Readthrough
Top Stories
Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
DoorDash to buy Instacart for $17bn in major grocery delivery consolidation
ServiceNow shares plunge 24% after earnings revive AI disruption fears
Shell Profits Nearly Double to $10.8 Billion as Refining Margins Hit Record
Game Preview: Patriots at Dolphins | NFL Week 8
NW Arkansas
Arkansas Named Most Pro-Life State in America for Seventh Year in a Row
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Americans United for Life and the Arkansas Family Council in Alexander on Wednesday to announce that Arkansas has again been ranked the most pro-life state in the country. It is the seventh year in a row the state has topped the group's annual ranking, which scores all 50 states on laws covering the unborn, elderly, disabled and terminally ill.
Art of Home tour returns Nov. 7-8 with four NWA residences
The second annual Art of Home tour opens four private Northwest Arkansas homes where original art drives the interior design, Nov. 7-8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The self-guided tour, presented by MIXD Gallery in Rogers and At Home in Arkansas magazine, runs between Fayetteville and Bentonville, and tickets are $55.
Arkansas amendment aims to prohibit noncitizens from voting in local elections
Issue 1 on Arkansas's November ballot, the "Citizens Only Voting Amendment," would write into the state constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote in state or local elections. Sponsors Rep. David Ray and Sen. John Payton call it a preventive step, while critics say it is unnecessary and sends immigrants an unwelcoming message; five other states are weighing similar measures.
Richmond on Julius Erving Award Preseason Watch List
Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III, a preseason All-SEC pick, is one of 20 players named to the watch list for the 2027 Julius Erving Award, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced. The award, now in its 13th year, honors the top small forward in Division I men's college basketball.
Gentry City Council discusses how to fill upcoming mayoral vacancy
Gentry has no candidates on the ballot for mayor: longtime Mayor Kevin Johnston isn't seeking reelection and nobody else filed. The city attorney told the council that under Arkansas Act 995 of 2025 it can either appoint someone to fill the vacancy or call a special election.
Arkansas Defeats Eastern Michigan, 4-1, in East Lake Cup Semifinal
No. 20 Arkansas women's golf beat Eastern Michigan 4-1 in the East Lake Cup semifinals in Atlanta to reach the championship against Oklahoma State. The Hogs started slowly and trailed in three of five matches at the turn before rallying; Arkansas beat the Cowgirls 5-0 in last season's NCAA quarterfinal.
Arkansas' voter ID rules
Arkansas voters must show an approved photo ID at the polls, such as a driver's license, military ID, passport or an Arkansas college ID, and it can't be expired for more than four years. Washington County election director Jennifer Price says voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot that is set aside until eligibility is verified.
Crystal Bridges pairs Tiffany jewels with American art in new show
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is teaming up with Tiffany & Co. on a new exhibition that shows the jeweler's pieces alongside art and precious gems from the museum's collection. KUAF toured the show, which plays on the museum's idea of sitting at the crossroads of art, architecture and nature.
Governor Sanders Announces the My Natural State Story Winners
Gov. Sanders announced the winners of the My Natural State Story contest with the state education department, Game & Fish Commission and Parks, Heritage & Tourism. The contest, launched in August, asked Arkansas students to share stories of their outdoor experiences to encourage others to spend more time outside and off screens.
UofA piano competition honors Little Rock composer Florence Price
The University of Arkansas will celebrate Little Rock-born composer Florence Price next month with a piano competition in her honor. KUAF marked Public Radio Music Day by looking back at Price, who was born in 1887, wrote her first piece at age 11 and composed more than 300 works.
Hawaii
Shelters on Oahu and Maui for heavy rain, possible flash flooding
With a statewide Flood Watch in effect, shelters opened on Oahu Tuesday afternoon and a temporary evacuation site opened at Helene Hall in Hana, Maui, Wednesday night. All sites are pet friendly, and residents were urged to watch conditions and be ready to leave if heavy rain brings flash flooding.
Kauaʻi Fire Department proposes contracted emergency helicopter pilots become county employees
The Kauai County Council advanced a plan to create three permanent helicopter pilot jobs in the Kauai Fire Department after its longtime contractor, Airborne Aviation, ended its contract in September. The ordinance would move $383,398 from the General Fund to cover about seven months of salaries and benefits this fiscal year.
Kona Historical Society is in jeopardy of closing; needs to raise $200,000 by Dec. 31
The Kona Historical Society, founded in 1976, must raise $200,000 by Dec. 31 to repair earthquake damage and stay open. It runs the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook and the H.N. Greenwell Store in Kealakekua, where an archive of 50,000 photos is kept.
Earthquake and volcano research focus of international student workshop
Fifty graduate student seismologists from 29 institutions in the U.S., Australia and Germany gathered at UH Manoa last week for the Seismology Student Workshop 2026. The event, organized by Earth and Planetary Sciences graduate students, focused on earthquake and volcano research.
The Ala Wai Canal Needs More Than Floodwalls
In a Civil Beat opinion piece, UH Mānoa engineering professor Amarjit Singh argues Honolulu should treat the Ala Wai Canal as a full watershed and canal modernization project, not just a floodwall job. The 1920s canal was built to drain Waikīkī's wetlands, not as modern flood control, and it is now the outlet for a steep watershed draining Makiki, Mānoa and Pālolo.
$20M grant renews UH role in AI research to improve engineering design
The University of Hawaii at Manoa will keep helping develop AI tools that could make it faster and cheaper to design and test everything from airplanes to wind turbines, thanks to a new $20 million federal grant. Three UH Manoa faculty members are part of the renewed research effort.
10/28/26 – TWO MAUI FOREST RESERVES REOPENING TO GAME BIRD HUNTING ON WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS
The Kula Forest Reserve, Kaonoulu Ranch Cooperative Game Management Area and the Papa'anui Tract of the Kahikinui Forest Reserve on Maui will reopen to game bird hunting on Nov. 7. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife's Maui Nui Branch will open access to hunters on weekends and holidays.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui welcomes Justin Kawika Young to Kapalua Concert Series, Nov. 6
Singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young will perform live Hawaiian music at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua on Friday, Nov. 6, as part of the resort's Kapalua Concert Series. The performance is complimentary and open to guests and the local community.
Anthropology professor Joe Genz’s research into Marshallese seafaring enriches communities and the scientific literature
UH Hilo anthropology professor Joe Genz has spent more than two decades doing community-based research in the Marshall Islands on reviving traditional Marshallese navigation. UH Hilo says his work on experiential ways of knowing the ocean has enriched local communities and the field of cognitive anthropology.
Thompson school celebrates 10 years of collaboration, community impact
UH Manoa's Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health is marking 10 years since it brought social work, public health and aging together in 2016. Dean Alex Ortega said the units were strong on their own but their impact and reach have been magnified since joining forces.
The right leader at the right time: Todd Inouye, director of UH Hilo’s business college
Todd Inouye, director of UH Hilo's business college, says taking part in the 2025-26 UH President's Emerging Leaders Program opened his eyes to how the 10-campus system works. He said the real value was networking and collaborating with faculty and staff across the system.
Business
Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
The Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2 on Wednesday to hold the federal funds rate target range at 3-3/4 to 4 percent. The Fed said economic activity is expanding at a strong pace and domestic spending has been resilient, while uncertainty remains elevated partly because of geopolitical developments.
DoorDash to buy Instacart for $17bn in major grocery delivery consolidation
DoorDash agreed to buy Instacart for $17 billion, a big consolidation in grocery delivery. Instacart's brand, app and shoppers will remain, grocers can work with either company, and Instacart customers gain access to 50,000 more stores on DoorDash's network.
ServiceNow shares plunge 24% after earnings revive AI disruption fears
ServiceNow shares sank 24% Thursday, on track for their worst day ever, after third-quarter results lacked upside and revived fears that AI will upend traditional software. Revenue rose more than 20% to $4.11 billion, in line with estimates, but adjusted earnings of $1.00 a share missed the $1.02 forecast.
With days to go before the midterms, data shows the U.S. economy is doing well
U.S. GDP grew at a 3.4% annual rate in July through September, up from 2.2% in the spring, driven by AI data-center investment and consumer spending, the Commerce Department said Thursday. The strong report lands days before the midterms, while many Americans still feel squeezed by inflation and Iran-related energy costs.
The politics of President Lagarde's European Central Bank early exit — and who could replace her
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced she will step down on Feb. 7, 2027, about nine months before her term ends, saying she wants freedom to express political opinions. Her early exit starts a succession race shaped by political bargaining and France's fiscal troubles, ahead of next spring's French presidential election.
Wall Street law firm that handled Enron, Lehman Brothers bankruptcies plans to dissolve after nearly a century
Weil, Gotshal & Manges, the nearly century-old Wall Street law firm that handled the Enron and Lehman Brothers bankruptcies, is moving toward dissolution despite more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Its management committee recommended an orderly wind-down, and partners are expected to vote in the coming days.
Bank of England sets out approach to tokenised collateral in central clearing
The Bank of England opened a consultation on letting central counterparties accept tokenised forms of eligible collateral, saying tokenisation could make moving and managing collateral faster, including across borders. The Bank says current rules aren't a barrier as long as tokenised collateral can still be valued, transferred and realised when needed, even in stress.
UK boosts support to Ukraine with £10 billion package
The UK will give Ukraine a further £10 billion of economic and military support, its largest-ever package of financial backing for the country. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey told President Zelenskyy of the decision before announcing it in the Budget, calling it vital for collective security as Ukraine heads into winter.
CPMI publishes analysis on how central banks support payment system safety and efficiency and trust in money in the rapidly changing payments ecosystem
A new report from the BIS Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures examines how technology, changing user demand and new kinds of payment providers are transforming payment systems. It says central bank money remains the anchor of trust, while private payment options drive innovation, and urges central banks to use their tools holistically and cooperate internationally.
Global Review 2026 spotlights partnerships for trade and development
The WTO's Aid for Trade Global Review 2026 opened with a look at how $795 billion in Aid for Trade has helped developing economies build infrastructure, skills and institutions for trade. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted that African economies and least-developed countries still hold only about 3% and 1% of global exports.
The 10 trending travel destinations for 2027, according to Skyscanner
Skyscanner's list of trending destinations for 2027 is based on places where traveler searches jumped year over year, led by spots like Bishkek, Hurghada and Malmö. Quartz walks through the 10 picks as an alternative to the same well-worn tourist cities.
WNBA Finals Game 6 sees uptick in ticket sales despite scheduling conflict and odd tip-off time, StubHub says
WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream was moved to a 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday tip because of a scheduling conflict, yet StubHub says ticket sales jumped more than 13,000% after the change. The Valkyries can win their first title at State Farm Arena, hours before the Hawks play there.
Tech
Cloudflare DDoS Threat Report 2026 Q3: More swarms, fewer giants
Cloudflare's Q3 2026 DDoS report finds short, small attacks (under 10 minutes and 1 Gbps) surged 208% while hyper-volumetric attacks over 1 Tbps fell nearly 69% from Q2, possibly after law enforcement took down four big IoT botnets. Attackers also dropped CLDAP floods almost entirely and shifted to DNS amplification, up 215%.
Google had a very good, very bad Q3
Alphabet's third quarter brought a 25% revenue jump, $26 billion in net income and a cloud business that doubled revenue to $30 billion, yet the stock fell as much as 11% after hours because ad revenue missed expectations. 9to5Google says investors worry search ads aren't keeping up with users shifting to AI.
Alexa for Shopping adds 100+ new capabilities to make shopping even faster and easier
Amazon says Alexa for Shopping has added more than 100 new capabilities, letting customers manage lists, registries, Subscribe & Save, payments and memberships just by asking. Over 400 million customers used it in the past 12 months, and use of its agentic features has grown more than eightfold since January.
Wabi, the AI agent that builds mini apps, now valued at $1.25B after latest round
Wabi, the personal AI agent from Replika founder Eugenia Kuyda, raised $55 million at a $1.25 billion valuation. The startup began as a prompt-based app builder and last month pivoted to an AI messenger that builds mini apps on demand for tasks like meal planning or date nights.
Mistral’s Le Chonk is now a top open model for coding, ranking alongside Codex GPT-6.1 Terra
French lab Mistral has released the weights for Mistral Large 4, a trillion-parameter model nicknamed "Le Chonk." Its score on the Terminal-Bench 4.0 agentic coding test jumped from 28% in preview to 41%, edging GLM-5.3, and its overall index score of 48 ties Codex GPT-6.1 Terra, ZDNet reports.
GitLab Orbit is GA: Higher agent accuracy, lower token cost
GitLab Orbit is now generally available: a live, queryable context graph linking code, merge requests, work items, pipelines, vulnerabilities and ownership. GitLab says agents connected to Orbit needed up to 45x fewer retries and used 4.5x fewer tokens on the same tasks.
iOS 27.2 gives Shortcuts app these new and improved features
iOS 27.2 adds a new Shortcuts automation that runs when an iPhone Duo is opened or closed, plus Fitness app support for workout automations and web-connected answers in more languages for the "Use Model" action. 9to5Mac lists every Shortcuts change from Apple's release notes.
Equipping healthcare professionals with practical AI skills
Google launched the Google AI for Healthcare Professionals Certificate, a self-paced course of under five hours on using AI for non-clinical administrative work while protecting patient safety and privacy. It offers up to 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, and schools including NYU Grossman, UAB, Touro and Purdue's nursing school are offering it.
Agent identity startup Mintive lands Cowboy Ventures, Coatue, angels Jeff Dean, Andrej Karpathy
Mintive, a startup that manages identity and permissions for enterprise AI agents, has raised $11 million, including a new $7 million seed led by Cowboy Ventures. It was founded by Coursera's first engineer Jiquan Ngiam and TensorFlow co-creator Vijay Vasudevan, with angels including Jeff Dean and Andrej Karpathy.
Partnering with Singapore to bring frontier AI to public health
Google is deepening its partnership with Singapore to deploy frontier AI across the country's healthcare system, announced at the Google for Health Summit. The goals are to speed scientific discovery, improve clinical care delivery and give Singaporeans proactive health tools, working with local researchers, clinicians and agencies.
How Gemini is helping students and teachers in the classroom
Google shared research from a year in UK and Italian classrooms, including a 10-week randomized trial with more than 1,100 UK students aged 12-15. It found AI math tutoring using Gemini, with human experts reviewing every response, can match human tutors, and that Gemini helped collaboration and teacher wellbeing in Italy.
Coding Dojo co-founder unveils ‘Idea to Launch,’ a 30-day program to help aspiring founders build with AI
Coding Dojo co-founder Richard Wang is launching Idea to Launch, a 30-day program that helps would-be founders turn an idea into a working product with AI coding tools. It takes no equity and doesn't require quitting a job, and each founder gets 10 hours of one-on-one help from professional engineers.
XLE & Oil
Shell Profits Nearly Double to $10.8 Billion as Refining Margins Hit Record
Shell's third-quarter adjusted earnings hit $10.8 billion, the highest since 2022 and almost double a year earlier, as the Middle East crisis squeezed fuel supplies. Its indicative refining margin nearly doubled to a record $42 a barrel from $24 in the second quarter.
France Says Europe Set to Release 42MM Barrels of Oil
Europe will release 42 million barrels of oil reserves over the next three months, half of it diesel, French economy minister Roland Lescure said Thursday. He said a separate 10-million-barrel French diesel release will reach the market within days and could cut prices by 12 to 18 cents a liter.
Iran War Hikes EU’s Oil Import Bill By $11 Billion Per Month
The EU has paid about $11 billion more for oil imports since the Middle East crisis closed the Strait of Hormuz, a Euronews Business analysis of Eurostat data found. From April to July the bloc spent $30.7 billion a month on petroleum imports versus $19.7 billion a year earlier, though volumes rose only 1.2%.
UBS raises Brent forecast to $110 as Middle East supply risks persist
UBS raised its year-end Brent forecast to $110 a barrel from $100, citing continued Middle East supply disruptions, rising transportation costs and uncertainty over how fast global petroleum inventories recover. The bank's outlook suggests prices could stay elevated.
LNG imports make up increasing share of Colombia's natural gas supply
Colombia is importing more LNG as its own natural gas output falls: production dropped from 1,070 MMcf/d in 2022 to 772 in 2025 and averaged 673 so far in 2026. LNG reached a record 31% of monthly gas supply in July, and an expected El Niño drought could cut hydropower and raise gas demand further, EIA says.
Energy Department Closes $5.1 Billion Loan to Lower Electricity Costs and Strengthen Grid Reliability in Iowa and Wisconsin
The Energy Department closed a $5.1 billion loan package to Alliant Energy through its Office of Energy Dominance Financing. DOE says the money will lower electricity costs, expand firm power generation and strengthen grid reliability in Iowa and Wisconsin.
Energy Department Announces $5 Billion Loan to Boost Nuclear Power and Help Lower Costs in Illinois, Maryland, and Pennsylvania
The Energy Department announced a conditional loan commitment of up to $5 billion to finance uprates and modernization across Constellation Energy's nuclear fleet in Illinois, Maryland and Pennsylvania. DOE says the project will boost nuclear output and help lower power costs.
Phillips 66 posts record quarterly profit as refining margins more than triple
Phillips 66 posted record third-quarter earnings as refining margins more than tripled and overseas demand for U.S. fuel stayed strong. Adjusted earnings of $14.08 a share beat the $11.73 analysts expected, and net income reached $5.62 billion, up from $133 million a year earlier.
EQT’s $13 billion Range acquisition accelerates U.S. natural gas consolidation
EQT agreed to buy Range Resources for about $13 billion in stock, a deal reshaping competition among U.S. natural gas producers. Companies are seeking larger resource positions, lower costs and better access to LNG export and power demand markets.
TotalEnergies Expects to Sustain Tailwinds behind Blockbuster Q3
TotalEnergies posted third-quarter adjusted net profit of $9.1 billion, or $4.03 a share, up 51% from the prior quarter, and said high LNG prices and refining margins should keep supporting results through 2026. It kept its $0.90 interim dividend and confirmed $2.5 billion buybacks for each of the next two quarters.
What Would a Midterm Democrat Sweep Mean for USA Oil, Gas?
With Polymarket giving Democrats a 66% chance of sweeping the midterms, Rigzone asked analysts what that would mean for U.S. oil and gas. Rice University's Kristian Coates Ulrichsen said more constraint on the administration over the Iran war could lower prices over time, but warned of elevated short-term risk of renewed conflict before the new Congress is seated.
Chevron Is Up Nearly 57% in 2026. Is Its Dividend Safer Than ConocoPhillips’?
Chevron shares are up nearly 57% this year to $232.51 as Brent averaged about $104 in the second quarter, and this analysis weighs whether its dividend is safer than ConocoPhillips'. It argues Chevron's integrated model, with refining that can cushion lower crude, gives it an edge over pure producer ConocoPhillips, whose revenue tracks oil prices almost one for one.
Chainlink
Chainlink Brings S&P Global Ratings’ Vault Risk Assessments Onchain
Chainlink has expanded its work with S&P Global Ratings to bring S&P's Vault Risk Assessment data onchain, now live on Base. The integration uses Chainlink's DataLink publishing service and Chainlink Runtime Environment, giving institutions independent risk analysis to guide how they deploy capital onchain.
Hong Kong Gold Exchange Takes Gold-Backed XGZ Cross-Chain With CCIP
Hong Kong Gold Exchange, the world's fourth-largest gold trading venue by volume, is using Chainlink's CCIP to take its gold-backed GoldZip (XGZ) token cross-chain. XGZ is described as the first digital gold token issued with a gold exchange's backing.
Chainlink CustodySync To Connect Institutional Assets With DeFi Lending Markets
Chainlink introduced CustodySync, which links qualified digital asset custodians with DeFi lending markets so institutions can borrow onchain while their assets stay in custody. Anchorage Digital Bank is the launch partner, addressing a long-standing barrier to institutional DeFi use.
Chainlink price outlook after CustodySync launch: Can LINK rally?
LINK traded around $11.36 after the CustodySync launch, under pressure below $12 resistance as the wider crypto market weakened, CoinGape reports. Derivatives volume rose, but LINK ETFs saw no net inflows, and Bitcoin traded below $80,000.
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 infrastructure in 2026 and that its services have enabled over $36 trillion in cumulative transaction value. CCIP 2.0 added new security, compliance and settlement controls, and the review cites new Swift and DTCC integrations.
Archax Turns To Chainlink Data Streams For Tokenised Treasury Collateral
Regulated digital asset platform Archax has adopted Chainlink Data Streams to price GOVY, its continuously rolling tokenized U.S. Treasury product. The goal is to supply timely value data so the tokens can be used as collateral or margin in automated markets.
LG CNS Partners With Chainlink To Advance Korea’s Digital Asset Market
Chainlink and LG CNS, the technology arm of South Korea's LG Group, have formed a strategic partnership to advance Korea's $70 billion digital asset market using Chainlink's oracle services.
Chainlink, Cardano, other blockchain groups push SEC for clearer crypto rules
Six blockchain organizations, including Chainlink Labs, the Cardano Foundation, Hedera, Aptos Labs and Avalanche, urged the SEC to formally classify digital commodities as non-securities. Their joint letter, dated Oct. 20, came as the agency's public comment period on proposed crypto rules closed.
OpenZeppelin Partners With Chainlink To Advance Institutional Onchain Finance
Smart contract security firm OpenZeppelin has partnered with Chainlink to speed development of secure, compliant and interoperable onchain financial applications. The collaboration integrates Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol and other Chainlink services.
Chainlink’s McCormick: Blockchain Benefits Institutional And Retail Investors
Andrew McCormick, Chainlink Labs' head of institutional and market development, told the Thinking Crypto podcast how major institutions are using Chainlink to tokenize assets and bring traditional markets onchain. He argued the technology benefits both institutional and retail investors.
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 to discuss AI's growing role in payments. The panel looked at how AI will reshape the global financial system.
Chainlink Expands RWA Tools as LINK Price Tests Key Support Zone
The Hong Kong Gold Exchange plans to bring its gold-backed XGZ token to Chainlink's CCIP through GoldZip and Midas Labs, and ADQ-backed Further Asset Management picked Chainlink's Automated Compliance Engine for a tokenized asset platform in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile LINK is testing $9-$11 support, where analyst CryptoTanx sees a possible double bottom.
Patriots
Game Preview: Patriots at Dolphins | NFL Week 8
The 4-3 Patriots go on the road for a second straight week to face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, the first of two meetings this season. Patriots.com's preview notes New England swept last season's series, and the rematch at Gillette Stadium will close out the 2026 regular season.
3 to Watch: Patriots Target Third AFC East Win in Miami
The Patriots head to Miami looking for their third AFC East win against a 1-5 Dolphins team coming off its first win of the season, over the Jets, under new coach Jeff Hafley. Patriots.com notes Miami's tough early schedule and New England's long history of painful losses there.
Week 8 Injury Report: Patriots at Dolphins
On Wednesday's first Week 8 injury report, A.J. Brown (ankle/knee), Ben Brown (knee), DaQuan Jones (back) and Morgan Moses (foot) were limited in practice. Drake Maye (right shoulder), Kevin Byard III and Carlton Davis III were among those listed as full participants, and no Patriots missed practice.
Previewing the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins NFL Week 8 Matchup
Patriots.com writers Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar break down Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in this video preview.
Patriots trade deadline big board: Khalil Mack a top target, Drake Maye eyes UNC reunion
With the trade deadline two weeks away and only about $1.5 million in cap space, the Patriots aren't expected to make a blockbuster move, but Musket Fire lays out a big board anyway. Pass rush tops the list with Harold Landry out indefinitely, led by the Chargers' Khalil Mack.
Patriots’ A.J. Brown keeps it real on returning from painful high-ankle sprain
A.J. Brown admits he is still working back from the high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 1, with six catches for 75 yards in two games since returning. "Sometimes I see it and sometimes I'm pushing through," he said, as the 4-3 Patriots prepare for Miami.
Carlton Davis injury: Patriots CB ready to make return vs. Dolphins
Cornerback Carlton Davis III is set to return Sunday at Miami after missing three games with a neck injury first suffered in the opener at Seattle. He says his first comeback was too soon, and the secondary is excited to be back at full strength.
Christian Elliss continues to prove Mike Vrabel and Patriots made the right decision
Linebacker Christian Elliss, kept when the Patriots matched a Raiders offer sheet in 2025 and then signed through 2027, is setting career highs and embodies the aggressive defense Mike Vrabel wants, Musket Fire argues. His energy is rubbing off on rookies Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder.
Patriots have plenty of familiarity with Dolphins’ new quarterback
Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has never faced the Patriots, but Mike Vrabel knows him well: Vrabel's Titans drafted him in the third round in 2022. "Malik's continued to develop, and that's the thing that I'm proud of him for," Vrabel said.
Six positions Patriots should try to upgrade at NFL trade deadline
Injuries have hit the Patriots hard this season, especially at wide receiver and on the offensive line, yet they are 4-3 against a difficult schedule. NBC Sports Boston lists six positions New England should try to upgrade before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Mailbag: Will Patriots make a big splash ahead of trade deadline?
After losing to the Bears on Thursday Night Football, the 4-3 Patriots get a bounce-back chance Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against 1-5 Miami, which is coming off a surprising 28-25 win over the Jets. NBC Sports Boston's mailbag weighs where New England must improve and whether a big move is coming before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Patriots rumors: NE insider dumps cold water all over trade deadline fireworks
MassLive's Karen Guregian says the sense is that the Patriots probably won't be aggressive at the Nov. 10 trade deadline, though some additions are expected. New England is 4-3 after last Thursday's 30-24 loss to Chicago.
Movies
Smile 3 Officially In The Works — David Bruckner To Direct From Nick Antosca Script
Smile 3 is officially in the works, Variety reports, with David Bruckner (The Night House, The Ritual) directing from a script by Nick Antosca. Franchise creator Parker Finn, busy with his Possession remake, provided the framework and will produce.
First Sunrise On The Reaping Reactions Tease Another Hit For The Hunger Games Franchise
Early social media reactions to Francis Lawrence's The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping suggest another big hit for the franchise. The film opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
Netflix’s ‘Empress of Flames’ Trailer Teases a Kingdom Ablaze in the Fight for the Throne
Netflix released the main trailer for Empress of Flames, a reimagined Thai epic from the creators of Master of the House, premiering worldwide December 3. It follows Ananthip (Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul), the last heir of the Phuka Luang Dynasty, who is exiled after her father is assassinated before the court.
‘Everytime’ Trailer: The Mind-Bending Grief Portrait That’s Left Audiences Spellbound Since Cannes
IndieWire debuted the teaser for Sandra Wollner's "Everytime," the Cannes Un Certain Regard winner and Germany's Oscar entry, which just earned Gotham nominations for international feature, director and screenplay. It follows a grieving mother, her daughter and her other daughter's ex on a trip to Tenerife after a tragedy in Berlin.
‘Never Surrender’ Trailer Sees a Grandpa Risking Everything for His Family
Netflix unveiled the trailer for Never Surrender, an Indonesian action film from director Sidharta Tata premiering November 12. A grandfather who once served in special forces uses his combat skills to protect his two grandchildren after their unexpected arrival pulls him into danger.
Reality Check: Why ‘You Can See Everything’ Faces a Long Road to the Oscars
A24's documentary "You Can See Everything," from Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, is a $45 million box-office hit with Best Picture buzz, but IndieWire says the road to a nomination is long. The film needs critics' group wins, since the Academy still skews older than its social-media fans.
Exciting New Details About the Wreck-It Ralph Attraction at Tokyo Disney Resort
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, the world's first attraction themed to Disney's Wreck-It Ralph, will open April 15, 2027, at Tokyo Disneyland. Guests join Ralph and Vanellope on an interactive adventure to stop King Candy, who has transformed the candies of Sugar Rush.
A Gorgeous Man of Basketry: Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer on “Wicker”
Writer-directors Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer talk about "Wicker," their bawdy fairy tale in which Olivia Colman's fisherwoman has Peter Dinklage's basket weaver make her a wicker husband, played by Alexander Skarsgård. They discuss nailing the wicker's squeaky crunch with sound designer Andy Neil, who also worked on The Brutalist.
Thomas Mann returns to his 'Fatherland' in this practically flawless film
NPR calls Fatherland a practically flawless film about German writer Thomas Mann's return to Germany after years in America. The review describes it as an exquisite portrait of the towering literary figure.
Best A24 Horror Movies, Ranked by Tomatometer
Rotten Tomatoes has updated its ranking of A24 horror movies by Tomatometer, adding the studio's 2026 films Backrooms and Undertone. The list spans favorites like Hereditary, The Witch, Midsommar and X.
5 Years Ago Today: Anya Taylor-Joy Starred In A Visually Stunning Horror Movie
Edgar Wright's "Last Night in Soho," starring Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy, opened five years ago today. /Film looks back at the stylish 1960s London horror film and Wright's path from "Spaced" and the Cornetto Trilogy to "Baby Driver."
Lorcana & SWU
Disney Lorcana TCG Products from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Now Available Online
Ravensburger will sell the 2026 D23 Collection and the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Wizard Premium Foil Playmat online in limited quantities. Fans can enter the launches from 9 a.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 31, through 9 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 1, by signing up for an EQL account.
Star Wars: Unlimited | Iconic Musings
In Iconic Musings, Star Wars: Unlimited designer Tyler Parrott previews memorable cards from Icons, a smaller set with all-new rare and legendary units. He also notes that many reprints in the set get new art.
Starting Out with Star Wars: Unlimited Icons, Available November 20th
Fantasy Flight Games takes a closer look at Icons 2027, the first Icons set for Star Wars: Unlimited, arriving November 20. The slightly smaller set focuses on fan-favorite characters and simpler mechanics, while its cards are designed to match the power of a standard set, making it an entry point for new and returning players.
Disney Lorcana reveals Illustrious new Evil Queen and an Iconic Cinderella for Hyperia City
Ravensburger revealed its second Illustrious rare, an elegant reprint of The Evil Queen, Commanding Presence from Rise of the Floodborn, alongside an Iconic Cinderella. Illustrious cards are limited to 23 copies each and will only come in Collector Booster packs debuting with Into the Inkdark in February 2027.
Disney Lorcana TCG Set Release Notes: Hyperia City
Disney Lorcana's official release notes for Hyperia City explain the rules changes, new mechanics and features introduced with the set and why the adjustments were made. Players can find the Comprehensive Rules and Tournament Rules on DisneyLorcana.com.
Star Wars Unlimited – Homeworlds’ PreCon Decks are Lethal In Their Own Ways
Homeworlds continues Star Wars: Unlimited's tradition of two pre-constructed decks, led by Grand Moff Tarkin and Chewbacca, each with very different paths to victory. Big Boss Battle walks through how each deck plays.
Review: Star Wars Unlimited: Homeworlds Spotlight Decks
Card Gamer reviews the two Star Wars: Unlimited Homeworlds Spotlight Decks, Chewbacca and Tarkin, from the game's ninth set. Each box includes a 50-card deck, a base, a leader and a sheet of cardboard counters.
WALL-E Comes to Lorcana, Hyperia City Reveals + New Illustrious Card
A special Lorecast toured Hyperia City, Disney Lorcana's city-themed set, with new card reveals including WALL-E, more on the Ink Drops mechanic and a new Illustrious card. Lorcana Player rounds up the news and speculates about sets to come.
New Expansion ‘Homeworlds’ Shakes Up the Star Wars Unlimited Meta With New Mechanics
Star Wars: Unlimited's ninth mainline set, Homeworlds, launched October 9 with 260 new cards, the new fortify keyword, two new token cards and a new look for prestige cards. The set marks the game's third year and focuses on planets, creatures and invading armies.
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, which brings new mechanics and more art to the game. The set's metropolis setting is a nod to the Disney Brothers' Hyperion Studio.
Star Wars: Unlimited – Icons 2027 Starter Box Playthrough
A new video plays through the Star Wars: Unlimited Icons 2027 Starter Box, out November 20, with host Jack Broomell and designers Danny Schaerfer and John Leo. It covers setting up the decks and playing a few hands, aimed at new players.
Faith
Most Protestant Pastors Won't Endorse Political Candidates From the Pulpit, Survey Finds
A Lifeway Research survey finds 93% of U.S. Protestant pastors would not endorse political candidates, especially in worship services, even though an IRS ruling last year says churches can do so without losing tax-exempt status. "Were pastors simply obeying the tax law or was their neutrality in a worship setting their conviction?" asked Lifeway's Scott McConnell.
Angel Studios bans nudity, sex scenes, profanity in sweeping new 'Angel Promise'
Angel Studios, the company behind "Sound of Freedom" and "The King of Kings," announced the "Angel Promise": its roughly 3 million Angel Guild members get final approval over its films and series, certain sexual and profane content is banned, and parental controls are expanded. Co-founder Jeff Harmon says the goal is to keep it from becoming "Hollywood" over the next century.
Holy See: Outer space must be preserved as a realm of peace, stability, cooperation
At the UN on Oct. 28, Holy See observer Archbishop Christophe El Kassis said outer space is a common good of the whole human family and must stay a realm of peace and cooperation. Citing the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, he urged that space exploration benefit all peoples, including developing countries, and called for more care for the space environment.
Pope Leo XIV mourns lives lost in Spain train collision
Pope Leo XIV expressed his "deep sorrow" after two high-speed trains collided Wednesday in Urda, Toledo, in central Spain, killing at least 68 people in a provisional toll. He offered prayers for the dead, comfort to families and encouragement to rescuers; 53 people remain hospitalized, 15 critically, and Spain declared three days of mourning.
English Soccer Club Brentford FC Shines Spotlight on Players' Christian Faith
Premier League club Brentford FC has launched "Football and Faith," a series following Fábio Carvalho, Igor Thiago and Josh Dasilva, three players who pray and read Scripture together. Carvalho and Dasilva were recently baptized, and Chelsea has also highlighted players' faith in recent months.
Vatican Museums exhibit marks a century of the Popemobile
The Vatican Museums opened "A Century of the Popemobile" on Oct. 28, tracing nearly 100 years of collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and the Holy See, from formal limousines to modern Popemobiles. Curator Sandro Barbagallo said the vehicle has a pastoral purpose: letting the Pope greet, bless and draw closer to the faithful.
Mother no longer banned from her kids' elementary school after speaking out against LGBT lessons
Portland Public Schools agreed to withdraw a trespass notice and formal warning against Christian mother Allison Roberts, who was barred from her children's school after raising concerns about LGBT lessons. Under a federal court order signed Monday, she can opt her children out of that curriculum, and the district acknowledged her First Amendment rights.
IMB seeks teachers, healthcare workers, business professionals to serve as missionaries
The International Mission Board says some of its greatest needs are for behind-the-scenes professionals: teachers, healthcare workers, counselors, accountants, logistics specialists and member care staff. Doreen Baker, IMB's director of missionary-kid education, says teachers are "an integral part of the core missionary task."
After Ohio Pastor Israel Ford Announces 2nd Wife, Stepdaughter Alleges Years of Sexual Abuse
Kourtney Jones, the daughter of one of the women in Ohio pastor Israel Ford's polygamous marriage, alleged in Facebook posts that Ford sexually abused her for years after he announced a second wife. She called him a "predator, an abuser, and a false prophet."
Preparation strengthens response to Isaias
Hurricane Isaias made landfall Oct. 9 near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm with winds up to 105 mph, hitting Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Milton hardest. The LCMS Southern District's disaster response coordinator, Rev. Paul Ernewein, said preparation and the fast-moving storm helped churches respond.
Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition, joins Latin Evangelical Alliance
Diario Cristiano, the Spanish-language edition of Christian Daily International, has become an associate member of the Latin Evangelical Alliance, which unites national evangelical alliances in 22 countries representing more than 465,200 churches. The outlet was welcomed at the alliance's General Assembly, held Oct. 12-16 in San José, Costa Rica.
The Dangers of Getting Advice from the Internet
On a Gospel Coalition podcast, Melissa and Courtney talk about cultivating discernment when seeking advice, saying sometimes we need relationship more than information. They explain why advice from the internet, ChatGPT or influencers shouldn't replace wise counsel from the church on issues like marriage and parenting.
Christian Metal
SUNBORN - Silent Attraction (Official Music Video)
Solid State Records premiered the official music video for Sunborn's "Silent Attraction," directed and edited by Yann LCR with visual effects from Effulgence Studios.
News: Light The Dark’s (2027) Lineup Is Now Complete
Light The Dark, Scandinavia's largest Christian-founded rock and hard rock festival, has completed its 2027 lineup for its third year at Arbis in Norrköping, Sweden. Headliners include Bride, the Christian hard rock band that has decided to end its career.
Feature: Stryper Brings an Incredible Night of Rock to Liberty, South Carolina
Heaven's Metal recaps Stryper's Oct. 23 show at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center in Liberty, South Carolina, opened by local band Chuck W. Chapman. Before the set, the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame recognized bassist Perry Richardson, a Conway native inducted in 1995.
August Burns Red Issue “Behemoth” Live Video From May 2026 Philadelphia Show
August Burns Red released a live video of "Behemoth" from their latest album, Season Of Surrender, filmed May 17 at The Fillmore in Philadelphia. The band's annual Christmas Burns Red show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will feature Underoath headlining with a performance of Define The Great Line.
What Lies Below - Return To Nothing (Official Music Video)
Solid State Records welcomed What Lies Below to the label with the official music video for "Return To Nothing."
News: Burn Eternal reunites KSE’s Howard Jones and Adam Dutkiewicz
Former Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones and guitarist-producer 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.
Winter Jam 2027 Announces Lineup Featuring Crowder, Anne Wilson and More
Winter Jam returns in 2027 with Crowder and Anne Wilson headlining a lineup that includes Andy Mineo, Strings & Heart, Terrian, RED and Newsong, plus speaker Zane Black. Pre-Jam sets will feature Natural State, CJ Emulous and Mary-Clair.
Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 5 Is OUT NOW! 59 Songs, 2 Parts, and 26 Years of Keeping the Underground Alive!
Indie Vision Music released Fighting From The Ground Up Vol. 5 on Oct. 23, a two-part digital compilation of 59 songs from independent and underground artists. It spans punk, hardcore, metal, emo, post-hardcore and more.
News: Set For The Fall release looking to be explosive
North Carolina hard rock band Set For The Fall's third album, I Said What I Said, its first full-length in more than seven years, is out now via Vere Music. Opener "Product Of Pressure," featuring TJ Harris of Decyfer Down, has landed on multiple Apple Music playlists.
SAVE US - No Holding Back
Solid State Records shared SAVE US's "No Holding Back" from the band's album Death To Something, which is out now.
Audio Adrenaline Reunites for a Special Episode of Mission Aviation Fellowship’s 'Cockpit Karaoke'
Audio Adrenaline, which hasn't performed together in nearly 20 years, reunited for an episode of Mission Aviation Fellowship's Cockpit Karaoke. The episode revisits the band's hits and its ties to MAF's work in Haiti through its nonprofit, Hands and Feet Project.
Mr. Weaverface Surpasses 1 Million Lifetime Streams On Spotify
NRT Music artist Mr. Weaverface has passed 1 million lifetime Spotify streams. The independent Christian rock artist blends '90s alternative rock with messages of spiritual warfare and personal testimony.
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 his negotiating, moving him from focusing on his own goals to first understanding what the other side wants. They discuss how tactical empathy builds trust and long-term business relationships, and Voss explains that rapport-based influence is not manipulation.