Moscow’s second International Game Week drew 250,000 visitors, linking local studios with partners from 25 countries. The event featured 85-plus exhibitors, a global Counter-Strike final and a hub ranked among the world’s top three.

Democrats swept Texas statewide races, ending decades of Republican dominance as voters punished the GOP over affordability and rising fuel costs. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Texas had “turned purple,” while warning it was not yet reliably blue.

CD Projekt Red is using consented AI voice processing to bring Geralt’s new Polish dialogue closer to actor Jacek Rozenek’s earlier performance in The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past. Rozenek approved the approach; the 2027 expansion’s English voice is unaffected.

Japan is weighing a 50 trillion–60 trillion yen defense plan, below military officials’ ambitions, as China’s activity and Taiwan risks sharpen security concerns. Rising costs, delayed US arms deliveries and strained domestic forces complicate the buildup.

Democrats are poised to take control of Congress as deep Medicaid and SNAP cuts hit families, with 36,000 Philadelphians already losing food aid. Reversing the cuts will be difficult: President Trump can veto legislation, leaving negotiation as Democrats’ likeliest path.

Naughty Dog says Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is in late production, but hasn’t announced a release date. Neil Druckmann plans to show gameplay and more story in 2027, while warning the reveal may defy expectations.

Governments spent $3.7 billion in opioid settlement funds in 2025, but a review found a third labeled “other” and some purchases with unclear ties to addiction. Patchy reporting and weak oversight leave billions difficult to track.

More than 9 million borrowers have defaulted on $234 billion in federal student loans, and wage garnishment and tax-refund seizures could return in 2027. Confusion over repayment and soaring balances have left many at risk.

An Israeli strike hit Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing at least six and injuring more than 50, officials and Doctors Without Borders said. Israel said it targeted a senior Hamas member; the attack threatens care at the area’s last partially functioning hospital.

Mega Crit’s biggest Slay the Spire 2 update yet is now in Steam’s public beta, adding tarot-wielding character The Fool and two new modes. The studio warns content and balance may change; early players already say The Fool is overpowered.