Latest news with #StephenSchwartz
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
15 US cities that are likely targets of a nuclear attack
With a deadly conflict in the Middle East, Russia still waging its invasion of Ukraine, and China on the brink of invading Taiwan, the world has arguably not been this close to war in a century. But while Americans are on the other side of the globe, the US would not be safe from a nuclear war, experts warn. Russia has an arsenal of more than 5,900 warheads capable of reaching the US in about 30 minutes. At the same time, China has a stockpile of more than 500 aimed at the nation's west coast. Financial experts believe 15 cities would be high-priority targets if a foreign adversary decided to launch a nuclear campaign against America. These spots are likely targets because of population density, air distance to a strategic military facility, emergency preparedness, and ease of evacuation. The nation's capital ranked as the most highly valued target due to being America's defense hub, followed by the largest metropolitan area, New York, according to an analysis conducted by 24/7 Wall Street, an independent financial news source. The group conducted the report using research from Dr. Irwin Redlener, a professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Redlener previously identified six economic regions that are potential targets of enemy nukes. These spots were combined with 15 strategic military targets determined by Stephen Schwartz, who is part of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and co-authored 'The Costs and Consequences of US Nuclear Weapons Since 1940.' Schwartz's targets include command centers, ICBM bases, and air force and submarine bases. Members of 24/7 Wall Street then evaluated all the spots, ranking them on population, how prepared they were for emergencies, distance in miles to the strategic military target using Google Maps, and ease of evacuation. The team then used a nuclear detonation simulator, Nukemap, and dropped a one-megaton bomb to see the damage and casualties. Most Americans believe the country's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch facilities (silos), located in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming, would be an enemy's priority. And while this may be true, opposing countries may also be looking at where would cause the most damage and fatalities. 1. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria: This region is the most dangerous because it is the heart of democracy, home to the US government, the White House and the Pentagon, which was a target in the 9/11 attacks. This region is home to more than 6.1 million people, putting the area with the fourth highest population among the group of 15. The experts ranked the capital as the fifth worst among evacuations and predicted there would be more than 461,000 deaths and over 924,000 injured when bombed. 2. New York City-Newark-Jersey City: Manhattan being a target may not be a surprise due to it also being hit during the 9/11 attacks. Not only is it the most populated city in America, but it is also the symbol of Western values and capitalism. A bomb dropped in New York City would impact Newark and Jersey City, both in New Jersey, which sits across the Hudson River. However, this is the nation's largest metropolitan area, home to more than nine million people. The report ranked the area as the second worst for evacuations and predicted there would be 1.7 million deaths and 3.1 injuries. 3. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, California: The Bay area is another large metropolitan region in the US, with 18,629 people per square mile. Surrounded by the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, evacuating the three cities would not be accessible if a one-megaton nuke is dropped - it ranked third worst. This region has nearly two million people who call it home. The projected casualties could hit more than 507,000, with 582,870 injured. 4. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, Illinois: Chicago may not sound like a likely target to many, but this Illinois city is located within 50 miles of four nuclear power plants. Naperville and Elgin are within 40 miles of the Windy City, meaning they would also be hit in the event of a nuclear attack. The region ranked fourth out of the 15 in evacuations for its more than two million residents. Experts predicted the attack would cause 626,170 deaths and more than 1.1 million injuries. 5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California: The bustling region of California is known for its Hollywood stars and gorgeous beaches but could also be a high-priority enemy target. The three cities are about 26 miles from each other, with more than four million people. This part of California would be a target because it is the second-largest metropolitan economy in the US. The report ranked this area as the fifth worst in evacuations, which would lead to 645,750 deaths and more than 1.6 million injuries. 7. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington: The Washington State region is 30 miles from the Naval Base Kitsap, the largest naval organization in the northwest area, and 46 miles from Naval Radio Station Jim Creek, a radio transmitting facility. These government facilities make the region a possible target in a nuclear attack that would kill more than 53,000 people and injure over 106,000. The three cities combined have more than one million residents, situated in mountains that would make it difficult for evacuation - experts ranked it the eighth worst. 8. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaii made headlines in 2018 when residents received an emergency alert that read: 'Ballistic Missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek Shelter. This is not a drill.' While the notification was sent accidentally, experts believe Honolulu is a candidate for an attack on the US. The small island is the closest to China, making it an easy target, and is home to three military bases. And being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean made Honolulu the worst for evacuations. Data shows 354,510 people live in the city, and a one-megaton bomb dropped in the area would kill 20,920 people, leaving 56,710 injured. 9. Omaha, Nebraska: The Midwest city is 10 miles south of the Offutt Aire Force Base, which served as an aerial command center in case nukes dropped during the Cold War. The command center is where President George W. Bush was flown during the 9/11 attacks. With the technology and military personnel in place, the report believes the enemy would eye Omaha. The report ranked the Nebraska town as 13th in evacuation and predicted about 34,000 casualties and 140,000 injuries. 10. Ogden-Clearfield, Utah: These two cities are also located near a military base - the Hill Air Force Base. This military facility is the second largest in population and size and supports the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Experts predicted that a nuclear bomb would cause 87,140 deaths and 1570,570 injuries, ranking it the ninth worst city for evacuations. 11. Albuquerque, New Mexico: The New Mexico city primarily comprises the Kirtland Air Force Base, the headquarters of the Air Force Global Strike Command's largest installation, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. More than 562,000 people live in the city, which ranked the 11th worst for evacuations. Experts predicted a nuclear bomb would cause 11,200 deaths and 157,630 injuries. 12. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Colorado is part of the US's 'nuclear sponge - a site deliberately set up by the government during the Cold War. In the event of an attack, bombs would fall on sparsely populated areas. And by design, Colorado Springs is a prime target for a Russian attack. More than 483,000 people live in the city, with an elevation of more than 6,035 feet. The report ranked Colorado Springs as the 10th worst in evacuation, likely due to the rugged landscape. And predicted that 28,400 deaths and 133,060 injuries would occur if hit. 13. Great Falls, Montana: Montana is also a nuclear sponge, being home to hundreds of hidden missile silos and launch facilities. But the report looked closely at Great Falls because it is six miles from Malmstrom Air Force Base, one of three facilities that maintains nukes in the US. With 2,614 people per square mile, experts predicted an attack would leave 17,920 dead and 22,920 injured. Great Falls was also ranked 14th worst in evacuations. 14. Cheyenne, Wyoming: Wyoming is another state meant to be a nuclear sponge - it has been home to nukes since the 1960s Francis E, Warren Air Force base houses the combat-ready force three miles west of Cheyenne. The city is surrounded by mountains, making it the worst for evacuations, according to the report. With 2,019 people per square mile, experts speculated a bomb would kill 27,320 people and leave 36,550 injured. 15. Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana: The metropolitan region has a population of 385,154 and is located five miles within the Barksdale Air Force Base, home to three squadrons of B-52H Stratofortress bombers. These warplanes are capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and can carry nuclear weapons - making this area a prime spot for an attack. Evacuation would be difficult because it sits near the Gulf of Mexico - ranked the 12th worst. If bombs were dropped, 24,150 people would die, and another 103,560 would be injured, according to the analysis.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Wicked director lifts the lid on what to expect from the sequel
The second part of the Wicked film adaptation, titled Wicked: For Good, is set to be released in cinemas on 21 November. Director Jon M. Chu confirmed that lead actors Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will each perform a new, original song. The film will continue the story of Elphaba, now declared an enemy of the state, and Glinda, with Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh also reprising their roles. Composer Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music and lyrics for the original Broadway production, has returned to pen the two new songs for the film. The first trailer of Wicked: For Good was screened at CinemaCon, introducing classic Wizard of Oz characters Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The best theatre to stream this month: George Clooney's Good Night, and Good Luck goes live
Here is that rarest of opportunities: a live stream for a hit Broadway show (whose tickets are now selling for up to $849). The penultimate performance of the play, co-written by and starring George Clooney, will be broadcast on CNN and CNN International and also available online on 7 June. 'Live TV. No net. Buckle up everyone,' said Clooney, who is up for a Tony for his performance as journalist Edward R Murrow. It's an apposite move for a drama about the broadcaster's on-air challenges to Senator Joseph McCarthy. Should be a night to remember. The title is from Krapp's Last Tape and this insightful documentary is framed by Stephen Rea's preparations to play Beckett's reflective, banana-munching protagonist on tour. Like Krapp, he reflects on his younger years while also assessing the actor as truth-teller: 'It's not about showing off and telling lies.' On BBC iPlayer. Disney's Hercules moves into Theatre Royal Drury Lane this month. But anyone missing the magical kingdom of Arendelle can finally see a summer breeze: the heroically ambitious Frozen musical, recorded at the same theatre last year, arrives on Disney+ on 20 June. All eyes on how they pull off that costume change. More magic from Drury Lane: Alex Newell takes the role of the Leading Player in a birthday bash for Stephen Schwartz's quirky musical. The cast includes Jac Yarrow, Lucie Jones, Cedric Neal and Zizi Strallen, with Patricia Hodge – who starred in Pippin's West End run in 1973 – returning to the show 50 years on to sing No Time at All. On BroadwayHD. If you're pledging your time for the return of Conor McPherson's Depression-era Bob Dylan musical to the Old Vic this summer, why not whet your appetite with the New York staging? Mare Winningham and Jeanette Bayardelle were both nominated for Tony awards in 2022 for their performances. On Marquee TV. Ballet BC are now on tour with a double bill and you can see one of those pieces, Passing by Johan Inger, on Arte, as performed at Théâtre National du Luxembourg last year. The Guardian's Lyndsey Winship found the choreography's 'snippets of life's landmarks and seasons' pleasingly wry if overstretched. John Logan's portrait of the great abstract artist Mark Rothko, filmed in the West End in 2018, boasts vibrant performances from two Alfreds: Molina in the lead role and Enoch as the painter's assistant. Few plays analyse artistry as sharply. Michael Grandage's production is available on National Theatre at Home from 12 June. A taster for a new musical romcom opening this month at Stratford East, London, with music and lyrics by Bryn Christopher (co-written with Martin Batchelar and James Cooper respectively). This EP comprises four songs from the show, including the title number and, true enough, Everybody's Got Their Shit. On Apple Music and Spotify.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
New 54 Below Show By Liz Callaway Celebrates Music Of Stephen Schwartz
Liz Callaway, a highly honored actress, singer and recording artist, will perform a new show dedicated to the songwriter Stephen Schwartz at 54 Below, in New York's theater district, this week. SANTA CLARITA, CA - MARCH 25: Composer Stephen Schwartz and singer Liz Callaway perform at Princess Cruises Partnership celebration with Stephen Schwartz at Princes Cruises Rehearsal Studio on March 25, 2015 in Santa Clarita, California. (Photo by) The show will be performed nightly starting tonight, May 14, through Saturday, May 17; the last show also will be livestreamed. According to 54 Below, the show, The Wizard and I: Liz Callaway Sings Stephen Schwartz, will feature 'songs from an extraordinary career that has spanned nearly 60-years (and in every form of media), as well as a brand new song. . . Liz honors Stephen in her signature way, pairing his iconic songs with tales of their lifelong professional relationship and friendship. Featuring Academy Award and Grammy-winning tunes from Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Baker's Wife, and more, The Wizard and I is a personal celebration of the man who made a witch take flight and gave a bird sight.' Musical direction will be by Alex Rybeck. Speaking this week with Callaway said she will perform Schwartz's 'Bless the Lord,' from Godspell, which she sang in her first show in New York, off-Broadway, in 1979; she said she hasn't sung it since then. Equally noteworthy, she will perform a song Schwartz wrote for her personally a few years ago, 'Fearless,' that noone has ever heard before. Callaway said she has loved Schwartz's music since she attended high school in Chicago, when she saw the national touring production of Pippin three times. She also will perform Schwartz's song from 'The Baker's Wife,' 'Meadowlark,' which she said is her 'absolute favorite' song to sing. She said she began performing it as a singing waitress in New York, subsequently recording it. She also called it 'one of my most requested songs,' describing it as a 'story song. And it's just like a three-act play. It's so fun as an actor to get to experience that song and all the different emotions and the memories.' Calling Schwartz a 'brilliant composer and lyricist,' she also said 'he's loved by different generations.' She added, 'One thing I love and really appreciate about Stephen is that he really encourages people to put their own stamp on his songs. He's just so happy for people to bring themselves to his songs. 'Another thing I love about him is he is such a champion of other writers, and he has helped so many young composers and encouraged them. It's a real passion of his, and I think it's incredible how he has given back to so many people,' she concluded. Callaway is a Grammy and Tony nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress, singer, and recording artist. She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Baby, and for five years, won acclaim as Grizabella in Cats. She also has provided the singing voice for numerous animated movies, including the Oscar-nominated Anastasia. Her latest album, To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim was nominated for a Grammy Award for best traditional pop vocal album last year.
Reuters
19-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
US law firm Paul Weiss fired by client over Trump executive order
March 19 (Reuters) - Law firm Paul Weiss said in a court filing on Wednesday that a former executive facing criminal bribery charges has fired it as his defense counsel because of U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order this month targeting the firm. The filing, which asked a federal judge in New Jersey to allow Paul Weiss to withdraw from the case, said client Stephen Schwartz had terminated the firm due to Trump's March 14 order suspending any security clearances held by the firm's lawyers and restricting their access to government buildings and employees.
