## EA Cancels Black Panther Game, Closes Cliffhanger Games

Authored by ign.com

Electronic Arts is canceling its planned Black Panther game and shutting down developer Cliffhanger Games, IGN has learned.

In addition to closing Cliffhanger and canceling Black Panther, EA is also laying off some individuals on both its mobile and central teams.

We’re doing everything we can to support them — including finding opportunities within EA, where we’ve had success helping people land in new roles.".

As with past rounds of layoffs, EA is endeavoring to place affected individuals in other roles across the company.

The email doesn't mention EA Sports, but this is due to Miele running EA Entertainment, while EA Sports is a separate division.

Notably, Marvel and EA's agreement for Black Panther was part of a three-game deal that included Iron Man and a third, unannounced title.

Black Panther was being developed by the newly-formed, now-closed Cliffhanger Games, which was formed in 2023 with some former developers of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and headed up by Kevin Stephens. »

### In first-ever operational use, Israel reveals it shot down Hezbollah drones with laser air defense system

Authored by ynetnews.com

The Defense Ministry, the IDF and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that these laser systems were deployed during the fighting in Lebanon.

Defense officials stated that the laser systems, integrated into Israel's multi-tiered air defense strategy, complement existing missile-based systems and offer a cost-effective and rapid interception method.

"Israel is the first country in the world to present a large-scale operational laser interception capability," said Brig. »

### FEMA rescinds strategic plan less than 2 weeks before hurricane season

Authored by cbsnews.com

In a short memo sent to FEMA employees on Wednesday and obtained by CBS News, Richardson wrote, "The 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan is hereby rescinded.

The Strategic Plan contains goals and objectives that bear no connection to FEMA accomplishing its mission.

One FEMA official described the strategic plan to CBS News as the agency's "organizational backbone.". »

### Russia committed war crimes against civilians in Ukraine’s Kherson region, UN concludes

Authored by politico.eu

Russia captured Kherson in March 2022, shortly after the start of President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale war on Ukraine.

The Ukrainian army recaptured Kherson eight months later, but not before Russia had conducted sham referendums in which, the Kremlin claimed, the majority of the Kherson population supported the region joining Russia.

However, international journalists who got unauthorized access to Kherson before the Ukrainian government, showed Kherson residents expressing joy as they were celebrating liberation from the Russians. »

### Andrew and Tristan Tate to face 21 charges in UK, prosecutors say

Authored by bbc.com

UK prosecutors say 21 charges authorised against Tate brothers.

Prosecutors have confirmed for the first time the full list of 21 charges Andrew and Tristan Tate will face when they are returned to the UK, including rape, actual bodily harm and human trafficking.

The Crown Prosecution Service said that it had authorised the charges against the brothers in 2024, before an extradition warrant was issued to bring them back from Romania. »

## In pictures

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