Most Read Stories This Week
The past seven days ranked by total reads — the stories that held Alto readers' attention, not just the ones that spiked.
Marching band tuba player unleashes punches on man at college football game without missing a beat
A Texas Southern Tigers sousaphone player threw punches at a fan during the Prairie View A&M game without missing a single beat of the song.
Fox News24 readsTrump Admin Shows Iran What Real Power Looks Like: Responds to Attack By Annihilating 3 Oil Tankers
American armed forces attacked three Iranian oil carriers on Saturday after Iran attacked two U.S. warships. “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers, Sept. 5, after […] The post Trump Admin Shows Iran What Real Power Looks Like: Responds to Attack By Annihilating 3 Oil Tankers appeared first on The Western Journal.
The Western Journal23 readsSpencer Pratt Mic Drops Clooney on Woke Talk, Diamond-Covered Walk
Even in Hollywood, they don’t get much more woke than George Clooney, who disavows the
RedState21 readsMore voters identifying as Democrats and not calling themselves Republican
Latest data from Gallup, showing 49% leaning Democrat and 39% Republican, marks sharp reversal from 2024 More voters are identifying as Democrats and shying away from calling themselves Republican, according to the latest quarterly data published by Gallup. Some 49%of voters surveyed leaned Democrat, including independent voters asked to pick one party or the other. Only 39% of respondents leaned Republican. Continue reading...
The Guardian — World20 readsMamdani Draws Outrage by Signing 9/11 Order — Then Giving Pen to Worst Possible Person
NYC Mayor Mamdani sparks outrage by giving 9/11 pen to lawyer who defended al-Qaeda terrorist.
RedState18 readsIn-N-Out's popular burger style started with a customer request decades ago
In-N-Out's Animal Style burger traces back to the early 1960s when a customer spotted an associate's custom creation and asked for one just like it.
Fox News14 readsFan runs onto field at Houston Cougars game, gets absolutely trucked by police officer
A fan who rushed the field during the Houston Cougars’ 33-20 win over the Oregon State Beavers was leveled by a police officer with a textbook tackle.
Fox News13 reads‘People laughed at me’: Indian youth cleans up a trash-filled river
A 21-year-old student in India’s Madhya Pradesh has single-handedly cleaned up a trash-filled river.
Al Jazeera7 readsNew Images Reveal China's Stealth Drone At Secretive "Area 51" Base
New Images Reveal China's Stealth Drone At Secretive "Area 51" Base Aviation researcher Andreas Rupprecht posted footage on LinkedIn that appears to show China’s next-generation high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drone, an aircraft he estimates is “comparable in size to the US Air Force’s B-21 Raider.” Rupprecht wrote on LinkedIn that the WZ-X drone was spotted at a secretive air base in China’s Xinjiang region, known to some as China’s version of Area 51: Two new images of the PLAAF’s latest and largest intercontinental HALE ISR #UAV, provisionally referred to simply as the #WZ-X, have been leaked, apparently showing the aircraft somewhere in Xinjiang. The UAV was first spotted on satellite imagery in May 2025 at the PLAAF’s UAV test centre at Malan Air Base in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China. Rupprecht continued: In recent years, Malan/Uxxaktal (ZWML) has developed into the PLAAF’s main test centre for trialling UAVs and UCAVs of all types, while also serving as the base of the 178th UAV Brigade. Satellite imagery from 2022 onwards shows extensive expansion of the base’s infrastructure, including new hangars, taxiways and facilities likely linked to the previously unknown, very large flying-wing UAVs WZ-X and the similarly mysterious UCAV GJ-X, both of which are roughly comparable in size to the B-21 Raider. As such, the base, much like the second secret air base at Lop Nur, which is likely focused more on manned systems such as the J-36, J-XDS and, eventually, the H-20, is often compared to the US Area 51 because of its remote location and its role in testing next-generation weapon systems. Based on the few, often blurry, images available, the WZ-X appears to be a twin-engined flying-wing design similar in configuration to the US RQ-180, but considerably larger. Rough estimates suggest a wingspan of about 52 m and a length of roughly 14 m. Its two engines, of unknown type, are reportedly fed by a central top-mounted intake, allegedly covered by a conformal mesh to reduce radar cross-section. Apart from its very wide span, the design appears to feature a relatively spacious central fuselage section and a dorsal SATCOM antenna. Its range is estimated at more than 20,000 km, with a normal cruising altitude of 18-20 km and a cruising speed of Mach 0.5-0.65. As for the manufacturer, some sources claim it was developed by Nantong University (NTU), located in Nantong, Jiangsu province. The WZ-X could help Beijing locate warships, map air defenses and relay targeting information to China’s massive arsenal of long-range missiles, as well as hypersonic weapons, in the event of a conflict over Taiwan Last week, a new report from Taiwan’s leading English-language daily newspaper, the Taipei Times, revealed that China had deployed a record 244 coast guard, research and other government vessels around the island. Technical details about the WZ-X remain scarce, and claims about its capabilities remain unverified. However, the expanding infrastructure at Malan and repeated sightings suggest that the aircraft is undergoing flight testing. Tyler Durden Sat, 09/05/2026 - 21:35
ZeroHedge7 readsKennedy Center foyer ceiling partially falls amid Trump's push for renovations
No one was injured when a piece of the ceiling inside the Kennedy Center's grand foyer partially collapsed Friday evening, said Roma Daravi, the center's vice president for public relations.
CBS News7 readsUnlicensed illegal immigrant arrested for killing 9-month-old boy with car in New Jersey parking lot
The owner of the vehicle was Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, an illegal immigrant from Mexico
The Post Millennial7 readsCloud in a Bottle: making self-hosting accessible to everyone
Article URL: https://cloudinabottle.org/blog/launch-post Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49582000 Points: 15 # Comments: 3
Hacker News6 readsThe ‘Burnham Bounce’ Is Real But Fragile
Despite the new prime minister’s polling bump, Labour remains vulnerable on immigration. The post The ‘Burnham Bounce’ Is Real But Fragile appeared first on The American Conservative.
The American Conservative5 readsSimon and Schuster Is Right to Publish Arday’s Memoir
The public has an interest in the late professor’s confabulations. The post Simon and Schuster Is Right to Publish Arday’s Memoir appeared first on The American Conservative.
The American Conservative5 readsCOSCO Denies US Claims Its Container Ships Serve As Beijing's Global Spy Network
COSCO Denies US Claims Its Container Ships Serve As Beijing's Global Spy Network China's state-owned shipping giant COSCO rejected a report published last week alleging that the company had concealed advanced surveillance equipment aboard its cargo ships to monitor US military communications near the coastlines of target nations, including the US. Reuters quoted COSCO on Friday as calling the allegations "totally unfounded" and false. What Reuters reported on Tuesday: The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the U.S. assessment of the Chinese program, said COSCO has a decades-long intelligence-collection partnership with Beijing. The arrangement allows China to collect communication signals from vessels and aircraft operating across Europe, North America and Asia, they said. The advanced equipment aboard the ships is intended to enable China to gather information about "military communications technologies and encryption developments," one of the officials said. The world's fourth-largest container carrier also told the outlet: COSCO SHIPPING has always adhered to market‑oriented operations and compliance practices across all our global businesses All communication, navigation, safety and operational equipment installed on our vessels is used solely for legitimate commercial purposes, including navigation safety, ship-to-shore communications and emergency response. The allegations surface just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected Sept. 24 visit to Washington for talks with President Trump. If substantiated, COSCO's alleged use as a signals intelligence operations would fit a broader pattern of Chinese gray-zone activity in which commercial infrastructure and civilian technologies are leveraged to advance state objectives. Dr. Ryan Clarke of the CCP BioThreats Initiative wrote in a book last year that Beijing's strategy increasingly combines next-generation weapons with irregular and nonkinetic tools, including synthetic narcotics such as fentanyl and cannabinoids, what he characterized as biological weapons involving COVID-19, psychological influence through platforms such as TikTok, and other instruments of unconventional warfare. Tyler Durden Sat, 09/05/2026 - 19:15
ZeroHedge5 readsSeattle Times and Newsday are the latest publications to sue OpenAI and Microsoft
Two more news organizations are suing OpenAI and Microsoft over the supposed use of their journalism to train AI.
TechCrunch5 reads'America’s Got Talent' alum charged with murder of 4-year-old nephew who drowned in pool unattended
22-year-old Deshundre Vinson was arrested on Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated child abuse.
The Post Millennial5 readsGet InstaHeadshots AI headshots for $60
Save $140 on the InstaHeadshots AI Headshot Generator Premium Plan, with 50 AI-generated headshots, 50 edit credits and 4K resolution for $59.99.
Mashable5 readsCruelty in Ceuta: Video Shows Migrants Mercilessly Attacking Protected Sea Mammal
Outrage as migrants in Ceuta brutally attack a protected baby dolphin, sparking calls for justice.
RedState5 readsCalifornia pizza joint allegedly used as meth distribution hub as illegal immigrant charged
Kawal Preet Singh allegedly used a Round Table Pizza in Dinuba to distribute over 40 pounds of methamphetamine as part of an organized crime network.
Fox News4 readsDetective says cruelty of woman's murder will "stay with me forever"
Lt. Dakota Black of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office in Shawnee, Oklahoma, says the case of Makayla Meave, a missing teacher's aide, was one of the most heart-wrenching cases of her career.
CBS News4 readsNick Shirley Takes Action, and He's Coming for CA's Soviet-Style Effort to Muzzle Journalists
Nick Shirley fights California’s AB 2624 law threatening journalists and free speech rights.
RedState4 readsTruck drivers facing all-time-high diesel prices amid Iran war
American truck drivers and travelers are struggling to fill up their tanks amid higher gas and diesel prices linked to the Iran war. Ali Bauman has more.
CBS News4 readsWitkoff and Kushner Meet Putin in Moscow
State of the Union: The visit signals a renewed U.S. push to end the war in Ukraine. The post Witkoff and Kushner Meet Putin in Moscow appeared first on The American Conservative.
The American Conservative4 reads'Blatant Abuse of Public Trust': USCIS Officer Charged in Fraud Case
USCIS officer charged in Texas for immigration fraud and accepting illegal gratuities.
Townhall4 readsFuel tanker blast in western Iran kills at least 10
At least six other people were injured in the tanker blast on Iran's Hamedan-Sanandaj highway, officials say.
Al Jazeera4 readsTrump-backed group announces $10m ad spend for midterm Senate race in Texas
US president has pledged more than $400m through his super PAC to boost Republican candidates in the upcoming midterms.
Al Jazeera4 readsUFC Paris results: Salahdine Parnasse lives up to the hype, demolishes Dan Hooker in star-making debut - Yahoo Sports
UFC Paris results: Salahdine Parnasse lives up to the hype, demolishes Dan Hooker in star-making debut Yahoo Sports Main Card Results | UFC Paris UFC.com Salahdine Parnasse knocks out Dan Hooker in UFC debut espn.com UFC Fight Night odds, picks: Seasoned MMA analyst reveals selections for Hooker vs. Parnasse and other matchups at Paris on Sept. 5 SportsLine UFC Fight Night predictions -- Dan Hooker vs. Salahdine Parnasse: Fight card, odds and expert picks for Paris CBS Sports
Google News4 readsTrump Uses Pardons to Right Wrongs in Firearms Cases, but Government Accountability Is Not in Sight
Trump pardons men in controversial firearms cases, addressing ATF abuses but leaving accountability unresolved.
RedState4 readsUnder-The-Radar Oklahoma Bitcoin Mining Site Condemned After Leaking 3 Million Gallons Of Water
Under-The-Radar Oklahoma Bitcoin Mining Site Condemned After Leaking 3 Million Gallons Of Water A massive water leak in El Reno, Oklahoma has brought new scrutiny to a Bitcoin mining operation that city officials say had been operating without required approvals and in violation of multiple building and safety codes, according to KFOR 4. Three million gallons of water were leaked, according to KOCO ABC. The facility, operated by Athlon BT LLC, had largely escaped public attention until the leak was discovered. City officials say the company had also installed a fire hydrant without their knowledge, while questions remain about how water was being used at the site. Athlon originally applied for building permits in 2022. By 2023, however, El Reno had issued a stop-work order after the permits expired and officials identified multiple fire and life-safety code violations. The company was given until December 2023 to address the problems, according to the city. Instead, officials say Athlon continued construction and eventually began operating the facility despite lacking the inspections and final certificate of occupancy required by the city. Officials have cited problems involving electrical systems, drainage and other areas of the property. “They really weren’t in compliance at all,” city spokesperson Lyndsay Bayne said. The discovery came as a surprise not only to residents but also to local officials, who said the Bitcoin mining operation had attracted little attention before the leak, according to KFOR 4. Athlon had previously described the structures on its website as “mobile data centers.” The operation, however, differs considerably from the large hyperscale data centers proposed in communities such as Yukon and Piedmont, which have generated debate over their potential demands on local infrastructure and water supplies. The KFOR 4 report says that El Reno officials say Athlon told the city its equipment was air-cooled and therefore should not have required water for cooling. According to the city, the water line involved in the leak was supposed to serve only a fire hydrant. That hydrant itself has raised additional questions. Officials say Athlon installed it behind the property without notifying the city, and it did not appear on municipal records. The hydrant was also reportedly concealed beneath a large pile of brush. KFOR later observed above-ground piping that appeared to connect the mobile data center units and extend toward the hydrant. Athlon’s website, before becoming unavailable, also referenced what the company called “hydro-cooling technology.” Those details have prompted questions about whether the water line may have served a purpose beyond fire protection. Photo: KOCO ABC KFOR reported that its attempts to obtain an explanation from Athlon have gone unanswered. Calls and emails to the company received no response, and its website subsequently displayed a maintenance notice. After the water leak was discovered, El Reno condemned the property. The episode is unfolding amid a broader debate over data center development in Oklahoma, although city officials have stressed that Athlon’s Bitcoin mining operation should not be confused with the much larger data center projects being proposed elsewhere. “El Reno doesn’t have any large data centers or any plans to have any large data centers,” Bayne said. “This was completely under the radar.” The city has since strengthened its rules governing future data center developments. A recently adopted ordinance requires proposed data centers and large artificial intelligence facilities to undergo greater scrutiny and provide an opportunity for public comment before they can move forward. For residents concerned about the strain such facilities could place on local resources, the Athlon controversy has added urgency to calls for stronger oversight. The unresolved questions surrounding the company’s permits, infrastructure and water use are also likely to keep the Bitcoin mining operation under scrutiny as city officials determine how the facility was able to operate for so long without full compliance. Tyler Durden Sat, 09/05/2026 - 15:45
ZeroHedge4 reads
Why a weekly leaderboard
Daily trending lists reward whatever is loudest in the moment. This page takes the longer view: every story published in the last seven days, ranked by total reads, so the items that kept pulling readers back rise above the ones that spiked for an hour and vanished.
It is a useful catch-up if you have been away for a few days. Stories that never got opened are left off entirely rather than padding the list, so what remains is genuinely the week's most-read reporting from across Alto's publishers.
Most Read — Frequently Asked Questions
- What counts as 'most read' on Alto?
- Total story-page opens over the trailing seven days. Stories with no reads are excluded, and the ranking is identical for every visitor — there is no personalization and no paid placement.
- How far back does the most-read list go?
- Seven days. Anything older rolls off, which keeps the leaderboard a picture of the current week rather than an all-time archive.
- Why is a story missing from the most-read list?
- Either it was published more than seven days ago, or it has not been opened yet. Brand-new stories start at zero reads, so the newest headlines appear on the Breaking News page first.
- How is this different from trending?
- Trending covers the last 24 hours and moves quickly. Most Read covers the full week, so it is steadier and better for catching up on what mattered over several days.