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It was December of 2021. I had COVID and was on the verge of being officially diagnosed with prostate cancer. Things were pretty bad and suddenly got worse: I noticed Fire Gasparino trending on Twitter not because I had made up a story, or defamed someone.

My sin was reporting, continuously and accurately, that an investment cult had formed around the stock of the troubled movie theater chain known as AMC, pushing its shares well above where they should be. And like most cults, this one wouldnt end well.

The abuse lasted through Christmas. I guess I could have wilted and joined some of my colleagues in heralding the small investor-led movement around the stock as something biblical. David slays Goliath.

I didnt and kept reporting the story behind one of the most absurd and now costly stock pumps in recent history.

These days, Im glad I did.

Yes, I survived COVID, my cancer diagnosis and getting vilified by a Twitter mob just fine. In fact better than fine because of what happened next: The stock imploded as I reported it would. AMC was burning loads of cash, heading for bankruptcy or massive dilution to raise much-needed capital, neither good for shareholders.

Shares are down 95% since December 2021. About 10 days ago,  the stocks crash and burn was complete as the company took concrete steps toward the issuance of a ton of new shares (aka diluting existing shareholders) and stay out of bankruptcy. Were it not for a bit of financial alchemy in a 10-for-1 reverse stock split, AMCs stock price would be reading just above $1.

Im not taking joy in people losing money but in people saving some. Anyone who followed my reporting on AMC saved themselves some real money. Those who followed cultists, the self-described AMC Apes or the cheerleading pseudo-journalists are paying the price.

Phil Graham, the brilliant but troubled former publisher of The Washington Post, came up with the truism about the profession of journalism as being the first rough draft of history. That was back in the early 1960s before he killed himself in a fit of depression.

I wonder what Phil Graham would call what goes down on the rebranded Twitter site X or any of the other instantaneous social-media feedback loops that are now competing with real reporting. A really, really, really rough draft of history?

Social media is great in so many ways. Yes, its a draft of history, even if its really rough, and that often serves a purpose through the exchange of ideas to make an informed judgment. Its also an outlet for people desperately searching for purpose, and while theyre at it, indulging in their worst instincts and behaviors. Its a breeding ground for the cult.

How cults are created is an age-old question. The result is deadly and near deadly stuff like Jonestown and Pizzagate    and the financially deadly stuff that surrounded the stock of AMC. The weird notion that a cabal of greedy hedge funds, hell-bent on destroying the nations largest movie theater chain, were shorting the stock (betting its price would collapse) in dark corners of Wall Street does seem appealing.

That average people could buy this stock, and destroy a bunch of nasty hedge funds while becoming rich, even more so.

Just one problem: Nothing close to what the cult was blathering about was true. The evidence of this scheme thrown around Twitter or the Reddit message boards was of the wackadoo variety. And If you dared question the illogic, as I did, be prepared for harassment like youve never seen before.

The power of social media is intense and crazy, of course, and it made this cult particularly nasty and resilient over the past two-plus years. That is until the hammer finally fell just days ago and the AMC cult ended like they all do   in disaster.

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Its a shame more reporters didnt call this out. It was so obvious based on what you can find on a balance sheet. Short sellers made hundreds of millions of dollars in August because AMCs finances included massive cash burn, lots of debt and movie attendance that due to streaming hasnt returned to pre-pandemic levels.

CEO Adam Aron, not exactly a short seller, recently explained AMCssituation in a call withanalysts. Business is getting better Barbenheimer was a box office hit; a Taylor Swift film coming to AMC theaters in October is crushing it in pre-sales. But he said that if he cant raise money by selling more stock, Chapter 11 is almost inevitable. He recently beat back an Ape-inspired lawsuit challenging his dilution plan, because they believe AMC is really doing just fine and doesnt need the money.

It does, of course, and the coming dilution is why AMC, for now, and maybe for the foreseeable future, is still in business, even as its stock is battered and bruised.

Some of the Apes are still HODL (holding on for dear life, in the lingua franca of the cult), and still attacking those they see as backing the evil hedge funds. Thats scary.

Even more scary: Far too many reporters over the past three years sought the cults approval because it feels good to be applauded on social media. It also helps you build your followers, which is also idiotically important to reporters these days.

They are truly sellouts to the profession, because they should know, based on the history, cults never end well.

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Bitcoin rallies with DeFi as Zcash tops weekly performance: Finance Redefined

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October 3, 2025

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Bitcoin rallies with DeFi as Zcash tops weekly performance: Finance Redefined

Bitcoin rallies with DeFi as Zcash tops weekly performance: Finance Redefined

Analysts were eying a “quick” Bitcoin breakout to $150,000, as ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood compared the Hyperliquid token’s performance to Solana during the previous crypto cycle.

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Environment

Rad Power offers $200 discount and up to $210 in FREE bundled gear on e-bikes from $1,399, Exclusive Anker S340 solar cam low, more

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October 3, 2025

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Rad Power offers 0 discount and up to 0 in FREE bundled gear on e-bikes from ,399, Exclusive Anker S340 solar cam low, more

It’s another EV-heavy day of Green Deals, headlined by Rad Power’s newly launched Haul-o-ween Sale that is taking $200 off one e-bike, while offering up to $210 in FREE bundled gear with several other new and legacy models, like the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike and the Radster Road Commuter e-bike getting a $199 free cargo kit for $1,999, while other deals start from $1,399. We also secured up to $280 in exclusive savings on nine Anker eufy security devices, like the SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera at a new $110 low. We also have new low prices on Heybike’s Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bikes starting from $2,099, an Autel 40A level 2 smart EV charger discount, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 (HomePower 3000) low price, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Tested: Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 portable power station brings ample support in a smaller and lighter unit

Anker is hands-down one of the most well-known tech accessory brands with an extensive lineup of consumer electronics, and its SOLIX sub-brand has making waves in the  portable backup power solution space. Its C1000 power station made big waves when it first hit the market in 2023, quickly becoming a popular charging solution for camping and other outdoor activities, in particular. Now, two years later, the Anker has introduced its SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station, which I was lucky enough to snag and test out, and which I believe will outshine its predecessor in the long run. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this all-new solar generator.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new portable backup power solution, be sure to check out our review here.

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man and woman riding Rad Power Radster Trail e-bikes through forest

Rad Power’s Haul-o-ween Sale offers up to $210 in FREE cargo or starter gear with new and legacy e-bikes starting from $1,399

Rad Power Bikes has launched its Haul-o-ween Sale, with a $200 discount on its RadRover 6 Plus e-bike, as well as several other models (new and legacy) getting up to $210 in FREE bundle kits and accessories. Amongst the models seeing bundles attached, you’ll find the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike getting a free $199 cargo kit at $1,999 shipped, with its Radster Road Commuter e-bike sibling getting the same kit for $1,999 shipped too. Just be sure to add the e-bikes and the cargo kits (all from the same landing pages) to your cart for the discount to automatically be applied. Originally going for $2,199 at full price since their release in March, we saw the brand officially drop prices to these rates mid-August, with the deals here giving you the continued lowest tracked prices alongside the free gear. Head below to learn more and browse the full lineup of deals while the sale lasts.

The stylish new Radster Trail and Radster Road e-bikes are very similar in their overall designs, with slight differences based on where you plan to spend most of your time riding – down streets or through trails and other off-road areas. They both come boasting 100Nm torque-producing 750W rear hub motors with 720Wh Safe Shield semi-integrated batteries powering them. This combination provides you with up to 65+ miles of pedal-assisted travel (supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on state-specific laws. Among the other shared features, you’ll be gaining hydraulic disc brakes, hydraulic suspension forks, auto-on headlights, brake-activated taillights, turn signaling functionality, rear cargo racks, a color display with a Type-C port, and more.

There are also the shared smart features here, which include passcode locking, an included security fob, and more. Where these models differ, as you may already be able to guess, is mainly in their tires. The Trail model bringing along 27.5-inch by 3-inch Kenda Havoc puncture-resistant tires for your off-roading fun, while the Road model has been equipped with 29-inch by 2.2-inch Kenda Kwik puncture-resistant tires, as well as some differing fender/handlebar designs too.

Rad Power Bikes Haul-o-ween discounts:

Rad Power Bikes Haul-o-ween bundle/accessory deals:

  • RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike: $1,499 (No price cut)
    • 20 MPH for up to 55+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,799 (No price cut)
  • RadRunner Plus Cargo Utility e-bike: $1,799 (No price cut)
    • 20 MPH for up to 55+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • comes with FREE $199 cargo kit (added on landing page)
  • Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • comes with FREE $199 cargo kit (added on landing page)
  • RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike: $2,299 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 60+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike: $2,399 (No price cut)
Anker eufy SoloCam S340 solar security camera with solar panel attached to house

Upgrade your security with up to $280 in exclusive savings on Anker eufy cameras and smart locks at new lows from $70

We’ve secured quite the lineup of exclusive deals for our readers from Wellbots on Anker eufy security devices, with most at new low prices, like the SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera at $109.99 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5EUF90 at checkout. Normally, this model runs for $200 at full price, which we’ve seen drop as low as $123 this year, while last year saw things fall lower to $120 during Cyber Monday sales. While these exclusive savings last, you’ll be getting $90 taken off the tag, landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about this device and the others benefiting from exclusive discounts.

If you want to learn more about this camera, as well as browse the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of all the exclusive security savings here.

man on Heybike Hero e-bike atop mountainous terrain

Heybike’s premium Hero carbon fiber mid-drive and rear hub all-terrain e-bikes at new lows from $2,099

As part of its ongoing Prime Fall e-bike Sale, which has given us new low prices on the ALPHA all-terrain and Hauler cargo e-bikes, Heybike has also dropped the price lower-than-ever on its Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bikes too. You can find the 1,000W rear hub model down at $2,099 shipped, while its upgraded 750W mid-drive model is sitting at $2,299 shipped. These are some of the brand’s higher-end EVs, which normally go for $2,599 and $3,099 at full price, and which have mostly received $100 to $300 discounts over the year, save for select events, like its anniversary sale, where we saw things go lower to $2,199 and $2,499. Now the savings are bigger and better than ever, as the $500 and $800 markdowns here land the costs at new all-time low prices.

If you want to learn more about these two e-bikes, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man charging vehicle with Autel EV charger

Bring home Autel’s 40A MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charging station with an AI voice assistant for $379

Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is dropping costs on its MaxiCharger AC Lite Home 40A Smart AI Level 2 EV Charger to $379 shipped in both colorway options. This is an at-home charging solution that normally runs for $470 at full price, with regular discounts to $399 over the year, and only one-time falls to $376 and the $352 low, which appeared back during Memorial Day sales. You can pick it up here at only $3 more than July’s Prime Day rate, saving you $91 off the going rate for the third-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this EV charging station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here, while its 50A counterpart can be found at $455 here.

Review: Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike is a rugged off-roader with plenty of suspension and hidden punch

When it comes to e-bikes, most people’s immediate thought is a commuter model designed to get you through streets to your various destinations, but with Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike, the fun is extended (and primarily focused) to off-road adventures, and boy, does this baby have some go in it. It’s been over two years since we reviewed the Revv1 FS counterpart, which we came away quite impressed with its SUPER73-like design. Now we’re heading off the beaten path with this newer off-road variant, which boasts improved specs that outshine its predecessors in the series.

To get our full hands-on impression of this e-bike, be sure to check out our review here.

anker solix early prime day power station sale
ecoflow early prime day power station sale
jackery Early Prime Day Power Station Sale

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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Environment

Nissan LEAF hit with a big recall, more than 19,000 vehicles affected

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1 hour ago

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October 3, 2025

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Nissan LEAF hit with a big recall, more than 19,000 vehicles affected

Nissan-LEAF-Recall-19,000

It’s a good thing the new 2026 LEAF should be here any day. The recall affects over 19,000 Nissan LEAF vehicles, model years 2021-2022, because the battery may overheat during fast charging. Here’s the fix.

Nissan LEAF recall impacts 19,000+ vehicles

Nissan’s OG, the LEAF, has been hit with yet another recall. In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 2, Nissan announced a recall of 19,077 LEAF models from 2021 to 2022.

The recall only affects models that are equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. Nissan said the battery may overheat during fast charging.

After an investigation, Nissan found that LEAF models built between November 3, 2020, and May 23, 2022, at its Smyrna Assembly plant, may have an issue with excessive lithium deposits within the battery cells. If that happens, the increased electrical resistance can cause the battery to overheat or catch fire during Level 3 charging.

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Nissan is preparing a software update to fix the issue. Once it’s ready, Nissan said owners of affected vehicles will be notified with an “Invitation to Repair Owner” letter, which will include further instructions.

Nissan-LEAF-recall-19,000
2025 Nissan LEAF (Source Nissan)

The letters are expected to be mailed out, starting on October 24, 2025. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Until it’s ready, Nissan is urging owners not to use Level 3 quick charging.

For those with LEAF models that are no longer under warranty, Nissan will include instructions in the owner notification letters concerning reimbursement.

Nissan-LEAF-recall-19,000
2025 Nissan LEAF (Source Nissan)

Owners can contact Nissan’s customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan’s recall number is R25C8. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the nhtsa.gov website for more information.

Nissan-new-LEAF-EV
2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan

The outgoing LEAF has had several major recalls now, but the third-generation model, set to hit dealerships any day now, promises to fix some of its biggest issues.

Nissan claims the 2026 LEAF has “the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US” at just $29,990. It also has a fresh, new crossover SUV-like design, over 300 miles of driving range, and an NACS port (finally) to access Tesla Superchargers.

While Nissan focuses on the new LEAF, its electric SUV, the Ariya, will not be offered in the US for the 2026 model year.


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