The article reflects on Sierra’s The Colonel’s Bequest, a parser-driven Laura Bow mystery set in a Southern mansion, lauding its NPC schedules, multiple endings, and gentler puzzles. It became a family touchstone, with mother and child swapping chairs across repeat runs to unearth fresh secrets. Though less celebrated than other...
Addressing Italy’s National Anti-Usury Council, Pope Leo XIV condemned usury as a grave sin and “corruption of the human heart,” thanking the group for three decades of aid to victims. He warned that usury—often masquerading as help—strangles the poor, especially those already fragile, and can drive despair. Extending his critique...
Republican governors readied National Guard troops as "No Kings" protests opposing Donald Trump were planned at more than 2,500 U.S. locations, with Texas and Virginia activating their forces ahead of the rallies. Organizers, who say June’s protests drew over five million people, plan to kick off in New York at...
US prosecutors say Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al‑Muhtadi, 33, a Louisiana resident, joined a paramilitary group fighting alongside Hamas during the 7 October attack, coordinating armed fighters and requesting rifles, a vest, and ammunition, according to unsealed filings. His phone pinged near Kibbutz Kfar Aza hours after the assault that killed...
Prince Andrew has relinquished the title of Baron Killyleagh, granted by Elizabeth II on his 1986 wedding day, and said he will give up all royal titles, including Duke of York. In a personal statement, he said he "vigorously" denies accusations and, after talks with the King and family, concluded...
Trading cards are surging, with Circana reporting strategic sales up 103% year-to-date through August and non-strategic up 48%. Target says category sales have climbed nearly 70% and are on track to top $1 billion, while Walmart Marketplace cites a 200% spike and tenfold Pokémon gains. Retailers are fueling demand with...
Repair crews are working to restore off-site power to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant after rare local “ceasefire zones” were set up, the IAEA said. The facility has been cut from the grid for four weeks—the longest outage of the war—after losing its last power line and relying on diesel...
The Supreme Court heard Louisiana v. Callais, testing whether Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act stands, and igniting worries that hard‑won representation could recede. Rep. Cleo Fields, whose district is at stake, voiced cautious optimism but warned that ending Section 2 would ripple nationwide. Conservative justices pressed the use...
On Monday, Oct. 13, SpaceX’s Starship Version 2 flew its 11th and final suborbital test, closing a turbulent two-year run on a high note after earlier failures. The prototype deployed eight Starlink simulators as the company pivots to a larger Version 3, debuting in 2026 with more propellant capacity, third‑generation...
A tanker caught fire in the Gulf of Aden after being hit by an unknown projectile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported, saying authorities are investigating. The incident occurred about 210 kilometers east of Aden. Security firm Ambrey said the Cameroon‑flagged vessel, sailing from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti, had...
