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☆ The world’s best airports for 2024, according to Skytrax
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

For the last decade, Singapore’s Changi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport have been going back and forth, battling over the title of ‘world’s best’. European airports dominateNine of the top 20 best airports are in Europe, including Vienna, Madrid and Istanbul. Kansai International Airport (KIX), which serves the Osaka area, scored the award for the world’s best airport baggage delivery. El Dorado International Airport (BOG), which serves Bogota, Colombia, was voted the best airport in South America, while Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) won the honor of best airport for Latin America and the Caribbean. The world’s best airports for 20241.

Persons: CNN — Ali, Frazier, ‘, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, It’s, Charles de Gaulle, ORY, Indira, Skytrax, Paris Charles de Gaulle Organizations: CNN, The Red Sox, Yankees, Doha, Singapore, Singapore’s, Singapore’s Changi International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International, Hamad International, Airport, ” Qatar Airways Group’s, Oryx, Paris, Paris ’, Rome Fiumicino Airport, Zurich, Vantaa, Haneda, New, Chubu Centrair International, Kansai International, Vancouver International, Melbourne Airport, MEL, Australia, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Cape Town Airport, King Shaka International, El Dorado International, Panama Tocumen, TWA, New York JFK, Hyatt Regency Shenzhen, Hilton Munich Airport, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Doha Hamad, Singapore Changi, Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, Dubai, Munich, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Rome Fiumicino, Vienna, Madrid, Barajas, Vancouver, Kansai, Melbourne, Copenhagen Locations: Singapore’s Changi, Doha’s, Qatar’s, Singapore, Doha, “, Frankfurt, Germany, Europe, Vienna, Madrid, Istanbul, Paris, Skytrax, Rome, Helsinki, HEL, Japan, Asia, Haneda, Narita, New Chitose, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, North America, Down, Pacific, India, Cape, Africa, Durban, Bogota, Colombia, South America, Panama, America, Caribbean, New York, China, Tokyo, Vantaa

☆ The Long, Strange Decline of Iconic Chicken Soup for the Soul Brand
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Amanda Chicago Lewis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +39 min

What followed was hundreds of sequels and spinoffs, everything from "Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul" to "Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul" to the bestseller I read cover to cover, several times, in sixth grade: "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul." What began as Chicken Soup for the Soul board games and calendars turned into Chicken Soup for the Soul chocolates and Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food. What began as Chicken Soup for the Soul board games and calendars turned into pet food, barbecue sauce, and — yes — soup. He pointed out that the cover of the original Chicken Soup book "ripped off" Campbell's Soup, to trigger "nourishing and comforting and warming" feelings. He started suggesting outrageous directions Chicken Soup could go in next: "The Chicken Soup pistol!

Persons: I'd, I've, who'd, John Wayne, Jack Canfield, Canfield, Oprah Winfrey, Tony Soprano's, Russ Kamalski, Laurel, Hardy, Tyler Le, Americus Reed, hadn't, he'd, Johnny Nunez, Getty, Clement Stone, Stone, Napoleon Hill's, Norman Vincent Peale's, Mark Victor Hansen, Hansen, Bennett Raglin, let's, Mark Twain, They're, they'd, Kamalski, Preteen's, Christian Woman's, Mother's, —, Wayne Booth, Booth, Barbara Ehrenreich, David Gray, Amy Poehler, Kenan Thompson's, Patty Aubery, I'm, I, blurbing, Bill Rouhana, Amy Newmark, Newmark, Rouhana, Winstar, Ashton Kutcher, Isaac Brekken, Kevin, Reddit, Chicken, Redbox, You've, We're, Kevin fumed, hicken, orth, ince, eason, rance, ike, osses, ives, ake Organizations: John, Hyatt Regency, Soul Entertainment, Nasdaq, Americus, Wharton, Hyatt, Harvard, Triple, Beverly, Hotel, Canfield, University of Chicago, Oklahoma State, Washington Post, Wall, Company, Connecticut —, NASCAR, Hollywood, Consumer Federation of America, CSSE, Hindenburg Research, Sony Pictures Television, GameStop, YouTube, Soup, ust, anfield Locations: Newport Beach , California, Indonesian, Crackle, Canfield, Nigeria, Japan, France, Ohio, West Virginia, Mali, New York, Anaheim, Florida, ,, Teacher's, Baltimore, China, Australian, Darfur, Southern California, Greenwich , Connecticut, Connecticut, Zillow, Canadian, Wells Fargo's, Redbox, ife

☆ The Long, Strange Decline of One of America's Most Influential Brands
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Amanda Chicago Lewis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +39 min

What followed was hundreds of sequels and spinoffs, everything from "Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul" to "Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul" to the bestseller I read cover to cover, several times, in sixth grade: "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul." By 2003, research found that more young readers seeking solace turned to the Chicken Soup series than to the Bible. What began as Chicken Soup for the Soul board games and calendars turned into Chicken Soup for the Soul chocolates and Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food. He pointed out that the cover of the original Chicken Soup book "ripped off" Campbell's Soup, to trigger "nourishing and comforting and warming" feelings. He started suggesting outrageous directions Chicken Soup could go in next: "The Chicken Soup pistol!

☆ You can book luxury hotels, cruises, and vacation packages through Costco for a fraction of the cost
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Talia Lakritz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Costco offers steep discounts on hotels, cruises, rental cars, and vacation packages for members. Travel can be booked through the Costco Travel website. If you're a Costco member, you can also book hotels, cruises, rental cars, and all-inclusive packages online through Costco Travel. The Costco Travel website offers vacation packages at luxury resorts in destinations like Tahiti, Costa Rica, Cancún, and Hawaii, and cruises with companies such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess, at heavily discounted prices. Plus, if you pay with the Costco Anywhere Visa card, you'll earn 3% cash back on purchases through Costco Travel.

Persons: — Organizations: Costco, Service, Costco Travel, Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Enterprise, Budget, Costco Travel's Locations: Tahiti, Costa Rica, Cancún, Hawaii, Royal Caribbean, Maui, EQRoy, Alamo, Avis

☆ Trump clemency recipient Philip Esformes pleads guilty in Medicare fraud case
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Philip Esformes on Thursday pleaded guilty to health care fraud, resolving the Justice Department's years-long effort to prosecute the convicted fraudster after then-President Donald Trump commuted his 20-year prison sentence. Esformes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, according to filings in federal court in Miami, Florida. Trump commuted Esformes' sentence during his final days in the White House, a period during which he granted dozens of other requests for executive clemency. The commutation canceled Esformes' prison term, but not his 2019 conviction on 20 criminal counts. Five months after Trump commuted Esformes' sentence, the DOJ said it would seek to re-try him on those remaining six counts.

Persons: Philip Esformes, Harold, Department's, Donald Trump, Esformes, Trump, Prosecutors Organizations: Carole Pump Foundation, Hyatt, DOJ, Department of Justice Locations: Century City , California, Miami , Florida, Florida

☆ Trump clemency recipient Philip Esformes reaches plea deal in Medicare fraud case
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Convicted Medicare fraudster Philip Esformes has reached a plea deal that could resolve a long-running, complicated criminal case that has included his 20-year prison sentence being commuted by former President Donald Trump in 2020, court filings show. Terms of Esformes' plea agreement with the Department of Justice were not included in the filings Thursday. A Miami federal judge scheduled Esformes' change of plea hearing and sentencing for Feb. 22. Esformes' lawyers have said they are unaware of any other case in which the DOJ retried a defendant whose criminal sentence in the same case was commuted by a president. Prosecutors at the time said it was "the largest single criminal health care fraud case ever brought against individuals" by the DOJ.

Persons: Philip Esformes, Harold, Donald Trump, Esformes, —, Denise Stemen, Stemen Organizations: Carole Pump Foundation, Hyatt, Department of Justice, Esformes, DOJ, Prosecutors Locations: Century City , California, Miami

☆ Pandas, Ping-Pong and Profits: Chinese Leader Woos U.S. CEOs
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Ana Swanson | More About Ana Swanson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The streets outside the San Francisco hotel where Chinese leader Xi Jinping addressed a crowd of American business executives Wednesday night were chaotic, echoing with police sirens and the chants of protesters. Mr. Xi spoke of pandas. He spoke of Americans and Chinese working together during World War II to battle the Japanese. “The number one question for us is: are we adversaries, or partners?” Mr. Xi asked. “China is ready to be a partner and friend of the United States.”

Persons: Xi Jinping, Xi —, —, Xi, Mr, ” Organizations: Hyatt Regency Locations: San Francisco, China, United States

☆ APEC Summit Biden Aims to Fortify Ties With Asian Nations at Summit in San Francisco
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Katie Rogers | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +12 min

Image President Xi Jinping of China spoke to a crowd of U.S. business executives at a dinner in San Francisco on Wednesday evening. “There are hundreds and hundreds of activists —” Crowd: “Go home Xi Jinping!” “— who are coming together from all corners of this nation.” “We are really upset. 1 question for us is: Are we adversaries or partners?” Mr. Xi asked. Mr. Orlins said the Chinese had prepared three versions of a speech Mr. Xi could deliver that night. After Wednesday’s events with Mr. Biden, Mr. Xi picked the friendliest one.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Carlos Barria, Xi, —, Xi Jinping doesn’t, ”, ” “, Jinping, Josh Edelson, Xi —, Mr, Tim Cook, Larry Fink, BlackRock, Jerry Brown, Elon Musk, ” John L, Holden, Biden, Doug Mills, ” Michael Hart, Jim Wilson, Angus, Gina M, Raimondo, “, Ms, “ I’m, Stephen A, United States — Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, Deng, It’s, ” Mr, Orlins, “ They’re, Jeff Chiu, Biden’s Organizations: Visit, Credit, Agence France, Hyatt Regency, Apple, Boeing, Pfizer, Nike, FedEx, Elon, McLarty Associates, San Francisco . Credit, New York Times, U.S, American Chamber of Commerce, ., Mr, National Committee, United, China Relations, Associated, U.S ., China Business Council, Economic Cooperation, Consulate Locations: China, U.S, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Tibet, United States, California, Filoli, San Francisco ., ”, Iowa, Asia, Pacific

Biden and Xi try direct diplomacyThe mood music was upbeat but pragmatic after the first face-to-face meeting in a year between President Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. There was no joint communiqué after Wednesday’s talks, but both sides issued positive statements trumpeting where they found common ground, including on tackling climate change and improving communications. The leaders agreed to restart military communications that were suspended last year after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the House, visited Taiwan. Larry Fink of BlackRock and Steve Schwarzman of Blackstone reportedly sat at the Chinese leader’s table. The measure would keep the federal government funded through early next year, clearing the way for President Biden to sign the legislation.

Persons: Biden, Xi, Wednesday’s, Nancy Pelosi, —, Larry Fink, BlackRock, Steve Schwarzman, Blackstone, Tim Cook, Albert Bourla, Ray Dalio, ” Richard McGregor, DealBook, “, they’re, Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Nelson, Trian Organizations: Hyatt Regency, Apple, Pfizer, Bridgewater Associates, Lowy Institute, SpaceX, Tesla, Nvidia, Disney, ValueAct Capital, 13D, Microsoft Locations: San Francisco, U.S, Taiwan, China, Beijing, Iran, Israel, Australia, Ukraine

☆ How I Get Eight Free Hotel Nights Every Year Without Doing Anything
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Ben Luthi | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

So long as you pay the annual fee, many hotel credit cards offer one free night each year. Before discovering free night credits, I stayed at my fair share of motels with rock-hard beds and paper-thin walls. However, as my life and finances evolved, the benefit of my free night certificates has become about more than saving money. My hotel credit card collectionYou probably don’t need eight hotel cards. Key perks: Annual free night award, fourth night free on consecutive award redemptions, automatic IHG® Platinum status, $100 trusted traveler program application fee credit every four years.

Persons: Ben Luthi, I’ve, ”, you’ll, ’, we’ve, I’m, you’re, Wyndham Wyndham, Wyndham Organizations: Nintendo, Card, Marriott Marriott, Marriott, California — Marriott, Marriott Bonvoy, Business, Residence, Ritz, Carlton, Hilton Hilton Honors Aspire, Hilton, Hilton Resort, Honors, Diamond, Las, Hyatt, Hyatt Credit, Hyatt House, Hyatt Card, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Wyndham Locations: Sandy , Utah, Hilton, Park City, Marriott, California, Fairfield, Vegas, Seattle, Alaska, Grand, Wyndham

☆ Parts of West Maui to reopen to tourists on Sunday
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Forrest Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Parts of West Maui are still on track to begin a phased reopening to tourists starting Sunday, October 8 – but the action comes with some controversy. ET Friday, the phased reopening was still on schedule according to the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau and the office of Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. Here’s where things stand for the tourism-reliant island heading into the weekend:What’s opening on MauiAreas of West Maui – including Nāpili, Kāʻanapali, Honokōwai and Kapalua – are part of the reopening, according the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau. “We advise travelers to check with the individual accommodations in West Maui for their reopening plans,” the Visitors Bureau said. Also, other Hawaiian islands – Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lānaʻi, and Hawai‘i Island – have been welcoming visitors all along.

Persons: Josh Green, Richard Bissen, Carlton Maui, Kahana Villa Organizations: CNN, Hawaii Gov, Hawai‘i Visitors, Convention Bureau, Visitors, Convention, Ritz, Carlton, Kahana, Hyatt, Visitors Bureau, Bureau Locations: West Maui, Lahaina, Maui County, Maui, Kapalua, Mahinahina, Royal Lahaina, ”, “ County

☆ Asia's edge isn't just cheap labor, whether it's China, India or Japan, KKR says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Now, whether it's China, India or Japan, the region's edge lies in industrial services, KKR's heads of global and Asia macro said in an October note. That investment conclusion comes after a recent trip to Singapore, China and Japan by New York-based Henry H. McVey, chief investment officer of KKR Balance Sheet. "The bid for infrastructure and logistics could accelerate even more meaningfully, we believe, in key markets such as India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and even Japan," the KKR report said. That includes a $2 billion acquisition of a Mitsubishi-backed real estate manager in spring 2022.watch now"I think there are two big megathemes in Japan," KKR's McVey said in an interview Thursday. The other big trend in Japan, McVey said, is corporate reform that's boosting shareholder returns.

Persons: Henry H, McVey, Frances Lim, KKR's McVey, Fumio, haven't, Warren Buffett, Lim didn't, There's, Nisha Awasthi, Lim Organizations: Visual China, Getty, BEIJING, KKR, Mitsubishi, Hitachi Transport System, Logisteed, Hyatt Regency, Gaw Capital Partners, Wednesday, China Locations: China, Haikou, Hainan, India, Japan, Asia, Singapore, New York, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Gurugram, BlackRock, Mumbai, Pacific, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo

☆ Taylor Swift urged to postpone LA shows amid hotel strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —“Swifties” heading to Los Angeles to see Taylor Swift concerts this week may find a large number of staff at their hotels on strike when they get there. Some California politicians wrote to Swift this week urging her to cancel her shows in LA, which run from Thursday through August 9. The politicians said Swift’s shows would be money makers for the hotels they are battling. Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Getty ImagesThe open letter addressed to Swift said, “We are writing in support of the hotel housekeepers across Los Angeles. “In Los Angeles, hotels are doubling and tripling what they charge because you are coming… but many workers cannot afford to live close to where they work.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift, Gov, Eleni Kounalakis, JW, Beverly Hilton, Seasons Regent Beverly Wilshire, Irfan Khan, “, – CNN’s Chris Isidore Organizations: New, New York CNN, SoFi, Westin LAX, Democrat, CNN, Ritz, Carlton, JW Marriott LA, Anaheim Hilton, Seasons Regent, Hyatt Regency LAX, Los Angeles Times Locations: New York, Los Angeles, LAX, California, LA, Southern California, Orange, Fairmont Miramar, Anaheim, Los Angeles , CA

☆ A darling of US conservatives, Iran’s top opposition group may face an uncertain future
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

But recent setbacks for the most powerful Iranian opposition group have some observers wondering whether its glory days are numbered. The MeK believes these actions were part of a “policy of appeasement” of the regime in Tehran, a top representative from the group told CNN in an email interview. Gobadi told CNN the raid “was carried out at the behest or under pressure” from Iran. ‘Illegal and subversive activity’An Albanian foreign ministry coordinator told CNN by email that the country has not provided any seized material to Iran. Gobadi told CNN that that speakers or attendees have never received payments from the MeK.

Persons: Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, Mike Pence, Saddam Hussein, bode, ” Shahin Gobadi, Ashraf, Gobadi, “, ” Gobadi, cyberattack, Albania “, Saud, Maryam Rajavi, Bryan Olin Dozier, Prince Turki al, Faisal, Al Faisal, ’ “, Emanuel Macron, Ebrahim Raisi, Trita Parsi, ”, Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Liz Truss, Ali Ahmadi, ” Ahmadi, Alex Vatanka, ” Vatanka Organizations: CNN, United States National Security, Foreign Affairs, National Council of Resistance, Paris, Washington Summit, Organization of Iranian, Communities, Hyatt, Quincy Institute, British, Geneva Centre, Security, Middle East Institute Locations: Iran, Islamic Republic, Albania, France, Tehran, Paris, Tirana, Albanian, Saud Arabia, Washington ,, Saudi Arabia, Saudi, al, Riyadh

☆ 7 creator startups that had the biggest VidCon presences, wooing attendees with parties, swag, and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Amanda Perelli | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

These startups set up events and parties as a way to further establish their presence in the space. Gaming giant Roblox and course platform Thinkific hosted invite-only dinners and parties. Beyond the convention center panels and meet-ups, startups made waves with creators at nearby restaurants, hotels, and bars where brands, agencies, and startups hosted invite-only mixers and parties. The main theme of VidCon 2023 was learning how to become a successful creator, and startups capitalized by showing up in creative ways. Here were seven top creator startups with the largest presences at this year's VidCon:

Persons: Whalar, VidCon, Jellysmack Organizations: Gaming, Talent, Viral, Hyatt Regency, YouTube Locations: Anaheim , CA

☆ 7 top creator startups that made a big splash at VidCon, wooing attendees with exclusive parties, swag, and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Amanda Perelli | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Persons: Whalar, VidCon, Jellysmack Organizations: Gaming, Talent, Viral, Hyatt Regency, YouTube Locations: Anaheim , CA

☆ Henry Petroski, Whose Books Decoded Engineering, Dies at 81
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Richard Sandomir | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Henry Petroski, who demystified engineering with literary examinations of the designs and failures of large structures like buildings and bridges, as well as everyday items like the pencil and the toothpick, died on June 14 in hospice care in Durham, N.C. His wife, Catherine Petroski, said the cause was cancer. Dr. Petroski, a longtime professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University, adapted the architectural axiom “form follows function” into one of his own — “form follows failure” — and addressed the subject extensively in books, lectures, scholarly journals, The New York Times and magazines like Forbes and American Scientist. “Failure is central to engineering,” he said when The Times profiled him in 2006. “Every single calculation that an engineer makes is a failure calculation.

Persons: Henry Petroski, Catherine Petroski, Petroski, ”, “ Organizations: Duke University, The New York Times, Forbes, The Times, Kansas City Hyatt Regency Locations: Durham, N.C, American, Kansas, Tacoma, Washington State

☆ DeSantis signs slew of anti-transgender rights measures into law, affecting bathrooms, healthcare, and pronouns
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

DeSantis signed three anti-trans bills into law ahead of an anticipated 2024 run. Though he decried LGBTQ+ material and called for "normalcy" for minors, children stood next to him onstage during the bills' signings. Another bill DeSantis signed into law Wednesday prevents doctors from offering treatments such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgery — such as breast removal — to transgender minors, even in cases where parents consent. The legislation — officially known as the Parental Rights in Education Act — was panned by LGBTQ+ rights organizations as "Don't Say Gay." But a bill DeSantis signed into law Wednesday went even further to eradicate such teachings so they only happen in the limited curriculum parameters after eighth grade.

☆ At Microsoft, Charlie Bell's shackles are finally off. Watch out, Amazon.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Ashley Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Many in the industry, including current and former Microsoft and Amazon executives, wonder whether there's a better job for Bell. It could get intense, with Bell going toe-to-toe with Jassy and getting into disputes with Selipsky. "There were two different sets of security products and actually different security organizations that were securing the products for Microsoft," Bell said. While Bell has imported some processes from Amazon, he has introduced them with a "Microsoft flavor," by using Microsoft productivity tools, one person said. "So many decisions get made at Microsoft by looking at PowerPoints, and sometimes those PowerPoints lack details," Rashid, the former Microsoft and Amazon executive, said.

☆ A Florida Republican who sponsored an anti-drag bill 'can't answer' whether his wife's charity event featuring 'sultry performers' would be criminalized under his own law
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Florida Republican couldn't say whether his wife's charity event would flout his anti-drag bill. The wife of Rep. Randy Fine is hosting a gala featuring "sultry performers," and kids have attended in the past. The description for the event advertises an "evening filled with sultry performers." But the lawmaker could not ultimately answer whether such an event would be criminalized if his bill becomes law. "That said, whether this law passes or not, I would agree that children should not be invited to an event involving 'sultry performers,'" he added.

☆ Florida LGBTQ rights group issues travel warning telling the queer community it may no longer be safe to move to or visit the state
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Florida's largest LGBTQ advocacy group issued a travel advisory on Wednesday. Equality Florida warned LGBTQ individuals against visiting or moving to the state. The advisory is an "unprecedented" response to a slate of "hateful" laws and policies in Florida, it said. Equality Florida said that issuing the travel advisory was an "unprecedented" move and a response to a slate of "hateful" laws and policies signed by Gov. Last month, the NAACP Florida State Conference voted unanimously in favor of asking the NAACP Board of Directors to issue a travel advisory for the state of Florida.

☆ Florida drag queens say venues have started shutting them down after DeSantis pushed to revoke a Hyatt hotel's liquor license
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Florida drag queens say the GOP's push to restrict performances is hitting them in their wallets. But one recent incident is leading, in particular, is leading venues to reconsider offering drag performances, they said. Advocates such as Equality Florida say the incident is an example of the DeSantis administration "selectively weaponizing state agencies" to target drag performers and venues that are not harmful for children. The move is already having a chilling effect, and Adrien said it's helping scare other venues from offering drag performances and pushing drag queens from participating in shows for fear of retaliation. Venus Envy, an Orlando-based drag queen, told Insider drag performers have more recently performed at venues "that are not exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community," such as "mainstream bars, restaurants, and theatres."

☆ Drag queens say they tweak their performances if they notice a kid in the crowd. Republicans have cast the performances as dangerous for children.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Florida drag queen said performers adjust shows when there are children and families in the crowd. Republicans have targeted drag events for kids, introducing bills to restrict and prohibit attendance. Family-friendly drag events — such as Drag Queen Story Hour, which was established as a nonprofit in 2015 and has since become a national event — are under fire from Republican lawmakers. Bills prohibiting minors from attending drag queen events, banning drag performances in public, and classifying drag performances as adult-oriented businesses have been filed across the United States in recent months. Another drag queen, Venus Envy, told Insider that while they don't solely participate in family-friendly performances, they are accustomed to "tailoring my shows to my audiences."

☆ DeSantis administration sent undercover agents to an Orlando drag show and they found nothing wrong with it. The state is still trying to punish the venue.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Undercover agents were sent by the DeSantis administration to spy on a drag show, the Miami Herald reported. Still, Florida is moving ahead with a complaint against the venue to strip its liquor license. Ron DeSantis to spy on an Orlando drag show — and they found nothing "lewd" about it, according to the Miami Herald. A Florida drag queen told Insider before the Miami Herald report was published that they were concerned about rumors of undercover state agents showing up at performances. The DeSantis administration recently targeted the Hyatt Regency Miami after one of its facilities hosted "A Drag Queen Christmas" with minors present in the audience.

☆ A drag queen who survived the Orlando Pulse shooting says Florida's LGBTQ community is 'scared' of further hate following DeSantis' push to revoke a hotel's liquor license
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Lloyd Lee | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A drag queen who survived the 2016 Pulse club shooting said it only further demonizes LGBTQ people. "Not just in terms of limiting opportunities for drag entertainers, but by demonizing the art of drag as a whole," she wrote. Fine told Insider his motivation for pursuing the bill came after he found out a drag queen show was hosted in a public space in his district last year. However, the representative also said he would not support a bill that eliminates drag shows for consenting adults. In Florida, there have been at least nine demonstrations against the LGBTQ community, the organization found.

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