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Having completed a full month in theaters worldwide, Steven Spielberg 's divisive sci-fi movie Disclosure Day still hasn't hit its projected break-even point. The movie wasn't astronomically expensive to produce, costing roughly half of what most major tentpoles cost these days. But it has struggled to build on solid opening-weekend momentum. Disclosure Day exceeded expectations in its debut frame, but had hefty drops in the subsequent weekends. The movie has, however, managed to pass the coveted $100 million mark domestically. That said, it can't be hailed as an objective win for Spielberg, who was coming off two back-to-back underperformers — the musical West Side Story and the semi-autobiographical drama The Fabelmans .

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Nvidia's RTX 50-series cards have a tendency to run cool and quiet. On average, at least. The current generation of Nvidia GPUs were previously claimed to have had their hotspot sensor removed, which lead to limited temp readings in real-time monitoring tools like GPU-Z, as only the regular GPU and memory temperature data is available.

However, Brazilian modding and repair channel Paulo Gomes claims to have gained access to hotspot measurements on RTX 50-series GPUs via MODS, or Nvidia Modular Diagnostic Software, an internal Nvidia tool that appears to have leaked to some repair channels and Discord servers (via Techpowerup ).

By the seems of it, RTX 50-series GPUs do in fact have a hotspot temperature reporting sensor, but it's disabled at a driver level on boot. The Nvidia MODS tool bypasses the driver restriction, allowing users to see the exact hotspot temperature, making it easier to diagnose a misaligned cooler or improper application of thermal paste.

Which is what Paulo Gomes has been doing in order to diagnose RTX 50-series cards with abnormal gaming performance and high fan noise, due to thermal throttling.

In the given example, a Gigabyte RTX 5070 Ti was reporting an average temperature of around 68 °C , but had an actual hotspot maximum temp of 107 °C due to poor cooler contact. After replacing the thermal paste and ensuring the cooler was correctly fitted, the hotspot temperatures dropped to 100 °C, resulting in much better performance.

Given the sheer number of AIB coolers strapped to Nvidia's latest efforts, it's no surprise that some become victims to poor implementation of thermal interface material. That being said, it's not the first Gigabyte thermal paste-related issue we've been made aware of.

As to why hotspot data is blocked in the first place for RTX 50-series cards? No idea. Many Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs have passed through our hands since release, and we've not had issues with poor performance (relative to expectations) or thermal problems with any of them.

Still, the MODS tool is said to be out there, floating within the murky world of Discord . Be careful with what you download though, yes? There's nothing worse than getting an unintentional dose of malware to compound your PC issues, let me tell you.

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As recent conflicts consume weapons at a ferocious rate, America’s defense industrial base is becoming more prepared to sustain a major war, according to a new report.

“The trends are moving in the right direction,” Jerry McGinn, who co-authored the study for the Center for Strategic and International Analysis think tank, told Defense News.

However, the study — described as a progress report on reforms to the defense manufacturing and acquisition system — still found numerous problems with ramping up and sustaining wartime production .

For example, “according to several measures — manufacturing lead times, critical munitions and materials stockpiles, and supply chain security — the U.S. industrial base has a long way to go to achieve resilience,” warned the analysis by CSIS’s Center for the Industrial Base.

CSIS did find measurable improvements since November 2025, when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to “transform the entire acquisition system to operate on a wartime footing.”

Hegseth also promised to “inspire American industry to become a wartime industrial base that focuses on speed and volume.”

Most striking is the number of new companies in the defense field.

“Roughly 10,000 new firms have entered the market in the past two years and nontraditional companies received over $120 billion in contract obligations in FY 2025, adding competition and innovation to the sector,” CSIS noted. “Munitions contract obligations have risen 330 percent since FY 2010. Spurred by this increased demand and depleted inventories, the Pentagon is signing multiyear agreements with munitions producers and suppliers on a historic scale.”

The military is also responding to depleted stockpiles of expensive guided weapons that have been rapidly consumed by the Iran and Ukraine wars.

The Pentagon’s 2027 budget request for munitions allocated 49% to low-cost munitions — defined as costing less than $600,000 apiece — rising to 70% by 2031.

The U.S. is also strengthening its defense supply chain, such as “multiyear procurement agreements, direct-to-supplier investments, and leaner acquisition pathways,” as well as investing in defense companies such as L3Harris Missile Solutions, according to CSIS.

However, while this signals government commitment to defense production, it “also complicates competitive dynamics within the industry as new entrants and established suppliers alike seek to meet rapidly growing demand for munitions at scale.”

Also notable is federal investment in rare earths, which has seen production soar from 95 tons in 2022, to 8,900 tons in 2025. Nonetheless, “the erosion of domestic rare earth manufacturing capacity and the rise of Chinese control took decades to unfold, however, and it will take several years of enduring effort for the United States and its allies to build, scale, and sustain the production capacity of these key defense inputs.”

Exports of U.S. arms, or cooperative multinational projects such as the F-35 fighter, have also become a pillar of America’s defense industry. Foreign Military Sales, or FMS, have more than tripled, from less than $20 billion in 2015 to more than $80 billion in 2025.

The Trump administration wants to take this further with the “America First Arms Transfer Strategy,” launched in February 2026.

“The United States will use foreign purchases and capital to support domestic reindustrialization, expand production capacity, and improve the resilience of the United States defense industrial base,” the White House executive order declared.

Ultimately, the federal government can control defense production through the products it demands, the prices it is willing to pay, and the incentives it offers.

“It’s a monopsony,” McGinn said. “Government sets the market. Government can regulate the market. So, if the government wants different outcomes, it changes how it buys.”

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Travel expert and host, Samantha Brown, has traveled more than 2.5 million miles and journeyed to over 65 countries throughout her storied career. During the most recent season of her Emmy Award-winning PBS series " Samantha Brown's Places to Love, " Brown added 2,448 miles to that total by completing her multi-year Route 66 road trip, spanning all eight states along the Mother Road.

"The history of Route 66 is fascinating, and I met so many wonderful people. That's why it's called the Mother Road; it really is what gave birth to this nation's tenacity, spirit and incredible optimism," Brown told TPG. "I don't say this lightly, but in my 26 years of travel, it's the most incredible trip I've ever taken," she added.

Related: 8 best road trips for visiting national parks

Nov. 11, 2026, marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, with celebrations taking place throughout the year. Whether you plan to tackle your own Route 66 road trip or you have other weekend road trip plans, Brown shared some of the items she always keeps in the car for such journeys.

We threw in a few of our own TPG-tested travel items to create the ultimate weekend road trip packing list.

Frisbee or ball

AMAZON "I've done a lot of road trips with my kids, so we always pack a Frisbee or a ball," Brown said. "We aren't sports people at all, but you want to leave time to relax, rest and stretch your legs." When you pack a Frisbee, ball or other portable outdoor game, your rest stops can turn into opportunities for a mental and physical reset after hours spent cooped up together in the car.

Buy on Amazon : 8-in-1 sports combo play set , $24.97

Snacks and water

Sure, you could stop at gas stations along the way for provisions, but that gets expensive pretty quickly. Instead, start your weekend away with a stash of snacks and drinks, and make just one or two stops for those special "comfort road trip snacks." For me, those include Nerds Gummy Clusters, Pizza Combos and a fountain Diet Coke that is entirely too large for human consumption.

ANNA BLAZHUK/GETTY IMAGES If you want to protect the environment while protecting the cash in your wallet, invest in a reusable water bottle (or several if you are traveling with family). You can fill them up before you leave and refill them with water from the fountain machines at a gas station.

Buy on Amazon : CamelBak Chute water bottle , $19

Emergency kit

AMAZON Buying an emergency roadside kit is a lot like purchasing car insurance. You hope you never need it, but you will be grateful you spent the money if you do. A well-rounded emergency kit includes items such as jumper cables, tire repair tools, a flashlight, a portable air compressor, safety gear and a first-aid kit.

Buy on Amazon : Car emergency kit , $89.99

Wet wipes

Whether you are traveling with kids or not, wet wipes can come in handy. Whether it's sticky hands or a questionable gas station pump, wet wipes can quickly put those messes in the rearview. Opt for antibacterial wipes in a resealable package that sanitize as they clean and store easily in the glove compartment.

Buy on Amazon : WipeEssentials hand sanitizer wipes , $9.99 for a 3-pack

Portable charger

AMAZON In addition to charging cables you likely already keep in your car, it's a good idea to have a portable power bank on hand for on-the-go charging. This is especially true if you are traveling with a large group or have multiple devices to charge. Look for a portable charger that can charge several devices simultaneously and make sure the battery is full before you leave for your trip.

Buy on Amazon : Anker 3-port power bank , $49.99

Comfortable clothing

Brown also recommends traveling in comfortable clothing. "When I fly, I usually have one or two really nice outfits, but on a road trip, everything is super casual," she said. "Everything I am wearing needs to be able to transition pretty easily from sitting in a car to going for a hike or stopping for a bite to eat," she added.

SAMANTHA BROWN'S PLACES TO LOVE When speaking with TPG staffers, a few added that they also keep a blanket or sweatshirt in the car when they travel, since it's hard to find a temperature that pleases everyone and if you run cold, this can come in handy.

Buy on Amazon : EverSnug 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow , $29.95

Game and activities

AMAZON Even the most resplendent landscape can get a bit monotonous after a while, particularly for kiddos, and it helps to have some games and activities to help pass the time. This could be something as simple as looking for license plates from all 50 states to seatback iPad holders so kids can watch a movie rather than asking "Are we there yet?" for the 75th time.

Below are a few activities that can help keep boredom at bay:

Buy on Amazon : LCD writing tablet , $15.99

Buy on Amazon : Melissa & Doug reusable games activity book , $8.99

Buy on Amazon : Road trip car bingo , $12.49

Buy on Amazon : Seatback iPad holder , $17.99

Related: The 12 best road trips to take with your family this summer

Sunglasses

Forgetting your sunglasses is a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, but it doesn't feel that way when the sun is glaring through the windshield, and you still have several hours of driving in front of you. That's why many TPG staffers keep an emergency pair of sunglasses in the car at all times.

Don't worry too much about the style ... you'll only need them if you forget your stylish sunnies at home. These sunglasses are just a backup plan to shield you from the sun, not to make a fashion statement.

Buy on Amazon : 3-pack polarized sunglasses : $23.99

Trash bags

For better or worse, garbage and road trips go hand in hand. A grocery bag or small trash bag can work just fine in this situation, but there are also garbage bag systems made specifically for your car. They come with multiple bags that attach to the back of your car seat, so when you remove a full bag, a new one is waiting right behind it.

Buy on Amazon : Tossits recycled disposable car trash bags , $12.99

Map or guidebook

As Brown prepared to complete the entirety of Route 66, she didn't rely solely on a map app or GPS. She turned frequently to Jerry McClanahan's "Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers." In addition to detailed maps, this Route 66 guide includes information on restaurants, must-see attractions and even interactive games and scavenger hunts you can play along your journey.

SAMANTHA BROWN'S PLACES TO LOVE "[Route 66] ebbs and flows through interstates and the historic sections, so you need to be very mindful that you're on the right road," Brown said. "His guide literally helps you mile by mile," she added.

Whether you are navigating dirt roads or a more well-paved path, using a guidebook to the area you are visiting can be beneficial beyond just directions. They can help you discover a destination from a local's perspective, with tips, dining recommendations, photo opportunities and more.

Buy on Amazon : " Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers - 6th Edition ", $42.30

Anti-nausea bracelets or medicine

Some people are more prone to travel nausea than others. If you are among those unfortunate enough to suffer from travel-related tummy troubles, there are several remedies that can ease your symptoms. Some of the most helpful tips are to avoid reading books or looking at your phone. Eating mint-flavored candies can help, too. But, if you need something more effective, look for anti-nausea wristbands or over-the-counter medications (these are only recommended for passengers, not drivers).

Buy on Amazon : Dramamine Less Drowsy Nausea Relief Tablets , $7.72

Buy on Amazon : Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Accupressure Wristband , $10.99

AAA membership

TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY If you disregard those AAA membership mailers that show up in your mailbox once or twice a year, it's time to reconsider this service. AAA's benefits go beyond roadside assistance, though you can dial up the membership services line for flat tires, dead batteries and more. AAA also provides travel planning services, discounted theme park and attraction tickets, member-only hotel and car rental rates and more.

AAA memberships start at $72 per year with up to two additional cardholders for free. Learn more here .

Downloaded maps and entertainment

When you drive from sea to shining sea (or anywhere in between) on your weekend getaway, you are likely to encounter spotty cell service along the way. To make sure you don't get lost or bored when this happens, download maps, movies, games, music and TV shows to your device before you travel.

Apple Maps offers downloadable offline maps, so you are never without driving or walking directions when navigating a new locale. While not quite as vital, it's also smart to download entertainment to your phone or tablet to ensure you can still listen to your favorite road trip playlist even in the middle of nowhere.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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2026 has been a huge year for Nicolas Cage , who has been thrust back into the spotlight thanks to his commanding performance as Ben Reilly in Spider-Noir . The hit Prime Video series dropped as a binge back in May, and now, almost two full months after its release, it’s still one of the streamer's most popular shows worldwide . Famously a movie star only for the first 20+ years of his career, Cage is leaning more into TV now, as he’s also reportedly been tapped to lead the next season of True Detective , HBO’s hit crime thriller that has aired four seasons thus far. Cage even has a new movie coming to theaters later this year, when he’ll team up with Christian Bale for a John Madden biopic launching around the world on November 26.

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(Image credit: Future) AI is coming for our jobs, so it's time to find a new one. In No XP Needed , Chris Livingston is playing as many job simulators as he can until he finds his next career. This week: Forensics: Crime Scene Detective , a sim about solving crimes.

Everything I know about crime scene investigations I learned from the TV series CSI: Miami, a show where sexy people get murdered and different sexy people—plus David Caruso—solve the crime by doing lab work.

My memory of the show is that Caruso always kicks off the episode by saying the first part of a sentence, then puts on his sunglasses and finishes the sentence with a devastating zinger related to the sexy murder victim. But that's sort of not true. His zingers in this 8-minute montage of Horation Caine one-liners are pretty darn underwhelming. Sometimes he just states the obvious, like when a body that had been thrown off a building was determined to have been killed elsewhere:

"Priority number one…" *sunglasses* "...is for us to find the murder scene."

Yep. That's… that's the thing everyone already knows you need to do. Wasn't a cool thing to say, and didn't need to be said at all.

Hoping to fill his shoes this week, I'm trying out a new career in Forensics: Crime Scene Detective , and unfortunately it seems I'm about as good at solving crimes as David Caruso is at delivering memorable zingers.

My first case is to collect evidence from a drug dealer's apartment. Not drugs, unfortunately, but electronic devices that include communications to his clients, perhaps text messages that read "hey if you would you like to buy some illegal drugs hmu 💉💊🌿🤪"

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) At the apartment I get to label, photograph, and collect evidence, which is rad. I've seen them do it on TV a million times: placing little yellow plastic numbered markers next to things like bullet holes and blood stains and then taking photos. In the alleged drug dealer's apartment there are just a couple smartphones and a password written on a post-it note, so I label 'em, snap 'em, and take them back to the lab.

That's where the problems begin. I use the password to access one of the phones, but the other is damaged so I have to open it up and "desolder" it: heat up the memory card so the glue melts and it can be removed—but without heating it up so much it's destroyed. I gingerly heat the card and try to remove it. Nope. I try again. Nope.

Ultimately, it goes the way things go anytime I toast a bagel:

It's untoasted

It's untoasted

It's untoasted

It's burnt beyond all recognition.

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) My first act of lab work and I nuke the evidence. And not only did I destroy this device, it turns out I also missed a third electronic device somewhere back at the apartment. I guess this drug dealer… *sunglasses* …is going to continue dealing drugs.

Embarrassingly, I flub my next two cases, too. Finding fingerprints is kinda fun: I shine a purple light around a room until I spot one—and it's always just one, because people only touch a surface in their home with a single finger then never touch it again. After labeling and snapping a pic, I sprinkle dust on the print and lift it with tape, which I bungle on the first two attempts by using almost no powder and then by using way too much. That makes it tricky, or some might say, impossible, to match prints back in the lab.

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) My second case: Unresolved! I'm glad this game doesn't simulate getting yelled at by the chief of police.

My third time out I'm hopeful because there's blood, and I'm good at collecting that: you just stick a Q-tip into it. But again, I wind up torpedoing the lab work. I use some sort of machine to extract DNA and then compare results on a readout to see if it matches. I know it must match: this is a crime-solving game, so I figure most of the cases will result in a "solved" scenario instead of a "nope, this one stumped us" ending, but no amount of fiddling with the knobs helps me ID a perp.

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) Why am I dealing with squiggly lines, anyway? Aren't we living in the grim future of no privacy and information harvesting? Surely I should just be able to feed both DNA samples into a computer and it gives me two pictures, and if the guy looks the same in both pictures, he's guilty. Why doesn't science work like that?

Finally, I get a case involving a gun. I'm an American and a former gun store owner , so this should be a slam dunk. No one was killed, this is just sort of a "please don't fire a gun in your apartment" type of case. The bullet is lodged in a wall, so I do that fun thing where you put a stick in the hole and it points where the gun was fired from, and then something more fun: shining a laser along the path of the bullet, and then spraying some kind of mist so the laser can be clearly seen and photographed. Awesome.

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) And for the first time, I don't bungle the evidence back in the lab. I take the gun, fire it into a water tank, and collect the bullet for comparison, which is done basically the same way as in The Great Mouse Detective : line 'em up and twist 'em to see if the scratches match. Finally, I score 100% on a case—and it only took four tries. What's that famous saying? Let justice be done though three hardened criminals go free so you can imprison one guy who shot his own living room wall.

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) It's about time I reveal the shocking twist in this story: those four cases were just the tutorial. That's how bad at this I am: I even fail at being given step-by-step instructions on how to do basic tasks. It's with real trepidation that I take my first real case, praying it involves someone else shooting a gun because I nailed that. C'mon, violent gun murder!

I open the folder and it's a coin burglary. Shit. Someone has been stealing antique coins. Filled with dread and disappointment, I go to the perp's apartment.

(Image credit: Aerosoft GmbH) It's not so bad: at first. I dust for several fingerprints and do a decent job at lifting them. I find a whole crapload of evidence to label and photograph, including an actual pile of coins—which the game oddly does not consider relevant to this case.

But while I know I'm pretty good at working the crime scene, I'm just utter shit in the lab. And here's another twist—in my first real case I was also terrible at the scene! I missed several additional fingerprints, a second electronic device, and at least one password. Labwise, I failed to even complete the fingerprint analysis. My score for this case was a mere 16/100 .

I hope someone can solve the case of my brief investigative career, because it's dead.

Performance Evaluation

Would I like to be a crime scene detective IRL?

I don't want to look at blood but I sure would like to put down numbered labels and take pictures of stuff.

Would I make a good crime scene detective IRL?

I'll put it this way: This crime scene detective… * sunglasses* …is a bad crime scene detective.

Is Forensics: Crime Scene Detective good?

I've had a decent time with it so far, and I do like that it lets you straight up fail at cases instead of patiently waiting for you to complete a checklist of tasks. Here it is on Steam .

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