Yearly Archives: 2025

athletics, high school football, local news, sports, young athletes

Iona Prep football extends winning streak to 14 games with relative ease

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NEW ROCHELLE — Back to the Drawing Board for Cardinal Hayes

Cardinal Hayes aimed to control the clock against Iona Prep on Saturday, but the Gaels have a knack for making time of possession a meaningless statistic. Iona Prep jumped to an early lead and cruised to a 42-14 victory.

The reigning CHSFL AAA champions extended their winning streak to 14 games, showcasing their dominance once again. The question on everyone’s mind: Is there any team in the league capable of contending with Iona Prep? This question will likely be answered over the course of the next month.

Despite having the ball for 16 minutes in the first half, the Cardinals found themselves down 21-0 at the break. Julian Guzman ran for a touchdown late in the first quarter and connected with Joe Wolfe and Crew Davis for second-quarter touchdowns, providing some offensive highlights for Cardinal Hayes.

Stay tuned for more details and analysis from this game.
https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2025/09/27/chsfl-ny-football-iona-prep-tops-cardinal-hayes-in-aaa-game-chsaa/86336226007/

business, economy, food and beverage, retail

Greggs has expanded far too fast, claim critics

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Greggs is a staple of the High Street, serving up a diet of affordable pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats. However, a series of profit warnings has knocked the stuffing out of the bakery chain’s share price, which has halved in the past year, leaving investors queasy ahead of this week’s trading update.

The latest alarm was sounded in the summer when chief executive Roisin Currie blamed the hot weather for stifling customers’ appetite for steak bakes and sausage rolls, both vegan and meat varieties.

Despite the setbacks, Greggs is pushing ahead with ambitious expansion plans. Up to 150 new stores are set to have opened by the end of this year as part of a wider drive to hit a total of 3,000 outlets. Greggs has also been extending opening hours across its stores and has rolled out more evening meals, including pizzas, chicken goujons, and hot baguettes.

In a new venture, Greggs opened its first pub yesterday in the Fenwick department store in Newcastle upon Tyne, serving local beers alongside 15 Greggs-inspired dishes.

“Questions as to whether Greggs has expanded too far, too fast and made its menu too complicated have added to wider worries over the state of the UK economy,” said Russ Mould, investment director at stockbroker AJ Bell.

The high street baker was a clear winner during the cost-of-living crisis, overtaking McDonald’s as Britain’s most popular breakfast venue. However, like other retailers, it has been hit by rising costs, especially from the employer National Insurance increase in last year’s Budget.

“The broader consumer spending environment remains fragile,” said Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at the investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. “While Greggs has relied on price increases to support like-for-like sales growth, the company must be careful not to stretch customer tolerance too far,” he added.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15139501/Greggs-expanded-far-fast-claim-critics.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

government, humanitarian, politics, public safety, state

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

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**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 9:30 PM*

A tragic incident unfolded at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, where a stampede claimed the lives of at least 31 people and left over 40 hospitalized. The rally was organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

### Overwhelming Crowd Turns Deadly

The gathering had swelled to tens of thousands, creating an overwhelming situation as Vijay addressed the crowd. As the situation worsened, many attendees, including children, started fainting due to the crush.

Vijay was heard pleading for police assistance and was seen distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to those affected. Despite these efforts, ambulances struggled to navigate through the densely packed crowd to reach the injured. The fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, though some tragically succumbed to their injuries.

### Political Reactions and Government Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Tamil Nadu police for inadequate preparation in handling such a massive rally and demanded accountability from the ruling DMK government.

In response, Chief Minister MK Stalin took immediate notice of the incident. He directed state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to proceed to Karur promptly. Former minister V Senthilbalaji was also tasked with ensuring that medical assistance reaches those affected by the crowd surge.

### Controversies Surrounding Vijay’s Rallies

Vijay’s political rallies have often been mired in controversy due to the massive crowds they attract. The DMK-led administration had previously imposed several restrictions on his events to manage scale and security concerns.

Positioning his party as a third alternative to both DMK and AIADMK, Vijay has consistently criticized both parties. At his rallies, he accuses the state government of neglecting basic public amenities such as roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.

As investigations continue, this tragic event highlights the challenges of managing large political gatherings and the urgent need for enhanced crowd control and emergency response measures at such events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

general

Lewis Hamilton pulls out of Ferrari tire test to be with sick dog

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Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has withdrawn from a tire test with Ferrari in Italy to be with his sick dog, he revealed on social media on Friday.

Posting on Instagram, Hamilton shared that his 12-year-old bulldog, Roscoe, had been hospitalized with pneumonia and was now in a coma.

READ: F1: Lewis Hamilton reveals concern
https://sports.inquirer.net/642085/lewis-hamilton-pulls-out-of-ferrari-tire-test-to-be-with-sick-dog

celebration, culture, india, music

Nisha’s Mumbai: Of Patriotism, Parties, And Pioneering Design; Nisha JamVwal Gives A Glimpse Of Her Spectacular Week

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When Music Becomes a Love Letter to the Nation

I cannot begin this column without giving due credit to national awardee lyricist Manoj Muntashir, the master storyteller who, in collaboration with composers Ajay-Atul and some exceedingly talented singers, presented the untold story of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a musical at NMACC titled *Mera Desh Pahle*. Little-known vignettes of his childhood and journey were given life through this emotional musical that had audiences shouting desh bhakti slogans.

The moment that stirred my soul was when the entire auditorium rose in spontaneous chants for our Prime Minister, voices merging in *Vande Mataram* and *Mera Bharat Mahan*. I had goosebumps as this opening night swept up in a wave of passionate pride. I wholeheartedly agree with CM Devendra Fadnavis that our Prime Minister has elevated us to such heights internationally that we feel this profound pride in being Indian.

We stand tall today thanks to one man’s extraordinary vision and relentless efforts, and this musical epitomizes his remarkable journey.

—

### Art of Turning Fifty in Feathers and Finery

Close on the heels of the larger-than-life Gautam Singhania extravaganza came another marquee celebration—grand, familial, and utterly enchanting. While the beautiful lady who had this special birthday will remain anonymous, I must share that one guest—the lovely Jaya Raheja in her show-stopping red feather gown—once again proved her artful penchant for avant-garde experimental excellence. Wow, did she steal the show!

The entire venue, which used to be a much-loved movie studio, was transformed into opulent banquet rooms, bars, and dining spaces to accommodate friends and family who flew in from across the globe, along with Mumbai’s glittering ‘set.’

Cars snaked their way in, filled with women trying to decode the mysterious theme. The glamour quotient was sky-high, and the band elevated the energy to euphoric levels. It was one of those evenings where celebration becomes an art form.

—

### When Design Dreams Take Flight

Ashiti Bhartia of the Elle Magazine group hosted the ID Design and Architecture show, and it outdid every design exposition I’ve attended this year. This sprawling showcase of India’s finest design brands was nothing short of spectacular.

It’s transformational how AI and technology have become a big part of design, making life more seamless for designers, architects, and house-proud shaukeen DIY clients who wish to design their homes on their own. The choices available today are simply magnificent.

The opening night drew architects and interior designers in droves, creating a buzzing hive of creative energy with music and bartenders juggling glasses and drinks. What struck me most was how the event transformed from a mere exhibition into a confluence of artistic minds—each corner revealing innovative concepts that push the boundaries of Indian design sensibilities.

It’s events like these that remind me why Mumbai remains the cultural pulse of our nation.

—

*Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/nishas-mumbai-of-patriotism-parties-and-pioneering-design-nisha-jamvwal-gives-a-glimpse-of-her-spectacular-week

government, humanitarian, politics, public safety, state

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

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**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | September 27, 2025, 09:30 PM*

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has claimed the lives of at least 31 people, with over 40 others hospitalized. The incident occurred during a massive gathering for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

### Overwhelming Crowd Leads to Chaos

The rally attracted tens of thousands of attendees, resulting in an overwhelming and uncontrollable situation as Vijay addressed the crowd. Amid the chaos, many people, including children, began to faint due to the crushing crowd and heat.

Vijay was reportedly heard pleading for police assistance and personally distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to ease the distress. However, the dense crowd made it extremely difficult for ambulances to reach those in urgent need. Fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but sadly, some could not be saved.

### Political Reactions and Accountability Demands

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticized the Tamil Nadu police for inadequate preparations to manage such a large rally. The party demanded accountability from the state government led by the DMK.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin responded swiftly, taking notice of the incident and dispatching ministers Anbil Mahesh and M.A. Subramaniam to Karur. Former minister V. Senthilbalaji was also tasked with ensuring that prompt medical assistance was provided to those affected by the crowd surge.

### Vijay’s Controversial Rally History and Political Stance

Vijay’s rallies have frequently sparked controversy, prompting the DMK-led administration to impose multiple restrictions aimed at crowd management and public safety. The TVK leader positions his party as an alternative to both the DMK and AIADMK, often criticizing them in his speeches.

He has accused the state government of neglecting essential public services, including roads, healthcare, clean water, and security, vowing not to ally with either of the dominant political factions.

—

This tragic event underscores the critical need for better crowd control measures and emergency preparedness at large political gatherings in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

business, family, media, personal development, politics

Jenna Bush Hager reveals what caused ‘big fights’ between her and dad George: ‘I’d cry myself to sleep’

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Jenna Bush Hager opened up about a major cause of tension with her dad, former president George W. Bush, during her younger years.

“There was a period of time when I made bad grades,” the TV host revealed during Friday’s episode of *Today With Jenna & Friends*. When guest co-host Sheinelle Jones appeared skeptical, Hager doubled down, saying, “They were bad.”

Jones then asked the mother of three how her parents, George and Laura Bush, would handle it.

“My dad would sit with me at that kitchen table and try to teach me math, and we’d get in big fights and I’d cry myself to sleep,” Hager, now 43, laughed.

Jones called the confession relatable, adding that she thinks it’s typical of kitchen tables all over the country at night.

Hager did not elaborate on exactly when the kitchen table meltdowns occurred, but she and her fraternal twin sister, Barbara, were 19 when their father’s first term as president began in 2001.

Hager married her husband, Henry, in 2008, and they have since welcomed three children: Mila, 12, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6.

Despite the past arguments, Hager’s relationship with her father, now 79, remains strong.

In September 2024, she admitted that she called the former president in tears over the news that her former co-host Hoda Kotb would be leaving the show after 26 years with NBC.

“I don’t know if you’re embarrassed to say this or not, but I think that we should [talk about how] you called your dad,” Kotb recalled at the time, referencing Hager landing the co-hosting job in 2019. “And I remember when you first started working together with me, you were afraid, so she called her dad.”

Hager jumped in, recalling that George was happy for her but jokingly reminded her that NBC veteran Kotb was the star.

“Then I called him last night,” Hager divulged. “At first, he thought something really awful [happened], like I lost a loved one, because of how emotional I was.”

Hager continued, recalling how her father comforted and encouraged her.

“And then, he said, ‘Oh, she’s leaving, because it’s time, and you’re going to be fine. It’s your turn. It’s OK.’”
https://pagesix.com/2025/09/27/celebrity-news/jenna-bush-hager-reveals-what-caused-big-fights-between-her-and-dad-george/

cryptocurrency, scams, security, technology, training

Free Bitcoin? Here’s the truth about crypto faucets

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Free Bitcoin? That’s the Bait

Crypto faucets promise drips of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other tokens for clicking ads, solving captchas, or filling out surveys. The pitch is simple: do a task, get a payout, no credit card needed. For rookies, it sounds like a harmless on-ramp. No wire transfers. No charts. Just easy money.

Here’s the truth. Most faucets are gimmicks. Some are outright scams. And the time tax is brutal. That doesn’t make them worthless. Faucets can be a low-stakes sandbox to learn how a wallet works and what a blockchain transaction looks like. If you keep your guard up, they’re training wheels and nothing more.

And if you claim anything, you’ll still need a safe place to stash it. That’s where a one-stop app like Best Wallet earns its keep. It supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and testnet tokens, flags sketchy links before you click, and keeps tiny balances from vanishing in the shuffle.

What Is A Crypto Faucet?

Think of a faucet like a digital water dispenser. Instead of H2O, you get drops of crypto. Crypto faucets are websites or platforms that give away free tokens or coins using only an address, explained Eugene Ryan, founder of Generative Space. It’s one way of learning how to use crypto with little to no risk.

It is also sometimes used by testnets of blockchains to test transactions between wallets.

The origin story is legendary. Back in 2010, Bitcoin pioneer Gavin Andresen launched a faucet that handed out coins worth pennies. Today, those coins are worth a fortune.

“There used to be faucets that gave five Bitcoin to every solved captcha,” recalled Arjun Vijay of Giottus Technologies. Later, when projects like Ethereum came up, faucets were used to distribute testnet ETH for developers.

That gold rush ended years ago. Payouts shrank. Hype didn’t. “They’re like a digital water dispenser that gives out tiny fractions of a cent in crypto,” said Prashant Tiwari, founder of vhindi.com.

The bombastic claims of easy money often hide the real cost: people spend hours on them only to earn less than a dollar.

Faucets still matter for builders. Testnet faucets such as Goerli are essential for shipping code without spending real money. For regular users, they’re a demo booth, not a paycheck.

The Problems With Crypto Faucets

Short answer: they’re risky, annoying, and rarely worth the clock time.

  • Extremely low payouts. You’re earning fractions of a cent.
  • High withdrawal limits. Many sites force you to collect for days before you can cash out.
  • Ads, spam, and pop-ups. The clutter is nonstop.
  • High transaction fees. You might spend more in gas than you’ll ever claim.
  • Security risks. Malware, phishing links, and shady in-house wallets that hold your coins.
  • Scams and non-payments. Faucet sites disappear or never pay.

“Faucet sites get hacked, or in many cases just up and disappear,” said Steve Morris, CEO of Newmedia.com. “I’ve seen people lose everything from a few Satoshi to five figures when the faucet site or wallet system just went dark with no warning.”

Tiwari put it bluntly: “Safety is a big concern. The real risk comes from the company they keep, the shady ads, phishing scams, and malware they often expose you to.”

Ryan’s advice is even simpler: Only use a newly created wallet and never share any password or personal information on these websites. If any platform feels shady, proceed with caution or don’t access it at all.

That’s why a beginner-friendly wallet like Best Wallet makes sense here. It filters out suspicious sites, translates approvals into plain English, and keeps faucet payouts visible in your portfolio so you don’t lose track.

Where To Find Crypto Faucets And How They Work

Faucets used to hand out real Bitcoin. Now most legitimate ones are testnet-based. Ethereum’s Goerli faucet, for example, hands out valueless ETH so devs can simulate transactions without spending money.

For a casual user chasing free Bitcoin, a faucet is just an app demo. Here’s how the workflow looks:

  1. Sign up at a faucet site
  2. Provide your Best Wallet address (instant setup, low-fee transfers)
  3. Complete a captcha or task
  4. Receive funds directly into your wallet

Best Wallet makes this flow easier by generating addresses in seconds, storing them securely, and routing tokens straight into your account. No in-house wallet, no lockups, no waiting for withdrawals.

Reputable aggregators like CoinMarketCap maintain faucet lists. But even then, proceed with caution. If you can’t verify on-chain payouts or a site asks for personal details, walk away.

How To Claim And Store Faucet Rewards

If a friend asked how to dabble without getting torched, the checklist would start here:

  • Pick carefully. Best crypto faucet listicles are breadcrumbs, not gospel. Look for payout transparency and verifiable hashes.
  • Expect crumbs. The value is in the lesson, not the earnings. You’ll learn how addresses, fees, and block explorers work.
  • Avoid faucet custody. As Morris warned, these sites can disappear overnight.
  • Use a burner wallet. Never type your seed phrase into a faucet. Never sign approvals you don’t understand.
  • Sweep to safety. Always move balances into a wallet you control. This is where Best Wallet shines. Create a labeled sub-wallet like Faucet-Burner, sweep claims there, and keep tokens separate from savings.

The app’s scam filter flags risky approvals, the token scanner helps track dust amounts, and the watchlist ensures nothing slips into oblivion.

Are Crypto Faucets Worth Your Time?

Only if you treat them like practice. Faucets teach muscle memory: how to copy an address without error, confirm a network fee, or follow a transaction from pending to confirmed. That’s valuable training.

As a money strategy, they flop. Rewards are microscopic, the time sink is real, and the security risk is constant.

If you still want to try them, use a fresh burner wallet for claims, withdraw immediately, and stash anything you keep in Best Wallet.

Download Best Wallet to protect funds, organize sub-wallets, and lean on the built-in scam filter before signing any approvals.

FAQ: Crypto Faucets

Are faucet rewards taxable?

Yes. Even tiny payouts count as income in most jurisdictions. Keep records.

What networks have the cheapest faucet payouts?

Polygon, Solana, and other low-fee chains are popular for testnet faucets.

Can I use faucets from my country/state?

It depends. Some faucets block IPs from certain regions. Always check terms.

Quick Guide: How to Use Crypto Faucets with Best Wallet

  1. Get Best Wallet
    Download the Best Wallet app from the App Store or Google Play. It’s your safe hub for faucet drips and real holdings.
  2. Copy your wallet address
    Open Best Wallet, pick the right network (Polygon or Solana for lower fees), and copy your receiving address.
  3. Find a trusted faucet
    Choose a reputable site, paste in your Best Wallet address, and claim the free reward. Skip anything that asks for passwords or personal details.
  4. Receive funds instantly
    The faucet payout goes straight to your Best Wallet—no waiting, no shady in-house balances.
  5. Swap or manage rewards
    Use Best Wallet’s built-in swap and portfolio tools to convert, track, or bridge tiny faucet tokens into the crypto you actually want.

Bottom Line

Crypto faucets dangle free Bitcoin, but the real product is a tutorial. You’ll get a handful of satoshis or a splash of ETH and a crash course in wallet hygiene.

Used smartly, they’re a safe way to practice. Used blindly, they’re a funnel into scams, spam, and vanishing balances.

Keep your expectations low. Keep your security high. Claim with a burner, sweep to a wallet you control, and never trust a faucet to hold your coins.

When you’re ready to move beyond drips, make Best Wallet your hub. It cuts through the noise so you can focus on building the right habits—and keeping what’s yours.

https://nypost.com/business/crypto-faucets-free-bitcoin-guide/

government, humanitarian, politics, public safety, state

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

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**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 9:30 PM*

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, with over 40 others hospitalized. The incident took place during a rally organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. Tens of thousands had gathered to hear Vijay speak, which led to an overwhelming and uncontrollable crowd situation.

### Rally Disruption and Plea for Help

As the situation worsened, many attendees—including children—began fainting due to the dense crowd and lack of basic amenities. Vijay was seen pleading for police assistance and distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to help those affected. However, the chaos made it difficult for ambulances to reach the injured promptly.

Several fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but unfortunately, some did not survive.

### Political Reactions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Tamil Nadu police for their apparent lack of preparedness for managing such a large gathering. The BJP demanded accountability from the ruling DMK government for the tragedy.

In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took immediate notice of the incident. He directed state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to travel to Karur and oversee relief efforts. Additionally, former minister V. Senthilbalaji was tasked with ensuring adequate medical assistance for those affected by the crowd surge.

### Rally Restrictions and Controversies

Vijay’s political rallies have frequently been the subject of controversy due to the massive crowds they attract. The DMK-led administration has imposed several restrictions on his events to manage safety concerns.

Vijay has positioned his party as a viable alternative to the established DMK and AIADMK parties. He has consistently criticized both parties during his rallies, asserting that he will not form alliances with either. Among his key accusations against the state government are failures to provide essential services such as roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.

As investigations into the stampede continue, questions remain about the adequacy of crowd management and emergency preparedness at large political events in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

general

Megacap tech’s market dominance only poses ‘short-term risk’

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BMO Private Wealth chief market strategist Carol Schleif recently joined Market Catalysts host Julie Hyman to discuss the dominance of Big Tech in the markets.

During the conversation, Schleif explained why she believes this dominance carries only the possibility of short-term risk.

For more expert insights and in-depth analysis on the latest market action, be sure to check out additional episodes of Market Catalysts.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/video/megacap-techs-market-dominance-only-180016884.html