Twogether is a stunning love story that bursts out of the indie scene to capture your heart with its raw emotion and authenticity. Unlike your typical Hollywood romance, Twogether offers a gritty, real-world narrative featuring characters who think deeply and feel profoundly. This gem, crafted by writer-director Andrew Chiaramonte after nearly a decade of dedication, stars the incredible duo Nick Cassavetes and Brenda Bakke, who bring remarkable depth to their roles.
Cassavetes shines as John Madler, a passionate and unpredictable Venice-based painter. He’s the kind of guy who leverages his good looks and the enigmatic allure of being an artist to live life on his terms. At a gallery event supporting a Greenpeace-esque cause, he locks eyes with volunteer Allison McKenzie, played by Bakke. The chemistry is instant and electric, leading to a wild night in Vegas that ends with an unexpected marriage.
Determined to part ways like “mature, intelligent adults”—in Allison’s words—they plan a quick divorce. However, when Allison visits John’s Venice hideaway to finalize the papers, they find themselves in bed once again, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy. They initially agree on an abortion but are ultimately unable to follow through, setting the stage for an intense journey of mutual discovery.
Chiaramonte masterfully propels the story forward with sharp montages and a keen sense of what to leave out, ensuring the film never drags. We join John and Allison as they navigate their evolving relationship, a strategy that draws us in completely.
Allison emerges as the film’s standout revelation. Behind her confident exterior lies a woman haunted by a painful past, the neglected daughter of a rigidly conservative Bel-Air family. As John falls for her, she moves in during her pregnancy, but his pride and fierce independence keep him from admitting his true feelings, even to himself.
At its core, Twogether is about the universal struggles of making choices, setting priorities, and the harsh realities of relationships. It highlights the challenges of responsibility, the pitfalls of immaturity and self-absorption, and the journey toward self-awareness and growth, regardless of age.
Chiaramonte elicits deeply honest performances from Cassavetes and Bakke, who expose their souls and bodies on screen. If there’s any justice in the world, Twogether will catapult their careers to new heights. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Damian London standing out as the tough-minded art gallery owner.
Twogether is a heartfelt indie film that wears its emotions proudly and has the potential to break into the mainstream.
Twogether Cast: Nick Cassavetes: John Madler Brenda Bakke: Allison McKenzie Damian London: Mark Saffron Jeremy Piven: Arnie
Twogether is currently being distributed by Freestyle Digital Media and available to watch for free or on-demand. Writer-director Andrew Chiaramonte. Producers Emett Alston, Chiaramonte. Co-producer Todd Fisher. Cinematographer Eugene Shlugleit. Editors Fisher, Chiaramonte. Costumes Jacqueline Johnson. Music Nigel Holton. Production designer Phil Brandes. Art director Phil Zarling. Sound Kip Gynn. Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes.
‘Young & Cursed’, a Chiaramonte Films, Inc. production, is a new horror movie / psychological thriller which is set to be released in early 2024.
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, November 1, 2023 — Audiences are excited about this new cinematic experience as the talented team of Andrew Chiaramonte and Emmett Alston unites to present their gripping horror / psychological thriller film, “Young & Cursed,” scheduled for release in 2024.
Beneath the eerie canopy of an impending Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse, “Young & Cursed” unveils a harrowing tale that will grip the souls of horror enthusiasts. The narrative unravels around five young souls from diverse backgrounds, drawn unknowingly to a desolate and enigmatic cabin in the wilderness.
Maria (Jennifer Rosas), tormented by the ghostly specter that haunts her every waking moment, and Jason (Stevarion Allen), a gifted musician stalked by a nightmarish demonic version of himself, are drawn together by forces beyond their comprehension.
Trudy (Morgan Franz) harbors her own unspeakable terrors, besieged by a grotesque demon that mercilessly torments her during the dark hours. Tahoma (Reda Fassi-Fihri) finds himself pursued by a evil Skinwalker, while Donny (CJ Malone), a tech prodigy with a conflicted past, grapples with a demonic possession that has finally reached its terrifying zenith.
Their lives intertwine with that of Kyra (Madison Hubler), a spellbinding enigma residing within the cabin, who appears to be simultaneously oblivious and all-knowing. Within her, lurks one of the most sinister demons to ever haunt mankind, Lilith (Britt Crisp), a malevolent entity that has endured since time’s inception, serving a nefarious purpose that will send shivers down the viewer’s spine.
Leading the charge in this thrilling cinematic endeavor are the brilliant director and producer duo, Andrew Chiaramonte and Emmett Alston, who have combined their creative prowess and extensive experience to produce, “Young & Cursed”, a movie that will enthrall audiences worldwide.
When asked about the inspiration behind “Young & Cursed,” Chiaramonte and Alston cited their fascination with the enigmatic Blood Moon, a celestial phenomenon steeped in mystery and superstition. This rare lunar event offered the ideal canvas for weaving a narrative that seamlessly merges elements of horror, suspense, and psychological drama.
“Young & Cursed” boasts an ensemble cast of exceptional actors who bring their characters to life with unwavering incisive understanding and depth, immersing the audience further into the haunting world of the film.
More than just a run-of-the-mill thriller, “Young & Cursed” is a meticulously crafted masterpiece that plays with the audience’s emotions, ensuring they remain on the edge of their seats throughout. The film’s atmospheric cinematography by Gary Ahmed, and haunting score by composer Patrick O’Malley, in perfect harmony to create an immersive experience that indelibly impacts the viewers world.
Months prior to its release, “Young & Cursed” has already generated substantial buzz within the film industry and among eager movie fans. With its unique storyline, impeccable direction, and exceptional performances, the film is poised to become a breakout hit. “Young & Cursed” is an exciting cinematic venture that promises to be a standout addition to the horror thriller genre. With its talented creative team, bewitching plotline, and stellar cast, the film is primed to dominate the box office and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
For more information, please visit the official website of “Young & Cursed” at youngandcursed.com.
About Chiaramonte Films, Inc.
Chiaramonte Films, Inc. is a renowned film production company known for delivering captivating and groundbreaking cinematic experiences. With a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Chiaramonte Films, Inc. has consistently delivered critically acclaimed films that leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. For more information, visit chiaramontefilms.com .
Twenty-four years after winning his Oscar for “Traffic,” Benicio Del Toro is back in the awards conversation with a performance that reminds us why he’s one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
In Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” Del Toro plays Sensei, a character whose quiet dignity and unwavering optimism provide the film’s emotional anchor amid chaos and uncertainty.
When Anderson called, the answer was simple. “It’s PTA,” Del Toro says matter-of-factly. “He calls any actor on the planet, and they’re going to say, ‘Yeah, what do you got? Whatever, I’ll do it.’” The prospect of working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn only sweetened the deal.
However, what truly informed Del Toro’s performance was the research. The production visited facilities in El Paso where migrant families wait in limbo, uncertain of their futures. “It was pretty moving, seeing these people, what appears to be good people, looking for a better future, being stuck in a situation that is pretty unstable and not knowing what their future would be,” Del Toro recalls. “That research that we did just made it real for everybody — for the set decorator, for the art department, for the director and for me.”
Anderson gave Del Toro a piece of direction that became a mantra for the character and a philosophy for life: “Get back on defense.” The phrase, which Del Toro remembers from working with the auteur on “Inherent Vice,” eventually made its way into the script. “Don’t get bogged down on things,” Del Toro explains. “Just keep looking, being. Think about the next play. He’s a ‘next play’ type of director, always looking ahead. I think that it’s healthy for actors to be like that. You try your best, but you can be stuck on something you did. You need to learn to let it go real quick, because tomorrow is another day.”
As one of only a handful of Latino actors to win an Academy Award — and with Latinas having won just three times in history — Del Toro has a unique perspective on representation in Hollywood. While he acknowledges there’s more opportunity now than when he started, he’s frank about what’s still missing.
“I still haven’t seen a Latino movement,” he admits. “There was an African American movement with Spike Lee, Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle. There’s a lot of filmmakers, and it’s amazing. The Italian American story has been told. Latino is somewhat different.”
He pauses, searching sensitively for the right words, and then continues: “I’m always hoping that there’s more opportunity and there’s more stories. I don’t think we’re there when it comes to stories of the Hispanic story in the United States, and that includes Puerto Rico, every different Latinos that live, whether it’s in Florida, Chicago, California, New York, Texas, New Mexico. There’s a lot of Latinos in this country.”
Del Toro sees a potential solution, one that involves stepping behind the camera himself. “I like to get behind the camera and tell a story about that,” he says. “That’s something I would like to do. I’m not saying that I’m that voice. That voice is right now probably in high school, or they’re in college right now, and are about to break out. It’s going to happen.”
Having directed a segment in “Seven Days in Havana,” Del Toro feels ready himself.
“I’ve had an incredible education on cinema. If you take everyone that I’ve worked with and all the projects that I’ve worked with, inevitably you start feeling like, I want to maybe get behind and tell a story that comes from me — being American, being Latino, and the experience of being a Latino in this time and world that we’re in.”
In a moment when the world feels increasingly fractured, Del Toro finds hope in his “One Battle After Another” character.
“Sensei has this thing that I feel is always positive,” he shares. “It’s staying in that positive and keep doing your thing. Good and truth will hopefully come up and show its face and win.” He draws parallels to 1968, another tumultuous time. “Kids were being drafted to go to war. Leaders were being shut down permanently. You just have to keep going. I have faith in the youth, even though my daughter is stuck on a phone all the time. There’s good, and we have to trust in the young people.”
As Del Toro prepares for his next role — he’s shooting another film in January — he’s also laying groundwork for that directorial debut, ready to tell the Latino American story that still hasn’t been told. For now, though, he’s savoring the response to “One Battle After Another” and the character who embodies resilience in dark times.
“The worst thing would be to quit,” Del Toro says. “You can’t quit.”
Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro in “One Battle After Another.”
Read excerpts from his interview below, which has been edited and condensed for clarity.
What made you say yes to Paul Thomas Anderson for this film?
It’s PTA. He can call any actor on the planet and they’ll say, “Yeah, what do you got? I’ll do it.” And the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio was in it — and then Sean Penn shortly after — that’s what I was surrounded by when I first spoke with him.
What did it mean to you personally to see the refugee families depicted in the film? Did it feel realistic?
We visited places where migrants were living and waiting to be processed, families stuck in that limbo of not knowing whether they’d be allowed in or sent back. It was moving — they seemed like good people looking for a better future, yet trapped in instability. That research made everything more real for all of us: for the art department, for the director and for me. It was intense.
Was there a piece of direction from PTA that changed your understanding of the role?
He kept saying, “Get back on defense.” It’s even in the movie. It means don’t get bogged down — stay present, look ahead. Actors can get stuck on something for a year. PTA’s a “next play” director, and it’s healthy. He told me that on “Inherent Vice,” and we ended up adding it to the script here too.
You won your Oscar 24 years ago and remain one of the few Latino actors to do so. Do you see representation improving?
Opportunity is the big question. I think there’s more opportunity now for Latino actors because there’s more opportunity for actors in general — so much content, so many platforms. But when it comes to stories, I don’t think we’re there yet. I haven’t seen a Latino movement like we saw with African American filmmakers or Italian American stories. We need more stories about the many Latino communities across the U.S. I hope that comes.
Do you have the itch to direct?
Maybe one day. Right now I’m prepping another acting project, but I’ve had an incredible education just from the filmmakers I’ve worked with. At some point, I’d like to tell a story that comes from my experience — being American, being Latino, living in this moment. I’m not saying I’m the voice. That voice is probably in high school or college right now. But we need more young Latinos feeling like it’s possible. If my work helps shine a light for someone, that matters.
Is there a filmmaker you haven’t worked with who’s on your bucket list?
There are many. Scorsese, Spielberg, Spike Lee, Kathryn Bigelow. The Coen brothers. Tarantino — I actually auditioned for “Reservoir Dogs.” And filmmakers like Barry Jenkins and Celine Song. I feel like I could work well with them too.
The movie touches on issues we’re facing today. What wisdom do you lean on right now?
I think Sensei, my character, carries something I believe: tomorrow is another day, and there’s always hope. You can’t quit. I hope good and truth eventually rise. Extremes are scary on both sides, but you have to listen, respect, reach across. That positivity is part of why people like the character.
History has had other chaotic periods — look at 1968 and ’69. We just have to keep going. I have faith in the youth, even if my daughter’s glued to her phone. They care. They’re aware. And in the movie, Chase Infiniti’s character shows that spirit — standing up for what’s right. Maybe this generation will get it right.
You appeared on Bad Bunny’s “SNL” episode but haven’t hosted. Are you open to it?
There are a lot of things I haven’t done. I have to save something for later. But I love “SNL.” Doing that episode was a lot of fun. So yes — maybe one day.
President Trump is touting his administration’s new “gold card” visa as a fast track for foreigners who are willing and able to pay $1 million for the right to immigrate to the U.S.
Applications for the new visa went live on Wednesday afternoon, with the government website for the gold card saying the process can be completed in a matter of weeks after applicants file their paperwork.
Mr. Trump unveiled the gold card initiative in February, promoting it as an expedited path for wealthy foreigners to secure legal residency and as a way to generate government revenue. The term riffs on the “green card,” which grants permanent residency status to noncitizens so they can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
“All funds go to the United States government — it could be a tremendous amount of money,” Mr. Trump said on Wednesday about the gold card. “It’s somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card.”
The program also includes a $2 million gold card for corporations that want to secure visas for workers, as well as a $5 million platinum card that allows foreigners to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being required to pay federal income tax on non-U.S. income.
Here’s how the gold card program will work.
What is a Trump gold card?
In essence, it’s a green card that has been fast-tracked by the Trump administration.
The website to apply for a gold card states that successful applicants will receive either an EB-1 or EB-2 visa, two kinds of employment-based green cards for skilled workers. To apply for an individual gold card, applicants must:
Pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security.
Undergo a vetting process, including a visa interview.
Make a $1 million gift to the federal government after the vetting is complete.
The new program also allows companies to obtain gold cards for employees, one per worker, with each requiring a $2 million donation, according to the website.
Applicants must pay a $15,000 fee that will cover the cost of processing and conducting a background check, along with a 1% annual maintenance fee. Companies may also transfer the gold card between employees for a 5% transfer fee, the program specifies.
A transfer could happen if a gold card holder becomes a U.S. citizen, for example.
One potential difference between the Trump gold card and other types of green cards is that the new visa process could take only weeks, according to the Trump administration.
By comparison, immigrants who apply for a regular green card can expect to wait between eight months and three years for approval, according to immigration services company Boundless. The quickest processing time is for spouses of U.S. citizens, who typically face an eight-month wait, the group said.
How is the Trump gold card different from an EB-5 visa?
The gold card is meant to replace EB-5 visas, which Congress created in 1990 to generate foreign investment. These have been available to people who spend at least $1 million to start a company with at least 10 workers.
Unlike the EB-5 visa, however, a gold card visa doesn’t require applicants to create a certain number of jobs or to invest in U.S. businesses.
The EB-5 program has been criticized as cumbersome and as an invitation to commit fraud. In one notable case in recent years, hundreds of EB-5 applicants were defrauded by business executives in Vermont who claimed to be building a biotech facility, but who instead used the money for personal expenses.
The process to obtain an EB-5 visa is also glacially slow, with a processing time of almost six years. That is “by far the longest processing times in the U.S. immigration system,” according to an April blog post about the Trump gold cards from the Economic Innovation Group, a bipartisan policy research group.
The gold card is designed to help companies recruit foreign graduates of U.S. universities such as MIT and Harvard, Mr. Trump said on Wednesday.
“I’ve heard from Tim Cook of Apple, and I’ve heard from a lot of people, some of the people at this table, that essentially, in the United States, you can’t keep the student,” Mr. Trump said.
Can gold card holders become citizens?
Gold card recipients “have a path to citizenship,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said at the press conference on Wednesday with Mr. Trump.
“Obviously, they have to be perfect people in America, and having passed the vetting, after five years they’ll be available to become citizens,” Lutnick said.
Green card holders can typically apply for citizenship after residing in the U.S. for five years.
Companies that secure a gold card for workers who then become citizens can transfer the card to new employees, Lutnick added.
Can a gold card visa be revoked?
Yes: The application website states: “The Trump Gold Card is a visa; therefore, national security and significant criminal risks are a basis for revocation.”
How much money could the visa program raise for the U.S.?
Mr. Trump didn’t provide an estimate this week, but the program “could generate tens of billions in annual revenue,” according to the Economic Innovation Group.
Based on the $1 million cost of a gold card visa, the program could raise $100 billion over a decade, the group said, assuming a “conservative” estimate that the Trump administration could issue 10,000 gold cards per year.
According to GamesIndustry.biz, Alinea Analytics’ data indicates that Black Ops 7 sold 401,000 copies on Steam in the first 26 days after its launch. By comparison, Black Ops 6 sold 2.3 million copies in the same time period in 2024. Call of Duty games have historically sold fewer copies on Steam than on consoles, and Black Ops 6 and 7 were both included with PC Game Pass. But that doesn’t account for why the latter had such a dramatic decline.
Video Game Insights also shared data that suggests Black Ops 7’s daily active users dropped to 18 million in November 2025, down from 36 million DAU in December 2024. Going back to Modern Warfare in 2022, concurrent users on Steam had been on a steady decline from 500,000 in early 2023 before briefly rebounding to over 300,000 players for Black Ops 6. Currently, Black Ops 7 is estimated to have a concurrent count between 50,000 and 100,000 players on Steam.
“The data points to a foundational engagement challenge for Black Ops 7,” reads a statement from Video Game Insights. “Whether the cause lies in franchise fatigue, shifting genre preferences, competition from other titles, or a misalignment with player expectations, the early indicators are clear: this is not a normal launch-cycle fluctuation. It is a significant departure from historical performance.”
Microsoft and Activision haven’t shared their Call of Duty plans for 2026 yet. The one thing we do know from Activision’s recent dispatch is that there won’t be any more Modern Warfare or Black Ops sequels dropping in consecutive years.
PHOENIX — Beginning Thursday, December 11, the Arizona Humane Society will open its doors to pet owners as a new option for after-hours non-emergency pet care.
The clinic will be open at the Arizona Humane Society’s Papago Park Campus Thursday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The organization stresses this is for non-emergency, but time-sensitive pet needs lke vomiting, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and minor wounds.
“Our community is really struggling, especially with veterinary care here in the valley, leading to more pets being surrendered to valley shelters. So we’re really hoping that this clinic can help more pets to be able to get the care that they need to be able to stay in their loving homes,” said spokesperson Kelsey Dickerson.
Dickerson says this has been in the works for a while, and they hope to expand their hours and offerings in the future.
If your pet needs emergency assistance, the AZ Humane Society recommends visiting your closest emergency veterinary clinic.
Time Magazine has just announced its 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing not just one person, but a group its calling “architects of AI.” The digital article is out now.
Ben Baby covers the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN. He joined the company in July 2019. Prior to ESPN, he worked for various newspapers in Texas, most recently at The Dallas Morning News where he covered college sports. He provides daily coverage of the Bengals for ESPN.com, while making appearances on SportsCenter, ESPN’s NFL shows and ESPN Radio programs. A native of Grapevine, Texas, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He is an adjunct journalism professor at Southern Methodist University and a member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).
CINCINNATI — The latest injury in Joe Burrow‘s career has caused him to change his perspective of football.
On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback revealed that he didn’t view playing football as fun before he suffered a turf toe injury on Week 2 of this season that sidelined him for nine games.
Since his return, the Bengals have split games against the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. After the latter contest, a 39-34 road defeat at Buffalo, Burrow said he wanted to “go have fun [and] play football.”
When asked to expound on that topic on Wednesday, Burrow said that must be a priority for him moving forward.
“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it,” said Burrow, who added that his desire to win remains unchanged. “I’ve been through a lot and if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for? So that’s the mindset I’m trying to bring to the table.”
Burrow’s sixth NFL season has been a tumultuous one. He went on injured reserve for the third time in his career. The previous instances involved season-ending injuries — torn left knee ligaments in 2020, his rookie season, and a ruptured ligament in his throwing wrist that halted his 2023 season.
While this one wasn’t in the same category, he missed the most games in a season because of the turf toe injury that required surgery. He is playing with a new pair of cleats and a carbon fiber plate and a custom orthotic to keep the shoe firm and the big toe in his left foot from bending backwards.
After the loss to Buffalo, Burrow also spoke about the importance of putting on a show in addition to having fun. On Wednesday, ahead of another game against the Ravens (6-7), Burrow explained why he feels the need to be a showman.
“Number one, I work hard for it,” said Burrow, who turned 29 on Wednesday. “Number two, this is, at the end of the day, the entertainment industry. And I want to go out and play well and if you’re playing well and scoring points and winning games, then it’s usually fun to watch.”
But for Burrow, playing needs to be fun, too.
Even with the injuries, Burrow has enjoyed a prolific career. He helped the Bengals win two AFC North titles, played and lost in Super Bowl LVI, is a two-time Pro Bowler and won The Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 and 2024.
But the setbacks over the years have taken their toll.
“I think I’ve been through more than most,” Burrow said. “Certainly not easy on the brain or the body, so just trying to have fun doing it again.”
Cincinnati (4-9) is also headed to its first losing season since 2020, Burrow’s rookie season. The former No. 1 overall draft pick said the team isn’t thinking about the playoffs this season. A loss to the Ravens on Sunday at Paycor Stadium will seal the Bengals’ third straight year without a postseason.
With the arrival of 2026, we’re considering how fashion will shift for the new year. With all of the new creative director appointments and collection debuts, there has been a lot of change to keep track of on the runway and in the luxury space. Silhouettes are shifting, aesthetics are changing, and new ideas are percolating that are primed to set the tone for plenty of change in what people are wearing in 2026. Though it’s hard to predict exactly what the biggest trends will be next year, we already have some clear clues from the runways.
These themes extend across fashion as a whole as we look to fall, but we’re narrowing in on the key jacket trends to know for 2026. We have our eyes on everything from distinct silhouettes and materials to the way designers are breathing new life into classics. Ahead, find out more on the top jacket trends to know for 2026 and the key pieces to add to your shopping cart.
The Preppy Blazer
(Image credit: Launchmetics)
There is nothing more classic than a navy double-breasted blazer with gold buttons. Turns out, there is also nothing more on-trend for 2026.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Blazer
Massimo Dutti
Wool Blend Blazer With Gold Buttons
Burberry
Double-Breasted Wool Jacket
The Leather Funnel-Neck Jacket
(Image credit: Launchmetics)
The funnel-neck jacket has been a topic of conversation for many seasons. If you’ve already invested in one, great, because they’ll still be big for 2026. If you have yet to add one to your closet, the leather version will be especially relevant.
Nour Hammour
Ariste Jacket
Massimo Dutti
Nappa Leather Jacket With Grainy Finish
The Tactile Jacket
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Classic materials like tweed are being reworked on the runways, specifically with tactile textures and fringe, which adds an element of artisanal craft.
LIBEROWE
Trader Fringed Wool-Blend Bouclé-Tweed Jacket
The Cape Jacket
(Image credit: Launchmetics)
Cape details have been on the rise, but they will be inescapable come 2026. Look for cape jackets in everything blazer form to wrapped versions.
Gucci
Horsebit-Embellished Cape
KALLMEYER
Navi Wool-Blend Scarf Cape Jacket
MAX MARA
Belted Fringed Camel Hair Coat
The Shrunken Jacket
(Image credit: Launchmetics)
Proportion play was big on the spring/summer 2026 runways. We saw this in full effect at Dior, where the iconic jacket was shrunken.
Markets rallied on the Fed’s third straight 25bp cut as the Dow climbed but futures turned cautious after tech earnings and Oracle’s gloomy guidance. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq showed mixed moves, volatility spiked in AI names, and energy and financials led rotation amid geopolitics and central‑bank uncertainty.
The Fed delivered a third straight 25bp cut, sending markets to recalibrate policy bets and short-term yields. Stocks jumped as traders priced a more dovish path while analysts debated the implications for growth and inflation.
Figure of the Day
1,000,000,000 – Dollars Disney is investing in OpenAI under the new licensing deal.
Oracle’s earnings and guidance shocked investors, with heavy AI spending forecasts triggering a sharp sell-off. The corporate reports reignited fears about stretched valuations in the AI-capex cycle.
OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.2 amid a heated race with Google, framing the release as a leap in agentic AI performance. The launches and updates have intensified competition and regulatory scrutiny across the AI sector.
Bullish
AcmeAI Raises Guidance After Record Q4 Demand
SaaS startup AcmeAI reported 45% YoY revenue growth and raised full-year guidance after enterprise uptake of its MLops platform accelerated, sending shares and partner deals higher.
Disney struck a landmark $1 billion investment and licensing deal with OpenAI, opening its iconic characters to AI video generation. The pact alters media-IP economics and gives OpenAI a major content moat.
U.S. forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela, escalating tensions with Caracas and prompting fresh sanctions. Washington also moved to target Maduro allies and shipping firms tied to the regime.
Bearish
BigBox Files for Chapter 11 After Sales Collapse
Legacy retailer BigBox said it will seek Chapter 11 protection after sales missed projections and liquidity dried up, risking thousands of jobs and triggering creditor talks.
Kyiv and Washington are negotiating territorial and economic trade-offs as pressure mounts for a Ukraine peace plan. Zelenskiy floated a referendum option for Donbas control, signaling difficult concessions ahead.
SpaceX chatter about a 2026 IPO reignited investor debate about valuation and timing. Elon Musk signalled the reports were accurate as markets weigh a potential mega-offering.
Regulatory Impact
White House proposes social‑media checks for visa‑free visitors; EU tightens foreign investment screening and trims exclusivity windows for new drugs — regulators worldwide are tightening rules on tech, IP and strategic assets.
JPMorgan pushed tokenization into the mainstream by creating Solana-based commercial paper to facilitate Galaxy’s debt deal. The move marks a notable test of on-chain institutional financing.
Rivian announced it is developing in-house AI silicon and software to gain autonomy independence from Nvidia. The EV maker outlined chips, LDM models and robotaxi ambitions to regain investor confidence.
Quote
“We’d rather participate than be disrupted.”
— Bob Iger, Disney CEO
Treasury chief Bessent is reshaping the Financial Stability Oversight Council with a deregulatory mandate, proposing structural changes to how systemic risk is monitored. Markets and regulators are parsing the implications.
The battle for Warner Bros. is fueling takeover theater as Netflix eyes debt-heavy bids and the White House weighs in on media ownership. Trump pressed that CNN should be sold if the deal proceeds, injecting politics into the sale.
The Fed’s dot-plot and internal dissents reveal a split on how far to cut rates next year, sowing uncertainty for markets. Investors are parsing signals for the policy path after the recent easing cycle.
Sen. Warren and others slammed the administration’s decision to allow Nvidia chip sales to China, framing it as a national-security risk. Meanwhile Chinese tech firms are lining up to buy H200 chips — highlighting the tech-geopolitics tug-of-war.
Lawmakers and regulators are racing to set the rules for crypto markets as exchanges expand products and firms seek CFTC approvals. The outcome will shape institutional adoption and custody practices.
Equity futures slipped after mixed corporate reports even as the Dow extended gains; traders remain jittery after the Fed cut and tech earnings. Volatility persists as investors digest macro cues and company outlooks.
The EU is tightening foreign-investment screening and moving to permanently immobilise some Russian assets as geopolitical risks rise. Brussels is also recalibrating trade and subsidy rules to shield strategic industries.
Senate votes failed to pass competing fixes for expiring Obamacare subsidies, setting up a healthcare cliff for millions. Lawmakers face a narrowing window to avert a spike in premiums and broader coverage losses.
Global energy forecasts show a narrower oil surplus even as big producers signal slower output growth. Oil majors are trimming green spends as the sector navigates demand uncertainty and capital allocation shifts.
LOS ANGELES, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Rapper and entertainment mogul Snoop Dogg has joined Team USA as its first-ever honorary coach, a role the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee hopes will sprinkle a little West Coast cool on the American team at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
The USOPC said on Thursday that “Coach Snoop” would be part of the “Team Behind the Team” – the staff, coaches, medical experts, administrators and partners who support athletes as they chase medals in Italy.
“Team USA athletes are the real stars – I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines,” Snoop said in a statement.
“This team represents the best of what sport can be: talent, heart and hustle. If I can bring a little more love and motivation to that, that’s a win for me.”
USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said Snoop’s first encounter with Team USA athletes looked less like a corporate partnership and more like a locker-room fit.
“From the moment Snoop met Team USA athletes, there was an instant connection – mutual respect, genuine curiosity and a lot of laughter,” she said.
“His enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement is contagious, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome him as a member of the Team Behind the Team.”
Snoop, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., was a ubiquitous presence at the Paris Olympics, serving as a hype-man for Team USA and performing at a beach party in his native Long Beach during the handover ceremony for Los Angeles 2028.
“From the moment I rolled into Paris, I was instantly welcomed into the USOPC family,” he said.
“I felt the energy, the pride and the love of sport that makes this team special. The way the staff lifts up the athletes… the way the athletes inspire the world… it had me hooked from day one.”
The 54-year-old Californian has a long history in grassroots sport through the Snoop Youth Football League, which the USOPC says has supported more than 15,000 young athletes, including youngsters with disabilities.
The honorary coaching gig adds to Snoop’s previously announced role with Olympic broadcaster NBCUniversal during February’s Milano Cortina Games, further cementing his status as an unlikely but increasingly permanent character in the Olympic universe.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “Let’s fire up Team USA together.”
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; editing by Clare Fallon)
Brayan Alvarez Ortiz, 28, a traveling nurse, has been accused of sexually assaulting sedated patients at UNC Rex Hospital. Police believe there may be more victims and are encouraging them to come forward. As a general policy, The N&O does not publish police mug shots. We are publishing this photo as it may help other victims.
Raleigh Police Department
RALEIGH
Prosecutors have identified a third victim in the case of a UNC Rex Hospital nurse accused of sexually assaulting patients who were recovering from surgery.
Brayan Alvarez Ortiz, 28, appeared in Wake County District Court Thursday via a feed from jail, where he is being held without bond.
Police charged Ortiz Wednesday with sexual contact under the context of medical treatment, second-degree sex offense and sexual battery due to reports of assault in November. Officers spoke to a Rex patient who had been under anesthesia and soon found a second who reported being touched while sedated.
On Thursday, Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Pomeroy said her office learned of a third victim less than 24 hours after police asked patients to come forward. All of them were recovering from surgery.
“The defendant was sexually abusing patients who were incredibly vulnerable,” she said.
Pomeroy added Ortiz is in the United States on a green card and that his case will involve immigration issues.
First-degree kidnapping charges have been added to Ortiz’s case, and Pomeroy said more charges relating to the new victim will be added Friday.
Ortiz spoke over a telephone and said only that he had hired an attorney. Defense counsel Seth Blum said he has not asked for a reduction in Ortiz’s bond because all the charges have not yet been filed.
“It’s very early days,” he said outside the courtroom. “There’s a lot of information still to come out.”
UNC Health spokesman Alan Wolf said Ortiz joined the Rex staff in 2019, put himself through nursing school and had only become a nurse this summer. He is no longer employed with the health system, Wolf said.
The NC Nursing Board suspended Ortiz’ registered nurse license after a complaint on Nov. 21, records show. The report said Ortiz had improperly touched the genitals of two male patients after removing Foley catheters, which go into the urethra.
Raleigh police and prosecutors have referred to Ortiz as a traveling nurse. Blum could not clarify that Thursday.
“I don’t know what a traveling nurse is,” he said.
Rex has set up a confidential reporting phone line where patients or family members can share information. Someone will contact them as soon as possible to discuss any concerns about this situation. The number is (919) 784-1800.
Josh Shaffer is a general assignment reporter on the watch for “talkers,” which are stories you might discuss around a water cooler. He has worked for The News & Observer since 2004 and writes a column about unusual people and places.
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Washington was under a state of emergency Thursday from a barrage of torrential rain that has sent rivers flowing over their banks, caused mudslides to crash down on highways and trapped people in floodwaters. Tens of thousands of residents were under evacuation orders.
Heavy rain continued to fall over parts of the state, prompting rising rivers, road closures, water rescues and suspension of Amtrak trains between Seattle and Vancouver. Rainfall intensity increased in several counties in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, which had seen up to 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) of rain in 24 hours. One area, Snoqualmie Pass, picked up an additional 1.7 inches (4.3 centimeters) of rain in six hours, the National Weather Service said.
Emergency management officials urged residents not to drive through standing water. Those who live near rivers were advised to stay alert to evacuation orders.
After days of unrelenting heavy rain Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency by Wednesday, warning “lives will be at stake in the coming days.” Some residents have already been told to get to higher ground, with Skagit County, in a major agricultural region north of Seattle, ordering everyone within the Skagit River’s 100-year floodplain to evacuate.
Catastrophic flooding is likely in many areas and the state is requesting water rescue teams and boats, Ferguson said on the social media platform X on Wednesday night.
Hundreds of National Guard members will be sent to help communities, said Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard.
In a valley leading out to the foothills of Mount Rainier southeast of Seattle, Pierce County sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday rescued people at an RV park in Orting, including helping one man in a Santa hat wade through waist-deep water. Part of the town was ordered to evacuate over concerns about the Puyallup River’s extremely high levels and upstream levees.
A landslide blocked part of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, with photos from Eastside Fire & Rescue showing vehicles trapped by tree trunks, branches, mud and standing water. Officials also closed a mountainous section of U.S. 2 due to rocks, trees and mud.
More than 17,000 customers in Washington were without electricity Thursday, according to PowerOutage.us.
Flooding rivers could break records
The Skagit River was expected to crest at roughly 42 feet (13 meters) in the mountain town of Concrete early Thursday, and roughly 39 feet (12 meters) in Mount Vernon early Friday.
“We feel very confident that we can handle a ‘normal flood,’ but no one really knows what a 41, 42 foot river looks like south of Mount Vernon,” Darrin Morrison, a commissioner for Dike District 3 in Skagit County, said during a public meeting Wednesday night.
The county was closing non-essential government services Thursday, including all district and superior court services.
Flooding from the river has long plagued Mount Vernon, the largest city in the county with some 35,000 residents. Flooding in 2003 displaced hundreds of people.
The city completed a floodwall in 2018 that helps protect the downtown. It passed a major test in 2021, when the river crested near record levels.
But the city is on high alert. The historic river levels expected Friday could top the wall, and some are worried that older levees could fail.
“It could potentially be catastrophic,” said Ellen Gamson, executive director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association.
Sheena Wilson, who owns a floral shop downtown, stacked sandbags by the doors and cleared items off the floor.
“If the water comes in above table height I’ve got bigger problems than my merchandise,” she said.
Jake Lambly added sandbags, tested water pumps and moved valuables to the top floor of the home he shares with his 19-year-old son.
“This is my only asset,” he said Wednesday from his front porch. “I got nothing else.”
Cities respond to flooding
Harrison Rademacher, a meteorologist with the weather service in Seattle, described the atmospheric river soaking the region as “a jet stream of moisture” stretching across the Pacific Ocean “with the nozzle pushing right along the coast of Oregon and Washington.”
In Sumas, a small city along the U.S.-Canada border, a flood siren rang out at city hall and residents were told to leave. The border crossing was also closed to southbound commercial vehicles to leave more room for evacuations, according to the Abbotsford Police Department.
Climate change has been linked to some intense rainfall. Scientists say that without specific study they cannot directly link a single weather event to climate change, but in general it’s responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires.
Another storm system is expected to bring more rain starting Sunday.
“The pattern looks pretty unsettled going up to the holidays,” Rademacher said.
Nicki Minaj praises Trump and Vance, while Cardi B criticizes them.
Minaj thanks Trump for addressing persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj declares herself part of Trump’s MAGA supporters.
Nicki Minaj’s X account has turned into a White House fan account.
Source: MEGA /Tasos Katopodis
While Nicki hasn’t explicitly stated that she’s team Donald Trump, she has become increasingly open about her support for him and his Vice President, JD Vance.
In a since-deleted tweet, the rapper posted a GIF of Chucky from the Child’s Play series alongside the caption, “Vance > Rants.” Fans aren’t exactly sure what the tweet was referring to, or why it was deleted, but before it was deleted, Vance reposted it with some commentary of his own.
“Nicki > Cardi,” Vance wrote, referencing the ongoing beef between the rappers.
While Minaj has warmed up to the administration in recent weeks, Cardi B has been vocal about her dislike of Trump for a long time now. Nicki even spoke in front of members of the United Nations to discuss the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, thanking Trump in her speech.
“I would like to thank President Donald Trump for prioritizing this issue, and for his leadership on the global stage, and calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria to combat extremism, and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to exercise their natural right to freedom of belief,” she said at the time. “We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order to respect each other. We’re way beyond thinking or expecting or assuming the next person sitting next to you will have the same beliefs. We’re beyond that. That’s ridiculous.”
After Minaj’s speech, she seemingly declared herself as a part of Trump’s MAGA supporters, tweeting: “United Nations was a MAGA Flex. Trump on da text. Yall should be afraid of what I’m gon do next,” she wrote, in a post that also took thinly-veiled shots at Jay-Z.
Since then, it’s been a full-on love fest between Minaj and the administration, with Nicki reposting several tweets about Trump– including one that alleged his wife, Melania, underwent a kidney surgery in 2018. The post claimed that the president postponed meetings to be with his wife, and sent her a “beautiful” letter.
In other tweets, Nicki shared a video of Trump and Elon Musk dancing happily, over which she wrote, “Mood.”
She also tweeted about Vance being “smarter than a computer.”
“Nothing brings me joy like the Vance memes & knowing he leaned into it like a boss,” Nicki began in a tweet praising the VP. “Top Tier Comedy Character = 100 But make no mistake, Vance is an assassin. Don’t debate him. On anything. Quick as a computer. Maybe quicker. He’s the best blend I’ve ever seen of us&them.”
As the holiday season approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting consumers, prompting agencies and lawmakers to take action to protect the public. Ed Bartholme, chief of the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, said scammers “adapt their messaging and their pitches to what is out there in the news to make it seem more real.” The Federal Communications Commission proposed new rules in October to provide consumers with more information about incoming calls. Bartholme explained, “I think we’re all familiar with caller ID on our phone. We know that sometimes those numbers are spoofed. We, for the past couple of years, we’ve been working to make sure spoofing doesn’t happen.”Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is investigating the rising rate of scams, especially during the holidays. “I’ve talked to lots of people in New Hampshire who have been victims of scams, some of them have lost their life savings,” Hassan said. Hassan emphasized the vulnerability of consumers during this time, stating, “I really just want people to be aware that they’re targeting you this time of year because they know people have saved up money and they know they’re shopping, and people are really vulnerable right now.”According to the Joint Economic Committee, scam activity surged last year. It reports phishing emails mimicking major U.S. retail brands like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy increased by more than 2,000% during the peak holiday shopping period. Black Friday and Cyber Monday phishing scams rose by nearly 700%. Hassan warned, “We want people to know some of the websites that may pop up on your screen are scam websites. They’re designed to make you think you’re buying from a legitimate retailer.”Bartholme advised consumers to be cautious, saying, “Once you start to feel that pressure, that’s a sure sign that it’s likely a scam call and the first thing to do is to just disconnect.” If you suspect you are being scammed, you can report fraud to the FTC on its website or contact your local police department. Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
WASHINGTON —
As the holiday season approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting consumers, prompting agencies and lawmakers to take action to protect the public.
Ed Bartholme, chief of the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, said scammers “adapt their messaging and their pitches to what is out there in the news to make it seem more real.”
The Federal Communications Commission proposed new rules in October to provide consumers with more information about incoming calls. Bartholme explained, “I think we’re all familiar with caller ID on our phone. We know that sometimes those numbers are spoofed. We, for the past couple of years, we’ve been working to make sure spoofing doesn’t happen.”
Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is investigating the rising rate of scams, especially during the holidays. “I’ve talked to lots of people in New Hampshire who have been victims of scams, some of them have lost their life savings,” Hassan said.
Hassan emphasized the vulnerability of consumers during this time, stating, “I really just want people to be aware that they’re targeting you this time of year because they know people have saved up money and they know they’re shopping, and people are really vulnerable right now.”
According to the Joint Economic Committee, scam activity surged last year. It reports phishing emails mimicking major U.S. retail brands like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy increased by more than 2,000% during the peak holiday shopping period. Black Friday and Cyber Monday phishing scams rose by nearly 700%.
Hassan warned, “We want people to know some of the websites that may pop up on your screen are scam websites. They’re designed to make you think you’re buying from a legitimate retailer.”
Bartholme advised consumers to be cautious, saying, “Once you start to feel that pressure, that’s a sure sign that it’s likely a scam call and the first thing to do is to just disconnect.”
If you suspect you are being scammed, you can report fraud to the FTC on its website or contact your local police department.
Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with reporters over inflation during Thursday’s briefing, accusing CNN’s Kaitlan Collins of trying to “push narratives.”
Collins pressed Leavitt to explain President Donald Trump‘s apparent mixed messaging regarding the economy, saying at one time that it was booming while at other times recommending parents pare back on Christmas gifts.
“Inflation is down from where it was. As measured by the overall CPI, it has slowed to an average 2.5% pace,” Leavitt said as Collins began to try to interject.
“This is down from what the president inherited. The president inherited 2.9% in January. Today, it’s at about 2.5%, so we’re trending in the right direction,” Leavitt continued. “And I would remind you, when President Trump left office in his first term, inflation was 1.7%, and the previous administration jacked it up to a record-high 9%.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 20, 2025. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
“In 10 months, the president has clawed us out of this hole, he’s kept it low at 2.5%, and we believe that number is going to continue to decline,” Leavitt added.
“Nobody is saying it wasn’t high under Biden,” Collins argued. “They’re just saying virtually [unchanged].”
“Nobody reported it on being high under Biden. My predecessor was standing up here at this podium, but now you want to ask me a lot of questions about it, which I’m happy to answer, but I will just add, there’s a lot more scrutiny on this issue from this press corps than there was,” Leavitt said.
“My predecessor stood up at this podium and she said inflation doesn’t exist. She said the border was secure,” Leavitt continued incredulously. “And people like you just took her at her word, and those were two utter lies. Everything I’m telling you is the truth backed by real factual data, and you just don’t want to report on it because you want to push untrue narratives about the president.”
Affordability has become a flashpoint heading into next year’s midterms, with Republicans now fine-tuning their messaging on the economy after a slew of Democrats won elections in 2025 running on a platform focused on lowering costs.
President Donald Trump has insisted that the economy is going in the right direction.(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump told Politico in an interview earlier this week that he would give his economy an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus” grade, but a November Fox News national survey found that some 76% of voters reported they view the economy negatively, up from the 67% who reported the same in July, and up from the 70% who said the same at the end of former President Joe Biden‘s term.
Fox News’ Alex Schemmel contributed to this report.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on X: @Hagstrom_Anders.
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I was exposed to the cryptocurrency world 3 years ago and got so interested in knowing so much about it. It all started when a friend of mine invested in a crypto asset, which he yielded massive gains from his investments.
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Trust me, I’ve had my share of experience with the ups and downs in the market but I never for once lost the passion to grow in the field. This is because I believe growth leads to excellence and that’s my goal in the field. And today, I am an employee of Bitcoinnist and NewsBTC news outlets.
My Bosses and co-workers are the best kinds of people I have ever worked with, in and outside the crypto landscape. I intend to give my all working alongside my amazing colleagues for the growth of these companies.
Sometimes I like to picture myself as an explorer, this is because I like visiting new places, I like learning new things (useful things to be precise), I like meeting new people – people who make an impact in my life no matter how little it is.
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Despite efforts to stop the sale, Meyer Chetrit’s ownership interests in four property-holding companies have been sold at auction to pay off a lender.
The buyers were Meyer’s brother, Juda Chetrit, and an entity associated with lender Maverick Real Estate Partners.
The sale, held on Tuesday, was the latest episode in the legal saga between Meyer Chetrit and Maverick Real Estate Partners, which is trying to collect on a $132 million judgment from the prominent developer connected to a now-foreclosed Manhattan hotel property. Chetrit served as a guarantor on the loan. Now that he hasn’t paid a judgment ordered in June, his interests have been garnished and are being auctioned off to pay for the judgment.
The public sale held on Tuesday didn’t draw any new faces. In a conference room at the offices of law firm Fox Rothschild, Juda Chetrit and Thomas Hooker, a representative for Maverick, traded bids on Meyer’s ownership interests.
Juda Chetrit was flanked by his son Michael, who now heads the Chetrit Organization. The two sat on the other end of a conference table from Meyer, separated by attorneys. Juda and Michael bid, seemingly reluctantly, on Meyer’s interests in a company that owns several industrial lots in Maspeth, Queens. That includes a warehouse at 57-18 Flushing Avenue.
But Maverick’s deeper pockets won out. The firm’s representative agreed to pay $9.8 million for the interest.
The Maverick associate also agreed to pay $1 million for a pair of LLCs associated with a largely undeveloped lot in Woodside at 70-50 Queens Boulevard. The lot was previously home to an Entemann’s bakery outlet. According to court documents from Meyer Chetrit, the developer effectively has a 16.5 percent interest in the property, which he says is worth between $12 million and $15 million, but has no income. Chetrit’s lawyers say the value of his interest in the property is negative or negligible, given that the property is encumbered by a $5 million mortgage and owes other funds to a managing member.
Juda Chetrit won a bidding exchange to pay $750,000 for Meyer’s interests in an LLC tied to two condo units at 49-51 Chambers Street in Manhattan. The units are worth about $6.5 million, according to an affidavit from Meyer. They have been cross-collateralized with other assets for a $9.5 million mortgage. Juda is already a member of the company owning the condos, according to an affidavit he filed in court. The two are unsold sponsor units from an office-to-condo conversion that opened in 2017.
Meyer and Juda Chetrit head different organizations, the Chetrit Group and Chetrit Organization, respectively, but still conduct some deals together. The two, with their brother Joseph and late brother Jacob, together comprised the patriarchs of the influential development family.
Lawyers for Meyer Chetrit, including attorney Leo Jacobs, attempted to stop the sale. They petitioned the court to pause the auction, arguing that the sale would depress Chetrit’s ability to pay the $132 million judgment and fail to generate maximum value. Chetrit is “willing to consider” a sale marketed by a broker, according to the petition.
“Chetrit has even been compelled to consider filing for personal bankruptcy,” the petition says. Personal bankruptcy would potentially put a pause on litigation and collection efforts.
A lower court judge declined to put a temporary restraining order on the sale. Chetrit’s lawyers appealed that decision, but the case is still pending. Jacobs said he objected to how the sale was conducted, saying the terms of sale needed to be distributed prior to the auction and bidders needed to be registered.
“Today’s auction is a textbook definition of how not to conduct an auction,” Jacobs said in a statement.
Two rounds of the auction were conducted before the terms of sale were distributed. Jacobs objected, prompting a do-over of the sales.
This isn’t the first time that Maverick and Chetrit have found themselves in court over the $132 million judgment, which originated from a default on a loan connected to a yet-to-open hotel tower at 255 West 34th Street.
The courtroom drama is just one of the problems facing Chetrit. The developer and his brother Joseph were indicted earlier this year for allegedly harassing septuagenarians in a rent-regulated loft unit. The Chetrits, through attorneys, have denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
Read more
Joseph Chetrit indicted in criminal tenant harassment case
Inside the Chetrit family’s growing legal tangle
Lenders allege Meyer Chetrit finding new ways to shield assets
Wenne Alton Davis, a New York–based actor known for their appearance on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, died on December 8, 2025, after being struck by an SUV in Midtown Manhattan. Davis, who was 60 years old, used they/them pronouns according to their Instagram, though their family used she/her pronouns in a statement honoring their memory.
Jamie Harris, Davis’ agent, shared a statement with permission from their family. “I can only describe Wenne Davis as a bright light. She had a huge love for New York, for acting, for her colleagues at JFK and, most of all, her family and her circle of friends (which was also huge).
“She was someone for whom friendliness and kindness were not what she did but more who she was as a person. I’ve talked to many of her friends in the past few days and all of them speak of her generous spirit and love of life.
“We all agree that she had much more to do in her career as an actor and her life. Literally, no one I’ve spoken to can believe that she’s no longer with us. She will be greatly missed by everyone here at CTG and all who knew and loved her.”
Learn more about Davis below.
They Appeared on ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
Davis was known for their appearance on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, starring Rachel Brosnahan, where they took on a supporting role that added to the show’s rich ensemble. Their work on the Emmy-winning series reflected the kind of grounded, character-driven performances they became known for throughout their career.
They Lived and Worked in New York City
Davis lived in Forest Hills, Queens, after moving to New York in their late 20s to pursue performance, first in stand-up comedy and later in acting. Alongside their work in film and television, they held a job in security at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Other Credits
Beyond Mrs. Maisel, Davis’ on-screen work included a range of television and film appearances. They appeared in New Amsterdam, Blindspot, Girls5eva, American Odyssey, Rescue Me, Shame and The Normal Heart, as well as independent films and shorts.
They Tragically Died After Being Struck by an SUV in NYC
Davis was fatally struck by an SUV on the night of December 8, 2025, while crossing Broadway near West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan. They had been walking with friends after dinner and were headed toward the subway when the accident occurred.
According to police, a 2023 Cadillac XT6 made a left turn as Davis was crossing, and they sustained severe trauma to the head and body. Davis was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where they later died from their injuries. The driver, a 61-year-old man, remained at the scene and has not been charged as of the latest reports, with the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad continuing its inquiry.
