Latest news with #ParksandRecreation
The Star
an hour ago
- General
- The Star
Brunei launches environment platform for youth
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Xinhua): Brunei's Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation launched a platform designed to empower youth to participate in activities contributing to the country's environmental sustainability. The department emphasized youth involvement in environmental conservation through the launch of the BELIA BRUNEI programme and a youth environmental leader recognition ceremony on Thursday. Hajah Martinah Tamit, director of environment, parks and recreation at the Ministry of Development, urged the adoption of more responsible and sustainable practices in plastic use and management. The program was officially launched by Muhammad Juanda Rashid, Brunei's minister of development. The global community, including Brunei, celebrates World Environment Day annually on June 5 to raise public awareness about environmental conservation and encourage collective action across all societal levels to protect and sustain the natural environment. - Xinhua
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Police Chief Regrets Saying There Was No Evidence Jonathan Joss' Death Was Hate Crime
The San Antonio Police Department is walking back statements made while investigating the death of actor Jonathan Joss, noting that it had been premature to say there was 'no evidence' the shooting was a hate crime. Joss, known for his roles on 'King of the Hill' and 'Parks and Recreation,' was shot and killed during an encounter with a former neighbor on Sunday night. The admission from police comes after scrutinization for their handling of the case. They had been accused of ignoring long-standing threats of violence that Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said they had faced. The shooting, according to a Facebook post from de Gonzales, followed years of harassment and took place after a man — identified by police as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja — hurled 'violent homophobic slurs' at the couple. In a Monday statement on X, San Antonio police pushed back on de Gonzales' claims. 'Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation,' the department wrote. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus admitted in a Thursday press conference, however, that the department's prior statement was 'way, way, way premature.' 'Shouldn't have done it, it was way too soon before we had any real information,' he told reporters in a press briefing. 'It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued.' McManus said officers were continuing their investigation and looking into if Joss' sexual orientation played a role in the attack. He also explained that hate crimes are not treated as separate charges in Texas and are 'enhancements' on an existing charge that would be added during the sentencing process. 'We don't charge with hate crimes, we gather the facts and we give those facts to the District Attorney's office and then that hate crime designation is determined at sentencing,' McManus said. Joss was shot while he and de Gonzales were returning to their former neighborhood to pick up mail, according to de Gonzales' statement on Facebook. The two visited the site of their old home, which had burned down, and were crying in response to seeing a dog's skull, believed to be one of their pets, 'placed in clear view,' he said. As they were crying, their former neighbor, Ceja, allegedly confronted them, yelled homophobic slurs and pulled out his gun, fatally shooting Joss. Ceja has reportedly confessed to police, stating after the incident, 'I shot him.' Joss' death followed years of threats from Ceja and other neighbors, says de Gonzales, who noted that the couple was 'harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship.' McManus said police were also investigating the fire that burned down Joss' home, a blaze the actor had previously accused Ceja of starting. 'People in the area… repeatedly told us they would set it on fire,' de Gonzales wrote. 'We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done.' McManus noted that police had a record of conflict between Joss and his neighbors and that they had received 70 calls over the last two years about related disturbances. 'Sometimes [Joss] was the caller, other times the neighbors were calling on him,' McManus said, adding that police repeatedly mediated conflicts between parties in the area. Joss was the longtime voice of John Redcorn in 'King of the Hill,' and was also known for his role as Chief Ken Hotate on 'Parks and Recreation.' The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ rights advocacy group, called on Tuesday for a 'complete investigation' of Joss' death. 'We know the heaviness and fear that comes with seeing reports of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in your social media feeds. We feel it too,' the group wrote in a Blue Sky post.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jonathan Joss shooting: Police, Pride San Antonio hold community forum
The Brief Community forum held in San Antonio following murder of actor Jonathan Joss Joss was shot, killed outside his home in San Antonio on Sunday night San Antonio police on Thursday walked back a statement refuting "online claims" of Joss's murder being related to his sexual orientation SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Pride San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Department held a community forum Thursday evening following the murder of actor Jonathan Joss. Joss, known for his roles as John Redcorn in "King of the Hill" and Chief Ken Hotate in "Parks and Recreation," was shot and killed outside his home in San Antonio on Sunday, June 1. What they're saying The forum comes after the man suspected of killing Joss was released on bond the day after the shooting and after San Antonio police walked back a statement they posted on social media refuting "online claims" of Joss's murder being related to his sexual orientation. San Antonio police chief William McManus said during the forum that his department is working with the San Antonio Fire Department's arson investigators to look into what happened to Joss's home earlier this year and previous calls concerning Joss and his neighbors. The majority of the forum was McManus speaking with audience members, hearing their stories and concerns, including a woman speaking about her brother's murder. Watch the full forum below: Members of the LGBTQ+ community believe the actor was the victim of a hate crime. "We issued a statement, I believe it was the day after, the day after Jonathan Joss's murder, that was way, way, way premature. Shouldn't have done it. It was way too soon before we had any real information," San Antonio Police Chief William Mcmanus. A wide range of emotions were felt across the room. "We just feel that there are a lot of misinterpretations that are happening. Social media can be very volatile, and we reached out to the SAPD. We feel that it is important to be able to bridge the gap and just get to a truth that everybody can understand," says Pride San Antonio secretary James Poindexter. San Antonio police accuse the voice actor's neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, of being the gunman in the shooting. In a post to social media, Joss' husband says the suspect yelled homophobic slurs prior to the deadly shooting. The police department says this led to criticism from the public for failing to charge the suspect with a hate crime. "Hate crime is not a crime in itself, it is attached to another crime: murder, assault or criminal mischief. The way that works is the DA's office will add that to the indictment," says San Antonio Police Chief William Mcmanus. "We are also working with the San Antonio Fire Department. Arson investigators went back to look at the fire to Mr. Joss' house. We are investigating that as well. That information can also be included in the filing when we take it to the DA's office," he added. During the forum, Pride San Antonio opened the floor for those that wanted to voice their concerns to the police department. "During pride month, it is a big time right now we need to get everybody together on the same page so that we can talk to each other inside each other or around each other," says Pointdexter. SAPD says if there is any new evidence, the suspect will be charged accordingly. What we know Bexar County Court records show that Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, posted $200,000 bond on Monday night, the day after the deadly shooting. Ceja Alvarez was ordered to full house arrest and his pre-trial supervision began on Tuesday afternoon, records show. Under the conditions of his bond, Ceja Alvarez is subject to random drug testing, is not allowed to possess any firearms or make contact with Joss' family. A pre-trial hearing is set for August 19. What we know Joss, 59, was shot and killed in south San Antonio on Sunday night. Police arrested Ceja Alvarez in connection with the crime. He is charged with murder. TMZ reported Joss and Ceja Alvarez were neighbors and had been in disputes in the past. On Monday, Joss' husband posted online that the suspect yelled "violent homophobic slurs" prior to the shooting. Joss and de Gonzales had been married since February, according to social media posts. What they're saying The husband of slain "King of the Hill" voice actor Jonathan Joss spoke out again on social media on Tuesday night. Tristan Kern de Gonzales spoke at length about his relationship with Joss and Joss's love of his fans and work, and gave his account of Joss's last moments. His comments come after San Antonio police made a statement on social media, saying its investigation has so far found "no evidence" that Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation. READ MORE: Jonathan Joss shooting: Co-stars remember 'King of the Hill', 'Parks and Rec' actor De Gonzales detailed his husband's last moments, including holding him as he died and telling him that he loved him. De Gonzales also said that Joss had been harassed not just for his sexual orientation, but also for his Native American heritage. He said the couple experienced harassment from neighbors, including threats to burn down their house and homophobic slurs. He also criticized San Antonio police at points during the live. Dig deeper Claims by Joss' husband were refuted by the San Antonio Police Department in a statement on social media Monday night. "Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the [sic] Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation. SAPD investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information," wrote the department in a post. The department says if any new evidence comes out, the suspect will be charged accordingly. However, in a press conference on Thursday morning, Chief McManus called that statement "way premature." "We issued a statement the day after Jonathan Joss's murder that was way, way, way premature," McManus said. "Shouldn't've done it. It was way too soon before we had any real information, and I will own that and simply say again that we shouldn't have done that. It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature be issued." McManus went on to address calls for this to be investigated and charged as a hate crime, saying that in Texas, hate crimes are not separate charges, but rather addressed as penalty enhancements. The backstory In addition to playing John Redcorn for multiple seasons on "King of the Hill", Joss also made appearances in several other shows. He played Chief Ken Hotate in "Parks and Recreation" and had other small roles in "Ray Donovan," "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Tulsa King." Joss also appeared in the films "True Grit," "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Forever Purge." The Source Information in this report comes from Bexar County court records, Jonathan Joss's husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the San Antonio Police Department and previous reporting.
Time Magazine
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 TV Comedies of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Laughter is a universal language, and television comedies have long been the perfect medium for delivering humor to audiences worldwide. From laugh-out-loud slapstick to biting satire, TV comedies have entertained viewers by reflecting everyday life, poking fun at societal norms, and creating larger-than-life characters. Great comedies do more than just make us laugh—they become cultural touchstones, shaping our sense of humor and providing comfort during tough times. The best TV comedies are timeless, often becoming staples of pop culture and sources of memorable catchphrases, iconic moments, and quotable one-liners. They resonate because of their ability to balance humor with relatable themes, and the greatest shows often tackle significant issues with wit and insight. Whether it's a workplace sitcom, a family comedy, or an ensemble show about friendships, these series remain etched in our collective memory. Using research assistance from ChatGPT, this list celebrates the top 10 TV comedies of all time, showcasing their brilliance, impact, and ability to make audiences laugh across generations. From groundbreaking classics to modern favorites, these shows have defined the genre and secured their place in television history. 1. Friends 'Friends' became a cultural phenomenon with its iconic portrayal of six friends navigating life, love, and careers in New York City. Its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments captivated audiences and ensured its place as a beloved classic. 2. The Office (US) Adapted from the UK series, 'The Office' (US) found its unique voice with a mockumentary-style portrayal of office life at Dunder Mifflin. Its humor, driven by quirky characters and awkward situations, made it a standout comedy. 3. Seinfeld Often referred to as "a show about nothing," 'Seinfeld' perfected observational humor, turning mundane situations into comedic gold. Its sharp writing and memorable characters left an indelible mark on the comedy genre. 4. Parks and Recreation Set in the quirky town of Pawnee, Indiana, 'Parks and Recreation' captured hearts with its lovable characters and feel-good humor. Its mix of absurdity and sincerity made it a standout in the workplace comedy genre. 5. I Love Lucy One of the earliest and most influential sitcoms, 'I Love Lucy' broke ground with its slapstick humor, innovative storytelling, and Lucille Ball's brilliant comedic timing. 6. The Simpsons The longest-running animated sitcom, 'The Simpsons' has parodied every aspect of modern society while telling the story of the dysfunctional but lovable Simpson family. First Aired: 1989 Creators: Matt Groening Key Characters: Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Maggie Simpson Memorable Episodes: 'Marge vs. the Monorail,' 'Homer at the Bat,' 'Cape Feare' Cultural Impact: Influenced animation and satire, becoming a cultural touchstone Awards: Over 35 Emmy Awards Legacy: Continues to entertain audiences across generations 7. Cheers Set in a Boston bar where "everybody knows your name," 'Cheers' charmed audiences with its witty dialogue and endearing ensemble cast. Its balance of humor and heartfelt moments made it a classic. 8. Arrested Development 'Arrested Development' broke sitcom conventions with its clever writing, intricate storylines, and dysfunctional Bluth family. Despite initial ratings struggles, it gained a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. 9. Modern Family 'Modern Family' redefined family sitcoms with its mockumentary format and diverse characters. Its heartfelt humor and relatable themes resonated with audiences of all ages. 10. 30 Rock A witty satire of the television industry, '30 Rock' dazzled audiences with its rapid-fire jokes, absurd humor, and unforgettable characters. Its mix of clever writing and stellar performances set it apart. Conclusion on Top 10 TV Comedies The top 10 TV comedies of all time reflect the evolution of humor, storytelling, and societal norms across decades. From the heartfelt friendships in 'Friends' to the satirical brilliance of '30 Rock,' these shows have captured audiences' hearts and left lasting impressions. They have endured beyond their original airings, continuing to entertain and inspire through reruns and on streaming platforms. Each of these shows not only brought laughter but also redefined what comedy could achieve, balancing humor with depth and relatability. As these comedies continue to find new audiences, their timelessness proves that great storytelling and humor will always stand the test of time. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
King of the Hill star Jonathan Joss fought 'so hard to stay alive' after he had been shot
Jonathan Joss "struggled so hard to stay alive" after he had been shot. The actor - who was best known for voicing the part of John Redcorn on the animated TV series King of the Hill - was killed in a shooting on Saturday (31.05.25) in San Antonio, and now his husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales has recalled his last few moments. He told People: "Everything happened so quickly. Everything was very close range and due to the severity and the trauma of the various head wounds, I knew that there was no hope of saving Jonathan's physical form, and he was struggling so hard, trying to stay alive. It was just really, really close range." Tristan urged Jonathan that he "didn't need to keep fighting" as he lay dying, but claimed that the alleged gunman Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja was just "laughing" at them throughout the ordeal. He said: "I held my husband's face together as best I could, and I told him how much I loved him, and that none of this was his fault. I told him he needed to cross over easy. He didn't need to keep fighting. "I told him that no matter what, and in some way, shape, or form, we'll always be together, and he'll always be my husband. "[The alleged gunman] was laughing. He mocked me for telling my husband that I loved him and used the same homophobic slurs. "The flashbacks are very, very intense, and they affect my whole body." Police have said that Alvarez, 56, admitted to shooting and killing the Parks and Recreation actor and he was released on a $200,000 bond on Monday. Just days ago, Tristan revealed that the whole incident had taken place at the site of their former home, which burned down earlier this year. In a Facebook post, he explained: "My husband Jonathan Joss and I were involved in a shooting while checking the mail at the site of our former home. That home was burned down after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire. We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done. "Throughout that time we were harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship. Much of the harassment was openly homophobic. "When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress. We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw. "While we were doing this a man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired. "Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life. "Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get. We were newlyweds. We picked Valentines Day. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future. "He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other. "I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved. (sic)"
