Latest news with #Maia
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Team USA's Maia, Alex Shibutani Detail Support After Plane Tragedy
Originally appeared on E! Online Maia Shibutani and are feeling the love. Five months after 28 figure skaters, coaches and family members died on an American Airlines flight to Washington, D.C., that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter, the Olympic ice dancing partners detailed how the skating community has shown support for each other in the wake of the tragedy. For Alex, being a shoulder to lean on for his fellow athletes affected by the crash—which killed all 67 people aboard both aircrafts—has come naturally, considering there's already a strong foundation of community within the sport. "There's a fabric that connects generations, that connects athletes, both in the United States and around the world," the 34-year-old exclusively told E! News at Team USA's Nonna Experience on May 22, "and so in good times and tough times, that is something that we all lean on." And that backbone was built by a mutual admiration that exists among all of the athletes. More from E! Online Titanic Submersible: New Clip Reveals OceanGate Implosion Moments Before Its Final Message Received OnlyFans' Annie Knight Shares Update From Hospital After Sex With 583 Men in 6 Hours Today's Sheinelle Jones Speaks Out After Husband Uche Ojeh's Death "It's because we all admire and respect the work that goes into the sport that we love," Alex continued, "and being able to share that with an audience and share that with each other is super special." As for Maia, the 30-year-old echoed her brother's sentiment, emphasizing that she feels "proud to a part of the figure skating community." "I started skating when I was 4," Maia told E!. "But as I've grown through the sport to get to know other generations of skaters, it just has become a larger family." And the Team USA siblings are taking that family mentality into their partner training as they gear up for the 2026 Winter Olympics—even if it means butting heads occasionally. As Alex noted, "We do have different opinions on things. We do argue." Ultimately, their disagreements help them strengthen their performances on the ice. "The best teams fight, and then the best teams work it out, and they communicate and they grow," Alex said. "We have this special bond that a lot of families experience, but we just get to experience it on the ice." Of course, Alex and Maia aren't the only members of the skating world who have showed their support amid the American Airlines tragedy. Back in February, over 30 skaters stepped out onto the ice at the Legacy on Ice event to perform tributes to those who were lost to the collision. Among those to honor the victims were Maxim Naumov—whose parents were among those who died on board the aircraft—and U.S. champion Johnny Weir. "When you're an athlete, you're taught to have ice in your veins and to push through anything that affects your community,' Johnny told People at the time of the impact the crash had on their community. 'And ours is so small that even if you don't know everybody, you know them all. They're all family in some way." For more on the American Airlines collision, keep reading. What Happened to the Passengers on American Airlines Flight 5342?Who Was Onboard American Airlines Flight 5342?Who Was Onboard the U.S. Army Helicopter Involved in the Collision?What Happens Next After Recover Efforts for American Airlines Flight 5342?Who Has Spoken Out After American Airlines Flight 5342 Crashed Into the Potomac River? For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Opinion: Delivering hope in Ukraine's darkest hours
It was a humanitarian crisis on an overwhelming scale. And it remains so today. Given my military and business background, I felt compelled to act - and act decisively. Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation) was founded with one clear goal: To reach those most vulnerable and in need, and provide meaningful and practical assistance. Kiwi K.A.R.E senior team leader Richie Andrew operating in the Donetsk region in Ukraine. While our core work still focuses on the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid, and conducting evacuations, we also recognised specific needs early in the war. Due to the constancy of attacks on power, water and medical infrastructure, we evolved into a stove and water-boiler fabricator, and we run a burgeoning ambulance service. The former were constructed from recycled electrical water cylinders collected from all over Ukraine; the latter was enabled by shipping 35 ambulances from New Zealand, Australia and Estonia. Three years later, I also realise that Kiwi K.A.R.E has been doing something else. We have been delivering hope. It took a number of Ukrainians to say this to me before it sunk in and, once it did, our focus became even clearer. Hope is a powerful force that can profoundly impact individuals and communities. Its significance lies in its ability to inspire resilience, motivate action, and foster a sense of purpose even under the most arduous of conditions. And conditions in Ukraine's beleaguered south and east are most certainly arduous. Armed conflict invariably leads to a breakdown of essential services, leaving civilians without access to food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter. Kiwi K.A.R.E, while small compared to the big aid agencies, has met those needs in a very specific geographic: behind the frontlines. To do this effectively, we needed to move away from relying solely on multinational volunteers. Two of the 35 Kiwi K.A.R.E ambulances, Aroha and Maia, operating in red zone areas in Ukraine. I have had the privilege of working with some extraordinary volunteers from all over the world, many have become close friends. However, war takes its toll - it is exhausting and demoralising. Added to this, volunteers, together with our ambulances and humanitarian vehicles, are in my view increasingly being targeted by Russian drones. I am returning to Ukraine in July for my fourth six-month tour of duty and this threat is already playing on my mind. Kiwi K.A.R.E operates in dangerous conditions, with team members often risking their own safety to reach those in dire need. And we are by no means the only ones that do - there are many and I admire them all hugely. By late 2022, I recognised we needed staffing consistency, and the transient nature of international volunteers wasn't adequate to meet our growing operational tempo. Out of this need came our Success-Through-Partnership model. This thinking led us to establishing legally binding partnerships with two Ukrainian NGOs: Day-by-Day Foundation and iHELP. These two organisations were founded by some amazing humans, and it is a great honour to partner with them. Success-Through-Partnership has been working well since 2023 and it ensures mission-effect, in that we are able to move at pace and provide exactly what is required in a specific geography to those who need it most. It has been our objective to progressively hand over responsibility of humanitarian operations to our Ukrainian partners to foster local ownership, build capacity and ensure sustainability. This strategy is working well, and our local teams have become increasingly empowered and capable, which, in turn, promotes long-term recovery and resilience. Together with our Ukrainian partners, and thanks to the incredible generosity of many thousands of New Zealanders, we have made a positive difference in the lives of many. To date, Kiwi K.A.R.E has achieved: The evacuation of over 3000 civilians, Fabrication of over 4500 stoves and water boilers (and we have requests for 5000 more), Distribution of over 300 generators, Supply of 35 ambulances from NZ and AU, plus seven support vehicles including a truck, Delivery of many hundreds of tonnes of humanitarian and medical aid, and the next 10 ambulances are en route now and due to arrive in Bremerhaven, Germany, in early July. Ukraine's sovereign future remains very much undecided. Despite a lot of talk from many world leaders, there is little to hang hope on at this juncture. Russian attacks still rain down on an almost daily basis with many targeting hospitals, schools, water and power infrastructure. Increasingly, civilians are being targeted and killed. And so as Kiwi K.A.R.E marks our third anniversary, it is not so much a celebration, rather it reinforces our continued commitment to providing humanitarian support, saving lives, protecting human rights, and fostering recovery. Tenby Powell. And it specifically reminds me of our raison d'être: to reach those most vulnerable and in need, and provide meaningful and practical assistance. And to continuing delivering hope. Thank you, New Zealand, for your generous support. Tenby Powell is a humanitarian, veteran, business and social entrepreneur, and founder of Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation (Kiwi K.A.R.E)
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lilo & Stitch team share behind the scenes secret to filming beloved alien
Lilo and Stitch has been brought to life in live-action, which proved an interesting challenge for the creative team when it came to the Disney film's loveable blue alien Stitch. The remake tells a familiar story. Exiled to Earth, the unruly alien forms an unlikely bond with lonely Hawaiian girl Lilo (Maia Kealoha) while also contending with the alien forces sent to retrieve him. Director Dean Fleischer Camp shared with Yahoo UK the innovative ways that they created the character on set, which ranged from a puppet to a real-life dog. "Actually, there's a really funny story [about Stitch on set]," the director says. "So to answer your question: we had a ton of different solutions to that. I think each shot is kind of its own problem to solve so we had a plushie, we had this amazing puppet. Seth Hayes, who would be operating it. Sometimes it was Maia's acting coach Sarah Errington would be in a Luma key hoodie in a corner or whatever. Sometimes Stitch was a dog named Dale, a Frenchie. "But the puppet, which is the most lifelike one of those options, Maia actually grew such an attachment to this Stitch that even in scenes where they were not acting together at the end of the night Maia would insist on giving him a kiss goodnight. "We'd have to go to the truck, the puppeteers would get him out and she'd say goodnight to him." Sydney Agudong, who plays Lilo's sister Nani, said it was a real "collaboration" on set when it came to Stitch's recreation. At the end of the night Maia would insist on giving [Stitch] a kiss Fleischer Camp "From the start, Dean and the VFX team were all like, 'OK, so look, this is going to be a collaboration. We also don't know what we're going to be using and what stuff because everything was so chaotic.' "There's so many different dynamics that went into it. We had a puppeteer and Seth was incredible, and then we had my acting coach, who wore a grey suit sometimes, and Maia's acting coach, and then we had the tennis ball and the X, and then there was a bulldog at some point in time, so we could get the chaos of running back and forth with our eyeline. "Which is funny, it was a whole bunch of different things so it's hilarious. But it worked out really well, I hope." When the original came out in 2002 it helped redefine what it means to be a family, showing that not only is family not perfect but it can also mean more than just being linked together by blood. This sentiment is reflected in the remake because for the creative team it felt just as relevant now as it did two decades ago. "The original sets such a beautiful theme with that," Agudong says. "And I think that because we're doing a live action we get to go deeper because there's humans involved. So we're having this human connection between Stitch and Maia, and they really, really do love each other. "I think that the family that we created on set and everybody, cast and crew, we all were a family and I think it showed through the film in that sort of way. It's just the through line with Lilo and Stitch, that nobody gets forgotten whether you're by blood or you're not, everybody's family if you want it to be. And that's Hawaii in general." Producer Jonathan Eirich shared this sentiment, as he adds: "The most beautiful story [is] this idea of Ohana and the family you're born with and the family you choose. "I think this notion of a found family, and that they can get you through anything and can accept you with your flaws and everything else [is beautiful]. In this lonely world that we're in, you want to believe that there's someone out here that can accept you for who you are, and I think that's a beautiful message. "And in some ways, I think the original animated movie was almost ahead of its time and it was so progressive at that moment, so it's so nice to be able to bring this back for a new generation right now and sort of find a way to explore that message even further in a live action environment." "I think with [live-action] actors you kind of create even more of that empathy," he adds. "I think you can really feel that and that notion of how much everyone in the story is longing for something and how beautiful it is when they find each other at the end." What helped them recreate this magic was, of course, Maia Kealoha who plays the live-action half of Lilo and Stitch. The actor was five when she was cast, but even at such a young age she led the production in impressive ways. "She was a dream," Agudong says of her co-star. "She really was a pro and she was always open to imagining everything. She kept me on my toes, this was her first job and she was consistently excited, open and ready to just imagine and create. You can't ask for a better partner than that. "And to know that she loves what she does so much and has worked hard to grow that way, she was teaching me a lot too, so it was wonderful." "Our hearts melted from the second we met her," Camp adds. "She really did add so much to this with her enthusiasm and imagination. "I feel like a lot of times movies that have a really young kid in the cast, they're often playing themselves, Maia actually crafted a performance — she's not Lilo. Even though she's an amazing Lilo, she doesn't share anything in common, they'd be like pals but from across the cafeteria. It's a real crafted performance, and she's actually using the acting tools that we helped her refine in preparation, and she's incredible." Eirich went on: "I do think Maia is just so herself. Like she is more confident in herself than I am as an adult, and I do think that's what Lilo is too. "Lilo so singularly herself, and I just think that's such a beautiful thing and it was that thing that we felt the first time we saw her. She sent us her casting tape when she was five years old, we cast her when she was 6, so it's incredible to find someone that young who could do what she did in this movie. "I do remember my first impression was like 'oh it's so clear that this kid is dragging her parents to the audition, and not the other way around.'" Lilo & Stitch is out now in cinemas.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
AI-Run City Set for Launch
The United Arab Emirates is planning to power all public and private services in the city of Abu Dhabi through a single artificial intelligence platform by 2027 with a $2.5 billion investment, according to the Khaleej Times. The project will be delivered by Italy's Synapsia and the UAE's Bold Technologies. Newsweek has contacted the UAE government and Bold Technologies' parent company Bold Holding for comment. An email to the address on Synapsia's website bounced back. The new project underscores Gulf ambitions to take a lead in AI innovation the week after it was also made central to a visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump. While AI is increasingly at the heart of the global U.S.-China competition of influence, Gulf countries also see it not only as a way to make themselves more effective through its practical application, but also as a way to break new ground as they look to a future beyond energy exports. Aion Sentia, the project's given name, aims to consolidate public and private services onto a single platform, from automated public transport to the integration of smart homes and AI-powered support for healthcare, according to the Khaleej Times. The UAE has publicly stated its ambitions to lead in AI, and its National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has actively courted foreign-including U.S.-investment for AI infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia is also making similar calls and planning to use AI‐managed systems in its flagship Neom city. During his Middle East tour last week, Trump approved a major deal with the UAE to construct the world's largest artificial intelligence campus outside the U.S., removing previous limits that had barred the Gulf state from accessing advanced American chips amid fears they might end up in China. In March 2025, Synapsia and Bold Technologies signed a UAE-backed deal to deploy their Maia engine to coordinate traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security across urban infrastructure for more efficiency and energy consumption reduction, Synapsia said in a statement. Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., as quoted by the Khaleej Times: "We want to go to the next level. Imagine an AI that knows you so well, it can recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger. That's the power of MAIA, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Synapsia's website in March 2025: "The agreement includes a significant investment in the development of Cognitive Cities, a new paradigm that goes beyond the concept of smart cities, which introduces fully autonomous urban management based on generative AI and predictive optimization." The UAE said it aims to expand Aion Sentia globally after piloting in Abu Dhabi, but did not give further details of exactly where. Related Articles China Starts Building First Giant Supercomputer Network in SpaceNewsweek's Next Virtual Event Aims to Build Health Care's AI PlaybookTrump Backs Massive Middle East AI Hub to Counter ChinaGrok Saw 'Unauthorized Modification' Before Slew of 'White Genocide' Posts 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
AI-Run City Set for Launch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United Arab Emirates is planning to power all public and private services in the city of Abu Dhabi through a single artificial intelligence platform by 2027 with a $2.5 billion investment, according to the Khaleej Times. The project will be delivered by Italy's Synapsia and the UAE's Bold Technologies. Newsweek has contacted the UAE government and Bold Technologies' parent company Bold Holding for comment. An email to the address on Synapsia's website bounced back. Why It Matters The new project underscores Gulf ambitions to take a lead in AI innovation the week after it was also made central to a visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump. While AI is increasingly at the heart of the global U.S.-China competition of influence, Gulf countries also see it not only as a way to make themselves more effective through its practical application, but also as a way to break new ground as they look to a future beyond energy exports. Summit G7 at Borgo Egnaza, Italy: Working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates' President Mohammed bin Zayed. Summit G7 at Borgo Egnaza, Italy: Working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates' President Mohammed bin Zayed. Aleksy Witwicki/Sipa USA/AP Images What To Know Aion Sentia, the project's given name, aims to consolidate public and private services onto a single platform, from automated public transport to the integration of smart homes and AI-powered support for healthcare, according to the Khaleej Times. The UAE has publicly stated its ambitions to lead in AI, and its National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has actively courted foreign—including U.S.—investment for AI infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia is also making similar calls and planning to use AI‐managed systems in its flagship Neom city. During his Middle East tour last week, Trump approved a major deal with the UAE to construct the world's largest artificial intelligence campus outside the U.S., removing previous limits that had barred the Gulf state from accessing advanced American chips amid fears they might end up in China. In March 2025, Synapsia and Bold Technologies signed a UAE-backed deal to deploy their Maia engine to coordinate traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security across urban infrastructure for more efficiency and energy consumption reduction, Synapsia said in a statement. What People Are Saying Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., as quoted by the Khaleej Times: "We want to go to the next level. Imagine an AI that knows you so well, it can recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger. That's the power of MAIA, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Synapsia's website in March 2025: "The agreement includes a significant investment in the development of Cognitive Cities, a new paradigm that goes beyond the concept of smart cities, which introduces fully autonomous urban management based on generative AI and predictive optimization." What Happens Next The UAE said it aims to expand Aion Sentia globally after piloting in Abu Dhabi, but did not give further details of exactly where.
