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Final Fantasy 14: All Golden Saucer Activities Ranked

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Final Fantasy 14: All Golden Saucer Activities Ranked


Final Fantasy 14’s Golden Saucer has been a fan favorite hub in the MMO for years. Not only is it packed with activities to sink hours into, the rewards for doing so are actually worth the grind, offering players several iconic mounts and glamour options for their troubles. It’s also where players are re-introduced to some of Final Fantasy’s most iconic mini games, with some modern-day polish to help hook people in.

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With the most recent Live Letter confirming we’ll be getting new Golden Saucer content in the next expansion, Evercold, what better time to look back on all the activities in the game right now.

Here’s our definitive ranking of Final Fantasy 14’s Golden Saucer minigames and if they’re actually worth your time to play in-between raiding.

12

Floor Minigames

Filler Content

Final Fantasy 14 Floor Minigames

I’m merging all the Floor Minigames in this section as they’re all at the same level to me. Sure, some of them play differently, but the rewards are so minor they feel like they’re only in the game to keep you occupied inbetween the events actually worth playing.

These include: Monster Toss, Crystal Tower Striker, The Finer Miner, Out on a Limb, Cuff-a-Curr, and The Moogle’s Paw, which are all just fine and fun spins on classic arcade games, but they’re fairly one-dimensional and offer a mere pittance compared to other activities. I’d go as far as to say that they’re still not worth doing even if you are grinding out Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP).

They’re a fun “one-and-done” to help populate the Gold Saucer with activities, but don’t go expecting these to help you claim the Sabotender Emperador mount any time soon.

11

Lord of Verminion

Fort Condor Returns

Final Fantasy 14 Lord Verminion

Lord of Verminion is a minigame that’s sure to divide fans, as it’s somewhat based on Final Fantasy 7’s most controversial minigame. That’s right, Fort Condor is a Golden Saucer activity in Final Fantasy 14, except instead of units to defend the Phoenix’s home, you can now drop your minions onto the battlefield.

There are a few big differences to make it stand out (and more enjoyable) than Fort Condor, but its steep learning curve makes it a tough activity to get into. Factor in long queue times to face other players, and it’s not hard to see why this activity often ends up forgotten and neglected compared to others in the game.

It can be a fairly lucrative MGP earner, but sadly, with the long matches and even longer queue times, it might not be worth the time sink.

10

Cliffhanger

A Bomb of an Activity

One of the GATES in Final Fantasy XIV's Gold Saucer

If I had it my way, Cliffhanger would be dead last. But, I must admit, it does have its merits.

This jumping puzzle is similar to Leap of Faith, except instead of collecting coins, you now have to dodge bombs while climbing an awkward structure. Where Leap of Faith punishes you for being bad, Cliffhanger can feel like a humiliation ritual if you’re unlucky.

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In saying that, it’s still a jumping puzzle, and Final Fantasy 14 is capable of making some proper fun ones from time to time. Still, after playing this game mode for all these years, I still weigh my options on whether I’d rather just queue a raid when I see this one getting queued in the rotation.

9

Fashion Report

Dress To Impress

Final Fantasy 14 Fashion Report

If you’re a Glamour-head, you’re sure to enjoy the Fashion Report and its weekly challenge to throw together a themed outfit. But if you’re a casual player just looking for a quick and easy MGP payout, then it’ll merely be a quick checklist activity to do the bare minimum.

For this minigame, you’ll be given a themed assignment by the Masked Rose, who will also go on to judge your outfit out of 100. For most people, it isn’t hard to reach at least the 80 threshold to get a whopping 10,000 MGP for doing next to nothing. But if you want to climb to get a higher number and payout, it’s easy to lose yourself in the sauce.

Overall, it’s a fun and harmless activity with a solid payout, but in the way of an actual activity, there isn’t much to it.

8

Chocobo Racing

A Fun Pass Time

Final Fantasy 14 Chocobo Racing

Chocobo Racing is a surprisingly in-depth minigame within the Golden Saucer, letting players breed and race their very own Chocobos. What’s more impressive, is that this game mode closely mirrors Final Fantasy 7’s own Chocobo racing, making it instantly familiar to fans of the series.

It’s your typical Mario Kart or Bomberman Fantasy Race (if you’re a gamer of culture) style of game mode. You race your Chocobo, managing its stamina, while also collecting items to throw at other players or briefly enhance your own Choboco.

The game mode hasn’t been updated for quite some time now, coming up to almost eight years since its last big of content in Patch 4.3 in 2018. Despite the game mode originally being a solid and consistent MGP farm, it’s tough to justify the time sink to get going in the game. Like in the original FF7, there is a massive grind for this game mode if you truly want to become the best racer there is and to score all the MGP you can get your hands on.

For that reason alone, it’s easier to see why the game mode has been all but phased out, and is mostly occupied by the most die hard MGP farmers and Chocobo Racers.

7

Any Way The Wind Blows

More Like Ty-Gone Am I Right?

Final Fantasy 14 Typhon Mount

Any Way The Wind Blows is a mostly luck-based task that’ll require you to stand in a certain spot before a timer runs out. Once it does, Typhon will appear and blow away anyone standing in a certain area. The longer you last, the more MGP you receive.

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A well-hidden chest is worth more than slaying the same enemies repeatedly.

This one is honestly pretty fun and goes by really fast (especially if you have bad luck in the first round), but it is a game that’s almost entirely out of your hands. Thankfully, the MGP payout is pretty nice, making participating whenever it’s on always worth it, because you never know if you’ll finally get lucky.

6

Slice is Right

Lore-Accurate Yojimbo

Final Fantasy 14 The Slice Is Right

Slice Is Right is similar to Any Way The Wind Bows, in that your objective is to stay in the arena for as long as possible before you’re knocked off. However, this time there’s actual skill and decision-making needed to carry you to the end.

Throughout the game, you’ll have to predict where objects will fall after Yojimbo cuts through them. This can get pretty chaotic while seeing everyone else scatter around the arena, which makes it easy to second guess your own decisions. Another sequence will let you collect extra coins, although Yojimbo’s dog, Daigoro, will randomly jump inbetween these areas, meaning you can quickly and unexpectedly get punished here.

In comparison to Any Way The Wind Blows, Slice is Right is a far more interactive experience. It’s also neat to see Yojimbo being utlized elsewhere in the game.

5

Leap of Faith

All Leap No Faith Here

Final Fantasy 14 Leap of Faith

Leap of Faith is my personal favorite GATE activity, and I was excited to collect my little cactuar statues along the intense platforming sections.

This mini-game will see players teleport to chaotic structures that’d make Edith Finch roll her eyes, and attempt to reach the finish before the minigame’s timer runs out. Along the way, you can collect Bronze, Silver, and Gold cactuar statues that’ll give you a bonus MGP payout depending on how many you collect.

Thankfully, there’s a fair amount of variety across the different maps, so you won’t end up cheesing your way through all of them. Some of these maps are genuinely tough, especially if the server is crowded and the smaller platforms get involved in hundreds of dark cloaks piling on top of each other.

4

Air Force One

Do A Barrel Roll

Final Fantasy 14 Air Force One

Air Force One is perhaps the most giddy of all the GATES in the Golden Saucer, and it’s primarily because this game mode is based on classic rail shooters like Star Fox. You sit in your ship, shooting bombs and targets for points. If you hit all of them while avoiding the purple bombs, you’ll get to walk away with a pretty hefty MGP prize.

These do get a bit predictable, however, and you’ll be able to predict the order the bombs come out, which ones to avoid, and where the surprise purple bombs will spawn. Still, it’s still fun to jump on the rails and pretend you’re practicing your hitscan score for Valorant.or Counter-Strike.

3

Doman Mahjong

That’s Definitely Mahjong Alright

Final Fantasy 14 Doman Mahjong

Like so many great video games before it, Final Fantasy 14 has its own faithful recreation of Riichi Mahjong in the Golden Saucer. The game doesn’t add anything new here, so if you’re already a big fan of Mahjong, you’ll likely feel very in your element here.

This activity resets every Tuesday, and players who compete are guaranteed a 5,000 MGP payout for playing two games. This is the only way to get MGP from this game mode though, as winning doesn’t guarantee you any extra MGP just for playing.

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So, if you were planning on scoring a high prize, you’ll unfortunately be out of luck, as the main reason to play is simply for the love of the game. Thankfully, it’s still a pretty great game, and one worth playing with friends.



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Coldcard Bitcoin Exploit Balloons to $88 Million as Attackers Keep Draining Wallets – Decrypt

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Coldcard Bitcoin Exploit Balloons to  Million as Attackers Keep Draining Wallets – Decrypt



In brief

The Coldcard exploit is ongoing, with Galaxy Research now tracking about $88.6 million stolen across 4,585 addresses in three waves.
Galaxy’s Alex Thorn described the sweeps as deliberate and likely LLM-orchestrated, warning that every single-sig Coldcard address created after the March 2021 firmware flaw will eventually be drained.
The breach has spurred an unusual reversal of the “not your keys, not your coins” ethos as users move Bitcoin back to exchanges.

The theft of Bitcoin from compromised Coldcard hardware wallets is still underway, with researchers now tracking losses of roughly $88 million and warning that every vulnerable device will eventually be emptied.

Galaxy Research said Saturday it has identified a third wave of thefts, in which 207.73 BTC was drained, lifting its observed tally to about 1,367 BTC—around $88.6 million—across 4,585 addresses. The firm called the exploit ongoing and urged anyone holding single-signature funds on a Coldcard to move them at once. Galaxy said it has flagged roughly 600 suspected attacker addresses to federal investigators, compliance firms and cross-industry cyber investigators, crediting victims who shared transaction details for helping map the on-chain patterns.



“I continue to investigate and add new Coldcard victim and attacker addresses to our investigation database,” Galaxy’s head of research Alex Thorn posted to X. “The attack is ongoing—move your funds off Coldcard-generated addresses immediately if you have not done so.”

The flaw, as Decrypt previously reported, stems from a March 2021 firmware build error on Coinkite’s devices that caused seed phrases to be generated with far too little randomness, leaving private keys guessable. Thorn wrote that the sweeps look deliberate and programmatic, probably orchestrated with a large language model, and cautioned that every single-sig Coldcard address created after that 2021 update will eventually be drained, saying it is only a matter of time.

Thorn noted the stolen coins had sat untouched for years before being taken—an average dormancy of 3.18 years—underscoring that the victims were long-term holders. The funds from the three documented waves remain parked in attacker addresses and have not moved.

The fallout has driven a panicked response from affected users, with security experts urging caution when moving funds to new addresses. Many of the affected users are racing to move Bitcoin off self-custody and back onto centralized crypto exchanges, such as Coinbase or Binance, or freshly generated addresses—an inversion of the industry’s usual “not your keys, not your coins” ethos.

For some, the warnings came too late. Canadian coach Jonathan Goodman said in a post on X that 18.25 BTC, worth about $1.6 million Canadian, was swept from his wallets in a seven-minute span on July 29, despite his keys sitting in a safety deposit box that never touched the internet. “Perhaps the hardest part about this is that I did everything right,” he wrote, adding that he is filing reports with police and the Ontario Securities Commission.

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Pima County Sheriff Shares Message to Guthrie Family 6 Months After Matriarch Nancy’s Disappearance

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    Pima County Sheriff Shares Message to Guthrie Family 6 Months After Matriarch Nancy’s Disappearance


    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is sending a message to Nancy Guthrie’s family, including Today’s Savannah Guthrie, six months after her abduction.

    “We’re still here. We’re not going away. If you could just see the team working, you’d see the energy, the concern. They’re fired up and we will continue to work this case hard,” Nanos said in a video shared on Saturday, August 1, per the official Pima County Sheriff’s Department social media account, when asked if he had a message for the matriarch’s family.

    Nancy was taken from her home in Arizona six months ago, igniting an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. In the clip posted on Saturday, Nanos reiterated that the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance is “very active” despite authorities having zero leads or suspects.

    “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of work but we still have more. Not just in DNA — labs across the country are working together — but in forensics, analysis of thousands and thousands of videos, photos. And we also have still tens of thousands of tips that come in and we [are] actively working on. It’s a very active investigation.”

    Related: Sheriff Addresses Latest Ransom Letters in Ongoing Nancy Guthrie Case

    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is weighing in on the latest ransom notes making headlines in the ongoing search for Today coanchor Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie. “I think the FBI has done a number of arrests for false or fake ransom notes,” Nanos shared during a Friday, June 26, appearance on Arizona radio station […]

    Nanos also went on to explain the two reasons why the sheriff’s department chose to release alleged ransom notes six months before Nancy was taken.

    “One, it’s out there. [The] media has covered some of this. We just saw what was being said and we felt like we need[ed] to put something out that’s really accurate. This was the time. Investigators felt like there [were] a number of pieces of information in these notes that it just might jar someone to say, ‘I’ve heard that.’ Or, the wording, the style of the writing, might jog somebody to kind of think about, ‘Who would have written this? How was this done?’” he said.

    “I think anybody who reads them — my investigators, we look at it — and clearly there’s things in there that are very concerning to our investigative team. We hope that by releasing the actual note, we will get some response from the community,” Nanos explained, adding that the Guthrie family “absolutely” knew about their plan to release the message.

    Since Nancy’s disappearance, authorities have released Nest doorbell footage of a masked figure approaching her home. No suspects have been named. Authorities and the Guthrie family are offering significant monetary rewards to anyone who can give them any credible leads.

    Promo Savannah Guthries Family Ruled Out as Suspects in Nancy Case

    Related: Sheriff Reveals When Savannah Guthrie’s Family Was Cleared in Nancy Case

    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is sharing more details about when Savannah Guthrie’s family was cleared in the case of her missing mom, Nancy Guthrie. Speaking to local Tucson’s KOLD 13 News on Monday, February 16, Nanos confirmed that Guthrie family members were ruled out as suspects “in the first few days” after Nancy’s disappearance, […]

    “A number of issues have been brought up about people being cleared of this investigation,” Nanos said. “We served a few search warrants. We talked to individuals and we move on because if the evidence is there, we continue that path. But that doesn’t mean those individuals are cleared. It just means that we met with them because we felt like there was a need. There was probable cause, established through evidence, tips, whatever, and presented to the court and we went on.”

    He continued, “Does that mean those individuals are cleared? Not necessarily. It just means that we took a look at something that was concerning to us and now the evidence takes us elsewhere. But more to that point, I can’t be more clear. I said this earlier on and I say it again. The Guthrie family has not and have not been suspects in this investigation. We talked with them, worked with them. They are not suspects. They are victims. Victims of a very horrific crime.”

    Savannah, for her part, issued a public plea to bring Nancy home as the case hit the six month mark.

    “We are begging for help. We are desperate. We need someone to come forward. Someone knows something. Someone suspects something. Someone recognizes the writing in the ransom demand notes. Someone has noticed something different, strange, troubling or just unusual — perhaps with someone they deeply love. Perhaps they are afraid to come forward. Perhaps they are conflicted. Perhaps they are angry or upset for being in this situation,” Savannah wrote, in part, via Instagram on Saturday. “There is a way out — to tell what you know. You can do so anonymously. The reward is available. There is a way to end this situation and do the right thing.”

    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Says He Is Not Personally in Contact With Nancy Guthrie Family

    Related: Sheriff Says He’s Not ‘Personally’ in Contact With Nancy Guthrie’s Family

    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is sharing an update on his communication with Nancy Guthrie’s family. More than 100 days after Savannah Guthrie’s mom was reported missing in Tucson, Arizona, Nanos revealed to People that “I personally am not” in touch with the family. Instead, ongoing contact with Nancy’s relatives is handled through other investigators […]

    Savannah went on to note that her family is “real people, facing real grief, doing the best we can, and counting our many blessings along the way — most especially the prayers and love from good people, which we feel deeply.”

    “We need your prayers, we need your kindness. We need the good to be stronger than the evil. If you are following this story for entertainment or for profit, you are not on her side – you are part of the harm perpetrated against her,” she wrote. “We will never stop looking for answers – and we will never stop looking for the light. We will always be hoping and praying and believing in the best of our world – in spite of circumstance. This is what our faith makes possible.”

    She concluded, “Please. Bring her home. 💛.”



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    Jennifer Lopez ‘Struggling’ Financially Following Divorce, Failed Career Comeback: Report

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      Jennifer Lopez ‘Struggling’ Financially Following Divorce, Failed Career Comeback: Report


      Reading Time: 2 minutes

      It’s almost impossible to imagine that someone like Jennifer Lopez could be dealing with any sort of financial stress.

      But human beings can find a way to live beyond just about any means.

      So when insiders claim that Jen’s divorce from Ben Affleck and her recent career setbacks have left her teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, they might not be lying.

      Jennifer Lopez attends the Road to the Golden Globes Party during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto on September 07, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.
      Jennifer Lopez attends the Road to the Golden Globes Party during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto on September 07, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

      “Jennifer is still an extremely wealthy individual who’s worth hundreds of millions on paper,” a source close to the situation tells Radar Online.

      “But as far as cash flow and recent earnings go, it’s been a struggle.”

      Ben and Jen’s battle over their $68 million mansion was a reminder that even the very wealthy are not immune to financial stress.

      And J-Lo’s decision to cancel her world tour in 2024 underscored the fact that she’s not the in-demand A-lister she was at the peak of her career.

      But Lopez has a back catalog worth millions, and she still gets steady work as an actress.

      Most recently, Lopez returned to her roots by starring in the Netflix rom-com Office Romance, opposite Brett Goldman, of Ted Lasso fame.

      Throughout the press tour, there were rumors that Jen and Brett were dating.

      But the insider claims that the couple merely flirted on the red carpet for the purpose of drumming up free press for the movie.

      “J.Lo is smart enough to know that playing things up for the cameras is only going to benefit the movie, so that’s her primary reason for this flirt-fest with Brett,” said the insider.

      “But more than that, it does boost her ego, and so it has that additional bonus.”

      The source added that “it’s safer for her to have a fake romance at this point than actually put herself out there for real with a partner.”

      “That’s another element that’s driven her to, along with the hype,” the insider explained.

      It seems to have worked, as Office Romance is currently the number one movie on Netflix.

      While that’s certainly a testament to Jen’s ongoing popularity, it’s hardly the sort of win that can turn her financial situation around on its own.

      But we’re sure Jen will figure something out.

      After all, she didn’t go from the block to the $68 million mansion by giving up when things get tough!





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      Tether Posts $1.5 Billion Q2 Operating Profit as Treasury Holdings Drive Earnings – NFT Plazas

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      Tether Posts .5 Billion Q2 Operating Profit as Treasury Holdings Drive Earnings – NFT Plazas


      Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, reported $1.5 billion in net operating profit for the second quarter of 2026, as returns from its U.S. Treasury portfolio continued to power earnings despite declines in the value of its Bitcoin and gold holdings.

      According to the company’s latest quarterly attestation, verified by BDO, Tether held $187.75 billion in total assets against $183.64 billion in liabilities as of June 30, leaving $4.11 billion in excess reserves backing USDT. However, that reserve cushion fell sharply from more than $8.23 billion reported three months earlier, marking a decline of over $4 billion.

      Tether earns $1.5B in Q2 2026

      Tether earns $1.5B in Q2 2026

      Treasury Income Remains Key Profit Driver

      Tether said its earnings were primarily generated from income on U.S. Treasury bills and repurchase agreements (repos), which remain the foundation of its reserve strategy. The company has become one of the world’s largest holders of U.S. government debt among private firms, benefiting from elevated short-term interest rates that continue to generate strong recurring income.

      Chief Executive Officer Paolo Ardoino said the second quarter tested Tether’s reserve strategy under difficult market conditions.

      He acknowledged that some reserve assets were negatively affected during the quarter but stressed that USDT remained fully backed with more than $4 billion in excess reserves. Ardoino also highlighted Tether’s continued purchases of U.S. Treasuries, a reduction in secured lending exposure to $2.38 billion, and an increase in the company’s gold holdings.

      New Profit Metric Sparks Discussion

      One notable change in the Q2 report was Tether’s decision to report “net operating profit” instead of the “net profit” figure used in previous quarters.

      The distinction is significant because operating profit excludes unrealized gains and losses from assets owned by the company, including Bitcoin and gold. Both assets lost value during the second quarter, meaning the reported operating profit does not capture the impact of those market declines.

      The shift has drawn attention from industry observers, with some arguing it provides a clearer picture of Tether’s core business performance, while others believe it makes comparisons with previous quarterly reports less straightforward.

      Gold and Bitcoin Holdings Grow

      Tether continued expanding its reserve assets during the quarter despite falling market prices.

      The company increased its physical gold holdings by approximately 14 metric tons, bringing total reserves to around 146.2 metric tons, up from 132.2 metric tons in the previous quarter. However, the value of those holdings declined to $18.84 billion from $19.84 billion as gold prices fell roughly 15% during the reporting period.

      Tether also added approximately 1,796 BTC, increasing its Bitcoin holdings to 98,933 BTC. Even so, the reported value of its Bitcoin reserves fell to $5.80 billion, down from $6.62 billion, because the valuation price used in the report dropped to about $58,600 per BTC from $68,200 in Q1.

      The lower valuations reflected market prices rather than asset sales, with Tether continuing to accumulate both assets during the quarter.

      Tether's Q2 2026 (left) and Q1 2026 (right) reserve asset reports.Tether's Q2 2026 (left) and Q1 2026 (right) reserve asset reports.

      Tether’s Q2 2026 (left) and Q1 2026 (right) reserve asset reports.

      USDT Supply Continues to Expand

      Despite softer conditions across the broader crypto market, demand for USDT remained resilient.

      Tether reported that the circulating supply of USDT increased by approximately $446 million during the quarter to $184.6 billion, allowing the company to maintain its position as the world’s largest stablecoin issuer with more than 60% of the global stablecoin market.

      The steady growth highlights continued demand for dollar-backed digital assets across cryptocurrency trading, payments, and decentralized finance.

      Reserve Buffer Shrinks

      While Tether remained highly profitable, the most closely watched figure in the report was the sharp decline in excess reserves.

      The company’s reserve surplus fell from more than $8.2 billion at the end of the first quarter to $4.1 billion by June 30. Tether did not explain the reason for the reduction, prompting questions about how capital was deployed during the quarter.

      Tether's Q2 2026 (left) and Q1 2026 (right) financial reports.Tether's Q2 2026 (left) and Q1 2026 (right) financial reports.

      Tether’s Q2 2026 (left) and Q1 2026 (right) financial reports.

      The lower reserve cushion also coincided with declines in the value of Bitcoin and gold, both of which fell by more than 10% during the period. Because Tether reported operating profit rather than net profit, those unrealized losses were excluded from its headline earnings.

      Even so, the company emphasized that its assets continue to exceed liabilities by billions of dollars, ensuring that every USDT in circulation remains fully backed.

      The latest results reinforce the strength of Tether’s Treasury-focused business model, which continues to generate significant income even during periods of crypto market weakness. At the same time, the shrinking reserve surplus and the company’s shift in reporting methodology are likely to remain key areas of scrutiny as investors and regulators continue to monitor the financial health of the world’s largest stablecoin issuer.



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      New York Sues Kalshi, Calls Prediction Market an ‘Illegal Gambling Operation,’ Seeks $36 Billion – NFT Plazas

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        New York Sues Kalshi, Calls Prediction Market an ‘Illegal Gambling Operation,’ Seeks  Billion – NFT Plazas


        New York has filed a sweeping lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, accusing the company of operating an illegal gambling business and seeking penalties that could total at least $36 billion.

        The lawsuit, filed on July 31 by New York Attorney General Letitia James and backed by Governor Kathy Hochul, argues that Kalshi has been offering event contracts that violate the state’s gambling laws. Officials are asking the court to permanently block the company from operating in New York, require it to return funds to users, surrender alleged unlawful profits, and pay billions of dollars in civil penalties.

        The case significantly escalates the legal battle over prediction markets in the United States, where states and federal regulators remain divided over whether these platforms should be regulated as gambling businesses or federally supervised financial exchanges.

        New York sues Kalshi, claims it is ‘illegal gambling operation’

        New York sues Kalshi, claims it is ‘illegal gambling operation’

        New York says Kalshi is offering illegal gambling

        According to the complaint, Kalshi allows users to trade contracts tied to uncertain events, including sports, elections, and cultural outcomes, without obtaining a license from the New York State Gaming Commission.

        State officials argue that regardless of how Kalshi markets its products, they satisfy New York’s legal definition of gambling because users wager money on events beyond their control.

        Attorney General Letitia James said the company’s branding does not change the underlying nature of its business.

        No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple,” James said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

        Governor Kathy Hochul echoed that position, saying New York’s gambling laws are designed to protect consumers, combat gambling addiction, generate tax revenue for public services, and ensure all operators compete under the same rules.

        The lawsuit also claims Kalshi has avoided tax obligations imposed on licensed casinos and sportsbooks operating within the state.

        Another allegation centers on age restrictions. New York argues Kalshi allows individuals aged 18 to 20 to participate on the platform, while online sports betting in the state is restricted to those 21 and older. Officials contend this exposes younger users to financial harm and increased risks of gambling addiction.

        State seeks at least $36 billion

        Beyond requesting a permanent injunction, New York is pursuing substantial financial penalties against the company.

        The state wants Kalshi to reimburse users who traded on the platform, forfeit profits allegedly earned through illegal operations, and pay civil penalties equal to three times those profits. It is also seeking an additional $100,000 fine for every event contract offered in violation of state law.

        Based on preliminary estimates, New York believes those penalties could exceed $36 billion, although the total could change following a full audit of the company’s activities.

        The enormous figure underscores how aggressively the state intends to challenge prediction markets that operate outside its gaming regulatory framework.

        Kalshi says states cannot regulate federally licensed exchanges

        Kalshi swiftly rejected the allegations, arguing that it operates as a federally regulated financial exchange rather than a gambling platform.

        “It’s sad to see this type of political theater from the leadership in our own state,” a company spokesperson said. “States can’t just shut down a federally licensed exchange.“

        The company maintains that its event contracts are financial derivatives regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), meaning individual states cannot classify them as illegal gambling.

        Brian Quintenz, a Kalshi board member, described the lawsuit as an unprecedented attempt to eliminate prediction markets altogether rather than resolve legitimate regulatory questions.

        The dispute reflects a broader legal debate over whether event contracts should fall under federal commodities law or state gambling statutes.

        Federal and state regulators clash

        The lawsuit comes amid an intensifying jurisdictional battle between New York and the CFTC.

        Just before New York announced its lawsuit, the CFTC asked a federal court to block the state from taking civil or criminal enforcement actions against Kalshi and other prediction market platforms registered with the agency.

        The commission argues that event contracts fall under federal commodities regulation and should not be subject to separate state gambling laws. Earlier this year, the CFTC also sued New York, seeking a permanent injunction preventing the state from enforcing its gambling laws against CFTC-regulated exchanges.

        However, Kalshi recently suffered a setback when a federal judge in New York denied the company’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have prevented the state’s Gaming Commission from enforcing a cease-and-desist order. The judge later rejected another request for an injunction pending appeal, allowing New York’s enforcement efforts to continue.

        Pressure grows nationwide

        New York is only the latest state to challenge Kalshi’s operations as prediction markets continue expanding across the U.S.

        Last month, a Michigan judge issued a temporary order blocking Kalshi from offering sports-related event contracts. Washington state followed with similar action, arguing the company’s products constitute illegal gambling under state law.

        Minnesota has taken a different approach, with a judge temporarily allowing both Kalshi and rival prediction market platform Polymarket to continue operating while litigation proceeds.

        The broader regulatory debate is also gaining momentum at the national level. Earlier this week, attorneys general from 44 U.S. states submitted comments arguing that the CFTC lacks authority to regulate sports-related event contracts, insisting those products should remain under state gambling oversight.

        Traditional gaming operators have also sided with New York. The American Gaming Association welcomed the lawsuit, saying it helps protect consumers, preserve jobs supported by the regulated gaming industry, and uphold existing gambling laws.

        Despite mounting legal challenges, Kalshi remains the world’s largest prediction market platform by trading volume. In June 2026, the exchange recorded approximately $33 billion in trading volume, more than double rival Polymarket’s $13.95 billion.

        Trading volume comparison between Kalshi and Polymarket on Aug 02, 2026 (Source: The Block)Trading volume comparison between Kalshi and Polymarket on Aug 02, 2026 (Source: The Block)

        Trading volume comparison between Kalshi and Polymarket on Aug 02, 2026 (Source: The Block)

        With multiple lawsuits now unfolding across the country and regulators continuing to dispute who has authority over prediction markets, New York’s case could become one of the most consequential legal tests yet for the industry’s future in the United States.



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        Spider-Man makes Avengers: Doomsday a make-or-break MCU moment

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        Spider-Man makes Avengers: Doomsday a make-or-break MCU moment


        Patch Notes is a weekly newsletter bringing you the best of Polygon, sent on Fridays and published on the site on Sundays. You can subscribe here.

        10 years ago, you couldn’t escape the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase Three had just begun in 2016, kicking off the long road to Avengers: Endgame with Captain America: Civil War. Marvel monopolized movie theater screens, post-credit fan theories dominated social media, and even the biggest haters couldn’t help but let superhero movies live rent free in their minds. Whether you loved or loathed it, the MCU was the ultimate water cooler.

        The cultural landscape looks very different a decade later. Sure, the MCU is still trucking, as evidenced by a busy week of news set in motion by a blowout San Diego Comic-Con panel. You could even argue that it still has plenty of juice left based on the glowing praise for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. But it doesn’t take Doctor Strange to see that the buzz for Avengers: Doomsday isn’t as all-consuming as it once was for Infinity War. The MCU faces its truest make-or-break moment this December, and it’s getting hard to predict how it will all end.

        In some ways, Marvel’s SDCC presence last weekend was business as usual. Doomsday’s star-studded cast took the stage to power up the hype cycle. We learned that Ghost Rider, Black Panther 3, and Nova await us after Secret Wars. We even got a stunt Ryan Reynolds cameo to remind us that Deadpool is still on the chessboard. A decade ago, that would have been enough to break the internet for a few weeks.

        Instead, the generator only produced so much buzz. Polygon’s Jake Kleinman noted that the SDCC news panel was met with more grumbling than excitement on social media, while Disney Plus subscribers didn’t seem moved to catch up on MCU movies post-panel. The once deafening hype sits at a neighborly decibel level.


        Image: Disney

        It’s hard to blame fans for approaching Doomsday with trepidation: the MCU’s Multiverse Saga has been a mess. Underwhelming movies, dropped plot threads, and a panicked villain switcheroo has made it hard to get fully invested in a story that feels like it’s been written on the fly at every turn. The joy of the MCU in its heyday was watching every thread come together in one climactic team-up. It’s less fun to put together a puzzle once you know there are pieces missing in the box. Why even get excited about Ghost Rider if you’re not sure if it will even come out? (It’s not looking great for Blade.)

        In that sense, Doomsday is the greatest test the MCU has ever faced. Marvel will have to prove that even when the lead-up movies slip off tempo, the crescendo is still worth sticking around for. If Doomsday can’t pay off years of moviegoing frustration, it’s hard to imagine viewers or Disney investing in another “just trust me” saga. We’re in the endgame now.

        The good news for fans is that there’s still social cachet in the MCU. Audiences already seem to love Spider-Man: Brand New Day, proving that people will still show up for a superhero movie so long as it’s well-made. Maybe the only thing Disney really needs to get fans reinvested in the MCU again is to make a coherent movie. A wild concept, I know.

        spider-man brand new day

        Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the best Spidey movie since Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2

        Jake Kleinman praises Brand New Day’s streamlined storytelling

        1 marvel sdcc 2026

        Is the Marvel Cinematic Universe cooked?

        Jake Kleinman digs into some troubling data post-SDCC

        2287656599

        Marvel’s Phase 7 movie slate is hiding in plain sight after SDCC

        Ryan Epps takes stock about what’s next for the MCU

        Plus this:

        Silent Hill Townfall St Amelia town square

        The Silent Hill: Townfall team explains why first-person is scarier than third-person

        Jen Glennon learns the anatomy of a good video game scare

        Marcus Fenix jumps at a grub in Gears of War E-Day

        I played 3 hours of Gears of War: E-Day, and yep, it’s Gears of War!

        Ari Notis has a bloody good time with Horde mode



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        Adam Peaty reveals reunion condition for family

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          Adam Peaty reveals reunion condition for family


          Adam Peaty has opened up about his family rift and made one thing crystal clear. If there is ever a reconciliation, he wants real change first.

          The Olympic swimmer spoke after a draining week at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He won two bronze medals and a silver, but he still left frustrated.

          He admitted the week hit him hard. Adam said: “I couldn’t switch off because it’s been a real rollercoaster of a week.”

          The 31-year-old now heads towards the European Championships in Paris. Beyond that, he still believes he can peak again for the LA Olympics in 2028.

          Adam opened up (Credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock)

          Adam Peaty says forgiveness is possible, but not without change

          Adam said his Christian faith shapes how he views the split with his family. But he also drew a firm line.

          He said: “For me, as a Christian, there has to be forgiveness. It doesn’t mean you have to forget, but forgiveness takes time. I’m not saying that it won’t get better, but it has to come from a place where I feel like they’ve improved as people, in a sense, and opened that communication up.”

          He also stressed that he has stayed quiet in public. He said: “I haven’t told one thing to the media. I haven’t done one story over the last eight months and more.”

          Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty relationship timeline

          Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty have moved through several major milestones in a short period.

          They were linked after meeting through Tilly Ramsay, with both Holly’s sister and Peaty having appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.
          The couple announced their engagement in September 2024 after Peaty proposed during a holiday in Crete.
          They married at Bath Abbey in December last year.
          Holly later announced that they are expecting their first child, a baby girl due in December 2026.

          His mother, Caroline, posted a statement on social media this week about the rift. Adam Peaty did not go further, and he kept that boundary in place.

          Why Adam Peaty says press intrusion “has to stop”

          The swimmer also spoke bluntly about stories on his private life. He said he trusts some journalists, but he hit out at tabloid intrusion.

          Adam said: “I wouldn’t say on me because I’ve got a thick skin. But I care about my wife, I care about my son [from his previous relationship]. I care about the relationships that people think I have with my son, and my own family, but that’s my private life.”

          He then delivered his sharpest criticism. He said: “The ones that don’t go well are with the tabloids selling these stories for advertising. It’s pretty much the downfall of society when we’re exploiting people’s private lives to sell. Will it get better? Probably not. Will the truth come out one day? Absolutely.”

          The attention has grown since his move to London with wife Holly. He revealed they are expecting a baby girl in December.

          Who is Bethany Peaty? Adam Peaty’s sister and fellow swimmer

          Bethany Peaty is Adam Peaty’s sister.
          She is also a competitive swimmer and has represented England.
          Bethany won Commonwealth bronze as part of England’s 4x100m medley relay team in 2014.
          She has spoken publicly in the past about growing up in a swimming-focused family alongside Adam.
          Adam named Bethany in his statement and said she had also been targeted during the fallout.

          His comeback dream is far from over

          Away from the family headlines, Adam Peaty remains locked in on the pool. He no longer wants to chase success from a place of anger.

          He said: “I’m never going to stop believing what I can do. I just need to get to that peak once more.”

          Even after a disappointing week by his own standards, Adam Peaty still sounded determined. Asked if he can get where he wants to be by LA, he answered: “Yes. I’ve got a good armoury. I’ve just to get the polishing cloth out now.”

          Read more: Adam Ramsay-Peaty breaks down in tears as he addresses family feud following Commonwealth bronze medal

          So what do you think of this story? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.



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          Jack Osbourne shares sweet snap with baby Ozzy

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            Jack Osbourne shares sweet snap with baby Ozzy


            Jack Osbourne has shared a heartwarming new snap with his baby daughter, and fans are loving every second of it.

            The former MTV reality star posted the sweet picture on Instagram. It showed him sitting in a park while cradling little Ozzy Matilda Osbourne in his arms.

            Both father and daughter smiled for the camera. Fans quickly said the baby already looks like her famous late grandfather, Ozzy Osbourne.

            Jack Osbourne’s latest baby photo had fans saying the same thing

            Jack Osbourne captioned the post: “Little Miss Ozz already has a mischievous sparkle.”

            That line sent followers straight to the comments. Many said baby Ozzy already has the unmistakable “Osbourne smile”.

            One fan wrote: “She is absolutely precious! And I’ve always thought she has the Osbourne smile!! Thank you for sharing your family with us! #ozzyosbourneforever”

            Another added: “She is just the most precious little girl! The Osbourne genes are so strong in all the grandchildren; little Ozzy is definitely her papa.”

            A third wrote: “She has your dad’s smile and eyes!”

            Jack Osbourne and wife Aree Gearhart welcomed their daughter in March. They announced her arrival on March 5 with the simple message: “She’s arrived, and she’s perfect.”

            Her full name is Ozzy Matilda Osbourne. The name serves as a touching tribute to Jack’s late father.

            Why Jack Osbourne says baby Ozzy brought hope after heartbreak

            The family update carries extra emotion. Ozzy Osbourne died in July aged 76.

            Before his death, Jack had told him he would become a grandfather again. That made the baby’s arrival even more meaningful for the family.

            Jack has spoken openly about what the pregnancy meant during such a painful time. He said the news helped shift his focus while the Osbournes grieved.

            Jack shared a sweet update (Credit: CraSH/Shutterstock)

            He said: “It’s awesome.”

            Jack continued: “I think it’s been partly a healthy distraction, partly healing – probably in that kind of ‘full cycle’ category, in a weird way.”

            He added: “It’s very much taken energy out of the grieving side of things and parked in a bit more hopefulness.”

            Jack also joked: “It’s been easy for me – I think it’s been a lot harder for my wife!”

            Then he explained: “We’re super-excited. It was sort of planned, I should say. It was maybe a little earlier than expected.”

            He finished: “But it’s definitely something that we were wanting to pursue, and somehow it happened, miraculously.”

            Jack Osbourne already has three daughters from his previous marriage. He and Aree also share three-year-old Maple.

            Who is Aree Gearhart? Jack Osbourne’s wife and growing family

            Aree Gearhart is Jack Osbourne’s wife. The couple share daughter Maple and welcomed another daughter, Ozzy Matilda Osbourne, in March.

            Jack Osbourne also has three daughters from his previous marriage, making him a father of five.

            Jack Osbourne and Aree Gearhart are married.
            They share daughter Maple.
            Their second child together, Ozzy Matilda Osbourne, was announced on March 5.
            Jack also has three older daughters from his previous marriage.

            That makes baby Ozzy another joyful addition to the family. For many fans, this latest picture felt like more than a cute social media update.

            It also felt like a quiet nod to Ozzy Osbourne’s memory. The resemblance comments only added to that feeling.

            Ozzy Osbourne’s family life at a glance

            Kelly Osbourne’s tribute centres on the private side of Ozzy Osbourne as a father and grandfather.

            Ozzy married Sharon Osbourne in 1982.
            Together they share three children: Aimee, Kelly and Jack Osbourne.
            Ozzy was also father to Elliot Kingsley, Jessica Osbourne and Louis Osbourne from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.
            In later years, family moments with his children and grandchildren often featured in tributes and interviews.

            Read more: Sharon Osbourne reveals Ozzy’s one wish for fans as she marks a year since his death

            So what do you think of this story? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.





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            Freddy Brazier dog saved after Holly steps in

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              Freddy Brazier dog saved after Holly steps in


              Freddy Brazier’s dog drama has taken another twist after ex Holly Swinburn said she helped save Pablo from being put down.

              The 21-year-old needed stitches after the dog bit his arm. His nan Jackiey Budden was also hurt, and police seized Pablo after the incidents.

              Holly, who shares four-month-old daughter Isla Jade with Freddy, said her mum found the dog a new home with a neighbour. She gave a blunt update on where things now stand.

              Speaking to The Sun, she said: “He will have a good life.”

              Who is Holly Swinburn?

              Holly Swinburn is Freddy Brazier’s former partner and the mother of their daughter, Isla Jade.

              In comments published after the incidents involving Pablo, Holly said her mother found the dog a new home with a neighbour and that the microchip details had been changed to a new owner.

              Holly also said she could not take the dog herself because she has a baby.

              Why the Freddy Brazier dog story changed so fast

              Holly said Jeff Brazier contacted her with an urgent warning. She then moved quickly to help find Pablo somewhere safe.

              Freddy’s ex Holly has saved his dog (Credit: Alan West/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

              She said: “Jeff messaged me that Pablo was going to be put down if we didn’t find a suitable home for him.

              “I can’t have him because I have a baby. Mum managed to find him a new home with her neighbour. He has had his microchip changed so he officially belongs to a new owner. He is happy and healthy and will have a good life away from Freddy. I hope he never sees him again.”

              That marks a major shift in the Freddy Brazier dog saga. It suggests Pablo has now been rehomed for good.

              Freddy suffered a 3cm hole in his right arm when Pablo turned on him. The attack came just hours after Jackiey was also hurt.

              The same report said neighbours raised the alarm on July 16. They heard Jackiey’s screams during another alleged attack by the same dog.

              Freddy’s own words reveal how the attack unfolded

              Freddy previously described the moment Pablo bit him. His account showed how quickly the situation changed.

              He said: “I’ve taken him out of the house. I’ve calmed him down. I’m going: ‘Sorry boy, I know it’s been so long. I love you. I’ve missed you.’”

              He added: “I’m scratching his back, but then he hooked on to my arm. The dog was hanging off me. I couldn’t feel anything in my right arm. But then I saw blood coming out of my tracksuit.”

              Freddy Brazier family: Jeff Brazier, Bobby Brazier and Jackiey Budden

              Freddy Brazier is the son of TV presenter Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody.

              Jeff Brazier is Freddy’s father.
              Bobby Brazier is Freddy’s brother.
              Jackiey Budden is Freddy’s maternal grandmother.

              Freddy said he is currently living with Jackiey in London and is considering a move to Essex to live with Jeff. He also said Bobby now lives in New York.

              Freddy later received treatment at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. He was then seen in London with a bandaged arm.

              Despite the ordeal, he made clear how much Pablo meant to him. Freddy said: “I have never seen him as my dog — he’s like my son.”

              The claim that could explain the Freddy Brazier dog attack

              A friend said Freddy had seven days to make a case to save Pablo and find him somewhere to stay. The source also claimed he had now done enough to stop the dog being destroyed.

              The source said: “He has done that and he has now been assured that the dog won’t be destroyed. What happened was shocking and very sad, but Freddy knows Pablo isn’t a bad dog. He was told a urine infection could have altered his behaviour, and he has not been violent before. For now, Freddy has arranged to have Pablo taken by a specialist trainer who will care for him and get him back to his best before they work out what to do next. Freddy is absolutely elated.”

              Read more: Freddy Brazier’s ex-girlfriend Holly Swinburn insists star’s dog was ‘mistreated’ resulting in attack and begs for help ahead of euthanasia deadline

              So what do you think of this story? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.



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