Daily News 19

Category: Around the World

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

  • Netflix Raises UK Subscription Prices in Latest Hike

    Netflix Raises UK Subscription Prices in Latest Hike

    Netflix has increased the cost of its UK subscription tiers, marking the second price adjustment in 2025. The streaming service, home to hits such as Adolescence, Stranger Things, Bridgerton, KPop Demon Hunters and Happy Gilmore 2, has applied the new rates to new customers immediately, while existing members will receive one month’s notice via email before the changes take effect on their next billing cycle.

    New Netflix UK Subscription Prices

    The revised monthly pricing structure is as follows:

    • Standard with adverts: £7.99 (up 33.4% from £5.99)
    • Standard (advert-free): £13.99 (up 7.7% from £12.99)
    • Premium: £20.99 (up 10.5% from £18.99)
    • Extra member add-on: £5.99 (up from £4.99)

    The previous UK price rise occurred in February 2025, and Netflix also raised its US subscription fees earlier this year.

    Netflix Statement on Price Changes

    A Netflix spokeswoman said the latest updates to pricing reflect improvements to our wide range of entertainment and the quality of our service.

    “We know members have never had more choices in entertainment, and we’re committed to delivering an experience that meets and exceeds their expectations,” Netflix said.

    Upcoming Content Slate

    The company highlighted a roster of new and returning titles for 2025, including The Gentlemen 2, Black Doves 2, and a new adaptation of Pride And Prejudice. Recently announced commissions feature The Unheard starring Kate Winslet and Jonny Boy starring Barry Keoghan.

    Financial Performance

    Netflix generated $45.2 billion (£33.4 billion) in revenue for 2025, a 17% increase over 2024. The US-based streaming giant recorded an operating profit of $13.3 billion (£9.8 billion) for the year.

    Expert Advice for Consumers

    Max Beckett, broadband and TV expert at price comparison site Uswitch, offered guidance for subscribers evaluating the new costs.

    “The good news is that if you pay Netflix directly, you’re not locked in.

    “If the new price doesn’t feel worth it, you can downgrade or cancel penalty-free at any time – dropping from standard to the ad-supported plan now saves £6 a month, or £72 a year, if you can live with the adverts.

    “Free services like ITVX, Channel 4 and Tubi cost nothing at all.

    “It’s also a good moment to add up what you spend on streaming and broadband together, and check whether a better bundle could cut the total.”

  • Bolton vs West Ham: Match Preview, Team News & Key Predictions

    Bolton vs West Ham: Match Preview, Team News & Key Predictions

    About West Ham Till I Die

    West Ham Till I Die is a dedicated website and blog created for supporters of West Ham United. The platform serves as a central hub for fans to discuss the club, its fortunes, and future prospects.

    Site Operator

    The site is operated and hosted by Iain Dale, a lifelong West Ham season ticket holder who is also widely recognized as an LBC radio presenter and political commentator.

    Contact Information

    Supporters and visitors can reach the team via post at:

    Iain Dale
    WHTID
    PO Box 663
    Tunbridge Wells
    TN9 9RZ

    Additional Resources

    For more of Iain Dale’s work, visit his personal website and blog at iaindale.com.

  • Top-Seeded Zverev Advances to US Open Quarterfinals; Tien Ousted

    Top-Seeded Zverev Advances to US Open Quarterfinals; Tien Ousted

    Zverev Advances to US Open Quarterfinals

    Top-seeded Alexander Zverev defeated No. 21 Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3) on Monday night to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open.

    Zverev’s Path and Next Opponent

    Zverev, who has won his past two matches in straight sets after opening the tournament with a pair of five-set marathons, will next face Botic Van De Zandschulp. Van De Zandschulp advanced after outlasting Arthur Gea 3-6, 6-7 (0), 7-6 (7), 7-6 (3), 6-4 in 5 hours, 13 minutes, the fourth-longest match in US Open history.

    Gea’s Near Historic Run

    Gea, a Frenchman who entered the tournament as a lucky loser after 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud withdrew with a back injury, held a match point in the third-set tiebreaker. He was bidding to become the first lucky loser to reach the quarterfinals of a men’s major.

    Khachanov Survives Five-Set Battle Against Tien

    Also going five sets — though a shorter 3 hours, 50 minutes — was Karen Khachanov’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-4 victory over No. 14 Learner Tien. Tien was attempting to give the host country four men in the US Open quarterfinals for the first time since five Americans achieved the feat in 1995. No. 8 Ben Shelton, No. 11 Frances Tiafoe, and Alex Michelsen all advanced on Sunday, along with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

    Khachanov to Face Blockx in Quarterfinals

    Khachanov will play No. 28 seed Alexander Blockx, who defeated No. 24 Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 to become the first man from Belgium to reach the US Open quarterfinals.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

  • 2026 MLS Season Preview: LAFC vs. New York Red Bulls

    2026 MLS Season Preview: LAFC vs. New York Red Bulls

    LAFC Hosts Red Bull New York on Korean Heritage Night at BMO Stadium

    LAFC returns to BMO Stadium on Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 p.m. PT to face Red Bull New York in a matchup highlighting the league’s most experienced side against its youngest roster. The Black & Gold will celebrate the Korean community of Los Angeles with prematch activities, Korean-inspired menu items, and special guests as part of Korean Heritage Night.

    Current Form and Standings

    LAFC (10W-7L-7D) sits third in the Western Conference following two hard-fought road draws against D.C. United and Real Salt Lake. Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min combined for both goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw in Utah, with each player assisting the other.

    Red Bull New York (7W-10L-6D) occupies 10th in the Eastern Conference after a scoreless draw against an injury-depleted Seattle Sounders side. Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath delivered a standout performance, recording six saves — many acrobatic and at point-blank range — to secure his second clean sheet of the MLS regular season. The former U.S. Men’s National Team starter has been a bright spot for a struggling side.

    Wednesday’s contest pits MLS’s most experienced team against its youngest. RBNY’s starting XI in Seattle posted an average age of just 22 years, 24 days — the youngest in league history.

    LAFC Form Check

    Since the FIFA World Cup break, LAFC has lost only twice in 12 matches across all competitions, both by 1-0 margins — one on a stoppage-time penalty and the other on a deflected own goal. The club has outscored opponents 17-9 in that span. However, injuries have limited personnel options recently, resulting in a negative-1 goal differential over nine matches since August 1 (seven scored, eight conceded).

    Head coach Marc Dos Santos emphasized the need to convert draws into victories after the Utah result:

    “Our focus is to get back to [earning] the full three points,” head coach Marc Dos Santos said after the draw in Utah. “We’re tying way too many games. Now we have to look for the three points at home against New York … Our next game is the most important one on Wednesday.”

    Bouanga and Son Form Potent Partnership

    Bouanga’s goal and assist against Real Salt Lake brought his 2026 MLS tally to 20 goal contributions (12 goals, 8 assists), placing him among just seven players to reach that mark this season.

    20+ Goal Contributions in 2026 (through Matchday 24)

    • Lionel Messi (MIA) — 30 (18g/12a)
    • Evander (CIN) — 24 (13/11)
    • Petar Musa (DAL) — 22 (18/4)
    • Denis Bouanga (LAFC) — 20 (12/8)
    • Nico Fernández-Mercau (NYCFC) — 20 (14/6)
    • Luis Suárez (MIA) — 20 (12/8)
    • Pep Biel (CLT) — 20 (11/9)

    Bouanga’s next goal will tie Carlos Vela’s club record of 78 MLS regular-season goals for LAFC (2018–2023). Bouanga already holds the club’s all-competition scoring record with 120 total goals.

    Son Heung-Min netted his fifth MLS regular-season goal over the weekend and added his 11th assist, tying for second in the league behind Messi’s 12. Bouanga and Son rank 10th and 15th in MLS, respectively, in key passes (passes leading directly to a teammate’s shot on goal).

    Young Bulls Roster Built on Academy Talent

    Coached by former MLS and USMNT standout Michael Bradley — son of LAFC’s inaugural head coach Bob Bradley — Red Bull New York fields the league’s youngest roster. The attack is spearheaded by 18-year-old striker Julian Hall and fellow academy products Matthew Dos Santos (18) and Adri Mehmeti (17).

    Hall leads the team with nine goals and five assists. Southern California native Jorge Ruvalcaba ranks second with seven goals. Emil Forsberg and Cade Cowell share the team lead with seven assists each.

    Since the World Cup, RBNY has posted a 1W-5L-2D record and did not compete in Leagues Cup. Last week, Honduran international David Ruíz joined on loan from Inter Miami CF and debuted as a second-half substitute in Seattle alongside defender Devin Padelford, who arrived on loan from Minnesota United FC. Midfielder Ronald Donkor, a near-ever-present starter with 22 starts in 23 matches, will miss Wednesday’s match due to yellow card accumulation.

    Goalkeeper John McCarthy returns to BMO Stadium, where he achieved cult hero status and won 2022 MLS Cup Final MVP after entering in extra time to help LAFC secure the championship on penalties.

    Keys to the Match

    LAFC Will Win If

    Its attacking shape generates transition chances as it did against Real Salt Lake. With injuries forcing a back-three formation in Utah, LAFC created numerous counterattacking opportunities.

    “The advantage that we have when we play with a back three is that we have the three forwards more narrow and closer to each other,” Dos Santos explained. But there’s a cost: “The downfall of that is that we also ask our midfielders to cover a lot of ground.”

    If LAFC manages that balance and allows Son and Bouanga to stay close and combine near the opposing goal, three points at home are within reach.

    RBNY Can Win If

    Horvath replicates his Seattle heroics. Only three MLS goalkeepers have faced more shots on target than the 6-foot-4 former USMNT starter, who plays behind the league’s most inexperienced defense. When Horvath stands tall, RBNY’s young attackers — Hall, Ruvalcaba, or others — must capitalize at the other end against Hugo Lloris.

    That remains a tall order at BMO Stadium. Lloris is enjoying his best MLS campaign since joining LAFC in 2024. The French legend is tied for the league lead in clean sheets (11) and ranks second in save percentage (76.3%), trailing only Nashville’s Brian Schwake.

  • Dodgers Catcher Rushing Returns to Injured List

    Dodgers Catcher Rushing Returns to Injured List

    Dodgers Place Dalton Rushing on IL After Elbow Setback Ends Catching Hopes

    The Los Angeles Dodgers placed catcher Dalton Rushing on the 10-day Injured List before Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals, backdating the move to Saturday after the 25-year-old experienced renewed discomfort in his right elbow during a throwing session. The transaction effectively ends any realistic chance of Rushing returning behind the plate this season, though the organization has not ruled out deploying him exclusively as a hitter once he is cleared to resume baseball activities.

    UCL Tear Management Takes a Turn

    Rushing has been managing a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow since early August. Rather than shutting him down immediately, the Dodgers activated him when rosters expanded in September with the intention of using his bat while keeping him out of the catching rotation. The club was simultaneously ramping up his throwing program on the side, hoping he might eventually progress enough to resume defensive duties.

    That plan unraveled Saturday when Rushing, having advanced to throwing from 90 to 100 feet, felt his elbow bark again. Subsequent imaging revealed no additional structural damage, offering a measure of relief, but the setback forced a strategic pivot. The team will now take a more cautious approach: Rushing is expected to pause his swinging progression for several days before restarting a hitting-only buildup. If that goes smoothly, a minor-league rehab assignment could follow to get him back into game action before the regular season concludes.

    Offensive Production and Postseason Utility

    Despite the injury, Rushing has delivered promising offensive numbers in his second major-league campaign. Across his time with Los Angeles this year, he has slashed .249 with 12 home runs, 36 RBIs, and a .798 OPS. His brief return earlier this month yielded no hits in five plate appearances, and he will now need to rebuild his timing at the plate from a standstill.

    Should his elbow respond well to the hitting-only workload, Rushing could still provide a left-handed power option off the bench or as a designated hitter down the stretch and into the postseason—a valuable asset as the Dodgers navigate roster construction for October.

    Long-Term Outlook and Surgical Considerations

    The bigger picture remains unsettled. Surgery is still a possibility, though the club may defer that decision until the offseason. Much will depend on how Rushing tolerates swinging a bat without further aggravating the ligament. For now, the priority is stabilizing the elbow and preserving his long-term viability as a two-way catcher.

    Roster Move: Eliezer Alfonzo Recalled

    To fill the vacant roster spot, Los Angeles recalled catcher Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers will carry three catchers for the time being, providing additional flexibility behind the plate while Rushing works through his latest rehabilitation phase.

    Rushing’s path to catching in 2024 has closed, but a role as a pure hitter remains alive if his recovery stays on track. The next week will be critical in determining whether he can contribute to a postseason push in any capacity.

  • Monday Stat Party: Rookie Monster Performance

    Monday Stat Party: Rookie Monster Performance

    Monday Stat Party: Mets Weekly Statistical Review Highlights Historic Feats

    Welcome back to Monday Stat Party, a weekly series showcasing the most curious and nostalgia-inducing statistical developments from the past week of New York Mets baseball. Each entry is united by a sense of intrigue and an unbridled love for the game’s anomalies. Without further ado, let the stat party begin.

    Monday: Robert Stock Joins Exclusive Managerial Win Club

    Robert Stock became the fourth pitcher in MLB history to go seven or more calendar years between wins, with each victory coming under the same manager. Stock’s previous win occurred on April 5, 2019, as a member of Andy Green’s San Diego Padres. source: Sarah Langs on X

    Tuesday: Lindor Reaches Milestone; Manaea Matches Career High

    Francisco Lindor reached 15 home runs for the tenth time in his career. At the time, Lindor became the second primary shortstop to reach 15+ homers in 10+ seasons, joining Cal Ripken Jr. (13 seasons of 15+ homers). By Sunday, Corey Seager joined Ripken and Lindor on that list by hitting his 15th home run of the year, giving him 10 seasons of 15+ homers as well.

    Lindor has recorded 15+ homers in 10 of the last 11 seasons, missing only the shortened 2020 campaign. Currently, he is one of only seven players with 15+ home runs in 10+ seasons since 2016, joining Eugenio Suárez, Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Seager.

    Sean Manaea allowed 11 hits, marking his most as a Met and tying a career high originally set on July 27, 2016, at Globe Life Park in Arlington, and matched on September 12, 2017, at Fenway Park.

    Wednesday: Mets Set Franchise Record for Pitchers Earning Wins

    Dedniel Núñez became the 23rd different Mets pitcher to earn a win this season, establishing a new franchise record. The previous mark was set two years ago in 2024, when the Mets had 22 different pitchers earn a win. Remarkably, only four pitchers earned a win for the Mets in both 2024 and 2026: Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Brooks Raley, and fittingly, Núñez.

    For just the tenth time this season, Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette each recorded a hit in the same game.

    Soto’s 111.8-mph home run was the Mets’ second-hardest-hit long ball of the season, trailing only Luis Robert Jr.’s 112.2-mph solo shot in Milwaukee on July 21.

    Friday: Rookie Duo Makes History; McLean Dominates Strikeout and Quality Start Leaderboards

    With Carson Benge’s 20th stolen base of the season, Benge and A.J. Ewing became the fifth pair of rookie teammates to steal 20+ bases in the Wild Card era (since 1995), joining:

    • Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Febles (1999 Royals)
    • Dairon Blanco and Maikel Garcia (2023 Royals)
    • Brenton Doyle and Nolan Jones (2023 Rockies)
    • Chandler Simpson and Jake Mangum (2025 Rays)

    They are the first New York teammates to accomplish the feat since a pair of Brooklyn Dodgers (Bill Davidson and Jake Daubert) and New York Giants (Josh Devore and Fred Snodgrass) did it in 1910.

    Nolan McLean’s punchout of Christian Koss on his final pitch of the night marked his 179th strikeout of the season, moving him past Jerry Koosman and into third place on the Mets’ all-time rookie strikeout leaderboard. He now trails only Dwight Gooden (276) and Kodai Senga (202).

    McLean recorded his 18th quality start this season, tied with Chris Sale for fifth-most in the Majors behind Sandy Alcantara (21), Cristopher Sánchez (20), Michael Wacha (19), and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (19). McLean is one of only three pitchers since 2015 to reach 18 quality starts in their rookie season, joining Michael Soroka (18 in 2019) and Shota Imanaga (19 in 2024). McLean also recorded his 19th start of six or more innings pitched this season, tied for the second-most by a Met in a season since 2020, trailing only Chris Bassitt (23 in 2022).

    Over his last 12 starts, McLean has posted a 1.87 ERA. He is the eighth Met since 2000 to record a 12-game single-season span with an ERA below 1.90 while averaging six or more innings per outing, joining Mike Hampton, Johan Santana, R.A. Dickey, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, and Max Scherzer.

    Francisco Alvarez recorded his seventh multi-homer game as a catcher, tied with Gary Carter for second-most before turning 25 years old. Only Johnny Bench (8) had more such games. source: Sarah Langs on X

    Alvarez became the first home or visiting player to hit multiple home runs with an exit velocity of 107 mph or higher in a game at Citi Field since Pete Alonso’s franchise-record-setting night against the Braves on August 12, 2025.

    Rafael Devers became the 35th player to record three extra-base hits and five RBI in a game against the Mets. Fittingly, the first ever to do it was another Giant, as Willie McCovey clubbed three homers and drove in five at Candlestick Park on September 22, 1963.

    The Mets hit five home runs against the Giants, marking their most in a game in franchise history against San Francisco. The Mets had hit four home runs against the Giants seven times, most recently on July 20, 2019, at Oracle Park (Dom Smith, Jeff McNeil, Todd Frazier, and Pete Alonso).

    The Mets scored 10+ runs for the 15th time this season, tied with 2006, 2007, and 2022 for the fifth-most such games in a season in franchise history. The only seasons with more double-digit scoring games were 2000 (24), 1999 (20), 1997 (18), and 1990 (17).

    The Mets scored 10+ runs on fewer than 10 hits for the second time this season, after having done so on May 31 against the Marlins at Citi Field. It is only the third season in franchise history where they’ve had multiple games of scoring double-digit runs on fewer than double-digit hits, joining 1976 (2 such games) and 1987 (3 such games).

    The Mets recorded 13 batted balls at 100 mph or higher, tied for their most in a game this season (matching their total set on July 27 against the Braves at Citi Field).

    Saturday: Devers and Koss Power Historic Offensive Display Against Mets Pitching

    Rafael Devers became the 14th player with five extra-base hits over two consecutive games against the Mets, and the second this season after Bryce Harper did it on June 20-21 at Citizens Bank Park (a stretch which included his first career cycle). The only other Giant to do it was Hunter Pence from August 3-4, 2014, at Citi Field.

    With two home runs off Zac Thornton, Christian Koss became just the third No. 9 hitter with multiple homers in a game off the same Mets pitcher, joining the Phillies’ Larry Christenson (September 5, 1976, off Mickey Lolich) and the Braves’ Derek Lilliquist (May 1, 1990, off Ron Darling). Koss is just the ninth No. 9 hitter with a multi-homer game against the Mets, but the second this season after Dansby Swanson went deep twice at Wrigley Field on June 24. It is the first time in Mets history they’ve yielded multiple multi-homer games to No. 9 batters in the same season. credit: SNY broadcast

    Devers and Koss each hit a pair of homers, marking the 17th time in franchise history that the Mets allowed multiple home runs to multiple players in the same game, and the first since July 14, 2024, when Ezequiel Tovar went deep twice and Michael Toglia went deep three times for the Rockies at Citi Field. The Giants had done it against the Mets once before, when Orlando Cepeda and Ed Bailey each homered twice at the Polo Grounds on May 4, 1963. Only once have three teammates recorded multi-homer games together against the Mets — on September 8, 1998, when the Phillies’ Kevin Sefcik, Rico Brogna, and Bobby Estalella did it at Veterans Stadium.

    Sunday: Benge Climbs Rookie Hits List; Lavender and Scott Shine; Mets Secure Dramatic Win

    Carson Benge’s seventh-inning double marked his 143rd hit of the season, moving him past Jay Payton and into fourth place on the Mets’ rookie hits leaderboard behind Pete Alonso (155 in 2019), Ty Wigginton (146 in 2003), and Ron Hunt (145 in 1963).

    Nate Lavender recorded a 13th straight scoreless appearance to begin his career, marking the second-most for a Mets pitcher behind Joe Smith (17 in 2007).

    Christian Scott notched his 159th strikeout in his 30th career game, tying Nolan Ryan and Zack Wheeler for the eighth-most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher through their first 30 games, behind: Dwight Gooden (267), Matt Harvey (227), Noah Syndergaard (215), Kodai Senga (211), Nolan McLean (205), Jacob deGrom (187), and Steven Matz (169).

    Bo Bichette hit his first three-run home run since Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, when he gave the Blue Jays a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning with an iconic shot off Shohei Ohtani.

    The Mets won while only scoring runs in the eighth inning for the first time since April 14, 2024, against the Royals at Citi Field. The Mets won after scoring four or more runs in the eighth inning despite being held scoreless over the first seven innings for the first time since their fateful Game 161 in Atlanta on September 30, 2024.

    The Mets earned their fifth win over the Giants this season, tied for their most against the Giants in a single season since they went 7-2 against San Francisco in 1999.

    Miscellaneous Mets Stat of the Week: Walk-Off Grand Slam History

    Since 1910, only six National League teams are known to have hit multiple walk-off grand slams in a season:

    • 1962 Braves (Henry Aaron, Tommie Aaron)
    • 1963 Mets (Tim Harkness, Jim Hickman)
    • 1980 Cubs (Barry Foote, Cliff Johnson)
    • 1983 Phillies (Bo Díaz, Ozzie Virgil)
    • 2001 Braves (Javy López, Brian Jordan)
    • 2018 Cubs (Jason Heyward, David Bote)

    Both of the 2001 Braves’ walk-off grand slams came against the Mets, making them one of only three teams since 1910 to hit two walk-off grand slams against the same team in the same season, along with the 1998 Red Sox (who did it facing Seattle) and the 1963 Mets (who themselves pulled it off against the Cubs).

  • Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) Raises Guidance as Demand for Advanced Chips Soars

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) Raises Guidance as Demand for Advanced Chips Soars

    Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the Diamond Hill International Fund. The fund posted a 7.76% return for the period, trailing the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, which advanced 14.49%. Stock selection in health care and consumer discretionary contributed positively, while positions in information technology and consumer staples weighed on results.

    Global Equity Backdrop in Q2 2026

    International equities moved higher during the quarter, propelled by AI-related semiconductor names. Taiwan and South Korea led gains, while Europe and Japan delivered mixed performance. European markets benefited from improving economic data and easing inflation, though dispersion across countries remained wide. Japanese equities rose on corporate governance reforms, though a stronger yen and global trade uncertainty capped upside. Emerging markets outperformed developed peers, driven by robust demand for AI infrastructure in Taiwan and South Korea, while Chinese equities declined. The information technology sector ranked as the top-performing group globally.

    The investment team noted that narrow market leadership creates both challenges and opportunities for a bottom-up, valuation-driven approach.

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) Highlighted as Key Contributor

    The letter singled out Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: TSM) as a notable performance driver. TSMC is the world’s leading contract chip manufacturer, producing advanced semiconductors for major global technology companies. As of September 4, 2026, the stock closed at $428.91 per share, with a market capitalization of $1.97 trillion. Shares returned 2.49% over the prior month and gained 73.51% over the trailing 52 weeks.

    Diamond Hill International Fund offered the following assessment in its Q2 2026 letter:

    “Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is the world’s largest dedicated chip foundry, holding approximately 70% market share and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Shares outperformed after the company announced strong demand for its semiconductor manufacturing services and increased its revenue outlook, driven by AI and high-performance computing chips.”

    Hedge Fund Ownership Trends

    TSMC ranks sixth on the list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to Insider Monkey’s database, 249 hedge fund portfolios held TSMC at the end of Q2 2026, up from 234 in the previous quarter.

    While the firm acknowledges TSMC’s investment merits, its analysts suggest certain AI-focused equities may offer greater upside with less downside risk. For investors seeking an extremely undervalued AI stock positioned to benefit from tariff policies and onshoring trends, Insider Monkey publishes a free report on the best short-term AI stock.

    Related Coverage

    Insider Monkey has also covered Artisan Global Opportunities Fund’s perspective on TSMC. Readers can access additional hedge fund investor letters for Q2 2026 on the site.

    READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years.

    This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.

  • Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Lioness’ Season 3 Episode 6 Sparks Fan Buzz After Airport Shootout Scene

    Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Lioness’ Season 3 Episode 6 Sparks Fan Buzz After Airport Shootout Scene

    The latest episode of Taylor Sheridan’s CIA and military thriller Lioness ignited social media after its Sunday premiere on Paramount+. Season 3, Episode 6, titled “Sugar Land,” escalated the stakes dramatically as Joe’s team races to rescue her from kidnappers, delivering what many viewers call the series’ most intense installment yet.

    Major Reveal and Brutal Stakes in “Sugar Land”

    The episode’s closing moments unveiled a pivotal twist: Joe is handed over to an Iranian extraction team. In a scene described as bone-chilling, the series lays out in brutal terms the fate awaiting her in Iran—a fate far worse than death. The Iranian agent proceeds to cut off her toe, a shocking act of violence that underscores the season’s escalating brutality.

    Tarmac Shootout Praised for Tactical Realism

    While the toe amputation stunned audiences, many argue the episode’s standout sequence is a lightning-fast gun battle on the tarmac. Kyle and two Delta Force operators discover the Iranian plane waiting to fly Joe out of the United States, triggering a bloody, epic confrontation. The scene’s speed and tactical precision have been widely praised for feeling incredibly real, reinforcing the show’s reputation for authentic military choreography.

    Reddit Reacts: Fans Dissect Every Moment

    Reactions poured in immediately on Reddit, where viewers broke down the episode’s twists, character arcs, and political undertones. Below are unedited fan comments captured from the discussion:

    Seems like Oleksandra has been this season’s Lioness. Never thought of it till now. She’s been so useful.

    Ya’ll are crazy. This episode was awesome. Especially the airport shootout.

    Gotta say, I love the music in this show.

    Babat is scary as f***. His dialog actually gave me goosebumps.

    Neal not knowing that the media & the powers that be manipulate the news is wild.

    I will gladly watch the weekly propaganda to see what Kyle can do. I really vibe with the political messaging in this season. It’s about time a major series mentions the problematic interference from China and Russia in every level of American society.

    “There’s a third option ——> You could kill yourself,” Joe cold blooded

    I hope Joe gets rescued before the hell (Babat) that’s waiting for her. This was one of the most thrilling episodes of this season. You can see the desperation in the QRF team.

    Omg. What an episode!! For a second I thought that Belarus agent was going to help her! Airport shootout with Kyle’s guys was amazing. Oleksnadra really helped them. Finding out who is behind all this was scary. I need next episode asap. Cruz is going to take them all downnnn

    Babat is terrifying as all hell!

    This show is amazing. I need more.

    Two Episodes Remain as Rescue Mission Intensifies

    With only two episodes left in Season 3, the race to find Joe is winding down. The season has built toward what fans hope will be a violently conclusive finale. Theories on the outcome are welcome at [email protected].

    David Hookstead is a reporter for OutKick.

  • 12 Years Later, ‘True Detective’ Season 1 Finally Gets the Perfect Follow-Up This Month

    12 Years Later, ‘True Detective’ Season 1 Finally Gets the Perfect Follow-Up This Month

    Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey are reuniting for a new Apple TV+ meta-comedy series titled Brothers, set to premiere on September 23, 2026. The eight-episode series leverages the actors’ decades-long, real-life friendship and their celebrated on-screen chemistry, which first captivated audiences in the seminal first season of HBO’s True Detective.

    From ‘True Detective’ Partners to Texas Ranchers

    Twelve years after True Detective Season 1 debuted, the anthology’s opening chapter remains a high-water mark for prestige television. Nic Pizzolatto’s writing, Cary Fukunaga’s cinematic direction, the atmospheric Louisiana setting, and the perfectly calibrated performances by McConaughey and Harrelson as detectives Rustin Cohle and Marty Hart created a cultural touchstone. The pair’s ability to portray disparate investigators bound by a harrowing investigation into satanic ritual murders showcased a profound dramatic rapport rooted in a friendship spanning nearly 30 years.

    That history dates back to the late 1990s when they worked together on the satirical comedy EdTV. More recently, their effortless interplay has been featured in a series of Agentforce commercials where they parody their public personas—McConaughey leaning into his offbeat, philosophical energy and Harrelson embodying his signature laid-back vibe.

    ‘Brothers’ Premise: Life Imitates Art

    Co-created by Harrelson and McConaughey alongside The Office veteran Lee Eisenberg and Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read, Brothers is directed by Jason Winer. The plot centers on the two movie stars celebrating the wedding of Woody’s daughter, Olive (played by Highdee Kuan). When the wedding plans derail, the two families agree to cohabitate on Matthew’s sprawling Texas ranch.

    During their extended stay, the series explores a tantalizing “what if” scenario: the possibility that the two lifelong friends might actually be biological brothers. The ensemble cast includes Holland Taylor, Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi, Oona Yaffe, Dax Sheppard, and Lisa Gilroy.

    The Real-Life Theory Behind the Show

    The series’ central conceit is grounded in a genuine, long-standing family rumor. Although Harrelson was born in Midland, Texas, in 1961, and McConaughey in Uvalde, Texas, in 1969, a conversation between the two revealed that Matthew’s mother claimed she had relations with Woody’s father, Charles Harrelson, around the time of Matthew’s conception in 1968.

    Charles Harrelson was a notorious organized crime figure and convicted hitman. He was arrested and jailed for assassinating federal judge John H. Wood Jr. in 1979. In 1968, around the time of Matthew’s conception, Charles Harrelson was tried for a murder committed in Hearne, Texas—roughly four hours from Uvalde. While geography and timing do not entirely rule out the possibility, the circumstances make a biological connection improbable. No DNA testing was conducted at the time, leaving the theory alive for years and providing the narrative engine for the new series.

    As the fall premiere approaches, Brothers promises to blend meta-humor with genuine emotional stakes, inviting viewers to tune in and see if the on-screen investigation yields any fresh discoveries about one of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships.

  • Sony’s Tom Rothman Discusses ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Success, Losing ‘Obsession’ Bid

    Sony’s Tom Rothman Discusses ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Success, Losing ‘Obsession’ Bid

    Sony Pictures Chief Tom Rothman Declares Moviegoing Is Back at Lumière Summit

    Moviegoing has returned because movies are culturally relevant again, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman declared Monday during a keynote conversation at the Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. The gathering, hosted by the French government, convened film and content industry leaders from more than 60 countries near Nice.

    “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” Powers Historic Summer Box Office

    Since its July 31 release, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has generated a staggering $2.4 billion at the global box office, including $923 million domestically. Addressing the film’s performance, Rothman quipped, First of all, I can’t be wrong all the time. It’s against the law of averages.

    On a more serious note, he added, For a result like that to happen, everything has to work perfectly. Rothman credited an incredibly talented team, highlighting star Tom Holland, who has been our partner in this for over a decade now, as well as the support of Disney and Marvel.

    Why Audiences Connected: A “Super-Person” Story

    Explaining the film’s worldwide resonance, Rothman told Variety Co-Editor in Chief Cynthia Littleton that Brand New Day is not so much a superhero film, but ‘super-person’ film. The reason that movie has resonated all around the world is because it’s about a lonely guy… It’s like yeah, it’s about friendship. It’s very human. It’s very emotional. He continued, It’s got plenty of whiz-bang, but that’s not what the secret is. The secret is it’s a relatable story that almost everybody has related to.

    The film was built around the emotional life of Peter Parker following the narrative reset at the end of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.

    Broad Summer Slate Signals Industry Recovery

    Rothman pointed to Universal Pictures’ The Odyssey, Focus Features’ Obsession, and Disney’s Toy Story 5 as proof that audiences will flock to theaters for the right properties. For the first time since the dual blows of COVID-19 shutdowns and the 2023 writers and actors strikes, the industry has enjoyed a steady rollout of strong films across diverse genres — not limited to superheroes.

    Referring to the summit’s opening session, where French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung unveiled a $1.16 billion entertainment industry financing partnership, Rothman joked, We had three presidents today: The president of France, the president of Korea. And you have Mr. Clooney, the president of Hollywood — gesturing to George Clooney, seated in the front row.

    Reports of Theatrical’s Death “Greatly Exaggerated”

    Alluding to Mark Twain, Rothman said this summer demonstrated that the death of the theatrical business has been greatly exaggerated. Movies were cool, he stated. They became cultural again… because they were culturally significant.

    He singled out Obsession, a low-budget horror film reportedly made for $700,000 that has earned nearly $510 million globally. It’s a misnomer that young people won’t go to movies, Rothman said of the film’s success.

    Sony Missed on “Obsession,” But Congratulates Focus Features

    Sony Pictures was outbid for Curry Barker’s Obsession by a couple million dollars by Universal’s Focus Features, which reportedly paid $14 million for the rights. I was outraged, Rothman joshed. I would like to have that moment back. I congratulate the worthy opposition.

    Global Strategy: Specificity Drives Universality

    Discussing Sony’s global film business, Rothman noted that Netflix was brave enough at the time to finance the animated musical K-Pop Demon Hunters, which has become the streamer’s most-viewed film ever. That is a deeply Korean, culturally relevant film, he said.

    The key to a globally resonant film or series, according to Rothman, is cultural specificity. Specificity leads to universality, he said. I have seen it many times in my career. He cited Sony’s growing Japanese anime business as another example: and it does great.

    Stories are the things that… become our cultural heritage, said Rothman.

    Rothman’s Tenure at Sony Pictures

    Rothman joined Sony Pictures in 2013 as chairman of TriStar Pictures, was promoted to chairman of the Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group in February 2015, and assumed the chairman/CEO role in 2021. He previously led Fox Filmed Entertainment from 2000 to 2012.