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Interview: Gladiator II Production Designer Arthur Max Talks Building Roman Sets, ColosseumJamaican TikToker Niah Fatally Shot During Live StreamREFORM, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge ruled that the family of former NFL player Glenn Foster Jr., who died in law enforcement custody in Alabama, can pursue a lawsuit alleging his death was the result of excessive force. Foster, a former New Orleans Saints defensive end, on Dec. 6, 2021, three days after being arrested and taken to jail in rural Pickens County for alleged speeding and attempting to elude police. A judge ordered Foster taken to a medical facility in Tuscaloosa for a mental evaluation. Foster was found unresponsive in the back of a law enforcement vehicle when he arrived at the facility. He was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later. His widow, Pamela Foster, against officers at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and jail saying Foster had been beaten, shocked with a Taser and strangled while at the jail. The defendants then asked a federal judge to dismiss the case. U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon ruled Thursday refused to dismiss allegations of excessive force and failure to intervene. Axon dismissed other portions of the lawsuit. The ruling came a day before the third anniversary of Foster’s death. Foster appeared in 17 games for the Saints in 2013 and 2014.With recent happenings, those calling for monitoring and regulating the use of social media may, after all, be right. It has become the vogue to use social media to tarnish hard-earned reputations under the guise of freedom of speech, forgetting that where your freedom ends is where someone else’s begins. A recent report in the media space asking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to probe his appointment of a veterinarian as the permanent secretary of the FCTA Health and Environment Secretariat is laughable and a desperate craving for cheap publicity. There is no rule that says only medical doctors must head the secretariat. It will be recalled that similar opposition arose during the Ibrahim Babangida era when Pharmacist Julius Adelusi was appointed as minister of health. Medical doctors collectively opposed the appointment and called for his replacement with one of their own. However, the administration swiftly dismissed their claims, reminding them that pharmacists are also integral to the medical field and that the head of government reserves the right to appoint whomever he believes is most capable of delivering results. This resistance from medical doctors was not unique to the health sector. When the late Akinyele Benson was appointed minister of sports, critics questioned his qualifications because he openly admitted knowing little about sports. Despite this, his leadership proved exemplary, outshining expectations of professionals in the field. Similarly, there were murmurs when Prof. Dora Akinyuli, a pharmacist, was appointed as minister of information. However, she silenced critics by excelling in her role and leaving an indelible legacy. Thus, it is not surprising to see this pattern repeated with Dr. Baba-Gana Adam’s appointment, as critics, particularly some medical doctors, raise unnecessary concerns. Indeed, Wike deserves commendation for his judicious selection of permanent secretaries for the various Mandate Secretariats in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). For the first time under the Wike administration, permanent secretaries were appointed, and in his quest for excellence, he selected highly qualified individuals, ensuring most of them were square pegs in square holes, professionally suited for their roles. By appointing the first crop of permanent secretaries, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is firmly on the right track in the FCT. This baseless media war against selected permanent secretaries, including Dr. Baba-Gana Adam, is therefore unnecessary and inconsequential. Instead, there is a need to commend the minister for prioritising competence and for providing unwavering support to ensure a strong foundation for the secretariat’s operations. Under Wike’s leadership, the FCTA health sector has made remarkable progress in delivering healthcare services to grassroots communities in the nation’s capital. Competence, capability, and capacity should be the watchwords in public service, principles that Dr. Baba-Gana Adam has reinvigorated since his assumption of office. Under his leadership, the secretariat has witnessed the resuscitation of the Drug Revolving Services Fund monthly meeting, which had been abandoned prior to the appointment of Ezenwo Wike, CON, as FCT minister. Dr. Adam also initiated the review and enforcement of technical committees to ensure they function according to laid-out plans and guidelines. Furthermore, billions of naira owed to drug suppliers, which had been withheld by the previous administration, were approved for payment by the minister, showcasing the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and fostering trust in the system. For the purpose of this write-up, we shall focus on the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, where Dr. Baba-Gana Adam has been named the pioneer permanent secretary. Whatever anyone may say, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam came prepared for the job. As a seasoned veterinary doctor with over three decades of experience in public service, he has demonstrated competence and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the FCT. On assuming duty, Baba-Gana expressed gratitude to Wike for appointing him and vowed to make a difference by advancing the secretariat’s goals in alignment with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. His proactive response to the cholera outbreak in parts of the city center is a testament to his focus and dedication. The federal government’s commitment to revitalising the health sector is evident from the launch of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the endorsement of the Sector-wide Compact by President Tinubu, the 36 state governors, and the FCT in December 2023. In line with this, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has emphasised the importance of medical palliatives, recognising their critical role alongside food palliatives in addressing the nation’s challenges amidst limited resources. Dr. Baba-Gana Adam also highlighted the significant achievements under Wike’s leadership, including improved funding, conducive work environments, and securing accreditation for Postgraduate Medical Residency Training Programmes. He commended the minister for his steadfast commitment to training a highly skilled health workforce, continuous hospital improvement and expansion, and the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which has significantly boosted staff morale and success rates in postgraduate medical training. Dr. Baba-Gana noted that Wike, often referred to as “Mr. Projects,” is focused not only on infrastructure but also on building sustainable systems to improve health outcomes. Who is Dr. Baba-Gana Adam? Born in Maiduguri, Borno state, he had his early education at Yerwa Central Primary School and Federal Government College, Maiduguri. Adam pursued tertiary education at the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state and the University of Maiduguri. Dr. Adam is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience spanning over three decades in areas such as Logistics Planning, Research & Statistics, Project Monitoring & Evaluation, Outdoor Advertisement & Signage, and City Management. Since joining the FCTA in 2002, he has held several leadership roles, including at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the Parks and Recreation Department. As the immediate-past record-setting director of the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage, he oversaw critical operations, including the one-stop-shop vetting and permit processing of Masts & Towers in the FCT. Dr. Adam’s contributions to urban renewal, beautification, and environmental services have been widely recognized. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the FCTA Merit Award for Outstanding Performance and the Nigerian Institute of Management Fellowship Award. Certainly, since his appointment as permanent secretary, the secretariat has raised its performance bar. Collaborating with the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Ayokunle Fasawe, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam is poised to make significant strides in advancing health services in the FCT. Indeed, Minister Wike deserves commendation for prioritising competence and for identifying the best talents from over 44,000 employees in the FCTA to lead its critical sectors.
The crackdown was carried out by officers from the Pendle Neighbourhood Policing Team and Task Force as part of “anti-social behaviour awareness week.” The actions were carried out over the weekend, starting from Friday November 22. A Colne and West Craven Police spokesperson said: “The results are as follows: “One drink driving arrest - The driver decided he would drive hanging out the window as his windscreen was iced up, the driver was arrested for driving over the prescribed drink drive limit. “After blowing over the legal limit in custody, he was charged and released on bail to attend court early next year. “One S59 warnings for anti-social driving “One vehicle seized specifically for anti-social driving, after having received a S59 warning prior. “One vehicle seized S165 no insurance - after failing to stop for police , the vehicle was found a short distance away and dragged off to the compound. “Five Traffic Offence Reports issued for a variety of motoring offences. ALSO READ: Every flood warning still in place across Lancashire in aftermath of Storm Bert ALSO READ: Dramatic pictures as fire service investigate cause of vehicle blaze “Two producers issued, requiring the drivers of vehicles to provide their document or expect their points in the post. “Twelve stop searches under the Misuse of Drugs Act as a result of stopping a range of vehicles. “Of these, 10 searches yielded results including possession of drugs, for which passengers were dealt with appropriately. “Needless to say, had drivers failed their roadside drug wipes they too would have been arrested.”Q&A: Mina Kimes' 'Christmas gift' is talking NFL all day on Netflix — and hopefully no glitching
Spurred on by a New York Post story about Pope Francis opening "five sacred portals" this Christmas, the goofier corners of the social media world are breathlessly sharing warnings that the Pope is planning to open the "Tomb of Lucifer," or the Devil's Tomb this holiday season. The TikTok video below, from GraceXDigital, has been viewed more than 2 million times and explains the whole conspiracy theory. Grace is asking the Pope important questions, like "Why are you doing this this year, in this economy?" While The Pope is opening five portals to close out 2024, I regret to inform you that His Holiness is not planning to open the Tomb of Lucifer—nothing that awesome ever happens. There is a tomb of Lucifer under the Vatican, but it's not as cool as you'd hope. Nothing in this story is not as cool as you'd hope. What are these portals the Pope is opening? The Pope is actually going to be opening five sacred portals as part of a ritual this year, but "portal" just means "door," and four of the five doors lead to well known basilicas. Despite what some internet cranks are saying, it's not the first time this has happened either: The ritual happens every 25 years, and is meant to usher in a year “renewed in hope” for Catholics. So basically, it's the Pope doing Pope junk. The only never-happened-before part of the story is Pope Francis putting his own spin on the ritual by opening a fifth door inside the Roman prison Rebibbia on Dec. 26. It's meant to offer prisoners a sign to "look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence." The door opening is symbolic, so the prisoners will not be freed to run rampant in Rome. The Tomb of Lucifer and the Vatican Necropolis The one slightly cool part of the story: There is a city of the dead under the Vatican that has a tomb of Lucifer, and you can visit it . The Vatican Necropolis lies 15 to 24 feet below Saint Peter's Basilica, near the site of the Circus of Caligula . Originally an open-air cemetery, the necropolis dates back to the Roman Empire and supposedly contains the remains of the Apostle Peter along with the skeletons of various Popes and other prominent early Catholics. Also found here: the Tomb of Lucifer. But it's not the Lucifer, the Morning Star, the fallen angel who became the head of the demons. That Lucifer's ultimate fate is murky. Maybe he's still alive, subtly convincing people to cheat at Monopoly, or maybe he's in Heaven because he found redemption, or maybe he's in Newark. (According to Dante, Lucifer is in the deepest circle of the abyss, frozen in ice and forced to beat his wings for eternity to power Hell, so I'll go with that.) In any case, the angelic Lucifer isn't a person, so he doesn't have a tomb. According to the Vatican's own Necropolis map , Tomb U is labeled "Lucifer." The Vatican says: "The entrance to the tomb has been reduced because of a fault in the architrave. It is possible, however, to glimpse some of the niches with their characteristic red background and several arcosoli." Red backgrounds? It's gotta be Satan. But nah: The construction of this tomb pre-dates the association of the name "Lucifer" with the devil. We don't actually know why it's called the Lucifer tomb. It might be a reference to some graffiti found around there , or a reference to an important Catholic with that name. It's not referring to the devil, though. Why are there so many Catholic conspiracy theories anyway? Why the Pope opening some doors in Vatican City became a conspiracy theory on TikTok is a complex question. America's history of anti-Catholicism dates back to before the United States was even a thing . While those deep cultural and historical biases are probably part of it, I think the main reason people traffic in this sort of conspiratorial thinking is more innocent: the Catholic Church is really old and really weird, and people like a little spice in their Christmas eggnog. People also like putting together puzzles, and the Catholic Church gives you a lot of pieces to play with. The Vatican is an ancient city full of tunnels, crumbling Roman ruins, and a Necropolis under a basilica. The Pope controls a city-state, can speak with God's voice, and wears some very impressive hats. It's the kind of set-up where anything seems like it could be happening at any time, including the Pope digging up Satan's grave, maybe so they can fight. Like many conspiracy theorists, the author Dan Brown, and the developers of the Assassin's Creed video games, I want the awesome things to be real too. I want a flashy showdown in Vatican City between angels and demons ( and aliens ). But good and evil don't work that way in real life. Even if you dress up the "good guys" in elaborate headgear, they're still fallible old men—51% good on a good day. Evil doesn't reside in a tomb and come at you with flaming swords. It would be cool if the Pope could call on the power of his big buddy God to smite those who need smiting, but despite the hats, scepters, and symbolic authority, the best the Pope can do is throw open some old doors in the papal palace and maybe try to get people to maybe think about the plight of prisoners.Colorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter before Alamo Bowl
“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, “Saw Patrol” ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic “Gladiator II.” Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of “Gladiator II” this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. “Barbenheimer” shattered its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, they brought in a combined $244 million in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” is a “Part One.” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, Chu told The Associated Press that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the Nicole Kidman kink pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Associated Press journalist John Carucci and Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed reporting. Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!YDance Appoints Kelly Shearer and Anna Kenrick as Co-CEOs, Marking a New Era of Growth and Innovation YDance, Scotland’s national dance organisation for children and young people, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kelly Shearer and Anna Kenrick as Co-Chief Executive Officers, effective immediately. This visionary leadership team brings a combined wealth of experience and a shared commitment to expanding YDance’s impact across Scotland and beyond, advancing a mission of inclusive and transformative dance programming for young people. Kelly Shearer has been with the organisation since 2008, beginning as a Dance Artist on the “Free to Dance” project. Over the years, she has risen through various roles, most recently serving as Head of Participation since 2018. In this role, Kelly led the development and delivery of a diverse portfolio of inspiring and inclusive dance programs for children and young people. Her work encompassed strategic planning, partnership management, policy development, and securing essential funding for numerous projects, ensuring alignment with cultural and governmental objectives. A champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Kelly played a pivotal role in implementing the organisation’s EDI strategy and has represented YDance at prominent national and international conferences. In 2024, she was appointed Executive Director and now embraces her expanded role as Co-CEO. Anna Kenrick joined the organisation as a Dance Artist and, within six weeks, was entrusted with the role of Project Manager on the DISI project. She quickly became a key leader within the organisation, developing and managing the “Free to Dance” project funded by the Scottish Government. After a year, Anna was appointed Projects Director, overseeing the development and execution of all YDance projects across various sectors, including education, community, and social justice. Since becoming Artistic Director in 2011, Anna has led the organisation’s growth, expanding its reach across Scotland, the UK, and internationally while offering rich opportunities for children and young people to thrive through dance. Her new role as Artistic Director / CEO will ensure the organisation continues to grow as the leading organisation for dance with children and young people. “We are delighted to have Kelly Shearer and Anna Kenrick step into these Co-CEO roles at such an exciting time for the organisation,” said ( Alan Busby, Chair). “Their combined expertise in project leadership, strategic growth, and dedication to empowering young people through dance will undoubtedly lead the organisation to new heights.” With Kelly and Anna at the helm, the organisation looks forward to a future filled with impactful programs and partnerships, ensuring that young people across Scotland, the UK, and the world continue to flourish through the power of dance. For more information, please contact: Emily Tryon Marketing Manager emily@ydance.org About YDance YDance (Scottish Youth Dance) is the national dance organisation for children and young people in Scotland. the organisation provides high-quality, inclusive dance programs and opportunities, helping young people develop confidence, creativity, and resilience through movement and expression.
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