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Microsoft Quietly Adds New Windows App That Wants to Scan Your Face
In brief

Microsoft is rolling out a new OneDrive Photos app to some Windows 11 PCs.

The app indexes local photo libraries and adds AI-powered search and optional facial grouping.

The rollout follows Microsoft’s broader push to integrate AI features into Windows.
Some Windows 11 users are discovering a new Microsoft app they never installed. Called OneDrive Photos, it automatically indexes local images and offers AI-powered search and optional facial grouping.

The rollout, first spotted by industry publication Windows Latest, comes via Windows Update or updates to the existing OneDrive client rather than as a separate download.

According to Windows Latest, OneDrive Photos can detect and display images stored locally on a PC even if the user is not signed into a Microsoft account. After signing in, the app enables AI-powered search that can locate photos using natural-language queries and optical character recognition.

The app also includes an optional People feature that groups similar faces, which are visible only to the user, aren’t shared with third parties, and can be deleted by disabling the feature. However, Windows Latest noted that the feature requires users to opt in because facial data may be considered biometric information in some jurisdictions.

The news comes two years after Microsoft was forced to overhaul its AI-powered Recall feature following a privacy backlash that prompted the company to make the screenshotting tool opt in by default.

More recently, in May, Google began downloading its roughly 4GB Gemini Nano AI model to eligible Chrome installations through browser updates to power on-device AI features, adding to concerns about AI capabilities arriving through routine software updates.

According to Windows Latest, OneDrive Photos is tied to the existing OneDrive client and cannot currently be removed on its own. Users who want to uninstall the app must remove OneDrive entirely from Windows.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Decrypt.

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July 30, 2026
Long-term bearish trend threatens Bitcoin Cash’s recovery from $200
Bitcoin Cash [$BCH] fell below a range that it had traded within for over two years. The critical support level at $272 was shattered by the selling pressure in May. A test of the $188 long-term support yielded a bounce to $240, which has begun to reverse since the end of June.

The altcoin’s relative strength against Bitcoin [BTC] evaporated in May. In that month, $BCH had shed nearly 42%, a sizeable decline that continued into June.

With Bitcoin struggling to climb back above $67k, and the market maintaining a bearish bias, here’s what Bitcoin Cash investors need to watch out for.

Will Bitcoin Cash bulls sink or swim at $200?

Source: $BCH/$USDT on TradingView

As covered earlier, the downward momentum picked up in May. The MFI raced from 49.8 in the second week of May to 14.64 by the third week of June. Similarly, the CMF also slid below -0.05 to indicate incessant selling underway.

In August 2023, the swing low at $165.4 had been the one that propelled the Bitcoin Cash uptrend up to $719. Therefore, this swing low is the one that must be breached to flip the weekly swing structure bearishly.

It appeared likely that this bearish scenario would soon unfold.

Lower timeframe Bitcoin Cash price action shows bullish signs

Source: $BCH/$USDT on TradingView

The 4-hour chart had a bullish swing structure. The CMF was at +0.12, showing buying pressure was dominant. Yet, the token was in a retracement phase. Over the past week, the buyers have desperately defended the $209.3 support.

A drop toward $196.9 would not be a buying opportunity, given the higher timeframe downtrend.

Source: CoinGlass

The rally toward $255 likely came as a liquidity hunt. There still is a pocket of unswept short liquidations around $260. The rally earlier this month peaked at $255 and has retraced since then.

In the short-term, despite the H4 chart’s structure, a bounce up to $227 and $243 were possible. It was more likely that prices would continue below $200, due to the bearish momentum seen since May.

Final Summary
- The Bitcoin Cash range of over two years was shattered by the strength of selling in May and early June.
- The long-term bearish momentum is likely to continue and push $BCH below $200.
July 30, 2026
Joyce Carol Oates Defends ‘The Odyssey’ and Slams Translator for Scathing Review: ‘Speaks in the Crude Language of MAGA Folks’

Author Joyce Carol Oates came to the defense of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after translator Emily Wilson wrote a viral review attacking the film.

“Rather than disagreeing with interpretations of Homer in a collegial manner, this person, who has benefited enormously from Nolan’s film, speaks in the crude language of MAGA folks attacking someone with ideas that differ from hers,” Carol wrote on X. “One would expect a translator, of all people, beholden to a text, in service to a text, to be just a wee bit more thoughtful & respectful of others who are acting in good faith just as (she would claim) she is.”

Wilson, who translated a 2017 version of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” slammed Nolan’s take in a review for the London Review of Books. She wrote that the film lacked “psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth” and had “nothing convincing to say.”

Wilson’s review reads, “I had hoped that Nolan’s affinity with these Homeric themes might push him to new creative heights, and enable him to conjure more believable characters. But ‘The Odyssey’ features his usual combination of grandiosity and superficiality … the film’s vision is too confused, its characters too underdeveloped, to deliver what it half-promises in terms of big ideas – although it is very good at conveying big bangs and big giants.”

She later added, “The writing is abysmal. None of the characters has a convincing motivation for their actions or words. There are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible.”

Nolan previously praised Wilson for her translation of the ancient text. He told Empire that he used the opening line of her version, “Tell me about a complicated man,” as a north star when fleshing out Matt Damon’s role as Odysseus.

July 30, 2026
Trump pushes fighter jet sale to Turkiye despite Israeli opposition

NewsFeed

US President Donald Trump has again signalled support for selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkiye, brushing aside Israeli objections. The potential deal remains blocked by US legal restrictions after Ankara’s purchase of Russian air defence systems, while Israel argues the sale would undermine its military advantage in the region.

Published On 30 Jul 2026

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July 30, 2026
Breaking: CFTC Loses Fight to Protect Kalshi in Wisconsin Prediction Markets Case

Kalshi’s fight to keep its sports prediction contracts under federal protection just hit a major roadblock. A Wisconsin federal judge has refused to block state gambling laws against Kalshi and four other major prediction platforms, rejecting the CFTC’s push for exclusive federal control.

Wisconsin Court Rejects CFTC’s Emergency Push

On July 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge William Griesbach denied the CFTC’s request for a preliminary injunction against Wisconsin. The regulator wanted the court to stop the state from enforcing its gambling laws against prediction platforms offering sports event contracts.

The CFTC argued that federally regulated prediction markets fall under its exclusive jurisdiction. However, the court rejected that argument at this stage, finding that registration with the CFTC does not automatically shield these platforms from state gambling laws.

The court also rejected motions from Kalshi and Crypto.com to intervene in the CFTC’s case.

Judge Says CFTC Rules May Not Override States

The decision centers on preemption, or whether federal law overrides state law. Judge Griesbach found that the Commodity Exchange Act does not automatically cancel Wisconsin’s gambling rules.

The court also indicated that the plain language of Wisconsin’s gambling laws could cover sports-related event contracts.

That creates a key problem for Kalshi and other prediction markets. While these platforms describe their contracts as financial products, state regulators argue that contracts tied to sports outcomes are effectively sports bets.

The judge also found that the CFTC had not shown enough “irreparable harm” to justify blocking Wisconsin from enforcing its laws.

Five Prediction Markets Are Already Facing Wisconsin Lawsuits

The ruling follows Wisconsin’s April lawsuits against Kalshi, Polymarket, Crypto.com, Robinhood and Coinbase. The state claims the platforms offered sports contracts without the required gaming licenses, violating Wisconsin gambling laws under Chapter 945.

The CFTC responded by suing Wisconsin, arguing that states cannot interfere with federally regulated derivatives markets.

That broader fight has now created a major regulatory clash between Washington and state authorities.

Where The Wisconsin Sports Case Is Heading Next

The Wisconsin decision adds to an increasingly divided legal landscape. The 3rd Circuit in New Jersey has ruled in favor of Kalshi’s position that federal law can preempt state restrictions.

For now, the Wisconsin cases are expected to return to state court. Legal expert Daniel Wallach said Wisconsin judges could issue preliminary injunctions preventing prediction platforms from offering sports contracts in the state.

BREAKING: CFTC loses BIG in Wisconsin, as federal court denies its motion for preliminary injunction and holds that sports-event contracts are not “swaps,” and, that even if they satisfied definition, CFTC is unlikely to prevail on its argument that the CEA preempts state law. pic.twitter.com/a9vf8HfKIc

— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) July 29, 2026

Kalshi and the CFTC are also expected to appeal the decision to the 7th Circuit, setting up another major test of who ultimately controls America’s fast-growing prediction market industry.

July 30, 2026
Fox News Tops July Cable News Ratings While CNN And MS NOW Make Gains Vs. 2025

Fox News topped the July ratings, but among the major cable news networks, MS NOW and CNN made gains during the month versus 2025.

In primetime, Fox News averaged 2.33 million viewers, down 3% from the same month in 2025. MS NOW averaged 1.02 million, up 18%, while CNN posted 658,000, up 32%. In the 25-54 demo, Fox News averaged 204,000, down 21%, while CNN posted 102,000, up 11%, and MS NOW averaged 89,000, up 10%.

In total day, Fox News averaged 1.5 million, down 2%, compared to 636,000 for MS NOW, up 20%, and 465,000 for CNN, up 26%. In the 25-54 demo, Fox News averaged 137,000, down 26%, while CNN posted 62,000, flat from a year earlier, and MS NOW was at 57,000, up 10%.

Fox News’ The Five was the most watched show, averaging 3.31 million, followed by Jesse Watters Primetime with 2.98 million, Gutfeld! with 2.63 million, Hannity with 2.55 million and Special Report with Bret Baier with 2.52 million. In the 25-54 demo, the top shows were The Five with 300,000, followed by Jesse Watters Primetime with 267,000, Gutfeld! with 249,000, Hannity with 238,000 and Special Report with 224,000.

MS NOW’s top show was The Rachel Maddow Show, averaging 2 million viewers, and CNN’s most watched program was Anderson Cooper 360, posting 739,000.

Among other news networks, NewsNation averaged 141,000 in primetime and 15,000 in the 25-54 demo. The network said that their primetime total viewers rose by 32% versus last year and 25% in the demo. Newsmax averaged 202,000 in primetime and 9,000 in the demo.

Newsmax’s top show was Rob Schmitt Tonight, averaging 306,000, and the top show on NewsNation was Cuomo, averaging 230,000.

The figures are from Nielsen via the networks.

July 30, 2026
Stassi Schroeder Debuts New Reality Show: When and Where to Watch ‘House of Stassi’ Online

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Following an eight-season run on Vanderpump Rules and three New York Times bestsellers, Stassi Schroeder continues to carve out a name for herself with a new unscripted series about mom life, family dynamics and her ever-evolving career. House of Stassi kicks off with a two-part premiere on July 29, from 9 to 11 p.m. PT/ET on Freeform, which can be livestreamed on any streaming service that carries said network, namely DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV.

Alternatively, the entire eight-episode season will drop on Disney+/Hulu on Thursday, July 30, and while the streamer doesn’t offer a free trial directly, fans can get free access through any of DirecTV’s Signature packages, since they all include the Hulu and Disney+ bundle and offer a five-day free trial. This means new subscribers can watch the entire series when it drops on July 30 (and everything else the streamer has to offer) at absolutely no cost.

At a Glance: How to Watch House of Stassi

Where to Watch House of Stassi: Release Date, Air Time

House of Stassi premieres on Wednesday, July 29, at 9 p.m. PT/ET with two back-to-back episodes on Freeform. After premiere night, new hour-long episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. PT/ET on Freeform.

Where to Stream House of Stassi Online

There are a couple of ways to stream House of Stassi online. Since it airs Wednesdays on Freeform starting with the two-part premiere on July 29, episodes will also be available to watch live on any streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV.

Alternatively, the entire first season will drop on Disney+/Hulu on Thursday, July 30, and while the streamer doesn’t offer a free trial directly, fans can get free access through any of DirecTV’s Signature packages, which include the Hulu and Disney+ bundle and offer a five-day free trial. This means new subscribers can watch the entire series when it drops on July 30 at no cost.

More on each live TV streaming option — and their new subscriber discounts — below.

DirecTV

Five-day free trial; packages from $19.99 per month

Freeform, Hulu and Disney+ are included in any of DirecTV’s signature packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate or Premier. Plus, DirecTV offers a five-day free trial for its streaming service, meaning new subscribers can tune in to the show at no cost.

Learn more about each plan option, including how to build your own channel lineup (starting at just $19.99 per month), at directv.com.

Fubo

Fubo

Up to $30 off first month; packages from $64.99 per month ($54.99 for first month)

Freeform is also available to stream with a subscription to Fubo, which offers between $10 and $30 off for the first month. Plans start at $54.99 during the first month and $64.99 monthly thereafter.

Sling

Plans from $4.99 per day or $19.99 per month

Freeform is included in Sling’s Orange Plan, from $45.99 per month or $4.99 per day, and Sling’s Orange & Blue plan, from $60.99 per month. Visit Sling.com to check station availability and package options, starting as low as $4.99 per day or $19.99 per month.

Hulu + Live TV

Three-day free trial; packages from $89.99 per month

Watch Freeform for free with a three-day trial to Hulu + Live TV. Subscriptions come bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, and start at $89.99 per month.

House of Stassi Cast

Main season one castmembers include Stassi Schroeder, Katie Maloney, Beau Clark, Kristina Kelly, Taylor Strecker, Georgianna Aubin, Taylor Donohue and Rob Evors.

July 29, 2026
Amanda Ip, Jay Baruchel, Ciara Bravo and Kevin Durand to Star Opposite Alan Ritchson in ‘Reacher’

With less than two weeks to go before the season four premiere of Reacher, Amazon Prime Video is setting the stage for what follows that batch of episodes by confirming a quartet of actors for season five.

Amanda Ip, Jay Baruchel, Ciara Bravo and Kevin Durand will star opposite Alan Ritchson as Reacher in the fifth season that will be based on Lee Child’s novel Make Me. The series — from executive producer and showrunner Nick Santora and produced by Paramount Television Studios and Amazon MGM Studios — will catch up with Ritchson’s title character after his train stops in the mysterious town of Mother’s Rest where he teams with a private investigator in the search for a missing person.

In classic Reacher fashion, he winds up uncovering a dangerous and deadly criminal conspiracy. Ip will play Michelle Chang with Baruchel taking on the role as Chief Buck Bauer. Bravo assumes the role of Eunice, and Durand will play Nokes.

Amanda Ip, Jay Baruchel, Ciara Bravo and Kevin Durand

Courtesy of Amazon Studios

Canadian actor Ip is known for a recurring role as Carmen on CTV’s medical drama Transplant. Her TV credits also include Cross, Hudson & Rex, Plan B and Guess Who. She’s repped by Characters Talent Agency.

Baruchel is a veteran actor known for a long list of credits including This Is the End, Knocked Up, She’s Out of My League, Tropic Thunder, The Trotsky, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, FUBAR, The Moodys, Man Seeking Woman, The Last Girlfriend on Earth, BlackBerry and the Oscar-winning best picture Million Dollar Baby. He voiced Hiccup in DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon and turned in multi-hyphenate work on Random Acts of Violence and Goon: Last of the Enforcers.

He can next be seen in The Stunt Driver as real-life Canadian daredevil Ken Carter opposite Ed Helms and Ben Foster. The film will have a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Baruchel repped by CAA, Thruline Entertainment and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark.

Bravo’s year has included a turn in the title role opposite Zoey Deutch in Leah McKendrick’s Voicemails for Isabelle and starring opposite Marisa Tomei in You’re Dating A Narcissist!. Her other credits include Joe and Anthony Russo’s Cherry opposite Tom Holland, Small Engine Repair opposite Jon Bernthal, A Teacher alongside Kate Mara and Nick Robinson and Shawn Simmons’ Wayne. She next stars in Justin Lin’s Last Days. Bravo is repped by UTA and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light.

Durand is also a veteran actor with a long list of credits like Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station, Atom Egoyan’s The Captive opposite Ryan Reynolds, David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis opposite Robert Pattinson, Resident Evil: Retribution, Shawn Levy’s Real Steel opposite Hugh Jackman, Robin Hood opposite Russell Crowe, James Mangold’s 3:10 to Yuma with Crowe and Christian Bale, X-Men Origins: Wolverine alongside Hugh Jackman, Joe Carnahan’s Smokin’ Aces opposite Chris Pine and Walt Becker’s Wild Hogs with John Travolta, Tim Allen and Martin Lawrence.

Other credits include the Naked Gun update, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Abigail, Ready or Not: Here I Come, Locke & Key, Swamp Thing, Ballers, The Strain, Trial & Error, Vikings and the upcoming feature The Boy in the Iron Box based on the novel by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Durand is repped by CAA, Alchemy Entertainment and Brecheen Feldman Breimer.

As mentioned above, Reacher’s new season debuts Aug. 12, and it will be based on Child’s Gone Tomorrow. The story follows Reacher after he has a chance and disturbing encounter with a distraught stranger on the subway. Sydelle Noel, Chris Marquette, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Kevin Weisman, Marc Blucas, Kevin Corrigan and Kathleen Robertson round out the cast. In addition to Santora and Child, Ritchson serves as an executive producer on season four alongside Don Granger, Scott Sullivan, Mick Betancourt, Lisa Kussner, Sam Hill, Amy Pocha and Seth Cohen. Carolyn Harris and Kenny Madrid are executives-in-charge for Paramount Television Studios.

July 29, 2026
How to Watch Today’s 2026 MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars Game Live (Even for Free)
How to watch for free: Unlike the World Cup, the MLS All Stars vs. Liga MX game is not available for free with a VPN, but you may be able to watch it for free using an Apple TV free trial.

Today’s the day. After a month of breathtaking FIFA World Cup soccer, this beautiful game is expected to get another boost in popularity as two professional club leagues compete in the MLS All-Star Game this week. As with the last two editions, this exhibition match will feature the best players from the MLS facing the top players from Mexico’s Liga MX.

The MLS All-Star game debuted in this format in 2021, and currently, MLS All-Stars lead the rivalry 3-1. As they face off for the fifth time, fans on both sides will be eager to see which league gets regional bragging rights. If you can’t wait to catch the action, here are all the details you need to watch the 2026 MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game live using a streaming subscription.

When Is the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?

The 2026 MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX game will kick off today at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 29, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. There will also be a halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Ciara.

Where to Watch the 2026 MLS All-Star Game

(Credit: Apple/MLS)

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will stream on Apple TV, which has the official broadcasting rights for the league and its events through 2033.

You don’t need a dedicated MLS pass to watch the All-Star Game. In fact, Apple dropped the pass last year and made all MLS games available via its regular subscription, which now starts at $12.99 per month.

How to Watch the 2026 MLS All-Star Game for Free

Since Apple TV is the only streamer airing this game in the US, fans have only one option to catch the action. Thankfully, though, there are a few ways you can get an Apple TV subscription for free.

The easiest option is for first-time Apple TV subscribers. The streaming service offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing you to tune into the MLS All-Star Game at no extra cost.

Another free trial option is available to those who recently purchased a new Apple device and haven’t subscribed to Apple TV before. The iPhone-maker offers three months of free Apple TV to such customers, and they can redeem the offer within 90 days. The Apple One bundle also comes with a 30-day free trial to Apple TV.

Can You Watch the 2026 MLS All-Star Game With a VPN?

Technically, you can watch the MLS All-Star game with a virtual private network (VPN) if you need to access AppleTV from another country. But you won’t be able to bypass the Apple TV paywall. Unlike the World Cup, which offered several free livestreams in different countries, you won’t be able to use a VPN to watch the MLS All-Star game for free in the US.

Will Lionel Messi Play in the MLS All-Star Game?

(Credit: Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))

Soccer legend and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will be notably absent from the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. This is the second year in a row he is missing the game; he was penalized with a one-game suspension for missing last year’s, but he will be allowed to take a break this year to recover from his tiring 2026 World Cup final against Argentina.

His club and country teammate Rodrigo De Paul has also been excused for the same reason.

“Prior to the start of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association agreed that upon a player’s exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline. Consistent with that agreement, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi will be excused from participating in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game,” MLS said in a statement.

Though Messi and De Paul will be missed, the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game features other big names from world soccer, including 2014 World Cup winner Thomas Müller and South Korean star Son Heung-Min.

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Lineups: MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars

Both teams have a mix of local and international stars, and 15 of them played in the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup; 11 of those players play in the MLS, while four play in Liga MX.

MLS Roster

Charlotte FC’s Dean Smith will manage the MLS All-Stars this year. Here’s a look at the roster he can pick his 11 players from:
- Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City SC), Matt Freese (New York City FC), and Brian Schwake (Nashville SC).
- Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC), and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC).
- Midfielders: Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami CF), Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC)
- Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo FC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), and Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC)
Keep an eye out for Petar Musa, who leads the current MLS season’s scoring with 13 goals and appeared for Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Liga MX Roster

Deportivo Toluca’s coach, Antonio Mohamed, will manage the Liga MX All-Stars, and here’s the roster he can pick his playing XI from:
- Defenders: Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca FC), Jesús Garza (Tigres UANL), Bruno Méndez (Toluca FC), Federico Pereira (Toluca FC), Luis Gabriel Rey (Chivas Guadalajara), Israel Reyes (Club América), and Nathan Silva (Pumas UNAM)
- Midfielders: Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL), Iker Fimbres (CF Monterrey), Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Elías Montiel (CF Pachuca), José Paradela (Cruz Azul), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Franco Romero (Toluca FC), and Javier Ruiz (Necaxa)
- Forwards: Kevin Castañeda (Chivas Guadalajara), Alexei Domínguez (CF Pachuca), Salomón Rondón (CF Pachuca), and Robert Morales (Pumas UNAM)
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July 29, 2026
The Bruin Theater in Westwood Village to Reopen: ‘It’s a Magical Place’

The Bruin Theater in Los Angeles’ Westwood Village is set to reopen in October, with the announcement capping a big month for the city’s movie lovers. Last week, Sony Pictures announced it will take over operation of the Cinerama Dome with Alamo Drafthouse running the former ArcLight theaters multiplex.

Now the Bruin Theater, built in 1937, is planned to reopen in October with Rui Pereira, a Canadian theater operator, taking over the lease for the historic site. “It’s a magical place,” says Pereira, who also operates Toronto’s Kingsway Theater.

Pereira plans to add 35mm and 70mm projection and program first-run movies, classic films and special events. The sound system has had recent upgrades, according to Ben Steinberg, who helped bring attention to the Cinerama Dome reopening and is assisting Pereira with marketing.

“We want to keep the essence of the theater,” says Pereira, who wants it to feel upgraded but still like a classic theater.

“It’s not just about the movies — it’s about going out to the movies, going out to do something. The latest example is ‘The Odyssey’ — you see the excitement and the interest that’s generated,” Pereira says. Before the opening, the marquee will display ads for “Practical Magic 2” as well as promotions for UCLA, he adds.

The 670-seat Bruin is less than half the size of the Village across the street, which was taken over by Jason Reitman and his consortium of filmmakers and is now operating as Director’s Village before a renovation planned for the fall. The Bruin played an important role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” when Margot Robbie’s character Sharon Tate goes to the theater to watch the movie she stars in, “The Wrecking Crew.”

The Bruin has been shuttered since 2024, when Regency Theatres’ lease ended at both the Village and the Bruin.

Once the bustling hub of moviegoing on the Westside of Los Angeles, Westwood’s theaters have gradually shut down over the past few decades. The Landmark Westwood, opened in 1946, is still in operation on Broxton, while Blue Fox Entertainment recently took over the iPic Theater on Wilshire. Westsiders have largely migrated to AMC’s Century City 15, while the Landmark’s Nuart and Laemmle’s Royal continue to program specialty films on Santa Monica Boulevard.

July 29, 2026