Latest news with #EntertainmentDistrict

Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Families of men killed in Halloween shooting to sue City of Orlando, OPD
On Oct. 31, Tyrek Hill was preparing to discuss with his mother the possibility of buying a truck to start his own towing company. Timothy Schmidt Jr. was showing a friend around Orlando, where Hill was a student at the University of Central Florida. That night, both men decided to hit downtown for its annual Halloween block party. Neither made it out alive after being gunned down by 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, who inexplicably was carrying a weapon as he strolled among the partygoers. Now, the families of both men are suing, accusing the city and the Orlando Police Department of wrongful death by failing to provide adequate security. On Tuesday, two of their parents — Timothy Schmidt Sr. and Teresa Clinton, Hill's mother — met in person for the first time to announce the lawsuit, joined by attorneys Michael Haggard and Douglas McCarron. 'We're in an awful club that you don't want to be in,' Schmidt Sr. said. Hill added, 'Our sons left here somewhat the same. … We're trauma-bonded.' Several businesses that make up the city's Entertainment District are also set to be named in the lawsuit, but the attorneys declined to name them. Haggard said the city and OPD have been notified of the coming lawsuit, which is expected to be filed later this month. This month also marks the ninth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 49 people before the shooter was killed by law enforcement. 'Everybody in the community should be asking: has anything changed?' Haggard said. 'Has anything changed in society? Has anything changed in how businesses deal with this, the government deals with this, or anything along those lines?' About 75,000 people were partying downtown Halloween night when gunfire erupted on two separate occasions. The first happened on the corner of North Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard, where city surveillance video showed Edgar shot Hill in the head from close range while walking past him. He then shot Schmidt Jr. shortly after, striking him in the heart in front of Sly Fox Bar following an altercation in which Schmidt Jr. wasn't involved. Edgar, who turns 18 in September, was arrested as he tried to flee amid a panicked, scattering crowd. He was charged as an adult on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder, with his next court appearance expected to take place Aug. 25. While a City of Orlando spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation, officials at the time of the shooting pointed to a state law allowing gun owners to carry in public places without a permit. They said that prevented the city from conducting its own weapons checks in the downtown area, as it had previously. Still, Haggard said, city authorities should have been prepared for that. In 2024 there were about 500 mass shootings throughout the U.S. including 32 in Florida, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks shootings nationwide. This year, six of the 133 mass shootings so far were in the state. 'Our laws in the State of Florida are awful regarding gun safety, there's no question about that,' Haggard said. 'But the City of Orlando knows that, the police department knows that, the entertainment district knows that. … So businesses have to step up in the environment they're in.' As for the families, they intend to carry on their sons' legacies. Since the shooting, Schmidt Sr. founded a nonprofit seeking to help others in similar situations. Clinton, Hill's mother, seeks to do the same. While they both seek justice for their children's deaths, Schmidt Sr. and Hill say they share a common aim: reform. 'We can point the blame at anybody, but who will step up and make a change?' Hill said. 'Let's make a difference. It doesn't have to just be us, it can be all — or is it just another person dead in the streets and another suspect in jail?'


CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
New entertainment district open on 104 Street
Visitors to the Downtown Farmers' Market enjoy a live music performance. Dogs on leash are allowed to attend, too. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton) The City of Edmonton launched a new Entertainment District on Saturday. The new pedestrian-only space runs along 104 Street between Jasper Avenue and 104 Avenue. Visitors will find live entertainment, as well as food and drinks – including alcohol – they can buy and consume anywhere within the district. It will be activated during the Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturdays during the summer, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 'The Entertainment District bylaw creates even more of a positive impact on the businesses bordering our public events like the Farmers' Market by allowing patrons to buy drinks inside and enjoy them out on the street,' said EDBA CEO Puneeta McBryan. 'This supports our efforts to create a vibrant place to live, work and play by supporting the restaurant sector and providing fun, exciting experiences for Edmontonians and visitors.' Edmonton's first entertainment district was opened last year on Rice Howard Way as part of a pilot project. It was awarded the 2024 Economic Developers of Alberta award for best renewal project. 'The addition of another District will infuse even more energy and enthusiasm into the heart of our city,' Tom Girvan, director of Downtown economy said. More information on the entertainment districts can be found on the city's website.


Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rengoku's lasting impact on Tanjiro in Demon Slayer
Credits: Crunchyroll Kyojuro Rengoku , the spirited Flame Hashira introduced in the Mugen Train Arc , becomes a pivotal figure in Tanjiro Kamado 's journey. In just one fateful encounter on the train, Rengoku's boundless energy and unwavering honor profoundly impacted the young Demon Slayer . As one reviewer notes, 'Rengoku undeniably had the most influence on Tanjiro's character in such a short span of time'. Through his bravery and the wisdom he imparts in his final moments (for example, insisting that 'growing old and dying is what gives meaning and beauty to a human life' ), Rengoku inspires Tanjiro to treasure life's fragility and grow stronger. Voice actor Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro's Japanese VA) has said that Tanjiro 'often recalls Rengoku's words to stay resilient'– a testament to how the Flame Hashira's lesson of courage lives on in the hero's heart even after his death. A fiery mentor in the Mugen Train Arc In the Mugen Train story, Rengoku arrives as a mentor-like figure. His blazing fight against the dream-demon Enmu and then the Upper-Rank demon Akaza leaves Tanjiro awestruck. Rengoku's fearless example – smiling while protecting passengers and declaring 'no matter how devastated you feel, just set your heart ablaze ' – pushes Tanjiro to hone his own skills. After Rengoku sacrifices himself, Tanjiro and his friends bury him, and Tanjiro vows to live up to Rengoku's ideals. Credits: Crunchyroll The emotional weight of Rengoku's sacrifice is captured in Tanjiro's tears and vow for revenge, but more importantly in his resolve to keep moving forward. As Hanae explains, Tanjiro considers Rengoku 'very much still alive' in his heart, using the fallen Hashira's spirited words as a source of strength. In effect, Rengoku's fiery spirit becomes a guiding force, making Tanjiro a better swordsman and solidifying his determination to protect others. Mentorship echoes in the Entertainment District Even in the Entertainment District Arc , where Rengoku does not physically appear, his legacy is clearly felt. One striking moment comes early in this arc: Tanjiro faithfully delivers Kyojuro's last message to his family. In fact, episode scripts note Tanjiro 'visits the Rengoku residence to deliver Kyojuro's last message'. This poignant scene underscores Tanjiro's deep respect and affection for his mentor – Rengoku's memory now touches Tanjiro's life off the battlefield as well. The act of carrying Rengoku's letter by hand shows that Rengoku's influence has become part of Tanjiro's very honor and personal code. Credits: Crunchyroll On the battlefield in Yoshiwara, Tanjiro's fighting style also bears Rengoku's imprint. During the brutal battle against the Upper-Rank demons Daki and Gyutaro, Tanjiro fights with a redoubled spirit that echoes Rengoku's passion. Although Tanjiro wields the Hinokami Kagura (Sun Breathing) technique rather than Flame Breathing, fans often note how Tanjiro's fiery determination in this arc reflects lessons from Rengoku's example. After prevailing, Tanjiro emerges still driven by the Flame Hashira's words. As Natsuki Hanae puts it, 'every time Tanjiro remembers Rengoku's words, it moves me' – showing how Rengoku's mentorship has permanently shaped Tanjiro's resolve. A forged legacy in the Swordsmith Village Arc The Swordsmith Village Arc brings Rengoku's legacy into full view through symbols and family ties. Early on, Tanjiro must explain the damage to his sword and forge a new one. Remarkably, Rengoku's own old sword literally saves a life: in one episode, Kotetsu (the Mist Hashira) survives a deadly demon strike because he holds onto Rengoku's old sword hilt , which Tanjiro then uses to craft his next blade. The article explains that 'the strike to [Kotetsu's] chest was actually blocked by Rengoku's sword hilt that Tanjiro made him hold onto to use for Tanjiro's next sword'. In other words, Rengoku's weapon – and thus his spirit – live on in Tanjiro's new Nichirin sword. This powerful image shows Rengoku protecting the Demon Slayers even after death, as the Hashira 'continues to be one of the major standouts' whose impact resonates. Credits: IMDb Moreover, the new sword marked with Rengoku's hilt symbolizes Tanjiro carrying the Flame Hashira's ideals forward. In Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro also meets Rengoku's family, deepening his connection to Rengoku's memory. Other characters echo this influence: the Mist Hashira Muichiro remembers how Rengoku inspired him and many peers. As one review notes, Rengoku 'was likely the key member of the Hashira that helped the others along. He's still managed to influence things from beyond the grave thanks to his impact on everyone'. Tanjiro, in turn, internalizes this legacy. Even Rengoku's voice actor remarks that watching those flashbacks brings him to tears, saying Rengoku is 'a huge presence' – not just for Tanjiro, but for the entire Demon Slayer Corps. In the end, Tanjiro's growth carries the flame kindled by Rengoku. From the selfless courage Rengoku showed on the Mugen Train to the way Tanjiro honors him in later arcs, Rengoku's legacy remains a constant influence. Tanjiro's journey – through the Entertainment District and Swordsmith Village arcs and beyond – is indelibly shaped by the Flame Hashira's example. Rengoku's spirit lives on in every lesson Tanjiro learns and every battle he fights, lighting the way for a young hero who carries his mentor's fiery heart into the future Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .


Time of India
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Demon Slayer's villains are more than monsters – They're victims of tragedy
Demon Slayer's villains are more than monsters – They're victims of tragedy Credit- Fandom If you're unfamiliar with Demon Slayer : Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba First with sword wielding, monster fighting, good vs evil anime. This series does something so radical and dangerous. It humanizes its villains, often presenting them with tragic life stories that you can't help but empathize with, even when they're working against the hero. Unlike other shows where the antagonists are just evil, taking joy in harming others and committing destructive acts for the sake of it, Demon Slayer reveals that these demons were once humans themselves. Operation Sindoor Pak drones enter Indian airspace, explosions heard just hours after truce deal Sirens, explosions in border districts after Pak breaks deal: What we know so far 'What happened to ceasefire?' J&K CM after explosions heard across Srinagar Most of them were shattered by pain, poverty, loss, and betrayal long before they ever turned into these monsters. Why Demon Slayer's villains feel so real While most anime infuse their protagonists with this level of emotional complexity, Demon Slayer shares that same nuance with its antagonists. These demons don't feel like enemies. They're deeply sympathetic, tragic victims of their own beautiful, human lives. That's what makes this anime so great, so full of emotion. Rather than portraying demons as senseless murderers, the TV series provides them with complex backstories that outline how they've come to be this way. They didn't decide to be dastardly. The world forced them to extremes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Tragic origins: How sad lives turned humans into demons Each of these demons is shown to have originated from a terrible childhood. Some of these were abused, others poor and sick, most lost the people they loved most. Realistically, when they were just about to crack under the pain, they surrendered to an entity named Muzan Kibutsuji , the series' main antagonist, who transformed them into demons in return for strength or freedom. Or consider Daki and Gyutaro. These sibling demons, introduced in the Entertainment District arc, were born into the worst type of poverty. Gyutaro was beaten and ridiculed his entire life while Daki was exploited for her looks. They turned into demons, not because they desired to torture other people, but because they desired to survive. Even in death, they didn't rage against the flames—they wept as one, hand-in-hand, recalling the connection they had created as people. Yet as he realized how alone he was, that moment became one of the most soul-crushing in the entire series. These fights aren't just action scenes—They're emotional stories What sets Demon Slayer apart more than anything else is the way each emotional backstory completely reshapes our perspective of each fight. Each battle turns into more than mere good vs. evil. It transforms into a painful realization, a moment of regret, and a glimpse of humanity. When Tanjiro Kamado – the show's main hero, and the avatar to whom viewers and players will mostly relate – fights demons, he doesn't think of them like monsters. Even after he has cast them down he still prays for their souls and does them good. He knows that these demons were once human beings who had hurt people horribly. A perfect illustration of this is Akaza, the most physically powerful upper rank demon. Prior to his transformation into a beast, he was a sensitive young man who initially only went to war to defend his ill father, and eventually his betrothed. After losing them both, he lost the will to live and accepted Muzan's offer. His final fight against Tanjiro and Giyu in the Infinity Castle is beautiful, action-packed as well as heart-wrenching. Akaza does not only battle with his fists. He fights against his memories, unable to let go of the suffering of his history. Rui: A lonely child behind the mask On the surface, the demon Rui in Season 1, Mugen train arc seems like a pretty evil Spider demon that manipulates a false family with threats. In reality, Rui was a deeply sick and lonely child who just wanted the same things all children do — love and acceptance. His parents were only ever trying to protect him, and after his transformation into a demon, he lost memories of their love and made his own perverted version of a family. When Rui is defeated, he suddenly recalls who his biological parents are and begins crying, demonstrating that even he was not born a monster. This moment is a testament to the fact that Demon Slayer doesn't just kill its villains—it redeems them, even postmortem. Why these sad stories matter so much Demon Slayer reveals the important truth that evil is born not only out of hatred, but through suffering. Most demons didn't want to harm civilians, were too shattered internally to prevent themselves from going off course. Even Muzan, the final boss, was motivated by fear. His fear of death and weakness. He was so desperate to be immortal that he unleashed an army of demons on the world. His story only serves to show us that even the most unexpected monsters had roots and reasons for their cruelty. It's these powerful stories that make Demon Slayer more than the baddest action anime on the docket, rather a juggernaut of emotional intensity and riveting storytelling. By revealing each of the demons' pasts, the series is reiterating that no one is born evil—it's the world around them that changes them. Where to watch Demon Slayer Here's how, when, and where you can watch Demon Slayer: Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu in the United States and the United Kingdom. The emotional histories kick off from the very first season, so it's best to go back to the beginning. Final thoughts In Demon Slayer, antagonists are often much deeper than just the bad guys. They can be reminders of how powerful pain can get, its ability to destroy, and how important it is to show kindness—even to those who seem beyond saving. If you're looking for an anime that combines pulse-pounding action with soul-stirring emotion, this one is as essential as it gets. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .