Latest news with #Garland
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Harvard's left-leaning history of commencement speakers amid debate about lack of viewpoint diversity
As Harvard University faces more criticism over its lack of conservative views on campus, the school continued a pattern of inviting more left-leaning commencement speakers for its students on Thursday. Physician and author Abraham Verghese spoke to the graduating class of 2025 and used his speech to attack the "cascade of draconian government measures" from the Trump administration that have led to widespread "uncertainty, pain, and suffering." He also called on Harvard to stand firm against them. "More people than you realize are grateful for Harvard for the example it has set," Verghese said. "By your clarity in affirming and courageously defending the essential values of this university, and indeed of this nation." He also highlighted his status as an immigrant at a time when "legal immigrants and others who are lawfully in this country worry about being wrongly detained and even deported." Harvard Professor Urges University To Embrace Ideological Balance Amid Clash With Trump Admin References to ongoing political conflicts are not new in university commencement speeches, but at Harvard, the political comments have been largely left-leaning, with some of the examples being Democratic politicians themselves. Read On The Fox News App Since 2015, Harvard has hosted former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis and former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. Garland's address was largely spent warning 2020 and 2021 graduates about the threat to democracy following the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. "At home, we are also facing threats to democracy – different in kind, but threats, nonetheless," Garland said in 2022. "We see them in efforts to undermine the right to vote. We see them in the violence and threats of violence that are directed at people because of who they are or how they serve the public. We saw them when a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power." Harvard President Pressed On Why Americans Hate University, Acknowledges 'Real Problems We Should Address' Guests over the past decade have also included foreign leaders such as former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. During their speeches, they touted legislative accomplishments and goals for issues like climate change and abortion. "In the past ten years, we have passed laws that include everything from the introduction of gay marriage and the banning of conversion therapy, right through to embedding a 1.5 degree climate change target into law, banning military-style semi-automatics and assault rifles, and the decriminalization of abortion," Ardern boasted in 2022. Journalists such as Maria Ressa and former Washington Post editor Martin Baron spoke to graduates about the dangers of "disinformation" and the importance of a free press. "Facts and truth are matters of life and death. Misinformation, disinformation, delusions and deceit can kill," Baron said in 2020. Other speakers included filmmaker Steven Spielberg, actor Tom Hanks and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, each of whom has had a history of supporting Democratic politicians. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Harvard President Alan Garber recently addressed conservative viewpoints appearing unwelcome on campus and called it a "problem" that needs to be solved. "Many members of our community have been alarmed that students have become increasingly reluctant to speak openly about controversial or uncomfortable topics, especially if they believe their personal views are unpopular. That's a problem we need to solve," Garber said. Harvard University announced after Verghese's speech that it had appointed alum Kannon K. Shanmugam, an attorney with "strong Republican ties," to the Harvard Corporation. In a statement to the Harvard Crimson, Garber expressed optimism that Shanmugam would provide "fresh perspectives and valuable insights." The spotlight on Harvard's lack of viewpoint diversity comes as the Trump administration announces more cuts to federal funding for the article source: Harvard's left-leaning history of commencement speakers amid debate about lack of viewpoint diversity
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Darius Garland And Jarrett Allen Are No Longer Considered Untouchable By Cavaliers
Darius Garland And Jarrett Allen Are No Longer Considered Untouchable By Cavaliers originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering a pivotal offseason with serious questions surrounding two of their key players. According to Cavs insider Chris Fedor, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are no longer considered untouchable, a clear signal that Cleveland may be ready to shake things up after a disappointing postseason exit. Advertisement This is a stark departure from the franchise's previous stance. Garland and Allen were once viewed as integral building blocks. But after another early playoff flameout, the Cavaliers are acknowledging what's become obvious: the current core has hit its ceiling. Cleveland's regular season told a different story. They finished first in the Eastern Conference with a stellar 64–18 record, the second-best mark in franchise history behind only the 2016 championship team. However, injuries and underwhelming performances doomed their playoff run. Garland missed the first two games of their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers and looked out of rhythm upon returning. He averaged just 14 points on abysmal shooting splits and struggled to generate any offensive momentum. Jarrett Allen, meanwhile, was healthy but ineffective. Across Games 4 and 5, he totaled just 11 points and six rebounds, staggering numbers for a player expected to anchor the paint. Advertisement The Pacers outplayed the Cavaliers in every facet, handing Cleveland a humiliating 44-point deficit at one point in Game 4 and ultimately eliminating them in just five games. The playoff letdown has prompted Cleveland's front office to reconsider its trajectory. The Cavaliers are severely limited in flexibility due to salary cap constraints. They are currently operating above the second apron, which restricts their ability to sign free agents, aggregate salaries in trades, and even use their full mid-level exception. In short, the only way to truly retool the roster is to part with significant pieces, and that likely means moving either Garland, Allen, or both. Garland's playoff inconsistency is a growing concern. While the 24-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in the regular season, his postseason track record leaves much to be desired. Advertisement His career playoff numbers pale in comparison to his regular season stats, particularly in scoring efficiency and decision-making under pressure. Despite his playmaking upside and youth, the Cavs may view him as a movable asset in pursuit of a better-fitting backcourt partner for Donovan Mitchell. Allen's durability and limitations have also drawn scrutiny. He missed most of the 2024 postseason due to a rib injury and was largely a non-factor this year against Indiana. While Allen remains one of the league's better rim protectors, his limited offensive game and struggles against physical playoff opponents have cast doubt on his long-term fit next to Mobley. The Cavaliers don't want to waste Mitchell's prime or Mobley's growth curve. With both stars viewed as foundational, it's clear the organization is ready to explore bold changes. Advertisement The Garland-Allen duo may have helped lift Cleveland out of its post-LeBron era, but if the Cavaliers want to be more than regular-season darlings, they might need to make some painful but necessary moves. Related: New Trade Idea Sends Four Players To The Lakers, Including Top Center From Eastern Powerhouse This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Geek Tyrant
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Alex Garland Looking To Cast WARFARE's Kit Connor For Lead Role in A24's ELDEN RING Movie — GeekTyrant
Alex Garland's upcoming adaptation of Elden Ring is in talks with rising actor Kit Connor ( Heartstopper, Warfare ) to lead the dark fantasy epic for A24 and Bandai Namco. While nothing has been signed yet, multiple sources say both Garland and Connor are very much on board and want to make this collaboration happen. Talks are still early, and scheduling hurdles remain, but the pairing makes a lot of sense. Garland just worked with Connor on Warfare , a gritty war drama that also featured Charles Melton, Joseph Quinn, and Will Poulter. That film only strengthened Garland's relationship with A24, a partnership that now spans four out of his five feature films. So it's no surprise the studio is backing him again for what's shaping up to be one of its most ambitious productions ever. The Elden Ring adaptation was already an event, but locking in Kit Connor would mark a huge addition. Connor's rise has been swift from his breakout in Heartstopper to landing high-profile projects like the upcoming Netflix film A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow. If the deal closes, this would be another massive step in his trajectory. As for the Elden Ring film itself, Garland is writing and directing, with Game of Thrones mastermind George R. R. Martin producing alongside Vince Gerardis. Martin, of course, helped shape the lore of the original game with FromSoftware's Hidetaka Miyazaki. No story details have been shared, but it would make sense for the film to tell the story of Vyke the Dragonspear. It a really strong story, and if you're not familiar with it, you can read all about it here. With Elden Ring being such a huge and epic video game that has been a massive success, it makes sense that the property is getting the feature film treatment. The game's upcoming expansion, Elden Ring: Nightreign, drops worldwide on May 30. If Garland and Connor lock this in, it'll mark not only a reunion but a big creative partnership that could bring the Lands Between to life in a way that honors both the game's mythic scale and its somber, otherworldly tone. Given Garland's track record ( Ex Machina , Annihilation , Men ), and A24's willingness to go big, fans might be in for something truly special, an epic cinematic saga. Source: Deadline
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Kit Connor eyed for lead role in Alex Garland's Elden Ring movie adaptation
British actor Kit Connor may soon reunite with director Alex Garland for a major role in the live-action film adaptation of Elden Ring, the acclaimed video game franchise from FromSoftware. According to Variety, Garland is eyeing Connor—his star from A24's Warfare—for a lead role in the upcoming film, although no formal offer has been made yet. Garland was recently confirmed to write and direct the adaptation, which is being produced by A24 in partnership with Bandai Namco. The story, drawn from the mythos co-created by George R. R. Martin—renowned for A Song of Ice and Fire, the basis for HBO's Game of Thrones—will bring the game's dark fantasy world to the big screen. Producers include Peter Rice, Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, Vince Gerardis, and Martin himself. Released in 2022, Elden Ring became a global phenomenon, shipping over 30 million units. It earned multiple Game Awards, including Game of the Year. A new spinoff, Elden Ring: Nightreign, is set for release on May 30, followed by Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. Connor rose to international fame as Nick Nelson in Netflix's Heartstopper, which will conclude with a movie this summer. He recently starred in Warfare, co-directed by Garland and Ray Mendoza, based on real military experiences. Speaking about Garland, Connor told Variety earlier this year, 'Working with Alex is creatively fulfilling—he brings out your best.' While casting remains unofficial, speculation has already sparked buzz among fans online, many praising the possible casting as a 'perfect fit' for the game's tone and lore. Industry watchers are now keenly watching for confirmation in the coming weeks.
Hypebeast
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Kit Connor Will Reportedly Star in Alex Garland's 'Elden Ring' Film
Summary The highly anticipated live-action film adaptation of FromSoftware's acclaimed video game,Elden Ring, is reportedly eyeingHeartstopperstarKit Connorfor a leading role. This news comes just days afterAlex Garlandwas confirmed to write and direct the movie, a project fromA24andBandai Namco Entertainment. Connor, known for his breakout role in Netflix'sHeartstopperand more recently seen in Garland's filmWarfare, is reportedly in talks with the director for a significant part. While a formal offer hasn't been made, sources indicate mutual interest from both sides, with scheduling being a key factor. This potential collaboration would mark a reunion for Connor and Garland, and a significant step for the young actor into blockbuster fantasy territory. Elden Ringis set in the Lands Between, a dark fantasy world where players take on the role of the Tarnished, exiled warriors tasked with restoring the broken Elden Ring and becoming the Elden Lord. The game's rich lore was co-created byHidetaka MiyazakiandGame of ThronesauthorGeorge R. R. Martin, who is also serving as a producer for the film. While no official release date has been set, given the early stages of development, theElden Ringmovie is estimated to be a few years away, potentially targeting a 2027 or 2028 release. The casting buzz, however, is a major step forward in the film's development, further fueling excitement for this ambitious video game adaptation.
