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  • Stephen Curry Animated Pic ‘GOAT’ Adds Jennifer Hudson to Cast

    Stephen Curry Animated Pic ‘GOAT’ Adds Jennifer Hudson to Cast

    EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Hudson, Aaron Pierre, Jelly Roll, Ayesha Curry, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee Sherry Cola and Eduardo Franco are set to join the voice cast of the Sony Animation pic, Goat.

    They join previously announced cast members Stephen Curry, Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, and Patton Oswalt. The animated sports comedy is directed by Tyree Dillihay and co-directed by Adam Rosette.

    The film is produced by Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton of Unanimous Media, Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Adam Rosenberg, and Rodney Rothman of Modern Magic. David Schulenburg serves as co-producer, with Rick Mischel and Fonda Snyder as executive producers.

    In collaboration with the NBA, Sony Pictures Animation will release GOAT theatrically on February 13, 2026, timed perfectly for NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles (Feb 13–15).

    “Directing voice actors for animation is like conducting musicians in an orchestra and GOAT is the symphony. We are extremely blessed to be directing this incredible cast bringing charisma, creativity and comedy to our love letter to the underdog,” said Dillihay and Rosette.

    The film is an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world. The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball — a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”

    “We’re thrilled to keep building an incredible roster of talent that brings the characters of GOAT to life,” said Erick Peyton and Stephen Curry of Unanimous Media. “GOAT is a high-energy, laugh-out-loud adventure filled with heart, and we hope audiences will see themselves in these characters. And the best part? We’re just getting started.”

    Hudson is represented by CAA and Original Project, Peirre is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, Hamilton Hodell, Sloane Offer Weber & Dern, Jelly Roll is represented by CAA, Left Right, and 1220 Entertainment and Ayesha Curry is represented by CAA and Midnight Dawn. Santino is represented by UTA and Lee is represented by CAA and Leviton Management. Franco is represented by UTA and Mosaic and Cola is represented by CAA and Stark Management.

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  • County Championship: Somerset pair break record partnership against Nottinghamshire

    County Championship: Somerset pair break record partnership against Nottinghamshire

    Centuries from James Rew and Tom Abell in a county record partnership enabled Somerset to take an opening-day advantage over Nottinghamshire in a meeting between second and third in Division One of the County Championship, closing on 338-4.

    Rew (162 not out) and Abell, who fell for a career-best 156 moments before the close, added 313 in 81 overs, overtaking the 310 shared by Peter Denning and Ian Botham against Gloucestershire at Taunton in 1980 as Somerset’s biggest fourth-wicket stand.

    It was all the more impressive for Somerset having been two wickets down in three overs without a run on the board when Rew walked to the crease, and 25-3 when he was joined by Abell.

    Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas – who reached the milestone of 800 first-class victims – took all three wickets in a difficult first hour for the visitors after losing the toss, but they were the only successes for the Notts attack until the final minutes of the day.

    Rew earned a call-up to the England squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May after two centuries in the first month of the season. The 21-year-old did not make the cut on that occasion but senior international recognition must surely come in time.

    Notts began this round of matches – the 11th of 14 – a point behind leaders and defending champions Surrey, with Somerset third after their victory over Durham last week.

    Somerset had a painful beginning to the day when Abbas removed Lewis Gregory and Tom Lammonby in his first and second overs – the captain leg before offering no shot to a delivery he clearly judged would slide harmlessly past his off stump, before Lammonby, with only defensive intent, nicked to second slip.

    Under heavy cloud cover after a damp early morning, conditions looked ideal for the veteran Abbas. Haseeb Hameed, the Notts captain, duly gave him an extended spell while the Kookaburra ball retained its hardness.

    He was rewarded again, finding the outside edge of Josh Davey’s straight bat. With this dismissal, Abbas totalled 800 first-class wickets, 284 of them in the English county game.

    Somerset were in some trouble, but Rew had already shown a glimpse of his class when he drove Abbas to the cover boundary, and pulled him for four in the same over with two high-quality strokes. More would follow.

    As batting became easier, Abell began to look as assured as his partner, the two adding 65 in what remained of the opening session, which proved to be a platform from which they dominated the afternoon.

    Rew, who reached 51 from 75 balls with his first scoring shot of the afternoon, lofting left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White clear of the straight boundary, went to a century – his third of the season – from 138, adding two more sixes to the shorter side of the playing area off Calvin Harrison, the leg spinner. Other than an edge off Patterson-White on 92, the ball looping out of even the tall Harrison’s reach at slip, he had looked in complete control.

    By tea, Abell having completed his first hundred of the year, Somerset had added 137 for no loss to be 227-3 and Nottinghamshire, though there had been signs of turn, needed some inspiration.

    Thereafter, Rew’s touch seemed a little less sure, both batters comparatively quiet as the Notts spinners gained some control.

    They attacked the second new ball with some success, although Rew, cutting vigorously, survived a half-chance to second slip off Brett Hutton on 148 before going to 150 from 239 balls.

    Abell in turn reached 151 from 245 balls, setting the partnership record with two into the offside off Dillon Pennington, before falling to a top-edged pull off the same bowler, after which only two more deliveries were possible before failing light forced the players off 15 balls before the scheduled close.

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  • Stocks Halt Rally Amid China Talks in Fed Run-Up: Markets Wrap

    Stocks Halt Rally Amid China Talks in Fed Run-Up: Markets Wrap

    (Bloomberg) — Wall Street traders sent stocks lower in the run-up to the Federal Reserve decision, with concerns about high valuations overshadowing hopes for an extension of a tariff truce between the world’s two largest economies. Bond yields fell. The dollar edged up.

    Following a record-setting run, the S&P 500 lost steam. Treasuries remained higher after a solid $44 billion sale of seven-year notes. Longer-dated bonds led gains ahead of the release of debt-issuance plans that are likely to provide signs for how the US plans to keep a lid on yields for those maturities. The greenback outpaced most of its developed-world peers.

    Subscribe to the Stock Movers Podcast on Apple, Spotify and other Podcast Platforms.

    Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US and China will continue discussing the terms of a truce extension, and President Donald Trump will make the final call. The talks wrapped up before a deadline to resolve differences during a suspension of sky-high tariffs. Adding an extra 90 days is one option, Bessent said.

    Just as it happened after the US tariff deal with the European Union, the underwhelming market reaction to China talks illustrates the steady decline in the ability of those initiatives to spur big moves on Wall Street.

    There are other market-moving factors on the horizon. Those include Wednesday’s Fed decision and key data like the jobs report on Friday. The market also faces a crucial test, with four tech giants reporting earnings over a two-day stretch.

    “Investors are now more focused on hard data to validate the economic and policy outlook, rather than over-interpreting trade agreements,” said Dilin Wu, a research strategist at Pepperstone Group Ltd.

    On the economic front, US consumer confidence increased in July as concerns eased about the outlook for the broader economy and the labor market. While job openings fell, they hovered at a level that indicates generally stable demand for workers.

    “Overall, it was a mixed round of data that has done little to materially challenge the price action or macro narrative,” said Ian Lyngen at BMO Capital Markets.

    Wall Street strategists have a message for investors worrying about signs of excessive optimism emerging as US stocks extend their record run: Any near-term pullback will likely create a buying opportunit

    Strategists from HSBC Holdings Plc, Morgan Stanley and UBS Group AG are maintaining their long-term bullish views even as concerns build that valuations have become stretched at the moment. They see strong corporate earnings and economic data, growing clarity around tariffs and the tailwind of artificial intelligence propelling stocks higher into next year.

    “While we expect equities to advance over the next 12 months, investors should be mindful of potential market swings in the coming weeks,” said Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi at UBS Global Wealth Management. “We think capital preservation or phasing-in strategies can be effective in navigating near-term volatility.”

    Long positioning on US equity futures keeps increasing, led by rising exposure to the S&P 500 in the past week, according to Citigroup Inc. strategists led by Chris Montagu.

    Investors are pricing the US stock market as if there’s no longer any risk of a tariff-driven recession. Peter Oppenheimer isn’t so sure.

    The chief global equity strategist at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. says it’s possible that tariffs bite hard enough to hurt equity prices even as Washington agrees on deals with key trading partners. And while the US might dodge a recession, valuations are high enough that it’s prudent to keep diversifying into other markets.

    Corporate Highlights:

    Union Pacific Corp. agreed to acquire Norfolk Southern Corp. in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $85 billion, forming a transcontinental rail behemoth in what stands to be the industry’s largest deal ever. Baker Hughes Co. agreed to buy Chart Industries Inc. for about $9.6 billion in cash, seeing off a rival takeover attempt for the US industrial gas equipment maker. United Parcel Service Inc. declined to provide earnings guidance as it struggles to get a handle on volatility in the market, underscoring the challenges for the courier’s effort to reconfigure its network and revitalize its business. JetBlue Airways Corp. posted a smaller-than-expected loss in the second quarter as demand rebounded and efforts to turn around the struggling carrier gained traction. Procter & Gamble Co. issued a wider range than usual for its annual sales outlook, underscoring the volatility US companies continue to navigate even as the Trump administration begins to strike trade deals. UnitedHealth Group Inc. warned its annual profit is likely to be hit harder than Wall Street was expecting, the latest in a series of disappointments from an insurer once known for its reliable growth and predictability. Merck & Co. is slashing $3 billion from its annual spending as it braces for off-brand competition to its cancer drug Keytruda, the best-selling medicine in the world. Whirlpool Corp. slashed its 2025 profit outlook, saying that the boost it expects from making the majority of its appliances in the US has yet to materialize as foreign rivals rushed imports into the country during the second quarter to avoid higher tariffs. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s quarterly profit outlook trailed expectations because of costs related to its newest ship. Boeing Co. managed to almost halt its cash outflow in the second quarter, indicating that a turnaround initiated by Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg a year ago is paying off as the company delivers more aircraft. PayPal Holdings Inc. raised its 2025 earnings forecast for this year based on momentum in several of its business lines, including the Venmo payments platform, as attempts to make the brand more prominent start to bear fruit. Spotify Technology SA swung to a loss in the second quarter, missing analysts’ estimates after the music-streaming service recorded higher-than-expected expenses related to employee compensation. Novo Nordisk A/S named its head of international operations as chief executive officer after slumping weight-loss drug sales led to a profit warning that wiped $93 billion off its market value. In a major win for Sarepta Therapeutics Inc., US regulators are recommending that patients who can walk be allowed to take its gene therapy Elevidys again. Stocks

    The S&P 500 fell 0.1% as of 1:23 p.m. New York time The Nasdaq 100 was little changed The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3% The MSCI World Index fell 0.2% Currencies

    The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 0.1% The euro fell 0.3% to $1.1557 The British pound was little changed at $1.3351 The Japanese yen rose 0.1% to 148.36 per dollar Cryptocurrencies

    Bitcoin fell 0.1% to $117,894.42 Ether fell 0.4% to $3,775.37 Bonds

    The yield on 10-year Treasuries declined eight basis points to 4.33% Germany’s 10-year yield advanced two basis points to 2.71% Britain’s 10-year yield declined one basis point to 4.63% Commodities

    West Texas Intermediate crude rose 1.5% to $67.72 a barrel Spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,326.98 an ounce ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.

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  • New RNA therapy reverses symptoms of progeria in mouse models

    New RNA therapy reverses symptoms of progeria in mouse models

    Children who develop deep wrinkles, stunted growth, and rapidly aging bones and blood vessels as early as 1 to 2 years of age may be suffering from Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare and incurable genetic disorder that affects approximately one in eight million people. The average life expectancy for patients is just 14.5 years, and to date, no curative treatment exists.

    The only FDA-approved drug for progeria, lonafarnib (Zokinvy), comes at an extraordinary cost-approximately 1.4 billion KRW (USD 1 million) per dose-and provides only a modest life extension of 2.5 years. The treatment often requires combination with other therapies and carries the risk of significant side effects, underscoring the urgent need for more effective and safer therapeutic options.

    A research team led by Dr. Sun-Uk Kim at the Center for Next-Generation Animal Resources, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), has successfully developed the world’s first precision RNA-targeting therapy for progeria using next-generation gene regulation technology. Their novel approach selectively eliminates disease-causing RNA transcripts while preserving the function of normal genes, significantly improving safety and opening new possibilities for treatment.

    HGPS is caused by a single-point mutation in the LMNA gene, which leads to the production of progerin, a toxic, abnormal protein. Progerin disrupts the structure of the nuclear envelope in cells, accelerating cellular aging and causing symptoms similar to advanced aging-brittle bones, stiffened arteries, and ultimately, failure of vital organs.

    To counter this, Dr. Kim’s team engineered an RNA-guided molecular “scissors” based on RfxCas13d (paired with a custom-designed progerin gRNA). This precision tool distinguishes mutant RNA from normal transcripts, enabling selective degradation of progerin while sparing healthy lamin A proteins.

    Unlike traditional gene-editing methods like CRISPR-Cas9, which permanently alter DNA and pose risks of off-target mutations, this RNA-targeting strategy modifies only RNA. It thus offers a higher safety profile and even allows reversibility in the event of unintended effects.

    When applied to a mouse model carrying the progeria mutation, the therapy significantly reversed hallmark disease symptoms-including hair loss, skin atrophy, spinal curvature, and impaired mobility. Treated mice also showed restored body weight, reproductive organ function, and improved heart and muscle health-resembling the condition of healthy controls.

    Beyond treating progeria, the study also points to the potential for precise regulation of aging processes. The researchers found that progerin levels increase naturally in aged human skin cells, and the application of the RNA-targeting tool helped delay certain signs of aging in these cells.

    This technology is not only applicable to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome but also holds therapeutic potential for over 15% of genetic disorders caused by RNA editing errors.” He added, “We expect this to evolve into a versatile platform technology with broad applicability to age-related diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.”


    Dr. Sun-Uk Kim, lead researcher

    Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) is a leading national research institute in South Korea dedicated to cutting-edge research in biotechnology and life sciences. Established in 1985, KRIBB focuses on advancing scientific knowledge in areas such as molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and aging-related studies. As a government-funded institute, KRIBB plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, supporting national R&D strategies, and collaborating with academic and industrial partners both domestically and internationally.

    This research was supported by Big Issue Group Program(KRIBB Research Initiative Program) and the Global TOP Program funded by the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST), the Excellent Young Researcher Program under the Basic Science Research Program of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and the Core Technology Development Program for the Bio-Industry of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

    Source:

    National Research Council of Science & Technology

    Journal reference:

    Chae, U., et al. (2025). Precise progerin targeting using RfxCas13d: A therapeutic avenue for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Molecular Therapy. doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.06.017.

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  • Michelin’s PLR Is a One-Off, Citroën-Based Test Mule with Twin V-8s and 10 Wheels

    Michelin’s PLR Is a One-Off, Citroën-Based Test Mule with Twin V-8s and 10 Wheels

    Numbers sum up the Michelin PLR pretty well. Weighing about 20,200 pounds, it has two rear-mounted engines, 16 cylinders, 10 wheels, and a top speed of about 100 mph. It kind of looks like a Citroën DS, but it’s a lot wilder under the sheet metal than the familiar headlights suggest — and that’s where the story gets even more interesting than the jaw-dropping numbers. The PLR is a one-of-a-kind prototype built by Michelin to test tires for semi trucks and buses, which were traveling faster and faster in the early 1970s.

    Officially, Michelin named its DS-like rolling laboratory the Poids Lourd Rapide (PLR), which translates to “fast semi truck.” Unofficially, the wagon was called Mille-Pattes, which means “centipede” in French. The fun little nickname alluded to the test mule’s configuration. While it’s shaped like a bloated DS, it was a one-off with four steerable wheels in the front, six rear wheels, and a tire-testing lab behind the seats.

    Michelin retained the height-adjustable hydropneumatic suspension system, some of the interior bits and pieces came from the DS parts bin, and the wheels and the hubs were borrowed from the Citroën H van. Keep in mind that Michelin owned Citroën at the time, so using as many off-the-shelf parts as possible made sense to keep production costs in check. With that said, there’s not much else that carries a Citroën parts number. Power comes from two (yes, two!) Chevrolet-sourced 350-cubic-inch V-8 engines, each rated at 200 horsepower. One engine drove the car, while the second powered the aforementioned on-board test lab.

    All told, the PLR measured approximately 283 inches long and 96 inches wide. It was difficult to miss, but Michelin painted it in orange and yellow to ensure that it truly couldn’t be missed when it was out testing.

    The PLR first turned a wheel (pun not intended… or was it?) in 1972 on a test track located in Ladoux, a small town that’s about 20 minutes north of Michelin’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Its main purpose was to help engineers test the company’s truck and bus tires at high speeds, under high loads, or both, without crashing. Testing new tire technology in real-world conditions, such as by driving a semi at 95 mph around a track to find out whether or not the rubber stayed in one piece, could have resulted in serious situations.

    In a nutshell, the tire that needed to be tested was mounted onto a wheel and bolted to a hub in the trunk. An intrepid engineer would then drive the PLR onto the track, build up speed, and lower the hub until the tire made contact with the ground. An on-board hydraulic system allowed the driver to apply up to 7700 pounds of pressure to the tire or change the camber angle. Speed and braking tests were carried out as well. The data recorded by sensors during each test was later printed out to be analyzed in a lab.

    The PLR retired in the early 1980s, and Michelin hasn’t built anything like it since. Luckily, scrapping such a unique vehicle wasn’t an option. It joined the manufacturer’s collection of historically relevant vehicles, documents, objects, and, of course, tires, and it’s now one of the most fascinating displays you can check out while visiting the Michelin museum. It apparently still runs, and it’s occasionally taken out for events.

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  • Procter and Gamble to raise prices to offset tariff costs | Business and Economy News

    Procter and Gamble to raise prices to offset tariff costs | Business and Economy News

    The world’s largest consumer goods maker said it will have to raise prices on a quarter of its products starting in August.

    Procter & Gamble has said it will need to raise prices on a quarter of the goods it sells in the United States starting this month in order to mitigate costs it has faced because of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

    On Tuesday, in conjunction with its earnings report, the world’s largest consumer goods maker named Shailesh Jejurikar as its new chief executive officer as the company navigates tariff-driven uncertainty weighing on the sector.

    The price hikes have been communicated to retailers such as Walmart and Target and are in the mid-single digits across categories, a spokesperson said, and will be seen on shelves starting in August.

    In May, Walmart also announced that it would need to raise prices on goods sold at the big box retailer because of the economic impact of tariffs.

    P&G topped fourth-quarter estimates for its earnings report. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based firm reported revenue of $20.89bn for the quarter. Organic sales grew about 2 percent in fiscal 2025, driven by P&G’s portfolio of branded pantry staples, as well as higher pricing, particularly for fresher products. But that comes as growth is expected to slow.

    Growth stalls

    P&G expects fiscal 2026 annual net sales growth of between 1 percent and 5 percent, largely below estimates of a 3.09 percent growth.

    Market growth slowed from where it was at the start of the year in both the US and Europe, and volatile macroeconomic, geopolitical and consumer dynamics were resulting in headwinds that were not anticipated at the start of the year, CFO Andre Schulten said during a call with journalists.

    “The consumer clearly is more selective in terms of shopping behaviour in our categories, and we see a desire to find value either by going into larger pack sizes in club channel or online or big box retailers or by lowering the cash outlay,” Schulten said.

    The comments from the company reinforce how consumers, particularly in the lower-income category, are seeking value as they look to stretch their household budgets. Packaged food maker Nestle said last week that consumer spending in North America remained weak.

    “Given the immense pressure put on US consumers in particular, the organic growth is a very good sign that long-term earnings projections should hold up,” said Brian Mulberry, portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management.

    P&G, which makes household basics spanning from Bounty paper towels to Metamucil fibre supplements, estimated tariffs will increase its costs by about $1bn before tax for fiscal 2026. That compares with projections of between $1bn and $1.5bn made in April.

    The company rolled out a restructuring effort in June to exit some brands and cut about 7,000 jobs over the next two years to increase productivity. Prices rose about 1 percent in the fourth quarter, while volumes were flat.

    P&G expects fiscal 2026 core net earnings per share growth in the range of $6.83 and $7.09, compared with estimates of $6.99, according to estimates compiled by LSEG.

    On Wall Street, the company’s stock over the last five days is down 0.5 percent, down 1.1 percent for the month and since the beginning of the year, it has tumbled 5.15 percent.

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  • Giant Magellan Telescope Advances to National Science Foundation Final Design Phase | Center for Astrophysics

    The Giant Magellan Telescope received official approval from the National Science Foundation (NSF) confirming that the observatory will advance into its Major Facilities Final Design Phase, one of the final steps before becoming eligible for federal construction funding. This critical milestone recognizes the Giant Magellan’s scientific merit, construction progress, and alignment with U.S. priorities in science and technology. 

    The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), a partnership between the Harvard College Observatory and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), is playing a major role in the Giant Magellan with the development of the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) spectrograph. G-CLEF will measure the slight wobbles of stars created by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet, allowing the Giant Magellan to measure masses of Earth-class planets, including possibly those in the habitable zone where liquid water could exist on the planet’s surface. The G-CLEF spectrograph will also be able to detect many important molecules in the atmospheres of exoplanets, including those created by life on Earth. Other important science to be tackled by the GMT include studies of supernovas, the earliest galaxies and the progenitors of planets.

    In addition to G-CLEF, engineers and scientists from SAO are leading work on the Moderate Dispersion Optical Spectrograph for the Giant Magellan, which will be used for research ranging from the formation of stars and planets to cosmology.

    “We are thrilled to take the next steps with the Giant Magellan Telescope and are eagerly anticipating the many discoveries that lie ahead,” said CfA Director Dr Lisa Kewley. “We are grateful that the NSF is supporting this transformational, next generation telescope.”

    “What a great moment for the future of American astronomy,” said Dr. Robert Shelton, President of the Giant Magellan Telescope. “The NSF’s decision to advance us into its Final Design Phase reaffirms the strength of our observatory and the decades of preparation by our dedicated team. With significant construction already underway across the United States and at our site in Chile, this milestone positions our nation to lead the next era of discovery. We greatly appreciate the NSF’s vote of confidence and its continued commitment to maintaining American leadership in science, engineering, and precision manufacturing.”

    Backed by nearly $1 billion in private funding – the largest private investment ever made in ground-based astronomy – the Giant Magellan is built by an international consortium of 15 universities and research institutions, including the University of Arizona, Carnegie Institution for Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, University of Chicago, São Paulo Research Foundation, Texas A&M University, Northwestern University, Harvard University, Astronomy Australia Ltd., Australian National University, Smithsonian Institution, Weizmann Institute of Science, Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Arizona State University.

    The Giant Magellan is already 40% under construction, with major components manufactured and tested in facilities across 36 states in the U.S., including advanced optics and primary mirrors in Arizona, science instruments in multiple states including Texas, and the telescope mount structure in Illinois. At the observatory’s privately owned site in Chile, major infrastructure progress includes utilities, roads, support structures, and a fully excavated foundation for the enclosure.

    The NSF’s decision follows the release of its FY2026 Budget Request to Congress and the recent U.S. Extremely Large Telescope External Evaluation Panel Report. The report expressed “confidence that the Giant Magellan Telescope will progress through FDP [Final Design Phase] to a successful FDR [Final Design Review] and construction, if approved.”

    Over the last five years, the observatory has successfully passed all federally required reviews and is prepared to privately finance the Final Design Phase. This reflects the project’s advanced progress and expertise of its international consortium, with many design elements already exceeding NSF Final Design Review benchmarks.

    “This is more than an investment in a telescope,” said Dr. Walter Massey, Board Chair of the Giant Magellan Telescope and former NSF Director. “It is a strategic necessity for the United States to maintain leadership in astrophysics, engineering, and artificial intelligence. The Giant Magellan Telescope will work in synergy with billions of dollars already invested in U.S. research facilities around the world, creating a powerful ecosystem of tools that ensure American scientists have the best resources to lead discovery.”

    Strategically located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Giant Magellan occupies one of the most scientifically valuable observing sites on Earth. Chile offers more than 300 clear nights each year, exceptional atmospheric stability, and direct access to the southern sky and the galactic center of the Milky Way. The observatory amplifies billions in existing NSF investments in Chile, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, ALMA, and Gemini South, forming the cornerstone of a U.S.-led, multi-decade astronomical strategy in the Southern Hemisphere.

    The Rubin Observatory, which is now nearing full operations, will conduct an unprecedented all-sky survey to discover rare, fast-changing cosmic events that offer powerful new ways to understand the evolution and structure of our Universe. But Rubin is only the first step. As part of a multi-decade strategy to ensure U.S. leadership in the Southern Hemisphere, astronomers will need the Giant Magellan’s greater sensitivity, resolution, and spectroscopic capabilities to fully investigate these discoveries. Without access to the Giant Magellan, Rubin’s survey potential will be largely out of reach for U.S. astronomers, and the transformational science it enables will be led by other nations with access to the next generation of “extremely large telescopes.”

    The Giant Magellan Telescope is committed to the science goals of the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope Program, the top-ranked priority in the National Academies’ 2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics. The report called the program “absolutely essential if the United States is to maintain a position as a leader in ground-based astronomy.”

    About the Center for Astrophysics

    The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between Harvard and the Smithsonian designed to ask—and ultimately answer—humanity’s greatest unresolved questions about the nature of the universe. The Center for Astrophysics is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with research facilities across the U.S. and around the world.

     

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  • Recent leadership changes at global consumer goods companies – Reuters

    1. Recent leadership changes at global consumer goods companies  Reuters
    2. Italy’s Amplifon reports 8.7% decline in second-quarter core profit  Global Banking | Finance | Review
    3. IIM Lucknow Graduate Shailesh Jejurikar Becomes New CEO Of Procter & Gamble  OfficeChai
    4. Hyderabad Public School alumni club gets another global CEO as Shailesh Jejurikar takes helm at P&G  Storyboard18
    5. P&G’s Shailesh Jejurikar stares at supply chain challenges and tariff barriers, as Street hopes for…  Moneycontrol

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  • UK plans to recognise Palestine in September unless Israel halts Gaza war | Israel-Palestine conflict News

    UK plans to recognise Palestine in September unless Israel halts Gaza war | Israel-Palestine conflict News

    PM says Israel must take major steps in coming weeks or the UK will make its move ahead of UN General Assembly in September.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told his cabinet that the United Kingdom will recognise the state of Palestine by September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end its war on Gaza and commits to a lasting peace process.

    According to a government statement issued after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer said the move could come before the United Nations General Assembly in New York unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, halts plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, and supports a political path towards a two-state solution.

    “[Starmer] reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that our demands on Hamas remain, that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm,” the statement added.

    Starmer interrupted ministers’ summer holidays to discuss a draft European-led peace initiative and plans to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the UN has warned of looming famine.

    While past UK governments have supported Palestinian statehood “when the time is right”, none has publicly tied it to a specific deadline or laid out preconditions so explicitly.

    Israel lashed out at the UK following the announcement, calling it a “reward for Hamas” that would only undermine diplomatic efforts to end the war on Gaza.

    In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed the UK’s move would damage any chance of a ceasefire. Israel broke the last negotiated ceasefire in March.

    Starmer informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the plan in a phone call before making it public, Reuters reported. Details of the conversation have not been disclosed.

    Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has denied having any talks with Starmer about Britain’s recognition plans.

    “We never did discuss it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday.

    ‘The right time’

    The proposal, backed by growing voices within Starmer’s own Labour Party, would mark a major shift in the UK’s position, as successive governments have long delayed recognition, citing the need for “the right time”.

    With pressure mounting from within Starmer’s own party, his position appears to have shifted. More than half of Labour’s backbench MPs have signed a letter urging the government to formally recognise a Palestinian state as leverage to push Israel towards peace.

    Speaking to reporters, Starmer defended the timing and conditions of the announcement, saying the decision was driven by the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and a fear that the two-state solution was slipping out of reach.

    “This is intended to further that cause,” he said. “It’s done now because I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.”

    He added that recognition of Palestine would be part of an eight-point peace plan the UK has been developing with European partners. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would formally recognise Palestine as a state, becoming the largest and most influential European nation to do so. European Union members Norway, Spain and the Republic of Ireland have previously said they recognise the State of Palestine.

    Labour MP Sarah Champion, who organised the letter to Starmer, said there will never be a perfect moment to recognise Palestinian statehood, but warned this might be the last chance.

    “What we do have, however, is the perfect storm to prevent a two-state solution ever happening,” she said. “It is now or never if we believe in Palestinians’ right to recognition.”

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  • The Weeknd Receives Key to Toronto Ahead of Hometown Shows

    The Weeknd Receives Key to Toronto Ahead of Hometown Shows

    The Weeknd couldn’t love Toronto any harder, and the city loves him right back. Over the weekend, the artist born Abel Tesfaye received a key to the Ontario capital — the place where he grew up — ahead of his four concerts at Rogers Centre.

    As shared in a press release on the city’s official website, Tesfaye — whom Mayor Olivia Chow said “represents the best of our city” in a statement — accepted the key in recognition of his contributions to the Toronto area. In addition to donating $500,000 to the Scarborough Health Network during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributing to the University of Toronto’s Ethiopian Studies program, the singer is also the co-founder of HXOUSE, a local non-profit that supports aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs.

    “From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern music while using his platform to support health and humanitarian causes at home and around the world,” Chow added of Tesfaye. “I am proud to honor one of our city’s greatest artists with a Key to the City to celebrate his contributions to music, society and our culture.”

    “I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City,” the hitmaker said in a statement. “It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.”

    Tesfaye also announced that he’d be supporting the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and his former high school, Birchmount Park, to provide youth “with the means to unlock their full potential.”

    Shortly after the ceremony, Tesfaye kicked off his first batch of After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour performances in Toronto, performing at Rogers Centre on July 27 and 28. To further celebrate his homecoming, Mayor Chow proclaimed that the weekend of the 26th and 27th would be known citywide as the “Weeknd Weekend.”

    After a few U.S. shows, the Idol creator will circle back to Rogers for two more performances on Aug. 7 and 8. The ongoing trek has supported his album trilogy consisting of After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022) and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025), all three of which reached the Billboard 200 top 10.

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