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The Best Pictures From The Inner Circle 29
Take a look at the coolest snaps from the show, courtesy of our ringside photographers!
LeBron James Joins Polymarket as Prediction Markets Court Sports' Biggest Stars: Here's What We Know
On Saturday, four-time NBA champion and four-time Olympic medalist LeBron James announced an upcoming partnership with Polymarket, the prediction market platform. James posted a 14-second video on X showing him exiting an elevator at “Polymarket HQ,” with floor buttons labeled...
Should US Court Scrutiny of Prediction Markets Require Action From Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) Investors?
In recent weeks, Flutter Entertainment has seen sentiment improve as the prospect of a US Supreme Court review of sports prediction markets and fresh analyst coverage refocused attention on its core US sports betting exposure and broader global portfolio. This shift comes after a very large reset in expectations over the past year, leaving valuation metrics suggesting the business screens as relatively inexpensive while ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainties remain central to how...
Sanderson to let his new boys run loose
By BEN JAYCOCK Old hand: Courtney Lawes starts on the blindside for Sale PICTURES: Sale Sharks PREVIEW... Sale Sharks v Bath Today. Kick-off 3pm, CorpAcq Stadium SALE Sharks will unveil three of their headline summer signings when they open the new season against Bath in the Prem Cup today. Courtney Lawes, Joe Marchant and Alex […] The post Sanderson to let his new boys run loose appeared first on The Rugby Paper.
New Gym in Paris Helps Homeless Improve Their Health And Habits
A Finnish gym company brought physical fitness to the homeless folks of Paris, installing a gym in the shady courtyard of a homeless shelter.
You don't have a right to safe drinking water, US court rules
A Trump-appointed judge also said Americans have no “constitutional right to truthful information” during a public health crisis.
Is Work Starting for Trump’s Arch? It Depends Who’s Asking.
The Justice Department told a court the government would only conduct archaeological excavation, a day after a Trump official announced the project was in motion.
Arizona voter-law fight reaches SCOTUS as election groups warn ‘absurd’ consequence could ensue
Election experts warn the Supreme Court that the Ninth Circuit's ruling could make it impossible to ever remove noncitizens from state voter rolls.
Missouri Asks Supreme Court to Allow Voting Map Benefiting Republicans
Missouri’s Supreme Court said a map redrawn to help Republicans could not be used in November and said voters should decide on the new boundaries.
All 7 ‘Scream’ movies, ranked from worst to best
For nearly 30 years, ‘Scream’ has terrified, entertained, and satirized multiple generations of horror fans. See how all seven movies rank from worst to best.
Missouri asks Supreme Court to back GOP-drawn congressional map
Missouri officials are asking the Supreme Court to allow a GOP-favored congressional map that's been blocked by the state's highest court.
Pickleball and dining: Why courts are the new food destinations
The fastest-growing sport in the US is the 'eatertainment' trend’s new darling. How long will it last?
Mike Johnson presses Democrats on court-packing: ‘Put their money where their mouth is’
WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered a vote on packing the U.S. Supreme Court that was doomed from the get-go but aimed at getting Democrats on the record for
Colorado Politics Calendar Sept. 7-13
CoPo’s weekly political calendar will help you find political and public-policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
'Pericles' review: Shakespeare playfully reworked at Boston Court
Ellen McLaughlin's modern verse translation of Shakespeare's 'Pericles' has its West Coast premiere at Boston Court Pasadena.
Missouri asks US Supreme Court to allow use of new Trump-backed congressional districts in midterms
Missouri has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to use new congressional districts backed by President Trump in the upcoming midterm elections.
Missouri asks Supreme Court to allow congressional map with extra GOP seat ahead of midterms
Missouri officials urged the Supreme Court on Friday to reinstate a congressional map that includes an additional seat for the Republican Party, the latest emergency case tied to President Donald Trump’s nationwide redistricting fight to reach the high court.
Former Kentucky Governor Is Arrested Amid Child Support Battle
Matthew Bevin, the former Republican governor, was held in contempt for failing to abide by court orders to file financial disclosure documents, a lawyer said.
Player Ratings: Real Betis 1-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid left Seville empty-handed despite controlling much of the game and creating more than enough opportunities to get a result. A combination of poor finishing, a missed penalty, and one decisive Real Betis set piece condemned Madrid to a 1-0 defeat. Here are the player ratings. Thibaut Courtois — 7 Made four saves, including […]
Chicago Sky owner calls Enes Kanter Freedom’s lawsuit ‘meritless and frivolous’
"Freedom was removed for his conduct, not his speech," the Sky's statement reads. "We look forward to the truth prevailing in court."
Guardant Health Faces a $245 Million Patent Judgment, But Its Newer Tests Could Offer Protection
Guardant Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:GH) faces a costly legal setback after a US court ordered the cancer-testing company to pay more than $245.2 million in a DNA-sequencing patent dispute. The final judgment upheld a 2023 jury verdict finding that Guardant willfully infringed two DNA-sequencing patents asserted by TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington. The financial […]
Court Filings In A.I. Suit Invoke Copyright Law, Culture and Sports
Filings made Friday in The New York Times’s closely watched lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft included a range of copyright law and cultural references.
Politics Unusual: NYC Council Education Chair Eric Dinowitz, NY State Courts Officer Bobby Keane
In this episode of Politics Unusual, Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the New York City Council's Education Committee, breaks down the city's new moratorium on AI in elementary and middle schools. Plus, State Court Officer Bobby Kane discusses his fight to close a legal gap preventing some 9/11 recovery worker from receiving enhanced disability benefits.
What To Expect From Phoenix Suns in 2026–27 Season
Rising stars battle for frontcourt minutes while Jordan Ott eyes Coach of the Year honors as Phoenix looks to solidify its playoff standing in a competitive West.
In boost to GOP, Supreme Court says parties should get lower TV ad rates
The Supreme Court ruled Friday that political parties should get discounted TV ad rates when they coordinate spending with candidates.
Judge again blocks Trump’s effort to restrict voting by mail as ballots start going out
The move comes as the Trump administration is appealing a related order to the Supreme Court.
Judge Once Again Blocks Trump Administration’s Plans to Restrict Mail-In Ballots
The ruling arrived before the Supreme Court could decide whether to intervene but appeared certain to set off yet another round of appeals.
Supreme Court Action Revives FCC Media Bureau’s Political Ad Guidance
Late this afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay of the Fourth Circuit’s decision setting aside the FCC Media Bureau’s guidance on entitlement
In win for GOP, Supreme Court greenlights lower ad rates for political parties
The ruling has major implications for this year’s midterms, where Republicans hold significant cash advantages at the party level.
Theater preview: Fall 2026
Court Theatre's 2026-2027 season doesn't start until December, but in the meantime, enough shows are opening in September alone to keep you out at the theater almost every night. Besides
Argentine court clears return of Nazi-looted portrait to Jewish dealer’s heir
A long-lost Italian portrait looted by the Nazis has been cleared for return to the heir of a prominent Jewish art dealer | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Supreme Court sides with Republicans in fight over broadcast ad rates
Supreme Court Pauses Order in Political Ad Rate Guidance Case
The US Supreme Court has paused an order that invalidated FCC guidance extending preferential broadcast rates to political parties and joint fundraising committees.
Supreme Court backs Republican request to lower TV ad rates
The Supreme Court on Friday endorsed a request from Republican campaign groups that want to buy discounted TV advertising for this year’s midterms, the latest in a series of emergency rulings from the high court benefiting the GOP.
Supreme Court Sides With Republicans in TV Ad Fight
Republican groups had asked the court to clear the way for political parties to pay the same low-cost ad rates as candidates, a move that could undercut a Democratic advantage in the midterms.
New Supreme Court ruling helps GOP buy cheaper TV ads for critical midterms
The Supreme Court allowed political parties to access discounted advertising rates, potentially aiding GOP candidates in the midterm elections.
Supreme Court backs Republicans in election ad rate dispute
Republicans asked the court to allow party committees to receive the same ad discounts that candidates themselves benefit from.
‘There has to be a political resolution’: CAO says airport case likely won’t be decided for decades
The city of Jackson is suing the state in U.S. District Court to block the implementation of a 2016 bill taking over the Jackson-Evers airport.
Texas Senate hopeful Talarico ramps up Black outreach efforts
The Texas Democrat acknowledges criticism that Democrats haven’t been doing enough to court Black voters.
Trump administration quietly closes criminal probe into Venezuela businessman amid oil deal
For a decade, Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt has been ensnared in the tentacles of a sprawling Justice Department probe into a sophisticated billion-dollar money laundering scheme that US prosecutors allege embezzled funds from Venezuela’s state-owned oil company known as PDVSA.
Missouri court blocks Trump-backed U.S. House map and orders it to be put to a vote
Republicans had hoped Missouri’s new congressional boundaries could help them win an additional seat and hold onto their slim House majority in the midterms.
Show-Me-State Politics: The latest in Missouri’s Congressional map legal mess
The Missouri Supreme Court has blocked new congressional districts from being used in the November election and ordered a statewide vote on whether to uphold or reject the new map.
Maine healthcare leaders celebrate Gov. Mills as ‘Health Care Hero’
Photo courtesy of the Office of Gov. Janet MillsHEALTH CARE HERO — Healthcare leaders from across Maine celebrated Gov.
Full Court Magic Episode 34: Full Breakdown
Don Strouble analyzes Orlando’s low-risk gamble on Malaki Branham and how Paolo Banchero’s development shapes a roster navigating tight salary cap constraints ahead of training camp.
Gael Monfils to Swap Baseline for Boardroom
Gael Monfils, one of the most beloved and electrifying showmen the ATP Tour has produced in the last two decades, has confirmed that his life after tennis will look nothing like the one he has led on court for the past 20-plus years. The Frenchman, who is set to retire at the end of this …
How MSU’s WR Room Has Changed Without a Star
No superstar, no problem, says Courtney Hawkins. With Nick Marsh at Indiana and eight freshmen in the room, Michigan State's receivers will go seven or eight deep, and the rule is simple: no block, no rock.
‘Distressing’: East Texas Residents Struggle to Find Mental Health Services
Survey finds costs, access and timely treatment are putting people at risk.
Missouri supreme court blocks congressional maps backed by Trump for midterms
The decision marks a setback for Republicans in a national redistricting battle
Football and politics: Courtroom battle over ex-pro athletes draws in Louisiana heavyweights
Two sitting district attorneys squared off against each other in open court as the SEC and NCAA try to stop LSU from adding some former pro players.
Missouri candidate charged with trying to plant cocaine on his political rival
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A candidate for the Missouri House made an initial court appearance Thursday on a federal drug charge accusing him of trying to plant
Topeka High football opens the season in dominant fashion
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Trojans took down the Highland Park Scots on Thursday night. Topeka High grabbed the 33-6 win over Highland Park to open up the football season for Topeka. The Trojans struck first to jump to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. In the second, Topeka High’s Asher Filbeck connected with Courtney […]
Legal, political experts react to Missouri’s redistricting ruling
Legal and political experts are reacting after Missouri’s Supreme Court unanimously blocked the state’s new, Republican-drawn congressional map on Thursday.
Michigan Supreme Court clears ballot measure restricting business political giving
The court said it was not persuaded to grant injunctive relief sought by a coalition of business groups and companies and Jim Holcomb of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Michigan Supreme Court clears ballot measure restricting business political giving
The court said it was not persuaded to grant injunctive relief sought by a coalition of business groups and companies and Jim Holcomb of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Court throws out Missouri congressional map, helping Democrats keep seat
In addition, Maryland’s high court cleared the way for voters to decide in November whether to back a plan to eliminate a GOP-held seat in 2028.
Trump again appeals to Supreme Court on mail voting restrictions as midterms loom
The Trump administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject an order by a federal judge that halts it from implementing a new rule regulating mail ballots, hours after being unable to tell that judge whether the computer system that would govern the entire project was operational yet.
Judge temporarily grants request for 5th year eligibility in NCAA case involving OU athletes
Former OU baseball player Dayton Tockey and seven other athletes from various schools were granted a temporary restraining order Thursday afternoon at the Cleveland County Courthouse in a case seeking
Former Syracuse Basketball Player Picks New School For Year Five
JJ Starling will finish his college career at a new school after spending the last three with the Orange, as long as the courts continue to rule in his favor.
Missouri Supreme Court blocks Trump-backed US House map and orders it be put to a vote
The Missouri Supreme Court has unanimously blocked new congressional districts backed by President Donald Trump from being used in the November election and ordered a statewide vote on whether to uphold or reject the new map.
Madison Keys Saves Five Match Points to Survive Anna Bondar
Madison Keys produced the escape act of the US Open so far, clawing back from 5-2 down in the third set and fending off five match points before outlasting Anna Bondar 5-7 6-4 7-6(5) in a second-round thriller that had Court 17 on its feet. The 22nd seed and former Australian Open champion looked in …
Missouri supreme court throws out new congressional maps backed by Trump
Setback for Republicans in redistricting battle as court orders forbids maps from being used in November elections
Maryland Supreme Court puts redistricting question back on ballot
The Supreme Court of Maryland issued its ruling just hours after hearing oral arguments for and against the proposed constitutional amendment.
Ex-Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez plans guilty plea to charges stemming from fight outside hotel
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Former Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez plans to plead guilty to charges ahead of a trial stemming from an October 2025 fight with a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel, according to court records filed Thursday.
Missouri Supreme Court rules new GOP-drawn map can’t be used for November election
The court said a referendum seeking to put the map up for a vote must be placed on the ballot, meaning the state’s elections this fall will take place under its old congressional lines.
Onyeka Okongwu Tabbed As ‘Biggest X Factor’ for Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks may have to lean heavily on big man Onyeka Okongwu in the frontcourt this season.
Missouri Supreme Court puts referendum to overturn new congressional map on ballot
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the state's voters will decide the fate of a plan aimed at ousting Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II.
Missouri Supreme Court puts referendum to overturn new congressional map on ballot
The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the state’s voters will decide the fate of a plan aimed at ousting Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.
Missouri Supreme Court blocks newly-drawn congressional map
The case was argued Wednesday and is likely the final action the court will take regarding the “Missouri First” map passed by state lawmakers last fall.
A judge expanded abortion access in Idaho last month. Another court paused his decision
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said the ruling “means unborn children and their mothers in our state are protected under Idaho law.”
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow Trump’s USPS action on mail-in ballots to proceed ahead of midterm elections
The appeal came shortly before a federal judge was set to decide whether to issue an injunction blocking requirements dictating how mail-in ballots are sent.
OU adding more defensive line help after court win
Defensive lineman Braxton Fely is expected to join the Sooners roster before the Southeastern conference’s midnight roster cutoff according to George Stoia.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow mail-in ballot restrictions
The question of whether President Donald Trump’s restrictions can move forward in time for November’s midterm elections has been the subject of a dizzying legal battle in recent weeks.
Orange judge resigns amid investigation over political donations
Judge Diana Tennis was facing suspension and a public reprimand by the Florida Supreme Court.
Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow Mail Voting Limits
The justices have been asked to weigh in again on the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict mail voting — this time on whether the plans violate the Constitution.
Nets’ Brown Jr. Receives Praise From Fellow Louisville Alum
Donovan Mitchell draws comparisons to James Harden while hailing the rookie’s elite basketball IQ, signaling a new era of playmaking and defensive versatility for the Brooklyn backcourt.
Trump asks Supreme Court to OK sweeping changes for mail ballots
President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to give the US Postal Service sweeping power to withhold delivery of mail ballots, setting up an extraordinary showdown over voting at the high court less than two months before the November midterm election.
Johnson County weighs new mental health court to divert defendants from jail
Johnson County leaders are considering a new criminal mental health court designed to keep people with mental health needs out of jail and better connected to t
Bexar County could slash public health by more than half
Bexar County's budget staff recommended cutting the public health department by more than half as federal funding dries up.
Kevin Zegers, Milla Jovovich added to 'Heated Rivalry' season 2
Kevin Zegers headshot (Courtesy of Kevin Zegers); Milla Jovovich headshot (Photo credit: An Le)
Meet the Fall 2026 Institute of Politics & Public Service Capitol Campus Fellows | McCourt School of Public Policy
McCourt’s Tech & Public Policy (TPP) spring 2026 visiting fellows includes experts in AI, data privacy and digital governance.
Missouri candidate charged with trying to plant cocaine on his political rival
A candidate for the Missouri House has made an initial court appearance on a federal drug charge accusing him of trying to plant cocaine and Adderall on his Republican primary opponent.
Republicans ask the Supreme Court to give them a huge discount on ad spending
You are probably about to see a lot more Republican ads.
Court docs: Candidate accused of trying to plant drugs on political opponent
Court documents have revealed why a southwestern political candidate was facing a federal charge.Federal prosecutors charged Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, of Jop
Federal judge considers whether to extend ban against U.S. Postal Service mail voting changes
U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani is deciding whether to extend her prohibition on the proposed regulation of mail ballots, an effort undertaken as part of an executive order by President Donald Trump.
Kalshi Won’t Take Bets on Supreme Court Case Threatening Its Business. Polymarket Might.
A Kalshi spokesperson says the platform won’t offer a market predicting whether the Supreme Court will hear a case regarding sports prediction markets or a market on the decision in that case.
UW pays $600K to settle lawsuit with computer science professor over parody land acknowledgment
Stuart Reges was disciplined by the University of Washington after including a parody land acknowledgment in a course syllabus. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found university officials violated Reges' academic freedom rights.
Judge blocks Trump’s latest attempt to limit birthright citizenship
The judge said the issue raised in Trump’s August executive order was settled by the Supreme Court, and “no Presidential Executive Order can undo what the Supreme Court has done.”
Australian science prize awarded to researcher studying memory accuracy of domestic violence survivors
Helen Paterson’s work on advancing how police and courts understand memory is recognised in prestigious Eureka prizes
A bankruptcy and big business takeover signal change in Washington's apple industry
A historic changing of the guard in Washington’s troubled apple business is underway in a Spokane bankruptcy court.
Aryna Sabalenka hits out at ‘joke’ journalist after question over partying
The world No 1 was irritated after questions surrounding her off-court activity at the US Open as she bids for a third successive victory at Flushing Meadows
A judge deemed it an illegal monopoly, but ruled Google doesn’t have to sell its ad business
The courts have been letting Big Tech stay big.
SEC reportedly considering removing LSU from conference
The LSU Tigers have been moving forward with plans to add a few players to their roster who have signed professional contracts. However, it sounds like the SEC is considering expelling LSU from the conference if that happens. While adding those players to the roster would violate NCAA and SEC rules, a Louisiana state court…
Sony and Microsoft say they’re not obligated to pass U.S. tariff refunds to consumers, echoing Nintendo
Back in July, Sony executives told investors that the company expected to receive $508 million in refunds from the U.S. government, after tariffs that the PlayStation-maker paid were ruled mostly in 2025 were found to be illegal. “Most” of the refund would by recouped by Sony’s gaming division, its chief financial officer said. This week, Sony’s lawyers are arguing that the company is not legally obligated to pass those proceeds on to consumers who paid for recently price-hiked PlayStation consoles. That’s in the face of a lawsuit from gamers calling on them to do exactly that. “Paying fair market price for voluntarily purchased consumer goods is not a legally cognizable injury in fact,” the lawyers wrote in a legal motion filed on Monday, as they asked a judge in California’s Northern District to dismiss a potential class action lawsuit over the tariff refunds. Microsoft made a similar argument two weeks ahead of Sony’s lawyers, in a similar lawsuit brought by a gamer in federal court in Washington State. As Microsoft’s legal team put it on August 21, in their request for a dismissal of that lawsuit: “There is nothing unjust about Plaintiff purchasing an Xbox at an advertised price and getting exactly what he paid for—regardless of whatever theory he devised months later about Microsoft’s cost structure.” Both legal fights are set to go on for some time. How things got to this point U.S. tariffs impacting a wide range of imported goods, including game consoles, had kicked off in early 2025. In May 2025, Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox consoles, citing “market conditions and the rising cost of development.” They raised them again that September. In August of that year, Sony raised the price of PlayStation 5 consoles, citing “a challenging economic environment.” Sony later told investors that its tariff fees for the fall quarter were nearly $200 million. in February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the 2025 tariffs illegal, prompting impacted companies to begin to request refunds. In turn, consumers began suing the likes of Sony and Microsoft to get what they said was their share. The gamers in the Microsoft and Sony lawsuits argue that the 2025 price hikes of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, which added $50 or more to their sticker price, were due to illegal tariffs and should now be returned to consumers. The Sony suit started in May, when a group of gamers sued in federal court in California, saying Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) would be unjustly enriching itself if it did not pass tariff refunds to its PS5 buyers. “Sony is poised to be paid twice for the same unlawful tariff burden: once by its customers (through elevated prices) and once by the U.S. government (through tariff refunds),” the gamers’ lawyers wrote at the time. They called for Sony to partially reimburse anyone who bought a PlayStation in the U.S. since August 1, 2025. The Microsoft suit, filed by gamer Trevor Hastings against the Xbox giant in July, made similar claims. The console makers push back In late July, Nintendo’s lawyers, facing a similar suit accusing them of double-dipping on tariffs and refunds, replied with arguments that previewed Microsoft’s and Sony’s: “Nintendo or one of its retailers set a price for each product, and consumers decided whether that price was worth paying,” they wrote. Sony has buttressed that Nintendo-style argument this week by saying that the gamers have failed to prove that tariffs were the reason for its August 2025 PS5 price hike. They call thatclaim “speculative and illogical.” Other factors, including “inflation, currency fluctuations, component costs, logistics, competitive dynamics, or demand,” could have played a role. (No, the Sony lawyers do not break down the costs and factors that officially triggered the price increases). Microsoft has also argued that there’s no proof in these lawsuits that tariffs drove all or some of the price increase, as it seeks to dismiss the tariff refund suit it’s facing: “Plaintiff provides no specific allegations that would establish any pricing differential attributable to tariffs or suggest any possibility that Microsoft applied then or could recreate now any dollar-for-dollar calculation of tariff-related pricing—any more than it could any other market factor that affects pricing.” To further skewer the gamer side’s argument in its case, Sony’s lawyers have pointed to what might be a surprising defense: yet another PlayStation 5 price hike from this past spring, after the tariffs were ruled illegal. “If the original price increase were attributable to tariffs, SIE [Sony Interactive Entertainment, aka PlayStation] would have had no reason to raise prices again after the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs.” … “If tariffs were the cause of the price increases, one would expect SIE to lower prices once the tariffs were eliminated—not raise them again. Instead, the timeline confirms that the pricing of PlayStation consoles includes a diverse and dynamic set of input costs.” Judges have not yet ruled on the arguments made by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. Last week, Panic, the company behind the small, yellow Playdate handheld said it would be passing its tariff refunds on to consumers. It is the only gaming hardware maker to have made such a pledge. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: A reporter’s second Second Life Wagner James Au, who from 2003-2006 was paid by San Francisco-based tech company Linden Lab to be a full-time journalist embedded in their virtual world Second Life, is returning to the company. This time, he’ll be an editorial advisor and business development specialist, he tells Game File. The new role will involve trying to share the stories of people inhabiting Second Life’s ongoing online world with reporters and by extension the public. Au plans to continue to also chronicle some of that through his long-running blog New World Notes. I’ve known Au since the mid-2000s and featured him in a 2007 article for the Columbia Journalism Review about reporters like him opening up virtual news outlets within Second Life. As I wrote at the time: On April 22, 2003, writing as Hamlet Linden for the New World Notes blog on Second Life’s Web site, Au introduced himself. “For the next few months, Linden Lab has invited me to set aside my journalist cap, and instead, don the digital beanie of their in-house virtual correspondent.” He wasn’t paid to keep it positive. He wrote about builders and eccentrics, but then in August of that year, he reported on a tax revolt against Linden Lab (a complaint about the fees it charges users who build stuff) led by a resident whose avatar was a big cat. Second Life has always been less of a video game and more of a virtual world where people can live, hang out, make art, sell virtual items and flirt. Back in 2007, Au described touring it as “sort of like underwater lucid dreaming.” For the past two decades, Au has maintained New World Notes as an independent publication. But he said he’s been drawn back to Second Life and Linden Lab as a place to directly work. The virtual world has around 650,000 monthly active users, he said, “which is actually about what it was during the hype wave.” Au says he’s still finding rich stories in Second Life, the kind that keep him interested 20 years into the beat: “Over the last few months for instance, I wrote about an SL creator in Venezuela whose apartment was destroyed by the earthquakes, so the global SL community rallied to get him back on his feet,” he told me. “Then there’s the woman from a Middle Eastern country who explored her lesbian sexuality in SL, then earned enough from her virtual jewelry to escape her abusive family situation and country.” Au wants to beckon more reporters to give Second Life another look. He argues that it is often ahead of internet trends, noting, for example, an early backlash in the community against AI-made art. Now the platform is drawing curiosity from more of the user-generated content community who’ve grown up with the likes of Roblox, according to Au. “Second Life was too early during its hype wave in 2005-2010, but it now feels right for a new wave of interest,” he told me.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Second Try to Restrict Birthright Citizenship
The ruling raised concerns that babies already defined as citizens by the Supreme Court could have their citizenship revoked under an order the president signed in August.
Federal judge blocks Trump’s newest attempt to crack down on birthright citizenship
A federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump’s renewed attempt to limit birthright citizenship, partially halting an executive order the president issued after the Supreme Court struck down his more sweeping effort last year.
In landmark ruling, court declines to break up Google’s advertising business
In landmark ruling, court declines to break up Google’s advertising business - SiliconANGLE
$1.1B Norman Rock Creek project faces key court hearing Tuesday
Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development's case against Norman's Rock Creek Entertainment District project may be resolved as soon as Tuesday.
Appeals court rejects CDOT employee’s discrimination, retaliation claims
Colorado’s second-highest court agreed last week that a Colorado Department of Transportation employee had not shown that his employer discriminated and retaliated against him due to his religion and national origin. Ayman Salloum, who described himself as a 70-year-old Muslim immigrant from Jordan, was an environmental protection specialist at CDOT in December 2024. That month, […]
House Democrats block constitutional amendment on Supreme Court size
The Republican-led resolution, which requires two-thirds support in the House and Senate, comes in response to increasing openness among Democrats to expand the court.