Oct 22, 2026 · 6 min listen · Last updated October 22, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Jessica, October 22nd. The day in ten — let's begin with the story drawing the most coverage. Let's get into it. First, from Bloomberg Top. US Orders Some Diplomats to Leave Saudi Arabia.
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US Orders Some Diplomats to Leave Saudi Arabia
The US State Department issued an ordered departure for non-emergency personnel and their families from Saudi Arabia because of the growing threat from Houthi militants in neighboring Yemen. Bloomberg's Stuart Livingstone-Wallace breaks down the situation. (Source: Bloomberg)
US orders some diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate
The US State Department has ordered some diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia as attacks escalate, with three people killed in strikes across the country. Saudi authorities said debris from a drone intercepted during an attempted attack on an oil field killed two people, while one person died after a strike at the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Conflict between Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been rising in the past month.
Electronic Arts to Cut 400 Jobs, Shutter Development Studio BioWare
Electronic Arts, or EA, is making some significant changes by laying off around 400 employees, which is about 3% of its workforce. This includes the closure of BioWare, a beloved studio known for creating iconic games like “Mass Effect” and “Dragon Age.” The decision comes after a thorough review of the company’s operations, as shared by the COO and Chief Studios Officer in a memo to staff. They mentioned that some upcoming projects, including a new “Mass Effect” game that was still in early development, will be canceled.
In their message, the executives emphasized a shift in focus towards areas they believe will yield better opportunities for growth, particularly in sports and action-adventure games, with “Apex Legends” being highlighted as a key title. The closure of BioWare marks the end of an era, as they reflected on the studio’s rich history of storytelling and innovation over the past 30 years.
A spokesperson from BioWare expressed sadness over the closure, acknowledging the studio's impact on both developers and players. They took a moment to celebrate the studio's legacy, mentioning several successful titles that have shaped the gaming landscape. The focus now is on supporting the talented team during this transition, which is undoubtedly a tough time for everyone involved.
This news follows EA's recent transition to private ownership after a major buyout, which has sparked discussions about the company's future direction. The CEO has expressed optimism about this new chapter, aiming to invest in innovation and create exciting new experiences for players. It’s a bittersweet moment, as the gaming community reflects on the changes while hoping for a bright future ahead.
EA is shutting down BioWare, next Mass Effect canceled
EA is shutting down BioWare as a part of 400 job cuts. BioWare will see roughly 50 staff cuts as per a Bloomberg report. With this, the next Mass Effect has been canceled as well among other projects. You can read BioWare's statement below: For more than 30 years, BioWare has been more than a studio. It has been a home for storytellers, developers, and the players who brought our worlds to life. Baldur's Gate. Neverwinter Nights. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Dragon Age. Mass Effect. Anthem.
US orders some diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat
October 22, 2026The US State Department has asked some US diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia because of the threat of Houthi attacks on the Gulf kingdom. At least one person was killed in a strike on a Saudi airport in the eastern city of Dammam on Wednesday, as Washington ordered some diplomats and family members to leave the Gulf country. Saudi Arabia's revived war with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels has intensified in recent weeks, with the Yemeni rebels targeting several major Saudi airports.
Pope Leo will not need further cancer treatment, doctors say
The 71-year-old had surgery last week that confirmed he had lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. What's next? The pope says he wants to proceed with a planned trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru next month, from November 6 to 17. Pope Leo will not need further treatment after undergoing lung cancer surgery last week, his doctors say, indicating that his tumour has not spread. Pope Leo, 71, had the lower lobe of his right lung removed last week in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.
Meta Ordered to Pay $25 Billion Over Cambridge Analytica Privacy Violations
Meta Ordered to Pay $25 Billion for Deceiving Users on Privacy The penalty, one of the largest levied against a tech giant, stemmed from a lawsuit by New Mexico claiming the social media company had misled users about their data privacy. A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion on Wednesday for deceiving users about its data privacy practices, one of the largest penalties levied against a tech giant.
"Our strategy is working," Iannone said in the memo, adding that "continuing to capture the significant opportunity ahead requires us to make thoughtful choices about where we focus and invest." He said affected staff would be informed in the coming days.Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Star Wars Battlefront 3 Reportedly In Development By EA’s Top Shooter Studios
Included in the shocking news of EA's restructuring, which includes layoffs and the closure of BioWare, is a mention from the publisher that Apex Legends studio Respawn Entertainment and Battlefield maker DICE are collaborating on a project. According to a report, that project is a long-awaited sequel set in a galaxy far, far away. Per Variety, which cites "multiple sources," the DICE and Respawn project is Star Wars Battlefront 3.