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  • Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes

    Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes

    Our next Heroes of the Storm patch has just hit the Public Test Realm and will be available for playtesting. As always, if you encounter any bugs during your PTR play sessions, please stop by the PTR Bug Report forum to let us know about your experiences.



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    General


    • Basic, Cleave, and Splash Attacks will now function more consistently across all Heroes through various situations. Changes that may impact the balance of the Hero will be listed in the Balance section.

    • Updated Homescreen and Startup Music.


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    Map Updates


    • General

      • Forts, Keeps, and the Core will now grant Allied Heroes that take damage in their radius 50 Armor for 4 seconds. This effect has a 4 second cooldown and can only be granted to 1 Hero per Structure. While this Armor is in effect, Enemy Heroes that attack the target will be slowed by 20%.

      • Forts, Keeps, and Core will no longer prioritize an Enemy Hero when an Allied Hero is attacked.

      • Mercenary camps now spawn 30 seconds after the match begins (Down from 60 seconds).

      • Small XP globes will now vanish if no allied Hero is within 15 radius of the globe.

      • Structure Health increased by 12.5%.

      • When a Hero attacks an enemy structure with a Basic Attack, minions near the building become inspired and gain 35% attack speed and 35% move speed for 3 seconds. This does not affect illusions or summons.

      • Minions will now spawn exactly at MM:00 and MM:30.

    • Blackheart’s Bay

      • Bombardment now deals 20% reduced damage to Keeps and Cores.

      • Cast time to turn in coins decreased from 7 seconds to 5 seconds.

      • There are now 3 treasure chest locations. The first chest spawns in the top lane during the first phase, two chests spawn in the next three phases, and all three chests spawn every phase after that.

      • There are now sight towers near Blackheart.

      • You will now only drop half your coins upon death (rounded down).

    • Hanamura

      • Payload damage increase by 12.5%.

      • Payload now moves 25% faster.

      • Samurai lane pusher health reduced by 12.5%.

    • Infernal Shrines

      • Punishers will no longer leap over gates.

      • Skeleton minions damage reduced by 25%.

      • Skeleton minions health decreased from 400 to 300.

      • Skeleton minions move speed increased from 3 to 3.5.

      • Skeleton minions now have 20 magic Armor.

    • Sky Temple

      • Guardian Mighty Swing knockback duration reduced from 0.5 seconds to 0.375 seconds.

      • Guardian Mighty Swing knockback is now interrupted by other knockback effects.

      • Guardian Mighty Swing knockback speed increased to match pervious knockback distance.

      • Guardian Mighty Swing will now interrupt any ongoing knockback effects.

    • Warhead Junction

      • Nukes damage updated to 1000 + 12.5% of target’s Max Health (was 2300 damage before).

      • Nukes now ignite structures, dealing 0.8% of their Health per second for 12 seconds. Attacking the building will refresh the duration up to 8 seconds.

      • Nukes now take 2.5 seconds to launch (Up from 1.5 seconds).

      • There will now be fewer nukes that spawn.


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    Balance Update


    Heroes


    Dehaka


    Base


    • Brushstalker [D]

      • Cooldown increased from 75 seconds to 240 seconds.

      • Cooldown is reduced by 50 seconds when a Regen Globe is picked up.


    Talents


    • Level 20

      • Apex Predator

        • Cooldown reduction increased from 50 to 190 seconds.


    Illidan


    Talents


    • Level 16

      • Fiery Brand

        • Attacking a different Hero from the last Hero attacked now resets progress on the previously attacked Hero.

        • Blinds and Evasion now prevent any progress from being granted.

        • If the target gains Stasis or Invulnerable, progress will be lost.

        • Stacks now last 300 seconds.


    Kael’thas


    Talents




    The Butcher


    Talents


    • Level 13

      • Brutal Strike

        • Now loses stacks when attacking while Blinded or against Evading enemies.


    The Lost Vikings


    Talents


    • Level 10

      • Longboat Raid

        • Decreased Move speed no longer decreases the Longboat Raid’s starting speed and now reduces Longboat Raid Move speed by 25%.


    Thrall


    Talents


    • Level 7

      • Elemental Assault

        • NEW: After using a Basic or Heroic Ability, Thrall’s next Basic Attack within 4 seconds deals 45% more damage.

      • Follow Through


    Uther


    Base


    • Holy Light [Q]

      • Range increased from 7.75 to 8.

      • Range is no longer increased to 8.75 after selecting Holy Shock.


    Talents


    • Level 4

      • Holy Shock

        • No longer grants reduced cooldown or Mana cost and instead costs less Mana and has a lower cooldown.

        • Now features its own active button.


    Valeera


    Talents


    • Level 7

      • Slice and Dice

        • REWORK: Grants 400% Attack Speed which is lost after attacking 3 times or after 3 seconds. Cooldown for the next attack after the third will not be reduced.


    Varian


    Talents


    • Level 10

      • Warbringer

        • Warbringer mana cost reduction reduced from 22.5 to 20.

        • Mana cost reduction reduced from 22.5 to 20.

    • Level 20

      • Demoralizing Shout

        • Cooldown reduction increased from 2.5% to 5%.


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    Bug Fixes


    Map


    • Sky Temple

      • Fixed an issue that caused Roots to prevent Guardian Mighty Swing knockback.


    Heroes


    • Alarak

      • Level 16

        • Mocking Strikes

          • Fixed an issue that caused Basic Attacks to display incorrectly when attacking a Silenced Hero after selecting Mocking Strikes.

    • Artanis

      • Level 4

        • Shield Surge

          • Buff Bar tooltip updated.

      • Level 7

        • Final Cut

          • Buff Bar updated to show remaining duration.

          • Now consumed if attacking while Blinded.

      • Level 16

        • Titan Killer

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other associated effects will still occur if this kills the target.

    • Arthas

      • Base

        • Frostmourne Hungers [D]

          • Fixed an issue that caused impact visuals and sound effects to be created on Arthas.

    • Azmodan

      • Level 1

        • Greed

          • Fixed an issue that caused Globes of Annihilation empowered by Tide of Sin to deal more damage than intended to non-Heroes.

      • Level 4

        • Battleborn

          • Fixed an issue that caused impact visuals and sound effects to be created on Azmodan.

      • Level 16

        • Total Annihilation

          • Now displays as Total Annihilation in the Death Recap.

      • Level 20

    • Brightwing

      • Base

        • Phase Shift [Z]

          • Cast indicator is no longer hidden if the target is Polymorphed.

      • Level 13

        • Pixie Boost

          • Movement Speed now gradually decays over is duration instead of in chunks.

    • Cassia

      • Level 1

        • Charged Strikes

          • Fixed an issue that caused Charged Strikes to trigger multiple times in a row when gaining attack speed.

          • Now applies to the next Basic Attack that is fired instead of the next Basic Attack that connects.

          • Now displayed in the Buff Bar while in progress.

          • Now increases in progress when Cassia fires her Basic Attack instead of after the missile impact.

          • Progress is now displayed in the Buff Bar.

      • Level 16

        • Martial Law

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All associated effects will still occur if this kills the target.

    • Chen

      • Level 10

        • Storm, Earth, Fire

          • Earth’s attack Slow is now prevent by Blinds and Evasion.

          • Earth’s Splash attacks are now prevented if the primary target is Evading.

          • Storm and Fire’s attacks will now display as crits if granted an applicable Physical damage buff instead of a Spell damage buff.

    • Cho’gall

      • Base

        • Shove [Z]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Shove to not push Cho if he is Rooted.

      • Level 1

        • Calloused Hide

          • Fixed an issue that caused Shove and other knockback effects to temporarily disable this talent’s benefits.

      • Level 20

        • Fuel for the Flame

          • Will no longer hit inactive Mercenaries if targets near these Mercenaries are hit.

          • Will no longer hit inactive Mercenaries unless the primary target is also an inactive Mercenary.

    • Chromie

      • Base

        • Sand Blast [Q]

          • Sand Echo will now be revealed to the target when hit by Sand Echo’s Basic Attack.

          • Sand Echo will now be revealed when their Basic Attacks or Sand Blast deals damage while they are not visible.

      • Level 20

        • Unravelling

          • Sand Echo will now be revealed when their Basic Attacks or Sand Blast deals damage while they are not visible.

    • Deathwing

      • Base

        • Dragonflight [Z]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Dragonflight’s cast animation to be interrupted when Deathwing hits another Deathwing with his Basic Attack.

      • Level 7

        • Death Drop

          • Armor reduction is now refreshed in duration when re-applied.

      • Level 13

        • Fire and Fury

          • Fixed an issue that caused Basic Attack impact visuals to be displayed on Deathwing if attacking a Slowed Hero.

    • D.Va

      • Base

        • Self-Destruct [E]

          • Charge gained from Basic Attacks now occurs after all targets have been hit.

          • Fixed an issue that caused Self-Destruct knockback to not apply correctly.

      • Level 4

        • Nuclear Option

          • Self-Destruct charge gained from hitting targets in the Basic Attack bonus area now occurs after all targets have been hit.

    • E.T.C.

      • Level 1

        • Guitar Hero

          • Healing visuals will no longer occur if E.T.C. is Blinded, the target is Evading, or if E.T.C.’s Health is at max.

    • Falstad

      • Level 13

        • Sustained Winds

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

    • Fenix

      • Level 1

        • Arsenal Synergy

          • Now applies to the next Basic Attack fired, instead of the next Basic Attack that connects.

        • Mobile Offense

          • Now applies to the next Basic Attack fired, instead of the next Basic Attack that connects.

      • Level 4

        • Inhibiting Energy

          • Cooldown is now applied when Phase Bomb is fired.

          • Now applies to the next Basic Attack fired, instead of the next Basic Attack that connects.

    • Gazlowe

      • Base

        • Rock-It! Turret [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Defense Matrix applied to Gazlowe to not reduce Turret damage.

          • Fixed an issue that caused Rock-It! Turrets created by an Ultimate Evolution clone of Gazlowe to not gain the increased damage.

      • Level 13

        • Positive Reinforcement

          • Fixed an issue that caused the bonuses to be applied when a Rock-It Turret attacked a target, instead of when it hits a target.

      • Level 16

        • Ark Reaktor

          • Fixed an issue that caused Defense Matrix applied to Gazlowe to not modify their damage.

          • Fixed an issue that caused the miniature Rock-It! Turret to not fire at the correct location.

        • Firin’ Mah Lazors

          • Fixed an issue that caused the warning indicator to be visible in the Fog of War.

          • Fixed an issue that caused Defense Matrix applied to Gazlowe to not modify their damage.

        • Overklock

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

    • Greymane

      • Level 10

        • Go for the Throat

          • Fixed an issue that caused Go for the Throat to play its cast animation on the target when Greymane targets another Greymane.

      • Level 16

        • Alpha Killer

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

      • Level 20

        • Hunter’s Blunderbuss

          • Now occurs while Blinded.

          • Now searches after all effects on the primary target have completed, with the exception of Wizened Duelist.

        • Tooth and Claw

          • Now searches after all effects on the primary target have completed, with the exception of Wizened Duelist.

    • Illidan

      • Base

        • Dive [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Dive to play sound and visual effects twice if Illidan is targeting another Illidan.

      • Level 16

        • Fiery Brand

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

    • Imperius

      • Base

        • Valorous Brand [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Valorous Brand’s benefits for being consumed to be granted when the target gains Invulnerable, Stasis, or is killed.

          • Fixed an issue that caused Valorous Brands to heal Imperius when a Branded target enters Stasis, gains Invulnerable, or is killed.

          • Valorous Brands are no longer consumed if Imperius is Blinded or the target is Evading.

      • Level 1

        • Burn the Impure

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

          • Now displays as Burn the Impure in the Death Recap.

          • Since Blinds no longer consume Valorous Brands, this is now prevented by those effects.

      • Level 7

        • Flash of Anger

          • Additional target search now occurs after all effects on the primary target.

          • Since Blinds no longer consume Valorous Brands, this is now prevented by those effects.

        • Holy Fervor

          • No longer prevented by Blinds or Evasion.

      • Level 13

        • Divine Rage

          • Fixed an issue that caused Valorous Brands to grant cooldown reduction when a Branded target enters Stasis, gains Invulnerable, or is killed.

          • Since Blinds no longer consume Valorous Brands, this is now prevented by those effects.

      • Level 20

        • Unrelenting Descent

          • Fixed an issue that caused Valorous Brands to grant cooldown reduction when a Branded target enters Stasis, gains Invulnerable, or is killed.

          • Since Blinds no longer consume Valorous Brands, this is now prevented by those effects.

    • Jaina

      • Level 10

        • Water Elemental

          • Fixed an issue that caused Water Elemental’s Basic Attack splash to hit Evading targets.

          • Water Elemental’s Basic Attack splash no longer reveals the targets it hits.

          • Water Elemental’s Basic Attack splash now reveals the area.

    • Johanna

      • Base

        • Condemn [W]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Condemn to pull Unstoppable targets.

    • Junkrat

      • Base

        • Basic Attack Splash damage now occurs while Blinded, but is still prevented by Evading targets.

    • Kael’thas

      • Level 10

        • Phoenix

          • Attack damage is now affected by Defense Matrix when Kael’thas is under its effects.

          • Attack Splash no longer reveals targets hit.

          • Attack Splash now reveals the area it hits.

    • Kel’Thuzad

      • Base

        • Chains of Kel’Thuzad [E]

          • Now reveal both targets on chain link connection.

      • Level 20

        • The Damned Return

          • Fixed an issue that caused the Shade to not be revealed when it deals damage.

    • Kerrigan

      • Base

        • Ravage [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Ravage to play its cast animation on the target when Kerrigan targets another Kerrigan at close range.

    • Kharazim

      • Base

        • Radiant Dash [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Radiant Dash to appear incorrectly when cast on another Kharazim.

      • Level 1

        • Iron Fists

          • Fixed an issue that caused the triggering attack to not play the correct impact sound.

    • Li-Ming

      • Level 4

        • Charged Blast

          • Tal Rasha’s Elements bonus is now additive instead of multiplicative.

          • Now deals damage before the Basic Attack deals damage.

      • Level 7

        • Seeker

          • Now shows in the Death Recap as its own entry.

          • Now displays as Seeker in the Death Recap.

          • Now happens after the third Magic Missile deals damage.

      • Level 20

        • Tal Rasha’s Elements

          • Tal Rasha’s Elements bonus is now additive instead of multiplicative.

    • Lucio

      • Base

        • Crossfade [W]

          • Crossfades from different Lúcios can now stack together.

          • Fixed an issue that caused the display of affected allies to not display correctly if more than 7 Heroes are in Crossfade’s radius.

          • The display of affected allies of Crossfade now include targets in the Boombox Crossfade radius.

        • Soundwave [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Soundwave to push Unstoppable targets.

      • Level 1

        • Party Mix

          • Fixed an issue that caused toggling between Healing Boost and Speed Boost to cause the duration counter to be inaccurate.

      • Level 13

        • All Together

          • Fixed an issue that caused allies in the Boombox’s Crossfade radius to not grant Movement Speed.

          • Fixed an issue that caused the Movement Speed bonus to not behave consistently if multiple Lúcios are in the game.

      • Level 20

        • House Party

          • Fixed an issue that caused allies in the Boombox’s Crossfade radius to not grant bonus Healing.

          • Fixed an issue that caused the Healing bonus to not behave consistently if multiple Lúcios are in the game.

        • Summer Anthem

          • Now grants its effects to allies in Boombox’s Crossfade radius.

    • Lunara

      • Level 7

        • Wild Vigor

          • Fixed an issue that caused the 4th Basic Attack to not display impact effects.

          • Now applies to the next 4 Basic Attacks fired, instead of the next 4 Basic Attacks that connect.

          • Now applies to the next attack fired instead of the next attack that hits.

    • Nazeebo

      • Base

        • Corpse Spiders [Q]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Defense Matrix to not reduce the damage of Corpse Spiders.

          • Fixed an issue that caused Ultimate Evolution clones of Nazeebo to not grant Spell Power bonuses to Corpse Spiders.

        • Zombie Wall [W]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Defense Matrix to not reduce the damage of Zombie Wall.

          • Fixed an issue that caused Ultimate Evolution clones of Nazeebo to not grant Spell Power bonuses to Zombie Wall.

      • Level 7

        • Dead Rush

          • Now increases the damage of already existing Zombie Wall Zombies when the talent is selected.

      • Level 10

        • Gargantuan

          • Fixed an issue that caused Defense Matrix to not reduce the damage of the Gargantuan.

    • Orphea

      • Level 4

        • Backbiter

          • Fixed an issue that caused Backbiter to not move Orphea if she is Rooted.

        • Chaotic Assault

          • Fixed an issue that caused the damage bonus to be granted when Orphea has less than 3 Overwhelming Chaos if she dies with 3 Overwhelming Chaos.

      • Level 10

        • Crushing Jaws

          • Fixed an issue that caused Crushing Jaws pull to not apply correctly.

    • Raynor

      • Level 7

        • Unstable Compound

          • Mana restored is now bundled together when multiple Heroes are hit.

          • Mana restoration now restores all Mana at once, instead of 10 Mana for each individual Hero hit.

    • Rehgar

      • Base

        • Ghost Wolf [Z]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Ghost Wolf Lunge attacks targeted at Rehgar to cause the target Rehgar to play an attack animation.

      • Level 16

        • Hunger of the Wolf

          • Fixed an issue that caused Blinds and Evasion to not prevent this from activating.

    • Rexxar

      • Level 13

        • Dire Beast

          • Now causes Misha, Charge! to display as a critical when at 5 or more stacks.

          • Bonus damage is now applied to the next Misha, Charge!

    • Samuro

      • Base

        • Advancing Strikes [Trait DQ]

          • Blind and Evasion now prevent activation.

    • Sgt. Hammer

      • Level 1

        • Ambush

          • Now displays the remaining duration until the Cloak becomes active around the Trait button.

      • Level 7

        • Pulse Detonation Core

          • First instance of damage is now displayed as Spider Mines in the Death Recap.

          • Mana restored is now bundled together when multiple Heroes are hit.

          • Mana restored is now combined for Siege Mode attacks.

      • Level 20

        • Shrapnel Mines

          • Duration of all Amor reduction stacks are now refreshed when re-applied.

    • Sonya

      • Level 16

        • Giant Slammer

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

          • Now displays as Giant Slammer in the Death Recap.

    • Stitches

      • Level 4

        • Playtime!

          • Mana restored is now bundled together when multiple Heroes are hit.

          • Tooltip updated to include Mana restored when hitting Heroes with Slam’s inner area.

    • Tassadar

      • Base

        • Resonance Beam [Trait]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Resonance Beam to gain charge prior to dealing damage past the first instance of damage.

      • Level 7

        • Arc Discharge

          • Now happens prior to all other effects when a Basic Attack would grant progress.

      • Level 10

        • Archon

          • Splash attacks now happen after all other effects on the primary target have completed.

    • The Butcher

      • Base

        • Butcher’s Brand [W]

          • Fixed an issue that caused Butcher’s Basic Attack impact visuals to not be correctly altered against Branded targets.

      • Level 13

        • Brutal Strike

          • Now consumed while Blinded or against Evading enemies.

          • Now displays in the Buff Bar.

        • Savage Charge

          • Now displays as Savage Charge in the Death Recap.

    • The Lost Vikings

      • Baleog’s Basic Attack damage will now be properly affected by other damage modifiers when empowered by Explosive Attacks.

      • Fixed an issue that caused Olaf’s charging attack to not gain the benefits of Nordic Attack Squad or Impatience is a Virtue.

      • Olaf

        • Fixed an issue that caused Charge to not grant the bonuses from Nordic Attack Squad.

        • Fixed an issue that caused Charge to go on cooldown when targeting enemies near Olaf’s position.

        • Fixed an issue that caused Charge to not grant the bonuses from Impatience is a Virtue.

      • Erik

        • Increase Move speed no longer increases Erik’s starting speed and now grants Erik 15% Move speed, stacking with other effects.

      • Baleog

        • Fixed an issue that caused Splash damage to not grant bonuses from Impatience is a Virtue.

      • Level 1

        • Explosive Attacks

          • Bonus damage is now a multiplicative bonus.

      • Level 13

        • Nordic Attack Squad

          • Bonus damage is now dealt before the primary Basic Attack damage. All other effects will still occur if this kills the target.

    • Thrall

      • Level 16

        • Tempest Fury

          • The initial third Windfury attack now features impact visuals.

    • Tracer

      • Level 7

        • Focus Fire

          • No longer progresses while Blinded or against Evading targets.

          • Now displays in the Buff Bar how many hits have occurred on the current attack target, as well as the window before tracking resets.

          • Now progresses prior to dealing damage instead of after dealing damage.

    • Tyrael

      • Level 13

        • Law and Order

          • Now displays in the Buff Bar.

    • Tyrande

      • Level 4

        • Mark of Mending

          • Now displays as Mark of Mending in the Death Recap.

    • Uther

      • Level 4

        • Guardian of Ancient Kings

          • Duration is now increased by talents that grant additional Devotion Armor duration.

      • Level 16

        • Benediction

          • Fixed an issue that could cause abilities cast while Benediction is active to grant Uther Mana.

    • Valla

      • Base

        • Vault [E]

          • Damage bonus now applies to the next Basic Attack fired.

      • Level 10

        • Rain of Vengeance

          • Fixed an issue that caused cast visuals to not display correctly.

    • Varian

      • Level 4

        • Twin Blades of Fury

          • Fixed an issue that caused Twin Blades of Fury to display the wrong cooldown reduction value.

      • Level 20

        • Glory of the Alliance

          • Fixed an issue that caused Glory to the Alliance to display incorrect cooldown reduction value after selection.

    • Whitemane

      • Level 7

        • Saintly Greatstaff

          • Marker is no longer removed if Whitemane is Blinded or target is Evading.

    • Zagara

      • Summons are now affected by Defense Matrix and Ultimate Evolution damage modifications.

    • Zarya

      • Targets that enter the splash area between instances of Zarya’s Basic Attack hitting the primary target will no longer be hit instantly.

      • Level 7

        • Deep Burn

          • Energy gained is now bundled together when multiple marked Heroes are hit.

          • Energy is now gained after the primary target and all Splash attack targets have been hit, causing all target to take equal damage when Deep Burn grants Zarya Energy.

    • Zul’jin

      • Level 20

        • A Surprise For Ya!

          • Now gains the benefits of Berserker being active if the fired Attack had Berserker active.


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  • Slovenia deny relentless Iceland to book Round of 16 spot

    Slovenia deny relentless Iceland to book Round of 16 spot

    The official EuroBasket app

    KATOWICE (Poland) – Luka Doncic and Slovenia had to dig deep to overcome the resistance of never-say-die Iceland on Tuesday but the reward for their hard-fought 87-79 victory is a place in the Round of 16, in Riga.

    Alongside the 2017 European champions, France also benefit from this result, joining Poland and Israel as the teams who have booked the four top spots in Group D. They will battle it out to determine the exact placement in the standings on the final day of action in Katowice.

    Turning Point

    Iceland has proved time and again that they are among the toughest competitors in Group D, and Tuesday’s game wasn’t an exception. Slovenia went up by 14 points, 60-46, late in the third frame, but Iceland fought back and reduced the deficit to just 5, 70-65, on a Martin Hermannsson’s deep triple with 6:21 to go.

    Tryggvi Hlinason fouled out with 3:26 minutes left to dent Iceland’s hopes, and Gregor Hrovat hit a dagger corner three with 45 seconds on the clock to sentence the game for Slovenia.

    TCL Player of the Game

    He might not have dropped another triple-double, but Luka Doncic still is a game-changer for the Slovenian national team on any given day. The Slovenian leader finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the win. Despite not having a good afternoon from beyond the arc (2-of-10), the Lakers superstar provided clutch plays and leadership for Aleksander Sekulic’s team. Expect even more from the Slovenian phenomenon in Riga.

    Eight years after scoring 18 points against Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket 2017, Martin Hermannsson had his best performance of the 2025 tournament, with 22 points and 6 assists.

    Stats Don’t Lie

    Turnovers were key in Iceland’s loss, as Craig Pedersen’s team turned the ball over on 18 occasions. Slovenia took perfect advantage, outscoring their opponents 22-2 in points off turnovers.

    That was enough to neutralize Iceland’s edge inside as, propelled by the giant Hlinason, who had 11 points and 14 rebounds in defeat, the Vikings prevailed 32-26 in points in the paint.

    Bottom Line

    After Israel and Poland, Slovenia are the third team from Group D to book a ticket in the Round of 16. Led by Doncic, they reacted swiftly after losing their first two matchups to Poland and France.

    Iceland remained winless at 0-4 in the Group D standings, as this was their 14th consecutive defeat at EuroBasket in three participations. They hope to make history in their last game in Katowice, against France.

    They Said

    For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

    FIBA

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    AmfAR Venice Gala 2025: Halsey, Paris Jackson and More, Photos – WWD

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  • Chelsea transfers: How Liam Delap’s injury caused a ripple effect across Europe

    Chelsea transfers: How Liam Delap’s injury caused a ripple effect across Europe

    It was supposed to be a calm end to the transfer window in terms of incomings for Chelsea with a plan to sell, sell, sell.

    But when Delap pulled up at 12.44pm on Saturday it sent Chelsea into panic mode, as in the hours before the match AC Milan had completed a move for France forward Christopher Nkunku and Chelsea had allowed Jackson to travel for a medical at Bayern Munich.

    As the seriousness of Delap’s injury became known, Chelsea reneged on the deal with Bayern which prompted an angry reaction from Jackson and his representatives.

    Chelsea explored their options with a move for Harder their plan A, recalling Guiu plan B and sticking with Jackson as a last resort.

    Ultimately, a returning Guiu proved viable and avoided using the final and most difficult option which would have been to force Jackson to return against his wishes.

    Sources close to the deal explained that Chelsea ultimately ended up getting improved terms for Jackson, with Bayern now paying a £14.3m loan fee with an obligation to buy based on appearances made for £56m.

    A total package in excess of £70m would be some return for a player that cost £32m from Villarreal in 2023.

    Remarkably, before all this happened, Chelsea failed with £34.7m bid to sign Barcelona attacker Fermin Lopez but with an openness to negotiate.

    It left Chelsea extremely busy on deadline day while trying to complete around 10 deals in a short period of time.

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  • Environmental Factor – September 2025: Worker Training Program aims to curb exposure-driven chronic disease

    Environmental Factor – September 2025: Worker Training Program aims to curb exposure-driven chronic disease

    Bolstering worker health screenings, training, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can help prevent chronic diseases in workers, according to safety experts supported in part by NIEHS.

    How to protect workers from exposure to environmental contaminants — such as dust, fumes, gases, and other substances that can lead to the development of chronic disease — was top of mind for NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) award recipients during a recent workshop. Chronic diseases develop and persist over time; common examples include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

    “The Worker Training Program is committed to preventing chronic disease, and improving the overall well-being of the U.S. workforce,” said WTP Director Sharon Beard who, together with NIEHS leaders and staff, hosted the recent workshop.

    Since its inception in 1987, the WTP has trained more than 5 million U.S. workers and continues to share training and resources, so workers can protect themselves, their colleagues, and communities from harmful exposures.

    WTP trainees learn how to decontaminate full-body PPE. (Photo courtesy of The Center for Construction Research and Training)

    Screening for lung disease in construction workers

    Construction workers can be exposed to various toxic materials on the job, with asbestos, beryllium, and cadmium being some of the materials of greatest concern, explained Knut Ringen, Dr.P.H., senior scientific advisor at The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). These exposures contribute to a higher risk for lung cancer, COPD, colorectal disease, and cancer.

    The CPWR Building Trades National Medical Screening Program (BTMed), founded by Ringen in 1996, has provided free medical screenings for approximately 30,000 current and former construction workers employed at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities. Screenings include a thorough work history interview to better understand potential exposures, and a medical exam.

    Ringen estimated that the program has prevented 3,000 premature deaths from severe disease and added one-and-a-half years of life for each exam participant. Exam participants also have 27% lower mortality than the general population of construction workers, and 53% lower mortality from colorectal cancer.

    Another program, the Worker Health Protection Program (WHPP), which is funded by WTP‘s long-standing partner, the DOE, has screened more than 35,000 DOE workers for chronic lung diseases, such as asbestosis, silicosis, and COPD, and 14,000 workers for lung cancer since its inception in 1998. WHPP uses a trailer-based lung scanning unit at the Atomic Trades and Labor Council union hall in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to increase participation and encourage follow-up scans. WHPP has achieved a 90% retention rate at this and other sites. From 2000-2024, WHPP detected 230 lung cancers, and approximately 75% of those were early stage, said Steve Markowitz, M.D., Dr.P.H., co-founder and co-director of the WHPP.

    “We think this partnership approach is really key,” said Markowitz. “The scans help catch lung disease at an early stage, when surgery is more likely to be successful.”

    The screening that WHPP offers for other lung diseases is important too, says Markowitz, because it can help current workers understand exposures to dust, vapors, gases, and fumes that may lead to chronic lung diseases. WHPP helps workers identify the occupational connection to their disease, prevent future exposures, and in some cases, provide medical documentation needed for workers’ compensation.

    The Early Lung Cancer Detection Unit in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, helps patients catch signs of lung cancer before symptoms even start. (Photo courtesy of WHPP)
    The Early Lung Cancer Detection Unit in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, helps patients catch signs of lung cancer before symptoms even start. (Photo courtesy of WHPP)

    Promoting regular checkups for miners

    After a period of decline in the 1990s, cases of black lung disease in coal workers have been trending upward since 2000, especially among younger miners, according to Marcus Cervantes, M.D., an occupational medicine physician and assistant professor at West Virginia University. Cervantes partly attributes the uptick to silica dust exposure, which can cause symptoms and lung disease similar to coal dust exposure.

    “The reason we’re seeing a lot more silica is that there’s less coal to mine, so companies are chasing smaller seams of coal surrounded by sandstone,” said Cervantes.

    He added that a lack of appropriate PPE also likely plays a role.

    Cervantes urged WTP award recipients, trainers, and workshop attendees to encourage workers to wear the appropriate PPE and to visit an occupational medicine physician regularly, with the understanding that their job is not in jeopardy if they do so.

    “Please discuss your concerns with occupational physicians — we can give you insight into whether an exposure event or hazard is real and needs more testing, or isn’t an issue,” he said. 

    (Lindsay Key is a senior communications specialist at MDB, Inc., a contractor for the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training.)

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  • Environmental Factor – September 2025: Summer Science Day strengthens connections across NIEHS

    Environmental Factor – September 2025: Summer Science Day strengthens connections across NIEHS

    More than 150 posters lined the Rodbell Auditorium, lobby, and surrounding hallways on the morning of July 31 as NIEHS hosted Summer Science Day. The event served as both a celebration of discovery and a chance to strengthen the institute’s research community.

    “Summer Science Day brought everybody together to share their science,” said event co-organizer Katy Hamilton, who oversees the internship and postbaccalaureate programs in the Office of Fellows’ Carer Development (OFCD) at NIEHS. “This event provided our fellows an excellent opportunity to practice communication skills in a friendly environment. It’s more important than ever to be able to communicate our science to the public.”

    Graduate students, early-career trainees, research fellows, biologists, and staff scientists shared projects spanning molecular biology, toxicology, epidemiology, and structural biology — reflecting the collaborative, multidisciplinary nature of environmental health research at NIEHS.

    Trainees and staff presented their posters in two sessions, allowing them to hone their presentation skills and explore their colleagues’ work. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

    Shared experiences

    For postbaccalaureate fellow Maty Mbye, Summer Science Day provided a welcome opportunity to discuss her research on the hidden perils of botanicals, specifically how some herbal supplements can harm liver cells. Since March, Mbye has been working in the Mechanistic Toxicology Branch under the mentorship of Stephen Ferguson, Ph.D. She described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.

    “I’m learning a lot, not just about the science but also about myself,” said Mbye, who plans to apply for M.D.-Ph.D. programs next year. “I’ve realized I can tolerate a lot of failure and keep going. That’s a big part of research.”

    Postdoctoral fellow Ruchir Bobde, Ph.D., also appreciated the chance to present. Bobde is a structural biologist working in the lab of Carlos Guardia, Ph.D., where he studies a part of the placenta known as the syncytiotrophoblast — a unique multinucleated cell layer crucial for exchanging nutrients between mother and fetus. His work focuses on understanding how a protein called syncytin drives the fusion of cells to form this layer. Disruptions in this process can lead to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia.

    Bobde said he particularly enjoyed engaging with colleagues outside his discipline during the Summer Science Day. 

    “I got a lot of questions and suggestions from people in different research areas, and that really helped me see my project from new angles,” he said. “It was also great to explore other posters and gather ideas for my own work.”

    Strong support network

    Many presentations explored the environmental underpinnings of complex health conditions. Farnaz Fouladi, Ph.D., a staff scientist in the Constrained Statistical Inference Group led by Shyamal Peddada, Ph.D., presented findings from a study examining how the gut microbiome may influence susceptibility to HIV infection. Her analysis revealed distinct microbial patterns and interactions linked to inflammation and disease progression in men who became HIV positive.

    Farnaz Fouladi, Ph.D., explained that her study on HIV susceptibility was hypothesis-generating, raising new questions for further investigation.
    Fouladi explained that her study on HIV susceptibility was hypothesis-generating, raising new questions for further investigation. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

    Fouladi said she liked hearing about the breadth of research underway at NIEHS.

    “It’s nice because we get to learn what’s happening across the institute,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just good to meet people, network, and catch up with colleagues.”

    In addition to specific research projects, the event’s presentations also featured various NIEHS resources and core facilities, such as the Pathology Support Group, which plays a valuable behind-the-scenes role in many research projects.

    “We want to make scientists aware that we are here to support them,” emphasized Renee Fisher, supervisory biologist in the Comparative and Molecular Pathology Branch.

    From project planning to publication, Fisher and her team offer expert consultation and guidance every step of the way. Their mission is to ensure researchers never feel alone in navigating complex scientific challenges because collaboration is key to advancing discovery.

    Summer Science Day was sponsored by OFCD, the Division of Intramural Research, and the Division of Translational Toxicology. Organizers included Hans Luecke, Ph.D., Mercy Arana, Ph.D., Hamilton, and Charles Lipford.

    Ada Martinez, Barbara Williams, and Nabil Elhertani photographed (left to right) with Renee Fisher.
    Fisher, second from the right, said including core facilities in the day’s presentations raised awareness about the resources available to NIEHS researchers. Ada Martinez, Barbara Williams, and Nabil Elhertani photographed (left to right) with Fisher. (Photo courtesy of Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

    (Marla Broadfoot, Ph.D., is a contract writer for the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Liaison.)

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  • KP chief minister orders urgent anti-dengue measures after heavy rains

    KP chief minister orders urgent anti-dengue measures after heavy rains

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed all concerned departments to take immediate steps to prevent a possible dengue outbreak in the province following recent rains, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Tuesday.

    According to an official notice from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, stagnant rainwater has created favorable conditions for the breeding of dengue mosquitoes. Letters have been issued to divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and other relevant departments, instructing them to launch an urgent cleaning and anti-dengue campaign.

    The directives emphasized that special focus should be placed on the drainage of standing water in public places, construction sites, markets, schools, government offices, and drains. The Health Department has been ordered to make advance arrangements in hospitals, ensuring the availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, and treatment for dengue patients. A province-wide surveillance and timely reporting system for dengue cases is also to be developed.

    Local bodies have been instructed to carry out regular spraying and larvicidal measures in sensitive areas, while the Information Department, Health Department, and district administrations will jointly launch a large-scale public awareness campaign using print, electronic, and social media. Citizens are being urged to cover water tanks, drain standing water from homes and neighborhoods, and adopt protective measures such as mosquito nets, repellents, and suitable clothing. Community mobilization through mosques, schools, and local elders will also be part of the campaign.

    The Chief Minister directed all commissioners to submit weekly reports on dengue prevention measures, hospital preparedness, and awareness campaigns. He stressed that dengue prevention is a collective responsibility in which every citizen must play a role, adding that relevant departments are accountable for ensuring effective measures and keeping the public informed.


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  • Interstellar invader comet 3I/ATLAS could be investigated by these spacecraft as it races past the sun: ‘This could be literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’

    Interstellar invader comet 3I/ATLAS could be investigated by these spacecraft as it races past the sun: ‘This could be literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’

    New research investigates the possibility that different spacecraft could visit Comet 3I/ATLAS, giving scientists a unique on-location view of the interstellar visitor, or even offering the chance to collect material that could be much older than the bodies of our solar system.

    Discovered on July 1 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System), 3I/ATLAS is just the third-ever object found drifting through our solar system that is believed to have originated from around another star. It therefore offers scientists a unique opportunity to study material from another planetary system. However, recent examination of this interstellar intruder’s trajectory and its velocity of around 130,000 mph (219,000 km/h) has revealed that it could actually originate from a region of our galaxy much older than the solar system and its immediate surroundings.

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  • Shengelia, Bitadze dominate as Georgia blow out Cyprus

    Shengelia, Bitadze dominate as Georgia blow out Cyprus

    The official EuroBasket app

    LIMASSOL (Cyprus) – Georgia avoided a slip-up before their final decisive game against Bosnia and Herzegovina as they rolled past hosts Cyprus 93-61 for a second victory at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 thanks to a masterful performance by Tornike Shengelia and Goga Bitadze.

    Turning Point

    Cyprus were actually leading the game early in the second quarter before Georgia took charge with a 14-4 run to pull ahead 29-20 and added 10 straight points for a 39-24 cushion. And that decided the game.

    TCL Player of the Game

    Tornike Shengelia was an unstoppable force for the Georgians as the team’s heart and soul poured in 27 points – 12 more than his combined total the first three games. He also collected 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

    Goga Bitadze added 21 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks while Sandro Mamukelashvili chipped in 5 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Darral Willis had 19 points in the loss.

    Stats Don’t Lie

    Georgia held Cyprus to just 20 percent shooting from long range while hitting 52 percent from the field themselves including 15 three-pointers at a 44 percent clip.

    Bottom Line

    Georgia still have everything to play for in their quest to reach the Round of 16 as they face off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final game of the group. Cyprus have one more chance to get their first victory in EuroBasket history as they take on

    They Said

    This game report will be updated in the coming moments. Stay tuned.

    For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

    FIBA

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  • Vuelta a Espana: Jay Vine secures second stage win of 2025 as Jonas Vingegaard takes overall lead

    Vuelta a Espana: Jay Vine secures second stage win of 2025 as Jonas Vingegaard takes overall lead

    Australian Jay Vine secured his second stage win of this year’s Vuelta a Espana on Tuesday as Jonas Vingegaard regained the overall lead.

    After Movistar’s Pablo Castrillo had attacked the remaining members of the breakaway on the final climb, he was reeled in by Vine.

    The 29-year-old UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider pulled clear of Spaniard Castrillo to win by 35 seconds in the Larra-Belagua ski resort near Spain’s border with France to secure the fourth Vuelta stage win of his career.

    Team Visma-Lease a Bike’s Vingegaard finished with a small group of leading contenders just over a minute behind the winner to regain the leader’s red jersey from Torstein Traeen, who was dropped on the final climb.

    “Winning is so, so hard, and it’s such an incredible feeling when it happens,” Vine said.

    “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to winning, because it’s just unbelievably hard.”

    Vine, who won the king of the mountains classification last year, again leads the race for the polka dot jersey, having also won this year’s first mountain stage on Thursday.

    Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is third in the overall rankings while Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock, who finished fifth on Tuesday, is in fourth place in the general classification.

    Stage 11 on Wednesday is a 157.4km medium mountain stage, starting and finishing in Bilbao.

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