Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this week.
In a pleasant surprise for gamers, Borderlands 4 is arriving earlier than expected—its release date now set for September 12. Developer announcements suggest strong progress in development, fueling anticipation among franchise fans who expected a late-year launch. Meanwhile, a speedrunner shocked the community by completing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on an unreleased “Switch 2.” The runner apparently used a dev kit or emulator to achieve a record time. Nintendo swiftly took down footage, but it indicates next-gen hardware is at least partly in circulation. Both stories underscore the gaming industry’s dynamic pace: unexpected schedule shifts can delight fans, while clandestine hardware leaks keep speculation swirling.
The Kentucky Derby, launching the Triple Crown, arrives this week. The Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes form a gauntlet for three-year-old thoroughbreds across just five weeks. Only 13 horses in history have conquered all three, underscoring the series’ difficulty and mystique. Each race has its own culture—from Kentucky’s lavish hats and mint juleps to Black-Eyed Susans at the Preakness and white carnations at the Belmont. Millions watch globally, recalling legends like Secretariat and Seattle Slew. Despite occasional doping headlines, stronger regulations aim to preserve fairness. Whether you love the spectacle, the wagering, or the grandeur, this year’s competition promises fresh storylines and the possibility of a new champion.
Three-time Olympic champ Faith Kipyegon will attempt the first sub-4-minute women’s mile on June 26 in Paris under Nike’s “Breaking4” campaign. She needs to shave eight seconds off her current 4:07.64 record; Nike hints at advanced gear and full performance science support.