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Who Said ~ 9% Yields Cannot Grow Further? Consider These 2 PicksBNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its holdings in Verona Pharma plc ( NASDAQ:VRNA – Free Report ) by 176.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 60,211 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 38,434 shares during the quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets owned about 0.08% of Verona Pharma worth $1,732,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its stake in Verona Pharma by 77.0% in the third quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 105,159 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,025,000 after acquiring an additional 45,741 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in Verona Pharma in the 3rd quarter worth $31,966,000. Jennison Associates LLC lifted its position in shares of Verona Pharma by 54.3% in the 3rd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,740,886 shares of the company’s stock worth $50,085,000 after purchasing an additional 612,854 shares during the period. First Turn Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Verona Pharma during the 3rd quarter valued at about $16,483,000. Finally, Claro Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Verona Pharma during the third quarter valued at about $209,000. 85.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on shares of Verona Pharma from $37.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Truist Financial raised their target price on Verona Pharma from $38.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. HC Wainwright upped their price target on Verona Pharma from $36.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Verona Pharma from $50.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Verona Pharma has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $43.83. Verona Pharma Stock Performance Verona Pharma stock opened at $40.50 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $35.74 and its 200 day moving average is $26.28. The company has a market capitalization of $3.31 billion, a P/E ratio of -21.09 and a beta of 0.46. Verona Pharma plc has a twelve month low of $11.39 and a twelve month high of $40.76. The company has a quick ratio of 12.88, a current ratio of 13.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. Verona Pharma ( NASDAQ:VRNA – Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.56) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.44) by ($0.12). The firm had revenue of $5.62 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.31 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.18) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Verona Pharma plc will post -2.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Verona Pharma In related news, CEO David Zaccardelli sold 110,456 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.38, for a total value of $483,797.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 14,894,464 shares in the company, valued at $65,237,752.32. The trade was a 0.74 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Also, CFO Mark W. Hahn sold 12,936 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.00, for a total value of $64,680.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 14,276,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $71,380,000. This represents a 0.09 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 2,094,432 shares of company stock valued at $9,748,833. 4.80% of the stock is owned by insiders. Verona Pharma Profile ( Free Report ) Verona Pharma plc, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of respiratory diseases with unmet medical needs. The company's product candidate is ensifentrine, an inhaled and dual inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and PDE4 enzymes that acts as both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent in a single compound, which is in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VRNA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Verona Pharma plc ( NASDAQ:VRNA – Free Report ). 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James Martin's 'classic' chicken and mushroom pie is 'perfect when it's chilly'
James Wong Hua Kiong KUCHING (Dec 9): The upgrading projects for Tanjung Embang deepwater port and Kuching International Airport (KIA) are set to elevate Sarawak status as a core player in the global economy, says James Wong Hua Kiong. In this regard, the president of Malaysia Hu Kiu Leuk Yek Wong Clan Association and deputy chairman of Sarikei Chamber of Commerce and Labourer Association, has urged all sectors of society to collaborate towards transforming these infrastructure initiatives into key nodes that connect the region to global markets; thereby crafting a more competitive future for Sarawak. He views the development of Tanjung Embang deepwater port as not only enhancing logistics efficiency, but also serving as a crucial driver for economic diversification. “By constructing a smart port system, cargo turnover rates can be significantly improved, operational costs reduced, and more international investors attracted. “Similarly, the expansion of KIA should balance functionality with innovation, meeting the growing demand for flights while introducing more direct international routes to boost tourism and business exchanges,” he said in a statement yesterday. Wong suggested that the port should form strategic alliances with major global ports to facilitate more efficient cargo transport and trade. Such collaboration could not only lower transportation costs, but also enable mutual benefits through shared resources and information, he added. On the KIA, Wong noted that the airport’s expansion would not only accommodate the increasing demand for flights, but would also foster the growth of tourism and business activities. “By attracting more airlines and routes, Sarawak can draw in more tourists and business people, further stimulating local economic growth,” he said. As an active responder to global climate issues, Wong said these major projects should integrate the principles of a green economy. He recommended introducing low-carbon technologies during the initial planning stages, such as using renewable energy sources, developing hydrogen-powered freight fleet and implementing efficient waste management systems. He also suggested that the construction of the port should utilise eco-friendly materials and consider ecological impacts in its design to minimise environmental harm. “Similarly, the airport’s design should focus on energy efficiency, employing smart energy management systems to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs. Through these measures, Sarawak can secure a place in the global green economy and attract investors who prioritise sustainable development.” Wong thus called upon the government and businesses to actively explore opportunities for green investment in these projects to promote sustainable development. He said by providing tax incentives and policy support, more green enterprises could be encouraged to invest in Sarawak, fostering sustainable local economic growth. Wong also highlighted the importance of the public-private partnership (PPP) model, which would allow the government to reduce financial burden, while bringing in international capital and advanced technologies to invigorate the projects. “By collaborating with internationally renowned companies, Sarawak would not only gain access to advanced management practices, but would also receive technological support; thereby, increasing the feasibility and sustainability of the projects. “We must cultivate local professionals who can navigate modern technology and complex management demands. “Talent development is not only crucial for project success, but also the foundation for the long-term growth of Sarawak’s economy. “By establishing partnerships with international universities, Sarawak can introduce advanced educational concepts and curricula that align with market needs,” he pointed out. Wong also called upon all sectors to work together to transform these projects into Sarawak’s new economic engine. “Sarawak must transcend the limitations of traditional resource-based economics, achieving a more influential global role through technological innovation, regional cooperation and sustainable development,” he said. He said Sarawak should actively integrate into the global economic system, seeking cooperation opportunities with other countries and regions. “By strengthening collaboration with Asean countries, Sarawak can better utilise regional resources and drive economic diversification. “Establishing regional economic cooperation mechanisms should enable Sarawak to occupy a more advantageous position in international markets, enhancing its global competitiveness,” he added.
Is the NORAD Santa tracker safe from a government shutdown?
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back over .500, a fourth straight NFC South title within reach. Now, they hope to finish the task by building on a three-game winning streak that's propelled them to the top of the division following a stretch in which they lost five of six games. “It's one thing getting to first place. It's a whole other thing staying there,” coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday's sloppy 28-13 win over the reeling Las Vegas Raiders. “We've got four games left. It's going to be a battle all the way through. We have to come ready every week.” Baker Mayfield threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, and the Bucs won for the third straight week against a last-place opponent to move ahead of fading Atlanta in the NFC South. The Falcons, who hold a tiebreaker advantage after sweeping the season series between the rivals, have lost four in a row. “It doesn't have to be pretty. Obviously, there are a lot of things that I would personally like to have back, but it's a resilient group. We play for each other,” Mayfield said. “Guys step up when other people go down and that's what football is all about. It teaches you life lessons.” Mayfield tossed scoring passes of 15 yards and 29 yards to rookie Jalen McMillan. Rachaad White scored on a 5-yard reception and a 3-yard run for the Bucs, who pulled away in the second half after the Raiders (2-11) lost quarterback Aidan O'Connell to a knee injury that coach Antonio Pierce said “doesn't look good.” O’Connell was carted off the field after being shoved to the ground by Bucs defensive lineman Calijah Kancey after throwing a pass late in the third quarter. The quarterback, in his second game back after being sidelined nearly six weeks with a broken thumb, remained on the ground after an 8-yard, third-down completion to Jakobi Meyers. Kancey chased O’Connell out of the pocket toward the Bucs sideline and shoved him from behind after the ball was released. Kancey was not penalized for a late hit. “Prayers to him. I pray for a speedy recovery,” Kancey said. “I hope everything's good on their end. I definitely took a knee and prayed for him.” White rushed for 90 yards on 17 carries. His TD run in the fourth quarter put Tampa Bay up 21-10. McMillan's second TD finished an 80-yard drive and put the game out of reach after Desmond Ridder led the Raiders to a field goal that got Las Vegas within 21-13 with three minutes remaining. The Raiders have lost an NFL-high nine straight games. “I appreciate the effort, the grit, the fight,” Pierce said. “Listen, it's tough. And these guys, they're not flinching or blinking. They still believe. ... All of those guys are fighting until the very end. Proud of the effort.” Mayfield turned the ball over three times in the first half to help the Raiders stay close. O'Connell fumbled one play after Mayfield tossed his first interception. But four plays later, Raiders linebacker Amari Burney sacked Mayfield, forcing a fumble that led to O'Connell's 1-yard TD run that trimmed Tampa Bay's early lead to 14-7. The fumble recovery by Tre'von Moehrig was the first by the Las Vegas defense this season. Jack Jones' end zone interception denied Mayfield an opportunity to build on a 14-10 lead just before halftime. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who began the day leading the NFL in receptions with 84, had three catches for 49 yards and broke Sam LaPorta's year-old record for receptions in a season by a rookie tight end. LaPorta had 86 catches for the Detroit Lions in 2023. "It’s cool, but it would be cooler with some more wins,” Bowers said. “He’s having a great individual year,” Pierce added. “I wish it could lead to more success for our team.” Raiders: O'Connell left the game with 1:23 remaining in the third quarter and was replaced by Ridder. O'Connell finished 11 of 19 passing 104 yards and an interception. He was sacked once. Buccaneers: Played without LB K.J. Britt (ankle), S Mike Edwards (hamstring), CB Josh Hayes (hamstring) and OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle). S Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) and RB Bucky Irving (back) left in the second quarter and did not return. WR Ryan Miller (concussion) departed in the fourth quarter. Raiders: Host Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 16. Buccaneers: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday. NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflTyler Johnson scores 26 to lead Mercer to 89-83 victory over Stetson in OT
CLEVELAND (AP) — Germain Ifedi became the fourth left tackle to start this season for the Cleveland Browns, lining up Thursday night against the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. Ifedi moved up the depth chart and into the lineup after starter Dawand Jones broke his left leg last week at New Orleans and had surgery. He'll be responsible for blocking quarterback Jameis Winston's blindside. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.
President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan greet the welcoming crowd in Macao, south China on Dec 18, 2024. – Xinhua photo MACAO (Dec 21): In 2012, shortly after becoming general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi Jinping visited Guangdong Province in southern China. One stop on this trip was Hengqin, a place that was not so well-known back then but has since gained much spotlight. Hengqin is an island in the city of Zhuhai, adjacent to Macao. Xi urged exploring innovative cooperation models between Hengqin and Macao to contribute to the latter’s long-term prosperity and stability. Macao’s development has long been on Xi’s mind. In 2009, then as vice president of China, he visited Macao and announced the plan to develop Hengqin, highlighting its potential to bolster Macao’s economic diversification. On Dec 18 afternoon, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, arrived in Macao to attend celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. Delivering a brief speech at the airport, Xi called Macao “a pearl on the palm” of the motherland. Over the past 25 years, the practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognised by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm, he said. The strategic vision Xi outlined for the city’s growth, along with his commitment to improving the livelihoods of the local people, has been pivotal to Macao’s transformation into a thriving economic hub and a desired tourist and leisure destination. Its development has been a success story of “one country, two systems”. Since the return from Portuguese rule in 1999, Macao has been governed as a special administrative region (SAR) under the “one country, two systems” policy – a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China. Over the years, Macao’s GDP had grown from 51.9 billion patacas (about US$6.23 billion) in 1999 to 379.5 billion patacas in 2023, while the per capita GDP had more than quadrupled to around US$70,000. This year, Forbes magazine listed Macao as the second-richest place in the world, trailing only Luxembourg. The annual number of visitors to the city has also surged to more than 32 million from 7 million 25 years ago. Planning Macao’s development The Chinese central government has taken into full consideration Macao’s unique position and role, encouraging it to actively integrate into the national development strategy. For Hong Kong and Macao, “one country, two systems” is the biggest strength; China’s reform and opening up has set the broadest stage for their development; and the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area present new and significant opportunities, Xi has said. The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, established in 2021 under Xi’s personal planning and guidance, has enabled Macao to develop industries such as high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, financial services, and cultural tourism, helping to reduce its overdependence on the gaming sector. As of September 2024, the cooperation zone has attracted 6,461 Macao enterprises and 16,539 Macao residents to move in. The deeply-integrated development between Guangdong and Macao is becoming a reality. Xi regards the joint development of Hengqin by Zhuhai and Macao as a key component of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s growth. As part of this major national strategy, Macao was designated as one of the four central cities in the Greater Bay Area, alongside Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, serving as an engine for regional development. This has provided Macao with new opportunities, motivation, and space for growth. Infrastructure construction has gathered speed. On Oct 23, 2018, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, was opened, with Xi personally announcing its inauguration. Over the past six years, the bridge has evolved into a key economic and trade channel and a vital logistics artery in the Greater Bay Area. The annual number of border crossings at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Hengqin Port both exceeded 20 million in 2024, setting new records. “Over the 25 years since Macao’s return, the motherland has been Macao’s strongest backing for prosperity and stability, and has provided the greatest opportunities for Macao’s development,” said Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR. In July, China unveiled a master plan for furthering its reform, which emphasised leveraging the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems” and improving mechanisms to ensure that Hong Kong and Macao play a better role in the nation’s opening up. “This has pointed the way for Macao to integrate into Chinese modernisation and achieve better development, providing a new historical opportunity,” Xi has said. People visit the Senado Square in Macao, south China on Dec 17, 2024. – Xinhua photo Connecting with locals In the past years, no matter how busy his schedule was, Xi always managed to meet with ordinary local residents during his visits to Macao. He spent time learning about livelihood projects, be it a public housing program, an elderly-care facility or a government service center. “From your voices, we can gauge whether Macao is prosperous and developing,” he told the locals. Xi has also exchanged letters with people from all walks of life in Macao. The “Macao Science 1” satellites, jointly developed by the Chinese mainland and Macao, was successfully launched in May 2023. Following the launch, 18 faculty and students from the Macau University of Science and Technology, who participated in the satellites’ development, wrote to Xi to share the exciting news and their experiences in the project. In his reply, Xi encouraged them to actively integrate into and contribute more to the country’s development. “We received President Xi’s reply just two days later. It was a tremendous encouragement for us,” said Yin Liang, an assistant researcher with the project. “He recognised our work and provided guidance for our future efforts.” Xi also cares a lot about the thoughts and aspirations of Macao’s youth. In May 2019, students from a Macao middle school wrote a letter to Xi, sharing their understandings of the concept of “motherland” and expressing their wishes for Xi to visit Macao again. After replying to the students, Xi fulfilled his promise by visiting their school in December 2019. He attended a Chinese history open class on campus, and told the students: “As Chinese, we must understand the history of our nation.” That open class left a deep impression on then 15-year-old Ni Ho Lam. Inspired by that experience, she began incorporating traditional Chinese cultural elements such as dragons and cranes into her works during creative design competitions. Today, she is pursuing her dream of design and art as a student at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. During his overseas visits and domestic diplomatic activities, Xi also promoted Macao actively. In December 2018, during a state visit to Portugal, Xi emphasised Macao’s unique role in advancing cooperation and exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and in the BRI. In April 2019, while meeting with the president of Portugal, Xi stressed: “Macao has already become a bridge for long-term friendly cooperation between China and Portugal.” “As long as we give full play to the institutional strengths of ‘one country, two systems’ and dare to strive and innovate, Macao will surely create a brighter future,” Xi said on Dec 18. – XinhuaJohn Magaro is the glue that holds September 5 together. He stars as ABC Sports producer Geoffrey Mason, who was covering the 1972 Munich Olympics when Black September terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage in the Olympic compound. Magaro must convey the enormous pressure and responsibility placed on Mason as he is suddenly thrust into the hot seat to produce live coverage. Director Tim Fehlbaum chose Magaro because, he says, “He’s one of the best there is.” Next, Magaro is set to appear with Michael Fassbender in the spy drama The Agency , followed by Maggie Gyllenhaal’s film The Bride . DEADLINE: You weren’t even born then, but what did you already know about Munich ’72? JOHN MAGARO : I knew about it. I don’t know why I knew about it. I mean, I’ve always been a lover of history. My mother’s Jewish. I was raised Jewish, so I think there was part of that in the air. I remember, as an American growing up, that when there was an anniversary, there would be specials on about it. I do remember that image of the Black September member on the balcony being in my brain at a very young age. I remember hearing discussions about it. I was also an extra in Munich [Steven Spielberg’s 2005 classic about how Israeli operatives hunted down those responsible]. DEADLINE: What scene were you in? MAGARO : It’s when Eric Bana is walking across the street in New York. I’m this skinny little boy, fresh off the boat into New York, walking across the street from him. So, I saw Munich again. It’s very different, and I really want to hammer it into everyone’s heads that September 5 is not Munich for so many reasons. Munich is something totally different. DEADLINE: Yes, September 5 is a fast-paced film about people adapting . Munich ’s about retaliation. MAGARO : In a lot of ways it’s a vengeance movie, and this isn’t. I wouldn’t say this is apolitical. I just don’t think it’s a political movie. It’s about journalism and journalists have politics. But anyway, I knew about Munich. I didn’t know that it was the first time that the Olympics were broadcast globally. I didn’t know all that went into putting the Olympics together, even in that rudimentary form. It’s a full circus. ABC Sports comes to town, sets up, builds a city, and then leaves. It’s kind of crazy. DEADLINE: What were the circumstances of you landing the film’s key role? MAGARO : I was shooting another film at the time in New Mexico. This little film that I did with Steve Zahn that I was actually a producer on, called LaRoy, Texas — a really fun, dark comedy. It had some good life to it and people seemed to enjoy it. I was out there in Albuquerque alone doing my job, coming home at night, bored, trying to be good and focus on the work. Especially when you’re lead number one on a call sheet, I think you feel this responsibility that you really want to guide the ship and set a good example. I’ve learned that from watching other people I look up to and admire, how they operate when they’re number one on the call sheet. DEADLINE: Like who? MAGARO : Brad Pitt. We worked on War Machine and The Big Short . Working with Fassbender right now on The Agency , he’s doing that. But all those guys, [Steve] Carell, his work ethic on The Big Short was really impressive; Cate Blanchett on Carol . You see these people and how they work, and you see why they’re so revered and so successful, because they’re not just great actors, they’re lovely people to be around. So yeah, I was doing LaRoy , but then I got a script, and it gave me something at night to read. At that point, Peter Sarsgaard was already attached, and Sean Penn was already on as producer. So you see that and you immediately know it must be OK, there must be something here. I don’t see how Peter would’ve signed on and Sean Penn would’ve signed on if this was just a big stinker. So, I sat down and started to read it. It helped that it was about ninety pages, so I knew I could get through it, but it also helped that it was just captivating and that the ball, once it started rolling, it felt like it kept rolling, and new things were being unveiled, and it really just kept me going. By the end, I was really excited about it. DEADLINE: Your character finds himself controlling the news broadcast. MAGARO : Selfishly, as an actor, you also want your character to be good. And I thought Geoff was really a cool character, because I love that he was positioned in this way of having the angel on one side and the devil on the other side, where you already have Roone Arledge [Sarsgaard] who’s pushing the limits of journalism and potentially doing things that maybe aren’t the right decision. And then you have Marvin Bader, Ben Chaplin’s character, who is this mentor and guiding force and drawing him back to what you’re really supposed to do, just having no time to think and going on that ride. I saw that and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It was a pretty quick decision. I called right away and was like, “Yeah, let’s do this.” DEADLINE: What was the key stuff you learned from Geoff? Did you meet in person? MAGARO : Once I was cast, Geoff really wanted to talk to me right away. I could sense it in that first conversation with him that he was really nervous about this, really worried. I mean, almost to the degree where it felt like he may just take it and run away if we didn’t put him at ease, which I totally get. We didn’t meet until after, but we had a lot of Zoom sessions. This was still during Covid, and he lives in Florida, and I was in New York. So right away we got on Zoom and we started talking. I let him know that the way I work is to just tell the story, to be as honest as possible, and to do my work so I can try and portray what he was doing on that day as authentically as I can. He also didn’t really know my work, so he’s like, who is this guy? DEADLINE: So, he hadn’t seen First Cow [Kelly Reichardt’s 2019 feature]? MAGARO : [Laughs] I don’t think that made it down to Florida. In fact, he did say he went off and watched a couple things I did. It might’ve been The Big Short or something like that. So we just kept talking. I was picking his brain. I wanted to know what he went through on that day. And sometimes talking to real people can be unhelpful, but this time it was really helpful. When I was talking to Geoff, it didn’t feel like he was protecting himself in the story. It felt like he was protecting his team. He was really concerned that everyone else got their due. And unfortunately, in the story, obviously we had to tighten it up. And the role that I do play in the film is sort of an amalgamation of two or three people. There was a director on the ground and then there was also Geoff as the producer. And we had to sort of fuse those roles together just for narrative purposes. But I tried to assure him that we would still give some sort of homage to that person. And we did. Daniel Betts, a great English actor who I had worked with on War Machine , plays the director in the first scene who goes off to the Alps on vacation, and we gave him the name Dan Wilson. That’s a tip of the hat. So, Geoff was really concerned about not forgetting anyone, or leaving anyone behind, which I really respected. DEADLINE: What was the essence of what Geoff told you about being there that day? MAGARO : He made it clear that on the day it was just go, go, go, go, go. No time to think, no time to be emotional. You just did your job. And it wasn’t until after that you went home and cried and let the tragedy wash over you. Then he got me obviously into [real-life] control rooms, which was huge. I couldn’t have done it without that research. DEADLINE: Is Geoff also Jewish? MAGARO : No, he’s not. And so, the character is not Jewish... We know that the room and the broadcast compound was full of people from all over the world, a lot of Germans, a lot of French. There were French Muslims in the compound, but as far as I know, the only American Jew was Marvin [Bader], Ben Chaplin’s role. [Bader] certainly must have felt something beyond what Geoff could have felt in that moment. But again, if you ask Geoff about it, he was just focused on doing his job. It wasn’t about being Jewish, it wasn’t about being Arabic, it was about being a journalist. That’s part of why I don’t think Tim [Fehlbaum] wanted to make this some statement about the politics of the matter, because journalists ideally leave their politics behind, and especially back then, more so than nowadays, it wasn’t about thinking about what side you want to promote or what side you don’t want to promote, it was just telling the story. I think Roone’s view was to make clear that the Israeli hostages were the vulnerable ones and the Black September terrorists the aggressive ones. I have to pick my hero and villain here, and that’s how Roone’s brain operated. DEADLINE: I love that scene of Geoff helping to wheel that big mother of a camera out into the compound. MAGARO : That camera was so cumbersome. It moves this way and that way on its axis, but it doesn’t move the other way. We crushed Peter [Sarsgaard] against the wall. It was a real camera. All that equipment was real. These Germans, I don’t know how they do it. They found all this stuff. I went down to the CBS broadcast facility on 57th Street. They took me down to the basement where they have the retired equipment. This stuff has gone into the place in Beetlejuice where the dead people go. It’s retired from retirement. Our production designer had to find some random collector in Germany who had it. He traced it down and then we had amazing technicians who got them all up and working. Same with all the TVs, same with all the phones, I think. DEADLINE: What else did you learn about Geoff’s duties? MAGARO : Well, going back to the base, which was at CBS Sunday Sports and ESPN, at the Madison Square Garden, learning that language of the control room, that was two months, learning how to do that, going home, watching sporting events, mock calling the show as I would watch sporting events. I’d start to say the language I was learning in the control room to the TV, like a mental case, just calling a show. Like, “Camera 5! And 6!” And then, on top of that, I think hopefully I brought just what I try to bring as an actor inherently to what I do. I mean, I hope what I offer is something unique. DEADLINE: Did Geoff talk to at all you about the ethical pressures they felt? MAGARO : He’s pretty much like steel about that. He says it was tense, but he doesn’t really acknowledge the pressure. He sees it as he was just doing his job, and whether it was covering the boxing on that day or covering what happened on that day, it would’ve been approached very similarly. I think that’s how that team thought about it in the moment. Like I said, it wasn’t until after that they went back to the hotel room and had a few drinks, and all of a sudden that party atmosphere of the nights before was gone, and the guilt of what happened and the grief of what happened laid over them, the drinks didn’t go down as easy and the tears started to come up. It was very clear from the conversation with Geoff that those thoughts did not happen while they were calling the 22 hours of that day. DEADLINE: But views are exchanged in the film about ethical matters? MAGARO : They did have those conversations. They had the conversations about, can we show someone being shot on live TV? Did they see this broadcast live on TVs in the apartments? These were conversations they had, but again, they had to keep going. There was no time to really wallow in those moments or hyper-analyse. They aren’t psychologists, they’re not geopolitical scientists, they’re not humanitarians. They’re sports journalists. They’re not even proper journalists. DEADLINE: Well, hang on, a lot of sports writers have been general news journalists, at least in the U.K. and Jim McKay was also a former crime reporter. MAGARO : And that’s not a dis to them. It’s just they are sports journalists. Everything that they had been trained to do could not have prepared them for that moment. So why is the film not more political? Because it’s sports journalists who are there. You have Peter Jennings trying to get them on board, but I think that’s also what makes this story special, because it was these people who were not really prepared for the events of life to fall upon them. And now they have to take the reins and unbeknownst to them forever change the way news is covered, and that’s f*cking crazy.
