2
As far as issue #1, you need to set the block to be turned on
and you need to make sure that each group has access to the given module and the given block. Thus, for any block to be seen by any group,
Block on?
Y
Access on for group for the module (NOT admin access)?
Y
Block set to be on?
Y
then it will show.
To set for the group to have permission to see the block go to system|groups|visitors(or anonymous) then scroll down the page to the module access permissions. Check off to make sure that, in your case, visitors have access to the news module. Scroll down a little further and make sure that the block you want the visitors to see is checked off. Submit the page and you should be good to go.
As to issue #2, there are several methods. For myself, I use the Spotlight Module version 2.2 to do my news block. It does the job I need. There are several different versions. Honestly, I can't tell you which one I have for certain but I think it's
this one.
MMM...It tastes like chicken! ...