SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " said " 8,759 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Casey Affleck says childhood friend Matt Damon was a ‘show-off’ when they were kids
The actor, whose older brother Ben Affleck was Damon’s childhood best friend, said there was “no doubt” that “The Odyssey” star would succeed in Hollywood.
Bobby Kotick’s lawyers sent me a bad email (and later apologized)
The message I had received was unsettling—for a moment. Then it was just really confusing. Back on January 20 of this year, at 5:15pm ET, I received an email with the subject line “Legal Correspondence re Bobby Kotick.” It was from the law firm Clare Locke, a firm I’d heard had been emailing reporters in recent years about their coverage of Kotick, the former, longtime CEO of Activision Blizzard. The letter was threatening. A lawyer from the firm introduced themselves as “defamation counsel to Bobby Kotick.” They issued a “demand” that I “correct” a Game File article I’d published a week prior. The article that had irked them had been a scoop of sorts. I’d written about a a 2022 lawsuit brought by a Swedish pension fund, AP7, over Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. The suit wasn’t news, but I was first to review and report about Kotick’s extensive pushback to the fund’s claims. The pension fund’s core contention was that the sale had been rushed by Kotick to avoid the consequences of sexual misconduct scandals swirling around the company in 2021. (He’d not been accused of misconduct himself in those suits, to be clear.) As I wrote at the time, Kotick had denied the allegations of the rushed sale. Beyond that, Kotick used a December 2025 reply to the Swedish fund’s lawsuit to assign blame for those workplace scandals, the bad press and even for the AP7 lawsuit. I’d found Kotick’s arguments novel and newsworthy. Across nearly 3,000 words, I explained Kotick’s take: that a Swedish gaming company was behind the Swedish fund’s lawsuit (the Embracer group; they denied it); that the Microsoft-Activision deal was not rushed and was secured at what Kotick felt history had proven to be an optimal price for shareholders; that he believed a conspiracy of people at unions government agencies, PR firms and the media had spun up claims of widespread workplace misconduct at Activision Blizzard in 2021. The article gave context for all of this, letting readers assess the claims and weigh their credibility. As I’d later write to Kotick’s lawyers: I would be surprised if you could point to any news article about Bobby Kotick in the last five years that has spent more of its wordcount articulating his point of view. He is welcome to do an interview with Game File any time. Nonetheless, there they were in my inbox that Tuesday evening: Clare Locke, the law firm that secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News over false statements about voting machines. They were emailing me, threatening that failure to comply with their demand could support a claim of “actual malice,” a legal standard for libel. Unless… Unless, they said, I added a key paragraph to my article. This was a paragraph that I already knew Kotick’s lawyers had been emailing reporters about for at least a year, and it was a paragraph that was already in my article. The paragraph they wanted is from a 2023 settlement that California’s Civil Rights Department struck with Activision Blizzard. The settlement had closed a two-year-old lawsuit over alleged sexual discrimination at the game maker. The paragraph basically said that claims of systemic or widespread sexual harassment—or of execs like Kotick tolerating such behavior—had never been proven. I’d already seen proof that Kotick’s lawyers had pushed for the settlement’s language to be added to reports about 2021 sexual discrimination and misconduct lawsuits brought against Activision Blizzard by California and, separately, by the U.S. federal government (both suits were since settled). I knew that Kotick and his lawyers felt that the California settlement language should be mentioned in the same breath as references to an article he hated and denied, a November 2021 Wall Street Journal article claiming Kotick knew “for years” of sexual misconduct at Activision Blizzard. So, in the Game File article that Clare Locke emailed me about, in the interest of ensuring I was being fair and balanced regarding the person I was covering, I had already included the following excerpt from the California settlement [emphasis added in bold]: (Kotick has repeatedly pushed back against that November article in the Wall Street Journal, citing among other things, language from a court-approved consent decree as part of Activision’s 2023 $54 million settlement over the California suit. It states: “no court or any independent investigation has substantiated any allegations that: there has been systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard [or] that Activision Blizzard senior executives ignored, condoned, or tolerated a culture of systemic harassment, retaliation, or discrimination.”) On the evening of January 20, I was incredulous. How do you write a four page legal threat about a week-old article and miss this? While scrambling to also make my kids dinner, I wrote a lengthy reply to Clare Locke’s lawyers, basically asking them to cool it with the threats and to start making sense. In part, I wrote: I hope you can understand why I am having trouble understanding what you’re asking for, when the statement you’re demanding to see in Game File’s article already appears in Game File’s article. Actual malice, as you know, refers to a reckless disregard for the truth. I’m not sure what your argument is when my article already states your client’s position. Here is where I should remind you, the reader, that I am an independent journalist. I publish on Substack, and have availed myself of the Substack Defender program that provides writers on the platform with legal support. But I’m no Wall Street Journal or New York Times, nor even IGN or GameSpot when it comes to such things as, well, having a legal department. There are more fun things for me to do as an independent journalist than writing back to a powerful law firm representing a very rich person. On the evening of January 20th, I was just trying to cook some pasta, broccoli and chicken nuggets for hungry twins. Nevertheless, I wrote back to them. Two hours later, I got a reply. Summarizing: A lawyer for Clare Locke said they’d “reviewed an incomplete version” of my article and they “apologize for the confusion.” (My guess: Someone didn’t read past the piece’s paywall, even though they’d had a full week to scrounge up the funds to do so. What I’d published above the paywall was balanced, as was what came after.)1 That was almost that, but something about the situation bothered me. The letter had been marked “confidential.” I hadn’t agreed to that, and I disliked the idea that powerful people on the beat that I cover would act like they could unilaterally control what I might tell my readers about. On the morning of the 21st, having already gotten the powerful law firm to back off, I oh-so-wisely re-approached them with just one more thing. I thanked them for clearing things up the night before but noted that I’d never agreed to keep their letter confidential. I’m all for agreeing with a source to keep things off the record, but that’s the thing. We have to agree. You can’t just declare it. I’m not bound by that. I wrote to Clare Locke’s lawyer and said, in part: I trust the matter is resolved. It was disappointing to have to spend less time with my kids last night in order to address your legal letter. Family time’s precious. I will add, for clarity’s sake, that, while your letter stipulated that it was confidential, I did not agree to those terms. In the future, should you wish to communicate with me confidentially, I am happy to agree to classifying our communication as “off the record” prior to the actual communication—as is standard with any professional journalist. The firm’s lawyer replied, not directly addressing the confidentiality issue but asserting that the matter was resolved. Why I didn’t write about this until now In May, I told this story on an episode of Simon Parkin’s podcast My Perfect Console, but I held off on sharing it directly with Game File readers. I held off to avoid stepping on the toes of another reporter, the journalist Mikhail Klimentov. He’d interviewed me in the spring of 2025 about an investigation he was working on regarding Bobby Kotick lawyers pressing the media to add the California settlement language to stories referencing the 2021 lawsuits. And about how some outlets had changed their stories and how some simply deleted them. Initially, I was a third-party source for Klimentov’s reporting, providing on-the-record context about the state of the games media. I’d heard about the letters but hadn’t put the time into pursuing the story. I thought it was interesting, and I was glad he was covering it. When the outlet that Klimentov was going to run his reporting in dropped the story, I began talking to him about potentially publishing his reporting on Game File. This was tentative. Then, in January, when I got my own Clare Locke letter, I told Klimentov that I didn’t think it would make sense for me to publish him, not with me now being part of the story. I had my own version of this situation to tell. But I wished him well and said I’d refrain from telling my tale until he could get his reporting out there. Last Friday, Klimentov finally ran his investigation, in a nearly 48-minute video report for People Make Games. It covers various Clare Locke letters, how media outlets reacted to them and what to make of all this. His video weighs the merits of Kotick’s request and looks at some of the articles that were changed (one of which had a glaring error). I highly recommend watching it: (Note, I did some editorial consulting for a People Make Games video last year but nothing to do with this report.) While many outlets haven’t left any public evidence that they updated their Kotick coverage at Kotick’s counsel’s request, at least one has. Back in October 2025, the mainstream outlet Reuters applied the most transparent article update I’ve seen. On the 3rd of the month, they published an article about the state of the Swedish pension fund’s lawsuit. Days later, they added this: In an October 7 letter sent after publication of this article, Kotick’s defamation counsel disputed claims of widespread harassment at Activision. “Not a single investigation, court finding, verdict, or ruling ever concluded that there was any merit” to the allegations of widespread harassment at Activision, Tom Clare and Nick Brechbill of Clare Locke wrote. I’ve never added a statement to my article on Game File, because none was needed. Not for fairness’ sake, nor to meet any demands of Kotick’s lawyers. I’ve nevertheless wanted to be transparent with Game File readers. If someone powerful is questioning my reporting, is threatening a lawsuit over it… if that threat is part of a pattern involving other games media outlets and if, in my case, the whole thing ran into a ridiculous ditch, I want you to know about it. I also share this as a real example of how I handle threats to Game File. I stand up for my own reporting, even when it’s not comfortable to do so. (In that same category of standing up for the work I do, I’ll point to an incident in late August. Asocial media post I published to X/Twitter regarding reporting I did about Take Two and GTA VI was hit by bogus copyright claim by a firm working for the publisher. I pushed back and got it reversed; even while a bigger games media outlet let themselves be censored. This is the other reason I’m sharing this story: To emphasize that dealing with threats from powerful people is one of the costs of covering the video game industry independently and as fearlessly as possible. This is where you come in. Your support, through free and paid subscriptions (sign up here!), can help me keep doing that. It can ensure that I’ve got the back-up I need. And it can help make fiascoes like this even less of a worry, so I can spend my evenings dealing with more important things, such as making sure I steam the kids’ broccoli just right. 1 That pension fund lawsuit I wrote about in January has all but gone away. In May, the fund and Activision Blizzard owner Microsoft agreed to settle. Lawyers for the fund brokered a $250 million settlement for former Activision Blizzard shareholders. In the settlement, the fund’s lawyers changed their rhetoric. Where once they’d questioned the meaning of the California settlement language, they adopted a version of it for themselves. Several weeks ago, while seeking to get a court to sign off on the terms of the settlement, they proposed their fee for their work in the case: $60 million.
Newsom vetoes bills aimed at insurance reform sought by wildfire survivors
Supporters of the bills said would give policyholders greater transparency and accountability when insurance companies delay or underpay claims
Trump says he did not discuss the possibility of the US selling weapons to China, contradicting his ambassador
(CNN) — President Donald Trump said Monday that he did not discuss the US selling weapons to China during his recent meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, contradicting an assertion
JBU enrollment hits new record
John Brown University recently said its enrollment has risen to a record 473 new students. The incoming class includes a record 401 freshmen, 60 transfer students, and 12 students returning...
Tuchel says Czech Republic game 'not yet a must-win'
England coach Thomas Tuchel said Monday the upcoming Nations League game against the Czech Republic in Prague was "not yet a must-win" despite a 3-2 loss to Spain last weekend.The Czechs have not lost any of their last four home games against England, and they won the last encounter 2-1 in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Prague in 2019.
Andrew Bailey, FBI deputy director, says he will leave after a year on job
He said he will return to Missouri to spend time with his family
Warriors’ Kristaps Porziņģis has ‘health issue,’ will miss start of camp
"This came as a surprise," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "But we'll deal with it and move forward."
Experts spotlight financial strategies to advance sustainability
Financial strategies can advance sustainability goals, but only if environmental trade-offs can be measured and incorporated into decisions, a panel of experts said at a Climate Week NYC 2026 event co-hosted by the SC Johnson College and Cornell Atkinson.
Trump’s mail voting crackdown tests Postal Service leader who says he’s ‘not political’
During a lengthy interview, David Steiner seemed surprised at points by his reception in Washington. He insisted he wasn’t a “political person” and said he had no intention of stepping down despite the criticism. He dismissed heated congr…
Mark Kelly says Troy Jackson a 'real shot' to win in November
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly said Democrat Troy Jackson has a chance to unseat U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, this November.
Zoe Saldaña ‘can’t imagine’ doing another Taylor Sheridan show: ‘I think I’m good’
“I can’t imagine me taking on more of a Taylor Sheridan world,” the “Lioness” actress said.
Kierra M with the latest in entertainment headlines
Family members of Chadwick Boseman are said to be at odds over a documentary.
Paolo Banchero at the table: Banchero said he was …
Paolo Banchero at the table: Banchero said he was …
Brandon Miller Gives Major Injury Update Before Hornets Camp
Brandon Miller said he has been cleared for full contact for about three weeks after undergoing left shoulder surgery in May.
Business Monday: Natural disasters devastated some Big Island business, while boosting income for others
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said it’s an “unbelievable yin-yang story” as some businesses have been forced to shutter while others are thriving.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 8,000 confirmed cases as disease remains out of control
The World Health Organization said last week that the country is running out of health workers.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 8,000 confirmed cases as disease remains out of control
The World Health Organization said last week that the country is running out of health workers.
Shapiro Administration's Controversial Health Regulations Dropped, For Now
(The Center Square) – New regulations that critics said would give the state Department of Health power to enter private homes without a warrant were withdrawn late Friday. The news comes just days after the Independent Regulatory Review Commission’s public comment period for the 502-page proposal ended. In a letter…
Deadly strike on Kyiv Science Academy as Russian jet-drones hit Ukraine
The Ukrainian capital’s mayor said 19 people had been injured in attacks on the city.
Nvidia announces the biggest share buyback in history
Nvidia said on Monday that it would it expand its overall buyback program to $235 billion, the biggest in stock market history.
Do Red Sox fans still hate the Yankees?
Good morning! There is no baseball today. Normally that’s a sad phrase to read and write. But when you’re gearing up for the playoffs, a day of rest isn’t the worst thing in the world. Especially when you’re gearing up to face the Yankees in the playoffs. Having said that, we can all acknowledge that […]
Leader: Enemy’s Hoped-for Past Will Never Return
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said the era Iran’s enemies seek to restore has ended forever, stressing that Iran has moved from dependence and humiliation to independence, strength and a prominent position in the Islamic world.
In Iowa, Republicans feel the heat and try to motivate ‘frustrated’ base
The political environment for the party has led to widespread alarm. “It feels like it could be a wipeout,” one strategist said.
Klopp urges calm after Germany’s shock defeat to Greece
Germany boss Jurgen Klopp took full responsibility for his side’s shock 1-0 defeat to Greece, admitting his team lacked conviction despite feeling they did enough to avoid losing.Klopp said the resu...
Airbus probes A321neo flaw as repair plan eases disruption
Airbus and Italy's Leonardo are investigating a glitch at a privately held coatings firm that triggered a quality alert affecting 500 of the planemaker's best-selling A321neo jets, people familiar with the matter said.
Sylvester Stallone said Arnold Schwarzenegger rivalry drove him to do better
Sylvester Stallone said he and Arnold Schwarzenegger antagonized each other in a creative way.
Iran Ready to Resist Any Aggression, Even ‘Apocalyptic War’: Araghchi
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran is fully prepared to confront any aggression and stands firm even if the confrontation escalates into an “apocalyptic war”, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, stressing that Tehran keeps the door open to diplomacy and a proposed seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
'Start small and just build': Young entrepreneur expands spa business in Ashland
"I wanted to create a really unique node of wellness services that this area, Ashland and Hanover, doesn’t really have yet," said Revival Spa owner and founder Lindsey Haberman.
Navigating the American Dream: How Integrated Financial Tools, Credit and Rewards Can Help Small Businesses Succeed
(Feature Impact) Owning a small business has been a cornerstone of the “American Dream” for generations. It represents the chance to transform a passion into a livelihood and legacy. However, turning dreams into reality is rarely a smooth or easy process and requires more than ambition alone. Today’s business owners need support and access to tools that enable them to overcome challenges and keep growing.#placement_678081_0_i{width:100%;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid678081 = window.pid678081 || rnd;var plc678081 = window.plc678081 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=678081;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid678081+';place='+(plc678081++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Recent research conducted by the Capital One Insights Center shows 75% of more than 1,000 surveyed small business owners with more than one employee and annual revenues of up to $20 million are confident about the future, and 69% believe their business is actively primed for growth.While this optimism is promising, 47% of business owners still said their operations either stayed the same or became less efficient over the past year, citing issues like back-office friction and fragmented financial systems that make it difficult to get a clear picture of the health of their businesses.If you’re a small business owner eager to grow but not sure how to get there, start with this advice from real small business owners and experts at Capital One.Identify Sources of FrictionBefore you can pour effort into growth, you must understand what barriers are holding you back. Take time to look under the hood of your business to identify where time and energy is being lost.For example, you may be among the 78% of small business owners who feel stressed and uncertain about expense management – think hours spent hunting for receipts, manually entering numbers into software and reconciling accounts. Operational challenges aren’t just a hassle; they also pull attention away from important priorities like serving your customers and planning for growth. “We were focused on making as many candles as possible, especially during the busy season,” said Katie Roering, co-owner of Fontana Candle Co. “A lot of the back-office tasks like procurement, raw material purchasing, forecasting – all the really important things – were done at 3 a.m., 8 p.m. or on Saturday and Sunday, and there really just was not enough time in the day to get everything done that we needed to. We just knew as we continued to grow, we needed to streamline our processes, build out our team and keep moving forward.”Use Integrated Tools to Manage FinancesInstead of balancing 10 different tracking and analysis tools, you can turn to one-stop solutions to improve efficiency. Time gets lost when you’re forced to manually gather and interpret relevant data before you’re able to act. You need a platform that handles the busywork for you.Integrated, or “all-in-one,” financial tools – like accounting and bookkeeping platforms with automation capabilities or business credit cards featuring built-in analytical tools – allow you to easily stay on top of cash flow and day-to-day operations. For small businesses where every hour and dollar makes a difference, consolidating and automating systems can have an immediate impact. In fact, 51% of survey respondents said integrated tools have already fueled their growth.Leverage Credit Access and Rewards WiselyGrowth requires capital, so access to credit is a game-changer for many business owners, with 77% describing it as a key factor in achieving business resilience. Having funds accessible when you need them makes your business more capable of weathering storms such as equipment failures and seasonal slowdowns. It also puts the power in your hands to act when an exciting opportunity presents itself, like an inventory flash sale or the chance to advertise in a new market.Access to credit comes with another advantage: rewards. By using credit cards for your daily business expenses, you can earn cash back, points or travel rewards. Whether you redeem these to cover everyday expenses, book business trips or reinvest in the business, they can act as a bonus source of income. Learn to maximize rewards like the 84% of small business cardholders surveyed so you aren’t leaving money on the table.To learn more about how small business owners can identify obstacles, employ integrated financial tools and use credit as a tool for growth, read the full report at capitalone.com/about/insights-center.Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
Kelly Oubre Jr. Reveals Tyrese Haliburton's Role in Pacers Decision
Kelly Oubre Jr. said Tyrese Haliburton played a major role in his decision to sign with Indiana, praising the Pacers star's maturity and leadership.
Here’s what Sabrina Carpenter said in bleeped MTV VMAs speech
The singer accepted Best Collaboration alongside Madonna during Sunday’s awards show.
Did your favorite local Starbucks just close? These 36 SoCal locations are likely shuttered
Starbucks said it would close 250 locations in North America as the chain battles increased competition. Thirty-six of those locations appear to be in Southern California.
Parents-in-law accused of killing Dublin man at sports park
A Dublin man was shot to death in the parking lot of a local sports park Saturday afternoon and his elderly parents-in-law have been booked in jail on suspicion of committing the homicide, city police said in a case update Sunday.
WHO recognizes healthy, innovative cities across the Western Pacific Region
Nine Healthy City champions from across the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region received special recognition at an awarding ceremony during the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities in Sydney, Australia.The WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has presented the Healthy Cities Recognition Awards every two years since 2004 to celebrate innovative and impactful city-led initiatives that improve the health and well-being of urban populations.Eight cities received awards for their best practices, and one National Forum received the WHO Regional Director’s Special Award in recognition of its long-standing leadership in advancing the Healthy Cities movement.Awardees were selected through a rigorous evaluation process and recognized for demonstrating measurable, innovative and sustainable approaches to health challenges faced by cities.Remarking on the significance of the awards, Dr Huong Tran, Director of the Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control at the Regional Office, said that, “There is no single blueprint for a healthy city. What works in one context may need to be adapted to another. But by sharing our experiences, including what worked, what was challenging, and what we learnt along the way, we can help one another move faster and further.”Award-winning cities and initiativesThis year's awards recognize outstanding city-led initiatives that have demonstrated measurable impact, innovation and sustainability in advancing health initiatives for urban populations.Baguio City (Philippines) – Data for equity: informing action, improving healthDr Donnabel Tubera-Panes, City Epidemiologist – Medical Officer IV of the Health Services Office accepted the award on behalf of Baguio City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisBaguio City was recognized for developing a pioneering Livability Index that provides village-level data across all 128 barangays (villages), enabling evidence-based planning and more equitable allocation of resources. By integrating community participation and institutionalizing the index within city planning and budgeting processes, the city has demonstrated how data can drive action to reduce health and social inequities.Eunpyeong-gu (Seoul, Republic of Korea) – Communities living in vulnerable situations: advancing health equity through community engagementVice Mayor Honourable Ahn Hyoung Jun accepted the award on behalf of Eunpyeong-gu. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisEunpyeong-gu was recognized for its inclusive health equity programme supporting vulnerable populations, including isolated older adults and LGBTQI+ communities. Through peer-led community networks, social cooperatives and inclusive service design, the district has strengthened access to care, promoted social inclusion and advanced community ownership of health initiatives.Madiun City (Indonesia) – Adapting and mitigating climate-related crises: building heat resilience and preventing flood-related health risksMs Yuni Dwi Purwani, Secretary General of the National Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies, accepted the award on behalf of Madiun City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisMadiun City was recognized for its SUPERMIE (Sustainable Public Environmental Management Initiative) – a community-based environmental governance model that addresses urban flooding, climate resilience and environmental sustainability. The initiative contributed to reductions in flood-prone areas, greenhouse gas emissions, diarrhoeal disease and dengue fever, while at the same time improving food security through neighbourhood food gardens. The programme has already been replicated in 15 cities and regencies across Indonesia.Macao Special Administrative Region (China) – Protecting communities from tobacco and alcohol-related harms: tackling commercial drivers of riskDr LO Iek Long, Director of the Health Bureau, Macao SAR, China accepted the award on behalf of Macao. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisMacao SAR was recognized for implementing a comprehensive and integrated approach to tobacco and alcohol control. Through legislation, monitoring systems, enforcement, public awareness campaigns and multisectoral partnerships, the programme has strengthened protection against major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and established a model that is highly transferable to other urban settings.Phnom Penh Capital City (Cambodia) – Safe, active and health-enabling transport: advancing health and reducing inequities in urban mobilityH.E. Khoung Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh Capital City accepted the award on behalf of Phnom Penh Capital City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisPhnom Penh received the award for its Safe School Zone Project, which combines infrastructure improvements, speed management, enforcement, education and stakeholder engagement to protect children and communities. The initiative has demonstrated measurable reductions in crashes and vehicle speeds while providing a scalable model for safer urban mobility across the country.Quezon City (Philippines) – Transforming food environments: addressing policy, market and urban design drivers of health and nutritionMs Jirah Asa M. Sideco, Chief of the Nutrition Section of the Quezon City Health Department accepted the award on behalf of Quezon City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisQuezon City was recognized for its public food procurement policy that promotes healthier diets through government-run institutions and feeding programmes. Supported by strong policy frameworks and monitoring systems, the initiative improves access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations while serving as a benchmark for other local governments.Samarinda City (Indonesia) – Preventing violence and promoting gender equality: transforming urban systems, norms and spaces Mrs Rinda Wahyuni, Chairperson of Samarinda Healthy City Forum accepted the award on behalf of Samarinda City. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisSamarinda City was recognized for its multisectoral approach to preventing violence and advancing gender equality. Responding to local evidence on violence against women and children, the city has positioned violence prevention as a public health priority, bringing together health services, schools, social welfare institutions, law enforcement, civil society and community leaders to strengthen prevention, reporting, survivor-centred support and legal protection. Through inclusive policies, community engagement and sustainable city financing, Samarinda has developed a locally owned and scalable model for creating safer, more equitable and inclusive urban communities.Singapore – Age-friendly cities: transforming systems to bridge generations for a healthier tomorrowDr Tan Weng Mooi, Director, Integrated Health Promotion, accepted the award on behalf of Singapore. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisSingapore received recognition for its Healthy Precinct Framework, which translates national healthy ageing priorities into neighbourhood-level action. The initiative integrates preventive care, social support, service coordination and age-friendly environments while actively engaging older persons, caregivers and community organizations. Its expansion across multiple precincts demonstrates its scalability and long-term sustainability.WHO Regional Director’s Special AwardNational Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies (Indonesia)Ms Yuni Dwi Purwani, Secretary General of the National Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies, accepted the award on behalf of the National Forum. Photo credit: Maria BoyadgisThe WHO Regional Director's Special Award was presented to the National Forum for Indonesian Healthy Cities/Regencies (FKKSI) in recognition of its long-standing leadership in advancing the Healthy Cities movement across Indonesia. As a national platform bringing together local governments, communities, academia and civil society, FKKSI has played a critical role in promoting collaboration, capacity-building, knowledge exchange and advocacy. Its efforts have strengthened and institutionalized healthy urban development nationwide and established a model for multisectoral engagement in the Region. Healthy Cities for allThe 2026 Healthy Cities Recognition Awards highlight how cities can lead transformative action on health by addressing climate change, inequity, ageing, nutrition, mobility, social inclusion, violence prevention and the commercial determinants of health. The recognized initiatives demonstrate that local governments, communities and partners can work together to create healthier, safer and more resilient urban environments for everyone. As urban populations continue to grow across the Western Pacific Region, WHO remains committed to supporting cities in advancing health, equity and sustainable development through the Healthy Cities approach and the Alliance for Healthy Cities. ###Note to editorsSince 2004, the WHO Healthy Cities Recognition Awards have provided a platform for cities to share innovative and effective approaches to improving health and well-being. The awards recognize achievements in areas including climate resilience, healthy ageing, health equity, gender equality, tobacco and alcohol control, urban mobility, nutrition and data-driven governance. In 2026, more than 150 submissions were received from cities and local governments across the Western Pacific Region. The titles and affiliations of awardees are presented as they were at the time the photo was taken.______________For more information, or to arrange media interviews, contact: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: wprocom@who.int
Art that serves others: How a Harnett County muralist is making a lasting mark in her community
Van Goat Studios, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself and reflect the spirit of local communities through murals. Photo provided by Elyse Johnson.Elyse Johnson of Van Goat Studios in Dunn wants to spread her artistry and make a lasting mark in her community. Van Goat, which has been operating since 2019, has allowed Johnson to express herself through murals and decorating electrical boxes in the urban landscapes of North Carolina. On top of traditional mural painting, Johnson offers what she calls “portable murals,” an option tailor-made for structure owners who do not want to commit to a design for their wall.“A contractor builds a framed piece of wood, and then they can frame the ‘mural’ onto the wood, whether it’s into their building, whether it’s interior or exterior,” Johnson said. The beginnings of Johnson’s journey into establishing Van Goat Studios reflect the teachings she wants artists to take away today: everything is a learning opportunity. When she started Van Goat, she shared it was a joint venture with a business partner. “I mainly did that because I didn’t feel like I was ready to go and do this on my own,” Johnson said. Her business partner eventually dropped out of the project, deciding she wanted to pursue other forms of art. That is when Johnson was thrust into growing her business on her own during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had built up my confidence enough to go out and reach new heights,” she said. “And I was probably one of the few that benefited from COVID.”The moment presented a silver lining for Johnson. One of her first projects was a Farmers Day mural for the town of Coats. “When COVID-19 hit, Coats was not able to hold their annual festival, so they had a little bit of savings. They decided they wanted to do something for their community without getting anyone sick,” Johnson said.From there, word of mouth spread. Now, Johnson has an organic way of approaching projects. “Like a lot of muralists, if I feel inspired by a building, I will just go up and talk to that building owner and tell them a mural is something they should consider,” Johnson said. But above all, Johnson says she wants art to be accessible to everyone. Johnson said she is trying to stick to projects that benefit “the little guys.” “I’m not trying to go for a project in downtown Raleigh to get the eight-foot-tall building,” Johnson said. “I’m not trying to go to those major cities and get those huge buildings for two reasons: one, I don’t want to go that high; two, my passion really lies with the small guys.” But due to financial constraints and the material reality of art commerce, that requires open communication, she added. “I don’t want to just snowball you with this huge price, and then you just shut me down because it wasn’t what you were thinking,” Johnson said. “At the same time, I am an advocate for the arts, so I’m not going to give you a $10,000 mural when you’re only going to pay $5,000.” There is a healthy balance in explaining the artistic process and working with clients and the surrounding community, Johnson said.“Your municipality invested this, and this is why they invested this, and this is how it’s going to help and improve your community,” she noted. “Same thing when I’m talking to a small business. You asked for me to come at you with this that is outside your budget. How do we make this still your same exact goal, but within your budget lines?” Johnson also provides lessons to aspiring artists. She does so with a mission: how do you master the balance between being a great artist and a competent business owner? “We still do art lessons, but I’m also going to give you business scenarios,” she noted.One of the scenarios she has come up with for her students is a T-shirt competition. “The kids have to think about ‘okay, I can’t just draw whatever I want on a T-shirt. I need to think about what colors Miss Elyse likes. What does Miss Elyse’s logo look like? What would Miss Elyse like?’” Johnson said. “So the design needs to be around that kind of concept.” As Johnson looks toward the future of Van Goat Studios, she is thinking of time, longevity and succession. Johnson is a new mom, which she said has shaped how she sees the future of the studio.“I still want my name and my business out there continuing, so that when my daughter is of age and she can be more independent, then I can be out there doing more and more,” Johnson said. “I would love to get a student to pass this on to, or an intern. I would love for this business to be passed on to the next generation and let them go.”
Dan Wilson out as Seattle Mariners manager
Dan Wilson will not return as the Seattle Mariners' manager next season, he and the team said Sunday. Wilson made the announcement shortly after the Mariners finished off a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels, the ending to a disappointing 76-86 season that began with World Series hopes after the Mariners made it to Game 7 of the ALCS last season. “Collectively we failed to meet our own expectations this season,” Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.
Trump Offered to Sell Arms to China, U.S. Ambassador Says
President Trump made the offer to Xi Jinping, China’s leader, said David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to China. Trump is withholding a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan.
Did Anthropic’s A.I. Really Make a Scientific Discovery on Its Own?
An expert at the University of Copenhagen said his team had been sharing its research with the company’s A.I. model, Claude, and that its new finding matched their work.
Fetterman Says Democratic Senate Takeover Is Possible, Puts Off His Own Political Plans
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said Democrats could retake the Senate in the midterms, but he's holding off on his own political plans.
Manchin says ‘if character means anything, you can’t vote for Ken Paxton’
“I don’t know that young man and things he’s said I’m discouraged about, but I can tell you, if character means anything, you can’t vote for Ken Paxton, if character means a…
2 commercial fires minutes apart damage Lapeer businesses; no injuries reported
Two commercial buildings in Lapeer were damaged in separate fires reported just minutes apart early Sunday, authorities said.
NFL Insider Reveals Potential Josh Jacobs Deadline
The Green Bay Packers are still waiting for an update on how long running back Josh Jacobs will be suspended. While NFL Insider Ian Rapoport does not have a definitive timeline for when Jacobs’ punishment will be handed down, he does think there could be a deadline. Rapoport said that he does not expect an […] The post NFL Insider Reveals Potential Josh Jacobs Deadline appeared first on HEAVY.
Blanche says ‘one-sided news’ is a national security issue worthy of barring press
Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Sunday that media outlets reporting “one-sided” news is a national security issue that merits a White House ban.
A Trump 2024 Campaign Ad Returns, Now Brought to You by The Government
The ad, which ethics experts said could violate federal law, shows Mr. Trump vowing to “expel warmongers” from the government and fight the “deep state,” even as he wages a war with Iran.
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has no 'specific' health issues: President
Masoud Pezeshkian said despite US claims senior cleric was injured, he has held 2 meetings with Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and calls him 'completely healthy' | Anadolu
Kennedy suggests ‘rule’ that no politician should have a building named after them while alive
GOP Sen. John Kennedy (La.) said Sunday that public officials should not have buildings named after them while they are alive, as President Trump fights to rename the Kennedy Center after himself.&…
Cook Political Report founder: House is a ‘done deal’ for Democrats, reclaiming Senate ‘very realistic’
Cook Political Report founder Charlie Cook on Sunday said that it has been a “done deal” conclusion that Democrats are likely to retake the House after the November midterm elections, w…
L. Ruth Interior Design celebrating 18 years in business with community event
Laura Ruth Edge said she had dreamed of becoming an interior designer since she was young.
Official: Parma part ways with head coach Carlos Cuesta
Parma have parted company with Carlos Cuesta, announcing the decision on Sunday during the international break and just days after a league win.In a statement, the club said the split followed interna...
'SNL's new cast members crash a K-Pop competition
Grace Reiter, Saidah Belo-Osagie debut on 'SNL', including a song with musical guest Katseye.
Sen. John Fetterman says it's "entirely possible" Democrats take back Senate, says "let's revisit after the midterm" on his plans
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania said that it's "entirely possible" his party wins control of the Senate in the midterm elections, while leaving the door open on his own political future.
Dodjie Simon’s ‘Best of All’ enters 2027 GRAMMY® consideration
DODJIE SIMON Filipino songwriter Elzar “Dodjie” Simon has entered a collection of Original Pilipino Music into the 2027 GRAMMY® Awards process with Best of All (The Music of Dodjie Simon), a seven-track album built around four-part vocal arrangements. Simon said the album and two of its recordings were submitted for consideration for the 69th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. The album was entered…
Uber CEO says ‘really demanding’ work culture includes expecting employees to answer emails over the weekend: ‘Don’t come here if you want to coast’
Uber boss Dara Khosrowshahi said the most important skill in life is working hard: “I’m not going to let anyone outwork me.”
IRGC Navy Seizes Second US Military Underwater Drone
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Sunday that it has seized a second underwater remotely operated vehicle (UROV) belonging to the US military in the Strait of Hormuz.
Seven people killed in strike on market in Yemen, Houthi-run health ministry says
Yemen's Houthi-run health ministry said seven people were killed and 40 were injured, including children, in a strike on shops at a market in Taiz province on Sunday.
Nier: Automata director made the game he wanted to make and tried to stay hidden from Square Enix
In a new interview the eccentric Nier: Automata director Yoko Taro has said that the game turned out just how he wanted it, but he was also cautious to stay as far away from Square Enix as possible to…
Ruby on Rails creator declares 'pencils down' on handwritten code
David Heinemeier Hansson said his software firm was "done writing code by hand." His company will only hand-write code when an AI agent can't.
Ruby on Rails creator declares 'pencils down' on handwritten code
David Heinemeier Hansson said his software firm was "done writing code by hand." His company will only hand-write code when an AI agent can't.
She waited for hours and left untreated. The ER billed her anyway.
The hospital said her visit began as soon as “care,” which could mean registration and nursing assessment, was initiated.
Burnham: 'Broken social care will in the end break the NHS'
Andy Burnham said the proposed care service would be laid out in detail and put on the ballot at the next general election.
Nadella Calls Xbox Layoffs “Great to See” as 268 New Cuts Push Microsoft Closer to its Original 3,200 Headcount Goal
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the Xbox "streamlining" is "great to see", even as 268 more employees get cut, with many more to come.
Iran Won’t Back Off from Conditions for Reopening Hormuz: FM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran has clearly presented its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and advancing negotiations, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, stressing that Tehran will not back down from those conditions.
Jacobo Ramón not considering Real Madrid return -report
Como defender Jacobo Ramón has established himself as a quality center-back just after leaving Real Madrid for €2.5 million in the summer of 2025. While Los Blancos keep 50% of his rights and could trigger an option to bring him back, Ramón is not even considering said return for now, according to a report published […]
England’s Harry Kane eyes NFL kicking career
England soccer captain Harry Kane said he's interested in pursuing an NFL career as a kicker.
England’s Harry Kane eyes NFL kicking career
England soccer captain Harry Kane said he's interested in pursuing an NFL career as a kicker.
Sustainable Development Impossible without Peace: Araqchi
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Sustainable development is impossible without peace, respect for international law and multilateralism, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, calling for international solidarity to be translated into tangible development outcomes.
Foreign minister departs for Belize, Guatemala with business delegation
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) departed Sunday for Belize and Guatemala with a business delegation to strengthen economic cooperation with Taiwan's two Central American diplomatic allies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.
Foreign minister departs for Belize, Guatemala with business delegation
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) departed Sunday for Belize and Guatemala with a business delegation to strengthen economic cooperation with Taiwan's two Central American diplomatic allies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.
Commentary: Arkansas football takes care of business to bushwhack upstart Tulsa
The positives coach Ryan Silverfield said Arkansas would build on following last week's home loss to Georgia are magnified as the Razorbacks out-gained their visitors by 200 yards in the rout.
OpenAI, Anthropic CEOs called to appear at Australian AI probe
SYDNEY, Sept 27 (Reuters) - The CEOs of OpenAI and Anthropic have been called to appear at an Australian Senate inquiry on AI, the head of the probe said on
The Trump administration said it would prioritize ending mother-to-child HIV transmission. Health workers say it cut services
Dr. Theopista Masenge was at the hospital in Mbeya, Tanzania, rolling out new treatments for children with high HIV viral loads when she got the call: Stop work, now.
Alabama football TE Josh Ford addresses punch from Dylan Stewart
Alabama football TE Josh Ford took a punch from South Carolina star LB Dylan Stewart in UA's win Saturday. Here's what he said about it.
‘We had it:’ Michigan stunned by Iowa’s late comeback
Michigan was in disbelief after the stunning loss to Iowa. "Never lost a game like this," Rod Moore said. "We had it," Kyle Whittingham added.
Everything Kyle Whittingham said after Michigan's stunning loss to Iowa
Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham breaks down the Wolverines' narrow loss to Iowa and the path forward for the team.
What’s being said nationally about Michigan’s stunning loss to Iowa
The Hawkeyes beat the Wolverines 20-19 with a last-second 16-yard touchdown pass.
Mount Dora restaurant says nearby roundabout construction is cutting off business
A Lake County restaurant owner said nearby construction is keeping customers away and cutting into sales; that's why he's asking for help.
House Democrats plan vast oversight of Trump administration. Impeachment is an option
“There is a cost to the American people of the out-of-control corruption,” said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is in line to become House speaker if Democrats win control at the Capitol.
‘AI can’t replace your doctor,’ expert warns amid rise in chatbot health advice
“You should never skip meeting with your health care professional,” Ogbru said. “You should not treat these platforms as giving advice.”
EU boosts humanitarian aid for displaced people
"Europe stands with you," von der Leyen said
Contaminated marijuana vapes sold at over 400 Colorado stores, health officials warn
Over 400 Colorado stores sold contaminated marijuana vaporizers that could cause health problems, state health officials said in a health safety advisory issued Friday.
Trump calls Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz not 'acceptable'
President Trump said he was rejecting an Iranian plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian proposal is similar to a memorandum of understanding agreed upon by the U.S. and Iran back in June.
Trump calls Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz not 'acceptable'
President Trump said he was rejecting an Iranian plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian proposal is similar to a memorandum of understanding agreed upon by the U.S. and Iran back in June.
How ex-staffers’ allegations of hostile behavior by Peltola might affect Alaska’s key U.S. Senate race
Alaska political commentators said in interviews that the accusations appear to have left many of Democrat Mary Peltola’s supporters unswayed as she seeks to unseat Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
CT man accused of stealing, forging checks from local business and paying juvenile to deposit them
Investigators allege that the man contacted the juvenile to deposit the checks for him at different bank locations and said he would pay him $5,000.
Shapiro administration's controversial health regulations dropped, for now
(The Center Square) – New regulations that critics said would give the state Department of Health power to enter private homes without a warrant were withdrawn late Friday.
Shapiro administration's controversial health regulations dropped, for now
(The Center Square) – New regulations that critics said would give the state Department of Health power to enter private homes without a warrant were withdrawn late Friday. The news comes just days af...
Ocasio-Cortez downplays 2028 speculation, stresses 2026 elections
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said her focus is on helping Democrats win in 2026, downplaying speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.
Israel say football and politics must stay separate, after Ireland vote to fulfil fixture
The Israel Football Association has said football and politics need to remain separate in the wake of Ireland players voting on Saturday to fulfil Sunday's Nations League fixture between the sides in Hungary.
Trump Rejects Iran’s Cease-Fire Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The president said the deal was not “acceptable” and demurred on whether he would restart military strikes after the midterm elections.
Rogue OpenAI agents targeted three separate US government websites
OpenAI said Friday that some of its AI agents went rogue and probed US government websites this summer — the latest revelation of the artificial intelligence company’s technology.
Dolph Lundgren recalls sending Sylvester Stallone to hospital during “Rocky IV” filming after hitting him too hard
“Sly later said ‘a streetcar named Drago’ had hit him,” Lundgren wrote in his memoir.
Crash-and-grab thieves steal ATM from Lincoln Park business, police say
Crash-and-grab thieves stole an ATM from a North Side business early Saturday morning, Chicago police said.
The GOP wants to talk about crime, immigration and trans issues. Voters don’t
Republican former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz summed up a large portion of the GOP’s midterm message this week when he responded to a man who said he was voting Democratic for the first time ever.
NBA star Steph Curry said sauna helps longevity, testosterone levels
NBA superstar Steph Curry said his infrared sauna routine helps him maintain peak performance, with benefits for his brain and testosterone levels.
NBA star Steph Curry said sauna helps longevity, testosterone levels
NBA superstar Steph Curry said his infrared sauna routine helps him maintain peak performance, with benefits for his brain and testosterone levels.
Long-Time PlayStation Publisher Says "The Discussion May Change" Around Physical Media
Rumors recently appeared about Sony potentially delaying its digital-only future due to pressure from Microsoft's Xbox Helix, although they were promptly shot down by industry insiders and frequent leakers who said that Sony was dead-set on killing its physical media production—despite data...
Dems 'written off' campaign for GOP's only NYC House seat
Mike DeCillis, the Democratic candidate, said he's found little support from the Democratic Party nationally and locally.
White House has not acted on RFK Jr.’s push for proof ultra-processed foods are safe
A draft letter obtained by The Post shows Kennedy’s favorable response to a petition that food experts said could lead to significant changes for the industry.
Parrot Island theft investigation ongoing, management company to end contract
On the same day Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Shue said he is seeking a special prosecutor to investigate a Parrot Island Waterpark employee over theft allegations, it was learned...