Pipeline near Houston erupts in flames, forcing evacuations

In 1895, the Lumière Bros showcased the first motion picture to a paying audience in Paris, never imagining the wide range of entertainment options available today. From bowling to virtual reality racing, audiences can now engage in a variety of interactive experiences beyond traditional cinema. Despite the evolution of entertainment, the magic and novelty of the movie-going experience still captivates crowds, proving the enduring allure of the big screen. Full Article

The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Jussie Smollett's conviction for staging a racist and homophobic attack and lying to police in 2019, stating a special prosecutor should not have intervened after charges were dropped by the state's attorney. Smollett, who claimed innocence, was accused of orchestrating the attack due to dissatisfaction with his TV show's response to hate mail. Despite public dissatisfaction, the court upheld the importance of honoring agreements made in criminal cases, leading to...

In the unasked-for sequel to the 2000 film "Gladiator," set 16 years later, the new film lacks the majesty of the original but retains the opulence. Directed by Ridley Scott, the production features grandiose digital re-creations of ancient Rome with a disregard for historical accuracy, leading to humorous moments like characters reading the nonexistent Daily Papyrus over morning coffee. While the film may be suitable for lazy Sunday streaming, it ultimately falls short of recapturing...

Periods of rain are expected to continue into the weekend, with a high of 9 C during the day and a UV index of 1. At night, temperatures will drop to a low of 6 C. In B.C., storm watchers in Ucluelet are monitoring a "bomb cyclone" off Vancouver Island, more concerned about potential disappointment than safety risks. Full Article

A volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupted for the seventh time in a year, with the latest event creating a 1.8-mile-long fissure. Despite being smaller than previous eruptions, authorities warned of gas emissions in the area, including the nearby town of Grindavik. The eruption poses no threat to air travel, but monitoring continues to ensure safety. Full Article

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis announced plans to add more provincial appointees to the Edmonton Police Commission, citing the need to maintain effective policing in Alberta. The move comes as the government provides additional funding for police officers in high-risk areas. This decision has sparked concern from Councilor Michael Janz, who believes it will consolidate UCP control over police commissions and provide assurance for Chief Dale McFee. Full Article