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Technology
European Grid's Mysterious 60-Second Dips Traced to Battery Self-Checks
The European power grid has a curious quirk: a brief frequency dip every 60 seconds, so regular it seemed almost mechanical. For years, TenneT Germany, the country's largest transmission system operator, logged these deviations, noting they were clearly measurable but not critical to grid security, according to Tech Xplore. Now, researchers say they have finally cracked the case. A study published in Nature Energy, led by Dirk Witthaut from Forschungszentrum Jülich, identifies the culprit as the routine power checks performed by large-scale battery storage systems, Hacker News reported. These systems, which are increasingly vital to balancing renewable energy supply, apparently run self-diagnostic tests on a fixed schedule, and each test briefly saps a small amount of power from the grid. "The cause of this phenomenon was initially unclear." The regularity of the dips, which TenneT observed over several years, was the key clue that pointed researchers toward a mechanical rather than random cause. The finding offers a window into how modern storage infrastructure interacts with the broader network, and it could help improve the robustness of electricity supply infrastructure, according to Hacker News. While the fluctuations were never a threat to grid security, understanding their origin matters as grids become more complex. The discovery underscores how even minor, automated behaviors of new technologies can leave a measurable fingerprint on the continent's power system, and it gives operators a clearer picture of what to expect as battery storage expands.
2 sources · 2 Nov
Musicians Dress Up for Halloween: Tinashe's Melatonin and Wednesday's Addams Family Top the List
This Halloween, musicians traded their usual stage wear for playful and unexpected costumes, with Tinashe's take on melatonin and the Netflix series Wednesday's nod to the Addams Family emerging as standout looks. The curated roundups, published across multiple outlets, highlight the creative get-ups that defined the holiday for music fans. Pitchfork featured its favorite musician Halloween costumes of 2026, spotlighting Tinashe dressed as a gram of melatonin and Wednesday as the Addams Family. The article serves as a curated list of celebrity fashion choices for the holiday, according to Pitchfork. "From Tinashe as melatonin to Wednesday as the Addams Family, here are our favorite get-ups this year." That line, echoed in similar roundups, captures the playful spirit of the season, where musicians lean into humor and pop culture references rather than traditional spooky attire. Algonquinair.com also published its own list of the 18 best musician Halloween costumes this year, repeating the same highlights of Tinashe and Wednesday. The overlap across outlets suggests these two costumes resonated widely, becoming the defining images of musician Halloween fashion for the season. While the lists vary slightly in length, with one featuring 17 costumes and another 18, the consistent emphasis on Tinashe's melatonin and Wednesday's Addams Family indicates a shared cultural moment. Fans looking for inspiration this year can look to these musicians for ideas that blend wit with recognizable characters, as reported by the outlets covering the trend.
3 sources · 2 Nov
technology
Apple's HomeView May Turn Its Built-In Camera Into a Home Security Monitor
Apple appears to be preparing to let its HomeView smart display double as an indoor security camera, according to code references spotted in the device's latest software. SiliconReport reported that code in HomeView 27.2 references HomeKit Secure Video support alongside motion detection and streaming controls, signaling a shift toward a more active security role for the device. The evidence suggests Apple is gearing up to enable the HomeView's built-in 12MP Center Stage camera to function as a HomeKit Secure Video security camera, as androidauthority.com reported. This would let the smart display serve as both a central command hub and an indoor security monitor, a dual-purpose approach that could give it a leg up on rivals in the smart home space. "This feature would allow the device to serve as a central command hub and an indoor security monitor, potentially giving it an advantage over competitors like Google's Pixel Tablet in the smart home security market." That positioning is notable because it turns a device many users think of as a passive assistant into an active sentinel, potentially making it a more compelling purchase for those already invested in Apple's HomeKit ecosystem. The inclusion of motion detection and streaming controls, as noted by SiliconReport, suggests the feature would be fully integrated rather than a simple camera feed. If the feature ships, it would mark a meaningful expansion of HomeView's utility, though Apple has not yet confirmed any timeline or official announcement. For now, the code hints are the strongest signal yet that the company is looking to close the gap with dedicated security cameras while leveraging its existing smart home platform.
2 sources · 2 Nov
businesshardwaretechnologyHyundai's Facelifted Ioniq 6 Opens UK Orders With 422-Mile Range and a £33,240 Entry Point
Hyundai has opened UK order books for its facelifted Ioniq 6 electric saloon, with the entry version now priced at £33,240 after the Electric Car Grant and deliveries slated for early 2027, electrive reported. The updated model brings an evolved design with a sharper silhouette and refined interior, according to electrek.co, alongside a larger 84 kWh battery that extends the claimed range to up to 422 miles. Charjin noted that the cheapest version delivers the longest range, and on Hyundai's own efficiency figure it costs about 5.7p a mile to charge at home. That running-cost math is likely to be a key selling point for UK buyers, especially as evcompared.co.uk has already crunched the numbers against rivals, working out what each mile of range costs versus the Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes CLA, and what a full charge costs at home and on the road. "The updated model features an evolved design with a sharper silhouette, refined interior, and a larger battery for extended range." That sharper silhouette is part of Hyundai's push to keep the streamliner competitive as the electric saloon segment heats up, with evcompared.co.uk highlighting two grant-eligible versions under £37,000. Orders are now open for the electrified streamliner, electrek.co confirmed, and with deliveries not starting until early 2027, early UK buyers will have a long wait before the updated Ioniq 6 reaches their driveways.
4 sources · 1 Nov
technology
Finance
After Record Binance Theft, CFTC Chair Pushes Voluntary Registration for Crypto Exchanges
In the wake of a massive $6.3 billion hack on Binance, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Mike Selig has proposed a voluntary federal registration framework for cryptocurrency exchanges, according to multiple outlets. The proposal, which stops short of a mandate, would allow offshore exchanges to opt into U.S. oversight in exchange for access to American leveraged trading markets. "The record $6.4 billion theft shows why offshore exchanges should register with the CFTC and adopt U.S.-grade cybersecurity standards." Selig's comments, reported by Decrypt, frame the Binance breach as a clear demonstration of the risks posed by unregulated offshore platforms. The CFTC chair argued that the voluntary path would subject registered exchanges to the same cybersecurity safeguards used in U.S. financial markets, as noted by Crypto Times. "A $6 billion Binance theft makes the CFTC's voluntary federal option for centralized exchanges harder to ignore." BeInCrypto reported that the sheer scale of the theft has made the CFTC's proposal more compelling, while TheCurrencyAnalytics noted that the framework offers a trade-off: federal consumer protections in exchange for compliance. However, the response in Washington is not uniform. Bitcoin.com and News.Bitcoin.com both reported that Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis has criticized the approach, arguing that Congress has already missed opportunities to implement stronger defenses. Lummis specifically referenced the CLARITY Act, suggesting that existing legislative frameworks could have been sufficient if properly enacted. The divide highlights competing strategies for regulating the cryptocurrency industry amid growing security failures.
7 sources · 2 Nov
Bitcoin Staking Platform b14g Loses 97 Million CORE Tokens in Exploit, Token Price Drops 12%
Bitcoin staking protocol b14g suffered a significant security incident, with approximately 97 million CORE tokens drained from its staking contracts without authorization. The exploit, which targeted the platform's staking pools, caused the CORE token price to fall by 12% as the market reacted to the breach, according to spendnode.io. "An attacker withdrew 97 million CORE from b14g staking contracts." The Token Press reported that b14g confirmed about 97 million CORE left its staking contracts without authorization, prompting the protocol to pause the affected contracts. The stolen tokens were valued at approximately $1.47 million at the time of the incident, according to eicker.news. Eicker.news detailed the mechanics of the attack, reporting that a single transaction drained 91 staking positions. The attacker filed 99 zero-token withdrawal requests against unfunded positions, exploiting a Core contract rule that treats a zero withdrawal as valid. This allowed the attacker to withdraw tokens from funded positions without proper authorization. Core DAO, the organization behind the Core blockchain, stated that the base network and direct staking remained secure and unaffected by the exploit, according to The Token Press. Spendnode.io similarly reported that Core DAO said its network remained unaffected, emphasizing that the vulnerability was isolated to b14g's staking contracts rather than the Core blockchain itself. "b14g says about 97 million CORE left its staking contracts without authorization, while Core DAO says the base network and direct staking remained secure." The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the crypto staking ecosystem, where third-party platforms can introduce vulnerabilities separate from the underlying blockchain. B14g has paused the affected contracts as it investigates the breach, but the full extent of user losses and potential recovery plans remain unclear based on available reports.
3 sources · 2 Nov
cryptocurrencyfinance
Mastercard's Services Engine Outpaces Core Network as Q3 Revenue Hits $9.8 Billion
Mastercard's third-quarter results show a company increasingly powered by its value-added services, with revenue climbing 14% to $9.8 billion and net income rising 18% to $4.6 billion, according to ppc.land. The fraud-prevention and data services arm grew 19%, now accounting for over 41% of total revenue, while diluted earnings per share jumped 22% to $5.28. 24/7 Wall St. reported that Mastercard's shares rose 4% on the revenue and EPS beat, with Visa and American Express each gaining 2% and PayPal ticking up. The outlet highlighted that the services segment is growing nearly twice as fast as the core payment network, a gap that is reshaping how investors value the card giants. "Mastercard's fraud-prevention and data services are growing nearly twice as fast as its core payment network, and that gap is reshaping how investors value the card giants." That divergence suggests the company's future earnings power increasingly lies in higher-margin offerings rather than transaction processing alone, a shift that appears to be winning over the market. ppc.land also noted a slowdown in cross-border card-not-present spending outside the travel sector, which grew 15% in the quarter, down from 20% in the previous period. The deceleration adds a note of caution even as the services engine continues to accelerate, leaving investors to weigh whether the growth mix can offset softer international spending trends.
2 sources · 1 Nov
businessfinanceinvesting
Music
Harry Styles Revives His Teenage X Factor Audition for a Halloween Night at Madison Square Garden
Harry Styles brought his annual Harryween tradition to Madison Square Garden with a twist that reached back to the very start of his career, performing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" in the same outfit he wore during his original X Factor audition. The cover, which he first sang at age 16 on the talent show, served as the centerpiece of the costume-themed Halloween concert, according to hot1073fm.com and musicianvoice.com. "Harryween is here. Harry..." The performance came during the penultimate show of his 30-night residency at the iconic New York venue, as reported by hot1073fm.com. Rolling Stone noted that the evening featured not one but two themed sets, with Styles also delivering an Elvis-inspired performance earlier in the night, keeping with his annual tradition of dressing up for the holiday. MEAWW reported that Styles recreated his 2010 X Factor audition look, performing the same song he used for his audition nearly 26 years ago. The outlet's timeline appears to reference the original audition's airing, though the exact span was not clarified in the coverage. Whatfinger echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as a recreation of his "iconic" audition, complete with the outfit and the Wonder cover. "Harry Styles recreated his iconic 2010 'X Factor' audition, complete with the outfit and performance of 'Isn't She Lovely' during Harryween Night 1 at Madison Square Garden." The choice of song carried clear sentimental weight, as "Isn't She Lovely" was the track that introduced Styles to the world as a teenage contestant. KRJK FM confirmed the event took place on Friday, October 30, during the Halloween concert, while excelsior.com.mx highlighted the playful concept of Styles dressing as himself from his audition days, a meta costume that delighted fans in attendance.
7 sources · 2 Nov
Harry Styles Closes Historic 30-Show MSG Run With a Banner and a Rare Deep Cut
Harry Styles wrapped up his record-breaking 30-night residency at Madison Square Garden on October 31, a run that cemented his place in the venue's storied history. To mark the achievement, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson joined the singer onstage to present him with a commemorative banner, an honor that underscored the crossover between music and sports culture in New York City, as reported by Rolling Stone and sumi. Brunson, whom Styles had dubbed the "King of New York" back in September, helped close out the final show of the 'Together, Together' run, according to Complex. The moment was captured in a trending video that Bleacher Report highlighted, showing the Knicks star raising the banner alongside the 'Watermelon Sugar' singer. "The Knicks' Finals MVP, whom Styles called the 'King of New York' in September, helped close out the singer's 30-show run at Madison Square Garden." The gesture carried extra weight given Brunson's own status as a Madison Square Garden standout, making the pairing a fitting tribute to two performers who have each owned the iconic stage. Beyond the banner ceremony, Styles gave fans a long-awaited treat by dusting off 'Ever Since New York,' a track from his 2017 debut album that he had not performed in four years, as reported by musicianvoice.com and hot1073fm.com. The deep cut came during the final week of the residency, answering a request many fans had made since the run began. "The megastar hasn't performed the 2017 track in four years." The rare performance added a nostalgic layer to an already historic night, capping a residency that saw Styles play 30 consecutive shows at one of the world's most famous arenas. Hungamaexpress.com described the banner presentation as a surprise tribute marking a major career milestone for the singer.
7 sources · 1 Nov
entertainmentmusicpop
Valkyries Cap Historic Two-Year Rise With Game 7 Title Over Dream
The Golden State Valkyries clinched the franchise's first WNBA championship on Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7, according to CNN. The victory made the Valkyries the fastest expansion team among the major North American sports leagues to win a title, doing so in just their second season of existence. The championship run came after a dramatic Game 6 in which the Dream forced the deciding contest with an 80-69 win, a matinee performance that Reuters described as "worthy of primetime billing." The Dream's victory brought "the party atmosphere back after frustration over scheduling issues," according to the Dewitt Daily News report. The Valkyries' Game 6 struggles were stark, with ClutchPoints reporting that their offense "had had the" early-game issues that left something "not right" in the first quarter. The outlet quoted the team bashing their "unacceptable" start, a stumble that nearly derailed their historic run. "Call it nerves, call it fatigue, call it championship anxiety, call it all of the above." The assessment captured the tension of a team that had dominated all season but suddenly faced elimination, only to regroup and close out the series days later. The title fulfilled a bold promise from ownership. ESPN reported that when Golden State joined the WNBA, the owner said the team would win a title within five years, and the Valkyries did it in two. Front Office Sports noted the championship made WNBA history for a second-year franchise, cementing a rise that ESPN framed as building "dynasties here" in the Bay Area.
7 sources · 1 Nov
music
Business
Grocery Delivery Giants Unite as DoorDash Acquires Instacart for $17 Billion
DoorDash has agreed to acquire Instacart in a $17 billion deal that merges two of the largest players in the food and grocery delivery space. The acquisition, reported by both RetailBoss and Gulf Coast News Now, combines DoorDash's restaurant and convenience delivery network with Instacart's grocery-focused platform, reshaping the competitive landscape of on-demand delivery. Under the terms of the deal, the Instacart brand and its app will continue to operate independently, according to Gulf Coast News Now. This means shoppers can still fulfill orders through Instacart, and grocers will retain the flexibility to work with either platform. The arrangement aims to preserve the distinct identities of both services while leveraging their combined scale. "The acquisition expands Instacart's reach by adding 50,000 stores covered by DoorDash's network." This integration significantly broadens the selection available to customers, merging Instacart's grocery and convenience store delivery across the U.S. and Canada with DoorDash's extensive merchant base. Instacart, founded in 2012, employs approximately 600,000 shoppers who fulfill orders from partner retailers, as noted by Gulf Coast News Now. The $17 billion price tag underscores the high stakes in the competitive delivery market, where companies have been vying for dominance amid shifting consumer habits. RetailBoss reported that the deal combines delivery networks and ecommerce technology, suggesting synergies that could streamline operations and reduce costs for both platforms. While the acquisition marks a major consolidation, the decision to keep Instacart's app and brand separate may help retain its loyal user base and grocery partners. The move positions DoorDash to challenge rivals like Uber Eats and Amazon Fresh, though the long-term impact on pricing and shopper earnings remains to be seen.
2 sources · 2 Nov
Everything else
Trigger.dev Warns Customers After Attacker Accesses Environment Variables in Subset of Organizations
Trigger.dev has disclosed a security incident in which an attacker gained unauthorized access to environment variables belonging to a subset of customer organizations, according to a report from Deniz Genc. The company said it has already blocked the exploit and emailed affected account owners with specific mitigation steps. CTO Eric Allam revealed the breach on November 1, 2026, as reported by Hacker News. The unauthorized access was limited to environment variables for a subset of organizations, and the company has since identified the full scope of the exposure while working to contain the issue. "The company says it has blocked the exploit and emailed affected account owners with mitigation steps." That containment effort appears to be the priority, with Trigger.dev emphasizing that the exploit is no longer active and that impacted customers have been directly contacted with instructions on how to protect their accounts. Hacker News noted that updates will be provided via Trigger.dev's status page, giving customers a central place to track further developments. The incident highlights the sensitivity of environment variables, which often contain API keys and other credentials that could be leveraged for deeper access if exposed. "Updates will be provided via their status page." For affected organizations, the emailed mitigation steps are the immediate course of action, while the broader community watches for additional disclosures from the company as it completes its investigation.
2 sources · 2 Nov
Refining Windfalls Grow Even as Trump Pressures Oil Giants Over Fuel Prices
President Trump's public criticism of Big Oil for reaping excessive profits has collided with fresh earnings reports showing that refining margins are climbing even higher, according to CapWolf. The tension comes amid fuel shortages tied to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has tightened global supplies and pushed up what refiners can charge for gasoline and diesel. "Trump blasted Big Oil for making too much money. Then the latest earnings landed and refining profits jumped even higher." That timing has made the president's rhetoric awkward, as the very companies he singled out are now posting even stronger results in their refined-products businesses. CNBC reported that recent corporate reports from Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, and Exxon confirm these firms are indeed seeing sharply higher margins due to tight fuel supplies and elevated refining margins resulting from global conflict. The surge is not a matter of corporate strategy, but of market mechanics. CNBC noted that the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has disrupted fuel flows, and with supply constrained, refiners can command premium prices. Trump's criticism of ExxonMobil and Chevron specifically, as reported by CNBC, appears aimed at pressuring them to lower prices at the pump, yet the underlying drivers remain geopolitical rather than discretionary. CapWolf framed the question as one of durability: what is really driving the surge and how long can it last before something shifts? For now, the answer seems tied to the conflict's trajectory, with refining profits likely to stay elevated as long as supply remains tight. The political friction between the White House and the oil patch, meanwhile, shows no sign of easing, even as the earnings keep rolling in.
2 sources · 2 Nov
energy marketsmarket newsstocks
Bipartisan Distrust: Record 89% of Americans See Widespread Government Corruption
A new Gallup poll has found that nearly nine in 10 Americans believe government corruption is widespread, a record high that cuts across party lines. Malay Mail reported that the figure stands at 89 percent, with Democrats hoping to channel this deep-seated anger against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election cycle. The poll, highlighted by Alternet, shows strong bipartisan agreement: Republicans, Democrats, and independents all share this bleak view of Washington. This marks a significant jump from previous years and ranks among the highest levels of perceived corruption recorded globally since 2023, according to Alternet. "Amidst high political polarization, a Gallup poll reveals that 89% of Americans believe government corruption is widespread, with strong bipartisan agreement across Republicans, Democrats, and independents." That rare consensus is striking in an era of deep partisan division, suggesting that distrust in institutions has become one of the few unifying forces in American politics. Malay Mail noted that Democrats are now looking to weaponize this sentiment, framing Trump as the embodiment of the corruption Americans fear. The poll's record-high figure reflects a steady erosion of public confidence in government over time. Alternet hinted that a specific historical data point from 1972 may explain why this distrust has not yet triggered total unrest or societal collapse, though the outlet's report cut off before fully detailing that exception. For now, the numbers paint a stark picture: trust in the system is at a historic low, and both parties are jockeying to claim the mantle of reform.
2 sources · 2 Nov
Sega Teases October 29 Reveal for Virtua Fighter Crossroads, Lionel Rafale Returns
Sega and RGG Studio have begun teasing a new showcase for Virtua Fighter Crossroads, the revival of the long-running 3D fighting game franchise. The event is locked in for October 29, according to VGTimes, and fans are watching closely for a character reveal, a clearer 2027 launch window, and platform answers around the fighting game revival, as gameloop.gg reported. In the lead-up to the showcase, Sega has already unveiled a new trailer featuring Lionel Rafale, a familiar face from Virtua Fighter 2. As OtakuPT noted, Lionel is a young martial artist who arrives in the mysterious city of Vilasapara. Push Square described him as Virtua Fighter 2's "flamboyant Frenchie" and "cocky kid," adding that he makes quite an entrance by besting Cielo in a street fight, quickly establishing himself as a character worth watching, according to a separate report. "Lionel (Lion) is a young practitioner of martial arts who arrived in the mysterious city of Vilasapara." The trailer and character introduction have fueled speculation about what the October 29 event will bring. Khel Now reported that fans can expect platform reveals and a release timeline, while Push Square noted the update could potentially include a release date. The game is expected to launch on PS5, as Push Square and gameloop.gg both indicated. With the series returning after years of fan demand, the upcoming showcase appears poised to answer key questions about Virtua Fighter Crossroads' direction, roster, and availability. As PakGamersHub put it, fans have been "yearning for something new, a fresh entry that pushes the boundaries while staying true" to the legendary series.
7 sources · 2 Nov
Gaming
Warframe Breaks Its 13-Year Boundary With a New Star System Arriving This December
Warframe is finally leaving the Origin System. Digital Extremes announced that the free-to-play action RPG will expand into a brand-new star system called Tau, a major content update slated for December that marks the first time the game has moved beyond its original setting in its thirteen-year history, according to polygon.com. "Thirteen years after launch, Warframe is doing the one thing it has never done: leaving..." That single shift is a seismic one for a game that has built its entire lore and identity around the Origin System, and it signals a deliberate narrative pivot rather than just another seasonal event. Polygon reported that the Tau star system update will be a significant expansion of the game's universe and lore, opening up new territory for players to explore. The move effectively resets the stakes for longtime fans, who have spent over a decade mastering the familiar planets and factions of the Origin System, and it gives Digital Extremes a fresh canvas for storytelling and gameplay. While specific details on what Tau contains remain sparse, the announcement alone has generated considerable buzz, as the December launch will bring the new star system to every platform for free. The shift also raises questions about how the game's existing factions and narrative threads will carry over, but for now, the promise of a new frontier is enough to keep the community watching the skies.
2 sources · 2 Nov
Fortnite's One Piece Season Introduces a Rare Token That Unlocks Free Cosmetics for Two Weeks
Fortnite's latest Treasure Hunters mini-season, launched on November 1 with the v43.00 update, has introduced a new feature called the Pirate Shop. According to a leak reported by FRVR, this shop could let players claim almost everything in the Item Shop for free for 14 days. The reward is tied to the One Piece crossover event, and getting it will come down to pure luck, as FRVR noted. "Fortnite Pirate Shop could let you claim almost everything in the Item Shop for free for 14 days." The Pirate Shop is activated by a rare Pirate Shop Token. Gamefragger.com explained that this token lets lucky players claim V-Bucks cosmetics for free for 14 days, and it also detailed how to find one, activate it, and what the offer excludes. Beebom added that while players can already get free skins and items by completing quests through the Treasure Hunters Battle Pass, the Pirate Shop allows them to get their hands on some pricey loot for free. "Even though players can get free skins and items by completing quests through the latest Fortnite Treasure Hunters Battle Pass, the Pirate Shop lets them get their hands on some pricey loot for free." Esports.gg reported that the new Fortnite x One Piece season gives players the chance to unlock the Pirate Shop, granting all Item Shops for 14 days. Polygon.com noted that this limited-time offer allows users to acquire skins and other visual enhancements without spending V-Bucks or real money during the event window. Push Square added a notable detail: if you are running in a squad, then everyone on your team gets the reward. The outlet also highlighted that Fortnite recently topped five million concurrent players, underscoring the game's massive ongoing popularity.
7 sources · 2 Nov
gaming
Legal threat from ex-contributor casts shadow over Skyblivion fan remake
The long-running fan project Skyblivion, a total conversion of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion built inside Skyrim's engine, is facing a legal challenge from a former volunteer who contributed code to the project. According to Eurogamer, the volunteer is threatening legal action over the code they contributed, creating a significant hurdle for the mod team as they approach release. "A 'take your ball and go home' approach like this fundamentally contradicts the collaborative, open spirit of the modding community" GamesRadar+ reported that characterization of the dispute, highlighting the tension between individual ownership and community-driven development. The legal threat is distinct from any potential issues with Bethesda Softworks, Polygon noted, and adds to the project's long history of development challenges and community-driven legal issues, as Kotaku reported. Skyblivion has been in development since 2012, Kotaku noted, and the volunteer team is now seeking pro bono legal aid, according to PC Gamer and sumi. The project lead has urged the community not to turn the situation into a witch hunt, PC Gamer reported, as the team navigates this unexpected obstacle. Gameloop.gg framed the situation as putting the risks of fan-made mods in focus, noting that what is confirmed, what remains unclear, and how much release risk fans should read into it are all still being sorted out. The legal challenge represents a significant hurdle for the modders as they approach the release of their work, Polygon reported, distinct from potential issues with Bethesda Softworks.
7 sources · 2 Nov
communitygamingPikmin Day Direct Locks In Switch 2 Port, Demo, and a New Annual Holiday
Nintendo used a surprise nine-minute Direct to declare November 1 the official Pikmin Day and set a firm release date for Pikmin 4 on Switch 2, according to Gamereactor. The video, which appeared on Nintendo's YouTube channel without being streamed live, featured Pikmin creator Shigeru Miyamoto explaining that the original red, blue and yellow Pikmin standing side by side resemble "11.1." "Starting this year, we're going to start calling November 1st Pikmin Day." That framing gives the franchise a recurring calendar hook, though the Direct itself delivered no brand-new game, as shattered.io noted. Instead, Nintendo used the broadcast to line up a run of dated releases around the Switch 2 edition of Pikmin 4, which was first revealed during its September Direct, per Gamereactor. Pikmin 4, Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy launches on November 12, 2026, Insider Gaming reported, marking the long-awaited port of the 2023 original to Nintendo's next-generation console. The release includes the new Dandori Academy mode, where players take on challenges and test how quickly they can collect treasure within the stage, according to famiboards.com. The Switch 2 version also gains voice commands for the dog companion Oatchi using the built-in microphone, Game Informer added. A free demo arrives even earlier, on November 2, and will include one standard level and two Dandori Academy levels, Game Informer reported. GoNintendo framed it simply as "a little taste of a big game." The demo gives players a chance to sample the improved visuals and the mic-driven Oatchi commands before committing to the full port, which arrives ten days after Pikmin Day itself. Beyond the game, Nintendo's broader media plan for the franchise includes monthly Hello! Pikmin shorts, according to gameloop.gg and shattered.io. With a new annual holiday, a dated port, a demo, and a steady stream of shorts, the Direct positioned Pikmin as a year-round franchise rather than a one-off release, even without a fresh mainline title in the pipeline.
7 sources · 1 Nov
entertainmentgaming
Entertainment
Tarantino and Fincher Team Up for Theatrical Crime Thriller Debut Next Month
Quentin Tarantino's first new movie in seven years is officially set to arrive in theaters next month, according to polygon. The film is part of the "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" universe and is described as a crime thriller, with David Fincher directing. "This marks a significant return for Tarantino to the big screen after a long hiatus." The collaboration between Tarantino and Fincher adds a notable layer of intrigue, as both filmmakers are known for their distinct visual and narrative styles, polygon reported. Plans call for a subsequent release on Netflix following the theatrical run, polygon.com noted, making the project available to a wider streaming audience after its initial big-screen debut. The pairing of these two auteurs on a crime thriller within Tarantino's established universe is generating considerable anticipation among fans.
2 sources · 2 Nov
Graham Draws a Line Between His Netflix Hit and Apple's 'Nocturne'
Stephen Graham, co-creator of Netflix's 'Adolescence,' is opening up about the thematic threads that connect his streaming drama to Apple TV+'s crime thriller 'Nocturne,' according to Polygon. The actor and writer offered candid reflections on how the two projects, despite living on rival platforms, share a common creative DNA in their narrative structure and character dynamics. "Both projects explore similar narrative elements and character dynamics." That overlap, Graham suggested, is no accident. Polygon reported that the parallels run deeper than surface-level genre conventions, with both series digging into how ordinary people are shaped by extraordinary circumstances. The comparison offers a window into the creative vision driving Graham's recent output across streaming services. Polygon.com echoed the same framing, noting that the two productions remain distinct in execution but converge on underlying themes. The outlet highlighted how Graham's commentary positions 'Adolescence' and 'Nocturne' as complementary explorations of tension and morality, even as they cater to different audiences on different platforms. For viewers tracking Graham's career, the connection gives a useful lens: his work keeps circling similar emotional territory, whether on Netflix or Apple TV+. Polygon's coverage frames this as a deliberate through-line rather than coincidence, cementing Graham's reputation as a storyteller with a consistent thematic signature.
2 sources · 2 Nov
entertainmentnewsMartha Stewart Faces Backlash for Halloween Costume Depicting Poverty, Quickly Deletes Photo
Martha Stewart sparked outrage after posting a Halloween costume photo that critics called a mockery of homeless people. The lifestyle mogul shared an image of herself wearing tattered clothing with dirt smeared across her face, holding a sign that read, according to swooon.com, "I AM HUNGRY. HELP ME!!" The photo was quickly deleted, but not before fans captured screenshots, Parade Magazine reported. "Martha Stewart, who has a net worth estimated at $400 million, posted a photo of herself dressed up like a hungry person in need of help." Stewart's net worth, estimated at $400 million according to Parade Magazine, made the costume particularly jarring to many observers. The image showed the lifestyle maven in ripped jeans and a tattered sweater, with dirt on her face, as reported by multiple outlets including Page Six and Whatfinger. "She's since taken one of the posts with the costume down." The backlash was swift, with critics calling Stewart "out of touch," according to Parade Magazine. The incident adds to a pattern of wealthy celebrities facing criticism for costumes that trivialize poverty and homelessness, a sensitive topic amid rising economic inequality and housing crises across the United States.
7 sources · 2 Nov
entertainmentCriminal Minds: Evolution to Wrap After 20th Season in 2027
The Behavioral Analysis Unit is closing its final case. Paramount+ has confirmed that Criminal Minds: Evolution, the revival of the long-running crime procedural, will end with its upcoming 20th season, scheduled to premiere in 2027. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the show has been formally titled Criminal Minds: Evolution since moving to the streamer in 2022. "Criminal Minds: Evolution will end the BAU's 20-season run next year." E! Online reported that the series is "building its final profile" after a two-decade journey. The 20th season will take the franchise to five revival seasons and 20 seasons overall, according to TV Central, which also noted that for Australian viewers, the current home of Criminal Minds is Disney+, even though Evolution is a Paramount+ original in the United States. Bleeding Cool revealed a striking detail about the cancellation's timing: Kirsten Vangsness disclosed that the cast was informed of the show's end just 90 minutes before the news became public. This decision arrives roughly seven months after Paramount+ initially greenlit the season, raising questions about the network's strategy regarding the franchise's future. "The cancellation does not mean the series has disappeared immediately. Season 20 remains scheduled for release in the United States on Paramount+ in 2027." CarterMatt reported that fans must now prepare to say goodbye to the BAU as a whole, while Asianet Newsable noted that the conclusion marks the end of a two-decade journey for the franchise. The final season promises to close the book on one of television's most enduring crime procedurals.
7 sources · 2 Nov
entertainmenttv news
Politics
Week 9 Chaos Reshuffles AP Top 25 as Ohio State Plummets After USC Loss
A weekend of high-stakes college football matchups has set the stage for a major shakeup in the upcoming AP Top 25 rankings, with several ranked teams falling in early upsets and one of the nation's top programs tumbling out of the top 10 for the first time in years. According to WPLG, yet another big shuffle is in store when the Associated Press Top 25 is released Sunday afternoon. Ohio State, previously ranked No. 2, is the most prominent casualty of Week 9. The Buckeyes lost to USC on Saturday, and elevenwarriors reported that Ohio State is out of the AP's top 10 for the first time in more than five years, dropping to No. 11 following Saturday's loss to USC. The same outlet noted the team also fell eight spots in the Coaches Poll, underscoring the severity of the defeat. "Yet another big shuffle is in store when The Associated Press Top 25 is released Sunday afternoon." On3.com highlighted the broader chaos, noting that there were a handful of really juicy matchups in the Top 25 on Saturday, and the upsets rolled in early. Three ranked teams dropped games in the noon window alone, and the rest of the day also provided ample drama. On3 has since published projections for the updated rankings based on the day's events. MyNewsLA framed the coming changes in terms of which teams are heading up and tumbling down in the new AP top 25 rankings coming out of the last October action of the 2026 season. The Lawyers Guns and Money blog, which runs a weekly top 10 games column based on The Athletic's 1-138 rankings, reported a rough week for its picks, going just 2-8 after several weeks of strong performance. The blog noted a season record of 49-46, adding a personal scorecard to the weekend's upheaval.
7 sources · 2 Nov
Books
Hallmark Lines Up 17 New Holiday Movies and a Mystery Series Return for November 2026
Hallmark Channel has announced its November 2026 programming lineup, featuring 17 new holiday-themed movies and the return of the mystery series "Mistletoe Murders" for a third season, according to TVLine. The schedule is part of the network's Countdown to Christmas celebration. Among the new titles is "Holiday Unplugged," which mynightsarebooked.com identified as the eleventh movie in the Countdown to Christmas 2026 lineup. The film follows a character who, as the title suggests, disconnects from technology during the holiday season. "Holiday Unplugged is the eleventh movie in the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas 2026 celebration." TVLine reported that the full November schedule includes specific premiere dates, air times, cast details, and plot summaries for each of the 17 films, as well as for "Mistletoe Murders" Season 3. Another highlighted movie is "Merry Memories," which joins the slate of holiday offerings. Hallmark's aggressive November rollout underscores the network's strategy of dominating the holiday TV landscape with a steady stream of original content. With 17 new movies in a single month, viewers will have ample opportunity to find a story that fits their festive mood, whether they prefer romantic comedies, family dramas, or light mysteries.
2 sources · 2 Nov