PHILADEPLPHIA, Tenn. (WVLT) – More than a dozen emergency responders headed to the Philadelphia area Friday morning after a storm passed through Loudon County, according to Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Cody Bengel.
The National Weather Service has since confirmed the storm involved an EF-0 tornado. The NWS’s Anthony Cavallucci said the tornado was two miles long and 200 yards wide.
“We do have a report of a structure being damaged with injuries,” Bengel said.
It happened near Holt Road, according to Bengel. He spoke with WVLT News and confirmed that at least four structures had been damaged. Specifically, he said some buildings had had their roofs ripped off and a camper had been rolled.
Bengel did not know how bad the injuries were or if anyone had died, but said five ambulances had responded to the scene. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, those ambulances took four people to the hospital for evaluation.
The sheriff’s office asked people to avoid the area, as multiple trees and power lines were down.
Bengel also thanked several agencies, companies and groups who helped respond:
In six years with the Brewers, All-Star closer Devin Williams pitched to the tune of a 1.83 ERA. In 23 games with the Yankees this season, he owns a frightening 6.75 ERA with an opponent batting average of .250, both of which are career-highs. These results offer a stark difference from that of the Williams we were all familiar with just last season.
The 30-year-old reliever has hit a few speed bumps in the past, often scuffling in the early months of the season, but his struggles with the Yankees this year are the first of their kind. Not only are Williams’ ERA and opponent average the worst of his career, but his 5.4 walks per nine innings (BB/9) is at a career high, while his 11.7 strikeouts per nine (K/9) is a career low (not including his brief debut season).
By now, it looks like Williams is just one of those pitchers who doesn’t perform well with the Yankees. Still, there is an overlooked nugget of data that refutes this conclusion. As it turns out, Williams is just a pitcher who doesn’t perform well closing for the Yankees.
After one of his numerous ugly outings in late April, Williams was removed as closer. Since his demotion, Williams began to thrive. His dominance would be prevalent for all but one appearance, on a wet night against the Padres, where rain-soaked baseballs hampered him in a 4-3 loss on May 5.
On May 27, approximately one month since losing the closer’s job, Williams was called in to close out a game against the Angels. Facing a relatively tame Angels batting order, Williams gave up two runs on three hits, including a home run. He still walked away with the save and a 3-2 Yankee win, though he had managed to frighten his fan base and turn a shutout into a one-run game.
If this cautionary tale serves to teach any lesson, it would be that Williams should be used as a setup man, not a closer. To better illustrate this point, let’s take a look at the data.
The table below shows Williams’ stats in the ninth inning compared to all other innings. No save opportunities occurred in any inning but the ninth, including extras.
Inning number
Innings pitched
Earned runs
Hits
Walks
Ninth
8.2
12
14
7
All others
11.1
3
5
5
Yankee fans can rest assured when Williams takes the mound — just not in the ninth. As the data shows, Williams’ ninth-inning nightmares aren’t reflected in his other outings (the rainy night appearance notwithstanding).
That said, anything can change. Given his immense talent, Williams could still be the stellar closer whom Yankees GM Brian Cashman envisioned in his original plans. However, when the Yankees already have a reliable closer in Luke Weaver, who is pitching to an astounding 0.73 ERA, there really isn’t any point in having Williams close. A one-two punch of Williams and Weaver could make the Yankee bullpen a formidable force if used properly.
While many high school graduates are celebrating the season with dinners, parties and well-deserved rest, one teen in metro Atlanta marked the milestone a little differently — trading his cap and gown for a shift at Burger King.
Still wearing his graduation medals around his neck, 18-year-old Mykale Baker showed up to work at the Dacula location just hours after receiving his diploma. His decision not only showed commitment but also caught the internet’s attention.
Don’t miss
Maria Mendoza, a customer who had just come from her own daughter’s graduation, stopped by the restaurant for a quick burger when she noticed Baker behind the counter. Inspired by his work ethic and touched by the sight of his medals, she filmed a short video and posted it to TikTok, where it quickly went viral, gaining nearly four million views.
But Mendoza didn’t stop there. She also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Baker’s college expenses. What started as a small act of kindness quickly turned into something much bigger: an outpouring of support from strangers across the country. The campaign initially raised just over $6,000, but as of this week, it has grown to more than $87,000.
At a time when headlines about Gen Z often focus on entitlement, Baker’s story stands out for one simple reason: he showed up. And sometimes, just showing up — even when no one’s watching — can change your life.
What a diploma really costs
In Georgia, the state minimum wage is officially listed at $5.15 per hour.
However, most workers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires employers to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
At the same time, the cost of attending college in the U.S. keeps climbing. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of college, including tuition, books, supplies and living expenses, is $38,270 per student.
For many students working part-time jobs, especially in fast food or retail, those wages make it hard to cover even basic expenses, let alone build meaningful savings for tuition. Balancing school and work often means juggling limited hours and inconsistent income — forcing tough decisions about whether to delay college or take on serious debt.
“I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn’t have money for school,” Baker told Mendoza’s TikTok followers. “But thank you to all of you now. I might actually go straight to technical college and get my mechanical (degree).”
With the GoFundMe campaign now exceeding its $60,000 goal, Baker is one step closer to turning those college plans into reality.
Baker’s story proves that even a part-time fast-food job can open doors — especially when paired with a strong work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile. Showing up to work on graduation day wasn’t just a sign of dedication. It was a message to others of his drive and determination.
While most part-time workers won’t end up in a viral video, the financial lesson still holds: even small paychecks can make a difference. Whether you’re using them to cover day-to-day expenses, build an emergency fund or chip away at tuition costs, consistency matters.
There are also ways to make those earnings work harder. For example, setting aside a portion of each paycheck into a high-yield savings account can help you take advantage of compounding interest. Even modest contributions — say, $100 a month — can grow over time. It’s not just about saving. It’s about putting your money in the right place so it continues to work for you.
If you’re passionate about a goal, don’t be afraid to share your story. Scholarships and grants often come when people understand what you’re striving for. Hard work rarely goes unnoticed — and sometimes, it pays off in ways you never expected.
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Unbeknownst to the group it would the last time they would sing with Liam Payne, who would pass away unexpectedly in October 2024.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
Liam Payne and One Direction’s last ever performance took place on the stage where it all began.
One Direction and Liam Payne came together on December 13, 2015, for what would be their final time singing as a group.
The setting could not have been more symbolic, with the band performing at the finale of The X Factor— the very show that launched them to global fame five years earlier – as they announced a hiatus from the group.
The four members of One Direction, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson sang ‘Infinity’ and ‘History’, to mark their last performance as a band.
The moment would stand as Liam Payne’s final performance with One Direction before he pursued his solo career, which culminated with footage of his last ever solo show in London in 2022.
The setting could not have been more symbolic, with the band performing at the finale of The X Factor — the very show that launched them to global fame five years earlier – as they announced a haitus from the group.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
One Direction and Liam Payne came together on December 13, 2015, for what would be their final time singing as a group.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
The four members of One Direction, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson sang ‘Infinity’ and ‘History’, to mark their last performance as a band.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
But it was not just a two-song gig. It was a full-circle moment, a quiet goodbye before everything changed.
Unbeknownst to the group it would be the last time they would sing with Liam Payne, who would pass away unexpectedly in October 2024.
With a stripped-back set and emotional atmosphere, the band’s performance of their bittersweet farewell anthem, ‘History’, from their final album Made in the A.M. was particularly moving.
During the song, a montage of the group’s five-year journey played behind them, evoking strong emotions among fans and the band alike.
After the performance, Payne addressed the audience, saying, “We’re sad that we’re going away for a little while but we need it.”
Backstage, the band recorded a heartfelt video message for their fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support over the years.
Unbeknownst to the group it would the last time they would sing with Liam Payne, who would pass away unexpectedly in October 2024.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
Liam said, “This is just a massive, massive thank you to all of our fans… today’s a very special day for us because this is like the last part of our first chapter.”.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
During the song, a montage of the group’s five-year journey played behind them, evoking strong emotions among fans and the band alike.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
Liam said, “This is just a massive, massive thank you to all of our fans… today’s a very special day for us because this is like the last part of our first chapter.”
Adding that he thought Directioners were “the most dedicated people I think we’ve ever seen in our lives.”
Simon Cowell, the architect behind One Direction, gave a poignant speech after their final X Factor performance.
“Well, this takes me back five years ago when I met five guys, singing as solo artists, and then I never could have predicted what happened next,” said Simon.
“And I know you’re gonna take a break, you deserve the break. I want to really just take the chance now to say thank you. You’ve been an absolute pleasure to work with … Five of the nicest guys I ever met. Enjoy the time off. Have a fantastic time,”
The finale also featured a tribute video with messages from celebrities like David Beckham, Danny DeVito, and James Corden, celebrating the band’s achievements and wishing them well.
The performance ended with a big hug between the four stars.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
Simon Cowell, the architect behind One Direction, gave a poignant speech after their final X Factor performance.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
One Direction perform History LYRICS on The Final | The Final Results | The X Factor 2015
It’s since become apparent that performing for the last time deeply affected the four band members.
In the documentary All of Those Voices, Louis Tomlinson shared insights into the band’s final days.
Recalling the emotional weight of the impending hiatus, he said, “It hit me like a ton of bricks, I was not prepared for it.”
In Louis’s 2023 documentary, footage captures the band members rehearsing with their vocal coach, Helene Hørlyck, and exchanging hugs and expressing gratitude before taking the stage for the final time.
“It was a little bit dark and twisted towards the end of it,” Liam would go on to say in an interview with The Guardian in 2019. “But the last few shows were really beautiful moments because the pressure cooker had been let off.
“It was almost like counting down to holiday – we were going to wake up that Monday morning with no schedule.”
Liam went on to say he was in therapy for six months after the band went on hiatus. “It was difficult at the start, because I didn’t really know anything about myself. It was a bit of a numb feeling.”
It’s since become apparent that performing for the last time deeply affected the four band members.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
In the documentary All of Those Voices, Louis Tomlinson shared insights into the band’s final days.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
Liam Payne plays Spill The Tea
These behind-the-scenes insights reveal the depth of emotion and camaraderie among the band members, offering an intimate understanding of One Direction’s final moments as a group before entering an indefinite break.
The band’s final full concert had taken place just weeks earlier, on October 31, 2015, in Sheffield – marking the conclusion of the On the Road Again tour.
That tour, while commercially successful, was already shadowed by the absence of Zayn Malik, who had officially exited the group in March 2015. His final show with One Direction was on March 18, 2015, in Hong Kong.
Despite the emotional toll of the hiatus, the legacy Liam Payne left with One Direction is undeniable.
Simon Cowell expressed his deep sorrow over Liam Payne’s passing. In a heartfelt statement, Cowell said, “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.
Simon Cowell expressed his deep sorrow over Liam Payne’s passing. In a heartfelt statement, Cowell said, “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
Harry Styles also paid tribute to his former bandmate, highlighting Liam’s infectious energy and warmth. “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
Picture:
ITV/XFactor
“Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”
Harry Styles also paid tribute to his former bandmate, highlighting Liam’s infectious energy and warmth. “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Read more: Liam Payne sings emotional cover of ‘Love Yourself’ in last ever performance
Maria Mendoza started a GoFundMe for Mykale Baker’s college expenses after witnessing the new graduate’s hard work.
DACULA, Ga. — Just hours after walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma, Mykale Baker was back at work, still wearing his graduation medals, ready to serve up burgers and fries at Burger King.
While many of his classmates celebrated late into the night, Mykale clocked in for his shift with a smile.
It was that smile, and his quiet dedication, that stopped Maria Mendoza in her tracks.
Maria had just come from watching her daughter, Daisy, graduate. Beaming with pride, she pulled into the drive-thru to grab a late-night snack. But when she saw Mykale, something about the moment stuck with her.
“He was so kind, so polite,” she said. “Radiating joy, even after such a big day. His dedication and quiet strength really moved me. I felt called to do something to recognize that.”
She decided to start a GoFundMe to help Mykale with his college expenses.
And the community showed up.
In just a few days, the fundraiser brought in more than $20,000. (This story initially said $6,000, but Maria called and said it’s now up to $20,000). Maria returned to that same Burger King to surprise Mykale with the donation, and the reunion left them both in tears.
“I’m just grateful I got to do something for him,” she said. “He inspired me.”
UPDATE: Here’s how much the fundraiser is up to now
She found out later that Mykale wasn’t even scheduled to work that night. But when he saw the orders backing up on the screen after graduation, he jumped right in to help.
Now, she hopes Mykale’s story inspires others, to notice good kids, to honor hard work, and to lead with kindness.
Congratulations, Mykale, your future is bright, and the world is lucky to have you in it.
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The Orioles hired former major league outfielder/first baseman and coach John Mabry as senior advisor. The announcement came this afternoon.
The current coaches will remain with the club for the rest of the 2025 season.
Mabry played in the majors for 14 season and was a coach with the Cardinals, Royals and Marlins over a span of 12 seasons. He spent the 2024 season as Miami’s hitting coach after being an assistant the previous year.
Utility player Cooper Hummel, who declined an outright assignment last night and became a free agent, has signed another one-year major league contract with the Orioles. He’s replacing center fielder Cedric Mullins, who goes on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Mullins was out of the lineup in three of four games before Wednesday. Today’s move is retroactive to yesterday.
Mullins went on the IL twice in 2023 with adductor strains. He’s batting .232/.324/.448 with nine doubles, 10 home runs and 31 RBIs in 50 games.
Unfortunately for the Orioles, Mullins has a .357 career average against the White Sox, which is the fifth-highest by a left-handed hitter in a minimum 100 at-bats, per STATS.
Hummel was designated for assignment one day after opting out of his Yankees contract and signing with the Orioles while the team was in Boston. He called it “an administrative” move when interviewed today. His nameplate remained above his locker while he was gone.
The Orioles are carrying four catchers when including Hummel, who can be used in an emergency.
Pitcher Cody Poteet was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make space on the 40-man roster. He’s sidelined with right shoulder inflammation.
Albert Suárez (right subscapularis strain) is playing catch today from 105 feet. He’s been throwing for about a week and a half.
Gunnar Henderson is still one hit shy of 400 for his career going into this afternoon’s game.
Ryan O’Hearn is batting .338 and could post the third-highest average in team history since 2000 by a left-handed hitter among qualifiers since 2000, per STATS. Hyun Soo Kim posted a .360 average in 2016 and Chris Davis batted .356 in 2013.
Zach Eflin has a 5.40 ERA in six starts. He’s made five career appearances against the White Sox and posted a 2.88 ERA in 25 innings.
White Sox right-hander Sean Burke has a 4.33 ERA and 1.463 WHIP in 11 games (10 starts). He’s walked 30 batters and struck out 39 in 54 innings.
This is Burke’s first career appearance against the Orioles.
The White Sox are 18-38, including 6-23 on the road. They’ve lost nine of their last 13 games.
The Orioles swept the White Sox in a four-game series in Chicago last season and won two of three at Camden Yards. They’ve gone 15-5 against the White Sox the past three seasons.
Two states are fighting to secure the NFL’s most-watched team with a stadium upgrade or a brand-new home.
2
Arrowhead Stadium is one the the NFL’s oldest and most iconic venuesCredit: Getty
Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri has hosted the Chiefs since 1972, making it the oldest stadium in the AFC.
The lease is up in 2031 — the same time as the neighboring MLB outfit the Kansas City Royals are free to move out of Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas is desperate to bring the franchises over the border and has tabled a proposal worth around $3billion to build a state-of-the-art dome.
It is a more expensive option than renovating Arrowhead but would open the doors to a Super Bowl heading to the Chiefs’ home — a personal ambition of owner Clark Hunt now that he has won three Lombardi Trophies.
“I think if they want to get it done, they’ve still got time to get it done,” he told the Kansas City Star.
“If one of them wants to — or both — wants to come to Kansas, we’d love to have them. We have the tools.”
Chiefs president Mark Donovan doesn’t think that Hawkins is bluffing.
“Hypothetically, as you’re trying to figure out how to put a deal together, if you’re on either side of the table, you look at deadlines,” he told the Star “That June 30 [deadline] is real.”
2
Kelce has won three Super Bowls in Kansas CityCredit: Getty
According to some sources, the Chiefs need a ‘Hail Mary’ to remain in their historic stadium.
“I think it’s like a Hail Mary,” Bob Fescoe of 610 Radio said.
“I don’t know if it’s too little, too late for the state of Missouri to get involved right now. This should have been happening all along.”
The Chiefs are also in discussions with Missouri about the level of public money available to fund improvements to Arrowhead.
“Both options are very much in play,” Hunt said via The Athletic. “Really, our timeline is driven more by having enough time to do the renovation work or the construction so that we can be in the new or renovated building in the summer of 2031.
“To really comfortably stay on schedule, it would be best to have some direction by the summer.”
Chiefs icon Travis Kelce is extremely unlikely to be on the roster in 2031 but has a preferred option.
“Arrowhead is home for me,” Kelce commented. “It’s a part of my heart, playing in that stadium.
“But the fans want what the fans want. We play for them. I think it’s up to them.”
NFL’s Greatest……
Ranking the top 10……
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has called a special session of the state legislature on June 2 to review a bill over funding a potential upgrade.
“If Missouri does not put some sort of offer forward, I think the risk is real that they don’t stay here,” Kehoe said.
“If they move out of our state, the significant effect it’s going to have on our state’s economy is massive.
“This isn’t just about football and baseball. This is about economic development. These are two organizations that have businesses, employees, and a ripple effect on our state’s economy that we do not want to move.”
But the bid faces opposition from both sides of the aisle.
“I love the Kansas City Chiefs. I’m obnoxious during football season,” state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican, recently told KSGF-FM. “But I’ve got constituents trying to pay their rent and feed themselves, and they’re struggling.
If this is the last ride! Patrick Mahomes reveals Travis Kelce’s mindset ahead of his 13th NFL season
“And I’m going to take their money and give it to billionaires so multimillionaires can play in a prettier place? That’s obscene.”
The Chiefs and Royals are both huge draws as competitive teams in their respective leagues.
For now, they can leverage the two states against each other.
A call will have to be made eventually, or money could be taken off the table on both sides of the state line.
Blair Kerkhoff, a Kansas City Star sports writer who covers the Chiefs, exclusively told talkSPORT in June 2024 about the likelihood that the Chiefs could relocate across state lines.
“What I think is, how it’s gonna play out — through all the twists and turns — I think the Chiefs are going to end up over on the Kansas side of the state line,” Kerkhoff said.
“I think the Royals will find a way to work something out with Jackson County in the city of Kansas City to be in downtown Kansas City.
“Baseball would stay in Missouri. The football (NFL) moves to Kansas.”
Kelce will go down in Chiefs history when he ultimately retires and has every right to have his say — after all, his girlfriend Taylor Swift is a regular visitor and the world’s most famous Chiefs fan.
TeammatePatrick Mahomesthinks the tight end, who considered retirement after February’s Super Bowl defeat, could stay with the franchise after his deal expires in 2026.
“If this is the last ride, you would never know,” Mahomes said on Wednesday, as he took part in organized team activities.
“The way he’s talking about football, the way he’s talking about working and trying to be even better this year than last year.
“He doesn’t seem like a guy on his last ride, that’s tired of the job.”
As the New York Knicks push through the Eastern Conference Finals, Jordyn Woods has been showing up courtside with more than just support — she’s bringing full-on custom fashion. The model and entrepreneur has gone viral for her game day outfits, each paying tribute to her longtime boyfriend, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns.
In her most recent Instagram post, Woods shared behind-the-scenes shots of her latest look: a white corset featuring Karl’s name and image, paired with relaxed denim and a rhinestone-studded hoodie that read “New York vs. Everybody” across the back. She completed the outfit with white pumps.
Woods has also made filming GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos a part of her playoff ritual. Her reels feature her doing her makeup and styling her Knicks-themed outfits — usually customized with Towns’ number, name, or the team’s signature colors.
One fan commented, “GWRM EVERY GAME DAY FOR YOU JORDYN!!!! IT’S A GOOD LUCK CHARM. I’M SUPERSTITIOUS!!!” Another wrote, “Keep doing these all the way until we get to the finals and get the championship!!!” While another fan commented, “Jordyn I would love to hear how KAT feels about your playoffs outfits. Please tell me that he loves them as much as we do 🧡💙”
Jordyn’s game day outfits have become a fan favorite. She’s been spotted wearing everything from jeans emblazoned with “I ❤️KAT” to a cropped jacket featuring his jersey number.
In a post from earlier this month, Woods captioned a GRWM clip: “Going into the playoffs, everything has been a superstitious routine for me! My game day rituals became filming GRWMs and I just felt the need to keep them going. I know my page turned into a Knicks/KAT fan page but we’re still here!!”
From Playoff Wins to Unexpected Reunions
Following a Knicks playoff win earlier this month, Jordyn and Karl joined friends in New York City for a celebration that brought out major star power. The couple partied alongside fellow Knicks fans and celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, and Russell Wilson.
Jordyn and Kylie’s courtside reunion drew attention from fans, marking a full-circle moment in their rekindled friendship. Once inseparable, the two were seen cheering on the team and later celebrating together — a sign that the Knicks’ playoff run isn’t just uniting the city, but former besties too.
Jordyn and Karl Celebrate 5 Years Amid Playoff Buzz
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates with Jordyn Woods at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City.
Woods and Towns recently marked a major milestone in their relationship — five years together. The couple began dating in May 2020 after meeting through mutual friends. Their bond deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, a particularly difficult time for Towns, who lost his mother to the virus in April 2020. Woods stood by him through that period, and the two have remained close ever since.
On May 20, Woods posted a heartfelt anniversary tribute on Instagram, writing, “The focus today is the playoffs!!! but happy 5 years to us… time has just flown by but has also felt like we’ve been together forever! @karltowns.” She ended the caption by calling him her “partner in crime.”
Woods continues showing up for Towns, with her game-day outfit rituals possibly becoming a good luck charm as the Knicks fight for a spot in the NBA Finals.
On May 26, 2025, the inauguration ceremony for Qingna Technology’s 10GWh Phase I large-cylinder sodium-ion battery intelligent factory and the 2025 Sodium-ion Battery Industry Ecosystem Entrepreneur Summit, themed “A New Era of Green Sodium-ion Batteries, A New Engine for Intelligent Manufacturing Industry,” were successfully held amidst high anticipation. Government leaders, industry experts, and enterprise representatives gathered to witness this significant moment and explore the future development direction of the sodium-ion battery industry.
Inauguration of Intelligent Factory: Ushering in a New Height of Capacity
In the morning, the main venue of the event focused on Qingna Technology’s intelligent factory. Amidst a lively atmosphere, the inauguration ceremony officially commenced. Zhang Yongguo, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Working Committee, and Director of the Management Committee of the Municipal Economic Development Zone, and Min Yulin, Dean of the School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering at Shanghai University of Electric Power, delivered speeches expressing their expectations and support for Qingna Technology. Jiang Shang, Product Line and Operations Director of Jiangsu Jinpaike New Energy Co., Ltd., representing customers, and Guan Yunlong, Deputy General Manager of Easpring Technology New Materials Co., Ltd., representing suppliers, also spoke in succession, demonstrating the confidence of upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain in Qingna Technology.
Subsequently, a grand signing ceremony was held. Anhui Qingna Energy Technology Co., Ltd. reached cooperation agreements with numerous enterprises, including Guangdong Maikesheng Electronics Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Zhengyong Battery Energy Co., Ltd., injecting new momentum into Qingna Technology’s development and further improving the layout of the sodium-ion battery industry chain.
Wang Wenwu, Chairman of Qingna Technology, reviewed the company’s development journey in his speech, emphasizing the company’s determination and achievements in sodium-ion battery technology R&D and industrialisation, and presenting a grand vision for future development. With the launch of the golden push rod, the 10GWh Phase I large-cylinder sodium-ion battery intelligent factory officially commenced production, greeted by thunderous applause on site, marking Qingna Technology’s advancement to a new height in capacity enhancement and large-scale production. Participants visited the production line in an orderly manner, gaining an intuitive understanding of Qingna Technology’s production capabilities and technological level through close observation of the advanced production processes and intelligent manufacturing workflows.
Entrepreneur Summit: Jointly Exploring the Future of the Industry
In the afternoon, the event moved to Guangde Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel for the 2025 Sodium-ion Battery Industry Ecosystem Entrepreneur Summit. The investment promotion seminar, held first, provided a detailed introduction to the local industrial advantages, policy support, and investment environment, attracting the attention of numerous enterprises.
During the expert speech session, industry experts such as Chen Yunji, Executive Dean of the Beijing Graphene Technology Institute and CTO of Qingna Technology, and Chen Suli, Associate Professor at Jiangnan University and Director of the Qingna Technology Solid-State Battery Joint R&D Center, delivered insightful presentations based on their respective fields of expertise. They conducted in-depth discussions on the R&D, application scenarios, and industrial development of sodium-ion batteries, presenting a feast of knowledge to the attendees.
Finally, the grand launch event of Qingna Technology’s brand was held. Cao Qifei, the Technical Director of Qingna Technology, showcased the brand’s new image and strategic plans to the guests, further enhancing the brand’s influence.
The successful hosting of this event not only marked a significant milestone in Qingna Technology’s development journey but also provided a platform for communication and cooperation for the entire sodium-ion battery industry. It laid the foundation for advancing the development of sodium-ion battery technology, commercial applications, and standard formulation, contributing to the implementation of the new energy strategy and the achievement of the “dual carbon” goals. It is believed that with the joint efforts of all parties, the sodium-ion battery industry will embrace an even brighter future.
Across all of sports, few things are more exciting than the long ball.
That translates to the prop market, too, where each crack of the bat can get our heart pumping.
Which home run props stand out for today’s MLB action?
Utilizing our MLB home run projections as a guiding light, here are some MLB home run props bets that look appealing via the MLB odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Please note that betting lines and our MLB projections may change throughout the day after this article is published. All stats come from FanGraphs and Baseball Savant unless noted otherwise.
Jose Soriano is certainly a risky pitcher to target for home runs, as he’s residing in the 99th percentile in groundball rate (65.3%) across his first 11 starts and 62.2 innings pitched for the Los Angeles Angels. At the same time, Soriano is in the 26th percentile in average exit velocity (90.5 MPH), 20th percentile in strikeout rate (17.3%), 48th percentile in barrel rate (8.3%), and 17th percentile in hard-hit rate (46.1%).
Soriano has gotten a bit lucky when it comes to giving up dingers, and he may have a tough time keeping the ball out of the air against Jose Ramirez. Against right-handed pitching this season, Ramirez is sporting a .357 wOBA, 134 wRC+, .201 ISO, 11.2% strikeout rate, and a stellar 51.1% flyball rate.
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The form is also fantastic for Ramirez, with the switch-hitting third baseman carrying a 21-game hit streak into Friday’s contest, and he’s gone 4-for-10 with 3 long balls when facing Soriano in his career. Along with winds blowing out to right field at Progressive Field, Ramirez should get a couple of plate appearances versus the Angels’ bullpen, which is registering the second-worst HR/9 (2.08), worst barrel rate (12.6%), and worst hard-hit rate (49.6%) over the last 30 days.
Along with Irving permitting a 1.64 HR/9, 47.5% flyball rate, and just a 16.9% strikeout rate against lefties, he’s also in the 18th percentile in xERA (4.93), 18th percentile in average exit velocity (91.0 MPH), 12th percentile in barrel rate (12.3%), and 18th percentile in hard-hit rate (46.0%). Meanwhile, Marte is crushing right-handed pitching to the tune of a .462 wOBA, 197 wRC+, and .368 ISO in 2025.
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Since the start of last season, Marte is producing a .348 ISO or better and .482 wOBA or better versus Irvin’s two primary pitches against left-handed batters (curveball and four-seam fastball). Once Irving exits Friday’s contest, Marte will get to square off against a Washington bullpen that has the fifth-worst SIERA (4.10), ninth-worst WHIP (1.42), and second-lowest strikeout rate (18.8%) in the last month.
Aside from Cody Bellinger facing one of his former teams on Friday, there are multiple reasons to target him for a dinger versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. For starters, Bellinger has been heating up at the plate recently, earning the 11th-best wOBA (.464), 10th-best wRC+ (208), 16th-best ISO (.333), and 11th-lowest strikeout rate (8.2%) over the last 14 days of action.
Although it’s just a sample of 5 starts and 25.0 innings pitched for Tony Gonsolin, the Dodgers’ right-handed hurler is in the 21st percentile in xERA (4.74) and 24th percentile in barrel rate (10.4%). Gonsolin is also registering a .386 wOBA, 5.86 xFIP, 13.1% strikeout rate, 1.32 HR/9, and 45.2% flyball rate versus left-handed hitters to begin the campaign.
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Bellinger also excels against Gonsolin’s pitch mix, tallying a .235 ISO or better and .361 wOBA or better versus two of Gonsolin’s three primary pitches (four-seam fastball and curveball) against lefties since the start of last season. Aside from Bellinger having a better chance of seeing five-plus plate appearances on the road team at Dodger Stadium — which will have winds blowing out to right field on Friday — we’ve seen LA’s bullpen sputter recently, giving up the fifth-worst HR/9 (1.60) and fifth-worst barrel rate (10.4%) across the last 30 days.
The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.
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