July 23, 2026: Ody$$ey, deli pump and dump, and WNBA soars

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$264.1 million

Worldwide box office gross for the Odyssey’s opening weekend, the 3rd highest R-rated movie in history.

Why It Matters:

The tremendous opening is particularly surprising given its rating, length, and “ships and sandals” theme

Source: variety.com

$100 million

Value reached in a pump-and-dump stock scheme for a company whose only asset was a single money-losing New Jersey deli.

Why It Matters:

James Patten, the perpetrator — who was already on probation for mail fraud — was sentenced this week to 21 months in prison.

Source: cnbc.com

3.1 million

Peak audience for a WNBA showdown featuring Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart.

Why It Matters:

The WNBA’s growth is continuing, answering critics who thought that the 2024 popularity spike was just a flash in the pan.

Source: sports.yahoo.com