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The Genesis of Meridian Ventures Meridian Ventures was born out of a shared experience: deferred MBAs. Now, founders Devon Gethers and Karlton Haney have raised a $35 million fund to back pre-seed and seed-stage companies started by people like them. The Founders' Background Gethers, 29, and Haney, 28, met in Harvard’s MBA deferred admission program in 2020. Gethers grew up in poverty in Washington State, while Haney grew up on a farm in Arkansas. They both have diverse educational and professional backgrounds, with Gethers studying behavioral science and finance, and Haney studying industrial engineering. The Investment Thesis The duo's thesis is to challenge the common Silicon Valley belief that MBAs don’t make good founders. They believe that MBAs, especially those who have deferred, bring a unique perspective to the startup world. The Fund To prove their thesis, Gethers and Haney initially raised $2.5 million as a proof-of-concept fund to back 45 companies. They then successfully raised an oversubscribed $35 million fund from LPs, including publicly traded banks, family offices, and Fortune 500 executives. The new fund will focus on enterprise technology in the United States, with an average check size of $500,000 for pre-seed and $750,000 for seed. The Investment Strategy Focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies Enterprise technology investments in the US Agnostic to specific industries, with investments in fintech, logistics, healthcare, and AI Average check size: $500,000 (pre-seed) and $750,000 (seed) Capital deployment over the next three years The Goal The goal of the $35 million fund is to bridge the capital gap between ambitious founders building frontier technologies and the capital required to help carry those ambitions forward.

Belgium announced a 26‑man squad for the 2026 World Cup, controversially including striker Romelu Lukaku despite his injury‑plagued season, where he logged just an hour of competitive play.Lukaku’s Limited Season and Squad InclusionAt 33 years old, Lukaku has not started a match for Napoli this campaign, making only seven substitute appearances and scoring once against Verona in February. He has spent the past two months in Belgium recovering from a hamstring injury, yet coach Rudi Garcia retained him for the tournament.Numbers Behind Lukaku’s 2025‑26 CampaignCompetitive minutes this season: ≈60 (one hour)Substitute appearances: 7Goals scored: 1International caps: 124, goals: 89Strategic Implications for Belgium’s World Cup ProspectsThe decision reflects Belgium’s reliance on Lukaku’s status as the nation’s all‑time leading scorer. With Thibaut Courtois returning to fitness and a mix of younger forwards like Matias Fernandez‑Pardo, the squad balances experience and potential, but the gamble on Lukaku’s fitness could affect attacking fluidity in Group G (Egypt, Iran, New Zealand).What Lukaku’s Fitness Could Mean for Belgium in 2026If Lukaku regains full fitness, he could provide a focal point for Belgium’s attack, easing pressure on midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne. Conversely, limited minutes may force Garcia to rely on alternative forwards, potentially reshaping the team’s tactical setup.

Tesco’s chief executive, Ken Murphy, saw his total remuneration climb to £10.8 million for the 2025‑26 financial year, up by roughly £1 million from the previous period. The boost reflects the supermarket’s strongest market‑share performance in a decade and a shift in the company’s long‑term bonus criteria. Ken Murphy’s Compensation Package Surpasses £10m Amid Record Market Share The annual report details a pay structure that combines a higher basic salary, a sizable annual bonus and a long‑term incentive tied to shares. Basic pay: £1.54 million (3% increase) Annual bonus: £3.4 million Long‑term bonus: £5.7 million (includes company shares) Financial Breakdown: £10.8m Pay, Bonus Structure and Shareholder Returns The composition of Murphy’s pay highlights where Tesco is rewarding performance: Full payout of cash‑flow and earnings‑linked components. Full credit for carbon‑reduction initiatives, such as the rollout of electric delivery vehicles. Reduced credit for the food‑waste target – only 25% of the maximum possible, after the goal was missed. Minimal credit for DEI metrics – just 1 percentage point out of a possible 8.3. What the Pay Rise Signals for UK Grocery Competition Tesco now commands 28.1% of the UK grocery market, up from a low of 26.5% in 2020 and approaching its historic peak of nearly 32% in 2007. The rise in market share has been driven by weaker performance from rivals Asda and Morrisons. By linking future bonuses to market‑share targets rather than food‑waste reductions, the pay committee signals a strategic focus on growth and competitive positioning. Future Outlook: Bonus Targets and Market Share Ambitions Looking ahead, Tesco aims to reach a 30% market‑share milestone by the end of the next bonus cycle, while maintaining its long‑term goal of cutting food waste by 50% by 2030. The removal of the food‑waste metric from the 2026‑29 bonus scheme suggests that executive incentives will increasingly reward market‑share gains, potentially prompting other UK retailers to reassess their own compensation frameworks.

The Threat to the Federal Reserve's Independence Jerome Powell, who stepped down as chair of the Federal Reserve, had his hits and misses. The Fed was late to react as prices started rising when the Covid pandemic abated, but they eventually acted forcefully and achieved the most rare of feats: a “soft landing”, curbing inflation without sparking a recession or damaging employment. Powell's Defense of the Fed's Independence Powell's most lasting accomplishment will most likely be his outspoken efforts to defend the independence of the Fed from an assault by the imperial presidency of Donald Trump. The chair managed the president smoothly, ignoring his demands to slash interest rates at every turn. When Trump went for the jugular, threatening to indict Powell over the spurious charge of lying to Congress about the cost of refurbishing the Fed’s headquarters, he pushed back, refusing to step down and publicly condemning Trump’s real motivation: payback. The Data Analysis Even if Kevin Warsh, Trump’s pick to replace Powell, proves to be the president’s sock puppet, eager to cut rates regardless of mounting fears of higher inflation, he is unlikely to convince most of the 11 other members of the federal open markets committee, only two of which are Trump appointees. The Impact Analysis Trump’s ultimate goal is to subjugate the Fed to his will. Though he has failed thus far, he has the right supreme court to do it, run by a conservative majority that buys into the “unitary executive theory”, which in the vernacular means let-Trump-do-whatever-he-wants. The Fed is not safe, and Powell is not the only Fed official harassed by the president. The Prediction The institutional grounding of the US government in limbo. Much of the federal apparatus looks doomed to be trampled by a whimsical president. The Fed’s independence survives, for now, hanging from an arbitrary thread. Powell should be applauded for staying on the board. He can’t stop the supreme court from making a mess. But he can help make the best of the Fed’s autonomy while it has it.

Season Finale: Coleman Announces End of Everton Playing CareerThe club confirmed that Séamus Coleman will play his final match for Everton when his contract expires in June 2026. In a heartfelt statement, the captain thanked fans and hinted at a possible break before deciding his next step.Career Milestones and Contract DetailsSigned from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for a reported £60,000Has made 433 total appearances for EvertonClub‑record 372 Premier League appearancesPotential to move into the club’s coaching staff this summerStatistical Snapshot: Appearances, Goals, and RecordsColeman sits tenth on Everton’s all‑time appearance list and could climb higher if he features in the final home game against Sunderland. His defensive contributions have been limited recently – only seven starts in the past two seasons – but he remains a regular for the Republic of Ireland.Impact on Everton’s Leadership and Club CultureManager David Moyes praised Coleman’s influence both on and off the pitch, describing him as “hugely respected” and “impossible to replace.” The defender’s work ethic and community presence have become synonymous with Everton’s identity, reinforcing the club’s emphasis on home‑grown leadership.Future Path: Coaching Prospects and Potential MovesEverton have offered a coaching role starting this summer, yet Coleman is weighing a longer break, a possible playing contract elsewhere, or a full transition into coaching. His decision will shape the club’s back‑room structure and could set a precedent for former players moving into technical positions at Goodison Park.

The latest Premier League developments span contract expiries, transfer speculation, and individual ambitions as clubs brace for the summer window. From Bournemouth confirming a key defender’s departure to Newcastle’s manager subtly acknowledging a potential Bayern Munich deal, the landscape is shifting ahead of the 2026‑27 season.Bournemouth Confirm Marcos Senesi’s Summer ExitMarcos Senesi will depart AFC Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the 2025‑26 season. The Argentine centre‑back joined the club from Feyenoord in 2022 and has become a target for multiple suitors after solid performances this campaign.Eddie Howe Indicates Anthony Gordon Could Depart for Bayern MunichNewcastle United manager Eddie Howe suggested that Anthony Gordon may have been rested partly with a view to a future move to Bayern Munich. Gordon has missed the last four games, two due to a hip flexor injury, while reports link him to a €80 million summer transfer.Tottenham Hotspur Await West Ham Result While Resting Over WeekendTottenham, currently 17th, will not play this weekend and will monitor West Ham’s clash with Newcastle before their Tuesday away fixture at Chelsea. Forward Richarlison urged teammates to stay calm, emphasizing the importance of points in the final two games.Bruno Fernandes Targets Premier League and Champions League SuccessManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes reiterated his goal of winning both the Premier League and the Champions League next season. He is one assist away from matching the league record of 20 assists, a milestone shared by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.Jack Hinshelwood Nears Brighton Scoring RecordLeeds United’s Jack Hinshelwood is on the verge of breaking a Brighton record by scoring in four consecutive Premier League matches, a feat no former Seagull has achieved. His development has been aided by former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora.Transfer Market Implications and Contract TimelinesSenesi – contract ends June 2026; likely to leave on a free transfer.Gordon – rumored €80 million move to Bayern; no official offer confirmed.Fernandes – contract extension talks ongoing; potential release clause reported at £200 million.Potential Shifts in Club Strategies Ahead of SummerWith key contracts expiring, clubs like Bournemouth and Newcastle may prioritize reinvestment in midfield and defensive depth, while Tottenham’s precarious league position could force a late‑season push for experienced signings.Outlook for the 2026‑27 Transfer WindowExpect heightened activity around free‑agent departures and high‑profile moves such as Gordon’s. Clubs will balance immediate survival needs with long‑term squad building, making the upcoming window one of the most dynamic in recent Premier League history.

The Lead: Summit Concludes Without Iran Breakthrough Donald Trump has claimed that the US and China "feel very similar" about ending the war in Iran but offered no details about a possible breakthrough during the final day of his summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. The Diplomatic Stance: Shared Goals but No Clear Path "We did discuss Iran," Trump said. "We feel very similar about [how] we want it to end. We don't want them to have a nuclear weapon. We want the straits open." He added: "We want them [Iran] to get it ended because it's a crazy thing there, a little bit crazy. And it's no good, it can't happen." The Strategic Pressure: China's Role in Iran Crisis There is much speculation about how much pressure the US is putting on China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to use its leverage with Iran to encourage the country to reopen the strait of Hormuz. US trade representative Jamieson Greer said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday that the Chinese "don't want to be on the wrong side" on the Iran issue. "It's really important for China to have the strait of Hormuz open," Greer said. The Economic Calculus: China's Energy Security Concerns About half of China's crude oil passes through the waterway, but the bigger threat for the Chinese economy is if the conflict in the Middle East causes a global recession that dents demand for its exports. However, many in Beijing feel that the crisis in Iran is not China's responsibility. The Public Statements: Contradictory Messages US Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially said the US hoped "to convince [China] to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they're doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf." But later he downplayed the idea that the US was seeking support from Beijing. "We're not asking for China's help. We don't need their help," Rubio said. The Chinese Response: Cautious Diplomacy China's foreign ministry on Friday again called for a ceasefire in Iran and said the strait of Hormuz should be opened "as soon as possible." Zhou Bo, a retired senior army colonel and a senior fellow in the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said: "On Iran, China definitely wants to help but I read what Rubio said: he actually seems to shift the burden to the Chinese side. In China, we have a saying: it is like, 'Why should I clean your shit?'" The Official Readouts: Diplomatic Language The White House readout of the more than two hours of talks between Trump and Xi on Thursday said the leaders "agreed that the strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy" and that "President Xi also made clear China's opposition to the militarisation of the strait." The Chinese readout of the meeting just made a brief reference to the "situation in the Middle East." The Controversial Remark: Trump's PR Comment Trump raised eyebrows during a TV interview when he suggested that finding Iran's enriched uranium was primarily for show after Israel demanded it as a goal. "I just feel better if I got it, actually, but it's – I think, it's more for public relations than it is for anything else," the US president told Fox News host Sean Hannity. The Trade Deals: Symbolic Gestures Trump told Fox News that China agreed to buy US oil, soybeans and 200 Boeing planes. But on key issues including Taiwan, there seems to have been little by way of concrete agreement. Trump was heard saying on his way into the tea room at the Zhongnanhai garden that Xi was giving him roses for the Rose Garden, according to a White House pool report. The Strategic Balance: Shifting Power Dynamics Julian Gewirtz, a former director for China on the national security council during the Biden administration, said the new Chinese formulation about US-China relations was about "locking in this current phase of strategic stalemate for the remainder of Trump's term and ideally beyond." Wu Xinbo, a professor of international studies at Fudan University and a Chinese government adviser, said the balance of power between the US and China was "shifting towards greater parity." "In the past, it always seemed as though the United States held the upper hand, constantly exerting pressure on China and taking the offensive. Now, however, it's fair to say that the two countries have reached a new point of equilibrium," Wu said.

The Lead: A Packed Weekend of Football DramaWhat a week it's been in football. We've got the playoff 'spygate' scandal, some genuinely superb on-field playoff drama in the EFL, and the small matter of the closest Premier League title race in years going on as well. Last night Bolton booked their spot in the League One playoff final after beating Bradford 2-0 over two legs; they'll face Stockport in an all-Greater Manchester Wembley showpiece.The Key Matchups: Title Races and Cup FinalsTonight in the top flight, Aston Villa host Liverpool in a game that may determine who finishes fourth, while Newcastle v West Ham and Arsenal v Burnley on Sunday are games that will have huge ramifications at the top and bottom ends of the Premier league table. Sandwiched between on Saturday is the small matter of the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, while the Scottish Premiership is primed to come to a thrilling denouement with an effective title playoff between Celtic and Hearts.The Significance: Season-Defining StakesThese matches carry enormous significance across different competitions. The Premier League race remains incredibly tight with teams battling for crucial positions that could impact Champions League qualification and European spots. The FA Cup final represents a major trophy opportunity for both Chelsea and Manchester City, while the Scottish Premiership title playoff between Celtic and Hearts could determine the champion in a dramatic conclusion to the season.The Impact: Shaping Football's LandscapeThe outcomes of these matches will not only determine immediate honors but could also influence transfer strategies, managerial positions, and the overall power dynamics in English and Scottish football. The EFL playoff finals offer smaller clubs a chance at promotion and financial windfalls that could transform their futures. Meanwhile, the spygate scandal surrounding the EFL playoffs has added an off-field drama that could have significant consequences.The Prediction: A Weekend of Unforgettable MomentsWith so much at stake across multiple competitions, this weekend promises to deliver football drama at its finest. The FA Cup final is expected to be a tactical battle between two of Europe's elite clubs, while the Scottish Premiership playoff could produce one of the most memorable moments in recent Scottish football history. In the Premier League, every goal will matter as teams fight for crucial positions in the final weeks of the season.

The Lead Timmy the whale, a young humpback whale, was presumed dead after a privately funded rescue mission failed. The €1.5m effort, which was meant to save the whale from stranding on the Baltic coast, ended in farce when the tracker meant to monitor Timmy's progress stopped working. The Event Details The case of Timmy the whale highlights the challenges of conservation efforts in the age of social media. The whale, nicknamed Timmy by the German media, had been struggling with repeated strandings on the Baltic coast and was already weak before the rescue attempt. Many experts had warned that the rescue effort would be futile and that euthanasia might be the most humane outcome. The Data Analysis The rescue effort cost approximately €1.5m (£1.3m), a significant amount that some conservationists and scientists argue could have been better spent on addressing larger conservation issues, such as collisions with vessels and entanglements with fishing gear that impact a greater number of whales. The Impact Analysis The failed rescue of Timmy the whale underscores the tension between animal rights activism and conservation goals. While animal rights activism has made significant achievements in protecting welfare, it can sometimes do more harm than good, despite the best intentions. Conservation efforts often require difficult choices that prioritize the best overall outcome for an ecosystem, rather than focusing on individual animals. The Prediction The case of Timmy the whale serves as a teachable moment for those interested in conservation and biodiversity. It highlights the need for careful consideration and expert advice in conservation efforts, rather than being driven solely by public opinion or emotional responses on social media. As conservation efforts continue to evolve, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based decision-making and to address the complex challenges facing wildlife populations.