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Week 1 fantasy tight end rankings: Top TE streamers, starts
Chicago's Colston Loveland finished strong last season and became one of the top tight ends in this year's fantasy drafts. Where does he rank Week 1?
Google Chrome starts two-week release cycle with version 153
As previewed earlier this year, Google Chrome is now operating on a two-week release cycle. Previously, Chrome received...
Ballon d’Or nominee list revealed
The nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or have been revealed. The winner of the award, organised by France Football, will be announced in Paris on 26th October. Ousmane Dembélé won the award last...
Wimbledon refusing to credential influencers after US Open drama
Like a Biblical plague that descended upon Egypt, influencers have crashed the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing Meadows this year. The final tennis major of the season has become mostly about everything but the tennis. The US Open invited 100 influencers and content creators, nearly doubling the number invited from last year. Videos are…
Apple Acquires Startup Working on 'Breakthrough Sensing Technology'
Earlier this year, Apple acquired California-based startup Sonera, according to a notice published today on the European Commission's website. Sonera previously announced that it had developed "breakthrough sensing technology" that "non-invasively measures magnetic fields" generated by the brain and body. The company said its technology can analyze neural data without direct skin contact, giving it an advantage over traditional electrical sensing techniques.
Spirit Halloween stores are already open for the fall season. See southeast Louisiana locations.
As the fall season approaches, Spirit Halloween stores are popping up seemingly overnight. Here’s where to find the costume shop this year.
Bouaddi on Young Talent of the Year shortlist
Summer signing Ayyoub Bouaddi has been nominated for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Women's Team Jeglertz on Women’s Coach of the Year Ballon d��...
Apple will quickly become a dominant player in folding phones
Counterpoint Research has predicted that global foldable phone shipments will surpass 100 million units by the end of this year,...
NFL power rankings Week 1: Did a Super Bowl 60 teams miss top five?
As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, last year's two best teams already find themselves looking up at this year's apparent challengers.
🚨 Best women's and men's coach: Ballon d'Or nominees
Who will succeed Sarina Wiegman and Luis Enrique? This year, too, the Ballon d'Or will once again award the honors for Best Men’s Coach and Best Women’s Coach. The nominees have just been announce...
The strong summer may be a good sign for theaters this year
Hollywood's biggest summer box office ever, powered by "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," has analysts betting on a $10-billion year.
Bakewell aims to settle some unfinished business at the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship
The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Championship at the Kissimmee Chain features a sterling field, and while everyone in the field has the talent to win, there are a handful of favorites. But most of those high on the list aren’t from Florida – this year’s Toyota Series event on Kissimmee was won by Northeasterner Alec Morrison, and […]
Streaming ad loads are increasing this year on Netflix, Hulu, and more
Ad-supported streaming services are showing more commercials per hour amid a profit push in Hollywood.
Zverev eases into US Open quarter-finals
Top seed Alexander Zverev has reached the quarter-finals of the US Open to become the only man to reach the last eight at all four Grand Slams this year. The French Open winner advanced after a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) win over Italy's Luciano Darderi on Monday evening.
Seahawks D/ST No. 1 overall in Yahoo Sports rankings for 2026
The Seahawks have much talent on defense and special teams that make their unit an elite one in fantasy football this year, perhaps above the field.
Rosanne Cash postpones shows due to medical emergency
Johnny Cash’s eldest daughter, 71, still has several tour dates remaining this year.
Arch Manning ‘excited’ for another chance against Ohio State
Last year, Arch Manning began his first full season as a starter with the Texas Longhorns with a matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It did not go the way he wanted, but now he gets a chance to bounce back against the same team this year. On Saturday, the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes head…
Steelers news: Mike McCarthy's intriguing captains decision for 2026 season
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently gearing up to kick off the upcoming 2026 NFL season. The Steelers this year will see the reunion of head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who won a Super Bowl together well over a decade ago with the Green Bay Packers. Now, McCarthy has made an interesting decision regarding the Steelers’ team […] The post Steelers news: Mike McCarthy's intriguing captains decision for 2026 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Midterm elections head into the home stretch as candidates attend Labor Day events
This year’s campaigns already have been combative, busy and expensive.
DOCO to welcome 810 Entertainment, offering dining, bowling and games
(FOX40.COM) — Sacramento’s Downtown Commons is set to welcome 810 Entertainment, offering food-forward dining, bowling, entertainment and more later this year. Although 810 Entertainment has …
Cowboys RB Handed First Career Fine in League Discipline
Malik Davis went from an undrafted afterthought to the Dallas Cowboys‘ primary backup running back this summer. He signed with the team in 2022 and built momentum last season by appearing in 10 games, rushing for 250 yards and two touchdowns. He took the next step during this year’s preseason, securing the definitive No. 2 […] The post Cowboys RB Handed First Career Fine in League Discipline appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Plans presented for new White Sox ballpark
Justin Ishbia, the prospective owner of Major League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox, has revealed renderings for a proposed mixed-use district that would include a new ballpark for the team. The development, dubbed The Railyards, would be located in the South Loop neighbourhood of the city. It emerged earlier this year that Ishbia was in the
Why Yankees Aren’t Playing on Labor Day Holiday
National holidays feel like days when baseball should be played. It’s a bit like another Sunday, a chance to play ball in the afternoon and get fans out to the stadium in the sunshine. Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 7, on the late side this year but still a holiday and still one of those […] The post Why Yankees Aren’t Playing on Labor Day Holiday appeared first on HEAVY.
Is Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) Stock Outpacing Its Business Services Peers This Year?
Here is how Healthcare Services (HCSG) and Marsh (MRSH) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
iPhone 18 Pro: Nine Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year
Apple is set to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a design that's largely similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a peppering of enhancements inside. Major changes are not expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone.
Two Native-run clinics will expand in Minneapolis this fall
An Indian Health Board site and a Native American Community Clinic are both expanding their Franklin Avenue locations this year adding more health care options in the city’s Native cultural corridor.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword has already sold over 1 million copies
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a certified hit, one of several for Capcom this year.
Finland to brief political parties on classified defence shortcomings
The government is preparing a significant number of security-related bills for Parliament this year
Labor Day 2026: North Carolina ranks best for business economy, dead last for workers
North Carolina is consistently ranked among America’s top states for business. But a new ranking by Oxfam lists the state dead last in this year’s 2026 Best States to Work Index. Oxfam, a global nonpr...
Labor Day 2026: North Carolina ranks best for business economy, dead last for workers
North Carolina is ranked among "America’s Top States for Business.” But a new ranking by Oxfam lists the state dead last in this year's 2026 Best States to Work Index.
Will the Trump administration send federal officers or troops to the polls? Here’s what we know
With less than two months to go until this year’s midterm elections, Democrats are becoming increasingly unnerved about the possibility of President Donald Trump deploying federal immigration officers or troops to polling places.
Busan Biennale 2026: a ‘Dissident Chorus’ of sound, art and politics
This year, South Korea’s oldest biennale explores politics through sound, performance and art, but does it truly challenge the status quo?
The science behind the beauty business
Some of Europe’s industrial champions may be in retreat, but its cosmetics sector remains a global leader, buoyed by healthy demand, recognised brands and a reputation for innovation."The fact is, the science in cosmetics is better here in Europe than anywhere else in the world,” says Pierre Morvan, CEO of Technature, a private label cosmetics manufacturer located near Brest in France’s northwestern Brittany region. “You have to have good science in order to make the difference, and that is why we invest so much in research and innovation.”Across Europe, the beauty and skincare products sector supports an estimated 3.6 million jobs, including 265,000 employed directly in the industry, according to the Cosmetics Europe trade group.. Cosmetics production contributes an estimated €11 billion to the EU economy, and generated €30 billion in export revenue last year, a €400 million rise from 2024.Technature itself has a global footprint, supplying products for 1,500 brands in 65 countries. Its range of skin gels, facial masks, nail treatments and other products include natural ingredients and extracts derived from plants, such as seaweed, that are developed and refined through science-based analysis and testing.While industry projections point to sustained growth for the foreseeable future, driven by emerging economies and wider availability of exclusive brands that were once chiefly sold by high street retailers, the sector is not immune to the impact of geopolitics and trade wars. The Trump Administration’s tariff threats have dented cosmetics exports to the EU industry's largest overseas market. After the European Parliament approved the EU-US Turnberry Agreement in June, setting a 15% levy on many EU goods, the French Federation of Beauty Companies warned that “exports are falling sharply” and urged the EU to negotiate an opt-out for cosmetics.Technature’s CEO flags South Korea as an emerging competitor, partly due to its assertive marketing efforts. “I would have to say I am a little bit scared,” Morvan says, regarding the growth potential of the South Korean cosmetics industry. “This is why science and innovation are so important if Europe is to remain the leader.”With a workforce of 200, including biologists, chemists and other scientists, around 15% of Technature’s staff work in three research and development (R&D) labs. A similar number work in four quality control and assurance facilities, where science plays a crucial in ensuring product safety in a sector that is subject to the European Cosmetics Regulation.Educational exchange between industry and academiaIn recognition of Technature’s research and innovation, Morvan was selected as one of Brest’s ambassadors to Science Comes to Town (SCTT), a European initiative to strengthen communications and understanding between science and society. Brest is one of three coastal cities in the EU-funded programme, alongside Split (in Croatia) and Kiel (in Germany). From 7-11 September, Brest will host the EU TalentOn contest featuring 100 early-career researchers from across Europe.Morvan appreciates the value of engagement with educational and scientific institutions as well as the home community. For instance, Technature collaborates closely with university partners to enhance its in-house R&D. In addition, it invites students to its labs and sends its own researchers to local institutions. "We absolutely want the students to know what the industry is all about,” Morvan says, noting that seeing science in action can help young people “understand that they can do something real with science, to create something with what they are learning.” He says another important benefit: encouraging new generations of young people to consider a career in cosmetics.Community involvement also raises awareness about Technature and the skincare industry as a whole. “The public gains recognition of the innovative company that we are, and this is important for getting new customers,” Morvan says. One of its recent innovations — tiny, colourful cosmetic pearls that release skin moisturisers on application — was showcased at this year’s VivaTech event in Paris.Morvan holds a master's degree from the Brest Business School and studied animal production and biology in Brest at the University of Western Brittany (UBO), an SCTT partner, and at the University of Tours. He got his start in business in 2002, initially working on using seaweed as a raw material in the food industry before transitioning to cosmetics. Morvan has always been interested in connecting science and business, reflecting one the goals of SCTT to enhance public-private collaboration.The invitation to participate in SCTT was unexpected. “It was a surprise to get a call from the city of Brest saying that they wanted me on this programme,” Morvan recalls, adding that officials were drawn by his company’s R&D. “It's not only theory and science fundamentals. Our science is something that is applicable to the global market — and important for the community.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Assailant lunged at Democratic candidate for Ohio governor Amy Acton at fair, campaign says
The Ohio gubernatorial race is one of the most high-profile races this year as the campaigns enter the final weeks of campaigning before the November election.
92% of Health Providers Want Patients to Prepay
Americans are being asked to pay for costly medical procedures up front. Roughly 92% of U.S. health providers this year are either encouraging prepayment,
Influencers, weed and disruptions stir controversy at U.S. Open
Social media influencers and other spectators are stirring controversy at this year’s U.S. Open, with viral videos, bright lights and other distractions prompting complaints from tennis fans and some of the sport’s biggest stars. The debate intensified during Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova, when people in a courtside suite were seen filming themselves […]
Panthers' Bryce Young Could Be Replaced by Owner David Tepper
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper may be growing tired of Bryce Young and could look to make a change after this year.
Universal Health Services (UHS) Stock Looks Cheap On Earnings While Returns Look Strong
Universal Health Services stock has retreated this year after a solid three year run, yet the broader valuation checks still lean cheap relative to that recent performance. The question for investors is whether the current share price around US$169.65 still reflects enough caution in relation to the company’s fundamentals. Over the past 3 years the stock has returned 30.7%, which suggests the market has already reassessed Universal Health Services more positively over that period. Future...
Local Organizations Seeking $250k in Grants
After announcing a $250,000 grant program earlier this year, the Moore County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) closed the application period on its Tourism Enhancement and Area Marketing (T.E.A.M.) grants, receiving
iPhone 18 colors, Galaxy S27 Ultra camera detailed, Poco F9 series unveiled, Week 36 in review
vivo T5 5g also unveiled. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could get a completely refreshed color palette this year. A new leak claims Apple will offer the...
Steelers CB Compares Upcoming Season to Recent SB Champion
One of the cornerbacks on the Pittsburgh Steelers has compared this year's team to a recent Super Bowl champion.
Wim Wenders clarifies that he does not believe film-makers should stay out of politics
Director’s controversial comments earlier this year warned of films that ‘enter the field of politics’
Country music star was shocked by her own diagnosis: ‘I didn’t even know’
She made the revelation earlier this year.
Country music star was shocked by her own diagnosis: ‘I didn’t even know’
She made the revelation earlier this year.
German director Wenders clarifies views on film and politics
German director Wim Wenders clarified his views about the relationship between filmmakers and politics on Sunday after he caused an outcry at the Berlin film festival earlier this year. Speaking in Venice, where he is presenting a new film about Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the "Paris, Texas" director said he had been misunderstood.
German director Wenders clarifies views on film and politics
German director Wim Wenders clarified his views about the relationship between filmmakers and politics on Sunday after he caused an outcry at the Berlin film festival earlier this year.
German director Wenders clarifies views on film and politics
German director Wim Wenders clarified his views about the relationship between filmmakers and politics on Sunday after he caused an outcry at the Berlin film festival earlier this year.
Wim Wenders Clarifies Stance on Filmmakers and Politics After Berlin
Wim Wenders has clarified his much-discussed statement about filmmakers' role in politics at Berlin Film Festival earlier this year.
Morgan Stanley breaks down elections it's with impact on data centers
Data center developers have run into local opposition across the US this year. Market pros say the bottleneck could be a threat to the AI trade.
10 can’t-miss fall festivals in Mass. this year - including one on Cape Cod
Fall is full of festivals and fairs in Massachusetts, including everything from seafood festivals to harvest celebrations. Here are 10 to check out.
Kenosha car show brings thousands to downtown businesses
Organizers said this year's Kenosha Classic Cruise-In saw record attendance and participants.
Jones defense holds off late Evans surge in Soul Bowl
Jones football coaches have pretty much come to the expectation that the defense is going to win games for the Tigers, at least in the early part of the season. That was quite evident at Evans on Saturday afternoon in this year’s edition of the Soul Bowl. The Jones defense came up with a third-quarter goal-line stand, had seven sacks and added an interception, wreaking havoc on the Trojans’ ...
Floyd County health officials find more mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus
The latest detections bring the total number of West Nile-positive mosquito pools in Floyd County to eight so far this year.
Padres Announce Manny Machado Move During Yankees Series
The San Diego Padres are looking to take the series from the New York Yankees today after a thrilling walk-off win on Friday.San Diego has been battling for playoff positioning this year, now sitting just 0.5 games up on the final wild-card spot in the National League. The Padres have a few weeks left to […] The post Padres Announce Manny Machado Move During Yankees Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Citrus Heights restaurant closed twice this year due to 'vermin infestation'
A local restaurant on Greenback Lane has suffered several failed inspections over the last several months, according to Sacramento County Environmental Management Department documentation. The restaurant is currently open for business...
Baltimore Orioles Provide Next Step for Closer Ryan Helsley
The Baltimore Orioles are hoping to get back right-hander Ryan Helsley this year.
CDFW: Scientists keeping an eye on river conditions to protect winter-and-fall-run salmon
From the Department of Fish and Wildlife As California continues to feel the impacts of a heat dome that is bringing higher than normal temperatures to large portions of the state, it’s a good time to remember that fish and wildlife — especially salmon — need cold water, too. River temperature management is critical for salmon’s survival and spawning. Earlier this year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that commercial ocean salmon fishing was back after being closed for three […]
Faster than Usain Bolt? Here's all the records robot 'athletes' broke at this year's World Humanoid Robot Games in China.
Humanoid robots at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing have outpaced and out-jumped human athletics benchmarks, but the event also revealed how much work remains before they can operate reliably in the real world.
Jim Cramer Says “Own It, Don’t Trade It” as CVS Health Gains Momentum
A caller on the September 2 episode of Mad Money noted that CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) is up 21% this year, sports a 3% dividend, and trades at a 28 valuation compared to its 54 average. Pointing to raised guidance, higher price targets, and a massive capital plan, they asked if it makes sense to […]
There May Not Be an iPhone 18 This Year
Apple is expected to announce several products at its September event next week—including a folding phone—but the iPhone 18 might not be among them. It would be a first for the company.
'Spicy' qualifying expected for Monza: 'More extreme this year'
Racing Bulls' Yuki Tsunoda expects an especially 'spicy' qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix. For the second weekend in a row, Tsunoda is in action in Formula 1.
C.D.C. Says No Deaths This Year Attributed to Measles
The agency’s weekly update escalates a political fight after Pennsylvania said two deaths had been caused by the virus.
iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro, and More: Apple's September 9 Event Preview
Apple's September event will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Apple will announce its 2026 iPhone lineup, and this year is a big one. Along with the slab-style iPhones we've been using for years, Apple is going to debut its first foldable device. We'll also get new Apple Watches, a new set of AirPods, and possibly some other surprises. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
15 discouraging hours with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and 10 brilliant ones with He Who Watches
In the last few weeks, while playing some video games that I might review, I emailed two cries for help. I sent the first to a rep for Capcom, confessing that the company’s samurai game Onimusha Way of the Sword (out today for PC and console) was crushing me. “Feels like I’m playing ‘hard’ mode, not ‘normal,’” I wrote. “And I don’t want to have to knock it down to “story”. I’m exploring, trying to level my gear, but these two-phase boss fights with no mid-fight checkpoints are brutal.” I wagered I was only about halfway through the game, if that. I wasn’t sure I could keep up with the steepening difficulty curve. Was I missing something? Then, on Monday, I took some photos of some puzzles that were baffling me in the mind-bending He Who Watches (out now on PC), wrote out lengthy descriptions of how I’d been trying to solve them and asked Bobby Vanden, the game’s solo developer, for a nudge in the right direction. I told Vanden I’d spent hours on these puzzles. “I’m stuck in triplicate,” I told him. Could he tell me if the solutions I was attempting were even on the right track? I didn’t mention that the puzzles—coupled with major time pressures from other work—were stressing me out so much that playing the game was giving me headaches. This double dose of panic was unusual. I’m used to managing a workload full of reporting and reviewing, used to a crowded schedule and the need to stay calm amid the bustle. But I was stressed about these games. No one was forcing me to review them, nor even play them. I’d simply found them interesting enough to start, hoped they’d be interesting enough to write about and I’d sunk hours into them assuming I’d made the right call. Suddenly, however, I felt trapped. I was emailing for a way out. Above: This guy took me about an hour to beat. The feedback I got from Capcom confirmed my fears. They didn’t say it, but I will: Onimusha Way of the Sword is not for me. It’s a brutally hard game in need of a normal difficulty level. It’s a game that spikes so severely during its abundant boss fights—yet offers such flawed ways to improve when outside of them—that it feels like a bait-and-switch. In the new Onimusha, you play as famed samurai Musashi Miyamoto, aided by a magical soul-absorbing gauntlet that is possessed by a lady who offers advice. (Way of the Sword is a continuation of Capcom’s long-dormant Onimusha series, but that set-up had me wondering if the company was cribbing from their ill-fated Bionic Commando reboot; read about “wife-arm” when you get a chance). Way of the Sword is partially set in 17th century Kyoto, an explorable city where Miyamoto can fight demons, help civilians and eventually rescue ghostly dogs. The city evolves over time, with new mini adventures and obtainable loot on offer, all feeding into systems that promise to upgrade your gear and sword-fighting skills. Upgrades, however, are so incremental as to be imperceptible, causing the exploration of Kyoto to feel like inconsequential busywork. From that hub, players can go on linear missions into forests and old temples, where they will encounter many of the game’s tough bosses. Combat in Way of the Sword is akin to many modern melee games. Players are asked to mix attacks with dodges and parries. They’re encouraged to deplete an enemy’s stamina bar in order to do greater damage to its health bar. The old Onimusha games’ signature move was the issen, a counter-attack so sudden it’s all but pre-emptive. You strike just as they begin to strike toward you, beating them to the cut. By definition, the issen is a high risk move, leaving you wide open to pain. It feels risky in the game, especially against bosses, who can maul you in just a few blows. A game might train you to perform an issen well by offering a variety of lesser enemies who are not as tough as the boss but get close. Or it might offer a toehold against bosses by saving or checkpointing the player’s progress when a boss’ first health bar has been destroyed and before the second health bar appears. It might offer the less skilled player a chance to over-level their character, should the player simply commit to playing through its optional sidequests. Way of the Sword does none of this. Fighting its trivially easy grunt enemies and then its ferociously adept bosses is like playing a game of chess where I’ve got a rook, while the opposing side is all pawns and five queens. Bosses simply don’t checkpoint. You may be able to clear a boss’ first phase without taking much damage. Good for you. Do it again, every time you fail the second phase. As for the the central Kyoto hub, I kept pace with all of its added side activities and never felt like I was overpowered. Bosses could still easily buckle me. The new Onimusha, I concluded, is just too discouraging to keep playing. The advice I got from Capcom had been well-intentioned. They reminded me of the game’s various systems. They alerted me to an optional assist that flashes recommended button inputs (basically: counter this move; dodge that move). It was a little helpful. So was dropping down to “story mode,” which I tried last night. Story mode turns on those button prompts by default. It makes countering and dodging way too easy, nearly automatic. I don’t consider myself a master of action games like these, but I’ve cleared the likes of God of War, Stellar Blade, Star Wars Jedi and others of sub-Sekiro difficulty and had a fun time doing so. Not here. Not yet. Unless they patch Onimusha: Way of the Sword and add a middle difficulty or just checkpoint the damn bosses when they’re between health bars, my streak of loving Capcom games released in 2026 will likely end at two. It’s a shame, because I was having a good time finding those ghostly dogs. And then there’s He Who Watches, a phenomenal first person puzzle game with Portal vibes, except instead of a portal gun you’ve got a magical bow that shoots one arrow that can activate switches or be used to drag blocks. The twist is an actual twist: you can also walk on walls and the ceiling, reorienting gravity as you do, thereby placing blocks onto those other surfaces. Walking on walls and ceilings to solve problems is really the best thing. Would that I could in reality. He Who Watches consists of locked-room challenges, each brief enough to only require about a minute to actually solving, though it will take five, 10, eventually 30 minutes to figure out said solutions. They are not obvious! It’s a game of layered mechanics and shocking solutions. For example, see if you can follow this: You can drag a block to a wall. Then you can walk on the wall, which now feels like the floor, and drag that block across the wall. Later, back on the floor, you might realize you can look up. The block is still on the wall, stuck to it. You can shoot your magic arrow to its underside. Doing so creates a tether, so that you can yank the block off the wall and carry it, as if it were a balloon, into the spot where you need it to be to solve the puzzle. Here, watch Vanden explain some of the game’s basics in this launch trailer: As with any great puzzle game, the solutions to He Who Watches’ puzzles elicit relief and amazement. Oh my god, that worked! I didn’t even think that could be possible! Learning to solve the game’s puzzles feels like learning magic. But, oh, does the game get hard. Its Steam reviews, mostly glowing, are full of players remarking how quickly He Who Watches made them sweat. Wrote one: “loving this one already although my brain is hurting!” Wrote another: “As you get further in the game it feels like you need an IQ level of at least 120+.” Vanden has shown some mercy. Each locked room puzzle includes an optional junior version of the puzzle, meant to teach you. Difficulty nevertheless ramps severely. By the time I was emailing Vanden for help, I was struggling to even clear one of the hint puzzles. When I messaged him, my stress was exacerbated by strange things I’d found in the game’s various hubs: suspicious passageways, odd blocks and some intriguing locked doors. These were hints of secrets, I realized, yet I sensed I needed to play further into the game to understand them. I was stuck, but I wanted to see the rest. Vanden offered to give me the exact solutions, to solve those three puzzles for me, but first he gave four nudges. Three were for the specific puzzles, but his best hint was for all and ultimately proved to be a terrific life lesson: go back a bit, he suggested. Do the puzzles right before those. They were teaching you something. Focus on what their lesson was. Don’t rush, in other words. Recognize what you’ve accomplished. Build off of that. I did so. I absorbed the lessons. I saw those three tough puzzles in a new light. I solved one the night after he wrote back, another the morning after. I left a third for another time. I didn’t need it and I wanted to plunge deeper into the game, closer to the moment when I was sure I could start unlocking those secret doors. My head stopped hurting, too. He Who Watches feels special. It’s got more challenges, and I’m undeterred. It’s also nice that its puzzles don’t have a surprise second health bar. 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: In brief… 🎮 Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder of Helsinki-based Housemarque (Super Stardust HD, Resogun, Returnal) has stepped down from his studio, after a 31-year run, saying he’s “ taking a rare and well-deserved breather.” Sony purchased Housemarque in 2021, and the studio released its newest game, Saros, earlier this year. Trend-watch: Sony-owned Insomniac saw its founder Ted Price retire in early 2025, after a 30-year run. Sony-owned Sucker Punch saw its co-founder Brian Fleming step down in late 2025, after a 28-year run. 👀 Savvy Games Group chief Brian Ward is stepping down from the Saudi-government-backed games conglomerate, Bloomberg reports. No word on a long-term successor yet, nor if this augurs any closer integration between Savvy and Electronic Arts. EA was purchased by a consortium led by Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund, in early August. 💿 Square Enix has denied a Japanese media report that the company was planning to go private. In very different Square Enix news, the company revealed that the physical version of Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, the April 2027 finale of its radical remakes of FFVII, will include just one disc in its case, requiring a download for the rest. The first two FFVII remakes in the trilogy shipped on two discs apiece. While Square hasn’t commented on the reason why, a feature here in Game File last month broke down the processes and costs for physical games. The expense of a second disc comes out of the game publisher’s cut of each copy. Square could be saving in excess of a dollar a copy with this move. 🟥 Grand Theft Auto IV’s 26-minute ’‘extended look” gameplay showcase that premiered on Netflix last week—and was exclusive to the platform for six hours—drew 31.1 million views in its first four days, the streamer announced. (Netflix calculates views as total viewed hours divided by runtime; excludes replays). Compared to YouTube: The version that later premiered on Rockstar Games’ YouTube channel is sitting at 22.6 million views after seven days (YouTube’s more liberal counting system tallies anyone who viewed even just the first few second.) Compared to other Netflix mega-events: Last year, Stranger Things season 5’s first four episodes, which debuted together, drew a record 59.6 million views in their first few days on Netflix. For more of a live event type of comparison, in 2024, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match drew 65 million concurrent streams as it happened; Netflix didn’t release live numbers for the GTA premiere. ☁️ Microsoft is changing the way it charges for cloud gaming, from an all-you-can-play offer for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, to caps for the subscription’s tiers (15 hours per month at the Ultimate tier), with the option to buy more hours in bulk beyond that. The company also said it will sell batches of cloud gaming time to non-Game Pass subscribers, details TBA. Microsoft does not release figures for cloud game usage, but said its changes would impact 4% of Game Pass subscribers. That implies a small portion of its subscribers exceed the 15-hour monthly mark. Cloud gaming offers the promise of playing games without the need for console or PC hardware, as the graphics, sound and controls are all transmitted via a streaming connection. Microsoft notes that its cloud gaming service can be used for a range of things, including Xbox One players using it to play newer-gen Xbox Series games via streaming; and people playing games via streaming, sans any console, “in markets where consoles are less available or affordable.” (That latter use case could even be relevant in Xbox’s home market soon, as console prices keep rising.) Take Two Interactive chairman Strauss Zelnick recently told investors he expects game-streaming tech, which has been only lightly adopted by gamers for over a decade, to be widely used within three years. 🇺🇸 The Trump administration has published multiple agenda-driven web video games to the White House’s website. One called Build The Wall partially clones Tetris as it asks players to build a wall to stop a “zombie border siege.” While actual Tetris involves clearing lines and basically not building a wall, the Trump-backed game omits the line-clearing aspect (and omits the fun as well). On Instagram, Tetris’ official license holders reacted by stating: “At Tetris we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them. To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community. P.S. The Tetris Company was not involved in the creation of ‘Build the Wall.’ P.P.S.: We take copyright infringement very seriously.” Item 3: The week ahead: Tuesday, September 8 Game releases: Mewgenics (consoles; already out on PC) is an engrossing tactical combat game (with cats). It is getting its console port right after the release of a Star Wars tactics game and ahead of the late September launch of a Fire Emblem–a bumper crop for the genre. Wanderburg (PC) is an auto-shooting game like Vampire Survivors, but you’re a castle on wheels Event: Nintendo airs a 30-minute Nintendo Direct (10am ET) focused on The Legend of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary. A full unveiling of the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time is expected. Will they also show footage from next year’s live action movie? Tease the next big 3D Zelda? Add Link to Mario Kart World? Shadow-drop a new Tingle game? Wednesday, September 9 Event: Nintendo again! On this day, they’re planning to air a 45-minute Nintendo Direct (10am ET) focused on games heading to Switch 2 this winter. Followed by about an hour of gameplay demoed by the company’s Treehouse team. The September Nintendo Directs are always some of the year’s biggest. The 2025 edition included announcements of several major 2026 Switch/Switch 2 games: Pokémon Pokopia, Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave. Plus the return of the Virtual Boy. Friday, September 11 Game release: EA Sports NHL 27 (PlayStation, Xbox) is a hockey game. There are so few that an indie studio that had been making wacky sci-fi first-person shooters just announced that, hey, we’re going to fill a void and make a hockey game for PC.
Apple’s Foldable iPhone Ultra Launch May Be Days Away, if You Can Get One
The iPhone 18 Pro could be upstaged by Apple's first foldable this year, though the iPhone Ultra might be hard to get at launch.
Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth weigh in on NFL’s Wednesday experiment
The NFL didn’t choose to open its season on a Wednesday this year so much as it was cornered into it by the law. The Rams and 49ers are playing their Week 1 opener in Melbourne, where a Thursday night kickoff in the United States translates to Friday morning local time, and the Sports Broadcasting…
100 Years Strong: American Savings Bank’s Century of Community Impact
This year, American Savings Bank (ASB) celebrates 100 years of serving and investing in Hawai‘i’s residents, businesses and communities. To reaffirm its
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.
Atacama Makers connects science, technology, and territory at ALMA
Thirty students from Toconao and San Pedro de Atacama took part in the first sessions of a special edition of the Atacama Makers program, held for the first time this year at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) facilities. Through programming, electronics, and innovation workshops, the young participants are creating technological solutions to the challenges...
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.
Three blind decisions: Chris Getz’s biggest mistakes this season
Bringing Tommy Pham to Chicago calls for an assessment of the team’s roster decisions this year
Lubbock Public Health confirms first human case of West Nile virus for the year
Lubbock Public Health has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year.
Lumberjack Marching Band invited to London parade
Founded in 1926, the Lumberjack Marching Band is hitting a milestone: their centennial year. This year in particular will be one of their biggest yet, as the “boldest sound from
Is HireQuest (HQI) Stock Outpacing Its Business Services Peers This Year?
Here is how HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) and Repay Holdings (RPAY) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Midterm mail ballots start to go to voters
North Carolina on Friday is scheduled to become the first state to widely distribute mail ballots for this year’s elections
Midterm mail ballots start to go to voters
North Carolina on Friday is scheduled to become the first state to widely distribute mail ballots for this year’s elections
Midterm mail ballots start to go to voters
North Carolina on Friday is scheduled to become the first state to widely distribute mail ballots for this year’s elections
What to know before attending this year’s Farm Science Review
Harvest is quickly approaching! It is incredible seeing what can happen with a more favorable than usual spring. However, while there is still some time, have you considered visiting the Farm Science Review? It’s a great way to connect leading industry professionals, learn from the experts, and see the latest and greatest innovations in agriculture.
Bumbershoot 2026: Lineup, schedule, tickets and what else to know
Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to at this year’s Bumbershoot, and other information you should know.
State Board of Elections weighing rules as absentee ballots set to go out
Absentee ballots in this year's midterm elections are set to start going out in the mail Friday to overseas and military voters.
US Open Influencer Credentials Double, And Tennis Etiquette Cracks
The U.S. Open nearly doubled its creator credentials to close to 100 this year. A halted Osaka match and viral ring-light clips show the cost of reach without onboarding.
Planning your college sports road trip? Here are the 20 stops to take for 2026-27
The Athletic's 20 must-see college sports events this year.
Pittsburgh Penguins 2026-27 Player Projections: Arturs Silovs
Arturs Silovs had an up-and-down first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. How will he do this year?
Six Sleeps Until iPhone 18 Pro: Here's What We Know
We are just six sleeps away from Apple's unveiling of its new-generation iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, not forgetting its first foldable iPhone. Apple is expected to introduce the devices at its annual iPhone fall event, which is this year carrying the tagline "Surprise and shine". The event takes place on Wednesday, September 9.
Miami Dolphins Discussion: Questions You Need Answered Edition
We ask Miami Dolphins fans what questions they need answered by this years version of the team.
Nurses, health care workers at Shasta Regional Medical Center strike again in 2026
Nurses and other health care workers at Shasta Regional Medical Center walked off the job for a one-day strike Thursday—the second strike this year...
All Manchester United loanees for the 2026/27 season
4.4KManchester United as usual, have sent numerous players out on loan this year.This page will be updated throughout the season so you can keep up to date with all the latest action involving United�...
Foldable iPhone Ultra: The Latest Rumors Before Apple's Event
We're less than a week away from the debut of Apple's first foldable iPhone, and rumors have been picking up as the event date approaches. Here's the latest. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. MagSafe - Even though foldable iPhone dummies we saw earlier this year didn't have a MagSafe ring, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims all signs indicate MagSafe charging will be supported.
TV Academy announces 2026 Engineering, Science, and Technology Emmys
SpaceX's Starlink and AI-based face replacement tech among this year's winners.
Television Academy announces 2026 Engineering, Science, and Technology Emmy recipients
SpaceX's Starlink and AI-based face replacement tech among this year's winners.
Kissing apes, anti-splash urinals: This year's Ig Nobels showcase surprising science
The Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded this week for humorous yet thought-provoking research. This year, the ceremony came with a twist.
Kissing apes, anti-splash urinals: This year's Ig Nobels showcase surprising science
The Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded this week for humorous yet thought-provoking research. This year, the ceremony came with a twist.
'Soiled' undies and vicious friends research honoured at Ig Nobels
Each year, the Ig Nobel prizes celebrate research that makes you laugh, then makes you think. This year's winners include an "underwear index", a cumbersome kissing definition and why we want friends that will happily stab someone in the eye.
Small business guide: How to survive year one
The founders of Kemo Sabe, Slick Chicks, Sunhome Saunas and more share important lessons on surviving year one in small business. Plus, everything you need to know before the business tax filing extension deadline hits this year.
Xiaomi's New Passport-Style Foldable Looks Shorter And Wider Than The Galaxy Z Fold 8
The passport-style foldable is increasingly dominating foldable phone launches this year. Xiaomi has its own.
Cardinals rumors: Arizona making progress on Michael Wilson contract extension
The Arizona Cardinals are in for a rough 2026 campaign . After a tumultuous 2025 campaign, Arizona is still quite far from light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. While they have some intriguing pieces on their roster, it’s unfortunately not going to be enough to contend in the best division in the NFL this year. That being said, the best thing […] The post Cardinals rumors: Arizona making progress on Michael Wilson contract extension appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Analyst Throws Cold Water on Vikings QB Situation
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback room has undergone changes this year, but that doesn't mean the situation is viewed as better. The post Analyst Throws Cold Water on Vikings QB Situation appeared first on HEAVY.
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.
GOP ads contradict Trump’s rosy view of the economy
For months, President Donald Trump has falsely claimed that consumer prices are falling ahead of this year’s 2026 midterm elections. Now some Republican candidates are running campaign ads that acknowledge reality. CNN’s Daniel Dale reports.