Robert Downey Jr. takes legal stand against potential digital likenesses of him
While he's been scanned digitally during his tenure with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. is warning "all future executives" against the idea of reanimating him using computer graphics tech.
In a sit-down with the On with Kara Swisher podcast, Downey talked about McNeal, his Broadway debut, which deals with artificial intelligence.
The conversation soon switched to one of the sticking points of the recent Hollywood strikes: studios using digital replicas of actors without their permission.
With regard to his previous digital likenesses — and their possible future use — Downey said of the Marvel Cinematic Universe gang, "I am not worried about them hijacking my character's soul because there's like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me."
That said, he warned anyone else from doing so. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," he said, using a Hollywood term for a trial balloon script project.
"You'll be dead," Swisher noted, to which Downey replied, "I know, but my law firm will still be very active."
Downey also admitted that despite the ubiquity of AI like Chat GPT and other tech, "I haven't really played with any of these things," adding of the play, "I wanted to maintain a bit of innocence going into this, and really have the character's point of view, as this is taking place in the supposed near future, where it will all be different anyway."
Source-ABC
Most voters ready to accept election results but doubt Trump will: Poll
Despite ongoing claims of voter fraud and ballot mismanagement from former President Donald Trump and his allies, 86% of registered voters in a new ABC News/Ipsos poll say they are prepared to accept the outcome of the 2024 presidential election as legitimate, regardless of which candidate wins.
Two-thirds, however, believe Trump is not prepared to accept the outcome as legitimate. Fewer than half as many, 30%, say the same of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The public's willingness to accept the outcome is unchanged since August, up from 79% in October 2020. Seven in 10 registered voters also express confidence that votes will be counted accurately, little changed since the 2022 midterms.
At the same time, concerns about the electoral process resonate with a minority of voters -- particularly Trump's own supporters. Thirty-one percent overall say they are not so or not at all confident that votes will be counted accurately, rising to 54% of those who support Trump in the election. Just 6% of Harris supporters lack confidence in the count.
Source-ABC
Hetmyer makes return to Windies for England ODI series
Hard-hitting batsman Shimron Hetmyer will make a return to the West Indies’ One Day International team after almost a year, having been included in the squad to face England at home.
The 27-year-old was the only change announced by Cricket West Indies in a 15-member squad that toured Sri Lanka, to face England in three ODIs beginning Thursday in Antigua.
Hetmyer, who last played an ODI for the West Indies in December 2023 against the same opponents, replaces opener Alick Athanaze.
West Indies’ white ball head coach Daren Sammy said he eagerly awaited the upcoming series against their archrivals.
He said he expected the regional side to give a good showing of themselves playing at home.
“Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for. Somehow, we West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England,” Sammy said.
“This rivalry goes back for decades, and after defeating them last year at home for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we’re ready to face the challenge of a strong England squad again.
“It’s always special to play at home, where the local support brings energy and passion to every match. With our sights set on qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027, we’ve selected a balanced squad that will no doubt push and compete with one of the best teams in the world,” he added.
SQUAD
WEST INDIES: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
MANAGEMENT: Daren Sammy (head coach), Rawl Lewis (manager), Rayon Griffith (assistant coach), Floyd Reifer (assistant coach), James Franklin (assistant coach), Denis Byam (physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (strength and conditioning coach), Dane Currency (masseuse), Avenesh Seetaram (team analyst), Jerome Foster (media and content officer).
Source-CMC
Grenada welcomes new service by Haitian-based airline
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) Monday welcomed the decision of the Haitian-based Sunrise Airways to begin serving the island, saying that the new intra-Caribbean flight service creates unprecedented north-to-south access across the Caribbean.
“This much-anticipated route links Antigua, St. Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada, making it possible for travelers to reach Grenada from Antigua in under three hours and St Lucia in forty five minutes. Flights will operate thrice weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays,” the GTA said in a statement.
GTA chief executive officer, Petra Roach said this new service is a major milestone in the GTA’s goal to foster more regional tourism.
“The Caribbean is our third largest market for visitation to Grenada and this improved connectivity between the north and south Caribbean provides an opportunity to stimulate demand even further. Our islands will benefit from strengthened economic and tourism links,” she added.
”Sunrise Airways is thrilled to introduce service to Grenada. We now operate in five islands in the OECS as part of our Eastern Caribbean expansion. We fly to connect people, and our routes inspire travelers to discover new destinations when planning their trips,” said Colin Piper of Sunrise Airways.
The GTA said Sunrise Airways offers a direct non-stop flight to Grenada out of the Vigie Airport in Castries, giving a shorter transfer time to the capital and main resort areas.
“This convenience allows travelers to experience the islands with ease. The schedule supports both weekend getaways and extended stays, offering more flexibility for leisure travelers, business professionals, and anyone eager to explore the unique attractions across these islands,” the GTA added.
GTA said this new connectivity aligns with the Grenada Tourism Authority’s strategy to bolster regional tourism enhancing visitor flow from neighbouring Caribbean islands, adding that special introductory rates are also providing an added incentive to experience this new route.
Source-CMC
Bahamas PM calls for greater collaboration in the aviation sector in the LAC
Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis is calling for new partnerships for the future of aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean saying together ‘we have the opportunity to make a real difference in how our region meets the demands of a complex, interconnected world”.
Addressing the opening of the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) Forum, Prime Minister Davis said the event provides an “invaluable opportunity for us to share ideas, address our common challenges, and collaborate on ways to strengthen the aviation network across Latin America and the Caribbean.
“This gathering is especially meaningful as it aligns with our Bahamas Aviation Week, a time we use to recognize the progress and dedication that drive our aviation sector,” he added.
Davis said recently the country launched the National Aviation Strategic Plan, which he described as “a clear framework designed to build a sustainable, efficient, and high-standard aviation sector that continues to meet the evolving needs of our people and our region”.
He told the delegates that in a country like the Bahamas, with nearly 700 islands and cays spread across vast stretches of ocean, the ability to connect these islands relies on a robust aviation network.
“With 20 international airports, each serving as a critical gateway, The Bahamas depends on aviation not only to support tourism and trade but also to provide essential links for our people to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. This network is more than infrastructure; it is essential to our way of life.”
But he acknowledged that the challenges of maintaining this network are substantial and that keeping each airport up to international standards requires extensive planning, investment, and commitment.
Prime Minister Davis said that as a result, infrastructure is not just a convenience; it’s essential.
“Our 20 international airports serve as lifelines, providing critical connections across our islands and beyond. Every airport, from Nassau’s busy hub to smaller terminals on remote islands, must meet international standards while catering to the needs of its community.”
Davis said that the National Aviation Strategic Plan reinforces the commitment to maintaining these standards, ensuring that Bahamian aviation serves as a trusted and effective gateway for the nation.
However, he said infrastructure alone is not enough and that it takes strong partnerships to sustain and improve the aviation sector.
“Collaborating with airlines, airport operators, and international aviation bodies allows us to stay aligned with industry changes and create policies that support our goals. This forum reflects the importance of those partnerships, bringing together leaders to forge a connected, resilient aviation network that serves us all.”
Prime Minister Davis said that connectivity is the backbone of the economy and essential to daily life in The Bahamas.
“Our air routes don’t only bring tourists to our islands, they ensure Bahamians can access healthcare, education, and opportunities. By enhancing connectivity within The Bahamas and increasing routes to international markets, particularly in Latin America, we strengthen our economy, support our communities, and open doors for new opportunities.”
He said the aviation network relies on skilled professionals to keep it running smoothly, reminding the delegates that safety and security are at the core of everything they do and that this commitment to safety strengthens the trust that visitors and residents alike place in aviation.
“In today’s fast-evolving aviation landscape, innovation is essential. We’re integrating advanced technologies to enhance security, streamline operations, and improve the passenger experience. These innovations aren’t simply about staying current; they’re about positioning The Bahamas as a leader in regional aviation.”
Prime Minister Davis said that The Bahamas is heavily impacted by climate change and that the airports are incorporating renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and aligning with international emissions targets.
“Today, each of you brings valuable knowledge and experience to help us build a stronger, more connected aviation network. Together, we have the opportunity to make a real difference in how our region meets the demands of a complex, interconnected world,” he said, adding that he hopes “this forum offers meaningful insights and inspires new partnerships for the future of aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean”.
ALTA chief executive officer, José Ricardo Botelho, said the forum is being attended by more than 400 industry leaders.
“We are proud, we are in a strategic region. This is what ALTA does in the region: foster discussions. There is a strategic agenda, not only private, that must address connectivity, but also the future,” Botelho said.
“The region has to change, we are the safest operational region in the world, but we need to advance in updating economic regulations. What the sector generates are direct and indirect jobs, there is no place in the world where aviation exists and there is no development.”
Source-CMC
Trump and Vance possible targets of cyber attack
US authorities say cybercriminals linked to China may have attempted to tap into the phones or networks used by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, several sources familiar with the matter confirmed to the BBC's US news partner, CBS News.
The sources said the Trump-Vance campaign had been alerted to the fact that phones used by Trump and Vance may have been among the targets of a broader cyber attack.
The Department of Justice and the FBI declined to comment on whether candidates were targeted.
A joint statement from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said the US government was investigating the "unauthorised access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People's Republic of China".
They said after the "malicious activity" was identified, the agencies "immediately notified affected companies, rendered technical assistance, and rapidly shared information to assist other potential victims", adding that the investigation was ongoing.
"Agencies across the US government are collaborating to aggressively mitigate this threat and are coordinating with our industry partners to strengthen cyber defences across the commercial communications sector," they added.
Law enforcement is currently treating the hack as an act of espionage, not as an attempt at campaign influence, one source told CBS.
Earlier this month it emerged that US telecommunications companies had been targeted in a hack.
One of the companies affected is said to be Verizon, through which the hackers are thought to have potentially targeted Trump and Vance's data, according to the New York Times, who first reported the story.
In a statement, Verizon spokesman Rich Young said the company was “aware that a highly sophisticated nation-state actor has reportedly targeted several US telecommunications providers to gather intelligence.”
He said Verizon is assisting law enforcement agencies in the investigation and working to address any further problems.
The Trump campaign has already been the target of one hack earlier this year.
Source-BBC
EU & China agrees to more talks on potential alternatives -EV tariffs
The European Union and China have agreed to hold further technical negotiations soon on possible alternatives to tariffs on China-built electric vehicles, the European Commission and China's commerce ministry said on Friday.
The EU is set to impose additional tariffs of up to 35.3% next week on electric vehicles built in China, after its anti-subsidy investigation, but has said talks can continue after then.
The two sides are looking at possible minimum price commitments from Chinese producers or investments in Europe as an alternative to tariffs.
"The principals agreed that further technical negotiations would take place shortly", the Commission said after a video call between EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.
The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation European Union, has already held eight rounds of technical negotiations with Chinese counterparts and said there were "significant remaining gaps".
A statement from China's commerce ministry said Beijing "welcomed the EU team to come to China as soon as possible" and that both sides had clarified that price commitments would continue to be the solution to the dispute.
Dombrovskis and Wang affirmed their commitment to finding a mutually agreeable solution, which would need to ensure a level playing field in the EU market and be compatible with World Trade Organization rules, the Commission said.
Wang said a bilateral communication mechanism for implementing and regulating price commitments should be established during the next phase of talks, his ministry said.
China urged the EU two weeks ago not to conduct separate negotiations with companies, warning this would "shake the foundations" of negotiations.
The Commission said Dombrovskis had emphasized that the EU executive's negotiations with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) do not exclude discussions with individual exporters.
Source-Reuters
Major Backlash after comedian at Trump rally calls Puerto Rico 'island of garbage'
A comedian at a Donald Trump rally has called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage", sparking furious reactions from fellow Republicans as well as Democrats.
The comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe, was among the stars who turned out for the event at Madison Square Garden in New York. He also made a series of jokes that leant on racist stereotypes.
A Trump adviser distanced the Republican from the Puerto Rico joke, which was also denounced by Trump's Democratic rival, Kamala Harris. Harris herself was the target of another Trump warm-up speaker who also sparked controversy.
The furor came as one of the world's top Latin celebrities, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, endorsed Harris for president.
In his joke, Mr Hinchcliffe, who goes by the name Kill Tony, said: "A lot is going on. I don’t know if you know this but there’s a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico."
The line appeared to meet a mixed reception. Two Republicans in the state of Florida, which has a prominent Puerto Rican population, were among those who called out the joke - joining Democrats.
Writing on X, US congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar said she was "disgusted" by the "racist comment". She said it did not "reflect the GOP values", referring to the Republican Party, and noted the thousands of Puerto Ricans who served in the military.
In his own post on X, US Senator Rick Scott said: "The joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true." He added that "Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans".
Puerto Rico is a US island territory in the Caribbean. Its residents are unable to vote in US presidential elections, but there is a large diaspora across the US who can.
Mr Hinchcliffe also suggested Latinos "loved making babies", and made a comment about black people and watermelons - drawing on a racist trope.
The night's other speakers courted controversy with their own remarks. David Rem, a childhood friend of Trump, called Harris "the devil" and "the antichrist".
And Trump's former lawyer Rudy Giuliani falsely claimed the Democratic candidate was "on the side of the terrorists" in the war in the Gaza conflict.
Although much of the focus was on the comments by his guest speakers, Trump used the occasion to announce a plan for tax credits for those who take care of a parent or a loved one. "It's about time that they were recognized," he said.
He also reiterated plans for mass deportation for illegal migrants, speaking of his wish to "rescue" places that had been "invaded and conquered" by "vicious and bloodthirsty criminals".
The Harris campaign said the language at the rally was "divisive and demeaning".
Earlier on Sunday, Harris unveiled policies aimed at helping those in Puerto Rico - garnering support from Jennifer Lopez, who has Puerto Rican parents, as well as Bad Bunny. Numerous other big-name celebrities have already backed her.
Bad Bunny posted multiple videos of Harris talking about the island, her ideas to help residents, and her attacks on how Trump handled Hurricane Maria as president when the deadly storm killed nearly 3,000 people there in 2017.
A source close to Bad Bunny confirmed to the BBC's US partner, CBS News, that this represented an endorsement of Harris, breaking his longstanding tradition of not weighing in on national politics.
In the last seven years, there has been an exodus from Puerto Rico, whose inhabitants have moved to the mainland US including Florida, and swing states such as North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Puerto Ricans are now reportedly the second-largest Latino subgroup in those states.
Bad Bunny's comments appeared to be pre-planned, and he did not address the remarks by Mr Hinchcliffe. But fellow Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin did so, telling his fans "This is what they think of us" and urging them to vote for Harris.
There are around 36 million Hispanic voters eligible to vote this year, according to the Pew Research Centre. They have generally formed a key plank of the Democratic coalition but Republicans have been eating into that support.
Source-BBC
Iran will not back off in the face of Israeli aggression
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday his country would stand firm following Israel's attack on Iran.
"Definitely the free people will not back off in the face of this criminal, blood-thirsty regime. We have always defended the rights of our people and will continue to do so," Pezeshkian told cabinet members, according to The Associated Press.
Earlier, Iranian state TV reported that Pezeshkian said Iran would respond to Israel "appropriately.”
Israel attacked military targets in Iran on Saturday in retaliation for the barrage of ballistic missiles Iran fired on Israel earlier this month, marking the first time the IDF has openly attacked Iran.
Pezeshkian also warned tensions will escalate if Israel’s aggressions and crimes continue.
Source-ABC
Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, A Tribe Called Quest & Dionne Warwick inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place Saturday, and among the night's inductees was the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige.
Following an introduction from longtime collaborators Dr. Dre and Method Man, Mary took the stage performing a medley of her hits with help from The Roots, Lucky Daye and Ella Mai. She started her speech thanking God, and went to name a few others before expressing gratitude to Method Man and Dre for helping her earn her first Grammy and Emmy, respectively.
"To my fans, y'all endured blood, sweat and tears with me and help me heal," she said. "Just as much as you said. I hope you heal. ... None of this would be happening if it wasn't for you guys supporting us and sharing us, cheering us on, and for your die-hard love and loyalty."
She shared the advice to "be careful how you treat others" and reminded aspiring talent that "faith without works is dead."
Mary's moment at the Hall of Fame ceremony was preceded by Chuck D's introduction of Kool & The Gang, who performed their hits and shouted out their late founding members. Teyana Taylor praised "rule breaker," "name taker" and "hit maker" Miss Dionne Warwick, who joked that the RRHOF "finally got it right" after her third nomination.
A Tribe Called Quest was also inducted following a presentation from Dave Chappelle, who thanked them for inviting him to join them on Saturday Night Live, which "brought me back to television after 12 years in the cold." Following their "brief comments," as Dave joked, during which they were accompanied by the late Phife Dawg's parents, they sat back to watch a tribute performance featuring Common, Busta Rhymes, Spliff Star, The Roots, Queen Latifah and De La Soul's Posdnuos.
Source-ABC