News from November 9, 2025

Politics

Mamdani won an election, not a revolution

The displays of hubris began shortly after Mamdani was declared the winner. One unidentified Muslim man — apparently misinterpreting the result as nothing less than the divine endorsement of Islam’s ultimate triumph in America — delivered a breathtaking message to a large crowd that had gathered in Manhattan’s Times Square on Tuesday night. THE ZOHRAN MAMDANI EFFECT WON’T GO NATIONAL He shouted, “We’re done hiding. We’re done being tortured and hurt and judged. This [Islam] is the correct religion. This is the religion that all of humanity needs to be a part of Islam [sic], and we will not stop until it enters every home.” Unfortunately, he was far from alone in believing that Mamdani’s victory marked the beginning of an Islamic transformation of the United States. The following clip shows Muslim women dancing in celebration. One of them says, “Sharia law starts now. Abso-f***ing-lutely. … Mamdani, Islamic Caliphate, our brother in Islam. Islamic Caliphate of New York starts today, baby!” It’s worth noting that under Sharia law, women are generally not permitted to dance in public or to use profane language. She may want to reconsider what she’s celebrating. Social media is filled with posts from deluded people expressing similar sentiments. These distorted narratives twist the meaning of Mamdani’s win beyond recognition. To claim that the election of a single Muslim in one city heralds the nation’s embrace of Islam as its faith is ludicrous. Cutting through the nonsense, one X user remarked: “If a foreigner is in your country and demands you accept their culture as your culture or change your beliefs for that person’s religious needs … That’s not an immigrant. That’s an invader.” Indeed. Perhaps the biggest message from Mamdani’s victory, and one that is more grounded in reality, is that socialism is now an acceptable economic system in the U.S. For a startling number of Americans — particularly the young, who have no idea of the misery it has caused wherever it’s been tried — socialism, even Marxism, has become a preferred alternative to capitalism. The Mamdani victory party brought together a familiar lineup of far-left figures. Among them were journalist Mehdi Hasan, controversial influencer Hasan Piker, former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman — who may be tapped to run the NYC school system, and Mahmoud Khalil, best known for organizing the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and his ongoing fight against deportation. In the clip below, Hasan asked Piker, who has denied Hamas’s atrocities against Israel, “How do you feel about a socialist mayor?” Piker said he felt “electric.” He emphasized that “being uncompromising in your values, whether it be about touching that third rail and speaking out about Israel or primarily focusing on affordability in your campaign strategy, it turns out, is very effective.” He went on to say that the U.S. remains “at the heart of the imperial war,” adding, “This is a country that defeated the USSR, unfortunately.” “Everyday Americans,” as Piker sees it, “are finally arriving at the conclusion that perhaps there is an alternative out there … that focuses on them as opposed to the interests of the billionaires and millionaires.” An exhilarated Bowman told comrade Hasan, “Socialism is not a dirty word anymore. We’re taking on all right-wing fake MAGA tough guys.” All of these people need a reality check. First, Mamdani was elected mayor, not president — and New York’s political graveyard is littered with former mayors who quickly faded into irrelevance. Next, New York City isn’t representative of the U.S. According to the most recent report from the New York State Board of Elections, just 17% of voters in the city are registered Republicans. Although the mayor-elect is wildly popular in New York City, the Democratic think tank The Third Way reported that “he remains one of the most unpopular Democrats in the country, with a net approval of -14 nationwide. … His policies and message are radical and politically toxic outside the deep blue confines of New York City.” Additionally, Mamdani’s nearest rival, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was hardly a formidable opponent. He resigned in disgrace in 2021 after the state attorney general found he had “sexually harassed multiple women and fostered a toxic, fearful work environment.” Fearing a Mamdani victory, many residents have already fled the city, and more are certain to follow. Ironically, it’s the taxpayers footing the bill for his socialist dreams who are first out the door. As commentator Stephen A. Smith pointed out this week, “The people who love Mamdani are not the ones who pay the bills and the taxes.” In other words, he may soon run out of other people’s money to spend. The radicals within Mamdani’s base are treating his victory like the dawn of a new era. Celebration is one thing — but they’d do well to remember that he won an election, not a revolution.

Elizabeth Stauffer 23 hours ago

Technology

‘Tis the Season to join — and get a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card

TL;DR: For $65, get a 1-year Costco Gold Star Membership and receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card to use later. Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership + a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card Learn More If you’ve been thinking about joining Costco, this might just be your lucky day. Costco Gold Star Membership gives you access to a vast range of quality products — from Kirkland Signature™ staples and gourmet holiday treats to top brands in tech, home, and beyond.And for a limited time, when you sign up for a 1-year Gold Star Membership for $65, you’ll also receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card to use toward future purchases. That means you can enjoy the holiday shopping now and treat yourself later. To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto renewal of your Costco membership on a Visa® card at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to enroll in auto renewal at the time of sign-up, incentives will not be emailed. Shop smarter with Costco’s Executive tier and digital bonus — pay $140, get a $40 shop card With your membership, you can shop both in-store and online and enjoy access to the Costco Gas Station, Costco Tire Center, and more. Plus, your membership includes a complimentary Household Card, so another adult in your home (18+) can enjoy the benefits, too (and help you with shopping trips).Whether you’re stocking the pantry, prepping for a holiday party, or hunting down that amazing tech gift, it’s easy to find everything in one trip.’Tis the season to get in on the Costco fun — and this is the ideal time to join. Get a 1-year Gold Star Membership + $40 Digital Costco Shop Card for $65 while you can.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Sponsored By Stack Commerce 23 hours ago

Technology

Turn data into stunning visuals — get MS Visio while it’s $10

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows is just $9.97 (reg. $249.99) through Nov. 9 for new users. Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows Save $240.02 Not every presentation software is made with numbers in mind. We get it — complex data isn’t always fun. That’s where Visio Professional comes in. Microsoft designed its software for visualizing complex ideas thanks to pre-built templates and over 250,000 shapes. Right now, you can download a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for Windows for just $9.97 (reg. $249.99). Visio is a recognized diagramming powerhouse. From designing floor plans to visualizing team hierarchies, this platform simplifies system design processes while illustrating each piece of your project’s puzzle. A lifetime license gives you unlimited access to:Dozens of pre-made templates and diagrams to get you started — plus bonus templates for the webAccess to more than 250,000 shapes in Visio’s online ecosystemNatural pen and touch support for sketching and annotating on smart devicesAuto-generated org charts from other Microsoft apps, like Excel, Exchange, and Entra IDLive data linking capabilities from internal and external sourcesIf you’re a tech professional or IT admin, this desktop version also supports industry standards like BPMN 2.0, IEEE, and UML 2.5. Act quickly! A lifetime subscription to Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 is on sale for $9.97 (reg. $249.99) until Nov. 9 for new users only.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Sponsored By Stack Commerce 23 hours ago

Technology

Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 9

If you've ever wondered why the moon looks a little different each night, it’s all down to its phases in the lunar cycle. Tonight we're on day 19 of the cycle, keep reading to find out what this meansWhat is today’s moon phase?As of Sunday, Nov. 9, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This means 78% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.What can you see tonight? Well, without visual aids you should be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau, the Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Vaporum. If you have binoculars, you'll see all this plus the Grimaldi Basin, Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Frigoris. Telescope owners will get an extra treat, with the Reiner Gamma, Rima Ariadaeus, and Rupes Altai (Altai Scarp) all coming into view.When is the next full moon?The next full moon will be on Dec. 4.What are moon phases?According to NASA, the Moon completes an orbit around Earth roughly every 29.5 days, passing through distinct phases along the way. These phases happen due to the shifting angles between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. From our perspective, the Moon may look fully bright, partially lit, or entirely dark, though the same side always faces us. The difference is in how sunlight reflects off its surface, forming a regular pattern called the lunar cycle.The eight main moon phases are:New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Lois Mackenzie 23 hours ago

Technology

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones: How the first and second generations compare

The first gen Bose QC Ultra headphones (left) vs. the second gen QC Ultras (right). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Bose QC Ultra Gen 2 vs. Gen 1: SpecsWhile these headphones may appear similar, there are some differences in their builds worth knowing before we get into the comparison.Battery lifeFirst generation: 24 hours of battery life (18 hours with immersive audio), 15-minute quick charge for 2.5 hours of playbackSecond generation: 30 hours of battery life (23 hours with immersive audio), 15 minutes of charge for Listening modesFirst generation: Aware, quiet, immersive (spatial audio), auxiliary cable (with headphones powered on)Second generation: Aware, quiet, immersive (spatial audio), lossless with USB-C cable connection, passive playback with auxiliary connectionBluetooth and connectionFirst generation: Bluetooth 5.3; SBC, AAC, and AptX Adaptive codec support; multipoint pairing on up to two devicesSecond generation: Bluetooth 5.4; SBC, AAC, and AptX Adaptive codec support; multipoint pairing on up to two devicesColorwaysFirst generation: Black, white smoke, lunar blue, deep plumSecond generation: Black, desert gold, driftwood sand, midnight violet, whiteWeightFirst generation: 0.56 poundsSecond generation: 0.583 poundsBose QC Ultra Gen 2 vs. Gen 1: Sound qualityFirst things first: the absolute best sounding headphones of 2025 are likely going to be the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones (barring any surprises in these final two months of the year). If you're an audiophile above all else, you'll definitely want to check those out.However, that doesn't mean the QuietComfort Ultra line goes down without swinging. Bose knows how to make a balanced sound profile, and with the second-generation headphones, they upped the ante. While I wouldn't call the difference night and day, the second-gen headphones generally sounded richer and more well-rounded compared to the first-gen headphones. (This upgrade felt not unlike that between the Sony XM5 and XM6 headphones). We put the top 10 headphones of 2025 to the test I'm not sure I would automatically notice a difference on a casual listen through, but testing the headphones on songs back to back made the differences stand out. On the second-gen headphones, Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.'s "Best Part" came through with more clarity and blend, which made details like vocal harmonies stand out even more. That clarity wasn't so sharp as to warp the original sound of songs — Ella Fitzgerald's smoky vocals on "Misty" felt especially like a warm hug to my ears on the second-gen headphones. The listening experience on the second generation QC Ultras is ever so slightly improved, but the immersive audio setting on both generations could use work. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Perhaps the clearest test was the subconscious bopping of my head that happened while I listened to Twice and Megan Thee Stallion's "Strategy" on the second-gen headphones. Don't get me wrong, the first-generation Ultras produced a nice, full sound that still did justice to the song; they just didn't quite match up with the second-generation headphones. With those, I felt fully immersed in the pop song, feeling an excellent blend of the bass line and vocals.Speaking on immersion, the immersive audio quality on both headphones is about the same, which is to say I wasn't too impressed by it. Bose hasn't quite figured out how to create a sound that feels like it's coming around you without losing the richness that makes their headphones sound so good in the first place. While there's definitely that spatial audio quality, it almost feels like the sound profile has been hollowed out from the middle on both headphones.Also a little lacking was the equalizer — Bose kept the simple three-band equalizer for the second-gen headphones, which is serviceable, but not on par with options from other brands. The equalizers for the first and second generation headphones are exactly the same. Credit: Bose / Screenshot Credit: Bose / Screenshot Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)Bose QC Ultra Gen (2nd Gen) vs. 1st Gen: Noise cancellationBose claimed that the second-gen Ultras come with improved adaptive ANC. Though I tested both headphones while on walks near busy streets, while working from a house where seven people live, and right on the other side of a window from a very noisy leaf blower, I can't say that I really noticed a difference between the two. Granted, that could be the testing conditions not putting the adaptive ANC through the wringer (and the ANC on the first-gen headphones is pretty killer anyway).Where the second-gen headphones do have more of a leg up is in how easy it is to adjust the ANC level through the companion app. The second-gen headphones have a noise control tab straight on the main screen of the app, which allows you to adjust the ANC from level one to 10. The first gen app has no tab for adjusting noise cancellation. Credit: Bose / Screenshot While the second gen app features the "noise control" tab. Credit: Bose / Screenshot You can technically also adjust the ANC on the older headphones, but you have to through the "modes" tab on the app, then create a new listening mode, where you can then preset the noise cancellation level. In other words, for a premium pair of headphones, it requires more effort than it should. To adjust the ANC manually on the first gen headphones, navigate to the "modes" tab. Credit: Bose / Screenshot And as you choose a listening mode to add, you can adjust the ANC level for that mode. Credit: Bose / Screenshot Winner: TieBose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. 1st Gen: Comfort and designThe design of these two headphones is near identical, with the same on-ear button placement and general look. Aesthetically, Bose opted for a shiny accent piece on the headband, as opposed to the satin brush finish on the first-gen headphones. The second-gen headphones are also 0.02 pounds heavier, but the difference in how they felt on my head was indiscernible. A power/Bluetooth button, volume slider, and multifunction button can be found on both sets of headphones. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The on-ear controls, however, are located in exactly the same position and have the same exact functionality. Two incredibly comfortable sets of ear cushions — but one is just a little better than the other. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Despite their similarities, I found the second-gen headphones to be ever so slightly more comfortable (a feat I didn't think possible, especially considering three separate Mashable staffers have deemed the first-gen headphones the most comfortable they've ever tried). The ear foam on the second-gen headphones feels ever so slightly firmer while still offering a healthy amount of give, which I think helps situate the headphones on my head better overall.As for storage and travel, both headphones have identical carrying cases, making that particular aspect of their design a pure tie. The identical carrying cases of the different QC Ultra generations. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. 1st Gen: ConnectionWhile the first gen of the QC Ultras did a lot right, my biggest points of contention with those headphones all came back to how they connected (and stay connected to devices).As I'd experienced with other Bose products, the multipoint connection of the first-gen QC Ultra headphones didn't always perform the way you'd expect for $449. With two devices connected, it wasn't uncommon for lagging audio when switching between devices or stuttering audio when both devices were paired (even if I was only actively streaming audio from one).Though less commonly used, their wired connection left something to be desired. I wanted to test it using the aux cable to listen to an interview transcript. With other headphones, you can do this powered off, or passively. You'll lose out on the top-quality audio you get by having the headphones powered on, but it's not a big deal if you're listening to something like an interview or simply want to save your battery. Bizarrely, the first-gen headphones don't allow you to listen to audio via the aux cable without powering on the headphones as well, meaning passive playback isn't an option. I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods Less egregious (but more commonly encountered) was the lag between pressing the power button and actually hearing the headphones turn on. Initially, I thought the button wasn't working, and it wasn't until using the headphones for a while that I realized I just had to wait longer than expected to hear the noise that indicated the headphones had turned on and connected (which although minor, could lead to some minor annoyance when powering them on — again, not something I expect to encounter at $449).These are all issues that have virtually disappeared with the second generation Ultras.For starters, I haven't had a single issue with the multipoint connection in the two weeks I've been testing the QC Ultra 2 headphones, which might be a Bose first for me. Beyond that, Bose improved the on-head detection of the second gen headphones and added a lay flat mode, which automatically disconnects the headphones from Bluetooth and puts them into a low power mode. The latter feature wouldn't work if the connection was finnicky in anyway, but every time I tested it, the headphones easily disconnected and reconnected. Only the second generation Ultras (left) go into low power mode in this position. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Bose also gave wired playback a serious upgrade with the second generation model. Not only is passive playback now available with the aux cord (making the headphones an even better choice for air travel, IMO), but there's also a second option for wired listening. The included USB-C cable can be used to charge and play your audio back at the same time. The headphones do need to be powered on for the audio to transmit, but this is less aggravating considering there is an option for passive playback. Wired! Playback! Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Best of all, the newer headphones connect much faster when powered on, minimizing any annoyance.Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. 1st Gen: ValueAt full price, the first gen Bose QC Ultra headphones go for $429 and the second generation headphones go for $449. A quick pricing history: upon their 2023 release, the older Bose's debuted at $429, and it was only in May of this year they quietly got a $20 price bump to $449. Following the release of the newer Ultras, they've dropped back down.All this to say, at full price, it's hard to recommend the first generation Ultras, considering that the second gen smooth over some of their flaws, and make minor improvements where they already excelled. That said, Black Friday is around the corner, and the first Bose QC Ultras have been known to get nice price cuts. As I write this in the early days of November, they're $100 off, going for just $329, but they've hit an even lower price in the past at $299. In other words, if you're trying to save more cash, the newer gen might go on sale during Black Friday, but the real value pick is the first gen headphones.Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) on sale, 2nd Gen at full price

Bethany Allard 23 hours ago

Technology

I love my iPad but this Lenovo gaming tablet could convert me to Android

For the past decade, I've been a dedicated Apple user. I've been committed to the iPhone, MacBook, and iPad lifestyle, but I'll admit that it's left me uninformed about what's happening with Windows and Android. Since I started testing tech, it's opened up all sides of the iOS and Android spectrum, and I've come around. In fact, while doing a recent round of testing for our tablets guide, I found an Android tablet that convinced me iPads aren't necessarily the superior tablet.The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is technically a gaming tablet, but if you're not a gamer, don't worry. That just means it's equipped to handle a decent amount of data in its small, portable form. Here's everything I love about the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 and why I've kept using it long after testing. Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 Small but mightyThe best part of the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is its size. Before I started using e-readers, I was dragging around an old iPad that was heavy and strained my wrist while reading it for extended periods. Measuring 0.31 inches by 8.21 inches by 5.1 inches, it had an 8.8-inch screen, making it just slightly bigger than an iPad Mini.The compact size makes it incredibly easy to take on the go. It's lightweight and won't take up much space in a bag, but it also allows you to hold it up for hours at a time.It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform and runs on the Android 15 operating system. But its best spec is its memory, bringing 12GB of RAM. That's three times what you usually find in budget tablets and the same as what you'd find in premium models, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. I will say, the notification tab on the Lenovo is mighty similar to that of an iPad. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable On the Geekbench 6 benchmark test, it scored 6674, which is actually higher than the score of the iPad 11th generation. It operates for hours at a time, boasting a battery life of over 11 hours. (Of course, it pales in comparison to the new M5 iPad Pro.)To translate all of these tech specs: the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is a small device with even more power than you need to keep yourself entertained on the go.Two ports are better than oneAfter years of testing products for Mashable, most of them blend together. It's rare that a product really stands out from the crowd, and often it's the small details that make a particular product stand out. With the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3, I love the simple fact that it has not one, but two ports. Maybe it says more about the state of tech that I'm celebrating the fact that a device has more than one port, but alas, here we are. Every tablet I've tested has a single port, except for the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3, which features one USB-C port on the long side and another on the short side.It's the first tablet I've encountered that has this set up, but I wish every tablet did. That way, if you want to use your tablet while it's charging, you can do so from the angle that works best. Alternatively, it allows you to plug in a controller and charge it simultaneously.Perfect entertainment on the go The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is the perfect sized tablet for travel. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable For my purposes, I like a tablet on the smaller side, and the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 fits the bill with its 8.8-inch screen. Its compact size prevents arm fatigue during a reading marathon. Plus, it doesn't take up a ton of space on the kitchen counter, so I can cook and watch. Not to mention, it would be the perfect size for an airplane tray table. Gamers will also appreciate this Android gaming tablet, for obvious reasons.I'd actually stopped carrying my iPad around because I found it to be too clunky, but the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is a much smaller tablet to take on the go. With its compact size, I'm much more likely to reach for it when traveling.My one complaint? The case The included case for the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is not my favorite. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable OK, so I've been going on and on about the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3, but there is one downside: its case. On the upside, it comes with a case, a feature that very few tablets offer. The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 comes with a case that provides suitable ventilation so the tablet doesn't overheat. The front of the case also features two magnetic hinges, allowing it to be removed on either side, which provides nice flexibility.That being said, I find the case to be extremely flimsy. It definitely feels a little cheap, and folding the cover to create a stand is a bit awkward. It can only fold one particular way, and getting it right always takes me a few tries, even though I've been using it for weeks.Since this is a lesser-known tablet, you don't have as many alternative case options from the brand. However, you can find some decent options on Amazon.Why should you buy the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3?If, for some reason, you're stuck on the idea that Androids aren't as powerful as iOS devices, the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 will prove that wrong. It features a stunning HDR10 display and 12GB of RAM, allowing you to game on the go. But even if you're not a gamer, I've found this tablet is just the right size for reading and streaming. If you're converting from an iOS device, you might experience a slight learning curve adjusting to the Android system, but it won't take long. It's a great budget-friendly alternative to an iPad Mini, which certainly convinced me to stray from the iOS agenda. Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3

Samantha Mangino 23 hours ago

Sports

Gambling online? Try turning off push notifications.

Earlier this year, during the college basketball event known as March Madness, the biggest sports gambling apps were lighting up Eden Iscil's phone with notifications. From sunrise to late evening, they kept inviting him to wager on games, players, and teams.But the apps didn't know that Iscil wasn't actually interested in placing bets or winning money. In fact, Iscil isn't a "sports person" and had never gambled on sports before downloading the FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM apps.Instead, Iscil was conducting research about sports gambling app notifications in his role as the senior public policy manager for the National Consumers League. That research led the nonprofit organization to recommend a ban on sports betting advertising, particularly via push notifications. Iscil's own advice to gamblers? Turn off those notifications whenever possible. When the urge to gamble strikes, try mindfulness Iscil made that conclusion after spending a few weeks on the frontlines of online sports gambling, learning firsthand what millions of Americans have already experienced: Sportsbooks can now reach customers anywhere with marketing messages designed to reel them in, using notifications tailored to their betting preferences. "That's just another level of access these gambling companies didn't have previously," Iscil says, noting that people typically placed their wagers at casinos or sportsbooks prior to the nationwide legalization of online gambling in 2018. Sports betting revenue reached $13.7 billion dollars in 2024, according to the American Gaming Association. While push notifications may be standard business practice these days, experts say they encourage people to spend more time and money gambling than they otherwise would, similar to other aspects of gambling app design. A lawsuit filed this year by the city of Baltimore alleges that both FanDuel and DraftKings use "systematically designed and deployed" notifications and promotions to target users and keep them spending."The platforms are designed to create disordered gamblers and then exploit them," the lawsuit alleged. DraftKings declined to comment on ongoing litigation. A spokesperson for FanDuel said the company also wouldn't comment on pending litigation but added that it "operates in accordance with all laws." With over two-thirds of U.S. states allowing online sports betting, such apps are becoming ubiquitous. According to a recent poll by the Siena College Research Institute and St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication, nearly a quarter of Americans, and 48 percent of American men aged 18-49, have an account with at least one online sportsbook. Potential risks of gambling notificationsIscil told Mashable that each app he tested quickly reflected his supposed personal interests once he began betting.He received separate notifications reminding him of the odds of betting on NBA star LeBron James as well as March Madness favorites like the Houston Cougars and Tennessee Volunteers, for example. One "March Mania" all-caps text message paired candy and money bag emojis with an invitation to bet using a specific promotion to receive an odds boost. That was sent at 1:30 p.m. Eastern on a Sunday afternoon in March. Push notifications, or the pop-up messages sent directly to consumers outside of the app, can be a highly effective way to capture a user's attention with timely deals, discounts, and other promotions.That may delight the consumer who receives a coupon from a coffee chain just as they were considering an afternoon caffeine fix. But when it comes to online gambling, preliminary research suggests that notifications could lead to impulsive decision-making and increased betting frequency and expenditures. Dr. Philip Newall, who studies gambling psychology as a lecturer at the University of Bristol, has looked at so-called "dark patterns," or the ways online gambling companies use various levers to manipulate gambler behavior, like making it harder for consumers to set sensible deposit limits and prominently placing "reverse withdrawal" buttons in an app to encourage consumers to bet with winnings they intended to transfer into their bank account. Newall argues that such engagement strategies have reached an unprecedented level because consumers can now bet instantaneously by phone. In general, people who experience addiction are more vulnerable to noticing related cues, such as advertising, which then fuel their urge to engage in risky behavior. Even viewing ads about the risks of gambling can increase the desire to place a bet, Newall says. Navigating notifications on gambling appsIscil discovered that dealing with sports betting notifications isn't simple or straightforward. Over the four-week research period, he received 93 notifications on a phone used to place a total of 12 bets. Ninety-five percent of those messages contained advertising to bet. The highest number of notifications arrived during the lunch and dinner hours, between 12 and 2 p.m. and 4 and 7 p.m., respectively. Iscil's colleague used a separate phone to download the same apps but didn't make any wagers. That phone received just 15 notifications over the same time period. Iscil cautions against averaging out the notifications based on the total number of days spent on the research. He and his colleague placed no bets during the first and fourth weeks of their testing, and the notifications increased and decreased accordingly. Iscil acknowledges that the absence of bets at the beginning and end of the month duration is a limitation of their research. In Iscil's experience, FanDuel automatically gave itself permission to send notifications to his phone. When BetMGM requested permission from Iscil to send notifications, the platform didn't disclose that it would deliver advertisements for gambling. Though DraftKings asked for Iscil's consent, specifying that it would send exclusive offers and promotions, Iscil felt it didn't make clear that nearly all of its notifications would be marketing. BetMGM did not respond to requests for comment. DraftKings declined to comment specifically on Iscil's findings, but it appears the company introduced a new push toggle to turn off marketing notifications since the publication of his report. Mashable reviewed before-and-after screenshots of the app's settings to confirm the new option. According to the company, DraftKings is required by state regulations to offer opt-out mechanisms for all marketing communications, and it says it fully complies with those requirements.A FanDuel spokesperson told Mashable that when customers download the app they are currently given the option to either enable push notifications or skip them for the time being. The latter setting silently sends messages to the notification center instead of presenting them as banners or on a locked screen. The spokesperson added that customers are able to opt-out of marketing messages via their account settings, by unchecking the box for "marketing" under "email preferences." On the FanDuel app, that acts as an opt-out for all marketing communications, including push notifications. When Iscil published his report, he noted that each of the apps' iPhone settings allowed a blanket opt-out from all notifications instead of letting consumers skip only marketing messages. Federal law requires businesses to give consumers the option to turn off marketing messages sent via email but keep them for security alerts. There are not yet similar regulations for push notifications, according to Iscil. The American Gaming Association, which represents industry members like DraftKings and FanDuel, declined to comment on Iscil's findings. The AGA's code of conduct governing advertising and marketing produced by its members states that such messaging shouldn't "represent saturation of that medium or become excessive."How to deal with gambling notificationsConsumers who feel the urge to gamble should turn off online betting app push notifications, says Jaime Costello, director of programs for the National Council on Problem Gambling. If an app knows a consumer's betting preferences and frequently pitches related wagers via push notifications, the dynamic can quickly become risky, she says. "I think that personalization paired with those triggers is what really increases that risk," Costello says, referring to the development of addictive behavior. "I think that personalization paired with those triggers is what really increases that risk." - Jaime Costello, National Council on Problem Gambling Beyond turning off notifications, Costello recommends batching them to read once a day as well as unsubscribing from email marketing messages and using app-based limits that restrict time and money spent during specific periods. It's important for consumers to generally track and reflect on their wins and losses, Costello adds. Developing the ability to notice moments of overwhelm or excitement that lead to impulsive choices can help people better manage their gambling habits. Yet Costello also believes that gambling operators play a key role by creating products that allow consumers to control what is sent to them. She argues that consumers should always opt-in to marketing messages than be required to opt-out. She suggests that gambling apps should use the same opt-in approach for push notifications as they do for email marketing, even if federal law doesn't require it. As Costello sees it, the stakes are too high to send notifications that encourage gambling if the person receiving them is already vulnerable. "Yes, it can be a form of entertainment, but for some people, it has devastating effects," Costello says.If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available 24/7 through the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Connect with a trained professional who can guide you to local resources by calling 1-800-522-4700, texting 800GAM, or chatting online at https://www.ncpgambling.org/chat.

Rebecca Ruiz 23 hours ago

Business

Is online gambling contributing to Vegas problems?

Is the House still winning? The news about Las Vegas tourism has not been stellar as of late, with the city recording drops in visitors, hotel room occupancy, and convention bookings in September compared to the same month last year. Is the downswing due to Trump policies driving away foreign tourists, inflated prices for coffee and cocktails, or a public gravitating to online gambling and sports betting?We spoke to Alan Feldman, the Director of Strategic Initiatives for UNLV's International Gaming Institute, about what’s going on. Feldman, a veteran of the gambling industry who works on responsible gaming initiatives, believes the slump is a blip, explaining that the third quarter is typically slow for Sin City. While he acknowledges the sobering statistics, he sees them as not exclusive to Vegas. Feldman also views the growth of online casinos and the increasing legalization of sports betting as a boon, not a threat, to the city — here's why:Online gaming now accounts for 30 percent of all commercial gaming revenue, up from 13 percent in 2021. Lately, there’s been lots of talk about the softening Vegas economy — is online gaming contributing to that?The "softening in the economy" is cyclical, annual, and not at all unusual. July, August, the third quarter generally is always the softest quarters of the year. There was a downturn in tourism across the country, frankly, every market was hit, and Las Vegas was not any greater than any of the others. That said, the impact of sports betting around the country has had absolutely zero impact in Las Vegas other than there are some people, now that sports betting is legal in their home state, thinking, Let’s go to Vegas. And the companies here are some of the bigger participants in it; MGM is probably the biggest, Caesars is also involved, Penn is involved. With their sports betting apps, they’re also getting a chance to market their properties not just in Vegas, but anywhere. So [the growth of legal online gaming and sports betting] has been at worst, neutral; it hasn’t been an uptick for every single company, but now we have FanDuel sportsbooks and DraftKing sportsbooks in some of the independent hotels. I would challenge anyone who starts talking about the incredible growth of sports gambling, because the only thing you can measure since 2018 is the incredible growth of legalized sports gambling. We don’t know if [Vegas has] 20 percent of the sports gambling market or 80 percent. It certainly isn’t 100 [percent]. There are still people absolutely accustomed to calling a bookie. Plus, an unknown amount of gambling activity simply goes on between friends. Sports betting has been everywhere; you just haven’t seen it. I’m not suggesting we ignore it. It does make a difference — we’re now validating behavior that has gone on for decades, and actually, more than a century [in the U.S.]. The Mayans were engaged in sporting activities that people were wagering on thousands of years ago.Do you see a difference between the growth of legalized sports gaming and people playing blackjack or poker in an online casino?Yes, I think they’re different. I don’t know if they’re always the exact same customer in the sense that sports bettors tend to gamble on more than one type of activity; they’re probably more likely to play poker online or with friends. It wouldn’t be surprising to learn that they occasionally go to an online casino. The folks interested in online casinos may or may not be sports bettors, and I haven’t yet seen a deep analysis into the interrelationships.I imagine companies in the online gaming space prefer in-person gamblers so they can also spend money on food, entertainment, and hotel rooms.I don’t think they look at it quite that way, as in whether they prefer one or the other. I think they prefer access to both; to not to get cut out of activity in a given market. MGM’s CEO has discussed seeing a measurable increase in visitors to Las Vegas who became interested in the destination after being introduced to it through online gaming. And MGM, specifically, is doing something now that I think is fascinating; they have a TV studio at the MGM Grand, and they are broadcasting gambling into foreign markets where it’s legal. These are folks in other countries trying to capture a bit of the Vegas experience and when they next travel, I think Vegas is going to be on their list. It’s not an automatic thing, but it’s a nice way of introducing them to the idea [of in-person gaming]. Shiny casinos and $10K wins: YouTube's gambling channels don't always depict reality The investment in the studios — is that part of the reason why big casino operators like MGM and Caesars don’t allow YouTubers to record at their properties?We’ve been doing some work here, looking at slot influencers and what impact they are having. I have a student who, through a grant from ESPN, is going to look at online sports betting influencers — who are they, how do we look at them, should we group them in a particular way, how do we understand the kind of information they’re offering their viewers, and what impact it’s having. The jury’s out a bit. I also suspect there are some compliance questions about having someone promote your casino from within. I suspect there are also some regulatory issues that a company like MGM wants to be absolutely certain, Caesars the same, that they're completely [abiding by].So, casino operators aren’t threatened by the growth of legalized sports gambling?I have long believed, and experienced in my professional life, that if you put five gaming company CEOs in a room and ask a question, you’re going to get six different answers, including whether the sun is going to come up tomorrow. There is no possible way I could tell you all gaming companies aren’t concerned about this. The ones that are engaged in a broader business model than simply gambling revenue, they see online gambling, whether it’s sports-only or online casino, as a means of extending that experience for someone at home. [Online players] will have amassed points on a loyalty program and now they’re going to come [to Vegas to use them]. For those companies, I think you’ll find not only broad acceptance but enthusiastic acceptance. If I were in Reno, you’d hear a completely different story.Why is that?[Casino operators in Reno] feel attacked on all sides. The growth of tribal gaming in California and the growth of online gaming that they don’t have anything to do with. These are smaller operations, and anything that, in their minds, prevents folks from driving or flying to Reno, they don’t like.I don’t know what the current breakdown is, but pre-COVID, if you looked at a company like Caesars or MGM properties on the [Vegas] Strip, 65-70 percent of their revenue was non-gaming. That’s very different than the MGM Grand Detroit, for example; in those markets, gambling is going to be a larger percentage, but [in Vegas] it’s part of a larger whole. What would prevent small casino operators from getting into online casinos or online sportsbooks? Is it too big an investment for smaller properties?Almost certainly. For a property like the El Cortez [casino in downtown Las Vegas], they'd have to partner with someone to get into online gaming, even if it’s a company that’s providing white label back-of-the-house stuff; the systems that underlie these things are very involved. Those states [that allow online gaming] almost always require the servers to be in those states, so there’s a level of investment that happens with every one of these states where the technology and the workers that support that technology are there. This gets very expensive, very quickly.Whatever impact online gaming has, positive and negative, is going to be felt differently by different companies. I suppose it’s a negative if someone else is benefiting and you’re not, which may not mean you’re being harmed, but rather that you’re not directly benefiting from that activity. For some folks, that alone can lead them to oppose [online gaming].I wouldn’t ignore the fact that companies like Caesars and MGM, they’re taking a lot of the revenue they’re generating in other parts of the country and world [through online gaming and sports betting] and it shows up here in investment; it shows up in new restaurants and clubs and shows. It does benefit Nevada, it’s just indirect. Has anything been harmed in southern Nevada because of [online gaming]? Quite the contrary. This is an industry that has talked about the normalization of gambling for decades, and I think it’s happening faster and faster.If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available 24/7 through the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Connect with a trained professional who can guide you to local resources by calling 1-800-522-4700, texting 800GAM, or chatting online at https://www.ncpgambling.org/chat.

Neal Broverman 23 hours ago

Technology

U.S. amphibious warfare ship arrives in Puerto Rico

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Colton Jones 23 hours ago

Entertainment

John Laws, Australian radio’s ‘Golden Tonsils’ who dominated airwaves for six decades – obituary

Unapologetically provocative broadcaster’s ability to connect with his audience significantly influenced talkback radio

Jennifer King 23 hours ago

Technology

Large quantities of plastic pellets wash up on beach

The non-profit organisations Nurdle and Strandliners, as well as council officers, are working on the removal and clean-up operation. The council said further updates would be provided as more information became available. Andy Dinsdale, from Strandliners, said: "Millions of these 5mm plastic pellets are used in wastewater treatment works for cleaning water. "This is catastrophic for the fragile strandline and dune habitats at Camber." Rye resident, Juliet Duff, who helped with the clear-up operation, said the situation was "terrible". "The pollution covers about a mile and a half of the beach," she said. "We have been collecting the pellets up by hand and with dustpan and brush."

Stuart Maisner 23 hours ago

Business

Biban Forum 2025 Concludes in Riyadh with Agreements Worth Over USD 10.1 Billion and Record Global Participation

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at) has concluded Biban Forum 2025, Saudi Arabia's flagship event for entrepreneurs, startups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), held from November 5 to 8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center. Held under the theme "Global Destination for Opportunities," the forum drew more than 100,000 participants from 113 countries, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across the world. Over four days, Biban witnessed the signing of MoUs and agreements exceeding USD10.1 billion, highlighting Saudi Arabia's emergence as a leading destination for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial growth. This year's edition featured an exceptional lineup of international speakers and thought leaders, including Ricardo Kaká, the football legend turned entrepreneur and investor, and Simon Squibb, the renowned serial entrepreneur and advocate for startup empowerment. Their sessions inspired audiences with insights on turning passion into purpose, investing in innovation, and building ventures that drive sustainable growth and social impact. Biban 2025 served as a global marketplace for opportunity, presenting more than 10,000 investment opportunities from the public and private sectors to help entrepreneurs expand their reach, attract funding, and forge strategic partnerships. The Startup Door offered 1,021 startups from 66 countries the chance to showcase their projects, engage with investors, and connect with potential partners, reinforcing Biban's position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship. A highlight of the event was the Investors Arena, a dedicated space that facilitated direct dialogue and deal-making between investors and startups. The forum also hosted a Pitching Stage, where entrepreneurs from around the world presented their ideas to international audiences and investors, showcasing the innovation and creativity shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Another major highlight was the Entrepreneurship World Cup Global Finals, which brought together leading startups from across the globe to compete for global recognition and a prize pool of USD1.5 million. "Swijin AG" was announced as the winner of the 2025 edition, marking a milestone in one of the world's largest and most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions. As Biban 2025 concludes, its achievements, from multi-billion-dollar partnerships and global participation to the engagement of world-class speakers and innovators, reflect the Kingdom's accelerating progress in enabling the private sector, fostering innovation, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination for opportunities. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2817985/Biban_Forum.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biban-forum-2025-concludes-in-riyadh-with-agreements-worth-over-usd-10-1-billion-and-record-global-participation-302609439.html SOURCE Monsha’at

By Monsha’at,Rabea 23 hours ago

Sports

Can anyone challenge the Sinner-Alcaraz supremacy? ATP Finals will reveal all

The two top players are so far ahead of the opposition that there seems to be little hope of an outsider winning in Turin

Tumaini Carayol 23 hours ago

Politics

We Need to Curb Impunity in Our Media Space through Regulations- Asantehene

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has defended the need to regulate and sanitise Ghana’s media space through legal frameworks. According to the King, the media is a vital aspect of the state and cannot be left without legal constraints. The king sees the need to rein in the space through law. Speaking at a dinner he organised for the Ghana Journalists Association as part of the 29th Media Awards at the Manhyia Palace on November 8, 2025, the Occupant of the Golden Stool emphasised that the media risks becoming a potential threat to democracy in its current state. “Let me be clear, the rule of law is the foundation of democracy. We cannot have a vital part of our society which is exempt from the rule of law; therefore, any form of media, new or old, operating without any legal constraint is potentially a direct threat to democracy.” Otumfuo continued, “It is important for us as a sovereign nation to ensure respect for and compliance with our laws and traditions across the board and just as we expect to curb impunity in public life, so we will do well to curb impunity in the media space.” Story by Hajara Fuseini

Hajara Fuseini 23 hours ago

Technology

New Media Language Eroding Traditional Values- Otumfuo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concern about the adoption of slurry language in Ghana’s media landscape, saying it’s eroding traditional values. His Majesty made the remark at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association media awards dinner at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on November 8, 2025. Drawing parallels with the computer world, the Asantehene noted that “Garbage in, Garbage out” is a principle that applies equally to the human mind, warning that exposure to unwholesome language can shape the brain and ultimately produce undesirable outputs. “Our cherished traditional values have been swept away in a slurry of language unfit for the human mind. Our forefathers knew that just like food shapes the physical man, what we imbibe and communicate defines what shapes our brains. That is why their values placed emphasis on language that uses less than unwholesome,” the King said, lamenting that the current trend has a negative influence on the youth and society at large. “Ironically, this has also emerged as the basic truth of the computer world, exemplified in the famous phrase that defines the merit of the computer: Garbage in, garbage out. It means that when you fill the mind with garbage and filth, the brain can also be shaped in garbage, and the output you can produce is nothing but garbage.” His Majesty, therefore, called for a serious dialogue aimed at finding a pathway to the preservation of the honour and sanctity of the profession. “I can think of no assured professional that would wish to be contaminated with such a slurry, so it must be in the interest of each one of us that efforts are made to clear the slurry and allow the profession to retain its honour.” Story by Hajara Fuseini

Hajara Fuseini 23 hours ago

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Technology

Otumfuo Provokes Dialogue Over ‘Potential Media Profession Hijacking by Professional Hustlers’

The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has provoked a national discourse about the potential hijacking of the media profession by self-serving individuals. At a dinner organised as part of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association media awards on November 8, 2025, held in Kumasi, the King pricked players in the industry about the gradual takeover by putting forth two questions. “How worried should we be about the potential hijacking of the media profession by professional hustlers and the potential extinction of the professional time? Second, can the media afford to operate without regard to the law of the state?” The Asantehene further threw light on the grave implications of the takeover of the media space by unprofessionals, calling it a “great deal”. His Majesty stated that it is a threat to the stability and cohesion of the state as well as the minds of the younger generation. “Our cherished traditional values have been swept away in a slurry of language unfit for the human mind. Our forefathers knew that just like food shapes the physical man, what we imbibe and communicate defines what shapes our brains. That is why their values placed emphasis on language that is less than wholesome. “Ironically, this has also emerged as the basic truth of the computer world, exemplified in the famous phrase that defines the merit of the computer: ‘Garbage in, Garbage out.’ It means that when you fill the mind with garbage and filth, the brain can also be shaped in garbage, and the output you can produce is nothing but garbage.” His Majesty, therefore, called for a serious dialogue aimed at finding a pathway to the preservation of the honour and sanctity of the profession. “I can think of no assured professional that would wish to be contaminated with such a slurry, so it must be in the interest of each one of us that efforts are made to clear the slurry and allow the profession to retain its honour.” Story by Hajara Fuseini

Hajara Fuseini 1 days ago

Technology

China's CPI Rises 0.2% in October

Beijing, November 09 (QNA) - China's consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, rose 0.2% year-on-year in October 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Sunday. On a monthly basis, the CPI also rose 0.2% last month, according to this data, cited by Xinhua News Agency.The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, increased by 1.2% year-on-year, marking the sixth consecutive month of acceleration in growth pace. NBS statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the consumer price increase last month to the continued effects of policies to expand domestic demand. Sunday's data also revealed that the producer price index, which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, went down 2.1% year-on-year in October. (QNA)

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World

Asantehene Expresses Worry Over Falling Journalistic Standards

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has raised concerns about the spate of deterioration in professionalism in the media landscape. At a dinner organised as part of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association media awards on November 8, 2025, held in Kumasi, the King highlighted the growing fall in standards and blatant disregard for laws in the practice of journalism. “How worried should we be about the potential hijacking of the media profession by professional hustlers and the potential extinction of the professional time? Second, can the media afford to operate without regard to the law of the state?” It was the case of His Majesty that any form of media operating outside the bounds of the law is potentially a direct threat to democracy. “Let me be clear. The rule of law is the foundation of democracy. We cannot have a vital part of our society which is exempt from the rule of law; therefore, any form of media, new or old, operating without any legal constraint is potentially a direct threat to democracy. “It is important for us as a sovereign nation to ensure respect for and compliance with our laws and traditions across the board, and just as we expect to curb impunity in public life, so we will do well to curb impunity in the media space.” The Asantehene further threw light on the grave implications of the takeover of the media space by unprofessionals, calling it a “great deal”. The King stated that it is a threat to the stability and cohesion of the state as well as the minds of the younger generation. “Our cherished traditional values have been swept away in a slurry of language unfit for the human mind. Our forefathers knew that just like food shapes the physical man, what we imbibe and communicate defines what shapes our brains. That is why their values placed emphasis on language that is less than wholesome. “Ironically, this has also emerged as the basic truth of the computer world, exemplified in the famous phrase that defines the merit of the computer: ‘Garbage in, Garbage out.’ It means that when you fill the mind with garbage and filth, the brain can also be shaped in garbage, and the output you can produce is nothing but garbage.” Journalism Honour Preservation His Majesty suggested that a serious dialogue be convened by the GJA to find a pathway to the preservation of the honour of the profession. “I can think of no assured professional that would wish to be contaminated with such a slurry, so it must be in the interest of each one of us that efforts are made to clear the slurry and allow the profession to retain its honour.” Story by Hajara Fuseini

Hajara Fuseini 1 days ago