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Israel promotes wine tourismShip strikes kill thousands of whales. A study of hot spots could map out solutionsWolf Popper LLP Announces Investigation on Behalf of Symbotic Inc. Investors
Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and RussiaAs ski resorts across the Pacific Northwest begin to open, anticipation is growing for what experts predict could be an unforgettable season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance of La Niña conditions, leading skiers and snowboarders to gear up for a winter filled with fresh powder, stunning views, and epic runs. In the 2023-2024 season, the National Ski Areas Association reported that 60.4 million people hit the slopes nationwide, but only 16.5 million chose the Pacific Northwest. However, that number may rise this season as renowned resorts like Mount Baker, Crystal Mountain, and Stevens Pass prepare for what could be one of their snowiest winters. Here's what you need to know to take full advantage of this potentially record-breaking ski season in the PNW. I've skied at more than 20 resorts across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast. I can attest that skiing in the Pacific Northwest offers an entirely different experience, primarily due to heavy snowfall and the Pacific Northwest's distinct type of snow. According to AccuWeather's Senior Meteorologist Brian Wimer , "Ski resorts on the West Coast, such as in Washington, Oregon, and California, have much more moisture available in comparison to interior Western states like Utah and Colorado." Coastal states experience more frequent snowstorms than ski areas in other parts of the United States. For example, Mount Baker in Washington is famous for being the world's snowiest ski resort , largely due to its prime location close to the coast. Another result of the Pacific Northwest’s location is the snow’s water content, which influences its texture. Areas closer to the ocean tend to have snow with higher water content, while this decreases as you move inland. As water content lowers, snow becomes drier and more powdery, much like the conditions found in the Rockies. While you'll enjoy plenty of powder days in the Pacific Northwest, the snow won't feel quite the same as Colorado's. You can still carve through fresh snow, but it tends to be heavier and wetter, making many PNW skiers opt for thicker skis. One of the great things about the Pacific Northwest is how long the winter season lasts. From November to May, there's plenty of time to enjoy the slopes. As someone who loves skiing here, I can confidently say there's no wrong time to visit. However, I recommend coming between January and April, as the mountains receive the most snowfall during this period. The base layers have time to build up, ensuring most runs are open and ready for action. My favorite time to ski in the Pacific Northwest is early spring. While many skiers and snowboarders race to get the first tracks after a fresh snowstorm or overnight grooming, spring skiing in the PNW offers a special experience. The best time to enjoy spring skiing is in the afternoon, so most people don't hit the slopes until lunchtime. You still get the occasional snowstorm, but the warmer temperatures make it unique. There's something about skiing in lighter layers, with many opting for just a t-shirt, that makes it feel like a whole new adventure. Experts at the NOAA expect above-average precipitation across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in early winter, leading to favorable snow conditions at their ski resorts. The Pacific Northwest offers various ski resorts , from charming local mountains to world-famous destinations. With La Niña's predicted snowfall this winter, several spots are worth considering for your trip. My personal favorite in Oregon is Mount Bachelor. Over in Washington, you can't go wrong with Summit at Snoqualmie, Mission Ridge, or Crystal Mountain. And while Idaho might not always be the first place you think of for skiing, the state has some incredible resorts, including Schweitzer and Sun Valley. To fully enjoy this ski season, I highly recommend planning ahead and booking your trip to one of the top resorts in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. In addition, keeping up with weather apps and following resort social media accounts is essential for tracking snowstorms and staying informed. While chasing storms may not be feasible for everyone, it remains one of the best ways to guarantee optimal conditions. If you're anticipating a significant storm and can take time off, seizing that opportunity to hit the slopes could make for an unforgettable ski experience. The Pacific Northwest offers something extraordinary with its heavy snowfall, breathtaking views, and diverse range of resorts. While many skiers and snowboarders anxiously monitor weather forecasts and resort updates, planning early is always smart. By booking your lift tickets, flights, and accommodations at the start of the season, you'll avoid price hikes and set yourself up for an incredible winter adventure in the Pacific Northwest.German Auto Supplier Bosch to Cut 5,500 Jobs in Further Sign of Carmakers’ Woes
As ski resorts across the Pacific Northwest begin to open, anticipation is growing for what experts predict could be an unforgettable season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance of La Niña conditions, leading skiers and snowboarders to gear up for a winter filled with fresh powder, stunning views, and epic runs. In the 2023-2024 season, the National Ski Areas Association reported that 60.4 million people hit the slopes nationwide, but only 16.5 million chose the Pacific Northwest. However, that number may rise this season as renowned resorts like Mount Baker, Crystal Mountain, and Stevens Pass prepare for what could be one of their snowiest winters. Here's what you need to know to take full advantage of this potentially record-breaking ski season in the PNW. I've skied at more than 20 resorts across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast. I can attest that skiing in the Pacific Northwest offers an entirely different experience, primarily due to heavy snowfall and the Pacific Northwest's distinct type of snow. According to AccuWeather's Senior Meteorologist Brian Wimer , "Ski resorts on the West Coast, such as in Washington, Oregon, and California, have much more moisture available in comparison to interior Western states like Utah and Colorado." Coastal states experience more frequent snowstorms than ski areas in other parts of the United States. For example, Mount Baker in Washington is famous for being the world's snowiest ski resort , largely due to its prime location close to the coast. Another result of the Pacific Northwest’s location is the snow’s water content, which influences its texture. Areas closer to the ocean tend to have snow with higher water content, while this decreases as you move inland. As water content lowers, snow becomes drier and more powdery, much like the conditions found in the Rockies. While you'll enjoy plenty of powder days in the Pacific Northwest, the snow won't feel quite the same as Colorado's. You can still carve through fresh snow, but it tends to be heavier and wetter, making many PNW skiers opt for thicker skis. One of the great things about the Pacific Northwest is how long the winter season lasts. From November to May, there's plenty of time to enjoy the slopes. As someone who loves skiing here, I can confidently say there's no wrong time to visit. However, I recommend coming between January and April, as the mountains receive the most snowfall during this period. The base layers have time to build up, ensuring most runs are open and ready for action. My favorite time to ski in the Pacific Northwest is early spring. While many skiers and snowboarders race to get the first tracks after a fresh snowstorm or overnight grooming, spring skiing in the PNW offers a special experience. The best time to enjoy spring skiing is in the afternoon, so most people don't hit the slopes until lunchtime. You still get the occasional snowstorm, but the warmer temperatures make it unique. There's something about skiing in lighter layers, with many opting for just a t-shirt, that makes it feel like a whole new adventure. Experts at the NOAA expect above-average precipitation across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in early winter, leading to favorable snow conditions at their ski resorts. The Pacific Northwest offers various ski resorts , from charming local mountains to world-famous destinations. With La Niña's predicted snowfall this winter, several spots are worth considering for your trip. My personal favorite in Oregon is Mount Bachelor. Over in Washington, you can't go wrong with Summit at Snoqualmie, Mission Ridge, or Crystal Mountain. And while Idaho might not always be the first place you think of for skiing, the state has some incredible resorts, including Schweitzer and Sun Valley. To fully enjoy this ski season, I highly recommend planning ahead and booking your trip to one of the top resorts in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. In addition, keeping up with weather apps and following resort social media accounts is essential for tracking snowstorms and staying informed. While chasing storms may not be feasible for everyone, it remains one of the best ways to guarantee optimal conditions. If you're anticipating a significant storm and can take time off, seizing that opportunity to hit the slopes could make for an unforgettable ski experience. The Pacific Northwest offers something extraordinary with its heavy snowfall, breathtaking views, and diverse range of resorts. While many skiers and snowboarders anxiously monitor weather forecasts and resort updates, planning early is always smart. By booking your lift tickets, flights, and accommodations at the start of the season, you'll avoid price hikes and set yourself up for an incredible winter adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.A group of talented fans have made a native PC port of Star Fox 64 , which they are calling Starship . Even better? It’s technically legal. Harbour Masters, the team behind the project, used a tool that converts the original game ROM into PC executable code, so it doesn’t actually use any proprietary Nintendo code. This is the same method used to create the native PC port of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time , and that one’s still available for download . Members of this crew also ported Majora’s Mask and Super Mario 64 using the same conversion tool. There is one major caveat here. You’ll need your own legally-sourced Star Fox 64 game ROM to play. Star Fox 64: now on PC, thanks to an unofficial port. https://t.co/YZULlJdrqw pic.twitter.com/q684NpU49p — Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) December 23, 2024 Just like previous ports, Starship features all kinds of modern bells and whistles to set itself apart from the 1997 original. The frame rate is higher and the port includes frame smoothing technology for better visuals. There are custom-made textures and the ability to run on widescreen monitors, as seen above. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement There’s also another major benefit. This port is moddable, so who knows what we’ll see in the future once people get their hands on it. The team’s Ocarina of Time port has received plenty of love from the modding community. Some mods allow for abilities sourced from newer Zelda games and one even throws functioning Pikmin into the mix because, well, why not? According to Redditors, the Star Fox 64 port is easy to get going on a Steam Deck , if that’s your bag. It requires Proton and some light hurdle-jumping, as the code isn’t Linux-based. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a legitimate Star Fox game from Nintendo, and it was a weird one , so this could sate that neverending urge to do barrel rolls.NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction, arguing continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the extraordinary circumstances of his impending return to the White House. “Wrongly continuing proceedings in this failed lawfare case disrupts President Trump’s transition efforts,” the attorneys continued, before citing the “overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5, 2024.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse the conviction, which involved efforts to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to disrupt his 2016 campaign. He has denied any wrongdoing. Trump takes office Jan. 20. Merchan hasn’t set a timetable for a decision. A dismissal would erase Trump’s historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option.
Former US president Bill Clinton hospitalized with fever
The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse?
Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday announced that he is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. The move spares the lives of people convicted in killings, including the slayings of police and military officers, people on federal land and those involved in deadly bank robberies or drug deals, as well as the killings of guards or prisoners in federal facilities. The decision leaves three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. “I’ve dedicated my career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system,” Biden said in a statement. “Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole. These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.” Reaction was strong, both for and against. A Trump spokesperson called the decision “abhorrent.” House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee on Monday accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress, as lawmakers released the conclusions of a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz, now 42, took part in from 2017 to 2020 while the Republican represented Florida's western Panhandle. Congressional investigators concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, though not federal sex trafficking laws. They also found that Gaetz “knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct” the committee's work. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report said. Before the report came out, Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare pleaded not guilty on Monday to state murder and terror charges while his attorney complained that comments coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough to receive a fair trial. Luigi Mangione, 26, was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his plea. The Manhattan district attorney charged him last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's initial appearance in New York’s state trial court was preempted by federal prosecutors bringing their own charges over the shooting. The federal charges could carry the possibility of the death penalty, while the maximum sentence for the state charges is life in prison without parole. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. One of Mangione’s attorneys told a judge that government officials, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, have turned Mangione into a political pawn, robbing him of his rights as a defendant and tainting the jury pool. Man faces murder charges in the death of a woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder and arson charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames, police said Monday. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was taken into custody hours after the woman died on Sunday morning. Zapeta, 33, is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018, said Jeff Carter, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Surveillance video showed the suspect approach the woman, who was sitting motionless and may have been sleeping, on a stationary F train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn and set her clothing on fire, police said. The woman's clothing "“became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds,” said Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, while the suspect remained at the scene, watching her burn from a bench on the subway platform as police and a transit worker extinguished the flames. Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. “We will strike (the Houthis’) strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” he said. “Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeida and Sanaa,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed in previous Israeli attacks. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20. In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity." Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn't done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He's also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world’s third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors Corp. also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Automakers in Japan have lagged behind their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time as newcomers like China's BYD and EV market leader Tesla devour market share. Honda's president, Toshihiro Mibe, said Honda and Nissan will attempt to unify their operations under a joint holding company. Honda will lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. They aim to have a formal merger agreement by June and to complete the deal and list the holding company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026, he said. No dollar value was given and the formal talks are just starting, Mibe said. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners laid flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack on Monday as investigators puzzled over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities were scrutinized, while fears swirled that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. The Johanniskirche, a church a short walk from the scene of the attack, has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening, killing five people. A carpet of flowers now covers the broad sidewalk in front of the church. Prosecutors said the number of injured has risen to as many as 235 as more people have reported to hospitals and doctors, but it's possible there was some double-counting. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. The man described himself as an ex-Muslim who was highly critical of Islam, and on social media expressed support for the far-right. A picture has emerged of someone who had come to authorities’ attention for threatening behavior and been the subject of tipoffs, but wasn't known to have committed any violence. The interior minister of Saxony-Anhalt state, Tamara Zieschang, told lawmakers Monday that police had contacted him in September 2023 and again in October this year, but didn't comment publicly on why, German news agency dpa reported. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond The Rev. Shannon Blosser sees how his son loves church — the music, the singing, the communion. But the United Methodist pastor said his family hasn’t always felt like 11-year-old Noah, who is autistic, has been welcome. At one point, Blosser’s wife and the couple’s two sons stopped attending in-person services at a church where he served. “If we felt more supported, we probably would have pushed through.” Many people with disabilities, advocates and families want more religious congregations to know that there are ways to be accommodating and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities this holiday season — and year round — and to fully embrace them and their families. “They just have to have the willingness to be the church that sees the image of God in every child and every adult,” said Blosser, who now serves two small West Virginia congregations that have been supportive of his family’s needs. Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, one of the congregations, is hosting a “Calm Christmas,” a sensory-friendly celebration and worship, where music will come from a guitar, rather than a piano, and candles will be swapped for glow sticks to avoid any dangers. There are fidget toys and a “visual schedule” to help those needing images and graphics to better process the sequence of events. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men's college basketball poll. It's a fitting spot for a pair of Southeastern Conference teams considering the league put 10 teams into Monday's AP Top 25. The Volunteers (11-0) and Tigers (11-1) spent a third straight week in the same position, and it marked a fourth consecutive week for Auburn sitting at No. 2. They were part of a top 10 that featured the same top-10 programs, though slightly reshuffled with Kentucky tumbling six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. The poll also featured four additions that previously had been ranked this season, including No. 19 Mississippi State and No. 23 Arkansas to add to the SEC's season-long hauls. The SEC thrice had as many as nine ranked teams this season, including in the preseason poll. This is the first time since at least the start of the 2012-13 season that one league had 10 ranked teams. Iowa State was third, followed by Duke and Alabama to round out the top five. Florida, Kansas, Marquette and Oregon followed, with those teams all moving up one spot given the Wildcats' fall to 10th.US consumer confidence drops unexpectedly to near-recession levels ahead of Trump's 2nd termLAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ALLO Fiber today announced a fiber broadband project installing a 10 Gigabit network in Flagstaff, AZ. This fiber connection will enable world-class internet, broadband, cybersecurity, managed services, telephone, and video services for residents and businesses. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025 . This $65 million project will employ 75 local professionals, with many more involved during the construction phase. Flagstaff residents and businesses will soon be able to take advantage of award-winning customer service and internet speeds. Through this 100% fiber-optic network, students can improve how they learn, and employees can work efficiently from the office or home. The fiber network will feature up to 10 Gigabit speeds for residents and up to 100 Gigabit speeds for businesses, providing equal upload and download speeds optimized by ALLO's world-class Wi-Fi 7 routers. Additionally, Flagstaff residents, businesses of all sizes, and governmental entities will be supported by ALLO's fiber-rich network, delivering active and passive solutions without installation fees or restrictive contracts. Internet, data transport, cloud connectivity, video, and voice are included in ALLO's comprehensive communications, entertainment, and business products. Businesses can access ALLO's managed services, next-generation firewalls, phone systems, and cybersecurity offerings before the fiber network is built. The community will also have access to a community-wide network providing ultra-reliable and extensive internet bandwidth. ALLO Arizona General Manager Mike Horton stated, "As we expand our coverage across Arizona , we are excited to begin construction in the City of Flagstaff . We understand that with continued growth in the region, the value of essential communications infrastructure and advanced technology is an important asset for the city and surrounding communities. We look forward to offering ALLO Fiber services to Flagstaff and continuing to create local jobs in the process." Flagstaff is the seventh Arizona community that ALLO serves. ALLO began developing our first Arizona Gigabit community in Lake Havasu City in September of 2021, followed by the Kingman , Yuma , San Luis , Somerton , and Sierra Vista markets. ALLO is also operating Middle Mile projects in Yuma and Mohave Counties. For more information about ALLO in Flagstaff , please visit AlloFiber.com/ Flagstaff and AlloFiber.com/careers . About ALLO Communications ALLO Communications, a leader in providing fiber-optic services, has been dedicated to delivering world-class communications and entertainment services since 2003. With a commitment to building Gigabit communities, ALLO serves over 50 communities across Nebraska , Colorado , Arizona , Missouri , Iowa , and Kansas . ALLO is known for its reliable fiber networks and customized technology solutions that support businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit AlloFiber.com . Contact: Tanna Hanna Vice President of Marketing Tanna.Hanna@allofiber.com 308-633-7815 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-power-of-allos-all-fiber-network-coming-to-flagstaff-arizona-302338563.html SOURCE ALLO CommunicationsThe internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse?
Syrian rebels advance close to Hama city, piling pressure on Assad and his allies
Bilbo Baggins once wrote that “the old that is strong does not wither.” Well, Lord of the Rings is over 70 years old, and War of the Rohirrim may be a worrying (but beautifully crafted, often entertaining) omen for a franchise looking to justify itself. Peter Jackson directed three of the greatest, most monumental movies in cinema history with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He tried, and failed, to recapture the wonder of Middle-earth with The Hobbit movies, needlessly chopped up and full of garish VFX (lest we forget Legolas defying gravity more than Wicked’s Elphaba ). Regrettably, the series has become a hotbed for insufferable finger-wagging and pedantry after Amazon’s Rings of Power . Admittedly, its first season was a bit iffy, but Season 2 was extraordinary, and perhaps the most vivid and compelling interpretation of Tolkien’s texts since the original films. Jackson, Phillipa Boyens and co. have since returned to the fold. They’re making at least two more live-action movies (starting with The Hunt for Gollum ). It could be an attempt to sway contemptuous fans back to the fold, or perhaps it’s just about money, or maybe – just maybe – they have good stories to tell. Unfortunately, War of the Rohirrim isn’t quite a testament to the latter hope. What is LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim about? “All of Middle-earth [and the real world, let’s be honest] knows the tale of the One Ring,” Miranda Otto’s Éowyn narrates. “But there are others... tales that light a path through the dark.” Set over 180 years before the events of the Fellowship of the Ring, the movie follows Héra (Gaia Wise), the “headstrong, wild” daughter of Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox), the king of Rohan – he won’t admit it, but he’s “proud of his tearaway daughter,” Éowyn says, and while you won’t find her name in the “old tales... by her hand, many great deeds were done.” Related: Everything seems swell in Edoras, but one punch starts a war. Freca (Shaun Dooley), a Dunlending lord with Rohirric blood (and a clear disdain for Helm) hears that Héra may be marrying a Gondorian prince. He proposes she marry Wulf (Luke Pasqualino), her childhood friend, instead. Helm turns him down, leading to a fight – a generous description, considering Helm haymakers Freca and kills him. Wulf is furious and vows to avenge his father’s death, lighting the fuse of the titular war. Lord of the Rings is perfect for anime Let me say this outright: War of the Rohirrim looks and sounds spectacular, with an eye-popping, vibrant blend of different styles; you can see Attack on Titan (both Weta and MAPPA worked on the visuals), Studio Ghibli , and even Ralph Bakshi’s original Lord of the Rings movie. The landscapes are breathtaking, Stephen Gallagher’s score bows its head to Howard Shore’s irreplaceable compositions while sprinkling its own melodies, and Kenji Kamiyama doesn’t merely try to emulate Jackson’s staging and direction – this feels like a unique entry in the LOTR canon; epic, but gorgeous in a way only this medium can allow. Here, the Mûmakil (the big elephants) are terrifying, fury-eyed beasts, the Great Eagles are great (the best animated birds since The Rescuers: Down Under – yes, really), and we even get a slimy, enormous Watcher in the Water that’s slickly brought to life. The action is generally well-done, if not always that exciting; anime has some of the most dynamic set pieces across movies and television, and outside of its world-building and general presentation, War of the Rohirrim doesn’t maximize its potential (Helm Hammerhand aside). War of the Rohirrim’s story is uninspiring Here’s the thing: War of the Rohirrim isn’t for the rookies, nor does it feel like a deep-cut Tolkien story (because it isn’t). Excluding Éowyn’s vague narration, it operates on the assumption that you not only know about Rohan and Gondor, but you care about their pasts, their lineages, and the political tensions that lie between the two allied kingdoms. That onus shouldn’t be on us , it’s on the filmmakers, and this movie fails where its predecessors (even The Hobbit films) succeeded. It’s not that it’s missing any connections to the main Lord of the Rings saga (its references are admirably restrained, and each one works better than the last), it just struggles to communicate why this story is worthy of our attention. There’s a blatant message in here – if men don’t curb their arrogance, it could be their downfall – but it’s tritely conveyed, a consequence of a film that’s fast-paced but lacks impact in its momentum. For example, Helm Hammerhand is immediately likable (mainly due to Cox’s wonderful voice performance), but do I feel like I know him as I did Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, and the rest of the Fellowship? This is a writing issue, and one character stands out: I’m sorry, but Héra is a dull lead, and it’s obvious that the movie was written around a character with almost no basis in the source material. She may be “headstrong and wild”, but we barely get a sense of who she is; everyone loves her, she’s a talented fighter, she’s not interested in getting married... and that’s about it. By Wise’s own admission, she’s not a “fully-formed woman” – but she’s not a fully-formed character, either. Dexerto review score: 3/5 – Good If nothing else, War of the Rohirrim is a proof of concept; we need more Lord of the Rings animes from Tolkien’s legendarium. However, striking animation and a charming vocal ensemble aside, it feels regrettably forgettable – entertaining in the moment, but dispensable. If “all we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us,” I’d rather wait for something better. Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will hit cinemas on December 13. Check out what we know about Rings of Power Season 3 , how to get the War of the Rohirrim popcorn bucket , and for more information on how we score TV shows and movies, check out our scoring guidelines here.Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim review – Middle of the road for Middle-earth
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First two candidates for New York Jets general manager job revealed... with interviews set to take place this week READ MORE: Travis Hunter is crowned 2024 Heisman Trophy winner By BEN NAGLE Published: 15:20 GMT, 15 December 2024 | Updated: 15:20 GMT, 15 December 2024 e-mail View comments The New York Jets ' rebuild is well underway, with officials set to begin interviews for the team's next general manager this week. Aaron Rodgers and Co have endured an awful season to date and currently sit with a 3-10 record, six weeks after firing head coach Robert Saleh and then GM Joe Douglas. After wiping the slate clean, the first candidates for the new general manager have been identified, with former Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson high on the list. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who previously worked in the front offices of the Commanders and Eagles, has also been cited as a potential option. ESPN report that the Jets plan to announce or confirm each general manager interview after it is completed, but Robinson's is expected to take place this week. The Jets will not be in a hurry to decide on the next coach and GM, and it has been claimed that they do not mind in which order they make their hires. Jon Robinson (center) is among the top candidates for the New York Jets GM position ESPN analyst Louis Riddick is also expected to be interviewed in the coming weeks The GM hiring process, particularly, could be a lengthy one, given that candidates who are currently already with other NFL organizations cannot interview with a different team until the regular season is over. Given Robinson is not currently with a team, after leaving the Titans in 2022, he is available to interview any time - and would arrive with an impressive resume after his time in Tennessee. Robinson oversaw the Titans' drafting of running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver AJ Brown, and never had a losing season during his time with the team. Jets owner Woody Johnson is reportedly not in a hurry to bring in his new head coach and GM In seven years with him at the helm, the Titans made the playoffs four times, and his firing in December 2022 left fans and players alike stunned. He is the franchise's second-winningest general manager of all-time, with 69 wins, second only to Floyd Reese (111), per ESPN. Last month, the Jets hired 'The 33rd Team' to support them in their search for a new head coach and GM. Led by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum and former Vikings GM Rick Spielman, the technology and media company are providing data analysis and experience to assist in the hiring process. New York Jets Tennessee Titans Aaron Rodgers Share or comment on this article: First two candidates for New York Jets general manager job revealed... with interviews set to take place this week e-mail Add commentDavid Herndon, the Kansas bank commissioner, told a joint committee of the Kansas Legislature that he continued to have reservations about the banking charter issued to Beneficient Fiduciary Financial LLC of Hesston because the law creating the unique form of banking prevented state regulators from fully reviewing operations of SFF. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — The Kansas banking commissioner renewed apprehension about regulatory limitations in state law that inhibit thorough examination of the unusual business granted a banking charter by order of the Kansas Legislature. State banking commissioner David Herndon said Kansas law adopted in 2022 provided the charter to Beneficient Fiduciary Financial LLC of Hesston and simultaneously forbid the Kansas Office of State Banking Commissioner from applying international evaluation standards to BFF. The statute blocked the commissioner from rating BFF in terms of capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk. Kansas kept state banking regulators from fully examining operations of BFF, Herndon said, despite his belief BFF’s debt instruments should be considered a “substandard asset.” Two recent limited evaluations of BFF by Herdon’s staff remain confidential, he said. In addition, Herndon last week told the Kansas Joint Committee on Fiduciary Financial Institutions that state law failed to meet requirements established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for background checks of organizers at BFF or any other technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution, or TEFFI, authorized by the state. So far, BFF is the lone TEFFI in Kansas. “Those concerns remain, and in some cases, have deepened,” said Herndon, who had sounded alarms since inception of the TEFFI concept. “It is still impossible to conduct a meaningful safety and soundness examination.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission launched an investigation of Beneficient, the Dallas-based parent company of BFF. In July, Beneficient said the SEC closed that inquiry and wouldn’t recommend enforcement action by the SEC. However, Herndon said, financial problems at the parent company could bleed into BFF and other Beneficient subsidiaries. A series of executives associated with Beneficient and BFF offered the bipartisan House and Senate oversight committee a contrary perspective on work to implement a TEFFI law unique to Kansas. The executives said the company had faced challenges, but were bullish on prospects of generating revenue, contributing to economic development in Kansas and serving as a positive example for how business could be conducted under a TEFFI model. The heart of the operation involved Beneficient assisting wealthy individuals and business owners to exchange illiquid assets locked in investment funds for liquid assets such as cash and stock. Beneficient has no interest in the deals on expensive artwork, antique vehicles or wine collections, but has targeted private equity assets that hold value but don’t produce regular cash flow. The Kansas-endorsed business earns fees for work with these alternative assets. Twenty percent of a 2.5% cut in fee revenue must be diverted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for distribution to economic development projects across the state. The remaining 80% of this slice of fee revenue must flow to the Beneficient Heartland Foundation for economic development in Hesston. Brad Heppner, CEO and board chairman of BFF, said constraints in the U.S. economy inhibited mergers and acquisitions that would have contributed to Beneficient’s TEFFI business model. After taking Beneficient public on Nasdaq in 2023, the financial services company’s stock crashed. The 52-week high in Beneficient stock value was $51.14 per share and the 52-week low was less that $1 per share. On Tuesday, it sat at 82 cents per share. Heppner told state lawmakers he was optimistic there would be a surge during the next year or so in U.S. mergers and acquisitions. He said the forecast was based, in part, on promises made by President-elect Donald Trump. “We have turned the corner,” Heppner said. “Finally, after a pretty disastrous previous year.” He said there were no guarantee of a stronger market for alternative asset deals, “but there’s general euphoria.” In April 2022, Heppner predicted as many as 50 companies eager to operate as a TEFFI could open offices in Hesston within two years. None have done so. Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican and legislative champion of BFF and Beneficient, said when the TEFFI law was created that it could attract alternative asset businesses to Kansas in the same way the credit card issuing industry boomed in South Dakota. He said two years ago a business-friendly TEFFI model could drive as much as $1 billion over a decade into Kansas. Owens is on the joint legislative oversight committee responsible for monitoring BFF. Democratic Sen. Jeff Pittman of Leavenworth, another member of the committee, said he was concerned the TEFFI concept hadn’t taken off in the way Heppner and Owens predicted in the past. He said members of the Legislature would benefit from testimony by independent experts in the banking industry who might explain what was holding back investment in the TEFFI market. During the joint committee’s recent hearing at the Capitol, testimony came from BFF associates, the state banking commissioner and the state Department of Commerce. Heppner said it was true BFF remained the lone TEFFI in the United States, but he asserted there was interest from two out-of-state groups that might be willing to enter the alternative asset business in Kansas. He didn’t identify those entities. The state banking commissioner said he’d had no inquiries from companies intrigued by Kansas’ first-of-its-kind alternative asset framework. Sen. Michael Fagg, R-El Dorado, praised BFF’s distribution of several million dollars in economic development seed grants through the Department of Commerce. The third round of grants were released by the Department of Commerce in September. Fagg lauded plans to move ahead with revitalization of Main Street in Hesston, including development of a grocery store. That work is funneled through the Beneficient’s foundation. “We wouldn’t have any of this economic development without BFF,” Fagg said. “We’re trying to promote a new idea. I wanted to personally and publicly thank them (BFF) for that.” Former state Sen. Jeff King, an attorney with Crossroads Legal Solutions who represents Benificient and BFF, said the federal SEC investigation of Beneficient came to an end. He said the Beneficient believed it was time for the Legislature to consider how the current regulatory structure had performed and how changes could more effectively attract clients. Alan Dienes, managing director and chief operating office at BFF, urged lawmakers to exempt BFF from certain regulations typical of a bank. He said state law required BFF to complete daily and monthly reports in the manner of a bank, but the TEFFI shouldn’t be treated as such. He said the 2025 Legislature should allow BFF more time to compile quarterly reports and be exempted from lending limits. “We think it’s time to start fine-tuning the statute,” he said. “The world changes a little bit.” BFF executives urged the Legislature to compel the Department of Commerce to launch a marketing campaign to recruit businesses that might make use of a TEFFI charter. BFF president Derek Fletcher said the state’s TEFFI law should be amended during the upcoming session to recognize movement toward digitization of asset ownership. He said the state’s $250,000 application fee for a TEFFI was too high, despite the scheduled lowering of that fee to $100,000 next year. He said the fee was a barrier to entry into the TEFFI business world. If the Legislature took up a TEFFI reform bill, the state banking commissioner said lawmakers should include provisions that would address voluntary or involuntary termination of BFF operations or of any subsequent TEFFI. Beneficient executives previously opposed placement into statute of language that outlined what would happen if a TEFFI was declared insolvent. In the past, Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, was unsuccessful in generating interest in legislation that would grant state regulators the authority to suspend Beneficient’s operations. Holland also had sought a state-led inquiry of Beneficient and Beneficient’s former parent company, GWG Holdings. A federal lawsuit alleges GWG Holdings misled investors by selling hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds. GWG Holdings spun off Beneficient in 2022 as the Legislature was engaged in developing a program to create the TEFFI sought by Beneficient.Confronting 'neijuan': China addresses unhealthy competition
