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49ers WR Mike Evans misses practice with Achilles soreness
49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has played through injured ribs.
College football player dies after suffering 'traumatic injury' during game
Southern Nazarene University sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich has died following an injury sustained during a game.
Cardinals Chosen As Innovative Philanthropic Company Of Year By Phoenix Business Journal
Arizona Cardinals Official Team Website I Arizona Cardinals – AZCardinals.com
The Kelly Clarkson bird saga continues. Molly is worth $15 million
Kelly Clarkson accused Art of Play of disrespecting her and denying her the sale of a hand-cranked singing automata bird. Store owners set a new $15 million price tag following social media frenzy.
Meet the 19-year-old ASU student running for Maricopa County office
At a time when many young people have become disillusioned with politics, Matta is hoping his candidacy inspires them to get involved.
Francis Bacon’s 'Sylva Sylvarum' Stars in New Art and Science Exhibit
Opening next month at the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford, Plain Things Wonders marks 400 years since the publication of Francis Bacon’s influential experimental science text Sylva Sylvarum.
Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand meets with small business owners, city officials in Marshalltown
MARSHALLTOWN – Slightly more than 10 small business owners and Marshalltown city officials met with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand on Friday, Oct. 9, to talk about what was on their minds, and wages and healthcare were big topics. Alfonso Medina, the owner of La Carreta, hosted the small business roundtable discussion at his restaurant. […]
Oyster Creek City Council to vote on limit where sexually oriented businesses can open
The Oyster Creek City Council is set to vote Thursday night on an ordinance that would limit where sexually oriented businesses can operate in the small Brazoria County city.
Prichard finance committee meeting raise questions about employee health insurance and potential pay increases
Prichard finance committee meets as city budget runs more than two weeks overdue
A day after Netflix's major layoffs, Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria leaves
Netflix on Thursday said its Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria is leaving the company and named former Disney executive Peter Rice as her replacement.
Corn Mazes to Comedy: Wisconsin Science Festival Brings Science to Everyone
You don’t need a lab coat to appreciate science. Sometimes all you need is a corn maze, a curious mind
Wisconsin elections officials issue guidance for handling federal agents at polls
Elections officials in battleground Wisconsin on Thursday approved guidance for local clerks to help them know what to do if federal law enforcement officials show up at the polls on Election Day, as some activists fear might happen.
Is AI Leading to Declining Enrollment in Computer Science?
After years of seeing climbing enrollment in computer science, the Connecticut State Department of Education found enrollment going the other way every year since 2022, when ChatGPT was released to the public.
Comedian Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa is wondering what comes next
Vidura Bandara Rajapaksa turns his immigrant experience and anger into comedy. Now, with that pressure easing, he’s wondering what comes next.
Leader Entertainment & Sony Music Publishing Enter Partnership
Leader Entertainment & Sony Music Publishing have entered a music partnership, plus Amazon Music and more publishing news.
Hobnobben Film Festival again brings unique storytelling to Fort Wayne
Hobnobben Film Festival opens Thursday with a celebration of unique storytelling, including an opening night dedicated to Hoosier filmmakers.
Colorado Springs named best city in nation for small businesses
A new report from Bluevine has named Colorado Springs as the most business friendly nation in the nation. it beat out Denver and several other metros.
Amazon devices chief Panos Panay sees a future where AI devices replace the need to use apps
Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, Amazon devices chief Panos Panay described a future where ambient AI devices work in the background, anticipating users' needs instead of waiting for commands.
Grand Forks Public Health hosts annual contest to raise breast cancer awareness
For the “Paint the Patch Pink” competition, anyone can decorate a pumpkin and submit a photo for a chance to win a prize basket. The submission deadline is Oct. 25.
NASA Langley shows off new airborne science lab as first mission nears
NASA Langley Research Center shows off new Boeing 777 airborne science lab as first mission nears in 2027
IP Saves the Day On Streaming
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) Before we get started, I wanted to highlight a new idea I saw from Real Good AI, proposing a ratings system for AI use. (H/T to Anthony Kaufman’s article highlighting this.) It would look something like this: In general, I think that this is a solid, middle-ground solution that should appease both the pro-AI camp (who love AI) and the anti-AI camp (who wants to know if what they’re watching didn’t come from humans). Regardless of your feelings on AI/LLMs—I’ll never use it for my writing—transparency is often the best solution to many problems. In general, I think way more media outlets need to be using way more AI disclosures. My quick “Yes and...” to this idea: what about ads? In particular, I hate it when I see or hear ads that are obviously AI-generated, but a person or voice says, “I used this product”. AI doesn’t use products! Just today, I watched a YouTube ad where a “person” said they use some sort of rain wind chime...but that’s not a real person! They didn’t use this product. (Especially since the video of the wind chime itself also appeared to be AI-generated...) I believe most traditional advertising already has standards like this anyway.1 Okay, on to this week’s issue. We’re covering the week of 14-Sep, and then next issue, I’ll be fully caught up with Nielsen’s new release schedule. In the future, I plan to put out Streaming Ratings Reports each Monday after Nielsen’s Thursday releases. Overall, we had some big new shows this week, like Prime Video’s Reacher spinoff_, Neagley_, which is off to a big, big start, and Netflix’s latest in its Monster anthology, which is their largest opening since June and the second-largest since One Piece came out in March. All that, plus Slow Horses returns, the trio of returning shows (Lioness, Reacher and Ted Lasso) continue to dominate the top tens, Paramount+’s latest crime drama, a big whiff for a Netflix original film and a precipitous drop for Netflix film charts, all the flops, bombs and misses, and a whole lot more. Let’s dive right in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of September 14th to September 20th 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Television - IP For the TV Win Can I use the dirty word of entertainment journalism right now? IP. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone I said it. But IP works at the box office, and we’ve seen some evidence it works in TV too. Not as well, and not all the time—no absolutes here!—but often enough. And glancing at the Nielsen top ten…it worked this week! Take Prime Video, who has a monster hit in the crime drama Reacher. Would a spinoff work for that show? Yep! They binge-released Neagley, about a detective from the original Reacher series, and its eight episodes debuted to 29.6 million hours. Here’s how it stacks up to Reacher, one of Prime Video’s biggest shows: That’s great. Nearly as strong as Reacher’s opening! (Both shows started with eight, binge-released episodes, so this comparison is apples-to-apples.) Notably, Prime Video scheduled the debut of Neagley to overlap with Reacher’s most recent season, to help drive tune-in. Obviously, I love smart release strategies like that. And even though I wrote “obviously”, it’s not really that obvious, since streamers don’t often take advantage of natural overlaps like this_._2 Other data backs how well Neagley performed. It opened at second place on Samba TV for two weeks and got 51.7 million hours on Luminate. That’s the eleventh biggest opening on Luminate since May of 2024 and tied with Bridgerton’s third season opening. That’s a huge opening! Its IMDb is solid too, a 7.7 on 24K reviews. Netflix’s latest edition in the “Monster” series—which started with Jeffrey Dahmer and comes from Ryan Murphy—did well too, opening to 24.7 million hours. That’s the biggest opening for Netflix since I Will Find You in June, and second biggest since March. Unlike the Reacher series, this franchise is trending downward, though. The first Monster show—Dahmer - Monster—was giant. More than anything, I think this reflects that Netflix running out of extremely popular—if that’s the right word?—serial killers to feature. Still, the data says this is a very good opening. It made it to third place on Samba TV for two weeks. It also opened to 40.0 million hours on Luminate. That’s not quite as elite as Neagley, but still very, very strong. I’ll be honest: my priors coming into any given week are that IP works to help drive buzz for new shows, but TV shows need to stand on their own even more than movies, so they will succeed or fail based on their quality. But these two spinoffs definitely worked. Quick Notes on TV The top show, film or special this week? Football, again. Specifically, Prime Video’s season opener of Thursday Night Football. The games run long (three hours) but mainly a lot of people watch each game. That adds up to a lot of viewership. Paramount released the second season of MobLand on an unusual day for that service, a Friday! Often, they put their new shows out on a Sunday, as they did last year with a run of shows (Lioness, Tulsa King and Landman). MobLand didn’t make Nielsen in its first week, but on Samba TV it got to eighth and seventh place. Luminate had a smaller opening too, only 5.3 million hours. MobLand missed the Nielsen charts for its first eight weeks, so this season is off to a stronger start. (Bonus note: the first season streams on both Prime Video and The Roku Channel, but I only have it as Paramount+ on those charts.) I’ve mentioned a few times that foreign-language originals do lower numbers than English-language originals on Netflix most of the time. But I don’t usually emphasize what country those originals come from, and observationally, they tend to be from Western or Northern European countries, in general. So credit to Not a Stranger, a Turkish Netflix original, for breaking through on Luminate, getting to 7.9 million hours in its first full week on those charts. As I mentioned last issue, Crew Girl ended up making the Nielsen charts in its second week. That’s still a soft performance compared to many shows, but again this, one looks affordable. And if you’re curious, here’s how it stacks up to some other sports romance shows: We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… …about a new data source and how it drives streaming viewership… ...what reality show is struggling in its latest season…. ...what Netflix film bombed…. ...How Reacher, Ted Lasso, and Lioness are doing on the charts… ...what obscure sport put up great viewership numbers… …how far streaming films are falling… …all the flops, bombs and misses for the last week… …and more… ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support. If you want an idea of just how much content you’d get in a full issue, check out this older issue. Coming Soon! Next week, we’ve got a double issue, then we’ll be all caught up with Nielsen’s data. Yes! The goal is to have my report out on the Monday after I get Nielsen’s data. So next issue, I’m looking at East of Eden, The Great British Baking Show, a Willy Wonka game show (that people are upset uses AI, but viewers might not care), and a Cosby show spinoff reboot on Netflix, and Brothers on Apple TV (starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey). That’s about it for TV, but who’s going to win the streaming week, The Breadwinner or Backrooms on streaming? Answer: Toy Story 5. Plus Netflix has a Unabomber film and a new Tyler Perry film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma tries to repeat The Substance’s run on MUBI, and Paramount+ has Jackass: Best and Last. Long term, Netflix is remaking Lonesome Dove. I love this choice, but man, there are a lot of westerns on TV right now. And they’re making Sega TV shows, including a Crazy Taxi TV show and Sonic show with an “edge”.
Michigan needs more behavioral health professionals
When a policy makes it harder for a student to become a social worker, the impact does not end with that student.
Fired deputy behavioral health commissioner charged with felony theft in tuition scheme
A former deputy commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration is accused of stealing from her previous employer, a nonprofit that helps foster children
California’s Quiet, Consequential Election Season
California is poised to elect its first Latino governor in more than 150 years, while the tenor of Democratic politics in the state is undergoing a shift.
Justice Dept. sues California, asks court to force state to stop counting 20,000 ballots
The Trump administration asked a federal court to bar California from counting ballots from about 20,000 voters it suspects aren't U.S. citizens. State officials blasted the lawsuit.
Nina Dietz to Discuss the Public Health Impacts of Wildfires at the Milken Institute
Image The Department of Global Health at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health will host Pulitzer Center grantee and freelance journalist Nina Dietz at a Research and Practice Seminar. On Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 2:00pm-3:00pm EST, Dietz will present on her Pulitzer Center-supported project The Toxic Side of Climate Change. The project investigates the hazards left behind by urban wildfires in Los Angeles and examines the long-term risks these toxins pose to affected communities. The project also explores what remains in the ash and debris after a fire, and how those materials impact public health. Dietz is a writer, documentarian, and journalist reporting from a background rooted in both science and the humanities. Her work has appeared in New Lines Magazine, Inside Climate News, Science Friday, and at Photoville, among others.
Hoopaholic’s Gazette: Will Something Wicked This Way Come?
In a week, live from Lawrence, Kansas, Louisville basketball fans will get a sense of what’s to come in the ’26-’27 campaign, without it counting as a W or L. Maybe. Depending on whether Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Brian Edwards issues a ruling, which will tell us — at least for a moment if not […]
Food Bazaar expanding with Western Beef acquisition
Food Bazaar operator Bogopa Service Corp. is acquiring 14 Western Beef stores, including four on Long Island, expanding its supermarket footprint.
Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon's premium tablet gets almost everything right
This tablet is a great value, even if Android apps still aren't great on a big screen.
Trail Blazers Urged To Make Surprising Decision With Ja Morant
New head coach Micah Nori faces a backcourt logjam, sparking bold suggestions to bench a superstar playmaker in favor of maximizing Damian Lillard’s late-career efficiency and chemistry.
Justin Ishbia warns Chicago against the ‘cost of doing nothing’ amid Railyards backlash
The White Sox minority owner spoke today for the first time in a public forum since unveiling his plans for an 80-plus acre riverfront campus.
Rocky Horror Picture Show, Haunted Hallway return to Rome
Rome's Capitol Theatre hosts The Rocky Horror Picture Show and free Haunted Hallway Bazaar on Oct. 24, featuring costumes, entertainment and more.
Mignon Faget moving from Magazine Street location as landlord turns to 'regional' brand
Maghan Oroszi, who has run the jeweler since 2024, said this week it will move out of its flagship retail space at 3801 Magazine at the end of October. The store will set up a temporary location across the street as it searches for a permanent home elsewhere on the six-mile commercial strip.
In 100th Trump lawsuit, California challenges ICE courthouse arrests
California sued the Trump administration for the 100th time, challenging the growing practice of ICE agents arresting people for civil immigration violations at or near courthouses.
Happening in Loveland this weekend: Fall events, festivals, benefits, art and entertainment
Here are plenty of fun events on the calendar in Loveland and Northern Colorado this weekend.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, Oct. 16 to 22
‘Music in the West End’ concert series kicks off, Oct. 16 The first concert of the 2026-27 season is at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct.16, at Christ Episcopal Church Aspen, 536 W. North St. Pianist Mandy...
AstraZeneca - How is AI helping scientists design the next generation of biologic medicines?
Learn how AstraZeneca combines AI drug discovery, laboratory automation and biology to refine biologic molecules and inform earlier decisions.
Google’s $180 Fitbit Edge makes a bet on smartwatch fatigue
Google draws a sharper line between Fitbit and Pixel Watch.
Kalamazoo County health officials say, "get your flu shot... as soon as possible"
WWMT-TV Newschannel 3 provides local news, weather forecasts, notices of events and entertainment programming for Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, South Haven, Paw Paw, Portage, Otsego, Texas Township, Oshtemo, Plainwell, Allegan, Holland, Saugatuck, Holland, Wayland, Kentwood, Middleville, Hastings, Marshall, Three Rivers, Sturgis, Constantine, Coldwater, Albion, Wyoming, Hudsonville, Allendale, Byron Center, Hudsonville, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Sparta, Rockford, Belding, Greenville, Ionia, Cedar Springs and their surrounding areas.
Authorities investigate letters with 'suspicious substances' sent to congressional, election offices
Federal authorities are investigating letters that have been mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide and are urging recipients to treat the mailings as “potentially hazardous.”
Hilary Swank, 52, is pregnant, expecting third child
Oscar winner Hilary Swank, 52, and husband Philip Schneider are growing their family, now expecting their third child together.
I’ve Tested Echo Shows and Nest Hubs. Here’s How Apple’s HomeView Display Stacks Up
Apple’s new HomeView faces steep competition from Amazon and Google’s well-established smart displays. Here’s what I think, based on my past reviews.
Janelle Monáe wants to be L.A.'s reigning Halloween queen
Once again, Janelle Monáe brings Halloween festivities to Los Angeles, from Hollywood Forever to USC to a secret party location. Her hope is to bring people together over a shared love of creative expression.
One year in, Routt County Mental Health Response Team shows positive impact
The Routt County Mental Health Response Team, now just over a year old, is continuing to make a positive impact for local residents in crisis, with 128 calls for service through August of this year....
New York Burlesque Festival dazzles with glittering gems and flirty feather scarves
As the spooky season arrived in NYC this year, it was welcomed with the talented, eccentric faces of the city's burlesque community.
Amazon launches new "personal AI" devices that can listen to your conversations and take notes
The products include a silicone wristband that can be clipped to clothing and a device that magnetically attaches to the back of a phone.
NEWS: Biomedical Studies, NSF-Funded Science, Student-Led Projects, and More on NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35
ISS National Lab-sponsored research aims to advance regenerative medicine, improve understanding of natural hazards, and inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers
French football body urges fans and students to keep politics out of stadiums
French Football Federation's ethics body calls for neutrality amid student protests.
Opinion: Socialism’s promises sound familiar. So does the track record.
Illinois has already tried to address high costs, limited access, and economic insecurity through government. Before giving it more control in the hope that this time will be different, we should reckon honestly with what that experience has actually produced.
MEGAMicrobe: Free, fun science event for students 5-15 on Oct. 24
MEGAMicrobe, a free exploration of the world of microbes for students ages 5 to 15 and their families, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Tom Joy Elementary School.
Real Madrid appoint key figure from Super League project to lead business operations
According to Jose Felix Diaz of AS, Real Madrid have appointed Bernd Reichart to lead the club’s business operations moving forward. The German executive will fill a position that had remained vacan...
Americans with disabilities worry over cuts to major health survey
NEW YORK • The federal government is planning to dramatically shrink its most influential health survey, and some researchers worry that the changes will underestimate how many Americans are disabled. At least half the survey questions could be axed. The cost-saving change is part of an ongoing effort to slim down the 69-year-old National Health […]
Liberty Mutual to acquire Brazilian surety business
U.S.-headquartered Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc. has agreed to acquire Brazilian firm Austral Seguradora SA, Coverager reported. The acquisition, which includes Austral’s surety…
Interactive: Could the No Surprises Act be driving up health insurance costs?
The No Surprises Act ended many unexpected medical bills, but critics say costly arbitration awards may be adding pressure to insurance premiums.
G-Pro Snow Removal celebrates 10-plus years in business with new home base
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – What started out as a hobby for Gino Bedwell has expanded into a thriving business over the last decade, and due to its growing success, G-Pro Snow Removal has found...
Ohio Appeals court rules EdChoice private school voucher system unconstitutional
An Ohio appellate court has ruled that the EdChoice voucher program, which uses taxpayer dollars to fund private school tuition, is unconstitutional.
Tax Relief on Losses Stimulates Business Risk-Taking, OECD Says
Countries that provide limited tax relief to loss-making companies risk stifling entrepreneurial risk-taking and the creation of new businesses, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
Tax Relief on Losses Stimulates Business Risk-Taking, OECD Says
Countries that provide limited tax relief to loss-making companies risk stifling entrepreneurial risk-taking and the creation of new businesses, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
Trump says people who leak military plans ‘should be shot’
Trump attacked those leaking material to the media, calling them the "scum of the earth" during a rally in Bullhead City, Arizona.
Top Weekly Entertainment Picks
There’s no shortage of entertainment at the Shore this week, with big-name concerts, live theater, comedy, jazz and Halloween-inspired fun. See Ricky Martin
Brazil investigates Amazon wildfires that disrupt daily life and have fueled political attacks
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian authorities are investigating whether a recent surge in wildfires in the Amazon rainforest have been set on purpose for political motives ahead of the second round of presidential elections later this month.
Reno commission OKs plan for $350-million entertainment district
The Reno Planning Commission voted in favor of a master plan, zoning change and conditional use permit for $350 million project, The Boulevard.
Brazil investigates Amazon wildfires that disrupt daily life and have fueled political attacks
Brazilian authorities are investigating whether a recent surge in Amazon wildfires was orchestrated.
'I found the biggest ever haul of organics on Mars.' Meet the scientist at the centre of the search for life on the Red Planet | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Dr Amy Williams and her team discovered the largest collection of organic compounds on Mars in a sample collected by the Curiosity rover.
Beloved Lakeview Electronics Shop Where Neighbors Found 'Hidden Gems' Closing After 55 Years
Lakeview's Royal Home Entertainment is selling off its remaining inventory ahead of its closure Saturday, though owner Joe DeGuide still plans to offer custom installation services online.
📸 The week's 10 craziest Champions League moments 👽
What a second matchday of the league phase! These ten wild moments from this week's Champions League prove it.Dembélé's interview masterclass 😭A masterclass on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium and...
RFP alert: New York State announces over $37 million for cleantech business accelerators
The newly established Commercialization Cohort Initiative seeks to launch four business accelerators to train, mentor and fund clean energy startups and entrepreneurs.
The 2026 cold and flu season is approaching, health officials say
Health officials in Ohio are encouraging residents to get their flu shots before Halloween as cases begin to rise, with updated vaccines available to address new strains.
Trail Blazers May Have Found Ja Morant’s Most Dangerous Role
Reimagining the explosive guard as a high-octane reserve allows Portland to unleash a relentless second wave, weaponizing his speed to terrorize tired defenders for all 48 minutes.
Amazon launches new Bee 'personal AI' devices that listen to conversations
The $75 Bee Frontier is an upgraded version of Amazon's wearable bracelet, while the $100 Bee Eclipse attaches to a user's smartphone.
Amazon's Bee launches two new personal AI devices, starting at $75
Amazon-owned Bee has launched its first new AI devices since its acquisition, including an updated wearable and a credit-card-sized recorder that attaches to smartphones. The devices can summarize conversations, create to-do lists, and integrate with Alexa and Amazon shopping, with prices starting at $74.99.
By changing America’s ‘death business,’ Newsom can show his morality
'He has shown the courage, many times, to do the right thing rather than the popular thing. I hope he does the same with regard to this “business of death” in America,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
The Brutal Science Behind Life Jacket Testing
Inside the load tests, buoyancy tanks and trial by fire required for safety certification
After booting 760K off ACA health plans, the Trump administration adds some people back
The Trump administration provided few details about its process for canceling hundreds of thousands of Affordable Care Act enrollments — even as the next stage of the anti-fraud effort is underway.
'I’m very optimistic there's life out there.' This scientist says the search for alien life is only getting started | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
How scientists are using algorithms to search for technosignatures – signs of advanced technology used by intelligent alien species.
Democratic group substantially increases fundraising to seize state legislatures
The States Project, an organization focused on electing Democrats to state legislatures, has raised more than $100 million this cycle.
Free flu shots offered by Lee Health at eight Lee County locations in October
Lee Health will provide free flu vaccinations at eight locations across Lee County throughout October, with consultations and health resources available.
After nearly buying Warner Bros., Netflix is laying off 1,000 workers. What happened?
While Netflix continues to lead subscription streaming services, the company has continued to face growing scrutiny over how it plans to grow the Los Gatos company in the future.
New L.A. Opera music director, Domingo Hindoyan, begins with 'Carmen'
L.A. Opera's new music director, Domingo Hindoyan, who succeeded the company's longtime leader, James Conlon, makes his debut with 'Carmen.'
L.A. voters worry about outside influence in midterm elections, new poll finds
A poll suggests most L.A. County voters are confident with the county's handling of elections, but many worry that outside influence, including online misinformation and political interference, could taint the midterms.
Top of the Morning, Oct. 15, 2026
Thanks to Champaign’s Rob Whitt for helping with our coverage
Hasan Piker isn't worried about being a political boogeyman this midterms season
President Donald Trump recently called Hasan Piker a “terrible liability” and a “communist.”The California-based streamer — who describes himself as a socialist — has become the GOP’s political bogeyman ahead of the midterm elections. Piker argues those attacks will backfire, but also says he has played a role in being portrayed as a 'figurehead of the insurgent left.'“The way that I'm portrayed in the media is an America-hating communist Islamist fundamentalist who wants to secretly do jihad, and then also, at the same time, very woke and gay, so there's this weird inconsistency in their messaging,” Piker says. “Who I am is very simple. I'm a socialist. I'm an anti-imperialist. I want what's best for Americans, and I want what's best for everyone from all around the world.”In this episode from NPR’s Newsmakers, Piker sits down with host Leila Fadel and argues Republicans are using him to distract from policies that made life less affordable. He also addresses his seven Twitch bans, defends his rhetoric against right-wing reactionaries, and reflects on the crisis of loneliness among young men — and the limits of his influence.“At the end of the day, I'm a Twitch streamer,” Piker says. “I hold no political office. I have no real political power. So getting people to be upset at a Twitch streamer and their affiliation as a, if you want to call it a surrogate, in the primary is going to be very difficult.”Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow or subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you watch or listen to podcasts to get new episodes as soon as possible. You can also find Newsmakers on the NPR app. Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.
Backlash in Kashmir over proposal for uniform Friday sermons across mosques
Political and religious critics accuse India's Modi government of curbing Kashmir's freedom of religion and expression.
Clock ticking for leap second: Why timekeeping could change forever
Timekeepers add a leap second occasionally to keep our clocks and the Earth's rotation in tune. That could now change.
Battery-free smart glasses monitor your health using blink energy
Your eyes blink roughly 14 to 20 times a minute, and every one of those movements is wasted energy. Engineers at Northwestern University have found a way to put that motion energy to work, powering a pair of battery-free health-sensing glasses.
How did political campaigns get so expensive?
The 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching, and it’s gearing up to be the most expensive election in American history. So how did we get here, where every election feels more expensive than the last? Today on the show, we’re exploring what’s causing the flood of money into our politics. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen –Bad economics, smart politics –Over 2,000 episodes in our archive on the NPR AppConnect with The Indicator from Planet Money–The Indicator newsletter — a weekly roundup of news, ideas and staff picks. –Instagram, TikTok and YouTube –Find the Planet Money book –Find the Planet Money game, Sell Me A Sasquatch, and other merch at the NPR Shop!Support public media by subscribing to NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
First Friday on pause after deadly Arts District shooting; businesses support safety review
Organizers say the future of the longtime event is being reevaluated following a fatal shooting, while business owners call for stronger security measures before its return.
'A very serious health concern': Opponents to Ahwatukee data center share worries at town hall
Dozens of metro Phoenix residents shared concerns about data centers with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes at a town hall in Mesa.
Brubaker earns national dealer nomination for business leadership, community service
Duke Brubaker, dealer principal of Champion Ford Mazda in Owensboro, has been nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award. The honor recognizes a career that spans more than three decades at the family dealership and community efforts ranging from a prom experience for people with special needs to helping a local softball team reach the Little League World Series.
Business Council Of New York Visits Crystal Windows
National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems was selected by The Business Council of New York as one of 11 stops on its week-long 2026 Manufacturers’ Week bus tour of major manufacturers across the state. On Monday, October 5, The Business Council bus pulled into the parking lot at Crystal’s Queens headquarters and factory where Business
New Business Spotlight: Hair Haven & Co. and The Hive bring beauty and entrepreneurship to North Knoxville
Two local entrepreneurs are bringing a fresh approach to beauty and self-care in North Knoxville with the opening of Hair Haven & Co. Salon and Spa and The Hive Beauty Supply. Owners Keniya Buley and Breanna Coach celebrated their businesses with a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony September 11 at 2902 Tazewell Pike, Suite D, in the […]
Fires Arrive in the Amazon Rainforest
During El Niño, a cascade of fires across the tropics begins in equatorial Asia and continues in the central and eastern Amazon.
Republican attorney general candidate Michael Allen: 'You serve everyone, regardless of politics’
The Republican vying to be the state’s next attorney general said his record shows he stands up for victims regardless of their political party or where they come from. And, he said, experience has taught him that some perpetrators deserve a second chance.
Brewers blasts leave Dodgers on brink
The Milwaukee Brewers produced a late home run blitz to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 and leave the reigning World Series champions on the brink of elimination from Major League Baseball's playoffs on Wednesday.That rally came after starting pitcher Blake Snell produced a dazzling performance from the mound to keep the reigning MLB champions in the game.
Blazers' Tom Dundon Meets the Man Betting Big on Portland
As Tom Dundon navigates high-stakes arena negotiations, the Blazers owner finds an optimistic ally in a real estate mogul wagering $250 million on downtown Portland’s recovery.
Why Stephanie Mills called Lady Gaga a 'culture vulture'
R&B legend Stephanie Mills addressed unresolved friction with Lady Gaga, explaining why she felt disrespected during a private surprise performance. 'I hope you remember what you did.'