Malcolm Ali/WireImage/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - When discussing science fiction novels that predicted our present-day struggles decades in advance, Octavia E. Butler and her work Parable of the Sower can’t be overlooked. Butler’s most well-known book landed on the New York Times bestseller list in 2020—14 years following her passing. The novel’s success and apparent foresight have sparked a fresh surge of interest in the late sci-fi author, to the point that a book she personally disliked is being reprinted.Butler was quite productive during her lifetime, releasing 12 novels and two short-story collections from 1977 until her death in 2006. Among these, 1978’s Survivor was her absolute least favorite work, and after its initial run, the author used her influence to prevent it from ever being reprinted again. As a result, first-edition copies now sell for thousands of dollars through rare-book dealers.Survivor is part of Butler’s “Patternist” series—a loosely connected set of books featuring psychically powered humans with ties to extraterrestrial worlds. The story centers on Alanna, a biracial woman who is the daughter of the leader of a group of human colonists called “Missionaries.” These colonists travel to a planet where, as Polygon’s Tasha Robinson writes, “the local humanoids, the furry, color-shifting Kohn, are divided into two factions. Navigating the Kohns' internal politics is physically and emotionally complicated both for Alanna and the missionaries ... Alanna's link to the Kohns comes with burdens she doesn't want, and has to accept to survive.”A mural of the author in 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. | The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty ImagesAccording to a recent Los Angeles Times story, Butler considered the book underdeveloped, dismissively calling it her “Star Trek novel” due to its simplistic, human-centric view of the universe. (Star Trek fans, don’t shoot the messenger.) She also saw it as a poorly written rush job, created primarily to fund research for her masterful time-travel novel Kindred. That said, the Patternist series always includes Butler’s 1984 book Clay’s Ark, which has a slight Star Trek vibe and is excellent.Regardless, Survivor has become both a taboo and a source of fascination for Butler’s fans—this is why Hachette Book Group’s Grand Central Publishing division is bringing the novel back into print. Speaking to The LA Times, Balance publisher Nana K. Twumasi said the reprint is “about wanting to have a piece of this person that we all respect and want to get her due,” adding, “I don’t know that we would have pursued this if there were very clear notes that said, ‘Do not ever release this book’ ... as opposed to, ‘I could have made this better, and I didn’t get the opportunity to do it.’”Similarly, the manager of Butler’s estate stated in a press release that “to deprive readers of the ability to read any of Butler’s works would simply be unjust and unfair,” echoing Twumasi’s comment that Survivor simply “[wasn’t] good enough to meet [Butler’s] own high standards.” Even though she was dissatisfied with it, Octavia E. Butler’s worst work is still better than many writers’ best, and readers can decide for themselves when Survivor relaunches in September 2026.You can preorder Survivor here. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Experts Note Regime’s Collapse in Strategy and US Labeled “Evil” Retained
(SeaPRwire) - Just days after Iran’s leadership presented a unified front—undermining the long-discussed moderate-versus-hardliner divide—President Donald Trump canceled planned talks with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, citing "infighting and confusion" inside the regime.Iranian-American experts argue that social media posts from Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other key officials reveal the collapse of the "good cop, bad cop" tactic the regime used to deceive adversaries and secure generous concessions in nuclear negotiations.In a Saturday Truth Social post, Trump announced he had canceled the trip, citing "too much time wasted on traveling" and "too much work!""Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership,'" the president added, noting "nobody knows who is in charge, including them.""Also, we have all the cards, they have none!" Trump wrote. "If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"Experts say the collapse of the hardline-moderate split within the regime could have profound consequences for Trump’s approach to the nuclear talks in Islamabad. Last week, Trump appeared to allude to an unclear division between Iran’s factions."Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting is between the ‘Hardliners,’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘Moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), and it is CRAZY!" Trump wrote in a Thursday X post.Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei quickly fired back, claiming "due to the strange unity created among compatriots, a fracture has occurred in the enemy.""With practical gratitude for this blessing, cohesion has become even greater and more steel-like, and the enemies will become more wretched and diminished," Khamenei wrote in a reply. "The enemy's media operations, by targeting the minds and psyches of the people, intend to undermine national unity and security; may our negligence not allow this sinister intent to come to fruition."Mariam Memarsadeghi, a senior fellow at The Macdonald-Laurier Institute and founder/director of the Cyrus Forum for Iran's Future, told Digital the Islamic Republic has fooled Western policymakers for decades by sending moderates to negotiations as "window dressing for its terror and subjugation."These officials would then tell their counterparts they were under pressure from hardliners, implying the West must make concessions to strengthen them internally."Because of the war, the Trump administration is in a remarkably advantageous situation vis-à-vis the imperial terror state, one never before attempted, much less achieved," Memarsadeghi said. "But every time Trump says regime change has already happened, he denies America the opportunity to finally, truly be rid of the world’s top sponsor of terror and the existential threat it poses not just to the people of Iran but to all the world."Navid Mohebbi, a former Persian media analyst for the State Department's Public Affairs Bureau, cautioned that while rivalries and factions exist within the Islamic Republic, they are united on the regime’s core principles."Their disagreements are primarily over tactics, not fundamental direction," Mohebbi told Digital, stressing real decision-making power in Iran has always rested with the supreme leader and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)."So-called moderates have never had the final say on key strategic issues and are often used to soften the regime’s image abroad," he said. "From the Iranian people’s perspective, there has been little difference. Across administrations labeled 'moderate' or 'hardline,' the system has consistently relied on repression."Mohebbi cited former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who presented himself as a moderate but whose security forces violently killed 1,500 protesters during the November 2019 uprising."The same pattern has continued under Masoud Pezeshkian in the January 2026 protest massacre, reinforcing the reality that these labels have not translated into meaningful change on the ground," he said.A regional official, however, insisted there are clashes between moderates and hardliners in Iran. The official told Digital Pezeshkian is a moderate but "could not even make good on his campaign promise regarding internet freedom. To be honest, he’s not even been able to do s---.""The joint reaction by the heads of the three branches of power was in response to Trump’s reference to the issue of rift, and also to the fact that there are indeed hardliners and moderates," the official added. "Look, whenever Iran wants to make concessions, they throw moderates under the bus so that the moderates make a deal, and then, the hardliners blame them for the same concessions all of them had agreed to make."Lawdan Bazargan, imprisoned by the Islamic Republic in the 1980s for political dissident activities, told Digital what officials are seeing now is not the disappearance of the divide but the exposure of its true nature."In reality, all of these figures — Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf [speaker of Iran’s parliament], Saeed Jalili [member of the Expediency Discernment Council], Pezeshkian, Ahmad Vahidi [head of the IRGC], Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei [head of Iran’s judiciary] — operate within the same ideological framework," Bazargan said. "They are all committed to the preservation of the system, the projection of power in the region, and confrontation with what they define as ‘the forces of evil,’ namely the United States and Israel." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Marvel Could Learn From a Failed Superhero Movie 35 Years Later
New World Pictures(SeaPRwire) - Who is the Punisher?This is a question Marvel aims to address with the upcoming Disney+ special Punisher: One Last Kill, which sees vigilante Frank Castle reluctantly drawn back into action for what feels like the hundredth time. However, it's also a question Marvel has been grappling with since Frank's introduction as a foil to Spider-Man in 1974.An anomaly both then and now due to his use of unrestrained violence against all types of criminals, the Punisher has had a remarkably inconsistent presence throughout half a century of American pop culture. At his best, he has served as a vehicle for exploring the nature of vigilantism and the trauma of war. At his worst, he has become a hollow symbol co-opted by racists and thugs for their own agendas. And on average, he's simply a man who shoots many people, then goes home to feel sad.Integrating the grim antihero into the squeaky-clean Marvel Cinematic Universe, where violence often lacks consequence and even the loneliest heroes crack jokes, has proven challenging. This was not an issue 35 years ago when The Punisher hit Blockbuster shelves, offering Marvel fans the now jarring experience of seeing casual nudity alongside Stan Lee's name in the opening credits. Even then, however, the film's creators faced the same fundamental question: Who is the Punisher?At that time, the answer seemed to be "a sewer-dwelling Dolph Lundgren." An ex-cop on a solitary crusade against Italian organized crime after his wife and children were killed by a car bomb intended for him, Castle has already eliminated 125 mafiosos by the film's start (making him one of history's most prolific serial killers, incidentally). But when the ruthless Yakuza infiltrate the mob's territory and abduct the children of its leaders, Frank finds himself in the peculiar position of feeling obligated to aid his enemies.While released to much of the world in 1989, New World Pictures' financial struggles delayed The Punisher's release in the United States until a direct-to-video debut in 1991. The '80s presented a difficult era for a Punisher film, as two decades of one-dimensional "Dirty Harry" archetypes had reduced the character to just another generic killer intent on shooting crime into submission. While hardcore fans lamented the film's alterations to Frank's backstory and the omission of his iconic skull logo, looking back today, the more significant issue is that it feels indistinguishable from any other '80s action movie, complete with the era's topical, stereotypical fear of Japanese economic dominance impacting hard-working American criminals.Prepare to see some serious glowering. | New World PicturesLundgren's performance is notably stiff, and the movie largely consists of intermittently entertaining violent sequences. It's not entirely without merit; there's some visual flair as Frank navigates an abandoned amusement park and creeps through industrial ruins, and his underworld informant, the rhyming, inebriated actor Shake (Barry Otto), is a surprisingly enjoyable character. As the second and final directorial effort from prolific editor Mark Goldblatt, it's regrettable he didn't have another opportunity with a stronger script.However, in the ongoing debate between writers who view Frank as a hero and those who see him as a psychopath, this iteration of The Punisher leaned heavily towards the former. While not every piece of popular culture needs to function as a moral lesson, the most straightforward approach is often the least compelling. This film struggles to portray Frank rescuing a young boy before killing his father in front of him as anything other than sociopathic.Nevertheless, any sleazy film featuring gun-wielding ninjas sliding down an amusement park chute, a surprise grandmother assassin, and a man being lured with alcohol and driven around on a toy truck possesses some redeeming qualities. Younger viewers curious about the cinematic landscape Marvel explored in the years preceding the MCU will find The Punisher to be an educational experience, and hearing Lundgren grunt barely coherent one-liners might foster a greater appreciation for Marvel's more recent, albeit flawed, endeavors.Lundgren’s Castle is put through the wringer. | New World PicturesUltimately, the Punisher in 1989 was largely the same as he was in 2004 and 2008: a recognizable brand used to market a mindless revenge fantasy. While this is acceptable for a standalone 90-minute escape, it's rather disappointing in retrospect, especially considering how the character's worldview has been adopted by neo-Nazis, law enforcement officers who see no issue with excessive force, and aggressive drivers who will inevitably cut you off.This conflict has escalated to the point where the latest season of Daredevil: Born Again felt compelled to examine Frank's detrimental impact on the NYPD. However, One Last Kill and Spider-Man: Brand New Day must determine not only who the Punisher is not, but who he truly is. Ironically, despite his reputation as Marvel's gritty, adult character, Frank's perspective is remarkably simplistic: evil is merely something to be shot until it disappears. Again, this doesn't mean the Punisher needs to be replaced by a superhero advocating for systemic change, but if Marvel cannot define Frank's identity in 2026, his on-screen portrayals will remain stuck in mediocre ninja battles.The Punisher (1989) is streaming on Disney+. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. 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Latin American leftist leaders gather in Spain, indicating challenge to US influence in the region
(SeaPRwire) - MEXICO CITY: A recent significant meeting of leftist leaders in Barcelona, organized by Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is attracting considerable attention for what observers interpret as a broader geopolitical strategy that could potentially counter U.S. influence throughout Latin America and beyond.The summit included Brazil's President Lula da Silva, Colombia's Gustavo Petro, and Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum. While presented as a forum to address issues such as inequality, climate change, and the rise of right-wing political movements, the discussions have prompted questions in Washington and across the region regarding the potential formation of a more unified political bloc to counterbalance the United States.Without directly naming the Trump administration, Sánchez voiced concerns about the "normalization of the use of force" and "attempts to undermine international law," thereby criticizing U.S. foreign policy. He also advocated for reforms to global institutions, asserting that the current system no longer reflects contemporary geopolitical realities, a stance that implicitly challenges the long-standing leadership of the U.S. within these bodies."The Barcelona summit signifies a deliberate effort by Pedro Sánchez to establish himself as a prominent figure within a developing progressive coalition that is increasingly critical of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump," stated Juan Angel Soto, founder and CEO of Fortius Consulting, to Digital."This positioning is particularly intricate given Spain's fundamental ties to both the European Union and NATO, which traditionally align it closely with Washington. Nevertheless, Sánchez has simultaneously strengthened relationships with the Global South, as evidenced by his growing closeness with China, as well as with leaders like Lula, Sheinbaum, and Petro, suggesting a two-pronged foreign policy aimed at achieving greater independence from U.S. influence," Soto added.The Colombian leader directly linked global tensions to economic and energy systems, arguing that reliance on fossil fuels has exacerbated conflict and inequality, an argument that resonates with broader critiques of Western-led economic models.Roberto Salinas León, Director of International Affairs at Universidad de la Libertad in Mexico City, commented to Digital: "The misnamed summit 'In Defense of Democracy' held in Barcelona brought together prominent 'progressives' with the objective of assembling a global contingent opposed to, well, Trump 2.0. How convenient.""Petro declared that ‘Latin American progressivism is a ray of hope for a humanity in crisis.’ Yet these supposed champions of democracy have supported such brutal dictatorships as Cuba, Nicaragua, Maduro’s Venezuela, Iran, and others. This gathering is more accurately described as a political facade for electoral autocracies, with each leader undermining the institutional checks and balances of open liberal democracies," he asserted.Brazil's Lula criticized what he termed interventionist policies by major global powers and called for a recalibration of global governance, including modifications to the U.N. Security Council. At one point, he characterized recent U.S. leadership as a contributor to global instability, reinforcing a central theme of the summit: the need to redefine the current international order."The new Cold War is being fought between China and the United States; this very rivalry is at stake in every country participating in the summit. Lula's concern about the resurgence of the right has become undeniably clear, particularly when observing Argentina and Chile, where the victories of Milei and Kast have heralded 'winds of change.' We are, quite literally, living through times reminiscent of the fall of the Berlin Wall, specifically, the collapse of ‘21st-century socialism’ across Hispanic America, and this is precisely what has them so worried," said Brazilian political analyst Sandra Bronzina to Digital."When the global progressive left criticizes the United States, speaking of sovereignty and peace, or denouncing war, they are not acting out of pure altruism or good intentions. Instead, they are motivated by a hidden self-interest: ensuring that China continues its colonization of our nations, a process that is, evidently, already well underway."Mexico's Sheinbaum emphasized the principle of national sovereignty, echoing Latin America's long-standing focus on non-intervention. She joined other leaders in opposing sanctions on countries like Cuba, indicating a readiness to coordinate positions that significantly diverge from U.S. policy in the region.Collectively, analysts suggest that the discourse emanating from Barcelona points to the nascent stages of a loosely coordinated bloc, one that is increasingly prepared to challenge U.S. stances on global governance, regional policy, and economic strategy.However, even as leaders in Barcelona warn of a growing right-wing threat, the political realities across the Americas present a different narrative, one that might resonate more directly with U.S. audiences.In Argentina, extensive economic reforms centered on deregulation and fiscal discipline have garnered international attention as an alternative to state-led models. In El Salvador, stringent security measures have led to a significant reduction in violence. And in Ecuador, a renewed emphasis on law and order and institutional control is emerging as a response to escalating cartel-related violence.Analysts contend that these examples highlight a counterpoint to the Barcelona narrative, suggesting that a substantial portion of the region is shifting towards policies focused on security, market reforms, and stronger state authority—priorities that often align more closely with U.S. strategic interests.Experts note a striking contrast. On one hand, a group of leaders in Barcelona is advocating for a reevaluation of global systems long associated with U.S. leadership. On the other, governments throughout the hemisphere are exploring approaches that prioritize economic liberalization and robust security measures. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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US Embassy in London Warns to ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ Near Jewish Sites in the UK and Europe Following Attacks
(SeaPRwire) - On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in London issued a warning to American citizens, advising them to "exercise increased caution" when visiting Jewish and American-related locations across the U.K. and Europe due to a recent uptick in threats.The alert stated: "The U.S. Embassy in London has observed recent attacks and threats directed at Jewish and American institutions in the United Kingdom and Europe. U.S. citizens—especially those visiting facilities catering to Jewish or American interests—should stay vigilant and exercise heightened caution."Additionally, the embassy recommended that Americans remain alert in tourist spots, expat communities, and places of worship; review their personal security strategies; and monitor local media for the latest updates.Citizens with concerns can also sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel and security notifications.This advisory came in the wake of several recent antisemitic incidents in the U.K. and Europe, including a March 23 arson attack on four ambulances linked to a Jewish charity in London, an April 18 assault on the Kenton United Synagogue in London, and a March explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam—an incident authorities described as a "targeted attack against the Jewish community."While no one was injured in these events, the Amsterdam school sustained damage.According to GB News, U.K. officials are investigating whether Iran-backed "thugs for hire" are inciting the attacks in London.Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the Jewish Chronicle: "Regarding malign state actors in general, we need legislation for proscription to take necessary actions—and we’re working to introduce that legislation as quickly as possible." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Hulu Has Subtly Added the Decade’s Most Timely Crime Thriller
EF NEON(SeaPRwire) - You can’t have a serious conversation about the top active film directors without mentioning Park Chan-wook. From his global breakthrough with Oldboy to acclaimed works like The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave, Park has cemented his status as a contemporary master of thrillers—though, of course, few of his films fit neatly into just one genre. While they often include elements of murder, chaos, or suspense, Park’s movies also have a sharp, biting sense of humor. His newest release, No Other Choice, is no different. In characteristically unexpected fashion, Park’s latest film is based on a novel by Donald E. Westlake, the mid-20th century American pulp writer whose work also inspired the nihilistic crime classic Point Blank (which Inverse highlighted earlier this week). The Ax was first published in 1997 and had already been turned into a film by French director Costa-Gavras when Park acquired the rights way back in 2009. Given all that, it’s striking how perfectly No Other Choice resonates with our current dystopian late-capitalist era. Park sets the story in present-day South Korea, where Yoo Man-su (played by Lee Byung-hun), a long-time company employee, is suddenly fired after decades of service. Man-su fights to find another job in the paper industry, and 13 months later, he’s reduced to pleading for work from a former subordinate at Moon Paper—the only paper company in the area (and, to the desperate Man-su, seemingly the world) that’s actually hiring. His begging gets him nowhere, but the experience sparks an idea: his field is highly specialized, so only a small number of people are truly qualified for the job Man-su thinks should be his. In fact, there are just three—including the current manager. If all of them were to vanish mysteriously around the same time, well, the company would have—wait for it—no other choice but to hire Man-su. That way, he won’t lose the family home he repurchased after his parents were forced to sell it during their own financial hardship. He won’t have to pull his daughter—whom everyone calls a prodigy—out of her pricey cello lessons, ruining her potential. He’ll even be able to bring back the family dogs, which he sent to live with his wife’s parents when dog food became too expensive. Oops! Lee Byung-hun burns the evidence in No Other Choice. | NEONOne of the most intriguing aspects of No Other Choice is how it portrays Man-su’s decisions as both relatable and absurd, neither justifying nor criticizing the killing spree he sees as his only way to get his life back on track. Mostly, the film uses this spree as material for pitch-black humor—like a scene where Man-su, his intended victim, and the victim’s wife all tussle over the same handgun: Man-su wants to kill the man for his job, but the couple is also trying to murder each other. All of this is presented through Park’s opulently sensory style, offering viewers absurd yet undeniable delights—like a shot taken from inside the glass as a character takes their first drink after nine years of being sober. It’s the kind of daring choice only a master filmmaker like Park can pull off, driven by anger that feels extremely relevant (this April, Disney and Meta cut thousands of jobs, including Disney’s entire home video division) and universal. Park Chan-wook on the set of No Other Choice. | NEONThat last point is a bit somber, but it comes straight from Park: “Whenever I told people about the story, no matter their time period or country, they always said how relatable it was,” the director told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview last fall. That relatability might not be specific to layoffs, though—it’s about the fear of losing one’s place in society and everything that comes with it. Turning into a serial killer because you can’t stand the humiliation of filling out your job history when you already uploaded your resume to the portal might be over the top, but every job seeker has felt a hint of that same emotion at some point. So even if you’re not already a fan of Park Chan-wook or Lee Byung-hun (and you might be—he’s one of South Korea’s most well-known actors, appearing in everything from Squid Game to the G.I. Joe films), give No Other Choice a try. You might find it surprisingly cathartic. No Other Choice is now available to stream on Hulu. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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‘Spider-Noir’ Trailer Unveils An Unexpected ‘Brand New Day’ Villain Link
Amazon Prime Video(SeaPRwire) - The concept of a multiverse offers significant creative liberty. Various franchises have demonstrated that parallel worlds provide an excellent justification for distinct remakes—such as the Fox X-Men joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe—or for showcasing alternate versions of a single character, a tactic seen in Peacemaker's second season. Sony’s Spider-Verse employs both strategies in unique manners, leading to a major villain featuring in both the upcoming series Spider-Noir, debuting in May, and the film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, arriving in July.The live-action show Spider-Noir, featuring Nicolas Cage as the gritty private investigator Ben Reilly, recently unveiled its antagonists: Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson), Sandman (Jack Huston), Tombstone (Abraham Popoola), and Megawatt (Andrew Lewis Caldwell). A few of these choices are deep cuts from the lore; for instance, Megawatt previously appeared in only one Spider-Man comic, Spider-Man Unlimited Vol. 1 #2, released in 1993. While Megawatt is a fresh addition to screen adaptations, another villain is well-known. Tombstone has served as a significant henchman in the animated Spider-Verse films, and voice actor Marvin Jones III is set to reprise this character in live-action for the upcoming MCU film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, in Spider-Noir, Tombstone will have a distinct appearance, portrayed by British actor Abraham Popoola. Naturally, this does not create a continuity conflict since Spider-Noir takes place in a universe entirely separate from the MCU, though the timing is notable given the character's other live-action debut just months later. The most notable difference is likely that Tombstone is typically depicted with albinism—a trait shared by voice actor Jones—whereas Popoola does not have albinism. Spider-Noir co-showrunner Oren Uziel explained that this choice was driven by practical concerns. The series is taking a unique approach by releasing two simultaneous versions: an “Authentic Black and White” edition and a “True-Hue Full Color” edition. Managing these two distinct aesthetics influenced such character decisions. “Black and white is interesting,” Uziel stated to IGN. “And certain things show up differently and present certain challenges. And I think [we] ruled that out before we even got too far down the road with talking about that.”Spider-Noir’s interpretation of Tombstone differs from his depiction in the comics, Into the Spider-Verse, and Brand New Day. | Amazon Prime VideoThis is certainly a unique interpretation of the character, yet that is the strength of a series such as this. The characters are not required to resemble their comic book counterparts exactly; rather, it is far more desirable for them to appear as if they belong in a 1930s noir film. While this results in an adaptation that isn't strictly faithful, the primary goal is to offer a fresh viewpoint. It is improbable that this iteration of Tombstone will alter perceptions of the Brand New Day version, but the recurrence of the villain across projects suggests he may have a more significant part in Brand New Day than anticipated, with his Spider-Noir counterpart acting as a precursor. If Electro, a far more famous electricity-based villain, is being swapped for Megawatt, there must be a specific reason for retaining Tombstone. Spider-Noir is set to premiere on May 27 via Amazon Prime Video. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Apple’s Multi-Generational Sci-Fi Saga Reveals Key Hint For Upcoming Spinoff
Apple TV(SeaPRwire) - Centered on the historic geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and the USSR, For All Mankind has always stood out by depicting a timeline where Soviet Communism never collapsed and the space race persisted much as it did in the 1960s. In Season 5, the connection between the Cold War brinkmanship of the '60s and '70s and the alternate 2012, where an international coalition from Earth works to liberate Mars, can be easy to forget. However, Episode 5, "Svoboda," includes a flashback to the period between Seasons 4 and 5 that offers a vital detail about the true powers on Mars and may retrospectively hint at the forthcoming spinoff series Star City. Spoilers ahead.The Slavic word "Svoboda" translates to "freedom," but the episode opens with Irina Morozova (Svetlana Efremova) being sent to a Gulag after the events of Season 4. To recap: Irina is a KGB agent who collaborated with Roscosmos to gather intelligence from NASA across the show's first three seasons. For All Mankind’s spaceflight timeline is unfolding in two directions. | Apple TVHer primary asset was Sergei (Piotr Adamczyk), who was the romantic interest of Margo (Wrenn Schmidt). After Margo was accused of espionage in Season 3, Irina enlisted her to work for Roscosmos in Season 4. However, because Irina was responsible for Sergei's murder, Margo turned against her and covertly enabled the theft of the Goldilocks asteroid—an outcome neither superpower desired. This explains why Margo is in an American prison in Season 5 and, ironically, why Irina was also imprisoned after Season 4. Briefly, Irina was partially held accountable for the Goldilocks scandal. The new flashback shows she used her shrewd KGB skills to smuggle information while incarcerated, and after her release—bringing us to the present—she rises to a powerful role at Kuragin, the Soviet counterpart to Helios, which in For All Mankind is similar to SpaceX. So, while Irina first appeared in Season 4, her reach extends back to Season 1, where we learn she was an intelligence operative in Star City. Her path has been tumultuous: from the KGB to Roscosmos, to prison, and finally to Kuragin. What's significant now, with her arrival on Mars as part of the Kuragin delegation, is her substantial influence over both the franchise's future and its past. Her mere presence on Mars immediately unsettles Natalya (Olga Fonda), the wife of Governor Polivanov. Evidently, Irina possesses compromising information on these political figures, and their shared nationality probably means little to her. Governor Leonid Polivanov(Costa Ronin) and Natalya Polivanova (Olga Fonda) in For All Mankind Season 5. | Apple TVAdditionally, Aleida (Coral Peña) is especially alarmed that Irina is now on Mars, conspiring to advance Kuragin's agenda, which largely involves pushing automation further than ever. Aleida despises Irina for sending Margo back to prison for treason—a crime that Aleida herself technically committed. In essence, moving quietly in the background is a character wielding significant power, influence, and leverage over many of For All Mankind's central figures. And because her influence also reaches into the past, the 2012 events may be paving the way for new discoveries when Star City revisits 1969. For All Mankind is a series about advanced space travel and political maneuvering on other worlds. But it is also an intergenerational saga of conspiracy, and it appears the full secrets of this alternate history are still coming to light.For All Mankind Season 5 streams on Apple TV. Star City debuts on May 29, 2026. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: jenn
Is a Fifth Season of “Invincible” Coming? Here’s Why It May Arrive Sooner Than Expected
Prime Video(SeaPRwire) - While the fourth season of Invincible may not have concluded with an explosive finale, the animated superhero series certainly made an impact. The season ends on a classic, fan-frenzying cliffhanger, leaving its main hero, Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun), in a gut-wrenching predicament. Although the galactic war between the Coalition of Planets and Viltrum has reached a form of resolution, Mark was ultimately outmaneuvered by Grand Regent Thragg (Lee Pace). Now, the remnants of the Viltrum Empire are living covertly on Earth. This is merely the first of numerous challenges that Mark and his friends will soon confront.Invincible has consistently been a top-tier superhero program, but it now seems to have fully found its rhythm. Season 4 builds with unmistakable energy, and its cliffhanger finale has only amplified viewer excitement. But will audiences witness the consequences of Thragg's ultimatum, and if yes, when? Here is the latest information on the show's future.Will there be an Invincible Season 5?A new season of Invincible is on the way — and it’ll honor the show’s established release window. | Prime VideoFans of Invincible can relax: the show was officially greenlit for a fifth season back in 2025, almost a full year before Season 4 debuted on Prime Video. An exact premiere date for the next season is not yet set, but judging by the pattern of past releases, it is likely arriving more quickly than anticipated.Robert Kirkman, the creator of the original Invincible comics and a writer/producer on the series, has confirmed that Season 5 has been in development for a while. Producing the animation for eight episodes takes a minimum of three years; to maintain its regular release cadence, work must begin far ahead of time. Since Season 2, new Invincible seasons have premiered roughly one year apart, a pattern Kirkman aims to continue with Season 5.“We’ve hit our window and we’re gonna keep hitting the window,” Kirkman stated on The Brandon Davis Show. “You should be able to watch the show — if we’re fortunate enough to continue beyond Season 5 — every year is the ideal.”The aftermath of Thragg’s ultimatum won’t be a mystery for much longer. | Prime VideoBarring any delays, Invincible Season 5 should arrive on Prime Video in 2027. Given that Season 3 launched in February and Season 4 in late March, it is reasonable to expect Season 5 to also release in the winter or early spring months.Honestly, the sooner the next season arrives, the better. The mystery of how Mark will handle Earth's new Viltrumite population will probably linger for months. Of course, one could read the comic books to learn the outcome, but there is a unique pleasure in experiencing the narrative unfold on screen. The television adaptation also presents a modified take on Kirkman's story, meaning Season 5 could diverge significantly from the source material, making patience a virtue. Thankfully, the wait does not appear to be a protracted one regardless.Invincible is now streaming on Prime Video. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: emer
Peer To Peer Network (OTC: PTOP) Targets Revenue Inflection Point with MOBICARD 1.8 Launch Expected Within 30 Days
BOSTON, Apr 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Peer To Peer Network, Inc. (OTC: PTOP), the first publicly traded digital business card company, today announced that its highly anticipated MOBICARD™ 1.8 platform — featuring integrated revenue-generating capabilities — is expected to be released to app stores within the next 30 days.This upcoming release marks a major turning point for the company as MOBICARD™ transitions from a pure networking tool into a monetized digital ecosystem designed to generate recurring revenue across both consumers and businesses.Built for Revenue — Designed for ScaleMOBICARD™ 1.8 introduces multiple revenue streams, including:Subscription Model for ConsumersFree version supported by adsPremium ad-free version at $1.99/monthAnnual premium plan at $20/yearEnterprise-Level Business MonetizationPaid promotional placements within the appTiered business subscriptions enabling companies to advertise directly to usersLead generation tools for enterprise clientsIn-App Engagement MonetizationTrackable card sharing and user engagement analyticsIncreased visibility for businesses through promoted placementsThese features position MOBICARD as more than just a digital card - it becomes a revenue engine driven by user activity, business adoption, and scalable subscription growth.In addition to monetization, MOBICARD 1.8 includes major upgrades designed to increase engagement and sharing:Seamless one-click sharing functionalityAirdrop abilityFully optimized QR code distributionImproved card navigation and discovery featuresEnhanced UI/UX for a cleaner, more professional lookStreamlined “Share This Card” experience to drive viral growthThe platform is being refined to ensure users can easily connect, share, and expand their networks - while businesses gain powerful tools to reach those users“By integrating subscription models and enterprise tools directly into the user experience, we are building a foundation for scalable growth and long-term value creation,” stated Nicholis Santana Team Technology Leader for Peer To Peer Network.PTOP believes that MOBICARD™ 1.8 represents a critical inflection point, as the platform begins to:Convert user activity into recurring revenue streamsProvide scalable monetization opportunities for businessesIncrease overall platform engagement and retentionWith monetization now integrated into the core user experience, Peer To Peer Network is positioning MOBICARD™ to compete at scale within the rapidly growing digital identity and networking market.“This is the version that begins turning MOBICARD™ into a true revenue-generating platform,” said Joshua Sodaitis, Chairman & CEO of Peer To Peer Network. “We’ve focused on building a system where both users and businesses can participate in the ecosystem—driving growth, engagement, and ultimately revenue.”The Company is currently finalizing development and preparing for submission to major app stores, with launch anticipated within the next 30 days.OutlookThe Company is currently finalizing development and preparing for submission to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. While no assurances can be given, management anticipates launch within the next 30 days.About Peer To Peer Network (OTC: PTOP)Peer To Peer Network, Inc. (OTC PINK: PTOP) is a technology company developing platforms that enhance communication, transparency, and connectivity between individuals and organizations.For more information, visit https://ptopnetwork.com. Contact Information:Peer To Peer Network, Inc.Investor RelationsEmail: info@freemobicard.comPhone: 617-481-1971Website: www.ptopnetwork.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
Clayface Now Marks the Start of the DCU Timeline and We Have Queries
Warner Bros. Pictures(SeaPRwire) - With only one film out so far, James Gunn’s take on the DCU is definitely heading in a more unexpected direction compared to the linear team-up of the Avengers seen in Phase 1 of the MCU. Before last year’s hit Superman, there was exactly one season of the animated Creature Commandos series, and following Superman came the second season of Gunn’s Peacemaker show—originally launching at the end of the old DCEU but later integrated into the franchise’s new path. Up next are Supergirl and Lanterns, plus the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow set to hit theaters in July 2027. Still, the overarching story tying together the first chapter of the DCU (Gods and Monsters) hasn’t fully come into view yet.Now another upcoming film is set to add even more complexity: Clayface. A standalone villain origin tale in the style of Todd Phillips’ Joker, the story for Clayface was proposed by horror veteran Mike Flanagan in 2023 (he couldn’t direct it because of his work on the upcoming Exorcist movie and Carrie streaming series). By February 2025, it became an official project, with filmmaker James Watkins attached to direct from a script co-written by Flanagan and Drive scribe Hossein Amini. Clayface’s path to the screen has been unconventional; for some time, no one knew if it would belong to Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, the DCU, or be a completely independent film—but now we have an answer, though it raises several new questions.Clayface Takes Place Before SupermanClayface might be a standalone villain origin story, but it’ll also be responsible for answering some important questions about DCU canon. | Warner Bros. PicturesFollowing the release of the film’s first teaser trailer yesterday, James Gunn confirmed again on Threads (during a conversation with another user) that Clayface is indeed set in the main DCU timeline. He also revealed that the movie takes place before 2025’s Superman in chronological order. This is especially intriguing because the exact year of the setting hasn’t been announced yet, and additionally, there’s no word on the DCU’s Batman—no casting news, no references, nothing. Since the film is an origin story (centered on the tragic tale of rising actor Matt Hagen, who seeks help from a mad scientist after a gangster disfigures his face), it would still make sense if Batman doesn’t appear. However, this could mark our first official glimpse of Gotham in the current DCU.When the film was filming last year, some leaked behind-the-scenes photos showed a street lined with 1970s-style cars alongside modern Gotham City media vans. There was also a detail that excited Battinson fans: a Gotham Gazette newspaper with the same logo used in Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe.What About the DCU Batman?Even though Gunn has apparently confirmed Clayface’s place in the DCU (noting it doesn’t fit with the grounded, non-superpowered tone of Matt Reeves’ universe), there are still many questions about the project’s timeline—most notably, whether it’s set during a period when Batman is active. Since Matt Hagen is an actor, any time-period inconsistencies could potentially be explained by him filming a movie within the movie.Unless Supergirl or the Green Lanterns take a detour, Clayface will be our first glimpse at the DCU’s version of Gotham. | Warner Bros. PicturesUntil we get more than the small hints from the trailer, it’s difficult to tell how far back in the timeline the movie will go. For example: Is Clayface set decades before Superman arrives, or just a few years earlier? And if it’s set in the distant past, how will it link to the current DCU events?While this might look like a standalone film similar to Joker, Gunn positioning it as the start of the DCU means it’s deeply tied to the new universe’s lore. Plus, the fact that James Gunn liked Flanagan’s pitch so much he included it in the DCU is evidence that it’ll be a more impactful movie than many expect.Clayface will release in theaters on October 23rd, 2026. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: jenn
Five Years Ago, the Most Terrible Lovecraftian Horror Movie Concealed an Important Lesson
ILY Films(SeaPRwire) - Humanity's most primal and potent emotion is fear, and for fans, the most enduring and intense dread is the fear of a poorly executed adaptation. Exactly five years ago, H.P. Lovecraft enthusiasts confronted this very apprehension with the release of The Deep Ones.Lovecraft occupies a peculiar space in contemporary culture, simultaneously revered as a monumental influence and dismissed as an outdated relic. The term “Lovecraftian” is frequently appended to marketing materials for films, books, and games at the slightest provocation, yet truly faithful and well-made adaptations of his original works are exceedingly rare. However, because Lovecraft’s fiction resides in the public domain—an invaluable cinematic resource—anyone is free to attempt an adaptation, even when such an endeavor is ill-advised.Released in 2021 and promoted as H.P. Lovecraft’s The Deep Ones, this film offers a loose contemporary reimagining of The Shadow over Innsmouth, one of Lovecraft’s most celebrated and frequently referenced narratives. Helmed by Chad Ferrin, known for directing an Easter Bunny slasher and a segment in Troma’s avant-garde anthology Tales from the Crapper, the movie utterly fails as an adaptation but serves as an insightful case study into the persistent difficulties of bringing horror’s most notorious author to the screen.The plot follows Alex (Gina La Piana) and Petri (Johann Urb) as they seek solace at a secluded California vacation rental following a miscarriage. Their hosts, Ingrid and Russel (Silvia Spross and Robert Miano, who deliver the film’s strongest performances), are overly welcoming and show an unusual interest in Alex’s health. Petri soon finds himself captivated by the local commune, while Alex grows increasingly suspicious that something sinister is unfolding.This is a story you've encountered before, and almost certainly in a superior rendition. The film is messy, crude, and devoid of suspense, forcing its actors to deliver lines such as “They’re into all this Nerconomicon stuff,” a challenge they conspicuously fail to meet. More often than not, it resembles a satirical soap opera take on Ira Levin (the movie explicitly mentions The Stepford Wives, and Ferrin cited Rosemary’s Baby in an interview). Those who endure to the end credits are "rewarded" with a crude joke about masturbation.Petri bonds with his hosts. | ILY FilmsWhile there are fleeting moments of visual artistry and genuine strangeness, the film appears more constrained by its Lovecraftian elements than inspired by them. It quotes famous names and passages, yet remains thematically hollow. Without singling out Ferrin, it's notable that when questioned about Lovecraft, he emphasizes ambiance and dread as crucial Lovecraftian components (qualities other horror writers famously disregard) and suggests a good Lovecraft story "hits you days later how scary it was" rather than explicitly revealing its horrors. Yet, his film culminates with its protagonist being sexually assaulted by a fish-monster.What makes Lovecraft such a persistent hurdle for filmmakers? His narratives are seldom inherently cinematic, relying heavily on suggestion and horrors that his narrators struggle to articulate (with the ironic exception of The Deep Ones’ source material, which includes a memorable chase sequence). However, considering that some of horror’s most acclaimed works never fully reveal their monsters, this explanation feels like a weak excuse. Did The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity suffer from their refusal to show the antagonist?A significant part of the challenge is thematic. Lovecraft’s often-unpronounceable entities form a vast mythos that any struggling writer can tap into, and The Deep Ones references Cthulhu as if it were a shortcut to profound meaning. Yet, films require human characters to drive the narrative, and Lovecraft’s protagonists are almost universally unstable, isolated men who feel disconnected from their own era and haunted by the infinite future.Such complex internal states are difficult to convey on screen, especially when resources are stretched to make a few pool noodles resemble convincing tentacles. This visual aspect is where most adaptations concentrate their efforts, largely because, as Chris Jordan of The Movie Sleuth contends, Herbert West: Re-Animator unintentionally set a damaging precedent in 1985. Director Stuart Gordon’s massive cult hit transformed one of Lovecraft’s weaker stories into a grotesque gorefest. While effective in its own right, assuming it represents Lovecraft’s true vision is akin to believing a Bugs Bunny cartoon accurately portrays a night at the opera.Next time, just go with the corporate hotel chain. | ILY FilmsConsequently, adaptations tend to fall into two categories: the "tits and tentacles" variety, where films like The Deep Ones perpetually chase Re-Animator’s exploitative success, and the rarer, more ambitious attempts, such as the still somewhat eccentric Color Out of Space, the moderately successful episodes of Cabinet of Curiosities, and dedicated independent projects like 2005’s silent Call of Cthulhu. These latter examples are few and far between, perhaps best overshadowed by the one adaptation we will likely never see: Guillermo del Toro’s Mountains of Madness.Some tangentially related fiction does successfully embody its "Lovecraftian" marketing: the world-weary protagonists of Annihilation and True Detective Season 1 capture the essence more effectively than another doomed couple checking into an Airbnb, even if these works only draw loose inspiration while The Deep Ones recites direct quotes. This brings us back to our initial question: why are we inundated with "Lovecraftian" stories, but so few genuine Lovecraft adaptations?Ultimately, the adjective proves more commercially viable than the author himself. "Lovecraftian," whether it signifies existential dread or merely superficial references, is an easy sell; Shub-Niggurath appears as a villain in both the latest Alone in the Dark game and the South Park game humorously named after anatomical parts. The lore has become part of pop culture’s ambient noise, a convenient nod for fans. On a practical level, however, Lovecraft’s finest stories are challenging to film, particularly without a substantial budget; The Deep Ones struggled with basic lighting, let alone a compelling chase sequence. And who would invest millions in conventional retellings of nearly century-old novellas after Gordon demonstrated success by embracing sleaze?Thus, it appears we will continue to see “Lovecraftian” applied to countless creations, whether they provoke cosmic contemplation or simply feature green monsters. And directors with limited talent or funds will persist in plundering Lovecraft’s literary legacy for direct-to-streaming fodder. While not ideal, this trend is understandable. Lovecraft himself, despite his philosophical musings, penned Re-Animator primarily as a means to earn a quick profit.The Deep Ones is available for free streaming on Plex. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: nicole
Hamas’s influence casts a shadow over Gaza elections as experts warn the vote could backfire
(SeaPRwire) - On Saturday, residents of Deir al-Balah in Gaza will head to the polls to vote for new local leaders for the first time in 22 years — a step experts warn could give Hamas more space to sustain its influence, as the group refuses to abide by ceasefire disarmament requirements. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Digital that "holding elections in the Palestinian Authority at an inopportune time, when conditions remain uncertain, will result in Hamas winning electoral victories." Schanzer noted that the Bush administration’s 2006 push to support elections "resulted in Hamas securing electoral wins, which sparked a political standoff that eventually led to civil conflict," and added that "extreme caution is essential when organizing elections in a region like Gaza, where Hamas holds extensive control and terrorist groups are still viewed as legitimate political actors." Gazan journalists and media workers continue to be labeled as members of terrorist groups after their deaths, underscoring the challenge of differentiating terrorist affiliates from ordinary civilians. Four political parties are running in the Deir al-Balah election. Per reporting from the Center for Peace Communications, candidates were required to endorse the Palestine Liberation Organization and abide by its previously signed agreements, including recognizing the State of Israel and supporting a two-state solution. Yet many observers are concerned that one of the participating parties, Deir al-Balah Unites Us, has ties to Hamas. Two of its candidates have been photographed alongside Hamas officials or police officers. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, posted on X that "holding elections in Gaza at this moment is deeply reckless and irresponsible," pointing out that "Gazans are being arrested, imprisoned, tortured, shot, and killed every day for social media posts or any remarks deemed critical of Hamas. These elections should be stopped and blocked from moving forward, as they interfere with the transition plan for Gaza that the Board of Peace, [National Council for the Administration of Gaza], and the international community have outlined — a plan where Hamas disarming and giving up its power is the first essential step." Hamas disarmament, a core requirement in the second phase of former President Donald Trump’s ceasefire deal, has not yet been completed. As of March, reports show that Hamas has strengthened its control over Gaza, continuing to levy taxes on local residents, build educational infrastructure, and deploy police across the territory it controls. Schanzer stated that Hamas is unlikely to fully surrender its weapons. Should the group choose to do so, he noted, it "will attempt to draw distinctions between different types of arms," potentially offering to hand over heavy weapons such as RPGs while retaining a large stockpile of automatic firearms. Hamas has seemingly put forward a partial disarmament proposal. On April 19, The New York Times reported that two Hamas officials stated they would turn over thousands of weapons from their police force and other security agencies. When asked whether weapons from Hamas’s so-called military wing would be part of this handover, the officials "failed to give a clear response." Schanzer pushed back against assertions that Hamas’s political and military wings operate independently. "That is a falsehood. The notion that they are separate in any respect, or that there is a clear barrier between them, is ridiculous." He explained that this is "a distinction invented by the West so that it can maintain political ties with Hamas or justify holding elections, and it is a mistake to embrace that false narrative." Schanzer argued that weakening Iran is critical to reducing Hamas’s influence. "I cannot overstate how significant the psychological impact would be if their primary sponsor were defeated on the battlefield," he noted. "That would be a devastating blow to Hamas." With Israel controlling roughly 53% of the Gaza Strip and Hamas holding the remaining 47%, Schanzer said "we could continue to see Hamas’s control slip" during the "slow, steady process of Israel making territorial and operational gains on the ground." He emphasized that patience is necessary, adding that "the foes of the U.S., Israel, and the West have a much slower timeline. They aim to outwait everyone because they know we want to move past this conflict." The Trump administration did not respond to Digital’s inquiries regarding whether a partial disarmament would meet its ceasefire requirements, or if the administration would take steps to delay the elections until Gaza achieves greater stability. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: nicole
US sanctions Chinese refinery in expanded Iran oil crackdown, targets ‘shadow fleet’ tankers
(SeaPRwire) - The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Friday against a significant Chinese oil refinery and numerous vessels associated with Iran's "shadow fleet," intensifying a push to sever Tehran's principal income stream.In a statement, officials stated the action focuses on Hengli Petrochemical, a top purchaser of Iranian oil, as well as a web of shipping firms and tankers that move petroleum products valued in the billions of dollars to international markets.The Treasury Department described these "shadow fleet" ships as the crucial financial support for Iran's "unstable regime."This enforcement is a component of the Economic Fury initiative, a wider strategy to pressure Iran's economy by restricting its overseas oil sales, income which the U.S. claims finances the regime's military and disruptive actions in the Middle East."Economic Fury is applying a financial chokehold on the Iranian regime, impeding its aggression in the Middle East and aiding in restraining its nuclear ambitions," stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co. is a Chinese "teapot" refinery, a label for independent plants recognized for buying cut-price crude oil, sometimes from nations under sanctions.This refinery, among China's biggest independent operators, has been taking deliveries of Iranian oil from sanctioned shadow fleet tankers since at least 2023. Hengli has also bought oil connected to Iran's armed forces, producing hundreds of millions in revenue for the Iranian military.Hengli has additionally accepted shipments linked to Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, an entity U.S. authorities have designated as a cover for Iran's armed forces that assists in enabling foreign oil sales.The firm acts for Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, employing a system of middlemen and ships to transport sanctioned crude, with the profits aiding the funding of the nation's military initiatives and regional proxy forces.The fresh sanctions also aim at the system enabling these oil transactions: a "shadow fleet" comprising older tankers and shell corporations that shuttle petroleum worldwide while dodging sanctions and concealing shipment origins.These vessels elude discovery by moving cargo between tankers at sea. Treasury officials reported that 19 ships were designated in this measure.This step forms part of the Trump administration's revived "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran, intended to block the regime's chief revenue source from oil exports through sanctions enforcement.U.S. authorities state oil exports continue to be the foundation of Iran's economy, and measures to constrain these shipments are meant to reduce the government's capacity to finance its military, back proxy groups, and progress its nuclear agenda.Treasury officials cautioned that more sanctions are probable as the U.S. persists in focusing on the networks, intermediaries, and purchasers that allow Iran to market its oil globally. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: osami
Brazil’s Monetary Council bans Kalshi from offering sports and political trading
(AsiaGameHub) - A recent intervention by the National Monetary Council (CMN) has hindered the growth of prediction market platforms in Brazil. The body responsible for the nation's monetary policy and financial markets has ruled that derivatives must not be connected to events in sports, politics, or entertainment. Authorized by Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) President Gabriel Galípolo, Resolution No. 5,298 implements this ruling starting on 4 May. Financial institutions are prohibited from creating or providing contracts associated with political, electoral, social, cultural, or entertainment occurrences under this new policy. This move by the CMN supports the safeguards established in the Bets Law (Law No. 14.790/2023), the federal legislation for online betting and sports gambling that took effect on 1 January 2025. The CMN stated in its announcement that this ruling “comes amid the popularisation of prediction market platforms in Brazil, which operate without their own regulation, unlike the betting sector.” Focus is now shifting to the US prediction market operator Kalshi, which gained entry to the Brazilian market in January through a collaboration with XP Inc., marketing its platform as an investment vehicle for local users. During the launch, it was reported that the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) had been approached by numerous licensed operators filing complaints, calling for regulatory action to prevent Kalshi from entering the market. This launch in Brazil represented Kalshi’s initial foray into international markets. The firm was co-established by Luana Lopes Lara (COO), who became the youngest self-made female billionaire in 2025. Kalshi recently closed a $1bn funding round in the US, bringing its total valuation to $22bn. As of April 2026, the company’s aggregate venture capital funding has surpassed $2.5bn. The sharp increase in Kalshi’s valuation has fueled comparisons with major US-listed gambling entities like Flutter Entertainment and DraftKings, as investors evaluate the potential of prediction markets relative to conventional sports betting. Even with this obstacle, a regulatory void persists for Kalshi and similar entities. The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) is currently observing the industry, yet a specific regulatory schedule for prediction markets has not been defined. As the CMN clamps down on derivatives based on events, the opportunity for prediction markets to function within Brazil’s regulatory grey area seems to be narrowing. Kalshi’s arrival has highlighted a regulatory discrepancy, as officials work to bridge the divide between financial markets and the existing Bets Law Law framework, which President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to overhaul in 2026. Last week, Lula announced to the national press that he intends to issue a ‘Presidential Decree‘ in May to establish a fresh online gambling system in Brazil, barring individuals receiving financial aid or those in debt from taking part. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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by: osami
Today’s NHL Best Bets & Player Props – April 24
(AsiaGameHub) - The NHL Playoffs press on this evening with three matchups, and we’ve got your back with top bets and player prop picks. Here’s a breakdown of tonight’s schedule: Lightning vs. Canadiens 7 p.m. ET Golden Knights vs. Mammoth 9:30 p.m. ET Oilers vs. Ducks 10 p.m. ET Best Bets: Player Props for Lightning vs. Canadiens We’re utilizing odds from DraftKings Sportsbook for all three games this evening. Cole Caufield OVER 0.5 Goals (+120) Tampa Bay has done an excellent job containing Cole Caufield through the first two games of the series. Caufield hasn’t found the back of the net yet, and he’s been limited to just three shots. While Caufield has chipped in three assists, expect him to get back to scoring form on his home ice at the Bell Centre. He led the Canadiens with 51 goals during the regular season, ranking second in the NHL only behind Nathan MacKinnon. Brandon Hagel OVER 0.5 Points (-175) Brandon Hagel has been playing exceptionally well through two games, notching three goals, four points, and four shots on goal. Going back to the regular season, he’s scored a goal in seven of his last 10 games. We’re backing Hagel to record a point for the third straight playoff game. He tallied 36 goals and 38 assists during the regular season, plus a stellar +34 plus/minus rating that ranked 13th in the NHL. Best Bets: Player Prop for Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Carter Hart OVER 23.5 Saves (-135) Las Vegas goaltender Carter Hart was kept busy in the first two games of the series. He stopped 27 shots in a 3-2 loss before turning away 31 in a 4-2 win. The series moves to Utah for Game 3. Expect Utah’s shot volume to be high tonight. The Mammoth averaged 26.8 shots per game on home ice, up from 25.51 on the road. Best Bets: Player Prop for Oilers vs. Ducks Lukas Dostal OVER 25.5 Saves (-130) Here’s another netminder who’s been extremely busy. Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal made 33 saves in Game 1 and 30 in Game 2. The last time Dostal faced the Oilers in the regular season, he stopped 30 of 33 shots. The total for this game is 6.5, with heavy juice on the OVER at -155. We anticipate plenty of shots and goals again tonight. The Ducks lead all playoff teams with an average of 4.5 goals per game, while the Oilers rank second at 4.0. The series is tied 1-1 and now heads to Anaheim. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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by: osami
Flutter Boosts Startup Collaboration through Tech4Good Recognition
(AsiaGameHub) - Flutter Entertainment continues to actively engage with both the technology and charity sectors by revealing the winners of its 2025 Tech4Good Awards. Co-organised by the company’s startup-centric initiative, Alpha Hub, and its sports community investment programme, Beyond Sport, the event was hosted by the NYSE-listed gambling giant. With a market capitalization approaching £14 billion, it stands as one of the largest firms globally. First-place winner GoodGym and runner-up Civic Dollars will split a prize pool of £60,000. Additionally, both organisations will receive capacity-building support from Flutter’s Alpha Hub and Beyond Sport. Adam Burgess, Director of Programmes at Beyond Sport, remarked: “These awards enable organisations to leverage technology for scaling solutions that boost physical activity and generate enduring health and community benefits by merging financial grants with customised capability-building assistance.” Flutter’s long-standing startup involvement Flutter Entertainment has collaborated with startups for many years. The company established the Alpha Hub in 2018 to serve as a bridge connecting startups with its brands, including FanDuel in the US, and Sky Bet and Paddy Power in the UK and Ireland, alongside other markets. Since its inception, the company’s startup partnerships have spanned various fields, such as responsible gaming and product development tailored for female customers. Recently, horse racing has emerged as a major focus area. Through the Future of Racing Summit, Flutter and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have been identifying startups to collaborate on technology initiatives related to racing. Aligning with its positive action plan, Flutter intensified its hunt for startups to support its responsible gaming efforts in 2023. The Tech4Good award has been instrumental in this endeavour, just as it has been for the company’s newer sports-centric projects. Commenting on today’s award announcement, Rob Smith, Associate Director of Emerging Technologies and Insights at Flutter, stated: “With over 8,000 technologists group-wide, Flutter is fundamentally a technology-driven enterprise. Utilising our expertise to support the growth and scaling of these startups is a logical step for us.” Introducing the winners As previously noted, the top prize in this year’s Tech4Good Awards went to GoodGym. Operating since 2009, this London-based charity is active in 68 regions throughout the UK. The organisation links runners, walkers, and cyclists with community tasks, aiming to encourage daily exercise through community service. Flutter selected this charity because of its AI-driven tool, Coach, which is designed to facilitate the discovery of local activities and the creation of community bonds. Darren Moore, Tech Lead at GoodGym, stated: “This award is transformative; it allows us to invest in the technology and infrastructure necessary to connect thousands more individuals with their communities through physical movement.” Taking second place, Civic Dollars is a Belfast-based entity that created a geo-fencing community currency application to encourage outdoor activity. Users earn an in-app currency, known as Civic Dollars, for every 30 minutes spent in public spaces and parks. These earned dollars can be redeemed for health-oriented courses, including yoga, fitness, dance, and healthy cooking, or they can be donated to local community groups and charities. Dr Gráinne McAnee, Researcher at Civic Dollars, commented: “Accessibility and ease should be the hallmarks of being active and healthy, rather than it being expensive, exclusive, or restricted.” These awards are announced amidst a period of intense political scrutiny facing the UK gambling sector, thereby increasing the significance of community-focused programmes and initiatives for the industry. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Russian Crypto Fraud Courier Purloined Illicit Earnings and Gambled Them Away
(AsiaGameHub) - Police report that an unauthorized courier working for Russian cryptocurrency fraud groups used $20,000 of the criminal organization’s illicit earnings on casino gambling and a lavish partying spree. According to Russian media outlet Novaya Kuban, authorities in St. Petersburg stated they’ve detained a 35-year-old male believed to be carrying out tasks for various phone scammers. Law enforcement officials detailed that the scammers had tricked a Kuban resident out of $20,000 in an unspecified foreign currency. They told the supposed victim they could “earn profits from cryptocurrency investments” by paying in cash. Upon getting the cash, the scammers are said to have passed it to the courier, instructing him to deliver it to a money laundering group. However, the suspect allegedly chose to take the funds to a nearby casino. Police noted that he wasted most of the money on losing roulette bets. Courier Linked to Russian Crypto Fraud Ring Apprehended in St. Petersburg According to police, the suspect used the remaining funds on bar drinks and organizing late-night gatherings. The Krasnodar Criminal Investigation Department has held the suspect in custody. Authorities are conducting a search for the alleged scammers. In another incident, a court in Belogorsk—located in Amur Oblast near the Chinese border—convicted a gambling-addicted teen of stealing 1 million rubles (approximately $13,300) from a friend’s family. The boy used the stolen funds to buy an electric scooter and for online gambling. Belogorsk, situated in Russia’s Amur Oblast (Image: Aviateur [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Prosecutors stated that the unidentified 14-year-old boy watched his friend’s father input his PIN into a banking app during a shopping trip with his friend and the friend’s dad. Having memorized the PIN, the boy proceeded to make multiple withdrawals from the father’s account. To avoid being caught, he took small sums each time, according to prosecutors. As per Russian media outlet Gazeta.Ru, the friend’s father only realized the money was missing when he tried to withdraw cash for a purchase later on. Authorities noted that the teen first denied the offense but eventually confessed fully. An Amur court sentenced him to two years in a juvenile correctional center. Meanwhile, in Moscow, legislators have passed a draft law granting new authorities to anti-gambling agencies. The proposed legislation aims to accelerate procedures enabling regulators to restrict residents’ access to unlicensed online casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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SBC Summit Americas to Highlight the Future of Affiliation and Marketing Strategy in North America
(AsiaGameHub) - With competition for North American players reaching new heights, SBC Summit Americas is set to guide industry stakeholders through innovative strategies via its specialized North America Marketing & Affiliates track. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, the agenda features five panels of prominent marketing experts who will discuss refining acquisition, boosting conversion rates, and developing sustainable player lifecycles. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI for player engagement, navigating complex advertising rules, utilizing new channels like TikTok for acquisition, and creating brands that foster long-term retention. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, commented: “Affiliates are currently managing an unprecedented number of platforms and partnership structures. Between social media, AI, and martech, the industry is becoming more intricate. This track is designed to cut through that noise and provide clear strategies for driving growth.” The track begins with the panel "Affiliate Leaders Panel: The New Face of Affiliates: Branding, Voice, and Value," which explores the transition of affiliates into full-scale marketing brands. Industry leaders Brian Christopher (CEO, FlipTheSwitch.com), Stuart Simms (Group CEO, FairPlay Sports Media), Manuel Stan (CEO, Catena Media), and Zaire Williams (Founder, Exclusive) will discuss building audience loyalty through brand identity and personalized content. As mobile and social media strategies take center stage, the session "Beyond the Link: Redefining Affiliate Growth Through Emerging Channels" will look at how affiliates are becoming community-focused brands. Featuring James White (COO, Hottakes), Caleb Dykema (CEO, Vault Sports), Jon Bowden (CMO, Playstar), and Bryan Bennett (Principal, NorthCo Strategy), the panel will examine how TikTok, podcasts, and live streaming are changing acquisition and building trust. The "AI, Martech & the Player Journey: Redefining Engagement" session will highlight how machine learning is reshaping operator-player connections. Experts Vasilii Gamov (CEO, Peaky Ads), Jeremy Groves (COO, Evenbet), Dan Morrison (Director, Fast Track), and Adrianna Samuels (Consultant, STX) will explain how AI-driven tools and martech can optimize budgets and enhance player loyalty. Other sessions will focus on affiliate opportunities in emerging markets like Brazil, as well as how new martech is being used to sharpen player acquisition and engagement. SBC Summit Americas is held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from June 9-11, welcoming 10,000 delegates from the North American and Latin American gaming sectors. Across five stages, the event will feature panels on leadership, sports betting, casino, payments, regulation, and player protection, featuring some of the most prominent figures in the industry. Register for SBC Summit Americas: Early Bird VIP Pass – Available for $400 (a $300 discount) for a limited period. This includes full access to the conference, exhibition floor, networking events, and the Food Festival. Expo+ Pass – Priced at $95, this provides access to all conference sessions and the show floor, excluding networking events and complimentary food. Expo Only Pass – A free option providing access to the show floor, ideal for those new to the industry or teams on a budget.Affiliates and operators may qualify for a complimentary VIP Pass, offering full access to all sessions, the exhibition, and networking functions. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Wisconsin Sues Prediction Market Platforms After Authorizing Online Sports Betting
(AsiaGameHub) - Wisconsin has become the newest state to initiate legal action against prominent prediction market platforms—including Polymarket, Kalshi, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Robinhood—following the passage of legislation to launch legal online sports betting in the state. The lawsuit claims these companies are already providing Wisconsin residents with the opportunity to place online sports wagers. “Thinly disguising unlawful conduct doesn’t make it lawful,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a press release. “These companies’ alleged facilitation of sports betting in Wisconsin should be shut down.” The legal filings seek both preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent the companies from offering sports-related event contracts in Wisconsin. Sports Event Contracts Are ‘Indistinguishable’ From Regular Sports Betting Per the lawsuits, sports event contracts available on the five platforms are “indistinguishable from an ordinary sports bet,” as defined by Wisconsin’s law. Under Wisconsin law, gambling is defined as an activity that includes all three of the following components: Consideration (you pay or put something of value at risk) Chance (the outcome relies on luck rather than skill) Prize (you have the opportunity to win something of value) Any activity with all three components is legally classified as gambling in Wisconsin. According to the complaint, users trading on markets for events like NCAA basketball matches meet these three criteria. The ongoing debate over whether prediction markets qualify as gambling remains fierce. Proponents of these markets argue they are distinct from sports betting because platforms do not set odds or profit when users lose. The lawsuit acknowledges that unlike sportsbooks, the companies aren’t always on the other side of wagers, but adds: “But that does not get them off the hook, since each company still generates significant revenue from these sports bets by charging transaction fees each time event contracts are traded using their platforms.” The complaint makes the same allegation against Polymarket, even though the company doesn’t charge fees except on a limited number of cryptocurrency markets. For now, it has adopted a growth-first, profits-later strategy and is currently seeking an additional $400 million in funding at a valuation of $15 billion. Wisconsin Approves Legal Online Sports Betting Last month, Wisconsin lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state’s tribes to launch online sports betting. Governor Tony Evers signed the legislation into law on April 10. Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said she supported legalization as a way to regulate the already existing online gambling market. “It already exists on the edges, behind closed doors. It’s already there,” Dassler-Alfheim said. “And it’s already being abused by some, and that’s not going to change. I would rather us put as many parameters around it as we can to take care of our consumers and keep the revenue.” Is Legalization the Catalyst for the Lawsuit? “Except in limited circumstances, sports betting and other forms of commercial gambling have long been illegal in Wisconsin,” the press release stated. Yet, the state has only taken this action in the wake of legalizing online sports betting—presumably because sports event contracts are now seen as a threat to the revenue mentioned by Dassler-Alfheim. State regulators that receive direct revenue from sports betting, such as Arizona and Nevada, have also been notably aggressive in taking action against prediction markets. States have generally struggled to secure judgments against these platforms, with only Nevada managing to block Kalshi so far. The lawsuit cites that the companies are violating Wisconsin state law, but the platforms will likely argue that federal laws preempt states from having authority over their actions. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.