A rare eight-sided Virginia mansion with a spooky reputation is looking for its next owner.

The historic Octagon Mansion in Wytheville, Virginia, has hit the market for $295,000, offering buyers six bedrooms, roughly 5,000 square feet and more than 150 years of history — as well as a past tied to paranormal investigations and ghost-themed events, according to Realtor.com.

Built in 1870, the home is one of the country’s few remaining octagon houses, an architectural style that briefly gained popularity in the mid-1800s before largely disappearing, the outlet reported.

In recent years, the property operated as the Octagon Mansion History Museum after curator John Cushman purchased it in 2019. The museum hosted regular “Dinner with a Ghost” events before closing in March 2025. Prior to Cushman’s purchase, the home sat vacant for nearly a decade, according to Realtor.com.

CALIFORNIA EXODUS 2.0: HOW SPACEX, TECH IPOS COULD TRIGGER THE NEXT MASSIVE WEALTH FLIGHT TO FLORIDA

A rare Virginia octagon home with a spooky reputation is up for grabs for $295,000. (Google Maps)

“The Octagon Mansion in Wytheville is a genuine rarity, and not just because of its haunted reputation,” Realtor.com Executive Editor Charlie Lankston told FOX Business. 

Lankston said octagon homes had a brief run in the late 1850s and early 1860s, when some design experts argued the eight-sided layout could give homeowners “more space for less money.” 

But the trend faded by the early 1900s, and many octagon homes were eventually demolished, he noted.

HOME SELLERS COULD BOOST OFFERS BY THOUSANDS WITH THIS SURPRISING PAINT COLOR

The historic Octagon Mansion in Wytheville was built in 1870. (Google Maps)

“The fact that this 1870 property has survived more than 150 years largely intact, with its original hardwood floors, custom millwork, and architectural bones still in place, makes it a unique piece of American history,” Langston said. 

A spokesperson for the property’s most recent owners declined to tell FOX Business why they are selling.

The mansion has been substantially remodeled, with updates including a commercial kitchen, refreshed bathrooms and upgraded electrical systems. Some original features, such as hardwood floors, built-ins and detailed millwork, remain intact, Realtor.com noted.

FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS MAY GET A HUGE TAX BREAK — BUT NEWCOMERS FACE A MAJOR CATCH

The property has been substantially remodeled, with updates including a commercial kitchen, refreshed bathrooms and upgraded electrical systems.  (Google Maps)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The property’s B-2 zoning could also give the next owner flexibility.

The home could potentially be used as an event venue, bed-and-breakfast or mixed-use space, according to Realtor.com.

“For anyone with an interest in preservation, there aren’t many opportunities like this left, particularly at a price point under $300,000,” Langston said.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage concluded Sunday, setting the field for the tournament’s first-ever 32-team knockout round, with reigning champion Argentina handed one of the more favorable paths through the bracket while traditional European powers Portugal and Spain face an unforgiving road that could pit them against each other before the semifinals.

For the first time in World Cup history, the knockout phase opens with 32 teams rather than 16, following an expansion that has produced the largest group stage in the tournament’s history. From here, the format reverts to straightforward single elimination across the field of 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-place finishers.

Argentina draws Cape Verde in opening knockout match

Lionel Messi’s Argentina finished atop Group J with a perfect nine points, securing the group win before its final match was even played. That result sets up a round of 32 meeting with Cape Verde, the tournament debutant that became the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup knockout stage after playing out a third consecutive draw, this time a scoreless stalemate with Saudi Arabia. The match is scheduled for Friday, July 3, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Argentina’s path beyond the opening round also looks comparatively manageable. The winner of Argentina’s matchup with Cape Verde would face the winner of Spain’s group, set up against either Australia or Egypt, before a potential quarterfinal path running through teams like Colombia, Ghana, Switzerland or Algeria. Under that scenario, Argentina’s first true test against a fellow heavyweight may not arrive until the semifinal stage, with Brazil or England potentially waiting.

Portugal and Spain on a collision course

Few teams face a steeper road than Portugal, which finished second in Group K after playing to a scoreless draw against Colombia in Miami on Saturday. Despite the draw, Colombia claimed the group on goal difference, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal settled for the runner-up spot and a round of 32 matchup against Croatia, scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at BMO Field in Toronto. The fixture marks a rematch of the 2016 European Championship final, with both Ronaldo and Croatian veteran Luka Modric still leading their respective sides a decade later.

Spain, meanwhile, secured top spot in its group with a 1-0 win over Uruguay that eliminated the two-time world champion from the tournament entirely. That result sets up a round of 32 meeting with Austria, the Group J runner-up, on Thursday, July 2, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Should both Portugal and Spain advance through their respective opening knockout matches, the two European giants would be on course to meet in the round of 16 — a high-stakes continental showdown arriving far earlier in the tournament than either side would prefer.

Germany and France risk an early collision of their own

A similar early-elimination scenario looms on the other side of the bracket for two more European powers. Germany topped its group and will face Paraguay, which advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-place finishers, in a round of 32 matchup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. France, which won its own group convincingly with all nine points and a plus-eight goal differential, will face Sweden in the round of 32. Should both Germany and France advance, the two nations are projected to meet in the round of 16 — meaning one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses would be eliminated well before the tournament’s later stages.

Brazil and England face rising difficulty with each round

Brazil topped Group C following a win over Scotland and will open the knockout stage against Japan, which advanced as the Group F runner-up after a 1-1 draw with Sweden, in a round of 32 match at NRG Stadium in Houston. Should Brazil advance, the bracket points toward a potential meeting with either Ivory Coast or Norway, the latter featuring Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, who has been among the tournament’s most dangerous attacking threats.

England, which topped Group L, opens its knockout campaign against DR Congo, which advanced as one of the competition’s best third-place teams after an impressive comeback win over Uzbekistan. That match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, in Atlanta. Beyond that opening test, England’s bracket includes potential matchups against Mexico or Ecuador, with a possible path eventually crossing with Brazil deeper into the tournament.

Colombia and Belgium chart competitive routes of their own

Colombia, which finished atop Group K after Saturday’s draw with Portugal, will face Ghana in the round of 32 on Friday, July 3, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Should Colombia continue advancing, a potential quarterfinal matchup against Argentina looms further down the bracket, depending on how both sides progress through earlier rounds.

Belgium, which claimed Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand on Friday, opens the knockout stage against Senegal on Wednesday, July 1, in Seattle. A win there would likely set up a subsequent matchup against either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina, both of whom advanced from their own group.

A knockout stage defined by fine margins

Taken together, the bracket lays out a tournament defined by contrasts. Argentina’s relatively smooth route stands in sharp relief against the gauntlet facing Portugal, Spain, Germany and France, several of which could face a fellow continental heavyweight before even reaching the quarterfinal stage. Brazil and England, too, face a difficulty curve that steepens with every round, leaving little room for off nights against increasingly dangerous opposition.

With the expanded 32-team knockout bracket now locked in and no further redraws possible, every team entering the tournament’s single-elimination phase knows precisely what stands between it and a place in the latter stages of the competition. For some of the tournament’s biggest names, that path offers a clear runway to build momentum. For others, the toughest test of their World Cup campaign may already be waiting just around the corner.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of soccer’s greatest players, have kept their World Cup dreams alive, raising the tantalizing possibility of a historic showdown in the 2026 tournament’s knockout stages.

Both superstars have guided their teams through the group stage with strong performances, setting the stage for what could be their final chapter in international competition. Messi, 39, and Ronaldo, 41, have defied age expectations while leading Argentina and Portugal respectively.

The 2026 World Cup’s expanded 48-team format has created more opportunities for dramatic matchups. With both teams advancing, a potential quarterfinal or semifinal clash has become a realistic prospect that would captivate global audiences.

Messi’s Continued Brilliance

Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s strong group stage showing, scoring multiple goals and providing creative leadership. The defending champions have looked sharp under his influence despite his advancing age.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s vision and technical ability remain world-class. His ability to influence games in crucial moments has been evident throughout the tournament.

Argentina’s blend of experience and youth around Messi has created a balanced squad capable of deep runs. Their tactical discipline and attacking flair position them as strong contenders.

Messi’s leadership and football intelligence continue inspiring teammates. His presence elevates the team’s performance and belief in high-pressure situations.

Ronaldo’s Determination

Ronaldo has demonstrated his enduring quality with Portugal, scoring important goals and showing characteristic work rate. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s physical condition and competitive drive remain impressive.

Portugal’s experienced squad provides Ronaldo with quality support as he pursues another deep World Cup run. Their tactical organization and counterattacking ability make them dangerous opponents.

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record and leadership have been central to Portugal’s success. His experience in major tournaments helps guide younger teammates through crucial moments.

The forward’s dedication to fitness and professional preparation has allowed him to compete at the highest level into his 40s. His presence continues motivating both teammates and fans.

Path to Potential Meeting

The World Cup’s structure means Messi and Ronaldo’s teams would need to advance through their respective brackets to meet. Current standings and potential matchups make a clash in the quarterfinals or semifinals possible.

Both teams have favorable paths based on group results, though knockout football’s unpredictability means nothing is guaranteed. Strong performances in the round of 32 would set up intriguing possibilities.

A Messi-Ronaldo matchup would represent one of the most anticipated games in World Cup history. The two players’ rivalry and mutual respect have defined an era of soccer excellence.

Historic Rivalry

Messi and Ronaldo’s careers have been intertwined through their individual brilliance and team successes. Their contrasting styles and achievements have fueled one of sport’s greatest debates.

The possibility of facing each other in the World Cup knockout stages would add another chapter to their legendary rivalry. Such a match would transcend typical competition, drawing global attention.

Both players have expressed mutual respect while acknowledging each other’s greatness. Their professionalism and dedication have elevated the sport throughout their careers.

A potential meeting would represent a fitting culmination of their parallel journeys. The occasion would celebrate their contributions to soccer while showcasing their enduring competitive spirit.

Tournament Context

The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format has created more opportunities for dramatic storylines and historic matchups. The presence of both Messi and Ronaldo adds significant star power to the competition.

Argentina and Portugal have demonstrated quality throughout the group stage. Their advancement rewards consistent performances and tactical execution.

The knockout stages will test both teams’ depth and resilience. Their ability to perform under pressure will determine how far they progress.

Global interest in the tournament has been heightened by the presence of these iconic players. Their performances continue drawing audiences and inspiring young athletes.

Legacy and Impact

Messi and Ronaldo have redefined what is possible in professional soccer. Their longevity, consistency and achievement at the highest level have set new standards for excellence.

Their influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans and young players worldwide. Their commitment to the sport and professional approach have earned widespread admiration.

A potential matchup in 2026 would provide one final opportunity for fans to witness their brilliance on the same field. The occasion would celebrate their careers while showcasing soccer’s magic.

Both players’ legacies are already secure among the greatest in history. Their continued participation adds joy for fans while extending their remarkable stories.

Looking Ahead

As the knockout stages begin, attention will focus on both teams’ performances and potential paths. The possibility of a Messi-Ronaldo clash adds excitement to the tournament’s progression.

Argentina and Portugal will prepare for their round of 32 matches with focus on advancing while managing player fitness. Their depth and tactical preparation will be tested against strong opposition.

The soccer world will watch with anticipation as these two legends continue their World Cup journeys. Their potential meeting would create one of the most memorable moments in tournament history.

Regardless of whether they face each other, Messi and Ronaldo’s participation enriches the 2026 World Cup. Their excellence and dedication continue inspiring fans and players alike.

The tournament’s knockout stages promise drama and high-quality football. The presence of these iconic figures ensures global attention and celebration of soccer’s greatest talents.

The Pima County sheriff leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie pushed back firmly this week against the latest in a string of anonymous letters claiming knowledge of the 84-year-old’s fate, dismissing the most recent communication as likely another fraudulent ransom note nearly five months into the case.

Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the development during an appearance on KVOI AM 1030’s Buckmaster Show on Friday, June 26. “I think the FBI has done a number of arrests for false or fake ransom notes,” Nanos said. “It’s a shame that that happens, but I think we’re looking at another one of those today with what’s been reported, but we’ll let the FBI do their work.”

The note that prompted the response

The comments came after TMZ reported receiving a new letter from a person it had previously been in contact with, who claimed to know the identities of two people responsible for Guthrie’s kidnapping and said he possessed video footage of the “main guy” together with Guthrie on what he described as “the day that was probably her last.” According to TMZ, the sender wrote, “I have a phone stashed in a secure location guaranteeing both the information it stores and the safety of the phone,” and offered to provide the device’s password in exchange for one Bitcoin.

Nanos made clear that the FBI, not his department, holds primary responsibility for vetting such claims. “Those two… that someone believes may or may not have some legitimacy to them, and the FBI is working that,” he said. “I can’t tell you much more on that, because it would be inappropriate. It is ongoing.”

The sheriff also addressed the broader phenomenon of false claims surfacing in high-profile cases. “It is a shame that these type of events occur, people have great interest… that’s good because it helps us, but then it gets really gets abused,” Nanos said. He added that some individuals chasing attention around the case have caused real disruption to Guthrie’s neighborhood, separately criticizing content creators who were arrested near her Tucson-area home for the way they “get out and disturb… an entire neighborhood.”

Two competing notes and a media dispute

The TMZ letter is only the latest entry in a confusing trail of correspondence that has surrounded the case for months. According to multiple outlets, a first ransom note was sent February 2 to local Tucson television stations and TMZ, demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin in exchange for Guthrie’s safe return, and reportedly included specific details about her home, including a broken light on the back porch and a white-banded Apple Watch found on her bedroom floor. A second note, sent to Tucson CBS affiliate KOLD, has been reported by NBC News and other outlets as stating that Guthrie died after her abduction.

That second claim has not gone unchallenged. TMZ founder Harvey Levin disputed the characterization in a video posted to YouTube, saying directly that the version of events describing an apology to the Guthrie family and confirmation of Nancy’s death “was not in the ransom note that we received.” The discrepancy has left competing, unverified accounts of what the notes actually say circulating across different news outlets.

Savannah Guthrie’s emotional plea

The renewed wave of speculation prompted an on-air response from Guthrie’s daughter, “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who addressed colleagues and viewers directly after the death-related note first circulated. “I love you guys, and I love this place and this is unusual and unprecedented,” she told her co-hosts. “I don’t have any comment on this story and I’m not involved in our coverage, but I can’t pretend I’m not here and so since I am, I wanted to just take that opportunity to ask people to come forward.”

She continued with a broader appeal to anyone who might have information. “Someone knows something. And this story today is a news story on your radar but this is the life my sister lives, that I live, that my brother lives, that our extended families live, that our children live, every day,” Guthrie said. “And we are in agony. We cannot be in peace, however much I try to come out here every day, and I will find that joy, I promise I will. But we need your help. We are begging for your help and I’m not going to miss that opportunity. If you are watching, the reward is there, you can tell us. It can be anonymous. Please do the right thing for us, for our children. We love our mom and we will never stop looking for her.”

A “distraction” theory from a legal expert

Outside the official investigation, at least one legal analyst has floated a theory that the wave of anonymous claims may be intentionally designed to mislead investigators rather than provide genuine information. Prosecutor-turned-defense attorney RJ Dreiling told HELLO! that the pattern fits with the broader theory that someone familiar with the Guthrie family may be involved. “The lack of follow-through on any ransom demand makes it look like it was a distraction meant to throw off investigators,” Dreiling said, describing the person potentially responsible as “intelligent enough to completely hide their tracks, including DNA, fingerprints, and electronic data, but also deranged enough to kidnap this woman out of her home and hold her hostage.”

Scrutiny on the sheriff himself

Nanos has faced his own separate controversy while leading the investigation. The Pima County Board of Supervisors considered, but ultimately did not advance, a motion to remove him from office in May after the Arizona Republic reported discrepancies in his publicly listed work history, including a 1982 resignation he had described differently in sworn testimony. The board did vote to refer allegations of possible perjury to the Arizona attorney general. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department has said the discrepancies “were administrative in nature” and “not intended to mislead or misrepresent Sheriff Nanos’ work history.” Nanos addressed the effort to remove him on the Buckmaster Show, saying, “It has always been my belief, the people who voted me in will also have this, the option to vote me out,” and said he did not believe his handling of the Guthrie case was a factor in the push against him.

Where the case stands

Guthrie disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson on the night of February 1, and investigators believe she was abducted. The FBI has released doorbell camera footage showing a masked, armed man near her home around the time she vanished, and officials have said drops of her blood were found on her front stoop. All members of Guthrie’s immediate family and their spouses have been formally cleared as suspects. Despite a reward that has grown to $1 million from the family, plus an additional FBI reward, no arrests have been announced in the case. The Sheriff’s Department has said the investigation remains “active and ongoing,” and that it “will continue to follow up on any credible information” as it nears the five-month mark with Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts still unknown.

The Detroit Pistons’ pursuit of Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard appears to be fading, according to multiple NBA insiders, after reports surfaced indicating the two-time champion has no interest in signing a long-term extension with the franchise even if he were traded there.

The shift in tone comes after weeks of speculation connecting Leonard to Detroit, fueled in part by the Pistons’ broader effort to add proven star power around point guard Cade Cunningham. But according to a HoopsHype report published Sunday, that chatter “has lessened over the past few days,” following Detroit’s acquisition of sharpshooting guard Isaiah Joe and persistent league rumblings that Leonard simply isn’t interested in committing to the Motor City long-term.

A contract situation forcing a decision

Leonard’s looming free agency timeline has been the driving force behind the speculation. The 34-year-old forward is entering the final year of his contract with the Clippers, set to earn $50.3 million in the 2026-27 season on a deal that carries no player or team option. Without a new extension in place, Leonard would become an unrestricted free agent the following summer, creating pressure on Los Angeles to either lock him into a new deal or consider moving him before he can leave for nothing in return.

NBA insider Chris Haynes addressed that dynamic directly during an appearance on NBA TV. “If an extension is not worked out, I expect the Clippers look to move Kawhi,” Haynes said. “I don’t expect that he will stay and play on an expiring deal.”

Leonard’s stance on Detroit

Despite Detroit’s reported interest, multiple reports indicate Leonard has made clear he wouldn’t be willing to sign long-term with the Pistons even if a trade were arranged. According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Leonard “would not be amenable to extending his contract” if he ended up in Detroit. That detail has effectively undercut the rationale for the Pistons to pursue a trade in the first place, since acquiring a 34-year-old star already dealing with a significant injury history on what would amount to an expiring, one-year rental carries far less appeal for a team built around a young core.

Fischer’s reporting indicated Leonard’s preferences point elsewhere entirely. According to multiple outlets citing Fischer, Leonard would only be open to signing an extension with two franchises: the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors, both of which represent earlier stops in his career.

A history with the Spurs and Raptors

Leonard’s connection to those two organizations runs deep. He spent his first seven NBA seasons with San Antonio, where he developed into a two-way star and won a championship and Finals MVP award. The Spurs traded him to Toronto in 2018, and in his lone season with the Raptors, Leonard led the franchise to its only championship in team history, defeating the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals before signing with the Clippers that offseason.

Fischer reported that the Raptors have shown genuine interest in reacquiring Leonard should the Clippers make him available, a scenario that would pair him alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram in Toronto’s frontcourt.

Where the Clippers currently stand

For now, Los Angeles appears committed to keeping Leonard rather than actively shopping him. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, multiple teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit, have contacted the Clippers both at the trade deadline and during this offseason to inquire about Leonard’s availability. “At no point did Los Angeles show any interest in trading him, sources said,” Siegel reported, adding that Leonard’s camp has given no indication that the star is unhappy with the organization.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has reportedly blocked trade discussions involving Leonard, preferring to continue building around him. The team has already reshaped its supporting cast this offseason, sending James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and dealing center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and the No. 5 overall pick in this year’s draft, which the Clippers used to select guard Keaton Wagler.

Complicating factors beyond basketball

Leonard’s situation in Los Angeles also carries an unresolved off-court complication. He remains the subject of a league investigation into allegations of off-book payments allegedly funneled to him and his associates through Clippers-affiliated subsidiaries. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on the network’s “Get Up” that he is unsure whether the league would permit the Clippers to trade Leonard while that investigation remains open.

Leonard’s continued production

Whatever uncertainty surrounds his contract situation, Leonard’s on-court performance last season did little to diminish his standing as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards when healthy. He appeared in 65 games, one of his higher totals in recent years, averaging a career-best 27.9 points per game along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals, earning All-NBA Second Team honors and finishing seventh in MVP voting.

That production explains why Detroit’s interest, even if largely one-sided, was never far-fetched on paper. A core built around Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Leonard would have given the Pistons one of the more formidable frontcourts in the Eastern Conference, coming off a 60-22 season that already represented a major step forward for the franchise.

With Leonard reportedly uninterested in Detroit and the Clippers showing no appetite to move him, the Pistons appear set to pivot their remaining offseason attention elsewhere as free agency opens this week. For Leonard, the more relevant question now is whether Los Angeles ultimately works out an extension to keep him beyond next season, or whether his preference for a potential return to San Antonio or Toronto becomes the more realistic outcome if the Clippers can’t reach a long-term agreement before his contract expires.