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☆ Sam Bankman-Fried trial: Potential juror dismissed after saying he can't be unbiased given 'everything negative' he heard about crypto
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

One prospective juror said he couldn't be objective given "everything negative" he's heard of crypto. AdvertisementAdvertisementCryptocurrency itself isn't on trial, but strong feelings about the virtual currency may be shaping Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal trial. He told prospective jurors earlier in the day that he expected to conclude the selection process by Wednesday morning, before opening statements. AdvertisementAdvertisementFamiliarity with cryptocurrency, the dramatic collapse of FTX, or Bankman-Fried's case specifically isn't necessarily disqualifying to be a juror. One prospective juror said she would have a problem rendering a guilty verdict if Bankman-Fried faced the death penalty.

Persons: Sam Bankman, He's, he's, —, I'm, Lewis Kaplan, cryptocurrency, Kaplan, Bankman, Fried, — Kaplan, they'd, Kaplan didn't Organizations: Service, US, Prosecutors, Alameda Research, Insight Partners Locations: Manhattan, FTX, Alameda

Sam Bankman-Fried wasn't offered any plea deals in fraud trial, prosecutors said. The criminal trial against Bankman-Fried kicked off on Tuesday with jury selection. The trial addresses the historic collapse of crypto exchange platform FTX. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe US government confirmed on Tuesday that Sam Bankman-Fried hadn't been offered any plea deals in the criminal case. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe criminal trial will address the historic collapse of the crypto exchange platform FTX.

Persons: Sam Bankman, Fried wasn't, Fried, —, hadn't, Caroline Ellison, Gary Wang Organizations: Bankman, Service, US Department of Justice, Alameda Research, Prosecutors

☆ Sam Bankman-Fried case: The FTX criminal fraud trial begins today. Here's everything you need to know.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal fraud trial begins in federal court today. According to prosecutors, Bankman-Fried commingled funds between FTX, where he was CEO, and Alameda Research, a hedge fund he also controlled. In the months since, prosecutors have brought several superseding indictments, slapping on more criminal charges. AP Photo/Mary AltafferIn addition to the criminal case against Bankman-Fried, the fallout of FTX's collapse has created a fountain of complicated lawsuits and legal maneuvers. The Securities and Exchange Commission has a civil case against Bankman-Fried alleging he "orchestrated a massive, years-long fraud."

Persons: Sam Bankman, SBF, —, FTX, Fried, Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Stephen Curry, Naomi Osaka, Larry David, Kevin O'Leary, Caroline Ellison, He's, Michael Lewis, guarantors, Lewis Kaplan, Jane Rosenberg, Kaplan, Bankman, Ellison, messaged, Eduardo Munoz, Mark S, Cohen, Christian Everdell, Ghislaine Maxwell, Maxwell, They're, Danielle Sassoon, Nicholas Roos, who's, Joe Lewis, Jean Carroll, Donald Trump, Trump, Bill Clinton, Gambino, Prince Andrew, Mary Altaffer, SBF's, Joseph Bankman, Barbara Fried, Gary Wang —, Nishad Singh, Ryan Salame, Cohen wearily, there's Organizations: Prosecutors, Service, Alameda Research, Miami Heat's, The New York Times, Metropolitan Detention, US, Office, Southern, Bankman, Manhattan Federal Court, REUTERS, Washington , D.C, Supreme, AP, Securities, Exchange Commission, Stanford University Locations: FTX, Manhattan, America, Palo Alto , California, New York, Bahamas, Washington ,, Joaquín, Bankman, Guantanamo, Alameda

☆ Sinner powers past Alcaraz to book Beijing final with Medvedev
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Earlier, second seed Medvedev had an easier than expected 6-4 6-3 semi-final win over familiar rival Alexander Zverev. This was the fifth meeting between the pair this year and although Russian world number three Medvedev won three of the previous four, Zverev had won their most recent clash in Cincinnati. The American's frequent doubles partner Jessica Pegula also had to dig deep for a 6-7(2) 6-2 6-1 win over Anna Blinkova. The 29-year-old faces 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko seeking a fourth win in their fifth meeting. World number two Iga Swiatek progressed with a 6-4 6-1 win over Varvara Gracheva and fifth seed Elena Rybakina beat Tatjana Maria 7-5 6-0 after Ons Jabeur lost 7-6(5) 6-1 to Marta Kostyuk.

Persons: Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Zverev, I'm, Aryna Sabalenka, Katie Boulter, Jasmine Paolini, Sabalenka, Wells, Indian Wells, Coco Gauff, Croatia's Petra Martic, Veronika Kudermetova, Gauff, Martic, Jessica Pegula, Anna Blinkova, Pegula, Jelena Ostapenko, Iga Swiatek, Varvara Gracheva, Elena Rybakina, Tatjana Maria, Marta Kostyuk, Trevor Stynes, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: China, Tokyo, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Russian, Cincinnati, Chengdu, Indian

☆ Sam Bankman-Fried case: The FTX criminal fraud trial begins this week. Here's everything you need to know.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Jacob Shamsian | Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal fraud trial begins in federal court on Tuesday. According to prosecutors, Bankman-Fried commingled funds between FTX, where he was CEO, and Alameda Research, a hedge fund he also controlled. In the months since, prosecutors have brought several superseding indictments, slapping on more criminal charges. AP Photo/Mary AltafferIn addition to the criminal case against Bankman-Fried, the fallout of FTX's collapse has created a fountain of complicated lawsuits and legal maneuvers. The Securities and Exchange Commission has a civil case against Bankman-Fried alleging he "orchestrated a massive, years-long fraud."

☆ I created major advocacy organizations for women's entrepreneurship and animal welfare. This is how I did it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

She has since built major advocacy organizations for animal welfare and women in business. I created the first media company to bring celebrities and pop culture to the animal rescue world. In 2011, I had a stalker who ruined my entire life in the animal rescue world. I did it to support animal rescue and to bring awareness to the millions of animals euthanized. When I brought pop culture into the animal rescue world with Animal Fair, we were able to show why it's so great to adopt.

Persons: Wendy Diamond, —, Lucky, Renée Zellweger, Andrew Cuomo, Bill de Blasio, JP Morgan, Dell, It's Organizations: Service, Entrepreneurship, Organization, Animal Fair, CBS, Gov, United Nations, MasterCard Locations: Honduras, That's

☆ Just 11 people were responsible for most 2021-2022 school book challenges. A Virginia woman challenged 71 out of the 73 books she read.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Over half of all book challenges made in the 2021-2022 school year came from just 11 adults. One woman said she read 73 books, scanning for sexually explicit content, and challenged 71 of them. Book challenges, once a school library issue, are becoming a community-wide library issue. According to an analysis by the Post, 60% of book challenges made in the 2021-2022 school year came from the same 11 adults. A library staffer told the Post that nearly a dozen people spent 40 hours per week just on Petersen's book challenges.

Persons: —, Jennifer Petersen, Petersen Organizations: Service, Spotsylvania County Public Schools, The Washington Post, Post, New York Times Locations: Virginia, Spotsylvania

☆ Sabalenka shines in first match as No. 1, Vondrousova crashes in Beijing
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The win handed Belarusian Sabalenka a measure of redemption following a stunning defeat by the 2020 Australian Open champion in the Rome second round earlier this season. "I'm super happy with the win, I think I played really great tennis today," Sabalenka said. But it was the end of the road for Czech world number eight Vondrousova, who fell to Rome runner-up Kalinina despite making a strong start to their first tour-level meeting. "Today was a perfect match for me," said Alcaraz, who is making his debut in Beijing. It was a great match.

Persons: Coco Gauff, USTA Billie Jean King, Danielle Parhizkaran, Aryna Sabalenka, Sofia Kenin, Marketa Vondrousova, Katie Boulter, Magdalena Frech, Sabalenka, Kalinina, Carlos Alcaraz, Lorenzo Musetti, Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Clare Fallon Organizations: USTA Billie, USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Rights, Sofia, China, Wimbledon, U.S, Belarusian, Thomson Locations: Flushing , NY, USA, United States, Rights BEIJING, Beijing, China, Rome, Czech, Bengaluru

☆ US government shutdown: WIC, a program that feeds and provides medical help to 7 million mothers and children, could run out of funds in days
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

It puts programs at risk, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC supports 7 million mothers and children with food and health resources. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (or WIC), which serves nearly half the infants born in the country, has just a few days of funding in the event of a shutdown, per the Times. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe program serves some 7 million mothers and children, providing nutritional foods and health care referrals to some of the most vulnerable in the country. The fates of some 206,282 women, 587,139 children, and 178,997 infants in California rest in McCarthy's hands.

Persons: —, Kevin McCarthy Organizations: Women, Children, WIC, Service, New York Times, Food and Nutrition Service, Republican, White House Locations: California

☆ Milley says the military doesn’t swear oath to a ‘wannabe dictator’ in apparent swipe at Trump
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Katie Bo Lillis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“We don’t take an oath to a country, we don’t take an oath to a tribe, we don’t take an oath to a religion. We don’t take an oath to a king, or a queen, or a tyrant or a dictator.”“And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator,” he spat. Milley, who was in uniform, later apologized publicly for “creat[ing] a perception of the military involved in domestic politics.” The apology outraged Trump. Their relationship became even more contentious in the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. We will take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of my family.”

Persons: Mark Milley, Donald Trump, Milley, ”, “, ” Milley, Trump, George Floyd, CQ Brown, Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Kevin McCarthy, Trump “, ” –, Bob Woodward, Robert Costa’s, ” Trump, “ I’ve Organizations: CNN, America, ’, Corps, Princeton, Trump, Capitol, Army, US, National Military Command Center, Pentagon, CBS Locations: Lafayette, United States, “, American, Beijing, China

☆ An Ohio elementary school ruined 'Ice Cream Friday' when it announced kids with school lunch debt wouldn't get any
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But there was one rule: No ice cream for students with outstanding school lunch debt. "If a student has a negative balance they will not be able to purchase an ice cream even if they bring their $1 for ice cream. Students with school lunch debt still cannot buy ice cream on Ice Cream Friday, even if a friend wants to buy it for them. America has a school lunch debt problemThe US already has one of the most dystopian yet classically American school lunch systems around. Jade's SoulFood, paid $411.15 toward the balance of school lunch debt at Donovan Elementary School, she wrote on Facebook.

Persons: —, Mitch McConnell, Naiyozcsia Thompson, Jade's SoulFood, Thompson Organizations: Service, Facebook, Donovan Elementary, Congressional Republicans, Senate, Donovan Elementary School Locations: Ohio, Lebanon, California , Colorado , Maine , Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont, Massachusetts, Nevada, Local, Middletown

☆ An ex-Wagner boss was arrested in Norway after officials suspected he was trying to sneak back into Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

An ex-Wagner group commander was shot at and arrested by Norwegian police, Reuters reported. Police said Andrei Medvedev was trying to sneak back into Russia illegally. Medvedev abandoned Russia for Norway in January, claiming he feared for his life. Andrei Medvedev was shot at and arrested after authorities suspected he trying to cross the Russian border at an undesignated entry point on Saturday, Reuters reported. AdvertisementAdvertisementMedvedev abandoned Russia for Norway in January, claiming he feared for his life after witnessing the mistreatment of Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

Persons: Wagner, Andrei Medvedev, Medvedev, Brynjulf Risnes, Risnes, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prigozhin, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Reuters, Police, Service Locations: Norwegian, Russia, Norway, Wall, Silicon, Russian, Ukraine, Belarus

☆ A South Carolina GOP lawmaker says he's a 'strong advocate' for family values. His wife says he's had multiple affairs and is filing for divorce.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan had multiple affairs, his wife says in a divorce filing. His wife said he also portrayed himself as a "dutiful husband" while being unfaithful. Duncan's wife, Melody Duncan, filed for divorce last week, citing her husband's multiple affairs. The divorce filing described Melody Duncan as a "dutiful wife" who "wholeheartedly supported" Duncan in his career. A request for comment made to Melody Duncan's attorney, Susan R. Strom, was not immediately returned on Sunday, nor was a request made to Duncan's office.

Persons: Jeff Duncan, Duncan, Duncan's, Melody Duncan, Melody Duncan's, Susan R, Strom Organizations: Service, Republican Locations: Wall, Silicon, South Carolina, Greenwood

☆ New Jersey wants to let midwives perform abortions to meet rising demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

To meet a heightened demand for abortion care, New Jersey may permit midwives to perform abortions. Since the overturn Roe v. Wade, many states have limited access to abortion care or implemented bans. If successful, it would make New Jersey one of about ten states that allow certified midwives or nurse-midwives to perform abortions. The potential new rule, proposed by the state's Board of Medical Examiners, would allow midwives to perform surgical abortions through the 14th week of gestation, the Monitor reported. From June to November 2022, the number of legal abortions performed in New Jersey rose by 7%, the New Jersey Monitor previously reported, citing statistics from a national study on abortions.

Persons: Roe, Wade Organizations: Service, New, New Jersey Monitor, state's, Medical, Monitor, Centers for Disease Control, Food & Drug Administration, American College of, Guttmacher Institute Locations: New Jersey, Wall, Silicon, Jersey

☆ A class-action lawsuit aims to force United Airlines to reimburse the baggage fees for the luggage they lose
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A man filed a class-action lawsuit against United Airlines after the company lost his luggage. Jack Lipeles alleged in the suit that United falsely told him his luggage was stolen. When Lipeles arrived in Los Angeles, "he went to pick up his luggage, but was unable to find his bag. United informed Plaintiff that his luggage was stolen and that he should speak to the police to report the stolen luggage," the federal lawsuit, filed in California in late August, said. Reached for comment, a spokesperson for United declined to comment on the suit, calling it an "ongoing legal matter."

Persons: Jack Lipeles, Lipeles, Plaintiff Organizations: United Airlines, Service, United, Department of Transportation, Airlines Locations: Wall, Silicon, Las Vegas , Nevada, Los Angeles , California, Los Angeles, California

☆ Elon Musk keeps publicly begging celebrities to post on X and gets pouty if they choose other platforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Elon Musk, the embattled CEO of X (formerly Twitter), keeps tweeting at celebs to use his platform. Musk suggested Taylor Swift post her music on X and complained that Russell Brand was using Rumble. Under Musk, X (formerly Twitter) has lost half its ad revenue and is bleeding users. Twitter, now X, has lost half its ad revenue and a majority of its workforce since Musk bought Twitter in October 2022. Musk threw his support behind British comedian Russell Brand, who was recently accused of sexual assault by several women.

Persons: Elon Musk, Musk, Taylor Swift, Russell Brand, It's, Taylor Swift's, Tucker Carlson, Brand Organizations: Service, Twitter, Fox News Locations: celebs, Wall, Silicon, United States

☆ GOP senator who's friends with Fetterman says she 'very much' disagrees with the new dress code despite not signing on to her party's letter slamming the change
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Just 3 GOP senators did not sign onto a letter condemning the new Senate dress code. That includes Sen. Katie Britt, who's good friends with Sen. John Fetterman. But the Alabama senator says she "very much" disagrees with the change anyway. "When I walked in that day, his energy and demeanor was totally different," Britt told the Associated Press of her hospital visit. "I very much disagree with Senator Schumer's unilateral change to the Senate dress code," said Britt.

Persons: Sen, Katie Britt, who's, John Fetterman, Chuck Schumer, Democratic Sen, John Fetterman of, Josh Hawley, Mike Braun, Indiana, Braun, Alabama, Britt, Schumer's, —, Fetterman Organizations: Senate, Service, Republican, Democratic, Capitol, Pennsylvania, Associated Press Locations: Alabama, Wall, Silicon, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Missouri

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe global controversy around deep sea miningThere are billions of tons and billions of dollars worth of critical minerals in the deep sea. However, the debate over whether or not to extract them has become a global controversy, due to potential ecological disruptions and the lack of international regulations governing this type of mining. One corporation, The Metals Company, is forging ahead and planning to begin extraction by 2025, leaving many concerned that this timeline is too aggressive considering the absence of global governance.

Organizations: The Metals Company

☆ Deep-sea mining could help solve the global critical minerals shortage, but it's a lightning rod for controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Katie Brigham | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

But extracting these metals via deep-sea mining has become a lightning rod for global controversy, as many fear the potential ecological disruptions it could cause in a part of our planet that remains largely unexplored. The Metals Company has announced that it's planning to submit its application next summer and begin exploitation in 2025, leaving many concerned about the potential implications. "What I am absolutely convinced of is that we can slow down or maybe even stop the growth in rainforest nickel," Barron said. Deep-sea mining avoids the emissions associated with blasting, as well as sulfidic tailings, a waste material that can contaminate groundwater. Great unknownsA few years ago, the World Wildlife Fund released a business statement calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

Persons: Jessica Battle, Gerard Barron, we're, Barron, Andrew Miller Organizations: Clarion, United Nations, International, Authority, ISA, Metals Company, Mining, The Metals Company, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Metals, World Wildlife, Google, Samsung, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Renault, WWF, CCZ, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: Indonesia, Congolese, U.S, Texas

☆ Nearly every GOP senator has signed a letter blasting the Senate's new dress code: 'We must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Nearly every GOP senator signed a letter blasting Schumer's decision to relax Senate attire rules. "Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve," the 46 senators wrote. "The Senate is a place of honor and tradition, and the Senate floor is where we conduct the business of the American people," the letter read. AdvertisementAdvertisement"The world watches us on that floor and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs," the letter continued. "Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent."

Persons: John Fetterman, fretting, Chuck Schumer, Sen, Rick Scott of, Schumer, Scott, Mike Braun, Katie Britt, Alabama, Josh Hawley of, John Fetterman of, Fetterman, Joe Manchin —, — Organizations: GOP, Service, New York Democrat, Indiana, Republican, New York Times, Senate, Republicans, West, Times Locations: Wall, Silicon, Rick Scott of Florida, Josh Hawley of Missouri, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, West Virginia

☆ In wealthy Colorado ski towns, teens are building tiny homes for teachers who can't afford a place to live
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

High school woodworking students in Colorado are building tiny homes for their teachers and staff. Teachers, already underpaid, face a mounting housing crisis in some wealthy Colorado cities, reports say. In a ski town with ultra-rich residents, high schoolers in Aspen High School's woodshop program are building a 200-square-foot tiny home for one of the district employees, The Colorado Sun reported. Aspen School District and Summit School District, both of which include resort towns, have both turned to student-built tiny homes for district employees – amid what state officials have called an affordability crisis. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn Aspen School District, over a third of its 280 staff members live in school district housing, the Colorado Newsline reported.

Persons: Jared Polis, Dave Baugh, it's, Baugh, John Fisher, Fisher Organizations: Service, The Colorado Sun, Aspen School District, Summit School District, Colorado Newsline, Aspen High School, Colorado Sun, Sun Locations: Colorado, Wall, Silicon, Aspen

CNN —China appears to have suspended its surveillance balloon program following a major diplomatic incident earlier this year, when one of the country’s high-altitude spy balloons transited the United States, multiple sources familiar with US intelligence assessments told CNN. The apparent suspension of the program comes as both the US and China have sought to stabilize an increasingly tense relationship. The US assessed at the time that the spy balloon was part of an extensive surveillance program run by the Chinese military, CNN has previously reported. “We believe that (the balloon) did not collect while it was transiting the United States or flying over the United States, and certainly the efforts that we made contributed,” Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. The more sensitive radar systems led the US military to spot more unidentified objects in US airspace, however, leading to three additional shootdowns of unidentified high-altitude objects in the weeks following the Chinese balloon incident.

Persons: Liu Pengyu, majeure, ” Liu, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi “, Xi, ”, Biden, Antony Blinken, Nancy Pelosi, enraging Xi, Christopher Johnson, Johnson, ’ ” Johnson, Pat Ryder Ryder, Trump, Glen VanHerck Organizations: CNN, Communist Party, US, Economic Cooperation, CIA, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Foreign Ministry, FBI, Pentagon, Northern Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command Locations: China, United States, American, Beijing, Taiwan, Hainan, Alaska, Canada, Idaho, Montana, Asia, San Francisco, United

☆ On an EV road trip to promote green tech, the US Energy Secretary and her entourage couldn't find enough electric vehicle chargers
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The US Secretary of Energy went on a road trip to promote electric vehicles. The obstacle even caused the police to get involved at one point in the trip, NPR reported. Indeed, there are only about three electric vehicle charging ports for every 10,000 people in the United States, Insider reported in April. The caravan of electric vehicles heading from Charlotte to Memphis over the course of four days hit a snag in Grovestown, Georgia. It was a sweltering day and the move didn't go over well with a family that was also waiting for a charging spot.

Persons: Jennifer Granholm, Granholm Organizations: Energy, NPR, Service, of Energy, Department of Energy, BMW Locations: Wall, Silicon, United States, Charlotte, Memphis, Grovestown , Georgia, Georgia

☆ Watch Anderson Cooper react as he realizes Trump is playing the 'Phantom of the Opera' soundtrack at a rally
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Anderson Cooper's face was priceless as he recognized "The Phantom of the Opera" at a Trump rally. Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical's creator, once asked Trump to stop playing his music. The song he recognized was the soundtrack from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera." "Is that — I'm sorry, is that 'The Phantom of the Opera' soundtrack playing?" Trump has an affinity for the "Phantom" soundtrack, MSNBC previously reported, citing a book by Trump's former White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham.

Persons: Anderson, Donald Trump, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Trump, Anderson Cooper, Andrew Lloyd Webber's, Kyung Lah, Cooper, Trump's, Stephanie Grisham, Webber, Lah, Sinéad O'Connor, dryly, O'Connor Organizations: Trump, Service, CNN, Opera, MSNBC, White House, of Rock, The Daily Sentinel, Sentinel Locations: Wall, Silicon, South Dakota, Irish

☆ The teacher fired after speaking out when her 1st graders were told they couldn't sing 'Rainbowland' is now suing her school district
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Wisconsin school district wouldn't allow first graders to sing "Rainbowland," a song about acceptance. Tempel is now suing the district, arguing it violated her freedom of speech. Attorneys for Melissa Tempel filed the lawsuit earlier this week, alleging the School District of Waukesha violated Tempel's First Amendment rights. "I am devastated that I am not returning to school today," Tempel said in a statement, released by her attorneys. A spokesperson for the School District of Waukesha did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Persons: Melissa Tempel, —, she's, Tempel, Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, retaliating, James Sebert, Sebert Organizations: Service, District, Heyer Elementary, School District Locations: Wisconsin, Wall, Silicon, Waukesha

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