Readthrough
Top Stories
Anthropic files for potentially record-breaking stock market valuation in key test for AI industry
U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve drops to 44-year low amid global supply disruptions
EQT Announces Strategic Acquisition of Range Resources, Creating America’s Undisputed Natural Gas Champion
Justice Department sending election monitors to 2 Arkansas counties on Election Day
NVIDIA and Meta to Expand Collaboration on Muse and Muse Family of Models Amid Robust Growth
NW Arkansas
Governor Sanders Announces the My Natural State Story Winners
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the winners of the My Natural State Story contest, run with the state education department, Game & Fish Commission and Parks, Heritage & Tourism. The contest, launched in August, invited Arkansas students to write about their outdoor experiences to encourage more time outside and off screens.
Washington County commission denies access to polling sites for federal ‘election monitors’
The Washington County Election Commission voted 3-0 on Monday to deny a U.S. Justice Department request to let federal "election monitors" into polling sites on Nov. 3. Nearly 20 residents spoke before the vote at a packed meeting at the county's election headquarters in Fayetteville; early voting began Oct. 19.
Justice Department sending election monitors to 2 Arkansas counties on Election Day
The Justice Department plans to send election monitors to Washington and Pulaski counties, Arkansas' two most populous, on Election Day. The decision came several days after early voting started, and Washington County has voted not to allow the monitors inside its polling places, citing a lack of timely notice.
Fayetteville proposes $291.9 million 2027 budget, clarifies library funding reduction
Fayetteville city leaders reviewed a proposed $291.9 million budget for 2027 on Monday, which trims motorpool charges by about $1.6 million and travel and training by nearly $292,000. Officials also clarified that a 15% figure tied to the Fayetteville Public Library came from an exercise asking every department what it would cut with 15% less money.
Game Time Announcement: Auburn
Arkansas football's game at Auburn on Saturday, Nov. 7, will kick off at 11:45 a.m. on SEC Network, the SEC announced Monday. Before that, the Razorbacks host No. 23 Missouri in Fayetteville at 6:45 p.m. on Halloween, the first Halloween home game in more than a decade, capping the university's 105th Homecoming Week.
HogTown Rocks Out with ‘No Vacancy’ on Halloween
HogTown on Maple Street, just north of Razorback Stadium, will host a free Halloween pregame party before the Razorbacks' game against Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 31. Cover band No Vacancy, which plays hits from the 1960s to today, will perform, and the event opens four hours before kickoff.
Sanders Announces Benton as Arkansas’ Capital for a Day on October 28
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has named Benton the state's "Capital for a Day" on Oct. 28, bringing state officials to town to meet local leaders. Her proclamation highlights Benton's Civil War history, Niloak Pottery and other local history.
Rising costs, dry weather challenge Arkansas cattle farm
Fred and Shirley Williams have run Fair Oaks Farms, a family operation that dates back more than a century, raising beef cattle including Black Angus since the 1980s. Rising diesel and operating costs, along with dry weather, are putting pressure on the farm, though the couple has offset some expenses with other income.
‘The Carpenters Songbook’ tells the duo’s story at Walton Arts Center
"The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration" comes to Walton Arts Center for one night next week, telling the story of Karen and Richard Carpenter, who recorded 10 albums and 13 top 10 songs between 1971 and 1975. The show comes from the creative team, led by Dean Elliott, behind "The Simon and Garfunkel Story."
Hawaii
Post-Tropical Cyclone Olana Forecast Discussion Number 7
Olana has weakened into a post-tropical cyclone far southwest of Hawaii, with winds of about 30 mph and a poorly defined circulation, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Monday evening. The remnant low is expected to weaken into a trough on Tuesday, and this was the final advisory on the storm.
Hawaii tourism survey shows resident support waning
Fewer Hawaii residents now believe tourism has brought more benefits than problems, according to the latest resident sentiment survey from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Hotel workers told KITV their families still depend on visitors, even as social media videos of badly behaved tourists fuel local frustration.
Kona Historical Society may close due to storms, fewer donations and grants
The Kona Historical Society, a Hawaii Island nonprofit founded in 1976 to preserve Kona's history, says it may be forced to close. It blames fewer donations and grants, lingering effects of the pandemic and this year's storms, saying grants are harder to win and don't keep up with rising costs.
QB Alejado named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week
UH Mānoa sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Rainbow Warriors to a 56-21 road win at Northern Illinois, their first conference win of the season. The offense posted season highs in points and total yards (504), and the 56 points tied a program record for a Mountain West game.
Transforming ocean policy at the intersection of science and law
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is launching a Center for Ocean Policy that brings together its Department of Oceanography and the William S. Richardson School of Law. The center will combine clinics, research and policy work to address ocean and climate challenges.
10/26/26 – MĀLAEKAHANA CONSTRUCTION BRINGS MONTHSLONG CLOSURE TO CASTLE BEACH PARKING LOT
The Castle Beach parking lot at Mālaekahana State Recreation Area on Oʻahu closed Monday for construction expected to last into the first half of 2027, the state DLNR said. The project will enlarge the lot to 56 parking spaces plus three ADA-compliant stalls.
UH Hilo Chancellor and Executive Leadership Team deliver 2026 State of the University Address
UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin and her leadership team delivered the 2026 State of the University Address on Oct. 23, and the university has posted their remarks and slides. The address reviewed the strategic plan, including the goal of showing UH Hilo is a Native Hawaiian place of learning.
Fire ants are invading Hawaiʻi — here's how to fight back
The state has declared October "Stop the Ant" month to raise awareness of invasive little fire ants, and StoptheAnt.org tracks where they have spread. Kualoa Ranch, which has battled the ants since 2019, told HPR it has dramatically reduced their footprint, though they are not eradicated.
40 Oahu homes get free smoke alarms from Red Cross
The American Red Cross and the Honolulu Fire Department installed free smoke alarms in more than 40 homes in Central Oahu, Waianae and the North Shore through the "Sound the Alarm with HFD" project. The lithium-battery alarms last up to 10 years, and officials urge residents to check their alarms before the holidays.
Father-Son Duo Bodi and Ikaika Mendez to Perform at October Hawaiian Music Series
Father-and-son duo Bodi and Ikaika Mendez will play a free Hawaiian Music Series concert on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the lawn of Waiola Church in Lahaina. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation event invites guests to bring blankets, mats or low-back chairs.
Wind advisory issued for Big Island summits
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for Big Island summits through 6 a.m. Tuesday, with west winds of 30 to 45 mph and gusts up to 60 mph. Forecasters warned the winds can make driving and walking dangerous, especially for high-profile vehicles.
A brown water advisory issued for south-facing shores
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a brown water advisory at Pakala (Makaweli) on Kauaʻi. Health officials advise staying out of brown or murky water for 48-72 hours after rain stops and avoiding freshwater streams and ponds to prevent leptospirosis.
Business
Anthropic files for potentially record-breaking stock market valuation in key test for AI industry
Anthropic has publicly filed for a U.S. stock market listing under the symbol ANT, in what could be one of the largest debuts in history. Analysts and investors have valued the San Francisco AI company, founded in 2021, at more than $1.5 trillion, and the IPO is seen as a test of the AI boom's financial viability.
DoorDash in advanced talks to acquire Instacart in potential $17B deal: report
DoorDash is in advanced talks to buy Instacart in a deal that could value the grocery delivery company at about $17 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. Instacart shares jumped about 8% on the report while DoorDash fell roughly 6%; an agreement could come this week but isn't guaranteed.
Introducing a Voluntary Exit Offer - The Official Microsoft Blog
Microsoft is offering a new Voluntary Exit Offer to eligible employees in participating organizations, Chief People Officer Amy Coleman told staff. The company says it gives employees considering leaving a supported way to go now and gives teams another way to adjust their workforce.
HSBC shares slump on revenue miss, lender announces share buyback of up to $1 billion
HSBC announced a share buyback of up to $1 billion as third-quarter pretax profit largely met estimates and revenue rose to $18.6 billion from $17.8 billion. Its London shares still fell 6.5% in early trading, on course for their worst session since April 2025, after what Citi called a "mixed set of results."
Netflix lays off 6% of workforce amidst slowing growth
Netflix laid off about 6% of its workforce and fired some top executives as it reorganizes its programming unit. The moves came as the streamer reported slower quarterly revenue growth and weaker U.S. engagement, NPR reports.
AI agents have no rules, so Meta wrote its own
Meta changed its terms of service in a way that seemed to let it crawl and use content from any website tied to a Meta business account, including to train AI, Nieman Lab reported. After legal experts warned publishers, Meta quickly removed the word "train" and limited the scraping to its advertising and business products, Fast Company writes.
Everyday fixes to make life easier for millions of Britons
Britain's Chancellor unveiled five "everyday fixes" to ease household costs ahead of Wednesday's Budget, covering food and fuel, parental pay rights for more than 150,000 more parents a year, and ending the Carer's Allowance cliff edge. The Treasury says unpaid carers will no longer be left worse off for earning more.
October results of the Bank Lending Survey (BLS) | Credit standards for loans to enterprises tightened further
German banks tightened credit standards for business loans again in the third quarter, though less than in the previous quarter, according to the Bundesbank's October Bank Lending Survey. Banks cited higher credit risk, while they eased standards for home-purchase loans to households.
Joint statement from HM Treasury and Department of Finance Canada
The UK Treasury and Canada's Department of Finance said they will develop two distinct but complementary defence-financing institutions, the Multilateral Defence Mechanism and the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, designed to work in close partnership. Both governments reiterated their commitment to strengthening defence financing.
Tech
NVIDIA and Meta to Expand Collaboration on Muse and Muse Family of Models Amid Robust Growth
NVIDIA and Meta will expand their partnership on Meta's Muse family of AI models to improve training and inference performance, citing strong demand for AI agents. Meta will also expand its deployment of NVIDIA Vera Rubin systems and Vera CPUs, networked with Spectrum-X Ethernet and BlueField-4.
OpenAI announces new discoveries in mathematics, computer science and physics
A few weeks after publishing solutions and progress on 372 major math problems, OpenAI announced new results in mathematics, computer science and physics. One new manuscript claims a proof that the Exponential Time Hypothesis, a widely believed assumption underpinning hundreds of papers, is false; OpenAI asked outside expert groups to explain the computer science and physics results.
Cross-request KV cache exposure in the GLM-5.3 Workers AI model, and our remediation with SGLang
Cloudflare disclosed that between Aug. 27 and Sept. 9, a tenant-isolation flaw in its GLM-5.3 Workers AI model caused 155 responses to include data from other customers' recent requests. A security researcher from Knostic reported the issue on Sept. 8; Cloudflare fixed it, restored the model Sept. 9 and says no other models were affected.
Siri AI is available in more languages starting today
With the 27.2 software updates released Monday, Apple's Siri AI is now available in French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. Apple describes Siri AI as a reimagined, more conversational Siri built on Apple Intelligence that uses personal context from messages, email and photos while protecting privacy.
Apple’s iOS 27.2 update offers major Siri AI upgrades, dual camera support for FaceTime
Apple's iOS 27.2 lets Siri AI remember previous conversations so you can pick up topics in a new chat, ZDNet reports. The update also lets FaceTime use the front and rear cameras at the same time, and Apple updated iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and other devices too.
SAP Unveils Physical AI and Extends the Autonomous Enterprise into the Real World
SAP unveiled Physical AI at its TechEd conference, linking robots, sensors and other physical systems directly to the business processes that run a company. SAP says the goal is to close the gap between what happens on factory floors and warehouses and what gets recorded in the business system.
AI optimism meets data center backlash as protesters disrupt Seattle AI Week kickoff
Climate protesters from the Seattle group Troublemakers repeatedly interrupted the opening panel of the third annual Seattle AI Week on Monday before security led them out. Others floated in kayaks on Elliott Bay with a banner reading "Power for People, Not for Tech," reflecting growing backlash over data centers.
How OpenAI turned its coding tools into dots, an always-on personal assistant
OpenAI's enterprise product lead Alexander Embiricos explained at TechCrunch Disrupt how the company's coding tools evolved into dots, its always-on personal assistant released in late September. Always-on assistants that keep working in the background have become this year's big AI product trend, with Meta pushing its own assistant, Muse.
X is nudging users to promote their posts with a pointing hand, and people are confused
X users report a mysterious pointing-hand graphic that appears while they write posts, pointing them to the "promote" button. The change has irritated many users, and X hasn't explained it, TechCrunch reports.
Our newest AI Quest: Mapping the human brain
Google Research and the Stanford Accelerator for Learning launched "Polar Peaks," the third game in their AI Quests series, which lets students ages 11 to 14 learn how AI works by helping map the human brain. More than 400,000 quests have been completed so far in 10 languages, and Google is also releasing teacher training modules.
Google Photos rolls out customizable redesign of your ‘Collections’ tab
Google Photos for Android is rolling out a redesigned Collections tab that you can customize. A new "Pinned" section lets you choose which cards appear, with Favorites, Screenshots and Trash shown by default.
XLE & Oil
U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve drops to 44-year low amid global supply disruptions
The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to about 282.6 million barrels in the week ending Oct. 23, its lowest level since October 1982, Energy Department data show. Inventories have dropped about 132.8 million barrels since the conflict involving Iran began in late February, after a U.S. pledge to release up to 172 million barrels.
EQT Announces Strategic Acquisition of Range Resources, Creating America’s Undisputed Natural Gas Champion
EQT agreed to buy Range Resources in an all-stock deal that the companies say creates America's largest natural gas producer, with a combined enterprise value of more than $50 billion. They describe it as the country's only vertically integrated natural gas producer, with the largest gas marketing platform.
Oil Prices Drop Despite Threat of New U.S. Strikes on Iran
Crude prices fell as Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials traveled to Tehran to discuss ending Middle East hostilities, with Brent near $114.85 and WTI around $100.87, down from above $117 and $103 late last week. Continued Houthi attacks on Saudi energy sites and Iranian strikes on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz are still supporting prices.
Asian stocks advance following a rally on Wall Street and oil prices fall
Asian stocks mostly rose Tuesday after an AI-led rally on Wall Street, while oil prices extended their losses, the AP reports. South Korea's Kospi closed 3.1% higher as chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung gained ahead of earnings.
Aramco Closes In on $10B Loan
Saudi Aramco is nearing a $10 billion revolving loan with banks including Citigroup, HSBC, JPMorgan and Bank of China to shore up its finances as Middle East conflicts threaten crude exports. Aramco has benefited from the surge in oil prices during the Iran war, Rigzone reports.
UK Weighs Scrapping Its Largest Untapped Oilfield With Oil Over $100
Britain's cabinet is split over whether to approve the Rosebank oilfield west of Shetland, an £8.7 billion project that would pump about 69,000 barrels a day at peak, roughly a tenth of UK output. Ithaca Energy, which owns a fifth of the field, says it will likely stop investing in Britain if the government says no.
Beijing Pushes Domestic Oil Production as Iranian Supply Dries Up
China's National Energy Administration told PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC and other producers to expand capacity, raise investment and speed up development of domestic oil and gas supply bases. The push follows eight months of disruption to Iranian supply, OilPrice.com reports.
India’s Oil Buyers Squeezed by $123 Crude and Weak Rupee
India's crude basket hit $123.29 a barrel last week, near March 2012 levels, and a weaker rupee is making imports even more expensive. Indian fuel marketers are losing money despite raising gasoline and diesel prices, local media reported.
IEA Warns of Dangerous Concentration in Global Clean Energy Supply Chains
IEA chief Fatih Birol warned in Singapore that the global energy transition depends on dangerously concentrated supply chains, a risk especially for Southeast Asia. He did not name countries, but China dominates wind and solar equipment, batteries and electric cars.
Ovintiv expands Montney oil position with $890 million Logan Energy acquisition
Ovintiv agreed to buy Canadian producer Logan Energy in an all-cash deal worth about $890 million including debt, expanding its position in the Montney formation. The deal adds about 266,000 net acres and 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and is expected to close early in 2027.
ConocoPhillips announces Canadian job cuts as restructuring continues
ConocoPhillips began cutting jobs in Canada on Tuesday, affecting employees and contractors, as it continues restructuring after its Marathon Oil acquisition. The company did not say how many positions are affected; in 2025 it outlined plans to shrink its global workforce by 20% to 25%.
Pentagon's Venezuelan Oil Partner Boosts Output
North American Blue Energy Partners, which is working with the U.S. government to develop Venezuelan oil fields, is deploying a sixth drilling rig as it ramps up production, Rigzone reports. Its CEO hosted a State Department delegation at its fields in western Venezuela on Friday.
Chainlink
Chainlink CustodySync To Connect Institutional Assets With DeFi Lending Markets
Chainlink introduced CustodySync, which connects qualified digital asset custodians with DeFi lending markets so institutions can borrow against assets without moving them out of custody. Anchorage Digital, the first federally chartered digital asset bank in the U.S., is the launch partner.
Chainlink price outlook after CustodySync launch: Can LINK rally?
LINK traded around $11.36 after the CustodySync launch, staying under the $12 resistance level as the wider crypto market slipped ahead of the Federal Reserve decision. Derivatives volume rose, while LINK ETFs saw no net inflows, CoinGape reports.
Chainlink reports $15B in CCIP migrations as LINK price nears $12
Chainlink's Q3 review says more than $15 billion in token value migrated to its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) in 2026, and that CCIP 2.0 added new security, compliance and settlement controls. Chainlink also cited new Swift and DTCC integrations and more than $36 trillion in cumulative transaction value enabled.
LG CNS Partners With Chainlink To Advance Korea’s Digital Asset Market
LG CNS, the technology arm of South Korea's LG Group, has partnered with Chainlink to build regulated digital asset solutions for Korea's $70 billion market. LG CNS is leading the Bank of Korea's Project Hangang digital currency platform.
Chainlink, Cardano, other blockchain groups push SEC for clearer crypto rules
Chainlink Labs, the Cardano Foundation, Hedera, Aptos Labs, Ava Labs and the Stellar Development Foundation sent a joint letter urging the SEC to formally classify digital commodities as non-securities. The letter came as the SEC's public consultation on proposed crypto rules closed.
Future of Value: When Money Becomes Intelligent | Microsoft, Parallax Ventures, & Chainlink at Sibos
At Sibos 2026, Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov joined Microsoft's head of agentic AI for finance, Martin Moeller, and Parallax Ventures' Azor Barros to discuss AI's growing role in payments. The panel looked at how AI will reshape the global financial system.
Why Chainlink CCIP 2.0 Is the Standard for Global Finance | Sergey Nazarov
Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov explains why security and reliability matter for cross-chain interoperability and how CCIP 2.0 is built to move tokenized assets securely across blockchains for institutional finance.
Archax Turns To Chainlink Data Streams For Tokenised Treasury Collateral
Archax, a regulated digital asset platform, adopted Chainlink Data Streams to supply pricing for GOVY, its rolling tokenized U.S. Treasury product. The data is meant to support lending, treasury management and other onchain collateral uses.
OpenZeppelin Partners With Chainlink To Advance Institutional Onchain Finance
OpenZeppelin partnered with Chainlink to build Chainlink's CCIP and Automated Compliance Engine into its developer tools, so token developers can add cross-chain features and programmable compliance. OpenZeppelin also set a migration path from its Defender platform to the Chainlink Runtime Environment.
Tokenization at Scale: Building the Next Era of Global Markets | DTCC & Chainlink at Sibos 2026
DTCC Digital Assets head Nadine Chakar and Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov discussed what it takes to bring tokenization to market scale at Sibos 2026. Topics included 24/7 collateral management, the DTCC AppChain and connecting traditional markets to blockchains.
Pacific Meta Partners With Chainlink, Selects CCIP As Preferred Cross-Chain Solution
Tokyo-based Pacific Meta partnered with Chainlink Labs and selected CCIP as its preferred cross-chain solution to speed institutional adoption of tokenized assets in Japan. Pacific Meta has supported more than 300 projects from over 41 countries entering the Japanese market.
Chainlink Data Standard Connects Stellar’s $4B+ RWA Ecosystem To DeFi
Chainlink Data Feeds and Data Streams are now live on Stellar, letting developers build lending markets, prediction markets and perpetual futures that connect Stellar's more than $4 billion real-world asset ecosystem to DeFi.
Patriots
Patriots Sign LB Jose Ramirez to the Practice Squad; Release OL Jacob Rizy from the Practice Squad; Release P Bryce Baringer from Injured Reserve List
The Patriots re-signed linebacker Jose Ramirez to the practice squad, released offensive lineman Jacob Rizy from the practice squad and released punter Bryce Baringer from injured reserve. Ramirez, 27, has played two games for New England this season on defense and special teams.
Mike Vrabel provides Patriots injury updates on Dell Pettus, Alijah Vera-Tucker, more
Mike Vrabel gave injury updates Monday ahead of the Week 8 game against Miami, saying left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker's hamstring injury isn't expected to end his season. The Patriots avoided serious injuries against the Bears and have six injured-reserve activations left for 2026, Musket Fire notes.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel’s verdict on A.J. Brown stinking it up since injury return
Mike Vrabel said he has "no concern" about A.J. Brown, who has dropped passes since returning from an ankle injury. Speaking on WEEI, Vrabel said the offense just needs to get back into a rhythm, adding that no one has to press.
After Further Review: Drake Maye film breakdown, defense review and quick-hit film notes from Week 7 loss to the Bears
Patriots.com's film review of the 30-24 loss to the Bears says an undermanned New England team fought hard on a short week but that its star players were a mixed bag. The breakdown covers Drake Maye's play, the defense and quick-hit notes from the game.
How to watch Patriots vs. Dolphins in Week 8: Time, channel, stream and more
The 4-3 Patriots visit the 1-5 Dolphins in Week 8 after losing to the Bears, while Miami earned its first win behind newly signed quarterback Malik Willis. Kickoff is 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, and NBC Sports Boston notes New England is just 3-10 at Hard Rock Stadium since 2013.
Navy-Notre Dame Brings College Football Tradition and Patriots History to Gillette Stadium
Navy and Notre Dame will play at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31, the first time in the rivalry's nearly 100-year history that they meet in Foxborough. Patriots.com looks back at players from both schools who left their mark on the franchise.
Mike Vrabel seemingly unhappy with $250,000 fine being leaked to media
Mike Vrabel, along with the Eagles' Nick Sirianni and the Jets' Aaron Glenn, was fined $250,000 for conduct toward officials, though the fine was held in abeyance and could be forgiven with good behavior, Albert Breer reported. Vrabel appeared unhappy that the fine was leaked to the media.
Patriots must resist the Maxx Crosby trade temptation ahead of the deadline
With the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching, Musket Fire argues the Patriots should not pay the high price for Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who is 29 and will want a new contract. It suggests cheaper options such as Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack or DeForest Buckner.
1 player Patriots must trade before 2026 NFL trade deadline
ClutchPoints argues the Patriots should consider trading defensive tackle DaQuan Jones before the Nov. 10 deadline, if the return is right, since he is now part of a crowded rotation. The piece notes injuries on the offensive line and at receiver after the 30-24 loss in Chicago.
Patriots' Kayshon Boutte trade is turning out better than expected
Trading Kayshon Boutte to Houston before the season looked like a mistake, but Chowder and Champions says it is turning out better than expected for New England. Boutte has been a non-factor for the Texans, while the Patriots got Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick.
Patriots Women’s Association Donates $25,000 to Women’s Lunch Place | In the Community
The Patriots Women's Association, made up of the wives and partners of players, coaches and staff, joined the New England Patriots Foundation for its annual visit to Women's Lunch Place. They volunteered and donated $25,000.
Movies
‘Wildwood’ Sparked a Much-Needed Comeback for Laika at the Box Office
Laika's "Wildwood," the stop-motion studio's first film in seven years, opened to $12.2 million domestically, finishing third behind "Clayface" and "You Can See Everything." IndieWire says the debut shows real enthusiasm for the Portland studio's return, with another $2.9 million from a few international markets.
Keanu Reeves To Star In Jaume Collet-Serra Action Movie Maelstrom As Alan Ritchson Exits
Keanu Reeves will replace Alan Ritchson in "Maelstrom," a Netflix action thriller from "Carry-On" director Jaume Collet-Serra, Deadline reports. The film, described as "Die Hard in a hurricane," is based on an idea that has circulated in Hollywood since 1993.
Godzilla Minus Zero Director Takashi Yamazaki’s Grandgear Casts Paul Giamatti, Nico Parker, Sam Nivola
Paul Giamatti, Nico Parker and Sam Nivola will star in "Grandgear," a J.J. Abrams-produced mech movie from "Godzilla Minus One" director Takashi Yamazaki, Deadline reports. It is Yamazaki's first Hollywood feature.
Sunrise On The Reaping Director Francis Lawrence Has Secrets About The Hunger Games Prequel's Key Relationship [Exclusive]
Director Francis Lawrence told /Film about the central relationship in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," between Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) and fellow District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner. The film adapts Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and is coming to theaters soon.
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Experiment: What’s Working, What Isn’t, and What’s Next
Four years after James Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios, IndieWire looks at what's working, what isn't and what's next for their plan to pull DC out of second place behind Marvel.
Star Trek's Walter Koenig Was In A Forgotten '80s Sci-Fi Horror Movie With Bruce Campbell
Walter Koenig, the original Chekov on "Star Trek," has died at 90. /Film remembers his work beyond the franchise, including "Babylon 5" and the forgotten 1989 sci-fi film "Mooncrash," in which he starred alongside Bruce Campbell.
Watch ‘My Undesirable Friends’ Director Julia Loktev Recall the Week Russia Invaded Ukraine
Director Julia Loktev told IndieWire how her two-part documentary "My Undesirable Friends," about journalists at Russia's last independent TV channel, took shape the week Russia invaded Ukraine. When her subjects were forced to flee, the project grew beyond the film she had planned.
CIFF 2026: Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors, A Bit of Light and Love is the Monster
RogerEbert.com reviews Chicago International Film Festival titles including Lav Diaz's "Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors," set in the Philippines in 1617 under Spanish colonization. The critic calls it something of a spiritual sequel to Diaz's "Magellan."
Can a Feminist Girl and a Self-Described “Nice Guy” Learn to Love Each Other? ‘My Crazy Feminist Girlfriend’ Main Trailer, Key Art and New Cast Unveiled
Netflix released the main trailer and key art for the live-action "My Crazy Feminist Girlfriend," based on Min Ji Hyoung's bestselling Korean novel, and announced six new cast members. Mei Nagano stars, and the film premieres globally on Dec. 3.
Netflix Announces the Start of Production on 'Jotadé', the Adaptation of Santiago Díaz’s Novel
Netflix has started production on "Jotadé," a four-episode crime thriller set in Madrid based on Santiago Díaz's novel and directed by Daniel Calparsoro. Isaac Díaz stars alongside Aura Garrido, Jose Coronado and Jaime Lorente.
No Weaklinks, "Everyone’s a Predator" ‘The Devil's Plan: Dead Again’ Unveils Main Trailer Ahead of November 10 Premiere
Netflix released the main trailer for "The Devil's Plan: Dead Again," its Korean "brain survival game" show, ahead of its Nov. 10 premiere. The 16-player cast is led by Jang Dongmin, who has won five survival shows in a row.
Lorcana & SWU
Star Wars: Unlimited | Iconic Musings
Star Wars: Unlimited designer Tyler Parrott shared details about memorable cards in the upcoming Icons set, a smaller set with all-new rare and legendary units. He said 20 reprints in the set received new art to make it more fun to collect.
Starting Out with Star Wars: Unlimited Icons, Available November 20th
Fantasy Flight Games previewed Icons 2027, the first Icons set for Star Wars: Unlimited, arriving Nov. 20 as an entry point for new and returning players. It focuses on fan-favorite characters and simpler mechanics, and the Icons Starter Box is recommended as the first purchase.
First Cards for Star Wars Unlimited’s Icons 2027 Edition Revealed
The first cards for Star Wars: Unlimited's Icons 2027 Edition have been revealed. Card Gamer says the beginner-friendly set uses a starter box and booster packs to layer in new elements gradually.
Disney Lorcana TCG Products from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Now Available Online
Ravensburger will sell its 2026 D23 Collection and the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Wizard foil playmat for Disney Lorcana online through EQL from Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. ET to Nov. 1 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans enter for a chance to buy, and winners are chosen at random after the sale closes.
Disney Lorcana TCG Set Release Notes: Hyperia City
Ravensburger posted the Disney Lorcana set release notes for Hyperia City, covering rules changes, new mechanics and why the changes were made.
Review: "Disney Lorcana: Hyperia City" Prerelease Box Brings New Mechanics and More Fantastic Art to the TCG
Laughing Place reviews the Disney Lorcana: Hyperia City Prerelease Box, the third such box after Wilds Unknown and Attack of the Vine!. The set takes Lorcana into a big city named after the Disney brothers' Hyperion Studio.
TIMELESS TALES AND TOTALLY-ROCKIN’ TUNES
Ravensburger released the Curator's Collection: Beauty and the Beast Edition, reimagining the film's characters as glimmer cards, plus an I2I foil playmat. They went on sale Oct. 16 at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, World of Disney in Disneyland Paris and DisneyStore.co.uk.
New Expansion ‘Homeworlds’ Shakes Up the Star Wars Unlimited Meta With New Mechanics
Homeworlds, the ninth main set for Star Wars: Unlimited, brings 260 new cards, a new Fortify keyword, two token cards and a new prestige style. Its units focus on planets, creatures and armies, with traits like Gungan, Wookiee and Ewok.
10 Most Valuable Star Wars Unlimited: Homeworlds Cards
Card Gamer ranks the 10 most valuable Star Wars: Unlimited Homeworlds cards, from serialized cards like Yanna, Sanctuary Elder upward. The set's Fortify keyword, Beast tokens, Weakness tokens and new card treatments have made many cards sought after.
Star Wars Unlimited – Homeworlds’ PreCon Decks are Lethal In Their Own Ways
Homeworlds' two preconstructed Star Wars: Unlimited decks, built around Grand Moff Tarkin and Chewbacca, take very different routes to victory. Each includes a leader, base, tokens, a 50-card deck and a booster pack.
Disney Lorcana reveals Illustrious new Evil Queen and an Iconic Cinderella for Hyperia City
Ravensburger revealed its second Illustrious rare, a new version of The Evil Queen, Commanding Presence. Illustrious cards are limited to 23 serialized copies each and will appear only in Collector Booster packs debuting with Into the Inkdark in February 2027.
WALL-E Comes to Lorcana, Hyperia City Reveals + New Illustrious Card
A special Lorecast toured Disney Lorcana's Hyperia City set, with new card reveals including WALL-E, more on the Ink Drops mechanic and a new Illustrious card. Each district of the city has its own identity, Lorcana Player reports.
Faith
Pope’s visit confirmed: ‘I look forward to returning to Latin America’
The Holy See confirmed Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17 as scheduled. The Vatican said the trip aims to strengthen ties with local churches and bring a message of faith, hope and peace.
Catholic bishops accuse White House of manipulation over prayer video
Several Catholic bishops seen praying over President Trump in an Oct. 22 video now say White House officials manipulated them, RNS reports. A spokesperson for retired Archbishop Joseph Naumann said the bishops had been assured no photos would be made public.
Geneva Benefits Group Applauds Passage of Clergy Act
President Trump signed the Clergy Act on Oct. 20, giving clergy who opted out of Social Security a two-year window beginning in 2029 to opt back in. The House passed it in April and the Senate by unanimous consent on Sept. 30; PCA-affiliated Geneva Benefits Group applauded the law.
Christian blogger Samuel Sey jailed on ICE hold, set to be deported
Conservative Christian writer Samuel Sey, 39, was arrested Oct. 21 at Columbus' airport and is being held on an ICE hold in Ohio's Butler County Jail, DHS said. Authorities say Sey, who was born in Ghana and grew up in Canada, overstayed his visa and is set to be deported.
Erika Kirk decries online 'counterfeit' Christianity in Liberty University speech
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk urged Christians to reject the "counterfeit" Christianity of the internet in a Liberty University Convocation speech. It was her first visit to her alma mater since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated in September 2025.
Vatican collection for Ukraine: ‘A beautiful witness of the Church'
Trucks are leaving Rome's Basilica of St Sophia with about 600 boxes of winter clothing, blankets, bedding and food for Ukraine, collected Oct. 22-24 from Holy See employees. The Dicastery for the Service of Charity organized the drive with the Vatican City State Governorate.
Hillsong Worship Returns with New Music after Years of Scandal
Hillsong Worship has recorded "Holy Is The Name," its first live recording since 2018, after years of scandal. Longtime member Jad Gillies said the painful season became a reset and that the new songs focus on the character of God.
IMB missionary sees God at work through new believer and local church
An IMB missionary in a Muslim-majority South Asian city describes going out with Maryam, a new believer who once distrusted Muslims, to share the gospel with Muslim women. The story shows how a local church is helping her grow in faith.
Can church planting movements awaken the Western church?
A Christian Daily International writer argues that church planting movements, with their focus on intensive disciple-making, could help wake up a "domesticated" Western church. He contrasts a house-church movement he saw in Burundi with the obstacles such movements face in the West.
We Need to Know Our Reformed Roots
The Gospel Coalition argues that being Reformed means at least three things: biblical, covenantal and confessional. The essay says the label is often used loosely for a view of salvation or a culture rather than the full tradition.
Christian Metal
News: Burn Eternal reunites KSE’s Howard Jones and Adam Dutkiewicz
Former Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz have reunited as Burn Eternal and signed to Metal Blade Records, with new music coming soon. The pair played key roles in Killswitch Engage's seminal 2002-2012 era.
What Lies Below - Return To Nothing (Official Music Video)
Solid State Records welcomed What Lies Below to its roster with the official music video for "Return To Nothing."
News: Set For The Fall release looking to be explosive
North Carolina hard rock band Set For The Fall released "I Said What I Said," its third album and first full-length in more than seven years, via Vere Music. Opener "Product of Pressure," featuring TJ Harris of Decyfer Down, has landed on several Apple Music playlists.
News: Devin Williams unleashes ‘Conquer the World Live’
Christian rocker and worship leader Devin Williams released his live album "Conquer the World Live" on Oct. 23, along with a live video for "Every Eye." It follows his "Be Glorified" video, which passed 100,000 views.
SAVE US - No Holding Back
Solid State Records band SAVE US shared "No Holding Back" from its album "Death To Something," out now.
Feature: Ignescent Interview with Heaven’s Metal
Ignescent founder and singer Jennifer Benson talks with Heaven's Metal about the band's album "Eternal," including songs "Joker" and "Fearless." She also discusses collaborating with members of Flyleaf, Sevendust and Bloodgood.
Skillet - Grave Stomper (Official Visualizer)
Skillet released an official animated visualizer for "Grave Stomper," written by John L. Cooper and produced by Korey Cooper.
Mr. Weaverface Surpasses 1 Million Lifetime Streams On Spotify
Independent Christian rock artist Mr. Weaverface has passed 1 million lifetime Spotify streams, plus about 250,000 more on Apple Music and Amazon Music. His music blends '90s alternative rock with themes of spiritual warfare and testimony.
Splitcast - Art Official (Official Song Stream Video)
Splitcast released a stream of its new song "Art Official," which opens Indie Vision Music's "Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 5" compilation. The compilation is a name-your-price download on Bandcamp.
Have You Heard of He Is Mighty?
He Is Mighty, a new Christian metal band from Arvada, Colorado, released a three-song EP on Sept. 4 with both clean and harsh vocals. Indie Vision Music recommends supporting the band by buying the EP.
Nobody's Uncle launch Kickstarter for new album "Kiss the Son"
Michigan indie rocker Nobody's Uncle launched a Kickstarter to fund the physical release of "Kiss the Son," a 13-song follow-up to "Mercy Diorama." The title comes from Psalm 2.
Chris Voss
How Tactical Empathy Will Change Your Life- Justus Parmar & Chris Voss
Fortuna Investments founder Justus Parmar tells former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss how the Black Swan method changed the way he negotiates. He now starts by understanding what the other side wants, and says tactical empathy has helped him build trust and protect long-term business relationships.