The Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators square off at Bridgestone Arena on October 31, 2026, at 6:00 PM in a matchup featuring two teams with starkly different trajectories through the season’s opening month. Tampa Bay enters with an 8-3-1 overall record and rides the momentum of a recent 6-4 victory over Winnipeg on October 29, while Nashville struggles at 4-4-5 and searches for consistency following a mixed start to the campaign.

The Lightning’s road record of 2-3-1 presents an interesting contrast to their overall success, as Tampa Bay looks to improve its away performance against a Predators squad that posts a 3-3-2 mark at home. Both teams carry momentum from their recent performances into this Halloween night clash, with Tampa Bay coming off a convincing win and Nashville eager to capitalize on home-ice advantage.

Offensive Firepower Leads Lightning Charge

Tampa Bay’s attack averages 3.45 goals per game and generates 30.4 shots per contest, establishing the Lightning as one of the league’s more dangerous offensive units. Brandon Hagel leads all Tampa Bay skaters with 16 points through 8 goals and 8 assists, while Steven Stamkos follows closely with 15 points on 7 goals and 8 assists. The veteran forward’s 3 power-play goals highlight Tampa Bay’s special-teams capability, though the unit converts at just 15.0% overall with 6 power-play tallies.

Nikita Kucherov anchors the Lightning’s playmaking efforts with 11 assists, including 4 on the power play, and maintains a plus-2 rating. Hagel’s 55 shots on goal demonstrate his aggressive offensive approach and willingness to test opposing goaltenders, a trait that could prove crucial against Nashville’s defensive structure. The Lightning manage 92 penalty minutes through their opening stretch, matching Nashville’s discipline totals exactly.

Predators Seek Special-Teams Momentum

Nashville counters with its own offensive weapons, averaging 2.83 goals per game while generating 25.6 shots per contest. The Predators excel on the power play, converting at an impressive 31.7% clip with 13 goals with the man advantage, a mark that stands as one of the league’s best early-season special-teams performances. Nashville’s penalty kill operates at 87.5% efficiency, surrendering just 5 power-play goals while recording 2 shorthanded tallies.

Roman Josi quarterbacks the Predators’ attack from the blue line with 11 assists, including 8 on the power play, and posts a plus-3 rating through Nashville’s first 13 games. The veteran defenseman’s ability to generate offense from the back end creates opportunities for Nashville’s forwards and keeps opposing defenses stretched across all three zones. Nashville faces 29.1 shots per game defensively, a higher total than Tampa Bay’s 24.5 shots allowed, suggesting the Predators must tighten their defensive structure.

Goaltending Matchup Favors Visitors

Andrei Vasilevskiy anchors Tampa Bay’s crease with a 6-3-0 record despite posting a .876 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average. The veteran netminder’s experience in high-pressure situations provides the Lightning with stability between the pipes, even as his save percentage suggests room for improvement. Backup Dennis Hildeby contributes a 2-0-1 record with a 2.98 goals-against average and .885 save percentage, giving Tampa Bay reliable depth at the position.

Nashville relies on Juuse Saros, who posts a 3-2-4 record with a 2.81 goals-against average and .906 save percentage through the season’s first month. The Finnish netminder’s workload increases as Nashville searches for answers, while backup Justus Annunen struggles with a 1-1-0 mark, 4.00 goals-against average, and .846 save percentage that raises concerns about the Predators’ depth in goal.

Injury Concerns Cloud Lightning Lineup

Tampa Bay enters the contest with two notable absences from its forward group. Zemgus Girgensons remains out for the Halloween matchup with an estimated return date of October 31, while Yanni Gourde sits on injured reserve with no return timetable and an estimated comeback date of December 2. The absences force Tampa Bay to adjust its depth chart and rely more heavily on its top-line performers, though the Lightning’s offensive production suggests they have managed the personnel losses effectively through the opening weeks.

The injuries remove depth and penalty-killing options from Tampa Bay’s arsenal, potentially creating opportunities for Nashville’s potent power play to exploit matchup advantages. Lightning coach must balance line combinations carefully to maintain offensive production while covering defensive responsibilities, particularly against a Predators team that generates significant scoring chances with the man advantage.

Statistical Trends Point Toward Competitive Battle

Tampa Bay allows 3.09 goals per game compared to Nashville’s 3.00, suggesting both teams carry defensive vulnerabilities that opposing offenses can exploit. The Lightning’s superior shot differential of plus-5.9 shots per game compares favorably to Nashville’s minus-3.5, indicating Tampa Bay controls possession more effectively and generates more sustained offensive pressure. Neither team has surrendered a shorthanded goal through the season’s first month, a positive indicator of penalty-kill discipline and structure.

The matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions, with Tampa Bay seeking to extend its success and Nashville looking to find the consistency that has eluded the club through 13 games. The Predators’ home-ice advantage at Bridgestone Arena provides Nashville with familiar surroundings and fan support, while Tampa Bay’s road record suggests vulnerability away from home ice. The Halloween night setting adds atmosphere to a game that carries early-season implications for both clubs’ playoff positioning and momentum heading into November.

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The Indianapolis Colts may not be finished dismantling their roster. After trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner within hours of each other on Tuesday, slot receiver Josh Downs has emerged as the next player who could be on the move before the Nov. 10 deadline. Receiver-needy teams have already placed calls about the young pass-catcher, according to Jordan Schultz.

Downs sits in the final year of his rookie contract, making him an affordable option for contenders looking to bolster their receiving corps. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper projected his remaining cap hit at approximately $1.96 million for any team acquiring him before the deadline. The 26-catch, 307-yard, 45-target season represents a downturn from his first three campaigns, when he posted 68, 72, and 58 receptions.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter placed Downs on a short list alongside Buckner and Grover Stewart as Colts who could be dealt, with Buckner already headed elsewhere. Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp identified the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers as the top landing spots for the slot specialist. Multiple contenders now find themselves in the mix as the trade deadline approaches.

Chiefs Face Urgent Receiver Shortage

Kansas City carries the most pressing need among interested parties. The Chiefs managed just 3 points in their first loss of the season at Seattle on Sunday, with Rashee Rice sidelined again due to hamstring and knee injuries and Tyquan Thornton also inactive. The offense has shrunk noticeably without Rice’s presence, creating a void the defending champions must address.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on NFL Network that Kansas City has been actively calling around for help. Downs fits precisely what Patrick Mahomes lacks in the current setup. More than 74% of Downs’s career snaps have come from the slot, and he carried a 75.4 overall grade through six games, ranking 26th among 86 qualifying receivers according to PFF.

Rapp acknowledged that Downs “isn’t an elite receiver by any means,” but a reliable underneath target on a cheap expiring deal represents exactly the kind of move a contender makes in late October. The Chiefs need immediate help, and Downs offers a proven slot option who can contribute without breaking the salary cap. Kansas City’s championship window remains wide open, making the urgency for offensive reinforcements particularly acute.

Patriots Present College Connection

The New England Patriots bring both a Drake Maye connection and a depleted receiver room to the table. Downs and Maye overlapped at North Carolina in 2022, when Downs caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick listed New England among the best fits for the receiver.

The need runs deep for the Patriots. Romeo Doubs sits on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, Mack Hollins remains out with a calf injury, and A.J. Brown has posted just 9 catches for 101 yards since returning from his ankle sprain. At 4-3, New England stands at a crossroads, still deciding whether to buy or sell, which represents the only factor keeping them from the top position in the Downs sweepstakes.

The college chemistry between Downs and Maye could accelerate their on-field connection, offering New England a plug-and-play option for their young quarterback. The Patriots must determine whether their current record warrants an aggressive push for playoff contention or signals the need for further rebuilding. That decision will ultimately determine how aggressively they pursue Downs before the deadline.

Steelers Enter Crowded AFC North Race

Pittsburgh sits at 5-2 in an AFC North where all four teams remain within a game of each other, creating intense competition that could drive the Steelers toward a trade. Rapp’s analysis positioned Pittsburgh as another logical destination for Downs, though the article stops short of detailing their specific needs. The Steelers typically operate cautiously at the deadline, but the tight divisional race may force a more aggressive approach this year.

The tight standings in the division mean every game carries playoff implications, and adding a reliable slot receiver could provide the edge Pittsburgh needs to separate from the pack. The Steelers have historically valued proven contributors on reasonable contracts, making Downs’s expiring rookie deal particularly attractive. Whether Pittsburgh pulls the trigger depends on their confidence in the current roster and their willingness to part with draft capital in a balanced division fight.

Colts Continue Roster Overhaul

The Colts’ willingness to trade established veterans signals a clear shift toward rebuilding or retooling. Dealing Nelson, an All-Pro guard, and Buckner, a defensive cornerstone, in rapid succession demonstrates that Indianapolis views few players as untouchable. Downs represents another asset the front office can flip for future draft picks while his value remains high enough to attract competitive offers.

The timing of these moves suggests Indianapolis wants to maximize return before the deadline passes and opportunities disappear. Trading Downs now allows the Colts to recoup draft capital while giving him a chance to contribute to a contender’s playoff push. The organization appears committed to this path, making additional moves before Nov. 10 increasingly likely as interested teams continue reaching out about available players.

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Japanese Broadcaster Reveals Ambitious Global Content Strategy

The Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Group revealed its ambitious plan to transform Japanese content into a global cultural force at a Thursday morning session at TIFFCOM, the content market of the Tokyo International Film Festival. The broadcaster outlined strategic partnerships with Legendary Entertainment and South Korea’s CJ ENM designed to establish J-content as the next worldwide phenomenon, rivaling the explosive success of Korean drama and entertainment.

Watanabe Shinya, president of the global business division at TBS Holdings, and Setoguchi Katsuaki, executive officer of the global business division at TBS Holdings and president and CEO of The Seven and The Seven U.S., spoke about how the group works to accelerate its global business. The session focused on inspiring global love for Japan through strategic content partnerships and investments spanning North America and Asia.

The broadcaster aims to establish Japanese intellectual property-including manga, anime, and novels-as a dominant force in international markets. TBS executives detailed multiple collaborative ventures designed to bring Japanese storytelling traditions and production values to audiences worldwide, learning from the remarkable success of Korean cultural exports over the past two decades.

Learning From Korean Content’s Global Dominance

Setoguchi spoke candidly about his evolving perspective on Korean content production. He recalled that 20 years ago he saw a gap between the production capabilities of Korean and Japanese studios, and that to my embarrassment he had not anticipated the now vast influence of Korean cultural output. The executive acknowledged the dramatic shift in global entertainment consumption patterns over the past two decades.

“Everywhere you go around the world, K-content and K-drama, they are a part of everybody’s everyday lives,” Setoguchi said during the session.

This observation forms the foundation of TBS Group’s renewed global ambitions. Setoguchi sees his mission as spreading Japanese content worldwide to a similar extent, focusing not on immediate profit generation but on establishing a new genre of J-content that resonates across cultures and markets. The executive called on the Japanese industry to work together to find global reach for Japanese intellectual property.

Strategic Investment in Legendary Entertainment

TBS Group partnered with Legendary Entertainment following what Setoguchi described as matching needs between the two companies. The Japanese broadcaster made a $150 million equity investment in Legendary Entertainment earlier this year, creating a partnership focused on connecting Japanese source material with global audiences through live-action adaptations.

The collaboration addresses complementary strategic objectives. TBS wants to create global hits in global markets, while Legendary keeps a close eye on the potential of Japanese IP, including manga, anime, and novels, with a view to adapting them into live action for international distribution. The partnership positions TBS to leverage Legendary’s established distribution networks and production capabilities while maintaining creative control over Japanese intellectual property.

In this collaboration, TBS plays the role of cultural translator for Legendary, ensuring that adaptations preserve the essential elements that make Japanese stories distinctive while making them accessible to Western audiences. This approach aims to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued some previous attempts to adapt Asian content for English-speaking markets.

Joint Venture With CJ ENM and U-Next

Looking to cultivate markets beyond the West, TBS Group announced Studio Monowa, a joint venture with CJ ENM and Japanese streamer U-Next. The partnership combines TBS Group’s content library and creative talent with CJ ENM’s global standard production capabilities to develop intellectual property that resonates with worldwide audiences.

The collaboration brings together Korean production expertise-proven successful in creating globally popular content-with Japanese storytelling traditions and source material. Studio Monowa represents TBS’s strategy of learning from Korean success rather than competing directly against it, creating hybrid production models that draw on the strengths of both Asian entertainment industries.

Setoguchi emphasized his ongoing interest in Korean programming and content, viewing the partnership as an opportunity to apply successful Korean production methodologies to Japanese intellectual property. The joint venture aims to create content that travels easily across Asian markets before expanding to Western territories.

Variety Content and Game Show Formats

Variety content and game shows form a key focus of the group’s efforts to build a foothold for Japanese content in other countries. TBS Group partnered with Banijay Entertainment on local adaptations of formats, including the internationally successful Ninja Warrior franchise, which has spawned versions in multiple countries including the popular American Ninja Warrior series.

These unscripted formats offer TBS a proven pathway to global markets. Game shows and competition formats travel more easily across cultural boundaries than scripted dramas, requiring less localization while maintaining the core appeal that made the original Japanese versions successful. The Ninja Warrior format demonstrates how Japanese concepts can achieve widespread international recognition and commercial success.

Building a New Global Entertainment Genre

The TBS Group strategy reflects broader ambitions within the Japanese entertainment industry to capture a larger share of global content consumption. The session at TIFFCOM emphasized that TBS views this expansion not merely as a commercial opportunity but as a cultural mission to inspire global appreciation for Japanese creativity and storytelling traditions.

Setoguchi stated clearly that his priority involves establishing a new genre rather than generating immediate profit for TBS, signaling a long-term commitment to building Japanese content recognition worldwide. This patient approach mirrors the decades-long effort that eventually made Korean content a global force, acknowledging that cultural influence develops gradually through consistent quality and strategic partnerships.

The broadcaster’s multi-pronged strategy-combining North American partnerships through Legendary, Asian collaboration via Studio Monowa, and format licensing through Banijay-creates multiple pathways for Japanese content to reach international audiences. Each partnership addresses different market segments and content types, from live-action adaptations to unscripted formats, maximizing TBS’s potential for global penetration across diverse entertainment categories and regional markets.

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Weil, Gotshal & Manges, one of Wall Street’s best-known law firms, is poised to shut down. Its management committee has recommended an orderly wind-down after a wave of partner departures and the collapse of merger talks. The firm announced the move on Wednesday, and its partners will vote in the coming days.

Longtime leader Barry Wolf disclosed the recommendation during a companywide meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The firm employs about 1,200 lawyers worldwide and generated $2.1 billion in revenue last year. A shutdown would therefore mark a dramatic reversal for an institution that has operated for more than nine decades.

“For more than 90 years, Weil, Gotshal & Manges has had the privilege of advising clients on some of their most consequential matters. Following a careful review of strategic alternatives, the Firm’s Management Committee has recommended to the partnership that the Firm pursue an orderly wind-down,” Weil said in a statement.

A Firm With Deep Roots in Corporate Crises

Over the years, Weil advised on some of the largest corporate bankruptcies in US history. Its clients and matters included Lehman Brothers, General Motors and Enron. That track record made the firm a fixture of Wall Street restructuring work and a name that clients associated with high-stakes disputes.

The firm also built a strong reputation abroad. In Asia, Akiko Mikumo led Weil as a force in private equity and M&A markets. More recently, the firm had been rebuilding its diminished Hong Kong practice when the crisis thousands of miles away upended its future.

Weil said it will keep serving clients during the wind-down, which will unfold over the coming months. The firm said it “will continue serving clients with the dedication and excellence that have defined it since its founding and will remain committed to supporting its colleagues.”

The Exodus That Set the Collapse in Motion

The trouble accelerated in September, when leading dealmaker Michael Aiello and his team decided to join rival Cravath, Swaine & Moore. The Wall Street Journal reported that the departure dealt the firm a major blow. Other partners soon followed the same path.

Weil also explored a merger with rival Willkie Farr & Gallagher. A combination would have created a titan generating more than $4 billion in annual revenue. But the talks fizzled, and reports said they ended days before Wednesday’s announcement.

As the negotiations stalled, more Weil partners began looking for the exits, and some contacted rival firms about potential moves. Weil’s leadership succession plans also unraveled amid the turmoil. Together, the departures and the failed deal left the management committee with what it called a careful review of strategic alternatives.

Finances, Lease and the Bankruptcy Question

Even as partners head for the exits, Weil remains debt-free and has relatively few liabilities, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The firm still collects payments on outstanding client bills. According to the Journal, Weil could shut down without entering bankruptcy, a path that could allow its lawyers to recoup at least some of their unpaid earnings.

The firm’s lease at Manhattan’s General Motors Building ranks among its largest liabilities. The lease covers roughly 380,000 square feet. Real estate experts cited by the Journal said a new tenant could pay more than Weil does, and they described the space as relatively easy to lease again.

What Comes Next for Weil and Its Clients

The partners’ vote in the coming days will decide whether the firm formally proceeds with the wind-down. If they approve the recommendation, Weil will spend the coming months closing out its operations while it continues to serve clients. The firm has not outlined further details on how it will manage the process.

For the legal industry, the episode shows how quickly a storied institution can unravel once top partners leave and merger plans fall apart. Weil’s strong finances and modest liabilities did not stop the exodus. The outcome of the vote will determine the end of a firm that spent more than 90 years advising on some of the most consequential matters in corporate America.

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The Golden State Warriors appear to operate as if Kristaps Porziņģis will never suit up for them again. His ongoing health issues have pushed the organization toward a very different plan for the 31-year-old big man.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, people inside the Warriors organization have expressed an “extreme level of pessimism” about his return. At the same time, the team is exploring potential trades that could turn his contract into an asset.

“Team sources continue to express an extreme level of pessimism that Porzingis will ever play for the Warriors again, but he could end up helping the organization in another way, because his contract, which is only guaranteed for $3 million next season, could still prove to be valuable in executing a trade,” Slater reported.

The situation remains in limbo, and the Warriors have not set a timeline for resolving it. The team opens its season with a 1-3 record, which adds urgency to every roster decision.

A Health Matter With No Clear Timeline

The Warriors announced on Oct. 14 that Porziņģis would remain out indefinitely because of a “health-related matter.” The announcement followed a meeting with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and vice president of player health and performance Dr. Rick Celebrini.

Porziņģis addressed the issue on social media the same day. He wrote that he was still working with doctors and medical experts to “figure out how to be fully back to good health ASAP” and that he was “getting better and better.”

His statement offered no indication of a potential return to basketball. That silence has fueled the pessimism now surfacing from team sources.

Trade Exploration Begins

One week after the announcement, on Oct. 21, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Warriors had “started exploring trade routes” for Porziņģis. Charania also reported that the big man was “seriously contemplating his future in basketball” because of his health.

That report marked a notable shift in the story. A health absence that the team first described as a matter to monitor had become a question about whether he would play again at all.

Slater’s latest reporting builds on that foundation. The pessimism he describes does not suggest the Warriors have given up on helping Porziņģis. Instead, it shows the organization looking for a way to protect its own interests while he focuses on recovery.

Why the Contract Still Carries Value

Porziņģis signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Warriors during the offseason. He earns $20 million this season and holds a $20 million player option for 2027-28.

The structure of that option year is what makes the contract so interesting to potential trade partners. The deal guarantees only $3 million of the option year until July 7, 2027. A team acquiring him would carry limited long-term financial risk, and that flexibility could make him a useful piece in a larger deal.

Slater also noted another possible path for the Warriors. The team could point to Porziņģis’ “unwillingness to be present” at its facilities as “a failure to render his services” and use that argument to potentially void his contract.

That option appears more aggressive than a trade, and Slater framed it only as a possibility. It does show the range of scenarios the organization is weighing as it plans around a player who may not return.

From Trade Deadline Pickup to Uncertain Future

Golden State acquired Porziņģis in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks before the in-season deadline last February. He appeared in 15 games for the Warriors, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Those numbers gave the Warriors a glimpse of the production they hoped to build around. The new contract suggested they expected him to remain a core piece for at least two seasons.

Instead, his health has overtaken the basketball conversation. The Warriors now face a choice between waiting for clarity and moving his contract while it still holds trade value.

What Comes Next for the Warriors

For now, the next developments depend on two factors: Porziņģis’ health and the market for a player with his contract structure. The Warriors have not announced a trade, and Porziņģis has not announced any decision about his future in basketball.

Team sources continue to describe a pessimistic outlook, yet they also see a way for Porziņģis to help the organization without playing a game. His partially guaranteed option year gives Golden State a tool that few teams in his situation would have.

The coming weeks will show whether another team views that flexibility as worth a deal. Until then, the Warriors will keep exploring their options while Porziņģis continues working with doctors and medical experts on his recovery.

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A Routine Day in a Greenhouse Becomes an Archaeological Breakthrough

An Egyptian farmer tending his cucumbers made a discovery that reached far beyond his fields. While he worked, he stumbled upon an ancient inscribed stone. That single find led archaeologists to the remains of two colossal statues believed to depict Ramses II.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discoveries recently. Notably, Ramses II is the pharaoh some scholars believe may have confronted Moses in the biblical Book of Exodus. As a result, the find has drawn attention from both historians and general readers.

How the Discovery Unfolded

The farmer found the stone while working in a cucumber greenhouse on his property. His land sits in the village of Behbeit El-Hagar, according to Egyptian news outlet Youm7. He did not ignore the unusual object. Instead, he alerted local archaeological authorities.

Officials then inspected the site. Subsequent excavations uncovered the remains of two statues, ministry officials said. In short, one careful decision by a farmer opened a new chapter at the location.

“One of the statues has been identified as depicting King Ramses II, while the other is also believed to represent the same pharaoh,” the translated statement read.

The mission also recovered another important object. Archaeologists found a block of pink granite that carries hieroglyphic inscriptions. Those inscriptions include several of the king’s royal titles.

“The mission additionally discovered a pink granite block bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions that include several of the king’s royal titles.”

The First Statue: A Head Over 5 Feet Tall

The first statue features a colossal head of Ramses II. Officials said the head measures more than 5 feet tall. Furthermore, the sculpture shows the pharaoh wearing a double crown. That crown symbolizes the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

An inscription on the statue’s back pillar bears one of his royal names. This detail helps identify the figure. Meanwhile, the scale of the piece suggests how imposing the monument once looked.

Archaeologists estimate that the original statue, including its base, may have stood nearly 28 feet tall. Such a height would have made the figure a commanding presence. Consequently, researchers view the surviving head as a window into a much larger work of royal art.

The Second Statue and Its Preserved Features

The second statue also appears to depict Ramses II. It measures nearly 8 feet long. However, it is missing its legs and base, so only part of the original survives.

Even so, the statue’s head turned up during the excavation. Officials highlighted how well the face has survived. Specifically, they described the facial features as still clearly visible.

“The statue’s head was also uncovered, with its facial features still clearly visible and well-preserved,” officials said of the second statue. “These features closely resemble those of the first statue.”

That resemblance matters to researchers. It supports the view that both works portray the same ruler. In addition, the preserved face gives experts a rare chance to study the craftsmanship behind the portrait.

Who Was Ramses II?

Ramses II was born in 1303 B.C. He ranked among the most powerful and influential pharaohs of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom period. He died in 1213 B.C. Therefore, his reign left a long legacy that scholars still study today.

His name also appears in debates about the Bible. Some scholars have suggested that Ramses II was the pharaoh described in the Book of Exodus. Nevertheless, the Old Testament does not identify that ruler by name. This gap leaves the question open to interpretation.

In the biblical account, the pharaoh refuses Moses’ demands to free the Israelites. That refusal leads to a series of devastating plagues. As a result, any new object tied to Ramses II tends to revive public interest in the story.

What Comes Next

Work at the site has not ended. Officials said that excavations and archaeological studies are ongoing. Thus, the team may uncover more pieces in the coming period. Researchers have not announced further details.

For now, the discovery shows how chance and curiosity can reshape knowledge of the past. A farmer noticed an odd stone and chose to report it. In turn, archaeologists recovered a massive head, a well-preserved face, and a granite block carrying royal titles.

The finds also remind readers that history can lie close to the surface. Ordinary daily work, like tending a greenhouse, can lead to extraordinary results. Meanwhile, the teams on site continue to study what the ground has revealed about Ramses II.

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Eli Lilly reported third-quarter earnings and revenue on Thursday that blew past Wall Street estimates, and the drugmaker raised its full-year sales outlook for the third straight quarter. Booming demand for its weight loss drug Zepbound and its diabetes treatment Mounjaro drove the results. The company’s shares rose about 4% in premarket trading.

The results show that the world’s most valuable healthcare company is not slowing down. Lilly beat revenue expectations by roughly $1.8 billion and exceeded profit forecasts by a wide margin. One product did disappoint, though: its new obesity pill sold below analyst expectations.

Lilly Tops Wall Street Forecasts by a Wide Margin

Lilly posted adjusted earnings of $7.48 per share for the quarter, compared with the $6.26 analysts expected, according to a survey by LSEG. Revenue reached $24.40 billion, well above the $22.61 billion Wall Street forecast. The numbers underline how much resilient demand for Zepbound and Mounjaro has fueled several strong quarters in a row.

• Earnings per share: $7.48 adjusted vs. $6.26 expected
• Revenue: $24.40 billion vs. $22.61 billion expected

Lilly delivered those gains even though it now collects lower net prices in the U.S. for its medications. Those lower prices followed a drug pricing deal the company struck with the Trump administration last year. Volume has more than made up the difference so far.

Full-Year Guidance Jumps Sharply Higher

The company now expects 2026 revenue between $91 billion and $92 billion. That compares with its previous guidance of $85 billion to $87 billion, a significant upward revision. Lilly has lifted its full-year sales outlook in each of the last three quarters.

The profit outlook looks more complicated on the surface. Lilly projects full-year adjusted earnings of $35 to $36 per share, versus a previous range of $35.50 to $36.50. The company explained that it raised its underlying profit guidance by $4.07 per share at the midpoint. Charges tied to deals in the quarter, totaling $4.57 per share, offset that increase.

Those charges reflect a broader strategy. Lilly is converting its massive profits into a dealmaking spree, and it most recently agreed to buy Merida Biosciences. The acquisition aims to develop a new class of treatments for serious autoimmune and allergic diseases.

Mounjaro Posts Another Blockbuster Quarter

Mounjaro’s worldwide revenue climbed 65% to $10.72 billion for the quarter. U.S. sales accounted for about $5 billion of that total. Analysts surveyed by StreetAccount had expected $10.10 billion in worldwide sales and $4.79 billion in U.S. revenue, so the drug cleared both bars comfortably.

Zepbound also contributed to the quarter’s strength, as demand for the weight loss treatment soared again. Lilly pointed to expanded U.S. coverage for obesity care as a tailwind. In particular, the company referred to Medicare’s decision in July to start covering GLP-1 drugs for weight loss under a temporary pilot program.

Lilly’s lead over its chief rival, Novo, in market share shows no sign of shrinking. The company continues to hold that advantage even as it absorbs lower U.S. net prices. Together, the pricing pressure and the market share lead define the current moment for the obesity drug market.

Foundayo Launch Falls Short of Expectations

Not every part of the report impressed investors and analysts. Sales of Foundayo, Lilly’s new GLP-1 obesity pill, came in below Wall Street’s expectations for the quarter. The drug launched in the U.S. in April, so it has been on the market for only a short time.

The miss stands out against the strength elsewhere in the portfolio. Zepbound and Mounjaro continue to carry the company’s growth, while the pill remains an early-stage launch. Investors will likely watch how quickly Foundayo builds momentum in the coming quarters.

Analysts Keep Lilly Among Their Favorites

Lilly’s report arrives as the broader stock market tries to find its footing. In that environment, investors have focused on stocks that are holding up and that equity analysts love most. One recent screen of seven stocks with strong earnings growth prospects named Amazon.com, Alphabet and Eli Lilly among its picks.

The third-quarter results give that view fresh support. Lilly beat both earnings and revenue estimates, raised its sales guidance sharply and kept its dealmaking engine running. The company also showed that it can grow quickly even while it accepts lower U.S. prices for its top drugs.

What the Results Mean Going Forward

Lilly’s massive diabetes and obesity windfall now funds both its expansion and its pipeline. The Merida Biosciences agreement signals that management wants to diversify beyond metabolic disease into autoimmune and allergic conditions. At the same time, the deal-related charges show that this expansion carries a real cost to near-term reported profit.

For investors, the key question is whether demand for Zepbound and Mounjaro can keep outpacing price pressure. The company’s raised revenue range of $91 billion to $92 billion suggests management feels confident that it can. Meanwhile, the underperforming Foundayo launch gives analysts one clear area to monitor as the obesity market evolves.

For now, the message from Thursday’s report is straightforward. Eli Lilly keeps beating forecasts, keeps raising its outlook, and keeps its lead in the most closely watched drug category in the industry.

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Unprecedented Water Levels Overwhelm Communities Statewide

Historic high tides have caused chaos up and down the California coast this week, as parts of the state were inundated by record-breaking water levels. Seawater surged into low-lying communities from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay Area, submerging streets, flooding homes and businesses, and jamming important transportation corridors and train routes. The unprecedented event has transformed normally bustling urban areas into temporary waterways, forcing emergency responses across multiple counties.

Kayakers and paddle boarders could be seen gliding through typically busy thoroughfares in Marin county, north of San Francisco, on Monday and Tuesday. Several drivers had to be rescued from floating cars in the area, while cyclists who had attempted to cross the temporary lagoon that had formed quickly found themselves waist-deep. The surreal scenes highlighted the severity of the inundation, with emergency services working around the clock to evacuate stranded residents and motorists caught off guard by the rapidly rising waters.

Further south, in cities such as Newport Beach, water pounded the emergency infrastructure set up to keep out the swelling sea, which seeped through berms, seawalls and sandbag blockades along the shoreline. Despite extensive preparations and coastal defenses, the sheer volume and force of the incoming tides overwhelmed protective measures designed to shield vulnerable communities. Local authorities scrambled to reinforce barriers even as water breached established flood prevention systems.

All-Time Records Shattered Across Multiple Regions

Up and down the state, all-time records were smashed as tide gauges registered unprecedented readings. Near Los Angeles and San Diego, tides rose above 8 feet, marking a significant milestone in coastal monitoring history. San Francisco registered its highest reading for the month of October on Wednesday, breaking a record set the day before, demonstrating the relentless escalation of water levels throughout the week.

The National Weather Service has issued a swathe of flood advisories and warnings that will last for days, extending emergency protocols across coastal regions. In San Diego and Orange counties, forecasters said significant coastal flooding was expected during high tides through Thursday. Numerous roads may be closed, and low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated, according to their comprehensive threat assessment.

“Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated,” they said in a Wednesday outlook.

Extended Flood Risks Threaten Weekend Recovery Efforts

In Los Angeles, moderate flood risks extended into the weekend, though tides would begin to drop after Thursday, offering some relief to beleaguered coastal communities. Shoreline erosion is expected across the California coast, compounding damage already inflicted by the repeated tidal surges. Experts warn that the cumulative impact on beaches, cliffs, and coastal infrastructure could take months or years to fully repair, with some areas facing permanent geographical changes.

The repeated onslaught from the rising sea has made for a tumultuous autumn, especially in southern California, which has been hammered several times over the last two months. Los Angeles has already logged 12 coastal flood days in 2026, according to records from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), outpacing any year in the last 50 years with months left to go. This alarming statistic underscores the escalating frequency and severity of coastal flooding events affecting the region.

Experts Warn Worst Flooding May Still Lie Ahead

But the dangers won’t recede when the tides do, and the newly set records won’t be held for long, climate scientists caution. The worst flooding may be to come as severe impacts from an exceptionally strong and still-strengthening El Niño unfold in the months ahead, experts warned, with the potential to raise tides several feet above the levels recorded this week. This sobering forecast suggests that communities currently dealing with historic flooding may face even more challenging conditions before the weather pattern shifts.

The convergence of record tides with the intensifying El Niño pattern creates a compound threat that coastal planners and emergency managers must now address with unprecedented urgency. Scientists predict that the combination of these factors could produce flooding events that exceed all previous benchmarks, potentially displacing thousands of residents and causing billions of dollars in property damage. The state’s coastal infrastructure, much of it built decades ago under different climate assumptions, faces a critical test of resilience in the coming months.

Long-Term Climate Implications for Coastal Communities

The current crisis raises fundamental questions about the long-term viability of development patterns along vulnerable shorelines throughout California. Urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders must now confront difficult decisions about managed retreat, infrastructure hardening, and adaptation strategies that can withstand increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The economic and social costs of these decisions will reverberate through coastal communities for generations.

Emergency response teams continue to monitor tide levels and weather patterns closely, coordinating evacuations and rescue operations where necessary. Local governments have opened emergency shelters for displaced residents, while utility companies work to restore power and services to affected areas. The coordinated response demonstrates the state’s growing experience with climate-related disasters, though officials acknowledge that each successive event presents new challenges and strains resources in unprecedented ways.

As California braces for potentially more severe flooding in the months ahead, the current crisis serves as a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of climate change on coastal regions worldwide. The record-breaking tides of this week may represent not an anomaly but rather a preview of the new normal that communities must prepare to face with increasing frequency and intensity.

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences plans to keep taking the Oscars global, from recruiting members in underrepresented countries to streaming the ceremony free on YouTube. Academy leaders outlined that strategy in Tokyo, where CEO Bill Kramer said the share of members living outside the U.S. has grown from around 5% to 25% in a decade.

Kramer spoke on an Academy in Tokyo panel at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor and chief membership, impact and industry officer Meredith Shea joined him, and festival director Hisamatsu Takeo moderated. The festival also presented Kramer with its Global Cinema Leadership Special Award.

A Membership That Looks Beyond the U.S.

Kramer described the membership shift as part of a push for a more diverse and inclusive Academy. A decade ago, he said, only 5% to 6% of members lived outside the U.S. The Academy now counts about 70 members in Japan.

A decade ago, he said, only 5% to 6% of members were based outside the U.S. “Now it’s 25%, and that number is growing.”

Kramer tied the change to how audiences and filmmakers behave around the world. He argued that the Academy has to keep pace with a film culture that no longer stays within national borders.

“People are making movies around the world, people are watching films that are not in their native language more and more,” Kramer said. “We’re making movies everywhere, we’re viewing movies in a much more nimble and accessible way, and the Academy needs to reflect that.”

‘Parasite’ as a Turning Point

Kramer pointed out that every category at the most recent Oscars had international representation, including best picture. He then looked back to Bong Joon Ho’s 2020 best picture winner, Parasite, as the moment that changed the conversation inside the Academy.

“Of course, everybody remembers the moment when ‘Parasite’ won. It was sort of a pivot, a shift, I think, in our thinking about what was possible with global cinema at the Oscars, and that continues,” he said, referring to Bong Joon Ho’s 2020 best picture winner.

That framing matters because it links the Academy’s membership strategy to what audiences see on the Oscar stage. Kramer presented the growth in international members and the recognition of international films as two parts of the same effort.

How the Academy Finds New Members

Howell Taylor explained how the Academy identifies filmmakers abroad. Oscar nominees receive automatic consideration, and existing members can sponsor candidates. Beyond those routes, each branch has an Aperture committee charged with finding filmmakers around the world.

“And each year, we have very specific focus for countries that are potentially underrepresented,” she said.

During the audience Q&A, Howell Taylor addressed the question of whether a bigger membership lowers the bar. She rejected that idea and argued that the earlier, smaller membership reflected a narrower search.

Howell Taylor said: “Just because the membership has increased does not mean that the qualifications have somehow decreased. Our membership was smaller because we were not as global, and we weren’t looking for excellence in filmmakers as much outside of the U.S.”

City-by-City Events Around the World

The Academy has also taken its member events on the road. Over the past couple of years, it has visited India, London, Rio, Morelia, Marrakech and Busan. Tokyo now joins that list, and Kramer signaled the trips will continue.

“We’re thrilled to be here in Tokyo, and you’ll be seeing us do that more and more,” Kramer said, adding that the Academy’s city-by-city member events will continue “all over the world.”

Taken together, the remarks show an organization that treats global reach as a core goal rather than a side project. The Academy is recruiting more members abroad, holding events in cities across several continents, and offering its ceremony free on YouTube. Kramer and Howell Taylor both framed those steps as a response to how people make and watch movies today.

What the Tokyo Panel Signals

The Tokyo appearance gave the Academy’s leadership a public stage to connect those threads. The jump from roughly 5% international membership to 25% sits at the center of the message, and Kramer stressed that the number keeps rising. Howell Taylor added that the Academy applies the same standard of excellence wherever it looks for filmmakers.

For Japan’s film community, the presence of the Academy’s top executives at the festival underscored the country’s place in that outreach. The organization counts about 70 members there, and it chose the Tokyo International Film Festival as a venue for explaining its direction. Kramer’s own award from the festival, honoring global cinema leadership, reinforced the theme of the day.

Whether the Academy keeps widening its reach will depend on the follow-through its leaders promised in Tokyo. For now, they say the strategy is set: more members in more countries, more events in more cities, and an Oscars broadcast that more viewers can reach.

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The San Antonio Spurs command the top position in NBA.com’s preseason power rankings entering the 2026-27 season, following their stunning run last year that defied all expectations. The franchise secured 62 regular-season wins and defeated the defending champions on the road in Game 7 of the conference finals, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent NBA history. The team received only one vote in last year’s GM Survey to finish in the top four in the Western Conference, making their achievement even more improbable.

The Spurs posted a 2-3 preseason record while maintaining an impressive defensive rating of 104.4, ranking fourth in the league. Their offensive rating of 110.0 places them 16th, while their net rating of +5.6 positions them ninth overall. The franchise continues to demonstrate the competitive edge that drove their unexpected success last season, though the preseason results suggest room for improvement on the offensive end.

The NBA landscape has transformed dramatically since the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors met in four consecutive Finals. In the eight years since that era ended, the league has witnessed eight different Finals matchups. The 16 conference championships awarded since 2019 have been claimed by 13 different franchises, representing almost half the league and underscoring the unprecedented parity across the NBA.

Unpredictability Defines New Era of NBA Competition

The New York Knicks emerged as one of two favorites in the East last season, yet only one general manager predicted they would capture their first championship in 53 years. This pattern of unexpected outcomes has become the defining characteristic of modern NBA competition. Every season brings new contenders, making predictions increasingly difficult even for the most seasoned analysts and executives.

The league’s competitive balance creates an environment where teams that reached the Finals just four months earlier face genuine challenges to their supremacy. Boston finished the preseason with a 4-0 record, demonstrating remarkable consistency despite roster changes. Jaylen Brown’s departure has not disrupted the team’s performance, as the Celtics continue operating without missing a beat.

The Detroit Pistons face an immediate test of their credentials, playing their first four games against the Celtics, Heat, Sixers, and Knicks. They host Boston on Tuesday afternoon before embarking on a challenging road stretch. This early-season gauntlet will reveal whether Detroit can compete with the Eastern Conference’s elite teams or whether their rebuild requires additional time.

Sacramento Kings Plummet to League Bottom

The Sacramento Kings occupy the 30th position in the power rankings following a disastrous 0-5 preseason performance. The statistics painted an even grimmer picture, with the team’s worst numbers occurring when their best players shared the floor together. Domantas Sabonis faces an emotionally challenging situation as he surveys a roster lacking cohesion and defensive capability.

Doug Christie remains employed as head coach despite mounting concerns about the team’s direction. Zach LaVine serves as the primary offensive option, while Ben Simmons continues his tenure with the organization. Rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. enters a difficult situation, with observers noting the possibility that his usage rate could exceed his field goal percentage-a troubling indicator for any player, particularly a first-year guard.

Milwaukee Bucks Struggle to Find Identity

The Milwaukee Bucks sit at 29th in the rankings as head coach Taylor Jenkins attempts to establish a coherent identity with a disparate collection of players. The roster features cast-offs, journeymen, rookies, veterans seeking their next contracts, and players originally acquired to complement a superstar who has since departed. This random assemblage creates significant challenges for any coaching staff attempting to build chemistry and consistency.

Players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brayden Burries offer individual intrigue, yet their presence cannot overcome the fundamental roster construction issues plaguing the franchise. The team exemplifies a situation where the whole falls significantly short of the sum of its individual parts. Milwaukee navigates a transitory wasteland created by organizational decisions that failed to acknowledge changing circumstances, leaving the franchise mired in what observers describe as a period of trauma.

Washington Wizards Generate Confusion With Roster Decisions

The Washington Wizards rank 28th amid widespread bewilderment about their roster construction strategy. Veterans Khris Middleton and Deandre Ayton joined the organization under circumstances that have generated significant questions. Trae Young’s contract has drawn scrutiny, while concerns mount about whether top prospect AJ Dybantsa will receive adequate opportunities for touches and shots.

Anthony Davis’s potential impact remains uncertain, with analysts questioning whether strong individual performance would even benefit the franchise’s long-term trajectory. Head coach Brian Keefe faces the challenging task of balancing developmental needs for young talent against the competitive expectations created by the veteran presence on the roster. This philosophical tension will define Washington’s season as the franchise attempts to chart a coherent course forward.

League-Wide Statistical Benchmarks Set Preseason Standard

The NBA averaged 110.2 points scored per 100 possessions during the preseason, with teams playing at a pace of 103.8 possessions per 48 minutes. These figures, calculated from games against NBA opponents only, establish the baseline against which teams will measure their performance. Rest-advantage scenarios-where one team plays on consecutive nights while the opponent enjoys a day off-significantly impacted outcomes last season, with teams posting a .525 winning percentage in such situations.

The 2026-27 season begins Tuesday with expectations set for continued unpredictability and competitive balance across the league. Power rankings reflect one analyst’s opinion rather than definitive predictions, acknowledging the inherent uncertainty that has come to define modern NBA competition. Every franchise enters the season with renewed hope, though mathematical reality dictates that only one can ultimately claim championship glory.

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