 percent of its 2026 revenue from already-permitted sales to China, while a bipartisan congressional bill would ban all of ASML’s deep ultraviolet shipments to China, threatening around a fifth of the company’s expected 2026 revenue. Without EUV access, Chinese chipmakers cannot manufacture leading-edge chips.
General Intuition Seeks $300 Million for AI Foundation Model Targeting Robotics and Physical Environments
General Intuition, a New York startup building a foundation model that trains AI agents how to move through space and time, is in talks to raise around $300 million at a valuation of just over $2 billion, according to a June 18 TechCrunch report. The company sees near-term commercial applications in gaming and robotics training, positioning its spatial-temporal AI as foundational infrastructure for physical AI systems. The funding round would give the startup resources to scale a model class that differs from conventional language and image models, focusing instead on how AI agents learn to navigate and interact with dynamic physical environments.
AI Inference Startup Baseten Closes in on $1.5 Billion Raise at $13 Billion Valuation
AI inference startup Baseten is reportedly close to finalizing a $1.5 billion funding round at a $13 billion valuation, as of June 18, 2026 — just five months after raising a $300 million Series E at a $5 billion valuation. The deal represents a 160 percent increase in valuation in less than half a year. TechCrunch reports the round is split-priced, a technique where some investors come in at $13 billion and others at $11 billion, a tactic that boosts the headline figure. Baseten provides the infrastructure layer that lets enterprises deploy and scale AI model inference workloads, a category attracting massive capital as AI agent adoption surges.
Snap Spins Off AI Video Team into Independent Startup Dotmo Amid Rising AI Costs
Snap is spinning off its AI video team into a new independent company called Dotmo, composed of current Snap employees leaving to focus on AI video development, according to a June 18 TechCrunch report. The move is driven by the high cost of running AI video operations at scale within Snap’s broader business. Dotmo will operate independently and focus specifically on AI-generated video as a standalone product. The spinoff reflects a broader industry pattern in which AI cost pressures force companies to restructure or spin off high-burn AI units into focused ventures where investment cases can be evaluated independently.
Guardrails Alliance Launches $5 Million Tech-Worker Super PAC to Back AI Oversight Legislation
A new super PAC called the Guardrails Alliance launched in mid-June 2026 with backing from tech workers, labor unions, and advocacy groups, pledging $5 million to support candidates and legislation focused on AI oversight. The PAC’s formation was reported by TechCrunch on June 18 as a direct counter to an estimated $100 million in political spending from major tech companies opposing stricter AI regulation. The Guardrails Alliance frames its campaign as an effort to give voice to tech employees and consumers who favor enforceable AI guardrails, entering a political landscape where industry lobbying has significantly outpaced advocacy for government oversight of AI systems.
POLICY
Senate Unveils Healthcare Provisions in One Big Beautiful Bill, CBO Warns of 11.8 Million Losing Coverage
Senate Republicans unveiled their version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping reconciliation package with major implications for American healthcare. The revised legislation includes significant reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare-related tax provisions, including changes to provider taxes. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would leave 11.8 million additional Americans uninsured. Federal Medicaid spending would be cut substantially, with states facing dramatically reduced funding for their programs. Pharmacy benefit manager regulations are also addressed in the Senate text. Healthcare industry groups and hospital associations are closely tracking the bill as Senate leaders work to secure votes from Republican holdouts concerned about the scope of safety-net reductions.
Sen. Hawley Introduces Bill to Wipe Hospital Medicaid Funding Cuts and Boost Rural Health Fund
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced legislation to eliminate the hospital-specific Medicaid funding reductions included in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, while simultaneously boosting funding for a rural health fund. Hawley’s bill reflects simmering tensions within the Republican Senate caucus over the reconciliation package’s healthcare provisions. Rural hospitals have specifically warned that steep Medicaid cuts threaten their financial viability and could force closures in underserved communities. The senator’s legislation represents an attempt to give colleagues a political path forward by carving out hospital funding protections. Whether the standalone bill influences final reconciliation language remains to be determined.
GAO: DOD and VA Must Improve EHR Cybersecurity Coordination to Protect Military and Veteran Health Data
The Government Accountability Office has found that the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs need to substantially improve their coordination on electronic health record cybersecurity. The two agencies, which share interconnected health data systems serving millions of active-duty service members and veterans, face compounding cyber risks from inadequate coordination. The GAO finding emerges during an already troubled EHR modernization period at both agencies. Robust cybersecurity coordination is critical to protecting sensitive health data for Americans who served in the military. The GAO has outlined specific recommended steps for both departments to strengthen their joint cybersecurity posture and reduce risks across shared systems.
Epic Accelerates AI Rollout and Data Ecosystem Influence in 2026, With 85% of Customers Now Using AI Tools
Epic Systems is making 2026 a pivotal year for embedding artificial intelligence across its platform and extending its influence over the broader healthcare data ecosystem. More than 85 percent of Epic’s customers now use its AI products, including tools that draft discharge summaries, document patient encounters, and support revenue cycle management workflows. Beyond product launches, Epic has engaged with federal AI policy discussions and taken legal action tied to national interoperability networks. The EHR giant’s moves signal both a drive to deepen its clinical reach and an intent to shape the regulatory and technical standards governing how health data flows across the U.S. healthcare system.
As AI Scales Across Health Systems, Interoperability Is Becoming Core Operating Infrastructure
Healthcare IT leaders increasingly regard interoperability not as a compliance exercise but as foundational infrastructure for artificial intelligence deployment. With the HTI-1 rule raising the certification baseline to USCDI version 3 as of January 1, 2026, and CMS pushing payer API requirements to January 2027, organizations now navigate a rapidly evolving standards landscape. A proposed HTI-5 rule includes FHIR-based interoperability measures, strengthened information blocking enforcement, and streamlined certification pathways for AI models. The emerging consensus among health IT executives is that AI’s clinical value depends directly on data quality and accessibility, making interoperability investment inseparable from AI strategy.
10 AI Vendors Gaining the Most Traction with Health Systems in 2026
A Becker’s Hospital Review analysis identifies ten artificial intelligence vendors gaining significant traction with U.S. health systems in 2026, spanning clinical decision support, ambient documentation, predictive analytics, and revenue cycle automation. Health system adoption is being driven by demonstrated return on investment and tight integration with existing clinical workflows. Leaders continue to evaluate AI tools with a sharp focus on regulatory compliance, information security, and compatibility with incumbent EHR platforms. The AI vendor market remains highly competitive as health systems seek tools that deliver measurable improvements in operational efficiency and patient care quality. The list reflects the broad range of problems health IT leaders are turning to AI to solve.
Cybersecurity and AI Governance Top the List of IT Risks Facing Health Systems in 2026
Hospital and health system chief medical information officers have identified cybersecurity and AI governance as the most pressing technology risks facing their organizations in 2026. CMIOs point to ransomware, breaches of protected health information, and system outages as persistent and worsening threats, warning that the attack surface is expanding as organizations grow more interconnected. Vendor vulnerabilities and identity management gaps are viewed as especially difficult to control. Alongside cyber risk, AI governance—ensuring safe and ethical use across clinical and administrative workflows—is emerging as a parallel priority that requires new policy frameworks. The convergence of these two concerns is reshaping enterprise risk management across the sector.
Where Health IT Leaders Are Investing in Interoperability in 2026 and What Is Driving Their Priorities
Healthcare IT leaders are mapping the next phase of interoperability investment as regulatory timelines and AI adoption converge. Executives are prioritizing FHIR API implementation, data governance, and patient data access as near-term objectives. The CMS prior authorization rule, with payer API requirements taking effect in January 2027, is shaping immediate planning cycles. The proposed HTI-5 rule’s interoperability provisions are influencing longer-term strategy. Leaders emphasize that health data quality and accessibility are prerequisites for meaningful AI performance in clinical settings. Investment decisions are increasingly made with specific AI deployment use cases in mind, as interoperability infrastructure becomes inseparable from the ability to benefit from advanced clinical AI tools.
SOFTWARE
WLED 16 Brings Particle Systems, GIF Support, and Custom Fonts to LED Makers
WLED 16 is described as the biggest release in the LED control software’s history, adding powerful new capabilities for makers and lighting enthusiasts. The update introduces a full particle system driving animations like drifting sparks, motion trails, and bursts for matrices and mapped installations. Segment layering now lets effects stack and blend rather than work side-by-side, while smoother playlist transitions offer polished preset changes. GIF playback support arrives alongside PixelForge, a new pixel-art toolbox for creating and editing LED animations. Custom font support and a built-in font editor round out the release, making WLED 16 a major leap for addressable LED projects.
Matter 1.6 Adds Full NFC Commissioning and Joint Fabric Multi-Admin Support
The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released Matter 1.6, the latest version of the smart home interoperability standard. The headline addition is full NFC-based commissioning — distinct from the NFC onboarding payload introduced in Matter 1.4.1, which still required Bluetooth LE to complete setup. Matter 1.6’s NFC commissioning handles the full process tap-to-connect. The specification also introduces Joint Fabric, which allows multiple user-authorized controllers to co-administer a single shared Matter network, easing handovers in new construction or multi-platform households. Thermostat Suggestions is a new feature for smarter climate control, and a range of core enhancements round out the release.
SmallRun.net Launches as Marketplace for Maker PCBs, 3D Prints, and Merchandise
SmallRun.net has entered the maker marketplace space, launching a platform targeting small production runs of custom maker products. The site hosts custom PCBs, on-demand 3D prints, and traditional maker goods, but also extends to merchandise categories including tabletop gaming, sciences, and accessories and apparel. For sellers, the platform promises automatic payouts and Stripe-powered tax handling. VAT support for EU imports is still in progress. Sellers can also host project build logs on the platform, potentially driving community engagement and discoverability. The launch adds a new option for makers looking to sell direct without the scale requirements of larger marketplaces.
ESP8266 Beam-Splitter Build Creates Two-Way Floating Holographic Puzzle Box Display
Maker Julius has built a two-way holographic display that shows different images depending on the viewing angle, using a beam-splitter cube and a pair of OLED displays driven by a Wemos D1 board equipped with an ESP8266 microcontroller. The two displays are positioned in a 3D printed assembly, each aimed at a different face of the beam-splitter cube. Light projected into one face bends 90 degrees and exits another, while partial transmission means each display appears to float in space rather than reflect on a surface. Julius is deploying the build inside a puzzle box game.
Vintage Magazine Circuit Layouts Get Second Life Via Toner Transfer PCB Method
Maker Bettina Neumryr has demonstrated the classic toner transfer PCB technique using circuit layouts printed directly in a vintage electronics magazine, skipping the computer design step entirely. The process begins by scanning the magazine circuit into a computer and importing it into GIMP, where it is scaled to match physical component dimensions and sharpened to produce a crisp print. The printed layout is then transferred onto copper-clad board using heat, then etched with standard chemistry. While DIY PCB methods involve harsh chemicals and careful process control, they offer a significant time advantage over waiting for professional fabrication to arrive in the mail.
AAEON UP WCL Fits Intel Core 7 Wildcat Lake Into a Credit Card-Sized SBC
AAEON has announced the UP WCL, an upcoming credit card-sized single-board computer powered by Intel Wildcat Lake processors, up to the Core 7 350 hexa-core model, with support for up to 24GB of LPDDR5 memory and 256GB of UFS storage. The compact board targets edge computing and embedded applications where x86 compatibility and high-performance processing are needed at small form factor. Despite the Wildcat Lake processor’s desktop-class capabilities, the UP WCL adheres to the standard credit card footprint. AAEON is positioning the board for makers and developers who need full x86 performance in a tight space, where ARM-based alternatives previously dominated.
10Gbit SFP+ Copper Module Teardown Reveals Hidden 8051 MCU and Thermal Limits
A teardown by the This Does Not Compute channel has revealed why budget 10Gbit SFP+ copper modules run hot and eventually fail. The modules, used over Cat-5e to connect a NAS, began dropping frames and showed idle temperatures of 40°C. Inside, the Marvell Alaska X 88X3310 PHY — despite its low-power billing — requires a metal heatsink glued to the IC and thermally coupled to the metal enclosure. An unexpected find was an 8051-based MCU inside, responsible for reporting the module as a 30-meter multi-mode fiber transceiver for switch compatibility. The solution was switching to single-mode fiber with thermally efficient SFP+ modules.
Maker Builds Six-Module Bug Zapper Suit for Whole-Body Mosquito Defense
YouTube maker Dani Cruster of the DiWHY channel has built a whole-body bug zapper suit using galvanized mesh electrified by six stun gun modules. The key engineering challenge was maintaining a 1 cm gap between mesh layers — enough to prevent the wearer from getting zapped alongside the mosquitoes. Structural elements are formed from PVC plates shaped with a heat gun to fit the body. Each stun gun module runs from a 3V source made from two 1.5V alkaline cells, providing approximately one hour of operation per charge. Field testing revealed arcing at zip ties, requiring a design revision before heading into bug-infested woods.
COMPENSATION
Virginia and Maine Pay Transparency Laws Take Effect This Month
Virginia employers must begin disclosing salary ranges in all job postings on July 1, 2026, while Maine's similar law takes effect July 29. Virginia's law, signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, also bans employers from asking applicants about salary history and prohibits using that history to set pay. Maine requires employers to share the salary range of a current role if an existing employee asks. Together, the two laws expand a patchwork now covering 16 states and Washington D.C. Employers who miss compliance deadlines face civil penalties up to $1,000 for first violations, with fines escalating for each subsequent 30 days of non-compliance.
SHRM26 Closes with Consensus: Inclusion Requires Top-Down Leadership
The SHRM Annual Conference and Expo, SHRM26, concluded June 19 in Orlando after drawing nearly 20,000 HR professionals, executives, and students to more than 375 expert-led sessions. Speakers from SHRM's Inclusion and Diversity Council, including Ashissh Kaul, Doreen Mosher, and Katharine Panessidi, delivered a consistent message: inclusion must be driven from organizational leadership, not delegated to HR alone. Panessidi noted that globally, the vocabulary around diversity and inclusion may be evolving, but the underlying need for fair and high-performing workforce systems has not diminished. Presenters outlined core pain points intersecting with inclusion efforts, including talent shortages, compliance risk, and a battle for worker trust across remote and hybrid environments.
EEOC Chair at SHRM26 Tells Recruiters to Revamp DEI Hiring Programs
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas addressed HR and talent acquisition leaders at SHRM26 in Orlando, urging them to revisit recruiting, training, and workforce development programs in light of new federal enforcement priorities. Lucas explained that the EEOC will prioritize cases involving job advertisements and recruiting practices that explicitly encourage or discourage applicants based on protected characteristics — including postings seeking diverse candidates. The agency also flagged DEI programs involving race- or sex-based quotas, diverse-slate requirements, diverse hiring panels, and executive compensation tied to diversity objectives as active enforcement targets. Lucas's keynote reflects a significant shift in federal hiring scrutiny that recruiting leaders say requires immediate review of sourcing and screening workflows.
Tech Layoffs Reach 185,894 in 2026 as AI Is Cited in More Than Half of Cuts
More than 185,894 tech workers have been laid off across 267 events in 2026, according to TrueUp's live layoffs tracker. Artificial intelligence is cited in 56% of this year's layoff events, affecting 156,270 workers across 150 companies. Oracle's 30,000-person reduction remains the year's single largest cut. Recent June layoffs included Salesforce reducing 86 positions on June 13 and ServiceNow cutting hundreds of staff while citing AI efficiencies, in its first workforce reduction after CEO Bill McDermott's 2023 pledge of no job cuts. Deutsche Bank analysts have warned that AI redundancy washing — companies attributing layoffs to AI that would have occurred regardless — represents a meaningful trend in reported figures.
Frontline Training Gaps Are Stalling Workforce Readiness Across Industries
A new survey finds training gaps in frontline-heavy industries are undermining employer efforts to build workforce readiness, with organizations recognizing that upskilling cannot keep pace with rapidly evolving technology demands. In HR Dive's 2026 Identity of HR survey, the share of respondents naming employee training their top priority jumped four percentage points year over year, from 5% to 9%, reflecting growing acknowledgment that companies cannot hire their way out of skills shortages. The challenge is particularly acute for frontline workers, where application volume fell 18% year over year even as job openings grew 9%, according to iCIMS data.
Oprah Winfrey Closes SHRM26 with Call to Keep People at the Center of HR
Oprah Winfrey delivered the closing keynote at SHRM26 on June 19, headlining a main-stage conversation titled 'Leading with Vision: Building Cultures That Inspire, Include, and Transform.' Speaking to HR and talent professionals in Orlando, Winfrey encouraged people leaders not to lose focus on the most important parts of the job: people and the culture that helps them thrive. The SHRM26 conference, held at the Orange County Convention Center June 15–19, drew nearly 20,000 attendees and featured more than 375 sessions. Winfrey joined keynote speakers Simon Sinek, John Maxwell, and SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor Jr. in headlining the four-day event.
Simon Sinek at SHRM26: Redesign Work Around People and AI, Not Automation Alone
Author Simon Sinek and BambooHR CEO Brad Rencher joined a featured discussion at SHRM26 exploring how trust, belief, and shared purpose influence leadership in today's workplace. Sinek challenged HR leaders in Orlando to redesign work around people and AI together, rather than pursuing automation as a standalone goal. SHRM characterized the conversation as a challenge to professionals to lead with purpose, trust, and human connection. The session was among more than 375 expert-led discussions at SHRM26, which drew nearly 20,000 HR and talent acquisition professionals to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando June 15–19, 2026.
IMPACT
AmeriCorps Marks One Year Since DOGE Cuts: Pittsburgh Programs Rebuild, But Slowly
One year after the Department of Government Efficiency drove termination of approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants — eliminating more than 32,000 service positions — organizations across the country are attempting to rebuild with mixed results. In Pittsburgh, the KEYS program placed 80 AmeriCorps members in 2026, up from 49 the year prior but still below the 92 placements recorded in 2024. Public Allies Pittsburgh relaunched with 18 full-time and 13 part-time members and has broadened its revenue base by offering Custom Leadership Labs, fee-based training programs that reduce reliance on federal funding. National advocates continue urging Congress to restore full funding to the national service program.
PSLF “Ideology Test” Rule Takes Effect July 1 Despite Three Pending Lawsuits
A Department of Education rule granting authorities the power to strip employers of their Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility by declaring them to have a “substantial illegal purpose” takes effect July 1, 2026, with legal challenges still unresolved. Any employee whose employer is disqualified would lose credit for loan payments made after the disqualification date, jeopardizing progress toward the 120-payment threshold required for forgiveness. Nonprofit coalitions working on immigration, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and civil rights advocacy are among those most exposed. The National Council of Nonprofits and allied organizations filed one lawsuit; 21 state attorneys general filed a second. Courts have yet to issue a stay.
Nonprofit Quarterly and Liberation Ventures Launch Week of Repair Editorial Series Through July 4
Nonprofit Quarterly and Liberation Ventures launched a 16-day editorial partnership on June 19, curating storytelling under the theme Week of Repair — a deliberate counter-narrative to America’s 250th anniversary. The collaboration runs through July 4 and features essays, poetry, reported pieces, and visual art centered on reparations, harm repair, and visions of a healed future. NPQ editors announced the initiative aims to ensure the America 250 moment does not become a monument to mythology. Liberation Ventures is a reparations-focused organization that has worked with philanthropy partners on racial equity. Nonprofits, artists, and community advocates can contribute via submissions tagged #WeekOfRepair.
One Big Beautiful Bill Gives Nonprofits a Universal Deduction — Then Takes $7 Billion More Away
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces competing provisions the National Council of Nonprofits calculates will produce a net loss of approximately $7 billion for the charitable sector over ten years. A new universal charitable deduction allows the roughly 90 percent of taxpayers who do not itemize to deduct up to $1,000 in cash donations ($2,000 for joint filers), projected to generate $74 billion in new giving over a decade. However, itemized deduction floors of 0.5 percent of AGI and a cap limiting high-income donors’ deduction value to 35 cents on the dollar are projected to reduce charitable giving by $81 billion over the same period.
NPQ: Quiet Collapse of the Nonprofit Sector Threatens Every Community
A new analysis in Nonprofit Quarterly warns that erosion of the U.S. nonprofit sector constitutes a civic emergency largely unnoticed outside the field. The article notes that 73 percent of nonprofit leaders report increased demand for services while 30 percent have already reduced staff and 66 percent express serious concern about financial stability. Donor retention has fallen to 31.9 percent, meaning eight in ten first-time donors do not give again. The convergence of federal funding reductions, DOGE grant terminations, and waning individual giving is creating a widening gap between what communities need and what nonprofits can provide.
As Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Multiply, Queer Sports Nonprofits Step Into the Gap
With the ACLU tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills nationwide — 31 of which have been signed into law — mission-driven sports nonprofits are expanding programs to build community for LGBTQ+ athletes facing a hostile legal environment. Organizations including Big Apple Recreational Sports and Athlete Ally operate inclusive leagues and advocacy programs that function as both athletic competition and mutual aid networks. An analysis in Nonprofit Quarterly examines how these groups have scaled their programming in direct response to legislative pressure, framing recreation infrastructure as essential nonprofit work. Organizers report increased participation and emphasize that the leagues offer connection and support for participants isolated by new state restrictions.
Philanthropy Must Treat Information Access as Core Infrastructure, NPQ Analysis Argues
Nonprofit Quarterly is calling on foundations to reframe information infrastructure — nonprofit journalism, public libraries, fact-checking organizations, and community data systems — as core civic needs warranting sustained philanthropic investment, not discretionary communications budgets. An analysis published in June argues that reliable public information is as essential to democracy as physical infrastructure, yet foundations have historically treated it as a secondary priority. The piece highlights the growth of nonprofit news outlets as a demonstration that philanthropic capital can support journalism that commercial markets have abandoned, citing a rising wave of locally-focused nonprofit journalism organizations that have expanded in cities where for-profit papers have closed or sharply reduced coverage.
BOX OFFICE
Toy Story 5 Shatters Franchise Record With $160 Million Domestic Opening
Pixar’s Toy Story 5 debuted to a franchise-best $160 million domestically during the June 19–22 weekend, landing the biggest opening of 2026 and ranking as the second-largest animated debut in history behind 2018’s Incredibles 2 ($182.7 million). Released across 4,425 North American theaters , the sequel topped the prior franchise record set by Toy Story 4’s $120.9 million launch in 2019. Internationally, the film pulled $152 million for a global opening of $312 million — the second-best Pixar worldwide debut ever. Audiences awarded it an A CinemaScore. Walt Disney released the PG-rated adventure on the Father’s Day holiday weekend.
Disney-Pixar Mobilizes $200 Million in Partnership Value for Toy Story 5 Launch
Disney ’s campaign for Toy Story 5 assembled the largest promotional partnerships in franchise history, with a total estimated media value of $200 million — surpassing the campaigns for Inside Out 2 and Zootopia 2. A Taylor Swift song tie-in saw “I Knew It, I Know You” debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 before opening weekend, thrusting the film into the broader cultural conversation. Demographic data showed 26% of opening-weekend ticket buyers were women under 25. The film carries a $250 million production budget, making a record-level opening essential to the campaign’s commercial mandate.
Obsession Crosses $215M Domestic, Backrooms Tops $300M Global Amid Toy Story 5 Debut
Obsession , the Focus Features horror thriller, surpassed $215 million in cumulative domestic grosses in its sixth weekend of release, per weekend box office estimates. Meanwhile, A24’s Backrooms crossed $300 million at the global box office, reaching $301 million worldwide including $175.1 million domestically. Backrooms debuted in May to a record A24 domestic opening of $81 million , per Deadline. Obsession opened to $17.2 million and has remained in the domestic top five through six consecutive weekends. Both milestones were reached on the same weekend Toy Story 5 claimed the year’s biggest domestic opening at $160 million.
A24 and Neon New Releases Struggle Under Toy Story 5’s Record Shadow
With Toy Story 5 dominating the June 19–22 weekend, two new wide releases fell short of already-modest expectations. A24’s The Death of Robin Hood , a violent revisionist take on the classic legend starring Hugh Jackman , opened to $2.65 million from 1,762 screens. Neon’s Leviticus , a festival breakout, collected $2.74 million from 1,076 locations on its wide debut. Both films had been tracking toward $3 to $4 million ahead of the weekend, per Variety. Both opened below tracking on a weekend when Toy Story 5’s record $160 million launch left limited oxygen for smaller releases.
Verizon Reunites Austin Powers and Ugly Betty Casts to Launch New Simplicity Plan Campaign
Verizon launched two simultaneous entertainment-driven advertising campaigns this week to promote its new “Simplicity Plan.” The first reunites Mike Myers in character as Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers film franchise. The second features the cast of the original Spanish-language telenovela “Yo Soy Betty, la Fea,” the source material for Ugly Betty. Both the “Menace Mobile” and “Betty la fea” campaigns launched on the same day, per Variety. The simultaneous rollout of two heritage-IP campaigns for a single product reflects Verizon’s strategy of leveraging recognizable entertainment characters to market a new mobile plan.
WIF and ReFrame Release 2026 Emmy “Who to Watch” FYC Guide as Voting Opens
Women in Film and ReFrame , an industry initiative promoting gender parity in entertainment, released their annual “Who to Watch” FYC guide this week as Emmy nomination voting gets underway. The guide serves as a curated resource for industry voters, spotlighting talent the organizations believe deserves Emmy consideration. Nominations will be announced on July 8, 2026 , after the TV Academy reversed an earlier plan to split the announcement across two days. This year’s Emmy season drew 555 program submissions , a 7.5% decline from the prior year, spanning all Emmy categories.
Curated daily by Samwise · samwise.agency