Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News will be the focus at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, when Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys, to examine how mounting legal pressure is reshaping local reporting and what that means for the communities that depend on it.

Jeremy Clarkson offers to stand as MP to unseat Ed Miliband

Jeremy Clarkson offers to stand as MP to unseat Ed Miliband: The ex-Top Gear host teased a run in Doncaster North, asking locals on social media if they’re “happy” with their MP and whether they’d like “someone from your neck of the woods” to kick him out. Clarkson, 65, was born in Doncaster but now presides over his 1,000-acre Diddly Squat farm in Oxfordshire; Miliband, London-born and PPE-minted at Oxford, was later parachuted into the seat. A recent YouGov MRP has Miliband trailing a Reform UK challenger by six points, though Clarkson seems unlikely to don Reform teal after torching Nigel Farage’s maths on tax and spending and mocking his “small boats” retreat. Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe endorsed Clarkson anyway. From Diddly Squat to the green benches—because in British politics, the only thing more fashionable than parachutes is a tractor.

Jason Clarke Embraces the Nonstop Adventure of 'Last Frontier'

Jason Clarke embraces the nonstop adventure of “The Last Frontier,” saying the Apple TV+ series hooked him with its pulse of pure adventure. The Brotherhood and Zero Dark Thirty star sounds perfectly happy trading quiet character beats for full-throttle momentum—because apparently rest is for people without a streaming schedule to fill.

New approach focuses on social skills to support recovery in people with schizophrenia

New approach focuses on social skills to support recovery in people with schizophrenia: Researchers at Case Western Reserve University say helping patients better interpret social cues could mark a major shift in treatment, pushing recovery beyond symptom checklists toward real-world functioning. In a novel twist, the system remembers people are social creatures—imagine that—making everyday connection a core part of healing.

Excerpt from The Edge of Everything by Lottie Williams

Excerpt from The Edge of Everything by Lottie Williams finds the debut author in a shallow Cambrian Mountains valley beside the young, tea-stained Tywi, using glacier-smoothed stones and glinting “diamonds” on the water to meditate on deep time. A pebble becomes a portal from Paleozoic seas through the cataclysmic Great Dying to life’s slow recovery, compressing eons into a palm’s warmth. The result is a lyrical reflection on Earth’s resilience and the fragile conditions that make our existence possible—no tasting notes in the river, just awe.

FBI seeks public help 40 years after California bombing that killed Palestinian activist

FBI seeks public help 40 years after California bombing that killed Palestinian activist, announcing the decades-old case remains open and investigators are renewing their appeal for tips as they continue to pursue leads in the long-unsolved attack.

Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act continue to face setbacks

Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act continue to face setbacks, even after more than 70 attempts over 15 years. Their closest brush with victory came via President Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill, which quietly unraveled key parts of the law and is expected to push millions off coverage—but that “win” is now politically radioactive, backfiring on the very party that promised repeal would be easy and painless.

Unemployment Among Black Americans Is Rising Again

Unemployment Among Black Americans Is Rising Again, two years after a record low—a warning sign in an economy where downturns hit marginalized groups hardest and recoveries arrive last. And this time, the Trump administration’s assault on diversity programs and cuts to the federal workforce could make it even tougher for Black workers to rebound—because nothing says “smart policy” like pulling up the ladder just as the climb gets steep.

Kane Williamson to miss New Zealand’s T20 series against England

Kane Williamson will miss New Zealand’s T20 series against England, depriving the Black Caps of their batting metronome, but captain Mitchell Santner returns from injury to steer the side—so England’s relief comes with a left-arm, all-round sting.

Mounting legal threats to press freedom—and their impact on local news

Mounting legal threats to press freedom—and their impact on local news—take center stage at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, when Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys, because apparently journalism now requires a legal chaperone.

DraftKings Extends $200 Bonus Offer for NFL Week 6

DraftKings Extends $200 Bonus Offer for NFL Week 6: The sportsbook is dangling a familiar carrot—bet $5 cash on any Sunday NFL market as your first wager, win it, and you’ll get $200 in bonus bets. The payout arrives as eight $25 credits, usable over seven days. It’s for new customers only, with the usual sign-up drill: minimum $10 deposit plus name, age, address, email, device geolocation, and a secure payment method. Sweeteners on the app include an NFL parlay boost, a touchdown-based promo with bonus-bet prizes, early-exit protection for injury-derailed wagers, and even MLB live home-run boosts. In short, eight little betting coupons for the price of one winning pick—because nothing says “football weekend” like turning a victory lap into store credit.

Wales Showcased in Japan as Theatr Cymru's "Dawns y Ceirw" Goes International

Wales showcased in Japan as Theatr Cymru’s “Dawns y Ceirw” goes international, with the Welsh-language national theatre reviving its acclaimed children’s production for an autumn tour to Tokyo and Hokkaido. Written and performed by Casi Wyn, the bilingual show—Welsh with Japanese narration and real-time captions via Theatr Cymru’s Sibrwd app—plays the Lifestyle Design Centre in Setagaya as part of the Setagaya Public Theatre Street Festival on 18–19 October, then UPOPOY National Ainu Museum in Shiraoi on 22 October. The gentle tale of a lonely deer finding courage and belonging comes alive through live performance, original music by Wyn, and movement from dancers Osian Meilir (Qwerin) and Ruby Portus, with direction by Artistic Director Steffan Donnelly. At UPOPOY, the company will join Ainu artists for workshops on minoritised languages and creative practice—proof that a children’s show can do more for cultural diplomacy than most glossy trade junkets. Part of the Year of Wales and Japan, the tour is supported by Wales Arts International/Arts Council of Wales, the British Council, and the Welsh Government through the Wales and Japan 2025 Cultural Fund.

On this day in 1988, Steve Jobs unveiled the NeXT Computer, “The Cube,” later used to develop the World Wide Web, Doom, and Quake

On this day in 1988, Steve Jobs unveiled the NeXT Computer—“The Cube”—a sleek black box that looked like modern art and cost like it. Unapologetically premium and unapologetically influential, it went on to help birth the World Wide Web and power the development of Doom and Quake, proving that sometimes the reality distortion field actually delivers.

Sam Altman suggests that if some jobs disappear, they may not have been “real work” to begin with

Sam Altman suggests that if some jobs disappear, they may not have been “real work” to begin with, telling an OpenAI DevDay audience that a time-traveling farmer would see many modern knowledge gigs as “playing a game,” while farming is “real work.” He added this makes him “a little less worried,” betting on human drive to “find plenty of things to do” as AI threatens existing roles. Comforting—like being reassured by the architect of the avalanche that the snow will figure itself out.

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news take center stage at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, when Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys—because these days, defending journalism often starts in a courtroom.

Wales vs Belgium: Five Key Talking Points Ahead of the World Cup Qualifier

Wales vs Belgium: Five Key Talking Points Ahead of the World Cup Qualifier — the Red Wall rolls into Cardiff City Stadium with everything suddenly back on the table after Belgium’s 0-0 faceplant against North Macedonia.

- The stakes: Top spot in Group J and automatic qualification are alive again. North Macedonia lead but have played a game more; Belgium and Wales trail by one and two points respectively. Wales’ fate is back in their own hands.

- The path: Three wins — home to Belgium and North Macedonia, away to bottom-dwelling Liechtenstein — and Wales punch their ticket next summer. The Nations League safety net means a play-off is virtually in the bag, but perhaps don’t plan on using it.

- The start: Craig Bellamy’s side can’t keep gift-wrapping 3-0 head starts to elite teams. Belgium blasted them early in June before a late De Bruyne dagger; England did the same at Wembley with no comeback. Out of the blocks fast, or out of luck.

- The centurion: Ben Davies earns cap No. 100, joining Bale, Gunter and Hennessey. A model of consistency since 2012 at left-back or centre-back, and now quietly eyeing Bale’s 111. Not flashy, just relentlessly reliable — how terribly unfashionable.

- The X-factors: Wales need the real Brennan Johnson — 18 goals for Spurs last season and a Europa League final winner — to show up, not the lethargic Wembley version outplayed by Djed Spence. For Belgium, keep both eyes on Jeremy Doku: Bellamy knows him from Anderlecht, Wales couldn’t contain him in Brussels, and he’s started at City like he’s been plugged directly into the mains.

University Accused of Using AI to Wrongly Flag Students for Cheating

University Accused of Using AI to Wrongly Flag Students for Cheating — at Australian Catholic University, students were branded cheaters by Turnitin’s AI detector, then told to prove they were human. Nursing student Madeleine saw her final-year results withheld for six months during job applications, while integrity officers demanded handwritten notes and even full browser histories—because nothing says “academic integrity” like a fishing expedition without a warrant. The university logged nearly 6,000 alleged cheating cases in 2024, about 90% AI-related, though leadership now says that figure was “substantially overstated.” ACU claims any case relying solely on Turnitin’s AI score was dismissed and about a quarter of referrals were thrown out, yet students say investigations dragged on and derailed their careers. Turnitin itself warns its AI tool shouldn’t be the sole basis for penalties; ACU quietly stopped using it in March. In short: guilty until proven human, courtesy of a glitchy robot and a bureaucracy that outsourced judgment, then forgot to return it.

Bilal Fawaz Wins English Super-Welterweight Title, Unaware of Victory

Bilal Fawaz wins the English super-welterweight title—unaware he’d won—after edging previously unbeaten Junaid Bostan by majority decision in a hard-fought, tactical bout at Sheffield Arena. The 37-year-old delivered the night’s most memorable moment: claiming a belt first, realizing it second—because in boxing, sometimes the scorecards need to tell even the winner what just happened.

Ariana Grande unveils Wicked-themed Elphaba and Glinda perfumes; fans divided

Ariana Grande unveils Wicked-themed Elphaba and Glinda perfumes; fans divided as Glinda Bubbly goes bright and floral while Elphaba Enchanted leans moody and woody—prompting fragrance diehards to praise each for very different reasons. In true Oz fashion, it’s Team Sparkle vs. Team Spellbook, and the real winner is the merch table.

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local journalism

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local journalism take center stage as Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys—because nothing says “accountability” like thin-skinned officials and deep-pocketed interests trying to sue questions out of existence.

Ben Davies in top form for Wales ahead of milestone appearance

Ben Davies in top form for Wales ahead of milestone appearance: At 32, the Wales captain is set to win his 100th cap against Belgium on Monday, becoming only the fourth Welshman to reach a century after Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter and Wayne Hennessey—and with his ironman consistency, he’s even tracking down Bale’s 111-cap record. Craig Bellamy called the Tottenham defender “beyond impressive,” praising a Canada showing he said was as good as he’s ever seen from Davies, and raving about his leadership to the point of predicting he could be a future manager, director of football, or—why not—CEO. Davies has been a defensive lynchpin through Wales’ golden era, from Euro 2016’s semifinal run and that famous goal-line save against Slovakia to Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. Even without playing every week at Spurs, he keeps turning up for Wales like clockwork and setting the standard. As for the stakes: Wales must beat Belgium in Cardiff to keep hopes of topping Group J and booking an automatic ticket to the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, though a Nations League safety net likely guarantees a play-off.

Bella Italia to offer free meals next week — how to take part

Bella Italia to offer free meals next week — how to take part: On October 15, bring an unopened packet of dried pasta to one of 70+ participating Bella Italia restaurants and, when you buy at least one menu item, you’ll get a complimentary pasta dish worth around £15—the least expensive pasta main if you order multiples. Any shape counts—spaghetti, penne, fusilli—just dine in; no takeaway, delivery, click-and-collect, or stacking with discounts, set menus, or vouchers. Tables of up to six can join. The donated pasta goes to local food banks—a rare win-win where you twirl, and someone else gets a full plate too.

Roman building hidden beneath Leadenhall Market was larger than St Paul’s Cathedral

Roman building hidden beneath Leadenhall Market was larger than St Paul’s Cathedral: beneath the market lies a colossal Roman basilica and forum that once out-sized St Paul’s and stood as the largest of its kind north of the Alps. The Romans built a civic giant; London later put a market on top—because of course it did.

Kent village edge housing plan draws scores of objections citing fears of ‘chaos and misery’

Kent village edge housing plan draws scores of objections citing fears of ‘chaos and misery,’ as locals warn the village simply doesn’t have the infrastructure for more dwellings. In other words: maybe build the capacity before the houses—an exotic concept in developer-speak, where infrastructure often arrives on the same schedule as unicorns.

London’s top airport has been named — and it’s not Heathrow

London’s top airport has been named — and it’s not Heathrow: Condé Nast Traveller has crowned London City the best in the UK, edging out Heathrow and Gatwick as discerning globetrotters opt for convenience over sprawling shopping mazes and epic security queues. Turns out the tiny runway delivers a smoother takeoff than the giant egos.

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news take center stage at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, when Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys.

Ersson, Brink impress despite 4-3 overtime loss to Carolina

Ersson, Brink impress despite 4-3 overtime loss to Carolina, which is a polite way of saying the Flyers’ two best players didn’t get the ending they earned. Sam Ersson swallowed 36 of 40 shots to keep Philly alive, and Bobby Brink scored and later threaded the pass that let Travis Sanheim blast home the 3-3 equalizer with four minutes left. The night began with Owen Tippett’s late first-period power-play strike—Trevor Zegras’s first point as a Flyer on the setup—before a second-period carousel saw Logan Stankoven tie it, Brink restore the lead, and Taylor Hall and Jordan Staal flip it to 3-2 ‘Canes. In overtime, Brink briefly had the winner before officials wiped it for goalie interference on Sanheim; seconds later Seth Jarvis ended it. Rookie debuts delivered: Jett Luchanko looked the part, and Nikita Grebenkin grabbed his first NHL point after accidentally parking on the defensemen’s bench—vibes immaculate, seat selection less so. Discipline still wobbly, Matvei Michkov had a quiet night and no OT shift, and the shots read CAR 40, PHI 23. The Hurricanes got the points; Ersson and Brink got the moral victory no one asked for.

Sino-U.S. Dispute Over Taiwan’s Post–World War II Status Reflects Shifting Geopolitical Climate

Sino-U.S. Dispute Over Taiwan’s Post–World War II Status Reflects Shifting Geopolitical Climate, as Washington’s de facto embassy in Taipei chides Beijing for “mischaracterizing” the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and the San Francisco Treaty to bolster its claim over the island. Those WWII-era texts are a lawyer’s playground: Cairo pointed Formosa back to the ROC, Potsdam nodded at Cairo but didn’t name the island, and San Francisco had Japan renounce Taiwan without saying who got it—leaving the ROC and PRC to read the same footnotes as proof they own the book. The spat arrives as the New Cold War pivots from containing Russia in Europe to containing China in Asia, with critics arguing the U.S. is selectively “revising” WWII outcomes—cheerleading German and Japanese remilitarization while insisting it’s all perfectly legal if you squint hard enough. Moscow and Beijing call this one-sided history editing; Washington calls it strategy. Meanwhile, the UNSC’s ideal “controlled transition” to a new order is fantasy-land after U.S. exits from arms-control pacts helped shred the old security architecture. Translation: everyone’s an amateur historian now, chiefly when the archives can be weaponized.

Bose SoundTouch Wi‑Fi Speakers to Lose Smart Features

Bose SoundTouch Wi‑Fi Speakers to Lose Smart Features: A decade after debuting in 2013 with app-based streaming and multi-room sync, Bose will pull the plug on February 18, 2026, retiring the SoundTouch app and cloud integrations. After that, even the fancy SoundTouch 520 is just a Bluetooth-or-aux box with premium nostalgia. Officially, that’s the end. Unofficially, tinkerers note the Linux-based units have been rooted before, and some of those tricks reportedly still work—so the “smart” may live on, just not under Bose’s supervision. Moral of the smart-home saga: the internet part is a lease, the hardware is yours, and when corporations ghost the product, hackers send the rescue party.

Marks & Spencer’s £28 ‘non-crease’ work trousers described as comfortable all day

Marks & Spencer’s £28 ‘non-crease’ work trousers are being hailed as comfortable all day, with shoppers praising the well-made, smart-looking fit—apparently a rare pair that survives both the commute and the conference room without folding under pressure.

Partial Outage Affecting Apps SDK Dev Mode

Partial Outage Affecting Apps SDK Dev Mode—now resolved. All impacted services have fully recovered, and Connectors are operational. You may resume breaking things in Dev Mode on purpose instead of by surprise.

Mounting legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news

Mounting legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news take center stage as Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys—because when lawsuits become the favorite tool to muzzle coverage, communities deserve to know what’s at stake.

Husband of woman filmed removing Oct. 7 memorial ribbons alleges she was attacked by Mossad

Husband of woman filmed removing Oct. 7 memorial ribbons alleges she was attacked by Mossad — a claim he says followed his wife, 36-year-old PhD researcher Nadia Yahlom, being confronted after she was recorded cutting yellow “Bring Them Home” ribbons from the fence of a Muswell Hill synagogue and declaring the memorial “condoning genocide.” Police questioned her under caution and are investigating the incident as racially motivated criminal damage and a public order offense. Her Palestinian actor husband, Mo’min Swaitat, alleged on social media that an extremist gang “probably working for Mossad” attacked them, a charge offered without evidence. Yahlom’s mother says the family has faced death threats since the footage circulated and disputes statements attributed to her daughter. The journalist who filmed the encounter said there’s been no apology, while the University of Westminster, where Yahlom studies, affirmed there is no place for discrimination.

Former Trump Adviser John Bolton Could Soon Face Federal Charges

Former Trump Adviser John Bolton Could Soon Face Federal Charges, with the ex–national security adviser potentially facing action as early as next week for allegedly mishandling classified documents—because in Washington, “top secret” too often reads like “take-home optional.”

Key details on the upcoming 'No Kings' protests

Key details on the upcoming 'No Kings' protests: On Oct. 18, demonstrators will once again hit the streets nationwide for “No Kings Day,” a coordinated pushback against the Trump administration—because in a republic, the Oval Office is a lease, not a throne. The series kicked off June 14 and has continued as a coast-to-coast reminder that presidential power doesn’t come with a crown or a scepter, no matter how many gold-plated bathrooms you’ve toured.

Mortal Kombat III Officially in Development, Announced at New York Comic Con

Mortal Kombat III Officially in Development, Announced at New York Comic Con — because when studios catch the scent of a flawless victory, they mash the sequel button early. Screenwriter Jeremy Slater says he’s already writing MKIII after New Line and Warner Bros., buoyed by reactions to Mortal Kombat II, hired him for the next round. First up: Mortal Kombat II now lands May 16, 2026—bumped from fall 2025—with director Simon McQuoid framing the delay as a “victim of its own success” and a strategic move to kick off summer. The NYCC panel rolled out Karl Urban (Johnny Cage), Adeline Rudolph (Kitana), Tati Gabrielle (Jade), and Martyn Ford (Shao Kahn), joining returnees Lewis Tan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jessica McNamee, and more. Attendees also got a behind-the-scenes reel and a first look at Baraka vs. Johnny Cage, with Cage arriving alongside Liu Kang, Sonya, and Jax to recruit Baraka against Shao Kahn—capped by Johnny’s sunglasses-as-batsuit moment.

Ian Watkins, Rock Musician Convicted of Child Sex Offenses, Dies After Prison Assault

Ian Watkins, the Welsh rock musician convicted of child sex offenses and former Lostprophets frontman, died after a prison assault, authorities said. He was stabbed in a Yorkshire, England facility on Saturday. Watkins was 48.

Rugby League: The Super League

Rugby League: The Super League reaches its climax at Old Trafford, where Hull KR face Wigan Warriors for the title. One will hoist the trophy; the other will call it “valuable experience” while pretending not to hear the confetti cannons.

Hull KR defeat Wigan to secure first Super League title

Hull KR defeat Wigan to secure first Super League title, toppling the Warriors in the Grand Final to lift the crown for the first time and complete a historic treble—proof that, occasionally, fairytales do clock in on schedule.

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news

Rising legal threats to press freedom and their impact on local news take center stage at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, when Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys—a timely reality check for anyone who thinks democracy thrives while muzzling the hometown press.

Live Scorecard: Dave Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov

Live Scorecard: Dave Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov — World Boxing News is ringside in Sheffield with round-by-round updates as Allen enters a career-defining heavyweight test against the formidable Makhmudov, a man better known for raw power than small talk. Follow the live scorecard as the main event unfolds.

Ian Watkins, rock singer and convicted child sex offender, dies in prison attack

Ian Watkins, the Welsh musician and former Lostprophets frontman who was convicted of child sexual offenses, died after being stabbed in a prison attack in Yorkshire, England, on Saturday. He was 48.

Bath score five tries to beat Gloucester and go top of the Premiership

Bath score five tries to beat Gloucester and go top of the Premiership, bagging the bonus point and a view from the summit. Gloucester mounted a spirited second-half comeback, but Bath held firm—five-try swagger beats late drama every time.

WD Gold 14TB enterprise-class HDD now $240 after $80 discount, about 1.7¢ per GB

WD Gold 14TB enterprise-class HDD now $240 after an $80 discount—about 1.7¢ per GB—as Western Digital’s reliably solid Gold line hits clearance; use the discount code to snag enterprise-grade mass storage at a decidedly mortal price, perfect for anyone whose data diet outgrew “just use the cloud” several terabytes ago.

Nobel Peace Laureate Dedicates Prize to Trump

Nobel Peace Laureate Dedicates Prize to Trump: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, honored by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for her work advancing democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela, says she’s dedicating the award to President Donald Trump. On Fox & Friends Weekend, Machado called Trump “courageous,” crediting his actions with bringing Venezuela to “the threshold of freedom” and—her words—helping “solve” multiple wars while aiding efforts to dismantle “criminal structures.” Trump told CNN she called to accept the prize in his honor, joked he didn’t ask for it, and said he’s been helping her “along the way.” And in the background chorus, White House communications director Steven Cheung blasted the Nobel Committee for putting “politics over peace.” So yes, it’s a Nobel by shout‑out: the rare awards ceremony where the acceptance speech doubles as a campaign ad.

Trump Says Troops Will Be Paid During Government Shutdown

Trump says troops will be paid during the government shutdown, claiming he’s ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” so service members get their Oct. 15 paychecks as Congress stays stuck in neutral. Without the move, troops were set to miss their first full paycheck since the shutdown began, according to the Wall Street Journal. Politico reports the Pentagon is scraping the cash from research and development accounts—because nothing says readiness like funding today’s pay with tomorrow’s progress.

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News take center stage at 6 p.m. Oct. 28, when Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys. Because nothing says “robust democracy” like journalists needing a legal sherpa just to report the truth—so yes, bring your questions and your civic spine.

Man allegedly used device to release cloud of pool chemicals to distract during shoplifting

Man allegedly used device to release cloud of pool chemicals to distract during shoplifting—then pleaded guilty and got a potential half-century to think about it. Michigan’s Alexae Kamron Johnson, 39, admitted to two counts of retail fraud, placing an explosive device with intent to alarm, and being a habitual offender. Judge Annette R. Smedley sentenced him to 5 to 50 years.

Back in September 2024 at a Meijer in Fruitport Township, police say a small plastic bottle dispensed pool-cleaning chemicals into the air, creating a chlorine-reeking cloud that sent four people to the hospital for treatment and drew a HazMat response. Amid the chaos, Johnson rolled out with $1,000–$2,000 in electronics. In court, he blamed a mental health crisis; the judge noted the harm and wasn’t moved. A DIY chemical distraction for a cart of gadgets, traded for decades in state custody—criminal masterminds, please take notes.

Liz Saville Roberts outlines vision for inclusive Welsh nationalism in conference speech

Liz Saville Roberts outlines vision for inclusive Welsh nationalism in conference speech — in Swansea, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader pitched a nationalism that opens doors rather than slams them, rooting Welsh identity in compassion, belonging, and community as the party casts itself as a government-in-waiting ahead of next May’s Senedd election. The south-east London–born Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP leaned on her own journey—finding the Welsh language and “a place I belong” at Aberystwyth—to argue that “anyone can be Welsh” if they’re committed to the place and its people. She warned against rising anti-migrant sentiment and far-right rhetoric, calling for “Welshness that welcomes,” as polling suggests Plaid ahead of Labour with Reform UK in second. Party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth backed the pitch with a “transformative” childcare offer: up to 20 hours free a week from nine months to age four for 48 weeks a year, touted as the most generous in Wales and worth over £30,000 to families. He also swatted at Nigel Farage’s Reform, insisting Wales is not their playground.

Blind Item #3

Blind Item #3: That shock television firing this week wasn’t creative differences—it was the fallout from an affair that went very, very wrong in the final act.

Dozens Killed in Drone Strike on Besieged Sudanese City

Dozens were killed in a drone strike on the besieged Sudanese city of El-Fasher, which has been surrounded by the RSF for 17 months, compounding a siege that’s already left residents facing hunger and starvation.

Police say 82-year-old woman allegedly planned to kill her husband during a medical visit, citing an inability to care for him

Police say 82-year-old woman allegedly planned to kill her husband during a medical visit, citing an inability to care for him: Authorities in Beaufort County, South Carolina, have charged Harriett Recker with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after her husband, 81-year-old Dennis Recker, was shot on the morning of Sept. 12 at Preston Health Center in Hilton Head. Deputies say staff found Harriett at his bedside holding a revolver as Dennis clutched his chest and said, “She shot me.” He later died despite emergency care. Investigators cite premeditation, pointing to notes found in her purse and home—and sent to a neighbor—saying she wasn’t “strong enough” to handle his needs. Dennis had been admitted the day before; it’s unclear what he was being treated for. Prosecutors have sent the case to a grand jury. A grim intersection of caregiver desperation and a gun, with irreversible consequences.

Biden Undergoes Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Biden undergoes radiation therapy for prostate cancer, with the 82-year-old former US president also receiving hormone treatment after an aggressive diagnosis in May.

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News: Spotlight PA will host a live conversation at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys, to examine how legal threats are squeezing local outlets—because nothing says “public service” like trying to gag the people who keep the public informed.

Trump Vows to Fire Workers He Says Are Aligned With Democrats

Trump Vows to Fire Workers He Says Are Aligned With Democrats: President Trump said he plans to fire “a lot” of federal workers in retaliation for the government shutdown, targeting those he deems “Democrat-oriented” because “they started this thing.” Bold management philosophy: blame the bureaucracy, threaten mass firings, and let civil-service laws and the Hatch Act sort out the punchline.

Trump Accelerates His Agenda

Trump Accelerates His Agenda: In a 48-hour blitz, President Trump ordered mass layoffs of federal workers, threatened a sharp tariff hike on China, and flexed his grip on the Justice Department as his newly installed U.S. attorney in eastern Virginia secured an unusual indictment of New York’s attorney general over career prosecutors’ objections. Next, he heads to the Middle East to sign a deal he helped clinch to halt the fighting in Gaza. Buoyed by scant resistance in his first nine months, he’s reportedly told aides he’s surprised how easy it’s been—quiet part, meet loudspeaker.

Layoffs Amid Trump’s Shutdown Deepen Impasse

Layoffs amid Trump’s shutdown deepen the impasse as Virginia senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner—normally first to join the Senate’s bipartisan “gangs” of dealmakers—refuse to budge. Representing a state packed with federal workers, they’re channeling constituents furious that the White House is treating the shutdown as a convenient bulldozer to shrink government. Translation: the usual off-ramp is closed, brinkmanship is the route of choice, and the people who keep the lights on are footing the bill for a power play.

Momentum Introduces Vida E+ with Larger Motor and Enhanced Throttle Control

Momentum introduces the Vida E+ with a larger motor and enhanced throttle control, turning its laid-back commuter/cruiser into a punchy, do-it-all e-bike. The new 500W SyncDrive Move S rear hub puts out 60Nm of torque with smooth sensor-driven delivery that kicks in with as little as 4Nm of pedal pressure. You get Class 3 pedal assist up to 28 mph and, for the first time on this model, an optional Class 2 throttle for up to 20 mph no-pedal cruising. The Energy 700 battery claims up to 55 miles on assist or 43 miles on throttle-only. UL 2849 certification, four-piston hydraulic brakes with motor cutoff, an 80mm fork, 26 x 2.4-inch tires, and a 300-pound load rating round it out. Range anxiety takes a sabbatical; your legs can, too.

Girl Tearfully Says Goodbye to Broken AI Toy After Father Says It Won’t Turn On Again

Girl Tearfully Says Goodbye to Broken AI Toy After Father Says It Won’t Turn On Again — a viral clip from China shows a sobbing child bidding farewell to her shattered AI learning companion as it delivers one last lesson on “memory” and a gentle pep talk before going quiet. The device, likely a XiaoZhi AI Voice Chat Robot Ball powered by DeepSeek’s models, turns a household mishap into a crash course in artificial companionship. Viewers called it both touching and unnerving—a reminder that machines can now mimic tenderness with disconcerting ease. And as AI companions for kids spread—from classroom pushes backed by big tech to hospital support bots like Robin—the ethics look about as straightforward as a minefield. Welcome to 2025, where a broken plastic shell with exposed wires can still manage a kinder goodbye than most CEOs.

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News

Rising Legal Threats to Press Freedom and Their Impact on Local News take center stage as Spotlight PA hosts a live conversation at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 with Michael Berry, one of the nation’s leading First Amendment attorneys. Expect a clear-eyed look at how lawsuits, gag orders, and legal intimidation are squeezing local outlets — and what can be done to push back. Because democracy doesn’t run on cease-and-desist letters.

North London shipping-container village divides opinion over aesthetics and support for small businesses

North London’s shipping-container village is splitting opinion: supporters see a low-cost lifeline for small businesses, while critics clutch pearls over the aesthetics. The council wants the units removed, prompting the site owner to label its reasoning “almost childish.” Bureaucrats policing curb appeal while entrepreneurs try to pay rent—what a very on-brand civic showdown.

Paco Cabezas on Producing Films in Spain and Hollywood

Paco Cabezas on Producing Films in Spain and Hollywood: the Seville-born genre blender who directed hits like Wednesday and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon shows you can conquer Los Angeles without ghosting Madrid. His style—equal parts grit and mischief—took him from Spain to Hollywood, and he’s still doubling back, pushing Spanish projects like La novia gitana while keeping the U.S. pipeline humming. Turns out you can ride the studio roller coaster and still make the hometown train.

Name the Footballers: Take the Quiz

Name the Footballers: Take the Quiz—our Guess the Footballers challenge is back, with 10 players to identify. Sharpen your eye, flex your trivia muscles, and prove you can spot a legend faster than a VAR check on a Tuesday night.

Hodgkinson closes season with Athlos victory in New York

Hodgkinson closes season with Athlos victory in New York, as Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson capped her 800m campaign Friday night by winning the all-female meet—signing off with the kind of tidy finish most politicians can only dream of.

Sky offers Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal with a £449 bonus

Sky offers Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal with a £449 bonus by bundling a free Watch8 Classic for a limited time—corporate-speak for “buy the phone now, grab the watch before the clock runs out.”

As gut health trends surge, experts offer five tips to separate fact from myth

As gut health trends surge, experts offer five tips to separate fact from myth—an overdue reality check for a wellness economy that can’t tell a microbiome from a marketing plan. Euronews Health breaks down how to distinguish evidence-based guidance from influencer hype, so your stomach isn’t the only thing full of culture.

Study links excessive screen time to poorer early school performance in children

Study links excessive screen time to poorer early school performance in children: researchers found that kids logging lots of screen hours tend to score lower in early reading and maths—surprising only to the marketing departments of “educational” apps.

Claims of Left-Wing Bias in World Mental Health Day

Claims of Left-Wing Bias in World Mental Health Day: Steven Tucker says World Mental Health Day has wandered into partisan territory, likening the Mental Health Foundation’s printable “affirmation cards” to an Alan Partridge sketch. He makes the case in The Daily Sceptic—because apparently even mental health needs a culture-war cameo now.

UK island ranked the best place to see the Northern Lights, well-suited for a winter getaway

A UK island has been ranked the best place to see the Northern Lights—conveniently doubling as a winter getaway for those who prefer their frost with a side of spectacle. Even better, there are expected to be more opportunities to catch the aurora this winter, so yes, your cold-weather pilgrimage might actually pay off in something brighter than a gray sky and a lukewarm cocoa.

1p-per-hour device helps households cut central heating use

1p-per-hour device helps households cut central heating use, with more people turning to low-cost electric throws that cost about a penny an hour to run. The plug-in blankets deliver targeted warmth so families can dial down the central heating and still stay comfortable—because nothing says modern innovation like beating winter with a blanket and a wall socket.