Oct 16, 2026 · 7 min listen · Last updated October 16, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 10 culture stories. Let's get into it. First, from NYT Books. Book Review: ‘Witchland,’ by Marion Gibson. In her latest work, the historian Marion Gibson focuses on the victims of a deadly English witch hunt.
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Daily Culture Brief · October 16th
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Book Review: ‘Witchland,’ by Marion Gibson
In her latest work, the historian Marion Gibson focuses on the victims of a deadly English witch hunt. When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission. WITCHLAND: A Deadly Moral Panic in Seventeenth-Century Britain, by Marion Gibson In the county of Essex in July 1645, against the backdrop of the English Civil War, two obscure men became national celebrities when they succeeded in getting three dozen “witches” convicted at one trial.
Bonnie Garmus on Her Favorite Books and Her New Novel
Bonnie Garmus Is Big on Bodoni For her follow-up to “Lessons in Chemistry,” she’s written a novel about poetry editors, one of whom is a “typeface connoisseur.” On the other hand, don’t get her started on clowns. In an email interview, she talked about plumbing, “The Godfather” and the unpublished book that contains the seed of her new “Peck & Peck.” — SCOTT HELLER What books are on your night stand? Anna Heyward’s “Living With Freddie: How a Dog Taught Me to Be Human” — it’s great. Beeban Kidron’s “Users: How Big Tech Took Control and How to Fight Back” — it’s smart and important.
Battlestar Galactica: Humanity’s Children Announced
A new chapter in the Battlestar Galactica universe is on the horizon with the announcement of "Humanity’s Children." This upcoming project aims to dive deeper into the lore of the Cylons, those iconic foes that have captivated audiences since their debut. While they started as cold, mechanical adversaries, the 2003 reboot gave them a richer, more complex backstory, showing them as creations of humanity that ultimately turned against their creators.
In "Humanity’s Children," we can expect to explore the origins of the Cylons even further. The narrative will likely delve into the ethical implications of creating intelligent life and the consequences that arise when that life seeks autonomy. It’s a fascinating twist that not only adds depth to the Cylons but also reflects on our own relationship with technology and the responsibilities that come with it.
Fans of the franchise are buzzing with excitement, wondering how this new story will connect with the established universe. The potential for character development and moral dilemmas is immense, and it seems like the creators are committed to maintaining the thought-provoking themes that have always been a hallmark of Battlestar Galactica.
As we look forward to this new installment, it’s clear that the legacy of Battlestar Galactica continues to evolve, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to engage with its complex themes of humanity, creation, and rebellion. Keep an eye out for more updates, as this journey into the past of the Cylons promises to be as thrilling as it is insightful.
Oregon School Shooting: 3 Children and a Teacher Killed in Tragedy
In a heartbreaking incident at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, three children and a teacher were tragically killed in a shooting on Thursday afternoon. The shooter, a 16-year-old local resident, was fatally shot by a community member who intervened during the chaos. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting the shooting, prompting a swift response that included a lockdown of the school just a minute after the first alert.
Authorities confirmed that the victims included children aged five, eight, and eleven, while a seven-year-old and another teacher sustained critical injuries. The police have not released the names of the victims, the shooter, or the bystander who acted heroically to stop the threat. The families of those affected have been notified, and the community is reeling from this tragic loss.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz emphasized the importance of community support during this difficult time, urging everyone to lean on one another. Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek also spoke to the community, acknowledging the grief and the need for answers while encouraging people to spread love and support in the wake of such a tragedy. As investigations continue, the focus remains on healing and coming together as a community.
Star Trek Officially Switches Genres In Across The Unknown
Star Trek fans have had an eventful year so far celebrating the franchise's 60th anniversary, and while 2026 is coming to a close in just a few months, Trekkies still have a lot to look forward to. One of the biggest releases yet to come this year is November's Magic: The Gathering x Star Treknew Universes Beyond expansion that celebrates six decades of the franchise's best characters, ships, momentous events, etc. The crossover promises cards spanning every era, including exclusive signed cards from Patrick Stewart and others.
Pokémon Officially Reveals New Espeon Design Ahead Of Winds & Waves Release
Pokémon Winds and Waves will be launching next year, but official details on the upcoming Gen 10 games have been pretty scarce. That hasn't stopped leaks and rumors, of course, with information on the new region showing up online regularly. However, The Pokémon Company and Game Freak have also given us plenty to look forward to, and ahead of Winds and Waves' release date, there's a new Espeon design to appreciate as well.
The Scoop With Completedworks’s Anna Jewsbury: On The Brand’s New London Store
This week’s guest is Anna Jewsbury, who founded London design brand Completedworks with her brother Mark in 2013. Completedworks hit the mainstream during the pandemic, when cool-girl celebrities began appearing in fashion magazine roundups wearing the brand’s scrunchie earrings.
Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan Compete on David Byrne’s Gameshow in “Expectations” Video
Rodrigo is currently on the Unraveled Tour in support of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. Her third studio album follows 2023’s Guts and marks even bigger ambitions, both musically with songs like “The Cure,” “Serena Joy,” and her Robert Smith duet “What’s Wrong With Me,” and externally with her live performances, having organized the inaugural charity music festival Daisy Chain Fields with an all-star lineup celebrating womanhood. Read about how it all came together in Shaad D’Souza’s Pitchfork cover story, Olivia Rodrigo: Blood on the Tracks.
“Lies” appears on Bryan’s freshly released EP Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs, which has a song with Turnpike Troubadors and backing vocals from Katy Kirby. The drop follows the January arrival of his 25-song fourth album With Heaven on Top, which also came with an acoustic version. That record followed 2024’s The Great American Bar Scene, and a 2023 solo, self-titled LP. Earlier this week, Bryan announced plans for a 2027 tour across North America and Australia.
Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan Team Up on a New ‘Expectations’ Remix
- Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan released a remix of Rodrigo’s track, “Expectations” on October 15. - The track appears on Rodrigo’s third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. - The pair also released a music video to accompany the track. When Olivia Rodrigo announced that Chappell Roan would be hopping on the remix of “Expectations,” fans were surprised, as the track would mark their first-ever collaboration.