Latest news with #DavidBanks
Scotsman
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Award-winning Scottish company announce Stuntman UK tour
Award-winning Scottish company SUPERFAN are taking their high-octane smash hit Edinburgh Fringe show Stuntman on tour, supported by Creative Scotland. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The show uses a blend of dance, theatre and circus, to present a hilarious, and tender ode to the relationship between masculinity and male violence. The show creates cartoonish action-movie inspired fight scenes using the performers lived experiences. With dates across the UK the show will have a limited run at HMP YOI Polmont, Scotland's largest Young Offenders Institution which primarily houses young males between the ages 18-21. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This explosive highly acclaimed performance showcases a duet in which two stuntmen wrestle with their relationship to violence on and off screen. Stuntman Told through a series of satirical stunts with high impact, Stuntman is not only inspired by classic and contemporary action movies such as Die Hard and John Wick, but also the performers' personal experiences of their relationships with violence and aggression. Through hard-hitting and entertaining theatrics, performers David Banks (Fox) (Stuntman, Summerhall) and Sadiq Ali (The Chosen Haram, UK Tour; Tell Me, UK Tour; The Unlikely Friendship of Featherboy and Tentacle Girl, Assembly Roxy) introduce an up-close and personal look into their lives in an intensely physical, funny, and moving production. With striking, film set-inspired design from Rachel O'Neill (Tounge Twister, UK Tour; Through the Shortbread Tin, Scotland Tour; The Show for Young Men, Edinburgh International Children's Festival), sound design from Richy Carey ({ stereo – type – music }, Art Night Dundee; wild tracks radio, BBC Radio 6; Åčçëñtß, Glasgow Short Film Festival 2019) and lighting design from Michaella Fee (Ginger, Tramway Glasgow; Childminder, Scotland Tour; Me and My Sister Tell Each Other Everything, The Tron Glasgow). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stuntman will immerse the audience in highly physical exaggerated fight sequences and challenge how we think about violence in the media and questions the impact that action-hero role models have on men and boys. Stuntman Director and Deviser of Stuntman Pete Lannon (Nosedive, The Barbican; Like Animals, UK Tour) comments: "It's great to be bringing Stuntman back to audiences around the UK, and to be touring to a lot of places we haven't taken work to before. This show is bursting with fun as well as tackling some really complex themes, and every time we perform the show it feels like those themes have just become more urgent and relevant. I especially can't wait to bring the show to my hometown of Berwick-upon-Tweed (the first time I've toured there) and to audiences in HMPYOI Polmont." SUPERFAN are an award-winning Scottish company who devise theatre for adults and young-people to take a playful approach to exploring the world using artforms that include contemporary circus, dance-theatre, autobiographical performance and physical theatre.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NYC schools ‘shadow chancellor' to step down next month
The second-most senior official at New York City's public school system is stepping down from his post, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced Tuesday night. First Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg, whose involvement in major education initiatives earned him the nickname of 'shadow chancellor,' joined the Adams administration at the start of the mayor's tenure. His last day is in August. 'Dan was at the center of all our critical work,' Aviles-Ramos said in a statement, focusing on his roles in standardizing curriculum and expanding college and career programs. 'On behalf of our staff, students, and families, we offer him our deepest thanks and wish him all the best in his next chapter.' Weisberg was credited by the former chancellor, David Banks — who was pushed out of the administration amid a federal investigation ensnaring City Hall — with having pushed for Aviles-Ramos to be his successor. A couple of years beforehand, Weisberg had tapped her to lead the system's response to tens of thousands of newly enrolled migrant students. Weisberg previously served as the school system's chief executive on labor issues under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who often clashed with the city's powerful teachers union. He left city government to work at TNTP, a well-known education nonprofit, which he eventually led as CEO. The city's Department of Education did not immediately name Weisberg's replacement.
CBS News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos reflects on her first year on the job
Melissa Aviles-Ramos looks back at her first year as NYC schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos looks back at her first year as NYC schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos looks back at her first year as NYC schools chancellor Thursday marks the end of the 2024-25 academic year for New York City public schools – the first under the leadership of Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. She sat down with CBS News New York education reporter Doug Williams for an exclusive interview. Melissa Aviles-Ramos' mid-year start Mayors pick their chancellors. Mayor Eric Adams first picked David Banks. He was bold, charismatic – equal parts educator and showman. But when the show ended abruptly due to Banks' involvement in the since-dismissed federal investigation into Adams, in came Aviles-Ramos. She started mid-school year and began by listening in what she called a "Five-Borough Listening Tour." "All the things that I started this year while listening and not changing over the system in the middle of the school year, I'd like to continue doing those things," she said. If Adams is reelected in November, it would give Aviles-Ramos more time to take what she heard and turn it into action. ICE and NYC public schools The school system became part of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement story in May when a 20-year-old Bronx high school student named Dylan was detained. "Do you have any way of knowing whether fears have led to absences?" Williams asked. "We know anecdotally that there is a fear out there," Aviles-Ramos said. The chancellor says exact numbers of absences or potential detainments would require knowing the exact number of immigrants and asylum seekers that are in the school system, and families don't have to disclose that information when they enroll. Aviles-Ramos headlined a rally for Dylan earlier this month along with advocates and elected officials. Many later criticized the mayor for not being more outspoken on the subject. "The mayor and I agree on this, and the reason why I stood at the rally is because he and I felt it was very important for me to recommunicate and reiterate our commitment to serving every child," she said. Parents report special education issues Perhaps no issue has been brought up more frequently this year than special education. Late last year, the United Federation of Teachers reported that roughly 9,000 students in the system weren't receiving their mandated special ed services. That's partially due to another number they reported: more than 2,000 unfilled provider jobs. The issue can manifest itself with chronic absences or on the school bus. Often when parents find the school that will provide what their child needs, it isn't exactly close by. One parent told CBS News New York her 6-year-old son, who is nonverbal and has autism, gets picked up by the bus at 7 a.m. and doesn't arrive at school until 9:30 a.m., half an hour after class starts. "We are far from where we need to be, right? Like, that's just something we have to own, and we know that," Aviles-Ramos said. "We are not resolving these things overnight, but we are putting the pieces in place to have a real change."
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB insider mentions three potential Kyle Tucker suitors in free agency
When the Chicago Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker this past offseason, it was a swing for the fences—and they connected. Tucker, the 28-year-old star MLB outfielder, has done nothing but elevate the Cubs' lineup, putting up elite numbers across the board. Advertisement Through almost three months of the season, Tucker has racked up 13 home runs, 18 steals, and a remarkable 153 wRC+. He's been worth 3.1 fWAR already, an all-around threat whose glove, bat, and legs have made him indispensable. The Cubs beat out major suitors like the Yankees for Tucker, knowing they were acquiring a cornerstone talent in his prime. Tucker's smooth left-handed swing has brought both power and consistency, something the Cubs lineup sorely lacked in recent years. But while Cubs fans are enjoying every swing now, there's a storm brewing just over the horizon: Tucker's looming free agency. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Tucker's Contract Future: The $600 Million Question In a market already reshaped by monster deals for Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Tucker's price tag is climbing rapidly. Advertisement Tucker is still just 28 years old, in his athletic prime, and already has MLB postseason success with the Houston Astros on his résumé. That unique mix of youth, experience, and production makes him one of the most tantalizing free agents in recent memory. And based on market comps, he could command a deal north of $600 million—an amount reserved only for generational stars. Cubs fans hoping for an extension may be disappointed, as early signs point to Tucker betting on himself and testing free agency. He's following the Juan Soto blueprint: keep producing at an elite level, stay healthy, and let a bidding war drive the number sky-high. Cubs Still Have the Inside Track—For Now It's never too early to take a look at the whole picture, and insider Jon Heyman mentioned three potential destinations for Tucker. Despite the uncertainty, Chicago remains the frontrunner. The Cubs gave up premium assets to land Tucker, and they've been rewarded. Advertisement The organization loves his makeup and clubhouse presence, and Tucker has publicly expressed how comfortable he feels in Chicago. It's been a seamless fit, and the Cubs will likely come to the table with a serious offer when the time comes. But that doesn't mean the competition will sit quietly. Far from it. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Giants Could Make a Surprise Power Play The San Francisco Giants have made it clear they're tired of playing catch-up to the Dodgers—and they're ready to spend. After acquiring Rafael Devers, the Giants have shown a willingness to get aggressive for big-name talent. Tucker, with his all-around game, would fit beautifully into Oracle Park's spacious outfield and deepen an offense that still lacks punch. Advertisement He'd also bring postseason experience to a team desperate to get back into October relevance in a brutal National League West. And San Francisco has the financial muscle to make things very interesting—especially if Tucker wants to stay in the National League. Don't Count Out the Boston Red Sox It may come as a surprise, but Heyman's report linking the Red Sox to Tucker isn't just smoke. Boston has reset its payroll in recent years and could now be ready to make a statement by pursuing a true franchise player. While Devers is bat-first, Tucker offers value across the board—defense, baserunning, and contact-to-power production. Advertisement Adding a complete player like Tucker could inject life into a Red Sox franchise that's been hovering in mediocrity for far too long. It would also be a signal to fans that Boston is ready to compete again with the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Rays in the brutal AL East. A Free Agency Saga Worth Watching As we head toward the offseason, Kyle Tucker's name will dominate headlines—and for good reason. His blend of age, production, and upside makes him one of the most valuable MLB players set to hit the market in years. More teams are sure to join the fray—perhaps the Yankees, Mets, or even the Phillies—as the stakes get higher by the week. Advertisement In a way, Tucker's free agency could resemble an auction at Sotheby's—high stakes, fast-moving, and full of unexpected twists. For now, the Cubs get to enjoy every at-bat, knowing they have a superstar in the present—even if the future remains uncertain. READ MORE: White Sox willing to include money to get rid of 2 former All-Star outfielders Related Headlines
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kiner-Falefa hits a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning as the Pirates top the Cubs 2-1
Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton (22) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates Bryan Reynolds (10) slides safely into second base with a double as Chicago Cubs second base Nico Hoerner (2) waits for a throw during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton (22) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates Bryan Reynolds (10) slides safely into second base with a double as Chicago Cubs second base Nico Hoerner (2) waits for a throw during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) CHICAGO (AP) — Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Friday. The Pirates loaded the bases in the 10th on Ke'Bryan Hayes' infield single and a walk to Henry Davis. Kiner-Falefa then drove in Adam Frazier with a flyball to left off Drew Pomeranz (2-1). Advertisement Kiner-Falefa also threw out Ian Happ when he attempted to score from first on Kyle Tucker's two-out double in the fifth inning. Dennis Santana (2-1) got five outs for the win, and David Bednar worked a perfect 10th for his 10th save. Pirates ace Paul Skenes struck out five in five scoreless innings. He allowed four hits and walked two while throwing 95 pitches, 60 for strikes. Skenes was matched by Cade Horton, who permitted three hits in 5 2/3 shutout innings for the NL Central leaders. ___ AP MLB:
