Latest news with #Wells'
Sky News AU
15-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Labor refuses to reveal whether TikTok lobbyists pushed for YouTube ban at secret ‘introductory meeting'
Communications Minister Anika Wells has refused to reveal which TikTok-aligned lobbyists met her staff at a secret introductory meeting and whether they pressured Labor to ban YouTube for kids. Communications Minister Anika Wells has refused to reveal which TikTok-aligned lobbyists met her staff at a secret introductory meeting and whether they pressured Labor to ban YouTube for kids. can reveal that the office of Minister Wells had an 'introductory' meeting with TikTok representatives after the Minister took over from Michelle Rowland in May, who now serves as Attorney-General. After the meeting took place, reports emerged that Minister Wells would ban YouTube for kids, a key TikTok demand. Chinese-owned and controlled company TikTok poses 'unique national security risks' to Australia, according to the 2023 Senate Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media. But even though the app was banned from government devices, Minister Wells' office took the meeting, arguing TikTok was a key 'stakeholder' in the social media ban legislation. asked Minister Wells to reveal which lobbyists met her staff on behalf of the Chinese owned company, and what was discussed. Minister Wells' office declined to share that information. Sky News understands that the minister was not present at the meeting. Sources within Google suggested TikTok had aggressively lobbied Labor to target video streaming platform YouTube, arguing the exemption was unfair. TikTok has also publicly called for YouTube to be regulated in press releases to journalists and in formal submissions to the Labor government. The Senate Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media warned TikTok was a threat to Australia's democratic process, adding the company was evasive when asked if it was headquartered in China. 'The committee was particularly concerned with the unique national security risks posed by social media companies like TikTok and WeChat, whose parent companies ByteDance and Tencent respectively, are irrefutably headquartered in and run from authoritarian countries like China,' the report found. The Chinese social media platform has hired Labor-aligned lobby group Anacta Strategies to lobby on its behalf. Anacta has extensive links to the Labor Party, including former state secretary Evan Moorhead and at least one former staffer from Ms Wells' office. The firm did not respond to questions about whether it had lobbied Minister Wells. In a formal submission to the Albanese government on the social media ban, TikTok argued an exemption for YouTube was 'anti-competitive' and would disadvantage the Chinese-owned app. Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh called on Labor to be upfront about whether YouTube would be banned. "The government must make its position clear on all platforms immediately," she told Sky News. "The uncertainty is causing confusion on a mechanism that is about protecting our kids from online harms. "There are still more questions than answers right now about how age will be verified, what platforms are in or out, and what reasonable steps need to be taken by 10 December 2025." — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 4, 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously backed the original YouTube exemption, describing it as a vital platform for 'education and health support'. But his government's position appears to have shifted following pressure from TikTok and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. TikTok did not respond to questions about its lobbying activities in Australia. The platform, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, was banned on federal government phones after the Home Affairs department said it posed 'data security and foreign interference risks'. Under the framework of the Social Media (Age Restrictions) Act, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook will be banned for users under 16 from December 2025. Ms Julie Inman Grant joined TikTok in calls for YouTube to be included in the ban but initially refused to publicly release the full research behind her advice. Ms Wells also declined to release the research, despite demands for transparency from the federal opposition. The documents were eventually published after lodged a freedom of information request. The commission's 'Keeping Kids Safe Online: Methodology' report revealed the data 'may be subject to a range of biases' and relied on children's responses. Meanwhile, industry stakeholders including children's educational content creators have said they have struggled to gain access to Ms Wells, despite her consulting TikTok. Creator of the globally popular children's YouTube channel Bounce Patrol, Shannon Jones, recently told Sky News she was ignored by the minister's office. "I reached out to them last year when they were first considering it and had some conversations then,' she said. 'And then this time around I've sent communications to the minister but haven't heard back. 'Everything is just being done so fast, like it's all being considered and decided in the space of a week it feels like.'
Fox Sports
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
What Are The Last 10 Instances of a Perfect Game in MLB History?
No major North American sport has more history tied to its game than baseball. America's pastime has provided several memorable moments and feats throughout the nearly 150-year history of professional baseball. There's one thing that's pretty uncommon to see in baseball: perfect games. As of July 2025, there have been 24 perfect games in MLB history, making it a more rare occurrence than a hitter going for the cycle, among other things. There have been eight perfect games since the turn of the century, making it a bit more frequent in recent decades, but it's still pretty rare. That said, let's take a look at the last 10 instances of a perfect game. Last 10 Instances of a Perfect MLB Game 10. New York Yankees LHP David Wells vs. Minnesota Twins (May 17, 1998) In MLB history, a perfect game has been rarer than the Yankees winning a World Series. Wells' perfect game was the 15th of all time and just the second by a Yankees pitcher — but the first one to come in the regular season, as Don Larsen's perfect game came in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Making Wells' feat even more impressive, he claimed years later that he was battling a brutal hangover when he was on the mound at Yankee Stadium that afternoon. Wells struck out 11 Twins hitters and nearly became the first player in MLB history to throw two perfect games a few months later, taking a perfect game bid into the seventh inning. 9. New York Yankees RHP David Cone vs. Montreal Expos (July 18, 1999) Just over a year after Wells' perfect game, another Yankees pitcher did the same. In fact, Larsen threw out the first pitch prior to Cone's perfect game in 1999. There were a couple of things that could've derailed Cone's bid for perfection. There was a 33-minute rain delay in the third inning of the game and a pop fly hit by pinch-hitter Ryan McGuire was nearly lost in the sun by Yankees left fielder Ricky Ledée in the ninth inning, but Cone was able to retire every Expos hitter he faced, recording 10 strikeouts in his perfect game. 8. Arizona Diamondbacks LHP Randy Johnson vs. Atlanta Braves (May 18, 2004) One of the game's greatest left-handed pitchers accomplished one of his greatest career feats in 2004. The "Big Unit" struck out 13 Braves hitters en route to throwing a perfect game in May 2004, becoming the oldest player to do so at age 40. As he struck out nearly half the hitters he faced, Johnson said that catcher Robby Hammock "called a great game," shaking him off on only a few occasions. 7. Chicago White Sox LHP Mark Buehrle vs. Tampa Bay Rays (July 23, 2009) Of the 24 perfect games in MLB history, Buerhle's might have had the best perfect game-saving play. In the ninth inning, Rays outfielder Gabe Kapler hit a fly ball that appeared destined for at least an extra-base hit, if not a home run. But center fielder DeWayne Wise made a leaping grab at the wall to save Buerhle's perfect game bid. Buerhle struck out six hitters in his effort. 6. Athletics LHP Dallas Braden vs. Tampa Bay Rays (May 9, 2010) For the second consecutive year, the Rays were on the wrong side of a perfect game. Kapler also nearly ended a perfect game bid for the second straight year. With two outs in the ninth, Kapler chased at Dallas Braden's fastball outside the zone on a 3-1 count, hitting into the final out of the game. Had Kapler looked at the pitch, he likely would've walked. Adding to the drama, Braden actually thought it was a 2-2 count when he threw the final pitch, later saying that he would've thrown a changeup had he known it was a 3-1 count. Beyond the perfect game, the day had significant meaning for Braden. It came on Mother's Day and Braden's mom passed away years prior from cancer. 5. Philadelphia Phillies RHP Roy Halladay vs. Miami Marlins (May 29, 2010) For the first time in MLB history, two perfect games were thrown in the same month. Weeks after Braden's perfect game, Halladay joined him. Like Buerhle and Braden, Halladay had a close call in the ninth inning. Marlins pinch hitter Mike Lamb hit a deep ball to center field that would've been a home run at many other ballparks, but Shane Victorino was able to track the ball down and make the grab. 4. Chicago White Sox RHP Philip Humber vs. Seattle Mariners (April 21, 2012) Humber had a relatively breezy perfect game until the final out. Brendan Ryan was able to draw a full count against Humber, chasing at a swing outside the zone for the final out of the game. However, Ryan thought he checked his swing and argued with the ump. As that happened, White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski let the ball get away from him, which might have let Ryan get on base had he not been arguing with the umpire. 3. San Francisco Giants RHP Matt Cain vs. Houston Astros (June 13, 2012) Cain arguably pitched the most dominant game in MLB history in 2012. In his perfect game against the Astros, Cain struck out 14 hitters, tying the record for the most strikeouts in a perfect game. His game score also tied Sandy Koufax's perfect game for the best game score by a pitcher in the modern era. There was a close call, though. In the seventh inning, Gregor Blanco needed to make a diving catch to keep Cain's perfect bid intact. 2. Seattle Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez vs. Tampa Bay Rays (August 15, 2012) Then-Safeco Field was home to a second perfect hitter in 2012. The Mariners were also able to avenge themselves for being on the wrong side of a perfect hitter earlier that season, helping Hernandez accomplish the feat. He struck out 12 Rays hitters, marking the first time in MLB history that three perfect games were thrown in the same season. 1. New York Yankees RHP Domingo Germán vs. Athletics (June 28, 2023) After an 11-year drought, there was finally another perfect game thrown in 2023. As the Yankees' offense put up 11 runs against the Athletics in June 2023, German wheeled and dealed. He struck out nine Athletics hitters and needed just 99 pitches to complete the perfect game, accomplishing a "Maddux" as well. Check out all of our Daily Rankers . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Award-Winning Kiwi Doco Trails Women Scientists On The Ice
Press Release – University of Canterbury Wells film, which was six years in the making, scooped Best Director and Best New Zealand Feature prizes at Doc Edges recent awards night, success that Wells describes as thrilling. A UC tutor's mighty new documentary filmed in Antarctica has already won two awards and is the opening night feature for Christchurch's Doc Edge Festival. Vanessa Wells, filmmaker and part-time tutor at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the director of Mighty Indeed, a documentary about three women scientists studying microalgae hidden beneath Antarctic sea ice. UC's Kōawa Studios is a sponsor of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Doc Edge Festival (16 – 27 July) which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Wells' film, which was six years in the making, scooped Best Director and Best New Zealand Feature prizes at Doc Edge's recent awards night, success that Wells describes as 'thrilling'. Mighty Indeed follows Dr Natalie Robinson on a world-first expedition to McMurdo Sound; microbiologist Jacqui Stuart on her first trip south; and their mentor back in Aotearoa New Zealand, veteran sea ice physicist Professor Pat Langhorne. Wells, who has made three trips to Antarctica, met Dr Robinson in 2018 on her first visit to the Ice. She says the oceanographer quickly smashed all her pre-conceptions about scientists. 'Natalie was so down to earth and real – she too was juggling kids and a career, but in the most incredibly adventurous way. I found her so inspiring, and we have become firm friends.' She says Stuart, a PhD student, 'lit up the screen' with her enthusiasm for studying microalgae. 'Jacqui is ridiculously talented, in so many ways – and we get to share a few of those on screen.' Wells met Professor Langhorne in Antarctica New Zealand workshops as part of training before her first trip south. 'Pat immediately draws you in and you can't help but fall in love with both her and sea ice. Her legacy to global science cannot be understated, yet so few know her story.' Wells' documentary, made with support from Antarctica New Zealand, weaves together these personal stories with new and archival footage from the icy continent. Filmed in brutal, isolated conditions, Wells says the story is about communicating science in a compelling way and challenging viewers' perceptions. 'It's definitely a film that shows Antarctica in a different way. We really step inside these scientists' lives and show their inner thoughts. I would love to shift the way people look at the world and shift their perspective and connection to these wild places. If we can shift beliefs, then we might be able to change our behaviour and take better care of the climate.' Wells, who also made the 2019 documentary East to East about a group of Aranui High School students competing in the iconic Coast to Coast race, enjoys making films that drive social change. She says it made sense as a Christchurch local to make a film exploring the city's 'gateway to Antarctica' status. While the title of the new film comes from the name of a song Stuart wrote about plankton, which features in the documentary, Wells says it's also a hopeful title for what is ultimately – despite some gritty moments – a positive and uplifting film. Mighty Indeed is also likely to become a teaching tool for UC Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours students, she says. 'I'm a doco-lover and there's nothing like real-world experience, so this is definitely something I'll be sharing with students to help them prepare for working in the industry.' Wells' fellow UC film tutor Ollie Dawe was a development editor on Mighty Indeed and also produced and directed the short film, I Know I'm Going to Paint about artist Philip Trusttum which features in the Shorts 2 Collection of Doc Edge. UC Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours student Evienne Jones has won a Doc Edge Best Tertiary Film award for her film Ally, exploring queer identity in Aotearoa. The Christchurch premiere screening of Mighty Indeed is at 7pm on Wednesday 16 July at Hoyts EntX Cinema followed by a Q&A session with director Vanessa WellsandProfessor Pat Langhorne, Jacqui Stuart, and Dr Natalie Robinson. An extra screening of Mighty Indeed has been added to the Doc Edge festival programme at Lumiere Cinemas, 6.15pm on Friday 18 July.
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Award-Winning Kiwi Doco Trails Women Scientists On The Ice
A UC tutor's mighty new documentary filmed in Antarctica has already won two awards and is the opening night feature for Christchurch's Doc Edge Festival. Vanessa Wells, filmmaker and part-time tutor at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), is the director of Mighty Indeed, a documentary about three women scientists studying microalgae hidden beneath Antarctic sea ice. UC's Kōawa Studios is a sponsor of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Doc Edge Festival (16 - 27 July) which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Wells' film, which was six years in the making, scooped Best Director and Best New Zealand Feature prizes at Doc Edge's recent awards night, success that Wells describes as 'thrilling'. Mighty Indeed follows Dr Natalie Robinson on a world-first expedition to McMurdo Sound; microbiologist Jacqui Stuart on her first trip south; and their mentor back in Aotearoa New Zealand, veteran sea ice physicist Professor Pat Langhorne. Wells, who has made three trips to Antarctica, met Dr Robinson in 2018 on her first visit to the Ice. She says the oceanographer quickly smashed all her pre-conceptions about scientists. 'Natalie was so down to earth and real – she too was juggling kids and a career, but in the most incredibly adventurous way. I found her so inspiring, and we have become firm friends.' She says Stuart, a PhD student, 'lit up the screen' with her enthusiasm for studying microalgae. 'Jacqui is ridiculously talented, in so many ways – and we get to share a few of those on screen.' Wells met Professor Langhorne in Antarctica New Zealand workshops as part of training before her first trip south. 'Pat immediately draws you in and you can't help but fall in love with both her and sea ice. Her legacy to global science cannot be understated, yet so few know her story.' Wells' documentary, made with support from Antarctica New Zealand, weaves together these personal stories with new and archival footage from the icy continent. Filmed in brutal, isolated conditions, Wells says the story is about communicating science in a compelling way and challenging viewers' perceptions. 'It's definitely a film that shows Antarctica in a different way. We really step inside these scientists' lives and show their inner thoughts. I would love to shift the way people look at the world and shift their perspective and connection to these wild places. If we can shift beliefs, then we might be able to change our behaviour and take better care of the climate.' Wells, who also made the 2019 documentary East to East about a group of Aranui High School students competing in the iconic Coast to Coast race, enjoys making films that drive social change. She says it made sense as a Christchurch local to make a film exploring the city's 'gateway to Antarctica' status. While the title of the new film comes from the name of a song Stuart wrote about plankton, which features in the documentary, Wells says it's also a hopeful title for what is ultimately – despite some gritty moments - a positive and uplifting film. Mighty Indeed is also likely to become a teaching tool for UC Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours students, she says. 'I'm a doco-lover and there's nothing like real-world experience, so this is definitely something I'll be sharing with students to help them prepare for working in the industry.' Wells' fellow UC film tutor Ollie Dawe was a development editor on Mighty Indeed and also produced and directed the short film, I Know I'm Going to Paint about artist Philip Trusttum which features in the Shorts 2 Collection of Doc Edge. UC Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours student Evienne Jones has won a Doc Edge Best Tertiary Film award for her film Ally, exploring queer identity in Aotearoa. The Christchurch premiere screening of Mighty Indeed is at 7pm on Wednesday 16 July at Hoyts EntX Cinema followed by a Q&A session with director Vanessa WellsandProfessor Pat Langhorne, Jacqui Stuart, and Dr Natalie Robinson. An extra screening of Mighty Indeed has been added to the Doc Edge festival programme at Lumiere Cinemas, 6.15pm on Friday 18 July.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Summer Wells case: 4 years since Tennessee girl went missing
(NewsNation) — Sunday marks four years since five-year-old Summer Wells disappeared from her home in Tennessee. Wells was reported missing on June 15, 2021, and there has been an active Amber Alert ever since. Her parents said that she was helping her mother and grandmother plant flowers before she went inside to play with her toys. Then, she was never seen again. Body believed to be of missing 2-year-old found in NYC waters Wells' mother, Candus Wells, said, 'I yelled downstairs for her a couple of times, and I didn't get an answer. Which was unusual because usually she always answers me, so I went down there to check and she was nowhere inside, she was just gone.' Four years later, police are still searching for answers in Summer Wells' disappearance. Police had been told about a pickup truck that was reportedly seen in the area around when the five-year-old vanished. However, they only know that it is either a red or maroon Toyota truck with ladders on the back. Since there aren't many clues, if police do end up finding the truck, they still aren't sure if it is connected to her disappearance. But Wells' father said he won't stop praying that Summer Wells is found. Police also had a tip from a neighbor in 2021, who claimed she and her children heard a scream about one hour before Summer Wells vanished. The witness said, 'Wish every day that when I heard that scream, I didn't try to dismiss it.' Remains of Texas family missing in Alaska believed to be recovered Unfortunately, this tip didn't lead police any closer to finding the five-year-old. 'We have hope, always. But there's not much hope in this world. We have to trust God that there's hope in eternal life in heaven,' he said. Summer's parents were never named as suspects in the case, and they both passed a polygraph test. However, Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson had said that everyone was a person of interest. Wells' parents told NewsNation affiliate WJHL that they were frustrated with the investigation. Candus Wells and her husband, Don Wells, believe their daughter was kidnapped and didn't just walk away. 'We know that she was taken off our property. We know that she was taken away in a vehicle or they would've found her in the area if she was somewhere in the area,' Don Wells said. He also criticized the Department of Children's Services for taking Summer Wells' siblings away when she vanished. 'We were stripped away from all our kids. All our kids have been kidnapped from us by DCS, and we're not sure about Summer, but we know about where our boys are at,' her father said. No one has been arrested or named a person of interest in the five-year-old's disappearance. Her family has said they have dealt with harassment online. 'Before you know it, you're getting a mob going. My wife could go to the store, and somebody would scream at her, 'Baby killer,'' Don Wells explained. He claimed that the harassment was so bad that he had to leave the state in order to find work. Summer Wells lived with her parents before her disappearance in Rogersville, Tennessee, a small town in Hawkins County. She reportedly went missing after going inside her home to play with her toys. Her family thinks she could've been taken down the hill behind their home, possibly to a car. Don Wells spoke with NewsNation about his daughter's disappearance, saying, 'I know in my heart and in my mind she was abducted. Someone snuck up there… and we don't know if they came in the basement and grabbed her or if she stepped outside the basement and was walking to her swing…' At the time, police had issued an endangered child alert and searched the woods and other areas near their home. Police have received many tips since Summer Wells went missing, but none of them have led to any concrete answers. Investigators said the case is active, and they have completed many searches as well as created age-progression photos. But they haven't found any clues as to where she went. 'The case is one that we've just not been able to overcome. And it's troubling,' Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Assistant Director Josh Melton said. 'We don't have the evidence in this case to know for sure whether or not Summer was abducted or whether or not she walked away from her home and became lost.' Police: Missing Denver hairstylist's body found in 'suspicious' alley death When she disappeared, she was described as three feet tall and around 40 pounds. She has blue eyes, blonde hair and was last seen wearing a pink shirt with gray pants. Anyone who has information on her case should contact TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
