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Detroit young adults tour with Usher, gain backstage experience in live entertainment
Four Detroit young adults are getting a rare, behind-the-scenes education in the entertainment industry, touring the country with Usher as part of a first-of-its-kind live-touring internship program.
First human case of West Nile detected in Sacramento County, health officials say
A woman in her 60s tested positive for the disease and is still recovering, the county said Thursday.
Who Are the Best Draft Picks in Denver Nuggets’ History?
The NBA Draft is where franchises, like the Denver Nuggets, are built. Few organizations have found greater value in the later stages of the draft than Denver. The team famously selected three-time MVP Nikola Jokić with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Now, the choice is regarded as the greatest second-round pick in […] The post Who Are the Best Draft Picks in Denver Nuggets’ History? appeared first on The Lead.
Your First AI Policy: Six Burning Issues for Every Growing Business to Consider Before You Scale
AI is already part of everyday work at growing companies. Employees use it to draft emails, summarize documents, generate marketing copy, assist with
iOS 27 Public Beta Available This Month, Here's How to Get Your iPhone Ready Now
Apple previously announced that the first iOS 27 public beta would be released in July, meaning that it should be available at some point this month. Below, we have outlined how to get ready for the iOS 27 public beta, which will likely follow the third or fourth iOS 27 developer beta. Release Date History The first public betas of iOS 16 through iOS 26 came out between July 11 and July 24.
Jaylen Brown Releases First Statement On His Stunning Celtics Trade
Jaylen Brown's time in Boston is over. The former NBA Finals MVP was traded from Boston to Philadelphia in a stunning move on Wednesday afternoon. Brown is heading to Philadelphia, while Paul George, two first round picks and two second round picks are heading to Boston. The NBA world was ...
NASA Students Get Airborne View of Atmospheric Science at Ellington Field
From June 3 to 13, aircraft at Ellington Field in Houston gave students a firsthand look at how scientists study Earth from the air.
St. Louis-area businesses that have closed in 2026 so far
These St. Louis-area businesses have closed in the first six months of the year.
Alex Vindman raised $8.5M for Senate run, beating own first quarter totals
The Democrat aims to unseat Ashley Moody in November.
2026 NASCAR Odds: Denny Hamlin Favored As Cup Returns To Chicagoland Speedway
The NASCAR Cup Series is heading back to Chicagoland Speedeway for the first time since 2019. Here are the latest odds for the eero 400.
Business 51 reconstruction to begin July 6; full closure starts July 8 in Stage 1
The first stage of Stevens Point’s Business 51 reconstruction project is set to begin Monday.
The first wave of Steam Machines has arrived at long last, but those without are left watching the waitlist
People are posting pictures of their fancy new gaming machine, sniffing the vents, and having a good time.
Trial for Bundibugyo Ebola treatment starts in DRC, WHO says
A treatment trial for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo enrolled its first patient on Thursday, marking a milestone in efforts to combat the epidemic, WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
Professor Universe brings science, comedy to the library
Professor Universe will make his first appearance at the St. Charles Parish Library this summer with a one-man show that combines science education and comedy. Professor Universe, portrayed by actor, clown, director and teacher Dallas [...]
Marshall Health Network first in West Virginia to offer histotripsy treatment for liver tumors
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Health Network–Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) is the first hospital in West Virginia to treat liver tumors using the Edison® Histotripsy System, giving patients access to an advanced treatment that targets tumors with focused sound waves instead of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The Edison Histotripsy System uses image-guided sonic beam therapy to precisely target […]
Steelers' Defensive Line Future Hinges on Keeanu Benton Contract Decision
For the first time in what feels like a very long time, the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting second deals done with their draft picks. Joey Porter Jr. is in line for his deal, Darnell Washington got his, and Nick Herbig also cashed in during the 2026 offseason. According to a Steelers insider, the team may leave 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton on the outside looking in.
What’s going up on Airline Highway, near Coursey Boulevard?
The first phase of construction started in May, according to a Facebook post by Centurion Construction Management, the general contractor.
Why a case pivotal to the anti-vax movement could end up at the Supreme Court
The legal argument that vaccine mandates without a religious exemption violate the First Amendment could deliver the anti-vaccine movement its biggest win.
Family business opens state's first solar-powered manufacturing facility
Meet the under-the-radar family business that today opens the state's first solar-powered manufacturing facility.
At 71, I've worked in my family's 120-year-old business since 12.
Michael Petri is the majority owner of his family's 120-year-old plumbing business. Now 71, he has worked there since 12 when he first helped his dad.
What Makes Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) a Good Investment Bet?
TimesSquare Capital Management, an equity investment management company, released its “U.S. Mid Cap Growth Strategy” first-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Strategy fell 7.72% (net) in the quarter compared to -6.35% for the Russell Midcap Growth Index. In the first quarter, markets navigated geopolitical tensions and economic resilience alongside […]
City Hall visit, packed entertainment slate highlight 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic schedule
Major League Baseball today announced the pregame and philanthropic details for the 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball, highlighted by a team visit to City Hall, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s first pitch, uniform patches honoring HBCU legend Roger Cador and pregame entertainment by Grammy-Award winner Durand Bernarr
How first-time candidate Melat Kiros upended Denver politics by defeating one of its biggest figures
“To overcome the millions of dollars in dark money, we were able to have real conversations with folks across the city, and I think that made a real difference,” Kiros spokeswoman Annie Orloff said.
Patient enrolment begins in a scientific trial to identify the first effective treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease
In a major international effort to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola disease due to Bundibugyo virus (BVD), the PARTNERS clinical trial has opened enrolment today for patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
IAM District 4 Members Win First Contract at Federation of American Scientists
Nearly a year after becoming the first union in the nearly 80-year history of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), 25 IAM District 4 members have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, securing workplace protections, greater transparency, and a stronger voice on the job. The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) was established in 1945 by scientists
Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Abdul El-Sayed in Crucial Michigan Senate Race
The endorsement is the first in a contested Senate primary by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez this year, in a state that Democrats believe they must hold this fall to win a Senate majority.
Drug overdose spike in Madison could be related to extreme heat
First responders in Dane County reported at least seven overdoses involving opioids June 29 and 30. No spike has been seen in Milwaukee County yet.
Maryland's first 'human composting' facility is open for business
Maryland's first 'human composting' facility is turning human remains into soil, considered a greener alternative to cremation or traditional burial
The Rebuild Is Over
The rebuild is over. The San Jose Sharks are now, without a doubt, Mike Grier’s team. On the first day […] The post The Rebuild Is Over appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.
Tourists down ‘Burgers, 10-8, for second straight night
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Six straight wins. Sole possession of first place in the South Atlantic League Southern Division. And a dominant pitching performance. Wednesday night had everything, and the Asheville Tourists came out on the right side of all of it, beating the Hub City Spartanburgers 10-8 behind a gem from Yeriel Santos and big nights […]
Imai Implodes Again, Astros Blasted by Twins 8-3
It’s never a good sign when your first mile feels like you’ve already run a full marathon. For Tatsuyi Imai, the outing was quick and ugly. Twins 8 Astros 3. Imai’s early game struggles were on full display before an announced crowd of 29,179. In the opening several minutes, Trevor Larnach […]
ArtBeat: Spotlight on the local arts events and entertainment
Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from the area’s events: July 3 First Friday Reception: The Downtown Art Market Gallery in Knoxville invites the community to its First Friday Reception from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. July’s featured artist is Lynnda Tennpenny, who will showcase a collection of mixed-media artwork. Admission is free, […]
For The First Time, Scientists Say They've Built a Synthetic Cell From Scratch
A step closer to artificial life?
Virginia Tech athletic director Brian White makes first key hire
Brian White makes first big hire at Virginia Tech.
Apple to launch 5 new iPhone models to gain market share amid memory crunch
Company raises production target for first foldable phone to about 10 million units
Sony is first console giant to stop making physical games
Move sparks angry response from some gamers
2026 World Cup: USMNT striker Folarin Balogun shown red card in second half after first-half goal
Jadarian Price Will Own the Seahawks' Backfield Sooner Than Later
Despite any early info to the contrary, the Seattle Seahawks didn't spend a first-round pick on running back Jadarian Price just to make him an afterthought in their offensive attack.
Cincinnati Reds middle infielder Matt McLain on playing centerfield
Cincinnati Reds 2B/SS Matt McLain made his first career MLB start in centerfield Wednesday night in Milwaukee.
Lil Wayne a no-show for concert that was supposed to kick off his tour
The performance in Bangor, Maine, was set to be the first of his 20 Years of Carter Classics shows.
Attack on Titan 3 launches this winter, first gameplay
Attack on Titan 3 will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam this winter, publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Omega Force announced.
Reflecting on a Year as Athlon Sports' Senior Golf Writer: Lessons from Golf's Stories
One year ago today, I officially began my run as Senior Golf Writer for Athlon Sports. By the time this opportunity arrived, I had already spent nearly three decades in golf as a PGA Professional, coach, educator, business owner, nonprofit founder and writer. The biggest lesson from my first year with Athlon Sports was not about deadlines, access or the volume of stories written.
USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina score, live updates: USMNT looks for first knockout stage win since 2002
Walmart goes nuclear in first-of-its-kind power deal for retail giant
The retail giant has signed its first nuclear power deal with Constellation for about 176 megawatts from the Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois.
Red Wings Sign Depth Defenseman
The post Red Wings Sign Depth Defenseman appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now. The opening of the NHL’s 2026 Free Agency period has seen the league trying to round out their rosters with […] The post Red Wings Sign Depth Defenseman appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Operations workforce powers ORNL’s autonomous science future
Behind every self-driving laboratory at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a team people most never see. Facilities and Operations workers are building and maintaining the infrastructure that makes autonomous science possible. More than a dozen self-driving labs operate at ORNL, placing the Tennessee national lab among the first research institutions in the world to create this autonomous laboratory model at scale.
ESPN reportedly favorite to renew TGL media rights
TGL, the tech-infused simulator golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports, is in the market for a new media rights deal after having completed its second season earlier this year. The league spent its first two seasons on the ESPN family of networks, posting strong and stable viewership during a portion…
Crypto, real estate, watches: How Trump made over $1 billion last year
The latest disclosure report listing President Trump's financial holdings shows he took in about $1.2 billion last year from crypto holdings, overshadowing a real estate business that first brought him fame.
Red Wings Sign Backup Goaltender
The post Red Wings Sign Backup Goaltender appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now. The Detroit Red Wings have added to their goaltending stable with a contract for Daniil Tarasov. Steve Yzerman and Detroit’s […] The post Red Wings Sign Backup Goaltender appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Penguins Get Big Skill, Sign Slick Winger Kuzmenko
In a similar deal to that which the Pittsburgh Penguins signed winger Anthony Mantha in July of 2025, the Penguins […] The post Penguins Get Big Skill, Sign Slick Winger Kuzmenko appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now.
10 reasons Wimbledon still feels like sports’ greatest summer ritual
Every summer, the tennis world turns its attention to the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. The 2026 Championships, Wimbledon has already produced memorable moments in the first round, with established champions, emotional…
Healthy Returns: Walmart, CVS step in to help seniors navigate Medicare coverage of obesity drugs
Medicare has started covering obesity drugs for the first time – and companies like Walmart and CVS Health are playing an important role for patients.
Nearly 450,000 New Yorkers Are Losing Health Coverage July 1
Thousands of low-income New Yorkers are among the first to feel the impacts of the "Big Beautiful Bill."
Trump's new Air Force One: differences, design, cost, photos of inside
Donald Trump flew on the new Air Force One, a luxury jet gifted from Qatar, for the first time. Here's how it compares to the old presidential plane.
Artists First Launches Music Division Led By Entertainment Exec Carmen Murray
Talent management and production company Artists First announced the launch of its Music Division and the hiring of veteran entertainment executive Carmen
‘The science is here’: UN chief welcomes first global AI assessment
Fresh scientific evidence and options for harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) were unveiled Wednesday following the launch of the first global, independent scientific assessment of opportunities, risks and impacts by a pioneering UN expert panel.
Party fever: Another political party is gathering signatures to get on Nebraska's ballot
A party that wants to put Americans and Nebraskans first is collecting signatures to secure a ballot line ahead of the November election. A similar effort is underway to establish a Nebraska Working People Party. Both efforts have a July 15 deadline to get enough signatures.
The 4 must-watch science-fiction films of the year so far
The first six months of 2026 have produced four stand-out sci-fi movies – and they all have one thing in common, says Bethan Ackerley
Jacqueline Mosher Joins Industry Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)
Manager Jacqueline Mosher has joined Industry Entertainment after seven years at Rain Management, Deadline can tell you first.
UC Davis to Set Standard for Measuring Airborne Nanoplastic Health Risks
UC Davis researchers have received a nearly $4 million grant NIEH to develop the world’s first standardized method for measuring and describing the neurotoxicity of airborne nanoplastics.
Brand New The Blood of Dawnwalker Gameplay Showcases Coen’s Investigation Skills and a Boss Battle Against the Eerie Forgotten Guardian
See Coen's investigation and fighting skills on full display in this quest gameplay from The Blood of Dawnwalker.
Business News: Breaking N3W5 - Former AP CEO Bennahmias Announces First New Watch Brand
Ex-Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henri Bennahmias unveils 'N3W5' - the first watch brand under his 'The Honourable Merchants Group' luxury startup. It won't debut until late next year.
Meta names Denise Moreno as its new CMO
Denise Moreno, a marketing vet, is stepping into the role as Alex Schultz becomes Meta's first chief data officer.
'NCIS' shocker as Michael Weatherly returns as beloved Tony DiNozzo
What a week for "NCIS" universe. First, fans of the CBS mega-franchise were hit with the big news that Mark Harmon is bringing his iconic Gibbs character to every "NCIS:
Army experimenting with mobile business apps
The events are also revealing where industry is building redundant software, the Army said.
PAHO launches US$24 million appeal to support health response following devastating earthquakes in Venezuela
Washington, D.C., 1 July 2026 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a US$24 million emergency appeal to support the first six months of the health response and early recovery following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June.
Ocelli Among 29 Indiana Derby Nominations
Nominations are in for the 32nd running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby set to run Saturday, July 11 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. A total of 29 names are on the nomination list headed by third-place finisher Ocelli in this year’s Kentucky Derby. Seven starters from the first leg of the Triple ...
From The Sports Desk: Mexico’s first knockout win in four decades
Mexico won a knockout game for the first time since 1986 when it beat Ecuador 2-0 yesterday. Elsewhere, Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1, and France hammered Sweden 3-0.
Meta slaps a premium subscription on an existing smart glasses feature
Meta will charge glasses users $20/month for a new Meta One Premium subscription, and one of the first features to...
ECU Health launches new residency program, welcomes first ophthalmology residents
New program expands access to specialized eye care in eastern North Carolina
Melat Kiros is the first political star truly formed by the 2020s
What’s behind her shocking victory against a 30-year incumbent in Colorado — according to the candidate herself.
Scientists say they have built a cell from scratch for the first time
Scientists say they have built a cell from scratch for the first time that feeds, grows and replicates like a natural cell, a breakthrough in synthetic biology.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Goes Supersonic With New DLC Chain Spear
DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations is its first major DLC, showcasing a versatile new Chain Spear. Read more inside to learn about the deep movement tech it adds to the game:
Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Season Preview
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has repeatedly said he would write an “embarrassing” check to win another Super Bowl. Since 2013, the Cowboys have not participated in the first wave of free agency. Despite Jones’ vow to “bust the budget” in the 2026 offseason, the Cowboys again stood pat for most of free agency.
Professor, Mentor, Researcher, and Data Pioneer: Celebrating Lynn Blewett’s Retirement
I first met Lynn Blewett as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where her courses on the U.S. health care system fundamentally shaped how I understand policy and evidence. What struck me most was her ability to translate complex health systems into their human dimensions and to remind us […]
Judges resume sentencing over shooting at Texas immigration facility
The case has been closely watched by critics who say the prosecution could have wide-reaching impact on protests and First Amendment free-speech rights.
Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone is as popular as the plague, as it turns out
Wait, wasn't the iPhone Ultra supposed to be a hit?!
The Case for Performance-First Management
What began as a crisis-driven response to the Covid pandemic laid the foundation for today’s dominant management paradigm: people-first management. But today’s business demands a different approach, as performance and productivity have replaced engagement and retention atop the CEO agenda. Performance-first management represents a gentle shift toward an approach where managers empower their teams to deliver high-impact results within a complex and evolving reality. It keeps people at the center, but reorients the manager’s role around enabling performance, not just supporting satisfaction. Gartner research shows that managers who shift toward a performance-first approach are up to 21% more likely to deliver the business results that are expected of them. And employees who say that their managers are performance-first report higher overall satisfaction with their employee experience.
Aston Martin boss Newey reveals health issues led to 'difficult period'
Adrian Newey has revealed he was battling health issues during his first year at Aston Martin, leading to a "difficult period" as the team also struggled to adapt to Formula 1's 2026 regulations.
Rhythm Heaven Groove reviews roundup
Reviews are in for the next Nintendo game, Rhythm Heaven Groove, and here are the first wave of reviews.
Sony will cease production of discs for new PlayStation games in 2028
New games sold for PlayStation consoles will only be available digitally and won’t be sold on discs effective January 2028, Sony has announced. The move applies to all PlayStation games released from that point on, including those made by Sony and those released by third parties. The PlayStation group calls the change “a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” according to a PlayStation blog post reviewed by Game File in advance of its publication. As movies, TV and music have shifted from physical media to an age of downloads and streaming, Sony’s move could speed the demise of physical media in a gaming. The industry has offered consumers games via cartridges, cassettes, floppy discs, CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays across a 50-year stretch. Sony has been reporting to investors in recent years that PlayStation games have been increasingly purchased as downloads, not as discs. The most recent figures show nearly four in five purchases of full games for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were purchased digitally in the past year. Stats like that may cause today’s news to carry an air of the inevitable. But Sony’s declaration for 2028 is still likely to produce a shock, as the biggest gaming platform on the planet that uses game discs leaves them behind. Discs going away, but the fate of game boxes is unknown Sony is committing to still selling games in physical retailers even after they drop discs in 2028. Just how those games will be sold—in boxes with codes inside, as cards marked with digital redemption codes—is unclear. Digital games will also continue to be sold in the online PlayStation Store. New games released for PlayStation consoles prior to January 2028 will be unaffected by the policy change, Sony says. That means the PS5 games of 2027, be they a new Madden, a new God of War, a new Call of Duty, a new Sly Cooper (one can dream?), would still potentially be offered on disc. PlayStation 6 implications Sony’s timeline for a transition to a no-disc era will also spin up more speculation about the timing and configuration of Sony’s next-generation console, the probable PlayStation 6. “This pretty much guarantees that PS6 won’t arrive until 2028 at the earliest,” Piers Harding-Rolls, senior games research analyst at Ampere Analysis tells Game File. Harding-Rolls also concludes from today’s news that “the base version of a PS6 will not include a physical media drive,” as Sony looks to keep costs down on the device. Sony itself is saying nothing about the PS6 today: not its timing, nor how it might or might not support internal or external disc drives in order to run disc-based PS4 and PS5 games, should the console be backwards compatible. The many signs this was coming Industry support for games being released on physical media has been waning. As has consumer interest in them. PC games effectively went all-digital years ago, thanks to the popularity of playing games through Steam and other digital storefronts. The Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that kept much of the global population home helped shift shopping patterns toward downloads. Sony’s own data shows PlayStation game downloads being an uncommon consumer choice a decade ago and now becoming the norm. On consoles, physical media has been in such decline that Sony and Microsoft both launched their current gen Xbox Series and PS5 consoles in 2020 with cheaper versions that lacked disc drives. In early 2024, Phil Spencer, then head of Xbox, told me that ““[w]e ship games physically and digitally, and we’re really just following what the customers are doing.” He added that the game industry had become an outlier in still supporting disc-based entertainment, even as movies and TV have bailed on discs in favor of downloads and steaming: “Gaming consoles themselves have kind of become the last consumer electronic device that has a drive. And this is a real issue, just in terms of the number of manufacturers that are actually building drives and the cost associated with those. And when you think about cogs that we’re going to go put in a console—and as you have fewer suppliers and fewer buyers—the cost of the drive does have an impact.” Last year, the Nintendo’s Switch 2, which uses cartridges rather than discs, introduced the concept of game-key cards, which are physical media that contain no game, just a prompt for a download. Even disc-based games aren’t what they once were, now frequently containing just stubs of games rather than the whole thing. The website Does It Play has tested over 3000 games and found that, for example, that the disc version of this year’s hit 007: First Light, only contained the game’s first mission, with the rest needing to be downloaded. Beyond all that, last week brought the news that Grand Theft Auto VI, likely the biggest game launch this decade, will debut for PS5 and Xbox Series without a disc-based version. Today’s big news comes to you for free. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and ensure more of my work is possible, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Discs helped define PlayStation However the trends in entertainment may be going, it is still remarkable to see PlayStation ditch discs given their importance in PlayStation history: In the late 1990s, the first PlayStation’s support for games on relatively cheap CD-ROMs instead of traditional game cartridges allowed the upstart console to outmaneuver cartridge-based systems from Nintendo and Sega, as it drove down game prices down in the process. (The cheaper disc format even prompted Final Fantasy VII maker Square to taunt Nintendo in a magazine ad, saying that if the game was “available on cartridge, it’d retail for around $1200.”) PlayStation devices often doubled as machines for watching movies and TV on the latest disc-based formats. In the late 2000s, for example, Sony’s pricy PS3 gained traction as a go-to device for playing then-novel Blu-Ray discs. In 2013, Sony effectively roasted the digital game-sharing restrictions proposed by rival Microsoft for its upcoming Xbox One console by showing how games could be shared for the then-upcoming PS4. In a 21-second clip that has over 20 million views on YouTube, one PlayStation executive simply handed a game box—presumably with disc inside—to another, who said “thanks.” Sony’s possible motivations The PlayStation announcement today cites “consumer preferences” and a shift away from discs among “the broader entertainment industry,” but does not delve into the decision-making process that brought Sony to this point. Sony is not discussing the economics of this move (I asked!), but there are a number of potential factors: Abandoning discs will spare Sony the cost of manufacturing and shipping them, which analysts and industry veterans I spoke to said could account for $1 or so of a game’s retail price. For first-party games, that’s direct savings for Sony, though the amount is limited by the winnowing percentage of people who were even buying the disc-based versions. For third-party games, Sony could pass the savings on to partners or just retain the better profit margin for themselves. As the 2024 comments from Phil Spencer alluded to, leaving discs behind could mean leaving disc-drives behind, allowing Sony to produce consoles more cheaply. Switching to digital-only for games could diminish the risks of copies of new games leaking. It would also seemingly make second-hand sales of used games impossible, pushing more people to buy their own copies of games. These economic benefits for Sony could be boons for the games industry overall, Ampere analyst Piers Harding-Rolls tells Game File. Among other things, it could free publishers and retailers from having to worry about securing an inventory of game discs when trying to sell games, he noted. “If there is a way to streamline the business of games retail, I generally think it’s a good thing for the industry as it removes unnecessary costs,” Harding-Rolls said. “This will help offset pressure on margins from other directions – development and staffing costs for example.” Should the industry shift from game boxes that contain discs to smaller, cheaper game cards, Harding-Rolls said, that reduces pressure on publishers and retailers. “The advantage of everything going digital for the industry is that sales can be tracked much more easily and there is less commercial risk for publishers wanting to continue selling via retail,” he said. The shift to no discs will also likely impact game development timelines, as developers will no longer face the same urgency to have a build ready to submit to PlayStation for the production of a disc, as industry experts noted around GTA VI’s no-disc news last week. Instead, projects may gain weeks of development time, in the event delivery deadlines for platform approval move closer to release date. Preservationists’ likely worries While millions of gamers have shifted to digital, there are still people who associate game discs—and only game discs—with actual ownership of PlayStation games. That portion of the gaming community spoke up last week about wanting to buy a version of GTA VI that they could hold in their hands, could lend to a friend and could potentially pop into a well-preserved PS5 console three decades from now and still see it run. Such gamers didn’t want to worry that they’d merely purchased a digital copy that could lose access to the game if, say, the company behind the game someday turns of the servers that transmit downloadable copies. Digital copies of games are inherently less long-lasting, because consumers aren’t actually buying a game (on a disc), just buying access to the game. The fine print in online gaming shops notes this, as does a recent law that went on the books in California in 2025. That lasw requires game publishers doing business in the state to refrain from words like “sell” when offering digital copies of games, unless they explicitly tell consumers that what’s being sold isn’t the game itself but a potentially revocable license to access it. A Sony spokesperson noted to Game File that “[w]ith all digital content, including games, movies, and music, players are purchasing a personal license for non-commercial use.” Regarding the fears of PlayStation games being lost to time in an all-digital era, the rep also noted that Sony remains “committed to delivering experiences from past generations to the new platforms our players are using.” They noted that PlayStation has used emulation and remasters to keep offering its classic games to modern gamers. It’s true that many consumers have become accustomed to not having physical copies of new music albums or movies, but the relative precariousness of digital copies of games is in fact being highlighted today by…. Sony’s other big announcement: the upcoming closure of the PS3 and PS Vita online stores Sony said today that it will be closing the online marketplaces for its PlayStation 3 console and PS Vita handheld in most countries in July 2027 (sooner elsewhere: August 2026 for the PS3 store Mexico, Honduras and Nicaragua; late 2026 for PS3 in other Latin American countries and the Middle East). “We know this news may be disappointing to PS3 and PS Vita players who hold a special place in their hearts for this generation of gaming,” Sony said in its announcement, saying the move “was not an easy decision for us to make.” Sony said that PS3 and Vita marketplaces “are no longer able” to support modern commerce systems, prompting a “need” to close the shops and focus on more modern PlayStation platform stores. The news may spark some deja vu. Sony announced back in March 2021 that it planned to take the PS3, Vita and PlayStation Portable marketplaces offline that summer. The move would have caused some 2,000 digital-only games to become unavailable for new purchasers, according to a VGC analysis at the time. Fans complained loudly. By April 2021, Sony walked back the PS3 and Vita shop closures, with then PlayStation boss Jim Ryan saying “it’s clear that we made the wrong decision here.” This time around, Sony is giving a longer notice period in most regions. The closure of those stores is still likely to cut off access to new purchases of digital-only PS3 and Vita games. The current PlayStation 5 marketplace sells PS5 and PS4 games, as well as a selection of PS1 and PS2 games. It does not sell PS3 games, because games for that platform can’t run on the system (some are offered via a PlayStation Plus streaming option). Vita games also aren’t sold via PS5. Sony says digitally purchased PS3 and Vita games will be downloadable after the stores’ shutdowns “for the foreseeable future.” Sony’s move contrasts with Microsoft’s Xbox platform, which continues to sell and support games from all four Xbox console generations. But it puts it in line with Nintendo, which disabled purchases in the marketplace for its Wii console (a contemporary of the PS3) in 2019. Nintendo discontinued purchases in the online shop for its 3DS portable (a contemporary of the Vita) in 2023. The big questions about Sony’s 2028 post-disc era Will Microsoft follow suit, ending support for new disc-based games on Xbox platforms and therefore all game consoles, too? Whether Microsoft does or not, will third-parties that can no longer release games on discs for PlayStation, simply ditch the disc options across the board? Given the GTA VI no-disc experiment launching this November, will more game publishers decide to forgo disc-based offerings even in 2027? How will no-disc PS5/6 games be packaged and sold in brick-and-mortar retail stores? What becomes of game sharing in an all-digital era? Will Sony modify its current set-up, which currently allows some sharing of digital games across a pair of consoles, to allow more casual lending? (See for example, Nintendo’s year-old system of letting players lend a digital game to another player in a “family group” for up to 14 days.) Will there be a version of a PS6 with a disc drive? Or will a drive be offered as an add-on? And how will gamers who want to retain access to PS4/PS5 disc-based games react to whichever configurations Sony chooses to offer? What will the final disc-based PlayStation game be?
This satellite constellation transformed earth science by creatively tuning in to GPS signals
Key takeaways —The first constellation to produce high-quality data by picking up GPS microwaves reflecting off Earth, called CYGNSS, is featured in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Living in the Space Age exhibit. —Distortions in the reflected signals can reveal information about Earth, including hurricane wind speed and the distribution of moisture in soil, and the constellation provided unprecedented coverage in both time and space. —GNSS-R data is useful for mon
NJBIA to Honor Kim Guadagno with Caren Franzini Leadership Award at NJ Women Business Leaders Forum
Kim Guadagno, a trailblazer who served as New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor and later continued her public service in nonprofit leadership, will be honored with the Caren Franzini Leadership Award at the 12th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum, powered by Citizens and presented by NJBIA, on Sept. 23 and 24 in Atlantic City. The Women[...]
Red Sox 1B Willson Contreras tossed, benches clear against Nationals
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected for a second straight game following a heated exchange with Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli.
Corona maker Constellation Brands tops forecasts as beer business drives earnings growth
Strong beer performance lifts quarterly resultsConstellation Brands Inc Class A (NYSE:STZ) reported first-quarter results ahead of Wall Street expectations, supported by continued strength in its beer division. Adjusted earnings came in at $3.
MMO shooter Cinder City may be the first PC game to recommend 64 GB of RAM
With RAM prices surging to up to $1000 for 64 GB, NC’s latest game is a pricey prospect…
Trump’s audacious bid to end birthright citizenship was not an entire loss at the Supreme Court
When President Donald Trump used his black Sharpie on his first day back in office to sign an executive order in January 2025 limiting birthright citizenship, he said, “This is a big one.”
‘Tip of the iceberg’: nearly 500,000 New Yorkers lose health insurance due to Trump cuts
First of major coverage losses expected as a result of the ‘One Big Beautiful’ bill signed into law one year ago
The best new science-fiction novels published in July 2026
Sci-fi fans can enjoy a new Red Dwarf novel – the first for 30 years – this month, as well as sci-fi horror from Paul Tremblay and a journey to Planet Happy with Riley August
How Snoop Dogg Built the Most Powerful Personal Brand in Entertainment Without Ever Changing Who He Is
The rapper turned entrepreneur built a business empire on an unconventional principle: authenticity first, opportunities second.
Around the Empire: Aaron Judge targeting August return
Yankees provide Judge return timetable; Fried throws first sim game; Cruz called up; Jazz clears concussion protocol
The new Pac-12 Conference officially launches with the addition of seven full-time members
July 1, 2026 — Today, seven new full-time member institutions officially join the Pac-12 Conference, including Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State and Utah State. With the additions, the new Pac-12 features nine full-time members and is set to compete in its first season with the 2026-27 campaign. The league also officially welcomed 12 new affiliate members today across five Olympic sports, including baseball (Dallas Baptist), men’s soccer (Cal Baptist, Cal Poly, UC Riverside, UC San Diego), women’s gymnastics (Southern Utah), women’s swimming (Cal Baptist) and wrestling (Air Force, Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, South Dakota State). In addition to official member admissions and the launch of the new Pac-12, and amid celebrations across new member communities, the league also made a series of other announcements related to its basketball tournaments, its official sports sponsorship and championships and a special edition content series in promotion of its first football season.
NC’s first full budget since 2023 reflects transformed health policy landscape
North Carolina's first full budget since 2023 reflects Medicaid expansion, Healthy Opportunities Pilot funding, SNAP changes and new federal health policies.
Democratic socialist Melat Kiros poised to become the first Gen Z woman in Congress
Kiros, a political newcomer, topped 15-term-incumbent Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary in Colorado's 1st Congressional District, a reliably blue House seat.
First Amendment's freedom of assembly becomes 'corporeal politics,' activist says
Where and how you assemble is 'ever more important' in today's political climate, Indivisible Bellingham's Robin Thomas says
Wimbledon Day 2 Upsets, Featuring Ben Shelton, Elina Svitolina
There were several big upsets on Day 2 of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, as Ben Shelton, Elina Svitolina, and Donna Vekić were all eliminated as the thrilling first-round action continued. Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams was also beaten on her return to the Wimbledon stage, bowing out in the first round against Maya Joint.
Cam Schlittler's odyssey: Tigers ambush Yankees' starting pitcher
New York's starter yielded three homers in the same inning Tuesday for the first time in his two-year career.
Samsung drops first official Galaxy Z Fold 8 teasers, ‘New Shape, New Joy’ [Gallery]
With less than a month to go, Samsung is kicking off its train of Galaxy Z Fold 8 teasers with...
Phil Weiser leads Michael Bennet in early returns in Colorado’s Democratic gubernatorial primary
Attorney General Phil Weiser took an early lead over U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado’s Democratic gubernatorial primary as election officials posted initial returns soon after polls closed Tuesday night. In the first round of results, Weiser had secured 60% of the vote to Bennet’s 40%, with just over 200,000 total ballots counted statewide. The […]