Category Archives: business

Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

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Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a look at everything Shacknews has featured today.

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### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins.
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue.
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves.
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** A move to grow business in Southeast Asia.
– **What Is a Leveraged Buyout?** And what it means for Electronic Arts (EA) going forward.
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster.**
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button in November.
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in one day.
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale:** To Saudi Arabia PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners.

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### And Now… Other Stuff From The Internet!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game, and some have had enough of the player. Speaking of which, Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** It can be fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but then you look up at someone you know who believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title.
– **South Park is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series.
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you…
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much to Me:** Too much risk, too much danger.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back big boxes!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this.

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There you have it, Shacknews—your Evening Reading for tonight.

Please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as $1/month. Don’t have a dollar? You don’t need one to check out **Shackmaps**. We’ve got a brilliant **Silksong map** to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Optus instructed to find ‘external party’ to review systems after triple-0 outages

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Communications Minister Calls for Independent Review of Optus After Fatal Triple-0 Outages

Communications Minister Anika Wells has instructed Optus to bring in an “independent and external party” as part of efforts to prevent another fatal triple-0 outage. However, no specific details have been provided regarding what this independent review will entail.

The minister met with the heads of Optus and its Singaporean parent company, Singtel, in Sydney on Tuesday morning, nearly two weeks after a 13-hour outage on September 18 was linked to multiple deaths. During the outage, hundreds of people—primarily in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory—were unable to reach emergency services when dialing triple-0.

Following the highly anticipated talks, Ms. Wells stated that she had urged the embattled telco to “find a way” to allow an external party to review their systems. She emphasized the importance of Australians gaining confidence from an external investigation and advice, rather than hearing only from Optus that the issues will be resolved.

Shortly after the minister’s media address, Optus chair John Arthur told reporters the company was committed to working with the government “to do whatever needs to be done,” but he was unable to provide specific details about the independent review. “We are always welcome to external perspectives and external views, and that remains the case here,” he said.

Over the weekend following the initial outage, a second failure left thousands of customers in the New South Wales town of Dapto unable to make emergency calls. Ms. Wells highlighted that having two outages “in short succession” has caused a “very serious lack of confidence” in Optus’s ability to deliver reliable triple-0 services.

She further revealed that she sought assurances from Optus chief executive Stephen Rue and Singtel’s chief Yuen Kuan Moon that corrective action would be taken. “No-one is shying away from the fact that Optus has not complied with their obligations to the Australian people and that is what needs to be fixed here,” Ms. Wells said. “I think Optus accepts that, that this is a compliance issue on their part.”

When asked whether Australians could be assured such incidents would not happen again now that the issue had been identified, Ms. Wells responded, “That’s a question that you should put to Optus, immediately.”

John Arthur reiterated that the cause of the initial outage was “process-related” and due to human error, rather than issues with money or investment. He added, “And in due course we will be talking about the extent of Singtel’s investment in Australia, which goes beyond Optus.”

### Optus Leadership and Accountability

Amid growing pressure on Optus to demonstrate its reliability, Singtel chief Yuen Kuan Moon was asked multiple times whether he fully supported Optus CEO Stephen Rue. Mr. Yuen stated that Mr. Rue was brought in almost a year ago specifically “to address issues” within Optus. “It is very early days, it takes time to transform a company,” he commented. “An initial investigation of the September 18 incident found that it was due to a people issue and it takes time to transform and change the people.”

Mr. Yuen also issued an apology to the friends and family of those whose deaths have been linked to the outage.

### Context and Ongoing Investigations

The recent triple-0 outages come just two years after a major Optus failure left thousands unable to call emergency services. In response, Optus was fined more than $12 million, and a comprehensive review was commissioned, resulting in numerous recommendations.

Australia’s communications watchdog has now launched an investigation into the September 18 incident, aiming to understand what went wrong and prevent such failures in the future.

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*Optus chief Stephen Rue and Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon have been contacted for further comment.*
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-30/optus-anika-wells-meet-about-triple-0-outrages/105833276

Electronic Arts sold for whopping $55B, second-largest gaming acquisition ever

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**Electronic Arts Acquired in Historic $55 Billion Leveraged Buyout**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 30, 2025, 01:24 AM*

Electronic Arts (EA), the renowned video game developer behind popular titles such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims, is set to be acquired for an astounding $55 billion. This deal is poised to become the largest leveraged buyout in history, with a significant portion of the acquisition financed through debt.

### The Consortium Behind the Acquisition

The group of buyers includes Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners—led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.

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### Deal Details: EA Going Private

If the acquisition proceeds as expected, EA’s 36-year tenure as a publicly traded company will come to an end. The game publisher will no longer be listed on the stock exchange.

The purchase price represents a substantial 25% premium over EA’s current market value, with shareholders receiving $210 per share.

EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, who has been at the helm since 2013, will retain his position following the acquisition. Additionally, the company’s headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California.

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### Industry Context: Second Largest Gaming Acquisition in History

This acquisition will become the second-largest gaming purchase ever, trailing only Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher of Call of Duty.

Microsoft’s deal faced intense regulatory scrutiny worldwide, with UK authorities warning that it might undermine competition. Approval was eventually granted only after Microsoft agreed to transfer cloud distribution rights for Activision’s console and PC titles to Ubisoft, the developer behind Assassin’s Creed.

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### Market Influence: EA’s Role and Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Investments

EA has been a dominant force in the gaming industry for over four decades, producing some of the most successful game franchises in history. Its football game series alone has sold 325 million copies since its debut in 1993.

For Saudi Arabia, this acquisition represents a significant milestone in its broader efforts to expand its footprint in the gaming sector. The kingdom has previously invested in gaming companies like Niantic and has hosted major esports tournaments to bolster its presence.

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### Industry Impact: Concerns Over Debt and Workforce

The buyers are expected to contribute $36 billion in equity, with the remaining amount financed through loans, primarily provided by JPMorgan Chase. Industry experts have expressed concern that the deal could saddle EA with approximately $20 billion in debt.

There are also worries about potential job cuts as private investors may push for increased cash flow to service this hefty debt. EA recently reduced its workforce by about 5% in 2024, followed by several hundred layoffs earlier this year.

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### What’s Next? Timeline and Outlook

The deal is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2027, pending approval from EA shareholders.

Going private will grant EA the flexibility to restructure without the pressures and scrutiny that come with being publicly traded, where companies often focus on short-term quarterly results.

Despite its loyal fanbase, EA’s annual revenue has remained relatively flat over the last three fiscal years, fluctuating between $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion.

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This acquisition marks a transformative chapter for EA and reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and investment trends globally.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/video-game-maker-electronic-arts-acquired-for-55b/story

Jose Mourinho says he will ‘always be a blue’ ahead of Benfica’s game at Chelsea

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Jose Mourinho insisted he will always be a Blue as he returned to Stamford Bridge ahead of Benfica’s Champions League meeting with Chelsea.

The three-time Premier League winner was appointed on September 18 by the Lisbon giants and will lead his new team out on Tuesday for what will be his eighth match in the visiting dugout at the ground he once called home. Despite being twice sacked by former owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho remains Chelsea’s most successful manager.

Speaking to the media inside the stadium’s Ted Drake Suite — where the walls are adorned with framed photos of the 62-year-old clutching the Premier League trophy — he said:

“Of course I will always be a Blue. I’m part of their history and they are part of mine. I helped them become a bigger Chelsea and they helped me become a bigger Jose. When I say I’m not a Blue, I hope everyone understands I’m speaking about the job that I have to do tomorrow.”

He added, “These pictures, there’s not many clubs that do this. In many clubs, it looks like there’s a fear of what happened in the past. There is a continuous transformation of pictures. It looks like they want to delete people that made history in the club.”

Mourinho, who led Chelsea to their first league title in 50 years during his first season in 2004 before adding to it in 2005 and 2015, returns at a sensitive moment for current head coach Enzo Maresca. Three defeats in four matches have brought a new wave of pressure over the Italian as he seeks to forge a title-winning side from the lavish investments made by the club’s ownership.

Last season’s fourth-place finish, which secured Champions League qualification, looked like a step forward following league finishes of 12th and sixth in previous years. This progress was complemented by victories in the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Nevertheless, supporter skepticism towards Maresca and his methods remains.

The sight of Mourinho back in west London, together with memories of past glories, will do little to ease the stalled bid to renew Chelsea in a positive light.

Mourinho, who professes to still be a Chelsea fan and has a home nearby in London as well as strong family ties, gave his backing to the club’s new direction:

“There was a sad period where even myself, from the outside, was putting some question marks,” he said. “It looked like Chelsea lost their identity as a club. But what happened last season put things back on track. They gave trust to Enzo, he brought his ideas, and he fitted well with the philosophy they want to give with the club.”

On Chelsea’s recent trophy successes, Mourinho remarked, “The Conference League is an easy competition to win for a big club, I did it with Roma. Then the Club World Cup — people can say the Champions League is much more important, but that badge (on the shirt) means a lot. It’s the first time a club wins it. That gives them a base of trust and confidence, even at the supporters’ level they feel it.”

He concluded, “I live five minutes from here, my son comes here. The feeling is completely different. There was a period of disappointment and doubt, but this is a period of happiness and trust.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/jose-mourinho-says-he-will-always-be-a-blue-ahead-of-benficas-game-at-chelsea-1812729.html

Galatasaray vs. Liverpool injury, suspension list, predicted XIs

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Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from defeat when they face hosts Galatasaray on Tuesday at Rams Park in their second Champions League game of the season.

Galatasaray were beaten 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on September 18 in their first European game of the campaign. Meanwhile, the Reds secured a 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid a day earlier but suffered a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs ahead of the big match.

### Galatasaray vs. Liverpool

**Galatasaray**
– **Out:** None
– **Doubtful:** None
– **Sports Mole’s predicted XI:**
Cakir; Sallai, Singo, Sanchez, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Gundogan, Akgun; Osimhen

**Liverpool**
– **Out:** Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Jayden Danns (knock)
– **Doubtful:** None
– **Sports Mole’s predicted XI:**
Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Gakpo, Wirtz, Salah; Ekitike

Fans can expect an intense contest as both teams seek important points early in their Champions League campaigns.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/champions-league/team-news/galatasaray-vs-liverpool-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_582527.html

PM Modi pens special foreword for Italian PM Meloni’s autobiography

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**PM Modi Pens Special Foreword for Italian PM Meloni’s Autobiography**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 29, 2025, 04:24 pm*

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned the foreword for the Indian edition of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s autobiography, *I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles*. The book will be published by Rupa Publications in India.

In his foreword, PM Modi described Meloni’s life as more than just a story of politics and power. He highlighted her courage and unwavering commitment to public service as defining aspects of her journey.

### Leadership Commendation: ‘Meloni Has Provided Strength and Stability to Italy’

PM Modi praised Meloni’s leadership, stating that she has brought strength and stability to Italy. He wrote, “She has always been pragmatic and committed to furthering global good.”

Drawing a parallel to Indian traditions, Modi connected Meloni’s rise to the concept of *Nari Shakti*—the divine feminine energy revered in Indic culture. He observed, “There are various ways to understand as well as appreciate Meloni’s rise and leadership. Among those, I can see a strong connection between her story and the concept of Nari Shakti.”

### Cultural Resonance: ‘India and Italy Bound by Shared Civilizational Instincts’

The Prime Minister noted that Meloni has remained deeply rooted in her heritage while confidently leading her nation on the global stage. Her journey from a modest neighborhood in Rome to holding Italy’s highest political office exemplifies the power of purpose beyond narrow partisan politics.

According to Modi, “Her purpose of defending motherhood, national identity, and tradition will resonate with readers in India. Her belief in defending one’s cultural heritage, while engaging with the world on equal terms, mirrors our own values.”

### Book Endorsement: PM Modi Calls Meloni’s Autobiography ‘Mann Ki Baat’

PM Modi underlined the shared civilizational instincts binding India and Italy—such as safeguarding heritage and celebrating womanhood. He expressed confidence that Meloni’s autobiography would be embraced as a “refreshing story of an outstanding contemporary political leader and patriot.”

He also referred to the book as her “Mann Ki Baat,” echoing the title of his popular monthly radio address to the nation.

The friendship and camaraderie between Modi and Meloni have been widely celebrated on social media, with their interactions frequently going viral under the hashtag #Melodi.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/pm-modi-writes-foreword-to-giorgia-meloni-s-memoir/story

Which team has won most Asia Cup titles?

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**Teams with the Most Titles in Asia Cup History**
*By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025, 05:29 PM*

**What’s the story?**

India were crowned champions of the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup after a thrilling final victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, Team India successfully chased down a target of 147 runs, finishing the tournament unbeaten and securing their ninth Asia Cup title across both ODI and T20 formats.

Here’s a look at the teams with the most Asia Cup titles in history.

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### India: Leading the Pack with Nine Titles

India tops the list with a record nine Asia Cup titles, the most by any team in the tournament’s history. They won the inaugural T20 Asia Cup in 2016 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. In addition to their T20 success, India has clinched the 50-over Asia Cup title seven times, with their most recent ODI triumph coming in 2023.

India’s previous ODI Asia Cup victories occurred in 1984, 1988, 1991, 1995, 2010, and 2018.

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### An Unbeaten Run in T20 Asia Cups

Remarkably, India has maintained an unbeaten streak in both of their T20 Asia Cup title-winning campaigns — in 2016 and again in 2025. Furthermore, India has won four of the last five Asia Cups (2025, 2023, 2018, and 2016). The only recent exception was in 2022 when India failed to reach the final.

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### Sri Lanka and Pakistan: Other Champions of the Asia Cup

Following India, Sri Lanka stands second with six Asia Cup titles. They lifted the trophy in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2022. Notably, Sri Lanka has bested both India and Pakistan three times each in Asia Cup finals, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.

Pakistan is the only other team to have won the Asia Cup, claiming the title twice. Their victories came in 2000 and 2014, both times defeating Sri Lanka in the final.

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With India leading the charts and strong performances from Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Asia Cup continues to be a fiercely contested tournament highlighting the best in Asian cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/most-titles-in-asia-cup-history/story

Teamwork secrets hidden in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’

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**Teamwork Secrets Hidden in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 04:35 PM*

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is not just a cop comedy; it is a masterclass in team dynamics. The show, which revolves around the detectives of a New York precinct, gives us a peek into how teams can work together, even in the most absurd situations. From conflict resolution to trust-building, the series offers practical insights that can be applied to any workplace.

Here are five key lessons on team dynamics from Brooklyn Nine-Nine:

### 1. Embrace Diversity for Stronger Teams
Brooklyn Nine-Nine celebrates diversity in its cast and storylines. The show highlights how different backgrounds and perspectives lead to innovative solutions and stronger team cohesion. By embracing diversity, teams can leverage a wide range of ideas and approaches, resulting in better problem-solving and creativity.

### 2. Communication is Key
Effective communication is a recurring theme throughout Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The characters often engage in open dialogues to resolve conflicts or share critical information. This openness fosters trust and understanding within the team, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Teams that prioritize clear communication are more likely to avoid misunderstandings and work efficiently towards common goals.

### 3. Conflict Resolution Through Collaboration
The series demonstrates that conflicts are best resolved through collaboration rather than competition or avoidance. Characters come together to address issues head-on, finding common ground and mutually beneficial solutions. This collaborative approach not only resolves disputes but also strengthens relationships within the team.

### 4. Trust Builds Strong Foundations
Trust is a cornerstone of any successful team, as depicted in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The characters rely on each other during high-stakes situations, showcasing their faith in one another’s abilities and decisions. Building trust takes time but pays off by creating an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and support each other.

### 5. Celebrate Successes Together
Brooklyn Nine-Nine also emphasizes celebrating successes as a team. Whether big or small, acknowledging achievements boosts morale and reinforces team spirit. Celebrating together fosters a sense of belonging and motivates members to continue working hard towards shared objectives.

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Brooklyn Nine-Nine offers more than laughs; it provides a valuable blueprint for effective teamwork. Incorporating these lessons can help transform any group into a cohesive, high-performing team.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-team-dynamics-lessons-from-brooklyn-nine-nine/story

Teamwork secrets hidden in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’

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**Teamwork Secrets Hidden in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 04:35 PM*

**What’s the story?**

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is not just a cop comedy; it is a masterclass in team dynamics. The show, which revolves around the detectives of a New York precinct, offers a unique glimpse into how teams can work together effectively, even in the most absurd situations. From conflict resolution to trust-building, the series provides practical insights that can be applied to any workplace environment.

Here are five key lessons on team dynamics from Brooklyn Nine-Nine:

### 1. Embrace Diversity for Stronger Teams
Brooklyn Nine-Nine celebrates diversity through its cast and storylines. The show highlights how different backgrounds and perspectives contribute to innovative solutions and stronger team cohesion. By embracing diversity, teams can harness a wide range of ideas and approaches, leading to better problem-solving and enhanced creativity.

### 2. Communication is Key
Effective communication is a recurring theme in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The characters frequently engage in open dialogues to resolve conflicts or share crucial information. This openness fosters trust and understanding within the team, ensuring everyone stays aligned. Teams that prioritize clear communication are more likely to avoid misunderstandings and work efficiently toward common goals.

### 3. Conflict Resolution Through Collaboration
The series emphasizes resolving conflicts through collaboration rather than competition or avoidance. Characters come together to address issues directly, finding common ground and mutually beneficial solutions. This collaborative approach not only settles disputes but also strengthens interpersonal relationships within the team.

### 4. Trust Builds Strong Foundations
Trust is a cornerstone of any successful team, as depicted in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The characters depend on each other during high-stakes situations, demonstrating faith in one another’s abilities and decisions. Building trust takes time but ultimately creates an environment where team members feel safe to take risks and support each other.

### 5. Celebrate Successes Together
Brooklyn Nine-Nine also underscores the importance of celebrating team successes. Whether big or small, acknowledging achievements boosts morale and reinforces team spirit. Celebrating together fosters a sense of belonging and motivates members to continue striving toward shared objectives.

—

Brooklyn Nine-Nine offers more than laughs; it provides valuable lessons in teamwork that anyone can apply in the workplace. Embracing diversity, enhancing communication, resolving conflicts collaboratively, building trust, and celebrating achievements together are essential ingredients for a thriving team.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-team-dynamics-lessons-from-brooklyn-nine-nine/story