FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez sounded the alarm over Skydance and Paramount’s recently approved $8 billion merger deal, appearing on MSNBC’s Chris Jansing Reports Friday to warn that the government is being “weaponized” to “control” the media.

On Thursday, the FCC formally approved the merger, paving the way for the transfer of assets to the new entity, led by Skydance CEO David Ellison. The agreement was endorsed in a 2-1 vote, with  Commissioner Gomez standing as the lone dissenting voice.

The deal was finalized just weeks after Paramount agreed to pay President Donald Trump a $16 million settlement over a 2024 60 Minutes interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

On MSNBC, Gomez called the negotiation process a “back room deal” and warned that the editorial control given to the government as part of the agreement is a “direct violation of our First Amendment freedoms.”

ANNA GOMEZ: I have been alarmed by this administration’s campaign of censorship and control. And we’ve seen that in a variety of ways throughout this administration. With regard to the FCC, what we are seeing is a weaponization of the FCC’s regulatory authority to retaliate and to control the content of news media organizations. So in this transaction, what this administration was able to get was a condition that has never before been seen with control of editorial decisions in the newsroom. And that is very problematic. Our First Amendment prohibits the government from interfering in freedom of the press, and that is a direct violation of our First Amendment freedoms.

CHRIS JANSING: We’ve seen the Trump administration exercise many pressure campaigns quite openly, pushing members of Congress to vote Donald Trump’s way. He’s used pressure against other countries in tariffs, in fact, in so many aspects of government. Did you see or feel that pressure firsthand during this process?

ANNA GOMEZ: What we watched was really what I was afraid of, which was a back room deal. The companies were talking to the FCC as a regulator and there was nothing transparent for people to be able to see what was happening. That’s why I’m glad that I succeeded in having the transaction brought before the full commission for a vote, so that we could be transparent about what was happening.

CHRIS JANSING: You warned that it is the American public who will ultimately pay the price. How do you think this might impact people and maybe they don’t even realize it?

ANNA GOMEZ: Going back to this administration’s campaign of censorship and control, what they are doing is they want the news media to report on them in a positive light or in the light that they want. So they don’t want the media to do their job, which is to hold government to account without fear or favor. And the public does suffer the consequences of that, because what you get is not the benefit of the hard-driving journalism that we want from our journalists, but rather an arm of the administration that is punished if it is not reporting in a way that this administration wants.

Watch above via MSNBC.

The post FCC Commissioner Sounds the Alarm on MSNBC: Government Is Being Used to ‘Control’ the Media first appeared on Mediaite.

Your DualSense controller isn't just good for your PS5. In fact, it can be paired with a number of other devices, so you can play games on things like your computer, smartphone, or tablet. (It even works with an Apple TV—go figure.)

If you've ever tried actively switching between these devices to play, however, it gets old fast. That's because you can't simply choose to start playing on a new device after wrapping up on another: If you've paired your DualSense controller to your iPhone, for example, you'll need to pair it with your PS5 again before picking up a PlayStation game. Then, you'll need to pair it with your computer before playing a game on Steam. If you're used to products that can quickly switch between paired devices, like AirPods, for example, it's especially frustrating.

That's a problem Sony is working on solving. The company's latest system update beta for PS5 comes with a new feature that enables your DualSense controller to pair with up to four devices at once. That means you can keep your DualSense controller paired to your PS5, but also your PC, your Android phone, and your iPad. When you want to stop playing on the couch and move to your computer, your controller will already be paired, so you can start playing right away. It's a small feature, but one that brings a lot of convenience, especially if you play across multiple devices with the same controller.

How to pair a PS5 controller with multiple devices

At this time, the only way to try this out is to enroll your PS5 in Sony's beta program. You can sign up here, though you'll need to wait for an invite to join—no guarantees.

If you're running the beta, or you're reading this when Sony has released the update to the general public, here's how this new feature works: First, check that the player indicator and light bar on your controller are turned off. If they aren't, hold down the PS button until they are.

Next, you're going to put your controller into pairing mode, and choose one of the available "slots." Each of the action buttons on your controller (triangle, circle, cross, and square) denote a slot. To set pairing mode to a particular slot, press and hold one of these action buttons and the PS button for more than five seconds. You'll see the light bar and player indicator flash twice.

Now, make sure to enable Bluetooth on the device you want to pair to, and select the option to add Bluetooth devices. Then, choose your controller from the list. If it worked, the light bar will light up, and the player indicator lights will blink in accordance with the slot number:

1. Triangle

2. Circle

3. Cross

4. Square

You can repeat these steps for each of the four slots until you've maxed out your pairings.

Switching devices with your PS5 controller

Once paired, you can switch devices at any time, whether your controller is on or off. To do so, make sure the device you want to switch to is on, then press and hold the corresponding action button and PS button. Let go when the light bar and player indicator blink, which should happen after about three seconds.

Thursday afternoon, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was commenting on the recent passing of wrestler Hulk Hogan when a protester yelled several expletive-laced insults at him referencing the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention facility in the Everglades and calling the governor a “pedophile.”

The news broke earlier Thursday that Hogan, 71, had passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida from cardiac arrest. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, made a memorable appearance at the Republican National Convention last summer showing his support for President Donald Trump’s campaign.

DeSantis was speaking at an event in Bradenton, about an hour south of Hogan’s residence in Clearwater. The 46-year-old governor shared some of his memories of Hogan, calling him “a major icon for anybody in GenX…anyone growing up in the ’80s and the ’90s” and a “superhero,” especially for Florida kids. While DeSantis reminisced about watching Hogan perform in movies and Wrestlemania programs as a child, he was interrupted by a man in the audience yelling at him something about “Alligator Alcatraz.”

The ICE detention facility has been extremely controversial for its reported abuses of detainees, hundreds of millions of dollars in lucrative contracts going to GOP donors and other DeSantis allies, lack of audits and other Florida law-mandated transparency, environmental harm to a national park’s fragile ecosystem, and impact on local Miccosukee and Seminole ceremonial sites and tribal lands.

“Hey, stop, stop, stop, I’m –” DeSantis said, pointing back at the heckler.

“Is that your fucking legacy?” the man shouted. “You bow down to a fucking pedophile! You’re a pedophile!”

“Get out of here,” said DeSantis. “Get out of here.”

The heckler continued, shouting accusations about DeSantis and President Donald Trump.”All of you are fucking Nazis! Fuck you all!”

DeSantis resumed speaking as the man was reportedly taken out of the room by security, yelling one more “Fucking Nazis!” at the governor as he exited.

Watch the video above, via X.

The post ‘YOU’RE A F*CKING PEDOPHILE!’ DeSantis’ Hulk Hogan Tribute Interrupted by ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Protester first appeared on Mediaite.

If you get an urgent message about running out of cloud storage—the consequences of which involve losing your photos or documents—you may be the target of a scam. The Federal Trade Commission is alerting consumers to a phishing scheme involving emails and text messages claiming that your cloud storage with services like Apple, Google, and Microsoft is full. The end goal of threat actors is to get you to click a link under the guise of clearing or upgrading your storage, which ultimately leads to you handing over personal information (like your account username and password) or downloading malware to your device.

How the cloud storage scam works

As MalwareTips describes, cloud storage scam emails typically have urgent subject links like "Your iCloud account may be at risk" to provoke an emotional response that spurs you to act without thinking. The messages may come from an email address that looks real but is just a little bit off (from [at]applesecurity[dot]com rather than [at]apple[dot]com, for example) and include official logos or other branding. The email body may have a time-sensitive upgrade offer—again, creating a sense of urgency—and a call to action, such as an "Upgrade Storage Now" button.

Any message that brings up a strong emotion or makes you feel like you need to act fast is likely a scam, even if it appears to come from a legitimate sender. As I've written about, threat actors can capitalize on vulnerabilities allowing them to spoof or impersonate organizations like Google.

You may see legitimate cloud storage alerts, such as banners, when you're logged into various services (like Gmail), but your best bet if you get an email or text about running out of cloud space is to go directly to the source to check your balance. Do not pass go, and do not click any links.

How to check your cloud storage space

If you're a Google user, you can view and manage your cloud storage in your Google One Storage Manager (you must be logged into your Google account). This shows you how much storage you've used and how much you have remaining plus a breakdown of the Google services that are taking up your allotment and suggestions for clearing additional space.

Note that if you have multiple Google accounts, each will have its own storage allotment, and you can toggle between them by tapping your profile photo in the upper right corner. Personal accounts with Google receive 15 GB of storage for free, with options to pay for additional space. If you run out, you won't be able to upload or create files in Drive, send or receive emails in Gmail, or back up photos or videos to Google Photos.

If you have an iCloud storage account, you can check the remaining space under Settings > [your name] > iCloud on your iPhone or iPad or via the Apple menu > System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage on your Mac. On Windows, open iCloud for Windows and scroll to the bar graph. Again, you must be logged into your Apple account. iCloud comes with 5 GB of free storage. Once that's full—and if you don't add more space—your device will cease iCloud backups, uploads to iCloud photos and iCloud Drive, and updates to iCloud apps. And you won't be able to send and receive emails with your iCloud address.

Finally, Microsoft 365 comes with 5 GB of free cloud storage with OneDrive and 15 GB of mailbox storage. To check your usage, sign into your Microsoft account on your device and select the Microsoft storage icon. You can also upgrade to add more space.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) suggested that people could “die” as a result of President Donald Trump accusing former President Barack Obama of treason.

Himes joined MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace on Tuesday where he argued that accusations from Trump and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard against Obama could be the foundation for a new Jan. 6 Capitol riot-like event. Himes dismissed the claims from Trump and Gabbard as a “distraction” from fallout over the “Epstein Files.”

The lawmaker said:

What troubles me most about this, Nicolle, is that I’m standing in a spot that on January 6, 2021, was overrun by a violent mob intent on hanging the vice president and killing people like me, and it was all driven by a lie propagated by Donald Trump. And now we’re seeing that playbook again. And my only question is, when people like Tulsi Gabbard and Donald Trump accuse a president of a capital crime that is punishable by death, who is going to die? Who is going to die because they’ve decided that they need a distraction away from the Epstein calamity which they brought upon themselves?

Gabbard accused Obama and other officials in his administration of being involved in a “treasonous conspiracy” against Trump.

According to Gabbard, Obama and others used a probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election to target Trump and “subvert the will of the American voters.” Multiple intelligence agencies did determine Russia made efforts to influence the 2016 election. Gabbard has cited documents now claiming that Russia didn’t “have the tools, the capability, or the intent to try to change the outcome of the US presidential election.”

At the White House this week, Trump flat-out accused Obama of treason, something Himes said could provoke fringe people. The lawmaker predicted there will be no practical movement on prosecuting Obama or anyone else as prosecutors would be “laughed out” of courts.

He argued:

When you use language like treason, and I mean, go into my social media feeds because I’ve been trying to tell the truth about this ever since Tulsi put out this staggeringly disprovable and instantly disproval lie, when you start using the kind of language, the language of treason and of somebody being a traitor, some tiny percentage of the population is just crazy enough to decide that they need to do something about it. And again, it’s what happened where I am standing right now on January 6, 2021. The statements of a president have some power.

Watch above via MSNBC.

The post House Democrat Suggests People Could ‘Die’ As a Result of Trump Accusing Obama of ‘Treason’ first appeared on Mediaite.

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You've probably heard of the upstart tech brand Nothing by now, but if you haven't, here's a quick TLDR: The UK-based tech startup aims to make products like cellphones and headphones that incorporate innovative features and designs that are an incredible value for the money. The company just released their new smartwatch this month, the CMF Watch 3 Pro, and it's already discounted by 20%. Originally $99, you can now grab one for $79, unsurprisingly the lowest price since the recent release.

Bluetooth Call AI Smartwatch with Energy Score, Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Monitor, GPS & 130+ Sport

CMF Watch 3 Pro

$79.00 at Amazon

$99.00 Save $20.00

Get Deal

Get Deal

$79.00 at Amazon

$99.00 Save $20.00

SEE -2 MORE

The CMF Watch 3 Pro is designed for "everyday users and casual fitness explorers" and just given the price, its already a strong contender for best budget smartwatch/fitness tracker of 2025. The most impressive aspect of this watch is its direct ChatGPT integration: You can use voice prompts to ask the chatbot questions or set reminders, among other things. One neat feature is its ability to record voices and auto-transcribe conversations or notes (great for work meetings or class). How well it works, though, remains a bit of an open question, as it has yet to be widely reviewed.

If you've used the CMF Watch 2 Pro, you'll already be familiar with the design, which hasn't changed much. It's still got a round display with a rotating crown on the top right, thought the display is a bit bigger—1.43 inches compared to the Watch 2 Pro's 1.32 inches. Nothing kept the auto brightness adjustment, which is determined by the built-in sensor and makes it very practical to walk outdoors from a dimmer indoor setting and vice versa. They also kept the dual-band GPS support with access to five satellite systems, providing greater accuracy when tracking your outdoor activities.

The real upgrades come mainly from the software. The Watch 3 Pro has over 130 sport modes, compared to 120 on the older model. The battery now lasts 13 days with a single charge, which is two days longer than before. It's certainly in the running for the best sub-$100 smartwatch you can buy right now.

Former President Barack Obama’s top speechwriter needed just four words to fire back at President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to jail his predecessor.

“Then arrest him, pussy,” Jon Favreau commented on a video of Trump’s latest screed against Obama, during which he pledged to prosecute the 44th president for treason.

Ihttps://http://www.twitter.com/jonfavs/status/1947690542793642194

Trump’s latest threats against Obama come after DNI boss Tulsi Gabbard claimed to have uncovered documents that prove Obama and those in his inner circle pushed the notion that Russia was trying to interfere in the 2016 election.

Gabbard has reportedly sent a criminal referral to the Department of Justice.

Gabbard’s accusations have been met with major skepticism by numerous critics, with some accusing the administration of setting up a smokescreen to distract the public from the administration’s “Epstein Files” woes.

Watch above via Fox News.

The post Ex-Obama Speechwriter Jon Favreau Fires Back at Trump: ‘Then Arrest Him, P*ssy’ first appeared on Mediaite.

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From 1969 to 2025, the idea of vibrating your way to fitness just won't go away. Whatever shape they take, vibration plates are a relentless wellness trend, with influencers claiming they'll transform your body with minimal effort.

Both Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki and I have previously busted those myths. While your muscles do contract during the vibrating experience, these aren't the same type of contractions that build substantial strength or burn meaningful calories. After all, if something sounds too good to be true on social media, it probably is. But does that mean it's completely without merit?

Given all this context, I still gave my vibration plate a shot. I wasn't expecting to get a new set of legs, but I wanted to see what these devices actually do when used consistently in real-world conditions.

My 90-day vibration experiment

I used this $109.99 (currently $98.99) vibration plate from Merach, a popular brand on the TikTok Shop.

Merach Vibration Plate

$98.99 at Amazon

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$98.99 at Amazon

$109.99 Save $11.00

My approach was deliberately simple and sustainable. Every day for 90 days, I committed to 10 minutes on the vibration plate. I kept myself engaged with light squats, calf raises, or simply standing in different positions while the machine did its thing. Most evenings, I'd park myself on the plate while watching TV, listening to music, or simply zoning out at the end of a long day. It became a ritual—a small pocket of time that was entirely mine.

The beauty of this routine wasn't in its intensity but in its consistency. Ten minutes felt manageable even on the busiest days. Sometimes I'd be actively moving, other times I'd just stand there and let the vibrations wash over me like a full-body massage. There was something oddly meditative about surrendering to the mechanical rhythm.

The unexpected brain benefits

After three months, my legs look and feel exactly the same. As expected. My strength hadn't dramatically improved, and I wasn't suddenly running faster or jumping higher. But the most interesting effect wasn't physical at all.

I loved the way the vibration plate cleared my head. Maybe it was placebo, or perhaps more about the ritual than the vibrating itself, but I found this device tickled my brain in an amazing way—and I'm not alone. Scrolling through comments on vibration plate videos or Reddit threads, tons of people share this sentiment, particularly when it comes to their ADHD symptoms.

I have ADHD myself, and those 10 minutes became a reset button for my scattered thoughts. Whether I'd had a stressful day at work or felt overwhelmed by endless tasks, stepping onto that vibrating platform seemed to shake loose the mental static. My racing mind would slow down, and I'd feel a little more more centered and focused.

What the science says

Since this was all wildly anecdotal and subjective, I wanted to understand if there was any research backing this up. A small study from 2014 found promising effects of whole body vibration on attention in both healthy individuals and adults with ADHD. More research is needed, but their theories suggest that the sensory input from vibration might help regulate an overactive mind, similar to how fidget tools can help people with ADHD concentrate.

I'd love to see more research about the effects of vibration plates specifically on people with ADHD and other attention disorders. For now, all I know is that it felt like it calmed my mind in ways I hadn't expected. The vibration plate didn't transform my physique, but the gentle shaking sure was like a fidget spinner for my brain.

The bottom line

The wellness industry loves to oversell simple solutions, and vibration plates are no exception. Still, I sincerely enjoy my vibration plate as a recovery tool and relaxation device (rather than a fitness game-changer). It's become part of my wind-down routine, like bedtime reading or yoga. The physical benefits might be minimal, but the mental ones are noteworthy enough for me.

If you're considering a vibration plate, adjust your expectations accordingly. Don't expect miraculous muscle gains or dramatic weight loss. But if you're looking for a unique way to decompress, manage stress, or quiet a busy mind, these devices might offer unexpected value.

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

Fox News contributor Andy McCarthy torched Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard over her characterization of new emails she’s released to the public and the criminal referral she’s made to the Department of Justice.

In a press release headlined “New Evidence of Obama Administration Conspiracy to Subvert President Trump’s 2016 Victory and Presidency,” Gabbard’s office asserted that she had “revealed overwhelming evidence that demonstrates how, after President Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, President [Barack] Obama and his national security cabinet members manufactured and politicized intelligence to lay the groundwork for what was essentially a years-long coup against President [Donald] Trump.”

Then on Monday, Fox reported that Gabbard had sent a “criminal referral” to the Department of Justice to pursue an investigation of Obama and prominent members of his administration.

In a column for National Review, McCarthy expressed his disapproval ofGabbard’s handling of the matter.

“Do Trump intelligence officials speak with each other? Does Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, read the reports generated by the Central Intelligence Agency? There is good reason to wonder,” mused McCarthy in his lede.

“No new light is shed on this episode by Gabbard’s email disclosures last Friday, which, unsurprisingly, were accompanied by an overwrought and misleading press release rather than an analytical report. Perhaps that is because Gabbard’s intelligence community peer, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, did issue an analytical report just a few days earlier that contradicts Gabbard’s implication that there was no evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election,” he argued before continuing:

The public position of President Trump and his most ardent supporters — the position that Gabbard reiterates — is that Russiagate was a total hoax, a complete fabrication by Democrats, without a shred of truth to it, concocted to undermine his presidency. This has always been a foolish stance.

Russia habitually tries to influence American politics, including electoral politics, just as our government has for decades intruded in the politics of the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia. (In fact, the Obama administration’s support of the revolt that ousted Ukraine’s democratically elected, pro-Russian regime in 2013–14 motivated both Putin’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2016 denigration of Clinton, Obama’s former secretary of state.) Russia’s efforts in this regard, and specifically in 2016, have been laughably ineffective; that doesn’t mean they haven’t happened at all.

The Democrats’ caterwauling that Russia stole the 2016 election from Clinton was nonsense. It has long been widely recognized for what it was: a fever dream by which Democrats sought to avoid conceding the true cause of the party’s loss — its nomination of a deeply unpopular, scandal-scarred, politically flat-footed candidate. Yet, by claiming that there was no evidence of Russian interference, the Trump camp invites correction (including, now, from the Trump administration’s own CIA) and thereby turns into a matter of consequence something that was utterly inconsequential.

Reflecting on Gabbard’s claims that “the facts reveal this new assessment [i.e., the ICA] was based on information that was known by those involved to be manufactured i.e. the Steele Dossier or deemed as not credible. This was politicized intelligence that was used as the basis for countless smears seeking to delegitimize President Trump’s victory, the years-long Mueller investigation, two Congressional impeachments, high-level officials being investigated, arrested, and thrown in jail, heightened US-Russia tensions, and more,” McCarthy observed:

Down here on Planet Earth, the use of the Steele dossier has been roundly condemned in government investigations (as it was in Ratcliffe’s new report). The Mueller probe, despite being staffed by anti-Trump partisans, concluded that there was no evidence of Trump-Russia collusion and did not delve into the dossier and the FISA debacle. No one who was prosecuted as a result of the Mueller investigation was charged with offenses related to the Steele dossier or the ICA. Trump’s two impeachments pertained to Ukraine and the Capitol riot — neither had anything to do with Russiagate or the 2016 ICA. And while it is characteristic of Gabbard to blame the United States for “heightened US-Russia tensions,” they have in fact been heightened because of Russia’s annexation of its neighbors’ territories and the monstrous war crimes it has committed in Ukraine.

McCarthy is the author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency, a book about how the Clinton campaign and Obama administration colluded to help the former prevail against Trump.

The post Fox’s Andy McCarthy Torches Tulsi Gabbard Over ‘Misleading’ Attack on Obama and Russia Investigation first appeared on Mediaite.

Here's something you might not have known: If you type a specific set of numbers and characters into your Android phone's dialer, you'll reveal a "hidden" set of diagnostics and phone information. Despite the feature's obscurity, Google is apparently working on an upgrade for it all the same.

As reported by Android Authority, when you open the Phone app on your Android device, type *#*#4636#*#* and then dial, a hidden menu will appear with three key sub-menus: "Phone Information," "Usage statistics," and "Wi-Fi information." To be clear, this is not information most smartphone users really need to know. In fact, according to Android Authority, most users in the know about this feature use it for locking their phones to a particular network type—i.e. 3G, 4G, or 5G—when they want to ensure their phone doesn't switch between network bandwidths.

Even though this code is not widely known by (or useful to) the Android-owning public, Google is still working on new advancements and features for it. If you flashed Android's Canary channel on your smartphone—software that gives users access to the earliest builds of future Android versions—you'll now notice a fourth menu when entering this code into your dialer: Phone Information V2.

What's changed in "Phone Information V2"

This appears to be a new version of the existing Phone information page. That menu presents a series of data points on the same page, whereas V2 separates it into four tabs: "Device Details," Data & Network," "Satellite," and "IMS." Android Authority notes that while Device Details, Data & Network, and IMS all pull then same information from the Phone information page, just in a more organized fashion, Satellite is totally new. Perhaps that has something to do with expanding satellite communications from networks like T-Mobile—as smartphones are able to connect to satellites when cellular networks are down, this might be important information for diagnosing issues with these connections.

My Android phone doesn't have an active SIM, so I can't try this out for myself, but I imagine this will be a useful step for anyone who enjoys digging deeper into their phone's data and diagnostics. As this is only in the Canary channel for now, it's not clear when or whether this new menu will make it to an official build, or whether it will change between now and an official release. But it's an interest peek at what Google is working on behind the scenes, especially since the feature is relatively hidden and obscure.

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When walking pads started getting trendy, I'll admit I felt ambivalent. For those unfamiliar, a walking pad is essentially a slim, ideally foldable treadmill designed specifically for walking. Unlike traditional treadmills, they're compact enough to slide under a bed or lean against a wall, and most top out around 4-6 mph—perfect for walking, not running. They exploded in popularity over the past few years, as more people work from home and look for convenient ways to stay active.

As someone who's completed twelve marathons and logged thousands of miles on everything from mountain trails to city streets, I felt the idea of walking in place on a compact treadmill simply didn't apply to me. But after a few months of regular use—specifically with the Merach W50, which I review here—I've developed some stronger opinions about walking pads.

Merach W50 Walking Pad

$359.99 at Amazon

$499.99 Save $140.00

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Shop Now

$359.99 at Amazon

$499.99 Save $140.00

Best reasons to get a walking pad

Here's what I've grown to really appreciate about having a walking pad in my apartment.

• The recovery game-changer: The biggest revelation for me has been using the walking pad for active recovery. After long runs or intense training sessions, I used to either sit completely still (which left me feeling stiff) or force myself out for another walk when my legs were screaming. The walking pad offers the perfect middle ground. I can maintain a gentle 2.5 mph pace while watching Netflix, helping my legs recover without the commitment of getting dressed and heading outside.

• Rainy day relief: Living in Brooklyn, I've experienced my share of brutal winter and summer training seasons. While I still run outside in most conditions (it's part of the mental toughness training), having the walking pad means I never have to skip movement entirely. On days when heat makes outdoor activity genuinely dangerous, or when I'm dealing with minor injuries that preclude running but allow walking, it's been invaluable.

• Multitasking magic: This one applies to non-runners too: I love being able to walk while doing other things. I've incorporated light walking into my daily Duolingo practice, and my streak has never been higher. Muy bueno. When I stick to just 1-1.5mph, I've even done some light stretching routines while walking at an easy pace. It’s transformed previously sedentary activities into opportunities for light movement.

• Form analysis: One unexpected benefit has been the ability to work on my walking form in a controlled environment. The consistent pace and flat surface make it easy to focus on posture, arm swing, and foot strike without worrying about terrain or traffic. My hope is these improvements can actually translate to better running form during my easy recovery jogs.

The cons for walking pads

Here's what I'd consider more closely before spending hundreds of dollars on a walking pad.

• The noise factor: Despite marketing claims about "whisper-quiet" operation, walking pads do make noise. The motor hums, the belt creates a subtle whooshing sound, and if you're not perfectly centered, there's an occasional thump. If you live in an apartment or have family members working from home, this can be a real issue. I wouldn't use mine when my downstairs neighbors are trying to sleep.

• Belt size compromises: Most walking pads have narrower and shorter belts than traditional treadmills. At 5'6", I don't feel too constrained, but I couldn't imagine being 6'2" and logging much time on a walking pad. The shorter length means you can't fully extend your natural stride, and the narrow width requires more attention to foot placement than I'd prefer. It's manageable, just not ideal for extended use.

• The boredom factor: Here's where I might lose some of you: Walking in place, even while watching TV or listening to podcasts, can be mind-numbing in a way that outdoor walking never is. There's something about the lack of changing scenery and the mechanical nature of the movement that my runner's brain rebels against. Some days, I'd rather walk outside in light rain than spend 45 minutes on the walking pad. Similarly, while the 4 mph top speed is fine for walking, it is a stark reminder that this is not a treadmill. If I suddenly find the motivation to break into a run, it doesn't matter—I'm stuck walking.

• Storage concerns: As I explain in my review here, a more durable walking pads means a trade-off in storage. My Merach W50 doesn't fold, and at over 6 inches tall it doesn't easily slide under any of my furniture. Unless you want to give your walking pad dedicated floor space at all times, make sure you shop for one with strong reviews for storage.

The bottom line

Walking pads are rock solid for specific use cases. They're perfect for people with limited mobility, those in harsh climates, remote workers looking to add movement to their day, or anyone rehabbing from injury. For runners, they're excellent supplementary tools for recovery and inclement weather backup.

My walking pad has proved worthwhile for me. Would I buy one again? Probably. Would I recommend one to every runner? Definitely not. If you're looking for a primary cardio solution or hoping to replicate the experience of outdoor walking, you might be disappointed. They're tools, not replacements for real movement in the real world.

President Donald Trump went after California Democrat Sen. Adam Schiff on Sunday, attacking the former lead House impeachment manager as a “THIEF” and sharing an apparent tax document to make his case.

Trump’s accusations of fraud began with a Tuesday a Truth Social post, in which he accused “scam artist” Schiff of committing mortgage fraud and wrote that Fannie Mae’s Financial Crimes Division was after him.

“Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in MARYLAND to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America, when he must LIVE in CALIFORNIA because he was a Congressman from CALIFORNIA,” Trump wrote in the post. “The FRAUD began with the refinance of his Maryland property on February 6, 2009, and continued through multiple transactions until the Maryland property was correctly designated as a second home on October 13, 2020.”

Schiff responded in a post thread on X, calling Trump’s claims a “baseless attempt at political retribution” for the impeachments. Schiff said the “weak” and “false” allegation would not distract people from the president’s own ongoing Jeffrey Epstein files controversy.

On Sunday, Trump lit into Schiff again, this time including an image of a document dated November 4, 2011 that appears to be a signed declaration referring to the Maryland property as his “principal residence.”

“Adam Schiff is a THIEF!” Trump wrote.

Trump continued, writing: “He should be prosecuted, just like they tried to prosecute me, and everyone else — The only difference is, WE WERE TOTALLY INNOCENT, IT WAS ALL A GIANT HOAX!”

At the time of this post, Schiff has not responded to Trump’s latest post.

The post ‘THIEF!’ Trump Shares Alleged Adam Schiff Tax Document, Calls for Prosecution of ‘Fraud’ first appeared on Mediaite.

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A Jeffrey Epstein accuser is speaking out — telling The New York Times that she, on two separate occasions recommended to the FBI that they should look into President Donald Trump.

In an interview with the Times published Sunday, Epstein accuser Maria Farmer said that when she spoke to law enforcement in 1996 to report that she had been sexually assaulted by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, she urged them to also look into the people in Epstein’s orbit — including Trump. Farmer then reiterated her concerns about Trump to the FBI in 2006.

Farmer told the Times that she raised Trump’s name to the FBI because of an encounter she says she had with Trump in 1995. Times reporters Mike Baker and Michael Schmidt described that encounter — which she has previously discussed publicly — as follows:

:The encounter with Mr. Trump, Ms. Farmer said, occurred in 1995 as she was preparing to work for Mr. Epstein. She said she told the authorities that late one night, Mr. Epstein unexpectedly called her to his offices in a luxury building in Manhattan, and she arrived in running shorts.

Mr. Trump then arrived, wearing a business suit, and started to hover over her, she said she told the authorities.

Ms. Farmer said she recalled feeling scared as Mr. Trump stared at her bare legs. Then Mr. Epstein entered the room, and she recalled him saying to Mr. Trump: “No, no. She’s not here for you.”

The two men left the room, and Ms. Farmer said she could hear Mr. Trump commenting that he thought Ms. Farmer was 16 years old.”

In a statement to the Times, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung denied Farmer’s account.

“The president was never in his office,” Cheung said. “The fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep.”

The Times’ Baker and Schmidt wrote that Farmer’s story is an example of ” ow the case files could contain material that is embarrassing or politically problematic to Mr. Trump, even if it is largely extraneous to Mr. Epstein’s crimes and was never fully investigated or corroborated.”

——

The post NEW: Epstein Accuser Says She Told the FBI Twice That They Should Investigate Trump — NYT Reports first appeared on Mediaite.

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Astronomer announced that CEO Andy Byron has tendered his resignation after going viral on social media when he was awkwardly caught cuddling with a female employee while at a Coldplay concert.

“As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” a Saturday statement from Astronomer, a data infrastructure company, reads.

The company said the board of directors accepted Byron’s resignation.

The married Byron was seen at a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts with Kristin Cabot, his company’s human resources chief. The two were seen cuddling as singer Chris Martin put the cameras on couples in the crowd. The moment the pair saw themselves onscreen, they both quickly ducked out of frame.

“Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. We’re not quite sure,” Martin said.

Social media users have not let up in mocking the video.

“Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO,” the company’s statement reads.

They added the “awareness” of their company “changed overnight” thanks to the kiss camera video. Byron’s resignation following Astronomer announcing a “formal investigation” into the incident.

“Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping data teams power everything from modern analytics to production AI. While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not,” the statement reads. “We’re continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems.”

The post Astronomer CEO Resigns After Coldplay Kiss Cam Catches Him Red-Handed first appeared on Mediaite.

Screenshot via Fox News

Stephen Colbert’s Late Show is over, and while the official reason has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest CBS was hemorrhaging money to the tune of $40 million a year. The show reportedly employed more than 220 staffers and cost an eye-popping $100 million annually to produce.  Yes, there is the whole corporate fealty to Trump at play, which I went into great detail on Friday, but this blockbuster-movie money for a nightly talk show. In an age of media belt-tightening and digital fragmentation, that model may simply no longer be sustainable.

Which brings us to Greg Gutfeld.

Yes, Gutfeld—the often smirking, occasionally cringeworthy Fox News host who somehow emerged as a legit force in late-night-style comedy. And while I’ve personally called his brand of humor “witless” (and stand by that), it’s impossible to deny: Gutfeld has cracked the code, disrupting a TV genre once defined by Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Jay Leno, and yes, Colbert himself.

Let’s be clear: Gutfeld! airs at 10 p.m. ET, which technically makes it a primetime show. But in tone, structure, and format, it’s a late-night show—monologue, roundtable, recurring gags, rotating co-hosts with semi-celebrity status, and alt-right bona fides, with a wink toward absurdist commentary on the day’s news almost always at the expense of libturds and lamestream media.

What sets it apart isn’t just that it’s on Fox News, but that it’s doing all this with a staff reportedly no bigger than maybe twenty people? Gutfeld’s creative team is small, tight, and far from bloated.

That lends something to his show that late-night hasn’t had in a long time: authenticity. You might not like the jokes (I usually don’t), but the DIY spirit is palpable. Gutfeld honed his voice back in the Maxim and Stuff magazine days, where the “laddie” culture prioritized irreverence, irrelevance, and low-fi swagger. He sharpened his satirical chops further hosting Fox’s cult-classic Red Eye, a weird, smart, surreal show that quietly built him a following among insomniac media nerds and libertarian night owls.

The result is a show that, while not for everyone, clearly resonates with a large audience—an audience that often feels condescended to or outright ignored by mainstream comedy. Much of that can be attributed to Fox News’ built-in viewership who, judging by the networks dominant ratings, seem eager to watch every hour of programming on the network .

Suzanne Scott, Fox News CEO, deserves credit for greenlighting the 10 p.m. shift that let Gutfeld own a bold new time slot — a gamble that paid off big. Launching a late-night show on a cable news network was risky, but she recognized the post-pandemic appetite for smart, fun, non-lecturey comedy.

The success of Gutfeld! also shines a harsh light on the conventional and now outdated late-night formula.

At its best, Colbert’s Late Show was a cultural powerhouse, especially in the Trump years, where sharp monologues and political satire helped redefine the genre. But as the political moment shifted and the national mood splintered, the high-cost, high-effort model began to show its cracks. And with the media industry undergoing massive changes—cord-cutting, ad revenue declines, and digital disruption—it’s increasingly hard to justify $100 million for a nightly talk show, even one with an A-list host.

It’s ironic, maybe even darkly comedic, that Fox News—once seen as antithetical to comedy—now produces the most-watched “late-night” show on cable. While the other networks trim costs or shut down completely, Gutfeld’s frugally produced, stripped-down format thrives. The jokes might be cheap—but so is the overhead.

To be fair, there’s room for everyone. Comedy is subjective. Gutfeld’s not for me, just as Colbert was never going to win over the Hannity crowd. But TV is a business, and in the end, the audience decides. And right now, more viewers are tuning into the scrappy, sarcastic conservative guy — notorious for his ill-advised bit in trying to reclaim “nazi” for conservatives — on Fox with a dozen writers and a former pro wrestler.

Restaurants have menus for a reason. You may not want what Gutfeld’s serving—but a whole lot of people clearly do.

The post Greg Gutfeld’s Disruptive Rise: How a Fox News Prankster Broke Late-Night TV first appeared on Mediaite.

Former Trump White House advisor turned MAGA podcaster, Steve Bannon, pulled no punches on Friday in attacking Rupert Murdoch and the media properties his company owns – including Fox News.

“Last night, we saw it in all its ugliness. The Murdochs hate Trump. The Murdochs want to take down Trump. And this is why on this Epstein and everything, including the rest of the going at the deep state, we have to be on offense all the time,” Bannon fumed on his War Room program, refering to the Wall Street Journal’s report on a “bawdy” letter President Donald Trump wrote to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“Last night, they put up a phony letter, which I understand from senior sources working with President Trump, they never even showed the letter. They don’t even know if they have the letter. They may be doing the letter from something that people told them about. President Trump had discussions with senior people at the Wall Street Journal, which is always the instrument they’re going to take out MAGA and to take out Trump, right?” Bannon continued, adding:

The sharpest tool that they’ve got. They used the New York Post as more of a populist entity. And of course, Fox News is for RINOs. But the Wall Street Journal is the neoliberal neocon sharp end of the stick that they come after Trump. And last night they tried to actually destroy him with what looks like a phony and fake letter.

President Trump has put him on blast, put Murdoch on blast particularly. As I have long recommended, those clips right there are over a number of years. And who had the stones to stand up to the Murdochs? Most of these guys are still sucking up to Fox and sucking up the Wall Street Journal. Quite frankly, the Murdochs concocted something last night and thought it’d be a kill shot on President Trump. And lo and behold, it’s the exact opposite, because President Trump is now on offense of what we said should be done.

The attorney general should go to the judge and release not just grand jury, but ask them to unveil all of the evidence, all of sealed evidence. They should petition it to release all the sealed evidence, right? And then there’s much more they can do, but start with that. I got Natalie, Jack Posobiec, Poso. You’ve taken a lot of grief, oh, we don’t have Trump’s back.

In fact, we made the recommendations that are the best for President Trump in this movement, which is President Trump is best when it’s attack, attack, attack. This is the deep state, this is the ruling class in America. They’re trying to use it to destroy President Trump. And last night, I think he understood of the Wall Street Journal, as much as he’s tried to do, and the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ and these other things that get supply-side tax cuts, as much as he’s tried to do, it’s never enough because he has a populist nationalist movement and they hate, and this is old man Murdoch who made the decision to come after President Trump, and I understand the lawsuit that they’re putting together is gonna be absolutely incredible, and you saw President Trump a true socialist morning.

He can’t wait to get Rupert Murdoch on the stand. You know, Murdoch swore us, you know, squirmed out of having to do the Dominion thing because of the emails that Rupert Murdoch said were going to make Trump a non-person, a non-person, but he ain’t going to get out of this one.

Bannon also played a lengthy supercut of his past statements accusing Murdoch of being anti-Trump.

Watch the clip above.

The post ‘The Murdochs Hate Trump’: Bannon Accuses The Wall Street Journal And Fox News of Trying to Destroy MAGA first appeared on Mediaite.

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It's a great time to be shopping for some new AirPods. You can get the non-ANC AirPods 4 for $89.99 (originally $129.99), the lowest price they've ever been, according to price-tracking tools. The ones with ANC are $119.99 (originally $179.99), also at their lowest price ever.

Voice Isolation, Siri Interactions, and Personalized Spatial Audio. Featuring an updated fit.

AirPods 4 (non-ANC)

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AirPods 4 (with ANC)

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The AirPods 4 have updated USB-C charging. Both models are powered by Apple's H2 chip, so you'll get Personalized Spatial Audio (so you can hear sounds seemingly coming from different directions as you move your head) and the ability to use head gestures to tell Siri "yes" or "no" and answer calls. It's also likely Apple will add a live translation feature to both models when iOS 26 (previously iOS 19) rolls out later next year.

If you spring for the ANC AirPods 4, you'll get a charging case with a built-in speaker, which you can use with Find My to locate it if you lose them. You'll also get features like Conversation Awareness, which lowers your music volume when your AirPods detect that you're talking to someone; Transparency Mode, which lets you better hear your surroundings while your earbuds are in; and Adaptive Audio (combines ANC and Transparency mode to adjust ANC levels based on the noise around you). Keep in mind that since these are open-style earbuds, lacking a silicone tip to better block out noise, the ANC will not be as good as what you can get from AirPods Pro or Beats Fit Pro.

Both versions are rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, offer up to five hours of listening per charge (up to 30 hours with the charging case), and can handle automatic switching with your other Apple devices. You can read more about the non-ANC AirPods in PCMag's "excellent" review, and more about the ANC AirPods in PCMag's "outstanding" review.

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If you're like most people, the centerpiece of your living room decor is a TV. When it's off, all your furniture is just pointed at a black rectangle. If this bothers you, consider jumping on the "art TV" trend that started with Samsung's The Frame. These sets are made to look like a piece of art, and display an image of your choosing when not in use. The Frame is a pricey option, but other brands have their own offerings, including Hisense and its CanvasTV.

Already a more affordable option, you can currently get a 55-inch Hisense CanvasTV for $688.99 (down from $999.99). This is the lowest price it has been according to price tracking tools. (Other sizes are also available.)

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The primary attraction of the CanvasTV over Samsung's The Frame is the price: You'd pay about twice the price for the same size TV if you choose the latter. Not to mention if you choose The Frame, you have to buy the actual frames and pay for most artwork separately, while Hisense includes them in the selling price. The CanvasTV also comes with a flush TV mount that will allow you to hang it so it looks like an actual art piece.

I like that CanvasTVs come with the Google OS, which is my favorite smart TV operating system, since it lets you cast seamlessly from your phone (Android or iPhone). The CanvasTV is a QLED TV with Quantum Dot technology and 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate in Game Mode Pro. What gives it the art look is the low reflection Hi-Matte display, which combats glare. You can swap out the teak frames with different colors, including white and walnut frames.

Considering Hisense's take on The Frame is half the price and includes less upfront costs, it's a great option for anyone looking to save money on a TV that won't dominate their decor—especially at the current discount.