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A year after a Hollywood onslaught at Comic-Con International, more than one big studio has decided to take a break.

In a new era of Hollywood belt-tightening, many experts say the expense of Comic-Con might not be worth it, especially as production of new projects has slowed. The big superhero film producers, DC Studios and Marvel Studios, have both reduced their output — emphasizing quality over quantity after a few box-office duds — so they also don’t have as much to show off.

There are still big projects taking over Comic-Con’s biggest space, the 6,500-seat Hall H: a new “Predator” movie, several “Star Trek” and “The Walking Dead” shows, DC Studios’ “Peacemaker” show and the new “Tron” movie. Hollywood stars will also be there, like actor Ryan Gosling and “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, for his first-ever appearance at the event.

Besides Hollywood, everything else is bigger. Advertising efforts are through the roof with San Diego Trolley wraps selling out, a near record number of building wraps splashed all over the Gaslamp Quarter, and the studios are spending thousands, if not more, on free activations throughout downtown. read more

By KELVIN CHAN, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Smartphones, laptops, headphones and other electronic devices are essential for work and play in our daily lives. But all that time spent typing, scrolling or listening also means our devices gradually accumulate grime that needs to be cleaned off.

You might not give much thought to cleaning your devices but there are reasons you should, says Logitech, which makes keyboards, webcams and other computer peripherals.

“Regular cleaning and proper maintenance not only keeps your gadgets looking pristine, and wins you hygiene points, it also helps them perform better and last longer,” the company says. “In the case of devices like earbuds, the accumulated bacteria and debris may even cause health issues or discomfort.”

Here are some pointers on cleaning your tech:

Getting started

Always check if the manufacturer has any specific guidelines for cleaning.

Assemble some basic equipment and material for cleaning, which should include a soft and lint-free cleaning cloth, like a microfiber cloth; cotton swabs; a soft-bristled brush like a toothbrush, paintbrush or makeup brush; compressed air and isopropyl alcohol. read more

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.

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The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According to Monday notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product — which “may create a foothold” for small children and allow them to access the water unattended. read more

Millions of Americans are now at risk of losing health care coverage or food assistance under the GOP’s recently passed mega-budget, which includes sweeping cuts and new restrictions on critical social safety net programs.

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  Everything is bigger at San Diego Comic-Con this year. Except Hollywood.

The GOP’s $3.3 trillion budget, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and approximately $300 billion for President Donald Trump’s defense and immigration enforcement priorities. To partly offset the steep cost, the bill targets reductions across the board — but hits health and food assistance programs hardest. read more

Walt Disney World fans enthusiastically greeted the roll-out of a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom on Sunday. It’s the first regularly scheduled after-dark parade at the theme park in nearly a decade.

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is now scheduled for two appearances nightly.

The parade is built to shine in the cloak of darkness, with an untold number of lighting effects. The floats strobe, flicker, dramatically change colors, reveal tucked-away details and spotlight an entourage of Disney film characters. It’s a mix of old-guard favorites — from the Blue Fairy to Mickey Mouse — and more modern releases such as “Encanto” and “Wish.”

“I was not expecting to cry, but I knew there was a chance,” said Chelsea Onstott, a Disney World annual passholder from Orlando, who watched both the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. runs of Starlight on opening night.

“It wasn’t until Tink [Tinkerbell] came out, and I was not expecting her to be on the ground and going up to kids. And I think that just, like, got me,” she said. read more