The New York Times posted its Strands Sidekick for October 25, 2026, noting a moderate difficulty level and offering up to three theme-word hints.
News Raise
Apple has re‑opened its in‑store pickup option for the iPhone Duo in the United States and Canada, but inventory remains extremely limited.
Apple’s Jen Simmons said the company is investigating ways to let websites use more of the iPhone Duo’s outer display, after reviewers flagged Safari’s right‑hand controls as too space‑hungry.
New genetic analysis shows that people of the Gravettian culture in Europe exchanged genes across vast distances 30,000 years ago, reshaping views of Ice Age connectivity.
Scientists have identified Dianjunus rex, a 20‑inch tall fungus in Yunnan, China, that belongs to a newly recognized family that emerged after the dinosaur extinction.
New research shows the Barnes Ice Cap preserved evidence that the Laurentide Ice Sheet began expanding again about 2,000 years ago, a reversal halted by 20th‑century warming.
A two‑month bird‑flu outbreak at a Utah mink farm has drawn criticism for the lack of culling and worker testing, prompting fears of a potential human pandemic.
The CDC reported 178 new measles cases, bringing the 2026 total to 4,588 amid criticism over reporting and recent vaccine policy shifts.
Los Angeles County health officials confirmed a second rabies‑infected raccoon in Westlake Village, urging residents to avoid wildlife contact and keep pets vaccinated.
Brent crude climbed to $117, near its yearly high, as analysts attribute the surge mainly to a risk premium linked to potential conflict rather than strong demand.