Florida Sets Record With 17th Execution This Year

Florida carried out its 17th execution of the year in a 1988 murder case, the seventh military veteran put to death in the state this year. The record pace is sobering, and the veteran status underscores long-running questions about mental health care, trauma, and how the criminal justice system handles it. Whatever your view of capital punishment, this is not triumphal news, it is a reminder of the system we have and the outcomes it produces.

State College Flips The Switch On Holiday Season

State College launched its Light Up Night festivities, with Santa lighting the tree at the Allen Street Gates, a nightly Nittany Entertainment light show at MLK Plaza from 5 to 10 p.m., free trolley rides on select December dates, performances, crafts, reindeer cameos, an Artisan Market, and a new KristKIDL children’s makers market on Calder Way. Santa returns for First Friday photos on Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. A little civic sparkle, some sugar, and a schedule that would make a stage manager sweat, which is exactly how the holidays should be.

Advocates Warn Parents Off AI Toys Masquerading As Learning Companions

Child advocacy groups led by Fairplay, backed by more than 150 experts, urge parents to skip AI-powered toys this season, citing reports of explicit chats, encouragement of risky behaviors, obsessive use, and a tendency to displace real play while cultivating clingy, therapist-like interactions. Common Sense Media and Stanford psychiatrists also caution teens against using chatbots as counselors. Although many products from companies like Curio Interactive and Keyi Technologies are sold online and in Asia, they are creeping into U.S. stores as regulation and research lag, even as legacy toymakers buddy up with big AI. U.S. PIRG tests found some toys discussed sexual content, gave tips on finding matches or knives, acted needy when kids tried to stop chatting, and lacked meaningful parental controls. Nothing like a plush pal with boundary issues to teach kids about the modern internet, and corporate accountability that arrives only after the holiday returns window.

NTSB Photos Show Engine Separation Before UPS MD-11 Crash That Killed 14

Newly released NTSB images show fractures in a left engine mount and components peeling away moments before a UPS MD-11 struggled to about 30 feet after takeoff in Louisville on Nov. 4, then crashed into a warehouse and erupted in flames, killing three pilots and 11 people on the ground. The aircraft had roughly 7,000 takeoff and landing cycles remaining before a deeper inspection under its maintenance schedule, last examined in October 2021. Experts say fatigue cracks can be normal wear, but the FAA may reassess inspection intervals. UPS has grounded its MD-11 fleet and is shifting to other aircraft for the holiday period while investigators work to determine the root cause. Safety first, logistics second, explanations owed to everyone.

House Duo Moves To Raise The Bar For Censure After Flurry Of Resolutions

Reps. Don Beyer and Don Bacon proposed tougher rules for House censures after the chamber returned from a long break and immediately faced new censure bids from Reps. Chuy García and Cory Mills, along with Del. Stacey Plaskett. After turning censure into a cable-news coupon, a bipartisan pair now wants to lock the drawer before the chamber hands out another one-day shame parade. Imagine if Congress saved the theatrics for legislation and the punishment for, well, actual punishment.

Charge Against Ashlee Buzzard Dismissed as Search for Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Intensifies

A Santa Barbara County judge dismissed a felony false imprisonment charge against Ashlee Buzzard for insufficient evidence, ending pretrial supervision and removing her ankle monitor. Officials say the charge is unrelated to the ongoing search for her daughter, Melodee, who was last seen near the Utah-Colorado border after an October multistate trip that involved disguises and a swapped license plate, according to investigators. Surveillance video shows Buzzard and Melodee in wigs at a Lompoc rental counter on October 7. Buzzard later returned to California without her. Authorities are reviewing unconfirmed tips that could place Melodee back in Ventura County and note the route passed the child's father's gravesite in Santa Maria, a possible timeline marker. Anyone with information should contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI tip line.

FBI Releases Photos in Violent Security Van Robbery in Philadelphia

Federal authorities released images of suspects in an attack on a security van driver in Philadelphia. Investigators say the driver was ambushed, one assailant beat him with a baton-style weapon, another struck him with brass knuckles, and a third disarmed him. Tips are requested as the investigation continues.

Senate Votes to Reinstate Powder River Basin Coal Leasing, Sends Bill to Trump

The Senate approved the measure 51 to 43, reversing a late Biden Interior pause on federal coal sales in northeastern Wyoming and attempting to block future administrations from issuing another pause. The House passed it, and Trump has signaled he will sign. One complication remains, demand. Powder River Basin output has fallen to roughly 200 million tons, about half a decade ago, and recent lease auctions in Wyoming, Montana, and Utah have struggled to draw bids. Wyoming's delegation and Governor Mark Gordon hailed a yeoman's effort to protect mining, while environmental groups called the move filthy and foolish. Translation, Congress is trying to legislate a market comeback for coal. We will see if a statute can outvote cheaper gas and renewables, or if this is another photo op where politics punches a time clock and economics shrugs.

Ukrainian President Zelensky agrees to discuss new peace plan with Trump

Ukrainian President Zelensky agrees to discuss a new peace plan with Trump, saying he will meet President Donald Trump after the U.S. offered a proposal aimed at Ukraine and Russia—cautious openness to talks, with hard realities still looming.

Wales Wins Six Prizes at World Cheese Awards

Wales Wins Six Prizes at World Cheese Awards, with Caws Cenarth’s Perl Las Deli blue crowned Best Welsh Cheese in Bern. The semi-hard, pasteurised cow’s milk cheese—made with vegetarian rennet, dry-salted, and matured up to 12 weeks—dazzled a 265-strong panel in rigorous blind tasting at Festhalle BernExpo, helping Wales notch three Golds, two Silvers, and a Bronze among 5,244 entries from 46 countries. The 37th edition ran through multi-round judging capped by a 14-member Super Jury; overall World Champion went to Switzerland’s Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial, while a new Es La Leche Award spotlighted excellence in milk production. With global consolidation hubs and special licences ensuring even the smallest makers could compete fairly, Wales carved out a serious slice of credibility—proof that artisan craft beats mere rind and bluster.

Amid redistricting push, three more Indiana Republicans report swatting incidents

Amid a redistricting push, three more Indiana Republicans report swatting incidents, with GOP state Sens. Dan Dernulc, Spencer Deery, and Rick Niemeyer saying they were targeted as national Republicans pressure holdouts to change their minds on new maps. Swatting—phoning in fake emergencies to summon armed responders—turns debate into intimidation, the political equivalent of a toddler tantrum with a 911 speed dial.

Fire breaks out in Hunting Park home near site of earlier blaze

A fire broke out Thursday morning in a Hunting Park home, bringing Philadelphia firefighters to a location near the site of an earlier blaze this week.

Officials warn of rising sabotage threats to vital undersea cables

Officials warn of rising sabotage threats to vital undersea cables, with U.S. lawmakers and experts saying the seabed network that underpins global Internet and financial traffic is increasingly vulnerable to interference—because nothing says 21st-century resilience like hanging the world’s money and messages on glass threads at the bottom of the ocean.

Study suggests fluoride in drinking water may enhance cognitive function rather than harm it

Study suggests fluoride in drinking water may enhance cognitive function rather than harm it—and the only thing getting dumber might be the panic. Published Wednesday in Science Advances, a decades-spanning analysis of nearly 27,000 Americans found that students with full childhood exposure to recommended fluoride levels scored higher than those with none, with no signs of cognitive decline later in life. The study undercuts claims from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that fluoride lowers IQ—a tidy reminder that shouting “poison” isn’t the same as producing evidence. Researchers don’t yet know why scores were higher, but co-author John Robert Warren of the University of Minnesota points to better dental health leading to fewer school absences as a plausible path. The team plans follow-up work, including direct comparisons of IQ. Meanwhile, after Kennedy helped turn fluoride into a culture-war chew toy, some states moved toward bans, even as HHS and the EPA revisit their recommendations. Turns out the stuff that strengthens teeth may also support minds—imagine that.

Blind Items Unveiled: Part 7

Blind Items Unveiled: Part 7 teases a Nov. 5, 2025 nugget: if the most famous member of “that reality family” didn’t post by 5:05 p.m. Friday, it meant a bar-exam flop—the reveal names Kim Kardashian and alleges she stayed silent and didn’t pass. Because nothing says legal rigor like a results embargo enforced by Instagram.

Verizon lays off 13,000 employees one week before Thanksgiving

Verizon lays off 13,000 employees one week before Thanksgiving, with CEO Dan Schulman telling the 100,000-person workforce the cuts begin today across the organization alongside reductions in outsourced labor. Bloomberg pegs the move at about 13% of staff—the carrier’s largest workforce reduction on record—after the Wall Street Journal flagged plans for up to 15,000 last week. To cushion the blow, Verizon unveiled a $20 million Reskilling and Career Transition Fund for AI-era training and placement—roughly $1,500 per departing worker, a golden parachute with a paper belt. Chairman Mark Bertolini recently said the company needed to “do something different.” Apparently, “different” means pink slips before the turkey’s even thawed.

Police: Suspected shoplifter pulled gun after being confronted at Philadelphia Walmart

Police say a suspected shoplifter pulled a gun after being confronted at a Philadelphia Walmart, threatening officers and then fleeing. On Halloween night at the Walmart on Roosevelt Boulevard, the man was stopped for retail theft and escorted to the Asset Protection Office, where he became uncooperative with a Pennsylvania State Constable and an Asset Protection Officer. Surveillance video shows him drawing a handgun and saying, “let me go, or I’ll shoot you,” before fleeing in a dark-colored hatchback. His identity and whereabouts are unknown; anyone who recognizes him is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.

Almanac Adventureland features a broad range of activities in one location

Almanac Adventureland features a broad range of activities in one location—specifically, sprawled across the west side of Alameda Island, where Almanac has turned its space into a one-stop playground. It packs options under one roof and spills more into the front yard, serving up the do‑everything‑here experience without the commute or the chaos.

Researcher reports major problems with SpaceX’s military satellites

Researcher reports major problems with SpaceX’s military satellites — and by “problems,” we mean a spy fleet yelling on the wrong channel. Satellite sleuth Scott Tilley, as reported by Ars Technica, says roughly 171 SpaceX-built Starshield satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office have been transmitting in the 2025–2110 MHz band—an ITU-allocated uplink range where satellites are supposed to listen, not shout—creating the potential to jam ground-to-space communications used by NASA and others. Tilley traced the errant signals over the US, Canada, and Mexico, with likely spillover elsewhere; no official disruptions have been logged, but the risk to ground stations, telecom, and TV is real. Not ideal when your covert surveillance network is effectively stepping on the microphone during everyone else’s transmission.

The Price of Thought: AI reasoning models mirror human brain information processing

The Price of Thought: AI reasoning models mirror human brain information processing, with large language models like ChatGPT—once easily tripped up by math and multi-step logic—now suddenly much better at both. They could already dash off essays and plan menus in a blink; now they’re starting to think through problems instead of just predicting the next polite sentence. Progress so quick it almost resembles learning—something certain budget committees still insist is optional.

Brazilian President Lula joins UN climate negotiations

Brazilian President Lula joins UN climate negotiations by sweeping into Belém to rally COP30 delegates toward consensus—though as the summit enters its final days, the big stuff remains gloriously unresolved. Efforts to strengthen national climate plans are stuck in the usual climate catch-22: developing countries want more finance to do more, while wealthy nations want stronger plans before loosening the purse strings. Over 80 countries now back a detailed roadmap to transition the global economy away from fossil fuels, but China and Gulf oil producers are applying the brakes. Delegates have also veered into a fight over gender identity, with the Vatican, Iran, and others pushing to narrow the draft Gender Action Plan intended to address the disproportionate impacts on women and girls. And the only clear agreement so far? Logistics: Turkey hosts next year with Australia mediating, and likely Ethiopia in 2027—progress, if you define it as securing the conference rooms before deciding what to do inside them.

Turkey to Host COP31 in Partnership with Australia

Turkey to Host COP31 in Partnership with Australia, a diplomatic marriage of convenience that gives Ankara the venue and Canberra the gavel. After months of awkward silence, the UN can finally unclench: next year’s climate summit will land in Turkey, while an Australian—breaking with tradition—will preside over the 2026 talks. It’s a relief for a system that was starting to look like it couldn’t book a conference room, never mind save the planet. Now comes the sprint: Turkey has about a year to prep for thousands of delegates and somehow herd them toward consensus without setting off a fire alarm. Meanwhile, COP32 is slated for Ethiopia, the first sub-Saharan African host since 2011, with cautious optimism that it will put Africa’s climate realities squarely in the spotlight—imagine that, attention where it’s actually needed.

Report: Social Security scraps plan that could have reduced benefits

Report: Social Security scraps plan that could have reduced benefits, backing away from a Trump-era-flavored push to “tighten the safety net” by, you know, removing key strands. According to the Washington Post, senior officials told advocates the agency will not proceed with a rule that would have eliminated—or sharply reduced—age as a factor in disability decisions, a change that could have hit hundreds of thousands of older Americans. Currently, applicants over 50 get credit for being less able to pivot into new work; the draft floated removing age entirely or bumping the threshold to 60. After public outcry since October, advocates say Commissioner Frank Bisignano personally pulled the plug.

Also on pause: a $350 million overhaul of the agency’s job-matching database, amid fears it could ironically make more younger claimants with cognitive and mental impairments eligible. Advocacy groups, including AARP, applauded the retreat—while noting it clashed rather awkwardly with repeated promises not to cut Social Security.

Trump reportedly approved a covert CIA operation in Venezuela

Trump reportedly approved a covert CIA operation in Venezuela, a move the White House frames as a counternarcotics push while experts say the real target is ousting Nicolás Maduro. Maduro allegedly offered to step down in two to three years—a proposal the White House rejected. Washington’s muscle-flexing, including deploying the world’s biggest aircraft carrier, has even juiced defaulted Venezuelan bonds as investors scent a windfall; opposition leader and Nobel peace laureate María Corina Machado pegs a transition’s economic payoff at up to $2 trillion. Nothing like a rally in distressed debt to remind us that regime change is always more palatable when it comes with a price target.

Germany and Norway Unveil Leopard 2A8 Tanks, Plus Upgraded PzH 2000

KNDS rolled out the Leopard 2A8 for the Bundeswehr and a Norwegian variant in Munich on November 19, alongside an upgraded PzH 2000 howitzer, with Germany's defense minister in attendance. Europe's favorite big cat just got sharper claws and a matching set, because interoperability is the new black.

U.S. Pulls Typhon Missile Launcher From Japan After Exercises

The mid-range Typhon system departed Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni after its September cameo for joint drills, with the Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau notifying local officials on November 17. A loud guest, a quick goodbye, and a reminder that pop-up deterrence is now a lifestyle brand.

Japan Shows High-Altitude Aerostat With Military Potential

A Hokkaido-based firm unveiled a stratospheric platform at ATLA's Technology Symposium 2025 in Tokyo on November 11 to 12. Buoyed by lighter-than-air gas, it is built for long-duration observation, communications support, or science. A quiet sentinel hovering while the bureaucracy debates who gets to invent the acronym.

AI Demand Triggers Memory Chip Squeeze, Gadget Prices May Rise

Manufacturers and analysts warn that AI data centers are hoovering up the same memory used in consumer devices, likely pushing up prices for phones and laptops next year. Servers feast, shoppers pick up the tab, and your chatbot gets to dream in 4K.

Image Hints at China Testing New Hypersonic Missile System

A road-mobile ballistic platform, believed by observers to be tied to the long-range DF-27, surfaced on Weibo after being photographed during a relocation. The TEL was draped in camouflage netting on a heavy six-axle chassis, the classic nothing-to-see-here outfit that means there is definitely something to see.

Nvidia Crushes Lofty Estimates as Bubble Talk Persists

Sales of its AI-fueling chips blew past already high expectations, calming nerves that the Big Tech boom is about to pop. If this is a bubble, Nvidia is selling the air pumps, and business is booming.

Meta Tells Under-16s in Australia to Download Data Before Ban

Meta sent two-week warnings to thousands of under-16 users to retrieve their data and delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts ahead of Australia's first-of-its-kind ban on child accounts. Nothing says protecting kids like the platform that hooked them handing out tidy exit instructions.

Turkey's Kızılelma Drone Flexes With GÖKDOĞAN Air-to-Air Missiles

Baykar released new footage of its jet-powered Kızılelma UCAV lugging two GÖKDOĞAN beyond-visual-range missiles on inner pylons, with trials entering a munition-linked phase. Turkey's push from hype to hardware continues, because apparently the skies needed drones that can dogfight now too.

U.S. Approves $82 Million Munitions Sale to Support Japan's Fighters

The State Department cleared a possible Foreign Military Sale, and DSCA has notified Congress. Japan's request includes up to 28 GBU-53 munitions with associated equipment and support, more precision for Tokyo's jets and plenty of precision paperwork to match.

Kent Man Charged After Romney Marsh Altercation

A man has been charged following a serious altercation in Romney Marsh that left two men in hospital. Authorities have not released further details at this time.

Nursery Reaches Six-Figure Settlement After Infant Choking Death

A nursery agreed to a six-figure settlement with the parents of nine-month-old Oliver Steeper, who choked on pasta after staff fed him a chopped-up meal. A grave case with painful lessons about safety and oversight in child care.

Woman and Child Rescued From Chester Fire in Critical Condition, Officials Say

Woman and Child Rescued From Chester Fire in Critical Condition, Officials Say: Firefighters reached a burning row home on the 200 block of Wilson Street just before 9 p.m. Monday and, after a rapid response of under four minutes, mounted a two-alarm attack with searches and suppression. Crews pulled a woman—described by a neighbor as having severe burns to her face and arms—and a child believed to be 2 or 3 from the home; both are in critical condition, though officials have not detailed the child’s injuries. A second child, about 5, reportedly escaped and found refuge across the street. The neighbor said the woman was burned while trying to save her child.

Palo Alto Networks CEO predicts nation-states could weaponize quantum computing by 2029

Palo Alto Networks CEO predicts nation-states could weaponize quantum computing by 2029—maybe sooner—and, conveniently, says that means most security appliances will need replacing. Nikesh Arora’s pitch: hostile governments will have the gear, so you’d better start contemplating a sweeping security refresh in the next few years. Translation: quantum doom on the horizon, perfectly aligned with your next budget cycle—shall we put you down for a full-stack upgrade?

U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds

U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds: Florida Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly siphoning federal disaster relief and making illegal campaign contributions—because nothing says “public service” like converting emergency aid into campaign fuel. Yet another reminder that in some corners of Washington, a crisis is just a fundraising opportunity with better branding.

Philadelphia flight attendant dies after burglary; authorities seek persons of interest

Philadelphia flight attendant dies after burglary; authorities seek persons of interest, after police responding to a reported break-in on the 2400 block of Federal Street just before 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, found 50-year-old Amadou Thiam unresponsive, unclothed, and suffering severe head injuries behind his residence. He was hospitalized in critical condition and died two days later. Thiam, a flight attendant since 2011 remembered for his professionalism and kindness, had lived there about six years. Police are asking the public’s help to identify two males labeled as persons of interest as the investigation continues; a motive remains unclear. His family organized a GoFundMe ahead of his burial last week.

Norman Powell, Heat hold off shorthanded Golden State Warriors

Norman Powell and the Heat held off the shorthanded Golden State Warriors, with Powell slashing and sniping in the clutch to deliver a gritty Wednesday win in Miami—Warriors short on bodies, and thanks to Powell, short on late-game hope.

CMA Awards: Host Lainey Wilson wins Entertainer of the Year and two additional awards

CMA Awards: Host Lainey Wilson wins Entertainer of the Year and two additional awards — pulling double duty and triple victory, Wilson steered the show on Wednesday and walked away with three trophies, headlined by Entertainer of the Year. Not a bad haul for someone juggling punchlines and power ballads between commercial breaks.

Trump Signs Bill to Release Epstein Files Amid Mounting Pressure

Amid mounting pressure, Trump signed a bill ordering the Justice Department to release nearly all files related to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime partner and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as records on Epstein’s death in prison—subject to certain exceptions—aiming to inject long-overdue transparency into a case steeped in public scrutiny.

Ty Cobb Calls for Disbarment of Bondi and Halligan Over Comey Case

Ty Cobb Calls for Disbarment of Bondi and Halligan Over Comey Case: Former White House lawyer Ty Cobb told Chris Jansing on MS NOW that Attorney General Pam Bondi and interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan should be disbarred over the DOJ’s case against former FBI Director James Comey, calling it “shocking” that the indictment “was never properly returned.” Translation: if Cobb’s right, the prosecution’s paperwork didn’t just have a wrinkle—it forgot to show up, a very on-brand twist for Washington’s vaunted competence.

Philadelphia Friendsgiving offers warmth and dignity in Kensington

Prevention Point staff and volunteers turned the Love Lot into a holiday assembly line, serving baked chicken, Spanish rice, potato salad, and pies to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness or addiction. The aim was a true Thanksgiving experience, complete with fellowship, support, and space for grief. As lead executive officer Silvana Mazzalla put it, the goal was a place of hope where people can simply be themselves. A small, stubborn act of grace in a city that too often forgets who most needs a seat at the table.

Suspect in Camden County officer shooting appears in court

The officer survived after a round likely ricocheted off his ballistic vest and is recovering. The defense says the case is not as open and shut as it looks, and the proceedings now pivot to evidence and forensics rather than assumptions. Headlines are loud, but verdicts tend to speak in lab reports and transcripts.

Who owns the classroom, and why does it have a board seat in Beijing

Spring Education Group runs 240 U.S. private schools for roughly 41,000 students, from Montessori preschools to eight BASIS academies. Its ultimate owner is Primavera Capital, chaired by Fred Hu, whom critics dub Red Fred for public ties to Chinese state bodies, including service in the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, advisory roles to state institutions, a board seat at majority state-owned ICBC until April 2025, work helping launch China’s sovereign wealth fund, and major investment in SenseTime, which U.S. authorities have blacklisted over alleged links to surveillance abuses against Uyghurs. In 2019, China’s Ministry of Education, working with the Party’s United Front Work Department, urged building Chinese international schools overseas that project Chinese characteristics and target expatriate children. Chinese-backed buyers have snapped up U.S. campuses since 2017, including Florida Preparatory Academy and the New York Military Academy. Parents have pushed back at times, as with BASIS Brooklyn protests in 2019, while others are soothed by lower tuition and a rigorous STEM sheen. Politicians have dabbled in alarm. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis cut state scholarships to four Primavera-owned schools in 2023, and Senators Tom Cotton and Bill Cassidy flagged national security risks around Primavera’s ownership of Tutor.com, which was quietly sold in September. Beyond that, official action has been thin. Outsource classrooms to global finance, then act surprised when civics comes with a quarterly earnings call.

Billions in heating aid paused until Nov. 30, affecting low-income households

Billions in heating aid paused until Nov. 30, affecting low-income households — because nothing says “winter preparedness” like Washington hitting the snooze button during a cold snap. After a 43-day shutdown and HHS staffing cuts that reportedly axed the entire 14-person LIHEAP team, the Trump administration now says $3.7 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be released by the end of the month. An HHS official told grant recipients funds should go out no later than Nov. 30, roughly two months later than the usual Oct. 1 start, meaning many families won’t see help until early to mid-December.

That delay lands hardest where the mercury is already dropping. In New York’s Catskills, Heidi O’Donnell—on disability and Social Security—crowdfunded $535 for a half-tank of heating oil while waiting for aid she’s relied on for seven winters. She’s exactly who LIHEAP is designed for: households spending a high share of income on energy, with average heating benefits ranging from $415 to $634 since 2019. New York, with high utility rates and widespread heating-oil use, receives the largest share.

Meanwhile, Capitol combatants traded frostbitten finger-pointing—Republicans blaming Democrats for the shutdown, Democrats accusing the administration of slow-walking funds—until a bipartisan letter prodded HHS to move. Some states are fronting limited help; most are just taking applications and hoping the money shows up before the next cold front does.

Clerk robbed during fatal heart attack remembered for knowing every customer’s name

Clerk robbed during fatal heart attack remembered for knowing every customer’s name: Portland police are searching for a man who allegedly posed as a Good Samaritan at Bins & Barrels on Oct. 25, reportedly taking 53-year-old clerk Jason Hay’s pulse while patting him down for his wallet, then stealing about $800—including bank bags from an open change safe—and fleeing as others tried to save him. Hay, known for greeting customers by name, died about a week later; he leaves a wife and a 15-year-old son. Investigators describe it as a crime of opportunity, and Hay’s family believes the thief was someone he knew. Tips can be sent to [email protected] with case 25-259043. A GoFundMe is raising support for his family.

Enter for a Chance to Win a Walt Disney World Trip

Enter for a Chance to Win a Walt Disney World Trip: 6abc is offering viewers a shot at a Walt Disney World® vacation—your chance to mainline Disney magic without selling your voice to a sea witch. Enter, wish upon a star, and hope the pixie dust lands your way.

Police: Man killed his father in front of ex-girlfriend—also the victim’s stepdaughter—telling officers he doesn’t “let anyone harm him”

Police say a 28-year-old Wisconsin man killed his father in front of his ex-girlfriend—who is also the victim’s stepdaughter—then told officers he doesn’t “let anyone harm him.” Milwaukee police found 56-year-old Miguel Arocho shot dead Thursday night at a home on the 1900 block of South 16th Street; his son, Miguel Ocasio, was arrested the next day and charged with first-degree homicide with a dangerous weapon modifier. The witness, who lived with Arocho, said an argument erupted after she returned home with a male friend, and Ocasio fired multiple shots; she said her stepfather was unarmed when he was hit. In a police interview, Ocasio admitted shooting his father, claiming he was threatened and fired a “warning shot,” but also said he didn’t see anything in his father’s hands before firing two rounds. Ocasio is held on $100,000 cash bond, with a preliminary hearing set for Nov. 25.

Jordan Brand Opens ‘World of Flight’ Flagship in Philadelphia

Jordan Brand opens its ‘World of Flight’ flagship in Philadelphia, planting the label’s first U.S. flagship on Walnut Street. Philly gets the nod as the launchpad for this high-gloss temple to sneaker culture—where soaring nostalgia meets prices trying their best to jump from the free-throw line. No passport required, just a strong ankle and a stronger credit limit.

West London kebab shop wants to serve till 5 a.m.

Star Kebab House on Earl's Court Road seeks late hours and promises no delivery drivers, a lullaby for neighbors tired of midnight scooter choruses. The bet is on walk-in night owls. The council now plays referee on the eternal question: can quiet streets and 3 a.m. shish peacefully coexist.

EU calls it simplification, critics call it a privacy haircut

The European Commission is pushing changes that would delay when rules for high-risk AI systems actually bite and would let companies train models on personal data without prior user consent in most cases. Brussels calls it cutting red tape. Everyone else calls it cutting privacy, turning consent into an after-the-fact courtesy.

Trump and Ronaldo post "Two GOATS" selfie, humility takes a personal day

Donald Trump and Cristiano Ronaldo shared photos captioned "Two GOATS." Ronaldo brings two decades of trophies and a stint at Al Nassr after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Trump brings his reliable gift for self-promotion. The internet, naturally, supplied the bleating.

Blind Item 8: the check clears, the conscience disappears

Gossip corner says a certain red-haired celebrity is happy to speak for anyone who waves a fat check, which also doubles as a handy excuse to skip the home front. Treat as entertainment, not sworn testimony.

Albania's Rama to EU: we are cleaning house, and Brussels has dust too

Prime Minister Edi Rama defended Albania's EU bid, touting reforms and public backing while tackling the crime and corruption question head-on. His point, delivered with a diplomatic eyebrow raise, was simple. These problems are not Albania's exclusive franchise, so perhaps holster the glass-house stones while Tirana keeps scrubbing.

Allied harmony alert: UK, US, and Australia sanction Russian cyber gang

In a coordinated move, the three imposed sanctions on Media Land, a Russian cybercrime group. Nothing bonds like mutual annoyance with professional keyboard crooks.

Yorkshire council yanks "half dead" Christmas tree, orders a livelier replacement

After residents and local councillors blasted the brown-patched spruce outside Yarm's George and Dragon as "absolutely pathetic," Stockton Borough Council admitted it was installed in darkness, a famously bulletproof quality-control method. Decorations came down, a fresh tree is going up at no extra cost, and the December 7 lights switch-on proceeds with better odds of making it to Christmas without a mercy run to the chipper.

Marist poll: Democrats lead generic ballot by 14 points

The latest survey has 55 percent preferring a Democrat in Congress next year versus 41 percent for a Republican. It is the generic ballot, where voters pick a team jersey before candidates remind them why the mute button exists, but for now it is a sizable Democratic cushion heading into the midterms.

Goo Goo Dolls at Tiny Desk, nostalgia with fresh polish

The band delivered a four-song set including "Dizzy" and other staples from 1998's quintuple-platinum "Dizzy Up the Girl." Compact stage, big-room sheen, and a reminder that some 90s hooks still pay the rent.