Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

International news, world events, society, travel, and stories beyond the other editorial categories.

  • Ohio State vs. Texas: Latest Battle Between Heisman Trophy Hopefuls

    Ohio State vs. Texas: Latest Battle Between Heisman Trophy Hopefuls

    One of the most anticipated matchups of the early 2026 college football season kicks off Saturday night as No. 1 Ohio State travels to Austin to face No. 4 Texas. Beyond the immediate implications for top-25 polling and College Football Playoff seeding, the showdown at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium carries significant weight in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

    Star Power Concentrated in Austin

    The combined talent on the field represents a rare convergence of preseason award favorites. According to ESPN Research, 30% of the 10 players with the highest preseason odds to win the Heisman Trophy will participate in this nonconference clash. Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters as a primary contender, while Ohio State counters with quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith forming a dynamic passing duo.

    This matchup marks just the fourth game in the past 10 seasons where three or more top-10 Heisman odds candidates squared off in August or September. The historical precedent offers intriguing, though not definitive, clues about how such head-to-head battles influence the eventual voting.

    Recent History: Ohio State vs. Texas, 2025

    The most recent example is practically déjà vu. Last season, these same two programs met in Week 1 with an identical trio of Heisman hopefuls: Manning (preseason favorite at +650), Smith (fourth at 11-1), and Sayin (tied for eighth at 22-1).

    The game itself was a defensive struggle, with Ohio State prevailing 14-7. The Buckeyes’ representatives fared better in December’s Heisman voting. Sayin earned a trip to New York as a finalist, finishing fourth, while Smith placed sixth. Manning, despite the preseason hype, did not finish in the top 10. Colorado’s Travis Hunter ultimately claimed the award.

    Alabama vs. Texas, 2022: Four Contenders, One Thriller

    The 2022 Week 2 meeting between the Crimson Tide and Longhorns featured an even deeper Heisman field. Four players ranked among the top 10 betting favorites: Alabama’s Bryce Young (co-favorite) and Will Anderson Jr. (tied for sixth), and Texas’s Bijan Robinson (eighth) and Quinn Ewers (tied for 10th).

    The game delivered high drama, with both teams exchanging go-ahead field goals in the final two minutes. Young engineered a clutch scramble to set up Alabama’s game-winning kick as time expired. Despite the signature moment, Young did not secure a second consecutive Heisman, finishing sixth in the final vote tally — the highest among the four participants. Robinson followed at ninth. USC quarterback Caleb Williams took home the trophy.

    Ohio State vs. Oklahoma, 2017: Mayfield’s Moment

    The 2017 early-season blue-blood battle in Columbus featured three contenders clustered in the middle of the top 10: Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett and J.K. Dobbins (both tied for fifth) and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield (fourth).

    Oklahoma dominated, winning 31-16. Mayfield stole the show, throwing for 386 yards and three touchdowns before famously planting a Sooners flag at midfield. That performance foreshadowed a successful campaign; the senior quarterback captured the Heisman that December. Neither Barrett nor Dobbins finished among the top vote-getters.

    What History Suggests for 2026

    With a sample size of only three games, drawing firm conclusions is difficult. However, the pattern suggests that a standout performance in a high-stakes, early-season showcase can catalyze a Heisman run — as seen with Mayfield in 2017. Conversely, winning the game does not guarantee the award, and preseason favorites like Manning in 2025 can fade if production doesn’t match expectations.

    For Sayin, Smith, and Manning, Saturday night offers the first major opportunity to separate from the pack. The winner of this matchup will gain early momentum, but as the past decade shows, the Heisman race is a marathon that extends well beyond September.

  • Kelly Macdonald Starred in Acclaimed Steve Buscemi HBO Series Before Lanterns

    Kelly Macdonald Starred in Acclaimed Steve Buscemi HBO Series Before Lanterns

    Kelly Macdonald’s Boardwalk Empire Legacy Sets Stage for DC’s Lanterns Role

    Before stepping into the DC Universe as Sheriff Kerry Kane on HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series, Kelly Macdonald delivered one of television’s most nuanced performances on Boardwalk Empire. The Prohibition-era drama, which aired from 2010 to 2014, showcased Macdonald as Margaret Thompson (née Schroeder), an Irish immigrant navigating power, morality, and survival in Atlantic City’s criminal underworld.

    From Widow to Businesswoman: Margaret Thompson’s Complex Arc

    Macdonald joined the main cast in her first major television role, working alongside Steve Buscemi’s Nucky Thompson — a corrupt politician building an empire on illegal bootlegging. Their relationship begins under dark circumstances: Nucky arranges the death of Margaret’s abusive husband, a fact concealed from her. The two eventually marry, but their union fractures as Nucky’s criminal enterprises escalate and Margaret confronts the moral cost of their lifestyle.

    The character’s evolution spans five seasons, transforming from a vulnerable widow into a calculating businesswoman who ultimately secures financial independence at an investment firm. This layered portrayal earned Macdonald an Emmy nomination in 2011, while the series itself collected 20 Emmy wins during its run.

    Macdonald on Margaret’s Moral Ambiguity

    Reflecting on the character’s contradictions in a 2012 Rolling Stone interview, Macdonald articulated what made Margaret so compelling:

    “She’s just got this streak of goodness in her, and she wants to help where she can,” the Scottish actress said, “and sometimes though, it’s helping her more than it’s helping others, so there is that side to her as well. She can be quite … devious and unpleasant in order to get what she wants.”

    The quote captures the duality that defined Margaret’s journey — charitable impulses intertwined with ruthless self-preservation, a dynamic that made her one of the series’ most unpredictable figures.

    HBO Reunion with Green Lantern Series

    Macdonald’s casting in Lanterns marks a return to HBO, now under the DC Studios banner. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire launched her television career; Lanterns positions her within a new franchise framework. For viewers discovering Macdonald through her DC debut, Boardwalk Empire remains essential viewing — a masterclass in character development across five seasons of prestige drama.

  • How to Watch Penn State vs. Temple at Lincoln Financial Field

    How to Watch Penn State vs. Temple at Lincoln Financial Field

    Penn State continues its 2026 campaign this Saturday with a non-conference road matchup against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for noon ET on September 12.

    How to Watch and Listen

    Television: ESPN2
    Streaming: WatchESPN
    Broadcast Crew: Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Andre Ware (analysis), Morgan Uber (sideline)

    Local Radio: 99.5 FM / 103.7 FM / 1450 AM
    Satellite Radio: SiriusXM channels 233, 263, 957, 972
    Online Stream: GoPSUSports (university-run)

    Team Records

    • Temple Owls: 1-0 overall, 0-0 conference
    • Penn State Nittany Lions: 1-0 overall, 0-0 conference

    Betting Odds (DraftKings Sportsbook)

    • Point Spread: Penn State -23.5
    • Moneyline: Penn State -3200 / Temple +1400
    • Over/Under: 49.5
    Penn State football coach Matt Campbell jogs onto the field among the players for the game against Marshall on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 at Beaver Stadium. Abby Drey / [email protected]

    Jon Sauber covers Penn State football and men’s basketball for the Centre Daily Times. He earned his B.A. in digital and print journalism from Penn State and his M.A. in sports journalism from IUPUI. His previous stops include jobs at The Indianapolis Star, the NCAA, and Rivals.

  • New York Giants OC Matt Nagy to Call Plays from Booth vs. Cowboys

    New York Giants OC Matt Nagy to Call Plays from Booth vs. Cowboys

    New York Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy confirmed Thursday that he will call plays from the coaching booth upstairs during Sunday night’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. After experimenting with both sideline and booth positions during the preseason, Nagy said the elevated vantage point offers a clearer view of the field and a calmer environment for a first-time play-caller.

    Nagy Explains Decision to Call Plays from the Booth

    “I’m excited about it. I think that I’ve always been down on the field. When I was a quality control coach, I was up in the box for one year,” Nagy said on Thursday. “So, I wanted to experiment with that in the preseason, and I was able to do that. I really liked it. You can see a lot more from up there.”

    Nagy acknowledged the trade-off of losing direct sideline communication but emphasized the benefits of the booth perspective.

    “It takes away a little bit of the on the field element of being able to communicate and talk all the time, but there’s a calm in the box,” Nagy said. “And for me, first time in this role as a play caller, OC being up in that box, I just feel like I can see things a lot better and then have the ultimate trust in the staff and being able to see things so that they can communicate to me what they’re seeing. And we’ve got the telephone, too, so I can always jump on the phone with (quarterback) Jaxson (Dart) if I need to. But I’m excited about that opportunity.”

    Nagy on Building the Giants’ Offensive Identity

    Asked about the scheme he is installing, Nagy described an offense rooted in the principles he learned under Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg, then refined in Kansas City and Chicago. He stressed that the 2024 version is uniquely tailored to the current roster.

    “What I would say to that is, we talk about, Coach Harbs (Head Coach John Harbaugh) talks about principles and methods and what that means and you can relay that to an offense is, I learned this game through Andy Reid, (former NFL coach) Marty Morningweg when I was in Philadelphia. And I learned that foundation of this offense and that offense for me. Took it to Kansas City, took it to Chicago, and now here I am. And again, this opportunity that I have is a first for me. So, being here to be able to take some of the things that we do as a staff and make it ours, that’s been some of the times for me selfishly, it’s been fun just putting this thing together. So, I’m excited to see how this thing goes this year, because I think you’re going to see it’s our offense. It’s no other offense from prior history. You know, it’s ours.”

    Expectations for Rookie Quarterback Jaxson Dart

    Nagy outlined a clear directive for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart: play fast, stay confident, and be himself. The offensive coordinator emphasized a game plan built around Dart’s strengths while allowing room for growth through inevitable ups and downs.

    “We want Jaxson to be able to play fast. We want him to be himself. He’s a special talent. And it’s our job as coaches to take all this time that we’ve had to do it. And that’s what we’ve put together is a game plan that we think is to his strengths. But at the same point in time too, we got to make sure that there’s going to be times in the game where we just got to let him cut it loose and continue to build every week. This isn’t, there’s going to be good plays, there’s going to be bad plays, but how does he keep that up? It’s going to be an emotional time. Sunday night football against the Cowboys, a lot of emotions going on. He’s a competitor. So, I want him to stay calm, extremely confident, play fast and execute and just be a complete leader, but also just be himself, man. Cut it loose and have fun.”

    Dart’s Growth: Confidence and Command of the System

    Nagy highlighted Dart’s progress in mastering both run and pass concepts, noting a shift from early frustration to a more assured command of the playbook.

    “Probably just the confidence and understanding of the concepts that we’re doing, both run and pass. There was probably some frustration early on because sometimes you don’t know, it’s the first time you’re running a play, you don’t really know the play. And now when we’re out here, he knows the play, he has multiple reps. And so, we can build off of that. We can teach off of that. Now we’ve got to transfer it to the game and some unscouted looks. And so, I think for him, again, his growth, and he’s so mature for being 23 years old and having limited experience in the NFL, super mature, very calm, but he’s really good. So, we got to make sure we use his strengths.”

    Odell Beckham Jr. Embraces Veteran Mentor Role

    Regarding veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Nagy praised his professionalism and willingness to serve as a conduit between the coaching staff and the rookie quarterback. Beckham has avoided pushing for a larger role, instead focusing on supporting Dart’s development without overwhelming him.

    “He hasn’t brought that up at all as far as that part of it, which is probably hard. Odell has come to me at times and we’ve had some good conversations where he’ll almost come to me like I’m the conduit between him and Jaxson because he wants to be careful and gentle with how much he gets in Jaxson’s ear, with how he, he’s played a lot of football. He’s seen a lot of things. And so, what I can do is I can balance some of the questions he has and filter it to Jaxson. And then the other times he goes to Jaxson. But what I find really professional about Odell is that he doesn’t want to put too much on Jaxson’s plate mentally. And I think he’s in a good spot too. You guys see what he can do. He can do a lot of good things, but we also have a lot in this offense and there’s details. So, every now and then, if he screws up an assignment, the biggest thing we say is don’t do it again. And he’s done a good job with that.”

  • Two Young People Arrested After Waymo Alerts SFPD to Loaded Rifle

    Two Young People Arrested After Waymo Alerts SFPD to Loaded Rifle

    Two young people were arrested last week in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond neighborhood after allegedly being caught in a Waymo autonomous vehicle with a loaded assault rifle, authorities confirmed.

    Waymo Employees Detect Firearm, Alert Authorities

    The incident occurred on September 3 when Waymo employees became aware of a firearm inside one of the company’s driverless cars. According to a Waymo spokesperson speaking to SFGATE, the company immediately pulled the vehicle over, alerted emergency services, and cooperated fully with the San Francisco Police Department.

    High-Risk Vehicle Stop Executed on 40th Avenue

    Police responded to the 800 block of 40th Avenue just before 4 a.m. and carried out a “high-risk vehicle stop,” said Allison Maxie, a spokesperson for the SFPD, in comments to SFGATE.

    When officers searched the vehicle, they discovered an “AR-styled assault rifle also known as a ghost gun,” Maxie reported. A further search revealed “suspected marijuana and mace spray.”

    Juvenile Suspects Face Firearm Charges

    The two passengers, a male and a female, were arrested and booked into the Juvenile Justice Center, Maxie confirmed. Both are facing charges related to illegally possessing a firearm. Police are not releasing the suspects’ identities due to their age.

    The investigation remains open. Anyone with information is urged to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444.

    Previous Waymo Safety Interventions

    This is not the first time Waymo employees have alerted law enforcement to suspected illegal activity in the company’s vehicles. In July, Waymo staff notified the San Mateo Police Department about two 15-year-old boys who were allegedly drinking alcohol and shooting water beads while riding in a vehicle, SFGATE previously reported.

  • Bill Connelly’s Week 2 Preview: Big Ten-SEC Challenge, Early Conference Tests

    Bill Connelly’s Week 2 Preview: Big Ten-SEC Challenge, Early Conference Tests

    College Football Week 2 Preview: Big Ten-SEC Showdown, Group of 6 Clashes, and Rivalry Renewals

    The debate over which conference reigns supreme—the Big Ten or the SEC—reached a fever pitch this offseason. For nearly two decades, the SEC demanded judgment by its national titles. By that standard, the Big Ten holds the current edge, having captured the last three championships with three different programs. Yet the 2026 AP Top 25 tells a different story: the SEC places seven teams in the top 12 and eleven in the top 22. Last season, three Big Ten squads rated higher than the best SEC team per SP+, but seven Big Ten teams also fell below the worst SEC team. The Big Ten is top-heavy with dead weight; the SEC is a parity machine producing endless close games, a slew of College Football Playoff contenders, and—for the past two years—no genuinely elite team.

    Week 2 settles the argument temporarily with a de facto three-game Big Ten-SEC Challenge: No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan at noon, Mississippi State at Minnesota at 3:30 p.m., and the primetime headliner, No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. It’s a best-of-three for bragging rights, but the slate doesn’t stop there. Old-school rivalries (Missouri at Kansas, Iowa State at Iowa), a high-stakes Group of 6 matchup (Memphis at Boise State), massive early conference tests for No. 12 Alabama and No. 15 BYU, and a slate of Big 12 prove-it games round out a loaded, narrative-heavy weekend.

    The Big Ten-SEC Challenge: Three Games, Two Conferences, One Narrative

    This trio is nicely balanced. The Big Ten enjoys home-field advantage in two games, yet the SEC team is favored in two. SP+ projections give the SEC a 64% chance of winning at least two of three. The SEC teams need these victories more, however, facing a gauntlet of difficult schedules ahead. Based on current SP+ ratings, the SEC owns 10 of the 11 toughest full-season schedules and 14 of the top 17. The median SP+ strength-of-schedule ranking in the SEC is 9.5. In the Big Ten, Michigan’s schedule ranks sixth, followed by twelve more teams between 12th and 30th. The move to nine conference games—a necessary step to creating more big-game inventory—has only widened the scheduling gap.

    Texas will face five more current SP+ top-15 teams after Saturday; the Longhorns’ strength of schedule ranks second nationally behind only Arkansas, while Oklahoma’s sits fourth. (Ohio State’s checks in at a solid 12th.) A 1-1 start could be damaging considering what lies ahead.

    No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas (7:30 p.m., ABC)

    Stars alone don’t make a team, but in the preseason CFB Player Rank, these two programs combined for six of the top-15 players in the country. Ohio State boasts WR Jeremiah Smith (No. 1) and QB Julian Sayin (No. 8). Texas counters with DE Colin Simmons (No. 3), LT Trevor Goosby (No. 12), QB Arch Manning (No. 13), and WR Cam Coleman (No. 15).

    Aside from Simmons, every star looked the part in comfortable Week 1 wins. Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns; Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two scores. Manning leaned on Coleman and returnee Ryan Wingo for 305 yards and four touchdowns against one interception. Smith’s first touchdown might have been the most casually brilliant play of the weekend:

    In a millisecond, Smith caught a deflected ball, switched it to his other hand and then basically showed it off to the ref and the crowd as he was going to ground.

    His and Sayin’s excellence—plus a lovely debut from UTSA transfer receiver Devin McCuin—distracted from a run game that managed just 46 yards on the first 16 non-sack carries before Bo Jackson broke a long one. Texas’ ground attack showed similar results in reverse: Hollywood Smothers’ first carry gained 45 yards, but the next 20 carries for Smothers and Raleek Brown netted only 61.

    Defense defined last season’s meeting, and with both units undergoing significant change, the better defense may carry this one. Ohio State returns only three starters, but edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr., corner Jermaine Mathews Jr., and safety Jaylen McClain anchor an excellent pass defense, while freshman nickel Jay Timmons was dynamite against Ball State. Texas’ changes were more voluntary. Despite a four-year average defensive SP+ ranking of 13.8, Steve Sarkisian replaced coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski with veteran Will Muschamp and added three key transfers: linebackers Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer and corner Bo Mascoe. Biles was great against Texas State, recording a run stop, a forced fumble, and an interception, but the Longhorns surrendered 225 first-half yards before settling in. Texas’ defense was easily the shakiest unit here—but that was last week. The season starts Saturday. This is the first of 20 regular-season games between teams currently in the SP+ top 15.

    Current line: Horns -1.5 | SP+ projection: Buckeyes by 2.0 | FPI projection: Horns by 3.4

    No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan (Noon, Fox)

    Only one team fell out of the AP Top 25 this week: the 1-0 Michigan Wolverines, who dropped 12 spots after a win that sure didn’t feel like one. Their offense vanished for 55 minutes against Western Michigan, and former blue-chip quarterback Bryce Underwood looked lost. Head coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t offer a roaring defense of Underwood, saying, “He’s our QB right now. It’s not something that’s infinite. At some point, we’ve got to turn a corner, and we’ve got to see improvement.”

    Talented teams have historically responded with vigor to Week 1 duds. That’s possible for Michigan, especially because the defense was mostly excellent, allowing 3.3 yards per play and only two drives over 30 yards. If the Wolverines can stifle Oklahoma’s offense, they won’t need much offensive competence to pull the upset. But as good as WMU’s defense looked, OU’s is better. So is the Sooners’ offense, even if the run game’s improvement remains unproven. Quarterback John Mateer looked sharp against UTEP, distributing to Isaiah Sategna III and newcomers Trell Harris and tight end Rocky Beers, but primary backs Lloyd Avant and Xavier Robinson gained a merely decent 109 yards on 22 carries. Running lanes will be far more cluttered in Ann Arbor.

    Current line: OU -5.5 | SP+ projection: OU by 7.0 | FPI projection: OU by 5.0

    Mississippi State at Minnesota (3:30 p.m., CBS)

    Will Michigan-Oklahoma be intense, physical, and important? Absolutely. Will it be aesthetically pleasing? Lord, no. That’s fine, because Mississippi State-Minnesota probably won’t be as important, but it could be a blast from a styles-make-fights perspective. Minnesota is a fixture near the top of defensive SP+ rankings—the Gophers have landed in the defensive SP+ top 15 for four of the past seven seasons and currently sit 20th. Mississippi State, meanwhile, fields one of the most tantalizing young quarterbacks in the country.

    Sophomore Kamario Taylor is an eye-popping athlete who threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, plus a 26-yard touchdown run, against UL Monroe. ULM’s defense isn’t good, but the Bulldogs averaged 9.7 yards per play, carving through the Warhawks as if they were a low-level FCS opponent. Minnesota carved up its own low-level FCS foe, beating Eastern Illinois 59-7 behind a 19-for-24 performance from Drake Lindsey and a pair of punt-return scores (and 98 receiving yards) from Javon Tracy. As undercard matchups go, this one should be a blast.

    Current line: Minnesota -1.5 | SP+ projection: Minnesota by 2.7 | FPI projection: MSU by 3.4

    Two Pivotal Games in the Group of 6 Race

    The hunt for the Group of 6’s automatic College Football Playoff bid is a fun race to track early. The stakes were obvious when Memphis visited UNLV in Week 0, and it was clear what big power-conference wins might have meant for teams like Western Michigan or Boise State last weekend (both fell short). Week 2 raises the stakes further. Memphis heads west again, this time to face Boise State—a potential tiebreaker if both finish with similar records. A second Memphis road win would make the Tigers’ résumé tough to beat. There’s a second fascinating game, too: after bolting to 2-0 and blowing out two-time CUSA title game participant Jacksonville State, FBS newcomer North Dakota State could burnish its résumé with a win in its first Mountain West game.

    Memphis at Boise State (6 p.m., USA)

    In the 12-year CFP era, Memphis and Boise State have combined to finish as the highest-ranked mid-major team just three times. They might be the two most consistently solid programs in the Group of 6, combining for nine ranked finishes and 12 seasons of double-digit wins in that span. The first meeting of this home-and-home, a 35-32 Memphis win featuring a 17-point comeback in 2023, was dynamite. This will make a great quad-box complement for Ohio State-Texas.

    Memphis has been excellent thus far, beating UNLV with disruptive defense—Southern Miss transfers J’Mond Tapp and Elijah Kinsler have been phenomenal—and then outrunning Arkansas State with big plays. Marcus Stokes averaged over 15 yards per completion against the Red Wolves, and Jaylin Carter and Manny Covey averaged 8.4 yards per carry. Boise State gave up five gains of 39-plus yards to Oregon, but the Broncos still had the ball with a chance to tie late thanks to a reasonably efficient run game, capitalizing on mistakes, and brilliant third-down defense. They’re experienced and resilient, but an 0-2 start would be very hard to overcome. They need this one desperately.

    Current line: BSU -8.5 | SP+ projection: BSU by 5.6 | FPI projection: BSU by 9.7

    North Dakota State at Air Force (10 p.m., FS1)

    After four straight seasons in the defensive SP+ top 30, Air Force slipped to 76th in 2024, then 101st last year. The Falcons ranked 129th in yards allowed per carry (excluding sacks), and now they face one of the burliest run games in college football. The NDSU trio of hyper-efficient DJ Scott and big-play backs Myles Mitchell and Nyeoti Punni has combined for 64 carries and 319 yards in two wins, while quarterback Nathan Hayes is completing efficient passes to veterans Mekhi Collins and Jackson Williams and explosive ones to West Virginia transfer Jordan McCants.

    Both teams desperately want to control the ball, and Air Force could spoil NDSU’s plans with a healthy option-based dose of quarterback Liam Szarka and senior fullback Owen Allen. On Saturday night, we’ll learn if NDSU is in store for a simply nice first FBS season or if the Bison are a genuine CFP threat right out of the gate.

    Current line: NDSU -2.5 | SP+ projection: Air Force by 1.0 | FPI projection: NDSU by 3.7

    Two Huge Early Conference Games

    We’re still a couple of weeks from full conference immersion, but Week 2 offers a chance to ease in with a couple of potential midafternoon doozies.

    Arizona at No. 15 BYU (3:30 p.m., Fox)

    Last October, these teams put on a fantastic show. Arizona (4-1) used a 24-0 run to seize control and led 5-0 BYU into the final five minutes, but freshman Bear Bachmeier’s short touchdown with 19 seconds left forced overtime, and another Bachmeier score eventually won it. Eleven months later, Bachmeier remains unbeaten in his career against teams not named Texas Tech, while Noah Fifita and Arizona have won six of their past seven. Both teams thumped their buy-game opponents last week, but their seasons begin in earnest Saturday.

    Two rebuilt units could decide this one: BYU’s receiving corps vs. Arizona’s secondary. Both were fine last week. BYU got second-quarter catches of 26 and 33 yards from freshman Legend Glasker, while Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper led the way with four receptions. Arizona’s DBs were supported by a ferocious pass rush (six sacks, including 2.5 from ace Chase Kennedy), though corners Jay’Vion Cole and Dwight Bootle II allowed 3-for-6 passing for 62 yards in primary coverage. If BYU can protect Bachmeier, the Cougars should have the edge—but that’s easier said than done.

    Current line: BYU -7.5 | SP+ projection: BYU by 6.7 | FPI projection: BYU by 10.2

    No. 12 Alabama at Kentucky (3:30 p.m., ABC)

    Alabama provided positive, if partial, answers to a legion of questions last week while blowing out East Carolina. Five-star redshirt sophomore Keelon Russell threw for 256 yards, rushed for 90 (not including one sack), and got solid help from his skill corps (aside from a couple of early drops from star receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams). The Bama defense was as good as expected.

    Russell’s first road start could be much tougher. Will Stein’s Kentucky held Youngstown State—probably the best FCS offense in the country—to just 4.0 yards per play before garbage time, and Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns in an easy win. The Wildcats might struggle against the Bama defense, but they will challenge Russell and Co. SEC coaches may have put too much of a premium on SEC experience in portal recruiting this offseason, but Stein grabbed specific guys who looked excellent against YSU, especially safety Jordan Castell (Florida) and edge rusher Ahmad Breaux (LSU). This extremely SEC lineup will tell us a lot about Bama’s SEC prospects.

    Current line: Bama -10.5 | SP+ projection: Bama by 9.0 | FPI projection: Bama by 14.5

    The Big 12’s Big Week

    Though BYU-Arizona is the headliner, much of the rest of the Big 12 will have opportunities for exciting nonconference wins.

    No. 23 Missouri at Kansas (Friday, 8 p.m., Fox)

    In 1997, as a freshman at Mizzou, my first official football road trip was to Lawrence to watch the Tigers’ Corby Jones suffer one of the worst games of his life in a 15-7 loss. Two years later, I watched an even worse Tigers performance in a 21-0 shutout. When Mizzou won an overtime thriller there in 2001, I retired from Lawrence football trips. Sure enough, Mizzou hasn’t won in Lawrence since—granted, the Tigers are a mere 0-2 in that span, as the rivalry moved to Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium in 2007 (producing a series of classics) and the Tigers moved to the SEC in 2012—but it has been a while. The idea of a new Mizzou QB getting his first big test in Lawrence is terrifying for Tiger fans of a certain age.

    Austin Simmons was nearly perfect in Missouri’s opener against UAPB, but the Tigers’ run game was shakier than expected without either star back Ahmad Hardy or left tackle Cayden Green. Green returns, but running back Jamal Roberts needs a good performance to keep Simmons out of obvious passing situations. Meanwhile, Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall looked scary with his arm and legs against the Long Island Sharks, rushing for 49 yards on seven carries and completing passes of 46 and 47 yards. If the Jayhawks can pressure Simmons and get big plays from Marshall, an upset is very much within reach.

    Current line: Mizzou -5.5 | SP+ projection: Mizzou by 2.9 | FPI projection: Mizzou by 4.6

    Iowa State at No. 21 Iowa (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., NBC)

    The battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy has become one of the sport’s most reliably messy (in a good way) rivalry games: over the past eight contests, the average margin of victory has been just 4.8 points. ISU has won three of the past four, but the Cyclones are almost starting from scratch in Jimmy Rogers’ first season. They started well enough against Southeast Missouri State, but Iowa outgained Northern Illinois by a ridiculous 507-120 margin and outrushed the Huskies 289-7. On paper, Rogers’ first Cy-Hawk could be a struggle—but that’s only if this rivalry makes sense for once.

    Current line: Iowa -14 | SP+ projection: Iowa by 17.4 | FPI projection: Iowa by 14.5

    Other Notable Big 12 Matchups

    • Arizona State at Texas A&M: Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley got off on the right foot as ASU’s starting QB, going 21-for-27 for 387 yards and six TDs against Morgan State. The competition ramps up Saturday: Texas A&M allowed just 67 total yards against Missouri State. The Aggies’ offense needs sharpening, but we’ll find out how high ASU’s offensive upside is in College Station. Current line: A&M -14.5 | SP+: A&M by 17.7 | FPI: A&M by 17.4
    • Arkansas at No. 20 Utah (10:15 p.m., ESPN): Utah is the only Big 12 team on this list that is favored. The Utes made the most of their buy game with Idaho, racking up 633 yards in a 52-point win. Arkansas dominated North Alabama as well but gave up six TFLs and three turnovers in a mere 17-point win. That sloppiness won’t fly in what should be a fantastic Saturday night atmosphere in Salt Lake. Current line: Utah -12.5 | SP+: Utah by 12.2 | FPI: Utah by 12.8
    • UCF at Pitt (3:30 p.m., ESPN2): UCF was heavily favored against Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, but leading 28-0 after 16 minutes and cruising 73-6 is tidy work. The transfer backfield of Alonza Barnett III (James Madison) and Duke Watson (Louisville) looked incredibly dangerous. Pitt, however, was even more impressive, getting seven touchdowns and a Week 1 Heisman runner-up performance from Mason Heintschel while stomping Miami (Ohio) 59-14. The Panthers looked top-10 caliber, but let’s see if they can keep that up with a step up in competition. Current line: Pitt -7 | SP+: Pitt by 6.7 | FPI: Pitt by 9.6

    Week 2 Chaos Superfecta

    We’re once again using this space to will chaos into existence, looking at four carefully curated games with pretty big point spreads and mashing them together into a much more upset-friendly number. Last week’s FCS-themed superfecta scored a pair of wins—Tarleton State over Bowling Green and Idaho State over Utah State—so let’s try to start the year 2-for-2! According to SP+, there’s only a 39% chance that Alabama (71% win probability at Kentucky), Utah (78% vs. Arkansas), Clemson (80% vs. Georgia Southern), and Texas A&M (87% against Arizona State) all win Saturday. Let’s take down a favorite!

    Week 2 Playlist: More Games You Should Watch

    Here are additional games to pay attention to if you want to get the absolute most out of the weekend, from both information and entertainment perspectives.

    Friday Evening

    Rutgers at Boston College (7:30 p.m., ESPN2). Only one of these teams will start 0-2! Both have interesting stories at QB. Rutgers will start sophomore AJ Surace, who looked solid late in the embarrassing loss to UMass; his primary job should be throwing to star receiver KJ Duff on every damn snap. BC, meanwhile, got decent output from D-II transfer Mason McKenzie, who threw for 223 yards and carried a heavy rushing load in the Eagles’ loss to Cincinnati. Current line: BC -3.5 | SP+: RU by 1.3 | FPI: BC by 4.2

    Early Saturday

    No. 6 Oregon at Oklahoma State (Noon, ESPN). Tulsa has a pretty good defensive front, but if Oklahoma State couldn’t keep pressure off Drew Mestemaker in last week’s loss to the Golden Hurricane, it will probably be a long afternoon against Oregon. The Ducks were sloppy for a bit against Boise State, but they’ll be sharper in their road opener. Current line: Oregon -23.5 | SP+: Oregon by 20.3 | FPI: Oregon by 22.0

    No. 16 Penn State at Temple (Noon, ESPN2). Along with Oregon and Texas Tech, Penn State is one of three ranked road teams favored by at least three touchdowns. Over the past 20 years, road favorites of at least 21 points are a cool 418-24. Most losses came later in the year in conference play. The last time a team lost one this early was when Virginia Tech fell to Old Dominion in 2019. Current line: PSU -23.5 | SP+: PSU by 22.2 | FPI: PSU by 23.7

    Old Dominion at Virginia Tech (Noon, The CW). The first and last games of Brent Pry’s head coaching tenure in Blacksburg were losses to ODU, and these in-state rivals have split their past six meetings. James Franklin’s first Tech team looked great bullying VMI last week, and ODU wasn’t incredibly inspiring against Norfolk State. But the Monarchs don’t have to search for belief; they pretty clearly know they can win at Lane Stadium. Current line: Hokies -19.5 | SP+: Hokies by 21.0 | FPI: Hokies by 18.4

    Washington State at Kansas State (Noon, TNT). Wazzu put up a solid fight in Sunday’s Apple Cup but was done in by offensive inefficiency and the elusiveness of Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. Now the Cougars travel to Manhattan to face another seasoned dual-threat—senior Avery Johnson—and a defense with plenty of confidence after allowing 18 net passing yards against Nicholls. Wazzu’s defense could gum things up, but can the Cougs score enough? Current line: K-State -18.5 | SP+: K-State by 18.9 | FPI: K-State by 17.2

    Saturday Afternoon

    Duke at Illinois (3:30 p.m., FS1). Both teams looked half-awesome last week. Illinois averaged 7.7 yards per play against UAB and scored TDs on five of seven drives, and Duke’s defense held Tulane to a field goal and a meager 30% success rate. The other two units? Uninspiring. Illinois couldn’t get the ball away from UAB and gave up 413 yards, and Duke also had a 30% success rate and scored just 17. But one half-team will be 2-0! Current line: Illinois -6 | SP+: Illinois by 3.4 | FPI: Illinois by 3.9

    UNLV at North Texas (3:45 p.m., ESPNU). UNLV has already lost a toss-up game to Memphis and beaten Hawaii on the islands, and now the Rebels go to Denton to face a Mean Green team that annoyed Indiana for about 45 minutes. Jackson Arnold is just scraping by as the Rebels’ quarterback—they haven’t topped 21 points yet, and though he took only one sack against Hawaii (after six against Memphis), he also went just 8-for-18. UNLV’s ambitions require better from him. Current line: UNLV -3 | SP+: UNLV by 13.0 | FPI: UNLV by 6.4

    California at Syracuse (3:30 p.m., ACCN). Syracuse obliterated New Hampshire so badly that the Orange’s SP+ rating rose more than any other power conference team’s; Cal, meanwhile, was so disappointing against UCLA that the Bears’ rating fell more than anyone’s outside of ACC mates Clemson and Stanford. Steve Angeli and the Orange look to back up their newfound awesomeness, and Cal needs to rebound before the season spirals away. Current line: Syracuse -3.5 | SP+: Syracuse by 8.7 | FPI: Syracuse by 11.6

    Robert Morris at Akron (3:30 p.m., ESPN+). Are fans better playcallers than coaches? Let’s find out! Current line: Akron -27.5 | SP+: Akron by 15.4 | FPI: Akron by 23.5

    Saturday Evening

    No. 18 Tennessee at Georgia Tech (7 p.m., ESPN). Georgia Tech was mostly fine against Colorado, but the Yellow Jackets went 0-for-3 in the red zone, missed a pair of field goals, and lost in the last minute. They limited Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis, however; can they do the same with Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon? His debut against Furman was about as clean as possible. Current line: Vols -12.5 | SP+: Vols by 15.6 | FPI: Vols by 10.0

    San Diego State at UCLA (7:15 p.m., BTN). I loved the transfer class Bob Chesney brought with him to UCLA, but I still expected UCLA-Cal to be a toss-up. Whoops. The Bruins harassed Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, rushed for 277 yards, and laid the hammer down late. Now comes an SDSU team that won a strange, sloppy game over Portland State and has some experienced offensive pieces. What does UCLA do with actual expectations? Current line: UCLA -12.5 | SP+: UCLA by 8.6 | FPI: UCLA by 6.1

    No. 13 Texas Tech at Oregon State (7:30 p.m., CBS). Another huge road favorite, Texas Tech sleepwalked against Abilene Christian, racing to a 14-0 lead but then forgetting to really pull away. If that Red Raiders team makes the trip to Corvallis, the spread’s way too big. Oregon State threw the ball all over Houston last week and could turn this into an uncomfortable track meet. Texas Tech needs to take its A-game west. Current line: Tech -26.5 | SP+: Tech by 23.2 | FPI: Tech by 23.5

    Georgia Southern at Clemson (7:30 p.m., ACCN). We have experience watching Clemson rebound from terrible Week 1 performances. The Tigers did it well in 2023 and 2024, scoring 60-plus points both times, and ended up with solid seasons. But last year, they played poorly against Troy, then quickly resumed losing. Veteran QB Max Johnson and Georgia Southern are capable of pulling a surprise if Clemson doesn’t pull a 2023-24. (In the end, I’m not sure how surprising that would be.) Current line: Clemson -20.5 | SP+: Clemson by 13.5 | FPI: Clemson by 17.2

    Late Saturday

    Louisiana at No. 14 USC (11 p.m., BTN). It’s frustrating watching USC start with three straight buy games, knowing the Trojans won’t be playing Notre Dame later on. But they’ve handled their business: Jayden Maiava was 48-for-54 passing for 635 yards and five scores in two easy wins. Louisiana quarterback Lunch Winfield is a fun dual-threat, and the Cajuns’ defense handled Lamar just fine last week, but, well, Lamar isn’t USC. Current line: USC -30.5 | SP+: USC by 25.9 | FPI: USC by 29.4

    Montana State at Nevada (10:30 p.m., The CW). Montana State is the best team in the FCS and, similar to NDSU, would threaten to become an immediate contender in the Mountain West. But holy smokes, Nevada looked good against Western Kentucky last week. The Wolf Pack rushed for 323 yards against the Hilltoppers, and if they’re capable of matching that Saturday night, even the best FCS team might not be able to keep up. Current line: MSU -3.5 | SP+: MSU by 3.4 | FPI: Nevada by 3.0

    Smaller-School Showcase

    Let’s once again save a shoutout for the glorious lower levels of the sport. Here are four games you should track.

    FCS: No. 16 William & Mary at No. 8 Lehigh (2 p.m., ESPN+)

    After narrow wins over preseason top-10 Villanova and DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State, William & Mary takes its unbeaten record to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to face a rampant Lehigh. The Mountain Hawks used a 21-0 start to pace an easy win over Holy Cross, then used a 38-0 run to torch Georgetown. Running back Luke Yoder and linebacker Aidan Williams are dynamite. The Tribe must raise their game to get to 3-0. SP+ projection: Lehigh by 15.7

    D-III: No. 1 North Central at No. 10 Wartburg (2 p.m., local streaming)

    After stomping No. 2 Bethel, North Central will search for a challenge in Iowa. Wartburg is 47-5 since the start of 2022 and nearly upset North Central in the 2023 playoffs. But the top-ranked Cardinals’ passing game is ridiculous: Garret Wilson threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns last week, and half of that went to David Ballard III (160 yards, two TDs). SP+ projection: North Central by 13.1

    D-II: No. 13 Slippery Rock at East Stroudsburg (6:35 p.m., local streaming)

    Time for some PSACtion! The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has three of the 10 best teams in Division II, per SP+, plus eight more unbeatens. Slippery Rock is a constant threat, but East Stroudsburg is 2-0 and looking for its first PSAC title game trip since 1983. Can a great run game drive a slight upset? SP+ projection: The Rock by 2.2

    D-II: No. 1 Ferris State at No. 9 Central Washington (9 p.m., FloCollege)

    Ferris State, the two-time defending D-II champ, has dominated its first two opponents—including preseason top-five Pittsburg State—and star quarterback Wyatt Bower is averaging 9.9 yards per pass and 7.7 yards per run. Central Washington nearly took down a solid FCS team in Cal Poly last week, though, and this is a pretty long trip West. SP+ projection: Ferris by 17.5

  • Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Set for Weekly Decline Ahead of Key Inflation Report

    Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Set for Weekly Decline Ahead of Key Inflation Report

    Key Economic Data and Earnings Set to Drive Markets as Inflation Concerns Resurface

    Investors face a packed economic calendar this week with critical inflation readings, consumer sentiment data, and notable earnings reports poised to test market resilience amid renewed concerns over energy prices and monetary policy trajectory.

    Inflation and Labor Metrics Take Center Stage

    The August Consumer Price Index (CPI) headlines the data docket. Economists forecast the headline index rose 0.4% month-over-month, accelerating from the previous 0.1% gain, while the year-over-year rate is seen holding steady at 3.4%. Core CPI, which strips out volatile food and energy components, is projected to increase 0.2% for the month — matching July’s pace — with the annual rate expected to tick down to 2.4% from 2.5%.

    Real earnings data will provide insight into household purchasing power. Real average hourly earnings were previously flat year-over-year at -0.1%, while real average weekly earnings edged up 0.1%.

    Consumer Sentiment and Inflation Expectations in Focus

    The University of Michigan’s preliminary September sentiment survey offers a real-time gauge of consumer mood. The headline index is expected to come in at 51, slightly below August’s 51.7 final reading. Current conditions are seen at 51.5 versus 51.9 previously, with expectations at 51 against 51.5.

    Inflation expectations remain elevated. The 1-year outlook previously stood at +4%, while the 5-10 year horizon is expected to hold at +3.3%, matching the prior print.

    Earnings Calendar Highlights

    Corporate reporters include The Kroger Co. (KR) and Rent the Runway (RENT), with results likely to color sector sentiment ahead of the broader reporting season.

    Overnight Headlines: Buyout Speculation, AI Anxiety, and Energy Surge

    PayPal Keeps Strategic Options Open Amid Takeover Chatter

    PayPal’s chief executive addressed persistent buyout rumors, stating the payments giant is “keeping options open” regarding its strategic direction. The comments come as the stock trades well below pandemic-era highs, fueling speculation about potential private-equity interest or a transformative deal.

    Adobe Forecast Miss Reignites AI Monetization Worries

    Shares of Adobe slumped after the software leader issued a revenue forecast that fell short of Wall Street estimates. The miss renewed investor anxiety over the pace at which generative AI features can be monetized across its Creative Cloud franchise, a concern rippling through the broader software sector.

    Trump Proposes Eliminating H-1B Grace Period for Laid-Off Workers

    Former President Donald Trump announced a proposal to end the 60-day grace period that allows H-1B visa holders to remain in the U.S. after job loss. The move would significantly tighten the window for skilled foreign workers to find new sponsorship, escalating the immigration debate ahead of the 2024 election.

    Global Bond Selloff Intensifies as Oil Rally Fans Inflation Fears

    Government bonds worldwide came under pressure as surging crude prices amplified concerns that sticky inflation will keep central banks restrictive for longer. The selloff pushed yields higher across major developed markets, pressuring rate-sensitive equities.

    U.S. Diesel Tops $6 a Gallon for First Time, GasBuddy Reports

    The national average price for diesel fuel breached $6 per gallon, a historic milestone documented by fuel-tracking service GasBuddy. The surge adds to transportation cost pressures and threatens to feed into broader consumer price indices in coming months.

  • Browns May Have Ideal QB Trade Partner After Injury Scare

    Browns May Have Ideal QB Trade Partner After Injury Scare

    Browns May Have Ideal QB Trade Partner After Falcons Injury Scare

    Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will not be the starter for Week 1. GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field on August 27, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) GettyKevin Stefanski’s quarterback problems in Atlanta could give the Cleveland Browns a familiar trade partner before the season gets rolling.

    Falcons Face Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Steelers Matchup

    The Falcons were already preparing to open without Michael Penix Jr. when Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during Thursday’s practice. Cooper Rush took all the first-team reps, leaving Atlanta facing the possibility of another quarterback change ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

    Tagovailoa is considered day-to-day, so the Falcons do not yet know whether they have a temporary scare or a problem that requires outside help. Penix, meanwhile, has returned to full practices following knee surgery but is not ready for game action.

    “You can get cleared for 11-on-11 or you get cleared for a game, but then you have to be able to do your job,” Stefanski said Monday.

    If Atlanta decides to explore the trade market, Cleveland would be a logical place to call. Stefanski coached both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as rookies last season. He knows their strengths, their limitations and how they handle his offense — useful background when a team needs help quickly.

    Rush gives Atlanta an experienced fallback. But if the injuries linger, Stefanski’s old quarterback room could be worth a closer look for Atlanta.

    Shedeur Sanders Makes the Most Sense for Falcons

    Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will not be the starter for Week 1.

    For an immediate need, Sanders is the Browns quarterback who best fits the discussion. Gabriel is on injured reserve with a back injury and must miss at least the first four games. Whatever trade value he might have later, he cannot solve Atlanta’s early-season availability problem.

    Deshaun Watson has Cleveland’s starting job. Rookie Taylen Green has yet to take a regular-season snap and did not play for Stefanski. Sanders offers both familiarity and some experience after making seven starts under the former Browns coach last season.

    Sanders went 3-4 in those starts, finishing his rookie season with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. There has already been fresh trade speculation around Sanders, although most of it is unfounded.

    The harder question is whether Cleveland would entertain an offer. Sanders spent training camp competing for the starting job and now provides the Browns with their most reliable available alternative to Watson. Trading him would leave Green as the only healthy quarterback behind the Watson — who comes with significant durability concerns — unless Cleveland added someone else.

    Browns Open With Deshaun Watson Under Pressure

    Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field.

    Cleveland’s first unofficial depth chart lists Watson first, Sanders second and Green third heading into Sunday’s opener at Jacksonville. Coach Todd Monken also indicated Sanders will be active against the Jaguars.

    “I do,” Monken said when asked Wednesday.

    That clarification followed a discussion of a possible package for Green, whose running ability could add another wrinkle in specific packages. However, Sanders remains the more experienced choice if Cleveland needs someone to take over the full offense.

    Watson has appeared in just 19 games for the Browns since arriving in 2022 and missed all of last season following two Achilles surgeries. Monken has entrusted him with the offense, but Watson still must show he can stay on the field and make that decision pay off.

    The Browns begin with road games against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay before their home opener against Carolina. A productive start from Watson would give Cleveland more room to consider its options. An injury or early struggles would make Sanders considerably harder to spare.

  • Oil Prices Dip Yet Stay on Track to Close Week Above $100

    Oil Prices Dip Yet Stay on Track to Close Week Above $100

    Oil prices pulled back on Friday but remained on track for a weekly gain of nearly 9% after surging above $100 a barrel for the first time in months. Brent crude futures, the global benchmark, fell 2.4% to trade at $105.03 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipped 2.75% to $99.66 per barrel. On Thursday, Brent peaked near $108 a barrel and WTI topped $104.

    Diplomatic Signals Trigger Pullback

    The decline followed reports from Iranian state media that Tehran will meet with Gulf states in Oman to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, signaling diplomatic engagement despite a week of sharp escalation. Brent futures were on course for a weekly gain of 9%, set to close the week above the critical $100 mark for the first time since mid-May. WTI’s week-to-date gain stood at 8.9%. Friday’s drop snapped five consecutive days of gains for Brent and an eight-day winning streak for WTI.

    Markets Brace for Protracted Conflict

    Traders are pricing in a prolonged Iran conflict, reacting to escalating tensions in the Middle East and a Wall Street Journal report that top White House advisors discussed with President Donald Trump the possibility that the conflict could extend beyond his current term. Trump has said the conflict will end after the U.S. midterm elections in November, adding that oil and gas prices will also fall after the critical vote.

    Geopolitical Fears Dominate Trading

    “Once again, it is geopolitical fears driving everything,” Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid said in a Friday morning note. “In terms of the latest Middle East headlines, yesterday saw growing concerns over the safety of Red Sea shipping, and the potential knock-on effects for Saudi oil exports, as Houthi rebels captured Yemen’s port city of Mokha, which is located close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on the southern end of the Red Sea. The mood also wasn’t helped by news that Saudi Arabia’s oil output has fallen to its lowest since 1990.”

    Analyst Weighs Structural vs. Transitory Supply Deficit

    Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM Oil Associates, told CNBC that the key question for investors is whether the current supply deficit is structural or transitory. “While further spikes cannot be ruled out and re-visiting the April peak of $126 remains a possibility as global and regional oil inventories keep drawing down, it must be noted that [the] higher oil prices climb, the more demand will be obliterated,” he said. “The difference between the current crisis and… the one experienced in 1990, during the first Gulf War, is that today oil is more elastic than 35 years ago.”

    Renewables Accelerate Demand Shift

    Varga said renewable energy is “more than capable” of replacing “certain parts of the barrel,” especially in electricity generation. “It appears only a question of time that the gap between global oil supply and demand will narrow, either by supply increasing in case of a truce or demand decreases, due to the widespread use of alternative energy sources,” he added. “In the interim, further oil price strength is very much possible, but it would be surprising to see it lasting beyond 2026.”

  • Cornwall Honors 9/11 Victims with Poppies Made from Scallop Shells

    Cornwall Honors 9/11 Victims with Poppies Made from Scallop Shells

    A special tribute honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks has taken shape in Cornwall, spotlighting a local hero whose actions are credited with saving countless lives 25 years ago.

    Hayle Hosts Community ‘Poppy Production Line’

    The Veterans Charity invited residents to Hayle to participate in a “poppy production line” this week. Volunteers used approximately 6,000 scallop shells to hand-craft 2,977 individual poppies—one for every life lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93.

    Remembering Rick Rescorla: A Cornish Hero

    Among the 2,977 victims was Rick Rescorla, a native of Hayle. As the director of security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center, Rescorla implemented rigorous evacuation drills that proved critical on the morning of the attacks. After the first plane struck the North Tower, he calmly directed thousands of employees to safety through the South Tower’s stairwells, famously singing Cornish songs to keep morale high. He perished when the building collapsed after returning to ensure everyone was out.

    Charity Calls Project a ‘Fitting Tribute’

    Iain Henderson, a trustee of The Veterans Charity, emphasized the significance of the community effort. He said the project was a “fitting tribute” to Rescorla and everyone else who died on that day.

    The completed poppies will form a visual memorial, connecting the coastal community of Hayle to a global tragedy and celebrating the enduring legacy of one of its own sons.