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Councillors quit Reform UK after suspensions
David Dresser and Paula-Jane Thackray launch a new political group called Leeds First Independents.
10 businesses opening or closing soon in New Orleans
Retailers, boutique hotels and more.
Medical Alley opens studio for health innovation
Plus: Crisp & Green acquires two salad chains and Rocket55 finds a buyer.
Mary Means Business: Mobile bookstore prepares for Starkville opening
A new chapter is beginning for Starkville book lovers.
Michael Penix Injury Update: Falcons QB’s Week 6 Status Revealed
Michael Penix left Week 5's loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a rib injury, but the former first-round pick should return to the field for Week 6. The eighth-overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix began his career on the bench before taking over for an ineffective Kirk Cousins towards the end of his …
Global tech selloff deepens as enthusiasm for AI stocks wobbles
Global technology stocks sold off sharply Thursday, as a growing list of worries, including rising borrowing costs and tougher competition from China, caused traders to sour on AI investments.
Commentary: Missouri’s education board was designed to resist politics. Transparency is essential
Most Missourians probably could not name a member of the State Board of Education. Most could not explain why board members serve eight-year terms or why Missouri’s Constitution limits the number of members from the same political party. That is understandable. The State Board was never intended to be a political institution that attracted significant […]
Letter: Anthony Constantino will stand up for the Second Amendment
I am an outdoorsmen and gun owner here in the North Country, and I've spent years helping hunters and sport shooters exercise a right that's guaranteed to every one of
How Trump’s megabill may be affecting you right now
When Republicans ask voters to keep them in the majority, they frequently point to the most significant policy achievement of Trump 2.0 — the tax and spending cuts bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
NVIDIA Expands Advanced Technology Access for Europe’s Scientific Community Through Open Learning Resources, Collaborations and Compute
NVIDIA’s participation in the European Commission’s AI in Science Enablers Initiative deepens its commitment to supporting the pursuit of scientific progress across the region.
Democrat Charly Ray seeks open northwest Wisconsin Senate seat with focus on schools, healthcare
Charly Ray of Bayview, a member of the Bayfield County Board, is the Democratic candidate for the open 25th District Senate seat in November's 2026 election.
After nearly buying Warner Bros., Netflix is laying off 1,000 workers. What happened?
While Netflix continues to lead subscription streaming services, the company has continued to face growing scrutiny over how it plans to grow the Los Gatos company in the future.
Here’s how David Crowley and Tom Tiffany differ on healthcare
Wisconsin spends more on healthcare than neighboring states without notably better outcomes. How will the next governor manage the health of Wisconsinites?
Pens Points: Heading Further West
Coming off a loss in Chicago to open their first major road trip of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins will now continue heading west and climb to a mile above sea level for a meeting with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night to open a back-to-back set that will conclude on Saturday in Las Vegas […]
See how Hurricane Isaias hurt Santa Rosa's agricultural business
Hurricane Isaias damaged Santa Rosa County's cotton and peanuts farms. See the damage.
Louisiana opens enrollment for 274,000 Medicaid recipients who must switch plans
Healthy Blue, offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and Elevance Health, is pulling out of Louisiana’s Medicaid program at the end of the year.
Scientists are finding AI may make us remember things that never happened
Studies show that artificial intelligence can distort memories, raising questions about what happens when machines become keepers of the past.
Scientists are finding AI may make us remember things that never happened
Studies show that artificial intelligence can distort memories, raising questions about what happens when machines become keepers of the past.
Adding fuel to the fire: Trump’s diesel deal stokes European concerns
The U.S.-Russia agreement is leading to deepening worries for Europe about the long-term future of its partnership with America.
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Chinese travel agents advertising North Korea business trips on social media
Chinese travel agents are openly promoting North Korea trips for business delegations on social media, NK News has found, highlighting what appear to be growing opportunities to enter the country despite the ongoing ban on Chinese tourism. The trips to the border city of Rason and Pyongyang include factory and company visits, with dedicated North […]
New £24m children's healthcare facility opens
It brings clinical care and child health technology development under one roof, say hospital bosses.
How did political campaigns get so expensive?
The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and it’s gearing up to be the most expensive election in American history. So how did we get here, where every election feels more expensive than the last? Today on the show, we’re exploring what’s causing the flood of money into our politics. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen –Bad economics, smart politics –Over 2,000 episodes in our archive on the NPR AppConnect with The Indicator from Planet Money–The Indicator newsletter — a weekly roundup of news, ideas and staff picks. –Instagram, TikTok and YouTube –Find the Planet Money book –Find the Planet Money game, Sell Me A Sasquatch, and other merch at the NPR Shop!Support public media by subscribing to NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Pay for performance, not for politics
The North Carolina General Assembly approved substantial pay increases for public schoolteachers earlier this year. If a bipartisan commission has its way, teacher compensation will soar over the next few
Dennis Krause Blog: Brewers on verge of pennant
This Brewers team wants it. They will not be denied. They are one win away from the franchise’s first World Series since 1982.
New Business Spotlight: Hair Haven & Co. and The Hive bring beauty and entrepreneurship to North Knoxville
Two local entrepreneurs are bringing a fresh approach to beauty and self-care in North Knoxville with the opening of Hair Haven & Co. Salon and Spa and The Hive Beauty Supply. Owners Keniya Buley and Breanna Coach celebrated their businesses with a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony September 11 at 2902 Tazewell Pike, Suite D, in the […]
Paʻūpili Lahaina 3rd Saturdays brings music, culture and community together on Oct. 17
The spirit of community continues to thrive in Lahaina as Paʻūpili Lahaina 3rd Saturdays returns on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lahaina United Methodist Church. The free, family-friendly gathering invites residents and visitors to spend the day enjoying Hawaiian culture, live music, hands-on activities, and opportunities to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and the greater Lahaina community.
Treasury shows off new Trump dollar coin, urges Americans to spend it at liberal coffee shops
U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach challenged Americans to use the new Trump dollar coins at liberal coffee shops in a Treasury Department TikTok video.
Penguins’ Nick Robertson Decision Confounds After Maple Leafs Trade
The Pittsburgh Penguins made it a point this offseason to acquire Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs. And early in the year, the Penguins showed how much they like Robertson — they gave him time on the first line with Sidney Crosby. Now, though, Robertson has apparently been demoted in recent games. His minutes […] The post Penguins’ Nick Robertson Decision Confounds After Maple Leafs Trade appeared first on HEAVY.
Quinn Ellis praised by Rick Pitino for playing ‘like a veteran’ in St. John’s preseason win
He scored only three points in St. John’s exhibition opener Wednesday night, but coach Rick Pitino came away impressed by his new point guard anyway.
Kauai residents hope reopening of state park will boost business after hurricane
Community partners consider the reopening of Ha'ena State Park a milestone that could add momentum to the island’s long road to recovery.
Employer Compliance Guide to 2027 Open Enrollment for Health and Welfare Benefits
It’s that time of year again – employers are gearing up for the administrative marathon known as open enrollment season, when employees revisit their benefit plan choices for the upcoming plan year. This critical period consistently highlights the many complex rules applicable to employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. We’ll cover five key legal considerations for employers and share practical takeaways to help you stay compliant.
Spencer Cox Talks Polarization, Outrage Politics, and the Future of Bipartisanship at IOP
Governor Spencer Cox (R-Utah.) spoke to Institute of Politics (IOP) Founding Director David Axelrod about his efforts to promote collaboration and debate across party lines at International House on Monday. This past year, Cox published Off Ramp: How To Be A Peacemaker In An Age Of Contempt, a book outlining his blueprint for depolarization in...
Mad about Science: Oakville blobs » Sandpoint Reader
By Brenden BobbyReader Columnist We continue through October with another instance of unsolved mysteries. This is a story with twists and turns, and the potential of a massive government cover-up happening right in the...
Turkish-Japanese science university opens in Ankara
At Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University, about 100 Turkish students will study artificial intelligence, earthquakes and other fields.
OPINION: Tired of political spam texts and emails? It's only going to get worse.
OPINION: Tired of political spam texts and emails? It’s only going to get worse. Read more at The Nevada Independent.
The Far-Left Firebrand Who Wants to Upend France’s Politics—and Cancel Its Debt
Jean-Luc Mélenchon has seized on student demonstrations and transformed himself into a real contender for France’s highest office.
Vance’s Talarico Attacks Show His Penchant for Personal Broadsides
At a rally in Texas, the vice president suggested the Democratic Senate nominee is gay, a comment criticized as homophobic.
Billy Crystal distrusts God after Palisades fire, Rob Reiner death
Billy Crystal opens up about the loss of his Pacific Palisades home and longtime friend Rob Reiner, ahead of the debut of his one-man Broadway show “860.”
Alaska Science Forum time capsule: Hardwood, softwood, fuelwood
Note: After finally cleaning my stovepipe last weekend, it feels like woodstove season at my cabin can officially (and safely) begin. Carla Helfferich wrote this wood power-focused Alaska Science Forum column on Oct. 3, 1990. — Sara Wilbur
State Board OKs deficit spending for Boise State sports
One board member pointed to two choices: Approve the $18 million plan or “basically put a bullet in Bronco sports.”
‘Politics for profit’ or ‘pure fiction’: Opening statements aired in corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
Ex-Mayor Sheng Thao betrayed Oakland by making herself “open for business” to illegal bribes before stepping foot into the mayor’s office, federal prosecutors declared Wednesday at the start of a federal corruption trial…
Applications now open for Hurricane Lowell business recovery grants
Onetime grants of $5,000 or $10,000 are available for eligible non-agricultural small businesses and nonprofits that experienced physical damage or economic losses caused directly by Hurricane Lowell; will be awarded on first-come, first-served basis, so those interested encouraged to apply quickly.
Ozempic and Wegovy linked to rare risk of sudden vision loss
Popular diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to a slightly increased risk of a rare condition that can cause sudden, potentially permanent vision loss. Although the risk remains very low, Rutgers researchers say the findings warrant attention as millions of people turn to GLP-1 medications.
Your Business Probably Has More Data Than Insight by Nathan Tayloe
Most businesses know more about themselves than they ever have. Leaders have access to financial reports, sales pipelines, customer data, employee metrics, website analytics, and dashboards for almost every part of the organization. CRMs track every stage of the sales process. Marketing platforms report results in real time. AI can analyze and summarize enormous amounts of information in seconds. Yet I've sat in plenty of meetings where all of that information is available, and some of the most important questions are still surprisingly difficult to answer. What's actually working? Why are customers choosing us? Where are we losing opportunities? What should we do differently? Having the data and understanding what it means are two very different things. More Information Doesn't Always Create More Clarity Over the past decade, businesses have invested heavily in visibility, and that's a good thing. We can understand performance with a level of detail that would have been unimaginable not long ago. But there's an unintended consequence. The easier something becomes to measure, the easier it is to assume it must be important. Website traffic goes up, so that looks positive. Leads increase, so marketing appears to be working. Sales activity climbs, so the pipeline looks healthy. Maybe. The numbers tell us what happened. Understanding why it happened, whether it matters, and what we should do next still requires judgment. Not Everything That Matters Fits on a Dashboard Consider a customer who ultimately contacts your company through Google. The data may attribute that lead to search. What it may not show is that the customer heard about you from a colleague six months earlier, saw your company mentioned in an industry publication, followed one of your employees on LinkedIn, and read several reviews before finally searching for your company. Google may have produced the click. It didn't necessarily create the decision. This happens throughout a business. Some of the things that matter most are difficult to reduce to a single metric: Why your best customers stay Why talented employees choose your company Why a prospect trusts one provider over another Why one service is gaining momentum while another isn't Why the market perceives your business the way it does Data can help answer those questions, but it needs context. Better Decisions Start With Better Questions One of the easiest traps for leaders is starting with the information in front of them rather than the decision they're trying to make. Instead of opening a dashboard and asking, "What does the data show?" it can be more useful to start with a different set of questions: What are we trying to understand? What decision are we trying to make? What would we need to know to make that decision confidently? That changes the role of data. Instead of looking at every number available and searching for meaning, you're using information to understand something specific about the business. Information Still Requires Judgment More sophisticated analytics and AI will continue to give leaders access to better information, faster. That's valuable, but I don't think it reduces the importance of experience and judgment. If anything, it increases it. Someone still has to decide which numbers deserve attention, which patterns matter, what context might be missing, and when the data isn't telling the whole story. The goal isn't to know more about your business simply because you can. It's to understand your business well enough to make better decisions. Good data can tell you what happened. Good leadership has to decide what it means. — Learn more about how we help organizations turn business, customer, and marketing insights into smarter strategies at tayloegray.com, or reach out directly at nathan@tayloegray.com.
She Was in the Best Health of Her Life. Then Came Breast Cancer
At 40, Miami Pilates instructor Monica Larcada was active, health-conscious and feeling better than ever. When she discovered a breast lump, however, she acted immediately. Her diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma launched an intensive treatment journey — and changed the way she thinks about health, strength and gratitude.
A New Space Telescope Opens Its Eyes to the Universe
Space news headlines feature lots of SpaceX: crewed launches to the International Space Station, satellite launches, tests of the Super Heavy booster and Starship spacecraft. The way my least favorite […]
California Science Center announces early reservations to see space shuttle Endeavour
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public on Nov. 13.
Regional efforts are needed to address longstanding behavioral health challenges on the Western Slope, report shows
Over the years, Colorado’s Western Slope has developed a range of services to address the region’s behavioral health challenges. Longstanding challenges with funding uncertainty, provider shortages and gaps in care, however, have limited their ability...
Regional efforts are needed to address longstanding behavioral health challenges on the Western Slope, report shows
Over the years, Colorado’s Western Slope has developed a range of services to address the region’s behavioral health challenges. Longstanding challenges with funding uncertainty, provider shortages and gaps in care, however, have limited their ability...
Layoffs and business closures loom as tens of thousands of skill games become illegal
Joe Rocca’s business effectively ended Wednesday as the enforcement of Pennsylvania’s skill games ban began. Rocca, owner of Rite Touch Distribution...
‘Politics as Profit’ or ‘Pure Fiction’: Bribery Trial of Ex-Oakland Mayor Kicks Off
In the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, prosecutors claimed Thao put her political power up for sale, while defense attorneys attempted to impeach the government’s star witness.
Kansas business owner sentenced for spending employee’s tax withholdings on cars, mansions and gambling
A Kansas business owner has been sentenced to prison for employment tax crimes.
Documents: Years of noncompliance, complaints at Kalamazoo-area mental health hospital
Kalamazoo Behavioral Health Hospital, a 64-bed psychiatric facility southwest of the city, opened its doors in late 2024. Two years later, it may be forced to shut down after dozens of patients were hospitalized due to injuries sustained at the facility.
"Ridiculously expensive": Massachusetts computer repair shop seeing uptick in business as costs rise
Applications open for Hurricane Lowell business recovery grants
The Kauai Hurricane Lowell program will offer one-time grants of $5K or $10K to eligible non-agricultural small businesses and nonprofits.
The Painters Cottage opens in downtown Leesburg
Celebrating their passion for the arts, three friends have teamed up to open The Painters Cottage at 23 N. King St. in Leesburg.
Gainesville businesses propose opening new courthouse parking garage during off-hours
Business owners want Alachua County to open the garage on nights and weekends
Compete in Creative Living at Southwest Florida Ag Expo
Registration for the Southwest Florida Ag Expo’s popular Creative Living Competition opened Thursday, Oct. 1. This free competition celebrates the creativity and skills of Southwest Florida residents, offering an opportunity
Big Top Xtreme Opens in Pine Bluff Bringing Family Entertainment and New Attractions After Six Years of Development
Big Top Xtreme officially celebrated its grand opening in Pine Bluff on Wednesday, October 14th, marking the completion of a six-year effort to transform a former property into a family entertainment destination featuring go-karts, miniature golf, paintball, arcade games and Big Banjo Pizza. City officials, […]
Michael Penix Jr. fully practices despite injury
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. fully takes part in practice Wednesday
Developer Who Cloned Photoshop With AI Just Did the Same to Microsoft Office
Developer Brandon Thomas used Anthropic's Claude to build free, open-source replicas of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
The Cincinnati Chamber needs to worry more about Kroger than Blink
Opinion: Blink makes Cincinnati shine. What happens when the lights go out?
Scientists identify avian cholera as major cause of penguin deaths in Antarctica
Thousands of Adélie penguins found dead in Antarctica in 2024 were primarily victims of avian cholera, not high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5N1) as researchers initially suspected, according to a ...
Planetary genealogy: Milky Way worlds belong to 1 of 2 ‘families,’ scientists find
"There is a genetic link between planetary systems and their stars, and that, depending on the star around which they are born, this link also determines their fate."
Nominations open for 2026 Iowa Business Hall of Fame
The Greater Des Moines Committee is accepting nominations for the 2026 Iowa Business Hall of Fame, which recognizes business leaders whose leadership, accomplishments and service have made a lasting impact on Iowa’s economy and communities. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Nov. 13 and may be submitted by members of the Greater Des Moines…
Basalt to host business roundtables for community
The town of Basalt is inviting local business owners to join Basalt Town Manager Gloria Kaasch-Buerger and Basalt Chamber President and CEO Kris Mattera for an open dialogue about the business climate and local economy.
The iPhone Duo's screen repair costs make Samsung foldables look like a bargain
Apple has revealed its iPhone Duo repair prices, with inner display damage costing $999 and other repairs potentially reaching $1,499.
Salt Lake City opened a new bike lane this year. A local business owner wants it gone
A local business owner is working on a petition over a new bike trail that Salt Lake City completed this year.
Ubisoft plans cuts at German studios, adding to wave of workforce reductions
Ubisoft is planning to reduce its workforce in Germany, where it operates a trio of studios, by about 100 workers, Game File has learned. The company wants to offer employees buyouts to, should enough people accept, avoid having to lay anyone off. “In Germany, we initiated discussions with the Works Council last week regarding a proposed voluntary departure plan across Ubisoft Dusseldorf, Ubisoft Berlin & Ubisoft Mainz,” a company rep told Game File. A “works council” is a union-like group representing employees. “The voluntary plan is the primary measure being proposed to support the intended organizational changes,” the Ubisoft rep added. The company declined to confirm the scale of the potential headcount cut. Of the impacted studios, Mainz might be the best known to the public. It leads development of the Anno series and shipped the well-reviewed strategy game Anno 117: Pax Romana in November 2025. Berlin and Dusseldorf operate as support studios within Ubisoft’s creative network. Berlin recently supported the development of Rainbow Six Siege and the Rayman Legends Retold remake. Dusseldorf also contributed to those projects, as well as The Settlers and Ubisoft-branded escape rooms. Dusseldorf is the biggest of the three studios, with some 400+ workers, compared to just over 100 at the other two, a source familiar with the reductions and the teams told Game File. More than half of these new reductions of about 100 people are expected to happen at Dusseldorf. The planned cuts were announced at a town hall for the German studios on Tuesday of last week. In an email follow-up, the studio group’s managing director, Benedikt Grindel, said the cuts were intended to “best position our German studios for the future... with a clearer focus on their role, capabilities and organizational setup needed for the work ahead.” The email was an echo of the past. In January 2025, Grindel had emailed the Ubisoft developers in his region (or studio “zone”) to explain that a round of 185 cuts at the time, including about 65 at Dusseldorf, were “essential to improve our operational efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of our studios, the zone and the company.” A half-decade of continued job cuts Ubisoft has been aggressively cutting its headcount for years. At the end of September 2022, it had 20,729 workers. By the end of March 2026, that total was down to 16,590. Studio management is trying to trim costs as it grapples with a changing industry and a drought of releases, let alone hits. The company announced earlier this year that it had reduced its costs since 2022 by “nearly €325 million” ($362m) and planned to lower them through 2028 by another €180 million ($200m). In June the company said it was closing down its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios and cutting roles in its Barcelona team. Even commercial and creative success hasn’t spared studios from this ongoing company-wide contraction. As Game File was nailing down details around the proposed cuts in Germany, Ubisoft management was informing workers of cuts in its Singapore studio, which shipped a hit remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag this past July. Some 70 positions in Singapore are being eliminated “to align the studio with upcoming production needs,” per a company rep’s statement to Game File. In early 2024, a large team in the Singapore studio launched the multiplayer pirate game Skull & Bones. It performed poorly but has been supported with regular content updates since. Many of Ubisoft’s studios around the world are heavily subsidized via regional grants and tax breaks. Singapore had been among them for years, but received no such local assistance in the 12 months ending this past March. News of the Singapore cuts broke today alongside word that Ubisoft is also proposing the closure of RedLynx, pending negotiations with officials. The Finnish studio behind the motorbike series Trials was founded in 2000 and sold to Ubisoft in 2011. As reported by VGC (and corroborated by Game File), Ubisoft management told employees it could not come up with a new, sustainable assignment for RedLynx. The 2025 workforce at Ubisoft Dusseldorf were straight-up cuts. This time, Ubisoft is hoping the reductions at its trio of German studios will largely come from workers taking a payout to leave. The company offered such voluntary dismissals at its Massive Entertainment studio (The Division) a year ago. For the German studios’ buyouts this time around, Ubisoft and the Works Council had discussed a formula that’d pay a worker’s monthly salary multiplied by 1.5 and by the number of years they’ve worked at the company, according to Game File sources. The formula is still subject to negotiations with the Works Council and has not yet been part of an official offer to workers. It could be adjusted up or down, and it could be supplemented with additional bonuses. Asked about the floated payout formula, a Ubisoft rep told Game File, “The terms of a potential voluntary departure program remain subject to negotiation with employee representatives. No final agreement has been reached, and we won’t comment on specific proposals while discussions are ongoing.” Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: Epic’s AI adventures Epic Games (Fortnite, the Unreal engine) is all-in on using AI to try to transform the way it makes video games and game-making tools. It’s leaders appear to be undeterred by any resistance among gamers and some game developers around generative AI—and instead emboldened by advances, particularly in AI-assisted programming. A recap of the last three days: On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Epic management told workers last week that development of an upcoming game combining Star Wars and Marvel characters would be “AI first.” Employees would be expected to use AI models such as Claude to code the game. A manager told Epic’s developers there would be “[n]o more hand-written code” and that art for the game would be “generated with full AI workflows,” per the outlet. Just ahead of that story running, Epic founder Tim Sweeney tweeted: “We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration. The aim isn’t to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal.” In a follow-up, Sweeney predicted that most game development processes would be at least three times faster a year from now than they were in January 2026, thanks to AI. To a person on X who told him he was failing to read the room, Sweeney said: “Much of the room wants it to be 2016 again, but it’s not. Our job, as the provider of tools and technology to much of the industry, is to design for the present that is and the future that will soon be.” On Wednesday, Epic announced it was releasing a faster launcher for its Epic Games Store marketplace. It did so by stating in a blog post as clear as could be that the launcher is an AI-enabled, vibe-coded project: Programming is hard. So, instead of doing that, we vibe coded a new Epic Games Launcher that’s way faster and more responsive than the current one, and has a new look. Programming is hard? That was unexpected phrasing from a company founded by a legendarily great programmer. Back in 2011, Sweeney told me that he’d picked up programming quickly as a kid and rejoiced at the power it gave him. “I could look at any program that anybody else had written and, with enough effort, build something cooler.” Item 3: The Xbox Labs experiment (and one of the people behind it) Microsoft’s Xbox division, which is flooding the zone with announcements lately, yesterday revealed a new internal tech-tinkering team called Xbox Labs. In the words of Xbox boss Asha Sharma Labs is “a small group of game makers, engineers and scientists whose job is to turn emerging ideas into things our players and developers can experience.” Conventional wisdom coming out of the announcement is that Labs is a team that’ll focus on ideas driven by generative AI. In her announcement, Sharma cited some of the dizzying achievements in tech and gaming over the past month as AI agents and other AI tools have been deployed to swiftly figure out how popular games work, then rebuild them and mix them up. She mentioned seeing ”games rapidly decompiled and rebuilt to run on hardware they were never originally designed to support” and said “[p]erhaps more surprisingly, we’ve seen many of the biggest games in the world have been remixed into the source code of another.” (Minecraft plus Elden Ring, for example, or Fortnite + Super Monkey Ball + Overwatch + Diablo + others.) Sharma also cited the work of Windows PC games being ported to run in browsers, a seeming reference to a recent AI-assisted fan port of Halo. Or perhaps Call of Duty or GTA. Sharma didn’t use the specific term “AI” in her memo, but she came close, citing AI “agents” and their potential for game-making tools that Labs could help craft: I think XBOX has an important role to play here. Coding became the first major workload for agents because they can write, run, and test software. Games share many of those same properties, and people spend more than 72 billion hours a year playing XBOX games, roughly five times the estimated time spent writing code worldwide. We’ve spent 25 years learning how to make great games, and I want our game makers to help shape what these new technologies make possible. As we learn, we’ll share the tools we build with developers across the industry, just as we always have. When I asked an Xbox rep if Labs was an AI-centric team, they said genAI was not the focus, describing it as having a broader mandate for using new tech in new ways in gaming. As an example, they pointed to Xbox’s recently launched disc-to-digital gaming usage rights program. Microsoft didn’t specifically name anyone involved full-time in Xbox Labs yesterday, but on social media and LinkedIn, I spotted Adrian Mato IDing himself as leading the creatio of tools at Labs and talking up the launch. Mato first caught my attention in late September, when he said on X that he was “starting to build a new team at Xbox focused on products and tools for how games get built and distributed as agentic tools become more capable.” At the time, he framed AI-based tools as a supplement to traditional game dev tools. “I don’t think we need to replace them,” he said. Since then, he’s publicly shown interest in AI and in games. He’s recently spent some of his X feed marveling at the power of AI agents and praising the lighting in the latest Gears of War. Following the Labs announcement yesterday, he enthused about the Xbox Labs’ stylish landing page. He wrote: “We built some fun tools to art-direct shaders in real time, experimented with interactive ASCII art, and sprinkled in lots of tiny details. “Move your mouse to leave a colorful trail that reveals the original footage, or interact with the video to trigger bursts of particles. “A lot of love went into making it all feel just right. “More to come”
As measles surges, Pennsylvania doctors are seeing what the virus can do to kids
The virus is proving it can attack multiple organs, including the gut, liver, lungs and brain, even in children who were previously healthy.
Michigan Is a Way Better Group, Jason Beck Says
Jason Beck says Michigan's offense is a way better group than what's happening on the field. #GoBlue
MIT-TASC seeks future tribal leaders with advanced science camp
Applications for the 2027 Tulsa Advanced Sciences Camp, ran by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, opens Oct. 14 for Native American high school students.
D.C. is spending billions on sports venues. Experts say the financial return isn't guaranteed
D.C. has already invested billions into building a new football stadium and renovating Capital One Arena. As the District considers new projects, George Mason University Professor Terry Clower explains why sports stadiums aren't always a sure bet.
Litecoin Shows How Multi-Rail Business Payments Are Taking Shape
Payment infrastructure is becoming a broader business decision as companies collect money through digital channels and connect those transactions with established financial operations.
Aged aircraft exhaust poses a rising threat to human health
Fine particulate matter consists of tiny particles with diameters in the nanometer range. They are produced, for example, by fuel combustion, remain suspended in the air and can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract.
League Classic to go offline in January 2027
The return to old-school League of Legends will be shorter than some fans hoped, as Riot Games prepares to end the current version of League Classic while leaving the door open for a comeback.
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER TO OPEN ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ON OCTOBER 21, 2026 FOR THE SAMUEL OSCHIN AIR AND SPACE CENTER, HOME OF SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR
/PRNewswire/ -- The California Science Center announced today that advance reservations for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the permanent home of Space...
Penn State's Matt Campbell Delivers Strong Message to Recruits
Head coach Matt Campbell has a bold message for recruits on what Penn State is like compared to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns.
Midterm Election Ad Spending Topped $10 Billion, and It’s Still Rising
The campaign is set to be more expensive than the 2024 presidential election cycle, and has already exceeded the ad total booked by the N.F.L. last season.
NASA Roman Team Checks Out Main Instrument, Sharpens Telescope’s Focus
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope team completed a marathon of activities to fine-tune the observatory’s vision and prepare the primary instrument for
White House economic chief reveals why Americans aren't feeling optimistic about economy
White House advisor Kevin Hassett says rising energy costs contributed to disappointing inflation data, while bank executives report that consumers continue to spend.
The Political Beat Candidate Guide: Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation Board
Incumbent Barbara Bleiweis is running for reelection. She faces Michael Betterly, Makenzie Pearce and Long Tran. Jillian King will also appear on the ballot, but her campaign has been suspended.
YouTube is upending Hollywood — and Alphabet might be the best entertainment bet
The creator economy has turned the entertainment industry on its head this year, with YouTubers now directing box-office hits. Are entertainment giants like Disney (DIS) and Netflix (NFLX) still the stocks to buy? Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management CEO Ross Gerber and his expert panel weigh in on the rise of creator-led projects taking hold in the film industry. Today's Market Hang panel consists of Yahoo Finance's Julie Hyman, Business Insider Today executive editor Dan DeFrancesco, Baird investment strategist Ross Mayfield, and SlateStone Wealth partner and chief market strategist Kenny Polcari.
New K-12 science curriculum scrutinized; December vote by Board of Ed expected
Education Commissioner Henry Mack spent part of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting trying to set the record straight on the department’s initiative to re-write science standards for public schools. The standards, which have not been updated since 2008, are undergoing public review. A stop on a “listening tour” for the standards is scheduled for the […]
Busy Philipps shares health update after brain tumor diagnosis
Busy Philipps, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, opened up about the health scare during a recent appearance on the \
Fighting off microbial invasions drains plants' iron stores, but one protein helps restore balance
Energy production in our cells, oxygen traveling in our blood and immune cells fighting infection all depend on iron, an essential mineral that enters the food chain when plants absorb it from soil. But ...
Low-Income Countries’ Push For Climate Money For Health Meets German Pushback Ahead Of COP31
BERLIN – Germany's top climate civil servant pushed back on Monday against a call from the world's poorest countries for more climate finance for health. The money fight of COP31 opens officially in Antalya, Türkiye, next month. In the halls of the World Health Summit in Berlin, it's already started.
Space Shuttle Endeavour: Reservations open next week to see exhibit
Reservations for the California Science Center’s new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, home to Space Shuttle Endeavour, open Oct. 21.
TENNESSEE VOLS BASKETBALL: Exhibition with Xavier opens season
The Tennessee men's basketball team is set to take the floor at Food City Center for the first time in the 2026-27 season Thursday as it hosts the Xavier Musketeers in a preseason exhibition contest. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Ashwagandha's real problem: Consistency, not science
Ashwagandha faces regulatory scrutiny, but science backs its safety. The real issue is inconsistent testing and standards — not root vs. leaf.
TENNESSEE LADY VOLS SOCCER: Arkansas is coming to town
Tennessee soccer opens a two-match homestand on Thursday night as the Lady Vols welcome SEC foe Arkansas to Regal Soccer Stadium for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff.
Open for Business: Osteria Sierra, Tahoe Provisions inside Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Osteria Sierra offers a modern take on Italian cuisine.
Samsung Galaxy phones can't tell if they're connected to Bluetooth or not
Samsung Galaxy phones are experiencing a problem that is causing the volume slider to show the incorrect icons.
Blessing Health System to host free Medicare 101 event in Quincy
QUINCY, Ill. — As Medicare open enrollment begins Thursday, Blessing Health System is offering a free presentation to help community members better understand their coverage options.
NASA’s SpaceX resupply mission delivers science experiments and solar arrays to space station
NASA’s latest resupply mission has successfully launched towards the ISS, carrying thousands of pounds of supplies, scientific equipment and new technology
Brewers' Woodruff Takes Major Step in Potential Return
After avoiding a season-ending surgery, the Milwaukee Brewers veteran's successful bullpen session in Los Angeles ignites hope for a miraculous postseason return.
Ex-employee shot at Mahaffey-area septic service business to 'send a message,' PSP alleges
Pennsylvania State Police say a Mahaffey man is facing attempted homicide charges, accused of firing more than two dozen shots at multiple businesses, including
Positive Quail Surveys Signal Another Successful Season Ahead
uail season kicks off Nov. 1, and the annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) roadside survey signaled good population numbers going into opening day. Good habitat conditions, along with timely rainfall, helped bobwhite and scaled quail production.
Simple math can predict when AI is about to go rogue, physicists say
A new mathematical formula tracks an AI's internal "compass needle" to flag undesirable outputs before they happen.