Hawaii public schools face deepening uncertainty as President Donald Trump’s administration withholds $33.29 million in congressionally appropriated education funds for the upcoming academic year, a move advocates and lawmakers warn could jeopardize after-school programs, teacher training and essential support services for thousands of the state’s most vulnerable students.

The funding pause is part of a broader Trump administration freeze on almost $7 billion in education programs nationwide ahead of the new school year.

The delay affects funding under Title I-Title IV and other programs already signed into law by Congress that was expected by states July 1.

The state Department of Education confirmed with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser it has not yet received allocations for six key programs: Title II-A for teacher training; Title III for English learners; Title IV-A for student support; and Title IV-B for after-school programs, the Migrant Education Program and adult education and literacy.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case described the freeze as a clear violation of federal law, characterizing the U.S. DOE’s action to withhold already appropriated critical education funding as an “illegal impoundment” that requires a response through congressional oversight and legal measures.

Case said the Trump administration is illegally withholding over $33 million in federally approved K–12 and adult education funding for Hawaii for the current fiscal year, which includes:

• $3.5 million for migrant education (Title I-C).

• $10.8 million for teacher professional development (Title II-A).

• $3.3 million for English learners (Title III-A).

• $6.6 million for student support and enrichment (Title IV-A).

• $6.5 million for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B) .

• $2.4 million for adult education and family literacy.

“Pacific Islander, immigrant and multilingual students heavily depend on Title III and after-school programs to address their specific needs in public education. A disruption in longstanding and expected services directly affects their opportunity to succeed and widens achievement gaps we’ve been working hard to close,” Case said.

The funding freezes result in fewer after-school opportunities, interruptions in summer learning and diminished language-access services, which particularly affect multilingual families. In a diverse state like Hawaii, Case said, the cuts disproportionately affect the students who rely most heavily on such support.

Case said the issue is not just procedural; he emphasized that presidents cannot withhold funds already appropriated by Congress without approval, and that the current administration’s actions represent a broader effort to undermine federal agencies and sideline Congress, in violation of the Constitution.

In a statement, the state DOE said it is working with Hawaii’s congressional delegation to advocate for a prompt release of the money and will strive to avoid servi­ce disruptions by reprioritizing resources if funds are not released by Sept. 30.

“This is about real programs that support real people: our educators, our families and our kids,” Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) told the Star-Advertiser.

“I grew up as part of a generation where being a latchkey kid was a really common thing, which is why then-Lt. Gov. Ben Cayetano started up the A+ plus program. Essentially, what we’re doing is, we’re going to be relegating our kids back to that time. If we cut these fundings, we’re going to have yet another generation of latchkey kids. That is something — I thought, from Hawaii’s perspective — we said we were never going to go back to.”

Tokuda described the freeze as part of a broader political agenda that aligns with the Trump-aligned Project 2025 plan, which aims to dismantle large parts of the federal government, including the Department of Education.

The nonprofit After-­School All-Stars Hawaii said roughly 85% of its funding comes from the 21st CCLC program.

“We serve 3,000 kids every year … all our kids are socioeconomically disadvantaged, we only serve Title I schools,” President and CEO Paula Fitzell said. “We have a high number of immigrants, a high number of English language learners, 14% of our kids are kids with disabilities.”

She explained that their program identifies and serves the highest-need students based on data provided by schools. Since the program is entirely free, it’s particularly vulnerable to disruptions in funding. Delays can have immediate ripple effects — preventing parents from working, forcing older siblings to take on caregiving roles and leaving children without a safe, structured environment after school.

Fitzell emphasized that the programs play a critical role beyond academics, supporting students’ long-term safety and wellbeing. She described the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. as “danger hours,” when many middle and high school students could be left unsupervised. During this time, they’re more likely to engage in risky behavior — a normal part of adolescence, but one that can have serious consequences without proper guidance and structure.

The YMCA of Honolulu, which operates 21st CCLC programs at five Oahu schools, said while no cancellations have occurred yet, the uncertainty is already affecting planning and families.

According to Jen Townsend, the Y’s vice president of youth development, over 6,800 students statewide rely on 21st CCLC programs each year, which operate at more than 50 public school sites.

Specifically, the YMCA runs 21st CCLC programs at Kauluwela Elementary, Pauoa Elementary, Kawanakoa Middle, McKinley High and Dole Middle schools, serving at least 560 students annually, primarily from Title I public schools in low-income communities. The programs provide after-­school academic support, STEM and arts enrichment, physical activity, youth leadership development and resources to help families become active partners in their child’s education through literacy and educational support.

Offered during the school year and summer months, the programs support students across elementary, middle and high school levels.

If federal funding is frozen, Townsend said the vital 21st CCLC programs would be at risk. However, at this time, the YMCA has not received official notification from the state 21st CCLC team that the 2025–26 school year funding has been frozen or impounded, and they remain hopeful that the funds will continue to be available.

“This isn’t just a budget issue, it’s a youth issue,” President &CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu Greg Waibel said. “These programs are offered year-round for elementary, middle school and high school students in underserved communities. They also provide nutritious snacks during the school year, as well as breakfast and lunch during the summer, offering stability, enrichment and support that every child, teenager and family deserves. Cutting this funding would roll back years of academic and social progress for Hawaii’s youth.”

07/14/2025 – 04:15 PM

SEOUL, South Korea, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: DDI) (“DoubleDown” or the “Company”), a leading gaming company delivering exceptional player experiences across multiple genres, announced today that it completed the previously announced acquisition of WHOW Games GmbH, a social casino developer headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, from Azerion for €55 million (approximately $64.3 million⁽¹⁾). An additional earn-out payment of up to €10 million, payable to Azerion at €5 million annually, is contingent upon WHOW Games meeting certain performance targets during each of the first and second year following the closing date.

Note: (1) Based on an exchange rate of €1.00=$1.169 as of July 11, 2025

About DoubleDown Interactive

DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. is a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web-based platforms. We are the creators of multi-format interactive entertainment experiences for casual players, bringing authentic Vegas entertainment to players around the world through an online social casino experience. The Company’s flagship social casino title, DoubleDown Casino, has been a fan-favorite game on leading social and mobile platforms for years, entertaining millions of players worldwide with a lineup of classic and modern games. The Company’s subsidiary, SuprNation, also operates three real-money iGaming sites in Western Europe.

About WHOW Games

WHOW Games, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is a premier developer and operator of social casino games centered on the European market. Founded in 2014, WHOW Games specializes in both proprietary and branded social casino experiences. The company’s flagship proprietary brand, MyJackpot, has attracted a significant and loyal user base in Germany, while its strategic partnerships with internationally renowned brick-and-mortar casino brands have resulted in successful external brands like Merkur24.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” about future events and expectations for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of industry trends, our future financial and operating performance, and our growth plans, taking into account the information currently available to us. These statements are not statements of historical fact. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Words such as “anticipates,” believes,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “goal,” “objectives,” “intends,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,” potential,” “near-term,” long-term,” “projections,” “assumptions,” “projects,” “guidance,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “target,” “trends,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors, which include, but are not limited to, WHOW Games’ integration and the success of its current and future games as part of our Company. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Company Contact:
Joe Sigrist
ir@doubledown.com
+1 (206) 773-2266
Chief Financial Officer
https://www.doubledowninteractive.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Joseph Jaffoni
JCIR
+1 (212) 835-8500
DDI@jcir.com

TOPEKA, Kan. (KSHSAACovered.com) – The Kansas State High School Activities Association has partnered with the esports platform PlayVS for the inaugural year of the KSHSAA Esports season.

At the April board of directors meeting KSHSAA membership voted to sanction an Esports state championship should 24 schools sign up for the activity. A survey sent out in June indicated over 80 schools will have interest in participating this school year.

For the 2025-26 season KSHSAA and PlayVS will offer the following game titles:
Rocket League, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. (If interest is high in Madden and/or Valorant, KSHSAA and PlayVS will consider adding the game title to the selection).

The exact number of classifications/championships will be determined once sign up is complete.

Mark your calendars with these important dates (high school):
Registration through PlayVS: Open NOW until November 30. (KSHSAA Schools will also fill out the participation on the Winter Participation Form through KSHSAA)
Preseason – 2 Weeks: Week’s of November 17 (practice begins) and November 24.
Regular season – 6 Weeks: Week’s of December 1 through January 19.
Playoffs: January 26-27
KSHSAAA Esports State Championship (In-person): January 30 and/or 31 (two-days if needed).

PlayVS representatives will be in touch with schools that sign up with information such as:
–Coaching in-service. Kansas can schedule meetings with this link.
-How to start your program guide.
-Free Nintendo Switch (first 100 that sign up).
-Technical advice.
-Funding opportunities
-STEM opportunities

The KSHSAA and PlayVS will be hosting multiple webinars between now and the beginning of the season, details will be shared when they are available.

Get to know PlayVS….a platform that facilitates high school and middle school esports programs, offering opportunities for students to compete in popular video games.

The video, reportedly filmed in Shanghai during a CS event, showed their faces clearly but was not explicitly graphic. Early reports suggested Zeus, who was allegedly married, uploaded the video to show off. However, in his apology, Zeus denied being married or in a relationship. He claimed the video was a normal moment in their interaction and that he had nothing to hide.

Following the leak, Zeus made an initial statement on his social media platforms on July 13, 2025, addressing the leaked privacy video. He specifically apologized to the woman involved and denied earlier rumors of being married or in a relationship. The next day, he released a more formal public apology statement, expressing regret and stating that he never intended to harm anyone.

Zeus’s apology has sparked significant public debate, with discussions around privacy, consent, and the responsibility of individuals in such situations. Some online comments highlight the disproportionate negative impact on the woman compared to Zeus. The incident has also led to Dalian Industrial University’s Student Work Department proposing dismissal from school for Li Xinshi, likely in connection with this incident.

Zeus has publicly stated his desire to support the woman, despite the negative attention she has received, expressing that if he could assist her in any way, he would gladly do so. The situation raises broader implications across industry, society, and potentially politics, highlighting the growing scrutiny on the personal lives and off-field conduct of e-sports athletes and influencers.

The incident underscores the persistent privacy challenges in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, especially for public figures. It also sparks debates around victim-blaming, particularly if the focus shifts from the unauthorized sharing of videos to the girl’s actions. The erosion of trust and reputational damage in the digital sphere are additional concerns.

The situation prompts ethical questions about consent, privacy, and accountability in the sharing of personal content, irrespective of its explicit nature. While this incident is primarily personal and industry-related, there are subtle, indirect political undertones given the nationalities involved and the platform where it originated.

Ultimately, the Zeus apology case, though seemingly a personal matter, is a microcosm reflecting larger trends in the digital age concerning public figures, privacy, online ethics, and cross-cultural interactions, with potential ripples across the e-sports industry and broader societal norms.

The gaming industry’s shift to digital-first engagement has created a critical inflection point for operators like Caesars Entertainment (CZR). As traditional brick-and-mortar casinos face saturation in key markets, Caesars is leveraging its iconic brand equity and strategic partnerships to dominate the online gambling space. Central to this strategy is its 2025 trilogy of live dealer studios, culminating in the Michigan launch—a move that underscores the company’s ability to blend physical legacy with cutting-edge digital innovation. This article examines how Caesars is accelerating its digital growth through bespoke studios, jurisdictional expansion, and ESG-driven credibility, while offering investors a compelling entry point into a still-underappreciated growth story.

The Michigan Launch: A Masterclass in Bespoke Digital Experience

Caesars’ Michigan studio, launched in July 2025, marks the third installment in its 2025 live dealer rollout, following successful launches in Pennsylvania (January 2025) and New Jersey (April 2025). Each studio is designed to replicate the opulence of Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, complete with custom-branded felts, partnerships with sports teams, and VIP-exclusive tables offering 1-to-1 high-limit blackjack interactions. This “Las Vegas in your living room” approach is no gimmick: the Michigan studio alone features five blackjack tables (including one VIP table), roulette, and baccarat, all streamed in high definition via Evolution Gaming’s advanced technology.

The strategic brilliance lies in jurisdictional dominance. By establishing studios in states like Michigan—a market with robust online gaming demand but limited high-end offerings—Caesars is capitalizing on its brand equity. Players in these regions are not just betting; they’re engaging with a trusted name synonymous with luxury, a moat no pure-play online operator can replicate.

The Evolution Partnership: Tech as a Competitive Weapon

Caesars’ collaboration with Evolution Gaming, a global leader in live dealer solutions, is pivotal. Evolution’s technology ensures seamless streaming, real-time interaction, and proprietary software that mimics the tactile feel of a physical casino. For instance, the VIP blackjack tables in Michigan use AI-driven cameras to track player bets and dealer interactions, creating a 1-to-1 experience previously confined to land-based venues.

This tech integration isn’t just about user experience—it’s about monetization. High rollers, traditionally a land-based demographic, now have a reason to stay engaged online. Meanwhile, Evolution’s operational expertise has already delivered tangible benefits: the New Jersey studio alone created 200 jobs, a testament to the economic multiplier effect of these investments.

Loyalty Integration: Bridging Online and Offline Worlds

Caesars Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, is the glue holding its digital and physical ecosystems together. Online players in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey can now earn rewards redeemable at over 50 physical Caesars properties, including hotels, restaurants, and spas. This integration creates a virtuous cycle: online engagement drives foot traffic to casinos, while physical customers are incentivized to try digital platforms.

The data speaks to success: Caesars’ Digital segment reported a 53% year-over-year surge in iGaming revenue in Q1 2025, with Adjusted EBITDA jumping from $5 million to $43 million. This margin expansion—driven by lower reinvestment costs and higher hold percentages—suggests the business is finally scaling efficiently.

ESG and Responsible Gaming: A Necessary Foundation

Skepticism around online gambling’s social impact remains a regulatory and reputational hurdle. Caesars has preemptively addressed this with RG Check accreditation in Ontario (2024) and a National Council on Problem Gambling award for its corporate social responsibility efforts. Its strict 21+ policy and access to counseling resources ensure it adheres to the highest standards, a critical differentiator in markets where scrutiny is intensifying.

Financials: Margin Improvements and Analyst Optimism

The Michigan launch and broader digital expansion are underpinning Caesars’ margin turnaround. While total debt remains elevated at $12.3 billion, the company’s free cash flow (FCF) is improving. CFO Bret Yunker highlighted “significant FCF growth in 2025” due to lower capex and interest costs, enabling debt reduction and share buybacks. In April .

Analysts are taking notice. Though StockStory labeled CZR “Underperform” due to debt concerns, consensus estimates project a 12-month price target of $38.80, up from $28.36 post-earnings. Bullish calls from JP Morgan ($47 target) and CFRA’s “Strong Buy” ($39 target) reflect optimism about the digital moat’s scalability.

Risks and Considerations

• Debt Overhang: Caesars’ leverage ratio (6.19x) remains a liability, though FCF improvements are a mitigant.
• Regulatory Hurdles: State-by-state licensing and ESG compliance demands could slow expansion.
• Competition: Rivals like MGM Resorts and DraftKings are also investing in live dealer tech, though Caesars’ brand power offers a defensible edge.

Investment Thesis: Capitalize on the Underappreciated Digital Moat

Caesars’ live dealer trilogy is more than a tech play—it’s a reinvention of its core business model. The Michigan launch exemplifies how the company is leveraging its legacy to dominate emerging markets, while its ESG and loyalty strategies reduce reputational risk. With Digital EBITDA up 860% year-over-year and FCF turning positive, the stock trades at 1.6x forward EV/EBITDA, well below its historical average.

Actionable Takeaway: Investors should consider a gradual accumulation of CZR at current levels. The stock’s 7.09% drop in average price targets since early 2025 reflects overdone pessimism about debt. As FCF improves and digital margins scale, a re-rating to 2.5x EV/EBITDA could unlock 40% upside.

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Historical data shows that CZR has a strong track record around earnings calls, with a 75% win rate over three days and 60% over ten days post-announcements since 2022. The maximum return during this period reached 1.73% on the tenth day, further bolstering the case for short-term momentum following key disclosures.

Final Note: A Legacy Brand Reborn

In an industry where digital disruption often spells obsolescence, Caesars is proving that brand equity can be a rocket fuel for innovation. The Michigan studio isn’t just a casino—it’s a bridge between the glitter of Las Vegas and the screens of tomorrow. For investors, this is a rare chance to back a proven leader in a sector primed for growth.

Disclosure: The author holds no position in CZR at the time of writing. Research and analysis are based on publicly available data. Always conduct your own due diligence before making investment decisions.

Image: British Esports

British Esports, the national esports federation for the UK, is gearing up to open its flagship Gaming and Esports Arena in Sunderland, UK next year.

The Sun said stretching across 15,000-square-feet, the arena will host live events, competitions and have immersive audience experiences for egamers and egaming fans.

The arena, which sits alongside the National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC) in Sunderland, is set to open in early 2026 after financing was approved by a leading High Street bank.

The state-of-the-art venue will also be located next to the Stadium of Light – the home of Premier League football team AFC Sunderland.

Custom-built for live events, elite competition, and immersive audience experiences, it’s equipped with a 200-seat theatre, a 17m-wide LED screen, broadcast, content and editing studios, retail and hospitality, performance rooms and an expansive outdoor activation space.

The first of its kind esports arena in Europe, which aims to be one of the best in the world, will also become a training and education hub where athletes can practise under tournament conditions with lights, an audience area and a stage, replicating the thrill of intense, live esports competition.

The venue is ideal for professional esports players preparing to compete in major future events, such as the Esports World Cup and Olympic Esports Games.

Students and future talent can also hone their skills in real-time supporting live competition events, broadcast and more, such as those competing in the nationwide British Esports’ Student Champs tournaments for schools and colleges, plus those studying the Esports BTEC and university qualifications.

The venue is designed to support all roles in esports, from broadcast talent to production, coaches and more.

The arena will be a multi-use venue available for private bookings, music events, games industry and esports community events, national competitions and more. It will be located next to the Stadium of Light, the home of Premier League football team AFC Sunderland.

The Gaming and Esports Arena sits alongside the National Esports Performance Campus, which opened in 2023 and has hosted an array of esports teams and talent, including the likes of Esports World Cup winners Team Falcons, national Great Britain teams in NBA 2K and Rocket League, and many more.

Work begins on the arena in September 2025 and it is due to open in Q1 2026.

Andy Payne OBE, Chair of British Esports, said, “This is our St George’s Park for esports, a national home with world-class performance spaces that will help train the next generation of esports talent and help grow the region to be a key leader in esports in the UK. The arena completes a multi-year vision to develop a campus that’s built to develop esports athletes, deliver first-class events, and support entrepreneurs and creators.

“This significant development marks another crucial step forward in British Esports’ mission to champion grassroots esports development and elite athlete performance across the nation and globally. It will help generate new jobs and drive economic prosperity for the North East, forming a key part of the expansive Riverside Sunderland initiative.

“We have designed our facility so that on any given day we could be a training and performance hub, running a global esports tournament, hosting a publisher game launch or hired out as a music venue. The flexibility of the arena will be what makes it a sustainable facility that drives value back to British Esports, so that we can do more work for our community.”

Cllr Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said, “We are thrilled to see work progressing on the development of British Esports’ Gaming and Esports Arena at Riverside Sunderland, which is held up as one of the most ambitious regeneration schemes in the UK right now.

“Billions of pounds of investment will see our city transformed in the coming years, with thousands of new homes, Grade A offices, a new Nissan electric vehicle hub and a plethora of new leisure developments rising from the ground, and the Gaming and Esports Arena is a fantastic addition to this mix.

“It is a game-changing development which will cement Sunderland’s reputation as the home of esports in the UK, while providing a major boost to the regional economy, creating high skilled jobs for local people and attracting visitors from across the globe to our transforming city.”

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