Amazon Web Services outage resolved after disrupting numerous websites, apps throughout the day

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced that it has fully restored service following extensive internet outages on Monday that left many users unable to access several major websites. The cloud computing giant, which powers a large portion of the publicly available internet infrastructure and countless digital tools, confirmed in an update Monday evening that all AWS systems had resumed normal operations.

Widespread internet outages occurred throughout the day on Monday after the major outage at AWS disrupted access to popular platforms, apps, and games for millions of users. AWS went down due to a malfunction in one of its core database systems, the company said.

AWS had previously said on Monday that the company was continuing to “apply mitigation steps,” adding that “we are in the process of validating a fix,”  referring to a specific problem set off by the connectivity issue announced shortly after 3 a.m. Eastern Time.

AWS explained that the disruption originated from a problem with its EC2 internal network, which in turn affected several services, including DynamoDB, SQS, and Amazon Connect.  By 6:35 a.m. ET, AWS announced that the database issue had been “fully mitigated” but warned that users might still encounter performance delays. However, just a few hours later — at 10:14 a.m. ET — the company acknowledged ongoing “significant API errors and connectivity issues across multiple services in the US-EAST-1 Region” and said it was still investigating. The company later said in a statement at 11:43 a.m. ET that “the root cause is an underlying internal subystem responsible for monitoring the health of our network load balancers,” adding that it was temporarily limiting new customer requests while restoring full functionality.

The disruption impacted major platforms including Snapchat – who confirmed that some users were “having issues,” while social media posts showed people losing access to friends lists and daily streaks – as well as the McDonald’s app and gaming services like Roblox and Fortnite. The outage highlighted how dependent businesses and institutions have become on cloud-based technology. According to the tracking site Downdetector, the outage prompted more than 6.5 million user reports, showing that over 1,000 different websites and online services were offline.

Additional major companies also affected included including Microsoft Outlook, Zoom, and Lyft, as well as United Airlines, T-Mobile, Starbucks, and Delta, who reported minor flight delays. Users of Medicare, the U.S. federal health insurance program, said they were unable to log in during its open enrollment period. In the U.K., the HM Revenue and Customs website also went down for some users. The outage affected even Amazon’s own services like Prime Video, with Ring doorbell cameras and Alexa-enabled smart devices being rendered unresponsive, while others couldn’t access the Amazon website or download books to their Kindle devices.

Similarly, media outlets such as Disney, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Associated Press also reported problems, with the AP activating its “AP Backup” system to maintain access to breaking news. Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S., also reported its platform was down due to the AWS outage; with other apps including Robinhood, Venmo, and Duolingo also affected.

Editorial credit: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com

President Trump and Australian PM Anthony Albanese meet at White House to sign rare minerals agreement

President Donald Trump met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House on Monday, where the two leaders discussed trade and the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, in addition to signing an agreement on Australia’s rare-earth minerals — which could potentially serve as a bargaining chip in the United States’ trade war with China.

The meeting marked Albanese’s first visit to the White House since Trump returned to office. The Australian prime minister is aiming to strengthen his country’s relationship with Washington, leveraging Australia’s vast reserves of critical minerals to deepen strategic ties. The push comes amid global unease after China introduced sweeping export limits on rare earth materials — a move that has shaken economies worldwide. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that America and its allies, including Australia, are discussing a coordinated response to the restrictions.

Trump said at the White House as the two leaders met: “We are discussing critical minerals and rare earths and we’re going to be signing an agreement that’s been negotiated over a period of four or five months. We’ve been working on that for quite a while. In about a year from now, we’ll have so much critical mineral and rare earths that you won’t know what to do with them.” The two leaders signed the agreement at the top of the meeting, with a White House official later announcing that the United States and Australia will jointly invest more than $3 billion in critical mineral initiatives over the next six months. The projects are tied to recoverable resources estimated to exceed $50 billion in value.

Albanese described the new agreement as an $8.5 billion “pipeline that we have ready to go,” calling it a major step forward in the partnership on minerals and rare earths. He praised the deal as “taking it to the next level,” highlighting the growing economic and defense collaboration between the two nations.

According to both leaders, the pact will involve Australia taking on a greater role in processing rare earth elements. Albanese noted that the country has the “capacity” to increase those operations, signaling Australia’s readiness to expand its part in the supply chain. Under the plan, the United States and Australia will each contribute $1 billion over the next six months to launch initial projects. Additional ventures are expected in both nations, and one initiative will include Japan, Albanese said.

Later when asked whether the U.S. might consider lifting tariffs on Australia, Trump shifted to praising his overall trade strategy before noting, “I will say this, Australia, pays very low tariffs, very, very low tariffs. Australia pays among the lowest tariffs.”

Editorial credit: Juergen Nowak / Shutterstock.com

Blue Jays heading to the World Series after defeating the Mariners in ALCS

The Toronto Blue Jays are officially headed to the World Series after defeating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.The Blue Jays pulled off an incredible comeback — both in Monday’s game, as well as the series — to advance to the World Series for the first time since 1993.

The Mariners took control early in the game, as they chased what would have been the franchise’s first-ever World Series berth. Julio Rodríguez opened the game with a double, scoring on a Josh Naylor single. Toronto quickly tied things up in the bottom half of the first, but Seattle’s Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh each crushed solo home runs, pushing the Mariners ahead 2-1 and later 3-1 heading into the late innings.

Toronto fought back, with veteran outfielder George Springer at bat in the bottom of the seventh. With two runners on base, Springer launched a three-run homer, erasing the deficit and giving Toronto a 4-3 lead they would not relinquish. Springer’s clutch home run elevated his place in baseball history, as he is now tied with Kyle Schwarber for the third-most home runs in postseason play with 23. (Manny Ramirez holds the record with 29, and Springer’s former Astros teammate Jose Altuve has 27).

Game 1 of the World Series against the reigning-champion Los Angeles Dodgers is set for Friday at a Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Editorial credit: Lester Balajadia / Shutterstock.com

Former Buccaneers All-Pro running back Doug Martin dies at age 36

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin has died at the age of 36, his family confirmed.

According to a statement the family shared with Fox Sports Greg Auman, Martin passed away on Saturday morning: “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”

According to reports, Martin died while in police custody at an Oakland hospital. Authorities said they encountered him early Saturday after responding to a report of a possible home break-in. Police said the suspect experienced “a medical emergency” and became unresponsive after a “brief struggle” during the arrest. Emergency medical personnel provided aid at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Officials said the incident remains under investigation.

Boise State University released a statement honoring Martin’s life and career, as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Doug Martin. From his record-setting rookie season in 2012 to his multiple Pro Bowl selections during his six seasons as a Buccaneer, Doug made a lasting impact on our franchise. He was a fan favorite during his time in Tampa Bay and was honored as one of the Top 50 Buccaneers of all time for his numerous achievements. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and everyone whom Doug touched throughout his life.”

The Las Vegas Raiders shared a statement:  “The Raiders Family was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Doug Martin. A native of Stockton, Calif., Martin joined the Silver and Black in 2018 after six seasons in Tampa Bay, and he led the Raiders with 723 rushing yards that season. A two-time Pro Bowl selection out of Boise State, Martin rushed for over 5,000 yards with 30 touchdowns in his pro career. The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Doug’s family at this time.”

The NFL also posted on X: “The NFL family mourns the loss of Doug Martin.We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates.”

Martin spent seven seasons in the NFL (all but one with the Buccaneers) who drafted him 31st overall out of Boise State in 2012. During his college career, he was a standout player for the Broncos, helping lead the team to an undefeated 2009 season and a Fiesta Bowl victory. He ended his Boise State tenure with consecutive 1,200-yard rushing seasons and 17 career 100-yard games, totaling 3,431 rushing yards — still among the program’s top 10 all-time. Under head coach Chris Petersen, the Broncos went an impressive 50–3 during Martin’s four years.

Martin made an immediate impact in the NFL, rushing for 1,454 yards and scoring 12 total touchdowns as a rookie — both career highs. Although injuries hampered parts of his career, he bounced back in 2015 with another 1,400-yard season, earning him a long-term contract extension. However, he was released two years later following a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He finished his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018, sharing the backfield with Marshawn Lynch before retiring. Across 84 games, Martin totaled 5,356 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns and was regarding as one of the most dynamic running backs of his era.

Editorial credit: kovop / Shutterstock.com

Zac Brown Band adds two more dates to Las Vegas’ Sphere residency

Due to overwhelming demand, Zac Brown Band has announced two additional Las Vegas Sphere shows with their Love & Fear show at the venue.

The limited engagement is set to take place on December 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th, 2025; as well as Friday, January 9th, and Saturday, January 10th, 2026, with the two new dates added on January 16th and 17th. 

The band will premiere songs from their new album, Love & Fear—due out on the opening day of the Las Vegas engagement—alongside many of their beloved hits. Four tracks from the forthcoming album have already been released, including: “I Ain’t Worried About It,” “Let It Run” featuring Snoop Dogg, “Butterfly” featuring Dolly Parton, and “Give It Away.”  Preorder Love & Fear – HERE.

Brown shared in a statement: “Bringing our new album Love & Fear to Sphere in Las Vegas is a dream come true. It’s my masterpiece so far. This show is the story of my life that I have never shared, a journey through my imagination, music and stories that have defined who I am. All of this brought to life in the incredible immersive environment of Sphere. It will be a unique experience where you can really feel every note, every word, right there with us. We can’t wait to share it with the fans.”

For tickets, head to Zac Brown Band’s website. You can also head HERE for more information.

Editorial credit: Brian Friedman / Shutterstock.com

Patricia Clarkson joining Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Ransom Canyon’ Season 2

Actress Patricia Clarkson is joining the sophomore season of the Netflix series Ransom Canyon, starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.

Clarkson will guest star as Claire O’Grady, the “maternal and self-involved” mother of “concert pianist turned dance hall owner” Quinn (Kelly).

Netflix had previously announced that the modern western drama was renewed for Season 2. The first season of the series – an adaptation of Jodi Thomas’ books – featured 10 episodes and was executive produced by showrunner April Blair. Set in Texas Hill Country, Ransom Canyon is currently filming in New Mexico, with production set to return to Netflix Studios Albuquerque (where Season 1 was based).  Duhamel wrote on Instagram at the time: “Ransom Canyon Season 2? Yee-haw! @netflix”

Showrunner April Blair said after the show’s renewal: “I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon! Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride.”

In addition to Duhamel and Kelly, Season 1 starred James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Andrew Liner, Garrett Wareing, Jack Schumacher and Marianly Tejada. With the exception of Brolin, the rest of the cast will return for Season 2. Ransom Canyon is also set to cast a new character that was introduced at the end of the Season 1 finale, the wife of Yancy (Schumacher).

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

John Krasinski returning to direct/write/produce ‘A Quiet Place Part III’

John Krasinski is returning as writer, director and producer of A Quiet Place Part III, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 9, 2027.

Krasinski announced on social media that he will take the helm of the next installment in the series; no cast or plot details have been shared.

Krasinski wrote, directed, produced and stared in the first film in the franchise, which also featured his wife, Emily Blunt, as well as Noah Jupe and Millicent Simmonds. The A Quiet Place franchise has grossed over $900 million worldwide across its three films — which is comprised of John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, as well as the Michael Sarnoski-directed spinoff prequel film, A Quiet Place: Day One.

The first film introduced the Abbott family, which included Lee Abbott (Krasinski), his pregnant wife Evelyn (Emily Blunt), deaf daughter Regan (Millicent Simmonds), and young son Marcus (Noah Jupe), who have to fight for survival on their rural farmhouse in upstate New York as their world is overrun by vicious, blind monsters that hunt their prey through their enhanced hearing. The family is forced to live in silence in response, adapting sign language to communicate and walking barefoot on sand to damper the sounds of their steps.

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Listen to Maren Morris’ song “Be a B**ch” from ‘Dreamsicle (Deluxe)’

Maren Morris’ unfiltered new single, “Be a B**ch,” is available now, and is one of four new tracks to be featured on her Dreamsicle (Deluxe) album. Also featured on Dreamsicle (Deluxe) are the tracks “In Love With Me;” “Running;” and “Earth Angle.”

Be a B**ch was produced by Jimmy Robbins and co-written by Maren with longtime collaborator Laura Veltz. Morris shares: “After telling my friends in the session about a recent traumatic dating story, I said everything that became a lyric: “my reputation precedes me, your hairline recedes you” thinking nothing would ever actually go into our song that day, because it’s “too mean.” then I realized I occasionally water my thoughts down to spare a person’s feelings. who is that helping? the person who hurt you that you’ll never see again, or is it empowering you to take back your humor of a situation? I don’t need to be a pristine heroine you screwed over, I deserve to be mad and eternalize that ego bruise into song. “be a bitch” is for anyone who ever let themselves down by being too nice to someone who was going to take advantage either way.”

Morris is currently on the road with The Dreamsicle Tour, spanning over 40 dates across North America, the UK, and Europe through November 20.

See the official visualizer for ‘be a b**tch’ – HERE.

Stream Dreamsicle (Deluxe) – HERE.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

At least 3 injured in shooting outside dorm at Oklahoma State University

At least three people were injured early Sunday morning, Oct. 19, after a shooting took place outside a dormitory at Oklahoma State University during the school’s homecoming weekend.

The Oklahoma State University Police Department responded to a call about a gunshot victim at the McDonald’s on Duck Street in Stillwater, Oklahoma around 3:40 a.m. OSU officers arrived first and provided medical assistance to an individual with gunshot wounds. Around the same time, reports of shots fired near campus came in, prompting officers to head toward OSU’s Carreker East Residential Hall on McElroy Road. According to local news affiliate News 9, one Carreker East resident reported hearing multiple gunshots during the early morning hours and saw students running outside from his balcony.

OSU Chief of Police Michael Beckner confirmed that three individuals were shot, one OSU student and two non-students. Two victims were transported to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where they underwent surgery and are in stable condition. The third victim was treated at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa and has since been released.

The shooting happened amid Oklahoma State University’s 2025 homecoming festivities, known as “America’s Greatest Homecoming.” The weekend drew large crowds of alumni, students, and families for events such as the Sea of Orange Parade, tailgates, and the football game against the University of Cincinnati.

University officials have urged students who do not live in Carreker East to stay away from the area while the investigation continues. While the investigation remains ongoing, campus police have assured students and residents that there is no current threat to the university community.  Police said in a statement that “initial reports indicate a large, private party occurred at an off-campus locationheld at the Payne County Expo Center that ended around 2:30 to 3 a.m. A dispute that began there is thought to have continued near campus, eventually leading to the shooting.. After the gathering disbanded, some attendees returned to Carreker East where the shooting occurred.” No shots were fired inside the building, which houses approximately 62 students.

Officials have not said whether any of the injured individuals were involved in the shooting. No arrests have been made at this time, but police say they have strong leads and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact OSU Police at 405-744-6523 or submit anonymous tips via live chat in the Rave Guardian app. Updates will be posted at safety.okstate.edu.

Editorial credit: Chad Robertson Media / Shutterstock.com

One dead, 13 others injured in hit-and-run at a children’s birthday party in Maryland

A hit-and-run at a children’s birthday party in Bladensburg, Maryland, has left one person dead and 13 people injured, including five adults and eight children ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old. The incident took place in Bladensburg in Prince George’s County, around six miles from Washington, D.C.

According to Bladensburg Police Department (BPD) officials, the crash happened around 10:14 p.m. on Oct. 18, when a vehicle traveling from Annapolis Road struck a group of people gathered outside a home on the 4100 block of 56th Avenue. In a statement, the BPD said the vehicle “struck several individuals gathered in front of a residence” before the driver fled the scene on foot. The driver was later identified as a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., though his name was not disclosed. He turned himself in and was interviewed by a crash investigator, police said in a later update on Sunday. Authorities are consulting with the Prince George’s County state’s attorney and criminal charges are pending against the driver.

According to the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, the deceased victim was later identified by police as 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, of Washington, D.C.  Six of the children were treated and released, and one was admitted to a hospital and is in stable condition. Three adult victims were admitted to the hospital and are in stable condition, one is pending treatment, and another has been released, police said.

The Bladensburg Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from Prince George’s County Police. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Bladensburg Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 301-864-6080.

Editorial credit: NLM Photo / Shutterstock.com