Many free-to-play video games make millions by selling virtual items that don’t change how the game works. These items—like skins, emotes, or character outfits—are purely for appearance. A recent study looked at why gamers spend money on these non-functional items, especially in esports where compet
A new company called Nocturnal Entertainment just launched, backed by the success of its first film “Play Dead, ” already sold to Netflix. Unlike traditional studios, this team wants to help filmmakers from the very start, offering tech tools and funding to turn risky ideas into polished movies. The
The San Francisco Giants are teaming up with a local bowling chain to give fans another reason to cheer during home games. Starting in early May, whenever a Giants pitcher strikes out a batter in the seventh inning, fans can head to nearby Lucky Strike, AMF, or Bowlero centers for a discount on game
Pop Mart brought its Beijing theme park back online earlier this month, making a bold bet on the Labubu series. The tiny vinyl figures—once a quiet corner of the toy aisle—have exploded into a global craze, landing everywhere from street stalls to high-end collabs. Instead of playing it safe, the co
Pennsylvania’s governor recently joined forces with 20 other states to push back against a court ruling that limits how abortion pills can be given out. The federal appeals court in Louisiana decided that mifepristone, a common abortion medication, can only be handed out in person at clinics. This m
Bangor is quietly gearing up to let health workers drop off clean syringes at home for people in its HIV case management program. This follows a city council committee vote to allow the public health department to seek certification for syringe delivery services. The move comes as HIV cases rise in
Some people develop new creative skills after suffering a brain injury, research suggests. Doctors have noticed this happen in rare cases, where patients begin painting, writing, or composing music suddenly—abilities they didn’t have before. Scientists are now studying why this occurs by looking at
Police records show officers repeatedly tried to help a man whose mental health struggles led to increasingly disruptive behavior. Neighbors first flagged concerns in 2021 after he was seen with a gun and acting strangely near his home. Officers responded but couldn’t force treatment or remove his w
On Monday, police in Portland, Maine, began investigating an unexpected death at a local mental health facility. The incident took place at a group home on Woodford Street run by a local organization. While the facility provides housing and support for adults with serious mental health conditions, t
Soccer fans got a fun surprise this year when Fox Sports launched a World Cup commercial that plays with the idea of underdog wins. The ad imagines the U. S. men’s team beating powerhouse Brazil in the final, a storyline that feels familiar to American sports fans. Boston, known for its love of unli
