LMPC/LMPC/Getty Images (SeaPRwire) - By 1961, the notorious Ed Wood had abandoned all hopes of breaking into Hollywood, following the flop of his Psycho-inspired ripoff The Sinister Urge the year prior, which pushed him to shift toward an exploitation circuit that suited his one-of-a-kind skills far better. Spotting an opening for low-budget genre films that intentionally ignored logic, working actor Coleman Francis made the jump to directing for a chaotic blend of Cold War espionage, boogeyman horror, and nuclear protest movie—one that made Wood look like a master of his craft by comparison. It doesn’t take long for The Beast of Yucca Flats, named for the actual irradiated location, to leave viewers completely bewildered. In the first proper scene, we learn the Soviet Union, a country hardly known for being reserved, had kept secret that it had beaten the United States to the first moon landing. And after defecting to their fiercest rivals, their top “renowned scientist” Joseph Javorsky (Tor Johnson) is now being hunted by the KGB before he can reveal this unbelievable secret. What follows is an endlessly long chase sequence that starts when he lands at the airfield and ends in the middle of the Nevada desert. Despite the area having almost no signage or security measures, it just so happens to host a nuclear facility. And in an incredible stroke of bad luck, Javorsky arrives right as their latest test sends up a cloud of radioactive smoke. Thus, The Beast of Yucca Flats is born. You might notice that by this point, none of the characters have spoken. In fact, it takes roughly a third of the way through the 54-minute film for a character to speak at all—even then, their lines are delivered off-screen. Francis shot the movie like a silent film, though there’s a rumor he simply lost the original soundtrack, but lacked the ability or willingness to sync the dubbed dialogue to the actors’ on-screen faces. As a result, all of the film’s dialogue is either spoken out of frame or from a distance. That doesn’t mean The Beast of Yucca Flats is a quiet experience, though. There’s an overbearing orchestral score that rarely matches the action unfolding on screen. The same goes for the ominous narrator who keeps popping up to deliver exposition, but whose stiff, confusing riddles—delivered as if they were run through Google Translate back and forth—leave viewers even more baffled than before. “Boys from the city not yet caught by the whirlwind of progress. Feed soda pop to the thirsty pigs,” is just one of these unhinged non-sequiturs; “Flag on the moon. How did it get there?,” is another. Joseph Javorsky in his monstrous form. | Cinema Associates Of course, the overall vibe of disorienting audio and visuals is established in the cold open. Here, a loud, distracting ticking clock plays as an unidentified, scantily clad woman is strangled in her motel room by a mysterious attacker. Amazingly, this murder (and the implied necrophilia) has no connection to the rest of the film and is never referenced again. Francis included this scene purely as a cheap attention grab that let him show bare breasts, a brazen example of Hollywood’s history of marginalizing and exploiting women. The film’s other portrayals of women are just as poor. Jim’s wife, played by Bing Stafford, is one of two bumbling, trigger-happy cops assigned to capture the mutant. She isn’t given a name or any lines, but she does get a lingering close-up of her getting out of bed in revealing nightwear—and in a clear case of misleading marketing, this shot takes up the most prominent space on the film’s poster. And while the man killed by the Beast is left to decompose on the roadside, the barely alive body of his wife is carried up the mountain for no clear reason. On the rare occasions Francis isn’t sexualizing women, he frames them as helpless. A mother who loses her two children at a gas station spends most of her screen time sitting still and crying instead of, y’know, actually searching for her kids. At least she avoids almost getting killed, unlike her more active husband, who is forced to run for his life after the area’s gun-toting Keystone Cops-style officers mistake him for the Beast. “Shoot first, ask questions later,” is one of the few pieces of narration that actually makes sense. The Beast alongside one of the film’s many poorly portrayed female characters. | Cinema Associates Thankfully, after nearly shooting an innocent father in cold blood, the cops realize the giant, hulking figure who looks like a low-budget take on Fantastic Four’s The Thing is far more likely to be the radioactive culprit, and they aim their guns correctly. The Beast slowly succumbs to his injuries, but not before cradling a jackrabbit that wanders into the frame—this was an unscripted, brilliant ad-lib from Johnson that ties into the description of Javorsky as a “kind man.” Yes, the film’s only truly poetic moment was completely accidental. Johnson, a former Swedish professional wrestler who appeared in multiple Ed Wood “classics” including Plan 9 from Outer Space and Bride of the Monster, is the film’s strongest element, simply because all he’s asked to do is grunt silently and look vaguely threatening. Though this proto-The Rock saw this as his final film role, Francis and his producing partner Anthony Mendoza went on to make two equally nonsensical films—The Skydivers and Red Zone Cuba—to create the most heavily panned trilogy of the early 1960s. The Beast of Yucca Flats, however, is unquestionably their worst flop of all. The Beast of Yucca Flats can be streamed on Tubi today. 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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Iran Executes Dozens and Arrests Over 4,000 in War Crackdown Described as ‘Killing off the country’
(SeaPRwire) - U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on Tuesday that Iran's government has significantly ramped up its suppression of dissent following the February conflict. He cautioned that Tehran has utilized national security as a pretext to conduct executions, mass arrests, torture, and enforce one of the longest internet blackouts globally.In a stern statement issued from Geneva, Türk reported that since February 28, at least 21 individuals have been put to death and over 4,000 have been detained for national security offenses. This comes as the regime encounters increasing international examination regarding what Türk termed a comprehensive attack on basic human rights."I am horrified that, in addition to the conflict's devastating consequences, the authorities are continuing to strip the Iranian people of their rights through cruel and brutal means," Türk stated.According to the U.N., since the conflict began two months ago, nine individuals have been executed for their involvement in the January 2026 protests, ten for purported ties to opposition groups, and two for espionage. Estimates suggest that regime forces killed approximately 40,000 people during the January uprising.Türk cautioned that Iran's extensive application of ambiguous national security legislation has allowed officials to expedite trials, refuse access to legal representation, and depend on forced confessions."Even when national security is cited, restrictions on human rights must be strictly necessary and proportionate," he remarked. He urged Tehran to stop executions, implement a ban on the death penalty, and free those being held without just cause.For numerous Iranian opposition figures, these findings mirror a grim reality they already know."It is terrible," Banafsheh Zand, an Iranian-American journalist who edits the Iran So Far Away Substack, told Digital. "They are effectively destroying the country."Reports on Saturday indicated that Iran had executed another athlete, a 21-year-old karate champion. According to Euronews, Sassan Azadvar Joonqani was arrested in January during the protests against the government and was put to death by the regime on Thursday.Digital reported that in March, Iran executed 19-year-old wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi for participating in the demonstrations against the government.Türk's office noted that detainees have reportedly experienced enforced disappearances, torture, simulated executions, and forced confessions on television. Ethnic and religious minorities, such as Bahá’ís, Zoroastrians, Kurds, and Baluch Iranians, are said to be at especially high risk.The U.N. highlighted the case of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi. Her health deteriorated drastically on Friday after her family described a critical medical emergency that followed months without specialized medical treatment.A statement released Friday by the Narges Foundation said Mohammadi was rushed by ambulance from Zanjan Prison to a hospital. This occurred after she suffered two total losses of consciousness in one day, along with severe heart distress. The foundation noted that prison doctors decided her condition could not be handled at the prison, following a transfer her family described as "last-minute" and potentially dangerously delayed.Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, informed Digital earlier this week that her physical state had grown increasingly critical due to a violent arrest and worsening treatment in prison. "She has suffered severe trauma and needs immediate medical care," he said.Rahmani had previously stated that Mohammadi's doctors and external experts had advocated for her treatment in Tehran, given her history of multiple heart surgeries. However, authorities allegedly obstructed these recommendations until her life was in danger. Despite her physical deterioration, Rahmani noted, "Spiritually and mentally, Narges remains resolute."The U.N. declaration, along with Mohammadi's emergency hospitalization, has increased the focus on Iran's prison conditions. Türk characterized these conditions as suffering from overcrowding, lack of medical care, and grave human rights violations.Türk also pointed to the harsh prison environment, mentioning overcrowding, a lack of food, water, and medication, and the refusal of medical treatment.The U.N. also drew attention to reports of deadly violence within detention centers. This includes allegations that security personnel killed at least five inmates at Chabahar Prison following protests regarding the suspension of food distribution.Although dissidents appreciated the U.N.'s unusually strong wording, some doubted whether condemnation alone can effectively change the situation. This skepticism is heightened by Iran's appointment this week to a vice-chair position on a U.N. committee focused on nuclear nonproliferation."The reason Iranians do not trust, do not like, and do not want to hear from the U.N.," Zand explained, is what she sees as its consistent inability "to step up and respond to the regime effectively, holding them accountable at the right moment... with sufficient pressure."While Zand acknowledged the significance of the recent statement, she argued that many perceive such condemnations as empty when they coincide with the granting of institutional legitimacy to Tehran."They are issuing a statement... that's fine," she remarked. "But what actions will they take?" 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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Iranian attack drones boost death toll in Sudan amid a largely ignored war
(SeaPRwire) - Iran faces renewed accusations of involvement in a deadly conflict, this time for providing attack drones to a faction in Sudan's brutal civil war. These unmanned aircraft are reportedly causing indiscriminate casualties among women and children.Now entering its fourth year, the war is estimated by some sources to have resulted in up to 400,000 fatalities since it started on April 15, 2023. Over 11 million people have been forced from their homes, creating the world's most severe displacement crisis.Mariam Wahba, a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), informed Digital that Iran has been supplying the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) with drones, particularly the Mohajer-6 model produced by U.S.-sanctioned Qods Aviation Industries, since 2013.The U.S. State Department has criticized the deployment of drones against civilians in Sudan's ongoing conflict, alleging the SAF's widespread use of Iranian drones. Separately, an Iranian woman is in federal custody in California following her arrest this month over a suspected scheme to send more Iranian drones to Sudan.Evidence indicates that both the SAF and their opposing rebel militia, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are turning to drone attacks against civilians with growing frequency.Wahba stated that "between December 2023 and July 2024, a minimum of seven cargo flights operated between Iran and Sudan, presumably carrying drones and parts. On April 19, an Iranian-born U.S. resident was detained at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for allegedly arranging a $70 million agreement to provide Mohajer-6 systems and other equipment to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense, suggesting the transfers are probably continuing."A State Department spokesperson told Digital, "We are deeply troubled by the expansion of drone warfare by the involved parties in Sudan and its consequences for civilians and civilian structures. Recently, drones operated by both the RSF and SAF have demolished hospitals and schools, resulting in civilian deaths."The initial announcement of the U.S. drone plot case came from Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, in an April 19 post on X: "Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for arms trafficking on behalf of Iran's government. She faces charges for violating 50 U.S.C. § 1705 by facilitating the sale of Iranian-made drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of ammunition rounds to Sudan."The social media post included photographs of Iranian drones and an image resembling a suitcase filled with U.S. currency.Ciaran McEvoy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California told Digital that Mafi "is still in federal custody, with her arraignment set for Friday, May 8, in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles."Wahba informed Digital that the Mohajer-6 drone Iran provides to Sudan is "Iran’s primary drone," noting it is the same system utilized by Hezbollah and the Houthis in attacks against Israel and in the Red Sea."The Mohajer-6 is a multi-use platform employed for reconnaissance and targeted strikes," Wahba continued. "It is capable of lingering over an area, gathering information, and returning to base."The State Department expressed broader worries to Digital: "Islamist factions aligned with the SAF have established ties with the Iranian government and obtained support from Iran. We have imposed sanctions on several such groups, including the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, which has employed extreme violence against civilians and obstructed peace efforts. Numerous fighters from these groups have gotten training and backing from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and have carried out atrocities against civilians."United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric denounced recent drone strikes in Sudan. He informed reporters: "A United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) aid truck transporting emergency shelter materials was hit by a drone on Friday, April 24, as it passed through the town of Umm Drisaya in North Darfur. All the supplies were consumed by fire."Dujarric continued: "A second event happened on Saturday, April 25, when a drone allegedly inflicted casualties in residential areas of El Obeid city, North Kordofan state. A local medical organization reported seven fatalities and more than twenty injuries.""These are regular families in their own homes, trapped by violence that keeps spreading into civilian areas," Dujarric said. "We denounce every one of these attacks."Ricardo Pires, communication manager for UNICEF, told Digital: "For Sudanese children, the noise of a drone is another terrifying warning to take cover and pray they are not the next victims. Throughout Darfur and Kordofan, drones and other explosive devices are converting streets, hospitals, and schools into zones of peril and mortality. This is more than a safety risk for children; it is an assault on childhood itself by modern warfare tactics."The State Department spokesperson further stated, "To defend U.S. interests, including the preservation of religious freedom in Sudan, American initiatives aim to reduce harmful Islamist sway within Sudan's government and restrict Iran's regional operations, which have fueled instability, conflict, and civilian anguish across the region." 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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Moving Forward Amidst Controversy: A 27-Year-Long Blair Witch Debate
Hulton Archive/Moviepix/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - The original Blair Witch Project is a unique cinematic event that is nearly impossible to recreate. This is largely due to the era of its release; in today's age of social media and rapid fact-checking, the idea that audiences would mistake a fictional horror movie for a real documentary—as many did during its 1999 debut—is unthinkable. Back then, limited internet access allowed for much tighter control over a film's marketing, particularly for an unexpected independent hit like Blair Witch.It is also easy to overlook that The Blair Witch Project pioneered the "shaky cam" aesthetic that has since become a staple of the found footage genre—in fact, it practically invented it. Because it is such a foundational film, any new version requires a unique perspective. Adam Wingard, director of Godzilla Vs. Kong, attempted a reboot in 2016 by updating the original premise with modern technology, but the film failed to make an impact, leading to this latest attempt.A "Missing" flyer used to market The Blair Witch Project as a true story in 1999. | William Thomas Cain/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesA collaboration between Blumhouse and Lionsgate, the upcoming Blair Witch remake was announced at CinemaCon 2024 as part of a deal to "reimagine" several of Lionsgate’s horror franchises. The announcement initially caused controversy when the original stars—Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael Williams—revealed to Variety that they had not been informed or consulted. The trio subsequently issued an open letter to the studio requesting "meaningful consultation" on future projects and the residuals they were famously denied from the original film's massive profits.The dispute appears to have been at least partially settled, as The Hollywood Reporter recently noted that Leonard and Williams have joined the new project as executive producers. They are joined by the original creative team of Eduardo Sánchez, Daniel Myrick, and Gregg Hale. Notably absent from this reunion is Donahue, who was also a signatory on the letter to Lionsgate.Joshua Leonard pictured in 1999. | Getty Images/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesDonahue retired from acting in 2008 and now goes by the name Rei Hance, though she has recently appeared at fan conventions under her birth name. She previously gave her blessing to the 2016 reboot, indicating she hasn't completely distanced herself from the franchise. Given that she did not receive a share of the original's massive earnings and faced a level of public scrutiny her male co-stars did not, it would be unfortunate if she is not included in some form of redress—unless a private agreement has already been reached.Specific details regarding the direction of the new Blair Witch Project remain scarce. The film will be the feature debut of 22-year-old director Dylan Clark, who rose to prominence on YouTube alongside other young filmmakers like Curry Barker and Kane Parsons. Clark is currently developing feature-length versions of two of his shorts, including Portrait of God, which has garnered over 9 million views on the platform.Clark is a longtime fan of the series, telling Little Black Book in 2024 that his first filmmaking experience was a "scrappy" Blair Witch-style short made in the woods as a child. That same passion helped make the 1999 original a phenomenon, and Clark will look to capture that spirit again when production begins this fall. 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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Bus plummets into river after crash involving trainee driver, large-scale rescue response launched: reports
(SeaPRwire) - A trainee driver crashed a bus into the River Seine near Paris on Thursday after colliding with a parked car and swerving off the roadway, sparking a large-scale rescue operation, according to BBC and Reuters.All four people on board were rescued and brought to safety, with more than 90 firefighters, divers and emergency crews — along with boats and a helicopter — responding to the scene, officials noted.The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and drug and alcohol test results came back negative.The incident occurred in Juvisy-sur-Orge, France, roughly 12 miles south of Paris, as the driver was nearing the end of her practical driving training, transport officials told the BBC.Authorities stated the bus failed to make a turn near the riverbank, instead continuing straight and dragging a parked car into the water before plunging into the Seine, Reuters reported.Dramatic footage shows the bus partially submerged, with rescue crews surrounding the vehicle — some individuals standing on top of the bus while others worked in the water below.Witnesses described a chaotic response, with one person saying it felt like "every firefighter in the department" had arrived, as bystanders initially threw life rings into the river before first responders took over the operation.Officials later launched an internal investigation into the crash’s cause.Video released later showed crews using cranes to pull the submerged bus from the river as helicopters circled overhead. 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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Sensiba Names Monic Ramirez as Managing Partner Amid Firm-Wide Transformation
SAN JOSE, CA, May 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sensiba, a leading accounting, tax, and consulting firm, today announced the appointment of Monic Ramirez as Managing Partner, beginning today, the start of their fiscal year. Ramirez succeeds John Sensiba, who served 18 years in the position. The announcement is part of a broader series of leadership and strategic milestones that position Sensiba for its next chapter of growth."Monic's ascent from college graduate to Managing Partner exemplifies what Sensiba stands for - talent, tenacity, and a genuine commitment to our clients and our people. She is the right leader to carry our firm into the future."- John Sensiba, Partner, SensibaRamirez joined Sensiba as a staff associate and rose steadily through the ranks - from Senior Manager to Partner to Tax Partner-in-Charge - building a reputation for technical excellence, client advocacy, and a forward-thinking approach to advisory services. Her promotion to Managing Partner reflects both her individual accomplishments and the firm's commitment to developing and elevating exceptional talent from within."I am honored to be stepping into the role of Managing Partner at Sensiba. We have always been grounded in relationships - how we show up for our clients, our people, and our communities. As we look ahead, I am committed to building on that foundation while continuing to grow and evolve together."- Monic Ramirez, Managing Partner, SensibaRamirez's appointment is accompanied by significant organizational momentum. The firm continues to strengthen leadership diversity, with 13 of 30 equity partners identifying as female (43%) and 6 of 30 (20%) identifying as individuals of color.Last year, the firm acquired AssuranceLab, an Australia-based compliance automation firm specializing in SOC 2 and ISO 27001, thereby expanding Sensiba's reach across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. In that acquisition, Sensiba appointed Nick Lew Ton as Chief Growth Officer, James Andrew Smith as Chief Product Officer, and Patrick Hegarty as Sr. Director of International Services and Growth to its executive team. These roles are dedicated to driving market expansion and building proprietary AI-powered products that reduce manual tasks and increase client efficiency. As part of its continued growth, Sensiba has also transitioned its headquarters from San Ramon to San Jose, reflecting the firm's expanding presence in Silicon Valley.Sensiba also welcomes four new partners: Anna Baker, Carson Chen, William Confer, and Chris Roe. Evan Stephens has been promoted to Tax Partner-in-Charge, succeeding Ramirez in the role and ensuring continuity of leadership across the firm's tax practice. John Sensiba will remain actively involved with the firm, mentoring new partners and supporting strategic initiatives.About SensibaSensiba is a top 75 global accounting and consulting firm with a 50-year legacy of delivering deep industry expertise across venture capital, technology, manufacturing, real estate, and sustainability sectors. The Silicon Valley firm has driven growth for more than 10,000 companies by focusing on continuous assurance. Sensiba is an independent member of Morrison Global and AICPA. For more information, visit www.sensiba.com.Contact: press@sensiba.com | +1 (925) 271-8700SOURCE: Sensiba LLP Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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After 37 Years, the Most Elusive Horror Holy Grail Finally Starts Streaming
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis Historical/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - For a long time, Tales from the Crypt has been the ultimate unattainable prize for streamers. The HBO horror anthology and its host, The Crypt Keeper—a wisecracking puppet resembling a mummified corpse with the delivery of a classic comedian—wielded massive influence on 1990s pop culture, spawning several movie spin-offs, a wealth of merchandise, and even a Crypt Keeper Christmas album in 1994. However, after its last episode in 1996, the crypt shut for good and remained sealed.Despite originally airing on HBO, Tales from the Crypt has never been offered on HBO Max for streaming, not even in its earlier iteration as HBO Go. All seven seasons saw DVD releases in the 2000s, with some reissued in the early 2010s, but a Blu-ray version has never materialized.An effort by M. Night Shyamalan to resurrect Tales from the Crypt as a 10-episode premium cable limited series in 2016 also collapsed. In 2017, then-TNT president Kevin Reilly cited “a very complicated underlying rights structure” as the reason. (The specifics are murky, but it relates to each episode being adapted from stories in the original EC Comics, which have separate rights holders.) Following this, the widely held belief was that the iconic show was dead.Therefore, it was a major surprise when the Shudder streaming service announced recently that it obtained exclusive streaming rights to all seven seasons. Resolving the rights for every episode likely required years of effort, and the agreement highlights the commitment of Shudder's former SVP of acquisitions, Sam Zimmerman. He secured the rights as a farewell to the service before moving to a development role at Blumhouse-Atomic Monster.This news was shared at the horror-focused Overlook Film Festival, where voice actor John Kassir took part in a panel discussing the show's history. (One interesting tidbit from the stage: Kassir claims he, as the Crypt Keeper, originated the tagline, “it’s not TV, it’s HBO.”) The full panel is available to watch above.Whether you hold nostalgic feelings for it or not, Tales from the Crypt is a seminal series deserving of attention. Alongside the Creepshow films, it epitomizes the "EC Comics" style visible in horror movies such as Late Night with the Devil or Trick ‘r Treat, merging gruesome plot twists and kitschy dark comedy into warped moral fables where villains receive their grim comeuppance.Arriving a decade before Masters of Horror and well before the era of "prestige TV" blurred lines between film and television, Tales from the Crypt also drew major directing talent. Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future), Richard Donner (Superman), Tom Holland (Fright Night), and Walter Hill (The Warriors) all directed several episodes. Tobe Hooper, William Friedkin, Tom Hanks (!), Kyle MacLachlan (!!), and Arnold Schwarzenegger (!!!) each directed one. The guest star roster included everyone from Demi Moore and Brad Pitt to Dan Aykroyd and Meat Loaf.The first season of Tales from the Crypt begins streaming on Shudder May 1, with subsequent seasons rolling out weekly. Every episode in season one is superb, but for an entry point, try “And All Through the House,” a genuinely unsettling and shockingly brutal Christmas horror tale about a mother protecting her child from an escaped mental patient believing he is Santa Claus.In the words of the Crypt Keeper: It’ll open up a whole BOO world of SCREAMING terror tales! AHHHHhahahahahaHAHA!Tales from the Crypt Season 1 is now streaming on Shudder. 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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Three Decades Later, A Beloved ’90s Ghost Movie Is Getting A Modern Revival
Universal Pictures(SeaPRwire) - Everyone has a memory of their first frightening film. Often, it wasn't even intended to be scary—perhaps it was the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal, or the Other Mother in Coraline. However, for a large portion of children who grew up in the ‘90s, their initial introduction to horror was Casper, the 1995 film that follows the friendly ghost with cutting-edge ‘90s CGI as he deals with his death, his three mischievous uncles, and his affection for a human girl named Kat, played by Christina Ricci.Although designed as a family film, its tone was decidedly more somber than Casper's earlier animated versions. Now, the character is set to return in a format that promises to be even darker and more extensive.Casper was based on Casper the Friendly Ghost, the animated movie and comics character who first appeared in 1945. | LMPC/LMPC/Getty ImagesAs reported by Deadline, a live-action Casper series is currently in the works at Disney+. The project is being developed by the showrunners behind another ‘90s reboot on the platform, Goosebumps, and will be executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, who also produced the 1995 original via his company Amblin Entertainment.Details remain scarce since the project is in its early stages, but the report indicates it will replicate the original film's combination of live-action and CGI. It is also said to draw inspiration from another series adapted from a ‘90s film: Wednesday. This comparison is fitting for Casper, as both originated as mildly eerie family movies that featured a young Christina Ricci.Casper (1995) starred Christina Ricci as Kat, a young girl who finds Casper the Friendly Ghost enamored with her. | Universal PicturesHowever, Casper has an advantage over Wednesday when it comes to continuity. Whereas Wednesday established a new universe with entirely recast characters, the Casper series has the potential to be a direct follow-up to the 1995 movie. This means that while Christina Ricci appears in Wednesday as a new character, she could potentially return to play Kat in this new show, especially with her series Yellowjackets concluding shortly.Although Wednesday is a major success for Netflix, another supernatural series centered on a Ricci character is not an automatic win. Wednesday benefits from the involvement of Tim Burton, modern horror star Jenna Ortega, and a celebrated ensemble cast. A nostalgic property with a creepy tale and strong audience connection might be enough, but if Casper intends to follow the Wednesday strategy, it must commit fully to a high-quality production.The 1995 Casper is available to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, and other platforms. 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
‘Galactic Racer’ Finally Addresses One of the Darkest Parts of Star Wars Games
Secret Mode(SeaPRwire) - While Star Wars began as a cinematic and television property, it has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar multimedia powerhouse. From literature and toys to theme parks, the franchise has permeated every cultural corner. Among these various mediums, video games have consistently served as a primary pillar for the brand.Ever since the 1982 release of The Empire Strikes Back on the Atari 2600, gaming technology has allowed enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the characters and settings of George Lucas’s universe. However, modern titles from the past two decades—such as the Battlefront and Star Wars: Jedi franchises—have leaned heavily into warfare and combat. While these elements are core to the series, the upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Racer looks to recapture the sense of wonder and lightheartedness that Lucas originally championed.The latest teaser for Galactic Racer, developed by Fuse Games and published by Secret Mode, offers a glimpse into its Outer Rim setting and the "Galactic League" racing circuit. The footage highlights iconic locations like Endor, Hoth, and Tatooine, alongside various vehicles including landspeeders, speeder bikes, and podracers. It also introduces a brand-new vehicle category making its debut: the skimspeeder.Although Star Wars has explored racing before with titles like Episode 1 Racer, contemporary high-budget gaming often prioritizes gritty narratives and intense action. Galactic Racer shifts away from these serious themes, focusing instead on the pure enjoyment of racing, reminiscent of the diverse gaming experiences from the 90s and early 2000s. It aims to fulfill the fantasy of competing in events like the Boonta Eve Classic rather than just fighting Stormtroopers.Early looks suggest that Galactic Racer will emphasize racing over violence. | Secret ModeThe success of Star Wars: Galactic Racer could pave the way for more experimental titles. While lightsaber combat is popular, the universe contains many unique concepts that could support various genres, such as platformers or puzzle games, moving beyond traditional combat-heavy experiences.The strength of the Star Wars brand lies in its ability to offer diverse tones and intentions, a variety that should be equally present in its video game offerings.Star Wars: Galactic Racer arrives on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 6th, 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: emer
Indonesia’s ITS Develops Scalable, High-Efficiency Palm-Based Biogasoline Production Technology
SURABAYA, INDONESIA, May 2, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has developed an innovative technology known as Benwit (Palm Gasoline), enabling the conversion of crude palm oil (CPO) into high-quality biogasoline, and presenting a promising alternative for reducing Indonesia’s substantial dependence on imported petroleum and foreign extraction technologies.Geopolitical tensions have continued to disrupt the global oil market and threaten energy supply security across Southeast Asia, thus emerging economies such as Indonesia are placing greater emphasis on energy sovereignty to safeguard national interests against the volatility of fossil fuel supply chains. Dr Eng Hosta Ardhyananta ST MSc explained the process and results of producing Palm Oil Gasoline using the "Benwit" method he discovered.The research, funded by the Indonesian Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), applies an advanced catalytic cracking method developed by ITS expert Dr. Eng. Hosta Ardhyananta, S.T., M.Sc., and his team. This method is designed to decompose large triglyceride molecules in crude palm oil (CPO) into lighter hydrocarbon fractions that are suitable for use in combustion engines.Hosta's team successfully optimized the reaction by introducing a bimetallic catalytic composed of Nickel Oxide (Nio) and Copper Oxide (CuO). This catalytic synergy enabled a substantial reduction in operating temperature, from 380°C to 320°C, while simultaneously increasing the biogasoline yield from 60% to an impressive 83%.The resulting fuel consists of short-chain hydrocarbons (C5–C11), closely resembling the chemical composition of commercial gasoline. In addition to the primary fuel product, the process reflects a zero-emission approach, in which gaseous byproducts are recycled as a heat source for the reactors, while liquid residues are repurposed as fuel for industrial or household stoves.Hosta noted that the innovation has been applied with agricultural machinery, but testing has been underway since April with conventional internal combustion engines through a blending method with fossil fuels and will continue to enable Benwit as a primary fuel for conventional vehicles, in line with the Indonesian government's plan to implement B50 biodiesel in July.This innovation aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, and Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by the research team indicates that the production process generates a minimal carbon footprint in comparison with conventional fossil fuels.The development of Benwit has also received full support from the Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Amran Sulaiman. In the near future, collaboration with PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) PalmCo IV is expected to commence following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITS.Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, S.T., M.Sc.Eng., Ph.D., and Rector of ITS, underscored the timeliness of Benwit, noting that the current global situation offers a strategic opportunity for the government to accelerate the transition toward alternative energy sources, while the use of domestic palm oil reserves could help mitigate the effects of external fuel crises.Benwit bio-based fuel products, for agriculturl machinery and for convetional vehicles, represent a potentially significant policy instrument for advancing the transition to renewable energy, while working to reinforce national energy security.About ITSEstablished in 1960, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is one of Indonesia’s leading universities, with a strong emphasis on science, engineering, and innovation. Based in Surabaya, ITS is committed to advancing global sustainable development through cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and collaboration with industry. Visit www.its.ac.id/newsMedia Contact:ITS Public Relations (HUMAS)Email: humas@its.ac.idInstagram: its_campusFacebook: Institut Teknologi Sepuluh NopemberTwitter, Line: @its_campusYoutube: Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
Rodan, the Most Underrated Kaiju, Returns to the Monsterverse 70 Years Later
Movie Poster Image Art/Moviepix/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - The Monsterverse is growing. Though a large part of Monarch Season 2 centered on the ocean-dwelling creature known as Titan X, the closing scenes of the Season 2 finale fully unveiled the comeback of a beloved classic kaiju—one that hasn’t been seen in the Monsterverse since 2019’s Godzilla: King of Monsters. However, in the context of the current Monsterverse timeline, the Season 2 finale of Monarch, titled “Where We Belong,” introduces Rodan about two years prior to his debut in King of Monsters. So, what role does Lee Shaw play in this iteration of Rodan? And is this the exact same Rodan from King of Monsters? Let’s explore. Spoilers ahead.Breaking Down the Ending of Monarch Season 2 Lee (portrayed by Kurt Russell) and Keiko (Mari Yamamoto) in the Monarch Season 2 finale. | Apple TVMonarch Season 2 wraps up with a decisive win for Kong, and Lee Shaw (Kurt Russell) parting ways with the official branches of Monarch and Apex. Due to some time-travel hijinks, the younger Lee Shaw (Wyatt Russell) gets to bid farewell to Keiko (Mari Yamamoto)—an event his older self, of course, recalls. For fans who know Lee is getting a standalone spinoff set in the 1980s, this scene implies Monarch Season 3 won’t feature any flashbacks of young Lee and Kei, as we’re explicitly saying goodbye to the younger version of the character this season. Additionally, Kei now resides in the present day (relatively speaking), so there probably aren’t any more flashbacks from the 1950s and 1960s left to explore. While Monarch’s core team scales back, the older Lee remains active. This brings us to Rodan. After settling debts with some questionable contacts, Lee climbs to the top of a volcano, where a winged kaiju—undoubtedly Rodan—is resting. Lee utters, “See you soon,” and the episode concludes. So, what lies ahead?What Rodan’s Return Might Mean for Monarch Season 3 Rodan as seen in 1956. | Toho/Kobal/ShutterstockWhen it comes to classic monsters, Rodan is among the all-time legends. Following his debut film in 1956 (only two years after the original Godzilla), Rodan joined the expansive roster of monsters in the Showa era of the Godzilla franchise. Though he’s a bit less well-known than fellow flying monster Mothra (who’s likely more popular), Rodan stands out for his ability to reach supersonic speeds and generate sonic booms with his wings.In the 2019 Monsterverse film Godzilla: King of Monsters, Rodan caused extensive property damage without even making physical contact. For Monarch Season 3, this suggests (in theory) that the show will feature a Titan with even greater destructive potential than Godzilla, Kong, and Titan X. However, in that film, Rodan is shown sleeping at a Monarch base in Mexico and must be awakened to wreak havoc. Since Monarch Season 2 is set around 2017, this implies Lee Shaw will need to put Rodan back to sleep by the end of Season 3. Alternatively, this could be a different member of Rodan’s species—if that’s the case, the possibilities are endless. Either way, with Rodan’s reveal, Monarch is revisiting one of the greatest original monsters ever, and it might be building up to an action-packed Season 3 filled with more sonic booms than anyone can cope with.Monarch is available to stream on Apple TV. 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
Greatest Upsets in the History of the Kentucky Derby
(AsiaGameHub) - Take a trip back in time by revisiting the four most significant upsets in Kentucky Derby history as we look ahead to tomorrow’s “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs in Louisville. A quick note: Our picks are focused on racing’s modern era, so you can view each race right here on YouTube. For reference, Donerail remains the largest upset winner—this 91-1 longshot took first place in 1913. 1913 — Donerail upsets the Kentucky Derby field with 91-1 odds. He still stands as our biggest long-shot victory, paying $184.90 on just a $2 win bet.#tbt pic.twitter.com/RpnNTn6Yur— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) January 10, 2019 Most Notable Kentucky Derby Upsets We start our list with the most recent major upset in the Kentucky Derby. 2022 Rich Strike (80-1) This upset sent ripples of surprise throughout the horse racing world. Rich Strike was an also-eligible horse and wasn’t originally scheduled to compete. He got his spot only after Ethereal Road was pulled from the race the day prior, and owner Richard Dawson just made the entry deadline in time. Jockey Sonny Leon guided Rich Strike to a win over top contenders Epicenter and Zandon in the final stretch. A $2 win wager on Rich Strike resulted in a $163.60 payout. 2019 Country House (65-1) Country House was declared the winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby after Maximum Security was disqualified due to interference. Stewards took over 20 minutes to make their ruling. This disqualification (DQ) marked the first Derby win for jockey Flavien Prat and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Maximum Security was demoted from first to 17th place, finishing behind Long Range Toddy. The teams behind Long Range Teddy and Country House both submitted interference claims. Country House’s upset victory paid out $132.40 for a win bet. 2009 Mine That Bird (50-1) Jockey Calvin Borel rode Mine That Bird from the back of the pack to first place in an impressive showing for owner Bennie Woolley Jr., who was competing in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. Mine That Bird was the sole gelding in the 19-horse field. The unexpected Derby champion later finished second in the Preakness Stakes and third in the Belmont Stakes— the other two races that make up the Triple Crown. A $2 win bet on Mine That Bird yielded $103.20. Back then, this was the highest payout since Donerail’s win in 1913. 2005 Giacomo (50-1) Giacomo was owned and raised by legendary record producer Jerry Moss. Named for singer Sting’s son, Giacomo pulled off a huge upset against the 20-horse field. Jockey “Money Mike” Smith rode Giacomo to victory, earning trainer John Shirreffs his first and only Kentucky Derby win. This was also Smith’s first Derby triumph, though he later won again with Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018. Since Closing Argument finished second with 71-1 odds, this “Run for the Roses” set an exacta payout record of $9,814.80 that still holds true today. Giacomo’s win resulted in a $102.60 payout for a win bet. 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: nicole
May Day demonstrations across Europe and Asia evolving into anti-American and anti-Israeli political conflicts
(SeaPRwire) - Friday's May Day protests in Europe and Asia highlighted a shift in International Workers' Day, as the traditional focus on labor rights is increasingly becoming a wider political arena. Demands concerning wages, inflation, and worker protections are now commonly merged with anti-war activism, criticism of Israel, and broader ideological conflicts over global influence.In cities from Paris to Istanbul, Madrid, Manila, and Seoul, the demonstrations frequently went well beyond workplace issues. Protesters connected escalating living expenses and social inequity to the Middle East conflict, the foreign policy of the United States, and more extensive anti-capitalist themes.According to Nile Gardiner, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, the protests exemplified what he called a 'troubling moral inversion'."These May Day protesters should be demonstrating against the brutal tyranny in Tehran instead of protesting against U.S. military action, and this is an illustration of the complete moral vacuum that exists in Europe today," Gardiner said.In Paris, May Day events reportedly turned violent, with police deploying tear gas and making forceful arrests in response to projectiles thrown by demonstrators, as seen in widely shared social media videos.While French union leaders initially emphasized inflation, wages, and social safety nets, segments of the protest also displayed anti-war messages, symbols supporting Palestine, and objections to military expenditure.Thousands marched in Madrid behind banners stating "Capitalism should pay the cost of their war," voicing opposition to frozen wages, a lack of affordable housing, and militarism. Signs criticizing President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored how international disputes were featured alongside domestic labor issues.Unrest also occurred in Munich, Germany, where footage from reporters showed riot police using batons to break up radical left-wing protesters after pyrotechnics were set off multiple times during a revolutionary May Day gathering.Emma Schubart, a Research Fellow at the London-based think tank the Henry Jackson Society, cautioned that May Day protests are more and more acting as stages for ideological campaigns that go beyond workers' rights."The May Day demonstrations across Europe increasingly feature Islamist elements. Militant anti-war, anti-capitalist rhetoric is now routinely accompanied by Palestinian flags and explicit anti-Israel slogans," Schubart said, noting that far-left groups and networks associated with Islamism are increasingly uniting around overarching anti-Western narratives.In Istanbul, authorities prevented leftist groups from proceeding to the prohibited Taksim Square, a historic focal point for Turkey's labor movement where protests hold significant symbolic meaning. Protesters tried to overcome barriers and fought with police, leading to several arrests.Parallel motifs appeared in Asia outside of Europe.In Manila, workers confronted police close to the U.S. Embassy while demonstrating against rising fuel and goods prices, calling for higher pay and an end to the Middle East war.A left-leaning labor organization displayed a large effigy portraying Trump, Netanyahu, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a three-headed monster, symbolically linking local economic struggles to national and international leaders.In South Korea, thousands assembled near Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square for large rallies focused on collective bargaining and workers' rights, yet the speeches also included wider geopolitical themes.Yang Kyung-soo, Chairman of the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions, urged the crowd to "unite with the Iranian and Palestinian workers and people suffering from American imperialist aggression," directly aligning labor unity with political narratives opposing America and related to the Middle East.Although local emphasis differed—from wage issues in France to labor rights in Seoul—the 2026 May Day events illustrated an expanding worldwide trend: workers' protests are more frequently turning into venues for wider ideological and geopolitical clashes."The United States is fighting to defend the free world against tyranny, and yet across Europe and beyond we are seeing protesters direct their outrage at America and its allies instead of the brutal regimes driving so much of this global instability," Gardiner said. "That should deeply concern anyone who cares about the future of Western civilization."Reuters and 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: amanda
LemonBottle Concludes FACE & BODY 2026, Secures Latin America Foothold
Seoul, Korea – May 01, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – Global aesthetic brand LemonBottle has strengthened its presence in Latin America after showcasing its products at FACE & BODY 2026 in Mexico. Featuring core products including ‘REBOOT,‘ focused on fundamental skin recovery and balance. Local Mexican physicians share hands-on treatment insights and expertise, engaging in live Q&A sessions Discussions on official distribution agreements with local partners, with several contracts successfully signed FACE & BODY 2026 is a leading international event that brings together professionals from the global aesthetic and medical beauty industries, serving as a platform to share the latest trends, technologies, and products. It is particularly regarded as a key gateway for entering the Latin American market. At the event, LemonBottle presented its core product range, including REBOOT, a treatment focused on skin recovery and balance, alongside its Ampoule Solution for body contouring and Skin Booster, aimed at enhancing skin condition and delivering immediate visible results. Mexican physicians with hands-on experience using the products took part in live discussions at the booth, sharing treatment insights and answering questions from practitioners. Topics ranged from application techniques to expected results, reflecting growing interest in clinically driven aesthetic solutions. In particular, there was strong interest in the combined skincare program using Ampoule Solution and Skin Booster, as well as continued inquiries about the new product, REBOOT. In addition, LemonBottle held multiple meetings with local partners during the event, securing several distribution agreements as part of its continued expansion strategy. The company successfully finalized several contracts, laying a solid foundation for practical market entry. Operated by Korea-based aesthetic company SID MEDICOS, LemonBottle has sold more than 4 millions vials globally and built a network of over 450 official partners. Backed by zero reported cases of adverse effects, LemonBottle is strengthening its position in the aesthetic industry. The brand has particularly gained recognition in key markets including the UK, as well as across Europe and Asia. Building on the success of this event, LemonBottle plans to accelerate its expansion into the Latin American market. The company aims to rapidly strengthen its market presence through expanded local partnerships and distribution networks, while continuing to introduce next-generation product lines aligned with global trends. A company representative said the response in Mexico confirmed the region’s strong potential, adding that LemonBottle will continue to expand its local partnerships and distribution network in Latin America. As the global aesthetic market evolves, the brand is focusing on treatments that go beyond short-term results, with increasing emphasis on skin recovery, conditioning and long-term outcomes. For more information about LemonBottle and its products, please visit the official website and or call them at +82 02-571-1110 Social Links Whatsapp: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=821095298006 Media contact Brand: SID MEDICOS (Brand: LemonBottle) Contact: Media team Email: partnerships@sidmedicos.comWebsite: https://www.lemonbottle.net
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by: emer
LemonBottle Concludes FACE & BODY 2026, Secures Latin America Foothold
SEOUL, S.KOREA, May 1, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Global aesthetic brand LemonBottle has strengthened its presence in Latin America after showcasing its products at FACE & BODY 2026 in Mexico.Featuring core products including 'REBOOT,' focused on fundamental skin recovery and balance.Local Mexican physicians share hands-on treatment insights and expertise, engaging in live Q&A sessionsDiscussions on official distribution agreements with local partners, with several contracts successfully signedFACE & BODY 2026 is a leading international event that brings together professionals from the global aesthetic and medical beauty industries, serving as a platform to share the latest trends, technologies, and products. It is particularly regarded as a key gateway for entering the Latin American market.At the event, LemonBottle presented its core product range, including REBOOT, a treatment focused on skin recovery and balance, alongside its Ampoule Solution for body contouring and Skin Booster, aimed at enhancing skin condition and delivering immediate visible results.Mexican physicians with hands-on experience using the products took part in live discussions at the booth, sharing treatment insights and answering questions from practitioners. Topics ranged from application techniques to expected results, reflecting growing interest in clinically driven aesthetic solutions. In particular, there was strong interest in the combined skincare program using Ampoule Solution and Skin Booster, as well as continued inquiries about the new product, REBOOT.In addition, LemonBottle held multiple meetings with local partners during the event, securing several distribution agreements as part of its continued expansion strategy. The company successfully finalized several contracts, laying a solid foundation for practical market entry.Operated by Korea-based aesthetic company SID MEDICOS, LemonBottle has sold more than 4 millions vials globally and built a network of over 450 official partners. Backed by zero reported cases of adverse effects, LemonBottle is strengthening its position in the aesthetic industry. The brand has particularly gained recognition in key markets including the UK, as well as across Europe and Asia.Building on the success of this event, LemonBottle plans to accelerate its expansion into the Latin American market. The company aims to rapidly strengthen its market presence through expanded local partnerships and distribution networks, while continuing to introduce next-generation product lines aligned with global trends.A company representative said the response in Mexico confirmed the region's strong potential, adding that LemonBottle will continue to expand its local partnerships and distribution network in Latin America. As the global aesthetic market evolves, the brand is focusing on treatments that go beyond short-term results, with increasing emphasis on skin recovery, conditioning and long-term outcomes.For more information about LemonBottle and its products, please visit the official website and or call them at +82 02-571-1110Social LinksWhatsapp: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=821095298006Media contactBrand: SID MEDICOS (Brand: LemonBottle)Contact: Media teamWebsite: https://www.lemonbottle.net Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: osami
Evoke’s FY25 Results: Modest Growth Overshadowed by Rising Debts Ahead of Sale
(AsiaGameHub) - Evoke published its full-year 2025 financial results on Thursday. The gambling group notched a 2% rise in revenue, but impairment charges tied to tax increases in the UK led to heavy losses and higher debt levels ahead of the group’s potential sale. The company that owns betting brands William Hill and 888 generated total revenue of £1.78 billion ($2.42 billion). Net debt, however, climbed to £1.86 billion ($2.53 billion), up from the 2024 level of £1.79 billion. A total loss of £549.1 million ($747 million) drove the increase in overall debt. The losses are overwhelmingly caused by £440.3 million ($599 million) in non-cash impairment charges stemming from the UK’s tax hikes. The potential takeover of Evoke by Bally’s was not referenced at all during the company’s earnings call. Instead, CEO Per Widerström said the group remains “firmly focused on delivering profitable growth, cash generation and strengthening the balance sheet.” Tax Impact Has Not Yet Affected Revenue While the losses are primarily driven by expectations that tax increases will lower the company’s future value, CFO Sean Wilkins said the group has not yet experienced any impact from the tax hike. Wilkins stated he believes the company can withstand the negative impact of the tax hikes, which have lifted the levy on online casinos from 21% to 40%. “We expect to see market consolidation, and we think that smaller late-tier players will get hit disproportionately hard by the rollout of the new tax, and that will allow us to grow our market share,” Wilkins said. The release of Evoke’s results was delayed amid ongoing speculation about the group’s sale, and Widerström admitted that “the significant UK duty increases announced in November represented a fundamental shift in the economics of our largest market and will have a substantial impact across the regulated industry.” Black Market Already Benefiting From Changes, Evoke Claims While Evoke argues the tax increase could benefit the company relative to smaller operators, it also confirmed it is already seeing growing black-market penetration in its core market. Online revenue in the UK and Ireland fell 3%, pulled down by a 12% drop in betting revenue. Evoke blamed the decline in betting revenue on horse racing bettors shifting to unregulated black market sites. Taxes on horse racing betting have not been increased. Even so, Widerström warned that broader tax increases will push more users to unregulated platforms. “The UK’s tax changes will drive more consumers towards illegal and untaxed operators that provide none of the customer protections of the regulated sector,” he stated. “We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and regulators, but we strongly believe there must now be far greater urgency from the UK Government and the industry regulator in addressing the growth of the black market.” The UK is taking steps to crack down on illegal gambling and has announced it will ban sports teams from partnering with unlicensed operators. Currently, several English Premier League (EPL) teams are sponsored by companies that are restricted in the UK, such as Stake, which sponsors Everton FC. Company Faces Legal Action From Dissatisfied Users While Evoke claims the black market does not offer consumers the same protections as its regulated platform, the company is being sued by users angry over how it handled a glitch on its online casino platforms. Thousands of users were allegedly credited with large jackpot wins before being notified that those wins were invalid. In Alberta, where 888 operates under an offshore license, one user believed he had won more than CA $1 million. In addition to the disappointment of not receiving the funds, he said 888 staff lied to and misled him. He has vowed to pursue legal action and is joining a group claim brought against the company by law firm Ellis and Jones . Internationally, Evoke grew revenue by 9%, driven largely by strong expansion in Italy and Denmark. Widerström said the performance shows early signs that Evoke can diversify its business and cut its reliance on the UK market. 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
Ex-parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral appointed to lead Dutch betting association VNLOK
(AsiaGameHub) - The Dutch betting and gaming association VNLOK has named former parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral as its new Director. Dral’s background in politics is expected to be an asset for VNLOK as the online gaming industry in the Netherlands faces renewed pressure from lawmakers. Serving as an MP from July 2024 to November 2025, Dral is a member of the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and previously acted as the party’s spokesperson for gambling and other legal matters. Her expertise is particularly relevant to VNLOK, given that the VVD is a partner in the Dutch coalition government formed following the October 2025 elections, alongside the centrist Democratic 66 (D66) and the centre-right Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA). Rosemarijn Dral, Director of VNLOK – Source: VNLOK “The regulation of online gambling involves critical societal issues, including consumer protection and regulatory enforcement,” Dral noted. “I view it as my objective to collaborate with our members, the government, and regulators to develop policies that genuinely foster safe and responsible gaming in practice.” “VNLOK is committed to transparency, maintaining open dialogue, and providing factual contributions to political decision-making and policy implementation.” VNLOK appointment arrives during a challenging period Dral takes on her role at VNLOK during a tense time for the Dutch gambling sector, following a 2024 tax agreement that increased the gross gambling revenue (GGR) tax rate from 30.5% to 34.2% on 1 January 2025, with a further rise to 37.8% scheduled for 1 January 2026. These tax hikes have prompted operators such as LiveScore Bet and Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola to exit the Dutch market. Beyond the mounting financial pressures, the regulated sector reports that it is struggling against a significant black market. Furthermore, the regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has noted a decline in regulated betting revenues. Bookmakers are also under scrutiny regarding their marketing practices. Strict regulations implemented in 2024 include prohibitions on sports sponsorships and the use of ‘role models,’ such as professional footballers, in advertising. Opposition parties—the ChristenUnie (CU) and the Socialist Party (SP)—are currently advocating for a total advertising ban and a proposal to increase KSA enforcement fines from 10% of an operator's annual revenue to 100%. Advocating for the industry’s interests to the government on these matters, particularly concerning the illegal market, will be a primary focus for VNLOK and Dral throughout 2026. Dral’s appointment follows the merger of VNLOK with the Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA) in June of last year. Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK, stated: “Rosemarijn Dral possesses a strong focus on social responsibility, paired with extensive experience in political and administrative spheres.” “With this, she strengthens VNLOK within a rapidly changing market where collaboration is vital to ensure consumer protection and effectively combat illegal operations. By bringing Rosemarijn on board, we are taking a significant step toward the further professionalization and visibility of VNLOK.” 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: nicole
Kim Jong Un reveals North Korea’s extreme battlefield doctrine during speech
(SeaPRwire) - This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has openly commended troops who chose suicide over capture during clashes with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This statement provides the most explicit confirmation to date of what officials and intelligence bodies have consistently identified as one of Pyongyang's most radical combat doctrines.According to comments released Monday by North Korean state media KCNA, and initially reported by Reuters, Kim paid tribute to soldiers who "unhesitatingly chose the path of self-destruction and suicide" instead of surrendering. He made these remarks while speaking to Russian officials and grieving families at a memorial event for North Korean service members who died in battle."It is not only the heroes who unhesitatingly chose the path of self-destruction and suicide to defend great honor, but also those who fell while charging at the forefront of assault battles," Kim said.These statements represent the first instance where Kim has explicitly recognized the extreme measures North Korean soldiers, deployed with Russian forces, have taken to evade capture by Ukrainian troops.An estimated 14,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia's western Kursk region to bolster Moscow's military campaign, as reported by South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western officials cited by Reuters. These same officials indicate that the forces sustained immense casualties, with over 6,000 North Korean soldiers thought to have died in some of the conflict's fiercest engagements.For several months, intelligence reports, evidence from the battlefield, and accounts from defectors have consistently indicated a severe directive: North Korean soldiers were instructed to detonate grenades or commit suicide rather than face capture.This policy seemingly applied even to the small number of survivors. The Guardian reported that two North Korean soldiers, captured by Ukrainian forces and currently held as prisoners of war in Kyiv, both allegedly tried to detonate themselves but were prevented by severe injuries. One of these captured soldiers has reportedly voiced remorse for not fulfilling those commands.Kim's recent address seemingly elevates these battlefield allegations into an officially lauded state doctrine."Those who writhed in frustration at failing to fulfill their duty as soldiers rather than suffering the agony of their bodies being torn apart by bullets and shells — these too can be called the party’s loyal warriors and patriots," Kim added.This declaration highlights the profound ideological pressure exerted on North Korean forces, whose allegiance to the regime seemingly encompasses self-destruction in addition to combat.The disclosure also emphasizes the increasingly close military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.South Korean intelligence assessments indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with both troops and munitions, in exchange for economic assistance and military technology.Reuters contributed to this report. 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
Nelly Avoids Assault Charge, Pays Fine for Littering at Missouri Casino
(AsiaGameHub) - Rapper Nelly has reached an agreement to pay a $750 fine so that assault charges from a Missouri casino incident last year can be dismissed. A security guard at the Ameristar Casino in St. Louis alleged that Nelly pushed him after being asked for his player’s card. Nelly was hit with a misdemeanor assault charge in September 2025, though the artist denied the claims. Instead, he will pay the $750 fine for a misdemeanor littering charge involving trash he discarded at the casino. Incident Recorded on CCTV A spokesperson for Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., said the rapper was “stunned to receive a summons” regarding the event, claiming an “overzealous guard blocked his path and invaded his space.” “Nelly guided him aside with minimal contact and no harm,” the singer’s rep stated. “Management later apologized and welcomed Nelly back [to the casino].” Footage released by TMZ shows Nelly trying to enter a casino area only to be stopped by a guard. The rapper seems to push the guard slightly before moving through the barriers. EXCLUSIVE: Rapper Nelly is no longer facing an assault charge over a tiff with a Missouri casino security guard … TMZ has learned. pic.twitter.com/yW3XMKLeHT— TMZ (@TMZ) April 30, 2026 Nelly a Target for ‘Overzealous’ Casino Authorities Nelly was previously arrested at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in St. Louis in 2024. His lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, similarly called the arrest the result of a clash with an “overzealous” officer. Rosenblum noted that Nelly had won several jackpots while gambling. When he went to collect the money, the officer supervising the payout “needlessly” checked for outstanding warrants. Nelly had been found driving without proper insurance, leading a judge to issue a warrant in December 2023. Once the warrant was found, the officer handcuffed Nelly and “felt compelled” to “parade him through the casino in front of other customers”, Rosenblum stated. The officer also claimed to have discovered four ecstasy pills while searching the rapper, though those charges were also dropped later. “We don’t believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges,” a spokesperson said in a statement to the LA Times. Missouri Gambling Under Scrutiny Nelly is reportedly a frequent patron of Missouri casinos. Gambling in the state is currently under scrutiny, with an Indian national admitting to operating six illegal gambling arcades. Like Nelly, Rahulkumar D. Patel accepted a plea bargain. Patel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to run an illegal gambling business, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The illegal operation made over $7.5 million in proceeds from slot machines at arcades mostly located in Springfield. Patel faces much harsher penalties than Nelly, as the charges carry maximum prison terms of 20, five, and 20 years, respectively. 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
MGM China’s Q1 Revenues Grow 10%, While VIP Markets Decline
(AsiaGameHub) - MGM China recorded net revenues of HK $8.8 billion (around $1.15 billion) in the first quarter of this year, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. Over the same timeframe, VIP spending declined, according to Macau Shimbun—a Japanese-language newspaper based in Macao. The group’s VIP hold rate dropped by one percentage point to 2.5%. In the casino sector, hold rates denote the percentage of wins from high-spending VIP patrons. Additionally, the group’s broader VIP market decreased by 5.2% during the same period. MGM China is among just six entities that have received casino management concessions from the Macao government. The company runs two integrated resorts in Macao—one located on the Macao Peninsula and the other in the Cotai District. An integrated casino-resort of MGM Cotai in Macao. (Image: Sunnysunnyasd [CC BY-SA 4.0]) MGM’s Mass Gaming Revenues Reach New High Average daily casino revenue increased by 13%, while mass gaming revenues (including slot machines) jumped by 19%—setting a new all-time high. Hotel occupancy rates edged up slightly to 93.9%, and the firm stated that its financial position remains “stable.” As of March 31, 2026, the company had total liquidity of HK $25 billion (approximately $3.3 billion). Macao’s casinos may face impacts from mixed developments in the tourism industry. According to TDM, a Macao-based media outlet, data from the Statistics and Census Service for Q1 shows that the number of Mainland Chinese tour groups visiting Macao fell by 20% year-over-year to 385,000. Conversely, the number of international tour groups rose by more than 16% to 65,000. Average hotel room occupancy rates climbed by 2% to 92%, and the number of Mainland Chinese guests remained consistent. However, the number of international guests surged—with a 60% rise from Thailand and a 51% increase from India. Golden Week Set to Provide a Boost Tourism experts indicated that a short-term uptick is on the horizon. In a separate report, the same media outlet noted that the Macao Tourism Bureau anticipates 800,000 tourists to visit during the May Golden Week. In China, May 1 is Labor Day, and this year it is part of a five-day holiday running until May 5. This aligns with Japan’s Golden Week public holidays, which extend until May 6 this year. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Tourism Bureau, stated that the bureau expects approximately 160,000 visitors per day during Golden Week. She forecasted that a total of 800,000 visitors will come during the full holiday period. Last week, hotel occupancy rates exceeded 80%, she noted, and the bureau expects these rates to hit 90% in early May. The interior of an MGM China resort in Macao. (Image: Jerry Lai [CC BY-SA 2.0]) Gambling-Related Crime Concerns In February, Macao’s casinos recorded a 4.5% revenue increase, surpassing analysts’ forecasts by 3.5% and pushing gross gaming revenues over the $2.5 billion threshold. Nevertheless, police in the Chinese special administrative region have raised concerns about an increase in gambling-related offenses. In March, police detained a Mainland Chinese man at a border checkpoint, accusing him of pretending to be a gambling expert who offered to teach his skills to a female client. When the pair met in Macao, the self-proclaimed guru asked the woman for a loan, which he then lost in two casino visits before trying to leave via the border. De Senna Fernandes mentioned that police have intensified their surveillance of the sector ahead of Golden Week. During the holiday, she added, officers have expanded the frequency and scope of patrols at border crossings and key tourist spots. As of Sunday, April 26, 2026, Macao police have carried out 523 inspections at border crossings and tourist attractions. Officers reported arresting at least three individuals suspected of being illegal tour guides. De Senna Fernandes also noted that police have launched more than 100 interdepartmental investigations as part of a crackdown on unlicensed hotels. 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.