Carolina Hurricanes Make Bold Move

The Carolina Hurricanes shook the NHL world with a blockbuster trade on Friday night, acquiring two-time 40-goal scorer Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche and former NHL MVP Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks.

In exchange, the Hurricanes sent Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick to Colorado. Chicago received a third-round pick for retaining 50% of Rantanen’s salary.

Carolina Hurricanes: Raising the Stakes

For the Hurricanes, the trade for Rantanen is a clear attempt to elevate their team to championship contention.

Rantanen, 28, is one of the NHL’s most dynamic offensive players, with back-to-back 40-goal, 100-point seasons under his belt and a Stanley Cup victory with the Avalanche in 2022. He is also a pending unrestricted free agent, poised for a significant salary increase from his current $9.25 million AAV.

The Hurricanes will be hoping to extend Rantanen’s contract and keep him in Carolina long-term. However, the uncertainty surrounding a potential extension is the only factor preventing this trade from being an unqualified success.

Even in the worst-case scenario, Rantanen’s presence could help the Hurricanes overcome their recent playoff struggles. Despite knocking on the door for several years, Carolina has not reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2006.

Colorado Avalanche: A Necessary Sacrifice

For the Avalanche, the trade of Rantanen is a sign that the team and the player could not find a path forward together.

Colorado already has one of the league’s most expensive players in Nathan MacKinnon ($12.6 million AAV) and is likely facing a contract extension for defenseman Cale Makar that could exceed $10 million AAV.

Losing a homegrown star like Rantanen is always painful, but the addition of Martin Necas will help soften the blow. Necas, 26, is Carolina’s leading scorer this season and has another year remaining on his contract at a reasonable $6.5 million AAV.

The Avalanche also added Drury, a young depth option, and two draft picks to their organization.

Chicago Blackhawks: Rebuilding for the Future

For the rebuilding Blackhawks, the trade of Hall is a minor move that frees up some salary cap space and adds a draft pick.

Hall, 33, is no longer the same player who won the MVP award in 2018, but he still provides a solid depth option for a young team.

What Are Compensatory Draft Picks?

In the NFL, compensatory draft picks serve a crucial purpose in maintaining parity among teams by offsetting significant losses of key players and personnel. These picks are awarded to teams that experience these losses, helping to equalize the playing field and foster a competitive balance.

One instance where compensatory picks come into play is when a team loses a minority assistant coach or front office member to a head coaching or general manager position with another team. To encourage the development and promotion of minority talent, the NFL has implemented rules that provide these teams with compensatory picks.

Compensatory draft picks are typically placed at the end of rounds 3 through 7, with a total of 32 selections awarded. The NFL announces the compensatory picks for the upcoming draft in March each year.

The Rooney Rule: Fostering Diversity in the NFL

The NFL’s Rooney Rule, named after former Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, was established in 2003 to promote diversity in the league’s coaching and front office ranks. The rule requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate before hiring a new head coach.

Over the years, the Rooney Rule has undergone revisions to further enhance its effectiveness. In 2020, a significant amendment was added, providing compensatory draft picks to teams that develop minority coaches and front office personnel who go on to become head coaches or general managers.

The Rooney Rule also mandates that teams interview at least two external minority candidates for open head coaching and general manager positions, as well as at least one external minority candidate for coordinator positions. This expansion ensures that qualified minority candidates are considered for a wider range of leadership roles within NFL organizations.

Recent Examples of Compensatory Draft Picks

In the 2025 NFL draft, several teams are expected to receive compensatory picks for minority hirings. The San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams will all benefit from the rule, as they have lost minority coaches and front office members to other teams.

Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins are projected to receive compensatory selections for losing key players to free agency.

Conclusion

Compensatory draft picks and the Rooney Rule play vital roles in maintaining a level playing field and promoting diversity in the NFL. By providing incentives for teams to develop and retain minority talent, the league aims to create a more inclusive and competitive environment for all.

Williams Candy: A Coney Island Landmark and ‘Anora’ Oscar Nominee

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Coney Island for over eight decades, Williams Candy is not just a beloved local business but also a recent star of the silver screen. The iconic candy store played a pivotal role in ‘Anora,’ a critically acclaimed drama that has raked in six Oscar nominations.

A Picture-Perfect Setting

In ‘Anora,’ Williams Candy serves as a vibrant backdrop for scenes that delve into the life of a young sex worker from Brooklyn who impulsively marries a Russian billionaire’s son. Director Sean Baker expertly weaves Coney Island’s charm into the narrative, with the store’s bustling atmosphere and vintage aesthetic providing an authentic touch.

Behind the Scenes: Mixed Emotions

While Williams Candy’s appearance in ‘Anora’ has brought excitement and recognition, store owner Peter Agrapides can’t help but feel a mix of emotions when watching his beloved business get “demolished” on the big screen. The production team transformed the store, rearranging displays and using sugar glass for a dramatic scene, which left Agrapides feeling uneasy during the filming.

A Family Legacy and Community Fixture

The Agrapides family has deep roots in Coney Island. In 1975, they opened Pete’s Clam Stop, and in 1982, they took over Williams Candy. Since then, they have meticulously preserved the store’s old-fashioned charm, crafting their own candy apples and classic treats on-site.

Local Legend Billy O’Brien: From Parking Lot to Silver Screen

Among the local attractions, Billy O’Brien, a longtime friend of the Agrapides family, stands out as a true Coney Island legend. The 75-year-old has been a fixture on the boardwalk since his teenage years, working at rides and amusements. When ‘Anora’ came filming, O’Brien was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, playing the role of the fictional store owner.

A Taste of Hollywood and a Touch of Fame

O’Brien’s appearance in ‘Anora’ has brought him newfound attention. While he has no immediate plans to pursue further acting endeavors, the recognition has been a welcome change. Agrapides jokes that O’Brien’s fame might lead to challenges during the summer season, with fans seeking autographs and interactions.

A Sweet Success Story

Williams Candy’s role in ‘Anora’ has not only brought recognition but also a boost to business during the off-season. Visitors eagerly flock to the store to catch a glimpse of the iconic setting. And with O’Brien’s star power, the candy store is poised to become an even more beloved destination.

The 2024 Oscars: ‘Emilia Perez’ Dominates with 13 Nominations

The 2024 Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday, January 23rd, following a year of ups and downs for Hollywood. The nominations were originally scheduled for January 17th, but were postponed twice due to wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, leaving behind historic levels of destruction.

In the wake of the devastating wildfires, Hollywood came together to support the Netflix narco-musical about trans identity, ‘Emilia Perez,’ which dominated the nominations with a leading 13, including best picture and best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, making her the first openly trans actor ever nominated for an Oscar.

A Wide-Open Race

With so many highly-anticipated films in contention, the 2024 Oscar race is wide open. ‘Emilia Perez,’ ‘Wicked,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Anora,’ ‘Conclave,’ and ‘A Complete Unknown’ all received multiple nominations and are considered frontrunners for best picture.

‘Emilia Perez,’ a Spanish language, French-made film, became the most nominated non-English language film ever, surpassing Netflix’s own ‘Roma,’ which landed 10 nominations. Only three films — ‘All About Eve,’ ‘Titanic,’ and ‘La La Land’ — have scored more nominations in Academy Awards history.

Other Notable Nominations

Another musical, ‘Wicked,’ the smash Broadway adaptation, came away with nearly as many nominations as ‘Emilia Perez,’ collecting 10, including best picture and acting nods for its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

‘The Brutalist,’ Brady Corbet’s postwar epic filmed in VistaVision and released by A24, also received a commanding 10 nominations, including best picture, best director, and nominations for actors Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones.

In the best actor category, Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong received nominations for their roles in ‘The Apprentice,’ which dramatizes the formative years of President Donald Trump’s emergence in New York real estate under the tutelage of attorney Roy Cohn.

Demi Moore is considered the frontrunner for best actress for her performance in ‘The Substance,’ but the category also includes nominations for Karla Sofía Gascón, Fernanda Torres, Cynthia Erivo, and Mikey Madison.

Hollywood Responds to the Wildfires

The nominations were announced during a time of great uncertainty for Los Angeles and the film industry. The wildfires had caused widespread devastation, and many in the industry called for the Oscars to be canceled altogether.

However, academy leaders argued that the March 2nd ceremony must go ahead, for its economic impact on Los Angeles and as a symbol of resilience for the industry. Organizers have vowed this year’s awards will ‘celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and acknowledge those who fought so bravely against the wildfires.’

Despite the challenges, Hollywood is coming together to celebrate film and recognize the extraordinary talent on display in this year’s Oscar nominations.

Mariano Rivera Accused of Covering Up Sexual Abuse of 10-Year-Old Girl: Lawsuit

A lawsuit filed last week accuses Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, of pressuring a young girl to remain silent about her abuse. According to the lawsuit, the Riveras isolated and intimidated the girl into staying quiet to prevent issues for their church, Refuge of Hope.

The lawsuit was filed by the girl, now 17, and her mother, who are not named to protect their privacy. The suit is seeking unspecified damages for negligent supervision and premises liability.

The Allegations

The lawsuit alleges that Clara Rivera, who is a pastor at Refuge of Hope, told the mother that the girl should attend a summer internship through Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida, another Assemblies of God church. Refuge of Hope paid for the girl’s attendance and required her to stay in a dormitory with other children without parental supervision.

According to the complaint, an older female camper, identified only as “MG,” repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl, who was about 11 at the time, in the dorm and shower.

The girl told her mother about the abuse, and the mother then reported her concerns to Clara Rivera, who told the mother that she would investigate. However, the situation was not rectified, and the Riveras allegedly told the mother that the girl was safe.

The Cover-Up

The lawsuit alleges that the Riveras failed to take appropriate action and handled the allegations internally to avoid scrutiny, public scandal, and potential financial losses.

The Riveras are also accused of failing to supervise the girl properly during a barbecue at their home after she returned from the internship. The couple allegedly did not invite parents to the event, only the church’s children, and the girl was left unsupervised with “MG,” even after the disclosure of the abuse.

Other Allegations

A Refuge of Hope youth leader, Ruben Tavarez Jr., who is the son of an associate pastor, is also accused of abusing the girl in 2021. The abuse included “graphic electronic communications of a sexual nature.” It ended when the girl’s mother confronted Tavarez.

Last month, affiliates of the Assemblies of God settled three lawsuits that alleged similar abuse of minors. A former staff member of Ignite Life Center entered into a plea agreement in connection with sexual abuse.

The Riveras’ Response

Joseph A. Ruta, the Riveras’ attorney, released a statement saying that the couple “do not tolerate child abuse of any kind” and that the allegations are “completely false.”

Ruta said that the first time the Riveras heard about the allegations was in 2022, when a New York attorney sent a letter requesting a financial settlement. He said that the lawsuit is full of inaccurate and misleading statements.

The lawsuit is ongoing, and the Riveras have not yet filed a formal response to the allegations.

Birthright citizenship comes under scrutiny

As the clock ticks down towards February 19, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Monica and other expectant immigrant mothers. The Trump administration’s executive order, seeking to end birthright citizenship, has cast a shadow of doubt on the future of their unborn children’s citizenship status.

Monica’s plight: a tale of limbo

Monica, a Venezuelan immigrant, arrived in the United States in 2019 under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. While waiting for her asylum interview, she and her partner settled in South Carolina and found work. Now, 12 weeks into her pregnancy, she is consumed by worry about her baby’s citizenship. As a mother who is unlawfully present in the country, her child may not be eligible for U.S. citizenship under the proposed policy.

Legal challenges mount against the executive order

Monica is not alone in her concerns. Several lawsuits have been filed across the country challenging the constitutionality of the birthright citizenship order. The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, on behalf of Monica and other plaintiffs, argues that the order violates the 14th Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) claims it would deny impacted infants basic health care and nutrition. Other lawsuits argue that it would unconstitutionally strip citizenship rights from newborns and their parents.

Confusion and uncertainty reign among immigrant families

The lack of specificity in the executive order has created confusion among families and lawyers about who exactly would be impacted. Monica and her partner, who have lived and worked legally in the United States for six years, question if they fall within the scope of the order. The asylum program’s backlog could further delay their path to permanent residency, exacerbating their uncertainty.

Implications for other asylum seekers

Conchita Cruz, co-executive director of ASAP, emphasizes the challenges other asylum seekers face in obtaining citizenship for their children. Making contact with their country of origin’s consulates could risk their safety or jeopardize their asylum claims. These families are left in a precarious position, unable to secure citizenship for their children in either the United States or their home countries.

The road ahead: legal battles and lingering uncertainty

As federal agencies prepare to issue guidance on the policy’s implementation, a court may intervene to pause enforcement. In the meantime, uncertainty looms large for expectant immigrants like Monica. The fate of their children’s citizenship hangs in the balance, leaving them with a mix of hope and anxiety as they navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Conclusion: a fight for equality and the rights of the unborn

The birthright citizenship debate underscores the importance of protecting the rights of all children, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Monica’s story and the ongoing legal battles highlight the need for a just and equitable immigration system that prioritizes the well-being and future of all who seek a better life in the United States.

Southern California Wildfires Rage: Hughes Fire Burns 9,400 Acres, Evacuations Ordered

A massive wildfire, dubbed the Hughes Fire, has erupted in the rugged mountains north of Los Angeles, forcing over 50,000 people to evacuate or remain under evacuation warnings.

The blaze, which broke out near Lake Castaic on Wednesday afternoon, has already scorched approximately 9,400 acres, sending plumes of dark smoke into the sky. The fire’s rapid spread is exacerbated by gusty winds, which are expected to intensify in the coming days.

Massive Evacuations and Firefighting Efforts in Progress

More than 31,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes, while another 23,000 are under evacuation warnings. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, with the assistance of water-dropping aircraft.

Despite the challenges posed by the wind, firefighters have made significant progress in containing the fire on the south side, where they have dropped tens of thousands of gallons of fire retardant.

Concerns over Renewed Fire Activity and Potential Rain

While the Hughes Fire remains a major threat, firefighters are also monitoring the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have devastated Southern California for the past three weeks.

In addition to the wildfire threat, officials are also preparing for potential rain, which could trigger mud and debris flows in fire-impacted areas. Residents are being advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.

Health Hazards and Safety Measures

The ash from the wildfires poses a potential health hazard, as it may contain harmful substances such as heavy metals and arsenic.

Residents are urged to wear protective gear while cleaning up and to avoid prolonged exposure to the ash. The Los Angeles County public health director has emphasized the importance of taking these precautions to minimize potential health risks.

Ongoing Investigations and Lawsuits

The causes of the Hughes, Palisades, and Eaton fires are still under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Several lawsuits have been filed by residents who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire, alleging that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked the blaze.

The outcome of these investigations and lawsuits may have significant implications for the prevention and mitigation of future wildfires.

Mob Wives Cast Member Natalie ‘Nat D’ DiDonato Found Safe

Natalie “Nat D” DiDonato, a cast member from the reality TV show “Mob Wives,” has been found safe in Nevada, her mother announced Wednesday, ending a short-lived missing persons search.

Initial Concern and Missing Person Investigation

DiDonato’s mother, Denise Fuoco, reported her daughter missing after losing contact for a few days. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) confirmed they were actively searching for DiDonato.

DiDonato Reaches Out to Family

On Wednesday, DiDonato contacted her mother, assuring her that she was safe. The concerned mother promptly informed the authorities, who subsequently closed the missing persons case.

Unclear Circumstances

The reasons behind DiDonato’s brief disappearance remain unknown. Her family members stated that she was hesitant to discuss the matter.

Recent Activities and Plans

DiDonato was reportedly in Philadelphia before her disappearance. Her sister, Janae DiDonato, disclosed that she was scheduled to return to Florida but missed her flight.

Las Vegas Stay

Police records indicate that DiDonato stayed at a Las Vegas hotel late last week, surprising her family as they were unaware of any connections she had there.

‘Mob Wives’ and Personal Life

Natalie DiDonato appeared in Season 5 of “Mob Wives,” which aired from 2011 to 2016. She was often referred to as “Nat D” to distinguish her from another cast member with a similar name. DiDonato is the cousin of Frank “Frankie Flowers” D’Alfonso, a murdered mobster.

Social Media Activity

Five weeks prior to her disappearance, DiDonato expressed her contentment on Instagram, reflecting on her age and recent weight loss. She emphasized the importance of embracing the aging process.

Conclusion

Natalie “Nat D” DiDonato’s safe return has brought relief to her family and fans. While the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, her loved ones are grateful she is now safely back home.

The United States Men’s National Team to Face Costa Rica

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) will conclude their January camp tonight as they face Costa Rica in their second friendly of the year. The USMNT is coming off a 3-1 victory over Venezuela over the weekend and will look to secure another win against the Ticos.

Several players made their debuts against Venezuela, and more are expected to do the same this evening. Manager Mauricio Pochettino wants his players to gain experience answering the call and producing on the field. Against a Concacaf opponent like Costa Rica, whom the USMNT may face again this year, perhaps at the Gold Cup, he wants his team to dictate the pace of the game.

Costa Rica is known for its tough play regardless of the competition, and they will likely try to impose their game on the United States. For the USMNT, this match is another opportunity for players to make an impression and contribute to a positive result.

Match Information

USA vs. Costa Rica

Advertised Kick-off Time: 7:00pm Eastern, 4:00pm Pacific

Venue: Exploria Stadium, Orlando

Available TV: TNT (English), truTV (English), Universo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Max (English), Peacock (Spanish), FuboTV (Free Trial)

Apple’s AI Rollout Hits a Snag

Apple (AAPL) shares have taken a hit as several Wall Street analysts have lowered their ratings or price targets ahead of the company’s December-quarter earnings report next week.

Jefferies downgraded Apple stock to underperform, or sell, from hold. Loop Capital lowered its rating on Apple stock to hold from buy. And JPMorgan cut its price target on Apple.

iPhone Sales Concerns

Jefferies analyst Edison Lee turned negative on Apple stock based on indications of “weak” iPhone sales, especially in China.
In a client note Monday, Lee said he thinks Apple will miss estimates for its fiscal first quarter and with its guidance. Apple will report fiscal Q1 results on Jan. 30.
Sales estimates are too high for current iPhones and upcoming handsets because of the slower-than-expected rollout and uptake of AI features, branded Apple Intelligence, Lee said.
“Current expectations for Apple Intelligence to kick-start a super upgrade cycle are too high, in our view,” Lee said. “Apple Intelligence rollout is likely to be gradual.”

He added, “Consumers are not yet interested in AI on smartphones, and hardware upgrade to enable smarter AI is expensive and could lead to further delay in AI scaling up to drive iPhone sales.”

Generative AI Features Fall Flat

Loop Capital analyst Ananda Baruah said he downgraded Apple stock on signs of “materially softening iPhone demand.”

In a client note on Tuesday, Baruah said generative AI features have not boosted iPhone 16 sales.
“Frankly speaking, the Apple Intelligence rollout has been dismal, according to all accounts,” Baruah said. “The new Siri promised is rife with issues and user experience has been extremely disappointing. The AI features to aid in writing have been received equally as poorly.”

Foreign Exchange Headwinds

Elsewhere on Wall Street, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee maintained his overweight, or buy, rating on Apple stock but lowered his price target to 260 from 265.
On the stock market today , Apple stock fell 3.2% to close at 222.64.

“The concern heading into the earnings print is less about the quarter itself, and more so about the outlook,” Chatterjee said in a client note.
He cited several concerns for Apple including smartphone market share loss in China, limited traction for AI features, and foreign exchange headwinds.

Apple’s Outlook in Question

The recent downgrades and price target cuts from analysts underscore concerns about Apple’s outlook. The company faces challenges in the smartphone market, particularly in China, and its AI initiatives have yet to gain traction with consumers.
Investors will be watching closely when Apple reports its fiscal Q1 results on Jan. 30 for any signs of improvement. Until then, the company’s stock may continue to face pressure.

Follow Patrick Seitz on Twitter at @IBD_PSeitz for more stories on consumer technology, software and semiconductor stocks.