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Blizzard Entertainment announced that World of Warcraft: Forever, the third major version of its long-running MMORPG, will launch on November 4. The new title marks the first time the company has released a third distinct iteration of a game that originally debuted in 2004. Development draws on more than two decades of experience, including the 2019 re-release of the original WoW and its subsequent classic expansions.
Associate production director Clay Stone told GameSpot that the studio aimed to "push the envelope" rather than simply replicate expectations. Instead of incremental class-balance tweaks or completing unfinished quests, Blizzard introduced over 1,000 new quests, four new zones, thousands of new items, substantial class changes, multiple new gameplay systems, and a previously unseen playable race: the Skyborne elves.
Stone explained that launching these features early was essential to avoid delays that would push major additions years into the future. "If there's an opportunity for us to take some bigger swings and some bigger risks up front, I think it sets us up much better for the long-term health of the game," he said.
The team originally planned more content for launch but scaled back as development progressed and the BlizzCon 2026 announcement approached. Stone noted that additional race and class combinations teased at the convention, as well as "more extreme" class changes reminiscent of WoW Classic's Season of Discovery, could arrive after launch.
Executive producer and VP Holly Longdale confirmed that the Skyborne race will be sold for $30, a departure from previous expansions that bundled new races with full expansions. Longdale described the price as an experimental approach to support development without creating unnecessary barriers for players accustomed to the $15 monthly subscription model. She emphasized that the model is still under evaluation and not a finalized strategy for future content.
Stone reiterated the studio's commitment to staying within the original world of Azeroth, stating that unexplored regions of the existing continents remain a source of future content. He added that the creative constraint of remaining on Azeroth has spurred interest in revisiting familiar locations and discovering new ones.
The game's endgame structure will introduce raids on December 9 for players who reach level 60, roughly a month after launch. Blizzard aims to make power progression between raid tiers "as compact as possible" while still delivering satisfying new challenges. A legacy system, which functions as an account-wide perk tree rewarding players for leveling multiple classes, mastering professions, and exploring the world, is intended to keep older content relevant.
A new camping system encourages social interaction and provides minor gameplay buffs. Stone noted that Forever's narrative is anchored in the lore of Warcraft 3: Reforged's Forsaken Kingdom campaign, which helped shape the introduction of Undead Paladins as a playable combination.
Forever will coexist with the current version of World of Warcraft, each receiving independent updates. Stone expressed hope that the game could endure for 10 to 20 years, depending on player engagement.
The beta remains open until October 21 and is included in the $60 Skyborne Epic Pack or $80 WoW: Forever Collection, which also provides access to the Forsaken Kingdom campaign for Warcraft 3: Reforged.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the federal government will not proceed with livestreaming the scheduled execution of Nidal Malik Hasan. The planned December 3 execution by firing squad marks the first military execution since 1945. Trump stated on Truth Social that broadcasting the event might serve as a deterrent but acknowledged that many people prefer not to view such imagery, either through streaming or other visual means. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously indicated the execution would be publicly streamable, a proposal later endorsed by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who noted that viewing is optional. Supporters of the livestream included Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey, who argued that witnessing the death of individuals who commit grave offenses aligns with national interests. A recent ABC News poll found that eight in ten Americans oppose the livestream, and 72 retired military generals signed a letter condemning the idea as barbaric. Child development specialists have raised concerns about children encountering the execution through online platforms. Trump clarified that Hasan will be executed as scheduled on December 3, though the broadcast will not occur. The United States has carried out 31 executions in 2026 to date, placing it among a small group of nations that both retain and implement the death penalty. Amnesty International reports that only 17 countries executed prisoners in 2025. Officials indicated that victims' families may choose to witness the execution in person. Trump emphasized that justice will be served regardless of public observation.
Two women filed a federal lawsuit in Orlando accusing former Republican Florida Representative Matt Gaetz and two associates of orchestrating a sex trafficking scheme between 2017 and January 2019. The complaint alleges the men used their political influence, wealth and authority to coerce the plaintiffs — identified only as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 — into commercial sex acts by promising financial assistance for education and living expenses. The lawsuit specifically names Gaetz, former state legislator Chris Dorworth and ex-Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, who allegedly recruited the women, arranged travel to locations including Las Vegas, New York City and the Bahamas, and facilitated payments for sexual services. Greenberg is currently serving an 11-year federal sentence after pleading guilty to underage sex trafficking and wire fraud; he cooperated with investigators examining Gaetz but the U.S. Department of Justice closed the case without charges. The complaint references a House Ethics Committee investigation that previously examined allegations of sex with a minor, solicitation of prostitutes and drug use, though it notes the committee report did not allow Gaetz to confront his accusers. Gaetz, who has consistently denied engaging with minors or participating in illegal activity, stated he would pursue depositions to challenge the claims, calling much of the alleged conduct false. The civil action represents the latest development in a scandal that emerged in 2021 when the Justice Department opened a probe into Gaetz’s conduct. The plaintiffs’ attorney noted that a statutory deadline for filing such claims may expire next year, underscoring the urgency of the litigation.
A court in Australia heard on Friday that 3M intends to argue that the country's $1.4 billion lawsuit alleging PFAS contamination from its firefighting foam is legally unsound.
By · 6d ago · Source: reuters
A court in Australia heard on Friday that 3M intends to argue that the country's $1.4 billion lawsuit alleging PFAS contamination from its firefighting foam is legally unsound. The case, filed by the Australian government, represents the largest environmental claim ever brought by the nation and seeks more than A$2 billion in damages for remediation costs at 28 military bases where the foam was used between 1966 and 2003.
3M's barrister, Philip Solomon, told the court that the alleged public nuisance does not meet the legal standard under Australian law. He said the claim fails to show that 3M had the authority to stop the discharge or that it caused specific harm in a way that would qualify as a public nuisance. The company also plans to argue that parts of the lawsuit, including allegations of misleading consumer statements about the foam's safety, are time-barred because the conduct dates back decades.
Australia contends that 3M knew or should have known the foam could cause environmental damage and harm to human health, yet failed to warn authorities. The government says the contamination has interfered with the use and enjoyment of land and water around the bases, creating a situation it describes as a public nuisance. In response, 3M maintains that the legal theory advanced by the government does not align with established precedent.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in products that resist heat, stains, and water. They have been linked in scientific studies to health concerns such as liver damage, lower birth weight, and testicular cancer. 3M has faced thousands of lawsuits globally over PFAS contamination, including in the United States.
The Australian defence department has spent more than A$1.3 billion addressing the fallout, including A$408 million in settlements to affected communities. More than 200,000 metric tons of contaminated soil have been treated or removed, and over 13 billion litres of water have undergone remediation. The case is scheduled to return to court in December for further proceedings.
A civil lawsuit filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida accuses former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz of participating in the sex trafficking of two women between 2017 and January 2019. The complaint, brought by the women identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, alleges that Gaetz and two co-defendants coordinated the recruitment, payments, drugs, and travel to obtain commercial sexual acts from them. The lawsuit states the defendants used their public office, power, and wealth to exploit the economic vulnerability of the plaintiffs.
The complaint details payments ranging from $150 to $1,000 made to Jane Doe 1 on at least nineteen occasions between July 2017 and January 2019. It alleges Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl in 2017 and paid her $400 in cash after a party at a defendant’s home. Additional payments of $500 were sent via PayPal to Jane Doe 1, described in the filing as the first of thirteen such transactions.
Joel Micah Greenberg, a close associate of Gaetz and former Seminole County tax collector, is named as a co-defendant. Greenberg pleaded guilty in May 2021 to six federal offenses, including sex trafficking of a child and conspiracy, and received an 11-year prison sentence. The lawsuit claims Greenberg recruited the women through the website SeekingArrangement.com and introduced them to Gaetz. It further alleges that Greenberg and Gaetz arranged and funded travel for the plaintiffs and other victims to locations including the Bahamas, Miami, Las Vegas, and New York City between December 2017 and January 2019, covering all related expenses in exchange for sexual acts.
Gaetz denied the allegations in a statement to The Guardian, asserting that much of the conduct described is false and emphasizing his readiness to take depositions from the plaintiffs. He referenced a congressional committee report that previously investigated the matter, noting it did not allow him to confront his accusers. The lawsuit was filed shortly after Gaetz resigned from Congress in November 2024, shortly after being nominated by Donald Trump for attorney general. He later withdrew from the nomination amid scrutiny over the allegations.
The House Ethics Committee concluded in December 2024 that its investigation found Gaetz made payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex and drugs on at least 20 occasions, including an incident involving a 17-year-old. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The civil complaint seeks monetary damages and other relief, maintaining that the alleged conduct occurred within the timeframe and locations described by the plaintiffs.
Elon Musk contributed $158 million in September to the Senate Leadership Fund, a political action committee supporting Republican Senate candidates, according to filings reported by Axios. The donation represented more than half of the committee’s third-quarter fundraising and marked one of the largest single contributions in the current election cycle.
The contribution came as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee, faced a competitive challenge from Democrat James Talarico. Talarico, a progressive candidate who won his party’s Senate nomination earlier in the year, had raised $64 million by mid-summer, a sum described by Politico as the largest third-quarter haul for any Senate candidate in history. His campaign released an advertisement characterizing Paxton as a figure with a history of ethical controversies.
Musk’s involvement expanded after Alex Lacek, president of the Senate Leadership Fund, requested the funds. A separate $10 million donation from Musk was directed to Lone Star Liberty PAC, a committee aligned with Paxton’s campaign. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the details to The Guardian.
Despite the influx of capital, polling data indicated a tight race between Paxton and Talarico, with some surveys showing the Democrat holding a slight edge. Analysts noted that while Republican fundraising operations had traditionally held a financial advantage, Talarico’s campaign had demonstrated strong grassroots momentum.
Musk’s political spending has increased significantly compared to the 2024 election cycle, when he contributed approximately $290 million to federal committees. In May 2025, he had publicly stated intentions to reduce political expenditures, a position that appeared to shift as the Texas race gained momentum. A spokesperson for Musk’s America PAC told The New York Times that the funding was intended to ensure Republican candidates could “have a fighting chance” in what they described as a critical political environment.
The Texas Senate contest is regarded as one of the most expensive and closely watched races of the 2024 election cycle, with both parties anticipating substantial spending to influence voter sentiment in a traditionally Republican-leaning state.
Japan's space agency is set to launch its Martian Moons eXploration mission in the coming week. The spacecraft will gather material from Phobos, one of Mars's moons, and bring the samples back to Earth in 2031.
NASA announced its contribution to the mission, providing two scientific instruments: MEGANE, a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer developed by Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory, and the P-Sampler, a collection device built by Honeybee Robotics. Both tools are designed to analyze the composition of Phobos and help determine whether the moon formed from a giant impact on Mars or was captured from the asteroid belt.
MMX marks JAXA's third effort to return extraterrestrial material. Previous missions retrieved samples from asteroid Itokawa in 2010 and from asteroid Ryugu in 2020. The agency has also partnered with international space organizations on earlier projects, including sample return missions involving lunar and comet material.
The mission involves collaboration with France's CNES, Germany's DLR, the European Space Agency, and Australia, which will host the landing site for the sample return capsule. MMX will first orbit Phobos before deploying a small rover named Idefix, developed by CNES and DLR, to the surface. The P-Sampler will be mounted on one of the lander's legs to collect regolith during touchdown.
NASA's involvement includes scientific analysis of returned samples, with at least 15 percent allocated for study at the Johnson Space Center. The agency estimates the total cost of its contributions to the mission at $87 million over its 14-year duration.
Scientists remain uncertain about the origin of Phobos and Deimos. Some theories suggest they are captured asteroids, while others propose they are debris from a massive collision involving Mars. The composition of the returned samples could provide clearer evidence to support one theory over the other.
The launch is scheduled for 4:41 a.m. Japan Standard Time on October 20, 2026, corresponding to 3:31 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 19. The spacecraft is expected to reach Mars in August 2027, with sample collection beginning no earlier than December 2028.
Tom Statler, MMX program executive at NASA, noted that the moons' nearly equatorial orbits suggest a common origin, but their circular paths differ from typical captured objects. He described the mission as an opportunity to resolve a long-standing question about the formation of Mars's moons.
Lindsay Hays, acting director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, emphasized the significance of international partnerships in advancing planetary science. The data collected by MMX will complement previous sample return efforts, including OSIRIS-REx's retrieval of material from asteroid Bennu in 2023.
MEGANE will conduct remote analysis of Phobos during close flybys, using gamma-ray and neutron spectroscopy to map its elemental makeup. The instrument's name, derived from the Japanese word for eyeglasses, reflects its function of focusing on the moon's surface composition.
Honeybee Robotics has tested the P-Sampler in terrestrial desert environments and during the Blue Ghost Mission-1 lunar landing in 2025, where it successfully collected 13 grams of lunar soil. The system is designed to gather surface material quickly during the brief descent phase.
The mission timeline includes sample collection in late 2028, Earth return in 2031, and long-term curation of the material for future research. Scientists anticipate that detailed study of the returned samples may yield insights into the early history of the solar system.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base on October 15, 2026, carrying a classified payload for the United States Space Force.
The launch occurred at 5:01 p.m. PDT (8:01 p.m. EDT / 0001 UTC), following a five o’clock bugle call and the playing of the National Anthem across the base. The vehicle followed a southerly trajectory and entered a low Earth orbit inclined approximately 80 degrees from the equator, according to hazard warnings.
The mission, designated USSF-481 and also referred to as “TH-2” in public notices, marked the second “TH” launch within a two-month span. The first “TH” mission, USSF-259 or TH-1, had launched on September 16, 2026.
The Falcon 9 first stage booster used, designated B1081, completed its 28th flight. It had previously supported four NASA missions, three national security launches, two Transporter rideshare missions, two European missions, and 16 Starlink deployments.
Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the booster landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This marked the 228th landing for the droneship and the 671st successful Falcon booster recovery to date.
Spaceflight Now contacted the Department of the Air Force to request details about the mission’s purpose. The organization indicated it would update the report if additional information became available before the launch.
NASA completed the installation of eight roll-out solar arrays on the International Space Station between 2021 and 2023, increasing the station’s power generation by more than 160 kilowatts.
The arrays, known as International Space Station Roll Out Solar Arrays (IROSAs), were developed by Redwire under a contract with Boeing. Each unit unfolds from a compact cylinder into a configuration resembling a yoga mat, enabling launch within a smaller payload fairing and autonomous deployment with minimal crew intervention.
A technology demonstration in 2017 confirmed the design’s viability. The arrays are approximately half the size of the station’s legacy solar arrays but generate about 28 kilowatts of power each, contributing to a total increase of over 160 kilowatts when all eight are operational.
The first six IROSAs were installed during spacewalks between 2021 and 2023. A seventh and eighth unit were delivered via the SpaceX 35th commercial resupply mission in 2023 and installed subsequently. These additions support scientific research and operational needs, including experiments related to planetary defense and technologies intended for future deep space missions.
The upgraded power system enhances the station’s ability to conduct experiments and maintain life support, while also serving as a testbed for systems that may be used in upcoming lunar and Martian exploration efforts.
NASA continues to evaluate the performance of the IROSAs, which are expected to remain functional through the station’s operational lifespan, currently targeted for 2030.
Delegates from 69 countries voted on Thursday at a conference in France of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures to adopt a leap hour as a replacement for the leap second. The decision aims to reduce risks to computer systems and infrastructure that depend on precise timing, while preserving the link between global time and Earth’s rotation.
Dr Setnam Shemar, principal scientist in the time and frequency department at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, said the change follows 30 years of debate. "This will reduce the risks to the systems and national infrastructure that depend on accurate time while still preserving the fundamental link between our global time system and the rotation of the Earth," he said.
The vote permits coordinated universal time to drift up to an hour from astronomical time before a leap hour is required, an adjustment unlikely to occur for thousands of years. Unlike the familiar leap year, which adds a day every four years to align the calendar with Earth’s orbit, leap seconds were introduced more recently to keep atomic time in sync with Earth’s slowing rotation.
Since 1972, 27 leap seconds have been added to keep UTC aligned with astronomical time. However, recent observations show Earth’s rotation has accelerated, raising the possibility of a negative leap second — removing a second from UTC. A 30% probability of such an event within the next decade prompted the accelerated vote.
Leap seconds have previously caused technical disruptions. After the 2012 leap second, systems including Reddit and LinkedIn experienced outages, and Qantas flights faced delays. Negative leap seconds pose greater risks, as no software has been tested against them. Testing global systems for such an event would require substantial investment, a factor that influenced the decision.
The UK has historically opposed leap seconds due to their connection with Greenwich Mean Time, while Russia raised concerns about impacts on its Glonass satellite system. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service in Paris will continue monitoring Earth’s rotation and issuing notices when adjustments are needed. The shift to a leap hour defers the final decision to future experts, as the change is not expected for many millennia.
This edition was assembled from neutral, full-length rewritten articles of the day's aggregated news.
Why it matters: Every article was reviewed for loaded language, partisan framing, and missing attribution before publication.
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