Gambling business wants to open new cardroom in Northwest Pensacola.

Business News

Pensacola Greyhound Track and Poker Room has property in Northwest Pensacola under contract with the intent of opening a cardroom, but to do business they need Escambia County to confirm that pari-mutuel gaming is allowed on the commercial property so the state will give them permission to move to a new location.The issue came up at the county’s Thursday night board meeting when commissioners were asked to discuss a draft ordinance identifying state licensed pari-mutuel cardrooms among the permitted recreation and entertainment uses of commercial, heavy commercial, and light industrial zoning districts in Escambia CountyPoarch Creek Indian Tribe’s PCI Gaming Authority, which owns and operates the gaming facility as Pensacola Greyhound Racing LLP, is seeking a land use certificate from Escambia County confirming that pari-mutuel gaming is allowed at 2490 Interstate Circle, where they’d like to move.Making a move:Pensacola Greyhound Track and Poker Room is relocating but needs county approval firstThe vacant commercial parcel is located near Interstate-10 and Pine Forest Road and there are mostly businesses nearby.Escambia County Attorney Alison Rogers says county zoning codes don’t specifically say where pari-mutuel gaming, like poker, can be located, and the new ordinance would clarify that.“This would be sending an ordinance back to the planning board that could be created to specify which zoning categories they would be allowed in,” Rogers explained to the board. “There is a certain property that is currently under contract by the owners of the Greyhound Track where they know that they’re interested in moving to and so this would help the planning department in resolving this issue.”Attorney Will Dunaway, who is representing Pensacola Greyhound Track and Poker Room, said the ordinance isn’t necessary because it’s the only business like it in the area and will remain that way.Under Florida law, only one pari-mutuel wagering license is allowed every 100 miles within the state. The Pensacola Greyhound Track and Poker has one that is here in Escambia County.“Simply direct your development services staff to sign the land verification, which says you want this pari-mutuel gaming at the new location,” Dunaway said to the board. “You don’t need an ordinance. It’s not a slippery slope. You’re not going to have a whole bunch of bars. You’re not going to have a whole bunch of cardrooms. It’s only one license. It’s 100-mile exclusion. You’re not going to have another one.”Commissioners have not yet signed off on the land use certificate. After discussion, they did send the pari-mutuel card room ordinance back to the planning board for review with additional language describing distance restrictions to be recommended by the planning board, like laws that prevent other “vice”-type businesses from being too close to schools or churches.What is pari-mutuel gaming?Pari-mutuel gaming is a type of gambling where players bet against each other, rather than the house. Most types of poker games are considered pari-mutuel gaming.Live dog racing ended at the Pensacola Greyhound Track in 2019 after Florida voters banned live dog racing in a state constitutional amendment the previous year.The track sold its land on Dog Track Road in 2021 to Herons Landing Development LLC for $3.25 million, according to county property records. That same year they sought to buy property off Airport Boulevard in 2021 for a new location, but it didn’t work out.Sports betting legal:Seminoles get OK to allow in-person sports betting in Florida. What you need to knowThe property on Interstate Circle is in Escambia District 1, Commissioner Steve Stroberger’s district. He isn’t keen on the gaming business opening there because there are homes in the back of that and those neighbors may not want it there.“I want the county commissioners to make a decision on it,” Stroberger said. “We’re going to see this come up again and I still have concerns about where they want to put it. I understand Will Dunaway’s position on it. It all makes sense to me, but I don’t think it’s going to make sense to the neighbors down there.”

White Pine District Library adds new books and activities for the new year

Arts & Culture, Books

The White Pine District Library anticipates a new year full of exciting things to look forward to. A good book is a terrific companion during the month of  January
Come check out the newest books at the White Pine District Library today. Our library is open from 9 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Tuesdays from noon to 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 to noon.

News24 Business | From political lockup to science legacy – Rob Martin Adam’s triumphant journey

Science and Health

Recognition for bravery and leadership. Rob Martin Adam receives a prestigious honorary doctorate in science from the University of the Witwatersrand, a testament to his fearless activism and commitment to social justice. (Wits/Supplied).

South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we’re about to enter a new chapter of fearless journalism. Join our free subscription trial to unlock this story and a world of news aimed to inform, empower, and inspire.

Business News | Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2025: Recognizing Literary Excellence Across Categories

Business News

PNNNew Delhi [India], January 11: The Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2025 have once again brought to light the exceptional talents and diverse voices that shape the literary world. These awards are a celebration of authors whose works span various genres, from historical fiction to philosophical drama, from self-help to spirituality, and beyond. The Sahitya Sparsh Awards serve as a platform for recognizing authors who have made significant contributions to literature, offering readers captivating narratives and profound insights into life, society, and the world. Each winning author brings a unique perspective, enriching our understanding of the human experience, inspiring personal growth, and encouraging reflection on the world around us.Also Read | ‘Deva’ Song ‘Bhasad Macha’: Shahid Kapoor-Pooja Hegde’s Undeniable Chemistry and Dance Energy Shine Through in This Track (Watch Video).This year’s winners represent a broad spectrum of genres, with works that highlight not only storytelling but also the power of words to effect change, bring awareness, and challenge conventional thinking. The Sahitya Sparsh Awards are more than just accolades; they embody the recognition of writers who have influenced readers, sparked meaningful conversations, and contributed significantly to literature in their respective fields. From groundbreaking biographies to compelling fictional works, these authors continue to inspire, educate, and entertain, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.The Winners of Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2025:Also Read | When Is Makaravilakku 2025? Significance of Makara Jyothi and the Sacred Festival That Marks the End of the Pilgrim Season at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.*Kodihalli Murali Mohan – Porata Patham – Biography/ Autobiography* Raghu and Pushpa Palat – The Case that Shook the Empire – Non Fiction (Asian History)* Aditya Banerjee – A Poet’s Ballad: A Crossword Mystery – Fiction (Mystery)* Dr. Ramakrishna Rao Muthyala – Sri Rama Ramayanam – Non Fiction (Spiritual)* Kochery C Shibu – Amongst the Believers – Espionage Thriller/ Spy & Politics* Kochery C Shibu – Faith and the Beloved – Crime, Thriller & Mystery* Sushant Rajput – I Wish Someone Told Me This Before My First Job – Self Help/ Personal Development* Fatheena – The Ride of Life – Editor’s Choice (Poetry)* Sona Sharma – Sing O’ Meera – Spiritual Poetry/ Devotional Literature* Meera Shivashankar – Ragamalika – An Anthology of Raga-based Short Stories – Short Stories* Aishwarya R L – Zephyr of Words – Best Poetry* Prasenjit Chanda – Petals – Best Fiction (Poetry)* Dr. Mythri Ramachandra – Discord to Symphony – Best Fiction (Indian Writing)* Farah Naaz – Dumbass to Kickass: Uncensored and Unfiltered – Humor / Anecdotal Essays* Nitish Sinha – A Buddha in the Study – Editor’s Choice (Thrillers & Suspense)* Surendra Singnar – The Seeds in the Hills – Editor’s Choice (Historical Fiction)* Dr. Deepak Singh – Bravo Yadav – Biography/ Autobiography* Prabha Girish – Tiny Tales for the Teeming Mind – Anthologies (Short Story Collection)* Kaustav Mukherjee – The Sinister Me – Editor’s Choice (Science Fiction)* Kamal H. Muhamed – Daring Prince: Truth Revealed – Best Autobiography* Dr. Viswanadha Reddy Maddi – Living Green: Embracing Environmental Sustainability – Popular Book (Non Fiction)* Ruchira Garg – The Single Innings – Editor’s Choice (Family & Relationships)* Sunny – Silicon Threads – Best Science Fiction* Malathy Sasikumar – 30 Winning Tips for Aspiring Traders – Investment and Trading* Thanzil Rahman – Adam and Zara: The Last Promise – Editor’s Choice (Fiction)* Vijayarajamallika – Mallikavasantham – Biographies & Autobiographies* Md Mosharraf Ali Raza – The Future of Sustainable and Ethical Business Practices – Non Fiction (Analysis & Strategy)* Prakash Madan Chitre – Our Intellectual Heritage – Non Fiction (History of Civilization)* Oninthough – One By Two – Best Poetry (Bilingual Literature)* Sagar Ganesh Bhalekar – Lagnpravas – Fiction (Romance)* Garima Pradhan – A Girl That Had to Be Strong – Fiction (Action & Adventure)* Sathyamoorthy Buma Sridhar – The Stillness Within – Self Help/ Motivational* Ravi Valluri and Lakshmi Valluri – Revolutionaries of India 1857-1947 – Non Fiction (History)* Shiraz Mukherjee – Sawdust and Ice – Fiction (Indian Writing)* Renaldo Pavrey – Ichor Stains: A Collection of Short Stories – Fiction (Short Stories)* Yeeshtdevisingh Hosanee – Machine Learning: The 10 Classifiers in Python – Non Fiction (Computer Programming)* Yeeshtdevisingh Hosanee – Artificial Intelligence: The 10 Examples in Python – Non Fiction (AI)* Sugandha Pallan – Where the Dead Come Alive – Supernatural Mystery Thriller* Dr. Vaibhav Mishra – Vijaya: The Treasure Trove – Best Fiction (Mystery)* Anand Suspi – The Bookseller of Mogga – Best Story (Fiction)* Sushant K – Infinity-Antah Asti Prarambh – Editor’s Choice (Romance)* Surabhi – The Chosen One of Kali – Spiritual Fiction* Sridhar Rao Muthineni – Swift Programming for Beginners – Editor’s Choice (Computer Programming)* Partha Majumdar – Rise and Fall – Mythological Fiction / Contemporary Mythological Retelling* Gaurab Dasgupta – Jhalmuri: Embracing Life’s Unpredictable Flavours – Best Short Story Collection* Prof. Rajeshwar Prasad – The Travellers – Philosophical Drama* Dr. Arnesh Garg – Lessons of Life – Self Help/ Poetry* Rajesh Babu TV – Automobile Salesile Dealmaker – Business & Sales* Suhail Malik – Hikayat E Dil – Narrative Poetry* Shivangi Jain – Polaroids: Life in Snapshots – Popular Book (Poetry)* Rachna – Roots: A Couple’s Guide to a Stronger Marriage – Non Fiction (Relationships)* Partha Majumdar – Navigating Economic Frontiers – Academic Books* Komal Choubisa – A Starry Eyed – Inspirational Fiction* Prof. Rajeshwar Prasad – Gandhi – the Messiah – Non-Fiction (Inspirational)* Dr. Sanjhna Nayarr – Rudhira – Editor’s Choice (Folklore and Traditions)* Dr. A.G. Malavika – The Mystery of the Silky Waves – Best Fiction (Action & Adventure)* Partha Majumdar – Securing Authenticity – Business Strategy* Dr. Merily Roy – Revisiting Time to Find Dad – Best Novel (Family & Relationships)* Nigama RV – Halo: Colors of Aura – Best Book (Poetry)* Ahana Majumder – The Bhakti Sutras: The Essence of Devotion – Editor’s Choice (Spiritual)* Swapna Das – Shristi: Creation – Philosophical Fiction* Dan Shragun – Gods Don’t Lie – Fantasy/Supernatural* Neera Maini Srivastav – Hack the Boredom Code – Self Help/ Motivational* Neeraj Singhvi – Temple of Destiny – Self Help/ Personal Development* Vanitha Vaidialingam – The War Within – Psychological Fiction* Dr. Meenu Sodhi Sharma – Musings on Parenting – Parenting and Child Development* Dr. Saroj Dubey – RX for Resilience – Mindfulness and Personal Growth* Avanti Desai – Just Like Therapy: Your DIY Guide to a Happier You – Personal Development Workbook* Vanitha Vaidialingam – Close Encounters of the Mystical Kind – Spiritual Autobiography / Mystical Memoir* Ketaki Mazumdar – Toasted Orange Embers – Poetry > Inspirational* Advaita Bhushan – Satyanweshi – Suspense/Crime Fiction* Dr. Md Asif – Designing of Physical Layer in 6G Wireless Communication – Computers / Networking / Wireless Networks* Asawari Kulkarni – Afterall… YOLO – Personal Growth & Mindful Living* Radhika Deolekar – Afterall… YOLO – Personal Growth & Mindful Living* Bhaswati Khasnabis – Snippets from my Backyard – Poetry > Death, Grief, Loss* Manoj Yadav – When I Was In College – Contemporary Romance* Captain Shoukat Mukherjee – Behind The Tricolour: Lost Legends of 1947 – Legacy of Freedom: Stories of Valor and SacrificeConclusionThe Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2025 serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the incredible impact that literature has on our lives. The diverse array of authors and works recognized this year exemplifies the vastness of the human experience and the power of storytelling to bring us closer to understanding ourselves, each other, and the world we live in. As these authors continue to inspire with their words, they not only entertain but also educate, uplift, and challenge the status quo. In recognizing their accomplishments, we honor the timeless value of literature–an art form that will forever remain a source of knowledge, inspiration, and reflection for generations to come. The future of literature shines brighter because of these incredible individuals, and the Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2025 have once again proven that the written word is a powerful catalyst for change, growth, and understanding.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Basil Joseph compares contemporary Malayalam films with Korean cinema

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Malayalam cinema has been consistently making films that win both critics’ approval and the audience’s love. In recent years, especially after the advent of OTT platforms, the film industry from the small state of Kerala is getting more recognition from across the country. Basil Joseph, who is an integral part of this film movement in Kerala, reflects on the trailblazing journey of contemporary Malayalam films, The actor, who is awaiting the release of Pravinkoodu Shappu, said that Malayalam industry could achieve the global attention that the Korean industry is enjoying now, if it continues making path-breaking movies.Basil Joseph on Malayalam cinemaIn a conversation held during the Wayanad Literature Festival, Basil Joseph said that Malayalam cinema is right now in a position that no other industry in India has been able to achieve.“They are all in awe of us – ‘Everyone is wondering what is happening here’”, said Basil, who has been able to leave a mark with both his filmmaking skills and acting chops.
While pointing out that Malayalam had so many successful films last year, Basil said that there are industries in India that did not even have a single hit.“Malayalam cinema is on route to make a mark in world cinema in the coming years,” Basil remarked.While stating that Malayalam could garner global attention on par with the Korean industry or more, he said, “May be in the next 5 or 10 years, we could evolve to be in a position where the world will be looking at the Malayalam film industry.”Basil Joseph (Credits: Instagram)“If we continue to keep doing this, we are on course to be in a position wherein even kids in Korea will be searching for ‘new Malayalam movies’ on platforms,” the actor said on a lighter note.
Basil Joseph’s filmsBasil Joseph is currently looking forward to the release of Pravinkoodu Shappu on January 16, 2025. His movie with Nazriya Nazim, Sookshmadarshini, just landed on Disney+ Hotstar on January 11, 2025.

Ahead of Sankranti, top 10 movies in Bengaluru theatres includes no Kannada film

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

On January 10, 2 Kannada films released in theatres, amid immense struggles to secure adequate screens/shows, what with one major Telugu movie also out on the same day, and more to follow in the days to come including from Tamil, for the Sankranti/Pongal festival. Choo Mantar and Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu were the Sankranti films from Kannada, and while the latter got overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, and Sharan’s horror comedy got mixed response, the box office reception to both remained tepid.
This despite the fact that Ram Charan’s Gamechanger, which had hogged the majority of screens, opened to largely negative reviews. This is not to say that audiences in Bengaluru are not going to theatres – they are, just not for Kannada films, if the data by industry trackers is anything to go by. Earlier today, Karnataka Talkies reported a list of top 10 movies with the highest fast filling/sold out shows in Bengaluru and neither Choo Mantar nor Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu were on it.Top 10 movies in Bengaluru as of early January 11
Topping the list was not Gamechanger, instead, it was a new Malayalam movie starring Asif Ali in the lead, namely Rekhachithram, with the Hindi re-release Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani coming in at number 2. The rest of the list includes films like Mufasa, Gamechanger, Nosferatu, Sonic 3, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (re-release), Moana 2, Marco and Rifle Club.
Rekhachithram, interestingly, has less than 100 shows in the city, more than half of which were fast filling as early as 9 am, which has only increased in the course of the day. Choo Mantar with 141 shows, was going green at the time the list was compiled. Kiccha Sudeep’s Max, with 119 shows, is also not on the list. It has been reported that the film is likely to end its theatrical run shortly and head to OTT.

Business News | Quality of Work Important, Not Quantity: Anand Mahindra on Long Work Hours Debate

Business News

New Delhi [India], January 11 (ANI): Weighing in on the much-debated topic of work-life balance and putting in more working hours as suggested by some corporate leaders in the recent past, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said he believed in the quality of work and not the quantity. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 here in the national capital, Mahindra, said that the ongoing debate was wrong because it emphasises on quantity of working hours.Also Read | Which Country Has the Longest and Shortest Working Hours for Employees?.”I have huge respect for Narayana Murthy (founder of Infosys) and others. So let me not get this wrong, of course. But I have to say something, I think this debate is in the wrong direction,” Anand Mahindra told the youth. “My point is we have to focus on the quality of work, not on the quantity of work. So it’s not about 48, 40 hours, it’s not about 70 hours, it’s not about 90 hours,” Anand Mahindra said.Also Read | Ram Navami 2025 Date and Auspicious Timings: Know Madhyahna Muhurat, Rituals and Significance To Celebrate the Birth of Lord Rama and His Divine Teachings.He said that it depends on the output of the work. “What output are you doing even if it’s 10 hours? You can change the world in 10 hours.”Notably, several countries are experimenting with or have adopted a four-day workweek.Anand Mahindra said he always believed that one has to have leaders and people in their company who make wise decisions and choices. Expanding onto which kind of mind makes the right choices and right decisions, Anand Mahindra said it is a mind that is exposed to holistic thinking that is open to inputs from around the world. “That is why I’m for liberal arts. I think even if you are an engineer, even if you’re an MBA, you must study art, you must study culture,” Anand Mahindra said. “Because I think you make better decisions when you have a whole brain when you are informed about arts and culture, that’s when you’ll make a good decision.” “If you don’t, if you’re not spending time at home, if you’re not spending time with friends if you’re not reading, if you’re not, if you don’t have time to reflect, how will you bring the right inputs into making a decision?” Citing an example about his auto manufacturing business, Anand Mahindra said to manufacture a car for a family one must understand the family’s needs.”Let’s take our business, you make a car. We have to decide what a customer wants in a car. If we are only in the office all the time, we are not with our families, we are not with other families. How are we going to understand what people want to buy? What kind of car do they want to sit in?,” he argued. In the same breath, Anand Mahindra quoted Mahatma Gandhi. “Open your windows, let the air in.” “You cannot be in a tunnel all the time,” Anand Mahindra said, reiterating his support for quality of work instead of quantity.Anand Mahindra was asked in a quick follow-up about how many hours he puts in. He avoided a direct answer and instead said quality was important.”This is what I want to avoid. I don’t want it to be about the time. I don’t want it to be about quantity. Ask me what’s the quality of my work. Don’t ask me how many hours I work,” he said. Infosys’s Narayana Murthy and Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently advocated for a long workweek. The remarks snowballed into a controversy, with many criticising them over work-life balance.Coming back to Anand Mahindra, an active social media user, he was also asked how much time he spends on X. He responded by saying that he was not on social media to make friends but because it is an amazing business tool.”I’m on X on social media not because I’m lonely. My wife is wonderful, I love staring at her. I spend more time. So I’m not here to make friends. I’m here because people don’t understand it is an amazing business tool,” he remarked. (ANI)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)