Almost two years after it impressed critics at several festivals, Peter Dinklage’s reboot of the ’80s cult classic The Toxic Avenger has finally secured a theatrical release in late 2025. The black comedy superhero franchise began with 1984 in Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman’s feature that focused on a ridiculed janitor turned mutant crimefighter. The Toxic Avenger spawned a successful franchise that included three sequels, a stage musical, an animated series, and more, with Macon Blair helming the Toxic Avenger reboot that was originally intended to premiere in 2023.
After a lengthy delay as it searched for a distributor, Deadline reports that Legendary Pictures and Troma Entertainment’s ToxicAvenger has finally been slated for a theatrical release on August 29. The movie stars Dinklage as the hero once known as Winston Gooze as he attempts to strike a balance between fighting corrupt CEOs and rebuilding his relationship with his son. The feature has 92% on Rotten Tomatoes after various festival appearances. Cineverse will handle distribution for the unrated theatrical run in the US and Canada, as well as the movie’s home release on digital storefronts, streaming, and physical media.
What We Know About The Toxic Avenger’s Release Date Delay
The Movie Received A Drastic Rework That Left Distributors Nervous
Despite the cult status of the Toxic Avenger franchise, the modern reimagining has had trouble finding its way to screens ever since intentions of a reboot were announced in 2010. Initially envisioned as a more family-friendly reboot in the vein of the ToxicCrusaders animated series, it took eight years for the movie to be acquired by Legendary in 2018, and another year for Blair to join in 2019. By the time cameras began rolling in Bulgaria in 2021, it was clear from Blair’s comments on the movie’s practical gore that it would be aimed at a more mature audience.
Cineverse may be more keen on taking a gamble…
This element, however, would play into The Toxic Avenger’s struggle to find a distributor. Though it garnered acclaim from critics at festivals, distributors were reluctant to pick up the feature in case the graphic content severely limited how it could be released to the point that certain experts raised concerns that it could potentially become lost media. However, with the success of R-rated features such as Deadpool & Wolverine and Gladiator II in 2024, Cineverse may be more keen on taking a gamble in case The Toxic Avenger could attract similar success.
The Toxic Avenger Aversion Never Made Sense
The Movie Is Part Of A Long Legacy
The long delay in bringing the remake of the iconic Troma movie to the screen is somewhat bizarre, as its approach to the material, while intense, is generally in keeping with the rest of the franchise as well as the company’s output. While Troma Entertainment is a wide-ranging studio and distributor whose previous work includes distributing the iconic Studio Ghibli fantasy movie My Neighbor Totoro, they are best known for creating and distributing genre movies and exploitation titles that push the envelope in terms of content and taste.
Troma developed this reputation over the course of the 1980s with movies including the slasher-adjacent titles Mother’s Day, Bloodbath in Psycho Town, and Luther The Geek. Many of their releases announced their intentions to present bold, envelope-pushing ideas in their titles, including 1986’s Class of Nuke ‘Em High, 1987’s Surf Nazis Must Die, 1988’s Rabid Grannies, 1990’s A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell, and 1996’s Killer Condom.
Killer Condom is based on a German graphic novel and had its titular monster designed by Alien‘s H.R. Giger.
While The Toxic Avenger might feel brash when compared to Blair’s more low-key directorial debut I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, it is hardly shocking when held against the previous output of Troma itself. It also boasts one of the company’s most exciting ensemble casts, as in addition to Dinklage, it features Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon, Sarah Niles, Julia Davis, Julian Kostov, and Elijah Wood. While it may never be a blockbuster tentpole, it makes sense to give the movie a chance in theaters.
Our Take On The Toxic Avenger’s Long-Awaited Release Date
Fears About The Movie’s Content Could Be A Strong Selling Point
While fellow dark cult-classic hero The Crow’s 2024 reboot failed to please audiences and critics, The Toxic Avenger is already in a stronger position to potentially become one of 2025’s cinematic successes. After earning a high Rotten Tomatoes critic score in 2023 and releasing a bloody and brutal red band trailer in October 2024, the reboot of the cult classic has given moviegoers surprisingly lofty expectations.
The Crow starred Bill Skarsgård as a new version of the iconic comic book character, who was originally portrayed onscreen by the late Brandon Lee in 1994.
When paired with its struggle to find a distributor and discussions about its graphic content, many potential viewers unfamiliar with the project may be keen to give the movie a viewing based on those concerns alone out of curiosity once The Toxic Avenger arrives in theaters in August.
Peter Dinklage’s highly anticipated reboot of the ’80s cult classic film has finally landed a release date after a two-year delay. The film, which has received a remarkable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is set to hit theaters on October 15th.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of this film, which stars Dinklage in the lead role and promises to bring a fresh and exciting take on the beloved classic. The delay may have been frustrating for some, but if the critical acclaim is anything to go by, it will have been well worth the wait.
Dinklage’s performance has been praised as a standout, with his unique charm and talent shining through in every scene. The film’s updated storyline and modern twists have also been praised for breathing new life into the beloved original.
With the release date finally set, fans can start counting down the days until they can experience this exciting reboot for themselves. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 15th and get ready for a cinematic experience you won’t soon forget.
Encore Renewable Energy, a Burlington-based company, received $389 million in funding from Brookfield, a Toronto-based investment firm.
Encore specializes in developing and operating solar arrays and battery energy storage projects.
The company focuses on mid-sized solar projects, typically covering 15 to 30 acres, with a development pipeline exceeding $1 billion.
A Burlington renewable energy company has secured $389 million in financing from Toronto-based Brookfield, one of the largest investment companies in the world with more than $1 trillion under management.
Chris Clement, chief financial officer of Encore Renewable Energy, told the Burlington Free Press that the commitment by Brookfield helps to “validate” Encore as a leading renewable energy developer and operator, primarily of solar arrays, but also of battery energy storage projects.
“We’re a growing company in the early stages of having established ourselves as a leading independent power producer in the Northeast, and even nationally,” Clement said. “Brookfield helps validate the market view of Encore.”
A $1 billion pipeline of projects averaging about $15 million each
Encore has about 100 projects in its development pipeline, worth more than $1 billion in total, according to Clement. The company’s niche is not large, utility-scale solar arrays, but rather arrays covering 15 to 30 acres, averaging about $15 million each.
“We’re really good at developing projects, but no one has a perfect track record,” Clement said. “Some will fall away, there’s a constant churn of advancing development, adding sites and building out the pipeline.”
With the support of Brookfield, and Zurich, Switzerland-based SUSI Partners, a majority owner of Encore, Clement said the company will be able to dramatically accelerate its ability to get projects done, even with the uncertainty surrounding the new Trump administration.
“There’s nothing partisan about what we’re doing,” he said. “The large majority of our work takes place in rural areas, where we think we’re a key contributor to economic development, providing landowners, often farmers, with alternative income streams otherwise not available to them.”
Investment tax credits important to the solar industry, but not irreplaceable
Currently, the renewable energy industry is built around federal investment tax credits that companies like Encore can sell to other companies at 90 to 94 cents on the dollar for them to use against their tax liabilities. But even if those tax credits go away, Clement said the industry is mature enough to find another way to continue moving forward.
“We’re confident we have enough stability in the policy landscape for us to operate without too much concern,” he said. “We hope (Brookfield’s investment) is a signal that private capital agrees. They would be on the sideline if they were concerned.”
Latest investment from Brookfield has Encore’s home office feeling crowded
Encore’s construction portfolio is centered on the Northeast, but it has projects in Illinois, as far west as Colorado and New Mexico, and as far south as South Carolina. Notably, Clement said the company stays out of the renewable markets in Texas and California.
“Those are very large, active, crowded markets,” he said.
Encore does a lot of work in Vermont, and nearly two-thirds of its roughly 50 employees are in Vermont, with offices at Hula, the co-working campus off of Pine Street in Burlington, on the shores of Lake Champlain.
“It’s feeling pretty crowded in there,” Clement said of the company offices. “We’re adding a lot of engineers and construction managers and more members to the finance team to support this scaling effort.”
Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT.
Encore Renewable Energy, a leading developer of community-scale solar projects, has recently secured financing for several new solar arrays in the Burlington area. The company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions has helped them attract investors who are eager to support their mission of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.
These new solar arrays will help offset the electricity usage of local businesses and residents, providing them with clean, affordable energy while also reducing their carbon footprint. Encore Renewable Energy’s innovative approach to solar development has made them a key player in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
With this latest round of financing, Encore Renewable Energy is poised to continue expanding their presence in the Burlington area and beyond. Their dedication to creating a more sustainable world through renewable energy is truly commendable, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
Gladiator II has passed one final milestone at the global box office. Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator II takes place years after Maximus’ death and focuses on his son Lucius (Paul Mescal), who must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. The first movie, also directed by Scott, was a major success both critically and financially, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Despite its predecessor’s acclaim, Gladiator II received more mixed reviews, with many praising its performances and visuals, while others felt it didn’t capture the same essence as the original.
According to Box Office Mojo, Gladiator II has officially earned $460.5 million worldwide, achieving what will likely be its last milestone at the box office. It’s a solid total, but it does just fall short of the first film, which earned $465.5 million worldwide. However, the first film’s box office total includes its various re-releases, which provided additional revenue over the years.
What This Means For Gladiator II’s Box Office
Gladiator II Could’ve Flown Higher
The $460 million global total for Gladiator II means that, ultimately, it might not be that profitable thanks to its estimated budget of $250 million. It also falls short of surpassing the original film’s complete earnings. When accounting for the additional re-release figures as well, Gladiator‘s financial edge becomes clear, as the sequel hasn’t yet had the chance to reconnect with audiences. Nevertheless, Gladiator II shows that even an eagerly anticipated sequel may struggle to replicate the staying power of its predecessor.
Movies generally have to earn 2x its budget to be considered a financial success. In the case of a $250 million budget, that would be closer to $500 million.
In comparison to other films released around the same time in 2024, such as Moana 2and Wicked, Gladiator II’s performance aligns closely with the broader box office trends for major 2024 releases. Other films that performed similarly include Venom: The Last Dance and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. While it has managed to hold its ground, it has not been able to outperform the aforementioned titles. Though $460 million is a sizable total, especially in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, one could argue Gladiator II‘s performance is ultimately underwhelming.
Our Take On Gladiator II’s Box Office Performance
Gladiator II Falls Behind Its Predecessor
While Gladiator II might not have surpassed the original’s overall success, it has still proven itself to be a lasting contender at the box office, especially considering the competitive nature of 2024. Additionally, it now has the chance to make up some ground by streaming on Paramount+, at least in terms of its overall audience size. With strong performances and visuals, Gladiator II’s ability to earn a decent global total is an achievement in itself, as this shows it has held on in the weeks since its release, even if it could’ve reached higher.
“Gladiator 2 Lands Its Final Global Box Office Milestone & It Comes Just Short Of the Original Movie’s Overall Total”
The highly anticipated sequel to the iconic film “Gladiator” has finally reached its final global box office milestone, but it falls just short of the original movie’s overall total. Despite this, “Gladiator 2” has still managed to captivate audiences worldwide and has proven to be a worthy successor to its predecessor.
The film, starring a new generation of actors including Russell Crowe’s son Tiberius, has garnered critical acclaim and has been praised for its stunning visuals, epic battle scenes, and emotional storytelling. Fans of the original film have flocked to theaters to see their favorite characters return to the big screen, and the box office numbers reflect the immense anticipation and excitement surrounding the sequel.
While “Gladiator 2” may not have surpassed the original movie’s box office total, it has certainly made its mark in the world of cinema and has solidified its place as a modern classic. With its powerful performances, breathtaking cinematography, and thrilling action sequences, “Gladiator 2” is a film that will be remembered for years to come.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of “Gladiator 2” for reaching this final global box office milestone, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beloved franchise.
Caitlin Clark is reportedly getting another high-profile teammate.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported Friday that veteran forward Natasha Howard agreed to a new deal with the Indiana Fever. This will be her second stint with Indiana, which drafted her with the No. 5 overall pick in 2014.
Howard was a secondary contributor during the first two seasons of her career on the Fever but eventually developed into an All-Star and defensive leader during future stops. She has played for the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, New York Liberty and Dallas Wings as well.
The 33-year-old was in Dallas the last two seasons and is coming off one of the best scoring efforts of her career in 2024.
She averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals a night while shooting 45.6 percent from the field as a bright spot for a Wings team that struggled on the way to a 9-31 record.
It was yet another impressive season in a career that includes three championships (2017 with Minnesota, 2018 with Seattle and 2020 with Seattle), the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, the 2018 Most Improved Player, two All-Star selections, two All-Defensive First Team nods and a spot on the 2019 All-WNBA First Team.
This move comes after the Fever announced Wednesday they re-signed Kelsey Mitchell, further underscoring their push toward championship contention with Clark leading the way.
Indiana reached the playoffs last season for the first time since the 2016 campaign but lost in the first round to the Connecticut Sun. Considering it was Clark’s rookie season and the team went 13-27 the year before, all indications were the future is quite bright.
And now it is even brighter after re-signing Mitchell and adding a veteran leader like Howard.
Howard is also the type of experienced player who has reached the sport’s highest stage who can help a young Fever team turn the corner when facing the postseason pressure. She should form quite the one-two punch in the frontcourt with Aliyah Boston as Indiana gears up for the 2025 campaign.
Exciting news in the world of women’s basketball as it has been reported that Natasha Howard has landed a contract with the Indiana Fever in WNBA free agency. The talented forward will be joining forces with rising star Caitlin Clark, creating a dynamic duo that is sure to make waves in the league.
Howard, a two-time WNBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Fever roster. Known for her versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Howard will undoubtedly be a key player for Indiana this upcoming season.
With Clark, the sensational rookie guard out of Iowa, leading the charge, the Fever are poised to be a formidable force in the WNBA. Clark has been turning heads with her scoring ability and playmaking skills, and her partnership with Howard is sure to elevate the team to new heights.
Fans can expect an exciting season ahead as Howard and Clark lead the charge for the Fever. Stay tuned for more updates, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors as the WNBA season approaches. It’s going to be a thrilling ride for Indiana Fever fans!
Former Washington Commanders team president Jason Wright wasn’t out of work long.
Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post revealed Thursday on X that Wright is now the managing partner and head of investments for Project Level, “a new venture from Ariel Investments that seeks to invest in women’s sports.”
Former Commanders president Jason Wright is now the managing partner and head of investments for Project Level, a new venture by Ariel Investments that seeks invest in women’s sports.
Mellody Hobson, part of the Denver Broncos’ ownership group, is president and co-CEO of Ariel.…
Project Level seeks to harness the exploding talent, fandom, viewership and media interest in women’s sports by working to accelerate growth through diversified investments and significant ownership stakes. Our highly curated portfolio will range from professional and emerging sports teams and leagues, to junior and college sports opportunities, along with related businesses that contribute to and directly benefit from the global expansion of women’s sports. Over time, we expect to generate compelling financial returns by capitalizing on the underappreciated growth and value embedded in women’s sports today. Our endgame is to elevate women’s sports by fostering strong and sustainable businesses that compete at the highest level.
Former owner Dan Snyder hired Wright as Washington’s team president in August 2020. He was the first Black team president in NFL history and was immediately thrust into a difficult situation. Wright had his hands full after dealing with multiple name changes and numerous accusations against Snyder.
New owner Josh Harris and his partners took over the franchise in July 2023 and retained Wright. Wright announced he would step down in July 2024 and would remain in a senior advisor role until further notice. Wright was in the press box for Washington’s thrilling Sunday night win over the Falcons in Week 17 and said on X that he would return his laptop to the team on January 15.
He also posted videos on X showing him cheering on the Commanders even after his tenure ended.
Former president Jason Wright has officially landed a new job as the CEO of a leading tech company. After serving his term in office, Wright has decided to transition into the private sector and bring his leadership skills to a new industry.
In his new role, Wright will be responsible for driving the company’s growth strategy, expanding its market reach, and leading a team of talented individuals to success. With his background in public service and his proven track record of success, Wright is poised to make a significant impact in his new role.
“I am thrilled to join this innovative tech company and help drive its success in the market,” said Wright. “I look forward to working with a talented team of individuals and leveraging my experience to drive growth and achieve our goals.”
Congratulations to former president Jason Wright on his new role! We can’t wait to see the great things he will accomplish in his new position.
Uzbekistan introduces new initiatives to grow high-yield crops on homestead and farm lands
Over the past 7 years, a total of UZS 2.3 trillion ($177.7mn) in preferential loans and UZS 265bn ($20.5mn) in subsidies have been provided to support homesteaders and peasant farms. This financial backing has significantly contributed to increasing agricultural productivity, and now, new initiatives are set to further elevate the sector by fostering high-yield crop production on homesteads and leased arable lands.
Photo: President Mirziyoyev introduced new initiatives to elevate crop production, including a specialized council for peasant farmsSource: Presidential Press Service
On January 30, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presided over a meeting outlining a comprehensive system for growing profitable crops, emphasizing the need to optimize agricultural land for greater economic benefit. Over 5mn households currently manage more than 500,000 hectares of homestead land, and the government aims to transform these spaces into powerful economic assets that will provide jobs and boost income levels.
The government’s support has helped local farmers enhance their agricultural practices. Modern farming techniques have resulted in a dramatic increase in crop yields, with average production per hectare doubling from 18 tons to 38 tons. Across numerous regions, such as Asaka, Shakhrisabz, and Yangiyul, residents are now harvesting multiple times a year, generating substantial income—up to UZS 20mn ($1,545) per hectare.
To take this progress to the next level, President Mirziyoyev introduced several new initiatives to improve crop production. These include the establishment of a specialized council for peasant farms and homesteads, which will oversee everything from providing seeds and seedlings to facilitating processing and export activities. A new holding company, Uzagrostar, will manage these efforts, with specialized fruit and vegetable growing companies established in 15 driver districts. These companies will receive significant financial support, including UZS 20bn ($1.5mn) each from the state budget and $10mn from banks.
In an effort to modernize the sector, a new system will be implemented to support high-yield crops. A “digital marketplace” will connect farmers with buyers, allowing for smoother transactions between producers, processors, and exporters. Additionally, the government has introduced measures such as preferential loans without collateral, grants for exemplary projects, and subsidies for export-oriented production.
Photo: The government aims to optimize agricultural land to boost productivity and economic benefitSource: Presidential Press Service
To further support the sector, over UZS 5 trillion ($386mn) will be allocated to finance food production on household plots. Investments will include refrigerated warehouses, greenhouses, and processing facilities, which will be made available to farmers with flexible payment plans. Furthermore, incentives will be provided to farmers who efficiently utilize their land, with tax breaks for those who earn over UZS 5mn ($386) per hectare.
The government has also addressed long-standing issues in agricultural land leasing. With 3,300 hectares of land now available for lease under a new procedure, the focus will be on analyzing soil quality and water availability to ensure efficient use of resources. Furthermore, a focus on domestic potato production will help eliminate the reliance on imports, with plans for a national initiative to create high-yielding potato varieties adapted to local conditions.
These initiatives are expected to employ 1.5mn people and continue to improve Uzbekistan’s agricultural landscape. By introducing modern technologies, increasing access to resources, and fostering market connections, the country is making strides toward sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
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Uzbekistan Introduces New Initiatives to Grow High-Yield Crops on Homestead and Farm Lands
In an effort to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security, Uzbekistan has launched new initiatives to encourage the cultivation of high-yield crops on homestead and farm lands. The government has introduced a range of measures to support farmers in adopting modern agricultural practices and technologies, with a focus on increasing yields and improving crop quality.
One of the key initiatives is the distribution of high-quality seeds and fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates, to help them achieve higher yields and better crop quality. In addition, the government is providing training and technical assistance to farmers to help them adopt best practices in crop cultivation and management.
Another important initiative is the establishment of demonstration plots where farmers can learn about new crop varieties and cultivation techniques. These plots serve as a showcase for innovative agricultural practices and technologies, and help farmers to improve their own farming methods.
The government is also promoting the use of drip irrigation systems and other water-saving technologies to help farmers optimize water use and increase crop yields. By adopting these technologies, farmers can reduce water wastage and improve the efficiency of their farming operations.
Overall, these initiatives are aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable farming practices in Uzbekistan. By supporting farmers in adopting modern agricultural technologies and practices, the government hopes to create a more resilient and productive agricultural sector that can meet the country’s growing food demand.
As Mike Vrabel’s staff takes shape, former Patriots assistants are moving on.
According to ESPN, the Green Bay Packers are hiring DeMarcus Covington to be their defensive line coach. Last season was Covington’s first as the Patriots defensive coordinator.
This offseason, Covington interviewed with the Cincinnati Bengals for their defensive coordinator job. Now, he heads to Green Bay to work with Packers defensive play caller Jeff Hafley, who previously was Boston College’s head coach.
Covington was hired by Bill Belichick in 2017 as a coaching assistant. He was discovered while coaching at Eastern Illinois. Covington was promoted to linebackers coach in 2019. The next year, he was moved to coach defensive tackles and held that role from 2020-2023.
Covington’s work as an assistant garnered praise from his players and quickly made him a defensive coordinator candidate. In 2023, he interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers for their vacant defensive playcaller jobs.
Covington has also been routinely on the NFL Network’s list of future NFL head coaches.
“Definitely thankful for that, but for me, it’s really just about being right here. Being planted where my feet are right here,” Covington said. “Trying to help this football team win games, because that’s where it starts. You’ve gotta win games to even be in that position. So win games, do my job here, do it to the best of my ability, then the rest of that will come.
“So I’m not really focused on that at the moment. Excited to be on that list, but really more excited about trying to help this football team win football games. Then the future will take care of itself.”
It wasn’t a surprise when Jerod Mayo hired him to be his defensive coordinator last season. The Patriots defense finished 22nd in the NFL in scoring and total defense.
Vrabel has completely revamped the Patriots defensive staff as no positional assistants will return in 2025. Terrell Williams takes over as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
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Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, has landed a new job with the Green Bay Packers. Patricia, who was let go by the Patriots earlier this year, will be joining the Packers as a defensive assistant.
The move comes as no surprise, as Patricia has a long history of success in the NFL. He was a key part of the Patriots coaching staff during their Super Bowl runs, and his defensive schemes have been praised for their creativity and effectiveness.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his excitement about bringing Patricia on board, stating that he believes Patricia’s experience and knowledge will be invaluable to the team.
With their new defensive assistant in place, the Packers are looking to strengthen their defense and make a run at the Super Bowl next season. Packers fans can look forward to seeing what Patricia brings to the table and how he helps improve the team’s performance on the field.
Ilia Malinin laid in the middle of the ice at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Sunday as everyone else stood in ovation.
He has that effect on people.
In another stunning display of athleticism, the reigning world champion landed six of his seven planned quad jumps — including the quad axel, the jump that only Malinin has ever landed in competition — and finished with 333.31 points after his free skate to win his third consecutive national championship at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.
Andrew Torgashev landed a pair of quads during his free skate and finished second with 286.49 points, while Camden Pulkinen took advantage of a sloppy free skate from Jimmy Ma to secure the bronze medal with 252.92 points.
Malinin was trying to become the first skater ever to land seven clean quads in competition, and he came close. He opened with the quad flip, easily landed his quad axel and hit his quad lutz — the second-hardest of the quads. But then came his only miscue, when Malinin fell on his quad loop, and he punched the air in mid-routine as if he was miffed at himself.
He landed three more quads, all of them leading into other jumps, and finished it all off with a crowd-pleasing backflip.
“It wasn’t the perfect program that I exactly wanted, but I think I gave a good, solid start for what is working in this program,” said Malinin, who was using nationals as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming world championships in Boston.
If it had been international competition, Malinin’s score would have nearly matched Nathan Chen’s record of 335.30 points.
“I’m still not at my full potential yet and there’s a lot bigger limit, I guess, that I can go for,” Malinin said.
Malinin went into the free skate with a record margin for nationals — 19.14 points over anyone else in the field — after a sublime short program Saturday that was even a bit tame by his standards. The self-proclaimed “Quad God” landed a quad flip and a quad lutz-triple toe loop combination but chose to skip over his quad axel for a triple axel instead.
Malinin was philosophical about it afterward, saying, “There’s the pressure of trying to do (the quad axel) at every competition. People might want to see something bigger and better, but I want to make sure I am consistent.”
That hasn’t been a problem.
The 20-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, has won eight consecutive competitions since a second-place finish at the Grand Prix de France last year. That stretch of podium perfection included his second national title, two victories at the prestigious Grand Prix Final, and a world championship that Malinin will attempt to defend on home soil in March.
It’s a run that prompted Ma to vault Malinin into the same category of greatness as Chen, the retired Olympic champion.
“I don’t even think of Ilia as competition anymore because it’s not something I think I can achieve,” Ma said. “It’s just an honor to be friends and compete with two people who can be considered GOATs in their own way.”
The 23-year-old Torgashev, who was third at the Grand Prix de France, was so pumped about his performance to the symphonic suite “Scheherazade” that earned him a silver medal that he said stepping off the ice Sunday, “I … crushed it.”
Pulkinen rounded out the podium with a second consecutive bronze medal at nationals.
Ilia Malinin continues to dominate the ice as he skates his way to another US Figure Skating title. The world champion made history by landing an impressive 6 quad jumps in his routine, showcasing his incredible skill and precision on the ice.
Malinin’s flawless performance left the crowd in awe as he effortlessly executed each jump with grace and power. His technical prowess combined with his artistic flair earned him top scores from the judges, solidifying his status as one of the best figure skaters in the world.
This victory marks Malinin’s third straight US Figure Skating title, further cementing his legacy in the sport. Fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented skater as he continues to push the boundaries and redefine what is possible on the ice. Congratulations to Ilia Malinin on another incredible performance and well-deserved victory!
Spring training is just weeks away, but there is still plenty of MLB offseason business to tackle. A handful of notable players remain on the free-agent market, including Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso. Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki agreed to a new deal on Jan. 17, landing with the Dodgers to team up with WBC teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers signed reliever Tanner Scott on the same weekend. The Blue Jays finally made an awaited splash as they signed Anthony Santander to a five-year contract.
Juan Soto, the best free agent on the market, signed a record-setting $765 million deal with the Mets back in December. Pitchers Corbin Burnes (Diamondbacks), Blake Snell (Dodgers) and Max Fried (Yankees) — who were all ranked in the top five of our top free agents lists — also all signed before the new year.
Some moves have happened in January, including Justin Verlander heading to the Giants and Ha-Seong Kim to the Rays, but the market has been relatively slow as Alonso and Bregman remain without new contracts.
You can check out our top 50 free agent rankings, which include write-ups on every player. CBS Sports will be keeping track of where they land below.
2024-25 MLB free agent tracker
In the latest MLB free agent signings, infielder Ha-Seong Kim has agreed to a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. The 25-year-old South Korean star brings versatility and power to the Rays’ lineup, as he can play multiple positions and has shown an ability to hit for both average and power.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves have bolstered their outfield depth by signing Jurickson Profar. The 28-year-old utility player adds speed and defensive prowess to the Braves’ roster, giving them another option in the outfield and infield.
Stay tuned for more updates on MLB free agent signings as teams continue to make moves to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is going to the Pro Bowl thanks to a technicality.
Maye officially advanced to the games after the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes opted out. Allen suffered a wrist injury in the conference championship round, while Mahomes will be playing in Super Bowl LIX.
Mac Jones (2021) is the only other rookie quarterback in franchise history to make the Pro Bowl.
Maye passed for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his rookie campaign and added 421 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns. New England appears to have itself a franchise quarterback, though his first involvement in the annual all-star event would have meant a bit more if he earned it on the first go around.
The Patriots had only one other Pro Bowl selection in 2024, though Brendan Schooler opted out due to injury and was replaced by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Miles Killebrew. Matthew Judon (2022, 2021), Matthew Slater (2021), J.C. Jackson (2021) and Jones (2021) were the last four players to make the Pro Bowl for New England.
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The New England Patriots’ quarterback Drake Maye has been selected to play in the Pro Bowl after a series of opt-outs left the team in need of a replacement. Maye, a rookie out of the University of North Carolina, has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL with his impressive passing skills and leadership on the field.
Despite initially being a backup to veteran quarterback Cam Newton, Maye has stepped up to the challenge and proven himself as a valuable asset to the Patriots’ offense. His impressive performances throughout the season have earned him a spot in the prestigious Pro Bowl, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his talents against the best players in the league.
Fans are excited to see Maye represent the Patriots in the Pro Bowl and are eager to see what he can accomplish on the big stage. With his determination and talent, Maye has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL and has already solidified himself as a key player for the Patriots. Congratulations to Drake Maye on this well-deserved honor!
