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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Tessa Hulls On The Weight Of History, The Power Of Comics, And Winning A Pulitzer Prize
Tessa Hulls, writer/artist of Feeding Ghosts (Macmillian, 2024), winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize ... More for Memoir Earlier this month, Tessa Hulls was working her usual contract job as a sous-chef in the private legislative dining lounge at the Alaska state capital in Juneau when she started getting an unusually high volume of text messages on her phone. She glanced at them between tasks. Had she been nominated for some kind of award? Eventually, one of the legislators came up to her, put his arm over her shoulder, and told her, 'No, you weren't nominated. You just won a Pulitzer Prize!' Indeed, when the awards were announced on May 7, Hulls' memoir, Feeding Ghosts (Macmillan, 2024), became only the second graphic novel to win the prestigious award. The first, more than 30 years ago, was Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman. Like Maus, Feeding Ghosts is an intense blend of intergenerational family trauma and world-historical events. Tessa's maternal grandmother, Sun Yi, worked as a journalist in Shanghai in the 1940s and had a front row seat for the Communist revolution. Falling under increasing surveillance by the authorities, she eventually fled to Hong Kong with her daughter, Tessa's mother, but succumbed to mental illness from which she never recovered. The book explores Tessa's discovery of both the public and private history that her family had fled, told in expressionistic black and white drawings over nearly 400 pages. Page from Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls (Macmillian, 2024) Feeding Ghosts succeeds as a both work of narrative and a work of art, made a bunch of best-of- lists, and has won or been nominated for a stack of major awards including the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize, the Ainsfield Wolf Prize, the Libby Award, and the Will Eisner Award. While Maus winning a Special Citation Pulitzer in 1992 felt almost like the institution was condescending to recognize that 'wow, comics aren't just for kids anymore!', the award for Feeding Ghosts in the memoir category in 2025 seems like appropriate recognition for an undeniably serious and accomplished work, regardless of the medium of expression. 'I've always been a visual artist and a writer,' Hulls explained in a phone interview earlier this week. 'Writing was the scaffolding, but I came up as a visual artist. My main career was painting, but I started to realize that writing was a more important part of what I was doing.' Hulls says she left home as a teenager to embark on a life of restless travel, alternating stints in cities with long, solitary forays into the wilderness. Her biography on her website describes her as 'a compulsive genre hopper who has worked… as an illustrator, lecturer, cartoonist, editor, interviewer, historian, writer, performer, chef, muralist, conductor of social experiments, painter, bicycle mechanic, teacher and researcher.' Eventually she came to understand that her wanderlust was a symptom of a deeper ambiguity she carried with her. Writer/artist and adventurer Tessa Hulls 'I grew up with my grandmother and my nuclear family and knew something horrific had happened to her, but it was never really talked about and I didn't have the context of Chinese history to understand what had brought her to that point. All I knew is that I had a complicated relationship with my mom and I literally ran away from it to become this globetrotting adventurer.' Shortly after she turned 30, Hulls said she realized she would never have peace until she faced her family drama. She got back in touch with her mother to explain that she had to tell this story, no matter how hard or how long it would take. The journey ended up lasting nine years, during which time Hulls had to internalize the craft of both journalists and historians to come to grips with the full scope of the subject. It drained her enough that she has sworn she will never do another book, notwithstanding the remarkable success that Feeding Ghosts has enjoyed. 'I had to learn a lot of history to understand how my grandmother's story was nestled within the broader strokes of what was happening in China,' she says, admitting that she used the scholarship as an excuse to delay dealing with the emotional issues she knew she would eventually have to explore. While she was working on the book, she became an 'accidental graphic journalist,' covering the CHOP uprising in Seattle where protesters occupied the neighborhood around a police precinct for several weeks in response to the George Floyd killing in 2020. 'I had always understood how comics are a powerful tool for explaining context and being able to visually show the relationship between the macrocosm and the microcosm,' she says. 'I could see that the information about CHOP that was going out on social and other media didn't contain the context to make sense of it.' She used her personal knowledge of the neighborhood and the protests to inform her coverage. Her comics-style reportage became a critical firsthand source of information and breaking news. 'I think that experience really showed me the power of comics journalism, and it also made me really wary about the reductive way that complex information is filtered through social media. It both caused me to embrace and pull back from what that sort of mode of journalism could be.' In Feeding Ghosts, the disconnect between Sun Yi's training and instincts as a journalist, and the requirements of the increasingly totalitarian Communist regime to make reality conform to their narrative, literally drove her insane. Hulls acknowledges the parallels with her experience covering an event like CHOP, which is now described in the consensus discourse as an event where Seattle descended into chaos and anarchy, rather than a demonstration of solidarity around social justice. 'That was one of the threads that I became really fascinated by,' she says. 'The ways people become paranoid. People choose to sever ties and we all living within our own realities. That's so much a talking point that we forget that there is a huge amount of collateral damage that happens within interpersonal relationships when people withdraw into their own realities.' When Feeding Ghosts was finally published after nearly a decade of intense work, Hulls says she felt a sense of liberation in finally having the story out in the world. She says the recognition and awards, while surprising (at least in the case of the Pulitzer, which does not publish a shortlist of works under consideration and only announces the winner), were validating of the journey. 'In the aftermath of this complete shock of winning a Pulitzer, I think what I've been reflecting on and really feeling is this sense of Oh my God, my grandma did it! She saved my mom, and she saved me. And this prize has given me a feeling of safety that goes so far beyond my personal circumstances where it feels like it has allowed me to put down a fear that my family has been carrying for three generations.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Early proposal for homeless parking area in South Anchorage gets backlash from nearby businesses
May 30—The Municipality of Anchorage is pursuing a plan to allow around 50 vehicles to park overnight on two pieces of municipal land. The measure, referred to as "designated parking" by members of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration, is one of several efforts to make new shelter options available for homeless people in the city. Though officials are still in the early stages of the process, one of the city-owned parcels that is a candidate for the vehicle parking site is in South Anchorage, close to several large businesses. This week, rumors about the plan spread on social media sites like Facebook and Nextdoor. By Wednesday, one of the two Assembly members representing South Anchorage was posting to social media about the proposal, referring to it both as a "homeless camp" and "a car camping site." "I learned the same way everybody else did," said Assembly member Keith McCormick on Thursday, explaining he first heard about the nascent proposal through a Facebook post by a local towing company that was widely shared. "I got dozens of emails, phone calls on my personal phone." The potential "designated parking" site in South Anchorage is municipal land, an easement running down what is technically a section of Cordova Street between 104th and 106th avenues and behind a large Bass Pro Shop that many people still refer to as Cabela's, which it used to be before the two companies merged. The administration has not identified other specific locations, but an information sheet prepared by city officials said they are considering "up to two areas for overnight parking" that could host up to 25 vehicles each. The idea from the LaFrance administration is to create a secure place for homeless people living in their cars, trucks or RVs to stay overnight, rather than guiding them into congregate shelters or having them skirt rules by parking on residential streets or big store parking lots. "This is intended to reduce illegal and unsafe car camping and the impact of unmanaged vehicles in residential and public areas during the summer months. It is a seasonal public health and safety measure to help prevent people from parking in unsafe, unauthorized, or high-traffic locations," according to a statement from the mayor's office. The administration said that alongside the new overnight parking areas, they will ramp up police enforcement "against prohibited vehicular camping everywhere else in the Municipality," and plan to introduce an ordinance to the Assembly that would let the municipality impound "any vehicle used for camping outside of designated parking." [Large homeless camp in Davis Park will be cleared in mid-June, Anchorage mayor says] During Mayor Dave Bronson's tenure, members of his administration worked with the Assembly on examining the potential of sanctioning overnight vehicle parking in a controlled environment as a tactic for managing homelessness. Though the plans never came to fruition, an ordinance submitted by the Bronson administration in 2024 and approved by the Assembly that spring tightened prohibitions on homeless encampments and included provisions on permitting "designated safe parking areas." "In recognition of the need for temporary housing for homeless persons living in vehicles, it is the purpose of this section to allow religious, non-profit, and governmental organizations to use property owned or controlled by them as designated safe parking areas, while preventing harmful effects associated with such uses, including crime or public nuisance," the ordinance states. The LaFrance administration pursued the idea. In a document it sent to the Assembly this spring, the administration included a brief description of the "designated parking" plan that was forming. "Vehicles must be roadworthy, and residents must have a valid driver's license. The site will be operated by a contractor who can offer security and facilities including bathrooms and showers," according to the document, titled "Turning the Tide." In a May 21 presentation to the Assembly's Housing and Homelessness Committee, Thea Agnew Bemben, a special assistant to the mayor, told members the administration hopes to have the Anchorage Health Department put out a Request For Proposal, or RFP, early this summer. The city aims to contract out services running the "designated parking" site, enforcing rules, managing the property and making sure occupants have their vehicle registration in order. Many of the operational details involved in the plan will be determined as a contractor is selected and protocols are implemented. According to the city's information sheet, parking will only be allowed overnight, with all vehicles required to leave by 8 a.m. Garbage disposal and bathrooms will be on site. At least two "safety monitors" will be present to ensure rules are followed, and outreach teams will go to the locations to "connect participants to housing, job training, and health care." The program will end in the fall before the weather gets cold. "This will not be a permanent location. Sleeping in vehicles is not safe in the winter, so designated parking will not be available after October. Designated parking is meant to be a temporary, cost-effective way to supplement Anchorage's shelter safety net during the summer," according to the administration. Though the city already has the money it would need to stand up the program, Bemben said the Assembly and public will have a chance to weigh in when the RFP and operations contract come before them. The information was shared by the mayor's office in a public meeting of the Assembly's Housing and Homelessness Committee last week. McCormick, who is vice chair of the committee, did not attend the meeting because of a work conflict. He said the mayor's office did not reach out to the South Anchorage Assembly members to give them a heads-up that the easement on Cordova Street was being looked at. On Thursday, he said he learned about the proposed site from a social media post by Vulcan Towing and Recovery, which leases a sizable vehicle lot running alongside the municipal easement. "Letting everybody know in South Anchorage that this is coming to our neighborhood. Please share this post on all social media sites," wrote Vulcan's owner, Justin Creech, on his Facebook page. "This location they have selected for a homeless camp will be directly next to Cabela's and target off of C St. It is directly next-door to my lot." Vulcan Towing and Recovery did not immediately respond to an email requesting to speak with Creech. A few other individuals with business connections in the area also weighed in online, criticizing efforts to establish homelessness resources in South Anchorage and accusing the mayor's office and Assembly of trying to sneak the policy through. Informal car camps have been a significant issue for the municipality in recent years. A sprawling encampment with a mix of tents and vehicles on Fairbanks Street last year saw a shooting death, widespread drug use, piles of garbage and violence before it was cleared. The year prior, close to 100 vehicles gradually amassed at an enormous encampment around Third Avenue and Ingra Street, including box trucks and dilapidated city buses being rented out to people to sleep in. Many of the people living in cars, trucks, and RVs say they are one of the few safe places for them to stay, store their belongings and shelter from weather, even if the vehicles don't run. In a video he posted to social media, McCormick said he has reservations about the proposal because of its potential impacts on businesses. "We've got Cabela's, (for) all the dads, all the guys, and outdoor ladies here in town. We got Target next door. Huge shopping area," McCormick said in the video. "This is one of the mainstay shopping spots that they just built for South Anchorage. Smashburger. Starbucks. Orangetheory. Yogas, Pilates. Like, this is the happening place to be." In a later interview, McCormick said his other concern is about the "scatter shelter model" of dispersing smaller facilities all around town that are more specifically tailored to the needs of different subgroups of people without permanent homes. "When we spread them out to every reach of our city, we can't get them the services they truly need ... I think we need to consolidate our resources," McCormick said by phone. Another worry he has is that after vehicles leave the designated parking area, they will be driven to lots belonging to nearby stores to wait out the day. "This is the central area for shopping, where moms go to buy diapers at Target," he said. "We're creating an unfriendly business environment in the center of South Anchorage's new shopping area." Farina Brown, a special assistant to LaFrance focused on housing and homelessness, said Thursday that the administration is "very excited to move forward with designated parking," and expects its RFP to be ready in early June, with the aim of having two sites available in July.
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Northern Lights Alert: These 10 States Could See Aurora Borealis Saturday
The northern lights may make an appearance in up to 10 U.S. states Saturday night, according to a forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has issued one of its most favorable aurora forecasts in weeks. Saturday's viewing line for the northern lights stretches as far south as central South Dakota. ... More (Photo by) NOAA forecasters have issued a Kp index of four, a geomagnetic activity metric that suggests an increase in auroral activity and lights that 'can be quite pleasing to look at' for observers in the right places. The Kp index is forecast to reach its highest points from 4 p.m. CDT to 4 a.m. CDT. The curved viewing line for Saturday goes as far south as central South Dakota, encompassing areas within 10 states, although the farther north people are located, the better chance they will have at seeing the northern lights. The northern lights forecast for Sunday calls for less auroral activity, so observers thinking about getting a look at the aurora should probably do so Saturday night. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here. The lights may be visible in Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, the northern half of South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan (including the Michigan Peninsula) and Maine. As usual, much of Alaska and Canada will have the highest likelihood of seeing the northern lights. Saturday's viewing line. The window of time between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time generally provides the best way to get a glimpse of the northern lights. Areas with clear skies and little to no light pollution can also improve viewing chances. Smartphone users should avoid using flash and turn on night mode when trying to snap a picture of the northern lights. Those with standard cameras should use wide-angle lenses, low shutter speeds and high apertures. Solar events like the northern lights are expected to continue into next year, as the sun reached a 'solar maximum' in October, marking its peak solar activity in an 11-year cycle. Events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections contribute to northern lights activity, which occurs when electrons collide with molecules of nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere and produce energy in the form of light. Get Ready For 50 Years Of Intense Northern Lights, Scientists Say (Forbes)
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Summer 2025 forecast calls for 'overwhelmingly above normal' heat starting in June
Meteorologists say summer is right around the corner — and it's set to be a doozie. June 1 marks the first day of meteorological summer, the kickoff of the three months that typically feel the hottest (although the calendar will technically say it's spring until June 20). According to multiple outlooks, summer 2025 will be a scorcher. The summer forecast calls for hotter-than-normal temperatures from coast-to-coast, according to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center and other private forecasters. "Model guidance was overwhelmingly above normal across the U.S. and most of Alaska for the upcoming summer season," Johnna Infanti, meteorologist for NOAA's Climate Prediction Center told USA TODAY via email. No part of the U.S. is forecast to see a cooler-than-average summer. That's bad news for: Cooling bills, which could run high this summer, AccuWeather warned. Wildfires, as smoke is already causing problems with air quality. Extreme heat illness and death, which is deadlier than floods, tornadoes, wind storms, or hurricanes. Above normal temperatures most likely over the West, Southwest, Florida, and New England, Infanti said. Keep your cool: Experts on how to stay safe, avoid sunburns in record-high temps An overall hotter and drier summer forecast still remains in place across a lot of the country, said DTN meteorologist John Baranick in a an online forecast. The Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Great Plains have greater chances of below-normal precipitation, the CPC said. Drought is favored to persist or expand in these regions and in the Southwest. The Eastern U.S. is favored to see a wetter summer, including some drought relief later in June. Parts of the nation have a greater likelihood of significant wildfires, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center. In June, the coastal Southeast, central Texas, the Four Corners, and parts of California and the Pacific Northwest have greater risk of fire. In July and August, fire risk transitions to Hawaii, the Southern Plains, and parts of the Great Basin, California, and the Northwest. However, as the nation saw in late May, fires in Canada can impact air quality down here in the U.S. AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok said that fires in Canada will likely bring smoke to the northwestern and north-central U.S. through the summer, exacerbating health concerns for people susceptible to poor air quality. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Summer 2025 forecast calls for a sweltering temps across US
New York Times
9 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
This ‘Mountainhead' Star Only Looks Like a Nihilist
Cory Michael Smith was disappointed. 'I'm a big fan of pepperoni with a little more constitution,' he said, looking down at the slice of pizza on his plate. 'These are tired. They're tired cups.' This was the day after the premiere party for 'Mountainhead,' the Jesse Armstrong movie that premieres Saturday on HBO. A Vantablack comedy of wealth, power and moral negligence, it evokes Armstrong's earlier fable of the megarich, 'Succession,' but is more explicitly attuned to current anxieties about Silicon Valley oligarchs. Smith stars as a social media mogul named Venis (rhymes with menace), a pampered edgelord holed up in a cartoonishly swank chalet (the Mountainhead of the title) with other tech machers, played by Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman and Ramy Youssef. Venis's content creation tools have destabilized much of the global South, but he remains mostly unbothered. 'Nothing means anything, and everything is funny and cool,' he tells his fellow founders, as they swipe past scenes of chaos. In person, Smith, 38, was not quite so nihilistic, though he had dressed the part, a man in black on black on black — pants, coat, shirt, tie, shoes. Offscreen, Smith is abidingly polite, with a wide smile that narrows his eyes to slits. He lives in the West Village, though increasingly work keeps him away. He had flown in for the premiere and soon he would fly out again, to Alaska where he is shooting a film that he was forbidden to discuss. Smith ('Gotham,' 'Carol,' 'May December') is suddenly so in demand that he had to miss Cannes, at which 'Sentimental Value,' a movie in which he co-stars, was awarded the Grand Prix. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
