The singer-songwriter was honored at an induction ceremony, marking a significant milestone in her career.

In her speech, Swift reflected on how the city of Nashville had shaped her life and career.

She noted that her self-titled album, released 20 years ago, was made possible by the fundamentals she learned while working in Nashville.

The album, which marked the beginning of her music career, has stood the test of time despite being released two decades ago.

Swift expressed gratitude for the opportunities she's had to collaborate with other songwriters and explore different genres of music.

She attributed her creative versatility to the foundation she built during her early days in Nashville.

Taylor Swift's passion for songwriting began at a young age, when she first started writing music as a kid. She knew from that moment on that even if it couldn't be her career, it would remain her lifelong passion.

Nashville held a special place in her middle school daydreams - a city where all the wisdom and lessons she sought existed in one magical location. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of an incredible journey.

As Swift discovered, fame is often a byproduct of one's love for music. For her, it's a natural equation: songwriter plus Nashville equals fame. This has led to widespread recognition, with many people familiar with the words to her songs - a phenomenon she finds both awesome and overwhelming.

The constant chaos that comes with fame can be daunting, but Swift has learned to cope by revisiting cherished memories of her time in Nashville. These recollections serve as a reminder of why she started writing music in the first place.

Recalling her early days on Music Row, Swift landed a publishing deal with Sony Publishing at just 14 years old. This marked the beginning of an intense period of songwriting, where she learned and grew rapidly - much like a sponge soaking up knowledge.

Swift's experience as a young songwriter on Music Row was nothing short of transformative, allowing her to absorb valuable lessons that would stay with her forever.

Swift's experience as a songwriter on Music Row had a profound impact on her craft, teaching her valuable lessons that would stay with her forever. She believes that true mastery of a skill comes from repetition and practice, which is exactly what she observed in the talented songwriters who work in Nashville.

These musicians are part of a unique music community that Swift has come to appreciate deeply. In fact, she's convinced that there's no other place quite like it, having thoroughly researched and explored various communities during her time on Music Row. This knowledge has given her a distinct perspective on the importance of collaboration and camaraderie among songwriters.

When working with co-writers, Swift learned how to navigate creative blocks and make tough decisions about which ideas are worth pursuing and which ones should be set aside. She also developed essential skills for accommodating her partners' needs, whether they're dealing with personal issues or simply need some extra time to focus on their contributions.

One of the most valuable lessons Swift took away from her experience is that songwriters, despite their remarkable ability to understand and interpret human emotions, are still just people with their own set of challenges and vulnerabilities. This realization has helped her develop empathy and compassion for her fellow musicians.

In Nashville, Swift found solace in two particular locations where she would often write songs. The first was the Sony Fire Hall, a place that allowed her to tap into the creative energy surrounding her by listening to other writers working through the walls. She also had a special affinity for Jody Williams Music, an independent publishing company located in a charming craftsman house.

Swift's memories of these spaces are still vivid and comforting, reminding her of the joy and fulfillment she found as a songwriter on Music Row. These experiences have left an indelible mark on her craft and continue to inspire her creative pursuits to this day.

As she reminisced about her early days as a songwriter, Taylor Swift's eyes must have wandered back to 2005, a pivotal year in her career. It was then that she would often be picked up from Hendersonville High School by her mom and dropped off at Jody Williams Music in downtown Nashville.

The memories of those visits are still vivid, with Catherine greeting her warmly at the front desk and Eric occasionally popping in to visit his girlfriend. But it's what happened upstairs in Liz Rose's office that truly sparked Taylor's creativity. Seated on a couch surrounded by the red walls of the room, she would pour out her stories to Liz, who would quickly jot down notes in her notebook.

The songs they wrote together were often about everyday experiences and emotions, but with a raw honesty that resonated deeply with listeners. When it was time to bring these demos to life, Taylor would head to the garden shed at the back of the house, where Nathan Chapman would lay down tracks on every instrument imaginable. His intuitive understanding of her music was uncanny, and he would later go on to produce many of her albums.

Taylor's first album with Liz Rose was a game-changer, marking the beginning of a long and successful partnership that spanned decades. As she looked back on its 20-year anniversary, Taylor couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the foundation laid in Nashville. It was here that she learned the fundamentals of songwriting, which would later enable her to experiment with different genres and collaborate with an array of talented artists.

The freedom to explore new sounds and styles has been a hallmark of Taylor's career, taking her from country to pop and beyond. Yet, at its core, her creative process remains rooted in the lessons she learned in Nashville. The city's rich musical heritage and vibrant songwriting community had provided her with the perfect incubator for growth and innovation.

As Taylor continued to share stories about her time in Nashville, it was clear that these experiences had left an indelible mark on her craft, a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance.

Taylor Swift's Nashville connection is undeniable, and it has been an integral part of her journey as a songwriter. This bond between Swift and Music City is deeply rooted in her experiences growing up as a young artist.

Her early days in Nashville saw her taking meetings, playing acoustic shows, until she finally secured a publishing deal at the tender age of 14. This marked the beginning of her professional music career.

The city's validation of hard work, determination, and imagination resonated deeply with Swift. She spoke fondly of how Nashville turned out to be exactly what she had dreamed of, a place where writers could immerse themselves in a community of storytellers.

Swift has often spoken about the significance of her time in Nashville, crediting it as the perfect place for her to hone and polish her craft. Her passion for songwriting was nurtured in this city, which prioritized creativity and perseverance.

Nashville's impact on Swift's life is evident in her words, where she describes the city as a place that made her feel seen and heard. She has spoken about how Nashville validated her work ethic and imagination, qualities that have become hallmarks of her music.

The connection between Swift and Nashville runs deep, with the singer often referencing the city in her speeches and interviews. This bond is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in shaping an artist's craft.

As Taylor Swift took the stage at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, she was met with thunderous applause from the crowd.

She expressed her gratitude for having had the opportunity to work alongside some incredibly talented and experienced co-writers, including Liz Rose, Troy Burgess, Hillary Lindsey, Robert Ellis Orrall, Angelo Petraglia, the Warren brothers, and Brett James.

By the time Swift began collaborating with these songwriters, she had already written over 100 songs on her own.

Swift revealed that growing up, her parents had instilled in her a strong work ethic, teaching her to be prepared, punctual, and never assume anything would come easily.

Elle: https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a74252635/taylor-swift-nashville-songwriters-hall-of-fame-speech-transcript/

The limit is set at 3.4 ounces (100 mL) per container, and all of them must fit inside a single, clear quart-sized bag for easy inspection by airport staff.

Liquids, aerosols, and gels, collectively known as LAGs, encompass a wide range of substances, from travel essentials like shampoo and sunscreen to common household items such as toothpaste and peanut butter.

These regulations were first introduced in August 2006, after British authorities foiled a terrorist plot involving liquid explosives on flights between London and the US and Canada, prompting countries worldwide to implement similar security measures at their airports.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has since become the primary authority enforcing this rule across the United States.

Travelers in the US are allowed to take 10 common full-size liquids through airport security checkpoints without any issues.

To transport oversized approved liquids, passengers must declare them to a security officer before screening and place them in a separate bin for examination.

Items that trigger the alarm during screening will be subject to further inspection by security personnel.

Airport security regulations can seem complex, but there are some key things to remember when it comes to carrying full-size liquids on board.

Medication prescribed specifically for travelers is considered an exception to the standard rules regarding oversized liquids.

When it comes to carrying liquids on a flight, there are certain items that can be exempt from the standard 3-1-1 rule. One such item is medication prescribed specifically for travelers, which is considered an exception.

However, not all medications fall under this category. Prescription wet pet food, for instance, must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule and cannot be treated as an exception, even if it's intended for a service animal.

Passengers with medical conditions may also bring certain items on board, such as inhalers, insulin, or nebulizer liquid. These items can be carried in reasonable quantities, but they must be declared to security officers before passing through screening.

It's essential that all medications and medical supplies are properly labeled to facilitate a smooth security process. Contact lens solution is also permitted in containers of up to 4 ounces.

Travelers who plan to bring perishable items on board can use gel ice packs or freezer packs, including frozen water bottles. However, these items must be frozen solid when they pass through security, and any partially melted portion will count toward the 3-1-1 limit.

Breast milk and infant formula can be carried on board flights as medically necessary liquids, making traveling with infants slightly easier for parents.

These items are allowed in clear and translucent bottles to facilitate screening by Bottle Liquid Scanners, although it's recommended but not required that they be transported in such containers.

While there is a possibility of being asked to open these bottles during the screening process, nothing will be placed inside them, ensuring their contents remain intact.

The TSA also notes that the screening process should not affect the formula, and alternative testing methods can be requested if passengers prefer their baby's food not to be X-rayed.

This accommodation applies specifically to breast milk and infant formula, which are considered medically necessary liquids.

Passengers traveling by air can bring a variety of full-sized liquid items on board as long as they meet specific requirements.

In addition to medically necessary liquids like breast milk and infant formula, passengers can also transport equipment that is protected against accidental activation or heat evolution, with battery voltage limited to 12 volts or less and wattage under 100 hours.

Eggs are another item that can be carried on board in a passenger's carry-on bag without adhering to the 3-1-1 rules for liquids.

Liquid yolks contained within eggs may require removal from the carry-on bag for proper inspection by security personnel using X-ray machines.

Certain airlines permit live lobster as part of checked baggage, but passengers should check with their carrier before traveling.

When shopping for duty-free items at airports, passengers on inbound international flights may be able to bring certain liquids home in their carry-on bags without adhering to standard liquid restrictions. However, these liquids must be properly sealed by the retailer in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) and show no signs of being tampered with.

To qualify for this exemption, purchases must have been made within 48 hours and passengers should retain their original receipt as proof. This exemption was introduced globally in 2008 to allow an exception to liquid volume rules for items bought at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Not all airports offer the STEB option, so it's essential to check with the retailer before making a purchase. For US travelers, this exemption is limited to inbound international flights, as per guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Conde Nast Traveler: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/here-are-10-full-sized-liquid-items-that-you-can-actually-carry-on-board-a-flight

The study proposes that this right-handed neutrino held an enormous amount of energy, possibly even exceeding that of all other particles in the infant universe combined. This would have accelerated cosmic expansion and delayed certain particle interactions, fundamentally altering the conditions under which matter emerged victorious over its antimatter counterpart. The implications of such a scenario are far-reaching, potentially explaining why anything exists at all.

Neutrinos, as scientists know them, are notoriously elusive particles that rarely interact with their surroundings. A single neutrino from our sun could pass through a massive slab of lead, equivalent to approximately 5.9 trillion miles in thickness, before colliding with even a single atom. This peculiarity arises from the fact that neutrinos come in three distinct flavors," which they switch between as they travel due to a subtle quantum effect.

The Standard Model of particle physics predicts that neutrinos should be massless, but evidence suggests otherwise. The discrepancy highlights the ongoing efforts to refine our understanding of these enigmatic particles and their role within the universe's grand tapestry.

The concept of right-handed neutrinos has gained attention as a potential solution to the mystery surrounding the universe's fundamental particles.

These hypothetical particles are distinct from their left-handed counterparts, which are part of the Standard Model and interact through the weak nuclear force. Right-handed neutrinos, on the other hand, do not feel this force and possess no electric charge. They are also significantly heavier than their left-handed equivalents.

Theoretical physicist Rishav Roshan notes that right-handed neutrinos may mix with left-handed neutrinos, potentially explaining why the latter have mass and change flavors. This mixing allows for a unique characteristic of quantum physics, where particles can exist as a blend of two identities at once.

In this context, the seesaw mechanism plays a crucial role. It proposes that each ordinary neutrino is accompanied by a heavy right-handed partner, which leaves behind a faint trace giving the neutrino its mass. The heavier the partner, the lighter the ordinary neutrino and the fainter the trace.

This interplay between the heavy and light neutrinos has led to the development of new models and simulations aimed at refining our understanding of these fundamental particles.

The discovery of right-handed neutrinos has sparked new ideas for understanding the universe's fundamental particles. Researchers are exploring how these particles could explain several long-standing puzzles in physics, including the origin of neutrino masses and the matter-antimatter imbalance.

Right-handed neutrinos play a crucial role in models that attempt to resolve the universe's matter-antimatter asymmetry issue. According to this theory, the Big Bang should have created equal amounts of matter and antimatter, but instead, our universe is dominated by matter. The presence of right-handed neutrinos could provide an explanation for how this imbalance arose.

In one model, decaying heavy neutrinos left behind a surplus of leptons, which later became today's excess of matter. This process would have occurred in the early universe when the particles were still interacting with each other. Researchers are examining the role of these heavy neutrinos and their interactions with matter.

The seesaw framework is often used to describe the behavior of right-handed neutrinos, but it typically includes three such particles. However, researchers have found that two right-handed neutrinos may be enough to explain observed phenomena, making the third particle redundant in many cases.

As the universe expanded and cooled, the energy of this hypothetical particle would have undergone a significant transformation. Initially moving at nearly the speed of light, its energy would have dissipated over vast distances, spreading out and weakening as it went.

However, as space continued to expand and cool, the particle's velocity would have slowed significantly, allowing most of its energy to be locked into its mass rather than being dispersed. This shift in energy distribution would have enabled the particle's influence to grow, ultimately dominating the universe until it eventually decayed into other particles.

The study suggests that this neglected right-handed neutrino plays a crucial role in shaping the early universe's expansion dynamics, driving a period of matter domination and impacting various Standard Model interactions. These interactions could potentially explain the observed imbalance between matter and antimatter in the universe.

As space expanded faster due to the heavy neutrino's influence, these interactions would have been delayed until the particle had cooled sufficiently. This delay allowed for distinct lepton flavors to emerge, affecting how the excess of matter formed in the early universe.

The heavy neutrino is an elusive particle that has proven difficult to study due to its massive size, making it impossible to create in a laboratory setting.

Scientists are exploring alternative methods to detect this enigmatic particle, and one promising approach involves analyzing the background of early-universe gravitational waves for signs of its presence. These ripples in space-time could hold the key to understanding the heavy neutrino's role in shaping the universe as we know it today.

Researchers have proposed that an era dominated by the heavy neutrino would leave a distinct imprint on the gravitational wave spectrum, similar to the signature left behind by cosmic strings - hypothetical thread-like defects in space. By studying these patterns, scientists may be able to infer the presence of the heavy neutrino and its impact on the universe's evolution.

Future facilities such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) are poised to provide valuable insights into this phenomenon. LISA, a space-based mission scheduled for launch in 2035, will use gravitational waves to probe the early universe, while SKAO's giant radio telescope project will allow scientists to study distant pulsars and potentially detect the faint hum of the hot primordial plasma.

The data collected by these facilities could provide conclusive evidence of the heavy neutrino's existence, allowing researchers to better understand its role in shaping the universe.

The discovery of a heavy neutrino could potentially explain why matter dominates the universe over antimatter. Researchers believe that this particle was created during the early stages of the Big Bang and has been present ever since. The existence of such a particle would also help to clarify why we see more matter than antimatter in today's universe.

The data collected by these facilities could provide conclusive evidence of the heavy neutrino's existence, allowing researchers to better understand its role in shaping the universe. This knowledge could potentially shed light on some of the biggest mysteries in physics and cosmology. The findings would be a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe.

Live Science: https://www.livescience.com/physics-mathematics/particle-physics/a-neglected-particle-from-the-dawn-of-time-could-explain-why-everything-in-the-universe-exists

Peralta, a former member of the Brewers' pitching staff, is set to face his old team for what could be his final start with Tampa Bay as a pending free agent. He has been a key contributor to the Rays' rotation this season and will look to help them even up the series.

The game is scheduled to start at 8 PM ET on Fox, and there are no weather concerns that might impact play. The Rays are listed as -120 favorites at DraftKings, but despite their popularity with bettors, they're actually taking a relatively small percentage of wagers.

According to betting trends, there's a strong lean towards the Over on the total of 7 runs, which could indicate that fans and bettors alike expect a high-scoring game. The Brewers are still favored to win the series in five games, with odds of +210.

The Brewers' task in Game 3 will be to contain their former teammates from the Rays, who have been grinding out victories throughout this postseason. To do so, they'll need to play a clean game, free of errors that can give opponents momentum.

Milwaukee's experience with comebacks is well-documented, having overcome four-run deficits on two separate occasions in these playoffs. This feat has only been achieved by five teams in MLB history, with the Brewers joining an exclusive group alongside the Phillies from 2022. Their ability to rally from adversity is a testament to their strong team management.

The Brewers' winning streak of seven games in the postseason is a new team record, with no other club having achieved such a feat since Texas notched eight consecutive victories in 2023. Moreover, Milwaukee has dominated opponents in the late innings, outscoring them by an impressive 15-2 margin from the seventh inning onwards.

Their ability to close out games has been a key factor in their success, and it will be crucial as they look to wrap up the series against the Rays. A sweep would make history for the Brewers, who aim to become the first club since the LCS became a best-of-seven format in 1985 to achieve this feat.

The stakes are high for both teams, with neither wanting to suffer a sweep in the World Series. The last time it happened was in 2012, when the Tigers defeated the Giants.

The Milwaukee Brewers' playoff wins have been largely thanks to their relief pitchers, who have earned victories in eight of nine postseason games this year.

Robert Gasser will take the mound for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking his first full season as a major league starter after debuting three years ago. In those 20 starts, he compiled a respectable record and ERA despite facing tough opponents.

Gasser's performance in the playoffs has been limited to just two appearances so far, but he has yet to receive a decision in either outing. His numbers are impressive, however, with only six hits allowed over nine innings pitched.

The SportsLine Projection Model is calling for Gasser to pitch around 5.4 innings, striking out approximately 4.8 batters while allowing 4.4 hits and 1.9 earned runs against the Rays.

The Brewers' Freddy Peralta is set to face his former team, the Rays, in Game 3 of the World Series after being traded away from Milwaukee.

Peralta's performance since joining Tampa Bay has been impressive, with him not allowing more than one earned run in any outing since August 26. In the playoffs, he boasts a stellar record of 2-0, along with a hold and a minuscule ERA of 1.08 over four appearances spanning 16.2 innings.

In his most recent outing against the Brewers while still with the Mets on July 20, Peralta was rocked for seven runs over five and a third innings. His former teammates Andrew Vaughn and Cooper Pratt both hit home runs off him that day.

The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts Peralta to pitch around 5.1 innings in Game 3, striking out approximately 5.2 batters while allowing 4.8 hits against the Rays.

Peralta has a strong track record at Tropicana Field, boasting a 1.45 ERA over seven starts since joining Tampa Bay, with 37 and a third innings pitched.

Tropicana Field has hosted a World Series game only once since 2008, and it's clear that home-field advantage plays a significant role there.

The model predicts a close contest between the two teams, favoring the Brewers with a score of 4.3-3.7, but some experts have opted for Tampa Bay +1 as insurance, recognizing the potential for a competitive game.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/brewers-vs-rays-world-series-game-3-picks-freddy-peralta-aims-to-handle-former-club-make-this-a-series/

The band's impact on the music scene cannot be overstated, having influenced many notable acts such as Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. Ministry was one of the first groups to combine electro-collages of avant-garde mechanical sounds with rock 'n' roll and metal, laying the groundwork for the industrial rock genre.

Founder Al Jourgensen, the band's mastermind and only consistent member, has confirmed that this is indeed the end of the road for Ministry. According to Jourgensen, the group will release its 17th album, "Hate To Go - Take Out Or Delivery", on October 30, followed by a tour.

Jourgensen emphasized that he means business when he says it's time to go, tired of bands claiming they're disbanding only to return soon after. He questioned the motivation behind such claims, asking how much money and adoration one needs before calling it quits.

The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, and Ministry's founder Al Jourgensen believes these shifts have rendered his band obsolete within its current framework.

As a pioneering industrial band, Ministry has always used its platform to speak out against authoritarianism and fascism. However, despite releasing songs with strong anti-establishment sentiments for over 45 years, Jourgensen feels that their message is no longer being heard by the younger generation.

The band's latest album, "Hate to Go," features tracks like "Voices of Hate" and "Delete, which tackle the erosion of attention and the spread of negativity through social media. These themes are not new to Ministry's discography but are more relevant than ever in today's digital landscape.

Jourgensen acknowledges that speaking truth to power comes with its own set of challenges, including the risk of being silenced or dismissed over time. He notes wryly that even the canaries in coal mines eventually succumb to their environment.

The decision to disband has been a deliberate one, and Jourgensen seems content with the band's legacy. With Hate to Go serving as a final statement, Ministry is going out on its own terms, rather than being forced into retirement by external circumstances.

As Ministry prepares for its impending demise, Al Jourgensen has been reflecting on the band's sonic evolution over the years. The album, which serves as a fitting conclusion to their multidecade run, needed to strike a balance between summarizing their work and avoiding easy parody.

The result is an album that incorporates various elements, including hardcore and ambient sounds, alongside social commentary and snapshots of contemporary society. According to Jourgensen, this blend creates a perfect Ministry album, one that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, much like many of the band's previous releases.

Ministry has long been known for pushing boundaries, and their latest album is no exception. The band has incorporated artificial intelligence into some of its songs and music videos, including a notable example on the track Grifter, where AI is used to simulate President Donald Trump's voice in a provocative manner.

This use of AI technology is a nod to Ministry's history of experimentation, dating back to their early days of tape cutups, inspired by artists like William Burroughs and Brion Gysin.

The use of AI technology in Ministry's music has left Al Jourgensen feeling uneasy.

This sentiment is echoed in songs like Singularity," which references the concept that artificial intelligence may one day surpass human cognitive abilities and improve itself recursively.

According to Jourgensen, this idea is no longer the stuff of science fiction. The notion of AI being uncontrollable and unmanageable is becoming increasingly plausible.

Ministry's final show will take place on October 30, 2027, in Los Angeles, with a special concert featuring numerous guest appearances.

The impending end of Ministry's career has left Al Jourgensen unbothered by thoughts of legacy.

The founder of the industrial band has expressed his disinterest in being remembered by fans, stating that he doesn't want them to recall Ministry's contributions.

Ministry's final show will take place on October 30, 2027, in Los Angeles, with a special concert featuring numerous guest appearances.

ABC News Entertainment: https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/pioneering-industrial-band-ministry-founder-al-jourgensen-time-137567510

The partnership involves Metamorphix, which offers a connected set of tools that turn every student signal into timely and measurable data to track and manage supports. This collaboration was facilitated by the university's Technology Commercialization Services (TCS), which has licensed the ESSY Whole Child Screener to Metamorphix.

The company will incorporate the screening program into its Cascades platform, a multi-tiered system of support that focuses on the whole child. By integrating this tool, schools can better identify students who need extra support and provide them with timely interventions to help them thrive.

This initiative is led by Sandra Chafouleas, a renowned expert in school psychology and one of the developers of the ESSY Whole Child Screener.

The development of the ESSY Whole Child Screener involved a team effort led by Sandra Chafouleas, who is also one of its developers. The screener was created through funding from the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. Joining Chafouleas on this project were Amy Briesch, M.A. '05, Ph.D. '09, a professor at Northeastern University, and two other faculty members from the same institution: Jackie Caemmerer and Jessica Koslouski.

The goal of Project ESSY was to design a comprehensive tool that would enable schools to identify students' strengths as well as challenges. This approach is based on the idea that traditional assessment methods often overlook underlying issues affecting students' behavior or performance.

When dealing with troubled students, educators might typically focus on behavioral interventions such as creating incentive systems. However, this may not address the root causes of their problems. For instance, a student experiencing morning hunger due to food insecurity would benefit more from access to school meals than from an incentive plan.

To ensure that the ESSY Screener was feasible and effective in real-world settings, its developers sought feedback from various stakeholders including school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and advisory boards. They gathered multiple rounds of input before conducting a large pilot test to validate the screener's performance.

The results of this pilot test were published in the journal School Mental Health, providing valuable insights into how schools used the ESSY Screener to inform their decision-making processes.

School leaders who used the ESSY Screener reported that it gave them a more comprehensive understanding of their students' needs.

This tool was seen as particularly valuable because it aligned with their existing philosophies on child development, which emphasize the importance of considering multiple factors when assessing a student's well-being.

The developers of the ESSY Screener subsequently sought out an educational technology company to partner with in order to make the screener more widely available.

They chose Metamorphix, whose platform called Cascades was already being used by many schools to review data and connect students with suitable interventions.

Metamorphix was looking for a new screening tool that would complement its existing whole-child focus.

The partnership between the University of Connecticut and Metamorphix is moving forward quickly, thanks to the collaboration between the two entities.

This partnership was crucial in putting together a complete system, says Chafouleas. The university had been missing a way to get its screener to schools efficiently and in a usable format, which the Metamorphix Cascades platform could provide by incorporating the screener.

The combination of forces between the university and Metamorphix enables them to help schools assess students' needs to develop appropriate interventions through multi-tiered systems of support. The user-friendly Cascades platform can incorporate feedback on how to present data, making it a valuable tool for educators.

Naren Balasubramaniam, co-founder and CEO of Metamorphix, is also enthusiastic about the agreement. We are proud to partner with the University of Connecticut to advance our mission, he says. The goal is to pair ESSY's whole child screener with Cascades to give educators a more complete picture of each student's needs and context.

The ESSY Whole Child Screener is a tool designed to assess students' social-emotional learning and mental health needs. This assessment is part of an ongoing effort to pair it with the Cascades system, which tracks student data over time. By combining these tools, educators hope to get a more comprehensive understanding of each student's strengths and challenges.

The goal is to provide a holistic view of students' needs, allowing educators to tailor their support to individual circumstances.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-tool-schools-students-holistically.html

According to our latest model estimate, Democrats are currently on track to secure 229 seats, reflecting the current congressional preferences of voters. This lead has been relatively stable over recent weeks, but it's not necessarily growing either.

Voters who remain undecided or uncertain tend to lean towards Republican candidates, which could potentially shift the balance in their favor.

Despite being motivated by opposition to either President Trump or Republican candidates, Democratic voters remain focused on addressing the nation's economic concerns.

A significant portion of undecided and uncertain voters appear to lean towards supporting Republican candidates, which could potentially shift the balance in their favor. This trend is particularly evident among individuals who are unsure about their voting intentions.

The majority of voters do not expect gas prices to decrease regardless of the outcome of the election, reflecting a widespread sense of economic pessimism.

The majority of voters backing Democrats are motivated more by a desire to stop President Trump and his party's policies than by a desire to advance Democratic policies.

In fact, nearly four in 10 voters supporting Democrats do not believe that their party has a clear plan for governing if they were to win the election. Instead, these voters see opposition to President Trump as the main reason for their support of the Democratic candidate.

Meanwhile, among Republican voters, nearly four in 10 say that their vote is not about the president himself. These voters tend to have a more lukewarm approval of Mr. Trump's policies and leadership style.

The economic concerns of voters continue to boost Democratic prospects in key battleground states. A significant number of Americans view the economy unfavorably, a sentiment that has persisted over several years. This negative perception is driven by widespread worries about inflation and its impact on living standards.

In contrast, many Republicans believe that President Trump prioritizes his own financial interests and those of his family above the economic well-being of the general public. This perception may be influenced by his numerous appearances on the campaign trail, which some see as an attempt to rally support for Republican candidates among loyal followers.

MAGA Republicans in particular are more likely to feel a surge in enthusiasm for Trump's candidacy when they see him campaigning on behalf of party nominees, with many reporting that these events increase their likelihood of voting for Republicans.

Most voters have faith in their local election administrators to conduct the process fairly, including verifying voter eligibility and accurately counting ballots. This confidence extends to the belief that their own votes will be recorded correctly in the upcoming election. However, there is a notable disparity between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to trust in the electoral system.

A significant number of Republican voters believe that non-citizens are casting illegal ballots in federal elections, a perception not shared by most Democrats. This concern may stem from various factors, including misinformation or misconceptions about voting procedures. It's worth noting that this poll was conducted among adults between October 21-23, 2026.

The analysis of election outcomes is based on a statistical model developed jointly with YouGov, which incorporates data from this poll, past vote patterns, and other district-level characteristics, demographics, and historical trends. This model provides an estimate of the number of Republican and Democratic seats in various districts.

The model used to estimate seat distribution in various districts incorporates a margin of error due to statistical limitations.

This error is accounted for by simulating multiple elections and calibrating the results based on historical polling accuracy, resulting in 95% confidence intervals being reported.

These estimates are subject to change as new data becomes available closer to election day, reflecting shifting voter sentiment.

CBS News Politics: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-house-estimate-midterm-elections-2026/

Despite being considered the best team in the American League, the Rays have been outplayed by the resilient Brewers, losing both games by a single run. Their performance has left many wondering if they will even make it past this round of the tournament.

In their latest loss on October 24, the gap between the Brewers and the Rays grew wider as the latter continued to commit mistakes that ultimately cost them the game. One such error occurred when first baseman Jonathan Aranda failed to catch a ball rolling through his legs, resulting in a run scoring for Milwaukee.

The Rays' woes were compounded by a botched pop fly by Chandler Simpson in the sixth inning, which led to a charitable single and set off a chain of events that ultimately gave the Brewers the go-ahead run. Meanwhile, an aggressive decision to send Liam Hicks home on a single resulted in his catcher being thrown out at home, cutting down what would have been a crucial insurance run.

The Brewers' win has left them just two victories away from claiming the championship, while the Rays are facing an uncertain future as they struggle to find their footing in this series.

The Rays' struggles continued as they found themselves facing an uphill battle in the series after losing two crucial games at American Family Field. Despite taking an early four-run lead, their momentum was short-lived as the Brewers managed to claw back and take control of the game.

In the first inning alone, the Brewers scored two runs on singles from William Contreras and Garrett Mitchell, effectively halving the Rays' advantage. This set the tone for the rest of the game, with the Brewers slowly chipping away at the Rays' lead until it was eventually erased by the sixth inning.

Rays ace Drew Rasmussen was left to deal with a heavy workload, as he threw 48 pitches in just two innings and 66 by the end of the third. This put immense pressure on his pitching situation, which would only become more dire as the game wore on.

As the Rays' lead disappeared, their mistakes began to compound and ultimately proved costly. One such error was a throwing mistake by Cooper Pratt, allowing the leadoff batter to reach base. Logan Henderson's three run-scoring hits, including a two-run homer by Hicks, also did significant damage early in the game.

The Brewers' relentless pressure eventually took its toll on Rasmussen and the Rays' pitching staff, forcing them to make perfect plays with their arms. However, it was not enough to overcome the mounting mistakes that ultimately sealed the team's fate, leaving them facing an uncertain future in this series.

The Rays' lead was trimmed to 4-3 in the bottom of the fourth inning when David Hamilton scored on a play that could have been cut down by Aranda from third base.

Sal Frelick's run batted in for one of the Brewers' runs, and they were granted an extra out due to the earlier error.

After a two-out walk to Jake Bauers, Rasmussen was pulled from the game after just 3⅔ innings. Cam Booser then came on to pitch a scoreless fifth inning.

Manager Cash had decisions to make about how to proceed with his pitching staff. He could have gone with right-hander Griffin Jax or brought in right-hander Tyler Wells earlier than expected.

Instead, he chose lefty Ian Seymour, who has struggled recently and walked two batters before allowing Frelick's liner to clear the wall and tie the game.

The Rays' struggles continued as they failed to capitalize on a 4-0 lead in the series. The momentum shift was evident when Wells had to be summoned to finish the inning after Simpson's error allowed the ball to pop out of his glove.

Wells, a pitcher accustomed to throwing just one inning, seemed to lose his rhythm, yielding a leadoff double to Brice Turang in the seventh. The damage could have been more severe if not for Garrett Mitchell's long drive to right field, which only advanced Turang to third base on the flyout.

In a crucial decision, Cash opted for righty Kevin Kelly over Wells to face Pratt. Kelly proved to be a less intimidating option, and Pratt predictably put the ball in play with a single past a drawn-in infield.

The Rays' inability to close out games has been their downfall throughout the series. With their lead evaporating, they must now win two of their next three games to extend their season beyond Tampa Bay.

Yahoo Sports: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rays-own-worst-enemy-brewers-040423621.html

A team led by Gerald Gabrielse at Northwestern University in Illinois has developed a method to trap a single positron in a "quantum cyclotron, which could potentially test this assumption. This device would allow researchers to study the behavior of individual particles with unprecedented precision.

The prediction is based on CPT symmetry, a principle that suggests that if we swap every particle for its antiparticle and flip the universe into its mirror image, while also running time backward, the laws of physics would remain unchanged.

The positron's magnetic moment is another crucial aspect of the Standard Model that requires precise measurement. Researchers have made significant strides in determining this value for electrons, but the same accuracy has not been achieved for positrons due to the challenges associated with isolating and cooling them.

To overcome these obstacles, scientists have employed creative methods to capture and slow down positrons. One approach involves using a radioactive sodium source that releases positrons at high speeds, which are then decelerated before being confined within a trap.

In their research, Gabrielse's team adopted this method by pairing a single positron with an electron to form positronium, an electrically neutral atom. This process allows the positron to be isolated and then torn apart from its electron partner inside the trap, leaving it free to be measured.

The positrons were then stored in a Penning trap, which utilizes both magnetic and electric fields to contain the particle in a circular motion, much like miniature cyclotrons used in particle accelerators. This setup enabled researchers to examine the positron's behavior under precise conditions.

By cooling the trap to just above absolute zero, scientists were able to minimize thermal fluctuations and allow the positron to settle into its lowest-energy state, making it possible to measure its magnetic moment with greater accuracy.

The positron's energy was now divided into distinct steps, allowing researchers to manipulate its state with precision. By using microwaves and carefully controlled spin flips, scientists could nudge the positron up or down a single step at a time.

This precise control enabled researchers to monitor the positron's motion within the trap by detecting tiny shifts in its back-and-forth movement. This allowed them to simultaneously track the positron's spin without disturbing either its motion or magnetic properties.

The positron can be stored for several months once it is captured, paving the way for future experiments that could measure its magnetic moment with unprecedented accuracy. These measurements have the potential to rival existing electron measurements by a factor of 30 or more.

This demonstration of a one-positron quantum cyclotron" also paves the way for stringent tests of CPT symmetry and a powerful new tool for probing the predictions of the Standard Model.

This innovative design of a one-positron quantum cyclotron enables researchers to study particles with unprecedented precision, allowing for more accurate testing of fundamental theories in physics.

The demonstration of this device also opens up new possibilities for probing the predictions of the Standard Model, which could potentially reveal subtle deviations from expected behavior. This breakthrough has significant implications for our understanding of the universe and may lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of particle physics.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-positron-cyclotron-key-standard.html

The stage was set for a nostalgic revival with "Showgirl, a single that marked a departure from Swift's recent pop-oriented sound. However, this move has been met with disappointment by many who were expecting a more authentic country comeback.

The release of I Knew It, I Knew You in June had sparked hopes of a full-fledged return to Swift's country beginnings, especially after it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs simultaneously.

This cowgirl-inspired single seemed to suggest that Swift was gearing up for a fresh start in the country music scene, one that would be warmly welcomed by longtime listeners and Nashville insiders alike.

The deluxe edition of Taylor Swift's 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, has been met with commercial success since its release in late September. This expanded version features four new songs that Swift penned during a creative surge last year, shortly after the original album's debut.

One of these new tracks, Patient Zero, has claimed the top spot on the Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks, making it one of only a few albums to have yielded three number-one hits. The album itself has also returned to the number-one position, generating hundreds of thousands of additional sales and boosting its already impressive total.

Despite this commercial success, revisiting Showgirl instead of her debut album may not be the most strategically sound decision for Swift.

The momentum surrounding Taylor Swift's latest endeavors has come to an abrupt halt.

After two decades of dominating the music scene with her solo-written anthems and high-pressure reinventions, the 2025 arrival of Showgirl failed to impress critics and fans alike.

Critics have pointed out that Swift is too well-known and successful to be able to disappear into her work without being scrutinized. Her public persona has become so large and unwieldy that it overshadows her music, making it difficult for listeners to separate the artist from the celebrity.

The deluxe album released this year received a dismal 39 out of 100 on Metacritic, a significant drop from the original's score.

Swift's decision to revisit her past work has been met with skepticism by some industry insiders, who assumed she would have moved on from the Showgirl era quickly.

The original album Taylor Swift is still widely regarded as a seminal country music release, featuring storytelling that was ahead of its time and helped pave the way for future generations of country artists. The album's success played a significant role in establishing Swift as a household name.

Swift had already completed re-recording her debut album by the time she purchased the rights to her master recordings last year, making the Taylor's Version project redundant.

The narrative surrounding Taylor Swift's return to her country roots has been complicated by the release of her latest album, The Encore. This project seems out of sync with the success of her previous album, Patient Zero, which is still performing well on the charts.

Releasing another album that could divert attention and streams away from Patient Zero doesn't make economic sense. It's unclear why Swift decided not to re-release her debut album instead of revisiting this new material.

The question remains whether Swift's decision was driven by a desire for creative expression or a strategic move to manage her brand. Her talent for managing her public image has been well-documented, and it's possible that this skill has overshadowed her primary motivation as an artist.

Swift's lyrics on The Encore offer some insight into her thought process. The song Babylon, the final track on the deluxe edition, contains warnings about using nostalgia to hurt oneself and missing out on the best parts of the present day.

The narrative of Taylor Swift's recent album seems to subtly address potential criticisms by urging listeners not to romanticize her past work, particularly the Showgirl era. This meta-message appears as a warning against nostalgia, which is precisely what she chooses not to capitalize on in her own music.

By releasing new songs instead of revisiting her debut album, Swift may be sidestepping criticism that she has failed to live up to her earlier standards, as some fans and critics have accused her of doing. The final track Babylon serves as a kind of preemptive epilogue to the Showgirl" era, hinting at a revaluation of this period in her career that may or may not come to pass.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-debut-album-anniversary-showgirl-deluxe-2026-10

One of the common concerns surrounding prolonged breaks in the postseason is the issue of "rust or lack of practice for teams that sit idle for multiple days. However, the Brewers' performance suggests they have managed to stay sharp despite their recent downtime. They had been off for seven full days before taking to the field again.

The Brewers' first-inning surge was a significant factor in their win. Jackson Chourio led off with a single, followed by Christian Yelich's triple that brought home the first run of the game. William Contreras then drove in another run on a single. This early momentum made it difficult for the Rays to recover.

Nick Martinez, the pitcher for the Rays, struggled in the second half of his outing but had shown promise earlier this season as an All-Star. He was coming off a strong performance against the Guardians in the ALCS, allowing just one run in over five innings. Despite this, the Brewers' early offense proved too much to overcome.

The Brewers' ability to bounce back from their prolonged break will be closely monitored throughout the series. Their success so far suggests that they have adapted well to the layoff and are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.

The Brewers' catcher Willson Contreras showed no signs of rust in Game 1 of the World Series, throwing out two runners trying to steal and successfully challenging two ABS calls.

Contreras's performance was a testament to his skills as a catcher, particularly in judging balls and strikes. His ability to call the game effectively is a crucial aspect of his role behind the plate.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised Contreras's performance after the game, stating that he was unbelievable" in terms of his overall contribution to the team's success.

The Brewers' recent layoff has been relatively short compared to other teams with similar breaks. Despite not playing for 26 days, they have still managed to maintain a high level of performance, winning eight out of nine games.

The team's use of advanced technology during their break has likely played a significant role in their ability to stay sharp. The Trajekt machines, which utilize holograms of real pitchers and recreate their pitches with precision, have allowed players to quickly get back up to game speed without the need for minor-league rehab assignments.

The Brewers' preparation for the World Series has been centered around playing actual games, rather than relying on simulated practices.

In a statement before their team's workout on Thursday, Murphy emphasized the importance of real-game experience in maintaining the players' skills and physicality.

The approach is a deliberate attempt to counter common narratives surrounding teams that have long layoffs between regular-season play and the postseason. Critics often point to the perceived disadvantage faced by top-seeded teams, who are forced to sit idle while lower-seeded teams compete in meaningful games.

However, numbers from recent seasons suggest that this perceived disadvantage may be overstated. The 2022 and 2023 Braves, for instance, were frequently cited as an example of how the current playoff format can lead to rustiness among top seeds.

The Astros' dominance in 2022 is a notable exception to the argument that top seeds suffer from rustiness in the playoffs. After receiving a bye and sweeping their first two opponents, they enjoyed another extended break before facing the Phillies in the World Series. Their impressive performance, which included a six-game sweep of the Phillies, showcased their ability to remain sharp despite the layoff.

In recent playoff history, teams with at least five days' rest before Game 1 have experienced mixed results. While it's true that these teams have lost 10 times in Games 1, this record would translate to an impressive 162-game pace of 95 wins, and it's worth noting that these games are all against other playoff contenders.

The Brewers' own performance in the playoffs has been a testament to their ability to stay sharp despite extended breaks. After earning their bye with a league-leading 103 wins, they enjoyed extra time off before facing the Padres in the NLCS. A swift four-game sweep of the Dodgers followed, giving them more than a week's rest before the World Series.

The Brewers' defense has been a key factor in their success, with only one misplay recorded against them so far. In the fourth inning, a hard line drive was hit directly at center fielder Garrett Mitchell, but it was ultimately ruled a double rather than an error by the scorekeeper.

A notable aspect of the Brewers' performance is their ability to bounce back from adversity. Despite facing tough opponents throughout the playoffs, they have consistently shown resilience and determination.

Their impressive record and defensive play have earned them a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the postseason. As they prepare for the World Series, it's clear that they are not suffering from rustiness, but rather, are peaking at just the right time.

Jacob Misiorowski's velocity has increased since his last outing on October 11, surpassing his season average. This uptick in speed comes after he had thrown more than 40 innings, a new career high for him.

The Brewers' bullpen is designed to shorten games, and they have the depth to do so effectively. However, their preference is to rely on their trio of three-inning specialists: Abner Uribe, Aaron Ashby, and Trevor Megill. These three pitchers are well-rested after a few days off, allowing them to be available for extended periods.

With all that rest, the trio has been able to make an impact in nearly every game they've appeared in. In Game 1, they combined for four innings of work to close out the contest. It's likely they'll follow a similar pattern in Game 2, with each pitcher contributing a few frames.

Manager Murphy has acknowledged that his team benefited from the break, citing its emotional toll after their series against LA. He noted that while they've had some lighter days and simulation sessions, nothing replicates the game itself like actual competition.

Murphy's comments suggest that the Brewers are using this time to recharge before facing the next challenge in the World Series. The team is peaking at just the right moment, ready to take on whatever comes their way.

The Brewers' recent success has allowed them to accumulate a substantial amount of rest, which is now paying dividends as they approach the World Series. Their impressive winning streak has earned them a well-deserved break from competition, and it's clear that this downtime has done nothing but boost their morale.

In order for the Rays to claim the championship, they'll need to overcome a Brewers team that has been virtually unbeatable since September 13th. The Brewers' remarkable record of 18-3 over the past month is a testament to their skill and resilience, and it's unlikely that they've forgotten how to win - let alone play baseball altogether.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2026-world-series-brewers-rested-rays/

The breakthrough has the potential to transform the field of autoluminescence imaging, which allows organisms to produce their own light without the need for external chemicals or specialized equipment. The innovative approach, led by researchers working under Karen Sarkisyan's guidance, could pave the way for similar applications in animal and human disease models.

A major challenge in using glowing biological reporters has been distinguishing between changes in gene activity and shifts in an organism's physiological state. Light output can be influenced by various factors, including metabolism, temperature, oxygen levels, and more. This makes it difficult to determine whether observed changes in brightness accurately reflect biological activity or are simply a result of environmental fluctuations.

The new method developed by the researchers aims to address this issue by providing a more accurate way to track gene activity over time. By doing so, scientists can gain valuable insights into how plants respond to disease, pests, and environmental stress. This knowledge could have significant implications for fields such as agriculture, medicine, and conservation biology.

The study's findings were published in Nature Plants today, marking an important milestone in the development of autoluminescence imaging technology. The research team collaborated with international partners from Light Bio and other institutions to bring this innovative approach to life.

The researchers tackled this challenge by creating a new version of fungal luciferase that emits light in the red spectrum, which they paired with a green luminescent reporter. This dual-color approach allowed them to measure the ratio between the two colors instead of relying solely on overall brightness.

This innovative system transformed autoluminescence from a qualitative indicator into a more precise quantitative tool, providing a clearer picture of what is happening inside living organisms. By using this method, researchers can now monitor key defense and immune signaling pathways in real-time.

The team successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique by tracking hormone-driven responses over extended periods in plants. They were also able to detect localized immune activity around sites of infection, even when overall brightness was affected by variations in metabolism.

The dual-color reporters showed remarkable adaptability, working seamlessly across both fungal and bacterial bioluminescence pathways. This versatility suggests that the system can be adapted for a wide range of biological applications, offering new possibilities for research and discovery.

This breakthrough technology has transformed autoluminescence into a precise tool for monitoring molecular processes in real-time. Researchers can now capture detailed information about biological activities simply by taking photographs of plants in the dark, eliminating the need for expensive equipment or invasive treatments.

The ability to continuously monitor plant health and nutrient levels could lead to the development of "sentinel" plants that provide quantitative data on environmental conditions and disease through changes in their light emission. This technology also has the potential to revolutionize the study of plant-pathogen interactions by allowing researchers to observe crop health under more realistic field conditions.

The team behind this innovation believes its underlying principles can be applied beyond plant biology, with far-reaching implications for various fields of research. They are now exploring ways to adapt similar approaches for use in animal tissues and disease models, which could enable the monitoring of hormone activity, gene regulation, and disease-related processes over extended periods using simple imaging methods.

This versatility suggests that the system can be adapted for a wide range of biological applications, offering new possibilities for research and discovery. The researchers' goal is to develop non-invasive methods for studying complex biological systems, allowing scientists to gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms driving these processes.

The significance of this breakthrough has not gone unnoticed by the scientific community, with senior editor Guillaume Tena highlighting its potential in an accompanying Research Briefing. He noted that the new red-shifted luciferase provides a crucial internal control, enabling researchers to distinguish genuine biological signals from metabolic fluctuations and unlocking the full potential of fungal bioluminescence for quantitative applications.

The new red-shifted luciferase has been engineered to emit a distinct color when activated by oxygen, allowing researchers to monitor metabolic activity in real-time. This bioluminescent marker is particularly useful for tracking immune responses in plants, as it can be introduced into specific cells or tissues without disrupting their function.

This innovation enables scientists to visualize the complex interactions between plants and pathogens with unprecedented clarity, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of plant immunity. By harnessing this technology, researchers aim to develop more targeted and effective strategies for protecting crops from disease, ultimately improving food security worldwide.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-reveal-immune-responses-infection-sites.html

The 16-track project was inspired by an appearance Legend made on Clipse's The Birds Don't Sing, and it grew out of a collaboration with long-time friend Pharrell Williams. The majority of the album was recorded at Williams' studio inside Louis Vuitton's Paris headquarters, reflecting the creative chemistry between the two musicians.

Legend has adopted a more conversational delivery in some songs on Muse at Williams' urging, often letting his baritone do more talking than singing. This approach is a departure from his previous work, including piano-driven ballads like All of Me" and "Ordinary People.

The new album marks Legend's first full-length project with Pharrell Williams after over 20 years of friendship, and it showcases the collaborative spirit between the two artists as they explore new sounds and creative directions.

As Legend continues to push himself creatively, he's found that his success has given him a sense of empowerment and confidence in his abilities. This newfound trust in himself has allowed him to operate from a place of willingness to try new things, rather than being held back by fear.

Legend's decision to work with Pharrell on an entire album was one such experiment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their long-standing collaboration. The experience not only brought fresh sounds and ideas but also pushed Legend out of his comfort zone. He credits this push for inspiring creativity and driving him to explore new avenues.

With success comes freedom, and Legend feels that it has given him the ability to form relationships with record labels and business partners where they trust his judgment. This allows him to have more control over his projects and make decisions without being micromanaged. As a result, he's been able to operate from a place of confidence.

Pharrell's input on specific songs also had an impact on Legend's approach to songwriting. He encouraged Legend to adopt a talk-sing style, where the lines between speaking and singing become blurred, creating a conversational tone that adds depth and intimacy to the music.

The approach Legend has taken on Muse reflects the innovative ideas brought by new collaborators. In certain parts of the song, the delivery of the verses is more akin to oratory, as if speaking rather than singing a traditional melody.

This technique was suggested by his team and it's a testament to the value of working with fresh perspectives. It's precisely this kind of creative input that can breathe new life into an artist's sound and style.

As a seasoned musician, Legend has had opportunities to work with prominent figures in the industry. Early on, he was signed to GOOD Music, where Kanye West played a significant role as executive producer for his albums. However, Legend is now more of a free agent, able to pursue projects without commercial or label pressures.

Legend's current arrangement with Republic Records allows him a high degree of artistic freedom. He can explore new ideas and collaborate with whomever he chooses, without being tied down by traditional industry expectations. This creative liberty has enabled him to follow his muse, unencumbered by external constraints.

The recognition Legend receives from peers is also noteworthy. Many hip-hop fans acknowledge that when prominent MCs invite him onto their tracks, it's because they believe he can bring something special to the music. Even Jay-Z has publicly praised Legend, describing him as our voice".

The creative team behind 'Muse' faced a unique challenge in bringing this story to life as Black creatives. They aimed to center the Black woman Delilah at the heart of their storytelling, giving her a prominence she had never been afforded before.

This endeavor was made even more complex by the decision to transform the narrative into a musical, which presented an entirely new creative path for the team. By doing so, they were able to delve deeper into the cultural and historical context of the Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Age, making it a fascinating era to explore through music.

Legend's drive to continually push himself creatively is evident in his reluctance to rest on past accomplishments, instead striving to meet high standards with every new project he undertakes.

ABC News Entertainment: https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/john-legend-pharrells-musical-push-jay-zs-praise-137475145

To address this issue, a New York-based fintech startup called Coast has developed a system that pairs company payment cards with software designed to control spending and track purchases made on the job. Founded in 2020 by Daniel Simon, a former Wall Street engineer who serves as the company's CEO, Coast aims to increase transparency and streamline administrative tasks for businesses.

The company recently secured $35 million in growth equity funding, which closed in October. With this investment, Coast plans to expand its platform to provide more comprehensive tools for managing employee spending, facilitating payments to vendors, and automating accounting tasks.

According to Simon, certain industries require specialized controls to manage company credit cards effectively. He noted that businesses like plumbing or HVAC companies need robust security measures, visibility into transactions, and detailed reporting to ensure that employees are using company funds responsibly.

Coast's system works by linking a worker's identity with their company card through text or app checks. This process allows the software to track vehicle location data and verify whether the company van is at the gas station where the card is used. If the purchase is not authorized, it can be blocked from processing.

The software also sends transaction details directly to the company's accounting system, eliminating the need for office staff to manually review receipts and match them with corresponding transactions. This automated process aims to reduce administrative burdens and improve overall efficiency in managing employee spending.

A group of investors has provided Coast, a fintech startup, with $35 million in funding. The investment round was led by Thomvest Ventures and joined by new investors Intuit Ventures and Small World Capital.

The funding marks the latest influx of capital for Coast, which has now secured significant investments from several rounds. In addition to this growth equity round, Coast had previously raised $40 million in its Series B funding and $92 million in an earlier round.

Coast is positioning itself to tap into a growing market for skilled trades businesses. According to recent research by staffing company Randstad USA, demand for desk jobs is increasing at a slower rate than the need for workers with specialized skills such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians.

The US trade industry faces significant challenges in retaining skilled employees, with 102 workers leaving the sector for every 100 who enter. This pressure on businesses has led to an increased focus on efficiency and productivity.

As fintech startup Coast continues to expand, its founders are aware of the immense pressure on businesses to optimize their operations.

The company's CEO, Simon, recognized an opportunity to tap into this market when he sold his previous payments startup, Bread, for $500 million in 2020. With a background that began on Wall Street, where he built trading software for investment banks and hedge funds before earning law and business degrees from Yale University, Simon saw the potential for improvement in payment tools.

Coast now serves thousands of businesses across various sectors, including Tristate Plumbing, Texas Solar Outfitters, and Verde Property Services.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/22/fintech-startup-coast-35-million-track-workers-company-credit-cards/

Alloop's innovative design allows it to be worn in three different configurations, which the company refers to as the Trio. This modularity is made possible by four distinct pieces of hardware: a wristband, a ring, the Cube - a compact sensor system - and Halo, which offers advanced features such as tap-to-speak functionality.

The flexibility of Alloop's design means that users can choose how they wear their wearable depending on their needs. For example, they can opt for the most basic configuration by wearing just the wristband with the Cube, or go all out with the full Trio, including both the Cube and Halo for a more comprehensive feedback experience.

The Cube itself is equipped with an array of sensors that track vital signs such as resting heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, breathing rate, and temperature. Users can also log their meals and supplements using photos, voice, or text, allowing Alloop to provide insights into sleep quality, nutrition, activity, strain, recovery, and overall health trends.

The Alloop app's health dashboard provides a unified view of key data, allowing users to track their progress in one place.

Bio Age is another feature that uses 18 measurements across six health categories to determine biological age. This metric estimates how the body is aging at a cellular level, as opposed to chronological age, and highlights factors contributing to it.

The Alloop Trio's personal AI health agent connects user input with sensor data from the Cube, offering guidance and insights based on this information. Users can log meals, symptoms, feelings, and more using text, voice, or images, providing a comprehensive view of their overall health.

Alloop's use of Google Gemini and ChatGPT is similar to other wearable companies' AI agents, but its open health platform approach sets it apart from traditional fitness trackers that often require subscription fees.

The Alloop app will offer both a free plan and an optional Pro plan with usage-based access levels. The free plan covers everyday health management and light conversational AI use, while the Pro plan provides more in-depth research and enhanced personal agent capabilities for about $5 per month.

Alloop's Pro plan offers more in-depth research capabilities by drawing on users' long-term data, goals, daily behaviors, and interaction context to provide deeper insights and personalized planning.

The wearable device supports a range of integrations with popular health apps and wearables, including Apple Health and Google Health. Users can import data from medical records, lab tests, continuous glucose monitors, and third-party devices, allowing for comprehensive tracking of their health metrics.

To ensure user data is protected, Alloop specifies robust security measures across data collection, transfer, storage, and management. This includes controls that enable users to review, delete, and export their data at any time. The company's privacy policy also confirms that it does not sell personal information or use health data for advertising or marketing purposes.

Alloop is committed to safeguarding user data, with a specific focus on US-based users. According to the company, all US users' data will remain within the United States, without being transferred overseas. This approach aligns with regulatory requirements and demonstrates Alloop's dedication to protecting sensitive health information.

As part of its ongoing commitment to data security, Alloop is working towards obtaining key certifications, including SOC 2 compliance and ISO/IEC 27001 certification. These standards are designed to ensure the effective safeguarding of customer data, reflecting Alloop's proactive approach to data protection and management.

The Alloop wearable device will offer a community feature that enables users to share their progress and view others' across various aspects of life, including workouts, meals, daily routines, and health protocols. This social aspect will allow users to create groups, participate in shared challenges, and engage with one another through the Alloop app.

When utilizing the community features, Alloop's privacy policy notes that the company collects user profile information, follows, posts, images, comments, reactions, feed activity, and messages. This data helps the company respond to reports, enforce community rules, and protect users from spam, abuse, and security threats. The visibility of published information can be adjusted based on feature settings.

The Alloop Trio will debut as a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign on November 10, with an estimated price of $299, subject to change. Shipping is anticipated for late December 2026 to early January 2027.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/alloop-wearable-replace-fitness-tracking-wristband-ring/

The positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron, sharing the same mass but with opposite electric charge. However, due to their rarity and tendency to quickly annihilate when encountering electrons, studying positrons has been extremely challenging.

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to trap a positron for months on end, allowing them to collect valuable data on its behavior and properties. This breakthrough is expected to provide new insights into the standard model of particle physics.

The team obtained the positron from the decay of a radioactive isotope of sodium, which emits these particles as it decays. To control the positrons, they were placed in a special refrigerator to slow them down and reduce their energy levels.

By studying the behavior of this trapped positron, scientists may be able to resolve one of the biggest problems with our current understanding of physical reality.

To confine the positrons, researchers directed them through a tungsten crystal, which slowed them down further.

Although some positrons were annihilated as they passed through the crystal, others emerged unscathed and continued on their journey.

The positrons were then guided into an empty refrigerated chamber where electronic components generated electromagnetic fields that acted as invisible walls to trap a single incoming positron.

By confining the positron in this way, the researchers were able to keep it trapped for months, a feat previously thought impossible due to its elusive nature.

A crucial aspect of maintaining the trap was keeping the chamber at a precise temperature, just tenths of a degree above absolute zero.

The team led by Gabrielse is now focused on measuring a crucial property of the positron - its magnetic moment. This value quantifies how the particle responds to magnetic fields and could provide valuable insights into the fundamental differences between matter and antimatter.

Comparing the magnetic moments of electrons and positrons would allow researchers to probe the properties of these antiparticles with unprecedented precision. As it stands, the standard model predicts that matter and antimatter should have identical magnetic moments, but this theory has a notable shortcoming - it fails to explain why our universe is predominantly made up of matter.

The standard model's shortcomings are evident in its inability to account for the creation of equal amounts of matter and antimatter at the beginning of the universe. If the theory were correct, one would expect that all matter should have been annihilated by now, leaving behind nothing but energy. However, our existence suggests that something is amiss.

The team hopes that a difference in magnetic moments between electrons and positrons could be a key to unlocking the mystery of why we have a universe at all. If successful, their research aims to provide valuable data within the next year, potentially shedding light on an unknown mechanism that resulted in our matter-filled universe.

New Scientist: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2594955-a-single-antimatter-particle-was-held-in-a-trap-for-months/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS

Spelman identified four essential pillars that underpin trust: reliability, transparency, capability, and humanity. She emphasized that these factors are not merely soft concepts, but rather they have the power to either propel or hinder an organization's progress. To gauge trust effectively, companies must strike a delicate balance among these four pillars.

Maintaining this equilibrium is becoming increasingly complex as organizations integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. The introduction of AI has led some companies to lay off employees, sparking concerns about job security and exacerbating the already fragile trust dynamics. Spelman warned that companies will need to continually adapt and refine their approach to balancing these four pillars.

Spelman explained that even a single factor veering off track can have a devastating impact on the entire trust infrastructure. A strong leader may be able to compensate for weaknesses in other areas, but ultimately, the integrity of all four factors is crucial.

The impact of AI on workplace dynamics cannot be overstated, and it's clear that leaders are facing a daunting challenge in maintaining trust with their employees.

According to research by Catalyst, a nonprofit focused on gender equity and workplace inclusion, the gap between leaders' intentions and employees' perceptions is significant. While 68% of leaders claim they have plans in place for reskilling employees through AI training, only 34% of employees believe their organizations make such training accessible to everyone.

This disconnect has serious consequences, as employees are closely watching how leaders navigate business disruption and technological change. When asked if their leadership teams act with integrity during these transitions, a mere one-third of employees replied in the affirmative.

The situation is even more complicated for women in the workforce, who face a double bind when it comes to AI adoption. On one hand, using AI at work may lead to questions about their credibility; on the other, not using AI may raise doubts about their capabilities.

As AI becomes increasingly widespread, technology alone will eventually lose its competitive edge, according to Francesca Cornelli, dean of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Instead, companies that prioritize investment in human capital, including reskilling and upskilling employees through AI training, will be the ones to truly thrive.

When introducing AI to the workforce, companies must consider how they present it to employees. If a leader announces that a new tool will automate tasks, it can give the impression that certain roles are becoming obsolete.

This perception can be damaging, as employees may feel their contributions are no longer valued or necessary. According to experts, framing AI as a collaborative tool that enhances employee capabilities is essential for maintaining motivation and trust.

Investing in human capital, including reskilling and upskilling employees through AI training, will become increasingly important as technology continues to advance. As knowledge and skills become more accessible, businesses will be distinguished by their ability to cultivate enduring human qualities such as empathy, curiosity, and judgment.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/20/deloitte-us-human-capital-chief-warns-broken-trust-cuts-employee-motivation-by-more-than-half/

Mural plans to use the fresh funds to expand its capabilities, enabling customers such as payroll providers, software companies, and fintechs to manage multiple currencies, including traditional dollars and stablecoins, through a single account. This streamlined approach is expected to simplify the often complex process of international transactions.

According to Mural's CEO, Sinclair Toffa, the startup is building a "compliant system of record" that will allow businesses and fintech companies to launch new financial products on top of its platform. The goal is to provide a single, unified solution for managing cross-border payments.

The emergence of stablecoins has significantly altered the way money moves globally, with these cryptocurrencies offering fast and cheap transactions across borders. Stablecoin payments reached approximately $400 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up from the same period in the previous year, according to a report by global consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal.

The use of stablecoins for international transfers has also seen considerable growth, with cross-border stablecoin flows totaling $220 billion between July 2025 and June 2026. This represents an increase of nearly 78% compared to the preceding 12 months, as per blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

Mural's platform aims to address the challenges faced by businesses in navigating complex payment systems, which involve juggling banks, payment providers, and various regulations. By providing a single point for managing international payments, Mural seeks to make global commerce faster and more efficient.

Mural's latest funding round has secured $15 million in investment, bringing its total funding to $28 million. The Series A funding was led by Tether, the issuer behind the USDT stablecoin, and included participation from North Island Ventures.

Tether's involvement in Mural is significant, as it highlights the growing importance of AI agents in financial services. According to Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, the investment reflects a bet on AI agents becoming regular handlers of financial services. This will require payment systems that operate around the clock and can reach people across the world.

The interest in international payments at Mural stems from a personal experience of its founder. When he visited his grandfather's home country of Togo as a teenager, he witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by relatives who received remittances from abroad. Transfers could take weeks to arrive and came with fees as high as 20% of the transaction amount.

This early exposure to the challenges of international payments has had a lasting impact on Mural's founder. His interest in blockchain and smart contract technology, which he developed during his computer science degree at Duke University, informed his approach to solving these problems.

Toffa, one of the founders of Mural, met Fernandes while working at Palantir, where they also became roommates. This connection led to a conversation about Mural's concept, which Fernandes was eager to join.

The company has expanded its presence beyond New York with offices in Denver and Bogotá, employing around 30 staff members across these locations and others in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Mexico. The name "Mural" reflects the idea of communities collaborating on shared projects, much like businesses using the startup's software to build their own financial services.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/20/mural-startup-former-palantir-engineers-15-million-bid-banks-bot-economy/

These colorful displays appear to freeze the movement of potential meals, giving the cuttlefish a crucial window of time to attack with their swift hunting tentacles and deadly beaks. The display is thought to serve as an effective deterrent, allowing the cuttlefish to snatch their prey from a relatively safe distance.

Experts believe that cuttlefish are highly skilled hunters, but also suggest that there may be more to this phenomenon than meets the eye.

One theory is that these marine predators use their large and complex eyes to track potential meals before setting out on a stealthy approach, aiming not to alert any unsuspecting prey in the process. The cuttlefish's strategy involves slowly getting into range of its target without being noticed.

Cuttlefish use their remarkable ability to change color and pattern to create a showy display as they approach their prey. This display is made possible by three types of light-reflecting pigment cells: iridophores, leucophores, and chromatophores. These cells can contract and expand in milliseconds to produce specific colors and patterns, creating an impressive visual effect.

Some might wonder if this display has a mesmerizing effect on the cuttlefish's prey. However, experts do not believe that it is capable of hypnotizing them. The concept of hypnosis is often associated with humans and is characterized by a state of increased relaxation and altered awareness.

Research into hypnosis in fish is limited, but some studies have explored whether certain conditions can induce an immobile state similar to hypnosis. A 2005 study on snapper found that exposure to a steady stream of water could put them into such a state. Another study looked at the effects of sedative hypnotic drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates on zebrafish.

The presence of molecular receptors for these drugs in zebrafish was found to contribute to their immobility. However, there is still no direct evidence that visual stimuli can induce a state similar to hypnosis in fish.

The cuttlefish's ability to change color is a remarkable defense mechanism that has sparked debate about its potential use as a hypnotic device.

Some researchers believe that the color changes serve as an ingenious disguise, making it difficult for prey to distinguish the cuttlefish from its surroundings. This theory suggests that the shape of the animal becomes less obvious to its prey, reducing the likelihood of them fleeing in response to a perceived threat.

The cuttlefish's camouflage is achieved through waves of different colors rippling down its body, creating a confusing visual effect for potential predators. According to experts, this confusion allows the cuttlefish to get close enough to its prey without being noticed, making it easier to catch.

Once within striking distance, the cuttlefish unleashes its feeding tentacles at lightning speed, snatching unsuspecting prey in a swift and deadly motion. This rapid deployment of tentacles is reminiscent of a chameleon's tongue, which extends quickly to grab an insect, leaving little chance for escape.

When a cuttlefish's prey is within its reach, it's quickly pulled towards the cuttlefish's mouth, where it's pierced by sharp, chitinous beak and injected with venom.

The use of venom allows the cuttlefish to conserve energy during hunting, as it doesn't need to struggle against the prey while eating. This strategic approach helps the cuttlefish minimize unnecessary energy expenditure.

Some researchers believe that the flash of colors displayed by cuttlefish is not only a means of hiding their body shape but also a distraction technique used to divert attention from themselves. By doing so, they aim to avoid alarming their prey and remain unnoticed.

Further investigation is needed to determine whether these displays serve primarily as camouflage or distraction, with scientists also seeking a better understanding of how the cuttlefish controls its dermal display.

Cuttlefish have a unique ability to change the color and texture of their skin in a split second, which has led scientists to wonder if they can use this skill to hypnotize their prey. This remarkable display is made possible by specialized cells called chromatophores that expand or contract to alter the appearance of the cuttlefish's dermal layer.

The cuttlefish's ability to manipulate its skin is not just for show; it serves a functional purpose, likely aiding in hunting and defense. Researchers have observed that the displays are often accompanied by other behaviors, such as rapid movement and posturing, which may further confuse or disorient potential predators. By studying this complex behavior, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of how cuttlefish interact with their environment.

Live Science: https://www.livescience.com/animals/mollusks/can-cuttlefish-hypnotize-their-prey

As part of this debut venture, the duo has been actively engaging with fans through social media platforms, including Instagram and Pinterest. Notably, they've created a joint Pinterest account, dubbed JxJ Diary, where they're sharing behind-the-scenes content and mood boards to build excitement for their album's release.

The choice of Pinterest as a platform for teasers is an unusual one in the K-pop world, with most groups opting for YouTube or Weverse instead. However, Jeonghan and Joshua believe that this move will allow them to connect more intimately with fans and share their creative vision in a unique way.

On JxJ Diary, the duo has posted a collection of photos and mood boards, which they describe as a little gift to their audience. According to Jeonghan and Joshua, they spent considerable time selecting content that would resonate with their fans, resulting in this innovative visual diary that showcases different aspects of their personalities.

The visual diary on Seventeen's joint account showcases a curated collection of photographs and behind-the-scenes moments, including candid shots and sneak peeks from their album photoshoots.

This carefully selected content is meant to inspire fans by tapping into the imagery and vibe of the album, encouraging them to express themselves in unique ways. The idea is for fans to draw inspiration from the album's aesthetic and incorporate it into their own lives through creative means. This approach speaks to a larger trend in K-pop fandom.

Seventeen has a devoted fan base that goes all out when it comes to supporting the group, collecting photo cards, attending concerts, and purchasing merchandise. The band's influence extends beyond music sales, with 4 million copies sold of their albums. Their NEW tour, which took place from 2025 to 2026, drew nearly a million fans across Asia and the US.

The success of Seventeen's tours is a testament to the group's global appeal and dedication to their fans. The fact that JxJ has become a new focal point for enthusiasts suggests that Seventeen's fandom is eager for more content and creative outlets to engage with.

The surge in interest in K-pop on Pinterest has created a prime opportunity for JxJ to establish a strong presence on the platform.

According to Ayumi Nakajima, APAC head of content partnerships at Pinterest, the collaboration with JxJ's agency was driven by the idea that fans connect with more than just the music itself. This approach recognizes that K-pop fans engage deeply with the visual and aesthetic aspects of their favorite artists and groups.

Pinterest has seen a significant increase in searches related to K-pop and Korean culture, with K-pop style rising 19% globally year over year and K-beauty searches increasing by 114%. In Japan, searches for K-pop fan art have surged by 368%, while trading card decoration" has seen a rise of 77%.

The JxJ diary on Pinterest is part of this trend, allowing fans to engage with the duo's creative world and ideas behind their music earlier than ever before. This early engagement can shape fandom-led commerce, as fans are more likely to participate in related activities beyond just purchasing music or merchandise.

The JxJ unit's music style is a fusion of different genres, including house, synthpop, and dance rock. This blend of styles creates a unique sound that showcases their individual talents while still being cohesive as a duo.

Their collaborative process involved sharing ideas and images to gain a deeper understanding of each other's artistic visions. By doing so, they were able to create something new and distinct from the group's overall sound. The duo also experimented with their vocals to introduce fans to a fresh side of themselves.

The chemistry between the two members is undeniable, and their unique bond has resulted in an album that is both a reflection of their individual styles and a new creation born from their combined efforts.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/seventeen-jxj-jeonghan-joshua-debut-pinterest-chemistry-inspiration-2026-10

The "surveillance layer" can be toggled on or off within the app's mapping service, providing a visual representation of where these cameras are located. This feature is particularly relevant as it highlights the increasing presence of automated license plate readers across various locations such as intersections, parking lots, and private properties.

MapQuest has identified several companies that develop these cameras, including Flock Safety, Axon Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and PlateSmart, which suggests a diverse market for this technology.

The use of license plate reader cameras has been met with resistance from some communities. Cities and towns are reevaluating their contracts with companies like Flock Safety due to concerns over data misuse and privacy infringement.

Critics argue that the data collected by these cameras can be used for purposes other than its intended purpose, such as sharing it with federal immigration officials. This has led to protests, petitions, and even physical removal of the cameras in some areas.

Flock's license plate readers do not utilize facial recognition technology and allow customers to regulate access to and sharing of collected data. This means that users can control how their information is used and shared, providing an added layer of privacy protection.

To address growing concerns about data collection and usage, Flock has implemented stricter privacy measures. The company has reduced the storage period for collected data from 30 days to just 7 days, limiting the time sensitive information is retained on its servers.

MapQuest's decision to integrate Flock's cameras into its route mapping service reflects the platform's efforts to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape. By leveraging public discourse and incorporating new features, MapQuest aims to regain lost ground and remain competitive in the navigation app market.

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/mapquest-flock-surveillance-cameras-license-plate-readers-2026-10

The original song by Rodrigo details her own experiences with relationships and heartbreak. In the lyrics, she describes finding herself drawn to someone who initially seems charming but ultimately proves to be unstable and lacking in ambition. The relationship serves as a learning experience for Rodrigo, teaching her that she deserves better than what she had settled for.

Roan brings her own perspective to the remix, interweaving her narrative with Rodrigo's on the second verse. Her story revolves around a date that starts out promising but ends in disappointment and frustration, with Roan expressing her feelings of being ghosted by the person she was interested in.

The music video for the 'Expectations' remix has taken a playful approach, drawing inspiration from past game shows. Olivia Rodrigo makes three appearances in different costumes, sharing her frustrations about disappointing romantic experiences. Her emotions are on full display as she vents about being let down by men.

Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo have been collaborating on music for years, with Roan lending uncredited background vocals to several of Rodrigo's tracks. This includes songs from Rodrigo's album Guts, such as 'Lacy' and 'Obsessed', as well as a track featured in the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

The highly anticipated remix of Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan's song 'Expectations' has finally dropped. This new version features a bold collaboration between the two artists, blending their unique styles to create an energetic and catchy tune.

The remix includes songs from Rodrigo's album Guts, such as 'Lacy' and 'Obsessed', as well as a track featured in the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Chappell Roan brings her distinctive vocals to the table, adding depth and emotion to the song.

The lyrics of the remix tackle themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, with Rodrigo and Roan delivering powerful performances. Their harmonies blend seamlessly together, creating a captivating sound that is sure to resonate with listeners.

The release of this new 'Expectations' remix marks an exciting development in the music world, as two talented artists come together to create something truly special. The result is a fresh take on a classic song, offering fans a unique listening experience they won't soon forget.

Elle: https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a74137183/olivia-rodrigo-chappell-roan-expectations-remix-lyrics-explained/

Williams has been participating fully in consecutive practices, fueling hopes that he will be back in action soon. However, his potential return has not gone without controversy, with some questioning whether he is ready to play with an injury designation.

According to reports outside of the Bears' facility, Williams sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain during the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. However, Williams disputes this diagnosis, claiming that it was more severe.

He describes feeling a pop in his hamstring at the time of the injury and believes it was a tear rather than a strain. Williams is pushing back against reports detailing the extent of his injury, arguing that they have been inaccurate.

Williams declined to provide further details about his official diagnosis. He expressed frustration with the way his injury has been reported, suggesting that many of the claims made about its severity were unfounded.

The quarterback's comments come as he prepares for a potential return from injury. While some have questioned whether he is ready to play, Williams remains optimistic that he will be back in action soon.

Coach Ben Johnson initially classified Williams' hamstring injury as week-to-week following the team's review of his MRI results. In the meantime, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum have been sharing quarterback duties over the past three games.

The public debate surrounding Williams' on-field behavior has not gone unnoticed by him. Observers were quick to point out his visible distress after suffering the injury, which included yelling in pain and shedding tears as he left the field on a cart with a towel covering his head.

Williams' emotional display sparked criticism from some fans who perceived it as an overreaction. However, this perspective was not shared by everyone, with many others sympathizing with Williams' genuine distress at being unable to participate in the game.

In response to these criticisms, Williams emphasized that he is naturally inclined to show emotion when faced with adversity. He stressed his deep commitment to the team and its success, which fuels his passion for playing football.

The quarterback acknowledged that his love for the sport brings him immense joy, and it's precisely this enthusiasm that drives him to perform at his best.

The recent hamstring injury sustained by Caleb Williams has drawn criticism from certain quarters, with some questioning his toughness on the field.

Dating back to his college days at USC, Williams has been a subject of scrutiny regarding his perceived resilience under pressure. The current backlash is just one more example in a long line of controversies that have surrounded him, including comments made about his nail-painting habits and emotional responses to losses against rival teams like UCLA.

The personal attacks on Williams' character seem to have had the opposite effect, as he has used them as motivation to drive himself forward and return to top form. With this latest setback now behind him, Williams is poised to bounce back stronger than ever.

CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/caleb-williams-injury-update-hamstring-tear-return-timeline/

The conventional approach to building transistors involves using separate materials for carrying current, controlling it, and making electrical connections. However, as semiconductor devices shrink in size, integrating these components becomes increasingly challenging due to their vastly different properties at the atomic scale.

A research team led by Director Jo Moon-Ho of the Institute for Basic Science has pioneered a new approach that sidesteps this problem. Instead of fabricating individual components and assembling them into a device, the researchers started with a single layered crystal and chemically converted specific atomic layers and regions into different materials necessary for a transistor.

The team's focus on two-dimensional semiconductors is driven by their potential to revolutionize electronics as conventional silicon devices reach their physical limits. Despite over two decades of research, the main hurdle to practical 2D electronics has been integrating these semiconductors with other components rather than improving their performance.

By transforming a single crystal into a transistor, the researchers have demonstrated a fundamentally new way of building electronic devices, one that could potentially overcome the challenges associated with scaling down conventional silicon-based transistors.

The challenge of creating transistors using 2D materials lies in their unique surface properties. Unlike traditional materials, these semiconductors have few sites where other materials can attach, making it difficult to deposit uniform dielectric layers and low-resistance electrical contacts.

To overcome this hurdle, the researchers used a novel approach that leverages the crystal itself as the starting material for all electronic functions. This eliminates the need for separate 2D materials or complex mechanical transfer methods, which are often unsuitable for large-scale production.

The team began with multilayer tungsten diselenide (WSe₂), a 2D semiconductor whose electrical properties can be modified by replacing surrounding atoms. By preserving the tungsten framework while selectively replacing these atoms, researchers could alter individual regions without rebuilding the entire crystal.

By oxidizing the upper layers of WSe₂ into insulating tungsten oxide (WOₓ), the team created areas with different electronic functions within the same parent crystal. These regions could then be converted through vapor-phase reactions into other materials, such as tungsten disulfide or ditelluride, to achieve semiconducting, insulating, and semimetallic properties.

This process allows for the creation of complex devices directly within a single 2D crystal, potentially overcoming scaling challenges associated with traditional transistor design.

The researchers behind this breakthrough were able to control the reaction by adjusting the temperature and gas pressure, allowing them to stop the conversion at a precise number of layers. This level of control was achieved at a rate of roughly 0.7 nanometers per WSe₂ monolayer.

One of the main challenges in developing two-dimensional semiconductors has been finding suitable materials for dielectrics and electrical contacts. By combining atomic-scale manipulation with modern semiconductor technology, this study addresses that integration challenge.

To achieve this, the researchers were able to convert the upper layers of WSe₂ into WOₓ directly above the semiconductor channel. This oxide then served as a gate dielectric without the need for an additional high-k material, forming an insulating layer with an effective thickness below 1 nanometer.

The resulting structure enabled the creation of highly efficient transistors, where a mere change of 61.3 millivolts in gate voltage increased the current tenfold. This performance is remarkably close to the theoretical room-temperature limit of about 60 millivolts per decade.

The transistors also demonstrated an impressive on/off current ratio exceeding 10 million, showcasing their exceptional switching capabilities. This achievement has significant implications for the development of next-generation electronic devices.

The conversion process also improved the electrical contacts, reducing the barrier for charge injection to a fraction of what was observed with direct platinum contacts.

This improvement allows charge carriers to enter the semiconductor more efficiently, which is crucial for high-performance electronic devices.

To further demonstrate the capabilities of this method, the team constructed a complementary van der Waals inverter using vertically stacked p-type and n-type transistors made from WTe₂ and MoS₂, respectively. The successful voltage inversion showed that the approach can be extended beyond individual transistors toward more complex circuitry.

This achievement has significant implications for the development of next-generation electronic devices, which could potentially lead to ultralow-power and ultrascaled semiconductor devices.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-2d-crystal-transistor-built-insulation.html

The Universal Cart allows users to save their desired items in one place, eliminating the need to keep multiple tabs open or scroll through endless screenshots. The feature also keeps users informed about price drops and restocks, sending notifications without requiring any extra effort on their part.

Google's Universal Cart has its roots in the company's 60+ billion continually refreshed product listings via its Shopping Graph. This robust database enables the cart to monitor prices and availability of items in real-time, providing users with timely updates and alerts about discounts or restocks.

The feature is designed to make holiday shopping easier by helping users avoid common pitfalls such as missing out on deals or overspending. By saving progress across Google, the Universal Cart ensures that users can pick up where they left off without starting from scratch.

Today's rollout of Universal Cart marks a significant step in Google's efforts to enhance online shopping experiences for its users. As the holiday season approaches, this feature is likely to become increasingly useful for those looking to navigate the complexities of online retail and snag the best deals.

Google's Universal Cart offers a range of features aimed at making online shopping more efficient and cost-effective. One key benefit is its ability to help users maximize the benefits of their existing payment options. For instance, the cart can identify specific perks associated with different cards and recommend which one to use for a particular purchase.

The integration of Google Wallet into Universal Cart makes it easier for those who already use Google's shopping tools and payment methods to track their purchases in one place. Additionally, the cart will automatically scan for relevant promo codes that can be applied to save even more money.

Universal Cart also provides seamless integration with Google Pay, allowing users to complete transactions within a few taps of the app. Alternatively, shoppers can transfer items directly from Universal Cart to merchant sites for checkout.

This streamlined process ensures that customers receive updates and support directly from the seller they are purchasing from. This is particularly convenient as it eliminates the need to navigate multiple tabs or websites to manage orders.

According to Google, the holiday season is an ideal time to take advantage of features like Universal Cart, which offers users the convenience and smarts needed to make informed shopping decisions.

Google's When to Buy Guide has analyzed historical data on promotional patterns, search trends, and discounts across US merchants. The insights gained from this analysis offer valuable advice for shoppers looking to snag deals during the holiday season.

Google's Universal Cart is a key component in the company's efforts to design practical tools that give shoppers confidence and control. This feature mirrors how people actually shop today across Google, allowing users to track their items, savings, and trusted merchants without losing sight of them.

The Universal Cart is part of a broader strategy by Google to unlock agentic capabilities that act on behalf of the user. The company aims to build the future of commerce through this dual approach, providing shoppers with both practical tools and more autonomous features.

ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/tech/google-universal-cart-when-to-buy-guide/

The Canadian singer-songwriter cut her teeth in the fashion world back in the mid-2010s when she would often walk the runways for top designers like Jacquemus and Christopher Kane. Her striking features - think Jane Birkin cheekbones and statuesque height - made her a standout, even among seasoned models.

Cardin's life is divided between Paris and Montreal, but it seems that her focus has finally shifted to music. This week, she unveiled two new singles: the catchy "Memories and its French counterpart Souvenir. These tracks serve as the official introduction to her upcoming album, Midnight, Mon Amour.

The album marks a major milestone for Cardin, who released her sophomore LP, 99 Nights, in 2023. That record swept the Juno Awards, earning album of the year, and now she's ready to take on the world with her new material.

Cardin's announcement comes just as she's preparing to launch into the final stretch before the album's January 29 release date. Partnered with The Orchard and Cult Nation, Midnight, Mon Amour promises to be a game-changer for this talented Canadian musician.

Charlotte Cardin's debut album Phoenix was a massive success in Canada, making her the first artist from the country to top the nation's Billboard albums chart since Céline Dion in 2016.

The road to her third record took an unexpected turn early last year when she decided to put her plans on hold. Initially, she had intended to spend all of 2025 focusing solely on the album, but they already had a few songs written and were eager to get started.

However, fate intervened in January when Cardin's song Feel Good went viral in France, thanks in part to its popularity on TikTok. The song quickly racked up over 100 million streams worldwide and sent Cardin on a whirlwind tour of European promotion.

The sudden surge in popularity shifted the plans for her album, but not in an unwanted way. Instead, it gave Cardin the opportunity to work on new material while still promoting Feel Good abroad. This allowed her to balance her creative pursuits with her growing fame.

Cardin returned to Montreal periodically to work on the album a few songs at a time, co-writing and producing music with her longtime partner Jason Brando and producer Sam Avant.

Cardin's collaborative process with her partner Jason Brando has been a key factor in shaping the album's sound and themes. The two musicians have developed a deep understanding of each other's creative processes over time, allowing them to dive into complex emotions and ideas during their songwriting sessions.

These sessions typically involve the duo engaging in lengthy discussions about psychology, emotions, and personal experiences, which helps inform the music they create together. In fact, Cardin notes that most of their sessions are spent talking for around 90% of the time, dissecting their feelings and exploring new ideas.

The album's conceptual framework was initially conceived as a double LP with mirror versions of the same songs, but darker and more nostalgic in tone. Although this idea evolved into a single project, the duality of this concept has had a lasting impact on the final product. Cardin explains that it gave her permission to explore extremes and push the boundaries of her creativity.

As a result, the album touches on themes of fantasy, dreams, and suppressed emotions, mirroring Cardin's own bilingual identity. The record seamlessly shifts between French and English, with each language serving as its own distinct emotional world. This duality is at the heart of the album, reflecting Cardin's own experiences and perspectives.

The French-Canadian singer-songwriter is known for her unique blend of Gallic electro-pop and warmer, more retro-leaning songcraft. However, she has found that using English as a creative outlet allows her to tap into a different side of herself. In an interview, Cardin revealed that writing in English gives her that little bit of extra distance and perspective needed to express herself in new ways.

This duality is reflected in the soundscapes of her upcoming album, which seamlessly blends the icy synths of her earlier work with lush orchestral arrangements. The addition of saxophones adds a new layer of depth and texture to her music, creating a rich, romantic whole that defies easy categorization. Saxophones were introduced as an experiment, but they proved to be the missing ingredient in many songs.

The songwriting process was collaborative, with Cardin working alongside fellow Montrealer Patrick Watson and producer Brando. Together, they took a more free-form approach, adding saxophones whenever a track felt like it needed something extra. The result is a unique fusion of styles that veers between the grandeur of the orchestra hall and the infectious energy of the dance floor.

One song in particular underwent a significant transformation during this process. Cardin had been working on a melancholic ballad, but it wasn't quite clicking. It was only when they decided to abandon the original drop that the song began to take shape as a more upbeat rom-com. This new direction allowed them to tap into the track's hidden potential.

The single has been accompanied by a music video choreographed by Amy Gardner, which captures the kinetic energy of Cardin's music in a visually striking way. The video features Cardin dancing with a partner between shadows and mirrors, translating the song's effervescent spirit into movement.

As Charlotte Cardin prepares to release her third album, movement has become a vital part of her creative process. The singer-songwriter has found that expressing herself physically allows her to tap into new forms of storytelling beyond just lyrics.

Cardin's comfort level with physical expression has grown significantly over the past few years, enabling her to push the boundaries of narrative in her work. This newfound confidence is evident in the visual elements accompanying her music, which now play a crucial role in conveying her artistic vision.

The videos for Take Me Back" and "The Way We Touch showcase Cardin's bold approach to storytelling through movement. In Take Me Back, she performs a wrestling-inspired dance routine on a rugged coastline, while in The Way We Touch," she channels her inner cabaret star in a smoky underground music hall.

Cardin remains committed to crafting immersive worlds through her visual output, even as social media platforms have changed the way people consume music. While short-form clips may garner more views online, Cardin believes that music videos offer a unique opportunity for world-building and bringing mythology to life.

With Midnight, Mon Amour on the horizon, Cardin is already thinking about how to translate her album's themes and characters into live performances, even if tour dates have not been announced.

Charlotte Cardin's upcoming third album has revealed a mix of intense emotional highs and lows, mirroring her diverse live performances that range from small clubs to massive arenas in various countries.

This dichotomy is not new for Cardin, who has become accustomed to adapting to different settings due to varying levels of fame across regions such as the US, UK, France, and Canada.

Vogue: https://www.vogue.com/article/charlotte-cardin-midnight-mon-amour-album-announcement-video

The study reveals that over half of the countries where venomous snakes pose a threat do not keep track of the number of people bitten or envenomed. This data gap is particularly concerning in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where victims often live far from medical facilities and may rely on traditional healers for treatment.

In these regions, many snakebite victims face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including lack of transportation and long distances to the nearest clinic. As a result, their cases are frequently not recorded in national health statistics, making it difficult to gauge the true scale of the problem.

The researchers behind this study have extensive experience in snakebite and tropical disease epidemiology, and they were motivated by the need for more accurate data on the global burden of snake envenoming.

The researchers compiled their findings from 79 countries, updating previous data up to March 31, 2025. This extensive review allowed them to build upon earlier studies, including their own global burden study published in 2008.

To address the gaps in available data, the team developed a geostatistical model that incorporates real-world information with local environmental and socioeconomic factors. By combining these variables, they were able to estimate envenoming and fatality rates more accurately than before.

The results indicate that snakebites pose a far greater public health threat than previously recognized. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of this crisis, with the region experiencing the highest burden of snake envenoming.

The World Health Organization has set an ambitious goal to reduce snakebite-related mortality and disability by half by 2030. To achieve this target, it is crucial to have accurate data at the country level, which is why mapping the problem at this scale is a critical first step towards addressing the issue effectively.

Our research indicates that snakebites are far more prevalent than previously thought, with millions of people worldwide falling victim to these hidden dangers each year.

By incorporating data on climate, snake species richness and socioeconomic indicators into our model, we were able to calculate the probability of snakebites occurring in specific locations. This allowed us to account for unreported cases of snake envenomings by comparing different data sources against ground-level community survey data.

This framework enabled us to produce a baseline estimate of snake envenomings and fatalities, as well as an upper ceiling for these numbers. Our calculations suggest that at least 2.1 million people experience snake envenoming annually, with the true number potentially reaching as high as 7 million.

The geographic distribution of this burden is highly uneven, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for nearly half of all global envenomings and fatalities. In fact, our research shows that people in this region face a significantly higher risk of snake envenoming and death compared to those in South Asia.

The study reveals that sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionately affected by snakebites due to structural factors rather than accidents.

This region is home to a wide variety of medically significant venomous species, including saw-scaled vipers, puff adders, African cobras, and mambas. These snakes are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality across the continent.

Rural agricultural workers in sub-Saharan Africa often labor in open fields without protective gear and walk on unlit footpaths at night, making them vulnerable to snakebites. When a bite occurs, fragile health systems and limited access to effective antivenom can turn what could be a treatable medical emergency into a fatal outcome.

In addition to the immediate risks of snakebite, survivors often suffer long-term physical disabilities, including amputations and other permanent impairments. These disabilities can lead to reduced household income, increased healthcare costs, and further economic hardship for already vulnerable farming families.

The World Health Organization's goal of reducing snakebite-related deaths requires a shift away from relying on guesswork and towards using spatial risk data to inform policy decisions.

By pinpointing areas with high snakebite risks, governments and global health partners can target their efforts more effectively, stockpiling antivenom in the most affected regions, training healthcare workers in rural zones where they are needed most, and improving transportation infrastructure for rapid medical response.

This approach can help ensure that life-saving treatments and prevention measures reach those who need them most, ultimately reducing the devastating impact of snake envenoming on vulnerable farming families.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-snakebites-bigger-problem-knew-hidden.html

These drives still hold some value, and combining them into a RAID array can breathe new life into them. A RAID setup distributes files across multiple disks, resulting in faster transfer speeds than a single drive, although not as fast as an SSD. This redundancy also provides added reliability, making it easier to recover data if one of the drives fails.

The concept behind RAID is simple: it combines multiple disks into a single unit, increasing storage capacity and speed. The acronym stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, but don't let that scare you off. It's actually a straightforward process that can be done with minimal technical expertise.

One of the main benefits of RAID is its ability to provide redundancy for your data. If one drive fails, the other drives in the array can still recover your files, reducing the risk of losing important information. This convenience and reliability are key reasons why RAID remains popular today.

By turning old hard drives into a RAID array, you can give them a new lease on life and create faster, more reliable storage for your computer. With the right setup, you can unlock their full potential and make the most of your existing hardware.

A key consideration when setting up a RAID array is understanding the different categories available. There are four main types of RAID arrays: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10. Each type significantly alters the outcome of combining disks, making it essential to know what to expect from each.

RAID 0 combines two or more disks into a single unit without parity, using striping to speed up file read and write times. This is particularly beneficial for large files such as videos or databases, as it merges the total storage space of all drives. However, this setup comes with a significant drawback: zero data protection.

If one drive fails in a RAID 0 setup, you risk losing everything. While it offers faster speeds, it's not an ideal solution for safeguarding your data. It's crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks before implementing a RAID 0 system.

In planning your RAID array, it's also essential to consider the trade-offs between speed and security. Each type of RAID has its own strengths and weaknesses, requiring careful consideration to ensure you achieve your desired outcome.

When reliability becomes a top priority, RAID 1 is an excellent option to consider. This setup involves writing identical data to every disk in the array, ensuring that if one drive fails or disconnects, the other will still have all the data intact.

This mirrored approach reduces the risk of data loss significantly, making it ideal for critical projects where downtime can be costly. However, RAID 1 comes with a trade-off: it sacrifices storage space to achieve this redundancy. For example, combining two 1TB drives would limit the total storage capacity to just 1TB, rather than the full 2TB.

RAID 5 and RAID 10 are more complex configurations that offer different benefits. RAID 5 divides data into blocks and distributes them across multiple drives, requiring at least three drives to function effectively. If one drive fails, the system can automatically reconstruct the missing data using algorithms and the remaining drives.

While RAID 5 provides a balance between reliability and storage capacity, RAID 10 combines elements of RAID 0 and RAID 1 to create pairs of mirrored drives. This setup offers both speed and redundancy but carries the risk of losing data if an entire pair fails.

Setting up a RAID array can be achieved through various methods, depending on the operating system and hardware in use.

One option is to connect multiple disks to the computer and create a RAID array using software. This approach is generally straightforward but may not offer optimal performance.

In macOS, users can leverage Apple's Disk Utility to set up RAID 0 and 1 arrays. Similarly, Windows users have access to Disk Management for this purpose. However, there are also paid software solutions available that provide additional features.

For those who want a more robust RAID setup, hardware-based methods offer dedicated controllers that enhance drive protection against failures and deliver better performance. These setups can be more complicated to configure, often requiring the purchase of a RAID controller or an alternative solution such as a RAID enclosure.

Ultimately, the choice between software and hardware RAID solutions depends on individual preferences and needs, with each option presenting its own set of benefits and trade-offs.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2281587/how-to-create-raid-array-your-old-hard-drives/

Among those charged is Jerome Richardson, a 21-year-old college student who helped produce journalist Don Lemon's coverage of the protest. Richardson has since graduated from Temple University, but his involvement in the demonstration has led to law enforcement targeting him with warrants for cell phone surveillance. Protesters had targeted the church because one of its pastors, David Easterwood, also led ICE's St. Paul field office.

According to court filings, judges in Minnesota and Pennsylvania began signing warrants authorizing agents to use cell-site simulators on January 30 and 31. These devices can intercept cell phone signals, allowing law enforcement to track individuals' locations and communications. In addition to targeting Richardson, agents also applied for warrants to monitor the phones of journalists Georgia Fort and Jamael Lundy, a former Minnesota State Senate candidate.

The use of such surveillance tools has raised concerns about civil liberties and the potential for misuse. As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how far-reaching the investigation will be and what implications this may have for those involved in the protest.

The investigation into the protest has taken a new turn as records reveal that federal authorities obtained warrants to deploy fake cell towers to track down individuals involved in the demonstration. The warrants were reportedly sought for at least two targets: Fort and another individual whose phone number was traced by investigators. It remains unclear whether these applications were approved or resulted in any evidence being collected.

The use of such technology raises concerns about the indiscriminate collection of data from nearby cellular devices, including those not suspected of a crime. Cell-site simulators can impersonate cell phone towers to locate a target's phone and also gather identifying information from nearby devices. This has led privacy advocates to label these tools as dragnet surveillance instruments.

The secrecy surrounding the use of cell-site simulators is notable, with FBI records showing that police borrowing these devices must agree to keep details of their use confidential, even in court. This lack of transparency has contributed to concerns among privacy advocates that such technology could be misused against protesters and journalists.

It's worth noting that Fort's lawyers have stated in a July letter filed in court that prosecutors were unsure whether the surveillance applications had been authorized or yielded any evidence. The ambiguity surrounding these warrants highlights the complexity and potential implications of this investigation as it continues to unfold.

The use of cell-site simulators to track down Don Lemon's producer has raised concerns about the government's surveillance tactics and their potential impact on press freedom.

Cooper Quintin, a senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, believes that deploying such devices against journalists is an attack on the First Amendment. Quintin has spent years researching cell-site simulators and developing tools to help people detect them.

Evidence suggests that a cell-site simulator was used near the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, but it remains unclear who operated it or for what purpose.

The investigation into the protest at Cities Church has led to a series of contentious investigative tactics by federal agents.

The investigation into the protest at Cities Church has led to a series of contentious investigative tactics by federal agents.

Defense attorneys have uncovered 92 customs summonses issued in connection with this case, and they are questioning the government's authority to issue these warrants.

A closer look at the cell-site simulator warrants raises concerns about the accuracy of information presented to judges in order to obtain authorization for surveillance tools. It also questions why such intrusive tracking was necessary to locate one individual.

At least 15 warrant affidavits included a false claim made by prosecutors, which they later conceded was incorrect: that Don Lemon and his producer had been involved in chanting. The government acknowledged this error.

The deployment of cell-site simulators is supposed to be limited to cases where it's the most effective tool for achieving public safety objectives, but there's no clear explanation for why it was used here.

The warrant authorizing the use of a cell-site simulator was signed on January 31, just days after Richardson posted a YouTube video announcing his impending arrest. This timing raises questions about why investigators sought such an invasive tool to locate someone who had openly stated his intention to turn himself in.

While Richardson's defense team has filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained from phone tracking, it does not specify whether agents used a simulator or another method to gather information. The lack of clarity on this point only adds to the concerns about the use of such an intrusive technique.

The deployment of cell-site simulators is typically reserved for high-stakes cases where other methods have failed, but in Richardson's case, prosecutors had already agreed to release him upon his surrender. This raises questions about why investigators felt the need to employ a tool that can intercept and manipulate phone signals.

Richardson's background as a community organizer and activist has been highlighted by his supporters, who point to his work with the NAACP chapter at 16 and his role as executive director of Minnesota Teen Activists. His employer, CNN, also described his job in handling logistics for journalist Don Lemon during a live broadcast from Cities Church.

Prosecutors have alleged that Richardson participated in chants and obstructed churchgoers during a protest.

In a video defending his actions, Richardson stated he was proud to support Don Lemon's work. He highlighted the importance of journalists' roles in society and expressed pride in being part of Lemon's team.

The government initially sought arrest warrants for multiple individuals involved in the case but faced resistance from judges. A magistrate judge rejected five out of eight warrants, prompting an appeals court to reject the Justice Department's bid to override this decision. The department ultimately withdrew its request for arrest warrants.

After securing a grand jury indictment on January 29, prosecutors chose to arrest some defendants at their workplaces or homes rather than allowing them to surrender voluntarily. Lemon was arrested at a Beverly Hills hotel while covering the Grammy Awards, and Fort was detained at her residence.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/feds-got-warrants-to-use-fake-cell-towers-to-hunt-down-don-lemons-producer/

At its core, data transfer speed is measured in units of information called bits. A bit represents a single binary digit, either 0 or 1, that makes up a string of code. Bits are the fundamental building blocks of digital information and are used to measure the speed of data transfers, such as streaming speeds or download times.

However, there's another unit of measurement - bytes. Eight bits grouped together form a byte, which is sufficient to represent a single letter, symbol, or number in text files. Bytes are often used to describe file sizes or storage capacity, and when measured per second, they indicate how quickly these files can be transferred.

The terms Mbps and MB/s may seem similar, but they actually refer to different measurements. Mbps measures the speed of data transfer in millions of bits per second, while MB/s measures it in millions of bytes per second. This distinction is crucial because it affects how internet speeds are perceived and compared across providers.

When comparing internet speeds, some service providers may advertise their services using one or the other metric. For instance, a provider might claim to offer 100 Mbps speeds, but this could be misleading if they're actually referring to MB/s. To avoid confusion, it's essential to understand what each term means and how it applies to your specific needs.

To make informed decisions about internet providers, consumers need to grasp the difference between bits and bytes. This knowledge will allow them to accurately compare speeds and choose a plan that suits their requirements.

The disparity between download and upload speeds is a common issue that affects many internet users. Typically, download speeds far outstrip upload speeds, with some providers offering significantly higher rates for downloading data than for uploading it. This discrepancy can be seen in the FCC's broadband speed standards, which list 100 Mbps as the minimum threshold for download speeds but only 20 Mbps for uploads.

The median download and upload speeds for American households have increased dramatically over the past decade, according to a report by Ookla. In August 2026, these speeds stood at 307 Mbps and 63 Mbps, respectively. This significant jump in average speeds is reflected in the FCC's updated benchmarks for high-speed internet, which are now four times faster than their 2015 standards.

Megabytes per second (MB/s) is a measure typically used to describe large data transfers between devices or storage systems. It can be useful for quantifying how quickly files can be uploaded to cloud services or transferred from one hard drive to another. This metric allows users to estimate the time it takes to download video files or transfer documents.

Megabits per second (Mbps) and MB/s are often used interchangeably, but they measure different aspects of internet performance. Mbps is generally used to describe download and upload speeds, while MB/s is more relevant to large data transfers between devices or storage systems.

While Mbps and MB/s may seem like similar measures of speed, they serve distinct purposes in different contexts. To determine which metric is being used, consider the type of data transfer involved - download and upload speeds are typically measured in megabits per second.

Converting between these units is straightforward: to convert Mbps to MB/s, simply divide by eight, while the reverse conversion involves multiplying by eight. This means that 100 Mbps equates to approximately 12.5 MB/s, making it easier to compare and understand different speeds.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2281288/megabits-vs-megabytes-what-speeds-mean/