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Former Portage Mayor James Snyder is scheduled to go to trial for a third time in U.S. District Court in Hammond on a bribery charge involving a $13,000 payment for a garbage truck contract, though likely with a new judge because of scheduling conflicts. Snyder and attorneys on both sides of his case had a video teleconference Wednesday morning. Though the meetup was not open to the public, an updated docket in his case reflects that those involved anticipate a two-week trial. The court set the trial for May 5 but parties are not available until after June, according to the docket entry, “so the Court will request another Judge be designated to conduct trial and sentencing.” U.S. District Court Judge Matthew F. Kennelly of the Northern District of Illinois has been handling the case. A Nov. 20 filing by the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals opened up the possibility of another trial after the U.S. Supreme Court in June tossed Snyder’s conviction in the case over a distinction of whether the $13,000 payment Snyder received after Great Lakes Peterbilt, then owned by the Buha brothers, received garbage truck contracts was a bribe or a gratuity. With the court’s 6-3 ruling that the payment was a gratuity, the Supreme Court remanded the case to the appellate court, which determined, according to its filing, that the district court in Hammond could proceed with another trial if the government so decided. Snyder’s attorneys, in their filings , rejected the government’s argument that he could have been convicted of either bribery or soliciting a gratuity and said there’s no legal basis for a retrial without a re-indictment. Federal prosecutors argued a new trial was the next step since a jury had already convicted him, and the appellate court agreed. In a new trial, according to the appellate court filing, the government would be limited to a bribery theory “that Snyder corruptly solicited or demanded or accepted or agreed, in advance of the transactions, to accept anything of value in connection with the transactions.” Former Portage Mayor James Snyder speaks about his retrial at the federal courthouse in Hammond, Indiana, on March 9, 2021. (Kyle Telechan / for the Post-Tribune) The filing also noted irregularities in the bidding process, the timing of the $13,000 payment and the “lack of corroborating evidence for Snyder’s claim that he was paid for consulting.” “We continue to think the evidence would support a finding of bribery here, beyond a reasonable doubt,” the justices wrote. “The timing and size of the payment — and the problems with the attempts by Snyder and the Buhas to explain it — all support reasonable inferences that Snyder was conscious of wrongdoing and had a corrupt state of mind, as well as that he had reached an understanding ahead of time leading to such a large payment.” The court noted that “Because the evidence was sufficient to convict on a bribery theory, the Double Jeopardy Clause does not bar a new trial on the bribery charge. A new trial is permissible if the government chooses to pursue it.” After multiple twists, turns and delays since Snyder was indicted on Nov. 17, 2016, in U.S. District Court in Hammond on two bribery counts and one for obstructing the IRS, a jury found Snyder not guilty on a bribery count involving a towing contract and guilty on the other two counts. The second bribery conviction, over allegations surrounding a $13,000 payment involving around $1 million in contracts for garbage trucks, stood after two trials, only to get overturned when a majority of the Supreme Court determined that the payment was a gratuity, not a bribe, and criminalizing the payment put even routine campaign contributions at the risk of the federal government’s wrath. Overturning Snyder’s conviction had a ripple effect on countless other cases, most notably prominent cases in Illinois, including the trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan and the case of the “ComEd Four” who were convicted of a scheme to bribe him. Madigan’s trial is now underway . The Supreme Court decision, released on June 26, determined, among other matters, that the payment to Snyder from the Buha brothers, owners of Great Lakes Peterbilt, was a gratuity because Snyder received the money, reportedly for consulting work, after the business got the garbage truck contracts and not before. Federal prosecutors have described Snyder in their filing as “a thoroughly corrupt public official, twice convicted by a jury of his peers for receiving a $13,000 payoff,” and note there is “no sound legal basis” for a windfall dismissal because of an omission from jury instructions, which was one of the contentions of Snyder’s attorneys. Snyder, a Republican, was first elected mayor in 2011 and reelected in 2015, a term cut short by his federal conviction in February 2019. Snyder received a sentence of 21 months in prison for the bribery and IRS convictions and a year on supervised release from Kennelly. Still, Snyder successfully argued that the start of his sentence should be postponed until his bid to have the Supreme Court hear his case was complete. alavalley@chicagotribune.comST. PAUL — Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic died Friday following a battle with cancer. She was 62. Her family said she died surrounded by loved ones. “She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved,” they said in a statement. Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin the Minneapolis Democrat was committed to working for Minnesotans. She served in the Minnesota Senate for more than a decade. “It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state,” Martin said in a statement. “She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Minnesota has lost a giant, but her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all.” Dziedzic was instrumental in holding together the Senate DFL caucus in 2023 as they passed, with a one-vote majority, a variety of Democratic priorities like funding universal school meals for students, approving a paid family and medical leave program, cementing legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care and legalizing cannabis for recreational use. She was respected on both sides of the political aisle and her demeanor was always steady, even amid tense times in the Senate. Dziedzic’s laid-back style made her a surprising pick for majority leader after the 2022 election. Leaders from both major political parties said they were heartbroken by her death. “Senator Kari Dziedzic was a passionate legislator, a respected leader, and a trusted colleague and friend. She will be remembered for her integrity and her compassion for Minnesotans, something that we all saw as she continued to serve even as she battled cancer,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, an East Grand Forks Republican. “I’m deeply saddened at her passing and am praying for her family and friends as we all mourn this loss.” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she was “one of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office.” “Her legacy includes significant achievements in policy and investment in Minnesota, but more importantly she will be remembered for treating people with dignity and respect and never giving up on finding workable compromises,” Hortman said. “She had an incredible ability to work diligently through the most arcane and difficult policy issues to find resolution.” Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, agreed, saying she was “an uncommon leader.” “Her talents as a consequential and thoughtful leader made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness humor, and selflessness made us all better people,” Murphy said. Former Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen praised Dziedzic as a hard worker. “The last time I spoke to Kari a few weeks ago she was still serving her constituents,” she wrote on social media. “That’s Senator Dziedzic, the hardest working legislator I have ever had the honor to serve with. Rest in peace my friend.” Dziedzic was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 and underwent emergency surgery to limit its spread. She stepped down from her leadership position in February after her cancer recurred. The Senate will now stand in a 33-33 tie between Democrats and Republicans heading into the 2025 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz has not yet said when he might call for a special election in the Minneapolis district. Dziedzic had a degree in engineering but couldn’t resist the family pull into public service. Her father, Walt, was a colorful Minneapolis city council member who later served on the park board. Dziedzic told MPR News that she felt drawn into politics after watching her father’s example. “I knew the long hours. I knew the phone calls at home. I knew what I was walking into,” she said. “But I also knew the opportunity that you have to help other people. And it’s about helping people and making your community better.” Dziedzic began a career in public service as a campaign volunteer and later moved on to become a scheduling aide for former U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. After a stint working for a Hennepin County commissioner, she was nudged to run for a state Senate seat when longtime lawmaker Larry Pogemiller stepped down to take another government job. Gov. Tim Walz called Dziedzic a “one-of-a-kind leader.” He added, “Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants.” Details for a memorial service have not yet been announced. ______________________________________________________
Martin says he wants homelessness figures falling ‘within 12 months’Adelyn Lau The rooftop of the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom has been coated with a cooling material to enhance energy efficiency ahead of the National Games scheduled for November next year, according to Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan. Eight events will take place at six venues across Hong Kong, with the Coliseum serving as a key location. Tse said the cooling coating is projected to lower the Coliseum's average temperature to 24 degrees Celsius, resulting in an annual savings of about 300,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity - equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by about 150 tonnes. This electricity-free cooling technology, patented by i2Cool - a company established in 2021 by the energy and environment school at City University - can be applied to roofs and exterior walls to effectively lower indoor temperatures without electricity. Tse personally visited the Coliseum's rooftop and observed a significant temperature difference between the coated area and other sections. The coating covers about 9,700 square meters of the rooftop and its side walls. In addition to energy savings, the coating will extend the lifespan of the waterproof layer on the rooftop and lower maintenance costs by minimizing temperature fluctuations. Tse said in the coming year, the authority will monitor indoor temperature and air conditioning energy consumption, review test results and evaluate cost-effectiveness. "If the results are positive, we will consider promoting this technology for broader application, particularly in newly constructed or renovated public facilities," he added. The Environment and Ecology Bureau is also assisting i2Cool in identifying local sites for establishing production lines that convert recycled materials - such as tiles, ceramics and glass - into high-value raw materials for electricity-free cooling products. Since the launch of its green tech fund in 2020, the bureau has supported 33 local projects from universities, public research institutions and private enterprises, investing around HK$147 million. Also, Tse said the SAR is exploring policies to attract companies focused on developing green technologies, aiming to establish Hong Kong as a hub for showcasing such innovations. adelyn.lau@singtaonewscorp.com-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email "Wicked" shows no signs of slowing down. The movie musical adaption of the hit 2004 Broadway musical just snagged four Golden Globe nominations on Monday morning. The tale of enduring friendship between a young Elphaba ( Cynthia Eviro ) and Glinda ( Ariana Grande ) has garnered two nominations for its star Erivo and supporting actress Grande. "Wicked" was also nominated for best musical or comedy and in the cinematic and box achievement category. But one name notably left off the nominations list was supporting actor Jonathan Bailey , who was submitted for his role as the swoon-worthy Prince Fiyero but was overlooked for actors in the category like Jeremy Strong ("The Apprentice") and Kieran Culkin ("A Real Pain.") When Fiyero is first introduced, the air in "Wicked" feels charged and unpredictable. You may know Bailey for his buzzy performances as the tortured rake Anthony Bridgteron in the Netflix smash hit " Bridgteron ." Or in the Showtime miniseries "Fellow Travelers" which focused on the queer romance between Washington political staffers Hawk Fuller ( Matt Bomer ) and Tim Laughlin (Bailey) in the height of 1950s McCarthyism through the 1980s AIDS epidemic. The portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination last year and a Critics Choice win this year. Related The rise of the Every Boyfriend, from Hugh Grant to Nicholas Galitzine But the British actor has dazzled audiences once more with his version of Fiyero in "Wicked," in which he easily dances, sings and acts his way across the big screen. Bailey's onscreen magnetism may have something to do with his traditional theatre training in his native country the U.K. At a young age, Bailey was an actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in West End productions like "Les Misérables." Since then, the actor has been in productions like "Othello," "King Lear," and "The Last Five Years" and even won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in the West End revival of "Company." But that's not all — Bailey plans to return to the stage in 2025 to star in Shakespeare's "Richard II" in London. While Bailey was learning choreography for the "Dancing Through Life" number, the actor also juggled shooting his lead roles in "Bridgerton" and "Fellow Travelers." This background in theater has given him practice with projecting his personality and why he is so charismatic onscreen. When Fiyero is first introduced, the air in "Wicked" feels charged and unpredictable. The audience isn't sure if he's about to be a typical suave heartbreaker. But with Bailey's characters, there's always something more under the shiny, beautiful surface. We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism That something more explodes in musical numbers like "Dancing Through Life" where the triple threat flies off walls and dances on books, charming Glinda and Shiz University's students — well, except the notoriously hard-to-crack Elphaba. (Later in the movie, he shows glimmers of his vulnerability and unintentionally wins over Elphaba.) Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero in "Wicked" (Universal Studios) In the PG-rated movie, Bailey nevertheless oozes sex appeal in "Dancing Through Life" as he stares down Glinda and intimately dances with her. He breaks all the rules while swinging on ladders and climbing up walls – while continuing to look good the whole time. Bailey told the Today Show that it took "over a week to shoot the whole sequence. So you work as hard as you can. You train as hard as you can with the choreographer and the singing teachers so you can then sustain that for 10 days." While Bailey was learning choreography for the "Dancing Through Life" number, the actor also juggled shooting his lead roles in "Bridgerton" and "Fellow Travelers." He told The Hollywood Reporter, "I think it was 32 days in a row where I didn't have one day off. And I flew back and forth four times. I'd go from Hawk's house in the '60s at the cabin [in 'Fellow Travelers'], go straight to the airport, sleep on the plane, go straight to a regency ball, sleep there, then go straight to 'Wicked' to be learning choreography." This isn't an easy feat for some actors but each of Bailey's performances is so starkly singular from the other that audiences would have no idea they were filmed within the same time frame. Bailey's multi-faceted and versatile skills have garnered him praise from audiences, his first ever entry on the Billboard Hot 100 for "Dancing Through Life" and he also is set to star in the blockbuster film series, "Jurassic World Rebirth" alongside Scarlett Johansson in July 2025. Maybe all of Bailey's hard work and dedication should have been enough to snag him a Golden Globe nomination this year. But even without that recognition, Bailey has captured our hearts in whatever time period, love story or dance number he masterfully gallivants into without a worry. The truth is we'd all watch Bailey do anything on our screens. Read more about this topic "Wicked" reminds us we'd all better be ready to defy gravity. Especially Black women Ariana Grande's health: A timeline of the obsession surrounding her body image "Wicked" is a bewitching spectacle that smartly probes who has power in a beloved fairy tale By Nardos Haile Nardos Haile is a staff writer at Salon covering culture. She’s previously covered all things entertainment, music, fashion and celebrity culture at The Associated Press. She resides in Brooklyn, NY. MORE FROM Nardos Haile Related Topics ------------------------------------------ Awards Bridgerton Commentary Fellow Travelers Golden Globes Jonathan Bailey Movies Musical Prince Fiyero Wicked Related Articles Advertisement:
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — When the referee whistled for the free kick just outside the area, Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez quickly picked up the ball and moved in position to take the shot. “When I saw the free kick, I told Rodri (Rodrigo De Paul) that I felt confident with the shot,” Álvarez said. “And it was a great goal.” Álvarez, Atletico’s main signing in the offseason, has not been lacking confidence lately. The Argentina forward curled in the free kick shot in the 15th minute for the first of his two goals in the team’s 6-0 rout of Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday — the team’s biggest ever away win in European competitions. “We’ll keep rotating who takes the free kicks,” said Álvarez, who also found the net in the 59th. It was Álvarez’s seventh goal in the last 10 matches, and third in his last three games across all competitions. The 24-year-old had a slow start to his first season with Atletico, scoring twice in 10 matches. “It was a matter of time before we started connecting well with each other,” said Álvarez, who joined Atletico after two seasons at Manchester City. “We have to stay on this path to keep improving.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Ángel Correa also scored two goals for Atletico, with Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann adding one each. “We know that in this format of the competition we need to keep adding the three points and scoring goals,” Álvarez said. “It’s important to get the points and the goals.” Atletico was sitting in 13th place in the 36-team league standings. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Advertisement AdvertisementHK Coliseum roof coated to enhance energy efficiency
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bailThank you for another year of education advocacyEDITORIAL: This December 27th was the 17th anniversary of two-time former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in Rawalpindi at about the same place where the first prime minister of Pakistan and one of its founding fathers Liaquat Ali Khan fell to an assassin’s bullet nearly 73 year earlier. Both shocking incidents that left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic journey remain shrouded in mystery. The latter’s assassin was killed on the spot, providing an alibi to whosoever planned and orchestrated the heinous act. Still, nagging questions persist given the uncontested fact that the shooter was sitting in the front row reserved for police officers from the Crime Investigation Department, making it easy for him to target the PM while he delivered his address. Regarding Benazir’s case, there is no doubt whatsoever that the deadly attack on her life was the result of a conspiracy. She was first targeted in October of that fateful year upon return from self-exile. Her massive homecoming procession came under a bombing attack at Karsaz in Karachi. Miraculously, she survived unhurt but hundreds of her party workers and supporters lost their lives. The second time the would-be assassins did everything to achieve their nefarious designs. Sharp shooters placed on rooftops of buildings surrounding her election rally, apparently, failed to find the right opportunity to hit her on stage. But others lay in wait on her way back in an armoured vehicle. As soon as she stood up to respond to a cheering crowd an attacker opened fire followed by a suicide bombing that left her mortally wounded and some 20 other people dead. The then government of Gen Pervez Musharraf blamed it on a Taliban commander, Baitullah Mehsud, who denied any involvement. Ten year later, an anti-terrorism court acquitted five Taliban suspects of conspiracy to murder the former prime minister, but sent two policemen to jail for purported negligence to prevent the attack, and also declared by then ex-president Musharraf - charged in the case - a fugitive from justice. As expected, her son PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari rejected that verdict. The court, obviously, had overlooked the findings of a UN Commission of Inquiry appointed at the request of PPP government, which brought to light some crucial details. Its April 2010 report noted that the government was quick to blame Baitullah Mehsud, although Bhutto’s foes potentially included elements from the establishment itself. Though it failed to reach a conclusion as to the organizers/sponsors of the attack, the commission said the security arrangements by federal and local authorities to protect Benazir were “fatally ineffective”, and subsequent investigations into her death were “prejudiced” and involved “a whitewash”. No surprise therefore if 17 year on the people and Benazir’s family as well as of those who lost their lives both in the Karsaz and Rawalpindi bombings await justice. This only encourages other potential killers to get rid of any political leader with impunity. In fact two years ago, former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan faced a botched assassination attempt in Wazirabad during a protest march on Islamabad. Luckily, he escaped with bullet injuries to a leg. But he was unable to lodge an FIR with the police even though his party ruled in Punjab where it happened. All these appalling incidents underscore the need for democratic accountability over which hangs a big question mark. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024Mike Johnson Calls on Biden to 'Speak Up' as Trump Cabinet Picks Targeted
Sitcoms enjoyed a serious renaissance in the 1990s, only to sputter out by the new millennium. But that didn't mean the sitcom genre died . It just changed. And there's at least 32 great sitcoms that came out after the 1990s to prove it. Throughout the 1990s, hit TV shows like Friends, Frasier, Seinfeld, Full House, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Mad About You, and so many more defined the decade, a time when families still gathered around the same television sets. But the eventual rise of the internet and fractured viewing, not to mention changing taste and sensibilities, sent the laugh-track sitcom packing to give way to new forms of situational comedy. Many shows took on a mockumentary-style approach, which gave the hysterical antics a touch of authenticity that traditional sitcoms never could. Towards the streaming era, comedies introduced more intricate filmmaking – with cutaway gags, elaborate transitions, sometimes even stunts – which weren't possible with a traditional studio audience. Sitcoms didn't die out with the advent of high-speed internet and smartphones. It just changed. Here are the 32 greatest sitcoms that aired after the 1990s. 32. Modern Family Easily one of the biggest and most successful TV sitcoms of the social media era, Modern Family lives up to its title to follow several different families in contemporary Los Angeles. The families are connected through wealthy businessman Jay (Ed O'Neil) and his two adult children with families of their own, one of them a same-sex couple. (This was a big deal when gay marriage was still fiercely debated in national politics.) Jay is also divorced from his first wife and remarried to the passionate and fiery Gloria (Sofia Vergara in her star-making role). A juggernaut with critics and audiences, Modern Family mixes traditional sitcom conventions with mockumentary formatting and cringe sensibilities to mark a new phase in the sitcom canon. 31. Reba She's a single mom who works too hard, who loves her kids and never stops. When multi-cam sitcoms were a dying breed, country singer Reba McEntire kept it on life support with her own successful TV sitcom, simply titled Reba. The 'Can't Even Get the Blues' singer stars as Reba Hart, a middle-aged divorcee who is just trying to keep her Houston home together after her husband has an affair with a younger woman – dim-witted but well-meaning dental hygienist, Barbara (Melissa Peterman) – while her own teenage daughter becomes pregnant. Reba doesn't reinvent the wheel, but the show was popular both for McEntire's sharp comic timing and her show's honest (and funny!) portrayal of broken home dynamics. 30. Rutherford Falls At a time when America was all too eager to move past monuments to its problematic past, Rutherford Falls balanced the importance of heritage with empathy for the marginalized – all while keeping things funny. From Parks & Recreation's Michael Schur, Rutherford Falls was a Peacock sitcom that followed Nathan Rutherford (Ed Helms), descendant of a local dynasty who is determined to preserve his family's history in their namesake town of Rutherford Falls. He is sometimes aided, sometimes at odds with his lifelong best friend Reagan (Jana Schmieding), a Native activist. Although it ran for a short two seasons, Rutherford Falls packed a lot in its run, highlighting difficult topics – such as systemic oppression, capital as an uneven distributor of power, and the importance of preservation – with a truly delightful sense of irony and humor. 29. Tacoma FD Broken Lizard, the manic minds behind cult comedy classics Super Troopers and Beerfest, grew out their mustaches and slid down poles for the underrated workplace sitcom Tacoma FD. Set inside a firehouse in Tacoma, Washington – one of America's wettest cities, climate-wise – the bored firefighters put up with all kinds of day-to-day problems while ensuring their relevance against local bureaucracy. Basically "Super Troopers with firefighters," Tacoma FD put some late-2000s raunchiness back on cable TV for four solid seasons. 28. Still Standing Long before he was Robert Baratheon on Game of Thrones, he was blue-collar Bill raising three children in suburban Chicago. In the overlooked CBS sitcom Still Standing, Addy and Jamie Gertz co-star as two parents still struggling to grow past their wild and carefree days of their own youth. The parents are flocked by their unbelievably mature kids, in particular their booksmart eldest son. During its run on network TV, Still Standing failed to stand out against other likeminded shows (see also: The King of Queens), but the show was smarter than its basic sitcom premise seemed, with a grounded and honest look at what it really takes to grow up. 27. Wilfred Shortly after Elijah Wood saved all of Middle-earth in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, he moved on to playing a depressed lawyer suffering a breakdown in the psychological black comedy Wilfred. A remake of an Australian TV show, Wilfred stars Wood as a suicidal lawyer whose life changes when he meets a gorgeous neighbor (Fiona Gubelmann) and her dog Wilfred, who appears to Wood as a foul-mouthed man in a dog costume. (Jason Gann, who played the same role in the Australian original, reprises his part for the American version.) Talk about man's best friend: themed around mental health and the importance of companionship, Wilfred enjoyed cult success on FX with its blend of vulgar humor and dashes of surrealism. 26. The Sarah Silverman Program In Sarah Silverman's self-titled farcical sitcom, which ran for just three seasons on Comedy Central, the comedienne plays a fictionalized version of herself – an immature 20-something woman in the San Fernando Valley with a childlike view of the outside world. She is surrounded by supportive if also neurotic friends, namely her gay neighbors Brian and Steve (played by Brian Posehn and Steve Agee) and her more responsible sister Laura (Laura Silverman, also Sarah's real-life sister). Nothing really happens on The Sarah Silverman Program, just episodic escapades that always take a turn for the worse and sometimes surreal, like Sarah's one-night stand with "God" and what is really on Brian's iPod. 25. Childrens Hospital Sick kids aren't funny – they're really funny. In this dark comedy satire that originated as a low-budget webseries for TheWB.com, creator Rob Corddry also stars as Dr. Arthur Childrens, a misguided pediatrician whose hospital in Brazil (or is it?) is staffed by some of the most eccentric doctors you'll ever see on TV. A brilliant parody of medical shows like ER, Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, and movies like Patch Adams, Childrens Hospital boasts a strong ensemble cast – including Lake Bell, Ken Marino, Megan Mullaly, Malin Akerman, and even Henry Winkler – to surgically rip the genre open a new one. 24. Better Off Ted A workplace sitcom unlike any other, Better Off Ted is about what it means to do good in a place where evil is business. The show follows Ted Crisp (Jay Harrington), the likeable lead of research and development at soulless megacorporation Veridian Dynamics. The show's comedy comes from the juxtaposition between Ted's positive demeanor and inspiring leadership against the sinister work of his company. Portia de Rossi co-stars as his elegant but cold boss Veronica Palmer, with whom he shares a relationship that would send HR into a panic. While Better Off Ted drew critical acclaim and is now seen today as a cult classic, the show's low ratings led to its premature cancellation after just two short seasons. 23. Cougar Town Just before Bill Lawrence found success with Ted Lasso, he and co-producing partner Kevin Biegel defied the odds and bad show titles with Cougar Town, a critically acclaimed sitcom that lasted an impressive six seasons. The series follows Courtney Cox as a recently divorced woman in her 40s who starts all over with the help of her teenage son and supportive (if also wine-drunk) friends. While the show's gaudy title failed to draw in audiences at first – with name changes considered virtually every season – the show cultivated a dedicated fandom who deemed it one of the best and smartest shows during its run on both ABC and TBS. 22. Schitt's Creek Once a little Canadian sitcom that could, Schitt's Creek eventually found a massive audience towards the end of its five-season run, collecting numerous Emmy Awards on its way out. Created by comedian and actor Danel Levy with his father Eugene Levy, Schitt's Creek follows the affluent Rose family who lose their vast fortune and must rebuild their lives in remote and rural Schitt's Creek. While the first season drew only lukewarm reviews, later seasons – which had ample wit and warmth in its story about building community and valuing what really matters most – attracted wide acclaim. Its slow-burn, buzzy word-of-mouth reputation turned Schitt's Creek from an obscure Canadian gem into a legitimate hit as one of the few successful sitcoms of the late 2010s. 21. Fresh Off the Boat Springing from celebrity chef Eddie Huang's 2013 autobiography, Fresh Off the Boat chronicles young Eddie Huang (played by Hudson Yang) as his Taiwanese-American family moves from Washington D.C. to Orlando as his father Louis (Randall Park) opens a steakhouse. While the show, by Nahnatchka Khan, largely sanitized the gritty realness of Huang's childhood in the 1990s, the show was still groundbreaking for the industry – putting a spotlight on a majority Asian American cast – as it was universally entertaining in its portrait of the American dream. Constance Wu often steals the show as the pragmatic and competitive wife/mother Jessica, who later pursues her own literary career. Huang distanced himself from the show after its first season, but Fresh Off the Boat remained a consistent ratings winner until it ended in 2020. 20. Everybody Hates Chris Before the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn underwent hipster gentrification, it was home to many Brooklyn natives – among them, comedian Chris Rock. In 2005, the Hollywood star invited TV audiences to witness a fictionalized version of his childhood in the '80s through his hit sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. Tyler James Williams plays a young Chris Rock who navigates adolescence, family problems, and inner-city struggles with sincere heart and sometimes ironic humor. (Rock himself narrates the show all throughout.) Besides a young Williams demonstrating early mastery at comic timing, Everybody Hates Chris drew a wide audience for its balance of harsh life lessons and laugh-out-loud antics. 19. What We Do in the Shadows Vampire horror meets dysfunctional households in FX's supernaturally popular What We Do in the Shadows. Spinning off from the acclaimed 2014 movie by Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary where cameras follow a household of self-absorbed vampires living in Long Island, assisted by stressed-out human familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillén). As Guillermo's wish to become a vampire is frustratingly dangled before him, the ancient vamps – Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and "energy vampire" Colin (Mark Proksch) – relish in the dark sides of everyday living. A critical darling for all of its seasons, What We Do in the Shadows is sinfully hilarious. 18. The Office As Michael Scott once said: "I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." A generation-defining success story, The Office's rise is parallel to that of the internet and streaming. Originating as a sandpaper dry British comedy, the American version of The Office takes audiences inside the beige offices of a Pennsylvania paper company to chronicle the ups and downs of a workplace in disarray. Steve Carell is unforgettable as frequently misguided but earnest Michael Scott, a dreamer whose reach never quite matches his ambitions. Synonymous with mid-2000s comedy, The Office made mind-numbing 9-to-5 jobs look like an adventure. 17. New Girl Who's that girl? It's Jess! What started out as a vehicle for Zooey Deschanel to flex her manic pixie dream girl image slowly became so much more. Set in L.A., New Girl sees Deschanel as quirky 20-something Jessica Day who moves into a loft apartment full of dudes after a breakup. Over time, these housemates – including Jess' best friend Cece (Hannah Simone) – grow close, taking on the ups and downs of life with gritted teeth and tight hugs. (Megan Fox steps in for a time, during Deschanel's real-life pregnancy which is written off as "jury duty.") While roommate-oriented sitcoms are hardly anything new, New Girl's specific brand of improvised comedy and cast chemistry made it so much more worthwhile than its "adorkable" surface implied. 16. The IT Crowd With the advent of high speed internet, people knew enough about computers even if they didn't understand them. Enter the boom of information technology departments, which inspired one of the greatest British comedies of the 2000s. The IT Crowd revolves around the eccentric, mostly antisocial IT department of a London corporation. The story begins when clueless Jen (Katherine Parkinson) is hired to oversee the department as their official Business Relationship Manager, only for her to wind up their personal relationship manager. Like most British TV, The IT Crowd ran for a mere 25 episodes, but the show enjoys a prolific legacy as one of the funniest shows on any side of the pond to (affectionately) roast a new breed of freaks and geeks. 15. Scrubs They're no Superman, but they're trying their best. While most medical TV shows go hard in relationship melodramas and the high-stakes race to save the sick and wounded, Scrubs sought the funny bones of the medical genre. The series takes place in Sacred Heart Hospital to follow young interns J.D. (Zach Braff), Turk (Donald Faison), and ambitious Elliot (Sarah Chalke) as they learn about what it means to live life while saving them. Across a whopping 180-plus episodes, Scrubs expertly balanced slapstick humor and comical surrealism – thanks to dalliances into J.D.'s daydreams – while never forgetting the heart and soul of the sacred profession. 14. Malcolm in the Middle What appears to be a run-of-the-mill sitcom about adolescence is actually one of the sharpest and wittiest shows of the 2000s. Premiering on January 9th, 2000, Malcolm in the Middle follows titular Malcolm (Frankie Muniz), a young boy with a genius intellect who is "stuck" with his dysfunctional family, including clueless dad Hal (Bryan Cranston), his domineering mother Lois (Jane Kaczmarek), and his numerous siblings. Though he's a certified genius, Malcolm still isn't mature enough to handle life's curveballs, which inspires all kinds of episodic hijinks. One of the first network sitcoms to ditch studio audiences and laugh tracks for more intricate filmmaking, Malcolm in the Middle was as clever as it was jagged, foreshadowing a specific mood that was settling in amid the new millennium. 13. Community It never went the whole distance of "Six seasons and a movie," but just like your own college years, it was good while it lasted. From Dan Harmon, Community is the story of a diverse group of students at a suburban community college who come together as a Spanish class study group after slick ex-lawyer Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) inadvertently makes one up to get the attention of Britta (Gillian Jacobs). Inspired by Harmon's own experiences going to community college and forging strong friendships with unlikely people, Community made the most of its unconventional yet mundane setting and unforgettable characters. (Most notable of all: Britta's slow-burn transformation into an actual idiot is nothing short of impressive.) From suspenseful games of paintball and Dungeons & Dragons to zombie outbreaks at Halloween parties, Community did so much to earn its extra credits. 12. Veep Vote Meyer! In the HBO hit Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus shines as Vice President Selina Meyer, an ambitious politician who starts the show having fallen short of her Presidential dreams. Settling for the role of VP, Meyer deals with her loyal yet buffoonish staff who breathlessly race to cater to her every whim. If The West Wing was about the best in politics and House of Cards the worst, Veep was about how hysterical the dweebs in DC can be. Political blunders galore, Veep is easily the funniest sitcom ever about the (second) most powerful office in the free world. 11. Superstore Attention Cloud 9 shoppers: If you haven't seen Superstore, check it out now. Set in a fictional big box store in St. Louis, Superstore chronicles the daily lives of the store's employees as they put up with bizarre customers and corporate overlords. Much of the show primarily revolves around the budding romance between cynical supervisor Amy (America Ferrera) and intelligent business school dropout Jonah (Ben Feldman), who is hired in the pilot episode. A workplace comedy that was boldly unafraid to get real – with episodes about everything from illegal immigration to dealing with COVID-19 – Superstore is anything but a budget discount. 10. How I Met Your Mother All these years later, fans remain split over the ending. But until it hit that polarizing finish line, How I Met Your Mother was among the most popular sitcoms of its kind – and one of the last. The series revolves around Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor), a New York City architect who tells his kids in the year 2030 how he met their mother. (The late Bob Saget voices the older Ted, the show's narrator.) Hailed by critics as one of the freshest laugh-track sitcoms in a time when the format was all but dead, How I Met Your Mother launched some careers (Jason Segel and Cobie Smulders) and revitalized others (Neil Patrick Harris) while telling a heartfelt and often heartbreaking story about one man's tireless search for "The One." The cherry on top: The show had an especially great curation of late 2000s indie rock. 9. Shoresy You gotta set the tone, boys. Spinning off from the dry and quick-witted Letterkenny, Jared Keeso laces up his skates for the similarly acerbic Shoresy. Keeso stars as Shore, a rough and aggressive yet calculated hockey player for a regional Ontario league. Following a massive losing streak, Shoresy takes control of his team, the Sudbury Bulldogs, by promising his impossibly beautiful owners (Sudbury has a strange concentration of beautiful women) that they'll "never lose again." Shoresy is all about winning by any means necessary, and the show's endless dispensary of insults, clever comebacks, and cutting remarks make it as hard-hitting as the boys on the ice. Are you ready? Good, 'cuz you're going! 8. Curb Your Enthusiasm It's a show where Larry David, loosely playing himself, yells at everyone around him. And it's been one of HBO's most successful sitcoms since it debuted in October 2000. Curb Your Enthusiasm follows David playing a fictionalized version of himself, that of a stubborn, semi-retired TV writer in Los Angeles who puts up with the mind-numbing minutiae of everyday life. A masterclass of improv comedy, Curb Your Enthusiasm epitomizes David's own cantankerous and cynical outlook, believing that everyone around him who projects empty enthusiasm ought to be taken down a peg. 7. The Good Place Welcome! Everything is fine. In this modern classic broadcast on NBC and created by Michael Schur, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kirsten Bell) dies and goes upstairs to "The Good Place," where she's paired by Good Place architect Michael (Ted Danson) with her soulmate, a neurotic ex-ethics professor named Chidi (William Jackson Harper). And life seems heavenly at a glance, except Eleanor hides a secret: She's not who The Good Place thinks she is. And there's an even bigger secret about The Good Place that's only revealed at the end of the first season. Lauded by critics and audiences for its exploration of social ethics and philosophy mixed with dirtbag humor, The Good Place is an uplifting sitcom that finds hilarity in the bigger picture. 6. Parks & Recreation While it started off on the wrong foot as a sort of "The Office in local government," Parks & Recreation quickly found its own voice as an optimistic sitcom about the good things people are capable of in service to their communities. Amy Poehler stars as Leslie Knope, a perky government official working in the suburban nowhere of Pawnee, Indiana. Never mind how she behaves in Season 1. Starting in Season 2, Leslie shines as a confident go-getter who inspires everyone around her to do their best – even against their own wishes. Featuring a charismatic ensemble that made stars out of talent like Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, and more, Parks & Recreation is a modern sitcom triumph. 5. Abbot Elementary In 2021, the mockumentary format had grown long in the tooth through shows like Parks & Recreation and Modern Family. But it found new life after enrolling in Abbot Elementary. A hilarious workplace sitcom created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the show takes place inside the chaotic classrooms and hallways of a predominantly Black public school in Philadelphia. Brunson takes charge as Janine Teagues, an idealistic second grade teacher who only wants to inspire her students. Besides bureaucratic red tape and systemic underfunding, Janine's work life is made complicated by her relationship to another teacher, Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), a will-they-won't-they romance with substitute teacher Gregory (Tyler James Williams), and the often irresponsible but surprising principal Ava (Janelle James). Even in the streaming era, Abbot Elementary made honor roll as a legit network hit on ABC. 4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine Cold opens, Halloween heists, and karaoke line-ups: These are just a few things that make Brooklyn Nine-Nine so arresting. Centered around irresponsible but capable cop Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and his relationship to strict new chief Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), Brooklyn Nine-Nine turns the 99th precinct of the NYPD upside down with episodic antics. Initially a hit on FOX before moving to NBC in its final years, Brooklyn Nine-Nine found success with both its gut-busting hilarity and occasional sincerity at difficult topics, ranging from police profiling to queer sexual identity. Nine-Nine! 3. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, one of the longest consistently running sitcoms in TV history, has found unbelievable longevity in a simple question: "What's The Gang up to this week?" Premiering in 2005, It's Always Sunny takes place in and out of a grimy dive bar in Philly that's owned and operated by a group of toxic and destructive friends: sociopathic Dennis (Glenn Howerton), passionate but naive Charlie (Charlie Day), slimy Mac (Rob McElhenney), and Dennis' sister Dee (Kaitlin Olson). The gang is soon joined by Dennis and Dee's weird dad Frank (Danny DeVito), and together their various schemes and plans spiral out of control. With a sublime sense of dark and morbid humor, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia can leave you laughing through the horror. 2. Arrested Development Wealth can't buy stability. Such is the ethos of Arrested Development, an absurdist sitcom created by Mitchell Hurwitz which follows the fictional Bluth dynasty after their wealth totally dries up. Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) steps up to take over his family's business while trying to keep all his opportunistic relatives in check. (Ron Howard, also the show's executive producer, served as the show's main omniscient narrator.) Originally a cult hit that was canceled too soon on FOX, Arrested Development found new life on Netflix when it saw season revivals in 2013, 2018, and 2019. Deemed by critics one of the greatest TV shows of all time, Arrested Development enjoyed acclaim throughout its run, winning six Emmy Awards during its lifespan. 1. 30 Rock In the immortal words of Jack Donaghy: "Good God, Lemon." A modern classic with an embarrassment of riches, Tina Fey's 30 Rock takes audiences behind the scenes of a weekly sketch comedy show that is totally not Saturday Night Live. The show centers around head writer Liz Lemon (Fey), a type-A "know it all" who must deal with the drama of having a sudden new star Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan), a total loose cannon. Through the ups and downs of making TV, Liz clashes – and receives guidance – from her new boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), a suave but controlling executive. Brimming with comic genius and self-referential humor, including many jabs at NBC's corporate culture and many acquisitions during its run, 30 Rock is simply one of the greatest TV sitcoms to ever make it to air.
US, Asia Foundation launch P16.8M initiative for cyber security
The Premier League is mirroring bygone days, with Liverpool at the helm and Nottingham Forest trailing as a serious contender. Liverpool showcased their prowess with a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham, while Nottingham Forest secured second place with a 2-0 win against Everton, fueling hopes of a Champions League berth. Nottingham Forest, reminiscent of its 1979 performance, is rallying under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Fans are hopeful despite Nuno's caution about maintaining current standings. Meanwhile, Liverpool is distancing rivals under Arne Slot's leadership, with Mohamed Salah pivotal in their success, scoring and assisting prolifically to keep the title chances alive. In contrast, Pep Guardiola's milestone 500th match for Manchester City ended a five-game winless streak, as Haaland and Savinho clinched a vital 2-0 victory against Leicester City. Despite relief from the win, Guardiola acknowledges the need for improvement amid a challenging season. (With inputs from agencies.)
Judge Arun Subramanian ruled to deny bail for Sean "Diddy" Combs on Friday. Both federal prosecutors and Combs' attorneys submitted their final letters about whether the music mogul should be allowed out on bail on Monday. Prosecutors argued that Combs’ attempt to influence witnesses while in jail “constitutes obstruction” of his criminal case. They also called out Combs’ “recent efforts to influence the jury pool” through a social media campaign organized by his children. Defense attorneys said that their client's conduct was protected free speech, meant to combat “outrageous claims about Mr. Combs” by “government agents, plaintiffs’ attorneys, and others with questionable motives.” Subramanian had asked the parties to submit these final arguments in writing and said he would issue a written decision on bail. Combs, who pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and prostitution charges, has offered to remain on home confinement in a three-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with 24/7 security guards and restrictions on visitors and communications. Last Friday, the defense called the proposed conditions “far more restrictive” than Combs faces in jail. They included limiting phone calls to lawyers, restricting visitors other than lawyers and specific family members, keeping a visitation log, and avoiding contact with witnesses or potential witnesses. However, federal prosecutors have said there are no conditions that can reduce Combs’ risk of tampering with witnesses or shaping the opinions of potential jurors. They also brought up a 2016 video of Combs attacking then-girlfriend and protégé Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway, saying that it showed the danger he could pose to women if allowed out on bail. In court last Friday, prosecutors summarily said that Combs "cannot be trusted" to follow the rules of a pretrial release. Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.Former US President Jimmy Carter, a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for peace and democracy, has died at the age of 100, the Carter Center has confirmed. He passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter was a former peanut farmer who rose to prominence as the 39th President of the United States. His presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981, was marked by economic challenges and pivotal diplomatic events, including the Camp David Accords and the Iran hostage crisis. Despite leaving office with low approval ratings, Carter’s post-presidential legacy earned him widespread admiration. The Carter Center, founded in 1982, became the cornerstone of his efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and global health. Through its work, Carter played a significant role in advancing peace negotiations, monitoring elections, and combating diseases like Guinea worm. His commitment to humanitarian causes earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In a heartfelt statement, Carter’s son, Chip Carter, described his father as “a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November 2023. As the longest-living president in U.S. history, Jimmy Carter leaves behind a profound legacy that transcends politics. His life was a testament to the power of humility, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. The Carter family has asked the public to honor his memory by continuing to uphold the values he cherished: peace, compassion, and service to others. Chioma Kalu Follow us on:
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