Sunday, February 9
Sony Pictures Acquires Alamo Drafthouse in Lifeline to Cinema Chain
Business

Sony Pictures Acquires Alamo Drafthouse in Lifeline to Cinema Chain

Related media - Latest news Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sony bought Alamo from Altamont Capital Partners and Fortress Investment Group, as well as the chain's founder, Tim League. Mr League said the cinema chain was “more than thrilled” with the deal. This comes at a time of financial difficulty for the Alamo and the film industry as a whole. Many of Alamo's franchised locations filed for bankruptcy and closed this month, making Sony's move a potential lifeline for the struggling chain. Alamo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 before a private equity firm intervened. The theaters will continue to operate under the Alamo Drafthouse brand, Sony said, although they will be operated by a newly formed division at Sony led by Michael Kustermann, Alamo's chief executive. ...
In the rescue of the Israeli hostages, minutes made the difference
World

In the rescue of the Israeli hostages, minutes made the difference

Related media - Recent news In the footage, edited to blur the soldiers' faces and remove gory images, the hostages are then seen leaving the building and climbing through tree-lined terrain as gunfire erupts around them. “Hamas members shot at them,” said al-Tahrawi, the shop owner. Other militants joined the fight, according to Admiral Hagari, "running through the streets with RPGs," an acronym for rocket-propelled grenades. "There was a lot of fire around us," he said. As Ms. Argamani was approaching the beach in one vehicle, the other truck used for the rescue broke down, according to Israeli officials, who requested anonymity to discuss a clandestine operation. To provide cover for the stalled truck, officials said, the Air Force began bombing the nearby area, effectively crea...
California proposes 30 AI regulatory laws amid federal gridlock
Technology

California proposes 30 AI regulatory laws amid federal gridlock

More news - Breaking news California lawmakers last month advanced about 30 new AI measures aimed at protecting consumers and jobs, one of the largest efforts yet to regulate the new technology. The bills aim to impose the toughest nationwide restrictions on artificial intelligence, which some technologists warn could kill entire categories of jobs, throw elections into chaos with misinformation and pose national security risks. California's proposals, many of which have won broad support, include rules to prevent AI tools from discriminating in housing and health services. They also aim to protect intellectual property and jobs. The California legislature, which is expected to vote on the proposed laws by Aug. 31, has already helped shape U.S. tech consumer protections. In 2020 t...
Middle East crisis: Blinken arrives in Middle East as US pushes for ceasefire vote at UN
Recent News

Middle East crisis: Blinken arrives in Middle East as US pushes for ceasefire vote at UN

More news - Latest news Still battling Israel's external enemies on multiple fronts, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu awoke Monday to a new political battlefield at home.The departure this weekend of Benny Gantz and his centrist National Unity party from Israel's wartime emergency government is unlikely to immediately break Netanyahu's power. The prime minister's ruling coalition still holds a narrow majority of 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament. But Gantz's move means Netanyahu is now totally dependent on his far-right and ultra-Orthodox coalition partners as he pursues the war in Gaza despite growing international disapproval, leaving him increasingly isolated and exposed at home and abroad. . Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, another powerful National Unity member, also left Netanyahu'...
Rocky Wirtz, president of the Chicago Blackhawks, has died at the age of 70
World

Rocky Wirtz, president of the Chicago Blackhawks, has died at the age of 70

More news - Latest news Rocky Wirtz, who after taking over from his father as principal owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, won three Stanley Cup championships in the 2010s — a stellar run that lost its luster several years later after a sexual assault investigation by one of the teams of the minor league. players by a coach – died Tuesday in Evanston, Illinois. He was 70 years old. His death, in hospital, was confirmed by John Steinmiller, team spokesman. Under Mr. Wirtz's father, William, the Blackhawks, one of the National Hockey League's six original franchises, had become a downtrodden, money-losing franchise. The team hadn't won the Stanley Cup since 1961. Attendance at the United Center was among the worst in the league. And home games weren't televised. “I would say, 'Dad, w...