Live Nation and Ticketmaster Tell Biden , They’ll Start Showing Fees Up Front.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster Tell Biden , They’ll Start Showing Fees Up Front.
Live Nation Entertainment vowed to get rid of "junk fees" during a meeting with the president on June 15, NPR reports.
.
The development comes after President Biden promised in February that he'd work toward eliminating hidden ticket fees.
According to the White House, Live Nation Entertainment will provide clear, upfront pricing on its website beginning in September.
Other companies expected to follow suit include SeatGeek and xBk.
Today's voluntary actions demonstrate that companies both big and small recognize the importance of providing consumers with honest, up-front all-in pricing, rather than tricking them with surprise fees at the end of checkout, White House, via statement.
It is also just a first step towards addressing junk fees in the economy, White House, via statement.
Since backlash arose at its failed attempt to adequately sell Taylor Swift "Eras" tour tickets,
the company has prompted antitrust concerns.
Since backlash arose at its failed attempt to adequately sell Taylor Swift "Eras" tour tickets,
the company has prompted antitrust concerns.
In January, the Senate held a hearing and called on the DOJ to step in.
NPR reports that Live Nation denies taking part in "behaviors that could justify antitrust litigation, let alone orders that would require it to alter fundamental business practices."
Jennifer Lopez just pulled the plug on her summer tour. Live Nation announced on Friday that the singer's entire This Is Me … Live Tour has been canceled, saying, "Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends." Lopez also shared the news with her fans via her On the Jlo newsletter. She wrote, "I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn' do this if I didn't feel that it was absolutely necessary."
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:10Published
Madonna Sued for , ‘Pornography Without Warning’.
Concertgoer Justen Lipeles filed a lawsuit against Madonna and Live Nation on May 29.
Concertgoer Justen Lipeles filed a lawsuit against Madonna and Live Nation on May 29.
He alleges that during her March 7 concert in Los Angeles, the crowd was subjected to "pornography without warning.".
Lipeles went on to say that the crowd "was forced to watch topless women on stage simulating sex acts," 'The Guardian' reports.
He also complained that the concert
started an hour and a half late, and the
arena "was uncomfortably hot.".
Defendants did not provide any
notice to plaintiff that the concert
will start at a later time, Via lawsuit.
The temperature inside the Kia Forum
was uncomfortably hot as required by
Madonna who refused to allow the
air conditioning to be turned on. , Via lawsuit.
Lipeles claims to have become
"physically ill as a result of the heat.".
When fans complained, Madonna allegedly told the crowd to take their clothes off.
Further, during most of the
performance it was apparent to
plaintiff that Madonna was lip-syncing, Via lawsuit.
Lipeles is seeking compensatory damages,
a refund for his concert tickets and paid legal fees
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
All But One of the Wrongful Death Suits, Related to Astroworld Tragedy , Have Been Settled.
All But One of the Wrongful Death Suits, Related to Astroworld Tragedy , Have Been Settled.
'The Guardian' reports that all but one of
the wrongful death lawsuits filed in the wake
of the 2021 Astroworld crowd surge,
which killed ten people, have all been settled. .
'The Guardian' reports that all but one of
the wrongful death lawsuits filed in the wake
of the 2021 Astroworld crowd surge,
which killed ten people, have all been settled. .
According to Neal Manne, an attorney for Live Nation,
only the wrongful death claim for the youngest
victim, nine-year-old Ezra Blount, remains pending. .
According to Neal Manne, an attorney for Live Nation,
only the wrongful death claim for the youngest
victim, nine-year-old Ezra Blount, remains pending. .
The settlements come as jury selection
was scheduled to begin in the suit filed
by the family of 23-year-old Madison Dubiski,
one of the ten people killed at the festival. .
The settlements come as jury selection
was scheduled to begin in the suit filed
by the family of 23-year-old Madison Dubiski,
one of the ten people killed at the festival. .
The ten victims, between the ages of nine and 27,
were killed by compression asphyxia in a crowd
surge that also injured up to 300 other festival goers.
The ten victims, between the ages of nine and 27,
were killed by compression asphyxia in a crowd
surge that also injured up to 300 other festival goers.
One month after the November 5 incident,
the Harris county medical examiner ruled
that all ten of the deaths were accidental.
In June of 2023, a grand jury declined to
indict rapper Travis Scott along with five other
individuals, including the manager of the festival.
In June of 2023, a grand jury declined to
indict rapper Travis Scott along with five other
individuals, including the manager of the festival.
'The Guardian' reports that the official
investigation into the incident later found that
festival workers had expressed concerns over the safety
of the crowd while the performance was still ongoing.
However, the workers'
warnings fell on deaf ears. .
While the festival organizers had come up with a 56-page plan
to respond to potential crises like gun rampages and bombings,
the document did cover how to respond to a crowd surge.
While the festival organizers had come up with a 56-page plan
to respond to potential crises like gun rampages and bombings,
the document did cover how to respond to a crowd surge
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Ticketmaster Data Breach , Exposes Data Belonging to , 560 Million Customers.
Fox News reports that Ticketmaster has once again
made headlines with a massive data leak which
impacted approximately half a billion customers.
Fox News reports that Ticketmaster has once again
made headlines with a massive data leak which
impacted approximately half a billion customers.
The latest cyber incident was
first detected by the Australian
Home Affairs Department. .
Cyber breach hacker group ShinyHunters
claimed responsibility for stealing the information
of over 500 million Ticketmaster customers.
That information reportedly included full
names, phone numbers and addresses,
in addition to payment data.
Fox News reports that the hacker group
is now selling the 1.3-terabyte cache of
information via a popular hacking forum.
Ticketmaster has yet to announce how it plans
to address the serious data breach or notify
customers whose information was stolen. .
As a result, Fox News recently
offered Ticketmaster customers
tips on how to take precautions. .
Check for any official word from Ticketmaster,
most likely intended to inform you that your
data was impacted by the breach.
Monitor bank and credit card accounts
for any unusual activity, particularly
any unfamiliar transactions.
Review emails for any unexpected
password changes, login attempts
or account updates
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
In a significant development, U.S. President Joe Biden revealed that Israel has proposed a "roadmap" to terminate its nearly eight-month-long conflict in the Gaza Strip. In a speech from the White House on Friday, Biden outlined Israel's three-phase plan, which aims to cease hostilities and pave the way for peace and reconstruction. The initial phase of Israel's offer involves a six-week period during which Israeli forces will withdraw from all populated areas in Gaza. This phase also includes a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of numerous hostages, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
#Hamas #IsraelCeasefireDeal #IsraelHamasCeasefire #BidenHamasCeasefire #AllEyesOnRafah #CeasefireDeal #GazaConflict #MiddleEastPeace #HostageExchange #IsraelGaza #PeaceNegotiations #WarInGaza #HumanitarianCrisis #ConflictResolution #InternationalRelations #DiplomaticEfforts #PeaceProposal #GazaWar2024 #CeasefireAgreement
Biden unveiled three-phase Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza at the White House. Hamas has reacted positively to the deal but Biden acknowledged keeping it on track would be difficult.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
This Day in History: , John F. Kennedy Is Born.
May 29, 1917.
The future U.S. President
was born in Brookline, MA.
At the time of his birth,
the Kennedys were already a
prominent and politically
active American family.
As a young man, Kennedy attended
Harvard University, graduating with honors
with a degree in international relations.
His political career began in 1952,
when he was elected to the
House of Representatives.
Kennedy served as a U.S. senator
for seven years before running
for president in 1960.
Kennedy's platform of social policies and
anti-communism, combined with his charisma,
paved a way to the White House.
He was the youngest
U.S. president ever elected.
Kennedy's life and administration
was tragically cut short by his
assassination in 1963.
He was 46 years old
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:01Published
Biden Asserts Executive Privilege , Over Audio of Interview With Robert Hur.
In February, Hur's yearlong investigation
into whether President Biden mishandled classified documents ended without enough evidence to support criminal charges.
In February, Hur's yearlong investigation
into whether President Biden mishandled classified documents ended without enough evidence to support criminal charges.
House Republicans were provided a
transcript of Biden's interview with Hur, but they wanted the audio, which the DOJ denied.
As a result, House Republicans were
moving to hold Attorney General
Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress.
On May 16, the Department of Justice told House Republicans that the president asserted executive privilege over audio from his interview with the special counsel.
The move protects Garland from criminal exposure as GOP lawmakers seek to hold him accountable.
Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte
explained the DOJ's actions in a letter.
The Attorney General must draw a line
that safeguards the Department from
improper political influence and protects
our principles, our law enforcement work,
and the people who carry out that work
independently, without fear or favor, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte, via letter .
The Committees seek to hold the
Attorney General in contempt
not for failing in his duties,
but for upholding them, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte, via letter .
With the information you now have,
the Committees ought not to proceed
with contempt and should instead avoid
unnecessary and unwarranted conflict, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte, via letter .
White House Counsel Ed Siskel also wrote a letter supporting the assertion of executive privilege. .
The absence of a legitimate need
for the audio recordings lays bare
your likely goal—to chop them up,
distort them, and use them for
partisan political purposes, White House Counsel Ed Siskel, via letter
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Consumer Outlook , Plunges Amid Fears of , More Price Hikes Ahead.
CNN reports that sentiment about the economy among
consumers in the United States has plummeted
to the lowest level in the past six months.
According to the latest consumer survey by the
University of Michigan, consumers are also bracing
for more price increases in the year ahead. .
The consumer expectations gauge,
which is closely monitored by the White House,
dropped 13%, representing the most significant
single month decline since mid-2021.
The latest news is still better than
last May when inflation was at 4%
compared to the current 3.5% reading.
However, CNN points out that despite inflation
being lower than the same time last year, the numbers
have been moving in the wrong direction.
The trajectory has shifted
economist expectations for
the Federal Reserve to cut rates. .
The latest Fed report saw expectations
for year-ahead inflation increase
to 3.5% from the 3.2% forecast in April. .
At the same time, long-run
expectations for inflation also
increased to 3.1% from April's 3.0%. .
According to Chicago Federal Reserve
President Austan Goolsbee, the latest data , "bodes awful for progress on inflation.".
There isn’t, at this time,
much evidence in my view that
inflation is stalling out at 3%, Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Federal Reserve President, via CNN
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Some Early Tesla Bulls , Are Ditching the Stock.
Reuters reports that Tesla's shares
are down about 30% this year.
Since 2021, shares have fallen
over 50%, causing the company to
lose $600 billion in market value. .
Q1 results fell short of analysts' expectations.
As a result, many of Tesla's
institutional shareholders are saying
goodbye to the stock, Reuters reports. .
Gabelli Funds sold all of
its 65,900 shares in Q1. .
It started to feel like the
fundamentals were becoming
detached from reality. , John Belton, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, via NPR .
We think the stock works best when
there are auto company fundamentals
that justify the stock price, John Belton, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, via NPR .
Ross Gerber of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth
& Investment Management has sold
about 200,000 Tesla shares this year. .
I think the story is over,
is the best way to say it, Ross Gerber of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth
& Investment Management, via NPR.
Over the last year and a half, Elon’s
personal quests based on the way that
he sees the world have superseded the
interests of Tesla and its shareholders, Ross Gerber of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth
& Investment Management, via NPR.
However, not all of Wall Street
has given up on the stock.
Five mutual funds tracked by Morningstar
increased their Tesla shares last quarter,
and 19 analysts have given Tesla a "buy" or "strong buy" rating, Reuters reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Claudia Sheinbaum Is Elected , As Mexico’s First Female President.
The former Mexico City mayor was elected as the country's first female president on June 2.
She's estimated to win the
election with "between 58% to
over 60% of the votes," NPR reports. .
Xóchitl Gálvez is projected to
get about 28% of the vote.
while Jorge Álvarez Máynez will likely
receive about 10% of the vote.
Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador took to X to congratulate Sheinbaum.
Today is a day of glory because
the people of Mexico freely and
democratically decided that Claudia
Sheinbaum becomes the first
female president in 200 years of
independent life of our Republic. , Andrés Manuel López Obrador, via X.
Congratulations to all of us who
have the joy of living in these stellar
times of pride and transformation, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, via X.
Sheinbaum is considered by many to be López Obrador’s political protege, promising to uphold policies and programs he instated while in office.
Sheinbaum is considered by many to be López Obrador’s political protege, promising to uphold policies and programs he instated while in office.
Many voters consider the transition to be "perfect" since Sheinbaum has López Obrador’s support.
I don’t have a lot of life left to live,
but I will support him to the death, 77-year-old Ignacio Morales, via NPR.
Others weren't so supportive. .
He’s a dictator,
and Sheinbaum is his puppet, Almarosa Anaya, via NPR
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
American Airlines Is Sued for Discrimination , After Removing Black Men From Flight.
Three Black men filed a lawsuit against
the airline on May 29, NPR reports.
The men allege that they and five
other Black men were subjected to
"blatant and egregious racial discrimination"...
... when they were removed from
a flight in January "without any valid
reason, based solely on their race.".
The eight men reportedly did not know one another and weren't seated by each other on the flight. .
The lawsuit claims that an American Airlines representative singled out each of the men, asking them to leave the plane and book another flight.
In fact, once they reached the jet bridge,
they saw that several other Black men were
also being removed from the plane. In fact,
it appeared to Plaintiffs that American had
ordered all of the Black male passengers
on Flight 832 off the plane, Via lawsuit.
Later, the men discovered that they had been removed from the plane because a passenger complained about body odor, although none of them were approached about body odor. .
When the men told another American
Airlines staff member that they were being
racially targeted, the employee said she
"did not disagree," the lawsuit claims.
Ultimately, the passengers re-boarded the flight because there were no other flights available to their destination that evening.
Plaintiffs then had to re-board the plane
and endure the stares of the largely
white passengers who viewed them
as the cause of the substantial delay. , Via lawsuit.
They suffered during the entire
flight home, and the entire incident
was traumatic, upsetting, scary,
humiliating and degrading, Via lawsuit.
American Airlines is "currently
investigating the matter, as the claims do
not reflect" the company's "core values."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Struggling With Everyday Decisions? , Here's How to Be More Decisive.
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through streaming services, overwhelmed by the thousands of options,
so you continue scrolling for what seems like forever?.
NPR reports that indecisiveness is a trait that has gained momentum among citizens of the United States since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
NPR reports that indecisiveness is a trait that has gained momentum among citizens of the United States since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Per the American Psychological Association's yearly
'Stress in America' Survey, almost one-third of American adults say they often have trouble making everyday decisions.
Per the American Psychological Association's yearly
'Stress in America' Survey, almost one-third of American adults say they often have trouble making everyday decisions.
Here's how to be less indecisive:.
Nothing is Perfect.
Have you been frozen by the sheer amount of options on a restaurant menu? Are you afraid of making the "wrong" choice?.
Have you been frozen by the sheer amount of options on a restaurant menu? Are you afraid of making the "wrong" choice?.
Experts say there is often no perfect choice, and the idea that one may exist could prevent you from choosing at all. Trust yourself.
Limit Your Options .
Experts say, if possible, give
yourself less room to choose.
For instance, while at the grocery
store, avoid "analysis paralysis" by preparing a list and sticking to it.
For instance, while at the grocery
store, avoid "analysis paralysis" by preparing a list and sticking to it.
Self-Trust.
Second opinions can be invaluable,
though experts say you must
learn to trust yourself.
There are situations
where I want to sit
with the discomfort
of making the
decision myself, , Monica Johnson, licensed psychologist, via NPR.
... and then [I] kind of look at what is the outcome of the decision, so that I can build up trust in my ability to
know what's right for me... , Monica Johnson, licensed psychologist, via NPR.
... and then [I] kind of look at what is the outcome of the decision, so that I can build up trust in my ability to
know what's right for me... , Monica Johnson, licensed psychologist, via NPR
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Why You Should , Set Healthy Boundaries .
Do you feel pressured to say yes to yet another work request? Maybe you've been burnt out by
too many social gatherings?.
It could be time to set some healthy boundaries.
A boundary is something that keeps you safe and comfortable in your relationships. , Nedra Glover Tawwab, therapist, author of 'Set Boundaries, Find Peace,' via NPR.
Signs You Need
to Set Boundaries.
If you feel forced into things you don't want to do, you're compromising on your boundaries.
Experts say ignoring to set boundaries often leads to frustration and resentment.
Increased anxiety prior to interacting with certain people or anticipating declining a request may also be a sign it's time to fortify your boundaries.
Those [feelings] are indicators that perhaps there is space for boundaries in this situation. , Nedra Glover Tawwab, therapist, author of 'Set Boundaries, Find Peace,' via NPR.
Practice Setting Boundaries.
Boundary-setting takes dedication and practice. Here are a few ways to refine your boundary-setting skills.
Ask yourself what you're willing to tolerate. When something doesn't feel right, set a boundary and communicate it clearly.
If you feel overextended, say so. Don't expect others to know what you can or can't handle.
If you don't have the energy to honor a request, be honest and politely decline.
Remember, boundaries start with you. Understanding your own capacity could lead to a life of healthier relationships
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Today’s action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The Senate passed a bill compelling ByteDance to sell TikTok in the US within a year or face a ban, garnering strong bipartisan support. TikTok vows to contest it in court, citing First Amendment violations. Concerns linger about data privacy and censorship linked to China, amid ongoing political scrutiny of the platform.
#tiktokbanusa #tiktokbanusa2024 #tiktokbanushouse #tiktokbanusreaction #tiktokbaninusalive #tiktokbaninusa#tiktokbaninusalatestnews #tiktokbaninussenate #JoeBiden #TikToknews #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
~ED.101~GR.122~
US Tech Firm to Pay $38,000 in Penalties , After Posting Job Ad for ‘Whites Only’.
In March 2023, Virginia tech firm Arthur Grand Technologies posted a discriminating job ad on Indeed.com, 'The Guardian' reports. .
The ad read, "Only U.S. Born Citizens [white] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas.".
"[Don't share with candidates]," it added.
The ad quickly found attention on
social media and via numerous news outlets.
Within two months of being posted, the Department of Justice's civil rights division launched an investigation into the company. .
On May 23, Arthur Grand Technologies
agreed to pay over $38,000 in penalties.
$7,500 will go to the U.S. Treasury,
and $31,000 will be awarded to those
who filed discrimination complaints.
$7,500 will go to the U.S. Treasury,
and $31,000 will be awarded to those
who filed discrimination complaints.
The company will also be required to
"train its workers on the Immigration and Nationality Act," 'The Guardian' reports. .
Arthur Grand CEO Sheik Rahmathullah "vehemently denies any guilt or wrongdoing in relation to the discriminatory job posting," instead blaming a disgruntled employee.
Upon discovering this, we took
immediate and decisive action to
ensure that this type of incident
will never happen again, including
the immediate termination of
the responsible employee, Arthur Grand CEO Sheik Rahmathullah, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Boeing Faces, Potential Criminal Charges , Following String of Incidents.
'The Independent' reports that federal officials have
issued a warning to Boeing regarding possible criminal charges due to the airliner's failure to improve safety. .
The government-issued warning comes after
a series of incidents, including two 737 Max
jet crashes within a five-month span. .
One crash occurred in Indonesia in
2018 and another took place in Ethiopia in 2019.
A total of 346 people were
killed in the two crashes.
Following those two crashes,
Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion and
make a number of safety improvements.
Feds now accuse Boeing of violating that deal and
claim the company could face further prosecution
following a series of incidents in recent months.
In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing
737 MAX 9 had a door plug
blow off mid-flight. .
That incident resulted in the FAA
ordering all 171 MAX 9 jets be grounded
while the agency investigated the incident. .
For failing to fulfill completely the terms
of and obligations under the [deferred
prosecution agreement], Boeing is subject
to prosecution by the United States for
any federal criminal violation of which
the United States has knowledge, Department of Justice lawyers
letter to a federal judge, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that a number of whistleblowers
have accused Boeing of cutting corners when it comes to
quality and expertise in exchange for short-term profit.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published