Inmates Run 26.2 Miles, Finding Purpose in Utah Prison’s First Marathon

At the Utah State Correctional Facility, a group of inmates recently accomplished something only about one percent of people ever will: a full marathon. What began as a small running club inside the facility has grown into a structured program that’s changing lives, improving moods, and even reducing violence. Now, they hope to make the marathon an annual November tradition.

The idea started with inmate Casey Vanderhoef, who was inspired after watching the documentary26.2 to Life, which follows three men serving life sentences as they train for a marathon. He pitched the concept of a run club to prison officials, and with support, the Fit From Within club was born.

Related: 25 Inspiring Quotes About Grit to Keep You Focused on Your Goals

Monthly runs and shorter races, including a half-marathon over the summer, led up to the marathon. For many of the men, running was completely new, but it's proven to be both cathartic and transformative. Vanderhoef says the program helped him through substance use recovery and improved his depression.

"Coming here literally saved my life," Vanderhoef previously told KSL. "I just started feeling better."

Another inmate, Fonua Kimoana, had always stuck to weightlifting since entering the facility in 2008. Running, he said, was something he had "just barely learned." But after helping form Fit From Within, he’s now committed to keeping it part of his life.

"Emotionally, it helps me think clearly, focus on what’s important, and put things in perspective," he told Fox 13 Salt Lake City.

The marathon drew support from therapists and recreation staff alike, who say the consistency of training has brought much-needed structure and stability to participants. Bear 2 unit leader Alfredo Lolani shared that the running club has helped reduce violence in the unit.

Research backs up those improvements, showing that physical activity programs in prisons can ease depression and anxiety while improving overall health.

Related: Running Is Officially the Sport of the Year and Gen Z Is Leading the Charge, Strava Reports

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A Strength Coach Swears by This Training for Building Peak Athleticism

For a long time, training meant picking a lane and sticking to it. You either chased strength or endurance, speed or size, and rarely both at once. Go too heavy in the weight room, and your lungs might hate you on a long run. Push endless miles, and your muscles might feel like wet noodles in the squat rack. Hybrid training is flipping that script. It’s about building muscle, boosting cardio, and sharpening agility simultaneously. You’re no longer forced to choose between power and endurance—you can have a bit of both.

"With this method, you can train individuals to improve their aerobic capacity while simultaneously improving maximum strength, increasing muscle mass, improving balance and agility, and more," says Alex Viada, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist & author of The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete: A Definitive Guide to Achieving Peak Athleticism Across All Disciplines. "With more conventional training, one or more of these might be compromised, with poorly designed programs focusing on one or two areas at the expense of the others."

Related: Ironman Reveals the Ultimate Hybrid Workout Program That Can Help Any Man Build Strength and Endurance

How to Balance Strength Training and Endurance Work 

Balancing strength and endurance isn’t about going all out every session. It’s about smart recovery and intelligent training. You don’t need to lift heavy every day to build serious strength. Lower-volume routines that focus on key movements, lighter weights moved explosively, plyometrics, and dynamic-effort work can all improve functional power without wearing you down. The same goes for cardio. Dialing back pace, swapping long, grind-it-out sessions for intervals, and knowing when to push versus cruise helps you get fitter while avoiding burnout.

"It’s all about 'minimum effective dose plus one', and taking the time to understand (and work within) your capabilities," says Viada. "The body can recover from a lot, it just needs to be kept well fed, and needs to stay under that 'burnout' line in every respect."

Common Hybrid Training Mistakes

People usually make two mistakes with hybrid training. The first is stacking a standard running plan on top of a lifting program. Most plans assume you’re only doing one thing, so combining them without adjustments is a quick path to burnout. Smart hybrid programs trim the workouts to the essentials—fewer sets, slightly lower intensity, and only the most critical miles.

The second mistake is trying to mash running and lifting into a single “hybrid workout.” That rarely works. The strength of hybrid training comes from giving each discipline the focus it deserves. Keep runs and lifts separate, train each with intent, and you’ll get better at both.

Related: UFC Strength Coach Reveals the Muscle-Building Keys Men Miss in Hybrid Training

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Simon Cowell Has Telling Comments on Ryan Seacrest

Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest spent years working together on American Idol, where Cowell served as a judge from the inaugural season in 2002 until his eventual departure in 2010. However, it does not seem like that relationship has lasted.

During a recent interview, Cowell opened up a bit about his relationship with Seacrest as he made it clear that the two have not kept in touch and offered some telling comments on Seacrest's career and fame.

Cowell and Seacrest on 'American Idol'

Seacrest and Cowell's paths crossed for many years when Cowell served as a judge on American Idol while Seacrest served as the show's host.

Cowell was one of the most iconic figures on the show at the height of its popularity, but he eventually left the show, departing from the judges' panel in 2010. Seacrest, however, has remained.

Seacrest stayed on as the show's host after Cowell's departure and returned when the series was revived in 2018. He will also be back on the show alongside judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood when the show's 24th season premieres in January.

Cowell and Seacrest 'Rarely Talk'

Though Cowell and Seacrest worked together for nearly a decade, Cowell admitted during a recent interview that they do not really keep in touch, nor does he really follow what Seacrest has been doing in his career.

“I don’t follow his career if I’m being honest with you,” Simon told the New York Times in an interview published Nov. 29. “So, I don’t know what he’s done or doing. We rarely talk now, if I’m being honest with you.”

It's obviously been about 15 years since the two of them have worked closely together.

Cowell Talks Seacrest's Fame

In addition to the admission that he and Seacrest no longer keep in touch, Cowell opened up a little bit about Seacrest's rise to fame, offering some telling comments about just how focused the Idol host was on becoming famous.

“He does work hard,” Simon said. “I don’t know, actually. He was very, very ambitious. I always knew with Ryan. He was very steely about his career, wanting to be famous. I mean this massive, massive desire about being very famous.”

Of course, Seacrest has arrived at that fame, hosting many high-profile shows and events over the years. In addition to American Idol, Seacrest has hosted E! News, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and currently serves as the host of Wheel of Fortune.

Based on his work ethic and how he carried himself, it sounds like none of that success is surprising to Cowell.

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Running Is Officially the Sport of the Year and Gen Z Is Leading the Charge, Strava Reports

Let’s be honest, fitness has gone fully mainstream. Everywhere you look, someone’s signing up for their first 5K, trying to beat their time in another half-marathon, or showing up to their first run club in a hydration vest and brand-new HOKAs like it’s some kind of athleisure runway. Honestly, when they’re mid-stride, it kind of is.

Salomon XT-6s are going viral, hydration gels are being tossed around like party favors, and according to Strava’s Year in Sport Trend Report, running has officially claimed the crown as this year’s biggest fitness obsession. Here’s a closer look at the biggest trends, surprising stats, and what they reveal about where fitness is headed this year.

Related: Looking Ahead at the Biggest Fitness Trends of 2025 and the Worst Fads to Leave in the Past

Gen Z Is Crushing the Running Game

If you've ever heard that Gen Z is the “laziest generation,” it’s time to reconsider. Those born between 1997 and 2012, currently 13 to 28 years old, are crushing the running scene. In 2025 alone, Gen Zers made up 38 percent of 5K participants, 39 percent of 10K runners, 31 percent of half-marathoners, and 33 percent of full marathoners. Their biggest motivator? Staying committed to a race they already signed up for (75 percent say it’s what keeps them hitting the pavement).

Gen Z Is Pumping Iron

Gen Z isn’t just leading the pack in running—they’re making serious gains in the weight room too. Members of this generation are twice as likely as older groups to say lifting is their main sport. With regular social media use( Gen Z makes up 27 percent of all users), it’s no surprise that many are training with aesthetics in mind. What is surprising is that while women in this age group are 21 percent more likely to record their lifts on Strava, they’re also 38 percent more likely to fear getting “bulky,” a myth we all wish would finally die.

Strava Is the New Social Flex

While the last decade was all about hearting dog photos, deadlift PRs, and wedding pics, Strava is flipping the script. Instead of endlessly scrolling, people are using the app’s “kudos” feature to celebrate others’ wins and give a virtual high-five that actually sticks. It is working in real life, too. Fifty percent of Gen Z say they plan to use Strava even more in 2026, leaving less time for doomscrolling on TikTok or Instagram. Not to mention, Strava reports that for every two minutes spent on the app, users spend an hour being active. That is a trade-off we can get behind.

Related: Trainer-Approved Running Tips That Prevent Injury and Boost Endurance

Fitness Is the New Social Scene

Running, especially through run clubs, has become one of the best ways to meet people in real life. While gym rats and seasoned runners have always known that workouts are great for making friends or even finding a significant other, this trend has only grown. With more people turning to fitness for social connection, 39 percent of Gen Z and Gen X say it’s one of their top ways to meet like-minded people. Beyond friendship, one in five Gen Z users reported going on a date with someone they met through exercise. If you needed a reason to put down the dating apps and lace up your running shoes, this is it.

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Is 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Good? Read the First Critic Reactions

It's almost time to return to Pandora. The first press screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash were held on Monday night, and with them came the first reactions to the highly anticipated third film in director James Cameron's blockbuster sci-fi series. 

Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters on December 19, and although some critics and members of the press have already seen it, it will still be a few days before any proper, in-depth reviews are out. Those who have seen the movie are able to offer brief reactions or thoughts about it on social media, and the early takeaway seems to be that Fire and Ash is a spectacle, albeit one that maybe repeats some of the beats of the last movie, 2022's The Way of Water. 

Initial Reactions Offer Praise, Some Criticism

The movie, which once more stars Sam Worthington as Jake Sully, a human marine who becomes a leader to the native Na'vi people, dealing with the tragic fallout of The Way of Water. Meanwhile, a violent tribe of Na'vi led by a fire-worshipping chieftess (Oona Chaplin), join forces with Stephen Lang's Colonel Miles Quaritch.

#AvatarFireAndAsh is so wildly, unfathomably epic, ambitious, and audacious in every single way, you can't help but forgive that it has some noticeable flaws.

It grabs you and sweeps you up in this snowball of emotion, action, and spectacle as only James Cameron can deliver. pic.twitter.com/iLLDSskFEG

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) December 2, 2025

Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) - the messiest entry has me tempered, despite a thematic thorniness that’s so intriguing. There’s still plenty to be stunned by, including Cameron tapping back into an amorous energy I haven’t seen from him in ages, all due to an excellent Oona Chaplin pic.twitter.com/IgFh2BUxl4

— Giovanni Lago (@TheGiovanniLago) December 2, 2025

Avatar: Fire and Ash has some fun action set pieces but boy if it isn’t mostly a repetitive bore. Virtually identical to The Way of Water and feels pointless. Liked the legacy Oona Chaplin brought but a pretty generic villain. These movies also never need to be three hours long. pic.twitter.com/DOIh25gIDC

— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) December 2, 2025

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH is the first James Cameron sequel that feels kinda like a regular follow-up rather than an innovative re-envisioning of its predecessor's world. It also just casually drops ~3-4 of the best/coolest action sequences of the year and I was rapt the whole time.

— Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) December 2, 2025

#AvatarFireAndAsh — there’s no denying that the spectacle of these films are unmatched. This one is bigger, louder, sharper. The 3D experience was truly something to behold. However, outside of a SPECTACULAR Oona Chaplin & a fascinating new tribe, the story is frustratingly… pic.twitter.com/4gCezW8piD

— Nikko Supreme (@NikkoCaruso) December 2, 2025

Never doubt James Cameron. AVATAR: FIRE & ASH is another sprawling, ambitious, gorgeous adventure. Oona Chaplin is the best new element - she's iconic, she's gaggy, etc, and her ash tribe rocks. Cameron expands the series' visual capacity with some innovative, trippy sequences. pic.twitter.com/fxAa7lkSZT

— Cody (@codymonster91) December 2, 2025

There’s too much “been there done that” in terms of plot beats and set pieces, but AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH is still an awe-inspiring technical and visceral achievement. It doesn’t skimp on the melodrama or intensity, as James Cameron delivers a towering spectacle of such all-in… pic.twitter.com/dTIxhG8hT6

— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) December 2, 2025

#AvatarFireAndAsh: 3 films in, James Cameron still has the sauce, making the epic spectacular feel emotionally impactful. A glorious saga. Bold, brilliant & awesome in every way, this is what movie theaters were built for. Payakan is still my fave, but Varang is the MVP. pic.twitter.com/zs1BjCTYmZ

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) December 2, 2025

We all thought James Cameron was making his Star Wars, #AvatarFireAndAsh cements it as his Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (highly complimentary). This is so At World's End coded & Cameron has fully embraced the anime & video game inspos even more proudly here. A nonstop series… pic.twitter.com/pDOQNgaEKz

— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) December 2, 2025

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH: I truly love that these movies exist, there’s nothing else like it, even though a couple beats were repeated from the previous film. Whatever. For over three hours I was on a different planet. Oona Chaplin is demonic as the evil fire Na’vi #avatarfireandash

— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 2, 2025

'First Reactions' to Movies Should Be Taken With a Grain of Salt

The initial response to Avatar: Fire and Ash seems like a pretty fair, albeit early, assessment of the movie. This writer saw Fire and Ash last night and very much enjoyed the film while conceding that some of the critics who found certain set-pieces or story beats to be repetitive had some valid points. 

To go behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, it's generally a good idea to be wary of social media reactions. Typically, when a film studio lets people see a movie ahead of the premiere date, they have to agree to an embargo. Full reviews—in-depth essays where people can make a full critical argument—tend to be held until closer to the movie's actual release date. In Fire and Ash's case, it won't be until December 16, just three days before the premiere, when outlets will be able to publish their full reviews. 

Social media reactions, meanwhile, tend to have a much shorter embargo. For Fire and Ash, people were allowed to post about it pretty much as soon as the movie was over on Monday night. Typically, social media reactions are very positive, and it's a good idea to wait for a critic's full analysis before betting too much on initial reactions.

However, the initial consensus appears to be that Avatar: Fire and Ash is a thrilling time at the movies. That Fire and Ash's early social media takeaways are largely positive, with some quibbles, should give a decent idea of what to expect when the movie comes out. 

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Bowmore Drops Its Decadent Sherry Oak Cask Collection Just in Time for the Holidays

American Scotch drinkers have been waiting nearly 18 months for the Bowmore Sherry Oak Cask Collection to be available in the United States. The wait is now over. 

Just in time for the holidays, Islay’s oldest licensed distillery is now selling the 12-year-old and the 15-year-old single malts in the U.S.

Bowmore's Sherry Oak Cask Collection includes four expressions.

Courtesy Suntory Global Spirits

Details on the Bowmore Sherry Oak Cask Collection 

The Bowmore Sherry Oak Cask Collection consists of four single malt whiskies: 12-, 15-, 18-, and 21-year-old expressions. All of the whiskies were aged in European oak casks seasoned with oloroso sherry and in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. However, what sets each whisky apart, other than age, is the finishing cask. 

The 12-year-old and 15-year-old single malts were both finished in oloroso sherry seasoned casks. The 18-year-old Scotch was finished in pedro ximénez sherry casks. And the 21-year-old bottling was finished in both oloroso and pedro ximénez sherry casks. 

Both sherry cask types impart fruity, nutty flavors to Bowmore’s signature mineral-forward and peaty profile, which has the result of tempering its smokiness. The oloroso influence tends to lean on the drier, woodier side, while the pedro ximénez casks double down on bright, fruity flavors.

Related: How Glendronach’s Master Blender Rachel Barrie Turned the Science of Whisky Into Art

“We’re excited to share this new collection with our fans in the U.S., where appreciation for barrel aging, and the whisky finesse they’ve come to expect, is at an all-time high,” national ambassador of Scotch at Suntory Global Spirits, Simon Brooking, said in a press release. “The expressions' brilliantly showcase the exceptional craft of Bowmore, under the leadership of Master Blender Dr. Calum Fraser, with four age statements that provide a master class in the use of sherry finishing in whisky production.”

Bowmore Sherry Oak Cask Collection Price & Availability

Bowmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask is bottled at 40 percent ABV and carries a suggested retail price of $90. The 15- and 18-year-old bottlings both clock in at 43 percent ABV and are priced at $160 and $325, respectively. The Bowmore 21-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask is bottled at an assertive 47 percent ABV, and is set to retail for $450 per bottle. The 12- and 15-year-old expressions are available now, while the 18- and 21-year-old whiskies are expected to arrive before Valentine’s Day 2026.

The Bowmore 15-Year-Old-Sherry Oak Cask is finished in an oloroso sherry cask.

Courtesy Suntory Global Spirits

Get a Bottle of Bowmore 15-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask Single Malt Scotch Now!

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College Football Coach With $33 Million Buyout Fired

The college football coaching carousel is rolling fast and furiously on Sunday. Three SEC programs hired new leaders, and other major conference schools are making changes as well.

According to multiple reports, Michigan State has fired head coach Jonathan Smith after two seasons. ESPN's Pete Thamel broke the news a short time ago; as a result of the move, the Spartans are on the hook for a substantial amount of money.

Smith owed more than $30 million

Smith, 46, was hired by MSU after six seasons at his alma mater Oregon State, where he closed out his tenure with three consecutive winning campaigns.

However, that success did not carry over to East Lansing. Michigan State went 5-7 in 2024 and 4-8 this fall, including a 1-8 mark in Big Ten play.

Despite his struggles, Smith is still set up well financially. His buyout from Michigan State is a reported $33 million, plus an additional three months of continuing health care benefits.

However, per 247Sports, Smith is "obligated to make a reasonable effort to seek new employment - which would partially offset MSU's financial obligations with the buyout."

Spartans' struggles continue

From 2010-15, Michigan State was one of the top programs in the country under Mark Dantonio, posting five seasons of 11 or more wins, including three Big Ten titles, one College Football Playoff appearance and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

After a 3-9 slipup in 2016, MSU rebounded to go 10-3 with a Holiday Bowl win in 2017. However, since then, consistent winning has been hard to come by in East Lansing.

Dantonio posted 7-6 marks in his final two seasons, and while his replacement Mel Tucker went 11-2 with a Peach Bowl victory in 2021, his second campaign at the school, Tucker was fired amid sexual harassment allegations in 2023.

Since 2018, Michigan State is 45-49 overall, including a 27-43 record in the Big Ten.

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NFL Player Ricky Pearsall Reflects on Being Shot

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has become a valuable contributor for the San Francisco 49ers, but the second-year player was simply thankful to be alive after a terrifying incident in 2024.

Last August, just months after the 49ers selected him in the NFL Draft, Pearsall was shot during an armed robbery near San Francisco's Union Square. While speaking to ESPN, Pearsall discussed his thoughts after being shot and what he reflected on while injured.

"My adrenaline was rushing. I didn't feel, really, much pain at all. It was just more of like a burning sensation," the wide receiver said.

"I'm very religious. I'm a Christian. I just didn't know if I was going to go to heaven or hell. I definitely thought about my family ... not knowing if I was going to tell my family I love them again."

Wide Receiver Describes the Incident

Pearsall says that he saw someone walking toward him while he placed shopping bags into the back of his car. After signing autographs earlier in the day, he initially assumed the person was a fan.

"Then, I analyzed the situation and was like, 'OK, this guy doesn't really look like a fan at all.' He was in all black, hoodie on, and he obviously had his gun out immediately," Pearsall said.

The suspect had a physical altercation with Pearsall before shooting him in the chest and running away. After running from the receiver, the-then 17-year-old was arrested.

Pearsall says he remembered losing a great deal of blood, and that San Francisco Police Sergeant Joelle Harrell arrived on foot to help him. Harrell had been in the area patrolling on foot, and noticed an injured Pearsall.

Pearsall Received Help at the Scene

"I had a sense of relief when I saw Joelle, for sure, when she patched me up," the 49ers player said. "We just took a moment to just breathe and pray and hearing her voice telling me I'm going to be OK, and just to be strong."

Pearsall noted that he appeared calm in a video taken at the scene, but revealed how he felt internally.

"I may have looked calm, but really I was freaking out," he said. "In my mind, it was like, 'Let's get a move on.' Like, 'Let's get on the stretcher, let's get to the hospital.'"

Pearsall was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition, and the bullet entered his chest and exited through his back. Just 50 days after being shot, Pearsall would make his NFL debut. He caught three passes for 21 yards in his first game, and ended his first season with 31 receptions, 400 yards and three touchdowns.

"I want to live a happy life," Pearsall said. "Reality is, I am here. I'm alive. A lot of good people around me. I shouldn't be freaking out about certain things, holding myself back from the moments that I could be where my feet are at and enjoying my life."

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An Inside Look At Shankar Mahadevan's New Mumbai Restaurant

Malgudi is a resto-cafe co-founded by music icon Shankar Mahadevan. We recently got a preview of the restaurant's Lower Parel outlet.

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Beauty Influencer, 31, Was 'Buried in a Forest' in a Suitcase

An Austrian beauty influencer named Stefanie Pieper has been found "dumped" in a forest.

• According to the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, Pieper, who was from Graz, Austria, was discovered "packed in a suitcase and buried in a forest in Slovenia."

• Pieper's ex-boyfriend is accused of the crime and was arrested in Slovenia and extradited to Austria, the newspaper reported.
• Oe24, which says the influencer was called "Fani," published a photo of her ex-boyfriend with his face blurred out, wearing a suit jacket with bow tie.

The newspaper added that the suspect, who was not named, allegedly "led investigators to the influencer's body." Some news sites gave Pieper's age as 32, but an Austrian police news release used 31.

Stefanie Pieper Was Reported Missing After a Christmas Party

View this post on Instagram

Pieper was seen by colleagues at a Christmas Party, according to Kronen Zeitung, which noted that she was reported missing after she didn't show up for a photo shoot. She was last seen as she "got out of a taxi after a Christmas party in front of her apartment in Graz Geidorf, which she had shared with a friend," 20 Minuten reported.

The ex-boyfriend was arrested after police spotted him "near his burning car at the casino south of the Spielfeld border crossing," Kronen Zeitung reported.

Pieper's Facebook page describes her as a brand ambassador, makeup artist, and singer/songwriter. It lists her as being in a "relationship." She mostly shared photos of dogs.

Austrian influencer who vanished after holiday party found dead in forest after ex made chilling confession https://t.co/oyrZRzKvAK pic.twitter.com/DsnXZNZiDe

— New York Post (@nypost) November 29, 2025

A news release from State Criminal Police Office of Styria says that, after the 31-year-old woman was reported missing, "suspicions arose against her 31-year-old ex-boyfriend. The suspect was arrested in Slovenia." Initially, police wrote: "The 31-year-old's whereabouts remain unknown."

According to 20 Minuten, she then sent a girlfriend a message via Whatsapp saying "that she had arrived well" to her apartment. She agreed to a "photo shoot the next day."

Police Say That Stefanie Pieper's Ex-Boyfriend Provoked 'Suspicions'

According to the police news release, relatives and work colleagues of Pieper filed the missing person's report on November 23, indicating "that the woman had not appeared for work and that she was also not reachable."

"The following investigation revealed suspicions that the woman's 31-year-old ex-boyfriend may be related to their disappearance. The man may have left several times with his car to Slovenia. He was unavailable to the investigating police," the news release said.

On Monday evening, November 24, the Slovenian police "announced that a car had come under fire at the parking lot of a casino near the border. This was the 31-year-old's car. The man was found in the immediate vicinity of the burning car and arrested by Slovenian police," police added. "Extradition to Austria has been requested."

According to 20 Minuten, Pieper's cell phone was found in a bush.

Before her body was found, Pieper's mom asked for help. "My daughter has been missing since yesterday morning. Any useful notice will be financially rewarded. Please help me find my daughter," her mom wrote, according to 20 Minuten.

Related:

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Why Record Labels Are Suddenly Pushing Spotify and Apple Music to Copy Netflix

While video streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have aggressively adjusted their models to maximize revenue, the music world has remained comparatively steady. Unfortunately, that might be about to change. According to a new report, major record labels have begun putting serious pressure on several of the music streaming giants, including Spotify and Apple Music.

One of the words no one ever wants to hear attached to pricing is "inflation," but that's the premise behind the reported issue. In short, music subscriptions are lagging behind inflation, leading to a push for these services to watch, learn and follow along with the TV streaming juggernauts.

The Netflix Gap: Why Labels Say Music Streaming Is Too Cheap

In an aerial view, the Netflix logo is displayed above Netflix corporate offices.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

As viewers have watched the price of television streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and several others rise, the audio world has been far less significant. However, according to the Financial Times, the pressure is on for the likes of Spotify and Apple Music, as major record labels reportedly believe subscriptions "remain cheap."

"The major record labels have been pressing Spotify, Apple Music and other music-streaming platforms to increase their fees, arguing prices have lagged inflation and subscriptions remain cheap compared to video services such as Netflix," the report states.

As it explains, a current Spotify subscription in the United States costs $11.99, just two dollars higher than when the service initially launched 14 years ago. While that cost may feel modest in comparison to the ever-rising prices of so many other things of late, don't expect it to remain the same.

The Inflation Argument: Spotify & Apple Music Pressed for a Market Correction

The Apple Music logo is seen displayed on a smartphone with an Apple logo in the background.

Algi Febri Sugita/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

While subscribers may view the current price of music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music as reasonable, you may not want to get too comfortable. Not only has the writing been on the wall in recent months, with Spotify increasing prices in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Australia, but the Financial Times reports that Spotify's price increase is just around the corner.

According to the report, Spotify is set to raise prices in the United States for the first time since 2024, with the increase slated for the first quarter of 2026. It feels like it was simply a matter of time, but the pressure from labels, paired with the tremendous financial upside, was likely too much for Spotify to ignore.

It's anyone's guess what the Spotify price increase will look like, but here's the latest pricing rundown of several popular music streaming services:

• Spotify: $11.99/month
• Apple Music: $10.99/month
• YouTube Music Premium: $10.99/month
• Amazon Music Unlimited: $10.99/month ($9.99/month for Prime members)

Considering the report cites more than just Spotify feeling the pressure from record labels, it'll be interesting to see what happens with the three listed above, among others. If/when Spotify increases its monthly price, don't be surprised if the trio of Apple Music, YouTube Music and Amazon Music follow suit and raise their prices in the near future.

Even with a price increase, there's little debate that music streaming companies haven't been near the Netflix approach. Netflix, which rolled out its premium plan in 2013, has increased the price of that package, along with the basic package at least every other year from 2016 through 2022 (including one year with a switch to high-definition), as Flixed detailed.

Related: Rockstar Faces Official Motion to Reverse Layoffs Amid ‘GTA 6' Delay Concerns

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‘Stranger Things’ Creator Warns Fans About Season 5 ‘Garbage’ Viewing Issue

With the return of the Netflix hit series Stranger Things for its fifth and final season, there are no shortage of questions, anticipation and excitement. However, it's following the release of the first four episodes of Season 5, co-creator Ross Duffer had a message for longtime fans. Specifically, he wants to make sure viewers are maximizing their experience for the highly anticipated final episodes of Stranger Things, and to do so, it may require a few tweaks to your television.

While the warning from Duffer may seem a bit random, he's adament that fans should watch the homestretch in the fashion they were intended to be viewed.

Ross Duffer Wants You to Turn off Specific 'Garbage' Settings for 'Stranger Things'

(L-R) Brett Gelman, Cara Buono, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Priah Ferguson, Caleb McLaughlin and Joe Keery attend the 'Stranger Things 5' UK Special Screening at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Duffer took to Instagram to offer a "PSA" about what Stranger Things fans should do while watching the show. He highlighted four settings that to switch off while referring to them as "crap" and "garbage."

"A little PSA before you watch tonight. I just want to make sure that your TVs are set up properly," Duffer said.

"You're going to have to go into settings...you're going to go into picture mode settings. [Mine is] expert controls, but it could be different depending on the TV. They have a bunch of crap in here that you're gonna want to make sure is off. Dynamic contrast? Garbage, off. Super resolution? Garbage, off. Edge enhancer? Garbage, off. Color filter? Garbage, off."

He then says under another section to turn off "noise reduction," and highlights the "worst offender of all TruMotion, also known as smooth motion, or the dreaded soap opera effect." Stating that you're "definitely going to want to make sure that is off." For good measure, Duffer also adds that viewers should avoid "anything called vivid" while watching Stranger Things.

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How to Fix Your TV Settings While Watching 'Stranger Things 5'

Duffer laid out a pretty significant step-by-step breakdown of recommendations. He explains that the "vivid" aspect turns on all the "worst offenders" and is "not the filmmakers intent" due to the impact on the show's colors.

Here's a quick look at the step-by-step rundown of what to turn off while watching Stranger Things Season 5:

• Dynamic contrast
• Super resolution
• Edge enhancer
• Color filter
• Noise reduction
• TruMotion or smooth motion (aka soap opera effect)
• Avoid and turn off "vivid" settings

For those who have already watched the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5, which were released on Netflix on Wednesday, Nov. 26, you can get those settings squared away for the final stretch. The next three episodes, or "Volume 2" will be released on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, followed by the Stranger Things finale on New Years Eve, Dec. 31.

Season 5 of the series debuted to strong reviews from critics and fans alike on the popular site Rotten Tomatoes. It currently boasts a "certified fresh" label, with a critics' score of 93 percent. The fan score was almost as high, with 1,000-plus ratings giving the start of the new season an 88 percent mark.

Related: What McDonald’s Just Revealed for ‘Stranger Things 5’ Is Turning the Menu Upside Down

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DeWalt's 20V Max XR Brushless Jig Saw Is 52% Off for Black Friday

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

Loads of must-have tools have dropped in price during Amazon's Black Friday sale, and perhaps none more coveted than those from DeWalt. Things like DeWalt's bestselling cordless drill kit and its 192-piece mechanics tool set, for example, have discounts of up to half off, and, surprisingly, DeWalt's popular jig saw is also among this group with a price of less than $125.

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Jig Saw (DCS334B) is marked down to just $115 right now, a 52% discount off its normal price. Like nearly all DeWalt tools, it is highly rated (4.8 out of 5 stars) and beloved by DIYers and tradespeople alike. It's also currently ranked as the No. 1 bestseller among Amazon’s power jig saws.

DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Jig Saw (DCS334B), $115 (was $239) on Amazon

What Shoppers Should Know

• Key Feature: Brushless Motor
• Compare to: Directly compare this to the DCS331B before making a purchase.
• Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Size: 10.25-by-3.75-by-8.38 inches
• Battery: DeWalt 20V (not included)

The DCS334B jig saw must be immediately compared to the DCS331B before purchase. While there are subtle differences (this drill is smaller and weighs slightly less), the tools operate nearly identically. However, the DCS334B (this one) uses a brushless motor, and the DCS331B does not. People who use tools regularly or professionally swear by brushless motors for their efficiency and long lives.

Otherwise, the tools largely operate the same. Again, subtle differences are there, but the ability to easily cut at 15-, 30-, and 45-degree angles, a keyless blade change, integrated dust blower for clean workspaces, and variable speed trigger grip are all there on this model, too.

The price of the two tools is also noteworthy. The non-brushless model currently sits at $112, so spending a little extra for a better motor is worth it.

Related: This Heavy-Duty Modular Rolling Toolbox Is Under $60 at Walmart for Black Friday

What Shoppers Are Saying

The balance and proper weight of a tool in the hand is somewhat subjective, but one user nevertheless chimed in with an opinion, “The size and weight of this brushless model is outstanding. Perfectly balanced with cell packs attached.”

Another user who's been using an old corded jig saw said, “The brushless motor is quieter than my old one, by far.”

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Cordless Jig Saw (DCS334B) is just $115, a price that has made it a target for quickly selling out. Get yours while supplies last.

Shop More Deals

• DeWalt 20V Cordless Electric Oscillating Multi-Tool, $104 (was $151) at WalmartDeWalt Smooth Face Rip Claw Hammer, $30 (was $55) at Walmart
• DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill & Impact Driver Power Tool Combo Kit, $149 (was $249) on Amazon

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Beloved Netflix Actor Dead at 55

Tony Germano, a beloved actor who lent his Portuguese voice to the Netflix children's series, Go, Dog, Go!, has died. He was 55.

According to a report in his native Brazil, the beloved theater and voice actor was in the middle of home renovations in São Paulo. He was inspecting his roof when he suddenly fell and plunged to his death.

The outlet Estadão reports that he was living with his parents at the time while carrying out renovations at his home. It's said that he climbed the roof before falling to his death.

What They're Saying

A rep confirmed the actor's death to People.

"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of actor and voice artist Tony Germano on the morning of Wednesday, November 26. Tony suffered a fall at his residence and, unfortunately, did not survive his injuries," the rep said in a statement.

The statement continued: "We kindly ask for respect and understanding during this painful time for his family, friends, and colleagues. Tony leaves behind a legacy of dedication, generosity and immense talent that touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. His absence will be deeply felt."

Actor Miguel Falabella remembered his beloved friend with a tribute on Instagram.

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"Tony Germano says goodbye to this plan under the strong applause of his peers. An untouchable professional, a dear friend, a gifted actor, I have had the privilege of working alongside him in a few productions, such as Annie and the Man de la Mancha among others," Falabella captioned the post in Portuguese. "Duty accomplished my dear A kiss in the heart."

Germano Was Primarily a Theater Actor

Germano appeared in plays such as The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Jekyll & Hyde -- The Doctor and the Monster, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Estadão reported that Germano distinguished himself as a Portuguese voice actor in films and series, such as Nickelodeon's Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, & Dawn and Brazil's live-action version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Germano also lent his voice to projects like Elena of Avalor and The Muppets.

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Controversial Golf Legend Dead at 74

A controversial golf legend has died at the age of 74, but his cause of death is unclear.

Fuzzy Zoeller's death was confirmed by the PGA Tour's commissioner.

"The PGA Tour is saddened by the passing of Fuzzy Zoeller," said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a statement to CBS Sports. "Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf. Fuzzy combined competitive excellence with a sense of humor that endeared him to fans and fellow players alike. We celebrate his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family."

According to CBS Sports, Zoeller "was the last player to win the Masters on his first attempt," but his career "was tainted by a racially insensitive joke about Tiger Woods."

Fuzzy Zoeller Won 10 PGA Tour Victories, According to His Website

Fuzzy Zoeller waits on the third tee during the first round of the Insperity Championship at The Woodlands Country Club on May 06, 2016 in The Woodlands, Texas.

(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Fuzzy Zoeller's website says the golfer's "professional career has produced ten PGA TOUR victories, including the 1979 Masters and the 1984 U.S. Open."

His Masters victory "still remains the only victory posted by a Masters rookie, and at the 1984 U.S. Open he jokingly waved his white towel in mock surrender to Greg Norman on the final hole on Sunday after Norman sank a monster putt for par to tie him after 72 holes," the website says.

"Fuzzy went on to win the next day in an 18 hole playoff in record fashion," the website says.
He won the 1985 and 1986 Skins Game and in the process helped elevate the event to one of the most popular made-for-TV competitions in golf."

"Since joining The Champions Tour he has notched another major, the 2002 Senior PGA Championship. He also won The 2002 Senior Slam Championship, The 2003 Tylenol Shoot Out Championship, The 2004 MasterCard Championship and The 2007 Senior Skins Game with playing partner Peter Jacobsen," the website says.

"A little known fact about Fuzzy is that he loves to cook and grill. He has his own line of BBQ and Steak Sauces as well as premium dy rubs. He has also launched his own line of ultra-premium vodka, Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka," it adds.

Fuzzy Zoeller's Racist Comment About Tiger Woods 'Haunted' His Career

According to NPR, Zoeller's racist comment about Tiger Woods "haunted" his career.

"That little boy is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not serve fried chicken next year. Got it?" Zoeller said, according to NPR.

According to NPR: "He smiled and snapped his fingers, and as he was walking away he turned and said, 'Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.'"

Zoeller later apologized to Woods and wrote for Golf Digest that it was "the worst thing I've gone through in my entire life."

"If people wanted me to feel the same hurt I projected on others, I'm here to tell you they got their way," Zoeller wrote. "I've cried many times. I've apologized countless times for words said in jest that just aren't a reflection of who I am. I have hundreds of friends, including people of color, who will attest to that."

Related:

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Huckberry's Bestselling Quilted Waxed Jacket Is 40% Off for Black Friday

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why We Love This Deal

Right now is one of the best times to shop at Huckberry. Why? In the lead-up to the holidays, the retailer hosts its Cyber Week sale, complete with big deals on selvedge denim, everyday carry gear, outerwear, and more. Huckberry loyalists also know this sale as the best time to score a deal on one of the retailer's prized waxed jackets, and right now, all eyes are on its quilted model that just dropped in price by $120.

Flint and Tinder’s York Quilted Waxed Jacket is on sale for as low as $178, up to 40% off the retail price of $298. New as of last year, it's earned high praise for its versatility and warmth, enough to bring it back for another year. It's on sale in four colors—dark green, navy, gray, and brown—and comes in sizes from XS to 2XL. The only catch is that the discount here ends before the Cyber Week sale, so if you want one, you'll have to get it before Nov. 30.

Flint and Tinder York Quilted Waxed Jacket, From $178 (was $298) at Huckberry

Flint & Tinder York Quilted Waxed Jacket in Dark Navy

Courtesy of Huckberry

What Shoppers Should Know

• Style: Waxed canvas puffer
• Colors: 4; 3 at $178, 1 at $208
• Sizes: XS to 2XL
• Shell: 8.6-ounce BCI Halley Stevensons Dry Finish Waxed Cotton Canvas
• Lining: Ripstop nylon
• Insulation: Recycled Primaloft
• Best For: Chilly to cold weather

A good waxed jacket is a wardrobe essential, and Huckberry makes some of the best under its Flint and Tinder brand. The York Quilted Waxed Jacket takes the classic style to a new level with a similar durable, water-resistant waxed canvas that’s also lightly insulated with recycled polyester Primaloft.

The canvas is sourced from U.K.-based Halley Stevensons and will adjust to the ambient temperature, becoming softer and more breathable when it’s warmer and stiffer when the mercury drops to upwind resistance. It's also re-waxable, so you can keep it water-resistant for life.

Nice details include moleskin-lined pockets with hidden snap closures, ripstop nylon lining for easier layering, a collar that’s supported internally so it’ll stay up, and an interior chest pocket to store your smartphone or other slim essentials.

Related: Filson's Iconic Tin Cloth Jacket Is Nearly $100 Off for Black Friday

What Shoppers Are Saying

Satisfied shoppers dig the modern take on the classic waxed jacket silhouette, as well as its warmth. One called it a "great pick for a solid winter jacket," while another said it "keeps you nice and cozy, and it’s extra stylish."

Another thing shoppers noted was the fit: Many said that it runs a bit small. This means that if you plan on wearing it without layering, you might be able to get away with your regular size. If you want to wear a sweater or a hoodie underneath it, it would be wise to order a size up.

If you don’t yet have a waxed canvas jacket or just want to add one that has a more modern and stylish cut, then this Flint and Tinder jacket should be on your list. It looks sleek and cool, plus it packs in a bunch of great features that make it the perfect everyday coat for the season.

Shop More Huckberry Deals

• Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket, $198 (was $288) at Huckberry
• Relwen Windzip Hoodie, $208 (was $298) at Huckberry
• Blundstone #585 Chelsea Boot, $178 (was $210) at Huckberry

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Powerful Earthquake Strikes Outside Anchorage, Alaska, on Thanksgiving Day

Residents in Alaska were shaken awake on Thanksgiving Day when a powerful 6.0 earthquake rattled southcentral Alaska on Thursday morning.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards Program, the earthquake struck at 8:11 a.m. local time. It was reportedly centered 26 miles southwest of Willow at a depth of 43 miles.

Shortly after the quake, the Alaska Earthquake Center tweeted that the earthquake, just 37 miles outside of Anchorage, "was felt widely throughout south-central Alaska, and as far as Fairbanks."

There are currently no reports of major damage. Reports in Alaska say that many were still asleep when the earthquake struck, knocking items off walls and shelves.

Related: Incredible Footage Captures World's Latest Volcanic Eruption

KTTU News in Anchorage reports that the earthquake was initially measured at 6.2, but was quickly downgraded to 6.0, and that the National Tsunami Center says no tsunami is expected.

The news station reports that this is the largest earthquake to hit the area since a 6.1 struck in 2021 outside of Chickaloon, Alaska. Before that, a powerful 7.1 earthquake hit Point MacKenzie, Alaska, in November 2018.

The earthquake comes just days after a 4.9 quake struck in nearby Cook Inlet.

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FDA Announces Major Recall Over Contaminated Cheese Concerns

If Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano is part of your regular grocery haul, it's worth taking a moment to check your fridge. Select varieties of the cheese are being recalled due to a potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes, according to a notice issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was initiated by Ambriola Company, the supplier that produces Pecorino Romano for Boar's Head, after concerns arose during routine product testing.

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Which Products Are Affected

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The recall includes both retail and foodservice versions of Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano. The following items are part of the voluntary recall:

• Boar's Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, 6-ounce
  UPC: 0-42421-05858
  Sell-by dates: 11/21/25–3/12/26
• Boar's Head Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese, food service bags
  UPC: 042421-15119
  Sell-by dates: 11/21/25–3/12/26

Out of an abundance of caution, Boar's Head is also withdrawing all other products made by the same supplier, even if they weren't directly flagged. These items include:

• Pre-cut 7-ounce wedges of Pecorino Romano
  UPC: 042421-15160
  Sell-by dates: 11/25/25–5/11/26
• EverRoast Chicken Caesar Salad
  UPC: 850042244142
  Best-by dates: 11/9/25–11/22/25
• EverRoast Chicken Caesar Wrap
  UPC: 85004224455
  Best-by dates: 11/9/25–11/22/25

These grab-and-go items were distributed to Kroger locations in Kentucky and Indiana. They were packaged in clear, plastic containers of various sizes.

Why This Recall Matters

This recall has been classified as a Class I event, the FDA's most serious category. It indicates a reasonable probability that consuming the product could cause major health consequences. According to the Mayo Clinic, listeria infections can be especially severe for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience milder gastrointestinal symptoms, listeriosis can lead to life-threatening complications in high-risk groups.

The FDA reports no confirmed illnesses connected to the recalled products at this time.

If you have any of the recalled items, do not eat them, even if they appear normal. Throw them away or return them to the retailer for a refund. Sanitize any surfaces the products touched. Listeria bacteria can spread easily to countertops and refrigerators.

If you've consumed the recalled products and experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider and mention the recall. According to the FDA recall notice, consumers can reach out to the Ambriola Company directly with any questions by emailing info@ambriola.com.

Where the Products Were Sold

Distribution includes multiple retailers, with some items specifically noted at Kroger stores in Kentucky and Indiana. Additional distribution channels may include grocers that typically carry Boar's Head deli products.

If Boar's Head Pecorino Romano or any related Boar's Head salads or wraps are in your refrigerator, verify the UPC and date codes immediately. When it comes to listeria, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard the product, clean your fridge, and check the FDA's official recall page for updates.

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