Category: Articles

College Football Playoff format: 12-team bracket, 2025 schedule, dates, first-round games, byes  CBS Sports
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15 minutes read
High 5 Casino promises countless hours of fun with its collection of over 800 social slots.
Of course, we’re not talking only about the sheer number of titles but also about their exceptional quality.
Since hardly any player has time to test all the available casino-style games on a Sweepstakes Casino, our team decided to do it for you.
As a result of our research, we have identified some of the best slots found on High 5 Casino.
When we say “the best,” we also mean titles with excellent technical specifications and the most popular titles on the platform.
For the latter, we consulted data from the operator to ensure our list was correct.
We will also share information about the graphics, music, volatility, bonuses, and other features of these titles to help you make the right decision.
We invite you to take advantage of our expert knowledge and the experience of real players shared online.
Let’s discover the best slots on High 5 Casino together!
The table below includes the names of the most-played High 5 Casino social slots, their rank, and a brief overview of their features.
Additionally, you’ll find detailed game overviews right below it. These mini-reviews are where we share our personal experiences with each game.
We advise checking the info carefully because that’s the best way to recognize which of the best slots on High 5 Casino suit you.
Disclaimer: We use only official information about the RTP and volatility values. Since some of this information is unavailable, we use N/A in these cases.
Step into the Great Plains and look for the raging, fiery buffalo bearing big prizes.
The Fire Stampede slot is a Pragmatic Play release with beautiful visual elements such as colorful symbols and buffalo jumps.
The Western music played in the background adds a special touch to the vibe.
I usually use low bets when I have a game with an RTP of 96% and high volatility, like this one.
So, I used 1 coin – even though there were two lower playing amounts – per spin.
I can’t say it was a jaw-dropping experience, but the Fire Stampede slot was fun. Wins didn’t occur frequently, but many were of solid value.
Around the 90^th spin, I launched the Connect & Collect feature, which boosted my balance by 35 times my stake.
The atmosphere of this slot reminded me of two other solid titles available at High 5 Casino. Of course, I’m referring to Thundering Buffalo and Wild Bison Charge.
Given the timeless theme, good audiovisuals, and fun bonuses, I recommend this slot game to every player. I believe those ready to take some risk will like it the most.
The 88 Drums online slot puts you in the middle of a Chinese festival, and it’s an exclusive game to High 5.
Visually, you’ll find animated leaves, a temple in the background, and shiny symbols in vibrant colors on the dark grid.
Of course, the atmosphere is spiced up with authentic Chinese music and fun sounds.
This High 5 Casino slot has unusual playing values, starting with 0.66 coins and ending with 990 coins.
These playing values reminded me of those in 88 Fortunes, a game very similar to 88 Drums.
I decided to use the lowest stake because I didn’t know what to expect regarding volatility, which wasn’t disclosed.
It took just 4 spins to witness the first win worth 2 times my stake. Still, the following spins were not as fruitful as I wanted them to be.
The good thing is that everything was getting better after the 40^th spin when I got a series of wins, some worth 9 coins.
I was disappointed that I didn’t activate Free Spins or the Scatter Loot Link feature despite activating the Power Play boosts on several spins.
Ultimately, the 88 Drums slot gave me a solid experience and opened its doors for another try.
Da Vinci DeluxeWays is a slot game with a story focused on the Renaissance.
As expected, it has gorgeous visual elements, such as a background image portraying a picturesque Italian city and symbols in vivid colors.
Renaissance music also makes the vibe more authentic.
My journey through time on this 6-reel slot started with 0.6 coins per round, the lowest stake available.
During my session, I noticed that every fourth or fifth spin provided payouts. The best part was that most wins were at least equal to my stake.
After about 30 spins, I triggered the round of free spins. I won 8 free spins, during which every tumble increased the multiplier by 1.
I won 7.44 coins, or around 12 times my bet.
I also activated the Add Extra Reel Power Boost on several spins, and that used 3 coins per round.
These spins were much more exciting, even though I can’t report massive payouts.
I’ll mention that this game is part of a series with similar titles, such as Da Vinci Ways and Da Vinci Extreme.
Overall, Da Vinci DeluxeWays is an entertaining online slot. I will try it again and recommend you do the same.
Coin Strike: Hold and Win is like an advanced classic slot game, and that’s obvious once you load this title.
You are greeted by a blue grid loaded with big classic symbols in vivid colors and blue skies behind them.
I immediately noticed the funky, upbeat music and enjoyed the loud sound effects.
Given its decent RTP of 95.66%, I used the plus sign to increase my playing amount to 2 coins per spin.
The frequency (about every 10th turn) and the size of the wins (usually between 5 and 10 times my stake) made me realize that Coin Strike is a high-volatility game.
I will have to imagine how generous the Coin Strike feature and the Featured Game are because I didn’t trigger them. I guess it takes playing longer to get an opportunity like that.
These features and the vibe remind me of two similar slots – Allstar 7s Hold and Win and Ultra Hold and Spin.
I can say that Coin Strike: Hold and Win left a positive impression on me.
It will probably appeal to players who like classic games, modern bonuses, and promises of good payouts in the long run.
Thanks to Bankrush Bonanza, I was in the middle of a Wild West robbery, exceptionally illustrated with cartoon-style graphics.
This release by High 5 Games grabbed my attention with its slightly animated symbols and wooden reels settled between Old West buildings.
The epic Western music was a beautiful addition to the overall playing atmosphere.
Like most of the time, I opted for the lowest playing amount, limited to 0.75 coins.
The wins I achieved were not memorable. So, even though they occurred on average on every third or fourth spin, they rarely brought more than I wagered.
Still, I was persistent, which paid off in the 54th spin when I activated the Loot Link feature, which delivered about 33 coins.
That was a fun experience because the respins kept resetting, bringing more chances to win. So, I ended my test round with a positive balance and a great impression.
I find this slot similar to Wild West Gold and Cowboy Coins, but they don’t have the unique Loot Link feature.
If someone asked me for advice on this slot, I’d say that Bankrush Bonanza is worth checking at least once because of its bonus features.
I would 100% play it again!
Buffalo Canyon JACKPOT is a slot inspired by the beauty of the North American Great Plains.
Yes, it’s quite similar to Fire Stampede in the theme, and I’m starting to think that American players just love slots featuring buffaloes!
However, Buffalo Canyon JACKPOT is highly unique in its mechanics and design.
The playing grid consists of dots instead of reels, and the symbols that stop over those dots may win prizes.
In some situations, the screen seems empty, or symbols may land outside the grid, only to immediately disappear.
The gentle sounds and intense background music with drums suit the slot’s theme.
Since I have little experience with games with specific mechanics like this, I used the lowest possible stake of 0.6 coins.
Obviously, this game was designed for long-term players. The wins were scarce, and many of them were of low value.
Still, every now and then, I managed to multiply my bet several times.
The free spins I activated after 65 rounds were not very generous either. Still, the chance to win one of the progressive jackpots of this game makes it worth a try.
I recommend Buffalo Canyon JACKPOT to players who want to experience unique gameplay and who are comfortable with the slot’s high volatility.
High 5 Games made me feel like I’m in a museum with its Da Vinci Power Bet slot.
As expected, I was welcomed by unique visuals depicting paintings and gems as symbols, decorated reels, and a view of an Italian city.
The short, unobtrusive piece of music cheered me up immediately.
Since the game has a solid RTP, I became bolder and used 3 coins per round. For comparison, the supported playing amount went from 0.6 to 1,600.
After a poor start, things started shifting in my favor. I witnessed wins more frequently, and some of them were way above my bet.
For instance, I won 15 coins on my 30^th spin.
After a relatively long time spinning the reels, I saw three bonus symbols on the grid and unlocked 6 free spins. I ended the round with 48 coins, which was a nice surprise.
Although the feature wasn’t spectacular, I must praise High 5 Games for the exciting animations during this round.
Da Vinci Muse and Da Vinci’s Treasure are other slots I’ve played that include almost the same theme.
It’s fair to say that this game has excellent potential, which is why you should check it out.
Green Machine JACKPOT is a progressive jackpot version of the famous Green Machine slot by High 5 Games.
So, it makes sense that the graphics I found here were almost identical to the original. You can expect reels resembling banknotes, golden reels, and a green ornamented background. Even the lively sound effects and dynamic music were the same.
Interestingly, the lowest playing amount is 15 coins, this is above the standard and quite expensive in my opinion.
Still, I gave it a try since it has a fair RTP of 96%, and I needed to test it properly.
My second spin brought me a big surprise – access to 5 free spins. With the help of this round, I won 75 coins, which isn’t too generous considering the bet was 15 coins.
I liked the unique gameplay, which requires only a single value on the grid to get rewarded.
Since this game has a progressive jackpot, it reminded me of two other titles – Feather of the Nile JACKPOT and Quadruple Da Vinci Diamonds JACKPOT.
I had a pleasant experience with Green Machine JACKPOT, but I recommend it only if you have a solid coin balance.
I’ve noticed that if any of the popular Sweepstakes Casinos have Gates of Olympus 1000, the slot will surely be among the top 10 games there.
So, I wasn’t surprised at all to see that High 5 Casino players often spin its reels.
Gates of Olympus is a mythology-themed online slot with a massive purple grid loaded with a bunch of glitzy symbols.
The slot’s gentle music provides a divine feel throughout the gameplay.
Even though I could use up to 1,000 coins in one round, I played safe and used the minimum of 0.6 coins.
It became clear to me from the start that this is a game for marathon runners, not sprinters.
Winning combinations occurred on average every fifth spin and almost always led to at least two tumbles and winnings above the initial playing amount.
On the 47th spin, I initiated 15 free spins, which provided 20.25x my stake or about 16 coins. Unfortunately, the multiplier feature only benefited me once.
You can also purchase free spins if you have enough coins.
Playing this slot activates pleasant memories of Zeus Rising and Forge of Olympus, two other games with Greek mythology themes.
I’d advise you to play the Gates of Olympus 1000 if you’re into fast-paced, high-volatility games with beautiful audiovisual elements.
Decorated violet reels, a frame made of gold, unique symbols in specific colors, sparkles, and leaves flying in a valley.
These are all some of the beautiful visual elements I noticed when I started the Platinum Goddess JACKPOT slot.
This High 5 Games online slot also has a relaxing piece of music with percussion instruments and a lyre.
This title has an RTP of 96% and provides multiple betting options. Still, I used the lowest playing amount of 1.2 coins.
Interestingly, I had an even distribution of high and low-value gains.
For example, a few wins were worth slightly less than my bet, followed by a few (mainly with the main characters) worth 3 or 4 times the bet. One time, the massive Golden Goddess symbol landed on the reels to bring me 12 coins!
However, I was far from initiating free spins with stacked symbols. The same goes for progressive jackpots.
I’m a fan of mythological-themed slots, so this title brought back memories of other exciting games like Greek Gods and Gods of Giza.
If you don’t mind the mix of high and low wins in the long run, Platinum Goddess JACKPOT might be the perfect slot for you. I will surely play it again.
Modern online slots like those at High 5 Casino are beautiful to look at and have fun themes.
However, for a memorable time, it’s better to focus on titles that promise good returns.
After all, you can redeem your Sweeps Coins for real cash prizes, so good specs are mandatory!
Plus, landing frequent and/or big coin payouts guarantees you can continue playing your favorite games.
Thanks to the best High 5 Casino slots for winning, you should be able to achieve this goal.
We can’t guarantee that specific titles will always perform better than others.
Still, some of them have better features that should give you an advantage in the long run.
We tested most of the slots on High 5 Casino and read plenty of player reports on big wins.
Based on this research, we present you with the slots that promise solid results thanks to generous features or high payout rates.
One of the best things about High 5 Casino is that you can use Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins to play your favorite slots.
Still, these coins are limited, and despite the daily bonuses and the sign-up bonus, you may run out of them.
So, we believe it’s good to consider using the cheapest slots on this platform when your coin count is low.
Fortunately, many popular slots at High 5 Casino allow players to use relatively low playing amounts.
Plus, you will have a strong start thanks to the High 5 Casino no-deposit bonus. The platform provides 250 Gold Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 diamonds to new players.
Now, let’s discover the cheapest slots on High 5 Casino and the number of spins you’ll get on them with your free coins.
I’ve tried many games at High 5 Casino, and I can confirm that this Sweepstakes Casino has an excellent selection of titles.
However, one meets all my strict criteria, and I truly enjoyed playing it. The game I’m talking about is the Thundering Buffalo Jackpot Dash slot.
Firstly, it’s a game with an interesting spiritual theme. Next, I enjoyed its beautiful, detailed graphics and fun music.
Finally, this game has a solid RTP of 96% and several bonuses, including free spins.
Let’s not forget that you can try all these slots for free once you complete the registration process at this casino.
A new player registration brings you 250 Gold Coins, 5 free Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds.
You can earn more coins by signing in to your account every day and claiming the bonus harvests.
With a proper approach and luck on your side, you can have non-stop fun at High 5 Casino without investing a dollar.

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The final week of the Texas high school football season is upon us.
Fans from across the state will gather at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for four days of wall-to-wall football starting with six-man (Class 1A) action on Wednesday morning and ending with the Class 6A Division I title game Saturday night.
Here are the 12 state championship games in the state of Texas and how to watch them all:
More:Who are the all-time UIL high school football state champions through 2023? Find out here
Come back to this page regularly for live updates and links to coverage of each game. 
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 2 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 3 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (formerly Bally Sports Southwest)
Streaming: Fanduelsportsnetwork.com or Fan Duel Sports Network app
Live updates: Follow along for live scores, highlights and more on our website by clicking here.
All 12 championship games will air on FanDuel Sports Network Southwest. Each game will also stream live on the FanDuel Sports Network app and at Fanduelsportsnetwork.com. 
FanDuel Sports Network, which rebranded from Bally Sports last month, remains in the same channel positions on major cable, satellite and streaming providers across the region. To find a TV provider in your zip code that carries FanDuel Sports Network, go to GetMyHomeTeams.com.
Fans can access the streaming coverage by logging in and authenticating through a paid-TV provider that carries FanDuel Sports Network, or by subscribing directly on the FanDuel Sports Network app or online at Fanduelsportsnetwork.com.  
Tickets are now on sale online via SeatGeek. 
The general public ticket price is $20. Those seeking to buy tickets for a participating school can get a special $15 price but must have a code from that participating school. 
A ticket is good for all games on that day. There is no re-entry. You cannot leave and come back without purchasing a new ticket. 
All seating is general admission. All spectators age 1 and up must have a ticket. 
All tickets at AT&T Stadium will be digital and available through mobile devices. There will be no ticket offices open on the day of the games, and tickets will not be sold onsite. 
No ISD passes are accepted for admission. THSCA, TSMCA and TGCA cards will be accepted for complementary admission into the gate for the cardholder only. Use Entry A for admission with those cards. 
Gates will open an hour before the start of the first game of the day. 
Parking is only available for purchase on the day of the event, and not in advance. All parking is credit card only. 
The cost is $25 per vehicle and $50 per bus. Lots will open an hour and a half before the start of the first game of the day. 
All transactions at AT&T Stadium are cashless, including food and beverage. 
No artificial noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles or propane type noisemakers, are allowed. Only man-made noisemakers, such as jugs with beads, inflatable boom sticks, clackers and cowbells, are allowed. 
Banners are allowed at AT&T Stadium if it does not impede the sightline of other guests. Banners must be installed immediately before the school’s game and removed immediately after the game ends. 

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Why Does OpenAI Need So Much Money?  The New York Times
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School children from the Skinner Road Elementary School in Vernon, watch as some of the 3,000 cows get milked on a moving carousel at the Oakridge Dairy Farm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ellington. Jim Michaud / Hearst Connecticut Media
Some of the 3,000 cows get milked on a moving carousel at the Oakridge Dairy Farm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ellington. Jim Michaud / Hearst Connecticut Media
The new gas energy facility at the Oakridge Dairy Farm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ellington. Jim Michaud / Hearst Connecticut Media
A national animal rights group is asking an Ellington dairy to stop calling its cows “happy” in its advertising and is alleging that the farm’s 3,000 cows are kept in confined conditions that worsen stress and health issues.
“Cows who suffer at Oakridge Dairy’s farm are anything but ‘happy,’” said Mary Maerz, senior council for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in a letter to the dairy released Tuesday morning. The letter asks the dairy to stop using "misleading marketing claims."
Oakridge, in a statement from its CEO and an interview, stands by the care of its cows. Brie Hyde, farm compliance and food safety manager at the dairy, said she is confident that Oakridge’s animals are comfortable and that the dairy’s 65 employees are working to create the best environment for them.
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“My job at Oak Ridge is to believe that I am doing the very best that I can for the animals that we’re providing for,” Hyde said. “How is PETA saying that these cows are unhappy?”
Oakridge Dairy, a fifth-generation business at 76 Jobs Hill Road in Ellington, has expanded its subscription Modern Milkman service across the state in the past year, in which its milk and other products are delivered to customer’s doors. The largest dairy farm in the Northeast that supplies 18% of Connecticut's milk, Oakridge also partners with a renewable energy company on a project that turns cow manure into methane that can be used as a power source. 
It’s that renewable energy project at Oakridge that is the focus of PETA’s concern, said PETA Associate Director Colin Henstock.
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To collect all of the cows’ manure for methane production, the animals must be kept in a concrete-floored shed all day, which Hyde confirmed. About 40 dairies nationwide also collect manure for methane generation under similar conditions, Henstock said.
“They all rely on cows being forced to remain indoors on hard surfaces and deprived of any chance to take a walk in the fresh air and feel soft grass,” Henstock said. “The cows at Oakridge are confined indoors and are forced to lie on their own dried manure, which the dairy shockingly refers to as quote-unquote posh living quarters.” 
Hyde said bedding in the barn, made up of processed solids from the manure operation, is dry and clean, and veterinarians on staff monitor each animal for health issues. Special care is taken to make sure the cows don’t have overgrown hooves or leg injuries, she added.
“At Oakridge, I would say one of the top priorities is cow comfort,” Hyde said. 
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Each of the cows is fitted with a tracker similar to a Fitbit that measures heart rate, food consumption and weight.  
“We’re walking the pens constantly to make sure that nobody is having any issues,” Hyde said. “I think in a barn this size, we do a very, very good job at monitoring lameness and hocks (ankles) and feet.”
PETA started looking into Oakridge after receiving a tip this spring and visited the dairy as part of a public tour over the summer. Language used in marketing materials for the Modern Milkman mentioning “happy cows” was contradicted by conditions visitors said they observed at the farm, Henstock said.
“That's certainly a part of our mission here, to bring awareness to the situation for these cows, but to also specifically call out this company for their claims,” he said. 
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PETA’s Oakridge action is part of a larger effort to persuade Americans to give up dairy and opt for plant milks and other products that minimize animal suffering, Henstock said. 
“The dairy industry, in and of itself, relies upon exploiting animals,” Henstock said. “Really, no dairy cows in the dairy industry have a good life.”
Oakridge CEO Seth Bahler, a fifth-generation of the family that founded the dairy, said care for the cows is the business' top priority.
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"Every decision we make comes from a place of love and respect for our animals, our environment and the people who rely on us to provide safe, healthy and nutritious food," Bahler said in a statement. "While we respect differing viewpoints, we believe that the groups targeting us may not fully understand the love, dedication and expertise that go into running a farm like ours."
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Wire Tapping vs. Browser Tracking?
Software like Meta Pixel and Google Analytics that website operators use to track what sites a person visits, or what footprint they leave on those sites, is not subject to the same restrictions as wiretapping a phone line, according to a split decision from the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, in a case brought against two hospitals.
The court in Vita v. New England Baptist Hospital, et al (SJC-13542), ruled that wiretapping and browser tracking are categorically different pursuits, in its eyes, unless the state legislature decides otherwise. “If the Legislature intends for the Wiretap Act’s criminal and civil penalties to prohibit the tracking of a person’s browsing of, and interaction with, published information on websites, it must say so expressly,” wrote Associate Judge Scott Kafker in the opinion.
In deferring to the defendants based on lack of clarity in the law, the court applied the rule of lenity (also called the rule of strict constuction), which might become a model for other courts deciding similar questions where wiretapping statutes are ambiguous in terms of their application to website technology.
And given that wiretapping statutes across states typically were written before website “cookies” used to track user behavior had been developed—so they had no reason to directly address such claims—the Massachusetts decision might jump-start efforts in state legislatures to do so; although unlike wiretaps, tracking software can offer a pop-up window with a disclosure that user data will be tracked and could be sold to third parties.
However, in the case of Vita filed by plaintiff Kathleen Vita, the hospitals in question, New England Baptist and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, had suggested that patient privacy and data would be protected—a suggestion that prompted Associate Justice Dalila Wendlandt to call them liars in her dissenting opinion.
She also noted that the Massachusetts statute included the words “any communication” when describing what the law covers, asserting that’s more definitive than the majority opinion suggested; and she questioned why the law would treat an electronic communication from patient-to-doctor through a website differently than a phone conversation between those same parties—which the law clearly prevents from being bugged.
“The Legislature had the clairvoyance to choose these particular words to indicate that it was the tremendous power of electronic surveillance devices—like the tracking software at issue in the instant cases—to enhance the ability to snoop far beyond what could be done by the human ear alone that defined the scope of the act’s protections,” the dissent reads.
No doubt this will continue to be a developing area of the law as cases are brought in multiple jurisdictions in the coming months and years.
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City of Victorville leaders gathered on a chilly December morning to celebrate the grand opening of its Animal Care and Adoption Center.
Mayor Elizabeth “Liz” Becerra welcomed city leaders at the city’s first-ever, permanent animal shelter facility located at the former Goodwill High School Campus on E Street in Old Town Victorville. 
Still a work in progress, the facility will serve Victorville residents with its 19 Animal Service Division staffers at the campus with street sign names like “Bark Ave,” “Bow Wow Blvd” and “Woof Way.” 
The animal care center will offer vaccine, microchip, licensing, pet adoption and educational events. It will also care for pets housed at the city’s nearby Wellness Center that serves the homeless community.
In phase one of the facility’s upgrade, the campus will house at least 135 dogs and 40 cats, with more indoor kennels being constructed, City Manager Keith Metzler told the audience during the event on Thursday, Dec. 12.
The animal care center can also accommodate the housing and care of reptiles, with several snakes, including a Mojave Green rattlesnake, on site. 
Future upgrades will include two large metal buildings for 200 more kennels, a veterinarian suite for complex medical services, a livestock area and added access to the facility from First Street.
“We also plan to add a forward-facing admin building and rainbow bridge to support residents overcoming the loss of a beloved pet,” said Metzler, who added that he’s proud of the city’s Animal Services Team for bringing phase one online so quickly.
Since Dec. 1, the Animal Service Team has:
During the ribbon-cutting event, Deputy City Manager Scott Webb and Becerra recognized members of the Animal Service Team. 
Metzler also credited city staffers for their hard work and dedication in updating the animal center on an extremely challenging schedule.
The campus, north of the BNSF railroad tracks, was originally built in 1926 as Eva Dell Elementary School. Sometime in the 1970s, the site was renamed High Desert High then Goodwill High in 1989.
City officials began seeking a solution for animal care after the decades-old Victor Valley Animal Protective League in Apple Valley ceased operations in 2023.
During that time, the league gave a 30-day termination notice to the city of Victorville for animal sheltering services, along with their decision not to renew the animal services contract.
Metzler explained that constructing a new animal care facility would take too long. That’s when he and Victor Valley Union High School District Superintendent Carl Coles began discussing the idea of the city leasing the old school facility.
“I am grateful to Carl for the tremendous collaboration,” Metzler said. “He and his staff have been there with us to support us the entire way.”
The Victorville Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 16648 E Street.
Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Pet adoption hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. 
For more information, call 760-955-5089 or visit victorvilleca.gov.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

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Nate Bargatze wants to be the Walmart of comedy  The Washington Post
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Organo di Informazioni Politiche ed Economiche
In an era where the lines between faith, politics, and ethics are increasingly blurred, there are profound implications for democracy and global security. Ricardo Baretzky, President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), highlights this precarious nexus with his declaration: “In fact, there is only one stable judgment: no excuses for those who make the deception and conflict on earth, for those who consider themselves to be at the head of the whole world, those who consider themselves to be representatives of God on Earth, although they themselves do not believe in God; only one thing remains, Bring Judgement Day Unto them!” This powerful statement encapsulates the urgent need to scrutinize the entanglement of religion, politics, and corruption, especially in the context of the challenges facing democracies worldwide.
The Corruption of Faith
Religion has always played a dual role in the history of humanity: as a source of moral guidance and as a tool for manipulation. Throughout history, various religious institutions and leaders have exploited faith for personal or political gain. This manipulation often leads to a corrupt understanding of faith, where doctrines are twisted to justify unethical behavior, from systemic abuse to outright violence.
Religious corruption manifests in numerous ways, including the exploitation of followers for financial gain, the use of religious justifications for violence, and the fostering of divisive ideologies that undermine social cohesion. This is evident in various locales across the globe—from the collusion of political leaders with extremist religious groups to the commodification of faith through megachurches that prioritize profit over spirituality.
Radicalization and Its Threats
One of the most significant dangers posed by the corruption of religion is the rise of radicalized believers who present themselves as representatives of God. These individuals often exploit the vulnerabilities of their communities, finding traction in disenfranchised populations, and foster ideologies that can lead to extremist behavior.
Scientists and scholars continue to investigate the complexities of belief systems and the nature of faith; yet, the existence of God remains a deeply subjective and unprovable assertion. This scientific ambiguity presents a unique challenge. Those who claim to have definitive knowledge of divine will often wield that power to justify acts of violence, discrimination, and even terrorism. The consequences of such radicalization are dire, creating real security threats that can destabilize nations and lead to loss of life.
Political Exploitation of Faith
The intertwining of religion and politics is nowhere more pronounced than in the behavior of certain politicians who co-opt religious narratives to gain favor and manipulate populations. This can involve invoking divine authority to legitimize questionable policies, pressing for legislation that favors specific religious beliefs, or even engaging in rhetoric that heightens societal divisions.
For example, in several democratic nations, leaders have appealed to religious sentiments to rally support, bypassing empirical evidence and endorsing policies that may prioritize a religious ideology over the common good. This tactic can breed mistrust in democratic institutions and promote a culture of intolerance, undermining the foundational principles of democracy itself—pluralism, secularism, and the rule of law.
The European Union’s Struggle with Religious Matters
In the context of the European Union (EU), we see a tapestry of different beliefs and practices. However, this diversity has also become a breeding ground for conflict and division, exacerbated by political exploitation of religion. The EU has faced challenges in fostering unity amid starkly different cultural and religious backgrounds. The mismatch between democratic ideals and the manipulation of faith by some political leaders poses a significant threat to the EU’s stability.
The failure of the EU to effectively address the misuse of religion for political ends has undermined its credibility as a democratic institution. The rise of populist leaders in various member states—who often invoke religious identities to consolidate power—illustrates how religion can distort political processes. Rather than fostering cooperation and understanding, such tactics can deepen divisions, directly challenging the EU’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
The Global Landscape: Case Studies
Taking a closer look at specific case studies reinforces the issues surrounding the intersection of religion and corruption.
1. Middle East: In regions of ongoing conflict, such as the Middle East, religious extremism often intertwines with local and international politics. Groups claiming divine authority, such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, have used religious rhetoric to recruit followers and justify acts of extreme violence. This has not only threatened regional stability but has also had reverberating effects on global security, inciting fear that can lead to broader conflicts.
2. Philippines: In the Philippines, political leaders have been known to align themselves with specific religious groups, utilizing their influence to gain political capital. This symbiosis has led to a culture of corruption and nepotism, undermining democratic institutions. The rise of violence, often justified through the lens of faith, creates a climate of fear and instability.
3. United States: In the United States, the manipulation of religious sentiment for political gain can be observed with increasing frequency. The rise of the Christian Right and their influence on elections reveals how faith can be weaponized to create political narratives, often sidelining scientific inquiry and rational discourse in favor of predetermined beliefs.
The Real Security Threats
The dangers posed by radical believers extend beyond direct violence; they also threaten social cohesion and democratic discourse. In societies where radical ideologies take root, divisions become deeper, leading to polarization that can undermine public trust in institutions. This erosion of trust is particularly dangerous in democratic societies, as it can lead to disenfranchisement and apathy among citizens, weakening the very fabric of democracy.
Moreover, acts of terrorism and violence conducted in the name of religion create an atmosphere of fear, which can lead to further radicalization. As public perceptions shift toward hostility against particular religious communities, cycles of violence and retribution can ensue. This toxic environment not only endangers lives but also threatens the democratic principles of liberty and equality.
A Call for Accountability and Reflection
Baretzky’s assertion that there should be “no excuses for those who make the deception and conflict on earth” is a clarion call for accountability. It urges individuals and institutions alike to scrutinize how faith is wielded as a weapon of manipulation and deceit. The misuse of religious authority by those in power must be challenged, with emphasis placed on promoting ethical standards and true representation of democratic values.
The challenge we face is the recalibration of society’s collective understanding of faith, politics, and ethics. This requires engaging in dialogues that promote genuine religious understanding rather than divisive rhetoric. Establishing educational programs that encourage critical thinking about religion and politics can foster an engaged citizenry better equipped to navigate these complex relationships.
At the heart of our contemporary challenges lies a need for introspection and re-evaluation of how we perceive faith, authority, and governance. Baretzky’s words call us to “Bring Judgement Day Unto them!”—a metaphorical indictment of those who misuse religious narratives for nefarious ends. The intersection of religion and politics presents intricate challenges for democratic societies, but through vigilance, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to ethical governance, we can work towards a future that values truth, trust, and accountability, standing firm against the hearts and minds that seek to exploit faith for personal or political gain. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the core principles of democracy and the security that stems from a united and informed populace, free from the chains of deception and radicalization.
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Transformers One continues a trend of live-action and animated prequels being better than the previous live-action Transformers films. The film is currently available to purchase or rent on digital and will be available to take home December 17 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD.
I have to say first and foremost that my introduction to Transformers were through the live-action series starting in 2007. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to watch the 1986 film or the earlier TV series. As of now, there are way too many Transformers series to keep up with so I’m sticking to the feature films, for better or worse. Oversaturation tends to be terrible for a franchise. This film, first announced years ago, came over a year after Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. It was probably way too soon for releasing another prequel. Remember the five-month difference between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story? Or Marvel fatigue coming with too many films and TV series making their way to theaters or Disney+. At some point, executives have to pull back and ask themselves if it is too much.
What Transformers One does is tell Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron/D-16’s (Brian Tyree Henry) origin story. The two sworn enemies used to be friends and mining bots before their worlds changed. By the end of the film, they are both taking on their current identities. It’s fascinating to watch their arcs play out on Cybertron and how, even then, they hint into what they’ll become. Not only this but we also see the origins of other Transformers such as B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), better known as Bumblebee or Bee. Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson) is first introduced as a supervisor to both Orion Pax and D-16. The Transformer was previously seen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Orion Pax and D-16 journey from the Energon mines to the largely forbidden surface. It’s an attempt to find the vanished Matrix of Leadership. What they don’t know is that there’s more here than meets the eye. Orion idolizes Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm) but he’s in for a rude awakening after Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne) tells them the truth. Sentinel Prime is not the heroic leader that he leads the Cybertron population to believe. When the two mining bots compete in the Iacon 5000, they inspire their fellow minors into working harder. Ultimately, the only one their ruse benefits is Sentinel Prime because it leads to more retrieving more Energon. Without giving it all away, what becomes the end of the agreement with the Quintessons ends up becoming another long-running civil war between Optimus Prime’s Autobots and Megatron’s Decepticons.
The Transformers films have not been without comedy of some sort. They really lean into the comedy in this film, especially through Keegan-Michael Key. That’s the actor’s real voice, too. He gets room to improvise, naturally, but he is using his real voice for the film. Given how Bee’s voice is damaged in earlier movies, I love that he gets his voice back. Chris Hemsworth has never done voicework for an animated film to my knowledge but he’s got tremendous chemistry with Brian Tyree Henry. The Thor star also reunites with Avengers co-star Scarlett Johansson.
My introduction to Sentinel Prime was in 2011’s Transformers: Dark of the Moon. It would lead to my being done with the series until returning with the fifth live-action film. If one goes by this film being canon with the live-action series, Sentinel Prime’s appearance in the 2011 film no longer makes any sense. Sentinel Prime is almost certainly as good as dead by the end of this film. In theory, the film should be the first in a trilogy of films leading into the 2007 movie. However, its underperformance at the box office probably means that this might not be the case. The sad part is that the franchise really benefits from animation over live-action. No offense to Bumblebee and last year’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts but this film may just be the best of the three prequels.
Perhaps producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura was onto something. According to the production notes, the producer comments:
“But we always knew it wasn’t realistic to think it would be a live-action film. Animation gave us the ability to do things we have never been able to do, like create a whole new world that has never been seen before, but that somehow feels organic.”
I just cannot imagine making this film in live-action. It isn’t just that it would also be a very expensive film to make but animation allows filmmakers to do things that just is not really possible in live-action. The other thing is that there is not the bang-bang action that we see in Michael Bay’s previous movies. I think this is the thing that I’ve found so refreshing with the prequels. Once you get away from Bay’s style and let filmmakers bring their own style on board, they’ve become a breath of fresh air so to speak.
The market has been oversaturated with Transformers films for a number of years but Transformers One continues a trend of making a better prequel film.

Bonus Features

• In The Beginning — Witness the origin story of OPTIMUS PRIME (ORION PAX) and MEGATRON (D-16) and the evolution of their relationship from brothers-in-arms to sworn enemies. Filmmakers discuss the vision for the film and how it was brought to life.
• World Building On CYBERTRON — Hear from director Josh Cooley, the production design team, and the visual effects team about rendering the colorful world of CYBERTRON in a way that fans have never seen before.
• Together As One — Meet the A-list voice cast for each of the TRANSFORMERS: Chris Hemsworth (ORION PAX/OPTIMUS PRIME), Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/MEGATRON), Scarlett Johansson (ELITA-1), and more!
• The Iacon 5000 — Behold the most epic TRANSFORMERS race ever as competitors vie for the ultimate prize!  Go behind the scenes with the filmmakers as they break down this breathtaking action sequence.
• The Battle For CYBERTRON — Cast and filmmakers take you through the film’s epic climax as OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON battle for CYBERTRON’s future.

DIRECTOR: Josh Cooley
SCREENWRITERS: Eric Pearson and Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari
CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm
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