Give It Away

Jon Watts, known for directing Marvel's Spider-Man trilogy, will direct the next official Star Wars film, the first entry in a new trilogy from producer-writer Simon Kinberg. The announcement gives the long-stalled film franchise fresh momentum, and fans are weighing what Watts's move from superhero blockbusters means for the direction of the galaxy far, far away.

Formula 1 driver George Russell is pictured spending his time off the track, with the photo shared by the official F1 account alongside a playful message calling him 'such a good sport'. The post highlights how several drivers are taking a holiday break during downtime from the racing calendar, with fans reacting to the light-hearted moment.

Attention has turned to Chelsea Pitch Owners, the organisation that holds the freehold of Stamford Bridge and can block any attempt to move the club away from the stadium or radically alter its use. Commentators describe it as a rare democratic safeguard in football, giving supporters a formal check on owners' power that most fanbases lack.

A filmed stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away will screen in US cinemas on October 1 and 8, with each screening led by a different actress playing Chihiro. The production, staged in Japan, mirrors the film's device by casting two performers as the young heroine, giving audiences two distinct interpretations of the beloved character.

A family growing grapes at home says the harvest has become overwhelming: after eating and drinking as much as they could, they handed a full bag of grapes to a neighbour, with roughly ten times that amount still on the vine. They compared the non-stop supply to the magic porridge pot, capturing a common late-summer problem for home gardeners with bumper crops.

National Coffee Day is being marked in the United States, with chains and cafes offering free coffee and discounted drinks to customers. Outlets are rounding up the best deals available today, and many people are sharing which shops are giving away free brews.

Jamaican artiste Jahtorius is calling on men to 'Walk Away' from confrontation rather than resort to violence, according to the Jamaica Observer. The anti-violence appeal, reported in the paper's entertainment section, is being shared widely as a message of restraint and conflict avoidance in communities where violence remains a pressing concern.

A Las Vegas veterans group is holding monthly hikes as a way to support members' mental health, giving former service members regular outdoor exercise and time together away from clinical settings. The gatherings aim to build camaraderie and reduce isolation, an approach reflected in coverage of veterans' mental wellbeing across local outlets.

A Chelsea midfielder has moved to calm concerns by giving a fitness update after suffering an injury worry while away on international duty, saying he now feels great. The update will come as relief to Chelsea, who will hope the player is fit and available as domestic fixtures resume following the international break.

A quote from Vincent Price's character Professor Henry Jarrod in the 1953 horror film House of Wax — "Everything I ever loved has been taken away from me, but not you, my Marie Antoinette, for I will give you eternal life" — is circulating among fans of classic horror. The line comes from the scene introducing the film's notorious Chamber of Horrors, and it has prompted fresh appreciation for Price, the American actor remembered as one of horror cinema's most iconic figures.

The UK government is introducing passkey support across GOV.UK One Login, giving more than 23 million users the option of phishing-resistant sign-ins for public services. Over 300,000 people already switched during the trial phase. Passwords are still required for now, with passkeys offered as an additional, more secure login method for accessing government accounts online.

A volunteer is assembling a team to run a workshop helping people move away from major proprietary platforms toward open-source alternatives. Planned switches include Zoom to Jitsi, OneDrive or Google Drive to Nextcloud, Google Android to GrapheneOS, and Windows to Linux, with more topics possible depending on how many helpers join. The project is at an early planning stage.

A performing artist has announced they will step away from the microphone for a single evening and work as a server instead, carrying a serving tray for what they describe as one fun night. The announcement gives no further details about the venue, date or purpose, leaving audiences curious about what prompted the unusual one-off role.

Former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins has received an NBA training camp opportunity, keeping his professional basketball hopes alive after his college career. The big man spent last season away from the Illini program, and this chance gives him a shot to impress an NBA staff and compete for a roster spot ahead of the upcoming season.

Peloton is giving away passes to its Faces of Fitness Miami event, a weekend of classes led by popular instructors Tunde Oyeneyin, Camila Ramón, Rad Lopez and Johanna Devries. Fans can enter for a chance to attend the in-person workouts in Miami. The giveaway is drawing attention from the fitness community, as spots to take live classes with the brand's best-known instructors are limited and usually in high demand.

Musician Matt DeMello is giving away free download codes for 'Jennifer's Appendix, Vol. 2: The VoidFest 2020 Set That Should Have Been', a recording of his April 20, 2020 streaming festival set, described as his first streaming festival and performed during quarantine. The release spans electronic-orchestral material and is being shared via GetMusic, with listeners invited to stream or download the set at no cost.

The traditional spiritual 'Give Me Jesus' is being shared and sung in faith communities. The hymn, long associated with American church tradition, expresses a simple declaration of devotion, with its refrain turning away from earthly comforts toward faith. Church groups are circulating performances and reflections on the song, keeping the well-loved hymn in front of congregations.

An art feature explores how everyday trinkets and ordinary keepsakes are being transformed into artwork. The piece highlights the creative practice of giving small, often overlooked objects new artistic life, turning personal treasures into pieces meant to be displayed and appreciated rather than tucked away.

Illinois lawmakers have approved an expansion of tax credits for film and television productions, aiming to attract more Hollywood projects to shoot in the state. Supporters say the measure could bring jobs, spending and studio investment to Chicago and beyond, as states compete to lure production business away from traditional hubs and from other generous tax-incentive states.