Microsoft recently announced price hikes for some tiers of Xbox Game Pass, including Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The Ultimate tier, which offers the most games and features (as well as access to PC Game Pass), went from $19.99 per month to $29.99. Those who subscribe to PC Game Pass are now being charged $16.49 per month, up from $11.99.
You’ll pay those prices right now if you go through Microsoft’s retail channels to subscribe. Don’t do that! Instead, if you plan to stay with the service, you should consider buying through other retailers that are still selling access to those tiers of service at their previous prices.
You can get a one-month subscription to Game Pass Ultimate for $19.99 at Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, or Walmart. Then there’s the three-month option for $59.99 from Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart, which is like getting one month free at the current rate. As for PC Game Pass, Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy sell a three-month bundle for $35.99, reflecting the previous price.
The 2025 MLB division series matchups are starting to take shape after the Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to advance out of the wild-card round.
L.A.’s sweep sets up a division series showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies starting Saturday in Philadelphia.
What have we learned about each team so far? What does each remaining team need to do to move on to the league championship series? Which players could be October difference-makers? And which favorites should be on upset watch in the round ahead?
ESPN MLB experts Jorge Castillo, Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield are here to break it all down as every division series matchup is set.
NLDS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Upset forecast: (Dodgers win more simulations) Why no number in that parenthetical information? We’d have to use too many decimals! The Dodgers did win more sims, but their edge was four — out of 10,000 runs of the forecasting machinery. In that sense, there can’t possibly be an upset in this matchup between, quite possibly, the two strongest teams left in the bracket.
This feels like a matchup that the bullpens will decide, and even that is a toss-up. The Dodgers led the majors in blown saves during the second half, but their bullpen numbers are better than Philadelphia’s since the start of September. Maybe it’s as simple as this: When in doubt, pick the team that has Shohei Ohtani.
Phillies concern level: Nonexistent. Look, the Phillies know who they are playing. But with Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Cristopher Sanchez and Jhoan Duran on their side, this is not a team that is going to fret about anything. They will just wait for the adrenaline to flow. — Doolittle
Los Angeles Dodgers
What impressed you most about them in the wild-card round?
The Dodgers haven’t really run out their “A” team for most of the season as they babied their starters for much of the season, but now we can see how good this team can be with a healthy rotation. Blake Snell was dominant in the first game until finally tiring in the seventh. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the seasonlong ace for the Dodgers, was solid in Game 2, escaping a bases-loaded no-outs jam in the sixth. The Dodgers were confident enough in those two that they saved Ohtani for what would have been Game 3 — and now is Game 1 of the NLDS. Oh, Ohtani can hit a little, too. Remember, the Dodgers won it all last season with Ohtani having a good-but-not-great postseason at the plate. After his two-homer game in Game 1, watch out.
Why will/won’t it continue against the Phillies?
The Dodgers certainly have to love where they are. Ohtani slowly worked his way up to a normal workload and pitched six innings in his final start, throwing 91 pitches. He allowed just one run over his final four appearances and surrendered just three home runs in 47 innings. Thanks to having three potential off days to play five games in this series, Ohtani could start Game 5 on six days of rest.
After his initial one-inning appearances in June, Ohtani was given at least six days off between starts, and his three starts in September came with eight, 10 and six days of rest, and he will have 10 days before his Game 1 NLDS appearance. The Dodgers will worry about the NLCS if they get there.
Which one player must deliver for L.A. to move on?
This is clearly about players, plural — as in relief pitchers. The sketchy Dodgers bullpen didn’t ease the confidence of Dodgers fans — or Dave Roberts — with a poor showing in Game 1 against Cincinnati, when the Dodgers had a 10-2 lead only to see the bullpen start walking everybody and the Reds load the bases and have the tying run on deck. Who Roberts trusts in the highest-leverage situations — and can deliver — remains a question. — Schoenfield
Philadelphia Phillies
What carried the Phillies to an October bye?
The starting rotation and a monster season from Kyle Schwarber. The rotation led the NL in ERA and led the majors — by 51 innings — in innings pitched. Cristopher Sanchez led the way with an absolute monster season of his own — in fact, it was Sanchez, and not Paul Skenes or Tarik Skubal, who led the majors in Baseball-Reference WAR. Meanwhile, Schwarber led the NL with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs, including setting a major league record with 23 home runs as a left-handed batter against left-handed pitchers.
Will it continue against the Dodgers?
Of course, a large part of that rotation success was Zack Wheeler, but he’s out for the postseason. Ranger Suarez had a terrific season but wasn’t great his final three starts, allowing 12 runs and four home runs in 14⅓ innings. And the fourth starter after Jesus Luzardo is either Aaron Nola, who doesn’t exactly inspire confidence given his 6.01 ERA and mediocre postseason results in his career, or Walker Buehler, who was signed at the end of August after the Red Sox released him. In other words: There are at least some slight concerns here for a rotation that was so good.
As for Schwarber: He has proved before he’s a tough out in October, and coming off his best season, he’s primed for a big postseason.
Which one player must deliver to put Philadelphia in the NLCS?
Trea Turner feels like the key guy here. Schwarber and Bryce Harper have been clutch playoff performers throughout their careers, but the Phillies will need offense from more than just those two — and that’s been a problem the past two postseasons. Turner had his best season with the Phillies but missed most of September with a hamstring injury, returning only for two at-bats in the final game of the regular season. He sets the table for Schwarber and Harper. If he’s getting on base, that’s a very good thing. — Schoenfield
But ultimately, acting is Laura’s primary passion.
“It’s lovely to be considered pretty and lovely to do photo shoots, and I just love fashion,” she told Vogue in 2015. “But I’m proud that I did the characters I wanted to do.”
And when it comes to playing the role of cheerleading mom, the Oscar winner deserves all the awards.
Case in point: She was there to support Ellery when he made his own runway debut, walking the catwalk at Raf Simons‘ Calvin Klein show during New York Fashion Week in 2018.
“Always a privilege to witness Raf Simons’ genius for Calvin Klein,” Laura, who watched the event from the front row, wrote on Instagram at the time,” especially when I am the proudest mama witnessing my son walk for him.”
Laura was not the only celeb who stepped out at Paris Fashion Week. Read on to see more stars at the shows…
The Trump administration has put up banners across federal websites blaming Democrats for the government shutdown, and in some cases, blatantly campaigning for President Donald Trump. One banner on the US Department of Agriculture’s site says, “The Radical Left Democrats shut down the government,” adding that “President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.”
Other websites display similar messages, with a banner on the Department of the Treasury stating that Democrats have shut down the government “in the name of reckless spending and obstructionism.” The White House website similarly blames Democrats and includes a timer showing how long the shutdown has lasted so far.
On Wednesday morning, the federal government shut down after Congress couldn’t reach an agreement on a funding bill, as Democrats continue facing Republican pushback on their fight to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. Republicans have largely blamed the freeze on Democrats, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) writing on X that the Democrats “voted” to close the government.
Not all federal agencies display these kinds of messages, as websites for the Department of State, the Department of Education, and the Federal Communications Commission have a banner that simply states that the sites will not be updated due to the government shutdown.
ATLANTA — Brian Snitker, who managed the Atlanta Braves to the 2021 World Series championship as the highlight of almost a half-century with the organization, will not return to the dugout next season.
The Braves announced Wednesday that the 69-year-old Snitker will move to an advisory role and will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame next year.
The news conference to announce the decision was described as a celebration by Braves chairman Terry McGuirk and general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Snitker was emotional at times as he described his late-season uncertainty about his desire to manage another year and how he finally concluded it was time to step down.
“I said I’m going to need a little time after that last out to decide what I’m going to do,” said Snitker, who was joined by his wife, Ronnie, at the news conference. “After I got home and decompressed a little bit, I did decide this was the best move.”
Snitker has been with the organization for 49 years as a minor league player and manager and major league coach and manager.
He led Atlanta to 811 wins, six NL East division titles, one wild-card berth and the 2021 World Series championship in his 10 seasons as manager.
“Honestly, I never thought I’d manage one day in the major leagues, much less 10 years,” Snitker said. “I never thought I’d hoist a trophy.”
Snitker paused to collect his emotions before referring to players at the news conference and his joy to “be around a group of guys that makes this so special.”
McGuirk presented Snitker with keys to a new Ford truck and announced that the team was sending Snitker and his wife on a vacation to Hawaii.
“Today, we celebrate and honor not only one of the most accomplished managers in the history of our franchise but also one of the finest people to ever wear the uniform,” McGuirk said. “You will always be a Brave, a Brave forever, and this organization will always be your home.”
Snitker said he looks forward to his new role.
“I’m still going to be here,” he said. “I’m going to be in spring training. I’m excited about this new role.”
Snitker, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent catcher in 1977, spent 20 seasons with the organization as a minor league manager. He was named Atlanta’s interim manager May 17, 2016, and was given the permanent title following the season.
He posted a record of 811-688 as manager and ranks third in franchise history in wins, trailing Hall of Famer Bobby Cox (2,149) and Frank Selee (1,004).
Cox was Snitker’s mentor. Snitker continued to visit Cox regularly after Cox was hospitalized in 2019 following a stroke. Cox returned to Truist Park on Aug. 22 for a 30-year celebration of the Braves’ 1995 World Series title.
Anthopoulos and McGuirk did not address a plan to find Snitker’s replacement. Braves bench coach Walt Weiss is Colorado’s former manager. Third-base coach Fredi González is a former manager with Atlanta and the Marlins.
The Braves finished 76-87 this season, which was the final year of Snitker’s current contract.
The Braves are the fifth MLB team to move on from their manager since the regular season ended Sunday. The Los Angeles Angels announced Tuesday that Ron Washington, 73, would not return. Washington is a former Braves coach.
San Francisco fired Bob Melvin and Minnesota fired Rocco Baldelli on Monday before Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers mutually decided Bochy won’t return to the dugout.
Washington, the 70-year-old Bochy and Snitker were the three oldest managers in the majors.
CLEVELAND — When it comes to winning in the MLB postseason, circa 2025, you hear a lot about high-octane bullpens and home run hitters. But when you have a throwback ace like Tarik Skubal on your side, starting pitching and a little small-ball can still get it done.
Skubal lifted the Detroit Tigers to 1-0 lead in their AL wild-card series against the Cleveland Guardians with perhaps the most dominant outing of a career that’s been full of them, tying a 53-year-old Detroit postseason record with 14 strikeouts and pitching into the eighth inning of a terse 2-1 win.
Joe Coleman set the Tigers’ postseason strikeout mark in the 1972 ALCS against Oakland.
“It doesn’t really matter,” Skubal said. “Winning is what matters to me. It’s mattered to me all year. I think winning is the most important thing in sports.”
The outing became more dominant the deeper Skubal worked into the game. According to ESPN Research, Skubal topped 100 miles per hour with a pitch 11 times, six more than he’s ever had in a start. He topped 100 five times alone in the seventh when he struck out the side, the last whiff coming on a game-high 101.2 miles-per-hour laser to get Brayan Rocchio.
If it looked like Skubal was emptying his tank, it’s because he was: Based on his usage during the season, Skubal figured that would be his last frame. But Detroit manager A.J. Hinch wanted three more batters from the AL’s reigning Cy Young winner — and the favorite to win it again.
“I thought my outing was coming to a close,” Skubal said. “But I was ready to go back out there. Never going to take myself out of a game.”
Among the 28 batters Skubal faced, only three managed to get the ball out of the infield. None of those three came in the fourth inning when Cleveland managed to scratch out a run against the blazing lefty. That tally came on two infield hits sandwiched around a walk, the second of those safeties a chopper off the plate that scored hustling Angel Martinez all the way from second.
Cleveland starter Gavin Williams struck out eight over his six-plus innings, and both runs he allowed were unearned, two errors you can’t make against an ace like Skubal when he’s on. These tight games are part-and-parcel of the Tigers-Guardians rivalry.
“What an unbelievably pitched game we got to watch,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Tarik Skubal was outstanding, punched out 14. Couldn’t get anything off of him. Gavin similarly.”
Game 1, played under a cloudless sky on an unusually warm early autumn day in downtown Cleveland, was something straight out of 1976. Both starters worked deep into the game. All three runs came via the small-ball route, and no ball left the yard.
The Tigers scored the go-ahead run in the seventh on a perfectly executed safety squeeze bunt by Zack McKinstry that plated Riley Green. Detroit — which laid down just five sacrifice bunts during the regular season — had two of them in Game 1.
“Anyone new to the Tigers-Guardians, this is what they look like,” Hinch said. “Like, every game. And obviously, Tarik set an incredible tone for us.”
It was indeed a throwback game dominated by a throwback starting pitcher in Skubal, who would look like an ace in any era of the big leagues.
“He’s a beast,” Hinch said. “And it’s why he’s considered by many as the best pitcher in the big leagues.”
The Guardians will try to keep their season alive in Wednesday’s Game 2, when Detroit’s Casey Mize will face Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. The winner of the series will advance to the ALDS to face the Seattle Mariners.
Cleveland, which overcame a 15-1/2 game deficit to overcome Detroit in the AL Central race, has, in a sense, been playing elimination-type games for some time.
“Our backs have been against the wall for three months,” Vogt said. “What’s one more day?”
Vanessa Hudgens is soarin’, flyin’ into the ultimate pizza party.
The High School Musicalalum—who is currently expecting a second child with her husband of nearly two years Cole Tucker—put her baby bump on full display while noshing on all sorts of pizzeria treats at Pizzeria Bianco in Los Angeles.
In a Sept. 30 Instagram Story, Vanessa donned a tight zebra-patterned long dress, which helped accentuate her growing bump.
“Would you like a piece of pizza?” Vanessa asked in the clip from the event—hosted by Airbnb Experiences—while doing her best Italian accent. “We have amazing pizza for you. Any flavor you like: pistachio, the onion.”
The 36-year-old—who already shares with Cole a 15-month-old son whose name has not been revealed—and her pals feasted on fresh focaccia, antipasti, salads and a slew of Pizzeria Bianco pizzas including their Margherita, Rosa (which features the aforementioned pistachios) and the Wiseguy. For dessert, the group enjoyed olive oil cake and freshly churned gelato.
Price: $18.99 - $10.64 (as of Oct 01, 2025 00:20:28 UTC – Details)
An instant New York Times bestseller, The 17 Day Diet has already helped millions of people lose weight in a safe, healthy, lasting way. Now, The 17 Day Diet Workbook helps dieters stay focused and get their best results. The instant bestseller The 17 Day Diet offers an easy-to-follow dieting plan that can help change your eating habits, your health, and your life. Now The 17 Day Diet Workbook offers an even more guided dieting experience for readers who want a little extra structure. Complete with a brief overview of the 17 Day Diet plan and philosophy, this interactive guide provides a day-by-day breakdown of how to get through 17 days in each of the four central cycles. Each section supplies food charts, shopping lists, 17-minute workouts, tips from Dr. Mike, and a notes section to keep track of personal progress. There are also new details about hurdles you might experience in the different cycles and suggestions for how to stay on track no matter what. The 17 Day Diet has already helped thousands of people lose weight and make lasting life changes. Now, with this workbook, it is easier than ever to start making changes and getting results fast! Publisher : Free Press Publication date : August 30, 2011 Edition : 1st Language : English Print length : 320 pages ISBN-10 : 1451661436 ISBN-13 : 978-1451661439 Item Weight : 2.31 pounds Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.44 inches Best Sellers Rank: #107,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Weight Watchers Diet #440 in Weight Loss Diets (Books) #713 in Other Diet Books Customer Reviews: 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 561 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
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Google appears to have blocked AI search results for the query “does trump show signs of dementia” as well as other questions about his mental acuity, even though it will show AI results for similar searches about other presidents.
When making the search about President Trump, AI Overviews will display a message that says, “An AI Overview is not available for this search”:
Go directly to AI Mode, and you’ll only receive a list of 10 web results instead of a summarized page of information:
Similar searches about Trump are limited in the same way. Various queries about dementia, Alzheimer’s, and senility display no AI overview and only produce a list of links inside AI Mode.
Google’s behavior is inconsistent if you swap in different names. When asking “does biden show signs of dementia”, Google doesn’t show an AI Overview at all:
But in AI Mode, it will offer a summarized response. When I searched for it, the response started with, “It’s not possible to definitively state whether former President Joe Biden has dementia based solely on publicly available information.”
Google also displayed AI overviews for queries about Biden and Alzheimer’s, stating there is “no clinical diagnosis or public proof that former President Joe Biden has Alzheimer’s disease.”
This is all different from what you get when using the names of other public figures or recent presidents. Use Obama’s name instead, and you’ll get an AI Overview — when I searched, it said that “No public evidence or statements from medical professionals indicate that former President Barack Obama has dementia”:
I got a similar result while searching about Obama in AI Mode:
There’s been a lotof coverage of the mental acuity of both President Trump and President Biden, who are the two oldest presidents ever, so it’s reasonable to expect that people might query Google about it. The company may be worried about accurately presenting information on a sensitive subject, as AI overviews remain susceptible to delivering incorrect information. But in this case, it may also be worried about the president’s response to such information. Google agreed this week to pay $24.5 million to settle a highly questionable lawsuit about Trump’s account being banned from YouTube.
Google spokesperson Davis Thompson didn’t say why AI overviews weren’t triggered for these queries when asked by The Verge. “As we’ve said, AI Overviews and AI Mode won’t show a response to every query.” Thompson also pointed to a document that explains how AI Overviews may not show for every query and that AI Mode may choose to show links instead of generating a response.
Update, September 30th: Added response from Google.
