Latest news with #Starwalker
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PBS and NPR Funding Is on the Precipice as House Votes to Rescind Federal Dollars
The future of federal funding for public media is, for the first time in decades, facing a very real risk of being eliminated, after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass President Trump's rescission package, which pulls $1.1 billion in funding for PBS and NPR. The House passed the package by the slimmest of margins, 214-212, after one Republican switched their vote. The rescission package now heads to the U.S. Senate, which can pass it with a simple majority (or 50 votes, with the Vice President breaking a tie). Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat majority, and while some moderates like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski have expressed concerns about the package, it may not be enough to stop it from passing. More from The Hollywood Reporter Gavin Newsom Found: 'The 33' Casts Actor as Politician in Film About Homeless Crisis (Exclusive) 'Starwalker' Director Talks Defying Queer, Trans Rights Backlash With "Joy in Our Rebellion" John Oliver Weighs in on Musk-Trump Feud: "These Two Men Are Real Housewives" The Senate is expected to take it up in July, and Trump will of course sign it should it pass. Republicans have been pursuing an end to federal funding of PBS and NPR for decades, going back to President Nixon. No Republican, not Nixon, not Reagan, nor either Bush, was ever successful in eliminating all funding. That may be about to change, with local PBS and NPR stations likely to feel the brunt of the pain. At issue is what conservatives see as the left-leaning politics of public media, while advocates for the stations note that the vast majority of programming is produced locaally, serving audiences that may be underserved by commercial stations. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
When Is a Torched Waymo More Than a Torched Waymo?
In 1867, with the railroad barons steadily gaining power across the United States, a group of angry farmers decided to organize into a trade union known as The Grange. These agricultural workers were tired of the tech magnates who, by controlling the means that their crops moved to markets, could charge whatever they want and essentially decide how much money the farmers made (or if they'd make any money at all). Their union forced Congress, deeper in the pocket of Big Railroad than your car keys, to form the Interstate Commerce Commission — 20 years later. It would only be 20 years after that when President Theodore Roosevelt finally gave the ICC enough teeth to stop the industry's decades of exploitation. More from The Hollywood Reporter Gavin Newsom Found: 'The 33' Casts Actor as Politician in Film About Homeless Crisis (Exclusive) 'Starwalker' Director Talks Defying Queer, Trans Rights Backlash With "Joy in Our Rebellion" Doechii Calls Out Trump's "Ruthless Attacks" Amid L.A. Protests in BET Speech: "What Type of Government Is That?" A strange invocation. Angry Farmers, some kind of new band? But you don't need to work too hard to see the modern parallels. A runaway technology controlled by an oligarchical few that thwarts regulation so they can keep reaping profits at the expense of everyday Americans — the narrative floats in the air these days in Hollywood, as it does in media, advertising and other creative fields, where the prospect of AI-foisting tech companies pushing those pesky humans out of work seems more real by the day. (On Wednesday that battle saw a new front open with Disney and Universal following the lead of media companies and suing an AI firm.) The parallel is teased out by Tom Wheeler — the former chair of the FCC and now a fellow at the Brookings Institution — in his 2023 book Techlash: Who Makes the Rules In the Digital Gilded Age? It came to mind this week with the reports that the anti-ICE protesters in downtown Los Angeles had ordered Waymos — those Google-owned automated taxis that carefully turn in front of you driving down Olympic — so they could burn them to a crisp. An act of 'techlash' you're likely to hear about a lot more in the months ahead, just as you'll hear the term itself. (Though popularized by Wheeler, the portmanteau, which connotes defiant acts against Big Tech, was actually coined by The Economist five years earlier.) This is a critical, dangerous time in the tech realm, when AI models are grabbing data with consequences little understood much less slowed. A rapidly growing machine intelligence could make companies richer but jobs scarcer; models slicker but privacy looser; life more efficient but human relationships more fragile. A few vehicle husks near the 101 can't carry all that weight. Or can they? I called Wheeler to ask what he thought of the DTLA acts and where they fit into the techlash movement. Wheeler was skeptical the Waymo-burning was a conscious act of defiance against Big Tech; more likely, he thought, the cars were just an easy vandalism target. I disagree, but it doesn't really matter in the final analysis. Wheeler thinks the sentiment is growing — and he hopes that if everyone from grassroots protesters to D.C. lawmakers will act on it, we can craft a more human-centric tech-regulatory policy than we've had so far, than we seem headed for. 'Thus far we've allowed — and allowed is the key word — the tech bros to craft regulation in a way that benefits themselves,' says Wheeler, who served as FCC chair in the second Obama administration. 'We need to craft regulation in a way that benefits the public interest.' Wheeler isn't kidding. Just a few months ago Trump revoked Biden's executive order on AI, which wasn't that toothsome to begin with. A provision in the current 'Big Beautiful' bill literally bans or punishes any state that tries to enact AI regulation. We're a long way from sniffing Europe, which has developed an AI Act that actually could regulate harms. And as Wheeler points out, we don't have the kind of time we did with the railroads — 40 years in transit technology is 400 in modern Silicon Valley given the speed of AI developments. Even four may be too long. Wheeler puts the most hope in the federal agency proposed by the Democratic senators Michael Bennet and Pete Welch. Such an agency, Wheeler says, is the only way to give meaning to the techlash and to stop companies from running amok. Old industrial-era approaches of micromanaging the process won't work, he says; a new results-based system that looks at the ultimate harms a company does is the only one that will. The conflation of the anti-ICE riots with anti-Big Tech causes may seem odd, but the two aren't as far apart as you'd think — both offer a lashing back at inequality and a lack of human sympathy. Toss in the fact that the government is working closely with Palantir, the shadowy firm that allows for high-level AI analysis of collected data for potential surveillance ops, and you can see how the causes begin to merge. 'People are starting to see the links between the dark and noxious parts of the tech industry and the current administration,' says Wendy Liu, a programmer-turned-evangelist who wrote the 2020 manifesto Abolish Silicon Valley which argued for a radical de-fanging of the tech industry. (She says an argument that seemed a little radical even to her at the time now feels intuitive.) 'If you see the anti-ICE protests as defending the idea of being human and caring about human values, then destroying the property of a trillion-dollar corporation whose goal is to make human labor obsolete makes perfect sense,' she adds. 'The protests aren't just about immigration — they're about a right-wing anti-human administration.' A cogent analysis, though I'd argue the partisan lines are not as clear. MAGA figures like Sen. Josh Hawley are coming after swaths of Big Tech. Moderate Republicans like Ohio congressman Warren Davidson are going public with their fears about the Palantir deal. Marjorie Taylor Greene, of all people, has said the AI state restriction is an overreach and wants it out of the bill. And of course there's the exiled Musk, well, X factor. The so-called tech right is not as monolithic as it seems, no matter how many broligarchs shelled out for a ringside seat to Trump's inauguration. But trying to rally them or other electeds to do more by using techlash tactics like the one we're seeing at the protests could be dicey. Waymos and those robots that putter down sidewalks delivering coffee have a weirdly anthropomorphic quality; raised in a Hollywood culture of Wall-E and Johnny No. 5, we tend to root for them. When a Waymo turns carefully in front of me while the human driver nearly kills me crossing the street, I admit I feel those same pangs. 'These are gentle creatures, and it's our worst impulses that have us going around bashing them.' I know it's an illusion. But it's a powerful one. That's the danger with attacking a Waymo — it gives Big Tech the chance to say, even subtextually, 'look at these marginal zealots, attacking these cute robots that didn't hurt anyone.' It lets them play the victim. A better symbol to the displacing of human Uber drivers might be, well the Uber drivers themselves. Rather than burn a few driverless cars, why not gather thousands of drivers in one massive eye-catching display to show all the people potentially out of work from self-driving taxis? Less destructive, more constructive. (A testimony to how far we've fallen, by the way, when Uber is the humanist good guys, given all the evidence it has been steadily increasing the percentage it takes from drivers.) Or do what Hollywood Guilds did during the strikes two years ago — gather en masse to show the human toll automation could cause, a playbook other industries will no doubt be following for years. Wheeler agrees that protesting job displacement by attacking the means of automation is misguided. 'Smashing frames doesn't work,' he says, referring to the early 19th-century movement in England to destroy the knitting tools that automated clothing production and edged out humans, named for the (likely fictional) worker Ned Ludd. 'And let's not forget the Luddites failed.' Liu disagrees. 'I personally lean more conservative in my behavior and wouldn't [attack a car]. But I understand why people feel the need to express their rage by burning something. And this is the best way because it doesn't hurt anyone; it's really just corporate property. And there aren't a lot of symbols to destroy — what are you going to do, go to a tech company's office and burn [it]?' I noted that this presupposes burning is necessary for a protest movement in the first place. 'Sometimes we need these acts of destruction to get people's attention. Look at the Boston Tea Party,' she said. I'll leave to protest tacticians the best route here. But I do think Liu is onto something in a crucial regard. The many perils of the computer-model takeover — whether it's displacement, disinformation, bias, an outsourcing of human thought or a reduction in human contact — are not easy to see; unlike looms or railroads, a program that thinks hardly asserts itself physically. In such a world, a self-driving taxi, while an imperfect symbol, may be the best we have. The coming months will tell the efficacy of torching cars as a protest act — whether it will turn out more like the Boston Tea Party or the Luddite Revolution. But the techlash movement will no doubt grow, burning figuratively if not literally. Let's just hope it can notch some wins before our economy and humanity go up in smoke. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ITV Studios Names Tim Carter Managing Director, Unscripted, U.K.
ITV Studios has named Tim Carter managing director, unscripted, U.K. Currently CEO of ITV Studios' MultiStory Media and Twofour production labels, Carter will take on the role in the summer from Angela Jain, who will join the Walt Disney Co. in the new role of head of content, Disney+ EMEA. Carter will assume responsibility for all of ITV Studios' unscripted business in the UK, which houses 11 labels. More from The Hollywood Reporter Japan Cuts to Open With Yasuhiro Aoki's 'ChaO,' Festival's 2025 Lineup Unveiled 'Starwalker' Director Talks Defying Queer, Trans Rights Backlash With "Joy in Our Rebellion" Netflix to Invest $1 Billion-Plus in Spain Over Four Years as Part of Originals Push Reporting to Julian Bellamy, managing director, ITV Studios, he will work on such global formats as Love Island, The Chase, I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, and Come Dine With Me, as well as upcoming shows, including The Neighbourhood, Celebrity Sabotage, and Sharks! Celebrity Infested Waters! 'He will work with each label as well as the wider Studios leadership team to support the continued growth and development of the U.K. unscripted business,' ITV said. 'Tim's success during his tenure at MultiStory and Twofour speaks for itself,' said Bellamy. 'His wealth of experience and knowledge in the unscripted market made him the natural successor to Angela. I've no doubt that ITV Studios' U.K. unscripted business will go from strength to strength under his leadership' Said Carter: 'The ITV Studios' non-scripted slate reads like a roll-call of the nation's favorite shows, and the breadth and depth of creative and production talent across the group is staggering. I look forward to building on our reputation as the natural home for the brightest and the best as we forge the entertainment of the future.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Associated Press
Sibannac, Inc. Announces Luxury Plant-Based Wellness Tourism with U.S. and International Retreats
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire Sibannac, Inc. (OTC PINK:SNNC), a Nevada corporation (the 'company'), is strategically expanding into the high-growth wellness tourism sector with its Starwalker Journeys-a series of luxury, transformational retreats, blending plant-medicine, consciousness exploration and curated travel experiences. Partnering with William Henry, investigative mythologist and Ancient Aliens host, Sibannac is poised to lead the next wave of high-end wellness retreats. Plant-Medicine Retreats: Legal, Transformational, and Ceremonial Sibannac is breaking new ground with plant-medicine retreats, located at some of the most exclusive and scenic locations, both in the U.S. and abroad. Depending on local laws, the company is curating safe and legal premium journey experiences to fit the needs and desires of all travelers. In the U.S. Oregon - The first U.S. state to pass legal and licensed psilocybin (magic mushroom) experiences, trained facilitators provide guided journeys from licensed centers. Sibannac and Starwalker Journeys will cultivate the balance of the experience, including best-in-class accommodations, cuisine, outdoor activities and post-journey care. Colorado/Arizona - Colorado has passed legislation permitting psilocybin beginning in 2025 and Arizona is considering a similar framework. Sedona, Arizona - Just two hours from Sibannac's headquarters, Sedona is actively pursuing plant-medicine tourism. Already world-renown for its energy vortexes and breathtaking outdoors, Sedona is the perfect location for spiritual awakening retreats. Currently, cannabis-based tours are legal in the state. The company is working with logistics personnel on the ground to design the first Starwalker journey. Bozeman, Montana - The company is scouting locations in the state to provide a late summer excursion under the magnificent Montana sky. In addition to a cannabis-enhanced 'night sky' tour, the full program will include outdoor activities blended with guest speakers and more. International Costa Rica - We have established a relationship with a 5-Star property where Starwalker will offer an all-inclusive excursion in one of the most holistic locations in the world for plant-medicine healing. Ayahuasca and psilocybin are offered legally in a pristine setting by trained guides. A Groundbreaking Opportunity for Investors and Transformational Travelers Sibannac isn't just riding the wave of psychedelic wellness tourism-it's creating the industry blueprint. With major travel agencies hesitant to engage in plant-medicine retreats, Sibannac is securing an early foothold in this lucrative niche, offering a fully legal, structured pathway to transformative travel experiences. By combining regulatory expertise, strategic partnerships, and global expansion, Sibannac is shaping the future of high-end plant-medicine retreats-a first-mover advantage that positions the company as a leader in this emerging space. Join the Movement Visit Starwalker Cafe now: Starwalker Cafe Starwalker Cafe is now open for membership. Gain access to exclusive content, book upcoming retreats, and become part of a rapidly growing community of explorers. Stay tuned for more announcements as we expand our offerings and locations. Whether you're a traveler seeking a life-changing journey or an investor recognizing the unparalleled growth potential of this market, Sibannac is setting the standard for the next era of wellness tourism. About Sibannac Sibannac, Inc. (OTC Pink:SNNC) is a Nevada corporation founded in 1999 and located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sibannac is a forward-thinking lifestyle and wellness company which currently specializes in creating and selling premium next generation wellness products in the consumer packaging goods industry. In addition to mainstream supplements, the Company is focusing on Amanita mushrooms, Kratom and Hemp-derived cannabis products for wholesale and retail sales and distribution. Sibannac is actively forging new partnerships within the wellness community, advancing experiential, educational, and tourism outreach initiatives that redefine the landscape of alternative health. The Company has officially launched the Starwalker Cafe, with TV celebrity, William Henry, of the hit show, Ancient Aliens. The platform is a premium content provider of podcasts, interviews and educational lectures focused on consciousness exploration. About William Henry William Henry is a visionary author, investigative mythologist, art historian, and TV presenter, renowned for uncovering the hidden threads connecting ancient wisdom, spiritual transformation, and the modern quest for higher consciousness. As a Consulting Producer and the spiritual voice of Ancient Aliens for 16 seasons, he has guided millions through the mysteries of otherworldly encounters, lost civilizations, and ascension sciences. Beyond television, Henry is a leading figure in consciousness exploration, hosting the Gaia TV series Ascension Keepers, The Awakened Soul: The Lost Science of Ascension, and Arcanum. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at global conferences, where he delves into the intersection of history, symbolism, and the future of human evolution. For decades, Henry has led transformational journeys to the world's most sacred sites, including Egypt, France, England, and Spain, helping seekers unlock ancient gateways to enlightenment. Now, he brings this wisdom to Starwalker Café, a groundbreaking multimedia and wellness platform created in partnership with Sibannac. Through exclusive content, immersive experiences, and plant-based journeys, Henry is pioneering a new era of spiritual discovery, conscious expansion, and integrative wellness. About David Mersky Sibannac's CEO, David Mersky, has launched his social media channel, The Meru Sky, in which he discusses his personal journey with psychedelics and his mission to bring expanded consciousness to the world. For additional information and product updates, follow us and sign up for updates at: Follow us on X: @SibannacInc Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Sibannac, Inc. (the 'Company'), its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words 'may,' 'would,' 'will,' 'expect,' 'estimate,' 'can,' 'believe,' 'potential' and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include, but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.
