nyt at Noon today https://archive.ph/oVfUw#selection-495.0-499.167
Virginia Democrats Plan to Redraw House Maps in Redistricting Push
The surprise move could give Democrats two or three additional House seats and is likely to scramble the last couple weeks of campaigning ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, fueled by dissatisfaction with President Trump's impact on the economy, immigration, race relations and the nation's global standing, according to a new poll with a big, broad sample. Even among Republicans, a significant share — nearly 30% — gave Trump low marks on the economy and how the government is functioning.
axios https://archive.ph/7jlBu
The NYC raid was with no involvement from NYPD. Just ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI and CBP. They've kept quiet about it, a sign of an authoritarian gov't. They detained citizens, protestors and vendors. gift link https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/federal-agents-detain-mix-of-protesters-and-migrants-in-massive-manhattan-sweep
related
I'll jump in with some Firenze hotel recs. Palazzo Montebello can be great value when the rates at other Florence hotels are at their max. I suggest at least a jr suite - they're spacious and lovely. The hotel itself is elegant and not in the tourist district (it's on the river) which is a short walk away. If you want something amazing that's not the Four Seasons, maybe take a look at Antica Torre or Grand Hotel Minerva. Antica Torre is located amongst the designer boutiques. Grand Minerva is on Piazza Santa Maria Novella near the Duomo.
Restaurants - 4 Leoni. Amazing food (but each of these suggestions do...). Has a wine bar and a bistro. Mastro Ciliegia - has a casual bottega for drinks and light food, and a great restaurant as well. Trattoria Zaza is also a favorite.
texcis agum caught cheatin, gets chastised
The Texas A&M University football team has been found in violation of the NCAA playing rule governing feigned injuries. This determination was made after review by the National Coordinator of Football Officiating of game video from the Texas A&M football game against the University of Arkansas on October 18.
https://www.secsports.com/news/2025/10/national-coordinator-of-officiating-determines-violation-of-injury-timeout
I've been re-watching the Brit tv series The Sandbaggers and I've gotta think a lot of you in this thread would immensely enjoy it, despite its age (1978-80). Its focus is the Cold War, the "special relationship," and the internal battles to get things done within the context of covert spy activities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandbaggers Truly one of the best spy genre productions of all time, tv or film. It has a very high level of authenticity. I'm pretty sure all the episodes are on youtube although it's also on Britbox if you have that.
seems like bad planning
"A major Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage on October 20 had the unexpected side effect of causing chaos in bedrooms across the US, as owners of Eight Sleep’s $2,000+ ‘Pod’ mattress covers found their smart beds had no offline mode and were stuck at high temperatures and odd positions in the night."
https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/aws-crash-causes-2000-smart-beds-to-overheat-and-get-stuck-upright-3272251/