Readthrough
Top Stories
First Russian diesel tanker heads to New York after Trump's deal with Putin to lower fuel prices
Northwest Arkansas Outpaces Peers as Jobs, Businesses and Tech Employment Expand
Game Observations: 8 takeaways from the Patriots loss to the Bears on Thursday Night Football in Week 7
Brent Tops $116 as Middle East Risks Grow
Mozhda TV goes on air as first Afghan Christian TV channel in historic launch
NW Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas Outpaces Peers as Jobs, Businesses and Tech Employment Expand
Northwest Arkansas outpaced six peer metro areas in job, business and high-tech employment growth, according to the 2026 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report released Friday. The region added 8,300 net new jobs in 2025, a 2.8% gain to 302,100, while high-tech employment rose 10.9%. Wages remain the lowest in the peer group, and housing affordability is still a challenge.
By the numbers: Tracking early voting data in Arkansas
Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterms is underway in Arkansas, and 40/29's data team is tracking early and mail-in ballots nationwide using University of Florida Election Lab data. Benton County saw 6,513 ballots cast on the first day of early voting, Oct. 19, compared with 3,669 on day one in 2022. "Yesterday was a little busier than what we'd actually expected," said county election coordinator Kim Dennison.
Continue to Help Shape the Future of Fayetteville’s Next Neighborhood Park
The City of Fayetteville is asking residents to help shape the design of a new neighborhood park near Owl Creek, which is in its final design phase. A drop-in community workshop is set for Thursday, Oct. 29, and the input will guide future design decisions.
ARDOT Winter Weather Crews Gear Up with Statewide Drill
The Arkansas Department of Transportation will hold a statewide winter weather preparedness drill on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews will train drivers, check equipment and road-test snowplow trucks while ARDOT's Emergency Operations Center is activated.
Staying warm and dry into the new week
Northwest Arkansas stays warm and dry through the rest of the weekend, with Sunday's highs only a degree or two cooler than Saturday's. More clouds are possible over the next few days, and warmer-than-average temperatures stay in the forecast for most of the coming week.
Razorbacks Hit the Road for Matches with Tide, Bulldogs
Arkansas volleyball goes on the road this weekend to face Alabama and Mississippi State. Alabama is 9-8 and 1-7 in the SEC; the Hogs had won 10 straight against the Tide before last season's home loss.
Ozark Society youth grants fund hands-on conservation projects
The Ozark Society is again funding youth conservation projects, with grants of $500 to $2,500 for K-12 hands-on environmental work. Nonprofits and schools across the Ozarks, Ouachitas and northwest Louisiana can apply through the end of November.
Lev Grinberg Named SEC Freshman Golfer of the Week
Razorback freshman Lev Grinberg was named SEC Freshman Golfer of the Week after a final-round 5-under 67 moved him up 12 spots to finish runner-up at the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational. Arkansas finished as co-champion at the event.
Groove Culture brings 11-piece jazz, funk sound to Rogers
Groove Culture, an 11-piece Northwest Arkansas band playing modern jazz, funk and R&B in the style of Snarky Puppy and Cory Wong, is bringing its show to the Victory Theater in downtown Rogers. Bandleader Austin Farnam, a saxophonist, drummer and head of music at The New School in Fayetteville, told KUAF the group gathers many of the best musicians he knows in Arkansas.
Hoop Hogs host Zags for tantalizing exhibition tilt
No. 12 Arkansas hosts No. 15 Gonzaga in an exhibition at Bud Walton Arena at 3 p.m. Saturday, streamed on SEC Network+. Coach John Calipari said little about the matchup, set up with his longtime friend, Gonzaga coach Mark Few.
Franklin County man charged with killing grandfather with sledgehammer, documents show
Court documents say a 37-year-old Franklin County man, J.M. Kiggins, told investigators he struck his 79-year-old grandfather, Terrance Kiggins, in the head with a sledgehammer while he slept in their Ozark home on Aug. 26. According to the affidavit, he then called 911 and claimed his girlfriend had done it. He is charged with first-degree murder and is being held in the Franklin County jail.
OHP: Man wanted in Minnesota for sexual misconduct with minor arrested in Le Flore County
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers arrested Eric Sunder, wanted in Minnesota, in southern Le Flore County near the Arkansas border. Sunder had been found guilty on three counts of first-degree sexual misconduct involving a minor and failed to appear for the end of his trial. Arkansas State Police Troop K and Polk County deputies helped with the operation.
Hawaii
What Kauaʻi County residents, visitors need to know Oct. 24 about Hurricane Lowell recovery
Kauaʻi is still cleaning up and rebuilding after Hurricane Lowell hit on Labor Day, and the county's hurricane resource centers have now closed; residents with needs can call 211 or visit kauairecovers.org. A $2 million state-funded Business Recovery Grant Program is offering one-time grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to small businesses and nonprofits hurt by the storm, first come, first served.
Update: Suspect Involved in Kailua Attempted Murder in the First Degree Against a Law Enforcement Officer Charged
Honolulu police say the suspect in a Kailua attempted-murder case involving a law enforcement officer has been charged after the case was conferred with prosecutors on Oct. 23. Sean Warnet, 43, faces counts of attempted first-degree murder against a law enforcement officer, use of a firearm in a separate felony and two counts of prohibited weapon.
10/23/26 – WAIMEA CANYON LOOKOUT REOPENING OCTOBER 24, 2026
Hawaii's DLNR says the Waimea Canyon Lookout on Kauai reopens Saturday, Oct. 24, during daylight hours, with entry fees waived and only parking fees collected. It is not a full reopening: the Puu Hinahina, Puu Ka Pele and Puu o Kila lookouts and Kokee State Park remain closed while crews clear hazards and repair damage from Hurricane Lowell.
Papahānaumokuākea and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale sanctuaries seek advisory council applicants
NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for 13 primary and 11 alternate advisory council seats, and Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary has eight primary and five alternate seats open. Members serve three-year terms and attend quarterly meetings. Applications are due by 5 p.m. HST on Dec. 18.
Mayor Bissen proposes $30M in bond funding to protect critical Moloka'i lands, water assets
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen is proposing $30 million in general obligation bonds to buy key land and water infrastructure on Molokai, including county operations property in Kaunakakai. The County Council approved the funding 8-1 on first reading, with a final vote set for Nov. 13; individual purchases would still need separate approval.
Maui celebrates Day of the Dead to honor loved ones lost in Lahaina
Roots Reborn, a Maui disaster-response group founded after the 2023 wildfires to help immigrants and undocumented migrants recover, is again marking Dia de los Muertos to honor lives lost in Lahaina. HPR spoke with organizers about the upcoming celebration and fundraiser and the group's work on rights trainings, health insurance sign-ups and immigration legal services.
10/23/26 – HAWAIʻI CLIMATE COMMISSION LAUNCHING WORKSHOPS TO BOOST SOIL HEALTH AND AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE
The Hawaiʻi Climate Commission is launching workshops to improve soil health and agricultural resilience, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Oct. 23.
What’s cooking: Chef Vikram Garg launches new open-air social space ‘TERNS’ at Halepuna in Waikiki
Chef Vikram Garg has launched TERNS, an open-air social space on the Halekulani Bakery terrace at Halepuna Waikiki, named for the white tern (Manu-o-Ku). The menu mixes American and global flavors with shareable plates such as hamachi ceviche and ahi poke in pani puri, plus a rhum bar. Garg also recently started Masala Maya, an Indian takeout and delivery concept.
Future physicians give Hawaiʻi lawmakers firsthand look at medical training
JABSOM medical students invited state lawmakers to campus for a firsthand look at how future physicians are trained, amid Hawaiʻi's doctor shortage. Sen. Troy Hashimoto and Reps. Jackson Sayama, Greg Illagan, Gregg Takeyama and Adrian Tam took the student-led tour in October.
Behind the hits: The athletic trainers keeping Hawaii football players game-ready
As Hawaii high school football heads into the playoffs, KITV profiles the athletic trainers who watch every hit from the sideline. Trainers Mikaylah Kaohu of Leilehua and Alexis Domingo of Campbell describe looking for players who are slow to get up and helping athletes manage injuries and rehab through the season.
Talk story with Pear Suite CEO, Shidler College alumnus Colby Takeda
UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business alumnus Colby Takeda is CEO and cofounder of Pear Suite, an AI-enabled healthcare company that supports community health workers, doulas and community groups and now has more than 60 employees. He says Shidler gave him the confidence to build an ambitious, nationally impactful company while staying rooted in Hawaiʻi.
Former ‘Voice’ contestant Kaylee Shimizu celebrates Filipino roots through music
Oʻahu singer Kaylee Shimizu, 20, who reached the Top 20 on NBC's "The Voice" and later performed with John Legend in Hawaii, is celebrating her Filipino roots with a set at Capitol Modern's Filipino American History Month event. She said music is how her mother's side of the family bonds, and she is now studying music at New Hope Christian College.
Business
First Russian diesel tanker heads to New York after Trump's deal with Putin to lower fuel prices
The first tanker carrying 40,000 tons of Russian diesel has left for New York, the first Russian diesel bound for the U.S. since 2023, following President Trump's deal with Vladimir Putin to release more diesel into global supply as U.S. prices top $6 a gallon. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said regular supplies will continue, while a retired Marine general told Fox News the cargo would cover only a couple of hours of U.S. demand.
Chancellor unveils Britain’s ambitious plan for AI
UK Chancellor plans a major AI package as part of next week's Budget, aiming to spread AI opportunities across the country, scale up British AI firms and guard against hostile threats. HM Treasury says the plans include hundreds of millions in investment, among them £10 million a year to study how AI will reshape jobs and industry.
Oil price rises above $117 a barrel amid fears US will renew strikes on Iran
Brent crude rose about 3.5% Friday to pass $117 a barrel at one point, its highest since April, after Tehran threatened Gulf oil facilities, undersea cables and data centers if a new US-Israeli offensive is launched. It later eased to just over $116; Brent was around $72 in February before the Iran war began.
Jackdaw gas field gets green light
The UK Energy Secretary cleared the way for gas production at the Jackdaw field, which could start supplying homes by the end of this month and lift domestic gas output by about 6% at peak. The Chancellor also announced a new Energy Wealth Fund with a £2 billion downpayment.
Trump drops some Canada tariffs in bid to boost embattled Susan Collins in Maine
President Trump lifted some US tariffs on Canada on Friday, a move that helps Maine Sen. Susan Collins in her tight re-election race. Collins said the exemptions cover nine agricultural products, including blueberries, potatoes, apples and seaweed, and she is pressing for further relief and a broader trade deal.
SEC Announces Fiscal Year 2027 Examination Priorities
The SEC's Division of Examinations released its fiscal 2027 examination priorities, listing the areas it sees as the biggest risks to investors and market integrity. The division also said it wants to be more accessible to registrants during exams.
The AI infrastructure race: I’ve seen this movie before
Luminar cofounder Jason Eichenholz argues in Fast Company that the AI infrastructure race looks like the autonomous-vehicle boom he lived through. His point: when technology transforms an industry, the companies that built the old infrastructure are not always the ones that define the new one.
Corporate report: Government response to Small Business Regulatory Taskforce report
The UK government has published its response to the Small Business Regulatory Taskforce, a joint government-industry effort that ran from June to September 2026. The taskforce's report made 15 recommendations across five areas to make regulation simpler and more proportionate for small and medium-sized firms, and the government says it welcomes them as part of its pledge to cut regulatory admin costs by 25%.
From zeitgeist to zeitghost: How Netflix kept a hold on viewers—but lost its spot in pop culture
Fast Company looks at how Netflix still draws huge audiences but has lost its grip on pop culture. Its new film War Machine, starring Alan Ritchson, reached 140 million views and is the platform's biggest movie of the year, yet generated little online buzz, a sign that even Netflix's biggest releases rarely feel like events anymore.
Why Meta is charging to post more hyperlinks
NPR's The Indicator newsletter looks at why Meta's Facebook has started charging some users to post more hyperlinks, alongside other money stories of the week. It opens with an Atlanta-area gas station price war that drove pump prices down to 97 cents before police had to step in.
A consultant is going viral for exposing the cringe-worthy DMs bosses send employees
Management consultant George Stern has drawn millions of viewers by sharing anonymous, cringe-worthy direct messages employees receive from their bosses, including some sent on their wedding day. Stern says he started posting leadership tips on LinkedIn about a year ago, and followers began sending him their own workplace situations asking for help.
The young Americans choosing Y2K cars over shiny new SUVs: ‘I get so much crap from people’
Many younger millennials and Gen Z Americans are skipping new cars and buying older 2000s-era vehicles instead, priced out by ever-larger, pricier SUVs and pickups. The Guardian profiles drivers like 30-year-old Jack Price, who bought a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta for $6,000 cash and has driven it cross-country and "into the ground."
Tech
Google is quietly linking your phone number to other Android accounts
Android phones have been automatically attaching the SIM's phone number to every Google account signed in on the device, including work and secondary accounts, by default since September 2025. Google says verification powers account recovery and RCS messaging but doesn't explain why every account needs the number. Many users are only learning about it now from unprompted verification emails.
Міноборони фіксує відновлення швидкості Starlink/Starshield
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense says its monitoring systems now officially show Starlink/Starshield speeds have recovered after earlier restrictions. The ministry says the link stays stable even at movement speeds above 400 km/h, and it will keep monitoring the service.
Origin Range Requests: Serving large files without range-request tuning
Cloudflare explains a new way of handling range requests for large files like video, so a single seek no longer pulls up to 128 MiB from the origin. The change cuts wasted origin traffic without needing per-site tuning.
Will AI expose the rickety infrastructure of the internet?
On TechCrunch's Equity podcast, hosts discussed this week's urgent PHP vulnerabilities, which led to warnings that site owners patch immediately or take sites offline. Sean O'Kane called it "a real reckoning moment" showing the internet is "held together by glue and dreams," and the hosts noted AI tools will make such flaws easier to find, though these were found by human researchers.
Bringing post-quantum cryptography to geographically fenced key management
Cloudflare launched a post-quantum, geographically restricted key manager in closed beta as part of its Data Localization Suite. It keeps customers' decryption keys accessible only in chosen regions.
iPhone Duo arrives at Apple Store locations worldwide
Apple's first foldable iPhone, iPhone Duo, went on sale Friday at Apple Stores worldwide, with executives greeting customers in Austin and New York. Stores are offering hands-on demos plus new Today at Apple sessions on the device and iOS 27.
Hands-on: Belkin’s new semi solid state batteries make for a much lighter carry
Belkin has two new semi-solid-state battery packs for iPhone: a 10,000mAh USB-C bank with up to 60W charging and a display, at 220 grams and $89.95, and a thin 5,000mAh MagSafe pack with 15W Qi2 charging. 9to5Mac's hands-on says both are noticeably lighter than typical batteries of the same capacity and have premium aluminum builds.
See what 5 builders are making with Gemini 4 Argon
Google showcased five community projects built with its new frontier model, Gemini 4 Argon, including a 3D seaplane simulation and a globe mapping tectonic shockwaves in real time. Google says Argon excels at deep, multi-step work in coding, finance, legal and science.
Exit interview: Microsoft’s comms chief on CEOs, reporters, what he got wrong, and stories that stuck
Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft's communications chief for nearly three decades, is leaving at the end of the year and sat down for an exit interview on the GeekWire Podcast with Mary Jo Foley. He talks about working for Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella, his dealings with top tech reporters, what he'd do differently, and why trust still comes down to the person telling the story.
This clever USB-C cable doubles as a stand for your phone [Gallery]
9to5Google tries the Statik PowerStand, a braided USB-C cable with a fold-out kickstand built into its right-angle plug. Two swivel feet let a phone stand upright for charging or sideways for video, and the reviewer says the simple idea is well executed and adds no bulk for travel.
Kazakhstan Expands Compute for Its AI Future
NVIDIA announced expanded AI computing in Kazakhstan, timed to CEO Jensen Huang's visit to Astana on Oct. 23. The company says the country is moving from infrastructure plans to deploying models and applications.
XLE & Oil
Brent Tops $116 as Middle East Risks Grow
Brent crude ended the week at its highest since April, settling just below $117 after a weekly gain of more than 6%, as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia added to supply fears from the US-Iran war. WTI closed above $103.
Energy Department Authorizes Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange to Support Fuel Supply Stability
The Energy Department authorized an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ease fuel supply problems in Louisiana and the surrounding region.
Fuel Oil Becomes Asia’s Next Cost Shock
Singapore's shipping-fuel market is adding cost to Asian trade, as disrupted Middle East and Russian supplies and high freight rates push high-sulphur fuel oil above the price of the crude used to make it. The November HSFO crack against Dubai crude topped $10 a barrel in mid-October versus a roughly $5 discount before the war. Seasonal Gulf supply and more Chinese export quotas could ease very-low-sulphur fuel oil by year-end.
Energy Department to Use Defense Production Act Funding to Restart American Refinery and Expand Refining Capacity
President Trump announced up to $150 million in Defense Production Act Title III funding to expand petroleum production, storage and logistics at U.S. refineries, including restarting a refinery.
Physical Oil Prices Drop in Mideast
Physical prices for some Middle East crudes sold outside the Persian Gulf have dropped as producers and traders get better at moving cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz despite attacks, according to Asian refiners.
Energy Department Designates Helium as Critical Material to Strengthen American Manufacturing and Supply Chain Security
Energy Secretary Chris Wright designated helium as a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020, citing its role in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced energy technologies.
Trump Targets $6.2 Billion Offshore Wind Project Nearing Completion
The Trump administration has filed a motion in a federal lawsuit seeking to rescind the Interior Department's approval of Revolution Wind, a $6.2 billion offshore wind project off Rhode Island that is nearing completion. It would be Connecticut's first offshore wind supply. The case was originally brought in 2024 by the anti-wind group Green Oceans.
MISO selects consortium of Ameren, GridLiance, Dairyland to deliver foundational energy grid project in Iowa
MISO picked a consortium of Ameren, NextEra's GridLiance Heartland and Dairyland Power Cooperative to build and run a major new transmission project in Iowa.
Germany Wants to Stop More Oil Refinery Closures
Germany says it will try to stop further oil refinery closures, warning that shutdowns hurt not only fuel supply but its large chemicals industry. Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said closures mean more imports, higher prices and supply-security risk premiums, and the government aims to have a new refining strategy by early next year.
Syria's Energy Comeback Could Reshape Middle East Oil and Gas
Syria's transitional government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is betting on energy as part of its post-war reconstruction, aiming to make the country a regional hub. The government has taken control of assets including the Omar oil field and Tabiyeh gas complex as it pushes reforms ahead of planned elections in 2030.
Chevron targets Argentina shale growth as Vaca Muerta competes for global investment
Chevron is preparing to expand drilling in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale, weighing a proposed $13.8 billion investment. It plans to raise rigs at its El Trapial block from one to three by early 2029.
SLB tops profit estimates as global oilfield activity improves
SLB beat expectations with third-quarter adjusted earnings of $0.64 a share on revenue of $9.45 billion, up 6% from a year earlier. North America revenue jumped 24% to $2.40 billion, while Middle East and Asia revenue rose 9% from the prior quarter but stayed below last year because of geopolitical disruption.
Chainlink
Chainlink reports $15B in CCIP migrations as LINK price nears $12
Chainlink's Q3 review says more than $15 billion in tokens migrated to its CCIP cross-chain protocol in 2026, as CCIP 2.0 went live with new security, compliance and settlement controls. LINK traded near $12.24 on Oct. 22.
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 managing partner Azor Barros. They discussed AI's growing role in payments and how bringing it into the financial system could reshape how money moves.
LG CNS Partners With Chainlink To Advance Korea’s Digital Asset Market
LG CNS, LG Group's tech arm and the lead on the Bank of Korea's Project Hangang digital currency platform, signed a strategic partnership with Chainlink. The deal aims to bring Chainlink's oracle services to Korea's large digital asset market, including Korean won stablecoins.
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 why he says CCIP 2.0 is built to move tokenized assets for global finance.
Archax Turns To Chainlink Data Streams For Tokenised Treasury Collateral
Archax has adopted Chainlink Data Streams to price GOVY, its tokenized U.S. Treasury product, as it builds collateral and margin uses for it.
Build Faster, More Secure Cross-Chain Applications with CCIP 2.0 | LinkLab
A Chainlink LinkLab video walks developers through what's new in CCIP 2.0 and how it gives them more control over the speed, security and compliance of cross-chain apps.
Chainlink, Cardano, other blockchain groups push SEC for clearer crypto rules
Six blockchain organizations, including Chainlink Labs and the Cardano Foundation, urged the SEC to formally classify digital commodities as non-securities in its proposed framework.
Tokenization at Scale: Building the Next Era of Global Markets | DTCC & Chainlink at Sibos 2026
DTCC Digital Assets head Nadine Chakar and Sergey Nazarov discuss at Sibos 2026 what it takes to scale tokenization, including 24/7 collateral management and interoperability.
Chainlink’s McCormick: Blockchain Benefits Institutional And Retail Investors
Chainlink Labs' Andrew McCormick told the Thinking Crypto podcast how major institutions are using Chainlink to tokenize assets, saying the oracle platform bridges traditional markets and the multi-chain economy.
OpenZeppelin Partners With Chainlink To Advance Institutional Onchain Finance
OpenZeppelin partnered with Chainlink to build CCIP and the Automated Compliance Engine into its developer tooling, aiming for secure, compliant onchain finance apps.
Chainlink Partnership Targets Institutional Tokenization in Japan
Japan's Pacific Meta has partnered with Chainlink Labs, adopting CCIP as its preferred interoperability solution and listing Chainlink's Automated Compliance Engine on its marketplace for Japanese institutions. Blockonomi notes the announcement named no launch customers or timetable, and LINK slipped about 1.6% to $12.30 at the time.
Pacific Meta Partners With Chainlink, Selects CCIP As Preferred Cross-Chain Solution
Tokyo-based Pacific Meta partnered with Chainlink Labs and chose CCIP as its preferred cross-chain solution, aiming to speed institutional tokenization in Japan.
Patriots
Game Observations: 8 takeaways from the Patriots loss to the Bears on Thursday Night Football in Week 7
The Patriots fell 30-24 to the Bears at Soldier Field on Thursday night, as Chicago forced 16 missed tackles and out-snapped New England. Drake Maye was mostly great behind a short-handed line, but a red-zone interception swung the second quarter. "Tackling wasn't good enough," Mike Vrabel said.
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 says Maye was mostly outstanding, with 14 plus plays and +0.34 EPA per drop-back, but the offense couldn't find a go-ahead score on two fourth-quarter drives down 27-21.
Split decision: Caleb Williams outperforms Drake Maye in Bears' win over Pats
NBC Sports Boston's crew gave Caleb Williams the edge over Drake Maye in a close duel. Phil Perry said the quarterback who won without turning the ball over wins "by decision," while praising Maye for making plays under heavy blitzing.
Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are leaving the Patriots wanting more
Patriots interior linemen Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, who together count $45.6 million against the cap this season, managed five pressures and a sack on 47 pass-rush snaps in Thursday's 30-24 loss to the Bears, according to PFF. They logged just two run stops on 29 snaps as Chicago ran for 116 yards and controlled the clock.
Breaking Down the Patriots Performances vs. the Jets & Bears | Patriots This Week
On the Patriots' official Patriots This Week show, Bob Socci and Scott Zolak react to Thursday night's loss to the Bears. Socci, Zolak and Mike Dussault also look back at the earlier win over the Jets.
Patriots running game fails to deliver against Bears
Rhamondre Stevenson broke a 48-yard touchdown run before halftime, but Patriots running backs gained only 44 yards on the ground in the loss, Pats Pulpit notes.
New England Patriots Postgame Quotes 10/22
Mike Vrabel's postgame quotes: the tackling "wasn't good enough, not against this team," naming Bears playmakers D'Andre Swift and Luther Burden III, though he said the team fought and needs more takeaways.
Patriots need much more from A.J. Brown, wide receivers amid injuries
Maye completed 24 of 31 for 321 yards, two touchdowns and an interception and led the team in rushing, but NBC Sports Boston says the defense and wide receivers, including A.J. Brown, didn't hold up their end.
Forged in Foxborough Episode 4: The Answer | New England Patriots
Episode 4 of Forged in Foxborough goes behind the scenes on how the Patriots responded to early-season adversity, and celebrates the Super Bowl XXXVI team 25 years on.
Xavier Newman-Johnson, Benton Whitley revert to Patriots’ practice squad following Week 7
Offensive lineman Xavier Newman-Johnson and outside linebacker Benton Whitley reverted to the Patriots' practice squad Friday after being elevated for Thursday's 30-24 loss in Chicago. Both made their first appearances of 2026, with Newman-Johnson providing depth on a line missing Ben Brown (knee) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (injured reserve, hamstring).
Mike Vrabel's anti-Bill Belichick approach with Patriots rookies is working like a charm
Musket Fire argues that Mike Vrabel's patient approach with rookies, unlike Bill Belichick's iron-fisted style, is paying off. In the loss to the Bears, tight end Eli Raridon scored a touchdown on the play after his false start, and Gabe Jacas followed a roughing-the-passer flag with pressure that led to a sack on the same drive.
Patriots need to pounce on Brian Thomas Jr. trade to bolster struggling offense
Musket Fire argues the 4-2 Patriots should trade for Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. after Romeo Doubs joined Mack Hollins on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. A.J. Brown is back, and Pop Douglas, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams have had recent success, but the writer says the receiving corps still needs help.
Movies
‘The Odyssey’ is coming to Prime Video November 17. Here's how to watch.
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland, will be available to buy on Prime Video for $19.99 starting Nov. 17, and preorders are open now. Amazon says the film has earned more than $1.7 billion worldwide since its July 17 release, making it 2026's second-highest-grossing movie. No Prime membership is needed to buy it.
Quentin Tarantino Surprises Fans with an Early Look at ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth’
At an AFI Fest screening of 'Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,' Quentin Tarantino surprised the crowd by showing the first 17 minutes of 'The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,' which he wrote and David Fincher directed. IndieWire says the footage is a crime story in the vein of Elmore Leonard, with a darker Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) working as a projectionist at the New Beverly Cinema in June 1977.
Netflix Adapts the Classic by Clarín: Production Begins on 'La Regenta'
Netflix has started production on La Regenta, a contemporary adaptation of Leopoldo Alas "Clarín"'s classic Spanish novel told from a female perspective. Mar Coll directs and María Zamora produces.
Sandra Hüller Joins Avengers: Doomsday In Mystery Cameo Role
Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller has joined the Russo Brothers' Avengers: Doomsday in a mystery cameo role, according to THR's reporting cited by Empire. It caps a busy year for the German actor, who has appeared in Project Hail Mary, Rose, Fatherland and Digger.
New Alien Movie In The Works From Raised By Wolves Writer Aaron Guzikowski
Aaron Guzikowski, creator of Raised By Wolves and writer of Prisoners, has been hired to write a new Alien movie at 20th Century Studios under Ridley Scott's Scott Free banner, THR reports. Details are under wraps, but Scott said in August he still wants to make a final prequel centered on Michael Fassbender's android David.
Crystal Lake Raises Big Questions About The Next Friday The 13th Movie
Peacock's prequel series "Crystal Lake," starring Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees in 1972, complicates plans for the next "Friday the 13th" movie, /Film argues. Jason Voorhees hasn't been on the big screen since 2009, and the Season 1 finale's twist raises questions about where the film franchise goes next. (Contains spoilers.)
Wicker First Reviews: Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård Shine In A Quirky, Sexy Romance
First reviews of Wicker praise Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård in a raunchy romantasy comedy based on Ursula Wills-Jones's short story "The Wicker Husband," though critics say the script wears thin at points.
'Possible Love' offers four of the best performances you'll see all year
NPR's critic calls Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love, his first film in eight years since Burning, home to four of the year's best performances. It's inspired by a 2009 Korean car-factory strike that was brutally shut down by police.
An Act of Devotion: Travis Knight on “Wildwood”
Travis Knight talks about Wildwood, Laika's new stop-motion film adapted from Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis's novel, which follows young Prue McKeel into the woods outside Portland.
Watch the ‘Buddy’ Team Explain How They Made the World Fall in Love with a Murderous Unicorn
At IndieWire's Future of Filmmaking Summit, producer Tracy Rosenblum, co-writer Jamie King and Roadside Attractions' Melissa Yerou explained how Casper Kelly's horror comedy 'Buddy' became a 2026 hit. The marketing introduced Buddy the Unicorn as a seemingly real '90s TV mascot before revealing his homicidal side, so audiences were invested in the character first.
Lorcana & SWU
Disney Lorcana TCG Set Release Notes: Hyperia City
Ravensburger's release notes for Disney Lorcana's Hyperia City set explain its rules changes, new mechanics and why the adjustments were made.
Star Wars: Unlimited | Iconic Musings
Star Wars: Unlimited designer Tyler Parrott previews the Icons set: 20 reprints get new art, it has the most high-cost cards of any set so far, and six factions get trait payoffs.
Disney Lorcana TCG Products from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Now Available Online
Ravensburger will sell the 2026 D23 Collection and a Winnie the Pooh Hunny Wizard foil playmat online from 9 a.m. ET on Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, using a third-party queue system to keep bots out.
New Expansion ‘Homeworlds’ Shakes Up the Star Wars Unlimited Meta With New Mechanics
Star Wars: Unlimited's ninth main set, Homeworlds, launched Oct. 9 with 260 new cards, a new Fortify keyword, two new token cards and a new prestige style, marking the game's third year. Cards focus on planets, creatures and armies with traits like Gungan, Wookiee and Ewok, and for the first time some cards care about where your base is located.
TIMELESS TALES AND TOTALLY-ROCKIN’ TUNES
Disney Lorcana's Curator's Collection: Beauty and the Beast Edition and a new I2I foil playmat went on sale Oct. 16 at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, World of Disney in Disneyland Paris and DisneyStore.co.uk. The collection reimagines the film's characters as glimmers with new stained-glass-inspired art and brings back favorites such as Belle – Hidden Archer and Beast – Tragic Hero.
First Cards for Star Wars Unlimited’s Icons 2027 Edition Revealed
The first cards for Star Wars: Unlimited's Icons 2027 Edition are revealed. The beginner-friendly set comes with a starter box and boosters without overly complex cards.
A Coco Themed Deck
An official Disney Lorcana deck guide builds around Coco characters, pairing Ancestral Guitar with Héctor and Miguel and using Ernesto de la Cruz against singer decks.
Starting Out with Star Wars: Unlimited Icons, Available November 20th
Fantasy Flight Games says Icons 2027, out Nov. 20, is a smaller Star Wars: Unlimited set focused on fan-favorite characters and simple mechanics, making it an entry point for new and returning players.
WALL-E Comes to Lorcana, Hyperia City Reveals + New Illustrious Card
A Lorcana Player recap of the Hyperia City Lorecast: WALL-E joins Lorcana, plus more on the Ink Drops mechanic and a new Illustrious card.
Star Wars Unlimited – Homeworlds’ PreCon Decks are Lethal In Their Own Ways
Big Boss Battle reviews Homeworlds' two pre-constructed Star Wars: Unlimited decks, led by Grand Moff Tarkin and Chewbacca, which win in very different ways. Each box includes a leader, base, tokens, a 50-card deck and a booster; the Tarkin deck builds up your base using the new fortify keyword.
Review: "Disney Lorcana: Hyperia City" Prerelease Box Brings New Mechanics and More Fantastic Art to the TCG
Laughing Place reviews the Hyperia City prerelease box, praising its new mechanics and art as Lorcana heads to a city named for the Disney brothers' Hyperion Studio.
10 Most Valuable Star Wars Unlimited: Homeworlds Cards
Card Gamer ranks the 10 most valuable cards from Star Wars: Unlimited's ninth set, Homeworlds, which adds the Fortify keyword for upgrading bases plus Beast and Weakness tokens. Serialized cards such as Yanna, Sanctuary Elder, limited to 250 copies, are scarce, but their prices aren't well established yet.
Faith
Pope Leo recognises heroic virtues of six new Venerables
Pope Leo XIV has recognized the heroic virtues of six Servants of God, declaring them Venerable after an audience Oct. 24 with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. They include Friedrich Kaiser Depel, the first prelate of Caravelí in Peru; Salesian bishop Oreste Marengo, who served in India; Focolare laywoman Margarita Bavosi; and Capuchin friar Daniele of San Giovanni Rotondo, a spiritual son of St. Pio.
Mozhda TV goes on air as first Afghan Christian TV channel in historic launch
Mozhda TV, described by its founders as the first Afghan Christian television channel, began broadcasting by satellite on Saturday, Oct. 24, carrying Christian programming to Afghanistan in the country's languages. "For the first time in history, the first Afghan Christian satellite channel will start its broadcasting," said Shoaib Ebadi of the Afghanistan Bible Society. Executive director Masoud Ghorbani preached the first sermon from Mark 6:34.
Bishop Nykiel: Confession is not a place of judgement but a home of celebration
At a two-day Rome seminar on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Bishop Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, said confession is not a place of judgement but a home of celebration. The 2026 theme, 'Contritio cordis,' focused on the biblical, theological and spiritual roots of contrition.
Brazil seeks to reopen case of Christian student facing 10 years’ prison for ‘transphobia’
Brazil's federal prosecutors have filed a special appeal to reopen the "transphobia" case against veterinary student Isadora Borges, who faced up to 10 years in prison over two posts on X. A regional federal court dismissed all charges in March; prosecutors now want Brazil's Superior Tribunal of Justice to review it. ADF International, which backs her defense, reported the appeal.
Pope: ‘Hearts of young people are longing to discover Christ’s love’
Pope Leo XIV met on Saturday with the Jesus Youth International Conference, the movement's first meeting with a pope, 40 years after it began among young people in Kerala, India. The Vatican approved the association's revised statutes on Friday after three years of synodal consultation, and the Pope said young hearts are longing to discover Christ's love.
JD Vance leads rallygoers in Lord’s Prayer after woman collapses: 'Pray as the Lord taught us to pray'
Vice President JD Vance paused a rally in North Platte, Nebraska, when a woman collapsed on the risers behind him, called for his medical team and led the crowd in the Lord's Prayer. He then walked into the stands to check on her as police and doctors helped.
Grand v. City of University Heights
The Supreme Court will hear Grand v. City of University Heights on Dec. 9: an Orthodox Jewish man was ordered to stop hosting a Sabbath prayer group at home. The question is whether he can sue before finishing the city's zoning permit process.
Erika Kirk Surprised With Honorary Doctorate From Liberty University During Freedom Uncensored Event
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk received a surprise honorary Doctor of Humanities from Liberty University on Oct. 23 at its Freedom Uncensored event in Lynchburg, Virginia. President Dondi Costin presented the degree after her Q&A, saying the university had planned to give it a year earlier, after the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk.
Polk v. Montgomery County Public Schools
The Southern Baptist ERLC has filed a brief in Polk v. Montgomery County Public Schools, a case asking the Supreme Court to review whether a Maryland school district could require a Christian substitute teacher to use students' chosen pronouns and withhold a child's gender identity from parents. Kim Polk says the district's guidelines violate her religious beliefs and free speech; the case is pending review.
Is Gen Z Turning to God? New Survey Offers Surprising Signs of Belief
A new survey suggests Gen Z may be showing signs of a renewed interest in faith, challenging the idea that young people are steadily leaving religion.
Shane Winnings Warns Liberty University Crowd That America Must ‘Turn Back to God’ or Face Judgment
Promise Keepers CEO Shane Winnings told Liberty University's Freedom Uncensored event that America is at a crossroads and must "turn back to God" or face judgment. He called progressivism "a plague to the nation" and said, "This is not left versus right. This is tradition versus the death of tradition."
Here’s a clue about the fake trans mailers
A Baptist News Global column digs into the fake mailers sent to Texas voters as early voting began, which claimed to come from a "Texas Transgender Student Union", used a real nonprofit's logo and gave false information about gender-affirming care for minors. Texas reporters traced the senders to a Wyoming building that houses 26 commercial registered agents.
Christian Metal
What Lies Below - Return To Nothing (Official Music Video)
Solid State Records welcomes What Lies Below with the official video for "Return To Nothing."
Review: Omegashift – The Burden of Storms
Heaven's Metal reviews The Burden of Storms, the second album from Norwegian doom band Omegashift, due Nov. 20 on Nordic Mission. The reviewer praises its heavy, slow riffs paired with strong melodies, female vocals and a hopeful message, starting with lead single 'While Men Slept.'
SAVE US - No Holding Back
SAVE US shares "No Holding Back" from its Solid State album Death To Something, out now.
News: Heal the Hurt release new single ‘Afraid of Silence’
Heal the Hurt released the single 'Afraid of Silence' on Oct. 15, following 'Critical Error,' ahead of the band's No Hope in Hell headlining tour. The song tackles burnout, digital dependence and the fear that stepping away means becoming irrelevant.
Feature: Trans-Siberian Orchestra interview with Al Pitrelli
Heaven's Metal sat down with Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Al Pitrelli for a 24-minute video interview about TSO's 2026 tour. Pitrelli tells stories including breaking his leg and tearing his ACL during a guitar solo and the night he thought he had died on stage.
Skillet - Grave Stomper (Official Visualizer)
Skillet released an official visualizer for "Grave Stomper," written by John L. Cooper and produced by Korey Cooper.
Cody Bonnette on The History of As Cities Burn and their New Album
HM Magazine's podcast talks with Cody Bonnette of As Cities Burn about the band's history and new album.
Meadows “Desert Walker” is out now
Facedown Records' Meadows released Desert Walker, an album about walking through the wilderness that blends crushing heaviness with themes of isolation and redemption.
Peter Espevoll from Extol on the Band’s Legacy and their New Album
HM Magazine talks with Extol's Peter Espevoll about the Norwegian band's legacy, its relationship with the black metal scene and its new album.
Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 5 up for Preview and Listening Party Part 2 October 11th
Indie Vision Music has opened preorders and listening parties for its 'Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 5' compilation of independent heavy Christian bands, released in two parts. A few songs, including a long-awaited Splitcast track, came with $1 preorders on Bandcamp, with the rest set to go live October 23 as free or name-your-price downloads.
Splitcast - Art Official (Official Song Stream Video)
Indie Vision Music has shared a song stream for Splitcast's new track 'Art Official,' which opens its compilation Fighting From the Ground Up Vol. 5. The compilation was released Oct. 23 as a name-your-price Bandcamp download.
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 mixing clean and harsh vocals.
Chris Voss
How Tactical Empathy Will Change Your Life- Justus Parmar & Chris Voss
Fortuna Investments founder Justus Parmar tells Chris Voss how the Black Swan Method changed his negotiating, from focusing on his own goals to first understanding the other side. He says tactical empathy helped him build trust and protect business relationships.