celebrities
When Hollywood takes Washington. Keep tabs on the celebrities influencing politics with their activism, opinions, campaign endorsements and more.
Amazon now sells used Hertz rental cars
Amazon has once again expanded its vast marketplace in a way that surprises industry analysts and excites consumers. The company that began as an online bookseller and grew into a retail and logistics empire is now selling used Hertz rental cars directly on its platform. This move demonstrates how Amazon continues to blur the lines between traditional commerce and digital convenience while further cementing its influence across multiple industries.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Why Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Are the Unlikely Prophets of the #FuckCensorship Revival
Let's Get One Thing Straight I’ve been called a lot of things in the past two years — irreverent, opinionated, a little unhinged, and my personal favorite, “too loud for Jesus.”
By Sunshine Firecracker6 months ago in The Swamp
Ink on Paper: Why Print Media is Resurfacing in a Digital World.
For more than two decades, the narrative seemed set in stone: print was dying, digital was king, and the future of media belonged solely to glowing screens. Newsstands closed, newspapers shrank, and magazines that once shaped culture folded one after another. Yet in 2025, a strange reversal is taking place across America. Print — once written off as obsolete — is quietly making a comeback.
By Echoes of Life6 months ago in The Swamp
Rates of West Nile Virus Increasing Throughout Philadelphia Region
West Nile Virus cases are rising throughout the Philadelphia region. As the number of cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) continues to rise throughout the summer, health officials in the Philadelphia area are raising the alarm. The mosquito-borne illness, which has been present in Pennsylvania since the beginning of the 2000s, is experiencing a significant resurgence, with an increase in the number of human cases and positive mosquito pools. In Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Chester Counties, the presence of the virus-carrying mosquitoes has been confirmed to be higher than usual. According to data from environmental surveillance, the primary disease-carrying Culex species of mosquito have found ideal breeding conditions thanks to warmer temperatures, recent heavy rainfall, and persistent humidity. Officials say that although the rise isn't yet considered an outbreak, the pattern is troubling enough to warrant increased mosquito control efforts. In particular in areas where mosquito samples have tested positive, crews are spraying insecticides in targeted neighborhoods. Local governments are urging residents to take preventative measures seriously and keeping a daily eye on traps. The bite of an infected mosquito is how West Nile Virus gets into people. One in five people who contract the virus will experience fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and fatigue. The majority of people who contract the virus will not experience any symptoms. The virus can cause neurological problems like meningitis or encephalitis in severe cases, especially in older people or those with weaker immune systems. These conditions, which can be fatal, necessitate immediate medical attention. The Philadelphia region has not seen such widespread positive mosquito pools since 2018, when dozens of human cases and several fatalities were reported across Pennsylvania. This year's increase has sparked concern because of this. Climate change may be contributing to the rise, experts warn. Mosquito populations are able to survive in greater numbers thanks to warmer winters, and wet springs and summers increase the amount of standing water in which the insects can breed. Dr. Philadelphia's Health Commissioner, Cheryl Bettigole, emphasized that vigilance is essential despite the low overall risk to any individual. Bettigole offered this explanation: "We are seeing higher mosquito activity carrying West Nile Virus than we typically expect at this point in the season." “We want residents to protect themselves by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours, and eliminating standing water around their homes.”
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Powerball Jackpot Rockets Past $600 Million Ahead of Monday Night Drawing
Before the Monday night drawing, the Powerball jackpot surges past $600 million. Before Monday night's drawing, the Powerball jackpot has increased to an eye-popping $655 million, making it the largest prize of the year thus far and one of the largest in recent history. Since the last grand prize win on May 31st, when a lucky ticket holder in California won the top prize, the jackpot has grown steadily. Since then, no player has been successful in matching all six numbers, and the jackpot has rolled over thirty times in a row. This long streak without a winner has fueled anticipation and ticket sales nationwide, as millions of hopefuls line up for their shot at fortune.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Pixel 9 Pro Fold Slashed by $600 Ahead of Pixel 10 Launch
Prior to the launch of the Pixel 10, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold received a price cut of around $600. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has just received a significant price reduction of 600 dollars, amidst the growing anticipation for Google's next generation of foldable devices. The phone, which had a starting price of $1,799 for the 256 GB model, is now available at major retailers for just $1,199. This is the lowest price since the Pixel 10 was first released, and it comes just a few days before Google's upcoming event, where the Pixel 10 lineup, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, is expected to be unveiled. This timing is not random. This kind of price drop is a common tactic used by manufacturers to get rid of old models and make room for new ones. This presents buyers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity: a premium, cutting-edge foldable smartphone at a significantly reduced price. What distinguishes the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Launched in August 2024, the device represented a bold evolution in Google’s foldable strategy. It improved both displays while building on the foundation laid by the first Pixel Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of the thinnest foldables available, measuring just 5.1 millimeters thick when opened. This makes it easier to carry and more comfortable to use. A 6.3-inch external screen and a larger 8-inch internal Super Actua Flex screen are the two high-quality displays on the phone. Both have refresh rates of 120 hertz, ensuring smooth scrolling and excellent gaming performance. The device has a high-end feel thanks to its polished and sleek design, which puts it in good company with foldables from Samsung and other brands. The phone is powered by Google's Tensor G4 processor and has 16 gigabytes of RAM. Fast multitasking, dependable performance, and strong integration with Google's AI features are all guaranteed by this. Users have access to storage capacities of 256 GB and 512 GB, providing ample space for media, apps, and productivity tools. The camera system is another highlight. It includes a 48 megapixel wide lens, a 10.5 megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10.8 megapixel telephoto lens offering 5 times optical zoom and up to 20 times digital Super Res Zoom. While reviewers praised the setup overall, some noted that it still fell slightly short of the excellent imaging offered by the non-folding Pixel 9 Pro. In particular, low-light photography and telephoto shots left room for improvement.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Spain at 'extreme risk' of new wildfires as 14 blazes spread
Authorities in Spain have issued a warning that large portions of the country are at “extreme risk” as a result of soaring temperatures, strong winds, and prolonged drought conditions combining to create a hazardous environment. As a result, Spain is once again facing the devastating threat of wildfires. Officials have confirmed that 14 separate fires are currently burning, putting a strain on resources and necessitating emergency services to fight fires in multiple locations. The fires, which have already destroyed thousands of hectares, emphasize Spain's increasing difficulty in dealing with climate-driven natural disasters. Numerous provinces have been issued red alerts by meteorological agencies, stressing that the perfect tinderbox of heatwaves and dry vegetation exists. Temperatures have frequently surpassed 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Andalusia, Extremadura, and Catalonia, well above seasonal averages. Because even a small spark can spread uncontrollably in a matter of minutes, these conditions make forests, farmland, and rural communities extremely vulnerable. The wind has been blowing at speeds that make it possible for fires to leap over roads, rivers, and other natural barriers in many places, making efforts to contain them more difficult. The most severe fires, according to authorities, are raging in Galicia, Valencia, and Aragón. A thick layer of smoke has engulfed entire towns in Galicia, necessitating the evacuation of hundreds of residents. In order to strengthen operations, additional firefighters from nearby provinces have been brought in to work night and day. Meanwhile, in Valencia, flames have already devoured extensive areas of pine forest, with local mayors calling the destruction unprecedented in recent years. Aragón has also seen rapid fire spread in rugged terrain, making it difficult for ground crews to reach the heart of the fires.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
A Last-Minute Truce: Putin’s Strategic Arms Offer Explained
Did you know that Russia and the U.S. together hold nearly 8,000 nuclear warheads, over 7,000 more than the limits set by current treaties? That staggering imbalance sets the stage for a story that grips us at our core.
By Soul Pages6 months ago in The Swamp
Crypto Firm Bullish Rockets 84% in Blockbuster IPO Debut
Crypto Firm Bullish Rockets 84% in Blockbuster IPO Debut On its first day of trading, cryptocurrency exchange Bullish raised a remarkable 1.1 billion dollars, a stunning display of investor enthusiasm as it surged 84% above its initial public offering price. One of the most successful public listings for a crypto-linked company in recent memory, this performance hints at investors' renewed interest in digital asset exposure. Bullish priced its debut at 37 dollars per share, exceeding earlier guidance of 28 to 33 dollars. The offering consisted of 30 million shares, raising approximately 1.11 billion dollars in proceeds and placing the company’s initial valuation around 5.4 billion dollars. On debut day, shares opened near 90 dollars, soared to an intraday high of 118 dollars, and settled at 68 dollars, still representing a robust 84% premium over the IPO price.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
