okebet crazy time TAYLOR, Texas — It may not feel like it yet, but the power grid operator for Texas is prepared for winter. KVUE sat down with the CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, to discuss its winter outlook and more. Pablo Vegas said they’re ready for what's ahead. Since the winter storm in 2021 , Vegas said there have been a lot of changes . In February of that year, millions of Texans lost power after the storm dumped record amounts of snow and caused $195 billion in damage, making it the costliest natural disaster in state history. Frozen equipment and icing on wind turbine blades were a couple of the biggest factors that led to power outages. After the 2021 storm, new weatherization rules require electric generation and transmission owners to protect equipment prone to freezing. ERCOT has made nearly 3,000 inspections since winter of 2021. Vegas also said he doesn't expect calls for conservation or rolling blackouts this year. One reason is the power grid manager has seen a significant amount of power generation coming onto the grid. “Just since March of this year, we've seen over 10,000 megawatts of new power generation come onto the grid. The majority of that has been in solar power, over 6,000 megawatts of new solar. We've seen over 3,000 megawatts of new battery storage,” Vegas said. One megawatt powers about 250 homes in Texas, according to ERCOT. Winter inspections are expected to start in December and wrap up in February. Vegas also discussed how the agency is addressing Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. Vegas said they see thousands of cyberattacks every year but have been successful in stopping them. He also said they stay on top of things by updating technology and hiring hackers every year to try to break into the power grid, checking for weaknesses. There is also an annual exercise that simulates cyberattacks where ERCOT practices how to respond to different scenarios. Vegas said Abbott’s executive order last week, which calls for state agencies to protect critical infrastructure from the Chinese government, expands on this annual exercise to include more agencies. “The best thing you can do to prepare for a real-life series event is to practice and to practice as close to reality as possible. And that's something that we have a lot of experience doing, and we look forward to doing that with the state of Texas,” Vegas said. The governor also ordered ERCOT to create a secure communications channel for telecommunication and electrical infrastructure companies for use during a critical grid incident. "If there were to be an event where there was a loss of power, he wants to make sure that the telecommunications industry, the gas, the gas industry, the electric industry all have access to communications channels that can continue to be used during the event of a power outage so that we can very quickly look to restore power, restore communications and restore critical infrastructure," Vegas said. Vegas said they are thinking about the grid every day so this holiday season, you don't have to. Vegas also said Texans can get ERCOT updates by signing up for Texas Advisory and Notification System, or TXANS, notifications.FAIRFIELD – Justiz Wilson was hitting from the corner. He was hitting from the top of the key. He was hitting with the shot clock winding down. He was hitting with plenty of time on the clock. Maybe most importantly, the Solano Community College guard kept making those shots in clutch situations against visiting American River of Sacramento on Thursday. Fueled by Wilson’s 33 points, the Falcons outlasted the Beavers, 73-62, as they evened their preseason record at 3-3. The Vanden High grad is having quite a week. He poured in 38 points in a win over Cañada just two days earlier. “My mindset has changed,” said Wilson, who was 11 of 25 from the field and 6 of 11 from 3-point land. “I had a few rude awakenings this season. People are really gunning for me, so I’ve had to really lock in with God and talk to him. I’ve had to listen to my pops a little bit more. He just told me to stay aggressive.” The Beavers (4-6) closed to within one point a handful of times in the game but never tied or took the lead. The final time came at 60-59 with 6:56 left in the second half. Wilson, however, calmly landed a turnaround jumper on the other end of the court. That began a 13-3 spurt to finish the game as Wilson had 11 of those points. While Wilson was sensational, he had sturdy help from fellow backcourt mate Nicko Ignacio, who added 20 points. The freshman from Fairfield High was 9 of 13 from the field. “The last two games, we’ve had Nicko back, and obviously we’re performing better. It’s no coincidence,” said Solano head coach John Nagle. “It’s a two-headed monster for those positions so (opponents) have to pick their poison.” Wilson had seven points and two assists in a 15-5 run for the Falcons to start the game as American River was forced to call timeout. The Beavers slowly got back into the game with the help of hulking center Max Manfredi, who led American River with 19 points and eight rebounds. The Beavers finally got hot midway through the first half as a Zach Cannon 3-pointer ignited a 13-3 run to cut the deficit to 29-28 with 6:21 left. However, two clutch foul shots from Wilson kept Solano in the lead. American River was down just 35-33 with 2:33 left in the half before a drive to the hoop from Ignacio began a 9-1 spurt to give the Falcons a 44-34 lead going into the locker room. Wilson held for the final shot and nailed a 3-pointer to put an exclamation point on his first half. Manfredi continued to get his points in the second half, but Solano sophomore Jeremiah Cardwell (five points, 10 boards) did not make things easy as the two battled physically against one another. Manfredi had four personal fouls – two of those on the offensive side. “He battled,” Nagle said of Cardwell. “He is all heart. He just gets out there and sacrifices for the team.” Solano still has some work to do on several fronts as it continues the preseason. The Falcons made just eight of 20 from the foul line for the contest. Also, Wilson and Ignacio accounted for 53 of the team’s 73 points as no one else had more than seven. “I think we still need to fully trust each other,” Wilson said. “We have new people on the team. We have a lot of players back, but I think we’re still trying to mesh together and trying to figure out our identity. I think we’ve had some amazing practices this week with coach Nagle though. I think we’re coming together.”The Kremlin fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday in response to Kyiv's use this week of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russia, President Vladimir Putin said. In a televised address to the country, the Russian president warned that U.S. air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile, which he said flies at ten times the speed of sound and which he called the Oreshnik — Russian for hazelnut tree. He also said it could be used to attack any Ukrainian ally whose missiles are used to attack Russia. “We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities,” Putin said in his first comments since President Joe Biden gave Ukraine the green light this month to use U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike at limited targets inside Russia. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia’s missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate range missile based on it’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. “This was new type of lethal capability that was deployed on the battlefield, so that was certainly of concern," Singh said, noting that the missile could carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. The U.S. was notified ahead of the launch through nuclear risk reduction channels, she said. The attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro came in response to Kyiv's use of longer-range U.S. and British missiles in strikes Tuesday and Wednesday on southern Russia, Putin said. Those strikes caused a fire at an ammunition depot in Russia's Bryansk region and killed and wounded some security services personnel in the Kursk region, he said. “In the event of an escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond decisively and in kind,” the Russian president said, adding that Western leaders who are hatching plans to use their forces against Moscow should “seriously think about this.” Putin said the Oreshnik fired Thursday struck a well-known missile factory in Dnipro. He also said Russia would issue advance warnings if it launches more strikes with the Oreshnik against Ukraine to allow civilians to evacuate to safety — something Moscow hasn’t done before previous aerial attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov initially said Russia hadn’t warned the U.S. about the coming launch of the new missile, noting that it wasn't obligated to do so. But he later changed tack and said Moscow did issue a warning 30 minutes before the launch. Putin's announcement came hours after Ukraine claimed that Russia had used an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Dnipro attack, which wounded two people and damaged an industrial facility and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, according to local officials. But American officials said an initial U.S. assessment indicated the strike was carried out with an intermediate-range ballistic missile. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that the use of the missile was an "obvious and serious escalation in the scale and brutality of this war, a cynical violation of the UN Charter.” He also said there had been “no strong global reaction” to the use of the missile, which he said could threaten other countries. “Putin is very sensitive to this. He is testing you, dear partners,” Zelenskyy wrote. “If there is no tough response to Russia’s actions, it means they see that such actions are possible.” The attack comes during a week of escalating tensions , as the U.S. eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-made longer-range missiles inside Russia and Putin lowered the threshold for launching nuclear weapons. The Ukrainian air force said in a statement that the Dnipro attack was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, on the Caspian Sea. “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is,” Zelenskyy said hours before Putin's address. “And how afraid he is.” Russia was sending a message by attacking Ukraine with an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of releasing multiple warheads at extremely high speeds, even if they are less accurate than cruise missiles or short-range ballistic missiles, said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. “Why might you use it therefore?” Savill said. "Signaling — signaling to the Ukrainians. We’ve got stuff that outrages you. But really signaling to the West ‘We’re happy to enter into a competition around intermediate range ballistic missiles. P.S.: These could be nuclear tipped. Do you really want to take that risk?’” Military experts say that modern ICBMs and IRBMs are extremely difficult to intercept, although Ukraine has previously claimed to have stopped some other weapons that Russia described as “unstoppable,” including the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missile. David Albright, of the Washington-based think tank the Institute for Science and International Security, said he was “skeptical” of Putin’s claim, adding that Russian technology sometimes “falls short.” He suggested Putin was “taunting the West to try to shoot it down ... like a braggart boasting, taunting his enemy.” Earlier this week, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use the U.S.-supplied, longer-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia — a move that drew an angry response from Moscow. Days later, Ukraine fired several of the missiles into Russia, according to the Kremlin. The same day, Putin signed a new doctrine that allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power. The doctrine is formulated broadly to avoid a firm commitment to use nuclear weapons. In response, Western countries, including the U.S., said Russia has used irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and behavior throughout the war to intimidate Ukraine and other nations. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that Russia’s formal lowering of the threshold for nuclear weapons use did not prompt any changes in U.S. doctrine. She pushed back on concerns that the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western missiles to strike deeper inside Russia might escalate the war. ′′They’re the ones who are escalating this,” she said of the Kremlin — in part because of a flood of North Korean troops sent to the region. More than 1,000 days into war , Russia has the upper hand, with its larger army advancing in Donetsk and Ukrainian civilians suffering from relentless drone and missile strikes. Analysts and observers say the loosening of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western missiles is unlikely to change the the course of the war, but it puts the Russian army in a more vulnerable position and could complicate the logistics that are crucial in warfare. Putin has also warned that the move would mean that Russia and NATO are at war. “It is an important move and it pulls against, undermines the narrative that Putin had been trying to establish that it was fine for Russia to rain down Iranian drones and North Korean missiles on Ukraine but a reckless escalation for Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons at legitimate targets in Russia,” said Peter Ricketts, a former U.K. national security adviser who now sits in the House of Lords. ___ Associated Press writers Jill Lawless and Emma Burrows in London, and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

After losing 7-2 to the worst team in the Pacific Division on Monday, the Kings will pivot straight into Wednesday’s showdown with the NHL’s best club. The Winnipeg Jets just moved to 18-4-0 with a resounding 4-1 win over another early-season powerhouse, the Minnesota Wild. Now, Winnipeg’s trip south will signify a visit from some former Kings cohorts: Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari, all of whom became Jets as a result of the disastrous Pierre-Luc Dubois trade . Vilardi has continued to be one of the top net-front presences in the NHL on the power play as well as a threat from the slot offensively, while providing outstanding defense and winning 63.6% of his faceoffs this season. Iafallo has emerged as a solid second-unit contributor for Winnipeg and scored two goals against Minnesota, including one with the extra man that was his 100th career tally, while Kupari recorded an assist. They’ve operated behind the team’s top-five scorers – Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk – who have combined for 115 points in 22 games. During last season’s only meeting in Los Angeles, Vilardi scored a career-high four points to match the contributions of then-linemate Ehlers as the Jets turned a two-goal deficit into a comfortable win by way of five unanswered goals. That was part of a stretch of 34 straight games in which Winnipeg and its top goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, allowed three goals or fewer. This season, more feats have followed as the Jets have compiled the NHL’s best points total, points percentage, goal differential, power-play conversion rate, goals-against average and save percentage, all while scoring the most goals of any team. They’ve had two winning streaks of seven or more games in just 22 matches. While the Jets soared, the Kings remained in a holding pattern. They appeared to have four winnable games heading into this clash with the league’s top team, but continued their one-step-forward-one-step-back pattern by splitting bouts with Buffalo , Detroit , Seattle and San Jose. They’ve won consecutive games three times this season, but never more than two in a row. Their latest disappointment saw them fall to 0-2-0 in San Jose in 2024-25, losing to the lottery-bound Sharks on Monday in a game that was tied at the second intermission. No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini got the third-period party started with a goal for San Jose and later drew a penalty before scoring a second goal, five-on-three. Kings coach Jim Hiller said that no one should “disrespect” San Jose – which had dropped six of seven decisions entering the contest – but finally deemed an effort, in this case a five-goals-allowed final frame, to be “unacceptable.” “That’s not a team that’s trying to tank, that’s a good hockey team, strong players, real good back end. We played them three times, they beat us twice, we barely beat them in the one at home,” Hiller said. “We completely fell apart in the third period. That’s just unacceptable, what happened in the third.” Anže Kopitar’s hand stayed hot with a goal and an assist to match the two points of linemate Adrian Kempe. Kempe has notched 13 points over his past 12 games while Kopitar has 16 points across those same dozen contests, putting the 37-year-old on track to top his best single-season total of 92 points from the 2017-18 season. Winnipeg at Kings When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Crypto.com Arena How to watch: FDSNWEditorial: For Jimmy Carter, the presidency was prologue

Senate, Stakeholders Endorse Establishment Of Fed Poly OnuekeStanford takes aim at Andrej Stojakovic, Cal

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Ashlon Jackson scored a career-high 30 points and No. 13 Duke defeated No. 9 Kansas State, 73-62 on Monday, in the semifinals of the Ball Dawgs Classic. The Blue Devils (6-1) overcame an early 11-point deficit behind Jackon’s shooting hand to advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the game between No. 8 Oklahoma and DePaul. Jackson, who has scored in double figures in all six of Duke’s games, shot 12 of 19 (63.1%) from the floor, including 6 of 9 (66.7%) from 3-point range. Reigan Richardson added 16 points for the Blue Devils. Kansas State (5-1) was led by Ayoka Lee, who had 16 points. Serena Sundell scored 15 and Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to add 11 for the Wildcats. Kansas State: With her 16-point performance, Lee needs 48 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05) for the Kansas State career scoring record. Wecker scored 2,333 points. Lee, the 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is averaging 15.3 points. Duke: Jackson hit her season average of 13.3 points by the 3:54 mark of the second quarter when her pull-up jumper gave her 14. The junior guard was 8 of 11 from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and had 20 points by halftime. With the Blue Devils trailing by six midway through the second quarter, Jackson triggered a 15-0 run with 13 of the team’s points to help Duke take a lead they’d never relinquish. Duke will face the winner of No. 8 Oklahoma-DePaul on Wednesday in the championship game, while Kansas State will face the loser in the consolation game. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballSenate, Stakeholders Endorse Establishment Of Fed Poly Onueke

Raiders confirm QB Gardner Minshew out for season, look to Aidan O'Connell

It just became way less of a hassle to launch 2K games from your Steam library. The publisher has officially removed its launcher from every game that used it on Steam (and the Epic Games Store). The removal went through on November 18, but a follow-up update to ensure the Launcher was fully removed dropped on November 25. Many games, including Bioshock Remastered, Marvel's Midnight Suns, and The Quarry, will now launch directly through Steam. Other games used the launcher for additional functionality. Those games will now launch a small submenu before opening the game itself. For example, XCOM 2 and XCOM: Chimera Squad used the 2K launcher for mod management. Now, launching the game will open a small menu which will let you open the mod launcher or the selected game directly. For both games, this change lets you install and use mods on Steam Deck, though the Chimera Squad menu may have some graphical and interface glitches on the portable device. Some files from the launcher may remain. The 2K launcher folder has been replaced with a text file entitled 2kLauncherRemoved.txt, which can be safely deleted. You can also search for remaining files in your Windows search bar with the following text: "%localappdata%\T2GP Launcher" and "%appdata%\T2GP Launcher." You can find a more detailed tutorial for deleting the launcher's files on the 2K support site . This update follows confirmation that Civilization 7 would not require the 2K launcher . The publisher may also be working on an un-announced remake , possibilities include Bioshock and Spec Ops: The Line.Maybe it’s because there are so many games, or maybe it’s because the rise of digital distribution and subscriptions means there are more sub-groups of game-players and fewer massive mainstream hits, but it feels like this year the “best games” lists are more diverse and individual than ever. Even as someone who tries to play broadly across all platforms, there are some games cropping up on end-of-year lists that I didn’t play, and some of the best ones I did play draw blank looks when I discuss them with others. So, while it’s impossible to make anything approaching an objective list of the best, I’ve attempted it anyway. Here they are in no particular order. I didn’t have ‘help a rapping tree’ on my 2024 bingo card, but I’m glad it happened. Astro Bot PS5 At once a celebration of PlayStation’s 30-year history and a whimsical Nintendo-style platformer the likes of which the brand has never seen before, Astro Bot is a beautiful theme park of running and jumping, filled with hidden depth, incredible gimmicks and great music. I’m not a huge fan of the emotionless robot protagonist or the Sony branding, but the combination of flawless gameplay design, hilarious environments, oodles of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech puts this on par with some of Mario’s most memorable outings. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Side-scrolling platform adventure games are ubiquitous and there were heaps of good ones this year, but the best was also a return to relevance for a beloved franchise. The fictional Mount Qaf is a wonderful setting that blends Iranian history and Arabian mythology with the series’ penchant for vicious traps and time distortion, while new protagonist Sargon brings a fresh and edgy vibe that marries the acrobatic focus of the Sands of Time trilogy with the methodical platforming of older Prince adventures. By invoking familiar poker hands, Balatro brings the satisfying hook of a rougelite game to a wider pool of players who have no idea what that is. Balatro Android, Apple Arcade, iOS, PC, PS5, Switch Xbox In an industry plagued by gambling disguised as play, it’s gratifying that one of this year’s most successful games employs the aesthetic of cards and casinos with no gambling to be found. Upgrade and augment your deck with special powers and tarot effects, stack up game-changing jokers to synergise with your favourite cards, and try to break the game with impossibly powerful poker hands. The work of one individual developer, it’s incredible, and arguably addictive, but you’ll pay no more than the purchase price. Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch Mario Party is a dependable choice for casual group play or a family game night. But, unexpectedly, Jamboree is the absolute height of the series. There are heaps of playable characters, more than 100 great new minigames, seven unusually interesting and diverse game boards and extra modes for playing on your own or online with randos. But the icing on the cake is the ability to enforce “pro mode” to make the winner less chance-based, opening up the possibility of truly competitive play, and it’s so much fun. It may take its broad structure from one third of a decades-old game, but Rebirth has plenty original to say. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth PS5 I was expecting a middle chapter for Square’s epic three-part remake of a 1997 classic, but this turned out to be so much more. From the layered character customisation and combat systems that feed seamlessly into one another, to the completely optional collectible card game that I quickly became obsessed with, this is unexpectedly a much broader, deeper and more open game than its predecessor. An astonishing RPG that more than stands on its own merits, and even overshadows part one for ambition and creativity, it’s a remarkable achievement. Star Wars Outlaws PC, PS5, Xbox A streamlined and multi-planet take on Ubisoft’s familiar open-world action, paired with an original-trilogy-era Star Wars tale that follows an up-and-coming scoundrel rather than a Jedi or Imperial, Outlaws has everything a long-suffering franchise fan could hope for in a sandbox scum and villainy game. The overarching story is a bit of a letdown, but the main appeal here is simply being able to exist in this rich and incredibly well-realised universe, being a dirtbag and pulling off heists. Fans of Monty Python or The Mighty Boosh will find a lot to love exploring Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox A cartoony and hilariously vulgar adventure set in a small northern England town, this is a point-and-punch exploration game that’s fondly reminiscent of classic daft British sketch comedy, with heaps of funny visuals and sound effects plus the voice talents of Matt Berry and others. Mechanically it couldn’t be simpler, but the writing and timing are masterful. From an unexpected exposed penis in a seagull-gathering side-mission to a prolonged sequence combining fish and cigarettes, it’s crassly artful and unforgettable. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Switch Despite her name being in the titles, Princess Zelda has had few starring roles in Nintendo’s beloved adventure epics. This game marks a change in that regard, and introduces a brilliant new approach to items and combat where Zelda can copy and paste objects and enemies to fight and solve puzzles, but it’s otherwise business as usual for the series; this is a beautiful, joyful and surprising fantasy world to explore, with just the right mix of nostalgia and innovation. Eventually you’ll be filling out pages of details before you can even grasp the nature of the crime you’re supposed to be solving. And you’ll be loving it. The Rise of the Golden Idol Netflix, PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox The first Golden Idol was a wonderfully epic tale of paranormal serial murder, and Rise is even better. Set 200 years later, you’re tasked with solving 20 crimes, each painted as a beautifully grotesque painted moment. You analyse the scene to collect clues, words and names, then use those to fill in the blanks and uncover the truth. It’s like a multidimensional murder sudoku, which only gets more complex and tells a compelling alternate history detective story. Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC, PS5, Xbox Bioware is responsible for some of the greatest role-playing games ever, but this is their best in more than a decade. The narrative and fantasy settings are incredible, and the action-focused combat feels great, but the true strength is in the constant choice-making that affects your friendships in real and unexpected ways. Early on, the game makes you choose between two companions, the consequence of which leaves one with permanent visible bruises and scars for the rest of the game. This is Dragon Age telling you how it’s going to be. Unicorn Overlord has the familiar Vanillaware look, but it may be the studio’s deepest game yet. Unicorn Overlord PS5, Switch, Xbox Vanillaware has spent two decades crafting interesting and complex games with astounding hand-drawn art. The studio has a cult following but I think Unicorn Overlord might be its first true breakout hit. It’s a twist on the traditional turn-based tactical RPG, where instead of just skirmishing you define the parameters of each unit’s actions and priorities ahead of time, and then watch as they play out in battle. And, of course, it’s gorgeous. Sonic x Shadow Generations PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Since 2011’s excellent Sonic Generations was already a reimagining of the series’ high points, half of this new package is arguably remaking remakes. But the other half — an all-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog — contains some of the most excellent 3D Sonic gameplay ever made. It serves as a great introduction to the character alongside his big-screen debut, but it also presents his tortured backstory and most memorable game moments in a surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable manner. No combat, no explanations, just a blob in a cursed VHS tape of ghostly animals. Animal Well PC, PS5, PS Plus, Switch, Xbox Animal Well , another amazing work from a solo developer, is on the surface a stunning CRT-filtered Metroid-like with a spooky animal theme. But dig a little deeper past the cursed herons and sleepy capybara and you’ll find a complex latticework of puzzles combined with interesting power-ups, a focus on physics play and a near total lack of combat. Some secrets require specific power-ups from around the world (a yo-yo, a slinky, a frisbee), while others need lateral thinking or knowledge gleaned from other areas. UFO 50 PC A package of 50 new games, styled and presented as a library of retro titles by a fictional company for their fictional home computer, this compilation evokes the feeling of finding a dusty 1980s machine and a box full of disks, and putting them in to see what you find. The games are all surprisingly full in scope, and they run the genre gamut from beat-em-ups to top-down driving games to narrative horror. Best of all are the two-player options, which offer a peerlessly strange retro bonding experience. The Great Circle takes Indy to many cultural epicentres around the globe, from Italy to Egypt to the Himalayas and more. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Game Pass, PC, Xbox Games based on movie franchises can go very wrong, but MachineGames (the Swedish studio known for the Nazi-hunting 2010s Wolfenstein series), had a clear vision for the world’s most famous archeologist . Each level is an exploratory puzzle with dozens of smaller riddles within, filled with fascists to sneak around and artefacts to recover. Combat is slapstick, gunplay is scarce, the iconic whip gets plenty of creative use and voice actor Troy Baker puts in an astonishing Harrison Ford impersonation. The narrative overall (concerning a trek across the globe to stop the Nazis achieving a mystical power) is the best the franchise has seen since 1989. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here.NEW YORK , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The sauna market in US size is estimated to grow by USD 137 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Increasing focus on wellness and self-care is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing adoption of home saunas. However, high cost of equipment and maintenance poses a challenge. Key market players include Almost Heaven Group LLC, Bsaunas Inc., Cedarbrook Sauna and Steam, Divine Environments Inc., Golden design Inc., Great Bay Spa and Sauna, Harvia Plc, Health Mate Sauna, Heavenly Heat Saunas, KLAFS GmbH, Nootka Collective Inc., QCA Spas Inc., Rocky Mountain Saunas, Salus Saunas , Sauna Works Inc., Sauna360 Group Oy, Sunlighten Inc., Superior Sauna, ThermaSol Steam Bath LLC, and TyloHelo Group., Sunlighten Inc., Harvia Plc, KLAFS GmbH, TyloHelo Group, Sauna360 Group Oy, Health Mate Sauna, Rocky Mountain Saunas, Superior Sauna Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The home sauna market in the US is experiencing growth due to the rising trend of self-care and wellness. Home saunas offer convenience, privacy, and a personalized experience, eliminating the need to travel to a facility and saving time and money. The market offers various options, including traditional and infrared saunas, with prices ranging from USD1,000 to USD5,000 for a basic infrared model. Key vendors, like Salus Saunas , provide premium saunas constructed from fine materials for an authentic experience. The increase in high net-worth individuals prioritizing health and wellness is driving demand for home saunas, contributing to the market's growth during the forecast period. ai_trending_factor Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Sauna businesses face significant challenges due to the high initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs of sauna equipment. Traditional saunas range from USD6,000 to USD11,000+, while infrared saunas cost between USD4,400 and USD9,000 or more. These expenses limit the potential customer base to affluent individuals. Saunas require regular servicing, filter replacements, and frequent cleaning, leading to additional costs. Energy consumption is also high, contributing to substantial utility bills. These factors restrict the growth of the sauna market in the US, making it a niche industry. Entrepreneurs must carefully consider these costs before establishing a sauna business. The sauna market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer focus on self-care and wellness. Key challenges include catering to diverse customer segments such as millennials, working professionals, geriatric groups, and international tourists. Self-esteem, stress reduction, and healthy skin are primary drivers for individuals seeking sauna experiences. Blood pressure management and weight reduction are additional health benefits attracting customers. Technology advancements, including virtual reality and aromatherapy, enhance the sauna experience. Amenities like body wraps, mud baths, and waxing further differentiate offerings. Business models include day spas, destination spas, medical spas, cruise ship spas, airport spas, mineral springs spas, and spa hotels. Hospitality sectors like luxury hotels and global tourism are integrating saunas to cater to the wellness trend. Consumer sentiment and spending patterns influence the market. Urbanization and lifestyle changes contribute to the increasing demand for sauna services. Wellness, hospitality, and the spa industry continue to evolve, presenting opportunities for innovation and growth. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This sauna market in US report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Hotel 1.2 Gym 1.3 Household 1.4 Others 2.1 Traditional 2.2 Steam 2.3 Infrared 3.1 North America 1.1 Hotel- The sauna market has experienced consistent growth due to increasing health consciousness and demand for relaxation. Saunas provide numerous benefits such as detoxification, stress relief, and improved circulation. Businesses offer various types, including traditional Finnish and infrared saunas. Prices range from affordable to luxury models. Saunas can be installed in homes or fitness centers, making them accessible to a wide audience. Overall, the sauna market continues to thrive, providing a profitable opportunity for businesses. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Saunas have gained immense popularity in the wellness and self-care industry, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for individuals seeking personal healthcare and relaxation. The sauna market caters to various segments, including tourism and hospitality, home saunas, and sauna technology. Saunas come in various styles, such as Finnish and Turkish, and heating methods, including wood burning, electrically heated, and infrared. Upcoming trends in the sauna market include the integration of technology for enhanced user experience, such as smart controls and virtual reality. Sauna sessions offer numerous benefits, including detoxification, stress relief, and improved confidence. Additionally, saunas are often used for bonding sessions and offer complementary services like massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments. Sauna technology has advanced significantly, with companies focusing on energy efficiency and ease of use. Saunas are not just limited to professional spas and wellness centers; home saunas have become increasingly popular, allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy in the comfort of their own homes. Overall, the sauna market continues to grow, offering a wide range of options for those seeking to prioritize their well-being. Market Research Overview The Sauna Market encompasses various sectors, including Wellness and Self-care, Tourism and Hospitality, and Personal Healthcare. Saunas, a key component of this market, offer numerous benefits such as detoxification, stress relief, and improved blood pressure. Saunas come in various types, including Finnish and Turkishstyle, wood burning, electrically heated, and infrared. Sauna technology continues to advance, with innovations in aromatherapy, body wraps, mud baths, and steam rooms. Spas, offering saunas as an integral part of their services, cater to diverse clientele, including millennials, working professionals, geriatric groups, and international tourists. Trends in the Sauna Market include the integration of technology, such as smart saunas, and the increasing popularity of wellness tourism. Spas are no longer just luxury destinations but are becoming essential components of the hospitality industry, with offerings ranging from day spas to destination spas, medical spas, and cruise ship spas. Saunas provide a space for bonding sessions, self-care, and relaxation, boosting confidence and self-esteem. They also offer various additional services like massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments. With urbanization and changing lifestyles, the sauna market is poised for growth in the coming years. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Hotel Gym Household Others Product Type Traditional Steam Infrared Electric Sauna Outdoor Sauna Geography North America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio