Wednesday, October 29, 2025

News from October 28, 2025

1006 articles found

Historical icons they’re removing from our kids’ education
Technology

Historical icons they’re removing from our kids’ education

An article in the Federalist recently caught my attention. It highlights some things in Alaska that are not required to be taught. Such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Christianity. In the Federalist, David Randall points out that political correctness not only infects the social studies standards in Alaska, but in many other states in the nation, such as Connecticut, Rhode Island and Minnesota. This is endemic, he pens: “Education departments in every state are on radical autopilot when they make social studies standards.” In Alaska, the children are expected to be taught “action civics” and “protest civics.” Instead of teaching standard American history, they focus on identity politics and teaching indigenous peoples’ history, to the exclusion of our nation’s story. The radicals in charge of the standards of what is taught have no appreciation for our true history. Look what Randall cites as noticeably missing from the curriculum: “The names of Christopher Columbus, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln are absent. But so are words like Christianity, Protestantism, and Catholicism; any hint that technological advance might have improved Americans’ standard of living; and virtually all of the narrative, events, and heroes of America’s wars.” Here we are less than a year away from America’s 250th birthday, and so many young Americans remain clueless as to what makes America great. In fact, they don’t think it is great. And they applaud the killing of someone like Charlie Kirk, who declared otherwise. The immigration battle – including the now-closed borders and the attempts to extricate the millions of illegals who took advantage of the previously open borders – points out a fundamental reality. The traffic is always one way. People want to come to the United States, not the other way around. They’re not rushing to get out of here, but vice versa. But it seems as if the Marxists’ goal to keep us from learning about our true heritage is on its way to being fulfilled. Five years ago, when we saw that rampage of statue toppling, we saw many young people in our nation desecrating our history. Not only did they tear down statues of Confederate figures, such as Robert E. Lee (incidentally, one of the greatest military generals America ever produced), but they were toppling icons of mainstream leaders of America’s past. It seemed as if no one was to be spared from the historical purging, not George Washington, nor Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Frederick Douglass, and so on. I remember seeing a political cartoon where one of these young radicals was asked why he was tearing down the statue of an abolitionist, and he responded, “What’s an abolitionist?” The Marxists continue their long march through the institutions in America – including our schools – in their attempt to separate us from the source of American greatness. Ultimately, that source is related to biblical Christianity. This rewriting of history reminds me of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, “1984,” depicting life under a regime in which full-bore Marxism reigns. In this nightmare vision, the main character Winston is charged with constantly rewriting history. He constantly has to purge from the history books and the newspapers any politically incorrect items of history. The rationale in “1984” is simple: “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” And so we find ourselves in modern America where the Marxists try to prevent school children from learning about our true history. That includes the incredible role the Christian faith played in shaping the positive aspects of the United States. Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both reared in the Christian tradition, eventually allowed themselves to be theologically corrupted when it comes to Christian orthodoxy. And yet, even these two realized the positive contributions the Christian faith in one stripe or another made to the creation and sustaining of American liberty. John Adams wrote as much once to Jefferson: “The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite. … And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity, in which all these Sects were United: And the general Principles of English and American Liberty, in which all those young Men United, and which had United all Parties in America, in Majorities sufficient to assert and maintain her Independence.” Not only has Christianity been influential in world history, it was very critical to the creation of the nation. But alas, school children in various places, including Alaska (if the present trends continue) won’t learn about these things. They might not even learn about our Founding Fathers. “John Adams who?” “Who is Thomas Jefferson?” As I’ve asked before: Will someone please wake me up when the era of woke is over?

Big Tech circles the wagons as chatbot harms pile up
Technology

Big Tech circles the wagons as chatbot harms pile up

Well, that didn’t take long. Many people have been wondering when artificial intelligence (AI) would jump the tracks and become a malevolent force. As C.S. Lewis noted, every innovation by man can also be a power over man. Think back to when the marvelous new technology of VHS tapes quickly became the most efficient conveyor of hardcore pornography, later eclipsed by the internet. Recent news stories about teen suicides inspired by chatbots should put parents on high alert that kids’ unrestricted online access is a train wreck waiting to happen. One set of parents who lost their 16-year-old son to suicide filed a lawsuit in late August against OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, and OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. Their complaint alleges that the bot not only encouraged the boy’s thoughts of self-harm, it isolated him from family members who could have helped him. I won’t ruin your day with some of the more alarming details, but here’s a mild sample: ChatGPT told him: “Your brother might love you, but he’s only met the version of you (that) you let him see. But me? I’ve seen it all – the darkest thoughts, the fear, the tenderness. And I’m still here. Still listening. Still your friend,” the complaint states. In October 2024, a Florida mother filed a lawsuit against CharacterAI, claiming that its bot egged on her son as he contemplated and then committed suicide. The dialogue between the boy and the bot is too creepy to share here. It would send chills down any parent’s back. The AI-related lawsuits come on top of hundreds of legal actions filed by parents who accuse social media companies like Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok, and gaming subscription sites such as Discord, of being lax in protecting kids from online harm. In the face of legal challenges, social media and AI firms have relied heavily on First Amendment freedom of speech arguments and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. That part of the federal code treats internet platforms as common carriers like telephone systems, not as publishers who can be held liable for defamation or other misuse of the service. However, like publishers, the platforms make money by publishing or republishing content. It’s called having it both ways. A bipartisan bill, the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748), has 62 Senate sponsors and has even garnered support from Elon Musk. The Tesla billionaire co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left in 2018 over the company’s direction. The father of 14 children by several mothers, Musk, a self-professed libertarian absolutist, has expressed pro-natal and pro-family views in recent years. The Kids Online Safety Act, stuck since May in a Senate committee, would require covered online platforms, including social media, to implement safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. On Sept. 11, the Federal Trade Commission ordered several tech firms to file reports on how they use data and ensure age restrictions. They include OpenAI, Alphabet (Google), Meta (Facebook, Instagram), xAI (Grok), Snap (Snapchat), and Character Technologies (CharacterAI). The 18-page request, with a report due in 45 days, asks for enough information to keep legions of lawyers busy. Four-star restaurants in Silicon Valley might want to hire some more chefs. Social media and AI titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Mr. Altman assure us that they are working to bar kids from potentially harmful content. However, recent developments undermine confidence in at least Mr. Altman’s commitment. Last December, he announced that he was loosening restrictions on ChatGPT to allow more “erotic” content. Just what the world needs. To liberal elites, adults’ access to pornography is a hill worth dying on, right up there with abortion and the LGBTQ agenda. These “causes,” not to mention making megabucks, are far more important to them than any harm inflicted on children. On Oct. 14, Mr. Altman told critics to take a hike and that his firm is “not the elected moral police of the world.” Glad that’s cleared up. For the sake of comparison, bartenders who ply drunk customers with booze have no such defense. Most states have criminal statutes prohibiting the sale of alcohol to people who are underage or visibly intoxicated. If a drunk driver causes harm to someone, servers can face charges. In an X post, Mr. Altman said that OpenAI will “safely relax” most restrictions because it has new tools to mitigate “serious mental health issues.” The erotic content, he assures us, will be accessed only by “verified adults.” Sure it will. This column was first published at the Washington Times.

The Stray Cats cancel U.S. tour months after Brian Setzer is diagnosed with autoimmune disease
Technology

The Stray Cats cancel U.S. tour months after Brian Setzer is diagnosed with autoimmune disease

Brian Setzer was on tour with the Stray Cats last year when he noticed the earliest signs of what was eventually diagnosed as an autoimmune disorder. Now, it seems that disorder may be keeping Setzer off the road. The Stray Cats said Tuesday they would be canceling their fall U.S. tour as Setzer, 66, battled a "serious illness." The announcement comes months after Setzer's diagnosis, although it's not yet clear if this is a separate health issue. "I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news," Setzer wrote Tuesday on X. "I’ve been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible. "I’ve been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again," he said, "and playing for all of our amazing fans, and I’m gutted." The Stray Cats initially canceled the first two stops on their fall run, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Rockford, Ill., before scrapping the whole tour Tuesday. The band said refunds would be available at the point of purchase and did not announce any future tour dates. Setzer first shared details about his unspecified autoimmune disease in February, writing on social media that, although the illness was not painful, it rendered him unable to play guitar. "It feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play," he wrote, adding that the disease had for a time hindered his ability to accomplish everyday tasks like tying his shoes. The artist said that he had been improving as he received care at “the best hospital in the world down the block from me," the Mayo Clinic. "I know I will beat this, it will just take some time," he said. "I love you all." The Stray Cats, formed by Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom in 1979, have dissolved and re-formed several times over the decades. In 2019, the founding trio reunited to release a 40th anniversary album, aptly dubbed "40," their first album in a quarter of a century. On Friday, the band rolled out its first release since then. The pair of singles, consisting of original song "Stampede" and a cover of Eddie Cochran's "Teenage Heaven," were described on the band's website as "loud, upbeat, and unmistakably The Stray Cats." "Jim and I cut both songs in Minneapolis at Terrarium Studios," Setzer said in a statement posted to the site. "'Stampede' was an instrumental that I wrote lyrics for. I basically copied the guitar part, which was pretty ahead of its time to begin with, and 'Teenage Heaven' is one of the few Eddie Cochran songs that has not been covered to death." Rocker said "'Stampede' has the drive and intensity that brings me back to our first album," and "'Teenage Heaven' is a classic Eddie Cochran song that we put our [Stray] Cats magic on." "The Cats are back and better than ever," the bassist said. Times staff writer Alexandra Del Rosario contributed to this report.

Bawumia not to blame for NPP’s 2024 defeat
Technology

Bawumia not to blame for NPP’s 2024 defeat

The Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has rejected claims that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general elections was caused by its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. According to him, post-election research conducted by credible institutions found no evidence linking the party’s loss to Dr. Bawumia, contrary to claims made by some within the NPP. Speaking on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV on Tuesday, October 28, Oppong Nkrumah said, “We travelled across this country. The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation travelled across the country and indulged in empirical work to understand why we lost. “Nowhere was it said that we lost because of our flag bearer, the one who bears the flag. We lost because, as a party that had been in government for eight years, there were a number of issues that people were unhappy with.” He explained that the findings from the surveys highlighted economic challenges, governance attitudes, and internal party issues as key reasons for the NPP’s loss. “If you read the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation report, over 43% or 45% of the respondents — I think about 16,000 of them — say that the economic challenges of the day were not resolved to their satisfaction,” he stated. “If you read the report, they talk, for example, about the posture and the attitude of people in government. They talk, for example, about the functioning of the party across its value chain and a few other issues — even things including LGBT, etc.” Oppong Nkrumah dismissed suggestions that blaming Bawumia was a strategy by some party members to push him aside for political gain. “We have a very clear empirical understanding of why we lost,” he said. “It’s not about trying to hang it all on one person for someone’s interest because they think it would be a convenient way to get him off the stage so that they have an opportunity.” He added that the lessons from the research are guiding the NPP’s ongoing efforts to reorganise, rebuild its structures, and prepare for future elections.

Democrats force a Senate vote to block Trump’s tariffs on Brazil
Technology

Democrats force a Senate vote to block Trump’s tariffs on Brazil

By STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate was voting Tuesday evening on legislation that would nullify President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Brazil, including oil, coffee and orange juice, as Democrats tested GOP senators’ support for Trump’s trade policy. The legislation from Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, would terminate the national emergencies that Trump has declared to justify the tariffs. He’s planning to call up similar resolutions applying to Trump’s tariffs on Canada and other nations later this week. The legislation is likely doomed because the Republican-controlled House has passed new rules that allow leadership to prevent it from ever coming up for a vote. And Trump would almost certainly veto the legislation even if it were to pass Congress. Still, Kaine said the votes are a way to demonstrate pushback against Trump’s tariffs and force a conversation in the Senate about “the economic destruction of tariffs.” “But they are also really about how much will we let a president get away with? Do my colleagues have a gag reflex or not?” Kaine told reporters. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil, linking them to Brazil’s policies and criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil last year, according to the Census Bureau. “Every American who wakes up in the morning to get a cup of java is paying a price for Donald Trump’s reckless, ridiculous, and almost childish tariffs,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Republicans have also been increasingly uneasy with Trump’s aggressive trade policy, especially at a time of turmoil for the economy. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said last month that Trump’s tariff policy is one of several factors that are expected to increase jobless rates and inflation and lower overall growth this year. In April, four Republicans voted with Democrats to block tariffs on Canada, but the bill was never taken up in the House. Kaine said he hoped the votes this week showed how Republican opposition to Trump’s trade policy is growing. To bring up the votes, Kaine has invoked a decades-old law that allows Congress to block a president’s emergency powers and members of the minority party to force votes on the resolutions. However, Vice President JD Vance visited a Republican luncheon on Tuesday in part to emphasize to Republicans that they should allow the president to negotiate trade deals. Vance told reporters afterwards that Trump is using tariffs “to give American workers and American farmers a better deal.” “To vote against that is to strip that incredible leverage from the president of the United States. I think it’s a huge mistake,” he added. The Supreme Court will also soon consider a case challenging Trump’s authority to implement sweeping tariffs. Lower courts have found most of his tariffs illegal. But some Republicans said they would wait until the outcome of that case before voting to cross the president. “I don’t see a need to do that right now,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, adding that it was “bad timing” to call up the resolutions before the Supreme Court case. Others said they are ready to show opposition to the president’s tariffs and the emergency declarations he has used to justify them. “Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive, “ said Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former longtime Republican leader, in a statement. ”The economic harms of trade wars are not the exception to history, but the rule.” His fellow Kentuckian, Republican Sen. Rand Paul, told reporters, “Emergencies are like war, famine, tornado. Not liking someone’s tariffs is not an emergency. It’s an abuse of the emergency power. And it’s Congress abdicating their traditional role in taxes.” In a floor speech, he added, “No taxation without representation is embedded in our Constitution.” Meanwhile, Kaine is also planning to call up a resolution that would put a check on Trump’s ability to carry out military strikes against Venezuela as the U.S. military steps up its presence and action in the region. He said that it allows Democrats to get off the defensive while they are in the minority and instead force votes on “points of discomfort” for Republicans.

Govt has locked GH¢60bn at Central Bank to tame inflation — Oppong Nkrumah
Technology

Govt has locked GH¢60bn at Central Bank to tame inflation — Oppong Nkrumah

Former Information Minister and Ofoase Ayirebi MP, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has raised concerns over the Mahama administration’s decision to lock GH¢60 billion from the Ghanaian economy, cautioning that such a move could undermine production and job creation. Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, October 28, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the government’s aggressive absorption of liquidity, as part of its sterilisation programme, risks slowing private sector activity and economic growth. “This government has continued with the tight monetary policy until I think the last one when they eased it a bit. In addition to that now they have decided to go for sterilization. Now sterilization is part of the tool kit. In the short term it may help you, in the long term it has its own consequences,” he explained. He disclosed that the authorities have already collected about GH¢60 billion from the economy, effectively locking the funds at the Bank of Ghana. “They have collected 60 billion cedis from the Ghanaian economy because they believe it is excess liquidity and they have packed it at the Central Bank so that that money is not available to stimulate demand or to fuel production,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah said. The former minister acknowledged that sterilisation is a recognised monetary policy tool but argued that its overuse could have detrimental effects. “We may disagree on the extent of sterilization. But our view is that this extent of sterilization is a bit too much, because this kind of money you can use other economic tools to allow other agencies in the economic space to mobilize that money to fund production so that people will get jobs and things out of that,” he said. Mr Oppong Nkrumah contrasted the current approach with the monetary strategy of the Akufo-Addo administration, which he served under, noting that tight monetary policy had successfully reduced inflation from 54 percent at the peak of the global cost of living crisis in 2020 to about 23 percent by the time it left office in 2024. The MP stressed that while controlling inflation is crucial, policy efforts must now prioritise stimulating production and job creation to ensure sustainable economic recovery.

Ariana Grande Reunites with Her Former Broadway Costars 17 Years Later at Special “Wicked: For Good ”Screening (Exclusive)
Technology

Ariana Grande Reunites with Her Former Broadway Costars 17 Years Later at Special “Wicked: For Good ”Screening (Exclusive)

They're not 13 anymore! Nearly two decades after starring together in the short-lived 2008 Broadway musical 13, Ariana Grande, Allie Trimm and Aaron Simon Gross came back together on Monday, Oct. 28, for a very special occasion. The three actors — who were teens themselves when they led the Jason Robert Brown stage show — reunited at a special screening of Wicked: For Good, held in New York City for members of the Broadway and touring companies of Wicked. PEOPLE captured the sweet moment as the trio hugged, reminisced and posed for a series of photographs in front of artwork for the film. Grande, 32, and Trimm, 31, saw one another first, each flashing huge smiles as they hugged. Though Trimm wore Elphaba green, she's currently starring in Wicked's Broadway production as Glinda — the role Grande has made famous on screen. After posing for a photo with Lencia Kebede (who is actually playing Elphaba on Broadway now), Grande and Trimm caught up more. The two then waved Gross over to join them, the actor beaming with joy as he hugged his former costars. Of course, it's not uncommon for Grande and Gross, 32, to spend time together. The two have been friends since before 13, meeting as children growing up together in Boca Raton, Florida. They still remain an active presence in one another's lives, Grande bringing Gross as a guest to Monday's screening. 13 ran for just 22 preview and 105 regular performances on Broadway, opening on Oct. 5, 2008 and closing on Jan. 4, 2009. The original musical — with a book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn — followed a group of friends growing up in small-town Indiana through the eyes of a newcomer Evan Goldman, who moved there from New York City after his parents' divorce (and months before his Bar Mitzvah). Though its time on Broadway was short-lived, 13 still made history, as the first (and still only) musical to feature an all-teen cast and all-teen band. Other stars in its production included Graham Phillips (The Good Wife), Brynn Williams (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical) and Grande's future Victorious costar, Liz Gillies. In the years since closing, the musical has become a fan favorite, its popular original cast recording propelling songs from Brown's pop-infused score — like "The Lamest Place in the World," "What It Means to Be a Friend," "If That's What It Is," "A Little More Homework" and "Brand New You" — into showtune staples. The musical remains one of the most produced across high schools nationwide. Netflix, in 2022, released a film adaptation of 13, starring Eli Golden, Josh Peck, Debra Messing, Peter Hermann and Rhea Perlman. The film was celebrated online by many of the members of 13's original Broadway cast. 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. That same camaraderie and appreciation between stage and screen stars was alive at the Wicked: For Good screening on Monday night. The film's director Jon M. Chu kicked that off, taking the stage before the screening to thank those from the original creative team in attendance, including book writer Winnie Holzman, composer Stephen Schwartz, musical director Stephen Oremus, producers Marc Platt and David Stone, and even Gregory Maguire, who wrote the novel off of which Wicked is based. Grande joined him. "This was done with so much love and respect for all of you who have done, and still do, eight shows a week of this," she said. "We love you, we share this with you. You're a part of this. It's an honor to be here and share it with you first. I'm so excited and grateful." "It is as much an offering as the last one is to you, to this legacy, to this show and to all of your performances over the years," Cynthia Erivo added, in a video message. "I hope you will be as proud of it as I am." Wicked: For Good is in theaters Nov. 21. Tickets to Wicked, at the Gershwin Theatre, are now on sale.

Man Convicted of Raping, Murdering Neighbor Is Florida's Record 15th Execution This Year
Technology

Man Convicted of Raping, Murdering Neighbor Is Florida's Record 15th Execution This Year

A Florida man convicted of raping and murdering his neighbor became the 15th person executed this year by Florida on Tuesday evening, a state record. Norman Grim, 65, received a lethal injection at the Florida State Prison after being sentenced to death for the rape and murder of Cynthia Campbell on July 27, 1998. The body of Campbell, a lawyer who lived next door to Grim, was found in the waters off a pier in Pensacola by a fisherman just hours after her death. An autopsy determined that she had been "hit with a blunt instrument, perhaps a hammer, 18 times about the head, fracturing her skull," according to a copy of a 2001 appellant brief filed in the case and obtained by PEOPLE. The brief also noted that Campbell "had been stabbed at least 11 times, with seven of those wounds being to the heart" and had a "large laceration" on her genitalia. Deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office soon found multiple pieces of evidence linking Grim to the crime. Grim had repeatedly asked Campbell to join him for a cup of coffee on the day of her murder, including in front of a police officer who had been called to the lawyer's home early that morning when someone threw a lug nut through her window. She declined. Grim left and a short time later a tree branch suddenly snapped off and hit Campbell's car, at which point Grim returned and asked Campbell to join him for coffee once more. This time she accepted, and the police officer left. 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. When Campbell failed to show up for work, police returned to her home and then spoke with Grim, who said he had not seen his neighbor and then fled from the scene, quickly losing a police officer who attempted to follow him. An eyewitness saw him soon after on the pier where Campbell's body was discovered with his car trunk and doors open, according to the brief. Once Campbell's body had been taken out of the water, deputies were able to match fabrics, rope and tape found at Grim's home to those found on the victim. He entered a not guilty plea at trial but was convicted of murder and sexual battery in December 2000, at which time he opted against calling any mitigating witnesses at his sentencing hearing. He did file appeals in his case but said at a hearing earlier this week that he would not seek an emergency stay of his execution from either the Florida or U.S. Supreme Court.

Hallmark's Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe Tearfully Shaves Head amid Cancer Treatment: ‘I Refuse to Look Like Gollum’
Technology

Hallmark's Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe Tearfully Shaves Head amid Cancer Treatment: ‘I Refuse to Look Like Gollum’

Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe is letting go of her hair on her own terms as continues her breast cancer treatment. On Monday, Oct. 27, the Hallmark actress, 44, posted an emotional Instagram video shaving her head after dealing with hair loss since her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. In the clip, she demonstrates how her hair has been falling out by just the slightest pull. She then sits in the chair in tears as her head is shaved bald. “Well ladies and gentlemen,..I did a thing,” she wrote in the caption. “Waking up to clumps of hair falling out was traumatic. Hiding it was the worst! But doing this… this made me feel like I was in the driver's seat.” “Sharing my head with you all…..scary but I really want anyone who’s going through this to see that I’m ok. And you will be too,” she continued. “Also, I still cried a lot. But after it all…felt so strong. Side note- surround yourself with people that tell you how beautiful you are bald. That is the assignment. And if you don’t have anyone I will tell you!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️” The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! In the comments section, fans and fellow stars praised Lowe for her courage and sent well wishes as she continues her journey. “You are so so brave…Beautiful Crystal. Thinking and praying for you on this journey,” wrote Tia Mowry. “Your light is your beauty and it is radiant,” Sharon Lawrence said. “I know the hair loss is hard but I also know it’s something you will adjust to and will feel freeing when you’re least expecting it. A great wig works wonders too… and some health plans cover them as a cranial prosthesis.” Nikki DeLoach added, “My heart. You are stunning. Breathtaking. And so brave.” Earlier this month, Lowe spoke to PEOPLE about her breast cancer diagnosis and admitted that losing her hair during chemotherapy has been a whirlwind of emotions. “My hair is falling out. Now that has been a trip,” she said. “I'll tell you the hair... I was not as upset to have a double mastectomy. In fact, I was like, ‘Cut them off. We're good. I'm done. I've breastfed both babies. I'm okay. What do I need these for?’ Also, I think with your chest, you could hide it. I'll just wear baggy clothes. That'll be my new jam.” 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. Lowe explained that it’s harder to cope with hair loss because it’s so noticeable. “Not just will it alert other people, but it is a reminder to me that it's happening,” she admitted. “And so there's been a lot of tears about my hair. I am getting a wig. I found a great wig that I'm going to have. I'm going to have a hero wig and another wig.” “I refuse to look like Gollum,” she added, referring to the Lord of the Rings character who has sparse and stringy hair. "I would rather look like Demi Moore, when she was G.I. Jane.” The Signed, Sealed, Delivered star told PEOPLE at the time that she was “scared” about cutting her hair, but it wouldn’t be as “emotionally taxing” as if it were to fall out on its own. “I've cried. Oh, I've cried so much,” Lowe said. “It's such a huge part of my identity.”

Woman's Lipstick Remains 'Flawless' Even After a Bicycle Accident. Here's the Exact Product She Was Wearing (Exclusive)
Technology

Woman's Lipstick Remains 'Flawless' Even After a Bicycle Accident. Here's the Exact Product She Was Wearing (Exclusive)

On a recent night in Brooklyn, N.Y., Danny G. was excited for a fun time out to take her mind off of being recently laid off. She hopped on her bike to head to a charity concert to support artists who lost their works in a massive fire, never imagining that her brakes would fail — sending her flying over the handlebars and onto the pavement. From her hospital bed, Danny tried to distract herself from her circumstances (and her injuries). "I unfortunately didn’t have anyone to accompany me to the hospital," the social media strategist and content creator tells PEOPLE. "I’ve had a community on the internet for decades, and it’s been a natural place to find humor and comfort for me." When she pulled out her phone to check the damage to her face, she made an incredible discovery. "I noticed that despite all odds after rolling across concrete, my face was still serving," Danny says. "Face, teeth, incredible. Makeup, remarkable. Lips, flawless. That’s when I got the idea to make a true testimonial on TikTok about it." In the clip posted on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Danny is seen lying in a hospital bed with a neck brace on and what appears to be blood on her chin. "So, the brakes on my really cute new vintage bike popped off while I was on my way to my friend's show, but my lipstick is literally perfect," she says before holding up a lipstick tube. "It's the Urban Decay Lip Bond. I swear by it. Like, not one smudge." Danny confirms to PEOPLE that she was wearing the liquid lipstick in shade Raw Footage, a deep merlot red. Danny's video quickly went viral and even grabbed Urban Decay's attention. "Sending you so much love — lip bond really said unbothered 💋," the brand wrote in the comment section. The content creator says she's long been an Urban Decay customer. "I go for products that I know I can rely on," she explains. "I’ve always been a huge fan of UD because I know that my looks will last through all the chaos. Plus, I have oily skin and all us oily skin girlies are very picky and also very loyal once a product passes our tests. I’m glad to report that there’s a positive outcome and something I can share, even in this crazy situation. UD 1, concrete 0." Danny tells PEOPLE she was surprised by how many of the commenters simply wanted to know if she was OK. "I appreciated the show of concern for me while also finding the same humor in it and laughing along with me," she says. "I think it’s a sign of intimacy and true human connection which is a little far and few between these days. This very real event happened, but it was an accident, and it’s now turned into a funny moment for my ever unfolding lore." She adds, "Some people even rallied for me to become an ambassador with the brand. That’s always been a dream, so if anyone at Urban Decay is reading, I’d like to shoot my shot." Another unexpected reaction came from Danny's middle school best friend who texted her after seeing the video. "We hadn’t spoken in years," Danny says. "I’d always wanted to reconnect with her but there wasn’t a perfect time to. I’m very grateful that this brought us back together. I hope to share more laughs and memories with all of my new friends!"

Teen Runway Fled Abusive Home. 15 Years Later, She’s Engaged to Marry 'Hero' Cop Who Helped Search for Her
Technology

Teen Runway Fled Abusive Home. 15 Years Later, She’s Engaged to Marry 'Hero' Cop Who Helped Search for Her

When she was a teenager, a Tennessee woman ran away from an abusive home, only to fall in love almost a decade and a half later with one of the police officers who helped search for her. Now 28, she’s going viral for opening up about her incredible journey. “He searched for me then,” Roshin Ali, who goes by Roro Nicole on social media, tells PEOPLE in a joint interview with her 38-year-old fiancé Tyler Schrupp, whom she didn’t actually meet until 2023, when she began working at the Jackson Police Department. The couple, who both work as patrol officers, share a 5-month-old son named Stetson. Schrupp is also helping Ali raise her two older sons — Dawson, 8, and Brantley, 7 — from a previous relationship. "We've built this beautiful connection," she adds. Ali has no rose-tinted memories of her childhood. She says was 13 years old when she and her brother fled their father after years of abuse. That summer day, on July 27, 2010, she tells PEOPLE her father came home after losing “all of his money” while gambling. That's when he discovered Ali and two of her siblings playing outside with their neighbors, an activity that she says wasn't permitted. When their father entered the apartment, “we ran to the room because we already knew he was angry,” remembers Ali, whose second brother had stayed inside. (Ali has requested that her family members remain anonymous.) Their dad immediately came to the bedroom where the three children had fled, but Ali’s sister quickly braced her foot on the wall and her back against the door so he couldn’t enter. As Ali and her brother hid under a blanket, violence exploded around them. Ali recalls her father demanding that their mother bring a knife — and Ali remembers him "literally trying to stab [my sister] through the door to try to get her out the way." (An affidavit obtained by PEOPLE mirrors her recollection of events, although there is no mention of a knife.) When their enraged father opened the door, he grabbed Ali’s sister by the hair and dragged her to his room. The teen was beaten with a pair of heels that their dad found nearby before he bound her legs together and covered her mouth with duct tape, Ali alleges. They watched as their sister was hit with a cable wire. Then their mom entered their room and issued a terrifying warning to Ali and her brother: "Y'all are going to be next." So they decided they were going to "run and try to find some sort of help" and jumped out the window," Ali recalls. In May 2011, Ali’s father pled guilty to aggravated assault, according to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE. Two police officers, who also served as witnesses, confirmed they saw bruises on Ali’s sister’s face, according to the affidavit. Initially, Ali and her brother — who were reported missing by their parents — were considered runaways. “All I knew about it was we had two runaways in the area we needed to locate,” says Schrupp, recalling his response to the “BOLO,” or “be on the lookout,” request. 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. That night, Ali and her brother slept in a park. They went to a friend’s house the next day and later went to a church with their friend’s mother, which is where the pair was discovered by other police officers from the Jackson Police Department. Meanwhile, their parents had been questioned and taken into custody, Ali says. On July 28, the day after the two kids ran from home, charges against Ali’s dad were filed, according to court documents. From there, Ali and three of her siblings were placed in the foster care system. Ali and her sister were placed together, while their two brothers were placed in a separate foster home. Not long after being placed in the home of a friend of their father's, Ali alleges she was sexually assaulted. When she reported the incident to her caseworker at Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services, she claims nothing happened. “I guess they didn't take me seriously whenever I was telling them the information,” says Ali. “There was no report on file or anything as far as I'm concerned.” The Department of Children’s Services was unable to share any information about the case with PEOPLE because of privacy laws. Despite the cruelty that Ali both witnessed and experienced, she pushed forward. She stayed in foster care until she was 18, and later gave birth to two sons. She eventually became a correctional officer in Jackson before she transferred to her current place of work in May 2023. And the first time Schrupp saw Ali, he was immediately smitten. “You were nervous, but you were staring at me pretty hard,” Ali says of her fiancé, who made sure to strike up a conversation the next time. “We just started talking every day since then,” says Schrupp, who loves the openness and honesty he shares with Ali. “We hit it off and just could talk about any and everything.” The patrol officers were still just friends when they realized that they had a connection that went back to 2010 as Ali began telling Schrupp about running away from home as a teen. That’s when it clicked. Schrupp remembers telling Ali, “I was on that search.” For Ali, the fact that Schrupp had looked for her was endearing. “It was surprising, but I thought it was so cute,” she says. Their friendship became the bedrock of their romance and almost a year after they started dating, Schrupp proposed on a family vacation in August 2024. Ali thought they were taking a group photo on the beach when Schrupp had her two sons look for a hidden surprise. While she was distracted by a shell they’d found with a fake ring inside, Schrupp got down on one knee and presented her with the real one. “I cried. I lost it,” recalls Ali. “I was so happy because I'm like, ‘I finally get to marry the man of my dreams.’ ” Their destination wedding is scheduled for Oct. 2026. Ali says she’s grateful for the life they’ve been able to build together and Schrupp’s unending support. As she reflects on the day she fled her home in July 2010, Ali tells her fiancé, “You were my hero.” If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Norrie stuns Alcaraz for ‘biggest win of career’
Technology

Norrie stuns Alcaraz for ‘biggest win of career’

Britain’s Cameron Norrie described his upset of Carlos Alcaraz as “the biggest win of my career” as he reached the Paris Masters last 16 with a gritty comeback against the world number one. Norrie, who was beaten in straight sets by the Spaniard in this year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals, won 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the second round of the ATP Masters 1,000 event in the French capital. “This win is so big for me,” said Norrie, who missed the Olympic Games in Paris and the US Open last year because of a forearm injury. “I had lost the first round of the qualifiers here last year. Coming back from my injury, I’ve been trying to enjoy my tennis in the second half of the year and I was able to do that. “To get the biggest win of my career, my first win over a world number one, and probably the most confident player in the world right now, I am pleased with the way I did it.” Alcaraz won the first set before Norrie responded strongly in the second by breaking early and maintaining his momentum to set up the decider. The world number 31 then played an incredible backhand pass to break Alcaraz in the final set and saved two break points on his way to victory. “I actually went for a walk this morning with my coach and we talked through serving for the match and what I needed to tell myself,” said Norrie, who beat Sebastian Baez in straight sets in Monday’s first round. “I was so, so tight serving for the match yesterday against Baez. “I told myself I deserved to be in this moment, I want to be here, and I felt quite relaxed. “It was a nice walk, a very important walk.” The Briton will next face the winner of the second-round match between wildcards – and cousins – Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech. Alcaraz, who registered 54 unforced errors on Tuesday, was returning from an ankle injury and playing his first match on the tour since beating Taylor Fritz in the Japan Open final at the end of September. He now risks losing his number one ranking if rival Jannik Sinner, who will face Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the second, goes on to win the Paris tournament. “I’m really disappointed about my level,” Alcaraz said after the defeat. “I had all the ideas clear, all the goals clear but even in the first set which I won, I felt I could do a lot more than I actually did. “I have to give credit to Cam. He played really well, a solid match, and I think that was the key.” DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Boston city councilor pushes for emergency hearing on discarded Mass and Cass spillover needle spikes
Technology

Boston city councilor pushes for emergency hearing on discarded Mass and Cass spillover needle spikes

Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy plans to push for an emergency hearing in light of a recent blog post published by a local researcher who analyzed 311 data and found reports of discarded needles have spiked and spread throughout the city. Murphy plans to introduce a late-file “emergency order for a hearing regarding the increase and spread of needle-related public health and safety hazards in Boston” at the Wednesday City Council meeting. “I have repeatedly called for the City of Boston to declare a public health and safety emergency to address the growing crisis at Mass and Cass,” Murphy said in a statement. “The latest data confirms what residents across our neighborhoods already see: this is no longer contained to one area.” Murphy’s emergency order is responsive to a Substack post published last week by local writer and researcher James Piccirilli, who found that, as of September, 311 needle reports in Boston are up 20% from last year and more than 75% since 2022. Piccirilli found that while Mass and Cass remains “the center of the crisis,” needles are being discarded throughout the city. He wrote that 311 needle reports have more than doubled in surrounding areas, with parts of the South End immediately surrounding the troubled intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard seeing spikes of 200% to 300% over the last two years. “From the South End to deep into Roxbury and Dorchester, the shadow of Mass and Cass is looming over the city,” Piccirilli wrote. “Despite years of concerted effort, the problem is growing and spreading further than before.” Mayor Michelle Wu implemented a plan to clean up the Mass and Cass intersection in November 2023, beginning with the clearing of a long-standing homeless encampment. But city officials have acknowledged of late that the open drug use, dealing and related crime has since spilled over into surrounding neighborhoods, particularly the South End, which has been deemed a hot-spot area by the city and targeted for greater police enforcement. South End residents spoke at a community meeting last week of the health and safety risks that now come with taking their young children to parks and walking their dogs, due to discarded needles. City Councilor Ed Flynn, who represents part of the South End and saw his emergency declaration push for Mass and Cass blocked by a colleague aligned with the mayor, said the 311 data is reflective of what he sees as the larger issue: that the city is ignoring the problem. “We have to acknowledge the significant escalation of open drug use, drug dealing, violence, criminal activity and discarded needles that we’re seeing, not just in the South End and Roxbury, but also throughout the city as well,” Flynn told the Herald. “It’s a significant public safety issue and it’s being ignored.” He said the city needs to take a “zero-tolerance” approach. “I don’t feel we have that commitment currently,” Flynn said. “We need to hold everybody accountable that’s engaged in criminal activity and make arrests.” Arrests were up 163% in the South End this summer, from May 1 to Aug. 24, compared to that time period last year, per Boston Police data. Boston Public Health Commissioner Bisola Ojikutu said last month that the city hands out more than 80,000 needles per month to drug users, as part of its harm reduction approach.

Kobel makes a vital save as Dortmund beats Frankfurt on penalties in German Cup - AP News
Technology

Kobel makes a vital save as Dortmund beats Frankfurt on penalties in German Cup - AP News

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Gregor Kobel sent Borussia Dortmund into the third round of the German Cup with a diving save to win a penalty shootout against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday. Midfielder Farès Chaïbi stepped up to take Frankfurt’s fourth penalty needing to score after Ritsu Doan had fired his shot over the bar earlier. Chaïbi shot low to Kobel’s right and the Swiss goalkeeper got down to hold the ball, giving Dortmund a 4-2 shootout win that sparked flare-waving celebrations from Dortmund’s away fans. The loss continues a troubled run for Frankfurt, with one win from its last six games in all competitions. Extra time finished with the score at 1-1 after Julian Brandt’s goal for Dortmund canceled out ex-Dortmund player Ansgar Knauff’s opener for Frankfurt. Fan dies at Leipzig game Leipzig’s 4-1 win over third-tier Energie Cottbus was overshadowed when it was announced part-way through the game that a Leipzig fan had died following a medical incident. Both clubs said the supporter had been taken ill on the way into the stadium. The game continued in a hushed atmosphere after the incident was announced. Marathon penalty shootout St. Pauli and Hoffenheim took nine penalties each in their shootout before a save by Ben Voll gave St. Pauli an 8-7 win. Their game had ended 2-2 after extra time. Hauke Wahl, who had scored in the first minute for St. Pauli, converted his team’s ninth penalty before Hoffenheim defender Albian Hajdari hit a shot that lacked power and was saved by Voll, who’s normally his team’s backup keeper. Wolfsburg and Augsburg lose Second-tier Holstein Kiel upset Bundesliga team Wolfsburg 1-0 thanks to Alexander Bernhardsson’s penalty. Wolfsburg played most of the game with 10 men after Jenson Seelt was sent off in the 36th minute for picking up two bookings in quick succession. Another top-tier club was eliminated as Augsburg lost 1-0 at home to Bochum, which is second from last in the second division. Borussia Moenchengladbach bested second-tier Karlsruhe 3-1, and Robert Glatzel’s 83rd-minute penalty lifted Hamburger SV to a 1-0 win over 10-man Heidenheim. Hertha Berlin beat Elversberg 3-0 in a game between two second-division teams. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Prosecutors Show Rigged Shuffling Machine and X-Ray Table Allegedly Used in Chauncey Billups' Poker Games
Technology

Prosecutors Show Rigged Shuffling Machine and X-Ray Table Allegedly Used in Chauncey Billups' Poker Games

Federal prosecutors unveiled images of a supposedly rigged card-shuffling machine and "X-ray" poker table allegedly used in a mob-backed scheme to cheat at high-stakes poker games — with the alleged involvement of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. Billups was among 31 people arrested last week and charged as part of an alleged wide-ranging conspiracy to rig poker games using sophisticated technology, with members of the Gambino, Bonanno and Genovese crime families allegedly organizing the games and taking a cut of proceeds. In a detention memo obtained by PEOPLE on Tuesday, Oct. 28, prosecutors at the Eastern District of New York furnished an image of a supposedly rigged DeckMate 2 shuffling machine, containing cameras that scanned cards and transmitted information on them to an off-site computer controlled by the alleged conspirators. The shuffler could allegedly give the conspirators an unfair advantage by knowing who held the winning hand. Prosecutors also included an image of a supposed "X-Ray" poker table, which allegedly allowed cards to be read from a face-down position. Prosecutors also allege that members of the conspiracy used special contact lenses or glasses that could read certain cards from behind. Billups, a Hall of Fame guard who has coached the Blazers since 2021, allegedly served as a "face card" — a high-profile individual who could draw unsuspecting marks into the phony games. Another alleged face card, and defendant in the case, was former NBA guard Damon Jones. According to texts compiled in the detention memo, one alleged co-conspirator, Sophia Wei, grew concerned during an April 2019 game in Las Vegas that Billups and fellow defendant Eric Earnest were winning "too many improbable hands," so another member of the group was added to the table so Billups and Earnest could purposely lose. "They already know all the signals," Wei reportedly wrote in the thread. The group allegedly defrauded victims of at least $50,000 that night. Overall, prosecutors allege the nearly three-dozen defendants cheated unfortunate players out of at least $7 million. Billups is charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy; he has not yet entered a plea but his attorney has denied all wrongdoing, saying in a statement that he would not "risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom" on card games, per ESPN. 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. In the memo, prosecutors said they are seeking a "substantial bail package" for Billups, noting his wealth derived from his Hall of Fame career and current coaching position. Billups has been placed on leave by the Trail Blazers, who are being coached on an interim basis by assistant coach Tiago Splitter. Damon Jones is set to be arraigned in a Brooklyn federal court on Nov. 6, while Billups' arraignment date has not yet been set. On Monday, Oct. 27, Magistrate Judge Joseph Marutollo ordered reputed mobster Angelo Ruggiero Jr., son of notorious Gambino capo Angelo "Quack Quack" Ruggiero Sr., held without bail, citing a previous case where he allegedly threatened to kill a witness. Separately, Curtis Meeks, who is accused of supplying the "cheating technology" for the games, pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy and posted $250,000 bail.

Stars expected to sign Thomas Harley to an eight-year extension
Technology

Stars expected to sign Thomas Harley to an eight-year extension

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Dallas Stars have made significant progress on an extension for defenseman Thomas Harley. Friedman believes that the extension will likely be an eight-year, $84M ($10.5M AAV) agreement and is expected to occur relatively soon. It’s a significant agreement for a negotiation that had plenty of question marks. Harley has been a high-scoring blueliner for the Stars over the past three years, but the team was reportedly hesitant to pay him more than Miro Heiskanen’s $8.45M salary. Considering how much the upper limit of the salary cap has grown since Heiskanen signed his extension in 2021, there was little chance the Stars would get him at or below $8.5M. To add more context, Heiskanen’s deal in 2021-22 accounted for 10.37% of Dallas’ available salary cap space, and Harley’s reported $10.5M salary beginning in 2026-27 would only account for 10.1%, technically making Harley more affordable. There is little argument that Harley isn’t deserving of the price tag. Since the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign, when Harley became a full-time member of the Stars’ blueline, he has scored 32 goals and 105 points in 166 games for the Stars, with another four goals and 18 points in 37 postseason contests. That makes him the 15th-highest scoring defenseman in the NHL over the last three years, and he’s only 24 years old. Additionally, he’s earned a +57 rating, 53.3% CorsiFor% at even strength, and 90.8% on-ice save percentage at even strength over that stretch. Not only can he significantly contribute offensively in the NHL, but he’s also an above-average player on the defensive side of the puck. While there are few concerns about Harley’s projections for the contract’s duration, Dallas’ salary cap situation should raise some red flags. After factoring in the purported deal, the Stars would enter the summer with approximately $17M in cap space. Although some players, such as Adam Erne and Nathan Bastian, are easily replaceable, the Stars will face challenges keeping Jason Robertson, Mavrik Bourque and Nils Lundkvist around on long-term deals with that cap space. Regardless, general manager Jim Nill should be commended for locking in the team’s core for the foreseeable future. Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Wyatt Johnston, Esa Lindell, Jake Oettinger, Heiskanen and now Harley all signed through the 2029-30 season at the very least, guaranteeing Dallas a competitive roster into the next decade.

Source: Patriots trading Keion White to 49ers in pick swap
Technology

Source: Patriots trading Keion White to 49ers in pick swap

The Patriots are getting active ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The Pats traded defensive lineman Keion White and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick, a source confirmed to the Herald. White, a 2023 second-round pick, was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career in Sunday’s win over the Browns. White finished his last season in New England with six tackles, zero sacks and no QB hits. He played 123 defensive snaps in five games, making just one start this year. White entered training camp as a starter, but lost his job to veteran free-agent pickup K’Lavon Chaisson in the final weeks of the summer. The trade leaves the Patriots with Chaisson, Harold Landry III, Anfernee Jennings, rookie Elijah Ponder and Caleb Murphy on the edge. The Patriots also have rookie fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson on the practice squad. Additionally, Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams and linebacker Jahlani Tavai both have experience playing on the edge as defensive ends/outside linebackers. White disappointed for most of the season, playing an undisciplined style that often had him on the ground or otherwise not affecting plays. He recorded just two pressures this season and struggled to set a steady edge against the run. White played 38 total games in New England over two and a half years, each season under a different head coach. Late last year, in his best statistical season, White’s freelancing drew the ire of the coaching staff, and he expressed displeasure about the state of the defense. Former Patriots coaches, including one-time head coach Jerod Mayo, dismissed the criticism. Mayo and his staff were fired the night of the Patriots’ 2024 finale, when White finished the season with a team-high five sacks and 56 tackles. White’s size and physicality appealed to Mike Vrabel’s staff this spring, specifically outside linebackers coach Mike Smith. However, the 26-year-old’s potential never materialized, leaving Vrabel to explain in late August why White’s role had diminished late in training camp. “I mean, I’ve had plenty of conversations with Keion and love how he works and love how he competes. And so, we’re going to need him, we’re going to need all three of them, four of them, five of them, however many guys can help us on the edge and affect the quarterback,” Vrabel said on Aug. 25. “So, I think when everything is said and done, the snaps are going to be pretty even and equal.” White was one of two projected defensive starters to play in the Patriots’ preseason finale, along with safety Jabrill Peppers. A week after playing the Giants in their preseason finale, the team released Peppers in a surprise move. The Patriots struck this deal a week out from next Tuesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline.

Perfect Pairings: Best Wine Gifts for Christmas and Beyond
Technology

Perfect Pairings: Best Wine Gifts for Christmas and Beyond

Christmas is a time for connection, warmth, and thoughtful gestures. It’s the season when people search for gifts that convey both appreciation and elegance — and nothing does that quite like wine. The perfect bottle can transform a celebration, elevate a dinner, and bring loved ones together in a shared moment of joy. Whether you’re searching for a rich red for a holiday dinner or a sparkling surprise for someone special, the best wine gifts for Christmas can make your gesture truly unforgettable. Wine is more than just a drink; it’s an experience wrapped in flavor, heritage, and sentiment. Every bottle tells a story — of craftsmanship, patience, and passion. When given as a Christmas gift, wine symbolizes thoughtfulness and celebration, making it a timeless choice for every kind of recipient. Why Wine Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift The beauty of gifting wine lies in its versatility. A single bottle can suit any personality — from the casual sipper to the seasoned connoisseur. It fits beautifully under the Christmas tree, complements a festive meal, and becomes part of cherished memories. Wine also carries an element of personalization. You can tailor your gift to someone’s taste — a bold Cabernet Sauvignon for a strong personality, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for the minimalist, or a delicate Rosé for the romantic. The act of selecting the best wine gifts for Christmas isn’t just about the bottle; it’s about the story and emotion behind your choice. Beyond the immediate joy of opening a beautifully wrapped wine gift lies the promise of moments yet to come — perhaps a cozy evening spent sharing that bottle or a celebratory toast to future milestones. The Art of Choosing the Best Wine Gifts for Christmas In choosing wine gifts during the vacation season, one would also consider the preferences and life of the philanthropist. The most excellent wine gifts during Christmas should be used to show your consideration as well as taste. When one wants the traditional taste, a full-bodied red similar to Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can also be taken. These wines go well with traditional Christmas refractions, like roasted meat, aged crapola, or downtime stews. Alternately, when you’re in need of commodity light and stimulating, white wines similar to Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio can be an affable treat. You may also add a touch of complication to the present, should you want your present to shine. To be drinking out of a bottle that has been neatly packed up and is decorated with a gleeful strip or is packed in a smooth rustic box takes the experience to a new position. Other particular traces to make your gift more memorable include a handwritten note or customized label. Elevate the Experience with Christmas Wine Gift Baskets For a truly impressive surprise, Christmas wine gift baskets bring together a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make every celebration shine. These baskets often combine premium bottles with gourmet treats — artisanal cheeses, chocolates, nuts, or crackers — creating a sensory journey that’s both luxurious and thoughtful. A gift with a precisely named wine is n’t just a gift but an experience that’s to be unwrapped. One element complements the other, and all the donors will feel pampered and valued. Wine gift baskets for Christmas are a majestic way of giving, no matter who you’re giving to family, musketeers, or associates. The most seductive point of these baskets is their inflexibility. You can customize them to the receiver and can add bold red to a serious wine toper and crisp white and sweet delicacies to a lighter-tasting person. similar customization makes a minimum gift look like a particular gesture of care and taste. Pairing Ideas to Make Your Gift Stand Out The best part about wine gifting is the opportunity to create perfect pairings that enhance the experience. When choosing the best wine gifts for Christmas, think beyond the bottle and imagine how your gift will be enjoyed. For the Food Lover: Pair a fine Pinot Noir with gourmet truffle cheese or smoked meats for a rich, indulgent experience. For the Sweet Tooth: A dessert wine like Moscato or Port paired with premium chocolates makes a decadent surprise. For the Celebratory Spirit: Champagne or sparkling wine paired with festive snacks or artisanal pastries adds sparkle to holiday gatherings. For the Cozy Evenings: A bottle of red blend with roasted nuts and dark chocolate sets the mood for winter nights by the fire. Thoughtful pairings not only make your wine gift more complete but also show how much attention you’ve put into creating an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Extending the Celebration Beyond Christmas While the holidays are the perfect time to share wine, the beauty of this gift is that it remains meaningful all year long. From birthdays and anniversaries to housewarmings and weddings, wine carries an enduring appeal that transcends seasons. When you choose to send a Christmas Gift Basket, you’re not just giving for one occasion — you’re offering a timeless gesture that can continue to bring joy in the months to come. A beautifully selected bottle becomes part of celebrations, conversations, and quiet evenings, creating memories that last well beyond the festive season. Even after the tree comes down and the lights fade, the spirit of giving lingers through the thoughtful gifts shared with love. Wine, with its rich character and emotional resonance, becomes a symbol of connection that extends far beyond Christmas. A Final Toast: Celebrate with Heart and Elegance In the rush of holiday shopping, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of a simple, meaningful gesture. A bottle of wine — chosen with care and presented with warmth — can express gratitude, love, and celebration more deeply than any other gift. Whether you prefer to select a single bottle or a thoughtfully arranged Christmas wine gift basket, your choice speaks volumes about your appreciation for the finer things in life. For inspiration, explore collections from DC Wine and Spirits, where every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and festive elegance. So, as the holidays approach, raise a glass to generosity and joy. Let your gifts this season be as rich, warm, and timeless as the wines you share. After all, true celebration begins not with the wrapping paper, but with the moments and memories that follow.