Latest news with #HungerGames'
Int'l Business Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Trump's DOJ Fires Prosecutor Who Handled Epstein, Maxwell Cases Without Explanation
The Department of Justice fired a top prosecutor who handled cases on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell with no explanation. Maurene Comey, a Manhattan federal prosecutor, and daughter of James Comey, was likely fired by the Justice Department Wednesday, a source told Politico , adding that her firing letter did not come from interim U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. Though the reason remains unclear, her letter reportedly contained mention of Article II of the Constitution, which details the president's powers, two sources told the New York Times . 'Hunger Games' actress Jena Malone announced that she's engaged. Who is her soon-to-be groom Ethan DeLorenzo? Pictured: Malone and DeLorenzo attend Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge on Jan. 23, 2016 in Park City, Utah. Getty Images/Alison Buck The prosecutor's termination was confirmed by a DOJ official to Fox News , though no explanation was given. Comey was one of the prosecutors who led the charges against Epstein in 2019, when he was accused of sex trafficking minors. The disgraced financier died by suicide while awaiting trial the same year. Comey was also involved in Maxwell's case, who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but is currently trying to appeal her conviction. The Trump administration has faced intense scrutiny over the past week following a memo by the DOJ and FBI which determined that Epstein had killed himself, he had "no client list" and found no evidence of blackmail, contradicting popular conspiracy theories that Epstein's death involved foul play. Calls for President Donald Trump's administration to release the Epstein files have been persistent since the start of his second term, but escalated following the report. Prominent MAGA influencers and even some Republican lawmakers have expressed concern about the situation. Democratic lawmakers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the memo, and some have begun demanding the release of the files or a more thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Trump has brushed off concerns about the Epstein files, encouraging his supporters to "not waste time and energy" on the case. The president has also lashed out at reporters for asking about the files, telling the press on Monday that the case was "pretty boring stuff" and encouraging them to cover other topics. Originally published on Latin Times
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Irish voices must continue to demand an end to the horror unfolding in Gaza
The images are unbearable; lifeless bodies wrapped in tarpaulin, lined up in the dust, waiting to be buried, if there is even a place left to do so. I cannot remain silent on the terrible horror that keeps unfolding before our eyes on a daily basis. Jonathan Fowler, spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, speaking on RTÉ Morning Ireland on Monday from neighbouring Jordan, described the situation as 'apocalyptic'. He said people were being forced 'to eat or die' and likened the horror to a 'Hunger Games' scenario. These are not abstract warnings. They reflect the brutal, daily reality of over two million people trapped without food, water, medical aid or basic safety. This is not about politics. It is about humanity. Every civilian life matters. What is happening in Gaza is not just a crisis – it is a moral failure of the international community. We must not become desensitised to the images of devastation, nor should we allow the cries of the suffering to go unheard. Ireland, with its long tradition of peace-building and speaking truth to power, must continue to demand an immediate ceasefire, full humanitarian access, the protection of civilians under international law – and the immediate release of all hostages. History is watching. We cannot, and must not, be silent. Martin Quinn, Tipperary town Countries supplying Israel with weapons must share blame for this nightmare The continuing scenes we are witnessing on our TV screens from Gaza every evening are deeply distressing. The tens of thousands of civilian casualties and the horrific injuries of those affected would make you wonder what sort of a world we are living in when we allow this to happen. To see very young children who have lost limbs or have been burnt beyond recognition and who may also have lost parents is something we should never have to witness. What is beyond comprehension is the ongoing support of the US and some European countries who are providing military aid to Israel to continue this atrocity. The world has truly lost its moral compass. Tony Walsh, Finglas West, Dublin 11 Transport police needed to prevent anti-social behaviour getting worse A surge in anti-social behaviour such as drinking, assaults and drug use on public transport has left some Irish Rail staff afraid to work. Many passengers are also fearful when taking public transport. One wonders how can we solve this ongoing issue. I believe that we must always prioritise our safety and the safety of others by moving away from the anti-social situation and reporting it to the appropriate authorities. There is a growing support for a dedicated transport police force in Ireland to address safety concerns on public transport. I would like to see a transport security force under the National Transport Authority, potentially with powers similar to airport police and customs officers. Public transport staff and passengers deserve to work and travel safely. This is why anti-social behaviour on public transport must be immediately curbed. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Parents' words of wisdom have a habit of staying with us over the years Enda Cullen's letter last Tuesday regarding words of advice from his late mother, reminds me of my late father's comments, when I told him I was going to get married, thus… 'Remember lad, you're going to tie a knot with your tongue that you won't be able to open with your hands.' Thankfully that knot has remained firmly, and happily, intact over the past 53 years. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Barbie should reflect the issues facing real people, and that includes diabetes The latest Barbie doll has diabetes, type 1, and there has been some controversy as it is a 'commitment to inclusivity and representation', but there is a need for more information about diabetes in general. The world of Barbie is fictional, but what is she was real? There is already enough discussion of her proportions if she was full size to not revisit that. As she was 19 years old when she was introduced to the public in 1959, so she would be now about 85 years old and probably starting to show her age. Parts would have sagged even if they are plastic. She would be feeling the passing of time with the usual aches and creaking bones and the fading memory that many have. Barbie may be timeless, but she has to move with the times. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia RTÉ weather revamp is a reminder of years I spent with my head in the clouds I see that RTÉ has revamped its weather forecast (Irish Independent, July 15). This reminds me of my national school days and my teacher's exasperation at my inability to spell the word 'weather' correctly. I spelled it 'Wether'. He opined that it was the worst spelling of weather he had ever seen. Noel Kelly, Doonbeg, Co Clare Trump has changed trade for good – and Ireland must be ready to react Your editorial on Donald Trump's tariff threats rightly underlines the risk to EU-US trade – but there's a deeper issue at stake ('Trump's outlook may make securing trade deal impossible', Irish Independent, July 15). In an era when economic leadership is reduced to strongman antics, trust between trading partners is vanishing. For Ireland, whose economy is hardwired to global trade, this spells trouble far beyond tariffs. The real danger is an inflation slump: tariffs pushing up prices while global growth stalls. The US economy may seem robust now, but once American businesses exhaust their stockpiles and pass costs to consumers, the pain will spread – and Ireland's pharma and tech sectors won't be spared. Whether or not his 30pc tariffs stick, EU-US trade will never again be conducted on a stable, rules-based footing. Ireland's economic future lies in strengthening alliances that still value open trade – and bracing for a decade of volatility driven by ego, not economics.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Stephen King's 'The Institute' makes a compelling dark thriller series with enough mystery to keep you hooked
As someone who grew up reading Stephen King, I've always had a soft spot for the way his stories feel eerie but still deeply human. So when I heard 'The Institute' was being adapted into a series, I was curious (and, I'll admit, a little worried). Stephen King adaptations can be hit or miss, but "The Institute," now streaming on MGM Plus, had me hooked from the first episode. And honestly, that's a telling sign it's enjoyable for me, considering it usually takes me at least two or three episodes to feel intrigued. Set between a quiet town in Maine and a secretive facility hidden deep in the woods, 'The Institute' follows two seemingly unrelated storylines that start to intertwine in unsettling ways. There's a sense of growing unease throughout, and the show takes its time building a world where danger feels both immediate and just out of sight. If you're in the mood for something dark, suspenseful, and just the right amount of unsettling, 'The Institute' is definitely worth queuing up now that it's landed on MGM Plus. 'The Institute' follows 14‑year‑old Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman), a telekinetic prodigy who's abruptly kidnapped from his suburban Minneapolis home and wakes up in an eerie, government-run facility called The Institute. Inside, he finds other children endowed with psychic or telekinetic powers. Under the watchful eye of the cold and determined Ms. Sigsby (Mary‑Louise Parker), these youngsters undergo intense testing to amplify their abilities, promised tokens and safety in exchange for compliance Meanwhile, in a nearby Maine town, ex-cop Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes) takes a low-profile security job but becomes drawn into the investigation when local children go missing. As his and Luke's paths converge, the two form an uneasy alliance. The idea of children confined and controlled by adults is a common theme in young adult fiction. You only have to look at stories like 'Maze Runner' and 'Hunger Games' to see it. However, Stephen King and series developer Benjamin Cavell bring a more compelling and thoughtful take on this familiar concept. Right from the start, the show makes it clear that Mary-Louise Parker's Ms. Sigsby and the other adults running this creepy Institute aren't the kind guardians they pretend to be, and it's a fact that Freeman's Luke quickly sees thanks to his sharp mind. These villains are fully fleshed-out characters rather than one-dimensional villains. One of the show's standout features is its worldbuilding, which delivers fresh and surprising twists that set it apart from similar genre stories. Rather than glossing over key dangers like the ruthless organization quietly eliminating people or hinting at sinister plans for the gifted children, 'The Institute' confronts these threats head-on, making it genuinely engaging to watch. Every so often, a show introduces a rising star, and 'The Institute' seems to have found one in Joe Freeman. Across eight episodes, he navigates a wide emotional range, balancing charm, intelligence, vulnerability, and defiance. He still knows how to be a kid without falling into the super-smart character trope. While several young cast members stand out (like Fionn Laird as the rebellious Nick Wilholm), the emotional core of the story's scenes at the Institute largely rests on Freeman's character, Luke. He brings genuine humanity to the role, helping the audience connect deeply with the reluctant leader's journey. Mary-Louise Parker also captivates as the series' cunning antagonist, often keeping her true intentions cleverly ambiguous. Her presence dominates every scene, even during moments of silence, likely a testament to her strong background in theater. At the center of it all is Ben Barnes, who plays Tim Jamieson, a former cop trying to lay low in a sleepy Maine town until missing children and strange coincidences draw him into something much bigger. I actually had the chance to speak with Barnes about the role, and he told me he was excited to step away from the string of villainous characters he's played in recent years. 'I was looking for a character with a real sense of decency or a moral compass, and Tim has this quiet, redemptive arc,' Barnes said. 'I've played a lot of untrustworthy, psychotic, or villainous characters over the last few years, so it was refreshing to find someone who genuinely wants to be a good man. I think he's searching for ways to prove himself, and that made him a really interesting character — one I haven't played before.' Barnes is exactly how I pictured Tim while reading the book, as he brings the right mix of quiet strength and determination that feels true to the character. Clearly, 'The Institute' boasts an impressively cast ensemble. Fans new to 'The Institute' should know the show leans more toward psychological thriller than traditional horror. It's not about jump scares or supernatural monsters; instead, the real danger comes from people. The most chilling moments come from the harm inflicted on vulnerable children by those in power. For those who have read the novel, the TV adaptation's changes might be a bit frustrating. But as with most adaptations, it's best to view the show and the book as separate experiences. Despite the differences, 'The Institute' remains true to the core plot, characters, and motivations, which should satisfy most fans of the original story. 'The Institute' joins the ever-growing list of Stephen King stories adapted for the screen, but this time it's been given the high-end streaming treatment. Drawn from his 2019 novel, it's also one of the more recent entries from King's catalog to make the leap to TV. The result is a smart, well-crafted thriller that hits the mark in all the right ways. This adaptation strikes a strong balance between psychological thriller and light horror, taking familiar elements and presenting them in a fresh, engaging way. The ending does leave the door open for more, and with such a strong setup and memorable characters, it wouldn't be surprising if MGM Plus considers a second season (I hope so, anyway). You can stream the first two episodes of 'The Institute' on MGM Plus now.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Cardiff family says sunbed battle in Torremolinos 'like Hunger Games'
Cardiff family says sunbed battle in Torremolinos 'like Hunger Games' The family had to wait three hours for one bed between six of them Family says sunbed battle in Torremolinos 'like Hunger Games' A holidaying family of six say they were forced to join 'Hunger Games' style sunbed wars with other guests to secure the best spots by the swimming pool. Leah Keenan was left shocked after they witnessed the extreme rush for loungers at their hotel. They say some others staying there jumped over fences to beat the queues. The 36-year-old even had to wait over three hours on their first day to get one bed among six of them. The health and safety business partner jetted off abroad with her son Albie, mother Bev, father Terry, sister Lowri and her son Leo. The family were staying at the four-star Hotel Triton, Benalmadena, near Torremolinos, Spain. Leah joked that the rush for beds in the morning was like the Hunger Games, with a lack of staff available to police the flood of guests. Leah Keenan (Jam Press) In the 2012 film and 2008 book, children are forced to fight to the death in events. The pool opened at 10 am with very serious holidaymakers queuing up for over half an hour at the £185-a-night, four-star. During their stay, Leah even spotted a few cheeky guests sneaking round the back and hopping over the fence to secure the best beds. Fortunately, the family from Cardiff, were able to make light of the event despite being forced to join in. Article continues below 'It was like the Hunger Games of reserving sunbeds every morning,' Leah joked. 'Some days we weren't able to get enough sunbeds, and one day someone just grabbed one of our empty sunbeds whilst one of the family had gone to get a coffee. 'A few guests snuck around the side of the pool and jumped over the fence early to secure beds, whilst others threw their towels over the fence early so that the beds were reserved.' Sunbeds were in short supply (Jam Press) She said: 'When we arrived on day one, around 11am, there were no sunbeds available all day for us. We kept walking around each pool and were able to get one sunbed at around 2pm. I didn't see any lifeguards by the children's pool all day and didn't stop people from jumping the fences or throwing towels over. 'No staff walked around to check if beds were being used or if people hadn't returned to their sunbed after putting towels on it. Which allowed for the majority of people to dump their towels and then leave sunbeds empty for hours on end. 'It became a running joke every day for our family, and we didn't take it too seriously.' Article continues below Hotel Triton has been approached for a comment.
Irish Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ex-RTE presenter Joe Duffy lands new job a week after leaving Liveline
Retired RTE host Joe Duffy has landed himself a new job – more than a week after leaving the national broadcaster. Just a week after the Ballyfermot native hung up his Liveline mic, the host is back as part of a new campaign with Lidl. In a sponsored video released today by Lidl Ireland, the veteran broadcaster can be seen prowling the aisles of Lidl in a suit and a brown hat in the guise of a private detective. As he enters the Lidl, 'Value Beyond Belief – Episode 1′ appears, accompanied by some film noir jazz. 'I promised myself I was out. No more talk, no more questions. Just an average Joe,' the ever-familiar voice of Duffy narrates. 'But questions – they don't take no for an answer.' 'Is that Joe Duffy?' a passer-by with his shopping bags asks as he exits the shop. In a tongue-in-cheek nod to his previous role as a champion of the consumer, Duffy says he'd 'received an anonymous tip from a Ballinasloe woman named Margaret Mary O'Brien' and he was compelled to take on the case. At the finish of the video, a 'To be continued…' appears. The teaser certainly suggests that this is not the last we've seen of Joe as a brand ambassador for the German retail giant. Meanwhile, Philip Boucher-Hayes has temporarily assumed Duffy's former role as host of Liveline. Boucher-Hayes confirmed on the show that there has been 'no decision made' on it's next host. There are five presenters in the running who will all be tried out, after which, he joked, the contestants will war it out in a 'Hunger Games' style final round. 'For the avoidance of further confusion, let us just set it out once again, RTE has not made a decision on this. 'There are five wannabes. In fact, there's probably a hell of a lot more than five wannabes, but there are five wannabes, yours truly, included being put through their paces on air before RTE makes a decision." He added: 'After that, we will move to the swimwear and ball gown elements of the competition. I think I've got that section nailed down. 'I want to though, because in the final round is the Hunger Games, they will be placing a big cache of non-lethal weapons under the RTE mast and letting us all race to them, grab your preferred weapon and have at it. 'And everybody is hoping, by that stage of the competition that Sarah McInerney has been taken out because she is very handy with the numb chucks, but the news is no decision made. 'Well, maybe they have made a decision after my first week in the chair. But let's leave that aside there is officially no decision made, so on with the show.'
