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☆ Meet the diehard music fan who runs one of the world's busiest arenas
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Chris Johnston | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

London's O2 Arena is one of the world's busiest and sold a record 2.5 million tickets last year. The venue is managed by Steve Sayer, a music fan who previously worked for Manchester City. The O2 Arena presents comedy, boxing, UFC, esports and even monster trucks as well as music. AdvertisementIt may not be the world's most famous, but London's O2 Arena is now one of the busiest. Elton John on his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" Tour at the O2 Arena in April 2023.

Persons: Steve Sayer, —, Tom Jones, James Bond, Jason Derulo, Luke Dyson Sayer, Ateez, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, Prince, Sayer, Elton John, Monty Python, Adele, Simone Joyner, they're, Philip Anschutz, Dua Lipa, Karwai Tang, Joseph Okpako, there'd, that's, Madonna, Kevin Mazur AEG, It's, Liam Gallagher, Girls, Billy Joel's Organizations: London's O2, Manchester City, O2 Arena, UFC, Service, O2, AEG, London, AEG Europe, Billboard, The O2, WWE, Gorillaz, National Health Service, Qatar Airways, Madison Locations: Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Dua, London, New, COVID

☆ US Grand Prix organizers promised a superstar performer. Now it’s offering to buy back tickets
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Similar to a music festival, the Grand Prix has artists perform before the race. Britney Spears, Bruno Mars and Billy Joel are just some of the stars who have performed at the Grand Prix in Austin. He suggested the limited number of general admission tickets that will be released after the announcement of the artist will still be priced below $400. The Grand Prix runs from October 18-20. General admission seating is among the most basic options for a race known for its glitz and glamour.

Persons: COTA, “ Taylor, Swift, ” COTA, Bobby Epstein, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Billy Joel, “, ” Epstein, Epstein, “ It’s, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Formula, United States, Prix, CNN Locations: New York, Austin , Texas, Austin

☆ Dickey Betts, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, dead at 80
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Dickey Betts, a guitarist and the co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, has died, according to a family statement shared with CNN on Thursday by his longtime manager. “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts,” the statement reads. Credited with helping define the sound and of Southern rock genre of the ’60s and ‘70s, Betts, bass guitarist Berry Oakley, drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe joined brothers Gregg and Duane Allman to form the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. Betts left the Allman Brothers Band in a highly publicized split in the year 2000. When asked what he loved most about music, Betts told the Sarasota Herald Tribune in 2020 that it was primarily the effect it had on his audience.

Persons: Dickey Betts, Allman, Betts, Forrest Richard ‘ Dickey ’ Betts, Dickey, ” Betts, David Spero, Rolling Stone, Betts ’, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, Gregg, Duane Allman, ‘, ’, Johnny Cash, ”, I’m, Johnny Sandlin, Cash, Jessica, Oakley, Gregg Allman, Les Paul, Rick Diamond, Cameron Crowe, Crowe’s Oscar, Crowe, Billy Crudup’s, Duane, “, …, Phil Gast Organizations: CNN, Gibson, Factory, Allman, Sarasota Herald Tribune Locations: FL, West Palm Beach , Florida, Nashville, Nashville , Tennessee

☆ The Masters bubble: No phones and no news – a rare escape from reality
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Augusta National CNN —A ticket to the Masters, known as a badge, is one of the most elusive items in all of sports. The use of cell phones is strictly prohibited on the property of Augusta National, meaning that patrons – fans at the Masters – quickly become oblivious to outside events. Or you come to the Masters.”During these times of heightened international tensions, that makes Augusta National feel like one of the most isolated places on earth. Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesIt’s hard to make an argument against Augusta’s restrictive cell phone policies. “For her, the liberation of being without a cell phone was absolutely spectacular,” he said.

Persons: “, Mike Rawl, azaleas, Louisa Cranford, ”, ” Cranford, Warren Little, Billy Payne, Fred Ridley, Brian Snyder, Scottie Scheffler, Meredith, Ted Scott, Maddie Meyer, O.J, Simpson, they’d, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Rachelle Rawl, Bob Nesbit, who’s Organizations: Augusta National CNN, CNN, Augusta, CBS, Reuters, Mental, Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry, Hooters, McDonalds, Washington, Golf Locations: Augusta, Israel, American

☆ Google DeepMind wants to make AI a part of soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Google DeepMind launched a prototype AI soccer tactics tool last month. DeepMind developed the tool with Liverpool FC, known for its data-driven approach to soccer. AdvertisementGoogle DeepMind is bidding to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into soccer by launching a new tool to help coaches make better tactical decisions. DeepMind researchers published their findings in the scientific journal Nature Communications. Google DeepMindHaving that knowledge on hand helped the collaboration between DeepMind and Liverpool to run smoothly, according to Veličković.

Persons: Google DeepMind, DeepMind, —, Zhe Wang, Didier Drogba, Divock, Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Ian MacNicol, Petar Veličković, Billy Beane, Ian Graham, they've, Liverpool —, Monterrey's Sergio Canales, Yuri Cortez, We're, Wang, it'll Organizations: Google, Liverpool FC, Service, English Premier League soccer, Nature Communications, Soccer, Former Ivory Coast, Chelsea, Liverpool, FC Barcelona, UEFA, Boston Red Sox, Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool FC's, Ph.D.s, Harvard, Inter Miami, Getty Locations: London, Cambridge, Anfield, DeepMind, Liverpool, AFP

☆ Walton Goggins on His Best Movie & TV Roles: 'the Shield,' 'Django Unchained'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

In his newest role, Goggins is a lot more than "That Guy." It's the kind of role Goggins excels at playing: a complex character who makes the audience question if they can — or should — root for him. "I didn't pick this lane; I think this lane picked me," Goggins told Business Insider when asked if he seeks out morally ambiguous roles. On showing up to LA with only $300 and almost getting fired from 'The Shield'(L-R) Walton Goggins and Robert Duvall in "The Apostle." And I love to see other people's work; I'm not threatened by that at all.

Persons: Walton Goggins, Guy, Robert Duvall's, Goggins, Shane Vendrell, Danny McBride, Quentin Tarantino, Django, he's, who's, Danny McBride's, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino's, Robert Duvall, I've, Duvall, Shawn Ryan, Spielberg, Tarantino's, Billy Freeman, Ryan Green, Jody Hill, David Gordon Green, David, It's, Shane, Jason Sudeikis, Jason, I'm, Steven Spielberg's, Steven, Quentin Organizations: FX, Business, Walton, HBO, Weinstein Locations: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, LA, Beverly, Georgia, Los Angeles, HBO's

☆ Opinion: Beyoncé is the start of a Black country groundswell
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Opinion Alice Randall | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Her book “My Black Country: A Journey Through ” Country Music’s Past, Present and Future,” was published this month. I hear Black moonshiners and Black cowboys, Black nature lovers and Black ghosts, Black angels, Black freedom fighters, gunslingers and Black shotgun riders. It could start a groundswell of long overdue recognition of the overlooked Black country legends and hope for the Black country stars of the future. But for Black performers in particular, it offers a seat, at long last, at a gathering of the country music family. As I write in “My Black Country,” “I have imagined Black country and country to be born as an art form, as an aesthetic, in the year 1624 near Jamestown, Virginia.

Persons: Alice Randall, who’s, ”, I’ve, Alice Randall Keren Trevino, Matraca Berg, Beyoncé’s, Carter, she’s, White, “, Jolene, Cowboy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W, George H.W . Bush, Sen, Ted Kennedy, Roy Acuff, DeFord Bailey, Ole Opry’s, jumpstart Acuff’s, Anna Gordy, Berry Gordy, Marvin Gaye, Anna, Anna Gordy —, Detroit, Carter ”, Linda Martell, Rumi Carter, Jay Z, Blue Ivy, Sir, Rumi, Mike Blake, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter ”, ” Beyoncé, William Tucker, Stoney Edwards Organizations: CNN, Country Music Association, DAR, Blacks, Motown Records, Anna Records, Grand Ole Opry, Reuters, America, Eagle Locations: Nashville, Washington , DC, George H.W ., Detroit, Los Angeles, Black, European, Jamestown , Virginia, America, It’s

☆ This is 'the first step to building wealth,' says financial planner—and you can start today
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Here are three of those habits you can start right away that can put you on a path toward building wealth. You don't need to track every single dollar you spend or make major cuts to your discretionary spending to get started. Nevertheless, to make your money work for you, you need a basic understanding of what you're spending it on. "Start small [by] tracking just a few key areas: food, entertainment, gas, and clothes." To prepare for unexpected expenses big and small, start setting aside emergency savings.

Persons: Chelsea Ransom, Cooper, Billy Hatton, Nathan Mueller, —, Will Kellar Organizations: Zenith Wealth Partners, CNBC, Human Investing Locations: New Jersey, Los Angeles, Colorado

☆ Billionaire golf fans' favorite tournament, the Masters, kicks off this week in Augusta
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Madeline Berg | Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Masters Tournament begins this week at Augusta National Golf Club. That's thanks to the Masters Tournament, the first in an annual run of major professional golf championships and a favorite of the superrich. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice became one of the first women to join Augusta National in 2012. But if you're not a member, you're not invited by a member, you're not getting on Augusta National." The names of Augusta National members are kept confidential, though their green jackets are a tell.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, —, Dirk Ziff, Stanley Druckenmiller —, Barnabas Carrega, Carrega, State Condoleezza Rice, Timothy A, Clary, weren't, Darla Dee Moore, Richard Rainwater, Augusta National's, Billy Casper, Horton Smith, Jamie Squire, Phil Knight —, Robert Rowling, Herbert Allen Jr, David Duffield, Ernest Garcia, Greg Mondre, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, that's Organizations: Augusta National Golf, Private, Service, Michelin, Golf, Bloomberg, State, Augusta National, Getty, Augusta, Augusta Regional Airport, Nike, reselling, Ticketmaster Locations: Augusta , Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, United States, Carvana

☆ Bidens roll out the diplomatic – and literal – red carpet for Japan state visit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Betsy Klein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The White House will lean into the full pomp and circumstance of a state visit as the president seeks to emphasize the strong alliance between the two countries. The Bidens welcomed the prime minister and his wife to the White House on Tuesday evening, hosting the couple for a casual dinner at BlackSalt, a local seafood restaurant. The White House will serve wines from the Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley in the Pacific Northwest. The Bidens presented their counterparts with a three-legged black walnut table handmade by a Japanese American owned company in Pennsylvania, the White House said. The Biden White House has previously hosted the leaders of Australia, India, France and South Korea for state visits.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kishida Fumio, Kishida Yuko, Paul Simon, Biden, ” Jill Biden, ”, Bryan Rafanelli, “, Cris Comerford, Susie Morrison, George W, Bush, Lyndon B, Johnson, Carlos Elizondo –, ’ toasts, Elizondo, Billy Joel, CNN’s Arlette Saenz, Kayla Tausche, Sam Fossum Organizations: CNN, Japanese, White, White House social, Wing, State Department, White House, US, National Soccer Team, National Football Team, Biden White Locations: China, Ukraine, Gaza, United States, Japan, BlackSalt, California, Willamette, Columbia, Pacific Northwest, American, Pennsylvania, Australia, India, France, South Korea

☆ Russia flooding: Anger boils over for some in Ural region
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Billy Stockwell | Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Russia declared an emergency in the Orenburg region near Kazakhstan after the Ural River, Europe’s third longest river, swelled several meters in hours on Friday, and burst through a dam embankment in the city of Orsk. Some are also unhappy that the dam embankment built in 2010 was unable to defend their city. An aerial view shows the scale of flooding in the city of Orsk, Orenburg Region, Russia. The Ural River rises in the Ural Mountains and flows into the Caspian Sea. The mayor of Orenburg, Sergei Salmin, said the Ural River was expected to break the previous record of 9.46 meters.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, “ Putin, Denis Pasler, “, ” Pasler, Vladimir Astapkovich, Putin, Alexander Kurenkov, Kurenkov’s, Alexander Moor, Sergei Salmin, ” Salmin, Vadim Shumkov, ” Organizations: Reuters, Tass, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, AP Emergency, Orsk, ” Tass Locations: Russia, Orenburg, Kazakhstan, Orsk, Moscow, Orenburg Region, Kurgan, Tyumen, Siberia, Tyumen region, Western Siberia, Ural

☆ Billy Dee Williams says actors should be allowed to wear blackface
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

I love that kind of stuff.”The origins of blackface date back to the minstrel shows of the mid-19th century. You should do it.”“If you’re an actor, you should do anything you want to do,” he said. Williams, who is best known for playing Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” franchise, pushed back. I don’t want to do anything based on this whole idea that ‘you’re a Black person, you’re a White person’ and things of that nature,” he said. I’m a creative entity in this life.”In 2019, Williams spoke about embracing the different parts of his character by using gender-fluid pronouns.

Persons: Billy Dee Williams, Bill Maher, Williams, White, Laurence Olivier’s, ”, Olivier, “, Maher, Olivier wouldn’t, ” Williams, Williams “, should’ve, Lando Calrissian, I’m, ’, ’ I’m, “ I’m, ‘ Organizations: CNN, Southern, Smithsonian’s National Museum of, ”, “, Wars, Esquire Locations: Southern United States

☆ 'Star Wars' actor Billy Dee Williams says blackface should be allowed, and that he 'loved' one of its most notorious uses
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Billy Dee Williams said that actors should be allowed to use blackface. The "Star Wars" actor said he loved Laurence Olivier as Othello, a blackface performance many regard with horror. Advertisement"Star Wars" actor Billy Dee Williams said that actors should be allowed to use blackface, reopening a topic widely considered taboo. Williams, who is Black, broached the topic in an interview with Bill Maher, speaking in support of being able to use blackface. He was also the first Black actor to play a leading role in the "Star Wars" movies.

Persons: Billy Dee Williams, Laurence Olivier, Williams, —, Bill Maher, Shakespeare's, Lando Calrissian, Olivier, Dominic Cavendish, Maher, should've, I'm Organizations: Service, Daily Telegraph

☆ As Gen X-ers Inch Toward Retirement, They’re Considering Where to Live
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-06 | by ( Gregory Schmidt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But as the children became adults and moved out, the second floor was deserted and maintaining the lawn and pool became a burden. Like many members of Generation X facing an empty nest, the Shipleys decided to look for a home better suited to their needs where they could eventually live in retirement. They chose a three-bedroom, single-story house in Bridgeland, a planned community about 35 miles away. “We could live here forever.”Mr. Shipley, 54, added that the single story was a draw. Its oldest members are several years away from retirement, but they are already starting to think about where they will live in their 70s, 80s and even 90s.

Persons: Erin Shipley, “, Mrs, Shipley, Mr, “ It’s, ” Locations: Sugar Land , Texas, Bridgeland

☆ King Charles is opening up Balmoral Castle for the first time
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Billy Stockwell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Editor’s Note: This is a version of CNN’s Royal News, a weekly dispatch bringing you the inside track on Britain’s royal family. CNN —King Charles III is opening the doors of Balmoral Castle this summer for the most intimate tours ever permitted around the British royal family’s much-loved private Scottish home. The original property was deemed too small for the royal family so another, more substantial, castle had to be built just 100 yards away. Queen Elizabeth II in the Drawing Room at Balmoral Castle on September 6, 2022 in Aberdeen, Scotland. “It’s a lovely base for granny and grandpa to be for us to come and see them.”A general view of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the royal family since 1852.

Persons: CNN — King Charles III, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, King, Queen Elizabeth II, Jane Barlow, Charles, Queen Camilla, There’s, Prince William, Prince Harry, Diana, Princess of Wales, ” Princess Eugenie, “, ”, Andrew Milligan, Jill O’Brien, ” Charles, Camilla Organizations: CNN’s Royal, CNN, Scottish, ITV Locations: Balmoral, Scotland’s, Scottish, Buckingham, Windsor, Sandringham, Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Scotland, Highgrove, Balmoral Castle

☆ These US restaurants and chefs are 2024 James Beard Award finalists
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —A New Orleans restaurant featuring a modern Senegalese tasting menu and an Ethiopia-born chef who studied psychology before turning to a culinary career are among the restaurants and chefs named as finalists for the coveted James Beard Awards. The finalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards were announced Wednesday in Washington, DC. In the Emerging Chef category, Fariyal Abdullahi, executive chef at Hav & Mar in New York, is among the five finalists. Masako Morishita moved to Washington, DC to be a cheerleader for the Washington Commanders. Fariyal Abdullahi, executive chef at Hav & Mar in New York, is among the five finalists in the Emerging Chef category.

Persons: James Beard, Fariyal Abdullahi, Abdullahi, Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s, Masako Morishita, Andy Thomas Lee, Chef Serigne Mbaye’s, Sarah Minnick, Dean Neff, foodie, James Beard’s, “, ” Beard, Mamba, Nadia Nijimbere, Yenvy Pham, Phở, Chris Viaud, Hollis Wells Silverman, Erika Whitaker, Kelly Whitaker, Michael Rafidi, Renee Touponce, David Uygur, Dallas , TX, Scott Suchman, Justin Hamel, Janet Becerra, Ryan Fernandez, Baker, Susan Bae, Jesus Brazon, Manuel Brazon, Atsuko Fujimoto, Crystal Kass, Valentine, Anna Posey, Gemma, Lula Drake Wine, Morris, Vin, Geoff Davis, Rogelio Garcia, Auro, Maynard Llera, Kuya, Tara Monsod, Billy ” Ngo, Vinnie Cimino, Cordelia, OHJose Salazar, Sarkar, Hajime Sato, Sozai, Jenner, Tony Conte, Jesse Ito, Matt Kern, Harley Peet, Kevin Tien, Ann Ahmed, Rob Connoley, Dan Jacobs, Dan Van Rite, Christina Nguyen, Hai, Tim Nicholson, Brandon Cunningham, Ali Sabbah, Matt Vawter, Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Nick Zocco, Atsushi Kono, Chris Mauricio, Charlie Mitchell, Clover, Jeremy Salamon, Conor Dennehy, Talulla, Maria Meza, David Standridge, Jake Stevens, Cara Tobin, Honey, Avery Adams, Matia, Kristi Brown, Josh Dorcak, Gregory Gourdet, Melissa Miranda, Jamie Davis, The, Rod Lassiter, Parnass Savang, James London, Chubby Fish, Robbie Robinson, Paul Smith, Valerie Chang, Hunter Evans, Jackson, Gabriel Hernandez, Carlos Portela, Rene Andrade, Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der, Steve, Steve Riley, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zacatlán, Emmanuel Chavez, Christopher Cullum, Cullum’s Attaboy, Tracy Malechek, Ezekiel, Birdie’s, Misti Norris, Petra, Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria Organizations: CNN, Lyric Opera, Hav, Culinary Institute of America, Noma, Mar, Washington Commanders, Dakar NOLA, Texas :, James Beard Foundation, The New York Times, D.C, Albi Restaurant, Washington Post, New York Times, Nikko, SC, Comfort, Dakar, Caracas Bakery, Lula, Woodford Food & Beverage, Beverages, Social Haus, UT, New, Pacific, PR Locations: New Orleans, Ethiopia, Washington ,, Chicago, New York, Copenhagen, Washington, Perry’s, Portland , Oregon, Wilmington , North Carolina, Texas, Texas : West Texas, Marfa, Mixtli, San Antonio, Detroit , MI, Seattle, WA, Greenleaf, Ansanm, Milford, Wolfeboro, NH, The Wells, Boulder, Portland, Wilmington , NC, Albi , Washington, The, Lucia, Dallas ,, Albi, Washington , DC, Santa Fe, Marfa , TX, San Antonio , TX, Springs, , New York, NY, Pancita, Kultura, Charleston, Southern Junction, Buffalo , NY, Waitsburg, Lockhart , TX, Carmel, CA, Dorchester, MA, Dakar NOLA , New Orleans, LA, Hayward, McMinnville, Orlando, FL, Nashville, TN, Nixta , Minneapolis, MN, Shan, Bozeman, Albuquerque, NM, Long Beach , CA, Hudson, Bakery, Caracas, Doral, Miami, Phoenix, AZ, Elske, IL, Son, Raleigh , NC, Dallas , TX, Columbia, San Francisco , CA, Anaheim , Anaheim , CA, , Washington, Buffalo, Montpelier, VT, Baltimore, , New Orleans, Brownsville , TX, San Francisco ,, California, Burdell, Oakland, Calistoga, Los Angeles , CA, San Diego , CA, Kru, Sacramento, Lakes, MI, Cleveland, Mita’s, Cincinnati, Indienne, Clawson , MI, Esmé, NJ, PA, Philadelphia, Fenwick, Bas Rouge, Easton, KS, MO, Khâluna, Minneapolis, St, Louis, EsterEv, Milwaukee , WI, Hai Hai , Minneapolis, Omaha, UT, Greenough, MT, Salt Lake City, Rootstalk, Breckenridge, Denver, Urban, Sofreh, Brooklyn, Kono , New York, Harana, Accord, Clover Hill, RI, Cambridge, Dolores, Providence , RI, Leeward, Burlington, Island, MÄS, Ashland, kann, Musang, KY, NC, The Hackney, Washington , NC, Talat, Atlanta, West Columbia, Maty’s, Elvie’s, Verde Mesa, San Juan, Saffron , New Orleans, Bacanora, Oklahoma City, Henderson, NV, Mesa, Tatemó, Houston , TX, Austin , TX, Mission

☆ The Caitlin Clark Show Rolls On
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Billy Witz | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

One way to view the meteoric growth of women’s college basketball is through the career arc of its current protagonist: Caitlin Clark, the University of Iowa’s stone-cold mad bomber. Her first college game came in an eerily quiet setting: no fans, players spaced out on bleachers and some wearing masks to protect against the coronavirus. Eventually that season, the atmosphere livened up with cardboard cutouts in the seats. Her last game will come this weekend in an altogether different environment: a packed-to-the-rafters arena in Cleveland that will roar with her every touch, untold millions tuning in on television and Clark as a million-dollar pitch woman starring in national commercials.

Persons: Caitlin Clark, Clark Organizations: University of Locations: Cleveland

☆ Venezuela battles record wildfires worsened by Amazon drought
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Billy Stockwell | Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Reuters —Venezuela is battling a record number of wildfires, according to data released on Monday, as a climate change-driven drought plagues the Amazon rainforest region. An aerial view shows a burned forest after a forest fire in Henri Pittier National Park on March 30. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/ReutersA Bolivarian National Police helicopter flies over during a wildfire in the Henri Pittier National Park on March 29. The fires are blanketing with smoke Guayana City, Venezuela’s largest urban center in the Amazon, according to a Reuters witness. In Venezuela, Lozada, firefighters and other experts said the government response was lacking.

Persons: Manoela Machado, ” Machado, “, ”, Carlos Carruido Perez, Henri Pittier, Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Henri, Jose Rafael Lozada, Michael Coe, Lozada, Juan Carlos Hernandez, ” Lozada, Oxford’s Machado, William Lopez Organizations: Reuters —, Satellites, University of Oxford, Henri, Reuters, Bolivarian National Police, NASA, Universidad de Los, Research, AFP, Getty, “ Firefighters Locations: Reuters — Venezuela, Venezuela, South America, Pacific, Brazil’s, Brazil, Henri, Uverito, Manhattan, Universidad de Los Andes, Merida, Brazil’s Roraima, Roraima, Naguanagua, Carabobo State

☆ Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, J Balvin and more lash out against ‘enormous’ AI threats that ‘sabotage creativity’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Elizabeth Wagmeister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —More than 200 artists, including Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, J Balvin, Ja Rule, Jon Bon Jovi, The Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry, Miranda Lambert and more, are speaking out against artificial intelligence-related threats in the music industry. The letter highlights AI threats including deepfakes and voice cloning, as well as “irresponsible uses of AI” such as the using AI sound to diminish royalty payments to artists and the use of musical works by AI developers without permission to train and produce AI copycats. “Unfortunately, some platforms and developers are employing AI to sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians and rightsholders.”The letter urges digital music platforms and services to pledge to protect artist. “We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter says. In a statement, the executive director of the ARA, Jen Jacobsen, said the threats of artificial intelligence are worsening already-tough working conditions for artists.

Persons: Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, J Balvin, Jon Bon Jovi, Jonas, Katy Perry, Miranda Lambert, “, ’, Billy Porter, Camila Cabello, Chuck D, Darius Rucker, Finneas, Jon Batiste, Julia Michaels, Kate Hudson, Kim Petras, Mumford, Nicki Minaj, Norah Jones, Pearl, Sam Smith, Sheryl Crow, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Zayn Malik, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra, Jen Jacobsen, ” Jacobsen, Tyler Perry, OpenAI’s, ” Sora Organizations: CNN, Rights Alliance, Sons, ARA, SAG, WGA Locations: Atlanta

☆ A lower-risk and cheaper way to bet on a second-quarter comeback in this emerging markets ETF
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Michael Khouw | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The MSCI All Country World Index ETF (ACWI) hit an all-time high last week. ACWI 5Y mountain iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) This index would appear to give investors diversified exposure to stock markets around the globe. It includes developing countries, unlike the MSCI World Index, which is tracked by the ETF 'URTH.' Consequently, the US stock market comprises almost 71% of the URTH ETF and nearly 64% of the ACWI ETF. This is illustrated by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index which can be traded with the iShares ETF, 'EEM.'

Persons: —, ACWI, Rob Reiner, Miracle Max, Billy Crystal, EEM Organizations: Trust Locations: URTH, U.S

☆ Europe saved its bears from extinction. Now some countries want more rights to shoot them
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Billy Stockwell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Wild brown bear populations across Europe have bounced back from the brink of extinction, and animal conservationists are thrilled. Some countries are arguing that law lies too far in the bears’ favor at the expense of human lives. Several European Union (EU) countries who are in favor of watering down bear protections are now taking their fight to the bloc’s headquarters in Brussels. How to deal with bear attacks have been on the political agenda of some of the EU’s 27 member countries for years. But some people argue that there are more humane ways to prevent bear attacks.

Persons: CNN —, Liptovský Mikuláš, John Linnell, ”, ’, Dominika Zarzycka, ” Linnell, “ It’s, Robin Rigg, Bruno, there’s, Linnell Organizations: CNN, Authorities, European Union, EU Environment Council, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, “, Getty, Slovak Wildlife Society, EU Locations: Slovakian, Liptovský, Slovakia, Europe, Brussels, Romania, Finland, EU’s, attractants, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Spain, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Japan

☆ Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries "Roots," has died. Gossett became the third Black Oscar nominee in the supporting actor category in 1983. "More than anything, it was a huge affirmation of my position as a Black actor," he wrote in his 2010 memoir, "An Actor and a Gentleman." "I knew too little to be nervous," Gossett wrote. Gossett went to Hollywood for the first time in 1961 to make the film version of "A Raisin in the Sun."

Persons: Louis Gossett Jr, Oscar, Gossett's, Neal L, Gossett, Nelson Mandela, Louis Gossett, Ben Vereen, LeVar Burton, John Amos, Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Susskind, Ed Sullivan, Red Buttons, Merv Griffin, Jack Paar, Steve Allen, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Martin Landau, Steve McQueen, Frank Silvera, Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands, Billy Daniels, Sammy Davis Jr, Melvyn Douglas, Anne Baxter, Patrick O'Neal, Royce Corniche, Richard Pryor, Sharon Tate's, Charles Manson's, Louis Cameron Gossett, Louis Sr, Sadat, Dave Karger's, Satchel Paige, Josephine Baker, Oscar didn't, Satie, Robert Gossett, Hattie Glascoe, Christina Mangosing, Cyndi James, Reese Organizations: HOLLYWOOD, TCM, Associated Press, Oscar, Globe, Broadway, New York University, Hollywood, Beverly Hills Hotel, Universal Studios, Eracism Foundation, Rockford, Mamas, White Locations: CA, Hollywood , California, Santa Monica , California, Malibu, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Hollywood, Los Angeles County, Beverly Hills, Coney, Brooklyn , New York, Malibu .

☆ What Home Depot’s $18 billion deal says about its strategy
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —In its largest acquisition ever, Home Depot is expanding its business targeting professional contractors and builders as the home fixer-upper market stalls. SRS, which will operate independently, Home Depot noted, has 760 warehouses and more than 4,000 trucks to deliver its goods. Home Depot in recent years has purchased other businesses targeting professionals who undertake both complex and simple housing projects. Home Depot’s push for pro customers comes as its DIY customers have slowed their spending. Home Depot expects the SRS acquisition, accomplished through a mix of cash and debt, to be completed by the end of the year, but it could face regulatory hurdles.

Persons: Billy Bastek, Lina Khan Organizations: New, New York CNN, Home Depot, Home, Depot, Federal Trade, Meta, Microsoft, Kroger Locations: New York

☆ The Many Ways Men’s Sweet 16 Players Are Being Paid
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( David A. Fahrenthold | Billy Witz | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

$500 signed basketball Branded vodka and coffee “Buzzer beater” quesadillaThe Many Ways Men’s Sweet 16 Players Are Being PaidThis year’s N.C.A.A. basketball tournament is being played amid a revolutionary change in college sports: The best players are now openly recruited, retained and rewarded with cash. — under pressure from the Justice Department and state legislatures — allowed players to be paid for the use of their “name, image and likeness.” The idea was to let players endorse shoes or sports drinks. (The average men’s basketball player with a collective contract at a top school is paid $63,450, according to Opendorse, a company that processes payments to players from collectives. Every team in the men’s Sweet Sixteen has been touched by this change, which has brought windfalls to players but instability to the college game.

Persons: —, ” —, windfalls Organizations: Justice Department

☆ As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( John Towfighi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Cocoa prices are surging so high, the Easter Bunny might want to hoard its chocolate. Poor climate and crop diseases in West Africa – home to 70% of global cocoa production – have tightened supply and caused prices to skyrocket. As prices rise, some chocolatiers are exploring cost-cutting alternatives, like diversifying their products to depend less on cocoa. Yet mining often destroys farms and the possibility of a livelihood in cocoa production, Issaka said. “Given the persistently high cocoa prices, it may be necessary for us to make responsible adjustments to pricing in the future,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.

Persons: Hershey’s, Shaquille O’Neal, Michele Buck, Billy Roberts, Roberts, ” Roberts, Issaka, Will Kletter, Kletter, “, Peng Xu, Christopher Taylor, Li, Taylor, ”, “ We’re, “ It’s, ” Taylor Organizations: CNN, Cadbury, NCA, “ Brands, Industries, International Cocoa Organization, Rabobank, US, ”, Euromonitor Locations: West Africa, North Region, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Silicon, Washington ,, Manhattan

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