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Former labor secretary drank at the office and misused resources, probe finds
Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated department policy by drinking alcohol at the office and telling her staff to perform personal tasks for her, an independent Labor Department investigation found.
Nuclear medicine physician-scientist Dr. Amir Iravani joins UCLA Health to lead Theranostics Program
Dr. Amir Iravani will serve as director of the Theranostics Program and vice chair of clinical research in the department of nuclear medicine and theranostics.
Pirates sign former Twins rookie for outfield depth
Pittsburgh is adding a rookie outfielder to the organization.
Man Utd in 'good place' despite imperfect squad, says Carrick
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said he is delighted with the additions to his squad despite being outspent by Premier League rivals in the transfer window and short on depth in some areas.The Red Devils' fiercest rivals spent almost that budget on a single player as Manchester City broke the British transfer record for Enzo Fernandez, while Liverpool splashed up to £123 million on French winger Bradley Barcola.
Former Labor Secretary misused funds
A new report from the department's Office of Inspector General found Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated numerous department policies
Health dept. nurses ask again for investigation into Dr. Nevin
St. Clair County commissioners will revisit a request for a third-party Health Department investigation in October after corporate counsel reviews complaints.
Alabama STEM Council Launches Improved Math and Science Proficiency Data Dashboard
The Alabama STEM Council of the Alabama Department of Workforce has launched a new and improved Alabama Math and Science Proficiency Data Dashboard, providing parents, educators and workforce partners with a clearer view of how Alabama students are performing in key STEM subject areas. The dashboard presents the most recent Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) […]
Job growth rebounded in August with solid gains
The Labor Department released the August 2026 jobs report on Friday, with Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing solid job gains last month.
Healthcare Dealmakers—UHS closes Talkspace acquisition, Sanford's North Memorial deal clears and more
Healthcare mergers and acquisitions are in no short supply as providers, health tech companies, payers and other industry players look to expand their businesses and gain a competitive edge. | Sword Health nears Headspace all-cash acquisition, HCA Healthcare adds dozens of Texas urgent care centers and more healthcare merger and acquisition news from August.
Sony's PlayStation disc plant is losing 10 percent of its volume in 2028, not 90
Sony’s PlayStation disc plant is losing 10 percent of its volume in 2028, not 90 Sony won’t license disc pressing to anyone else, Microsoft does, and a former PlayStation boss thinks that’s the whole problem. When Sony DADC chief Dietmar Tanzer spoke with an Austrian broadcaster in July about PlayStation disc production at the Thalgau plant, a number of press outlets misunderstood the report, writing that production would fall to a tenth of current levels. It won’t. Sony DADC confirmed to Game this week that the figure is a 10 percent decline, not a decline to 10 percent. “To clarify and avoid any misleading information: in that statement Dietmar anticipated an overall product volume decline by 10 percent, not a decline down to 10 percent,” a spokesperson with Sony DADC told Game. That figure covers 2028. Tanzer didn’t put a number on the years after, and the spokesperson declined to comment further. What we do know is that on July 1, PlayStation announced that physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028 and that the transition has no impact on games that have already released in disc format or will be releasing in disc format prior to that month. “So, there will be reorders going to the market after January 2028,” the Sony DADC spokesperson said. “For details around that I would ask you to liaise with the PR team from PlayStation, as we can’t speak or comment on their behalf.” PlayStation officials did not respond to questions about reorders or other disc-related matters. But I did recently speak with Shawn Layden, Game Industry Strategic Advisor and former chairman of SIE Worldwide Studios, who called a future without physical PlayStation discs “depressing, but solvable.” then added, “I think.” The chief hurdle to third-party manufacturing of collector’s editions or any other version of a PlayStation game disc is that Sony owns the proprietary process to press those discs, Layden said. “And unless they decide or determine a way to license that to some of these bespoke disc manufacturers, there’s no way to make it happen,” he said. Layden was careful to add that he understands the concept but doesn’t have “line of sight on the particulars.” “Depressing but solvable, I think.” — Shawn Layden Microsoft already licenses replication to outside plants. Xbox discs are pressed by manufacturers Microsoft certifies as Authorized Replicators, a term defined in its publisher agreements, with the approved list set at the company’s sole discretion and Microsoft retaining the right to halt manufacture. The structure is still in place today: publishers select an Authorized Replicator in Partner Center and submit a bill of materials created with a Microsoft representative. Sony, by contrast, presses PlayStation discs through Sony DADC, its own manufacturing subsidiary. No one I spoke with said they were in discussions with Sony about doing that, and PlayStation hasn’t responded to questions about whether it would be open to a licensing deal. There is an obvious reason Sony might not want to. Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad pointed it out on the day of the announcement: it’s a platform-led decision, he wrote, designed to cut costs, eliminate the resale market, and drive all revenue through the PlayStation Store. The math is not subtle. On a $70 third-party game sold through the PlayStation Store, Sony keeps $21. Sold at retail, Ahmad says, it earns about half that. Licensing disc replication to an outside manufacturer might not be worth it. And even if it were, it seems unlikely that such a deal would come from boutique companies like iam8bit, which sells collector’s editions of video games. “We would absolutely love to find a way forward to continue making physical PlayStation games,” said Jon Gibson, co-owner and co-creative director of the company. “We are big believers in giving humans the option to truly own media. If we can play a role in helping make that a reality for the future of PlayStation games, count iam8bit in!” If it were to happen, it would most likely be with a company like Conectiv Supply Chain Solutions, a Memphis-based manufacturer of optical discs and vinyl records that also runs third-party logistics, fulfillment and distribution for packaged media. The company, which was formed in 2025 when Los Angeles private equity firm Variant Equity Advisors purchased Vantiva’s Supply Chain Solutions division, traces its lineage back to Technicolor. When it sold the division, Vantiva described the business as having served video game creators for more than 25 years. Conectiv is also buying, not shrinking. Last month it acquired SDS, the distributor for Universal and Warner Bros. home entertainment, consolidating those studios’ packaged-media pipeline from pressing plant to retail shelf. I reached out to Conectiv and its CEO, but haven’t heard back. Layden pointed to music and books in our discussion about the ongoing value of physical media. “No one ever saw the comeback of cassette tape,” he said. “And vinyl didn’t so much come back. The flame went down, the fire’s dying, but the ember was always there, and it just kind of came back. Much like the book business. We thought we’d all be on Kindles right now. “I believe that physical media is crucial and important. One of the things that makes us gamers, one of the core game mechanics, going back to the beginning of time, is collecting stuff. “Did you get all the diamonds in Crash Bandicoot? Did you get all the stars in Mario? And we like to collect our games. And we have a game shelf. And we put all our boxes up there. And if you’re super hardcore, when you buy a game, you buy two copies, right? One stays in the shrink wrap, and you play the other one. What happens to that important cultural part of the gaming world? You know, we buy the steelbook and the three-disc Final Fantasy set and the figurine and, you know, you can’t download any of that. “What happens to that?” And Layden believes it shouldn’t have been a revenue question for PlayStation. “This was a core thing to the experience of our most devoted fans,” he said. “Yeah, it’s fan service. Why would we take that away? Well, we can’t afford to. It’s already 120 bucks, you know, limited edition special purchase onyx box version of whatever, and those sell at a higher rate than the box selling at $69.99 does. So yeah, the market has said they will continue to buy them. You’re just saying you just don’t want to make them anymore.” Layden said he was recently talking with someone about these sorts of business decisions and how they’re made. Too often, he said, it’s all about the financials and nothing else. “OK, we can do this and save this much money, or we can invest this to look at that outcome, or we can do this and have this happen over there, or move this team to Sri Lanka,” he said. “But each one of those, someone also has to have a ledger there saying, ‘OK, what is the brand impact from that move?’ “Iif you can’t resell it, do you really own it?” — Shawn Layden “If we do that, dollars and cents work out. I get it. That’s just math. But what’s the brand impact? Are people going to say, ‘Good move, you guys?’ Or are they going to say, ‘We hate you guys. Quit doing that.’ And sometimes they say, ‘We hate you.’ Then you take a note and say, OK, how much of that can we live with? How much ‘we hate you’ is OK. And when does it go over the line? “I see a lot of companies making decisions which, objectively speaking, I don’t know what the dollar end of that was for you, Mr. Company, but your brand value just dropped 30 percent. So I hope it was worth it.” Of course, shifting to a digital-only model for games raises other issues beyond simply wanting to collect. The biggest is ownership. Layden pointed out that once you go to a streaming-only or download-only model, it’s just a digital footprint on a hard drive. “What does ownership mean anymore?” he said. “It’s a genuine question. Well, in fact, it’s not even a question anymore. It’s like you are shifting the model from ownership to accessibility. “And what’s always been true, which people forget, is you’ve never been able to sell your iTunes library. And you can’t sell your PlayStation download library. So if you can’t resell it, do you really own it?” The touching tribute found in the credits for Star Wars Zero Company. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Interview and Hands-On with a Minoan Masterpiece Star Wars Zero Company hands-on: Attack Astromechs, permadeath, and delightfully fatal Rube Goldberg tactics Control Resonant opens up as you get stronger — and as characters start trusting you
The future of AI in healthcare: Moving from hype to business value
Commentary: Artificial intelligence in healthcare is not one story. It is three different stories moving at three different speeds, and that nuance often gets lost in the headlines.
Giants change Dennis Hickey's role, while Usama Young departs organization
New York Giants change Dennis Hickey’s title to senior personnel executive as VP of player engagement Usama Young leaves.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak exposes a weakened US public health system
During the height of the summer outbreak of cyclosporiasis, Dea Lancaster set aside her usual duties as nurse coordinator at Michigan's Washtenaw County Health Department to call patients, asking about their symptoms and tracing the contaminated food they ate.
Tanoa Togiai Adds Athleticism to Commanders Interior OL Depth
Maybe the biggest addition to the Washington Commanders 53-man roster was offensive lineman Tanoa Togiai, who can add athleticism to the unit's depth
Guest Commentary: Screen time isn’t to blame for youth mental-health issues
The narrative tying youth depression to smartphone use and screen time may not be accurate — the passing of the school year or other factors are shown to be more of an indicator.
Allegheny County Health Department cuts ribbon on renovated McKeesport clinic
The McKeesport Public Health Office was renovated to include a new sexual health clinic, drug testing services, and more.
Ursinus to Launch First Graduate Program in College’s History
Ursinus College, Department of Health Sciences, Gundolf Graml, Holly Hubbs, Collegeville, Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
Army National Guard Sergeant Wins $35K Settlement Against Kansas Health Department
The DOJ settled a years-long case with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to resolve allegations surrounding USERRA claims.
'By Any Means' review: Mark Wahlberg takes the Johnny Depp path
Imagine "Mississippi Burning" meets "Green Book."
Man United Women Summer 2026 Ins and Outs: Full Recap
3Manchester United Women have brought to an end an eventful transfer window.The Red Devils made a significant change at the start of August, with Marc Skinner departing his role as head coach and Eva ...
Qalibaf Mocks US over Oil, Treasury Yield Pressures
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Parliament speaker warned that the US is facing growing pressure from rising oil futures prices, elevated Treasury yields and the depletion of the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), saying the consequences of US’ policies are increasingly difficult to conceal.
Princeton considers AI and data science-focused ‘evolution’ for ORFE department, specifics unclear
The ORFE major could undergo changes in the coming years as a new ad hoc faculty committee considers how the University can strengthen its research and scholarship in AI and data science.
KIER achieves world-record 26.7% efficiency in perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells
The Photovoltaic Research Department of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) achieved a certified world-record efficiency of 26.7% for perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells, opening a new chapter in next-generation thin-film photovoltaics. This achievement was officially certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany and listed in the Best Research-Cell Efficiencies Chart published by the US National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR, formerly NREL).
NT government says no more ‘coddling criminals’ or ‘identity politics’ after experts walk out over ignored advice
Independent experts and organisations tasked with improving justice outcomes for First Nations people say Territorian government is not entering into ‘genuine partnership’
Senate Candidate: Money Corrupting SD Politics
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)– Independent candidate Brian Bengs says corporate money is corrupting politics, not only on a national level but now in South Dakota. Independent Brian Bengs held a p…
$3.35M available for O‘ahu businesses affected by Kona Low storms
The O‘ahu Kona Low Business Recovery Program is a new grant program from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism that's being…
Window business at center of investigation files for bankruptcy
Window Depot of the Gulf Coast has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This business is one of two at the center of a FOX10 Investigation since late May.
Postpartum depression linked to babies’ deaths—albeit by natural causes
Researchers made the finding after analyzing almost 415,000 infant mortalities that occurred well before Lindsay Clancy strangled her 8-month-old baby and two young children in 2023, forcing a spotlight on postpartum mental-illness risk.
Penn Nursing Professor Awarded Two Grants for Parent Mental Health Screening
Amy Jo Lisanti, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAHA, Research Assistant Professor in Penn Nursing’s Department of Family and Community Health and at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, has secured two national research awards to study the implementation of the mental health screening of parents of children born with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Scientists reveal the hidden instructions that build the human brain
UCLA researchers have discovered two powerful influences that help guide how the human brain forms before birth. Radial glia, stem cells responsible for producing much of the cerebral cortex, change their behavior depending on how they process glucose and on physical contact with signals arriving from the thalamus. Those signals can alter which types of neurons are produced, including upper-layer neurons that are especially prominent in humans.
What we know about Maria Bartiromo's abrupt exit from Fox News
Maria Bartiromo's abrupt departure from Fox News Media is raising questions about what led to the shocking move.
Lawmakers urge Hochul to act on AI tech bills
The bill would require businesses to report certain information to the state Department of Labor breaking down how artificial intelligence is affecting their hiring and employment practices.
Health officials warn of harmful algae in Hampton Lake in Portage
As health officials warn people to stay out of one Portage lake due to concerns about a harmful algal bloom, they are giving the all-clear for another.
NEWS CENTER Maine
Through in-depth storytelling, through direct contact on digital on social platforms, through long-standing community service programs like Coats & Toys for Kids, Project Heat and Buddy to Buddy, NEWS CENTER Maine is dedicated to keeping Mainers connected. We can't do it alone, though. Only by listening and interacting with YOU can we continue to connect ALL Mainers.
South Grad Partners with Full-Time Facility Dog on Her First Job
At USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital, recreational therapy looks a little different for recent graduate Emma Bryson, thanks to a full-time canine colleague named Rainier.
Public Health Topic: Suicide Prevention Awareness
The Central MA Regional Health Dept. (CMRHD) is highlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness for the month of September. CMRHD is dedicated to fostering a community where mental health and well bein
Baptist Health scoops up Coconut Creek Kohl’s store for $54M
Baptist Health South Florida dropped $53.5 million on a Kohl’s department store in Coconut Creek. The retailer, led by CEO Michael Bender, sold the 92,700-square-foot stand-alone store at 6950 North State Road 7 for $577 per square foot. Kohl’s acquired the 8.2-acre property for $14.8 million in 2008, soon after the store was built. Last year, the company announced plans to shutter 27 stores in underperforming locations, though no additional closure announcements have been made since then. The store is still open, and plans for the site are being evaluated, a Baptist Health spokesperson told the South Florida Business Journal. […]
Beyond the 'Great Divide': What we really know about political polarization
Americans are deeply divided. At least that's what we've been told for years. But how divided are we really? A new review suggests the answer may depend on how researchers ask the question.
Judge strikes down Trump administration lawsuit against trans-inclusive sports in California
The Department of Justice had sought to strip California of $44 billion if schools didn’t eject trans girls from girls’ sports teams.
Austin will outsource adult sports leagues after backlash
The parks department announced it would cancel city-led adult indoor basketball and volleyball leagues, saving about $400,000 per year.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human services detects two tickborne viruses
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported on Thursday detections of Heartland and Bourbon viruses in Nebraska.
Bexar County could slash public health by more than half
Bexar County's budget staff recommended cutting the public health department by more than half as federal funding dries up.
Tulsa Health Department to Host Educational Presentation on Childhood Trauma
Tulsa, Okla. – [Sept. 3, 2026] – The Tulsa Health Department is hosting a free educational presentation focusing on how early traumatic experiences impact child development and behavior. The presentation In Safe Hands: How Everyday Relationships Heal a Traumatized Developing Brain is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon […]
ICYMI: AFP-NH, NFIB Host Business Roundtable
Manchester, NH — In case you missed it, Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire (AFP-NH) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) hosted a discussion with New Hampshire businesses to discuss the state’s business environment and the challenges they face. Participants included: John Stephen, Stephen Group in Manchester and NH Executive Councilor Gino Baroni, Trident Group in Salem […]
Frederick County Health Department Earns National Model Practice Award
A Frederick County approach to bringing health and social services directly into the community has earned one of the nation’s highest recognitions for
Caroline Baratta Promoted To Assistant AD/Business Operations
Former Marist Student-Athlete Has Worked in Department's Business Office Since 2023
Independents aren’t just undercover partisans after all
Plus: Why people are drinking less, and who’s best friend is a chatbot?
LM Workboats Builds Aluminum Research Vessel For Chesapeake Bay Science Ops
LM Workboats has been contracted to construct a 59-foot aluminum research vessel for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, designed to conduct multi-mission, year-round operations on the Chesapeake Bay and near-coastal Atlantic waters. The vessel will be built to US Coast Guard Subchapter T and UNOLS standards at Lyman-Morse facilities in Maine.
Palantir Expands PwC Strategic Alliance to Scale Enterprise AI Across Core Business Operations
The expanded collaboration targets enterprise AI deployment, M&A transformation and ERP modernization, giving Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR) a broader route for embedding its platforms into complex corporate workflows.
CT Legislature, United Way Join Forces On Youth Mental Health Campaigns
According to Department of Children and Families Commissioner Susan Hamilton, more than 3,100 youth have been seen in the crisis centers since they opened, with over 700 seen in the last year alone. Youth overwhelmingly report improvements in their condition after discharge from the centers.
‘Open your mail’: Pennsylvania begins notifying over 700,000 Medicaid enrollees about work requirements
In Philadelphia, city officials have plans to increase awareness and support services for residents who will be affected by the Medicaid changes.
Good Good Golf leadership collapses following viral Callaway ad backlash
Good Good Golf CEO Matt Kendrick and president Joe Flannery have stepped down from the media company following intense public condemnation over a promotional advertisement for a new Callaway driver, according to multiple reports. The commercial depicted a man pushing a woman to the ground and warning her not to touch the golf club. Good Good co-founder Nahid Giga has been named interim CEO, according to details from an internal memo first reported by Business Insider.
World Cup coach reappointed two months after stepping down
Carlos Queiroz has retaken the reins in the Ghana setup after stepping down following their World Cup elimination
Colorado QB depth chart: Can Julian Lewis, Zach Wilson's brother end post-Shedeur struggles?
The Buffaloes are looking to bounce back in 2026 with some intriguing names in their quarteback room.
Burnham meets Macron at No 10, as more French officers deployed to stop small boat crossings
Number of police on French coast has been increased amid smugglers’ rising use of so-called ‘mega-dinghies’
Science Association Selects UToledo Geophysicist Among Distinguished Lecturers
Dr. Kennedy Doro, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, will share his expertise through the American Geophysical Union College of Fellows’ Distinguished Lecture Series.
Aryna Sabalenka hits out at ‘joke’ journalist after question over partying
The world No 1 was irritated after questions surrounding her off-court activity at the US Open as she bids for a third successive victory at Flushing Meadows
"This is the worst crash we've seen since the 1980s," says Tim Sweeney
Industry experts speak to Edge Magazine deputy editor Alex Spencer about how the industry is facing "Crash 2.0"
WHO highlights cybersecurity as a growing health security priority
3 September 2026, Cairo, Egypt – As health systems become increasingly dependent on digital technologies, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is calling for stronger...
Sacramento police investigating “rash” of downtown business burglaries
(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento Police Department is investigating what it called a “rash” of downtown business burglaries that have occurred since Monday night. Police provided the genera…
Brawl of the Business Owners at GOP CD1 Primary Debate on WMUR
Verbal shots were fired in a battle of the business owners at the Republican Primary WMUR debate for the U.S. House of Representatives First Congressional District on Wednesday night.
Work list prioritization tool cuts reporting and turnaround times by over 70%
This could be particularly beneficial in high-volume radiology departments, where delays can accumulate as readers work through lengthy work lists.
Childhood cancer patients and families target of new Ohio Department of Health program
By extending its existing Complex Medical Help Program, the Ohio Department of Health will add new staff to connect families with resources, from Medicaid coverage to doctors to clinical trials.
Popular diet slashes liver fat by 67% while reversing prediabetes in some people
A keto diet reduced liver fat by roughly 67% and reversed prediabetes in half of participants, but the study's small sample size is a caveat.
Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit challenging California policy allowing biological males in girls’ sports
A federal judge dismissed the Department of Justice lawsuit against California over transgender athletes competing in girls' sports on procedural grounds.
Jones County Health Department to host Oct. 3 rabies clinic for dogs and cats
The Jones County Health Department will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, Oct. 3.JCHD said The clinic will be held from 9:00 a.m.
Hegseth Extends Mideast Deployments Into 2027, Escalating Strain on Troops
The move is part of an open-ended military strategy designed to give President Trump options in the Iran war.
City links residents with health, housing and education services at nonprofit fair
The City of Warner Robins and Economic Development Department hosted a successful Community Nonprofit Resource Fair on Wednesday, connecting local residents wit
VA said electronic health record modernization would cost $10 billion
The Department of Veterans Affairs is nearly tripling the ceiling on its contract with Oracle to modernize the agency’s electronic health record system.
Sony and Microsoft say they’re not obligated to pass U.S. tariff refunds to consumers, echoing Nintendo
Back in July, Sony executives told investors that the company expected to receive $508 million in refunds from the U.S. government, after tariffs that the PlayStation-maker paid were ruled mostly in 2025 were found to be illegal. “Most” of the refund would by recouped by Sony’s gaming division, its chief financial officer said. This week, Sony’s lawyers are arguing that the company is not legally obligated to pass those proceeds on to consumers who paid for recently price-hiked PlayStation consoles. That’s in the face of a lawsuit from gamers calling on them to do exactly that. “Paying fair market price for voluntarily purchased consumer goods is not a legally cognizable injury in fact,” the lawyers wrote in a legal motion filed on Monday, as they asked a judge in California’s Northern District to dismiss a potential class action lawsuit over the tariff refunds. Microsoft made a similar argument two weeks ahead of Sony’s lawyers, in a similar lawsuit brought by a gamer in federal court in Washington State. As Microsoft’s legal team put it on August 21, in their request for a dismissal of that lawsuit: “There is nothing unjust about Plaintiff purchasing an Xbox at an advertised price and getting exactly what he paid for—regardless of whatever theory he devised months later about Microsoft’s cost structure.” Both legal fights are set to go on for some time. How things got to this point U.S. tariffs impacting a wide range of imported goods, including game consoles, had kicked off in early 2025. In May 2025, Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox consoles, citing “market conditions and the rising cost of development.” They raised them again that September. In August of that year, Sony raised the price of PlayStation 5 consoles, citing “a challenging economic environment.” Sony later told investors that its tariff fees for the fall quarter were nearly $200 million. in February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the 2025 tariffs illegal, prompting impacted companies to begin to request refunds. In turn, consumers began suing the likes of Sony and Microsoft to get what they said was their share. The gamers in the Microsoft and Sony lawsuits argue that the 2025 price hikes of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, which added $50 or more to their sticker price, were due to illegal tariffs and should now be returned to consumers. The Sony suit started in May, when a group of gamers sued in federal court in California, saying Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) would be unjustly enriching itself if it did not pass tariff refunds to its PS5 buyers. “Sony is poised to be paid twice for the same unlawful tariff burden: once by its customers (through elevated prices) and once by the U.S. government (through tariff refunds),” the gamers’ lawyers wrote at the time. They called for Sony to partially reimburse anyone who bought a PlayStation in the U.S. since August 1, 2025. The Microsoft suit, filed by gamer Trevor Hastings against the Xbox giant in July, made similar claims. The console makers push back In late July, Nintendo’s lawyers, facing a similar suit accusing them of double-dipping on tariffs and refunds, replied with arguments that previewed Microsoft’s and Sony’s: “Nintendo or one of its retailers set a price for each product, and consumers decided whether that price was worth paying,” they wrote. Sony has buttressed that Nintendo-style argument this week by saying that the gamers have failed to prove that tariffs were the reason for its August 2025 PS5 price hike. They call thatclaim “speculative and illogical.” Other factors, including “inflation, currency fluctuations, component costs, logistics, competitive dynamics, or demand,” could have played a role. (No, the Sony lawyers do not break down the costs and factors that officially triggered the price increases). Microsoft has also argued that there’s no proof in these lawsuits that tariffs drove all or some of the price increase, as it seeks to dismiss the tariff refund suit it’s facing: “Plaintiff provides no specific allegations that would establish any pricing differential attributable to tariffs or suggest any possibility that Microsoft applied then or could recreate now any dollar-for-dollar calculation of tariff-related pricing—any more than it could any other market factor that affects pricing.” To further skewer the gamer side’s argument in its case, Sony’s lawyers have pointed to what might be a surprising defense: yet another PlayStation 5 price hike from this past spring, after the tariffs were ruled illegal. “If the original price increase were attributable to tariffs, SIE [Sony Interactive Entertainment, aka PlayStation] would have had no reason to raise prices again after the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs.” … “If tariffs were the cause of the price increases, one would expect SIE to lower prices once the tariffs were eliminated—not raise them again. Instead, the timeline confirms that the pricing of PlayStation consoles includes a diverse and dynamic set of input costs.” Judges have not yet ruled on the arguments made by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. Last week, Panic, the company behind the small, yellow Playdate handheld said it would be passing its tariff refunds on to consumers. It is the only gaming hardware maker to have made such a pledge. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: A reporter’s second Second Life Wagner James Au, who from 2003-2006 was paid by San Francisco-based tech company Linden Lab to be a full-time journalist embedded in their virtual world Second Life, is returning to the company. This time, he’ll be an editorial advisor and business development specialist, he tells Game File. The new role will involve trying to share the stories of people inhabiting Second Life’s ongoing online world with reporters and by extension the public. Au plans to continue to also chronicle some of that through his long-running blog New World Notes. I’ve known Au since the mid-2000s and featured him in a 2007 article for the Columbia Journalism Review about reporters like him opening up virtual news outlets within Second Life. As I wrote at the time: On April 22, 2003, writing as Hamlet Linden for the New World Notes blog on Second Life’s Web site, Au introduced himself. “For the next few months, Linden Lab has invited me to set aside my journalist cap, and instead, don the digital beanie of their in-house virtual correspondent.” He wasn’t paid to keep it positive. He wrote about builders and eccentrics, but then in August of that year, he reported on a tax revolt against Linden Lab (a complaint about the fees it charges users who build stuff) led by a resident whose avatar was a big cat. Second Life has always been less of a video game and more of a virtual world where people can live, hang out, make art, sell virtual items and flirt. Back in 2007, Au described touring it as “sort of like underwater lucid dreaming.” For the past two decades, Au has maintained New World Notes as an independent publication. But he said he’s been drawn back to Second Life and Linden Lab as a place to directly work. The virtual world has around 650,000 monthly active users, he said, “which is actually about what it was during the hype wave.” Au says he’s still finding rich stories in Second Life, the kind that keep him interested 20 years into the beat: “Over the last few months for instance, I wrote about an SL creator in Venezuela whose apartment was destroyed by the earthquakes, so the global SL community rallied to get him back on his feet,” he told me. “Then there’s the woman from a Middle Eastern country who explored her lesbian sexuality in SL, then earned enough from her virtual jewelry to escape her abusive family situation and country.” Au wants to beckon more reporters to give Second Life another look. He argues that it is often ahead of internet trends, noting, for example, an early backlash in the community against AI-made art. Now the platform is drawing curiosity from more of the user-generated content community who’ve grown up with the likes of Roblox, according to Au. “Second Life was too early during its hype wave in 2005-2010, but it now feels right for a new wave of interest,” he told me.
Medicaid changes to restrict Husky Health eligibility for non-citizens based on immigration status
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — New federal rules will restrict Medicaid eligibility for certain Connecticut residents who are not United States citizens starting Oct. 1. The Connecticut Department of Soc…
Trump administration threatens to cut off agencies’ ties to Smithsonian
Echoing White House attacks, an Interior Department letter threatened the institution “under current leadership” with loss of support for sourcing artifacts and more.
State health department investigating potential food poisoning cases at UND
The cases may be linked to Wilkerson Dining Center from Aug. 22-24.
Aaron Rodgers Offers His Own Thoughts on Steelers’ QB Room
For weeks leading up to Mike McCarthy’s decision, everyone, from fans to media, weighed in on the Steelers‘ quarterback room. The only person who stayed quiet on how many quarterbacks should be on the roster and the order of the depth chart was the leading the position, Aaron Rodgers. That changed on Wednesday when the […] The post Aaron Rodgers Offers His Own Thoughts on Steelers’ QB Room appeared first on HEAVY.
Sheffield taps longtime Detroiter to serve as new business, workforce chief
Olga Stella is the latest in a string of newly-appointed department heads aimed at fulfilling the mayor’s agenda on economic growth and revitalization.
Appeals court rejects CDOT employee’s discrimination, retaliation claims
Colorado’s second-highest court agreed last week that a Colorado Department of Transportation employee had not shown that his employer discriminated and retaliated against him due to his religion and national origin. Ayman Salloum, who described himself as a 70-year-old Muslim immigrant from Jordan, was an environmental protection specialist at CDOT in December 2024. That month, […]
US judge rejects bid to break up Google’s ad business
Justice Department had argued Google could not be trusted to run the online advertising exchange.
Illinois heath officials responding to measles outbreak in Douglas County
There have been at least four confirmed, linked cases of measles in Douglas County, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
DOH-Miami-Dade Lifts Water Quality Health Advisory - Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County
DOH-Miami-Dade has lifted the water quality advisory for Crandon Park North in Key Biscayne.
Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, on the Clinical G
The War Department remains focused on building and maintaining a ready, lethal fighting force prepared to dominate the battlefield and achieve peace through strength.
Cook County Department of Public Health Launches Building Healthier Communities 2030, a Community-Driven Roadmap to Advance Health Equity Across Suburban Cook County - Cook County Department of Public Health
Today, Cook County Department of Public Health launched Building Healthier Communities 2030, suburban Cook County’s Community Health Improvement Plan. The plan was announced together with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Department of Public Health, community organizations, healthcare providers and cross-sector partners. Building Healthier Communities 2030 serves as both a collective vision and a practical roadmap that will guide public health efforts across suburban Cook County through 2030.The plan aligns with President Preckwinkle's Policy Roadmap and reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity through coordinated, community-informed action.
Parenting in political chaos: Guide for families
Help children build confidence amidst political instability by modeling calm behavior and encouraging independent thinking.
Small Business Focus: The Wandering Shelf
For Tessa Cannon, books are more than stories. They’re a way to build community. As the owner of The Wandering Shelf, an independent mobile bookstore that launched in Arlington in May 2025, Cannon brings books directly to readers across the community. Operating out of a bookstore van, she sells new and used books for all
Google defeats US bid to force ad tech sale
Google defeated the U.S. Department of Justice's effort to force a sale of its online advertising exchange in Virginia, marking a key antitrust ruling.
Blaze breaks out at Big Flats business complex. What we know about fire
An alarm went off around 3 a.m. Wednesday at 1250 Schweizer Road in Big Flats, home of several businesses, drawing many fire departments.
Owen Thiele, Este Haim Join Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit
Leadership from WPP Media, NBCUniversal Entertainment, Netflix, Amazon, Paramount, Hallmark, and more are scheduled to speak.
Pat Murphy Launches Post Script, A new Artist-Focused Entertainment Company
TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) - Canadian entertainment executive Pat Murphy has announced the launch of Post Script, a new independent entertainment company built around artist management, recorded music, media and intellectual property. The launch follows Murphy’s departure from
And They're Off! Sports Haven Tear-Down Begins
The last great race to the finish line began Wednesday morning at the former Sports Haven, where a crew began the long-awaited demolition of the storied Long Wharf video-betting complex. A crew from the Carabetta construction-affiliated J&J Demolition got to work around 10 a.m. attacking one side of the the oil drum-shaped, off-track betting venue […]
Veterans Affairs Reveals 250K New Veterans Have Enrolled in VA Health Care in 2026
The veterans who joined this year have had more than 1.4 million medical appointments, according to the agency.
SteamDB acquired by Nexus Mods after 13 years as an independent Steam database
SteamDB has been acquired by the company behind Nexus Mods after its founder said maintaining the service had become a full-time workload. The site will remain free and separate.
Trump says he's nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent job
Cao has been serving as acting Navy secretary since John Phelan departed the job unexpectedly and without explanation in late April
Trump nominates loyalist Hung Cao to be permanent navy secretary
Cao has been serving as acting navy secretary since John Phelan departed the job unexpectedly and without explanation in late April
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Leadership shakeup at Driscoll’s; Watsonville’s new distillery takes inspiration from the sea
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on high-level departures at Watsonville-based berry giant Driscoll's, a new distillery in South County and plenty of names, numbers and dates to know.
$21+ Billion Business Process Management Market Outlook 2026-2035 | AI and Automation Drive the Next Wave of BPM Growth
Opportunities center on cloud and low-code BPM, AI/ML and RPA-driven automation, industry-specific platforms, compliance tools, customer-centric workflows, and services that integrate modern solutions with legacy systems. Business Process Management Market Business Process Management Market Dublin, Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Business Process Management Market, Till 2035: Distribution by Type of Component, Type of Deployment, Type of Functionality, Type of Industry, and Geographical
8 Central Florida restaurant shut down after health inspections last week
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shut down eight Central Florida restaurants during the week from August 23-29 after conducting health inspections.
Leaked Galaxy S27, Plus, Pro, and Ultra image will make you appreciate Samsung's direction
A lineup photo depicting the new designs will make you see the void the S27 Ultra and Pro will fill.
Federal judge tosses Trump lawsuit over young trans athletes in California school sports
In a major LGBTQ+ rights victory, the justice department cannot force the state to ban trans girls from women’s sports
Louisiana cites three for illegal seafood business
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) cited three individuals for several violations related to selling illegal raw seafood