This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 NEW YORK - Christian Amato, a 34-year-old Bronx Democrat who ran a theater company in Greenwich Village before switching to politics, was outlining his positions on the arts and other matters at a sidewalk cafe the other day when his phone rang. "This might be an important endorsement," he said, excitedly. And it was. Local 1, the theatrical stagehands union, was calling to support his campaign for a state Senate seat representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, the latest development in a movement to gain political ground for America's more than 5 million arts workers. "That's fantastic. It means a lot to me," Amato said into the phone, between bites of avocado toast. "Listen, I'm on your side. I'm with you in this fight. ... I'll take the logo - and do you need my address? Do you guys do a check with the endorsement?" Amato's campaign, pitting him against two rivals … [Read more...] about Arts workers are increasingly stepping onto the political stage
Climate change
CNN Boss Warns ‘More Changes’ Coming After Media Star Gets the Ax
More changes are coming to CNN, network boss Chris Licht told staffers on Friday—and they may not “like” or “understand” these changes at all. During a Friday morning editorial meeting, Licht addressed the previous day’s dramatic announcement that CNN is ending its long-running Sunday media analysis show Reliable Sources and that its star host Brian Stelter will exit the network. “We will continue covering media stories, including on TV, when warranted,” Licht emphasized, multiple sources said, in response to concerns that CNN may no longer cover media issues. He further explained that the Reliable Sources newsletter will relaunch under reporter Oliver Darcy and “we will be expanding our coverage.” Licht added of Stelter: “I really appreciate all that Brian has done to build the media beat for CNN. He’s a great human being and a good person. I wish him all the best on his new venture.” Licht acknowledged internal outrage over Stelter’s ouster, telling staffers, “This is a time … [Read more...] about CNN Boss Warns ‘More Changes’ Coming After Media Star Gets the Ax
Why UK energy prices are rising much faster than in Europe
London (CNN Business) Millions of people in the United Kingdom are steeling themselves for colossal rises to their energy bills over the next few months, a coda to a year already marked by record price increases. The crisis is not unique to the country. Prices have shot up across Europe since last fall, driven by a spike in demand as countries lifted pandemic lockdowns. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February, and the subsequent drop in Moscow's oil and natural gas exports to Europe , have pushed prices even higher. But UK energy prices are now higher than in comparable economies like France and Italy, analysts told CNN Business. And Brits have suffered much bigger price increases than in most European countries, including Germany, where decades of energy policy has been turned on its head by the Ukraine war. The Office for National Statistics said this week that UK natural gas prices rose nearly 96% in the year to July, while electricity … [Read more...] about Why UK energy prices are rising much faster than in Europe
Judge: Prosecutors cannot enforce Michigan’s abortion ban
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan judge on Friday blocked county prosecutors from enforcing the state’s 1931 ban on abortion for the foreseeable future after two days of witness testimony from abortion experts, providers and the state’s chief medical officer. The ruling comes after the state Court of Appeals said earlier this month that county prosecutors were not covered by a May order and could enforce the prohibition following the fall of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. “The harm to the body of women and people capable of pregnancy in not issuing the injunction could not be more real, clear, present and dangerous to the court,” Oakland County Judge Jacob Cunningham said during his ruling Friday. David Kallman, an attorney representing two Republican county prosecutors, said an appeal is planned. “The judge ignored all of the clear legal errors and problems in this case, it appears to me, simply because the issue is abortion,” Kallman told The Associated Press … [Read more...] about Judge: Prosecutors cannot enforce Michigan’s abortion ban
Oscars producer Will Packer finds fixing Hollywood a never-ending job
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 In "Beast," the Universal Pictures thriller released Friday, Idris Elba plays a father locked in a battle with a rogue lion in South Africa. Every time he thinks he's won, his feline foe comes roaring back. Will Packer, the movie's producer, can relate. The 48-year-old is one of the industry's more prolific filmmakers. Among his hits: the two "Ride Along" pictures, starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, which took in more than $300 million at the box office, and 2017's "Girls Trip," featuring Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish. The top-grossing comedy that year, the film was the first by a Black female screenwriter to take in more than $100 million. But each triumph for diversity in Hollywood seems to come with setbacks as well. Case in point, the Academy Awards in March, where Packer led the first all-Black production team. People of color captured two of the top acting awards, a deaf … [Read more...] about Oscars producer Will Packer finds fixing Hollywood a never-ending job
Source: CBS extends Champions League deal for $250M a year
GENEVA (AP) — The Champions League is staying on CBS in the United States for an additional six years with parent company Paramount paying $250 million a year to renew its prime European soccer rights through 2030, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Friday. That's an increase of 250% from the previous deal, starting in the 2024-25 season when a new competition format creates a 50% increase in the number of games. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced by Champions League organizer UEFA. The current Paramount deal is for $100 million per season for the English language rights for 2021-24. In May, CBS drew a U.S.-record for a Champions League final broadcast in English with a 2.76 million average audience for Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Liverpool. The Spanish language rights in the U.S. – currently held by Univision for about $40 million per season through 2024 – have not yet been sold, the person told the … [Read more...] about Source: CBS extends Champions League deal for $250M a year
Nicaraguan police detain bishop, other priests in raid
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 MEXICO CITY (AP) — Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the residence of a Roman Catholic bishop who is an outspoken critic of President Daniel Ortega’s government, detaining him and several other priests who had been holed up inside for two weeks as tensions escalated between the government and the church. The pre-dawn raid came after Nicaraguan authorities had accused Matagalpa Bishop Rolando Álvarez of “organizing violent groups” and inciting them “to carry out acts of hate against the population.” President Daniel Ortega's government has moved systematically against voices of dissent. Dozens of political opposition leaders were arrested last year, including seven potential candidates to challenge him for the presidency. They were sentenced to prison this year in quick trials closed to the public. The congress, dominated by Ortega's Sandinista National Liberation Front, has … [Read more...] about Nicaraguan police detain bishop, other priests in raid
These Flattering, Vintage-Looking Madewell Jeans Are Just $75
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist Madewell is a longtime Strategist favorite — especially when it comes to denim. Its jeans have been recommended to us for years by cool people and celebrities , and some of our own writers are devotees. So we were delighted to stumble upon Madewell’s jeans sale, where more than 80 different styles are just $75. That includes the aptly named Perfect Vintage Jean, which happens to be one of our favorite pairs of mom jeans . They’re cut slim through the leg “to keep the silhouette flattering and not dumpy,” according to celebrity stylist Samantha Brown . In fact, they’re so flattering that stylist Sahra Brandt recommends the jeans to her roster of clients (even ones she hasn’t met IRL) since they work on just about anyone. We’re not sure we’ve ever seen this pair quite this cheap, so snag them while you can. Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean in Heathcote Wash $75 $128 now 41% off $75 $75 … [Read more...] about These Flattering, Vintage-Looking Madewell Jeans Are Just $75
Big Elmhurst Apartment Complex Under Construction
16 Business The six-story building will meet "pent-up demand for transit-oriented living," developer says. David Giuliani , Patch Staff Posted | Updated Replies ELMHURST, IL – Construction has begun on a six-story, 200-unit apartment complex on the edge of downtown Elmhurst. The complex, called Vyne on Haven, is set for the northwest corner of Haven Road and First Street. In January, the City Council unanimously approved it . This was after the developer, Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies, changed the plans in response to neighbors' concerns. On Tuesday, Mayor Scott Levin and Ryan executives took part in a ground-breaking ceremony. “Vyne on Haven will meet the pent-up demand for transit-oriented living in the western suburbs,” Toby Veit, a Ryan vice president, said in a news release. "It’s just steps from restaurants, nightlife and the Metra station." Veit said the complex's name is a "nod to the beautiful … [Read more...] about Big Elmhurst Apartment Complex Under Construction
‘Raucous’ Music Outside LTHS South Campus: Neighbor
3 Politics & Government The school was asked to curtail music during sports practices. A resident said the new video scoreboard is also a concern. David Giuliani , Patch Staff Posted | Updated Replies WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A neighbor of Lyons Township High School's South Campus complained this week about "raucous, superfluous music." Ruthann Vihon, who lives in the 4700 block of Howard Avenue, spoke to the Lyons Township High School board. Her house is near South Campus' baseball and football fields. Vihon, who served on the school board in the 1990s, said she was there when the school installed lights at Bennett football field. "At that time, members of the athletic department and the administration worked with neighbors regarding parking and noise concerns," Vihon said. "In fact, members of the athletic department put up temporary parking signs each home game until permanent signs were installed." … [Read more...] about ‘Raucous’ Music Outside LTHS South Campus: Neighbor