TOKYO, Mar 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, “Eisai”) has announced the establishment of Eisai Global Capability Centre (EGCC) within Eisai Knowledge Centre, India, in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, India. The opening ceremony was held today, marking the commencement of its operation. The Centre serves as Eisai’s information technology hub.(Standing from left to right) Muneo Takahashi, Consul General of Japan in Chennai (South India Jurisdiction); KeisukeNaito, Eisai COO and Chief Growth Officer; Yumiko Aoyagi, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in India; VijayaKrishnan, IAS District Director, Anakapalli.)The establishment of EGCC represents a core initiative of Eisai Group’s long-term IT strategy. By integrating external expertise and cutting-edge technologies, the EGCC insources the design and operation of internal information technology services. This, in turn, enables delivery of standardized high quality information technology services in a secure environment, strongly supporting Eisai Group’s global business operations. With the EGCC taking the lead in global IT functions, Eisai will transition its organizational structure, allowing regional IT functions to focus more on strategic business transformation aligning with their region-specific operations.In its initial phase, the EGCC will focus primarily on standardizing global IT infrastructure operations. The Centre plans to gradually expand its scope to include cybersecurity, data & analytics, and operational applications, in response to business needs.Eisai established “Eisai Knowledge Centre, India, in Andhra Pradesh in 2009. Since then the facility has served as a core operational hub for our global production and process research, while also contributing to employment creation in the local area. Andhra Pradesh is currently spearheading initiatives to establish a “New IT City” by designating Special Economic Zone (SEZ), attracting data centers and AI hubs, and aiming to create 300,000 IT jobs. By establishing the EGCC within the “Eisai Knowledge Centre, India”, we aim to recruit and nurture excellent global IT human resource who resonates with our “human health care (hhc)” concept. Through long-term employment and career development opportunities, we will contribute to the development of the local IT ecosystem and economic prosperity.Media Inquiries:Public Relations Department,Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120Photographs of Inside and Outside of the Global Capability Center Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: nicole
Why Gulf States Are Refraining from Joining the Conflict with Iran Despite Iranian Attacks on Their Territory
Despite Iran's escalating attacks throughout the Persian Gulf, multiple nations that have been directly hit are still declining to enter the conflict against Iran, choosing instead to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions. According to Gulf governments, their main focus is on protecting their own land while avoiding a broader war that might throw both the region and worldwide energy markets into turmoil.On Monday, when White House senior correspondent Peter Doocy questioned Donald Trump regarding Iran's attacks on Gulf nations, the president stated that specialists had not expected Tehran to strike nearby countries."Nobody. Nobody. The top experts — no one believed they would attack," Trump responded when Doocy inquired about Iranian strikes aimed at Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, Tehran broadened the scope of the conflict following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian oil installations earlier this month, extending its reprisals to Gulf energy facilities and maritime passages in the Strait of Hormuz.The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) has documented a minimum of 25 Iranian assaults on vessels in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz since February 28, along with attacks on energy infrastructure in various Gulf states."Tehran focused its attacks on Gulf energy facilities and shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to increase the price of war for the U.S. and its regional allies," explained Luca Nevola, ACLED's senior analyst for Yemen and the Gulf.Jacob Olidort, chief research officer at the America First Policy Institute, informed Digital that "Since Operation Epic Fury commenced, our Gulf allies have presented an unparalleled united stance against dangers from the Iranian regime," noting that their efforts have concentrated on halting assaults rather than broadening the conflict. "This demonstrates not only a wish to bring stability to the region but also an acknowledgment that American military achievements enable that stability."Salman Al-Ansari, a Saudi geopolitical analyst, told Digital that Riyadh is prioritizing the preservation of worldwide market stability. "Riyadh is currently showing maximum restraint, though the key issue is how much longer this can continue," Al-Ansari stated.Al-Ansari referenced a time-honored Saudi strategic principle. "More than a century ago, Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, declared: 'The living do not fight the dead.' Perhaps Riyadh is adhering to this teaching, at least pending new developments," he remarked.Qatar has adopted a comparable position. "Qatar's state policies consistently aim to reduce tensions," a Qatari official told Digital. "Qatar is not involved in this war, and we firmly maintain that hostilities must cease via negotiations. Simultaneously, Qatar persists in safeguarding its nation and sovereignty after the Iranian attacks."An additional element influencing Gulf caution is a regional rule against permitting their land to be utilized for strikes on Iran. According to some U.S. military specialists, the Gulf's reluctance also connects to enduring doubts about Washington's dependability in the area.Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, previously deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, told Digital that unpredictable American policies have undermined confidence among Gulf allies. "Our Middle East policies have been more repetitive than a revolving door," Harward commented. "We haven't succeeded in gaining the trust and faith of our Gulf partners during the past fifteen years. This deficit of trust and confidence has only worsened the Iranian threat to the region."The retired Vice Admiral noted that Gulf governments are carefully evaluating the dangers of escalation. "While these nations contemplate taking offensive action, they fear the consequences of our departure," he stated. "Clearly, these countries struggle to protect themselves against a nation of 90 million people without our support."According to regional experts, Gulf leaders worry that if even a single nation enters the combat, the war could rapidly consume the entire region.Abdullah Aljunaid, a Bahraini specialist, told Digital that should one Gulf Cooperation Council member enter the war, it might pull the whole alliance into the conflict. "If any GCC member chose to participate in this offensive, it would compel all other GCC nations to join simultaneously," Aljunaid explained.The repercussions could reach well past the combat zone. "You can picture what oil prices would become. We're certainly looking at over $150 per barrel," he asserted.Aljunaid added that Gulf leaders are also cautious about indefinite military operations in the area. "Historical evidence indicates that whenever military intervention begins in this region, it never concludes as pledged," he observed.Rather, he indicated that Gulf nations are concentrating on defensive strategies while discreetly backing diplomatic pathways, such as Oman's mediation initiatives.Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III stated that Iran committed a significant strategic error by attacking Gulf states. "Iran executed a strategic miscalculation by assaulting Gulf countries — our allies and partners — using ballistic missiles and drone strikes," Newton told Digital.The former Air Force commander cautioned that strikes on critical infrastructure like oil facilities or desalination plants might drive Gulf states to adopt a more forceful reaction."I suspect there could possibly be one or two countries in the area that might be willing to partner with the U.S. in taking offensive action against Iran," Newton said. "That definitely falls within the bounds of possibility in the upcoming weeks."Newton further noted that the enduring goal for America and its allies ought to be stopping Iran from endangering regional stability and international shipping lanes. "This involves establishing naval supremacy in the Persian Gulf and creating circumstances that ensure secure transit for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz," he stated.For the time being, though, Gulf leaders seem resolved to limit the conflict instead of intensifying it, despite Iranian attacks already hitting their soil.The UAE did not promptly reply to inquiries seeking comment.
Posted on
by: emer
Founders Metals Added to GDXJ Index; Commences Drilling at Antino North
Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - March 17, 2026) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces that it has been included in the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index ("MVGDXJ"), the underlying benchmark for the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF ("GDXJ"). Separately, the Company reports the commencement of diamond drilling at Antino North on its Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or "Project") in southeastern Suriname, with a second rig now being mobilized to the area (Figure 1).HighlightsGDXJ Index Inclusion: Founders Metals added to the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index in the Q1 2026 quarterly review, triggering passive buying from index-tracking ETFsMaiden Drilling at Antino North: First diamond drill rig now turning where field work has delineated ten parallel gold-bearing structures across a 4 km areaSecond Rig Mobilizing: A second diamond drill rig is being mobilized to test the multi-km historical auger gold anomaly in the east of Antino NorthSurface Results: Previously reported channel sampling at Antino North returned 20.0 m of 2.07 g/t Au including 7.0 m of 5.05 g/t AuAuger Sampling Progress: Founders has collected over 4000 auger samples to date in 2026Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, "Our inclusion in the GDXJ index is a meaningful milestone for Founders and reflects the market's growing recognition of what we are building in the Guiana Shield and brings new passive and institutional capital into the stock.""On the ground, we are equally excited to be now drilling at Antino North. The shear zones we've mapped in the northwest offer numerous compelling first drill targets where this year's surface work has returned high-grade grab and channel results in geology similar to Upper Antino. With the scale of the new Antino North targets, we are also mobilizing a second rig that will initially test the large historical auger anomaly in the east. We see Antino North as having the potential to become a second centre of gravity within our expanding gold camp."About Founders Metals Inc.Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield - the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is backed by strategic partnerships with Gold Fields and B2Gold and is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname's next major gold camp.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,Per: "Colin Padget"Colin PadgetPresident, Chief Executive Officer, and DirectorContact InformationKatie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate DevelopmentTel: +1 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.comCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding long term value creation and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved.Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.Quality Assurance and ControlSamples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.Qualified PersonsThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.Figure 1: Antino plan map showing progress of 2026 auger geochemical survey To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/288812_b62e33bd746b88f9_001full.jpgTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288812 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: emer
The Executive Centre Advances Digital Transformation in Real Estate with AI Agent Integration
HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The real estate sector that is largely relationship-driven, asset-heavy in nature has traditionally been among the last industries to embrace advanced technological transformation. However, as data becomes central to decision-making, digital transformation is rapidly redefining how real estate organisations operate. The Executive Centre (TEC) announces a pioneering leap forward, unveiling a comprehensive digital transformation strategy powered by Artificial Intelligence and advanced data analytics, poised to dramatically reshape how commercial real estate operates and delivers value.The Executive Centre is advancing a structured digital transformation strategy anchored on three pillars: enterprise AI integration, advanced data intelligence, and scalable automation architecture purpose-built for the real estate sector.At the forefront of this evolution is ECHO, TEC’s first internal AI agent, embedded within Microsoft Teams to support its global workforce. ECHO connects employees to a secure generative AI layer, enabling immediate access to institutional knowledge, operational playbooks, and market insights. By reducing information retrieval time and standardising best practices across markets, ECHO enhances productivity, shortens decision cycles, and improves execution consistency across Centres.Beyond ECHO, TEC has deployed a network of AI agents across customer service, marketing, digital engagement, and operational workflows. Built on a modular, API-driven automation framework, this ecosystem enables seamless orchestration across internal systems, CRM platforms, and performance data environments. AI agents support real-time enquiry routing, lead qualification, campaign optimisation, multilingual content localisation, reporting automation, and data enrichment, ensuring faster turnaround times and greater precision in execution.In parallel, TEC is strengthening its advanced data mining, scraping, and analytics capabilities to create a scalable digital backbone for real estate operations. By consolidating market signals, behavioural insights, and search intelligence, TEC can deliver hyper-personalised client solutions, forecast demand across cities, optimise space utilisation, and refine expansion strategies. Data is translated into actionable intelligence that directly enhances commercial performance and client experience.Paul Salnikoff, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at TEC, commented, “The future of real estate will be defined by how effectively we mine, analyse and interpret data. For an industry that has traditionally relied on relationships and experience, technology is now becoming a critical differentiator. AI is not about replacing human judgement, but about strengthening it with speed, accuracy and intelligence. Gen-AI will reshape how real estate decisions are made, from operations to long-term strategy. We are proud to be pioneering this integration, crafting a future-forward platform that will not only redefine our operations but also elevate our client experiences and provide us with a strategic edge in a rapidly evolving market. ”Together, these initiatives position The Executive Centre at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate, where AI augments human expertise, drives measurable productivity gains, and serves as a strategic force multiplier across global markets. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: emer
Wintermar Reports Results for The Full Year Ended 31 December 2025
SINGAPORE, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Wintermar’s Operating Profit for FY2025 jumped by 31% YOY to US$23.3 million, reflecting margin expansion through a better fleet mix. Core Profit increased by 19.2% YOY to US$18.Owned Vessel DivisionOwned vessel revenue rose by 13.8% YOY to US$70.7 million as gross margins for Owned Vessels widened to 41.7% for FY2025 compared to 36.1% in FY2024 despite softer charter rates and lower offshore activity in 2025. Utillization in 2025 was lower than 2024 arising from geopolitical concerns and the early stage of most drilling projects which are shorter term in nature. However, this was compensated by higher revenue from having more Dynamic Positioning (DP) equipped vessels. The Company operated a larger number of units of higher value vessels in FY2025. Chartering Division and Other ServicesGross Profit from the Chartering Division continued to decline with a drop in contribution to US$0.5 million in FY2025 compared to US$1.4 million in FY2024. Some of the declines resulted from a strategic decision to move the Company towards a management fee based ship management business model for better scalability, where the Company now receives fees for various services which are recorded in the Other Services Division. Contribution from Other Services Division has increased by 9.3% YOY by US$0.2 million to US$2.8 million in FY2025.Direct Expenses and Gross Profit With a larger number of DP vessels in operation and more overseas contracts, total crewing costs rose by 10.5%YOY to US$11.4 million for FY2025. Depreciation rose accordingly by 10.4% YOY to US$14.8 million for FY2025 from the full year impact of the additions to the fleet in 2024. One PSV completed reactivation and became operational in 4Q2025. Operation expenses were slightly higher (+2.2%YOY) at US$5.2 million while maintenance costs fell by 2.9% YOY to US$7.3 million. Fuel bunker was significantly lower (-26%YOY) as idle vessels were berthed in Batam on shore power.By December 2025, there were 7 units of PSVs in operation, as compared to 5 units of operational PSVs at end 2024. The Company purchased an additional PSV in late 2025 and she is being delivered to Indonesia and expected to be operational by 2H2026.Total Gross Profit rose by 24.1%YOY to US$32.7 million.Indirect Expenses and Operating ProfitTotal Indirect Expenses rose by 10%YOY to US$9.4 million for FY2025. The largest increase in indirect expenses came from salary cost, in line with a building out of key technical and operations positions to prepare for scaling up the fleet. Salary expenses rose by 11.9% YOY to US$6.5 million for FY2025, as employee strength increased to 252 from 244. Marketing expenses rose by 17.2% YOY due to fees and commissions as well as bid bond expenses to participate in tenders. Investments in new subsidiaries added 12.6%YOY to office utility costs which amounted to US$0.6 million.As a result, Operating Profit for FY2025 jumped by 31%YOY to US$23.3 million in FY2025 compared to US$17.8 million in FY2024.Other Income, Expenses and Core Net ProfitCash flow from operations have increased due to better revenues and receivables collections, and the Company has also taken on more debt to refinance vessels. As a result, interest expenses rose by 83.5% YOY to US$2.1 million, while interest income doubled to US$1.0 million. The Company is still in a strong financial position with net cash. Associated companies contributed US$4.1 million (+71.5%YOY) from better business conditions.The sale of 2 older mid-tier vessels recorded a gain of US$3.5 million in total. This is much lower than the gain on sale of vessels in the previous year of US$16.1 million as there was a windfall profit in FY2024 from the sale of an older PSV. Total other income was US$7.4 million for FY2025 compared to US$19 million in FY2024.EBITDA for FY2025 increased by 21.8% YOY to US$38.4 milllion, reflecting a significant improvement in operations and cash generation ability of the Company.Stripping out gains on vessel sale, the underlying Core Net Profit attributable to shareholders was US$18.0 million, a jump of 19.2%YOY as compared to US$15.1 million in FY2024.The performance of the Company has contributed to EPS of Rp75.80 for FY2025 against Rp78.35 in FY2024.Industry OutlookThe heightened geopolitical risks in 2025 saw governments around the world prioritizing energy security over long term climate goals. The speed of adoption of Aritficial Inteligence (AI) in every field also accelerated the expansion of data centers, contributing significantly to the increasing demand for power. By late 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) revised up electricity demand growth to 3.7% in 2026, well in excess of average growth of 2.6%p.a. between 2015 to 2023.As a result of these changes, there has been an upward revision in total investment into oil and gas exploration in 2025 compared to 2024, in particular in deepwater drilling. This confirms our positive outlook for strong demand in OSV for the coming few years, particularly in DP equipped OSVs.In early 2026, the attacks on Iran and ensuing retaliation has disrupted oil and gas supplies coming from the Middle East, causing oil prices to spike. Should the Iran war escalate for a longer period, it is likely to trigger even more investment into exploration of new oil and gas reserves as energy nationalism becomes the new normal.Business ProspectsThe Company’s investment in additional fleet has improved the fleet composition and raised revenues and margins in the past year. Indonesia alone has 4 deepwater drilling projects which have been identified as strategic projects by the government and slated to start production between 2027 to 2030. There will be longer term contracts awarded for these projects in the coming year as projects start to ramp up towards the second half of 2026.With stronger cash flow expected in 2026, management is looking to expand the dynamic positioning fleet, and cash will be deployed to fleet expansion, whether through direct purchases of vessels or corporate acquisitions. In 2025, total capex was US$41.7 million, while in FY2026, the Company is budgeting more than double that amount in anticipation of increased OSV demand. This will be funded by internal cash flow and bank loans. Total contracts on hand as at end December 2025 amount to US$59.1 million.About Wintermar Offshore Marine GroupWintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over nearly 50 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, and sails a fleet of more than 48 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All vessels are operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real-time by shore-based Vessel Teams.Wintermar is the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, and is currently certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO14001:2015 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com.For further information, please contact:Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFAInvestor RelationsPT Wintermar Offshore Marine TbkTel (62-21) 530 5201 Ext 401Email: investor_relations@wintermar.comDISCLAIMERCertain statements made in this publication involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Certain statements relating to business and operations of PT Wintermar Offshore Marine Tbk and Subsidiaries (the Company) are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Certain statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements. The Company makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update or revise any of these statements. This publication is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation or offering of securities in any jurisdiction. The information contained in this publication is not intended to qualify, supplement or amend information disclosed under corporate and securities legislation of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company and should not be relied upon for the purpose of making investment decisions concerning any securities of the Company. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: jenn
This Year’s Most Unconventional Sci-Fi Thriller Injects New Life Into The Genre
20th Century StudiosA wild party is in full swing to celebrate the prison release of Jimmy Boy (Jimmy Tatro), the favored son of crime boss Sosa (Keith David). Champagne flows, voices roar, and Vince Vaughn's menacing gangster Nick glares intensely at the back of fellow gangster Mike's (James Marsden) head. Nick is so fixated on Mike that he hardly registers his wife, Alice (Eiza González), approaching to kiss his cheek and ask about their plans for the after-parties. He responds vaguely, prompting a displeased Alice to casually declare she'll have a girls' night instead, shooting Mike a meaningful look. This introduces our three central characters, whose night is destined to spiral into chaos in strange and unpredictable fashion, all due to some time-travel mischief.The film that truly captures the essence of "zany" is Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, a frenetic time-travel adventure that reinvigorates the sci-fi action comedy. Written and directed by BenDavid Grabinski for Hulu, the movie is so packed with manic energy and ridiculous stunts that it seems to defy its streaming-only debut. If nothing else, experiencing this film with an audience significantly boosts the fun.Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice charts the journey of our trio as a sci-fi time-travel twist transforms them into a quartet. The shift occurs when Mike, setting up a hotel room for a secret rendezvous with Alice, hears a knock and finds Nick at the door. This Nick, however, is dressed differently from the party and appears to need Mike's urgent assistance. They drive to Nick's home, where Nick instructs Mike to chloroform the occupant. The problem? The person inside is Nick. After a brutal scuffle, the inside Nick vanishes, and the one who fetched Mike confesses he's from the future. He found a time machine from a debtor, Symon (a perfectly cast Ben Schwartz), and used it to return to the day he's long regretted: the day Mike is killed. It emerges that Nick framed Mike as the informant who sent Jimmy Boy to prison, painting a target on his back for Sosa's wrath. Nick's motive for the betrayal is simple—he had just learned of Mike and Alice's affair. Filled with remorse, he has traveled back to prevent Mike's brutal murder by Sosa's hitman, and to succeed, he'll require the help of Mike, Alice, and even his past self.True to its name, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice hinges on the gimmick of two Vince Vaughns causing havoc for each other's schemes, but a more notable sleight of hand is at work. Despite its time-travel premise and somewhat complicated setup, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is remarkably direct. It feels less like a sci-fi thriller such as Looper and more like a Shane Black-inspired buddy comedy, where one of the buddies is literally the same guy, twice over. Even when Alice joins as the fourth member, the film maintains its pace, ensuring its packed cast effectively serves the story's ever-more absurd turns and rising tension.Mike and Nick and Alice hatch a plan. | 20th Century StudiosGrabinski, who honed his skills on Netflix’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, is both a cinephile and an unabashed millennial, loading the script with witty pop-culture nods and as many '90s punk-rock soundtrack cues as possible. An Edgar Wright influence is evident, alongside traces of other admired modern filmmakers: the dialogue has a Shane Black-like bite, blended with Community-style meta-humor that sometimes veers into a Joss Whedon-like cadence. Some jokes remain a tad rough, with certain segments—like an extended debate about the best Gilmore Girls boyfriend—overstaying their welcome, but the cast's skill and sparkling chemistry rescue the film's more clumsy meta-comedic efforts.González, a veteran of sleek, high-energy thrillers from her work in Guy Ritchie's ensembles, transitions effortlessly into a more humorous role. In the supporting cast, Tatro also deserves recognition for mastering the film's unique blend of smart meta-jokes and simple action comedy. Nevertheless, it is Vaughn and Marsden who excel at marrying the film's dry wit with its explosive action sequences. The action set pieces are especially impressive; Vaughn and Marsden's initial brawl unfolds with such gratifying speed and powerful fluidity that it makes you question why both actors hadn't pursued action roles sooner. Vaughn, who primarily portrays the stoic enforcer here, has long demonstrated his dramatic range, but Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice seems like the first film in years to fully harness Marsden's action credentials while showcasing his natural comedic ability.Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice possesses a certain raggedness, though it strives to treat the disorder as an asset rather than a flaw. It's organized into brisk chapters (the party, the afterparty, the after-after party) and often inserts black-and-white flashbacks that break the flow. However, despite some confusing pauses, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is a lively, dynamically shot escapade elevated by its excellent cast. It stands as a potent declaration of intent from writer-director Grabinski. While only his second feature, Grabinski shows he is a filmmaker to watch, one poised to grow even more refined and daring in his future projects.Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice premiered at SXSW on March 14. It premieres on Hulu on March 27.
Posted on
by: jenn
Rumor: This Is How the Canceled ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Reboot Concluded
20th Century Fox Television/Kobal/ShutterstockHollywood is currently in the grip of reboot mania, though not every project materializes. Sometimes, a network makes a major announcement about reviving a dormant franchise, only to withdraw at the last minute, frequently after a pilot has already been filmed. This occurred with Adrianne Palicki’s 2011 Wonder Woman, the 2023 live-action Powerpuff Girls, and last year’s gender-swapped Holes remake. The latest project to fall by the wayside is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Joss Whedon’s classic monster-hunting series received a high-profile revival announcement, introducing Skeleton Crew actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the next Slayer. However, Sarah Michelle Gellar recently revealed in a video that Hulu opted not to proceed with the pilot. While details were limited, a rumored script leak provides a look at what might have been. Ryan Kiera Armstrong was supposed to play the next generation of slayer, but Hulu chose not to go forward with the pilot. | Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesThe Slayer Leak That (Supposedly) Exposes All A script posted on Reddit claims to be a draft of the abandoned pilot. Although its authenticity is unverified, leaked set photos of a vampire-themed festival called “Vampire Weekend” align perfectly with the text, suggesting this represents at least one version intended for the screen. In the script, a young girl named Nova begins attending school at New Sunnydale. In the present day, Sunnydale’s reputation for vampires is more of a tourist attraction than a genuine danger, and Buffy Summers is viewed as a myth. Like the original show, the script features numerous jokes, though this iteration largely targets a Gen-Z audience. Nova responds to her new Slayer abilities by saying, “I...unalived him,” and the antagonist’s motivation includes the line, “because being woke is exhausting.” The script even acknowledges this trope when Nova first uses her powers, remarking, “I keep forgetting to quip!”Buffy Reboot Pilot Seemingly Sequestered Buffy Until the Finale However, the most significant problem with this alleged Buffy revival is the near-total absence of Buffy. She does not appear until the pilot's closing moments, where it is revealed that Buffy has been living as “Anne Summers,” working as an unassuming insurance agent. Rather than serving as a mentor to Nova, she is established in a separate context, presumably to be integrated in a future episode. Buffy Summers doesn’t appear in this reportedly leaked script until the tag. | Mitchell Haaseth/UPN/ZUMA Press/ShutterstockThis mirrors a troubling trend frequently seen in streaming television: slow pacing and drawn-out reveals designed to hook viewers. A viral tweet coined the term “Surf Dracula” for this pattern. Essentially, a broadcast show called Surf Dracula would feature Dracula surfing in every episode, whereas a streaming version would wait until the final five minutes to show it. This pilot suffers from that exact issue. Buffy is merely teased, and the majority of the runtime is spent introducing a host of new characters, resulting in a heavy amount of exposition for a first impression. If this script is indeed accurate, then cancelling the project may have been the best decision for the show's legacy. While the return of Buffy is exciting, it is only worthwhile if executed correctly. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now streaming on Hulu.
Posted on
by: grit
Successful Flight Demonstration of Mission Autonomy Developed for Use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
・Entire process completed in just 8 weeks, including AI development, UAV installation, and flight・Strengthened collaboration with Shield AI to accelerate mission autonomy developed in JapanTOKYO, Mar 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has successfully conducted flight demonstrations of AI-powered mission autonomy developed for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by leveraging an AI development environment through Hivemind Enterprise provided by US company Shield AI Inc. (hereinafter SAI Inc.). The entire process, from AI development to UAV installation and flight, was completed in just eight weeks.In previous development efforts, MHI built and maintained an environment that leveraged multiple open-source products to perform in-house coding, AI training, simulation evaluation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing(Note), which required significant effort. In contrast, by leveraging Hivemind Enterprise for this project, greater focus could be placed on developing mission autonomy.Mission autonomy development for this flight demonstration began in September 2025. Flight demonstrations were conducted on November 7 at the test field in Inashiki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, and on December 18 at the test field in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture. Specifically, the AI was completed following prior AI training, simulation evaluation, and HIL testing, then installed in the ARMD (Affordable Rapid-prototyping Mitsubishi-Drone initiative) UAV, which flew through the skies, completing successful flight demonstrations.Mission autonomy is a critical technology shaping Japan's UAV operations, and MHI considers domestic production essential. Building on the rapid development of this Japan-made mission autonomy system, MHI and SAI will strengthen collaboration and further accelerate mission autonomy development.Leveraging the latest AI technology to address various challenges through UAV, MHI strives to help realize a safe, secure, and comfortable society.(Note) A method for verifying the operation of hardware before installationARMD SpecificationsDimensions: Overall length 2.5 m, main wingspan 2.5 mTakeoff weight: 20 kgPower source: Engine (a) ARMD-01(Unit 1) (b) ARMD-02(Unit 2)About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: jenn
Historic Oscar Triumphs for ‘Sinners’ Show a Genre Trend Is Here to Stay
Warner Bros. PicturesToday, it is clear that the Academy Awards is not the same organization it was two decades ago. While it has still made its share of tone-deaf mistakes, there is a visible attempt to redefine what deserves an Oscar – Parasite’s Best Picture victory showed that extraordinary stories can come from beyond the United States and English, and Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2023 remarkably became the first sci-fi film to win Best Picture (or the second, if you include Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic romance The Shape of Water). Nonetheless, the sobering truth remains that the Academy can still improve in acknowledging the work of often-marginalized groups and the significance of genres dismissed by mainstream critics.The triumph of last year’s Sinners peaked at the 98th Academy Awards, where Coogler became the second Black writer to win Best Original Screenplay (following Jordan Peele for Get Out, another genre homage). Initially, the film's historic achievement might seem to have appeared from nowhere, or stemmed from an abrupt change in the Academy's perspective. However, the barriers shattered at last night’s Oscars were not sudden – rather, they represent the peak of a trend beginning in 2015 with Coogler’s first Oscar-nominated movie, a consistent pattern of elevating Black stories while also celebrating the thrilling, captivating force of genre filmmaking and escapism.We wouldn’t have Sinners without everything prior in Coogler’s career. | Warner Bros. PicturesGiven that it only earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Sylvester Stallone, it's easy to overlook how much of a critical and box-office hit the first Creed was, particularly since it debuted the same year as another, far more divisive legacy sequel. The film's plot is not hugely innovative, and in fact mirrors the original Rocky in numerous aspects, but its deliberate perspective – focusing on an orphaned Black boy resolved to leave his imprint on the world and become unforgettable after being purposely erased – lends it profound gravity. While the sports film (particularly boxing) has not been as neglected as genres like horror or sci-fi, there is something deeply powerful about using such an adored cinematic structure to narrate a tale of Black autonomy and heritage, offering audiences (and the Academy) their initial glimpse into Coogler's creative philosophy.Through Black Panther, Coogler not only cemented his reputation as a director who seeks to blend popular entertainment with substantive intellectual, cultural, and political heft (much like John Carpenter, Spielberg, and Nolan before him), but he also managed to secure serious awards consideration for a superhero spectacle, a feat largely unseen since Heath Ledger’s Best Supporting Actor win for The Dark Knight a decade prior. Although the movie did not claim the Best Picture prize, its wins are equally significant – Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score highlight the efforts of Coogler and his team to anchor their vision of Wakanda in the real cultural details of Africa, employing the superhero genre to counteract harmful stereotypes linked to the continent.It was never “just a superhero movie” for Ryan or the crew. | Marvel StudiosThe follow-up, Wakanda Forever, might not have received the same acclaim as the first film, but it faced a steeper challenge. The death of star Chadwick Boseman was an immense loss, not only as a Marvel actor but as a friend, co-worker, and global icon. It is hard to comprehend how Coogler transformed something as frequently mocked as the superhero movie into a truly poignant tribute to an artist lost too early – a feat accomplished with such powerful emotional authenticity that it earned Angela Bassett her second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.The historical detail and thematic complexity Coogler infused into Sinners is no shock coming from him – it is what he has done throughout his career, because he values the capacity of genre films to address our history, current times, and future through metaphor and allegory. The real surprise is how long it has taken the Academy to see this, not only in Ryan Coogler but in the many filmmakers who offer stunning commentaries on society through the filters of horror, action, or science fiction. It is hoped that the historic wins for Sinners (along with Amy Madigan’s unexpected award for her role in Weapons) will finally convince the Academy that immense worth and value exist in movies not strictly tied to conventional realism.Sinners streams on HBO Max.
Posted on
by: grit
The University of Tokyo and NEC conclude a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to promote a prosperous society where people and AI succeed together
TOKYO, Japan, Mar 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and NEC Corporation (NEC) have concluded an strategic collaboration agreement and will establish a new NEC-UTokyo Lab. This initiative is based on the "Future Synergy with AI: Toward Trustworthy Social Implementation" program that promotes a prosperous society where people and AI can succeed together. The NEC-UTokyo Lab will host joint activities under this agreement, driving three integrated initiatives: exploring issues through discussions with diverse stakeholders, advancing social implementation through collaborative programs, and fostering talent development.This agreement advances efforts to develop an AI-native society, including thought leadership (*1) activities and actual implementation. Both parties will engage not only in technological development but also initiatives that include legal reforms, the formation of ethical and social norms, and the deepening of interdisciplinary research. Through these efforts, both parties will promote a new vision for society based on safety and security within an AI-native society that contributes to a sustainable future.Overview of the collaboration between UTokyo and NECBackgroundIn recent years, AI has been rapidly evolving and is poised to significantly transform society and industry. At the same time, diverse challenges surrounding AI utilization have become apparent, including ethics, social acceptability, and the relationship between people and AI. During this transition to an AI-native society, it is essential to move beyond isolated technological development and partial institutional reforms. Instead, a framework is needed for the design and implementation of a vision for the future that encompasses the whole of society.UTokyo and NEC will comprehensively advance efforts under this agreement, encompassing legal framework development, technological innovation, human resource cultivation, and concrete implementation, guided by the vision, "Future Synergy with AI: Toward Trustworthy Social Implementation." Concurrently, the organizations aim to strengthen Japan's industrial competitiveness and to resolve digital divides between regions.Under this agreement, by combining UTokyo's advanced knowledge with NEC's cutting-edge technologies, the organizations aim to become a powerful driving force for creating a prosperous society, where people and AI succeed together.NEC-UTokyo Lab Initiatives1. Creating platforms for leaders and experts to identify challenges and explore resolutionsBy bringing together diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders and legal experts, and integrating the knowledge of the University of Tokyo and NEC, the NEC-UTokyo Lab will explore questions centered on coexistence with AI from multiple perspectives. Through this activity, the lab will propose visions for Japan and the world's future alongside possible solutions for critical social challenges. Moreover, in addition to sharing these insights with society, the lab will seek to promote research and talent development within its Social Collaboration Program.2. Accelerating Social Implementation through the Social Collaboration ProgramThe NEC-UTokyo Lab’s Social Collaboration Program will be dedicated to designing a future where people and AI successfully coexist as new technologies grow throughout society.The boundaries between digital spaces based on data and AI and physical spaces where people live are gradually blurring. One example of this is the emergence of an agent economy where AI agents are becoming the primary actors in economic activities.To successfully promote these new social and economic systems, NEC and UTokyo will collaborate to explore the ideal forms of social systems, ethics, and legal frameworks, and promote their implementation. For example, NEC positions "automated negotiation AI" (*2), which facilitates optimal consensus-building among multiple AI agents, as a key technology underpinning the agent economy. Furthermore, the organizations will expand their research themes in the future and accelerate the implementation of AI solutions to build a sustainable and trustworthy AI-native society.3. Cultivating Next-Generation Leaders to Drive the AI-Native SocietyThe NEC-UTokyo Lab will work to cultivate talents capable of leading the realization of a prosperous society where people and AI succeed together. As part of this effort, the lab plans to prepare next-generation leaders through long-term internships and design education programs at the newly established "UTokyo College of Design" (*3).The lab will also promote flexible personnel exchanges where students and researchers from both UTokyo and NEC can interact. This will further strengthen organic collaboration and accelerate efforts from exploring questions to societal implementation of concepts and technologies.Comments from Both Parties"NEC, with its in-house developed generative AI technology and extensive AI implementation experience across various fields, and the University of Tokyo, with its advanced and broad expertise, will take the lead in creating a dialogue platform for diverse stakeholders to identify future societal challenges. We expect this strategic collaboration to become a platform for advancing AI implementation that contributes to building a better AI-native society and for cultivating the next generation of leaders who will drive this forward."Teruo Fujii, President, The University of Tokyo"We are delighted to establish the NEC-UTokyo Lab through this industry strategic collaboration agreement with the University of Tokyo. As AI fundamentally reshapes societal foundations, Japan's growth and industrial competitiveness now depend not only on technology but also on reliable, well-governed societal implementation. By combining the diverse knowledge of the University of Tokyo with NEC's implementation capabilities, we will advance the establishment of ‘trustworthy AI’ and promote its practical application throughout the world."Takayuki Morita, President and CEO, NEC Corporation(1) Thought Leadership: Leading discussions and direction in a specific field with deep expertise and unique insights, presenting a vision for the future and solutions to challenges. https://www.i-ise.com/en/index.html(2) Automatic Negotiation AI: NEC's proprietary AI technology that automates various adjustments and negotiations traditionally performed by humans.(3) UTokyo College of DesignAbout NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: jenn
The Last of Us Season 3 Might Have Cast a Key Character
HBOHBO has helped The Last of Us assemble an impressive lineup of high-profile actors. Beyond Pedro Pascal in the role of Joel, we’ve seen Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, Catherine O’Hara as Gail, and Nick Offerman as Frank—all while original game cast members have made appearances in various other roles. As Season 3 approaches, fans are curious about how the series will raise the bar, and we may now have an answer.According to leaker Jeff Sneider, The Last of Us Season 3 has added Patrick Wilson—known for his work in Watchmen and Aquaman—in an unannounced role. What could this role be? Given that Season 3 is set to cover a specific segment of the game it’s based on, there’s an obvious candidate.Patrick Wilson is said to have joined The Last of Us Season 3. | JEFFREY ALLRED/EPA/ShutterstockSeason 2 of The Last of Us centered on Ellie (Bella Ramsey) losing her father figure Joel (Pedro Pascal) and embarking on a mission to find his killer, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Since the season’s source material—The Last of Us Part II—alternates perspectives between Ellie and Abby, it’s safe to assume Season 3 will focus on Abby and her backstory.A key part of that backstory—indeed, the sole driver of Abby’s hatred for Joel—is her father Jerry, a surgeon for the Fireflies when Ellie was taken to the operating table to be sacrificed for studying her immunity to the cordyceps plague. In his attempt to rescue Ellie, Joel shot the surgeons in the operating room, leaving Abby fatherless and determined to seek revenge.Abby’s dad, Jerry, will likely play a major role in Season 3. | Naughty Dog StudiosCould this be Patrick Wilson’s role? It’s a pivotal part of Abby’s backstory that’s fitting for Wilson’s long and distinguished career, and he bears a resemblance to Kaitlyn Dever. The Last of Us has always been a strong platform for supporting performances—Nick Offerman even won an Emmy for his one-episode turn in Season 1—and Wilson could easily continue that trend.The Last of Us is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Posted on
by: emer
NVIDIA Taps 51WORLD as Global L4 Simulation Partner at GTC
HONG KONG, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On March 16 at GTC 2026, NVIDIA announced deep integration between its Omniverse NuRec and 51WORLD’s SimOne.Leveraging neural rendering technology, this collaboration solves the problem that real-world scenario data collected is non-interactive. This breakthrough accelerates the development of reasoning-based AV systems like VLA and World Models, empowering global L4 automotive partners. With a dominant 53.5% market share in China’s L3+ simulation sector, 51WORLD is set to further solidify its core position in the global Physical AI arena. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: eqs
NetRanks Unveils the First AI Optimisation Control Center, Ending the Era of Guesswork in GEO
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 17/03/2026 / 10:06 UTC+8 Amsterdam, Netherlands - March 17, 2026 - (SeaPRwire) - NetRanks today announced the launch of its AI Optimisation Control Center, the first platform designed to measure, predict, and improve a brand's visibility inside AI-generated responses across ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and emerging AI engines. The release marks a significant step toward establishing structured, data-driven methods for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the discipline focused on brand visibility within AI answer engines. As businesses adapt to a rapid change in how consumers find information, the need for models that quantify AI-driven visibility has grown. Recent industry data shows that classical search volume is projected to decline by 25% by 2026 as AI systems increasingly become the primary gateway for discovery. With AI platforms now synthesizing answers from a limited set of sources, brands face new challenges in understanding how and when they are mentioned. NetRanks' AI Optimisation Control Center addresses this development by combining large-scale probing, multi-engine scanning, predictive modelling, and actionable visibility improvements into one system. The platform is designed to help brands see where they appear in AI-generated answers, forecast changes in ranking, and take targeted steps to increase their AI Share-of-Voice - defined as the percentage of AI-generated answers naming a brand. "Our goal was to replace assumptions with measurable signals," said NetRanks CEO and Founder Reha Sönmez. "AI engines update frequently, and traditional methods do not explain why a brand is or isn't mentioned. We built a platform that shows the underlying sources, identifies gaps, and models what happens when those gaps are filled." The system operates through continuous, model-agnostic scans of major AI engines. It analyzes citations, identifies which articles and sources influence AI-generated answers, and groups visibility opportunities by topic, product line, or market category. Its prediction engine uses historical scanning patterns to forecast potential visibility lift and rank movement before new content or campaigns are deployed. Alongside predictive modelling, the platform converts visibility insights into ranked, step-by-step actions. These tasks are prioritized by expected impact, allowing communications teams, marketing departments, and SEO specialists to allocate efforts based on data rather than trial-and-error. "Many companies are aware they need to adapt to AI-driven discovery, but they do not have the tools to see what is influencing their visibility," Sönmez added. "Our platform links observations to projections and projections to action. It is designed to give teams clarity at a time when AI systems play a major role in how information surfaces." NetRanks has also confirmed that its baseline visibility feature—the core function many competitors monetize - will be made available for free. The company stated that its subscription model will focus instead on predictive capabilities, advanced modelling, optimization tasks, and visibility-to-impact connections. This structure is intended to support broad adoption while allowing organizations to scale into deeper GEO operations as needed. The launch follows months of engine refinement, cross-model testing, and early-access collaboration with agencies and B2B brands. According to the company, continuous scanning and longitudinal datasets will remain central to the platform's development, as AI systems evolve and new engines enter the market. NetRanks plans to expand its functionality over the coming months, further integrating prediction, diagnostics, and impact measurement to support teams working across communications, content strategy, advertising, and brand management. About NetRanks NetRanks is an AI visibility company that tracks, analyzes, and increases brand presence inside AI-generated answers across major AI search engines. Through continuous scanning, predictive modelling, and actionable optimization tasks, NetRanks helps organizations understand how AI systems reference their brands and how visibility changes over time. The company serves global clients across industries and is focused on building the measurement infrastructure for the AI-driven search era. Social Links X: https://x.com/netranksai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/netranks/ Contact Information Brand: NetRanks Contact: Reha Sonmez Email: reha@netranks.ai Website: https://www.netranks.ai 17/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
Posted on
by: nicole
The complete collapse of Cuba’s electrical grid leaves the entire island without electricity
Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout following the sudden complete failure of its electrical grid on Monday, temporarily plunging approximately 10 million inhabitants into darkness. "At 1:54 p.m. local time, the national electrical grid disconnected, causing a total power failure throughout Cuba, including the Havana metropolitan area," stated the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. The countrywide power failure occurred only two days after protesters, frustrated by the island's ongoing energy crisis, were filmed assaulting a local Communist Party headquarters in Cuba, looting the structure and trying to burn it down. Work to reinstate electrical service is ongoing throughout the island, with indications that power is gradually being restored in certain regions. "Authorities are examining the causes and initiating restoration protocols," Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines announced Monday afternoon, in reference to the island's disrupted National Electrical System. Cuba's power grid has become progressively unstable over time because of deteriorating infrastructure, fuel deficits, and economic constraints that have restricted the nation's access to energy supplies—including Washington's enduring oil embargo and recent U.S. measures that interrupted Venezuelan fuel deliveries, a crucial energy source for the country. Electrical blackouts have turned into a regular event nationwide, interrupting water distribution, cooling systems, and telecommunications. "U.S. government officials must be quite pleased with the damage inflicted upon every Cuban family," commented Cuban Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Carlos F. de Cossio regarding Monday's power outage. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated Friday that the country has received no fuel imports for the previous three months. Consequently, power production has depended significantly on "substantial input from renewable energy sources." The complete grid failure happened precisely as authorities publicized developments in their Villa Clara solar panel initiative, characterizing it as a "national security imperative" given continued limitations on fossil fuel imports during the Trump administration. "In a situation of acute energy limitations and repeated economic isolation, #Cuba makes another decisive move toward energy independence," the Villa Clara Electric Company stated Monday morning. "This development arrives at a crucial moment: Washington continues to impose strict limits on our nation's access to fossil fuels, financing, and technology. Investing in renewable energy is not merely an environmental choice—it is essential for national security." With the island enduring ongoing rotating blackouts, citizens have been advised to prepare for major interruptions and disconnect all non-critical appliances, "keeping only vital equipment operational until power supply becomes stable again," according to the Villa Clara Electric Company. This past Saturday, in an uncommon show of public opposition fueled by anger over extensive power failures, anti-government demonstrators in Cuba allegedly attacked a Communist Party office, throwing stones, chanting "freedom," and starting large blazes at the location. The demonstration, which was recorded on video, started peacefully in Morón city late Friday but turned violent within several hours, according to Reuters, which referenced local informants. Digital contacted the White House seeking a statement. Reuters provided material for this article.
Posted on
by: jenn
24 Years Later, a Sci-Fi Cult Classic Gets a Surprising Reboot
FoxFew shows encapsulate 2000s fandom spirit as well as Firefly. Joss Whedon’s sci-fi series followed Captain Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and the Serenity spaceship crew as they roamed the galaxy on Western-inspired adventures. Its star-studded cast included Morena Baccarin, Alan Tudyk, and Gina Torres, but the show was canceled after just one season. Still, its small fanbase stayed fiercely passionate.Despite that fervor, reboot hopes long felt futile—over 20 years have passed since the series aired, and the 2005 follow-up film Serenity seemed to wrap the story. But a recent announcement changed everything.The cast of Firefly after the AwesomeCon announcement in Washington, D.C. | Nathan Posner/ShutterstockNathan Fillion posted cryptic social media videos in recent days, teasing a big reveal at this past weekend’s AwesomeCon. That’s exactly what happened: surrounded by Firefly co-stars (Alan Tudyk, Sean Maher, Jewel Staite, Gina Torres, Summer Glau, Morena Baccarin), Fillion announced an animated Firefly reboot is in development, with many original cast members reprising their roles.We already have a surprising amount of details about the project. Fans saw concept art, and Fillion revealed the series will be set between Firefly Season 1 and Serenity—essentially telling the stories future seasons would have covered. Fillion also noted he got original creator Joss Whedon’s blessing for the reboot.Ron Glass passed away in 2016, but the rest of the cast is returning. | FoxBut will this Firefly sequel succeed? It’s not 2002 anymore, and there’s tons of sci-fi content now—animated and live-action. When Firefly aired, it drew frequent comparisons to classic anime Cowboy Bebop (shared “ragtag crew roaming the galaxy” premise). The animated reboot will only amplify those comparisons—and will enough 20-year-waiting fans bother watching?For fans who waited decades to see the Serenity crew again, this is an unexpected treat. More adventure-of-the-week episodes could fulfill the potential Firefly showed back then; fans long argued the world wasn’t ready for it in 2002, and now we can finally find out if they’re right.Firefly is streaming on Hulu.
Posted on
by: amanda
Zylo Ecosystem Announces the Launch of the ZYLO Token to Expand Its Digital Ecosystem
San Jose, Costa Rica – March 17, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – Zylo Ecosystem, a multi-product digital platform that combines trading, gaming products, and online services, has announced the launch of its native token ZYLO. The token will act as the crypto-economic layer of the Zylo ecosystem, connecting various platform products into a unified digital economy. At the same time, the project’s primary focus remains the development of services for a broad audience, including users who are not part of the crypto community. Everyday Internet Users Remain at the Center of the Ecosystem Many projects in the crypto industry are built around blockchain technologies from the start and primarily target the Web3 audience. This approach often limits growth, as such products tend to be understood mainly by users who are already familiar with cryptocurrencies. Zylo Ecosystem follows a different model. The ecosystem is designed so that its products are convenient and accessible for everyday internet users who use digital services, play mobile games, and interact with online platforms. Within this model, the ZYLO token becomes an additional crypto-economic tool that expands the ecosystem’s capabilities without complicating the user experience. What the Zylo Ecosystem Includes The Zylo Ecosystem combines several directions that together form a unified digital and crypto economy. Trading Infrastructure One of the key elements of the ecosystem is intrade.bar, a trading platform with many years of operational history and an established user community. Over time, the platform has built a strong presence in its niche within the CIS market and developed a stable user base. For most users, the platform remains a fully functional online service. The integration of the ZYLO token introduces additional opportunities within the trading infrastructure and expands the platform’s economic model. Gaming Products and the GameFi Direction Gaming is also an important part of the Zylo ecosystem. Within the ecosystem, the CosmoFox project is being developed — a gaming universe that includes elements of collectibles and an in-game economy. At the same time, Fox Survivor is being developed as a mobile and web game in the roguelike survival / bullet-hell genre, where players fight waves of enemies, unlock characters, upgrade weapons, and progress through a meta-progression system. The games are designed as accessible products for a wide audience, while the ZYLO token introduces additional mechanics such as in-game rewards, rare items, premium features, and competitive modes between players. In certain gameplay scenarios, users will be able to participate in PvP battles, placing bets in ZYLO tokens. The winner receives the tokens staked in the match, creating an additional in-game economy and increasing player engagement. These mechanics generate additional token circulation within the gaming economy and create organic demand for the token from players. This approach forms a GameFi economy within the ecosystem, integrated into a broader digital platform. Digital Services In addition to trading and gaming products, Zylo is also developing digital services, including VPN solutions and other online tools. These services add practical utility to the ecosystem and allow the ZYLO token to be used in real user scenarios. How the ZYLO Token Works Within the Zylo ecosystem, the token acts as a crypto-economic layer integrated into the platform’s existing products. The token can be used for: purchases within the ecosystem gaming mechanics and rewards premium features special conditions in trading services payments for digital services The Zylo economy also includes deflationary mechanisms, where a portion of tokens is removed from circulation through various burn mechanisms. As the number of users and services within the ecosystem grows, demand for the token may increase alongside the expansion of its use cases. Cross-Product Ecosystem Model One of the key features of Zylo is its cross-product development model, where different products within the ecosystem strengthen each other. User activity in one service can create value in another. For example, gaming activity may unlock additional opportunities within the ecosystem, while participation in trading services may provide advantages in other products. This structure enables a more sustainable development model compared to projects built around a single product direction. Preparation for the First Exchange Listing Zylo Ecosystem is currently in the final stage of preparation for the first exchange listing of the ZYLO token. The listing will represent an important step in integrating the ecosystem into the broader crypto market and expanding access to the token for the crypto community. At the same time, the project’s strategy remains focused primarily on product development and user growth rather than on exchange activity alone. Founder’s Comment “We are building products for a broad audience of internet users, not just for the crypto community,” says Alex, founder of Zylo Ecosystem. “The ZYLO token adds a crypto-economic layer to existing products and allows us to expand the ecosystem’s capabilities without complicating the user experience.” What’s Next Following the token launch and the first exchange listing, the Zylo team continues developing the ecosystem, including: deeper integration of the token into trading infrastructure expansion of the CosmoFox gaming economy development of Fox Survivor gameplay launching new digital services and expanding them within the ecosystem At the same time, Zylo is building an ecosystem accelerator, through which new startups will be able to connect to the project’s infrastructure and integrate the ZYLO token into their products. About Zylo Ecosystem Zylo Ecosystem is a multi-product digital platform that combines trading services, gaming products, and online tools. The ecosystem is designed as a convenient digital environment for everyday users, while the ZYLO token forms a crypto-economic layer that connects different services and expands the platform’s capabilities. This approach allows Zylo to combine the convenience of traditional online services with the possibilities of a Web3 economy. Social Links X: https://x.com/Zylo_Ecosystem Telegram Communication: https://x.com/cosmofoxgame Telegram Community: https://t.me/ZyloEcosystem CoinMarketCap: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/zylo-ecosystem/ Medium: https://medium.com/zyloecosystem Media contact Brand: Zylo Contact: Media team Website: http://zylo.io/
Posted on
by: jenn
What Scientists Are Discovering About Sleep and Memory Formation
The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty ImagesSleep has long been recognized as vital to human health, yet for most of history, scientists viewed it as a passive state — an interval of rest where the body merely recovered from the demands of wakefulness. This perspective has shifted drastically in recent years.Increasing research shows sleep is among the most active and crucial phases of brain activity. While asleep, the brain carries out complex maintenance tasks that seem unachievable during wakefulness — and the implications for memory, cognition, and long-term neurological health are substantial.The Mechanics of Memory ConsolidationA key, well-supported finding in sleep science is that sleep is central to memory consolidation — the process where newly learned information is stabilized and integrated into long-term memory banks.Studies from institutions like Harvard Medical School and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences indicate that various sleep stages support distinct memory types. Slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) seems especially critical for declarative memory — the type that stores facts and events. REM sleep, the stage linked to dreaming, appears to have a larger role in procedural and emotional memory.Research using polysomnography and neuroimaging has found that memory traces formed while awake are reactivated during sleep, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This reactivation seems to strengthen the neural connections linked to those memories.Clearing the Brain During SleepAnother important area of research focuses on the glymphatic system — a network of channels in the brain that acts similarly to the lymphatic system, removing metabolic waste products that build up during wakefulness.A landmark 2013 study in the journal Science discovered that the glymphatic system is nearly 10 times more active during sleep than when awake. One of the waste products it eliminates is amyloid-beta, a protein that forms abnormal plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease.This discovery has led researchers to investigate whether chronic sleep loss could speed up neurodegenerative processes by hindering the brain’s ability to clear these waste proteins effectively. Though causal links in humans are still being studied, this connection has drawn significant scientific interest.Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive PerformanceThe cognitive impacts of insufficient sleep are well-documented. Studies consistently show that even moderate sleep restriction — cutting nightly sleep to six hours over several days — causes deficits in attention, working memory, and executive function that people often don’t report accurately themselves.A notable University of Pennsylvania study found that participants limited to six hours of sleep nightly for two weeks had cognitive performance matching those kept awake for 24 hours straight — yet most didn’t see themselves as significantly impaired.Reaction time, decision-making accuracy, and emotional regulation are among the functions most vulnerable to sleep loss, with effects showing up after just one night of reduced sleep.The Emerging Science of Sleep StagesContemporary sleep research has gone beyond the basic REM vs. non-REM sleep divide to explore in more detail how the structure of a full night’s sleep supports various cognitive functions. Sleep cycles (around 90 minutes each) repeat throughout the night, with the ratio of deep sleep to REM sleep changing as the night goes on.Early sleep cycles have more slow-wave deep sleep, while later cycles have longer REM periods. This structure means that cutting sleep short — even by an hour or two — disproportionately reduces REM sleep, which could have specific effects on emotional processing and creative thinking.Researchers are also exploring how factors such as light exposure, temperature, and sleep timing relative to the body’s internal circadian clock impact the quality of each sleep stage.What the Research Suggests for Daily LifeThough sleep science is still evolving, several conclusions have enough backing to guide daily choices. Consistent sleep and wake times seem to strengthen circadian rhythms, thereby improving sleep quality. Avoiding bright light before bed, keeping sleep spaces cool, and cutting back on caffeine after midday are interventions with solid evidence support.The research also emphasizes the importance of treating sleep as an essential part of health, not something to cut when schedules are busy. Given that sleep is so central to memory, cognition, and neurological upkeep, the argument for protecting sleep time is stronger now than ever before.
Posted on
by: jenn
Nolan’s Debut Remains His Most Significant Work, 25 Years On
Danny Rothenberg/Summit/Kobal/ShutterstockLegendary filmmaker Jean Renoir once suggested that "a director makes only one movie in his life, then breaks it apart and remakes it." Christopher Nolan embodies this pattern of creative reinvention perhaps more than any other contemporary director. While acknowledging his raw (though Criterion-approved) first feature Following, the filmmaker who now reigns at cinema's summit has devoted the past 25 years to reworking his breakthrough work, Memento.All the signature elements of Nolan's filmmaking appear here, from internet-mockable tropes (yet another deceased spouse) to genuinely innovative techniques (clever temporal storytelling devices). Yet the film's impact runs deeper than these surface markers. Memento serves as a decoding key for understanding the deeper significance in his more ambitious projects, revealing the intricate contradictions that lend thematic depth to his carefully constructed narratives.Nolan's movies typically begin with recognizable genre templates. In Memento, Guy Pearce's Leonard Shelby evokes the exhausted antiheroes of classic noir, though the director's catalog includes many such archetypes, from caped crusaders to historical titans. These familiar characters provide essential grounding in films that intentionally unsettle audiences through manipulated timelines, here pushing so far as to reverse conventional cause-and-effect logic — an idea he later revisited to puzzling effect in Tenet.These goal-oriented heroes all pursue specific objectives. Leonard aims to track down and kill the enigmatic "John G," who he thinks raped and murdered his wife. However, the true journey for Nolan's male protagonists involves something beyond mere achievement — whether vengeance in Memento, triumph over competition in The Prestige, or rescuing mankind in Interstellar. These outward pursuits mask a deeper hunger for existential fulfillment: truth, tranquility, and redemption, frequently symbolized by an unreachable home (Inception, Dunkirk) or a lost beloved (The Dark Knight, Interstellar).Nolan's protagonists are fixated on the significance of their deeds. His version of Batman neatly encapsulates their shared worldview: "It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me." However, Nolan typically exposes this conviction that determination can solve any problem as a dangerous illusion. This represents the very assurance — and fallacy — of traditional narrative structures that his scripts systematically dismantle through temporal manipulation. Hard work doesn't necessarily produce results.Leonard Shelby's all-consuming mission established the template for all subsequent Nolan films. | Danny Rothenberg/Summit/Kobal/ShutterstockIn Memento, Leonard battles his trauma-triggered memory loss while seeking his wife's killer, though his mental constraints repeatedly hinder him. Unable to form new memories, he depends on hastily written Polaroid notes and tattoos on his skin to interpret reality. Rather than recollections that show the outcomes of his behavior, he depends on an ongoing narrative to comprehend his situation.Nolan compels viewers, much like Leonard, to actively interpret their perception of events rather than taking reality at face value. Memento's twisting narrative architecture, which alternates between two merging timelines of hunting a "John G" for revenge, cleverly conceals a change in narrative perspective. In both cases, as Leonard nears his quarry, his confidence increasingly falters.In Nolan's universe, possessing information doesn't ensure wisdom. Absolute certainty remains unattainable because time and viewpoint are subjective. The concrete reality his characters chase is illusory, leaving them to carve out a part in writing their own life stories. Even when this requires deception, as with Leonard's path in Memento, the narrative becomes a substitute for truth through dedication. Nolan's oeuvre shows that storytelling isn't exclusive to professional creators like himself.It extends to Oppenheimer and Strauss, both attempting to control the narrative to prevent their legacies from fading into historical obscurity. It applies to Tenet's Protagonist, seizing temporal authority from the Algorithm by claiming his pivotal role in the saga. It encompasses the Dunkirk evacuees, convincing themselves that mere survival would sustain them through further horrors. It includes Cooper, believing he was fated to become Murph's "ghost" for cross-dimensional contact. It covers Dom Cobb, forsaking his totem to embrace a possible reunion with his kids. It involves Bruce Wayne, endangering Batman to transform Harvey Dent into a sacrificial icon. It reaches the Prestige illusionists, each adopting false identities to manifest their craft's deception.And it began with Leonard, deceiving himself about his moral justification to endure daily existence. Memento may represent the most powerful and striking example of this motif throughout Nolan's work. The director devotes much of the runtime to Leonard's tale of Sammy Jenkis, a fictional creation he uses to cope with his grief. For Nolan, narrative isn't an indulgence; it's an essential mechanism for human endurance."Who's got an Odysseus story?" queries Jon Bernthal's Menelaus in initial footage from Nolan's forthcoming Odyssey adaptation. While many details remain undisclosed ahead of its premiere, storytelling will undoubtedly remain central. Nolan's Odysseus figures to be a clear successor to Leonard Shelby — another character shaped more by how his story is told (a hallmark of ancient Greek oral traditions) than by his actual accomplishments.Memento is currently available on HBO Max.
Posted on
by: emer
Zylo Ecosystem Announces the Launch of the ZYLO Token to Expand Its Digital Ecosystem
San Jose, Costa Rica, Mar 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Zylo Ecosystem, a multi-product digital platform that combines trading, gaming products, and online services, has announced the launch of its native token ZYLO.The token will act as the crypto-economic layer of the Zylo ecosystem, connecting various platform products into a unified digital economy. At the same time, the project's primary focus remains the development of services for a broad audience, including users who are not part of the crypto community.Everyday Internet Users Remain at the Center of the EcosystemMany projects in the crypto industry are built around blockchain technologies from the start and primarily target the Web3 audience.This approach often limits growth, as such products tend to be understood mainly by users who are already familiar with cryptocurrencies.Zylo Ecosystem follows a different model.The ecosystem is designed so that its products are convenient and accessible for everyday internet users who use digital services, play mobile games, and interact with online platforms.Within this model, the ZYLO token becomes an additional crypto-economic tool that expands the ecosystem's capabilities without complicating the user experience.What the Zylo Ecosystem IncludesThe Zylo Ecosystem combines several directions that together form a unified digital and crypto economy.Trading InfrastructureOne of the key elements of the ecosystem is intrade.bar, a trading platform with many years of operational history and an established user community.Over time, the platform has built a strong presence in its niche within the CIS market and developed a stable user base.For most users, the platform remains a fully functional online service. The integration of the ZYLO token introduces additional opportunities within the trading infrastructure and expands the platform's economic model.Gaming Products and the GameFi DirectionGaming is also an important part of the Zylo ecosystem.Within the ecosystem, the CosmoFox project is being developed — a gaming universe that includes elements of collectibles and an in-game economy.At the same time, Fox Survivor is being developed as a mobile and web game in the roguelike survival / bullet-hell genre, where players fight waves of enemies, unlock characters, upgrade weapons, and progress through a meta-progression system.The games are designed as accessible products for a wide audience, while the ZYLO token introduces additional mechanics such as in-game rewards, rare items, premium features, and competitive modes between players.In certain gameplay scenarios, users will be able to participate in PvP battles, placing bets in ZYLO tokens. The winner receives the tokens staked in the match, creating an additional in-game economy and increasing player engagement.These mechanics generate additional token circulation within the gaming economy and create organic demand for the token from players.This approach forms a GameFi economy within the ecosystem, integrated into a broader digital platform.Digital ServicesIn addition to trading and gaming products, Zylo is also developing digital services, including VPN solutions and other online tools.These services add practical utility to the ecosystem and allow the ZYLO token to be used in real user scenarios.How the ZYLO Token WorksWithin the Zylo ecosystem, the token acts as a crypto-economic layer integrated into the platform's existing products.The token can be used for:purchases within the ecosystemgaming mechanics and rewardspremium featuresspecial conditions in trading servicespayments for digital servicesThe Zylo economy also includes deflationary mechanisms, where a portion of tokens is removed from circulation through various burn mechanisms.As the number of users and services within the ecosystem grows, demand for the token may increase alongside the expansion of its use cases.Cross-Product Ecosystem ModelOne of the key features of Zylo is its cross-product development model, where different products within the ecosystem strengthen each other.User activity in one service can create value in another. For example, gaming activity may unlock additional opportunities within the ecosystem, while participation in trading services may provide advantages in other products.This structure enables a more sustainable development model compared to projects built around a single product direction.Preparation for the First Exchange ListingZylo Ecosystem is currently in the final stage of preparation for the first exchange listing of the ZYLO token.The listing will represent an important step in integrating the ecosystem into the broader crypto market and expanding access to the token for the crypto community.At the same time, the project's strategy remains focused primarily on product development and user growth rather than on exchange activity alone.Founder's Comment"We are building products for a broad audience of internet users, not just for the crypto community," says Alex, founder of Zylo Ecosystem."The ZYLO token adds a crypto-economic layer to existing products and allows us to expand the ecosystem's capabilities without complicating the user experience."What's NextFollowing the token launch and the first exchange listing, the Zylo team continues developing the ecosystem, including:deeper integration of the token into trading infrastructureexpansion of the CosmoFox gaming economydevelopment of Fox Survivor gameplaylaunching new digital services and expanding them within the ecosystemAt the same time, Zylo is building an ecosystem accelerator, through which new startups will be able to connect to the project's infrastructure and integrate the ZYLO token into their products.About Zylo EcosystemZylo Ecosystem is a multi-product digital platform that combines trading services, gaming products, and online tools.The ecosystem is designed as a convenient digital environment for everyday users, while the ZYLO token forms a crypto-economic layer that connects different services and expands the platform's capabilities.This approach allows Zylo to combine the convenience of traditional online services with the possibilities of a Web3 economy.Social LinksX: https://x.com/Zylo_EcosystemTelegram Communication: https://x.com/cosmofoxgameTelegram Community: https://t.me/ZyloEcosystemCoinMarketCap: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/zylo-ecosystem/Medium: https://medium.com/zyloecosystemMedia contactBrand: ZyloContact: Media teamWebsite: http://zylo.io/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Posted on
by: jenn
39 Years Later, The Star Trek Franchise Put Itself On Trial Once Again
For a long time, self - reflection has been Star Trek's secret narrative weapon. Scholars often hold up the ideals of the Federation and Starfleet as something to aspire to. However, paradoxically, some of the most interesting and timeless Star Trek stories occur when the concept of Starfleet's altruism is put to the test. Whether it was Q (John de Lancie) putting all of humanity on trial at the start of The Next Generation in 1987, or the Maquis challenging Starfleet colonialism in Deep Space Nine, the Star Trek franchise loves to tell a story where the good guys could potentially be seen as the bad guys. And, in the Season 1 finale of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, “Rubicon,” the franchise quite literally puts the entire Starfleet and its lofty ideas on trial in front of the whole galaxy.After almost a century of taking questionable actions to survive the cataclysm of the Burn, the 32nd - century version of Starfleet has become, ideologically, more similar to the Starfleet of the past. But Nus Braka (Paul Giamatti) and the Venari Ral aren't having it. In the finale, Nus puts all of Starfleet on trial in front of the entire galaxy, not only for alleged warfare crimes but also for negligence. Did he have a valid point? And by putting Starfleet on trial, was Starfleet Academy also putting the ideals of the Star Trek franchise itself on trial?The ending of Starfleet Academy Season 1 resulted in a classic Star Trek trial episode. | Paramount+“I think Star Trek is only interesting when you question it,” Alex Kurtzman tells Inverse. As the executive producer of all current Star Trek TV shows since Discovery in 2017, Kurtzman knows a lot about balancing the idea of Star Trek and its implementation. “I think blind devotion to an idea is ultimately how tyranny emerges. From a creative perspective, it's the old saying: the villain is the hero of their own story. And if you really follow that, it means you have to understand that the villain has a real view of who they are and how they got to where they are.”In the end, Starfleet Academy doesn't try to make us forgive Nus Braka, but it does encourage the audience to hold two ideas simultaneously: Nus can be evil and brutal, but it's also true that during the Burn, Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter) did some questionable things, which makes Anisha Mir's (Tatiana Maslany) distrust of Starfleet reasonable. And, according to SFA showrunner Noga Landau, Anisha's ability to dislike Starfleet but still trust them with her son in the end is crucial to the story's themes.“Even though she has every reason in the last few episodes to hate the Federation, to distrust them, and to think they are acting in bad faith, through the events of the last two episodes, she realizes... that their intentions are good,” Landau explains. “The healing she does with Nahla is important for her to come to terms with the fact that Caleb [her son] will really have an extraordinary life in Starfleet.” Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau speaking about Starfleet Academy in March 2026. | Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesLandau and Kurtzman agree that Starfleet Academy Season 1 has a “happy ending,” but they also point out that fans shouldn't expect Season 2 to be the same kind of show. If anything, Season 2 will challenge many of the assumptions we've had about the characters and situations so far. ““In season two, the introduction of a new character and some new characters really has a ripple effect on our cadets and the school itself,” Kurtzman reveals. “Something we promised in Season 1, which is similar to our and many people's college experiences, is that you go in thinking you want to do one thing and then realize you want to do something completely different, and you'll start to see signs of that in Season 2.”Since Season 2 has already finished filming, and there are no new seasons of Star Trek shows in production other than Starfleet Academy Season 2 and Strange New Worlds Season 5, there's some reason to believe that the current era of streaming Star Trek is coming to an end, which might suggest there won't be a Starfleet Academy after Season 2. But is that true? Are there plans for Season 3 and beyond?“Oh, definitely,” Landau says without hesitation. “We have a lot more of Starfleet Academy to tell. We have a lot more of this story to share.”Starfleet Academy streams on Paramount+.Phasers on Stun!: How the Making — and Remaking — of Star Trek Changed the WorldAmazon -