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Why Businesses are Turning to Mass Timber For Office and Data Center Construction
Companies like Crow Holdings, Toyota, Microsoft, and Walmart are embracing the natural material for productivity gains, sustainability, and the bottom line.
UK announces ‘full and further sanctions’ amid Iran killings and arrests
Sanctions to target finance, energy, transport, software and other significant industries, Yvette Cooper tells MPs
Apple rolls out Creator Studio to boost services push, adds AI features
Apple on Tuesday unveiled Apple Creator Studio, a new subscription bundle of professional creative software priced at $12.99 a month or $129 a year, as the iPhone maker steps up its push into paid services for creators, students and professionals. The company has used its services business, which includes its Apple Music and iCloud services, to drive growth in recent years, helping counter slower hardware growth and generate recurring revenue. Apple Creator Studio bundles some of the company's best-known creative tools into a single subscription, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro across Mac and iPad.
Anthropic launches Cowork, a file-managing AI agent that could threaten dozens of startups
The new tool brings Claude Code's capabilities to non-technical users, positioning Anthropic to compete with productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot.
Star Wars Outlaws developer Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm face layoffs
In its latest cost-cutting effort, Ubisoft proposed a headcount reduction of around 55 people across its two Swedish studios.
Ubisoft Layoffs Impact Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm Employees
Ubisoft confirms restructuring at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm. 55 roles may be affected by the changes.
Ubisoft hits The Division and Avatar studio, Massive Entertainment, with layoffs
Around 55 roles could be affected; Studio remains focused on future of The Division…
Microsoft is retiring its Office Lens app on iOS and Android
The scanning features of Lens are now available in Microsoft’s OneDrive app instead.
Leaked Windows 11 Feature Shows Copilot Moving Into File Explorer
Microsoft is testing a hidden 'Chat with Copilot' button in Windows 11 File Explorer, signaling deeper AI search and a coming Agent Launchers framework.
Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Palantir, Zoom, Microsoft, Roku, Netflix & more
Here are Monday's biggest calls on Wall Street.
Independence Power Holdings, Inc. Completes Business Combination/Reverse Merger with TriUnity Business Services; Addresses Permian Basin Power Shortfall with Software-Driven Microgrids
MENTONE, Texas, January 12, 2026--Independence Power Holdings (OTC: ITXP) announces its transition to a public-reporting company following a completed business combination.
Gaston County students put science to the test in annual competition
Find out how a rocket can land softly enough not to break an egg after a 600-foot fall.
167 developers weighed in on vibe-coding. Here's what they said.
167 software engineers responded to Business Insider's vibe-coding survey. Over 45% reported "keeping up" with AI tools. Almost 17% feel behind.
JD Sports plans to let shoppers buy through AI platforms
Retailer to allow ‘one-click purchases’ through assistants such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, beginning in US
Microsoft says you should upgrade to Windows 11 AI PCs if you want to be prepared for the next generation of computing
Microsoft says you may not be prepared for the next generation of computing if you don't upgrade to a Copilot+ PC with Windows 11.
Why The Narrative Around Dave & Buster's Entertainment (PLAY) Is Shifting As Execution Takes Center Stage
Why the Fair Value Estimate Just Shifted Dave & Buster's just saw its fair value estimate trimmed slightly from US$26.50 to US$25.75, a small move that still carries an important message about how expectations are being reset. The modest change lines up with fresh research that puts more weight on near term execution, reflecting softer same store sales and traffic on one side and new leadership efforts and initiatives on the other. Stay tuned to see how you can keep on top of these ongoing...
Microsoft is finally making its version of a popular Apple feature actually worth using
Here's hoping it does well.
Mines students create new drone technology to improve live entertainment coverage
From high technology drone systems transforming live entertainment and AI software streamlining medical claims to renewable diesel innovations and smart sensors delivering real time concrete mix analysis.
High School Sports Rally: Why a retired accountant teaches softball
Redmond small businesses prepare for economic boost as Microsoft ends remote work
Anticipation is building among small businesses throughout Redmond for an economic boon once Microsoft workers end their remote assignments next month.
Microsoft may soon allow IT admins to uninstall Copilot
Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to uninstall the AI-powered Copilot digital assistant on managed devices.
Microsoft's first Windows 11 preview build of 2026 brings more Copilot+ PC features to everyone
Microsoft's first new preview build of Windows 11 for 2026 is packing a handful of Copilot additions, along with a new mobile Resume feature and more.
Copilot could soon live inside Windows 11's File Explorer, as Microsoft tests Chat with Copilot in Explorer, not just in a separate app
Microsoft is testing a new feature that integrates Copilot into the File Explorer, but it’s not going to be another ‘Ask Copilot’ button in the right-click menu. This time, Copilot will live inside File Explorer, likely in a sidebar or Details/Preview-pane-like interface, according to new references in Windows 11 preview builds. Microsoft watchers @PhantomOfEarth and […]
Microsoft is making it much easier to add hyperlinks in Word docs
It’s now as easy as pasting over the text you want to hyperlink.
Xbox’s Developer Direct returns on January 22nd with Fable and Forza Horizon 6 gameplay
The new installments in two of Microsoft’s biggest Xbox franchises are releasing this year.
UConn Spring Sports Season Tickets Now On Sale - University of Connecticut Athletics
STORRS, Conn. – Season tickets for UConn Baseball, Softball and Lacrosse are now on sale as the Huskies prepare for an exciting spring 2025 season across all...
Earth's early sponges were soft: Scientists close fossil record gap
Sponges are among Earth's most ancient animals, but exactly when they evolved has long puzzled scientists. Genetic information from living sponges, as well as chemical signals from ancient rocks, suggest ...
Ubisoft shuttering freshly-unionised Halifax studio, 71 jobs affected
The studio is the latest to be hit by the company's ongoing cutbacks.
Hidden in storage, a University of Utah research associate happened upon the only known copy of this ‘revolutionary’ software
It took careful work to recover the UNIX V4 operating system from the 9-track magnetic tape. The software is foundational for most devices used today, including iPhones.
Calendar Pick: Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry
Composed of veteran musicians Rob Keller (The Welfare Liners), Ben Reynolds (Chickasaw Mudd Puppies), Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz (Widespread Panic) and William Tonks (MrJordanMrTonks), Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry is an Athens-based band inspired by the sounds of acoustic rock, traditional folk, country and blues. As of late, the band has played several shows and is working on its album. In a bill presented by local promoter Aubrey Entertainment, the quartet will be performing alongside Scott Low & the Blue Bouillon. Seen sharing stages with artists like Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton and Shovels & Rope, Low is a folk musician whose sound has been compared to Americana acts like Jamey Johnson and Ryan Bingham, but the influence of artists like Tom […]
US FDA to limit regulation of health and fitness wearables, commissioner says
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday that it will limit regulation of wearable devices and software designed to support healthy lifestyles, issuing new guidance to clarify its regulatory approach.
2023 Ames Earth Science Nuggets
Earth Science (SG) Nuggets – Menu BarHomeNuggets Home2025202420232022 2023 Ames Earth Science Nuggets Earth Science Nuggets are bite-sized, single-page summaries of recent science results, mission highlights, and outreach activities. Back to Earth Science Nuggets Overview about 2023 Ames Earth Science Nuggets march 2023 Portable, Scalable, and Re-usable Science Data Processing Software for NASA Satellite Missions march 2023 Portable, Scalable, and Re-usable Science Data Processing Software for NASA Satellite Missions May 2023 ARC manages field campaign Sub-MesoscaleOcean Dynamics Experiment May 2023 ARC manages field campaign Sub-MesoscaleOcean Dynamics Experiment June 2023 Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) produces database on trace gas and meteorological observations June 2023 Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) produces database on trace gas and meteorological observations july 2023 Earth’s protective stratosphere affected by clouds from below july 2023 Earth’s protective stratosphere affected by clouds from below August 2023 What does global land climate look like at 2 degrees warming? August 2023 What does global land climate look like at 2 degrees warming? Downloads Portable, Scalable, and Re-usable Science Data Processing Software for NASA Satellite Missions Dec 18, 2025 PDF (279.60 KB) ARC manages field campaign Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics Experiment Dec 18, 2025 PDF (333.27 KB) Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) produces database on trace gas and meteorological observations Dec 18, 2025 PDF (332.86 KB) Earth’s protective stratosphere affected by clouds from below Dec 18, 2025 PDF (464.51 KB) What does global land climate look like at 2 degrees warming? Dec 18, 2025 PDF (246.82 KB)
Startups to watch: Baton Rouge’s entrepreneurial surge
Put researchers, incubators and investors in the same ecosystem, and you get a region where innovation can thrive. That momentum is showing up in the number of Capital Region startups now drawing attention far beyond Louisiana. CodeGig CodeGig is a Baton Rouge software firm that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to help industrial companies […]
Science army mobilizes to map U.S. soil microbiome
Massive endeavor including Hopkins researchers and students aims to understand the planet's most biodiverse habitats
ERPVAR.com Announces Fractional CMO Engagement with Innormax, SAP Business One Partner
ERPVAR.com, a specialized marketing and growth platform for ERP software partners, today announced a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) engagement with Innormax, an established SAP Business One partner supporting small and midsize businesses across North America.
No, Microsoft didn’t rebrand Office to Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft’s Office website is confusing the internet
Senators discuss open enrollment extension for compromise health plan
Republican and Democratic senators want to soften the blow of lapsed Obamacare tax credits.
Microsoft’s Nadella wants us to stop thinking of AI as ‘slop’
Nadella wants us to think of AI as a human helper instead of a slop-generating job killer. New data for 2026 indicates he could be right.
Microsoft's Nadella wants us to stop thinking of AI as 'slop'
Nadella wants us to think of AI as a human helper instead of a slop-generating job killer. New data for 2026 indicates he could be right.
Microsoft Edge is getting a Copilot-inspired redesign
The Copilot UI could come to more Microsoft products
China's services growth hits 6-month low in December, shows private PMI
China's services activity expanded at its slowest pace in six months in December, as growth in new business softened and foreign demand declined, a private-sector survey showed on Monday.
Microsoft Excel World Champ's top advice for office workers
Diarmuid Early won first place in the 2025 Microsoft Excel World Championship. He has some pointers for using Excel at work.
"Microslop" trends — backlash to Microsoft's on-going AI obsession continues
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella penned an AI-heavy blog post to close out 2025, leading to widespread mockery and a brand new moniker for the big M.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella calls for consensus about AI
: Exec argues we need a new metaphor focused on AI as a lever rather than a job killer
Construction of data science buildings to close Wyman Park Drive entrance to vehicles beginning in early January
Pedestrian access will remain open through July, but vehicle traffic will be disrupted beginning in early January as construction begins on JHU's data science buildings
While Microsoft is obsessed with AI, Valve is stealing PC gaming away
Valve has spent the last decade tunneling into Microsoft's vault. Now, the heist is on.
Microsoft's Satya Nadella wants you to stop calling AI "slop" in 2026
In closing comments of 2025, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared an update on the state of things going into 2026 — and it's all about ... AI!
Sony faces an unfixable PS5 vulnerability as BootROM keys are dumped and shared publicly
A leaked set of PlayStation 5 BootROM keys, published online at the end of 2025, has exposed core hardware-level security secrets that researchers say Sony cannot simply patch on existing consoles. While the breach does not enable an immediate jailbreak, experts warn it significantly lowers the bar for future exploits, potentially paving the way for permanent hacks, homebrew software, and widespread piracy risks.
ReactOS Starts 2026 With Another "Major Step" Toward Windows NT6 Compatibility
The ReactOS free software project is turning 30 this year and its 'open-source Windows' OS ambitions remain
11 executives and researchers who left Google in 2025
Two DeepMind cofounders are now on the opposite sides of an intensifying AI talent war, as Microsoft lures away Google employees in 2025.
The Best Gear and Software of 2025: My 7 Highlights of the Year
It was a great year for synthesizers and drum machines. Here are my picks for the best gear and software of 2025.
Bibb leaders plan upgrades to Carolyn Crayton Park softball field, increasing sports tourism
2025 has been a disaster for Windows 11 as frustrating bugs and intrusive features continue to erode trust in Microsoft’s flagship OS — something desperately needs to change
Too many bugs. Too many changes. Too little control. Windows 11's reputation might be at its lowest it's ever been as 2025 comes to a close.
Microsoft’s WebTV Is Being Revived By Fans
During the 1990s, everyone wanted to surf the information super-highway — also known as the World Wide Web or just ‘Internet’ — but not everyone was interested in getting on…
In Memoriam: All the tech that died in 2025
Join us in saying goodbye (or good riddance) to these apps, gadgets, and software.
Win and good recruitment vital for Livi
What a wild game this was. Celtic came back into it and were decent for the rest of the first half asking a few questions of our defence before getting their third. The penalty for Celtic's fourth goal was soft to say the least – would that be given if it was Celtic?
Russell Report: 2025 Sports Wrap-up
Florida Men's Basketball wins a national title, Gator Gymnastics just misses winning another one, softball has another nice year as well.
Former PlayStation Exec Says Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo Must Learn From VHS's Victory Over Betamax if They Want to Truly Expand the Console Audience
Video game console sales cap out each generation at around 250 million, so how will the console manufacturers break through that barrier? By learning a crucial lesson from the videotape format war, one former PlayStation executive has suggested.
Microsoft’s business is on fire. So how can its stock break from its curse?
The OpenAI and Nvidia narratives need to come back into fashion in order for Microsoft shares to move meaningfully higher.
Shader Beam brings CRT-style motion clarity to high-refresh monitors
Open-source Shader Beam software released, gives you CRT-like experience on high-refresh monitors ShaderBeam is a new open-source Windows overlay that
Rainbow 6 Siege: Game back online as Ubisoft works to fix issues
Publisher Ubisoft works to claw back billions of in-game currency handed out to players.
Sword and Fairy 4: Remake official trailer
Publisher CubeGame and developer UP software have released the official trailer for Sword and Fairy 4: Remake, its upcoming single-player RPG remake developed on Unreal Engine 5.
Microsoft Office 2019 drops to $29.97 for a lifetime Windows license
A one-time purchase that gets the job done.
Attackers Caused So Much Havoc Inside Rainbow Six Siege, Ubisoft Shut Down the Whole Game
Let's hope there's no lasting damage to the in-game economy.
Rainbow Six Siege servers are back online after shutting down in response to Marketplace hacks
Rainbow Six Siege players will have to wait until Ubisoft resolves this major breach that led to a complete server shutdown.
Ubisoft is rolling back Rainbow Six Siege servers after being forced to shut them down
Rainbow Six Siege players will have to wait until Ubisoft resolves this major breach that led to a complete server shutdown.
Ubisoft shuts down ‘Rainbow Six Siege’ servers following hack
Ubisoft shut down Rainbow Six Siege servers after hackers handed out 2 billion in-game credits to every player.
Massive Rainbow Six Siege breach gives players billions of credits
Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege (R6) suffered a breach that allowed hackers to abuse internal systems to ban and unban players, manipulate in-game moderation feeds, and grant massive amounts of in-game currency and cosmetic items to accounts worldwide.
Blender 5.0 Benchmarks Since Blender 3.0 For CPU Rendering Performance
As part of the many different year-end benchmarks on Phoronix, over the holidays I was curious about how far the Blender 3D modeling software's performance has evolved over the past few years
Drop those free apps — own Microsoft Office for just $35
A productivity suite for real grown-ups.
Rainbow Six Siege Is Being Hacked, As Players Are Gifted 2 Billion Credits, While Ban Logs Are Spammed With Digs At Ubisoft
Content creators urge players to stay offline until the problem has been resolved, given the extent of the breach.
Rainbow Six Siege Hacked as Players Get Billions of Credits and Random Bans
Rainbow Six Siege appears to have been hacked as global server outages hit all platforms, with players reporting billions of credits, dev skins, and random bans while Ubisoft calls it a server incident.
Rainbow Six Siege hacked as attackers give players billions of in-game currency – Ubisoft responds
Rainbow Six Siege players are reporting a major ongoing exploit that has resulted in mass account bans and billions of R6 Credits being added to accounts unexpectedly.
Promising Entertainment Stocks To Follow Today
Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Verizon Communications, Roblox, SEA, Take-Two Interactive Software, and Live Nation Entertainment are the seven Entertainment stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeat's stock screener tool. "Entertainment stocks" are publicly traded equities of companies w
New Runtime Standby ABI Proposed For Linux Akin To Microsoft Windows' "Modern Standby"
An exciting post-Christmas patch series out on the Linux kernel mailing list this morning is proposing a new runtime standby ABI that is similar in nature to the 'Modern Standby' functionality found with Microsoft Windows.
Read the pitch deck Scribe used to raise $75 million to fix how companies adopt AI
Workflow software startup Scribe has raised $75 million and achieved unicorn status, as it aims to reimagine AI integration for businesses.
This $40 Microsoft bundle makes an old PC feel brand new
Spoil an old PC with this bundle.
NFL Week 17 predictions by Microsoft Copilot AI for every game
Microsoft Copilot picks all of the NFL Week 17 games after going 12-4 predicting the results of the previous week's contests.
Final Benchmarks Of AMDVLK vs. RADV AMD Radeon Vulkan Drivers
One of the pleasant surprises this year was AMD ending the AMDVLK driver development with AMD dropping their proprietary OpenGL and Vulkan driver components on Linux at long last for their Radeon Software for Linux packages.
WA students try out new tech at 'Hour of AI'
Microsoft's one-hour lesson in Bellevue aimed to introduce kids to fast-evolving AI and helping them use it responsibly.
I moved to the US from India. Here's how I landed a job at Microsoft after first misunderstanding the Big Tech hiring process.
Rishab Jolly moved to the US to get his MBA after starting his engineering career in India. He was hired at Microsoft in 2017 as a product manager.
Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky to be delisted on January 1, 2026 for PS4 in Japan, January 5 for PS Vita
Spike Chunsoft will delist the digital version of tri-Ace-developed RPG Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky for PlayStation 4 on January 1, 2026 at 00:00 JST in Japan, and for PS Vita on Janua…
From football to softball, the biggest Texas Tech sports stories of 2025
What a wild year 2025 was for Texas Tech athletics. Relive the best and biggest stories of what was a loaded year for the Red Raiders.
Microsoft wants to replace its entire C and C++ codebase
: Plans move to Rust, with help from AI
“My goal is to eliminate every line of C and C++ from Microsoft by 2030” — Microsoft bets on AI to finally modernize Windows
A distinguished engineer outlined a "previously unimaginable" plan to rewrite millions of lines of code using AI agents and algorithms.
'Fragmented' Microsoft tools undercut efficiency at Amazon and Whole Foods, internal Deloitte review found
Whole Foods' use of Microsoft 365 apps remained disconnected from Amazon, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns, a Deloitte review found.
HARMAN to Acquire ZF’s ADAS Business
STAMFORD, CT – December 23, 2025 – HARMAN International, a global leader in automotive technology and lifestyle audio, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to...
“Losing the Console Race by Miles”: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Ticks Up as the Console Wars Gain a Bit of Clarity
Things are not good right now for tech giant Microsoft ($MSFT) on the gaming front. It has been systematically losing ground to chief rival Sony ($SONY) for the las...
Read the memos Google, Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow sent visa workers warning them not to travel
The US is now reviewing the social media of some visa applicants. Several major tech companies are warning visa holders not to leave the country.
Microsoft Surface Pro Deal Goes Further Than Apple's MacBook to Stand Out in Windows Laptop Clearance Deals
Don't miss out on this amazing chance to save big.
Windows 11 gets a December Insider update packed with new features and AI upgrades — reveals Microsoft’s next big push. Here's everything that is new.
The latest Windows 11 Insider build quietly adds new tools, UI tweaks, and deeper AI integration. Some of these changes are big.
Some Valorant players need to update their PC BIOS to keep anti-cheat software happy
BIOS checks will only affect a limited subset of Valorant players for now.
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance awards 25 small business grants
The grants were awarded in three categories — startup, micro, and small business — and can be used for expenses such as equipment, inventory, software and hardware, marketing, furniture, consulting services, and licensing or certification fees.
Trump signs order to ease restrictions on cannabis
Trump's order moves cannabis to Schedule III, potentially saving Maryland businesses millions in taxes and improving access to capital.
LG Will Let TV Owners Delete Microsoft Copilot After Customer Outcry
LG Electronics Inc. will let owners of its televisions delete Microsoft Corp.’s artificial intelligence software amid a consumer backlash.
Tom Durkin | The journey: People over politics
“Everyone’s on a journey,” Dianna Hill used to remind me gently whenever I got upset with what someone did or didn’t do. Maybe 5’2” in heels and just barely topping 100 pounds, Dianna had the look and soft voice of the perfect kindergarten teacher. She taught 8th-grade algebra. Dianna was empathy personified. She could feel […]
Apple Releases First macOS Tahoe 26.3 Public Beta
Apple today provided public beta testers with the first release of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.3 update for testing purposes. The public beta comes two days after Apple provided the beta to developers. After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section in the System Settings app. We don't know about any new features in macOS Tahoe 26.3 as of yet, but Apple might introduce new capabilities in later beta releases.
Apple Releases First iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Public Betas
Apple today provided beta testers with the first releases of upcoming iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and watchOS 26.2 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come a couple of days after Apple provided the betas to developers. Anyone can download and install public betas, and all that's required is to sign up on Apple's beta site. Once you've opted in, the software can be downloaded through the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device.
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
Video Game Physical Software and Hardware Sales Just Had the Worst November in the U.S. Since 1995
Last month, November, was a shockingly terrible month for video game sales in the U.S. While we traditionally think of November as a huge sales month what with Black Friday and all, November 2025 was the worst November in video game hardware unit sales, and the worst in physical software dollar sales the U.S. has seen since 1995.