The Sunshine City of Florida
Cracker Barrel has named David Deno as its new CEO, effective Aug. 10, with Julie Masino remaining through October to aid the transition. The announcement follows a highly public backlash over a 2025 logo change that sparked political controversy and led to a stock decline. The company has faced ongoing scrutiny as it works to balance heritage with modernization.
The Hillsborough County Commission has approved a $796 million share for a mixed‑use entertainment district and a new 31,000‑seat stadium near Raymond James Stadium. The Rays’ stadium is slated to open in 2029, with Tampa City Council approving $80 million. The team commits at least $1.3 billion plus any overruns, while federal funds cover $30 million. The project follows years of negotiations and a relocation of home games from Tropicana Field.
The Red Sox have secured an American League wild-card berth after a 5-1 loss by Boston and a Houston loss to Atlanta. A season started with turmoil after April firings but turned around under interim manager Chad Tracy. Boston now faces a likely rematch with the Yankees in the AL Wild Card series at Yankee Stadium.
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul has met Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, the first bilateral talks since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Wadephul has urged Russia to abandon escalation, pressed for a ceasefire and a Black Sea grain deal; Lavrov has said he heard "nothing new."