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CNN —The Arizona House of Representatives voted Wednesday to overturn the state’s 160-year-old abortion ban, setting the stage for a repeal that would leave the state’s 15-week restriction on the procedure in place. The vote comes after two failed attempts by state House lawmakers to bring the bill to the floor last week. If it succeeds, Arizona’s 15-week restriction on abortions will continue to be state law. That legislation stated explicitly that it did not overrule the 1864 law. Arizona state Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, left, hugs Arizona state Sen. Anna Hernandez after the state House voted to repeal the 1864 abortion law at the state Capitol in Phoenix on April 24, 2024.

Persons: Katie Hobbs, Roe, Wade, Doug Ducey, Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, Sen, Anna Hernandez, Rebecca Noble Organizations: CNN, Arizona, Arizona GOP, Democratic, Republican Gov, Reuters, Abortion, Arizona House, Republican Locations: Arizona, Phoenix

☆ Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy file for union vote at Disneyland
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Chris Isidore | Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The group had announced a union organizing effort in February, but very often such campaigns fall short of filing to hold a vote. Union organizing efforts have picked up in the last year, especially in the wake of a number of high profile contract wins by unions that provided union members with large pay raises. There are more than 21,000 Disneyland “cast member” employees, who are represented by more than a dozen unions. But it doesn’t include the performers who dress up as characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy and interact with visitors. Vo said it’s difficult for cast members to afford living on their own, and many have roommates.

Persons: “, ”, Kate Shindle, Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Disney, Mai Vo, Vo, Zach Elefante, Elefante Organizations: California CNN, Actor’s Equity Association, National Labor Relations Board, Disneyland, Disney, Union, Workers, CNN, showtime, Magic Kingdom Locations: Anaheim, California, Los Angeles, Orlando , Florida, Orlando, Southern California, Vo

☆ Disney reveals more on huge Magic Kingdom expansion, one part of a $60 billion investment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Glendale, California CNN —Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” sits at one edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the most visited theme park in the world. “It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said Tuesday during a rare media event previewing new Disney attraction designs and technology at its Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California. Disney’s 10-year investment planThe Magic Kingdom expansion is one part of a $60 billion investment Disney has said it’s planning for its parks, cruises and experiences over the next decade. But any plans for expanding the theme park footprint at the Disneyland resort would need Anaheim city approval because of zoning issues. This is really a wild experience.”Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on the project from its inception about four years ago.

Persons: “ It’s, ” Michael Hundgen, Walt, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Josh D'Amaro, Iger, “ it’s, Disney, ” Iger, ”, Mike Pucher, Walt Disney Imagineering Iger, Imagineers, Darth Vader, Imagineer Lanny Smoot, ” Smoot, Smoot, Christian Thompson, Stella Reese Chase, Leah Chase, Chase, “ I’m, I’ve, ” Charita Carter, Walt Disney Imagineering, Carter, “ Organizations: California CNN, Railroad, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney, Walt, CNN, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal, Comcast, Anaheim City Council, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Research, Walt Disney Imagineering Research, Disneyland’s Locations: Glendale, California, ”, Central Florida, Disney’s Florida, Florida, Anaheim, New Orleans

☆ It’s jobs week. Here’s what to watch for
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —Welcome to jobs week. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said last week that a weakening labor market would be a reason to reduce interest rates. It’s hard to imagine that this jobs report will substantially move the needle on Fed policy, said Michael Brown, a senior research strategist at Pepperstone. The Conference Board’s February Consumer Confidence survey found that “Consumers’ appraisal of the labor market was more positive in March” than in previous months. The week ahead: While the main event this week is Friday’s jobs report, there’s plenty of other jobs data this week for traders to grab on to.

Persons: Jerome Powell, I’ll, nonfarm, ”, Dave Sekera, “, ‘, we’re, Goldman Sachs, Michael Brown, Powell, Brown, It’s, Donald Trump, Matt Egan, Trump, That’s, Natasha Chen Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Goldman, Labor, Stanford, Social, Trump Media & Technology Group, Trump Media Locations: New York, ”, California

☆ Half a million California fast food workers will now earn $20 per hour
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —As of Monday, about half a million fast food workers in California are making at least $20 per hour, $4 higher than the overall state minimum wage. This council can also recommend standards for fast-food worker safety and work with existing state agencies to investigate issues like wage theft. Mendelsohn, who owns six El Pollo Loco locations, has long championed workers’ rights, including helping trans workers connect with jobs. “I just wish it was being done over a longer period of time and it wasn’t just fast food,” Mendelsohn said. Additionally, they hope the council can discus fair working conditions, including wage theft, excessive heat and violence at work.

Persons: “, ”, Jaylene Loubet, We’re, Michaela Mendelsohn, Scott Rodrick, Rodrick, ” Rodrick, it’s, I’ve, Mendelsohn, you’re, ” Mendelsohn, Loubet, ” Loubet, isn’t Organizations: CNN, El, Workers, ” Locations: California, San Francisco Bay, “, Los Angeles

☆ Kaiser Permanente strike: How patients say the strike is impacting their health care
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Jennifer Korn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Over 75,000 Kaiser Permanente unionized employees walked off the job Wednesday in the largest health care worker strike in US history. One of the largest health care organizations in the country, Kaiser has 12.7 million members, according to the company. As a bus driver for the Orange County Transportation Authority, “I need those legs to drive,” Signorio told CNN Tuesday, citing the long wait for care. Michael Signorio, a Kaiser Permanente member, talked about the effects of the ongoing strike with CNN's Natasha Chen on October 4. During the last few months most of his doctors appointments have been rescheduled and overall everything has been very slow,” Fidel Vasquez told CNN over email.

Persons: —, Kaiser, Michael Signorio, ” Signorio, “ I’ve, ”, CNN's Natasha Chen, “ We’re, “ I’m, I’m, Christina Campbell’s, “, ” Campbell, Jennifer Fry, ” Fry, haven’t, ” Fidel Vasquez, Vasquez, Julie Zuchowski, Zuchowski, ” Zuchowski, ” Larriesha, ’ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Kaiser Permanente, DC, CNN, Orange, Orange County Transportation Authority, Kaiser Locations: New York, California , Colorado, Washington , Virginia , Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Colorado , Oregon, California, Los Angeles, Sunset, Orange County, Kaiser

New York CNN —California is raising the minimum wage for fast food workers, marking a hard-won victory for those workers and union organizers. The state’s current minimum wage is $15.50 an hour and will increase to $16 an hour on January 1. The new hourly wage for fast food workers will take effect on April 1 of next year. In that period, only the council may set wages for fast food workers. “We are confident that what’s outlined is going to dramatically improve conditions for the state’s half million fast food workers,” Henry said.

Persons: Gavin Newsom, Terry Chea, Newsom, ” Sean Kennedy, Mary Kay Henry, “, ” Henry, Henry, ” Anneisha Williams, Jack, Williams, it’s, “ I’m, …, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Service Employees International Union, Employees, California State Capitol, National Restaurant Association, SEIU, CNN Locations: New York, California, Los Angeles , California, Sacramento, Calif

New York CNN —Disney is greatly expanding its investment into theme parks and cruises, the company said Tuesday. The investment comes at a time the company is facing revenue challenges in its streaming services, movie and television assets — almost everywhere but its international theme parks. The theme park, which was announced in 2019, is set to include restaurants, hotels and, of course, rides. It will become the third theme park within the Universal Orlando Resort, stepping up its rivalry with Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. Trouble at homeDisney said Tuesday that it is focused on “expanding and enhancing” its theme parks, in the US and internationally, along with its cruise lines.

Persons: That’s, Walt Disney, Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda, Alicia Stella, didn’t, ”, Josh D’Amaro, Wakanda, Disney, Horacio Villalobos, Corbis, Kevin Lansberry, Bob Iger, ” Iger, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, “ Disney, Stella Organizations: New, New York CNN, Disney, Disney Parks, SEC, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Service, Star Wars, Getty, Parks, Walt Disney, Florida Governor Locations: New York, Parks, Orlando , Florida, Orlando, Anaheim , California, Asia, ”, Florida

☆ Bear spotted at Disney World prompts closure of parts of Magic Kingdom
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Natasha Chen | Marlon Sorto | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A bear that prompted partial closures at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Monday was captured without incident and is being relocated, according to a news release from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Nearly a dozen attractions were closed on Monday at the time authorities were trying to locate the bear at Magic Kingdom, according to the My Disney Experience app. WESHIt was not clear if the closures, or how many, were related to the bear sighting. CNN has reached out to Disney for more details about specific closures but has not heard back yet. There are three other major parks at the resort: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Persons: ” FWC, FWC, Sawyer, Craig Williams, Disney, “, Shawn Nottingham, Carlos Suarez, Melissa Alonso, Kate Conerly Organizations: CNN, Walt Disney World’s, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ocala National Forest, Disney, Walt Disney World Railroad, Liberty Square, Hall, Presidents, Haunted, Liberty, WESH, Hollywood Studios, Animal Locations: Ocala, Magic, Caribbean, Frontierland, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom

CNN —The Hawaii Tourism Authority announced Friday it approved more than $2 million to help rebuild Hawaii’s struggling tourism industry. The agency said West Maui accounts for 15% of Hawaii’s total tourism revenue, and since the deadly wildfires, the state has lost roughly $9 million per day because of the resulting drop in travel and tourism. Josh Green declared a “tourism emergency” as visitors to the island have dropped significantly in the wake of the devastating wildfires. While the Hawaii Tourism Authority is still trying to get a count of total job losses, Gionson said anecdotally, a small sample size of a dozen businesses informed the agency of about 200 layoffs. Gionson said if people want to help, they should keep their trips, as long as they are not staying in West Maui.

Persons: Ilihia Gionson, Josh Green, Gionson, anecdotally, Richie Olsten, they’re, ” Olsten Organizations: CNN, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Gov, Maui Locations: Hawaii, Maui, United States, West Maui

☆ Maui wildfire: Hawaiian Electric says power lines started morning fire on August 8, but not afternoon Lahaina Fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Natasha Chen Anna-Maja Rappard Cheri Mossburg | Natasha Chen | Anna-Maja Rappard | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Hawaiian Electric Company said that power lines falling in high winds seem to have caused a fire during the early morning of August 8, but power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours by the time a second afternoon fire began in the Lahaina area. The company made the comments in a new response Sunday to a lawsuit filed by the County of Maui. In a press release, HECO mentioned videos showing that power lines had fallen to the ground in high winds near the intersection of Lahainaluna Road and Hookahua Street at approximately 6:30am. But that morning fire was declared 100% contained by the Maui County Fire Department by 9am, they said. By the time the Maui County Fire Department arrived back on the scene, it was not able to contain that fire, and it spread out of control toward Lahaina, the release says.

Persons: “ inexcusably, HECO, ”, John Fiske, “, Fiske, Shelee Kimura, ” Kimura Organizations: CNN, Hawaiian Electric Company, National Weather Service, Watch, Maui County Fire Department, Hawaiian Electric, Intermediate, ” CNN Locations: West Maui, Lahaina, County, Maui, Maui County

☆ Maui wildfires: Nearly 400 remain unaccounted for in Maui after deadly wildfires, FBI-curated list shows -- a big decline from prior estimates
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Michelle Watson Kelly Mccleary Cheri Mossburg Anna-Maja Rappard Natasha Chen | Michelle Watson | Kelly Mccleary | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Search crews and cadaver dogs have searched 100% of single-story homes in the disaster area, Maui County officials said Tuesday. Sarah Salmonese sits where her apartment once stood in Lahaina, Hawaii, on Friday, August 11. “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County. Hawaiian Electric Company serves 95% of the state’s customer base. CNN has reached out to Maui County and the Maui Police Department for comment on Krau’s claims.

Persons: who’s, “, John Pelletier, Josh Green, geolocating, Steven Merrill, Sarah Salmonese, Go Nakamura, Ken Alba, Jae C, Yuki Iwamura, Patrick T, Fallon, Bryan Anselm, Mike Blake, Matthew A, Foster, Rick Bowmer, Lauren Haley, Makalea Ahhee, Justin Sullivan, Max Whittaker, Zoltan Balogh, Robert Gauthier, Mengshin Lin, Evelio Contreras, CNN Vixay Phonxaylinkham, Lana, Phonoxaylinkham, Marco Garcia, Claire Rush, Myrna Ah Hee, Sui, Ty O'Neil, Ku'u Kauanoe, ZUMA, Matthew Thayer, John Moore, it’s, Jim Kelly, ”, Darren Pai, “ inexcusably, John Fiske, ‘, Nicholas Krau, ” Krau, Krau Organizations: CNN, FBI, ” Police, ”, Analysis, New York Times, Getty, Reuters, Staff, US Army National Guard, Maui Police, Facility, AP Volunteers, Grace Baptist, Volunteers, Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Kahului Airport, Technologies, Kahului, AP Helicopters, Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii National Guard, Reuters Residents, ZUMA Passengers, Maui News, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Electric Company, ATF, Electric, National Weather Service, Watch, State of Hawaii Organization of Police, Maui Police Department Locations: Maui, Maui County, ” Hawaii, Lahaina –, Hawaii, Lahaina , Hawaii, Lahaina, AFP, Wahikuli, Wailuku, Kula , Hawaii, Kula, Kihei, West Maui, Grace, Napili, Honokowai, Honolulu, Maalaea, Kahului, California, Las Vegas, Church, Lahaina Hongwanji, Olinda

☆ Maui government files lawsuit, accuses Hawaiian electric company of causing Lahaina wildfires
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Maui County is seeking damages from HECO that may total tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, according to John Fiske, an attorney representing the county in the lawsuit. “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County. We are very disappointed that Maui County chose this litigious path while the investigation is still unfolding,” a spokesperson from Hawaiian Electric told CNN in a statement. Hawaiian Electric Company is a for-profit company that serves 95% of Hawaii’s customer base and trades on the New York Stock Exchange. This isn’t the first time a utility company has been blamed for its alleged role in a powerful wildfire in recent years.

Persons: “ inexcusably, John Fiske, “, ” Jim Kelly, Fiske, ”, CNN’s Anna, Maja Rappard, Natasha Chen, Afshar Organizations: CNN, Hawaiian Electric Company, National Weather Service, Watch, Hawaiian Electric, New York Stock Exchange, Pacific Gas Locations: Maui County, HECO, Maui, Hawaiian, California, Lahaina, Kula, Olinda

☆ They don’t act or write, but the Hollywood strikes are putting them out of work
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Elyea, and other small business owners have told CNN about the various ways they’re getting through the dry spell: cutting hours, laying off staff, or temporarily closing their doors. And you know, don’t be buying cars having to make big car payments, and don’t be making big plans with money you don’t have,” she told them. “I know I can get through it, but it takes years to recover,” Levelle told CNN in early July. Natalia Lopez told CNN in June that without her $20.74 per hour wage, she had shifted her grocery list to just basics, like rice and beans. Cendejas told CNN the studios should recognize the people essential at every level to get the work done.

Persons: Los Angeles CNN —, Milken, Remy De La Mora, Patrick Gallagher, Oppenheimer, Pam, Pam Elyea, she’s, ” Elyea, don’t, Pam Elyea Elyea, She’s, “, Elyea’s, Corri Levelle, Sandy Rose Floral, Natasha Chen, CNN Corri Levelle, ” Levelle, ”, Natalia Lopez, Lopez, Yolanda Cendejas, Cendejas, ” Yolanda Cendejas, CNN Cendejas, ” Cendejas, Chester Massetti, Victor Jr’s, you’re, ” Massetti, Massetti, Rosie Blosser, ” Blosser, Blosser Organizations: Los Angeles CNN, Hollywood, Writers Guild of America, SAG, Global, Hire, CNN, WGA, Sandy, SEIU United Service Workers, SEIU, Sony Studios, Amazon Studios, Paramount Studios, Culver City, Warner Bros, Washington, Apple, Warner Bros . Locations: North Hollywood, Los Angeles, Culver City, Culver, Burbank , CA

☆ Why celebrities are on strike: Not every actor makes Tom Cruise money
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

However, the BLS noted in the data that actors aren’t paid full-time year-round due to the nature of the job. Screen Actors Guild members and supporters on a picket line in Times Square in New York, US, on Friday, July 14, 2023. Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg/Getty ImagesBefore the contract between actors and movie studios officially expired this week, SAG-AFTRA members had negotiated specific minimum rates for performers. For example, an actor who worked on a television show for one week was paid a minimum of $3,756. According to Shaan Sharma, an actor and SAG-AFTRA board member, just 12.7% of SAG-AFTRA members qualify for the union’s health plan.

Persons: they’ve, Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Fran Drescher, you’re, aren’t, Yuki Iwamura, Kellee Stewart, ”, “, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Forbes, Johnson, Cruise, Tom Cruise, Barry Diller, ‘, ” Diller, “ I’m, Shaan Sharma, Rod McLachlan, it’s, ” McLachlan, Chris Pizzello, ” Stewart, Stewart, “ There’s, Bob Iger, ’, Iger, Netflix’s, Ted Sarandos, Greg Peters, “ Rather, AFTRA, Kevin Klowden, Klowden, Natasha Chen Organizations: CNN, SAG, Hollywood, Hollywood’s, Guild of America, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, Guild, Bloomberg, Getty, Forbes, Variety, CBS, Sunday, Paramount, Netflix, Twitter, Disney, CNBC, Walt Disney Studios, The Alliance, Television Producers, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Apple, Warner Bros, Milken Institute Locations: California, New York, Los Angeles, London, Australia, New Zealand

☆ Actors set to hit picket lines Friday in largest US strike in 26 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Actors are set to hit picket lines Friday morning in their first strike against film and TV productions since 1980 and the nation’s largest strike since 1997. This is the largest number of union members to be on strike since 180,000 Teamsters walked out on UPS in 1997. The Teamsters, who have 340,000 members at UPS, are threatening to strike the parcel delivery giant on August 1 without a new contract. The actors also join more than 11,000 member of the Writers Guild of America who have been on strike against the same studios and streaming services since May 2. Actors are due on picket lines in Los Angeles and New York at 9 am PDT and noon EDT Friday.

Persons: It’s, Ronald Reagan, ”, “, Duncan Crabtree, Fran Drescher, –, Natasha Chen Organizations: New, New York CNN, SAG, Teamsters, UPS, Writers Guild of America, Screen Actors, Management, Alliance, Television Producers, ” Locations: New York, Southern California, Los Angeles and New York, Ireland

Wait times for rides and attractions at both resorts have shortened, according to analysts who track theme park attendance. Disney CEO Bob Iger attributed Disney World’s recent decline in wait times to an overall slump in Central Florida tourism. Iger told CNBC he did not have “long-term concerns” about Disney’s theme parks. For Universal’s Florida parks, every month since March has seen lower average wait times, according to the site. Pareti said she spends between four and six days per week at Disney’s parks and visits Universal parks, as well.

Persons: Los Angeles CNN —, Walt, Universal Orlando parkgoers, Bob Iger, ”, Iger, Shorter, July’s, Don Munsil, he’s, Munsil, “, Kayla Pareti, Mickey Travels, Mickey, You’re, Pareti, she’s, “ Don’t, it’s, Comcast’s, Disney’s, That’s, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Pete Werner, Christine McCarthy, ” Werner, It’s, Disney Organizations: Los Angeles CNN, Central, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney, CNBC, CNN, Universal, Disney’s, Universal Studios, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney Company, Comcast, UBS, DIS Universal, Republican, NAACP, Human Rights, League of United Latin American, Walt Disney, Disney Cruise Locations: Florida, Central Florida, “ Florida, Disney’s Florida, Universal Studios Florida, Bay Lake , Florida, Orange County, Orlando

☆ Janitors who lost jobs during WGA strike join picket line
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Several hundred janitors marched to join writers on the picket line outside Sony Pictures and Amazon Studios Thursday, as some custodial staff have lost their jobs while productions are halted. The union did not have an estimate for impacts on custodial workers in other major filming hubs like Georgia and New York. “Several businesses anecdotally already started cutting staff,” Klowden said. “Then does it become permanent?”Klowden noted the dry cleaners, caterers, “Star Wagons,” restaurants, and custodial staff. The Motion Picture Association told CNN that in 2021, the film and TV industry supported 822,000 direct jobs, while supporting a total of 2.4 million jobs.

Persons: Natalia Lopez, “, We’re, ” Lopez, it’s, ”, David Huerta, Rebekah Kohler, they’ve, aren’t, Stagehand Amanda Winter, “ Janitors, they’re, ” Winter, Kevin Klowden, Klowden, ” Klowden Organizations: CNN, Sony Pictures, Amazon Studios, SEIU United Service Workers, Paramount Studios, SAG, SEIU, Netflix, Warner Brothers Discovery, WGA, Milken Institute, Association Locations: Los Angeles, Georgia, New York, Culver City, Hollywood, California

☆ Disney’s fight with DeSantis masks a bigger problem: Its business is struggling
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The company’s latest salvo in the back-and-forth with DeSantis came Thursday, when it pulled the plug on its Lake Nona office complex. For Team Disney, the move is just the latest in which the company is relentlessly dunking on a relatively inexperienced politician who picked a fight with the wrong conglomerate. If you’re on Team DeSantis, shutting down Lake Nona reflects the desperation of a company whose stock is tanking and whose core businesses face serious headwinds. But Disney’s financial problems have much more to do with its money-guzzling streaming business and its rapidly dwindling profit from traditional cable TV. Disney’s stock is down more than 5% this year, while the S&P 500 is up 2%.

☆ Premarket: Turkey's big economic gamble looks set to continue
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Mark Thompson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In an exclusive interview with CNN on Thursday, Erdogan promised to continue cutting interest rates to tackle soaring prices if he is re-elected on May 28, my colleague Olesya Dmitracova reports. “Please do follow me in the aftermath of the elections, and you will see that inflation will be going down along with interest rates,” Erdogan told CNN’s Becky Anderson. “I have a thesis that interest rates and inflation, they are directly correlated. As price hikes started to accelerate around the world in late 2021, Erdogan ordered Turkey’s central bank to slash interest rates. The weekly claims attributed to Massachusetts fell by 14,042 on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, representing three-quarters of the decline of 18,605 claims.

☆ Disney World is closing its Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser in September
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Walt Disney World is closing down Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, one of its newest and splashiest attractions, at the end of September, the resort announced Thursday. The ultra-immersive – and ultra-pricey – bow to the “Star Wars” universe opened to much fanfare in spring 2022. When CNN asked Disney why the attraction was closing, a spokesperson said it was “a business decision” and did not elaborate. As for the fate of the building housing the futuristic experience, Disney had “nothing to share at this time.”Big experience on a small scaleQuite a motley crew enjoyed the first outing of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive experience in March 2022. Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images/GILEIn an official media statement, Disney said “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment.

☆ First union of strippers in a decade expected to form this week
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Strippers from the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in North Hollywood have unanimously won their union election, in a 17-0 vote, creating the first union of strippers in the United States in about a decade. The ballots were opened at 11 am PT today by the National Labor Relations Board in Los Angeles. The ballots were impounded in November after the strippers voted, due to the club challenging most ballots at the time. Since announcing on Tuesday that the dancers and the club had come to an agreement, the NLRB scheduled the opening of the ballots Thursday. “We’re hopeful that we could send some shockwaves through the industry,” said Velveeta, one of the strippers, who spoke to CNN on Tuesday evening.

CNN —Disney is scrapping plans to build a new campus that would have brought thousands of employees to Florida, citing “changing business conditions,” according to a memo provided by a Disney spokesperson. It’s also tense time for Disney as the media industry grapples with a difficult advertising environment and a massive writers strike. The campus in Lake Nona, Florida, in the greater Orlando area, was expected to add 2,000 jobs. Before the Florida government selected the board in February, Disney had reached agreements with the outgoing board that limited the power of DeSantis’ appointees. Last month, Disney CEO Bob Iger told investors that he believed DeSantis’ actions to punish Disney were “anti-business.”Disney’s stock rose slightly after its announcement.

☆ First strippers’ union in a decade is expected to form this week
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The negotiation is expected following a settlement hearing with union attorneys. When ballots are officially opened later this week, the strippers are expected to overwhelmingly win the union election, forming the first known union of strippers in the United States since the nation’s only unionized strip club, the Lusty Lady, closed in San Francisco in 2013. But with stipulation from the National Labor Relations Board and involved parties, the Star Garden owners will seek to dismiss its bankruptcy case, so that it can reopen in 30 to 60 days. Velveeta, a stripper, addresses the crowd attending a rally in support of strippers from the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar on August 19, 2022 in North Hollywood. “Every worker who wants a union deserves a union.

New York CNN —Disneyland has removed the “zip-a-dee-doo-dah” lyric played during its park parades because it comes from a movie that has been criticized for racist portrayals of Black Americans. The lyric initially appeared in the “Magic Happens” parade when it debuted in March 2020. The song “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah” originated in the 1946 film “Song of the South” that has long been criticized for stereotypes of “spiritual” Black men and its seemingly nostalgic view of the antebellum South. Disneyland officials told the OC Register in 2020 that the removal of the “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” song from the theme park resort is part of a continuous process to deliver an environment that features stories that are relevant and inclusive. “Song of the South” is so controversial that Disney has locked it away for decades and even kept it off the extensive library of Disney+.

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