A journalist reflects on the presence of 'World Cup fever' in the US, contrasting it with experiences in England and Australia. Despite the vastness of LA and differing local sports allegendas, moments of genuine excitement for football are emerging, particularly among those invested in its growth.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy faces accusations of leveraging his position to support his son-in-law, Michael Alfonso, in his bid for a Wisconsin congressional seat. Concerns are raised over donations from transportation-linked entities and Duffy's involvement in campaign events.
The M-Audio M Track Duo Producer Pack offers an affordable entry into podcasting with an audio interface, condenser mic, and headphones for $200. While not professional-grade, it provides decent quality for aspiring creators and addresses the growing need for good audio in video content.
Amazon has transformed its podcasting business over the past six months, eliminating more than 100 jobs from Wondery in August 2025 while maintaining the brand. Audio-only podcasts now operate under Audible, while a new Creator Services department works with celebrities like Dax Shepard, Keke Palmer, and Jason and Travis Kelce. The company launched Kelce Clubhouse, an e-commerce section selling New Heights merchandise, the Kelce documentary, and recommended products, with plans to monetize far beyond standard podcast ads.
