News from October 7, 2025

Technology

Hallmark Star Ser'Darius Blain's Launched His Own Travel Company to See ‘Strangers’ Become ‘Best Friends’

Ser'Darius Blain knows how to bring people together, and his travel company, Top Shelf Getaways, is proof. “My favorite part of any Top Shelf Getaway, is always getting strangers to meet,” the Christmas on Call actor, 38, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Seeing that connection, seeing people go from complete strangers to best friends, in a matter of 24 hours, that's always one of my favorite aspects of the weekend." The actor launched the company in 2020 and has since hosted 2,800 guests on 34 trips in 15 countries. He was first inspired to get into the travel business in order to "combine all my passions in one place," he says, including his background in hospitality. “I worked in restaurants for 12 years doing every single job that possible, from being a busboy all the way up to management. So, I really love taking care of people,” the Til Death Do Us Part star explains. Blain says bringing people together is also in his roots. “My family is Haitian and Dominican, and so when someone comes to your house, you're supposed to wait on them hand and foot. So this was sort of an opportunity to be able to wait on people hand and foot,” he tells PEOPLE. And he doesn't want Top Shelf Getaways guests to simply have a good time in the moment, he wants them to be able to bring home and relive those memories. "I'm an actor, so film is a big deal for me, and having videographers and photographers present and giving them an opportunity to create their art in the midst of a social situation was, was a huge deal for me," he says. His most recent trip was the 4th annual #TSGWhiteParty Staycation in Marina Del Rey, Calf., where guests experienced an all-inclusive, four-day weekend filled with performances from comedian Malik B, who has a comedy special airing on Hulu, to Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Will Gittens, and set sail near the Pacific and danced the night away. It kicked off with “Funny Friday,” a comedy show at The Joke Shop, hosted by comedian Broady The Joker, followed by a yacht party on Saturday for 100 passengers, then a party on the lawn of the Marina Del Rey Hotel, complete with more live performances, a DJ and a three-course dinner. But the weekend wasn’t just fun and games. On Sunday, Top Shelf Getaways guests convened by the pool for light bites at the cabanas, where they had the opportunity to meet financial advisor Mauricio Bowsa, who offered free sessions to the weekend’s participants. “Human connection is what this was always about. I just wanna create a social space where people are creatives,” Blain tells PEOPLE. “It's really hard to make friends as an adult, so that's why I wanted to create this.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Top Shelf Getaways’ next international trip is to Thailand from Dec. 29 until Jan. 5, 2026. Past trips include Italy, Antigua, Tulum, Cartagena and more. As for Blain, the actor will reprise his role as Anthony “Fridge” Johnson in the upcoming Jumanji 4 alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black.

Angel Saunders 12 minutes ago

Technology

Taylor Swift, Whose Music Backed “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, Finally Weighs in on Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah

Taylor Swift has a message for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty. The 14-time Grammy winner, 35, dished on her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, during her Tuesday, Oct. 7 On Air with Ryan Seacrest appearance — and she even gave some clarification as to where she stands on the whole Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah debate. After being asked which side she gravitates toward, Swift — whose music has been featured on the Prime Video series — shared that she's ultimately "Team Summer I Turned Pretty." "Because this show has, when I tell you that this show has completely used my music in the most thoughtful, beautiful ways and with these important moments in Belly's life. I'm just, I'm here for whatever is next," Swift said. "I support your choices, girl." "I feel like my music comes from inside her mind," she added of Belly, who is played by Lola Tung. "So I'm like, I'm really with her no matter what she goes with. I know that sounds — but I promise that I thought about this." As fans may recall, the beloved Prime Video show concluded with Belly picking Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) once and for all after three seasons of navigating a complicated love triangle that involved his brother, Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno). After the finale aired, Prime Video announced a movie was in the works to continue Belly's story. Swift's music has served as soundtrack for many of the series' most memorable moments. The show's series finale featured tracks "Out of the Woods" and "Dress," as author and showrunner Jenny Han told PEOPLE that she "had that thought of" using "Out of the Woods" early on and was "really excited to use" "Dress" on the hit series. Hahn previously shared with Jenna Bush Hager on her podcast, Open Book, on Jan. 9 that one Swift song in particular was important for her to use in the show. As she explained, Swift's "The Way I Loved You" plays during the 2022 season 1 finale of the show, and she even "knew what song I wanted" as she was "pitching out the season." "I was kinda trying to, like, inception it into everyone's heads that this is what we — that we need this," she said, adding she was willing to do "whatever it took to get it." She ended up writing a handwritten note to Swift, explaining "how much it would mean — not just to me, but I thought to the fans. That was the gift I really wanted to give, because I'm like, they're gonna go crazy for this." Ultimately, the Taylor's Version of the Fearless song was used, and Han said she was "so lucky to get more than one" track. "She really — I felt like she is someone who bets on women. And I felt like she bet on me," the author said of Swift. "And I can't say enough how thankful I am that she let us use her music. And I think she knows, too, her fans would like the show." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Summer I Turned Pretty is available to stream on Prime Video.

Brenton Blanchet 13 minutes ago

Arsenal v OL Lyonnes: Women’s Champions League – as it happened

Melchie Dumornay’s double ended Arsenal’s hopes of kicking off their trophy defence with a victory

Luke McLaughlin 14 minutes ago

Australian politics live: free public transport for Victorians on summer weekends; rents rise as vacancies plummet

Follow live

Krishani Dhanji 14 minutes ago

“Sabah” basketbol klubu ÇL-ə məğlubiyyətlə başladı

Azərbaycan təmsilçisi “Sabah” basketbol klubu bu gün Basketbol Çempionlar Liqasında ilk oyununa çıxıb. Metbuat.az xəbər verir ki, litvalı mütəxəssis Rimas Kurtinaytisın rəhbərlik etdiyi komanda B qrupunun 1-ci turunda səfərdə Çexiyanın “Nimburk” klubu ilə qarşılaşıb. Görüş meydan sahiblərinin üstünlüyü ilə yekunlaşıb – 93:65. Qrupun digər qarşılaşması sabah Almaniyanın “Alba” və Fransanın “Elan Şalon” komandaları arasında baş tutacaq. “Sabah” növbəti oyununu oktyabrın 15-də Bakıda “Alba” klubuna qarşı keçirəcək.

Unknown 15 minutes ago

Technology

Gaza war second anniversary could reopen path to Palestinian statehood

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Hamas's daring "Operation Al Aqsa Flood" two years ago and Israel's devastating war on the Gaza Strip have not only transformed the Middle East, but also reverberated across the world. They have again drawn to the 75-year unresolved Palestinian issue, gradually shifting global opinion against Israel as accusations of genocide mounted, and reopening the path toward a Palestinian state, though at a tremendous cost. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants fanned out from Gaza, breached the border fence with Israel and launched a multi-pronged assault -- an attack never seen before in the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They used gliders and motorcycles to reach a desert music festival and storm Israeli communities in southern Israel, where they opened fire, killing around 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals and taking 251 others hostage inside Gaza. According to Israeli officials, 20 of the 48 hostages still held captive in the Strip are believed to be alive. Hamas' sophisticated plan shocked the world just as much as Israel's intelligence failure, slow military response and inability -- despite its advanced technological capabilities -- to detect and counter missiles fired by the militant group. It also unleashed Israel's war on Gaza's 2.3 million residents, killing more than 67,000 people, injuring 170,000 others, and turning much of the Strip into rubble where many more unaccounted-for victims are still believed to be buried. Nearly 95% of the population -- about 2.1 million people -- have been repeatedly displaced during the ongoing war, which has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, with widespread malnutrition and famine in parts of Gaza. In Israel, at least 913 soldiers have been killed and 20,000 injured in the war, which has also displaced more than 100,000 people. The war might end this time with U.S. President Donald Trump's new 20-point plan, which calls for an immediate cessation of fighting, the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and full humanitarian aid to Gaza. Under the plan, Hamas will disarm -- its members will be granted amnesty to stay or safe passage to leave -- and will have no role in governing Gaza. Moreover, Israel will neither occupy nor annex Gaza, and the plan leaves the door open for the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state. According to Zaki Chehab, author of the book, Inside Hamas, and a Palestinian-born journalist, the militant group carefully planned its Oct. 7 attack. "All those who know Hamas and the way it prepared for the attack knew that the war would not end unless its goals were achieved: confirmation of Palestinians' rights over Al-Aqsa Mosque and East Jerusalem, Israel's withdrawal to the June 4, 1967, borders, and achieving the two-state solution," Chehab told UPI. He said Hamas' goal was liberation, and that they were ready to reconsider everything, including disarming and handing over governance of Gaza to a technocratic cabinet that would also govern the West Bank -- if there were "a serious promise for a two-state solution." "When they planned the attack, they did so without consulting anyone -- not even the group's leaders abroad, Iran or its Axis of Resistance armed groups," he said, adding that Hamas made it clear it would "only engage in war for the sake of Palestine, not for Iran to boost its position in the nuclear talks." Years ago, a Hamas leader in Beirut told UPI that they were not receiving weapons from Iran, but were instead relying on smuggling and manufacturing their own arms inside Gaza. "That's 100% true ... the last arms shipment from Iran to Hamas was in 2008," Chehab said. With the Israeli Prime Minister accepting the Gaza plan under pressure from Trump and Hamas partly agreeing to it, indirect talks are underway in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh to reach a final agreement on the first phase, which concerns the hostage-prisoner exchange. "We are potentially closer to a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange and the flowing of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. ... That's the best we can hope for in the short term if this plan is to be successful," said Mona Yacoubian, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Yacoubian said the most important objective now within reach is ending the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the United States' "indispensable" role in applying the necessary leverage on Israel to achieve a cease-fire. She pointed to "a confluence of interests" and "a unique convergence," with pressure being applied by Washington on Israel, and by Arab states -= who have embraced the U.S. plan -- on Hamas. "Together, those two forces could well yield a cease-fire, but what happens after that, I think, is still very much in question," she told UPI, referring to numerous "vague points" in the plan, primarily concerning the two-state solution, and "lots of loopholes that Israel could exploit to maintain its presence in Gaza." While Trump remained confident about achieving a "lasting deal," he also reportedly made promises and commitments to Arab and Islamic leaders he met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York: no forced displacement from Gaza and no annexation of the West Bank. Zaki said the two-state solution was "essential" to gaining Arab states' endorsement of Trump's Gaza plan. He said that, for the first time, Israel was discussing an end to the war, noting that the two-month truce would be extended until an agreement is reached on a two-state solution and a permanent end to the conflict. However, the primary concern remains the lack of clarity in the U.S. plan regarding the realization of a two-state solution and whether the establishment of a Palestinian state would be viable. What is clear is that the Hamas attack and the Gaza war have completely redefined the Middle East, resulting in the dramatic weakening of Hezbollah and the Iranian regime, the collapse of the Syrian regime and the rise of the Houthis in Yemen, according to Yacoubian. Israel became isolated in an unprecedented way, with its global standing shifting as Western public opinion turned against it and support in the United States dropped to its lowest level due to its conduct in the Gaza war, she said. Could all these changes, along with emerging international consensus, U.S. determination, and Arab-European support, lead to a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and eventually a long-awaited viable Palestinian state? It is only possible if the conflict is solved drastically by ending Israel's expansionist plan or Greater Israel vision and if it is willing to become a normal state within the region, Iyad Barghouti, an academic and researcher in Ramallah, told UPI. Bargouthi said that Israel and the Palestinians have returned to "square one," with Israel once again deeply concerned about its existence and acting very aggressively. "There will be no coexistence unless Israel stops being suppressive and abandons its apartheid-Zionist policies," he said. Yacoubian said that Israelis and Palestinians have been so deeply affected by the Oct. 7 attack that "the prospect of any harmony" between the two societies, or "any ability to live together," now feels much more distant due to the trauma both have suffered.

Dalal Saoud 15 minutes ago

Technology

Latviyanın sərhəd bölgələrində hava məkanı bu tarixədək bağlı olacaq

Latviyanın Rusiya və Belarusla sərhəd zonasında yerləşən bölgələrində hava məkanının qismən bağlanması axşam və gecə saatlarında ən azı bu həftənin sonuna qədər qüvvədə qalacaq. Metbuat.az APA-ya istinadən xəbər verir ki, bu barədə məlumatı ölkənin hava nəzarəti dairələrindəki mənbə açıqlayıb. “Müvafiq qadağa Rusiya və Belarusla sərhəd bölgəsində, 6 kilometrə qədər hündürlükdə uçuşlara qoyulan məhdudiyyət hələlik Oktyabrın 12-si, bazar gününün səhərinədək uzadılıb”, – mənbə bildirib. O, həmçinin xatırladıb ki, əvvəlcə bu qadağa Oktyabrın 8-nə qədər qüvvədə olmalı idi. Mənbənin sözlərinə görə, oxşar tədbirlər Litva və Estoniya sərhədlərində də tətbiq olunur.

Unknown 18 minutes ago

Technology

Ozzy Osbourne Says Sharon Osbourne Was 'Set Up' Ahead of “The Talk ”Ousting: 'She Was Devastated for a Long While'

Ozzy Osbourne had some choice words for The Talk after his wife Sharon left the show amid scandal in 2021. Ozzy, who died on July 22 at age 76, wrote at length of Sharon’s negative experience on the CBS talk show in his posthumous memoir Last Rites, saying that while the “last thing” he wanted to do was “stir all that s--- up again,” he felt as though his wife had been the victim of a “complete carve-up.” Sharon, 72, was an original cohost on the series from its debut in 2010 but left more than a decade later following backlash for her on-air defense of friend Piers Morgan. At the time, Morgan had recently left Good Morning Britain after making racially insensitive comments about Meghan Markle and the validity of her mental health discussion with Oprah Winfrey. Sharon got into a heated exchange with cohost Sheryl Underwood on air, arguing that while she didn’t like or agree with everything Morgan said, she supported him “for his freedom of speech.” After the episode aired, the show went on hiatus as the network conducted an internal review, and Sharon ultimately left the show, with CBS saying in a statement that her behavior “did not align with our values for a respectful workplace.” In Last Rites, which was finished just days before his death, Ozzy said his wife was “f---ed the second the subject [of Morgan] even came up” and is convinced that someone who “knew what they were doing” “set her up.” “It was really terrible to see her go through that. She was devastated for a long while,” he wrote. “You think you’ve got friends in TV. They ain’t your friends. It was hard, man. Really hard.” The “Crazy Train” rocker said that at the time, Sharon was already dealing with a number of things in her personal life, including Ozzy’s declining health and canceled tour on top of the pandemic. Though he described his wife as a “rock,” and said she’d never complain, he wrote that she’d “poured her heart and soul” into The Talk, and loved being a part of the show. Ozzy doubled down on the fact that Sharon “is not a racist” and said such thinking is “against everything she’s ever stood for.” “To be stuck with that label, it was just f---ing wrong,” he wrote. “Because you can never get a gig anywhere on TV once that’s what people think of you. It’s game over. They knew that when they took her down.” Though Sharon was “gutted” for the first few weeks, she ultimately let it go and moved on, and Ozzy said she remained friendly with women who used to work on the show. The Talk was eventually canceled in 2024, a move that Ozzy called “poetic justice.” Sharon issued an apology after defending Morgan, saying she “panicked, felt blindsided, got defensive” after “being accused of being racist.” Despite Ozzy writing that Sharon believed the exchange to be a set-up, CBS’ statement at the time said they’d found no evidence “that CBS executives orchestrated the discussion or blindsided any of the hosts. At the same time, we acknowledge the Network and Studio teams, as well as the showrunners, are accountable for what happened during that broadcast as it was clear the co-hosts were not properly prepared by the staff for a complex and sensitive discussion involving race.” Two years later, cohost Julie Chen Moonves, who left the show in 2018, called Sharon’s ousting a “horrible mess.” “I think the whole thing was handled really horribly,” she said. “It was very sad to see… It was watching a train wreck.” Last Rites covers the last seven or so years of Ozzy’s life, including his health struggles and his fight to get back on stage one last time for the Back to the Beginning farewell concert with Black Sabbath in his native Birmingham.

Rachel DeSantis 19 minutes ago

Arsenal begin WCL defence with wobble after Dumornay double for OL Lyonnes

Melchie Dumornay scored twice for OL Lyonnes, who came from behind to earn a 2-1 Women’s Champions League win away to the title holders, Arsenal

Suzanne Wrack at Meadow Park 19 minutes ago

Technology

What Happened to Evelyn Hartley? The True Story of Addison Rae's “Monster” Character and Her Mysterious Disappearance

One theory about Evelyn Hartley's disappearance is being told in Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The third season of Ryan Murphy's Monster anthology series, which premiered on Oct. 3, explores the life and crimes of Ed Gein (Charlie Hunnam) — the infamous American murderer from Wisconsin. In the show, Addison Rae plays one of Gein's victims — Evelyn Hartley, a bright, small-town babysitter whose mysterious disappearance becomes a key thread in the series. While the storyline between Hartley and Gein is fictionalized for dramatic effect, in real life, Hartley disappeared from La Crosse, Wis., on Oct. 24, 1953, per the Winona Daily News. The case remains unsolved, and there’s no evidence linking Gein to her or to many of the other crimes depicted in the show. By weaving Hartley's story into the narrative, Murphy explored the fear and paranoia that surrounded rural Wisconsin during the time of Gein’s actual crimes. So, who is Evelyn Hartley? Here's everything to know about the Wisconsin teenager and her portrayal in Monster. Who does Addison Rae play in Monster? In Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Rae portrays Evelyn Hartley, a bright, well-liked high school student who frequently babysits for the Heller family. Early in the season, Hartley contracts polio and is hospitalized, leaving the Hellers in need of childcare. At the suggestion of Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son), Ed Gein — her soft-spoken but eccentric boyfriend — is invited to help around the house and temporarily watch the children. At first, the Hellers see Gein as a bit odd, but harmless. That perception quickly shifts when, during one unsettling evening, Gein attempts to entertain the children with a bizarre “magic show” that takes a disturbing turn. Shaken by his behavior, the Hellers fire him on the spot. The series then shows Gein’s growing obsession with Hartley after she recovers and resumes babysitting duties. Feeling humiliated and rejected, he begins to fixate on her as the person who stole his job. In the show’s fictionalized events, Gein follows Hartley one evening and abducts her while she’s babysitting, ultimately killing her. What happened to the real Evelyn Hartley? In real life, Hartley, a 15-year-old from La Crosse, Wis., disappeared on Oct. 24, 1953, while babysitting the Rasmusen family's 20-month-old daughter, Janice, per the Winona Daily News. The rest of the family had gone to a La Crosse State College football game, and upon returning, they found police surrounding their home and Hartley missing. Hartley's father, Richard, arrived first at the scene, having become concerned when she didn't check in throughout the evening. Blood was smeared on the exterior and interior of the house, and police found Hartley's glasses and one shoe left behind. Though signs of a struggle were evident, Janice was unharmed in her crib. A basement window facing a vacant lot was open, with a stepladder nearby, according to the Winona Daily News. The case gripped La Crosse. Authorities interviewed and administered lie detector tests to students, teachers and even Hartley's father. Helicopters scanned the woods while locals conducted foot searches. Neighbors reported hearing screams, and one claimed to see a girl in a car with two men. Ultimately, more than 2,000 local male students and teachers were given polygraphs, according to A&E. Investigators later discovered Hartley’s bloodied undergarments outside the city, along with blood-stained size 11 machinist shoes and a denim jacket too small to belong to the same person. Police suspected that two men were responsible for her abduction, per the Winona Daily News. Did Ed Gein kill Evelyn Hartley in real life? After his arrest for the murders of Bernice Worden and Mary Hogan, Gein was questioned about Hartley’s case, as he was visiting a relative a few blocks away from the Rasmussen house at the time of her disappearance. Gein denied any involvement and passed a lie detector test, according to The Victoria Advocate. Authorities found no evidence linking him to her abduction, per The La Crosse Tribune. Was Evelyn Hartley ever found? Hartley's case remains one of Wisconsin's most famous unsolved disappearances. Her body was never found. Public search efforts for Hartley have been supported by organizations such as the Charley Project. In the days following her disappearance, a reward fund was created, eventually totaling $6,600 (or nearly $80,000 today), per A&E.

Samantha Stutsman 24 minutes ago

Technology

October Prime Day’s 35 Best Designer Deals — Coach, Ugg, Tory Burch, Mother Denim, and More from $15

After scrolling through hundreds of pages of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days discounts (yes, my tabs were out of control), I discovered the designer gems: easy-to-style, classic pieces you’ll actually wear again and again. This year’s October Prime Day started today, October 7 and continues through Wednesday, October 8. This unofficial launch of the holiday shopping season is taking up to 60 percent off top designers and luxury beauty brands. Discounts on premium labels still count as investments, so I focused on picks that are timeless, effortless, and actually worth investing in. From celeb-loved Mother denim to forever-in-style cashmere and Coach bags, these are the designer deals that stand out. Best Amazon Prime Day Designer Deals Overall Celeb-Worn Brand: Mother Patch Pocket Maven Ankle Jeans, $188 (orig. $268) 44% Off: Vince Women's Boiled Funnel Neck Pullover in Camel, $240 (orig. $425) Ugg Classic Ultra Mini New Heights Boots, $63–$140 (orig. $170) Coach Emilia Mary Jane Flats, $90 (orig. $150) Coach Willow Tote, $245–$318 (orig. $350) Ray-Ban Blaze Wayfarer Square Sunglasses, $109 (orig. $218) Preppy Trend: Veronica Beard Lanier Dress, $209 (orig. $348) Editor-Loved: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $17 (orig. $24) Mary Jane flats, comfortable jeans, and high-quality basics — the best designer deals right now hit that sweet spot between trendy and timeless. Whether you’re eyeing cozy Ugg boots or a classic Coach tote, October Prime Day is the perfect time to score premium labels without paying full price. Best Amazon Designer Clothing Deals These designer capsule wardrobe staples include layer-ready tops like a Free People tank top, a Madewell tee, and a 100 percent cashmere sweater. Slip a knit cardigan over a preppy Veronica Beard dress for a night out, or pair comfy jeans with a blazer for a day at the office. Celeb-Worn Brand: Mother Patch Pocket Maven Ankle Jeans, $188 (orig. $268) 100% Cashmere: Vince Boiled Funnel Neck Pullover, $240 (orig. $425) Free People Hit The Slopes Jacket, $95 (orig. $148) Madewell Northside V-Neck Tee, $15 (orig. $24) Vince Camuto Pointelle Cardigan, $66 (orig. $100) Frame Le Slim Palazzo Jeans, $145 (orig. $278) Calvin Klein Lux Blazer, $74 (orig. $129) Veronica Beard Lanier Dress, $209 (orig. $348) 60% Off: Free People Henley Tank Top, $19 (orig. $48) Fall Dress: Free People Meet Again Midi Dress, $180 (orig. $300) Mother Patch Pocket Maven Ankle Jeans I rarely come across the Meghan Markle-worn denim brand Mother on sale, but this mid-rise pair is $80 off for Prime Big Deal Days. The Maven ankle jeans have a soft feel with a little bit of stretch, a cropped wide-leg cut, and patch pockets that give them a modern, utility-inspired edge. Vince Boiled Funnel Neck Pullover Few pieces are more timeless than a cashmere sweater — and Vince is one of the most luxurious labels you can score on Amazon. This funnel-neck pullover is made from 100 percent cashmere, with a soft, lightweight feel and plenty of warmth. It’s a smart investment piece you’ll wear on repeat, whether layered under a coat for the office or paired with jeans or leggings on the weekend. Best Amazon Designer Shoe Deals October Prime Day includes can’t-miss sales on celeb-worn Veja sneakers and classic fall boots. Certain Ugg styles are down to just $92, while Tory Burch loafers and Stuart Weitzman boots are almost half-off. These are the designer shoes you won’t regret stepping into. Celeb-Worn Brand: Veja Volley Sneakers, $117–$138 (orig. $160) Up to 63% Off: Ugg Classic Ultra Mini New Heights Boots, $63–$119 (orig. $170) Stuart Weitzman Naomi Boots, $442 (orig. $850) Coach Emilia Mary Jane Flats, $72–$90 (orig. $150) Tory Burch Ballet Loafers, $210 (orig. $300) Dr. Martens Spence Chelsea Boot, $150 (orig. $180) Sam Edelman Meadow Ballet Flats in Black Leather, $65 (orig. $130) Cole Haan Piper Bow Mule in Black Suede, $87 (orig. $115) Slip-On Sneaker: Ralph Lauren Jinny Sneakers, $51 (orig. $75) Ugg Classic Ultra Mini New Heights Boots These cozy Ugg boots are on sale for as little as $63, depending on size and color. They’re so practical, too: One shopper said these shoes kept their feet warm even while walking through snow. Uggs are an easy-to-style brand that works with leggings, jeans, and loungewear, according to celebrities. Veja Volley Sneakers Veja sneakers are a clear celebrity favorite. Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and Oprah Winfrey have all worn the eco-friendly sneakers. Certain colors and sizes of the classic Volley style are nearly $50 off today. A reviewer called them “perfect travel sneakers,” adding that the lightweight shoes are “easy to pair” with several outfits. Best Amazon Designer Accessory Deals If you’re going to splurge during Prime Big Deal Days, accessories are where you’ll get the most bling for your buck. Amazon has timeless Coach and Kate Spade handbags, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and Swarovski jewelry on sale to instantly upgrade any look. Spacious Tote: Coach Willow Tote, $245–$318 (orig. $350) Shopper Favorite: Kendra Scott Signature Pendant Necklace, $49 (orig. $60) Michael Kors Tribeca Chain Shoulder Bag, $159 (orig. $378) Coach Reversible C-Buckle Signature Belt, $125 (orig. $225) 50% Off: Ray-Ban Blaze Wayfarer Square Sunglasses, $109 (orig. $218) Frye Melissa Zip Crossbody Bag in Cognac, $121 (orig. $198) Swarovski Crystals: Swarovski Emily Tennis Bracelet, $94 (orig. $149) Kate Spade New York Serena Saffiano Leather Satchel in Black, $244 (orig. $348) Coach Willow Tote A polished leather tote never goes out of style, and this Coach best-seller is a perfect specimen. A shopper said it holds a tablet, a “very bulky” glasses case, and so much more while still sitting comfortably on their shoulder. It’s a classic investment piece that blends timeless design with everyday practicality. Best Amazon Luxury Beauty Deals Prime Big Deal Days isn’t just about fashion — beauty brands that hardly ever go on sale are also participating. From Laneige’s viral lip mask to Estée Lauder’s popular serum, these discounts are too good to pass up. Shopper Favorite: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $17 (orig. $24) Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette, $82 (orig. $142) Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer, $315 (orig. $420) Sunday Riley Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $51 (orig. $85) Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Face Serum, $68 (orig. $85) Solawave Red Light Therapy Eye Mask Bundle, $210 (orig. $243) Lowest Price in 2025: Grande Cosmetics Grande Lash-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, $48 (orig. $68) T3 SinglePass Curling Iron, $99 (orig. $150) Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Moisturizer, $27 (orig. $54) Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Talk about beauty sleep! This overnight treatment hydrates and softens lips while you sleep — and many shoppers say they notice a difference after just one use: One reviewer in a dry climate said their lips felt “deeply hydrated” by morning. Senior writer Clara McMahon adds that its “ultra-rich formula instantly nourishes” her lips, so much so that she uses it throughout the day. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days ends October 8, and many of these designer finds aren’t guaranteed to go on sale for Black Friday. Keep scrolling to shop more high-quality staples for less. Free People Meet Again Midi Dress Ray-Ban Blaze Wayfarer Square Sunglasses Sam Edelman Meadow Ballet Flats in Black Leather Veronica Beard Lanier Dress Solawave Red Light Therapy Eye Mask Bundle Michael Kors Tribeca Chain Shoulder Bag

Jeaneen Russell 24 minutes ago

Technology

Bachelorette Says She Was 'Banned' from Carnival Cruise After Viral Video Showed Her Sneaking Booze on Board

A cruise passenger on her bachelorette trip says she was “banned” from Carnival Cruise Line after sneaking alcohol on board. On Oct. 3, TikTok user @madisonwest2000 posted a video that includes the clip she claims got her banned. In the video, the user — who asked to be identified without a last name — sits at a dining table with a drink in front of her. Madison pulls out a tampon wrapper before revealing a vial inside. She then uncapped the plastic container and adds what appears to be clear liquor to her drink. “I’m sorry Carnival, please forgive me. I didn’t mean it,” the creator says in the voiceover. “I was trying to have fun on my bachelorette trip.” Madison claims the first video went viral and viewers tagged Carnival in the comments, which caught the attention of the company. A second clip appears to show the consequences of her actions. Three uniformed Carnival employees entered the passenger’s stateroom and one began to search her mini fridge. Inside, there were more tampon wrappers and what looked like a blue lotion bottle. “Me and my husband actually met on a Carnival Cruise, so Carnival kinda means a lot to us. So it kinda sucks that I got banned,” she says in the voiceover. “I take it all back, just let me back on, please.” A day later, Madison posted the video with the security members in full. The creator sat on her bed while one of the crew members told her the behavior was “unacceptable” and it was impossible for crews to check every single feminine product that comes aboard. They also confronted her about posting to social media and directed the person recording the interaction to turn off their phone. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. “[The Carnival crew member] made me change my written statement from ‘brought’ to ‘smuggled,’’’ Maddie wrote in the caption. “Again this was on me and I accept my punishment. They were so weird about me recording, I’m pretty sure that’s my right, but I didn’t want to make it worse.” According to Carnival’s liquor and beverage policy, all liquor, beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are “strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.” However, an exception is made for sealed wine or champagne bottles on departure day only. “We’re sorry this guest chose to break the rules, but we all learned at a young age that actions have consequences,” a Carnival spokesperson shared in a statement with PEOPLE. While speaking to PEOPLE, Madison admitted this was something she "probably shouldn't have done," and felt the ban was an appropriate consequence. She explained she did it because she didn't want to spend "a million dollars on the alcohol package." "I won't be doing that again," Madison explains, adding, "That it's advised that if you're going to do something you're not supposed to do, not to post it."

Colson Thayer 24 minutes ago

Technology

Bride Gets Sick the Night Before Her Wedding. What Bridesmaids Do Next Shocks Her (Exclusive)

When Haley Price flew to Italy for her dream wedding, falling ill with a fever the night before her big day was the last thing on her mind. Halfway through her rehearsal dinner, hours before walking down the aisle, Price suddenly came down with a fever. Between the body aches and the nausea, she began to worry she wouldn’t make it to the altar at all. “In my head, I'm thinking like, ‘Come on, this cannot be,’ I have my wedding tomorrow,” Price tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I was sweating, I was nauseous, I was lightheaded — at that point, I was like ‘Do I have the flu?’” Price’s bridesmaids stepped in and quickly leaned into their intuition — what she jokingly referred to as “witchcraft" in a viral Instagram shared in June detailing the experience. On the ride back to the villa where they were staying, one of her closest friends pulled out a kit of tinctures and essential oils, including colloidal silver drops, often used as an immune support supplement. “When we got there, they laid me on my bed and she started giving me these drops,” Price recalls. “My other friend was the one with the Palo Santo, so she started [smudging] my arm, and when she got to my left side, which is the feminine side, [the smoke] turned completely black. She was like, ‘Oh my God, well that makes total sense.’” Price recalls her friend saying there was “some really bad feminine energy” where they were, which isn’t unusual given the number of women in the room, being surrounded by her bridesmaids. She also points out that the villa where they were staying was very old and possibly haunted.“The house we were in was built in the 12th century,” she says. “It had like 20 rooms, it was massive, so I don’t know if it was evil eye.” Price is no stranger to paranormal experiences, however. Growing up with a mother who she says frequently saw ghosts, the two would visit haunted locations for the mere thrill of the experience. “I’ve always been very spiritual,” she says. “My mom and I would go and stay at haunted hotels on purpose and stay in the haunted rooms.” Still, instead of panicking, her friends worked together to create the right environment for Price. Some bridesmaids prayed, others massaged her head, while others burned Palo Santo and turned to natural remedies. “They were massaging my head, washing my face and just being my best friends,” she says. What's your sign? Subscribe to our free newsletter to get your unique weekly horoscope delivered straight to your inbox. Price remembers feeling so ill that she dozed off as her bridesmaids prayed over her head, but when she woke up the next morning, she was as good as new. “The next morning, it was my wedding day and I kid you not, I woke up at like 7:00 a.m., and I felt f------ amazing,” she says.

Valerie Mesa 24 minutes ago

Technology

Malala Yousafzai Opens Up About Secretly Dating Her Husband, from Having to Hide Her 'Sex Bomb' Dress to Telling Her Parents

Nearly four years after Malala Yousafzai married husband Asser Malik in an intimate ceremony in Birmingham, England, the world will have an up-close look at the origins of their love story in her new memoir, Finding My Way. Yousafzai, 28, one of the world's most famous advocates for girls' education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, is opening up in an excerpt of her new memoir, out Oct. 21. In addition to chronicling her relationship with Malik, the book, her most personal yet, documents her time at Oxford University and coming into her own. In the excerpt published by Vogue, she recounted the early challenges of privately dating Malik, 35, while studying at Oxford University and being such a recognizable figure. "Asser's arrival vanquished the dark clouds that hung over the prospect of my third term at Oxford, but it wasn't exactly the carefree summer romance of rom-coms, as I worried a lot about getting caught," she wrote. Detailing one outing, she said that while taking a walk, she grabbed Malik's hand and "pulled him close," only to catch the eye of a nearby woman. "She broke into a wide smile of recognition and pulled out her phone to take a picture. I ran behind a hedge to hide, alarming both Asser and my security team," she wrote. Keeping their romance a secret from her parents at first also led to some inventive moments. As she wrote in the excerpt, she once showed up to a date with Malik in a traditional shalwar kameez that met her mother's approval. After they got to their table she excused herself for a minute, then changed into a sleeveless, form-fitting pink dress and heels. "When I returned to the table, Asser sat up straight and his mouth broke into a smile I hadn't seen before. He pulled out my chair and whispered, 'You're a sex bomb!' in my ear," she wrote. "I hid my face behind my dinner napkin, both delighted and bashful." When it came time to tell her parents, she first told her dad, whose support she could always rely on. "I like him, Dad. I like him…romantically," she recalled saying, before begging him not to tell her mom just yet. "I am not ready to have this fight with her yet." But, much to her disbelief, her father quickly called her mother to fill her in. "On the other end of the line, I heard my mom say, 'Absolutely not! Does he even speak Pashto? She must marry a Pashtun man!' " After their first meeting, the activist had to break the news to Malik that her parents "were worried." "They anticipated a scandal and said I should stop seeing him. I wasn't going to do that, but I hated the tension my relationship created with my parents," she wrote. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories By the end of the summer, she said that she asked Malik if they could try to "pause our feelings for now" until she finished her studies at Oxford. "I'm not sure feelings work that way," he said. "But, for you, I’m willing to try." Finding My Way will be released Oct. 21 via Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Janelle Griffith 24 minutes ago

Technology

NFL Rookie Travis Hunter Shares Sweet On-Field Reunion with Stranger He Helped on Plane 6 Months Earlier

Talk about a full-circle moment! Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter shared a heartwarming reunion with a stranger-turned-friend, Sandy Hawkins Combs, at his game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, Oct. 6, six months after they met on a flight after the 2025 NFL Draft. The pair sat next to each other on the flight, and Combs went viral for not knowing Hunter was the "polite" man beside her. On Monday, the 22-year-old NFL rookie — who was selected second overall by the organization in April — grinned as he embraced Combs on the field at EverBank Stadium, where the Jaguars went on to defeat the Chiefs 31-28. After the sweet moment, the NFL team's official X account shared videos of the "full circle moment," alongside Combs' Facebook post about their flight together from back in April. In it, she had praised Hunter for his polite manners and helpfulness towards her during the flight. "I had the most wonderful flight home from Denver. I met the nicest young man who sat next to me. He offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment and helped me with my tray. He was always polite, saying 'yes ma'am' or 'no ma'am,' " she began her post. "Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson-so polite," she continued. "People walking by were saying congratulations, great job, or even taking pictures. I turned and asked him, 'Who am I sitting next to?' " "I looked at his Jaguar pants, smiled, and asked, 'Are you an athlete?' " Combs wrote. "He smiled and said, 'I'm Travis. Yes, I was drafted by the Jags.' I already told my sons I want his jersey. He's so humble and down-to-earth—I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete." She concluded, "JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets. United Airlines, thank you for my seat assignment!" Days later, Hunter spoke sweetly of his interaction with Combs. "It was just a regular interaction. It was me being me," he said at the time. "A nice lady sat next to me, we conversed, and made sure I took care of her like I do my grandparents or any elderly person. So yeah, that’s all it was." Hunter has had a whirlwind of a year since he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He married his wife, Leanna Lenee, in May 2025 and the pair welcomed their first baby, a son, in August. The Florida native is the son of Ferrante Edmonds and Travis Hunter.

Skyler Caruso 25 minutes ago

Technology

Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo named Madagascar prime minister amid protests

Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina appointed Gen. Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the island nation's prime minister to address protests mostly led by young adults. Rajoelina recently aired his concerns about a potential coup attempt, and Monday appointed Zafisambo as prime minister to quell anti-government protests, according to Al Jazeera. The military general's appointment also comes a week after the Madagascar government's dissolution amid protests by the youth-led movement called Gen Z Mada in the island nation situated off Africa's southeastern coast. Local police fired tear gas Monday into crowds of protesters in the nation's capital of Antananarivo and have confronted protesters in Toliara and Antsiranana aka Diego Suaraz, Al Jazeera reported. Gen Z Mada leaders oppose Zafisambo's appointment and gave Rajoelina 48 hours to resign his presidency, the BBC reported. "As long as Rajoelina remains in power, we will continue the struggle," Gen Z Mada leaders said in a prepared statement. The BBC said Rajoelina appointed the military general as prime minister to help ensure Madagascar's military will continue to support his presidency and to end the protests. Repeated disruptions in power and water services triggered the protests Sept. 25. The protests since have expanded to include opposition to corruption, inflation and a high rate of unemployment. At least 22 have died and more than 100 were injured during the protests, according to the United Nations. Government officials in Madagascar dismissed the reported casualty figures as "rumors and misinformation, the BBC reported. Zafisambo was Madagascar's military cabinet director within the prime minister's office until the president named him the country's prime minister. The youth-led Madagascar protests occurred as many Generation Z youth have triggered anti-government protests from Nepal in Asia to Peru and Paraguay. Generation Z refers to those who were born from 1997 through 2012 and is noted for its widespread use of digital media, according to Britannica.

Mike Heuer 25 minutes ago

Trump threat to withhold back pay from federal workers ‘deliberately violates’ law, says congressman – live

Jamie Raskin, Maryland Democrats who represents many federal workers, slams move as illegal after reports say White House won’t guarantee back pay

Robert Mackey (now); Shrai Popat, Lucy Campbell and Tom Ambrose (earlier) 26 minutes ago

Technology

He Was Kidnapped from His Home and Died with 75% Burns. 6 Years Later, a Suspect Is Charged

A British man has been charged with the murder of a man who was kidnapped from his home and later died from burn injuries. West Midlands Police announced charges on Oct. 7 against Tobias Kozlowski, 38, including murder, conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to falsely imprison another, and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. According to West Midlands Police, Tomasz Samel, 45, was kidnapped from his home on Raleigh Close in Handsworth in a white van around 8:45 a.m. on March 27, 2019. Two hours later, Samel banged on the door of a property in Bickerstaffe, Lancashire begging for help. He was suffering from burns on 75% of his body, police said. He was transported to a hospital where he died almost three months later, on June 21. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. According to police, Kozlowski appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Sept. 26 and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 24. Also arrested was Sandra Kozlowska, 37. She is facing a charge of assisting an offender, per police. She is scheduled to appear in Birmingham Crown Court on Oct. 24. "We have not stopped in our pursuit of justice for Tomasz and his loved ones, and today is a significant step forward in our investigation,” lead detective superintendent Scott Griffiths said, per a police press release. "But our work continues, and we would urge anyone with information who has not already spoken to us to please get in touch."

Christine Pelisek 26 minutes ago

Technology

Shuttered Amusement Park Says It Will Have to Euthanize 30 Whales Unless Government Provides Help

A shuttered amusement park and aquarium in Canada is reportedly claiming it will have to euthanize 30 beluga whales unless the federal government provides them with funding. Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario — which went up for sale in 2023 and closed to the public in summer 2024 — allegedly threatened to kill its remaining 30 belugas unless the park received federal aid to continue providing the animals still living at Marineland with care, per The Guardian, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and CBS News. The outlets reported that the shuttered park notified the Canadian government on October 3 that it would need funding or approval to export the whales to another location by October 7. After years of allegations of animal mistreatment, including the death of 20 whales since 2019, per The Guardian, Marineland closed its doors in September 2024 after 60 years in operation. According to CBS, Marineland has been attempting to sell its remaining animals since then. PEOPLE reached out to Marineland, but representatives for the closed park did not immediately respond with a comment. Earlier in October, Canada's fisheries minister, Joanne Thompson, denied Marineland's request to sell the belugas to a theme park in China, citing that the sale would further the animals' mistreatment. Marineland's Oct. 3 letter, reportedly addressed to Thompson, said that the closed park is in a "critical financial state" and thus cannot "provide adequate care for the whales." The correspondence also claimed the belugas' potential euthanization would be "a direct consequence of the minister's decision" not to approve the export permits necessary to sell the whales. Thompson denied Marineland's request for funding. "The fact that Marineland has not planned for a viable alternative despite raising these whales in captivity for many years does not place the onus on the Canadian government to cover your expenses," Thompson wrote in her response, per CBS. Erin Ryan, the wildlife campaign manager for World Animal Protection Canada, told CBC that Marineland's letter was "morally reprehensible," and that euthanasia should never be used as a way to cut costs. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It should only be seen as an option when independent veterinary assessment deems that it's in the best interest of the animals," Ryan said.

Rachel Raposas 28 minutes ago

Alleged ‘kill team’ charged after arrest en route to hit near Sydney daycare

Police said they identified the trio ‘mobilising’ to kill a man near a daycare centre in Sydney’s south-west

Nick Visser 32 minutes ago