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SD rules committee advances campaign finance, `Dark Money' reform packages
The two separate proposals, the Ending Perpetual Fundraising Ordinance and Exposing Dark Money and Banning Shadow Campaigns, follow the previously advanced Follow the Money Ordinance, which the Rules Committee advanced in August.
Marquette analysis finds young people are important voting block in Wisconsin
The analysis by the Lubar Center’s John Johnson found Wisconsin’s college campuses defy the stereotype of students being overwhelmingly progressive.
Scientists May Have Discovered One Way Microplastics Could Harm the Body
Plastic is usually inert, but in a new lab study, microplastics in water spontaneously produced damaging free radicals. What does that mean for the human body?
Ubisoft plans cuts at German studios, adding to wave of workforce reductions
Ubisoft is planning to reduce its workforce in Germany, where it operates a trio of studios, by about 100 workers, Game File has learned. The company wants to offer employees buyouts to, should enough people accept, avoid having to lay anyone off. “In Germany, we initiated discussions with the Works Council last week regarding a proposed voluntary departure plan across Ubisoft Dusseldorf, Ubisoft Berlin & Ubisoft Mainz,” a company rep told Game File. A “works council” is a union-like group representing employees. “The voluntary plan is the primary measure being proposed to support the intended organizational changes,” the Ubisoft rep added. The company declined to confirm the scale of the potential headcount cut. Of the impacted studios, Mainz might be the best known to the public. It leads development of the Anno series and shipped the well-reviewed strategy game Anno 117: Pax Romana in November 2025. Berlin and Dusseldorf operate as support studios within Ubisoft’s creative network. Berlin recently supported the development of Rainbow Six Siege and the Rayman Legends Retold remake. Dusseldorf also contributed to those projects, as well as The Settlers and Ubisoft-branded escape rooms. Dusseldorf is the biggest of the three studios, with some 400+ workers, compared to just over 100 at the other two, a source familiar with the reductions and the teams told Game File. More than half of these new reductions of about 100 people are expected to happen at Dusseldorf. The planned cuts were announced at a town hall for the German studios on Tuesday of last week. In an email follow-up, the studio group’s managing director, Benedikt Grindel, said the cuts were intended to “best position our German studios for the future... with a clearer focus on their role, capabilities and organizational setup needed for the work ahead.” The email was an echo of the past. In January 2025, Grindel had emailed the Ubisoft developers in his region (or studio “zone”) to explain that a round of 185 cuts at the time, including about 65 at Dusseldorf, were “essential to improve our operational efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of our studios, the zone and the company.” A half-decade of continued job cuts Ubisoft has been aggressively cutting its headcount for years. At the end of September 2022, it had 20,729 workers. By the end of March 2026, that total was down to 16,590. Studio management is trying to trim costs as it grapples with a changing industry and a drought of releases, let alone hits. The company announced earlier this year that it had reduced its costs since 2022 by “nearly €325 million” ($362m) and planned to lower them through 2028 by another €180 million ($200m). In June the company said it was closing down its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios and cutting roles in its Barcelona team. Even commercial and creative success hasn’t spared studios from this ongoing company-wide contraction. As Game File was nailing down details around the proposed cuts in Germany, Ubisoft management was informing workers of cuts in its Singapore studio, which shipped a hit remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag this past July. Some 70 positions in Singapore are being eliminated “to align the studio with upcoming production needs,” per a company rep’s statement to Game File. In early 2024, a large team in the Singapore studio launched the multiplayer pirate game Skull & Bones. It performed poorly but has been supported with regular content updates since. Many of Ubisoft’s studios around the world are heavily subsidized via regional grants and tax breaks. Singapore had been among them for years, but received no such local assistance in the 12 months ending this past March. News of the Singapore cuts broke today alongside word that Ubisoft is also proposing the closure of RedLynx, pending negotiations with officials. The Finnish studio behind the motorbike series Trials was founded in 2000 and sold to Ubisoft in 2011. As reported by VGC (and corroborated by Game File), Ubisoft management told employees it could not come up with a new, sustainable assignment for RedLynx. The 2025 workforce at Ubisoft Dusseldorf were straight-up cuts. This time, Ubisoft is hoping the reductions at its trio of German studios will largely come from workers taking a payout to leave. The company offered such voluntary dismissals at its Massive Entertainment studio (The Division) a year ago. For the German studios’ buyouts this time around, Ubisoft and the Works Council had discussed a formula that’d pay a worker’s monthly salary multiplied by 1.5 and by the number of years they’ve worked at the company, according to Game File sources. The formula is still subject to negotiations with the Works Council and has not yet been part of an official offer to workers. It could be adjusted up or down, and it could be supplemented with additional bonuses. Asked about the floated payout formula, a Ubisoft rep told Game File, “The terms of a potential voluntary departure program remain subject to negotiation with employee representatives. No final agreement has been reached, and we won’t comment on specific proposals while discussions are ongoing.” Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: Epic’s AI adventures Epic Games (Fortnite, the Unreal engine) is all-in on using AI to try to transform the way it makes video games and game-making tools. It’s leaders appear to be undeterred by any resistance among gamers and some game developers around generative AI—and instead emboldened by advances, particularly in AI-assisted programming. A recap of the last three days: On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Epic management told workers last week that development of an upcoming game combining Star Wars and Marvel characters would be “AI first.” Employees would be expected to use AI models such as Claude to code the game. A manager told Epic’s developers there would be “[n]o more hand-written code” and that art for the game would be “generated with full AI workflows,” per the outlet. Just ahead of that story running, Epic founder Tim Sweeney tweeted: “We have a huge pivot underway here at Epic, moving developers around to retool for maximum AI acceleration. The aim isn’t to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal.” In a follow-up, Sweeney predicted that most game development processes would be at least three times faster a year from now than they were in January 2026, thanks to AI. To a person on X who told him he was failing to read the room, Sweeney said: “Much of the room wants it to be 2016 again, but it’s not. Our job, as the provider of tools and technology to much of the industry, is to design for the present that is and the future that will soon be.” On Wednesday, Epic announced it was releasing a faster launcher for its Epic Games Store marketplace. It did so by stating in a blog post as clear as could be that the launcher is an AI-enabled, vibe-coded project: Programming is hard. So, instead of doing that, we vibe coded a new Epic Games Launcher that’s way faster and more responsive than the current one, and has a new look. Programming is hard? That was unexpected phrasing from a company founded by a legendarily great programmer. Back in 2011, Sweeney told me that he’d picked up programming quickly as a kid and rejoiced at the power it gave him. “I could look at any program that anybody else had written and, with enough effort, build something cooler.” Item 3: The Xbox Labs experiment (and one of the people behind it) Microsoft’s Xbox division, which is flooding the zone with announcements lately, yesterday revealed a new internal tech-tinkering team called Xbox Labs. In the words of Xbox boss Asha Sharma Labs is “a small group of game makers, engineers and scientists whose job is to turn emerging ideas into things our players and developers can experience.” Conventional wisdom coming out of the announcement is that Labs is a team that’ll focus on ideas driven by generative AI. In her announcement, Sharma cited some of the dizzying achievements in tech and gaming over the past month as AI agents and other AI tools have been deployed to swiftly figure out how popular games work, then rebuild them and mix them up. She mentioned seeing ”games rapidly decompiled and rebuilt to run on hardware they were never originally designed to support” and said “[p]erhaps more surprisingly, we’ve seen many of the biggest games in the world have been remixed into the source code of another.” (Minecraft plus Elden Ring, for example, or Fortnite + Super Monkey Ball + Overwatch + Diablo + others.) Sharma also cited the work of Windows PC games being ported to run in browsers, a seeming reference to a recent AI-assisted fan port of Halo. Or perhaps Call of Duty or GTA. Sharma didn’t use the specific term “AI” in her memo, but she came close, citing AI “agents” and their potential for game-making tools that Labs could help craft: I think XBOX has an important role to play here. Coding became the first major workload for agents because they can write, run, and test software. Games share many of those same properties, and people spend more than 72 billion hours a year playing XBOX games, roughly five times the estimated time spent writing code worldwide. We’ve spent 25 years learning how to make great games, and I want our game makers to help shape what these new technologies make possible. As we learn, we’ll share the tools we build with developers across the industry, just as we always have. When I asked an Xbox rep if Labs was an AI-centric team, they said genAI was not the focus, describing it as having a broader mandate for using new tech in new ways in gaming. As an example, they pointed to Xbox’s recently launched disc-to-digital gaming usage rights program. Microsoft didn’t specifically name anyone involved full-time in Xbox Labs yesterday, but on social media and LinkedIn, I spotted Adrian Mato IDing himself as leading the creatio of tools at Labs and talking up the launch. Mato first caught my attention in late September, when he said on X that he was “starting to build a new team at Xbox focused on products and tools for how games get built and distributed as agentic tools become more capable.” At the time, he framed AI-based tools as a supplement to traditional game dev tools. “I don’t think we need to replace them,” he said. Since then, he’s publicly shown interest in AI and in games. He’s recently spent some of his X feed marveling at the power of AI agents and praising the lighting in the latest Gears of War. Following the Labs announcement yesterday, he enthused about the Xbox Labs’ stylish landing page. He wrote: “We built some fun tools to art-direct shaders in real time, experimented with interactive ASCII art, and sprinkled in lots of tiny details. “Move your mouse to leave a colorful trail that reveals the original footage, or interact with the video to trigger bursts of particles. “A lot of love went into making it all feel just right. “More to come”
Universal Music Group cuts several executives during its restructure
Executives at Def Jam, Republic Records and Interscope are leaving Universal Music Group as it completes a plan to save €250 million (about $270 million) a year.
Commentary: Karen Bass says L.A.'s political establishment doesn't like Raman. Well, boo hoo
Karen Bass says L.A.'s political establishment doesn't like Raman. Well, boo hoo
New woman-owned aesthetics business opens in Reno
VVW Aesthetics offers technology not available elsewhere in northern Nevada.
Apple HomeView Has These 15 Apps, Some CarPlay Apps and Widgets Also Supported
Apple's tech specs page for its all-new HomeView smart home hub contains a list of all of the built-in Apple apps available on the device. While it has no App Store, the HomeView can also display some CarPlay-enabled audio and video apps from a paired iPhone. This includes Audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, Apple News, and Apple TV, along with third-party apps such as Spotify, according to WIRED.
Treasury says largest U.S. banks let politics influence who received banking services
New Treasury Department findings may lend weight to President Donald Trump’s long-running grievance that major banks have discriminated against conservatives.
Quinshon Judkins injury: Todd Monken provides an update
Todd Monken shared an update on the Quinshon Judkins ankle injury.
New offer available for Venture X Business cardholders
If you have the Capital One Venture X Business, you may be eligible for an up to $500 credit when booking through Capital One Business Travel.
Tigers May Have a Surprise Replacement for Kenley Jansen
The Detroit Tigers could have a surprising internal replacement for Kenley Jansen. Drew Sommers' 2026 strikeout numbers make him worth watching.
HOMETOWN HEALTH: Managing high blood pressure could save half a million lives worldwide, health experts say
Researchers recommend expanding treatment for high blood pressure and expanding access to cholesterol-lowering statin medications.
BUSINESS UPDATE: A 138-year-old New York Manufacturer Gets Another Life in Fulton
E.J. Willis Co. was founded in New York City in 1888 and for generations it has made ship’s bells and other equipment for the U.S. Navy and American shipbuilders. This summer, the new owner moved the company’s equipment to Fulton By Stefan Yablonski E. J. Willis Co. cast brass ship’s bells — handcrafted in the United States since 1888. Ship bells, “built to last a lifetime at sea,” are now manufactured in Fulton. E.J. Willis Co. has moved its operation and manufacturing business to Fulton. They are currently operating out of N.E.T & Die. The company is now under the ownership of Jonathan Hyatt. He recently acquired the company after seeing a for sale note on Craigslist. [caption id=attachment_11110 align=alignright width=400] Entrepreneur Jonathan Hyatt is the new owner of E.J. Willis Co. He bought the business this summer after finding a listing on Craigslist by chance.[/caption] “I had been looking for something to do. I had been 20 years in corporate America and I was just tired of building someone else’s empire, you know what I mean? I was in consulting, pretty much a jack of all trades. I wanted to do something that I could call my own,” he explained. “I’d been on this path of trying to find a business to buy for about a year. One night I am on Craigslist about 11:30 in mid-April searching for something completely unrelated. At the bottom of Craigslist was a ‘things you might be interested in from outside of your area.’ There was an ad that said 138-year-old bell manufacturing company for sale. So, I clicked; why not, right? I wasn’t looking to buy a manufacturing company, but I went down the rabbit hole, absolutely fell in love with the history and ended up buying it.” He read the ad and responded. “I called and I am talking to the owner of the business for about two hours. We ended with, let’s have another chat and then come on out here and have a look. I figured, well I might wind up getting kidnapped and getting murdered or there is a real business here. But I gotta see it through,” he quipped. “And sure enough, there is a big machine shop operation there. The gentleman who owned it was retiring and in the corner of this shop is a little room where they make bells and they have been doing this ever since the company had started.” That’s the one constant thing that has survived the changes of the business. [caption id=attachment_11061 align=alignright width=300] Sales 1929 general catalog published by E. J. Willis Co, listing all the merchandise it sold. It’s like the Sears Roebuck and Co. catalog for marine parts.[/caption] “I drove home and told my wife, ‘This is what I am doing for the rest of whatever we are calling this — mid-life crisis.’ And she said, ‘absolutely you got to do it.’ I took out a loan and off we go.” He put in an offer on the business and they closed on July 1. He didn’t disclose what he paid for the company. “In terms of price, the seller and I have agreed to keep those terms private.” “I am finding that I am a business owner, an archeologist, opening files and cabinets that haven’t been opened in 100 years. It’s just amazing, just cool things that I am finding,” he said. “I want to build the business back. I want to be able to sell the bells to outsiders. I think they are beautiful. “It’s really a wild story about a company that started in lower Manhattan, exploded in the automotive space, sold parts to the Wright Brothers, moved into the aeronautical world and then landed in marine. The cool thing, I have been digging around and the gentleman who owned the company prior to me was not a digital guy. There is nothing out there. “Now I am sitting here with all the art from like the 1930s, the E.J. Willis boat catalog it’s like 250 pages of things this company used to make. It’s like the Sears-Roebuck and Co. catalog for marine parts. We are modernizing, we are staying true to the heritage of the business. It’s exciting to be the next steward of the whole business.” Initially he thought he’d move everything from the company’s plant in Middleville, Herkimer County, to Boston, out of convenience. “Then I thought let’s keep the foundry where it is. Let’s not move anything right away,” he said. “I want to get a good sense of what we’ve got, what works and what doesn’t. “I went to the foundry and met with the people there, lovely people, and said here is my position — I am buying a company where everyone is retiring. There is machining and polishing to be done, who would you work with around here? Without hesitation they said, ‘you need to go to NET Tool & Die and talk to Michelle [Shatrau]. She is a third-generation machinist and she runs the company now.’” So, he drove to Fulton. “I knocked on the door, they let me in. And she said, ‘how’d you get in here?’” he said with a laugh. “We became fast friends. I told her what I am doing. It must have struck a nerve. She has a very entrepreneurial background. I must have said something right because she came out and she said, ‘I’d love to help you. Why don’t we move the equipment that you have into my large building and I will give you a space to work at and use my team?’” [caption id=attachment_11058 align=alignleft width=300] Bell in progress awaiting assembly[/caption] It’s a great relationship so far. “We are bringing the business into the modern world. It’s been a lot of stuff all at once. But it has been very exciting,” he said. “We moved in a month ago [in July]. We closed on the business July 1. We moved a couple weeks later. We had all our equipment set up, electrical being run, everything. [caption id=attachment_11059 align=alignright width=300] Bell attached to a lathe going through the machining process[/caption] “We’re working with NET Tool & Die to rebuild production and preserve manufacturing processes that, in some cases, existed mostly in the heads and hands of the people who had been doing them for decades. We’re currently working on several 200-pound ship’s bells and bringing an old two-way manual bilge pump back into production.” He said he will be working with NET employees for the time being, adding, “I’d love to get to a point where I have so much growth that I need to hire people.” No one wakes up and says, ‘I am buying a bell today,’ Hyatt admitted. [caption id=attachment_11060 align=alignleft width=225] Bell after receiving a custom etching toward the bell mouth[/caption] “Everyone does wake up and has things that deserve acknowledgment and remembering — a promotion, a marriage, the birth of a child,” he said. “These are the things I feel like if there was something that could capture a particular moment in time and will literally outlast the person that bought it, a bell is that. We can engrave a bell if you get married or the birth of a child. We can put anything on a bell. “I have orders, yes. I am working on several orders right now. We have a little bit of busyness. But there are still some things to work out. I want to make things consistently and continue to move forward.”
A Major Labor Boom in CNY? Not Here Yet
With so many major projects going on — Micron, I-81 viaduct and others — job growth is predicted to increase. But so far the number of jobs in the region has declined By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11065 align=alignright width=350] Amy Stage, deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY): “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.”[/caption] The I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse and Micron facility construction in Clay are expected to create a major labor boom for Central New York. But for the time being, the number of jobs here has actually decreased in the past year. The New York State Department of Labor reported that, for the annual comparison of June 2025 to this past June, private sector jobs decreased by 2,200 or less than 1% to 260,000. Job gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+700), private education and health services (+400) and other services (+300). Job losses for that annual period were reported in the areas of trade, transportation and utilities (-1,500); professional and business services (-1,000); financial activities (-500); mining, logging and construction (-300); manufacturing (-200); and information (-100). The public sector job count rose over 12 months, with most growth concentrated in education, the state Department of Labor reported. Looking ahead, the Central New York economy is expected to benefit from both the Micron and I-81 viaduct projects over a period of several years. Initial job growth is foreseen in construction and computer and electronic manufacturing. Spin-off jobs will be created in the areas of professional and business services, health care and education, the state Department of Labor said in an email response to Oswego County Business magazine. “Population growth tied to the buildout of Micron Technology semiconductor complex in Clay is also expected to bring more workers and residents to the region, increasing demand for transportation services,” the agency said. New York Department of Labor highlighted current or projected job growth trends in various sectors. An increase in defense-related contracts at local high-tech employers has continued to support employment growth in the computer and electronic product manufacturing sector and Micron is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs as the project progresses. This sector paid an annual average wage of $117,500 in 2025 and employment in the sector is projected to grow by over 60% through 2032, making it the fastest-growing industry in the region. Typical occupations in this industry include electrical, electronic and electromechanical assemblers, software developers and industrial engineers, the state agency reported. Specialty trade contractors include several different types of tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mechanics and installers. Many of these positions are trained through apprenticeships, the state Department of Labor reported. The Interstate 81 construction project is generating local jobs, including construction laborers, projected to grow at a 6.4% rate, and operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, projected to grow at a 7.3% rate over the next several years. Construction of the Micron Technology facility is also “creating thousands of job opportunities that will continue over the next two decades,” the state agency reported. The specialty trade contractors sector paid an annual average wage of $86,200 in 2025. For Central New York, the challenge isn’t creating jobs, it’s filling them. Amy Stage, a deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), said meeting this unprecedented growth is a much larger task than just replacing retirees. “We’re seeing workforce gaps at every experience level,” she said. “Companies need entry-level employees, experienced technicians, supervisors, engineers and skilled trades professionals. The opportunity is tremendous, but we need more people entering these career pathways.” Employers are looking for people who can troubleshoot, read technical information, use computers and learn new processes, not just perform repetitive production work, Stage said. To address this demand, the MACNY created the Manufacturers Talent Institute, which aims to connect students and job seekers with meaningful career pathways while helping employers build their workforce. Twenty-one companies have so far signed up to provide opportunities for more than 800 students. “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs,” Stage said. “It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.” Several manufacturing facilities in the region are in the midst of expansion: • TTM Technologies, a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced electronics and interconnect solutions for aerospace, defense and high-technology markets, which has a plant in DeWitt, completed its buildout of an additional facility, adding 400 jobs and expanding production of high-tech circuit boards for defense and critical electronics applications. • In Cortlandville, the Byrne Hollow Crossing Plant, a dairy manufacturing and processing facility, is increasing its operations, creating 100 new jobs. • The Chobani yogurt company is building a 1.4-million square foot dairy processing facility in Oneida County. This will create more than 1,000 good-paying jobs and double Chobani’s New York state workforce, Stage said. Stage noted several ways that local, state and federal governments can help spur manufacturing job growth in this region. Elected leaders and public agencies could work with industry representatives to create pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs seeking to upskill workers and improve employee retention. New York state has a variety of grants, tax incentives and financing programs to support site preparation, infrastructure, workforce development and capital investment. The U.S. Department of Labor has a pay-for-performance incentive program that provides employers $3,500 per new apprentice hired and retained for 90 days. MACNY was previously awarded an $87,000 federal grant that will cover 25 apprentices at nine companies. The manufacturing skills gap in the United States, at its current rate, could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. In New York state, that gap is on pace to exceed 100,000 unfilled positions within six years. Manufacturing companies will be counting on more women to help fill that gap. While women make up half of the overall U.S. workforce, they only account for 29% of the manufacturing workforce in this country, Stage said. “Pre-apprenticeship programs like Real Life Rosies help to bring awareness to the manufacturing industry to fill some of the gaps, but we have a long way to go and it starts with educating people at younger ages about careers in manufacturing and earn-and-learn opportunities,” she said. As for Micron, that $100 billion-plus project, considered the largest private investment in New York state history, is expected to eventually create up to 50,000 jobs throughout the region, factoring in the spin-off opportunities for construction and supply chains. The plant’s foundation was poured on July 9. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, data and memory are foundational to the modern economy — and Micron is increasing our U.S. investments to more than $250 billion through 2035 to meet that moment,” the company’s president and CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, said in a news release. Bechtel, Micon’s construction partner in the project, reported that 4,500 people will be employed to help build the facility, including skilled craft professionals, local union members representing various trades and apprentices. The Syracuse-based CenterState CEO organization tallies the regional labor force at 397,582 workers (Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties). Job growth isn’t limited to the Central New York region. For the larger area covering portions of the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern tier, and the western part of the state, there are 155,601 employees in the advanced manufacturing sector, and 155,275 construction workers. The agency’s 2026 Economic Forecast report noted that 41% of community and business leaders surveyed said a shortage of skilled workers in this area remains a problem, though 77% shared a positive economic outlook for the year ahead. Beyond the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing areas, local business leaders also see growth in small manufacturing companies, storage businesses, housing, unmanned flight technology and general construction. “Productive reuse of property,” the report said, “will hopefully continue to preserve unique architecture while driving business.” The report identified several challenges for economic growth in the region, including an aging workforce, outdated equipment, the rising cost of raw materials and “the disconnect between the speed of business needs and the pace of talent readiness.”
HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Mini 2 Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared
Apple yesterday announced the HomePod mini 2, introducing the compact smart speaker's first major hardware update in six years. The new model retains the original's spherical design, but adds an S10 chip, faster wireless connectivity, Sound Glow lighting, new Mac and home theater capabilities, and support for Siri AI in a future software update. The HomePod mini 2 costs $149 in the United States, $20 more than its predecessor's last Apple price of $129.
New research on psychedelics could have big impact on mental health patients
An order to accelerate research on psychedelics could provide new treatments for mental health
Which remaining Ohio State game are you most excited for?
The Buckeyes have six games remaining on their regular-season schedule, each with its own amount of intrigue. For this week’s fan survey, we want to know which game you are most excited about. Click the link and vote!
Apple's new hardware strategy capitalizes on trust — just in time for the AI era
Apple's smart home strategy is about selling more hardware. But it's also about more tightly binding iPhone customers to its ecosystem.
Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE:LUCK) Stock Has Average Price Target of $8.39 According to Brokerages
Lucky Strike Entertainment (NYSE:LUCK - Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of "Hold" by the thirteen research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have assigned a hold recommendation
Belton approves finance incentives for Uptown Entertainment District, home to B&B Theatre
A major entertainment district in the heart of Belton will move forward after the city council approved two financing tools, including $250 million in Chapter 100 bonds, in a 7-2 vote Tuesday night.
OLE Health opens Community Clinic Garden
OLE Health has opened a new community garden at the Davis Community Clinic, expanding access to fresh food, nutrition education and wellness resources for patients and completing a network of
Raptors’ Center Depth Gets A Major Boost From Jamarion Sharp
The Toronto Raptors made a roster move on Monday that points straight at where they feel thin. They signed seven-foot-five center Jamarion Sharp to a training camp deal and waived guard Chucky Hepburn in a corresponding move. That puts Raptors center depth back at the front of the conversation, with the Knicks game coming Tuesday …
Welcome Home: Everything Apple Announced on October 13
Apple didn't hold an event today, but it did refresh its lineup of smart home products with the Apple HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The $299 HomeView is an all-new device that serves as a central home hub, offering apps, widgets, and personalized content for up to six people. The $299 Apple TV 4K now has microphones for Siri, more internal storage, a faster A19 chip, and Wi-Fi 7, while the $149 HomePod mini has a faster chip and new colors.
Pablo Torre says NBA owners have contacted him about …
Pablo Torre says NBA owners have contacted him about …
CVS agrees to pay $315 million to settle Justice Department case over opioid prescriptions
The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought in 2024 that accused the healthcare giant of providing massive amounts of opioids and other controlled substances “to fuel its own profits at the expense of public health and safety.”
Payton Pritchard contract extension: What it means for Celtics, former Sixth Man of the Year
3 Montana ballot measures, explained
Montana voters will determine via initiative the future of nonpartisan state courts, corporate spending in politics and the ballot measure process itself.
NFL suspends Bears DE Montez Sweat 2 games for violating the league's PED policy
The Bears have upcoming games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots in Weeks 6 and 7.
RIP, homeOS
MacRumors was first to reveal the name "HomeView" last week, after discovering a trademark filing from a secretive shell company that we correctly suspected was linked to Apple. Apple was likely behind a "homeOS" trademark filing as well, but the company ultimately decided to stick with generic "HomeView software" naming, just like it refers to the HomePod's operating system as "HomePod software".
Casey’s Cash for Classrooms campaign brings in record $1.8 million
Ankeny-based Casey’s General Stores announced that its annual Cash for Classrooms campaign generated a record $1.8 million in August to support K-12 schools across its 19-state footprint. The total included nearly $1.5 million in customer donations, $250,000 from the Coca-Cola Co. and $100,000 from Casey’s. “The incredible response to this year’s campaign shows just how…
Senator Liz Boldon Denounces Health Insurance Plans, Speaker Demuth, Governor Walz and Minnesota Department of Commerce for Failure to Protect Home Care Nursing Coverage
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — In late 2025, several insurance companies informed Minnesota families that they would be imposing coverage limits on home care nursing services – in-home care for children with complex medical needs and disabilities. Despite a 2010 state law mandating that these services “shall be covered” by health plans for families also enrolled
LeBron James: 'Don’t write off OKC just yet'
LeBron James: 'Don’t write off OKC just yet'
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden make Packers history vs. Bears
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden set a new franchise record in the win against Chicago and have the makings of a special wide receiver duo.
Apple Announces $149 HomePod Mini 2 With Siri AI, 'Sound Glow', and Four-Speaker Surround Sound
Apple today announced a new HomePod mini equipped with Siri AI, new colors, and improved audio experiences. The new HomePod mini has an S10 chip that supports advanced computational audio, and Apple says it optimizes dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance in real-time. A Sound Glow feature turns the HomePod mini's top into a "visual canvas" that glows and animates in sync with music, reacting to bass and treble.
Were any current Man City players signed during charges period?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at whether any Manchester City players were signed during the time the club have been found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules.
David Jolly: Governor’s race likely comes down to undecided Black Floridians
About 10% of Black voters are undecided, Jolly said, with about 80% of siding with him. An NBC 6 poll shows Jolly with 76% of Black voters’ support and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Black Republican, with 10%.
Opinion: CT’s federal cuts response fund must be used for this crisis
Connecticut’s Governor must immediately use some of the over $250 million sitting in the Federal Cuts Response Fund for the purpose it was created, to protect the poor, disabled, and elderly from the harms of H.R. 1.
MetroTrans 2026 to Convene in Guangzhou this November
GUANGZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 October 2026 - MetroTrans 2026 will take place from November 9 to 11 at Area D of the Canton Fair Complex in
eClinical Solutions hosts ENGAGE 2026 with 250+ attendees from 75+ life science firms
eClinical Solutions hosts ENGAGE 2026 with 250+ attendees exploring clinical data management solutions for FDA compliance and trial operations.
Belton City Council votes Tuesday on $250M tax incentive plan for major uptown entertainment district
About 40 acres of farmland in Belton could be transformed into a major multi-use district that includes dining, retail, and residential, but the project hinges on Tuesday city council vote.
Progress Stopped: Titans’ Latest Defeat Offers Few Positives
For weeks, Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh has preached progress, pointing to improvements in the team's execution and understanding of the system. However, the Titans' latest defeat, a 26-3 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, leaves little evidence that the team is moving in the right direction.
City of College Station seeks resident input on future growth
A new survey by the City of College Station is urging residents to give input on businesses they want to see in town.
Dolphins sticking with QB Malik Willis despite 0-5 start, passing game struggles: 'Malik needs to be better'
Matthew Lillard calls Neve Campbell a ‘remarkable final girl’ weeks after sharing regret over “Scream 7” return
Lillard recently said he feels ‘ashamed’ for returning to franchise after the firing of Melissa Barrera.
This Is What Padres Rotation Could Look Like Next Year
The San Diego Padres have plenty of questions in their rotation, but this could be a look at next year's rotation.
Warner Bros. could face loss of at least $150 million on 'Digger' after tepid box office
Tom Cruise’s “Digger” fell 60% in its second weekend to $3.2 million, leaving Warner Bros. facing a loss that could top $150 million.
Trump says he's "looking at" firing Kimberly Guilfoyle: "We're not happy"
"Well, we're looking at it," President Trump said when asked if he's considering firing U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle.
WHO report on Russian lab worker death highlights "key uncertainty"
Without a cause of death, it's unclear if Russia's precautions were the right ones.
Scientists use spinach nanoparticles to help failing rat hearts
Rats treated using membranes extracted from spinach showed signs of improving heart functions, especially in the case of heart failure.
Large dog breeds die younger. Biologists think they finally know why.
'Jumping genes' may explain shorter lifespans.
I suppose the most direct comparison would be the …
I suppose the most direct comparison would be the …
Apple 'Welcome Home' Launch: Everything to Expect Tomorrow
Apple's "Welcome Home" product launch is happening tomorrow. As the name suggests, Apple is going to debut new home accessories, including the long-rumored home hub. Below, we've listed all the rumors we know about the three devices Apple is set to introduce. HomeView Apple's home hub, which will be called HomeView, is a multi-function device designed for all of a home's occupants. It's built around Siri AI, and will have an A18 chip and 8GB of RAM.
Meet the Sioux Falls Development Foundation's new VP of workforce development at upcoming WIN Summit
A new leader for talent and workforce development will share her vision for the role at the upcoming WIN in Workforce Summit.
Reba McEntire shares memories of Dolly Parton’s “Reba” 2005 guest-starring role
The music legend, who died in August, played Reba’s real estate rival turned potential boss on the sitcom.
Amazon Discounting 2026 MacBook Pro by as Much as $600 This Week
Today we're tracking a pair of massive discounts on Apple's newest MacBook Pro models, including $500 off a 16-inch model and $600 off a 14-inch model on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. The 15-Core M5 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro with 24GB RAM and 2TB SSD has hit $2,399.00 on Amazon, down from $2,999.00.
Justin Herbert Headlines Fantasy Football Players to Drop in Week 6
Justin Herbert and these three players are worth dropping in fantasy football entering Week 6.
USMNT midweek viewing guide: Chaaampiooons again
Follow along with all the action this week.
NetJets Adds New Exclusive-Use Terminals Across the US
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 12, 2026--
Let Me Put U On: Why men's health starts with speaking up
UATL reporter Christopher A. Daniel reflects on how sharing stories about a stomach ulcer inspired colleagues and friends to prioritize their health.
Why award shows are leaving network TV for streaming
The Emmys move to Prime Video next year and the Oscars to YouTube in 2029. Shrinking ratings and rising rights fees made awards shows money losers for TV.
Health fair draws more than 1,000 in its 45th year
More than 1,000 people turned out for the 45th annual Baxter Health and KTLO Health Fair and Expo on Oct. 7 at the Mountain Home Community Center. Baxter Health CEO Ron Peterson said 75 vendors and more than 250 volunteers and staff worked the daylong event, which offered free screenings, resources and health information. He
Why is health-related economic inactivity on the rise?
More people in the UK of working age are leaving the labour force because of poor health than in other similar countries. An effective policy response requires understanding the rise of work-limiting mental health issues among younger workers and musculoskeletal conditions among older workers.
How pod protectors promote safe interactions with dolphins
Southwest Florida’s ocean life is full of beauty. From the sea turtles that hatch their young on our sandy shores to the manatees that can be seen floating throughout the
What is Going on With Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski?
Milwaukee Brewers ace right-hander Jacob Misiorowski has looked like a superstar all season long. But in the playoffs, he has been average.
Two turnovers for Sam Darnold in Week 5 loss
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has a pair of turnovers in Week 5 loss to 49ers
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 Pre-Orders Expected to Begin This Week
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today reported that new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will be unveiled on Tuesday, October 13 and launch on Friday, October 30. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today reported that new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will be unveiled on Tuesday, October 13 and launch on Friday, October 30.
Feud spills onto South Carolina debate stage
Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic nominee Annie Andrews took their social media feud to the debate stage as they vie for an open Senate seat in South Carolina
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) Oct. 11, 2026
On "Politics Unplugged," political editor Dennis Welch sits down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs for a wide-ranging interview weeks before election day. The conversation is dominated by Governor Katie Hobbs' multi-million-dollar ad campaign accusing Biggs of protecting Warren Jeffs' FLDS cult while he was Arizona Senate President. Biggs forcefully denies the allegations, defending his legislative record and accusing the interviewer of carrying Hobbs' water. He escalates further, claiming Hobbs' rhetoric has led to death threats and that she would be "thrilled" if he were physically harmed. The interview also covers his vote against honoring Capitol Police on January 6th, his call to Rusty Bowers about decertifying the 2020 election, and whether he'd certify results as governor in 2028. Hobbs' office responds with a statement denying the claims. The show closes with a teaser for a Hobbs interview the following week.
Malik Washington racks up six receptions vs. Bengals
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington posted six receptions for a team-best 43 yards on eight targets in Week 5
Midterm polls show tightening races in Oregon and Washington
Oregon and Washington’s midterm elections are shaping up to be tighter than expected.
Woody Marks posts 85 total yards in Week 5
Texans RB Woody Marks played well in Week 5 with increased workload
Apple TV 4K Getting A19 Chip and Easier-to-Find Siri Remote
Apple's new Apple TV 4K will be powered by a standard A19 chip, up from the A15 in the current 2022 model, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his Power On newsletter, Gurman also said a refreshed Siri Remote will come with a speaker to make it easier to find between couch cushions.
🚨XI confirmed: Milan face a tough trip to Sassuolo
Reggio Emilia’s Mapei Stadium hosts the clash between Sassuolo and AC Milan on Matchday 6 of Serie A. The Rossoneri are looking to remain unbeaten under Ruben Amorim, buoyed by their emphatic 3-0 wi...
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini to Ship on October 30
The new upcoming Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will launch on Friday, October 30, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his Power On newsletter, Gurman said the devices will ship to customers and arrive in stores on that day. Apple is expected to announce the new devices at its October 13 "Welcome home" event, which will also debut "Homeview" – the company's new smart home hub, whose name was first spotted by MacRumors in a trademark filing.
Marlon Humphrey likely to play in Week 5
Marlon Humphrey expected to suit up against Falcons despite multiple recent injuries
Returning Wisconsin forward named All-Big Ten Preseason First Team
Wisconsin forward Nolan Winter was named to the 2026-27 Preseason All-Big Ten First Team, an early honor ahead of his fourth season in Madison.
Texas woman charges up to $2,000 to decorate people’s porches with pumpkins — and her business is thriving
From stay-at-home mom to pumpkin porch makeovers, Brandi Hazelett turned a love of autumn decor into a successful family business.
Jerome ‘Big Duck’ Smith had a vision for New Orleans' youth. This group wants to bring it back.
Robert Stanley’s friends all tell him: He's got big shoes to fill.
Editorial: The Case for Impeachment — What would the founders do?
When the Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia 250 years ago to “form a more perfect Union,” they studied the collapse of the Greek and Roman republics with an eye toward
Xabi Alonso happy with ‘very complete’ Chelsea performance against Bournemouth
Post-match thoughts from the boss
Nanotechnology expert Antonio Facchetti joins HKUST from Georgia Tech
Facchetti, co-founder of a company that makes flexible transistors for displays, has joined the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Grades for Cardinals Starting Pitchers in 2026
As a unit, the St. Louis Cardinals’ starters posted mediocre-to-slightly-below-average full-season stats in 2026. They finished 20th in ERA (4.27), third in HR/9 (0.99), 14th in FIP (4.09), and 26th in batting average against (.250). But there was more good than bad to take away, as several of St. Louis’ young starters took steps in …
Boston Museum of Science opens new 10,000-square-foot immersive venue
The new William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common officially opened to the public on Oct. 10, offering a flexible space for live events, presentations and hands-on science programming.
‘A true miracle:’ Heupel shares health update on Vols linebackers coach William Inge
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After spending weeks in the hospital, it looks like Tennessee’s linebackers coach William Inge will soon be one step closer to going home, Vols Head Coach Josh Heupe…
Are Labaron Philon Jr.'s Preseason Struggles Worth Stressing Over?
Labaron Philon Jr. is going to be a hit for the 76ers, but right now it's looking like he's struggling, and the season hasn't even started yet.
No Kawhi Leonard (reconditioning) for the Raptors in …
No Kawhi Leonard (reconditioning) for the Raptors in …
Queen Creek businesses requesting state liquor licenses
The Queen Creek Town Council recommended approving several businesses for liquor licenses from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Kilkenny's Irish Pub, 20736 E. Munoz St., is …
Jim Cramer Breaks Down the Complicated Story Behind CVS Health’s (CVS) Decline
During the October 6 episode of Mad Money, Jim Cramer examined whether CVS Health Corporation’s (NYSE:CVS) turnaround still has room to run after the stock’s sharp retreat from its summer highs. CVS ranked ninth among 10 stocks screened for a potential bear market. The criteria behind its inclusion offer another way to assess the turnaround […]
Jim Cramer Weighs MasTec’s (MTZ) Business Against the Selling Pressure
Toward the end of the October 6 lightning round of Mad Money, a caller asked about MasTec, Inc. (NYSE:MTZ). Jim Cramer acknowledged its operating performance but remained reluctant to buy, as he said: This thing has been crushed. I mean, it’s been crushed. And you know what? It’s doing pretty well. It’s not even that […]
Would ‘money out of politics’ proposal live up to its name?
If approved, Proposal 2 would prohibit direct or indirect contributions to Michigan politicians by DTE Energy, Consumers Energy and companies with more than $250,000 in state government contracts.
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
Apple reportedly plans to unveil an all-new smart home hub as part of the "Welcome home" product launch it announced for Tuesday, October 13. Our image above is just a rough concept based on rumored design details, so be prepared for the device's actual appearance to be different. The device will likely be unveiled in a press release shared on the Apple Newsroom website at around 9 a.m.
José Mourinho sends warning to Real Madrid stars
Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has this weekend fired something of a warning shot the way of his players in Spain’s capital. This comes amid the assurance that the Portuguese will show no he...
The Breadwinner Was So Offensive To Me As A Dad, I Almost Didn't Finish It
I genuinely can't believe no one stopped this movie.
State Launches Indiana Small Business Program
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced the launch of the Indiana Small Business Program to strengthen the Hoosier small business environment and to promote and facilitate the participation of Indiana …