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Canadian tourist who stole flamingo from Las Vegas hotel convicted of animal cruelty

Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:52:06 +0000

A Canadian tourist who stole a flamingo from a Las Vegas hotel was convicted of animal cruelty by a Nevada jury on Monday.

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Clark County jurors found Mitchell Fairbarn, 34, of Ontario, guilty of one felony charge and one misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Prosecutors accused Fairbarn of hurting and frightening “Peachy,” a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo, when he removed the bird from its enclosure at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on March 3, according to KLAS.

Surveillance video captured Fairburn carrying the squawking flamingo to his room, the television station reported.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Haley Willming said Fairbarn admitted during the trial he had no good reason to be in the flamingo enclosure and that Peachy, according to expert testimony, suffered pain and injuries, the Review-Journal reported.

“Peachy was the subject of (Fairbarn) and his friends’ amusement,” Willming said. “Peachy was the subject of his big joke.”

Defense attorney Josh Tomsheck told jurors that Fairbarn deeply regretted the “bad decisions” he made while intoxicated but added that he had no malicious intent when he took Peachy from its enclosure.

A Flamingo Las Vegas Casino and Hotel security guard was on his smoke break during a graveyard shift when a voice crackled over the radio, “someone took a flamingo.” 📎https://t.co/F1OZ4ftwiH https://t.co/kYZUjvU0co
— 8 News Now (@8NewsNow) October 15, 2026

“If he was an evil guy and that was his design and his plan and if he wanted to kill Peachy, Peachy would be dead,” Tomsheck told jurors, according to the Review-Journal. “What we’re saying is that it was dumb. It was fueled by drunkenness.”

Fairbarn testified that on March 3, he drank “30 to 40” beers over 24 hours while he was in Las Vegas for a construction exposition, CBC News reported.

“I thought it was something that we could joke about for the rest of our lives,” Fairbarn said.

Fairbarn entered the flamingo habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino around 5 a.m. PT, the Review-Journal reported.

Video played at the trial showed Fairbarn holding the flamingo by the neck in an elevator and carrying it down a hotel hallway, according to KLAS. He spent about 15 minutes with the bird, and up to three minutes with it in his room, the television station reported.

According to hotel’s website, its wildlife habitat covers 4 acres and is certified by the National Wildlife Federation.

Fairburn has been in custody since his arrest, according to KLAS. He could face up to 4½ years behind bars when he is sentenced on Dec. 1, the Review-Journal reported.

Lays brings ‘Holi-LAY’S’ to the table

Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:43:31 +0000

Chips may not be high up on your holiday meal planning list, but Lay’s is trying to put a Thanksgiving spin on the snack food with flavors that harken back to Turkey Day.

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The chip company has introduced its Holi-LAY’S options, which include cheddar, maple bacon, chocolate and even turkey flavors, according to a news release.

Here is this season’s lineup of interesting choices, followed by their release dates if provided:

Lay’s Cheddar Scalloped-Style Potatoes: “All the creamy, cheesy deliciousness inspired by scalloped-style potatoes in a crispy chip made for savoring.”
Lay’s Roasted Holiday Turkey (Oct. 25): Roasted turkey and gravy flavors
Lay’s Maple Bacon (Nov. 8): “Sweet maple flavor and smoky bacon taste.”
Lay’s Wavy Milk Chocolate (select stores on Dec. 1 and expanding in 2027): Sweet and salty chocolate-covered chips.
Lay’s Wavy Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate (select stores on Dec. 1 and expanding in 2027): Dark chocolate and pistachios present a sweet and savory taste.

In addition to the new flavors comes a contest where consumers can try their luck to win Holi-LAY’S-branded chip bowls, a Le Creuset casserole, a multicooker, a game and even a sweater. Each bag includes a scannable code to enter an online sweepstakes.

Rick Ross’ son says man pistol-whipped him, threatened to kill him

James Tutten — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:00:10 +0000

The son of famous rapper Rick Ross, a football player at Bethune-Cookman University, told Daytona Beach police a man pointed a gun at him, threatened to kill him and then struck him in the head with the firearm, according to a police report.

The alleged assault happened Oct. 11 near the intersection of McLeod Avenue and Weaver Street, near the university.

According to the report, William Roberts III was standing on the sidewalk with a woman when a gray BMW or Kia passenger car pulled up.

Roberts told police the driver, identified in the report as Don Roberts II, pointed a gun at him and threatened to kill him.

Don Roberts II said, “I don’t care who your daddy is, I’ll kill you right here,” according to the police report.

The report says the suspect then struck Roberts on the right side of his head with the firearm, causing minor swelling.

William Roberts III told police he did not need medical attention.

Investigators arranged a photographic lineup, and William Roberts III identified the suspect as the man who allegedly pointed the gun at him and struck him.

Police reviewed city camera footage, but investigators were unable to capture the incident on video.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Model Sahara Ray, daughter of pro surfing star Tony Ray, dies at 34

Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:08:58 +0000

Model Sahara Ray, the daughter of pro surfing star Tony Ray who was reportedly linked to singer Justin Bieber a decade ago, has died at the age of 34, her family confirmed.

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A cause of death has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

“She passed away last night surrounded by family at the hospital. She was so loved,” Ray’s family told TMZ in a statement.

Sahara Ray, the daughter of Australian surfing legend Tony Ray, has died aged 34, with the cause of death still unknown. https://t.co/yCkMd8fDnW
— News24 Australia (@News24Aust) October 19, 2026

Ray’s younger sister, Ruby Ray, shared an emotional tribute to her sibling in an Instagram post.

“The most vivacious, intelligent, hilarious, kind, empathetic and breathtakingly beautiful soul. A force of nature. A light so bright that this world feels impossibly dimmer without her in it,” Ruby Ray wrote. “Sahara has moved from this life into another, and I am left trying to comprehend how someone so full of life can no longer be here to live it.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ruby Ray (@rubessray)

Sahara Ray’s death comes after she gave birth to a daughter, Snow, in January, news.com.au reported.

In her final social media post in July, Sahara Ray posted a tribute to the child, describing her as her “whole heart.”

Sahara Ray was born in Australia and grew up in Santa Cruz, California, People reported.

“Every winter I would spend three months on the north shore of Hawaii with my dad,” she told GQ in 2015. “He was a professional surfer, so I used to travel all over the (world) with him while he was competing in the pipe masters and big wave competitions.”

Tony Ray, an Australian native, was ranked as high as No. 11 worldwide in 1992, according to the Encyclopedia of Surfing.

Sahara Ray built a large following on social media and became a celebrity through her modeling career, People reported. She also had a swimwear line of apparel called Sahara Ray Swim.

She made headlines for spending time with Bieber in 2016 when she was photographed vacationing with the singer in Hawaii, according to the magazine. She was also reportedly linked to singer Cody Simpson and musician Mod Sun, News24.au reported.

In 2024, Sahara Ray opened up about her battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome -- a rare neurological disorder that left her partially paralyzed after a serious car accident, according to TMZ.

Melbourne man arrested months after fatal hit-and-run crash, FHP says

James Tutten — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:40:18 +0000

A 19-year-old Melbourne man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash on Viera Boulevard, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Aidan Perry was arrested by FHP on Tuesday and booked into the Brevard County Jail on a charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, authorities said.

The arrest comes months after the crash, which was initially reported on June 24.

At the time, FHP said its traffic homicide investigators had located a possible suspect vehicle and taken possession of it for processing as part of the investigation.

Troopers said a 15-year-old boy from Melbourne died after a hit-and-run crash involving an electric scooter on Father’s Day.

Read: Teen on e-scooter killed in hit-and-run crash in Melbourne, troopers say

The agency described the case as an active criminal investigation and asked anyone with information about the crash to contact FHP at *347 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.

FHP has not provided additional details about the circumstances of the crash in the information released.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Miley Cyrus pays tribute to Dolly Parton, fire backs at critics

Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:38:41 +0000

Miley Cyrus broke down while paying tribute to godmother Dolly Parton. She also fired back at critics of her performances.

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Cyrus hit the stage at the Hollywood Bowl for the first solo show since 2022 on Friday, the “Today” show said.

The “Flowers” singer took a moment to remember Parton, sitting down and telling the crowd through tears, “Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart.”

She also said, “And I’m gonna see her again.”

Before starting to sing a soulful version of “Jolene,” Cyrus said, “Some of the greatest music that we have today was written, produced, performed by my Aunt Dolly. This is one of those songs.”

On Sunday, Cyrus also sang the hit Parton anthem, but shared that she got a supernatural message before the concert from the “9 to 5″ singer.

“I actually have a Dolly mannequin in my bedroom. She gave it to me for Christmas, and it’s dressed like her, it’s built like her, and when I was by myself I actually took my phone and I played ‘Jolene’ for her on video just holding it up to the mannequin and lit a candle,” she said, according to People magazine.

Miley went on to say, “And I put a flower down for her, and I said ‘Dolly, if you’re here right now, flicker the lights,’ and I didn’t say anything out loud, but the entire hallway started flickering.”

She said her fiancé Maxx Morando could “vouch” for her story.

“He was there, but he didn’t know what I said. But I know [Dolly’s] here with me tonight, and I’m feeling some of the feelings that I’m most afraid of, but having her here with me is getting me through and having you here with me is getting me through,” Cyrus said.

“So no matter what it takes, this show is for you. And for Dolly,” she told the crowd.

View this post on Instagram

Miley fires back at critics

While the performance of “Jolene” was heartfelt and emotional, some criticized her, saying she didn’t sing every word of every song like “Party in the USA” and “Flowers.”

On Sunday, she fired back while singing “Bass Persuades,” telling the crowd, “Oh, I forgot I’m supposed to sing every (expletive) line!” Variety reported.

Cyrus explained that performing “does not come as natural as it once did,” but the shows at the iconic venue were “more to me than an experiment.”

“That is absolutely not what this is,” she added. “This is not an experiment of you. This is an experience for me. And you all make the experience possible.”

She said she almost canceled the show but decided to take the stage for her true fans.

“Before I came out for ‘Orbit,’ I already told myself I wasn’t going to come on stage, I was going to run away,” she said, according to Variety. “But never would I leave you all sitting in these seats, unfulfilled from a show. So I can take a lot, but one thing I will not stand is any question about where my heart is when I’m on the stage. I am fully present.”

Donnie Wahlberg OK after private plane skids off runway, hits fence at Las Vegas airport

Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:37:52 +0000

“Boston Blue” actor Donnie Wahlberg said he went through “an intense few moments” when the private plane on which he was a passenger skidded off a runway and crashed into a fence at a Las Vegas airport on Sunday.

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Wahlberg, 57, was one of eight people on board a Dassault Falcon 50 bound for Toronto when the pilot aborted a takeoff and skidded off the runway at Harry Reid International Airport, People reported.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred at 11 a.m. PT.

Wahlberg spoke about the scary incident in a video he posted to Instagram later Sunday.

“We’re all OK. I’m OK. We were taking off and didn’t get up in the air, and ran out of runway -- and the runway is way over there,” Wahlberg said. “I’m just going to tell you, these pilots saved our lives, and God covered us, because I’m not sure how many fences we avoided, but we didn’t avoid the last one.”

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A post shared by DONNIE WAHLBERG (@donniewahlberg)

Wahlberg said he originally recorded the video to send to family and friends, but decided to post it on social media because “so many of you all are my family too so I figured I’d share with you.”

“Yes, it was me and my team/friends onboard the aircraft. It was a rather intense few moments (which felt like a few long minutes),” Wahlberg wrote. “The airplane did take some lumps -- but we did not. Thank you to all the emergency personnel on the ground in Las Vegas! You all were absolutely wonderful.

“All glory to God! By His grace, we are all ok. His #love truly is eternal.”

Officials at Harry Reid International Airport also confirmed the incident with a post on X. They also stated there were “no known injuries” and told travelers there may be delays due to closed runways.

At approximately 11 a.m., upon departure, a general aviation aircraft skid off runway 1L at LAS and made contact with the perimeter fence. There are no known injuries at this time. Runways 1R and 1L will be closed for inspection, and travelers may experience some delays. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
— Harry Reid International Airport (@LASairport) October 18, 2026

Air traffic control audio obtained by TMZ revealed that the pilot informed air traffic controllers that he was “aborting, aborting,” as the plane skidded off the runway.

Wahlberg was in Las Vegas for the final show of his music group New Kids on the Block’s residency, which ended on Saturday, USA Today reported.

Fall weather takes hold in Central Florida

James Tutten — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:19:16 +0000

Fall is in full swing across Central Florida this week, with afternoon temperatures hovering around 80 degrees and morning lows dipping into the 60s.

After a weather system moved completely through the region on Monday, a strong north wind is bringing in cooler, drier continental air, giving Central Florida a taste of more comfortable fall weather.

While the cooler air will make for pleasant conditions, breezy weather will be a big factor over the next several days.

Wind gusts could reach 25 to 30 mph in the Orlando area, with gusts potentially reaching 40 mph along the coast. Winds are expected to gradually weaken over the next few days.

Looking ahead, the next cold front is expected to move through Central Florida this weekend.

Rain chances remain low, so widespread rainfall is not expected to be the main weather story.

Instead, the biggest impact will be another push of cool, dry air arriving behind the front.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Air Force identifies serviceman who died in rappelling accident at college football game

Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:50:24 +0000

The U.S. airman who died after falling while rappelling from the rafters of the Alamodome before a college football game in Texas on Saturday was a Georgia native and a 15-year service member, the Air Force said on Sunday.

In a news release, Nellis Air Force Base identified the serviceman as Technical Sgt. Ian Patterson, of Fort Stewart, Georgia. Patterson was rappelling toward the ground during pregame ceremonies before the University of Texas at San Antonio hosted Navy.

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Officials at the Air Force base said that Patterson was a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio.

Patterson fell just before 7 p.m. CT during UTSA’s Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans night, KSAT reported. He participated with three other service members during the ceremony, according to the television station.

According to the news release, Patterson was a decorated airman who was awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.

The U.S. Air Force has identified the service member who tragically passed away after falling during a pregame demonstration at the UTSA-Navy football game on Saturday in San Antonio: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson. May he rest in peace 🕊️ 🇺🇸 https://t.co/wdglfY7tda
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) October 19, 2026

In 2022, Patterson was named the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.

The 6th Combat Training Squadron prepares tactical air controllers to embed with Army and Marine units, the San Antonio Express-News reported. As part of their training, tactical air controllers practice rappelling from helicopters 100 feet or higher than ground level, according to the newspaper.

“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander, said in a statement. “Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.”

The Alamodome has hosted similar displays without incident, the Express-News reported. But halfway during Patterson’s 17-foot descent, he began falling rapidly and hit the turf as more than 23,000 fans at the arena watched, officials told the newspaper.

In a statement, the San Antonio Fire Department said they took Patterson to an area hospital with life-threatening, WSB-TV reported.

According to the Express-News, American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti, who was at the game, decided to go forward with play and both teams supported his ruling because Patterson’s condition was unknown at the time.

“Respect for the family’s privacy and adherence to the military’s notification process guided the decision to mitigate speculation about the service member’s medical status and avoid additional distress for his family,” the conference said in a statement.

Air Force identifies service member who died after fall during UTSA pregame ceremony | Read the full story at the link in our bio. https://t.co/pBGYD3VAdx
— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) October 19, 2026

The crowd observed a moment of silence before the game, and UTSA called off its normal light and video show when both teams took the field, according to the newspaper.

The Air Force informed American Conference officials of Patterson’s death at 10:40 p.m. CT, just as UTSA was wrapping up a 38-34 victory against Navy, The Associated Press reported.

Coach Jeff Traylor said he had only been told there had been an “incident” that would delay the start of the game. He noted that the crowd’s enthusiasm had evaporated.

“You could tell the energy was just gone,” Traylor told reporters after the game. “It just really puts things in perspective. It really does.”

“Details surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Nellis Air Force Base said in its statement.

Recall alert: Lidl recalls gelato over listeria concerns

Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:43:25 +0000

Lidl US recalled its Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces because it could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

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The recall affects a single lot — 085261 — with UPC 4 0564897 22458 and best by MAR/26/2028, the Food and Drug Administration said.

The gelato was sold between July 19 and Oct. 15 in stores in the following states:

Delaware
District of Columbia
Georgia
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Virginia

No illnesses have been reported, but if you have the recalled gelato, you should return it to Lidl for a full refund or throw it away, the FDA said.

For more information, call Lidl at 844-747-5435.

WATCH: SpaceX launches Bandwagon-5 mission from Cape Canaveral with smaller ‘jellyfish’ cloud

James Tutten — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:24:55 +0000

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket Tuesday morning from Florida’s Space Coast.

7:24 a.m. update:

After a 24-hour delay due to the weather, SpaceX launched the Bandwagon-5 mission from Florida on Tuesday.

Watch the full launch broadcast here:

Watch Falcon 9 launch the Bandwagon-5 mission to orbit https://t.co/LWGBC2Lzi4
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 20, 2026

The launch created what some call a “jellyfish” cloud in the sky over Florida, but not as impressive as the last rocket launch last week.

A Tuesday, Oct. 13 launch created a massive cloud that was seen across the southeastern U.S.

WATCH: Early morning SpaceX rocket launch creates impressive sky spectacle

Original report:

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday morning for the launch of its Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 no earlier than 7:04 a.m.

If the launch is delayed, a backup opportunity is available Wednesday, with a launch window opening at 6:30 a.m.

SpaceX says the mission will carry 32 payloads into orbit, including CubeSats, microsatellites and reentry vehicles.

Tuesday’s launch will mark the 19th flight for the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster.

The booster has previously launched several missions, including Crew-9, RRT-1, Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1, Fram2, SXM-10, MTG-S1, EchoStar XXV and SXM-11, along with 10 Starlink missions.

SpaceX plans to land the first-stage booster after the launch on its “A Shortfall of Gravitas” droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Channel 9 will monitor the launch and provide live coverage on MagicTV 27.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Richard Riehle, ‘Office Space’ actor, dies at 78

Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:08:33 +0000

Richard Riehle, a versatile character actor whose more than 400 film and television credits included roles as a laid-off product manager in “Office Space” and the guard who allowed Richard Kimble to escape in 1993’s “The Fugitive,” died on Oct. 15. He was 78.

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Riehle died of natural causes in Los Angeles, Variety confirmed.

TMZ was the first outlet to report the actor’s death.

Riehle’s roles included a racist quartermaster in “Glory” (1989), a banker for gangsters in “Casino” (1995) and the father of Rob Schneider’s character in “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo” (1999), according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In “Office Space,” Riehle played Tom Smykowski, who survived a hit-and-run accident and won a massive financial settlement, Variety reported. The windfall allowed him to build a “Jump to Conclusions” mat to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Office Space (1999) RIP Richard Riehle https://t.co/SPhGm55Q0J
— Men on Film Pod (@menonfilmpod) October 19, 2026

He played a ranch hand in “Of Mice and Men,” a principal in “Jury Duty” and appeared as Santa Claus in five films, two television programs and a TV movie, according to the entertainment news website. Riehle also had roles in “Wedding Crashers,” “Bridesmaids” and “Executive Decision.”

Riehle played Walt Finnerty -- Donal Logue’s father -- on all five seasons of the 2001-05 sitcom “Grounded for Life,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. He also had guest appearances in the “Star Trek” franchise, including “The Next Generation,” “Voyager” and “Enterprise.”

RIP Richard Riehle. This is probably my favorite scene in Office Space https://t.co/2vgKZqa1g0
— Blind Mike (@BlindMike_) October 19, 2026

“Richard Riehle was an amazing human being,” Logue wrote in a social media post. “A consummate professional, he was an actor’s actor — humble, kind and incredible at his craft … and I loved every minute I got to spend with him.”

Riehle was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on May 12, 1948, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1970, according to The Hollywood Reporter.. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

Riehle had a role as an extra in the 1975 film, “Rooster Cogburn,” and got his first speaking part in the 1977 movie, “Joyride,” the entertainment news website reported.

World Series set: Tampa Bay Rays win ALCS, will face Milwaukee Brewers

Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:34:36 +0000

Two years ago, Hurricane Milton blew the roof off Tropicana Field on Florida’s Gulf coast. On Monday night, the Tampa Bay Rays blew past the Cleveland Guardians at their refurbished stadium and punched a ticket to the franchise’s third World Series.

MVP Freddy Peralta pitched 5 1/3 innings to earn his second win of the American League Championship Series, and Junior Caminero and Yandy Diaz each hit two-run homers as the Rays defeated the Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 before a raucous home crowd of 40,230.

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The Rays won the best-of-seven series 4-2, winning three straight games against Cleveland after falling behind 2-1 in the matchup of the AL’s top two seeds. Tampa Bay will face the Milwaukee Brewers, the National League champions who had the best record in MLB during 2026.

Game 1 is Friday in Milwaukee.

This will be the first matchup since 1980 where both teams are seeking their first World Series title, ESPN reported. The Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals for their first title 46 years ago.

The World Series matchup is set! Either the Brewers or Rays will win their first championship 🏆 https://t.co/8wSOZxUFAC
— MLB (@MLB) October 20, 2026

Tampa Bay reached the ALCS by sweeping their AL East division rivals, the New York Yankees, in the American League Divisional Series.

The Rays’ third American League pennant came 19 years to the day after they won their first flag, when they defeated another AL East rival, the Boston Red Sox, in a seven-game series.

Tampa Bay lost that 2008 World Series in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies and lost the Fall Classic during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Brewers won 103 games during 2026. They advanced to the World Series by defeating the San Diego Padres in five games in the National League Division Series, and then swept the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Postseason Yandy hits different #ForTampaBay | #Postseason https://t.co/1rkrkATAGc
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 20, 2026

The Brewers had not reached the World Series since 1982, when they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games, The Athletic reported.

The Rays and Brewers played one series against each other this season, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Tampa Bay went 1-2 against the Brewers during the Rays’ second series of the season.

The city of Milwaukee enjoyed a World Series title in 1957 with the Braves and also played in the 1958 World Series.

The Guardians continue MLB’s longest franchise drought without a World Series title. The team last won the Series in 1948, when it defeated the Boston Braves in six games.

ALCS MVP looks good on you, Freddy 🫶 #ForTampaBay | #Postseason https://t.co/Brioi0YvNB
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 20, 2026

This year’s World Series will feature small-market teams, The Athletic reported. The Brewers ranked No. 19 in team payroll and the Rays are 28th, according to the Cot’s Baseball Contracts website.

Peralta was named the series MVP after allowing just one run during 12 innings, ESPN reported. That included a pair of starts and a one-inning relief stint in Game 4.

After the Rays took a 3-2 lead with a victory on Sunday, Diaz predicted the Rays would wrap up the series at home on Monday to reach the World Series.

The Rays scored two runs in the second inning on Richie Palacios’ two-out double and made it 3-0 on Jonny DeLuca’s sacrifice fly in the third. The Guardians cut the lead to 3-1 after Nathaniel Lowe’s RBI single in the sixth.

But Caminero clanged a drive off the left-field foul pole for a two-run homer in the seventh to make it 5-1.

JUNIOR CAMINERO OFF THE FOUL POLE THE TROP IS ELECTRIC! https://t.co/E0hC0eAmBK
— MLB (@MLB) October 20, 2026

Cleveland had a chance in the eighth when the Guardians scored a pair of runs and had the bases loaded with the go-ahead run on first base. But reliever Kevin Kelly choked off the two-out rally by striking out Brayan Rocchio as the Rays clung to a 5-3 lead.

Diaz then made good on his prediction, crashing a two-run homer over the left field fence off Guardians closer Cade Smith for a 7-3 lead. Tampa Bay closer Bryan Baker then closed out the ninth inning to seal the victory.

“I told you, bro,” Diaz said afterward, the Times reported.

YOUR TAMPA BAY RAYS ARE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS #ForTampaBay | #Postseason https://t.co/w7xFb3yGpc
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 20, 2026

Caminero, who yelled “Tampa, this is for you!” during an on-field postgame interview, took a Rays flag, ran toward the fans and waved it at them, the newspaper reported. He then planted it briefly in the turf behind home plate.

“I’m gonna have to hear it like 20 more times for it to sink in,” Baker said, according to the Times. “It’s still not real to me yet, but I’m pretty dang excited about it. And I’m really, really proud to be going with this group of guys.”

World Series schedule (all times ET):

Game 1, Friday: at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Game 2, Saturday: at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Game 3, Oct. 26: at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.

Game 4, Oct. 27: at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.

Game 5*, Oct. 28: at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m.

Game 6*, Oct. 30: at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Game 7*, Oct. 31: at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

* – if necessary

Orange County approves more than $780M in TDT Spending

Ethan Stein — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:52:03 +0000

Orange County Commissioners voted to spend more than $780 Million of the county’s Tourist Development Tax on Monday.

The commission made the decision as some elected officials, union officials, and members of the tourism industry urged commissioners to pause their decision to spend money collected from the 6% tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals of less than six months.

The list of projects approved included:

$350 Million to expand the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
$75 Million to Renew the Orange County Application Review Committee Grant Program
$52.5 Million to build a parking garage at Camping World Stadium
$50 Million to create the Orange County Natural Resource Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program
$50 Million to create the Orange County Eco-Tourism Grant Program
$46 Million to build a new track facility and expanding a soccer stadium for the University of Central Florida
$30 Million to transform the Forest Lake Golf Club in Ocoee into an entertainment destination
$25 Million to build the I AM Children’s Museum in Winter Garden
$20 Million to establish the Eatonville Heritage Tourism District
$12.5 Million for the Creative City’s Project Immerse Festival
$3 Million to increase funding for the Orange County Arts and Culture Affairs program

The Orange County Convention Center didn’t get any money from commissioners in this round of allocations from commissioners. John Stine, who is listed as the chairman for the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, said he felt like the money for the facility was badly needed as Orlando faces competition for other large events.

“Delays now jeopardize our ability to attract and maintain existing business, which is facing increasing competition from Vegas, Chicago, Anaheim and Dallas,” he said to commissioners during public comment.

Commissioner Mike Crabb (District 2) asked commissioners to add the convention center to the list of funded projects at the expense of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for similar reasons in a letter to commissioners.

“We have already delayed this project since its initial 2018 approval, which has cost the county over $100 Million due to construction inflation alone,” Crabb wrote. “Delaying further will cause us to lose the critical ground in an increasingly competitive convention market. Major hubs like Dallas, Houston, Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles are making massive investments in their facility.”

Yet the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts still received $350 to support its expansion project, just $50 million less than Mayor Jerry Demings’s recommendation to the board prior to the meeting. The commissioners voted to lower the amount to keep reserves above recommendations.

The money would help the downtown concert venue create 11 new venues, to 20 total. This includes a 750-seat theater, an 800-seat banquet and event space, a 4,000 capacity outdoor auditorium amphitheater, and 1,150 parking spaces. Downtown hotels said the project would help their businesses grow.

“It brings us group business from crew and entertainment,” said Geo Cuevas. “But also the individual who comes to Orlando to specifically to come see a show.”

“As there revenues grow, our revenues grow,” said Glenn Dickerson with the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Orlando. “We’re able to hire more employees.

A citizen task force approved most of these projects, but it didn’t approve the money to build stadiums at UCF. The move also comes as the election gets closer, meaning there is less money for new commissioners to give to their preferred projects. Some of those officials running for office criticized the decision to spend the money now, asking for a pause.

Ella Wood, who was on the task force and also serves as the political director for Unite Here Local 737, said the decision also gives commissioners less flexibility to spend these dollars on other priorities not related to the tourism industry if a new state government lessens restrictions on local communities.

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