Sony will stop selling physical game discs in 2028 due to a long decline in physical game sales. Data shows that physical game sales in the US peaked in 2009 and have dropped sharply since then, with digital downloads becoming more popular.
Key Facts
Physical game sales in the US peaked at 297 million units in the year ending June 2009.
Sales declined steadily to only 37 million physical units sold in the past 12 months.
In 2008, 100 PlayStation games sold over 100,000 physical copies each; in 2026, only seven games have reached that mark.
The highest selling physical PlayStation game in 2026 sold about 275,000 units.
Total spending on physical games fell from $11.5 billion in 2009 to $1.6 billion recently, despite a small 4% rise due to Nintendo’s Switch 2.
Digital game downloads grew as early as the late 2000s with services like Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and WiiWare.
Sony required downloadable options for physical game cartridges starting with the PlayStation Vita in 2012.
Some recent games skip physical releases or offer downloadable versions sold with physical packaging.
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A new study looks at how a flat-rate cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security could impact retirees and the program’s money over time. The analysis explores whether this change would help improve fairness and financial health of Social Security.
Key Facts
The focus is on Social Security’s COLA, which adjusts benefits to keep up with inflation.
A flat-rate COLA means all retirees get the same dollar increase, not a percentage of their benefits.
The study examines how this change might help lower-income retirees more.
It also looks at the possible effects on Social Security’s long-term finances.
The goal is to see if a flat-rate COLA could make Social Security fairer and more sustainable.
Current COLA methods increase benefits based on a percentage to match inflation.
The research is aimed at policy makers considering Social Security changes.
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A 5.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Texas panhandle early Thursday morning, the strongest in the area since 1900. The quake caused shaking felt by many residents but no injuries or deaths were reported.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred around 5:21 a.m. at a depth of 3.5 miles.
The epicenter was about 27.8 miles southeast of Spearman, Texas, and 68 miles from Amarillo.
This is the strongest quake in the Texas panhandle region since 1900.
No injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
Buildings in the area are mostly resistant to earthquake shaking, but some older brick structures remain vulnerable.
Residents in multiple towns, including Pampa, Mobeetie, and White Deer, reported feeling the shaking.
The quake was also felt in nearby parts of western Oklahoma and southwestern Kansas.
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A patient in New York initially treated for Lyme disease was found to have the Bourbon virus, a rare illness spread by tick bites with no cure or vaccine. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing similar tick-borne diseases and the spread of ticks into new areas due to climate changes.
Key Facts
The patient was first diagnosed with Lyme disease but did not improve after antibiotics.
Tests later confirmed infection with the Bourbon virus, found for the first time in New York State.
Bourbon virus symptoms are similar to Lyme disease, which can cause misdiagnosis.
The Bourbon virus has no vaccine or cure and is carried by the lone star tick.
The virus was first discovered in 2014 in Bourbon County, Kansas.
A study of 107 tick bite patients in Suffolk County, NY, found some with Bourbon and Heartland virus antibodies.
Changing climate allows ticks to live in areas that were previously too cold.
Protection against ticks includes wearing light-colored, long clothing, using repellents, and checking the body carefully after outdoor activities.
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England has started a new plan to reduce drowning deaths, after a recent rise in water-related accidents. The plan includes teaching every child to swim safely, studying how climate change affects water dangers, and running public awareness campaigns.
Key Facts
Two women recently died at a beach in Essex, adding to a rise in drowning deaths in England.
The new national strategy aims to end drowning deaths, targeting public health risks.
Every child in England may get swimming lessons and water safety education.
The plan will also look at how climate change might increase water dangers.
Other UK countries—Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—are launching similar strategies.
Between 2019 and 2023, there were 2,306 water-related deaths in England; 42% were accidents.
Most victims (80%) were men aged 20 to 29, with many drownings happening during summer.
Social media platform TikTok donated money to support water safety advertising campaigns.
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Two Ghanaian nationals have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate repeated attacks on migrants in South Africa. They claim these attacks, which have happened over many years, might be crimes against humanity and say South African authorities have not done enough to stop them.
Key Facts
The petition was sent to the ICC prosecutor on July 15, 2026.
It was submitted by Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former Ghanaian government spokesperson, and security analyst Emmanuel Kotin.
The petition alleges widespread attacks on African migrants in South Africa from 2015 to 2026, including killings, assaults, looting, and forced displacement.
The petition claims South African officials failed to prevent or punish these attacks properly.
The petition is a private initiative and not supported by the Ghanaian government.
The ICC has confirmed it received the petition but noted receiving such reports does not always lead to an investigation.
South Africa has seen repeated anti-migrant violence for nearly 20 years, leading countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi to bring their citizens home.
Protesters in South Africa blame foreign nationals for problems like unemployment and crime.
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An Ebola outbreak in Congo has killed over 1,000 people in just over two months, spreading faster than the worst Ebola epidemic on record from 2014-2016. This outbreak is caused by a rare virus variant called Bundibugyo, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak started on May 15, 2026, and has 2,536 confirmed cases with 1,033 deaths so far.
It took the 2014-2016 outbreak eight months to reach 1,000 deaths, while this outbreak reached that number in just over two months.
The 2014-2016 epidemic involved over 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths in multiple West African countries.
This year’s outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola variant with no approved vaccine or treatment.
The 2014-2016 outbreak was caused by the more common Ebola virus variant.
The current outbreak is mostly limited to five eastern provinces of Congo and some cases in Uganda.
The fatality rate this year is about 40%, lower than the 66% fatality rate during the 2014-2016 outbreak.
Officials warn the outbreak could worsen because the first case is not confirmed, and many new cases are outside monitored contacts.
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The average 30-year mortgage rate in the U.S. rose to 6.58%, the highest level in nearly a year, making home loans more expensive. This increase comes as rising oil prices and inflation concerns affect the economy and borrowing costs.
Key Facts
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased from 6.55% last week to 6.58% this week.
One year ago, the 30-year mortgage rate was higher at 6.74%.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also went up, from 5.93% to 5.96%.
Rising mortgage rates add hundreds of dollars to monthly payments for buyers.
Higher rates reduce buying power and have contributed to slower home sales in the U.S. this year.
Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which rose from 3.97% in February to 4.7% in mid-October.
The increase in Treasury yields is linked to inflation concerns driven by rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in Iran.
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions influence bond markets, which in turn affect mortgage rates.
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Salman Rushdie testified in a federal court in Buffalo, New York, about the stabbing attack he survived four years ago. The trial involves Hadi Matar, who was convicted of attempted murder and is now facing terrorism charges for the attack connected to a call for Rushdie’s death by an Iranian leader.
Key Facts
Salman Rushdie was stabbed on stage in 2022 while speaking at a cultural event.
Rushdie described feeling a punch first, not realizing he was being stabbed, and then lying in a large pool of blood.
The attack blinded Rushdie in one eye, damaged his liver, and cut nerves in his arm.
Hadi Matar, 28, was convicted of attempted murder in state court and now faces federal terrorism charges.
Prosecutors say Matar acted because of a 1989 religious order by Iran’s then-leader calling for Rushdie’s death over his novel "The Satanic Verses."
Matar’s defense argues they cannot prove Matar’s intent or connection to terrorism groups.
Rushdie showed the jury his blind right eye and explained his long recovery process.
If convicted of the federal charges, Matar could face a life sentence in prison.
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A judge threw out the guilty verdict against Montana State Senator Jason Ellsworth after jurors accidentally saw secret documents not meant to be part of the trial. The documents involved communications about scheduling a potential key witness, Bryce Eggleston, who was not called to testify.
Key Facts
Jason Ellsworth, former Montana Senate President, was on trial for official misconduct.
Jurors were mistakenly given sealed exhibits about communications with Bryce Eggleston, a potential key witness.
The sealed materials were never admitted as evidence and should not have been shown to jurors.
The judge vacated (canceled) the guilty verdict after learning about the mistake.
Ellsworth’s legal team found out about the error when a juror mentioned jury discussions including these materials.
Bryce Eggleston is a longtime friend and former employee of Ellsworth and was involved with contracts for tracking legislative bill progress.
Prosecutors alleged Ellsworth bypassed the required competitive bidding for these contracts.
The state attorney general agreed there should be a new trial due to the juror error.
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President Donald Trump will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House to celebrate their second World Series championship in two years. The event will take place in the Rose Garden, marking the team’s repeat title and continuing the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.
Key Facts
The Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series by beating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 last October.
President Trump previously welcomed the Dodgers to the White House in April 2025 after their 2024 championship.
The White House event is scheduled for Thursday in the Rose Garden.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts will not attend this visit, choosing to spend the team’s day off with family.
Team manager Dave Roberts said the visit focuses on celebrating the championship rather than politics.
The Dodgers had planned to visit earlier in April but schedule conflicts delayed the trip.
Baseball teams have been visiting the White House to celebrate championships since 1869.
Recently, President Trump has mentioned baseball teams during speeches, including criticism of the New York Mets.
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Ukraine’s defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was recently removed from his position after six months. He refused President Zelenskyy’s offer to join the government in a different role, saying only the defense minister job has the power to lead the fight against Russia.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s defense minister for six months before being dismissed last week.
President Zelenskyy offered Fedorov the deputy prime minister position for military innovation.
Fedorov declined and said he would only accept the defense minister role.
Fedorov is known for modernizing Ukraine’s army and using technology to improve its fight against Russia.
He also worked to stop corruption in military buying processes.
His removal caused protests in Ukraine and was welcomed by Moscow officials.
Fedorov had conflicts with Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Soviet-trained commander-in-chief seen as part of the old military leadership.
Fedorov said his goal was to finish reforms, strengthen air defenses, and use long-range strikes to pressure Russia.
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House Democrats are asking for changes at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) after it spent over $500,000 supporting a candidate who lost a primary race in Arizona. Many Democrats want more input and less involvement by the DCCC in primary elections.
Key Facts
The DCCC spent more than $500,000 backing Marlene Galán-Woods in Arizona’s 1st district primary, but former state Rep. Amish Shah won.
This is the third time this year the DCCC spent six figures supporting a candidate who did not win a Democratic primary.
Some Democrats, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, believe the party should stay out of Democratic primaries and let voters decide.
Several House Democrats want a formal group to give members and caucuses more say in how DCCC money is spent.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene is open to discussions, and there have been conversations with members even when disagreements occur.
The DCCC only runs positive ads for candidates it supports and primary spending is a small part of its total budget.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will decide on the next DCCC chair, with Rep. Brad Schneider and Rep. Greg Stanton mentioned as possible candidates.
The involvement and decision-making process of the DCCC in primaries has caused criticism within the Democratic Party.
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The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a resolution that would require Congress to approve any military action in Iran. This vote serves as a warning to President Donald Trump amid growing doubts about the war’s purpose and outcome.
Key Facts
The House vote was 214 in favor and 208 against the resolution.
The resolution demands that Congress approve future military action in Iran.
The Senate was expected to vote on a similar resolution soon after.
Democrats pushed the resolution to limit President Trump’s authority on the conflict.
Some House Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.
Lawmakers from both parties have questioned the clear goals of the war in Iran.
The resolution is largely symbolic but signals decreasing support for the administration’s approach.
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The Yemeni rebel group Houthis have declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and attacked Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. This escalates the conflict in Yemen and increases tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States, especially around the important Bab al-Mandeb Strait used for global shipping.
Key Facts
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group supported by Iran, announced a maritime siege on all shipping to Saudi Arabia.
They attacked several Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a key waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is crucial for energy supplies to Europe and imports to Saudi Arabia.
Houthis threaten to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government claimed an air strike on Sanaa airport to stop an Iranian plane, while Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia.
In response, the Houthis fired missiles into Saudi Arabia and declared the naval blockade.
Saudi Arabia faces a new threat from sea, complicating its security and oil export routes.
The Yemeni government's military forces include the National Army and regional brigades, with about 400,000 troops mainly in areas outside Houthi control.
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The White House said that President Trump and his administration will not get involved in the legal process to bring Andrew and Tristan Tate back to the U.S. for their case. The press secretary made this clear during a briefing with reporters.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration will not intervene in the extradition of Andrew and Tristan Tate.
The Tate brothers are social media influencers.
The statement was made by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt answered the question during a press briefing on Thursday.
The extradition process is ongoing but the U.S. government is not taking action to influence it.
The White House has already responded to questions about this matter before.
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Chick-fil-A announced that a recent cyberattack might have exposed personal information of some members of its loyalty program. The company is investigating the possible impact on customers across several states.
Key Facts
Chick-fil-A experienced a cyberattack targeting its loyalty program members.
Personal information of some customers may have been exposed.
The company is currently investigating the breach.
The exposure could affect customers in multiple states.
No specific details about the type of data exposed were provided.
Chick-fil-A has alerted its customers about the potential risk.
The company is likely working on measures to protect affected customers.
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Treasury bond yields have been rising because investors want bigger rewards to lend money for a long time. This happens as governments and companies need more funds for spending and investments, raising borrowing costs and making it more expensive to pay national debt interest.
Key Facts
Investors demand higher returns to lend money for long periods, pushing Treasury yields up.
Inflation expectations remain steady, so the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for a long time.
Higher borrowing costs increase the U.S. government's debt service expenses.
Mortgage rates are unlikely to drop soon due to rising Treasury yields.
Long-term Treasury yields, like 10-year and 30-year bonds, have reached highs not seen in years.
Governments are running large deficits while companies invest heavily, competing for limited money.
Alphabet plans to spend an additional $15 billion on computer infrastructure amid strong demand.
Sustained yield increases could add nearly $2 trillion in extra government interest costs over ten years.
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Tropical Storm Bertha hit Louisiana and is moving west toward Texas, where it is expected to arrive by Thursday evening. The storm brings strong winds, heavy rain, and rising water levels, which may cause flooding and dangerous surf conditions along the Gulf Coast.
Key Facts
Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and is moving toward the Texas coast.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with stronger gusts.
Tropical storm warnings are active from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Sargent, Texas.
Coastal flooding of 2 to 3 feet is expected in parts of Louisiana, affecting homes and businesses.
Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated heavier amounts up to 6 inches, is forecast along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The storm may cause flash flooding, especially in cities and urban areas.
Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along the northern and northwestern Gulf Coast.
Bertha is expected to weaken and dissipate after moving inland over Texas by Friday.
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A lobbying firm called CT Group is under pressure to reveal details about secretly paying journalists to write positive articles for its clients. Critics say this practice harms journalism ethics and democracy, and there are calls for stricter rules on lobbying and transparency.
Key Facts
CT Group, a political lobbying firm, secretly paid journalists for favourable stories about its clients.
This practice was revealed after a four-month investigation by The Guardian.
CT Group was co-founded by Lynton Crosby, a political strategist linked to former UK Prime Ministers.
The firm offered cash incentives to journalists in exchange for editorial control of articles.
Experts and politicians said paying journalists undermines press integrity and democracy.
There are calls for CT Group to disclose full details and for stronger lobbying regulations.
CT Group denies the specific allegations and says the undercover journalist pursued them.
The investigation raised concerns about freelance journalists’ vulnerability due to irregular pay and work.
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