Every Marine a Rifleman and Now, a Drone Operator
The U.S. Marine Corps has unveiled a new training initiative that equips hundreds of Marines with small‑drone operating skills. The program builds on the Corps’ long‑standing “every Marine a rifleman” doctrine, adding a second specialty as unmanned‑aircraft operators. Training combines classroom instruction, simulator work, and field exercises to certify Marines to launch, control, and recover tactical UAVs. The effort aims to embed persistent aerial surveillance directly within infantry squads.
USAF Integrates Open-Architecture for Mission Autonomy on CCAs
The U.S. Air Force announced that its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program has incorporated an open‑architecture framework to support mission‑autonomous capabilities. The new architecture allows software modules to be added, updated, or replaced without redesigning the airframe, accelerating the deployment...
Bahrain Launches National Aviation Strategy for 2026–2027
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications unveiled a National Aviation Strategy for 2026‑2027, aligning civil‑aviation development with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The plan seeks to expand the kingdom’s air‑connectivity from 66 to 100 destinations by 2030 and to deepen the...
Weekly Letter to Our EDRM Global Community – 17 February 2026
The latest EDRM weekly letter highlights two pivotal court rulings: client‑self‑help AI documents were deemed non‑privileged and AI hallucinations prompted Rule 11 sanctions. It also promotes the ComplexDiscovery Winter 2026 eDiscovery Pricing Survey, which benchmarks AI‑driven pricing models. Upcoming webinars and podcasts...
The ROG Xbox Ally X Price Shoots Up Nearly $200 In Japan
Asus has increased the Japanese retail price of its premium ROG Xbox Ally X handheld from 139,800 yen to 169,800 yen, a rise of roughly $200. The hike reflects soaring LPDDR5X memory costs as AI hyperscalers compete for limited chips....
Backbase and Plaid Partner to Power AI Banking
Backbase and Plaid have announced a partnership that embeds Plaid’s secure, real‑time financial data connectivity into Backbase’s AI‑powered Banking Platform. The joint solution tackles data fragmentation, streamlines onboarding, and delivers a 360‑degree view of customers’ financial health. It replaces fragile...
Denmark’s PenSam to Maintain US PE Exposure Amid Turmoil
Denmark’s state‑run pension fund PenSam, which manages €27 billion of assets, said it will keep its exposure to U.S. private equity despite recent market turbulence. The fund’s head of private capital and real assets, Jeppe Starup, indicated that the firm is...
HIMSS26 Session Offers a Prescription to End Confusion
At HIMSS26, Greg O'Neill, director of Patient & Family Health Education at ChristianaCare, presented a session titled “A Prescription to End Confusion.” The talk highlighted a new organizational goal to boost health literacy across clinical workflows. O'Neill explained how clearer...
Munich Security Conference. What Was Said About Russia?
The Munich Security Conference highlighted growing diplomatic leverage for Russia, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warning that Moscow may gain more at the negotiating table than on the battlefield. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expressed uncertainty about Russia’s willingness...
Full Ownership For A Lone Star FM For Laukhuf
In September 2024 Cowboy Broadcasting Network announced the acquisition of KRXT‑FM, a 6 kW Class A station serving Rockdale, Texas. Stephen Laukhuf is now buying Jim Schwertner’s 50 % ownership for $262,844.09, with $225,844.09 already paid and the remaining $37,000 due by April 1,...
This Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 Lore Offers Important Context, with Heinous Realizations
Mob Entertainment is set to launch Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 on February 18, and the company has released three “Restricted Tapes” that shed new light on the series’ backstory. The footage reveals internal conflicts among scientists Dr. Newman and Dr. Preston, the...
Passwords to Passkeys: Staying ISO 27001 Compliant in a Passwordless Era
Organizations are rapidly replacing passwords with passkey authentication to curb the 49% of security incidents tied to compromised credentials. Passkeys, built on FIDO2 and WebAuthn, satisfy AAL2/AAL3 standards and are already deployed in billions of accounts, including Google’s 800 million users....
Where Winds Meet Expansion “Hexi” Announced
Everstone Studio announced the "Hexi" expansion for its Wuxia open‑world ARPG *Where Winds Meet*. The new region launches globally on March 6 and will be available simultaneously on PC (Steam), PS5, iOS, and Android. Hexi introduces three distinct zones—Jade Gate’s desert...
Spring Awakening: Braves Go With Gray Duo For Broadcasts
The Atlanta Braves have expanded their spring‑training partnership with Gray Media, adding 15 games to the broadcast lineup on WANF‑46 and WPCH‑17. The coverage will also be distributed free over‑the‑air to 26 Southeast markets within the Braves’ MLB territory. A...
Hihotels Adds Three Properties
Hospitality International’s hihotels brand announced the conversion of three independent hotels into its franchise network. The additions include a 45‑room Scottish Inns & Suites in Vinton, Louisiana, a 41‑room Scottish Inns & Suites in Kingwood, Texas, and a 48‑room Red...
Honkai: Star Rail Fans Think It Got Caught up in Political Tensions Between Japan and China
Hoyoverse postponed Honkai: Star Rail’s major 4.0 update by two weeks. The official notice cited “better experience,” but no further details were given. Fans and leakers argue the delay aims to strip Japanese‑inspired elements after rising China‑Japan tensions. The move...
Pokemon Just Fanned The Flames Of The Gengar Is Clefable's Shadow Fan Theory
The Pokémon Company released two Valentine’s Day images, one of which shows Gengar and Clefable holding hands. The pairing has reignited a long‑standing fan theory that Gengar is the shadow of Clefable, based on their similar silhouettes and opposite type...
Implications of FDA Digital Health Deregulation for Clinicians
On Jan 2026 the FDA issued updated guidance that relaxes oversight for low‑risk digital health products, including many AI‑enabled clinical decision support tools and consumer wellness wearables. The guidance clarifies which software falls outside the medical device definition, allowing these tools...
From Pilots to Protocols: Why VR Therapy Needs Dosage Standards to Become Real Clinical Care
Virtual reality (VR) therapy shows rapid clinical effects but remains confined to pilot studies due to a lack of standardized dosage protocols. Researchers highlight wide variation in session length, frequency, and content across studies, preventing reliable comparison and scaling. The...
Brawl Cup Heads to Berlin as BLAST Unveils 2026 Brawl Stars Esports Plans
BLAST has sealed a multi‑year partnership with Supercell to bring the Brawl Cup to a live arena for the first time, staging the inaugural event in Berlin from May 15‑17, 2026. The three‑day showcase will be part of a nine‑month...
![McDonald’s Just Announced Its Own TCG, And Ronald McDonald Is The Chase [Update]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://kotaku.com/app/uploads/2026/02/mcdtcg.jpg)
McDonald’s Just Announced Its Own TCG, And Ronald McDonald Is The Chase [Update]
McDonald’s announced a 24‑card trading‑card game set to launch in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2026. The collection features iconic mascots such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Fry Girl, and the quirky Cheeseburger Chair, with a “Take it or Flip it” gameplay...
French Startup Launches ‘Universal’ Home Energy Management System
French startup PvPilot has launched a fourth‑generation home energy management system (HEMS) that claims universal compatibility with all major solar inverters, batteries and EV chargers. The solution, delivered via a USB‑connected relay device, measures real‑time generation and demand to orchestrate...
Crimson Desert Confirms No Microtransactions in Stark Contrast to Assassin’s Creed
Pearl Abyss confirmed that its upcoming single‑player RPG Crimson Desert will contain no microtransactions, positioning it as a pure premium experience. Director of marketing Will Powers emphasized a one‑time purchase model with only pre‑order cosmetic bonuses. The announcement highlights a...
Embracer Sales Decline 26% to $1.3bn During First Nine Months of Fiscal Year
Embracer Group reported a 26% year‑on‑year drop in net sales to SEK 11.9 billion ($1.3 billion) for the nine months ending December 31, 2025, with mobile revenues plunging 63% and PC/console sales down 22%. Despite the overall decline, CEO Phil Rogers called Q3 a “clear...
Aftershock Ready: Fueling New Madrid
A new MIT Humanitarian Supply Chain Lab thesis analyzes fuel distribution vulnerabilities in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), identifying Memphis and nearby terminals as critical bottlenecks for emergency response. Using Operational Flow Capacity (OFC) modeling, the study quantifies baseline...
Stayntouch Partners with Regency Hotel Management
Stayntouch has signed a partnership with Regency Hotel Management to roll out its cloud‑based property management system across 27 independent Regency hotels. After a seven‑month evaluation, Regency chose Stayntouch for its mobile‑first, tablet‑driven platform, enabling properties to go live in...
JURIST Launches 30th Anniversary Webinar Series with UN Human Rights Expert Robert McCorquodale
JURIST, the student‑run international legal news service, launched a 30th‑anniversary webinar series in February 2026. The inaugural session features Robert McCorquodale, a member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, and will be streamed on February 18 at noon...
Schroders, InPost Deals Boost 2026 Takeover Pipeline by EUR 19bn
Asset manager Schroders and parcel‑delivery specialist InPost have signed deals that together add €19 billion to the projected 2026 European takeover pipeline. InPost’s transaction, valued at €7.8 billion, involves Advent International and FedEx and is being executed at a modest premium. Schroders’...
Hyatt Reveals Plans for Andaz Heber Valley
Hyatt Hotels announced the Andaz Heber Valley, its first mountain‑focused Andaz property, slated for a January 2029 opening in Utah’s Heber Valley. The 85‑room hotel will sit within The Slope, a mixed‑use lifestyle community that also includes 62 condominiums and...
Jacaruso Launches Lead Shark
Jacaruso Enterprises unveiled Lead Shark, an AI‑driven SaaS platform tailored for hotel sales teams. The tool consolidates prospecting, verified contact intelligence, market data and competitor analysis to accelerate outreach. Built on two decades of hotel sales experience, it serves both...
NeoVolta Raises US$23 Million for Georgia Battery Pack and BESS Manufacturing Facility
San Diego‑based NeoVolta has raised roughly US$23 million to fund a joint‑venture battery‑energy‑storage system (BESS) plant in Georgia. The financing, split between a private placement and working‑capital contributions, backs the first US$7 million milestone of a three‑phase capital plan. The facility will...
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank's 2025 Results Hit by U.S. Exit Costs; Medium-Term Targets Delayed
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank posted a preliminary 2025 loss of €250 million before tax, primarily due to accelerated U.S. exit costs, high provisioning and fair‑value adjustments. Operating income fell to €422 million despite a 23% rise in new business volumes, while office‑focused commercial real‑estate...
Trade Invited to Experience Community Tourism in Nepal First-Hand
The Community Homestay Network (CHN) in Nepal is launching two familiarisation trips for travel agents and tour operators, scheduled for May 10‑19 and August 25‑September 1, 2026. The initiative aims to expand CHN’s reach, boost agent sales, and integrate community‑centric...
InterContinental The Red Sea Resort Unveils Interiors
Kristina Zanic Consultants revealed the interior design for InterContinental The Red Sea Resort on Shura Island, created in partnership with Foster + Partners. The luxury retreat offers 210 sea‑facing rooms and suites, seamless indoor‑outdoor spaces, and a curated mix of...
The Perfect Order Needs to Include the Right Data
Norman Katz expands the classic Perfect Order framework by adding a ninth right—"with the right data"—to address growing regulatory and digital‑supply‑chain demands. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 rule now requires lot‑level traceability, manufacturing and expiration dates for...
Two Games Leaving Game Pass Are Going Super Cheap in Latest Xbox Sale
Microsoft’s February 2026 Xbox sale slashes prices on two Game Pass titles that are set to leave the service on February 28. Middle‑earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition is 85 % off at $5.99, while Injustice 2 Legendary Edition is 90 % off at $5.99, both...
IAG Sees Pricing Pressure After Bushfires, Storms
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) warned Australian policyholders of upcoming premium increases after a wave of severe weather events strained its loss portfolio. Over four months, 17 storms and bushfires across Queensland triggered A$800 million in claims for RACQ Insurance, which IAG...
Brokers to Approach RBI as Tighter Norms Squeeze Funding for Proprietary Desks
The Reserve Bank of India’s new capital‑market exposure framework, effective April 1 2026, mandates 100 percent collateral backing for all bank loans to brokerage firms and bars banks from financing proprietary trading desks. Brokers plan to petition the RBI for clarifications as the...
How Warner Bros. Could Supercharge Netflix’s Advertising Business | Analysis
Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. and HBO Max could dramatically accelerate its fledgling advertising business. By adding Warner Bros.’ premium library, Netflix would expand ad inventory and attract higher‑value advertisers, pushing its ad‑supported revenue toward a $9 billion target by...
Brasil Re’s Net Income Jumps 35%, Premiums Tumble 12%
IRB Brasil Resseguros SA reported a 35% jump in net income to 505 million Brazilian reais ($97 million) for 2025. Underwriting profit surged 64% year‑over‑year to 741 million reais, while written premiums fell 12% to 5.8 billion reais. The premium decline reflects a wave...
Grand Theft Auto 6 Needs Marketing to Create Energy Around November 19 Release, Says Take-Two CEO
Take‑Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 remains on schedule for a November 19, 2026 launch, with a summer‑time marketing push designed to convert existing awareness into genuine consumer energy. He emphasized that the campaign must feel authentic, showcasing...
ABIDE Is an Extreme Stop-Motion Horror Game From the Devs of Judero and Mashina
ABIDE is an upcoming stop‑motion horror game from the creators of Judero and Mashina, set in a therapeutic retreat where players befriend troubled residents by day and confront nightmarish threats after dark. The title blends giallo‑inspired storytelling, handcrafted visuals, and...
Mapfre Re to Open India Branch
Spain‑based Mapfre Re Compañía de Reaseguros SA has secured regulatory approval to open a branch in Gujarat, India. The reinsurer plans to commence operations within weeks after completing pre‑opening procedures with local authorities. This marks Mapfre Re’s first dedicated presence...
MS Amlin’s Premiums Surge 380%
MS Amlin reported a 380% jump in gross written premiums, marking a dramatic turnaround for the Lloyd’s syndicate. The surge stems from robust growth in specialty underwriting and reinsurance contracts across Europe and Asia. The company also highlighted improved loss...
When Health Dollars Move to Individuals, Infrastructure Will Decide Who Wins
The article examines a proposed federal framework that would shift health‑affordability dollars into individual‑controlled accounts, highlighting that ownership of the payment infrastructure will decide market winners. It points to the rapid growth of high‑deductible plans, Health Savings Accounts exceeding $100 billion,...
Planning Barriers ‘Threaten to Stall Momentum’ in UK Battery Storage Market
The UK recorded its strongest year for grid‑scale battery‑energy‑storage‑system (BESS) deployments in 2025, adding 4 GWh to reach a cumulative 12.9 GWh – a 30% year‑on‑year increase. Most of the new capacity came from large projects over 50 MW, reflecting a shift toward...
SRA: Client Money Missing in “Potential Fraud” At PM Law
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched an investigation into a potential fraud at the recently collapsed PM Law, where client money is reported missing. The firm’s complex group structure has delayed quantifying the loss, while 80 affected clients have...
Blue Water Autonomy Unveils Liberty Class Autonomous Ship for U.S. Navy
Blue Water Autonomy, a Boston‑based tech and shipbuilding firm, announced the Liberty class, a 60‑metre autonomous vessel built on Damen’s Stan Patrol 6009 platform. The ship features the proven Axe Bow hull, can carry over 150 tonnes, and boasts a...
Manufacturer Revives De-Commissioned System to Advance Production
A de‑commissioned seal‑coating system was recertified and now produces 500,000 tablets per hour, matching the output of brand‑new equipment. The revival required a modern HMI, a upgraded Allen‑Bradley PLC, and enhanced cybersecurity hardware. Surveys show 48% of North American manufacturers...
260K+ Chrome Users Duped by Fake AI Browser Extensions
Researchers at LayerX uncovered 30 malicious Chrome extensions masquerading as AI assistants, collectively amassing over 260,000 downloads. These extensions embed attacker‑controlled iframes that capture user prompts, emails, and webpage data, then relay them to remote servers while returning plausible AI...