Florida Governor , Takes Aim at Disney's , 'Corporate Kingdom'.
Florida Governor , Takes Aim at Disney's , 'Corporate Kingdom'.
On February 27, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
announced a bill taking control of a special
tax district containing Walt Disney World.
.
On February 27, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
announced a bill taking control of a special
tax district containing Walt Disney World.
.
Al Jazeera reports that the special tax status
allowed Walt Disney Co to operate within
Florida with a high degree of autonomy.
.
The corporate kingdom
finally comes to an end, Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor, via Al Jazeera.
Last year, Republicans in Florida clashed
with Disney over a law restricting classroom
instruction of gender and sexual orientation.
.
The new bill authorizes the governor to appoint five
supervisors to oversee municipal services like road
maintenance, waste collection and fire protection.
The new bill authorizes the governor to appoint five
supervisors to oversee municipal services like road
maintenance, waste collection and fire protection.
Allowing a corporation to control
its own government is bad policy,
especially when the corporation makes
decisions that impact an entire region, Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor, via Al Jazeera.
This legislation ends Disney’s
self-governing status, makes Disney
live under the same laws as everybody
else, and ensures that Disney pays
its debts and fair share of taxes, Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor, via Al Jazeera.
According to the Themed Entertainment
Association, Disney World drew
36.2 million visitors to Florida in 2021.
.
The park is also central Florida's
largest employer, employing
approximately 75,000 people.
Al Jazeera reports that shares
in Disney were up 0.4%, as of February 27,
despite the signing of the Florida bill
This Day in History: , 'Star Wars' Opens.
May 25, 1977.
The first installment of
George Lucas' saga "in a galaxy
far, far away," premiered in the
U.S. on Memorial Day weekend.
Cinema would be forever
marked by the premiere,
described as an "earthquake"
by Princess Leia star, Carrie Fisher.
Months before the
release, Lucas and
20th Century Fox co-ordinated
an extensive marketing push.
The anticipation for the film
led to long lines, sold out
showings and, ultimately, a
pop culture phenomenon.
Actors Mark Hamill,
Harrison Ford and Carrie
Fisher became overnight
stars and fan obsessions.
Now under the helm of Disney,
new 'Star Wars' films and streaming
shows are scheduled well into the 2020s
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:55Published
Disney Scraps Florida Plans , Amid DeSantis Confrontation.
CNBC reports that Disney has canceled plans to open
a new employee campus in Florida amid ongoing
tension with the governor of the Sunshine State.
CNBC reports that Disney has canceled plans to open
a new employee campus in Florida amid ongoing
tension with the governor of the Sunshine State.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s parks,
experiences and products division, addressed
the decision in a May 18 memo to employees.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s parks,
experiences and products division, addressed
the decision in a May 18 memo to employees.
D'Amaro cited "changing business conditions" and CEO Bob Iger's return to helming the company.
D'Amaro cited "changing business conditions" and CEO Bob Iger's return to helming the company.
Along with announcing that Disney would not go forward
with the new campus, the company canceled plans to
relocate 2,000 California-based employees to Florida.
Along with announcing that Disney would not go forward
with the new campus, the company canceled plans to
relocate 2,000 California-based employees to Florida.
This was not an easy decision to make,
but I believe it is the right one, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s parks,
experiences and products division, via CNBC.
CNBC reports that the new campus was
originally scheduled to open as soon as
2022-2023, but was later pushed back to 2026.
It is clear to me that the power of
this brand comes from our incredible
people, and we are committed to
handling this change with
care and compassion, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s parks,
experiences and products division, via CNBC.
The news comes after Governor Ron DeSantis
targeted Disney's special district, which had
allowed it to self-govern its operations for decades.
The news comes after Governor Ron DeSantis
targeted Disney's special district, which had
allowed it to self-govern its operations for decades.
The special district's five-member
board was replaced by members
handpicked by DeSantis. .
The special district's five-member
board was replaced by members
handpicked by DeSantis. .
In response, Disney filed a lawsuit accusing
DeSantis and the new board members of
carrying out a campaign of political retribution. .
In response, Disney filed a lawsuit accusing
DeSantis and the new board members of
carrying out a campaign of political retribution.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Disney+ and Hulu , to Merge Into One App.
Disney CEO Bob Iger made the announcement in a recent earnings call, Engadget reports.
While we will continue to offer Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ as standalone options, , Bob Iger, Disney CEO, via earnings call.
... this is a logical progression of our [direct-to-consumer] offerings that will provide greater opportunities for advertisers while giving bundle subscribers access to more robust and streamlined content, , Bob Iger, Disney CEO, via earnings call.
... resulting in greater audience engagement and ultimately leading to a more unified streaming experience, Bob Iger, Disney CEO, via earnings call.
The "one-app experience" is
expected to launch by late 2023.
Iger also revealed that Disney+
will be raising its prices again.
Currently, the tier without ads costs $10.99 a month, and the ad-supported plan is $7.99 a month.
The changes come as Disney reported a $659 million loss for its streaming service in the first quarter.
It also lost 4 million subscribers in Q1 2023 after losing 2.4 million subscribers in Q4 2022
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Jack Harlow Announces , Surprise 3rd Album.
Harlow took to social media on April 26 to reveal that his third album, 'Jackman,' will drop on April 28.
The image accompanying the post
appears to be an album cover.
Harlow will also be honored as one of Louisville's 2023 Hometown Heroes.
Lionel Hampton, Justin Thomas and
Wes Unseld will be honored as well.
Lionel Hampton, Justin Thomas and
Wes Unseld will be honored as well.
Lionel Hampton, Justin Thomas and
Wes Unseld will be honored as well.
Additionally, the 25-year-old is set to star in the remake of 'White Men Can't Jump,'
which debuts May 19 on Hulu.
It will also stream internationally on Disney+.
The movie will serve as Harlow's acting debut.
Sinqua Walls co-stars.
Harlow is next scheduled to perform in the U.S. on May 27 at Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
DeSantis , Campaign Launch Announcement , Crashes Twitter Livestream.
DeSantis , Campaign Launch Announcement , Crashes Twitter Livestream.
On May 24, Twitter's livestream of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis'
announcement of his bid to become president of the
United States experienced a number of technical issues. .
On May 24, Twitter's livestream of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis'
announcement of his bid to become president of the
United States experienced a number of technical issues. .
CNN reports that the livestream crashed
and was delayed as hundreds of thousands of
users logged on to see DeSantis' announcement.
CNN reports that the livestream crashed
and was delayed as hundreds of thousands of
users logged on to see DeSantis' announcement.
The livestreamed event, which was hosted
on Twitter Spaces, saw audio cut in and out
for the beginning of the stream. .
CNN reports that while over 500,000 Twitter users signed
on to view the event, after the crash, only 250,000
users signed back in to view the relaunched stream.
CNN reports that while over 500,000 Twitter users signed
on to view the event, after the crash, only 250,000
users signed back in to view the relaunched stream.
The news comes following a number of
technical issues since Elon Musk took
over the social media platform in 2022. .
The news comes following a number of
technical issues since Elon Musk took
over the social media platform in 2022. .
Multiple service outages have
impacted users ability to access Twitter,
to view images or their timeline.
Following DeSantis' livestream, Musk and tech entrepreneur David Sacks addressed the issues, blaming the limited capacity of Twitter's servers for the problems. .
Following DeSantis' livestream, Musk and tech entrepreneur David Sacks addressed the issues, blaming the limited capacity of Twitter's servers for the problems. .
I think it crashed because when you multiply
a half-million people in a room by an account
with over 100 million followers, which is
Elon’s account, I think that creates just
a scalability level that was unprecedented, David Sacks, Tech entrepreneur, via CNN.
CNN reports that Twitter's Spaces was
not intended to host events with
hundreds of thousands of listeners. .
Sacks also attempted to spin the crash in a positive
direction following the hour long event, saying, , “It’s not how you started, it’s how
you finish and we finished strong.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
DeSantis Will Not Hold , a Hometown Event , as Part of 2024 Campaign Launch.
CNN reported that FL Governor Ron DeSatntis will no longer be holding a roll-out event in his hometown.
DeSantis is from Dunedin, FL.
The coastal suburb is close to Tampa, where DeSantis grew up.
The FL governor will reportedly announce his bid for US President via Twitter Spaces on May 24.
Twitter owner Elon Musk is expected to be a part of the announcement.
Once the announcement is official, .
... De Santis will likely begin making campaign stops throughout FL.
While it isn't clear exactly what the immediate future will hold for the DeSantis campaign.
... the governor is scheduled for a stop in Miami on June 1.
The changes are in keeping with the nature of how DeSantis operates.
He has a reputation of making last-minute alterations to schedules ...
... as a means of keeping opponents and the media guessing.
DeSantis will face former President Donald Trump in the bid for the Republican nomination for president.
The pool of candidates seeking the GOP nomination continues to expand
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Montana Bans Drag Performer Readings
to Kids in Libraries and Schools.
The bill officially makes Montana the first state to ban people dressed in drag from reading to children in libraries and public schools. .
A spokesperson for governor Greg Gianforte said he signed the bill because he “believes it’s wildly inappropriate for little kids,…”.
“... especially preschoolers and kids
in elementary school, to be exposed to sexualized content.”.
According to The Associated Press, this bill is unique as it does not require a sexual element for the performance to be banned.
In Florida and Tennesse, their efforts to ban drag readings require the performance to be sexual in nature. .
In Florida and Tennesse, their efforts to ban drag readings require the performance to be sexual in nature. .
House Bill 359 immediately
took effect after it was signed. .
Its original goal was to ban minors from attending all drag shows. .
It was later ammened to block minors from attending obscene of sexually oriented performances on public property. .
AP reports that it is not known
how often drag readings are held in Montana libraries and schools.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A school in Florida has put the kibosh on its younger students reading Amanda Gorman's powerful poem -- the one she read at President Joe Biden's inauguration --.. TMZ.com
Ron DeSantis Seeks to Control Disney World , With State Oversight Powers.
Associated Press reports that on April 17, Florida announced legislation that will allow the state to oversee rides and the monorail at Disney World.
The upcoming bill would remove an exemption Disney has pertaining to ride inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Currently, Disney does its own safety inspections.
Disney and other experts say that their inspectors are some of the best in the industry.
Inspections for the kind of rides at Disney go well beyond county fairs. You need inspectors with the kind of expertise I think they have, Richard Foglesong, a Rollins College professor emeritus and author of 'Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando,' via AP.
The battle between DeSantis and Disney
started last year when Disney called the governor out for passing the 'Don't Say Gay' legislation.
The law prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity through third grade.
In retaliation, DeSantis signed legislation
that allowed him to appoint five people to Disney World's Board of Supervisors.
But last month, DeSantis' appointees said Disney revoked most board powers before they could take their seats.
They talked about a development agreement that would render everything we did null and void. Well, that’s not going to work. That’s not going to fly. , Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, via AP.
AP reports that on April 17, DeSantis said the
new board or Florida lawmakers could build
other things within Disney's 27,000 acres such
as a state park, different theme park or prison.
AP reports that on April 17, DeSantis said the
new board or Florida lawmakers could build
other things within Disney's 27,000 acres such
as a state park, different theme park or prison.
I think the possibilities are endless. , Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, via AP
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Chipotle Unveils , Sustainable Design , to Cut Emissions in Half.
On April 11, Chipotle Mexican Grill unveiled a new all-electric
restaurant design meant to help achieve the company's
goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030.
On April 11, Chipotle Mexican Grill unveiled a new all-electric
restaurant design meant to help achieve the company's
goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030.
With our aggressive development
goal in North America, we hold ourselves
accountable to reduce the environmental
impact of our restaurants, Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s chief corporate affairs officer, via CNBC .
CNBC reports that over 100 of the chain's new
locations will use all-electric equipment and other
elements from the new design by next year.
The company has already opened locations
with some of the new features in
Jacksonville, Florida, and Gloucester, Virginia. .
This summer, a third location is set
to open in Castle Rock, Colorado.
CNBC reports that some of the future locations will
even feature rooftop solar panels and charging
stations for customers who drive electric vehicles.
CNBC reports that some of the future locations will
even feature rooftop solar panels and charging
stations for customers who drive electric vehicles.
Other chains have also taken
some notable efforts to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2021, McDonald's opened a location that
generates enough renewable energy to power
the restaurant located in Disney World.
Last year, Burger King revealed
designs for new locations
that feature solar panels.
Other initiatives under way at Chipotle include plans for
more vegan and vegetarian offerings as well as increasing
the amount of local produce the chain purchases.
Other initiatives under way at Chipotle include plans for
more vegan and vegetarian offerings as well as increasing
the amount of local produce the chain purchases
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
US Educators , Fight Back Against , Book Bans and Censorship.
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557
which bans discussion of sexuality or gender in
classrooms from kindergarten through grade three.
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557
which bans discussion of sexuality or gender in
classrooms from kindergarten through grade three.
Al Jazeera reports that the legislation, which LGBTQ rights
advocates call the "Don't Say Gay" law, also allows
parents to sue if they believe a teacher has broken the law.
Al Jazeera reports that the legislation, which LGBTQ rights
advocates call the "Don't Say Gay" law, also allows
parents to sue if they believe a teacher has broken the law.
DeSantis also passed the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids
and Employees Act, or the “Stop WOKE” Act, which bans
critical race theory from being taught in schools. .
DeSantis also passed the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids
and Employees Act, or the “Stop WOKE” Act, which bans
critical race theory from being taught in schools. .
Al Jazeera reports that while the laws fall short of outright banning
books, the broad language they were written in have resulted
in schools removing books that could be in violation.
Meanwhile, teachers are only
allowed to distribute approved
books in the classroom.
In Florida, school districts have
reportedly removed 175 books
from schools across the state.
According to a report by the American Library
Association, the number of book bans surged in
2022 with 2,571 titles targeted for censorship.
Al Jazeera reports that educators and librarians
have found creative ways to skirt the new laws.
What happens when these specific books
are no longer available is, it decreases
representation remarkably, and when
you are not represented, you know
that you do not have power, Adam Tritt, a high school English teacher in Melbourne, Florida, via Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reports that digital library cards have
also allowed more people to access ebooks
and audiobooks amid surging censorship
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
DeSantis signed the legislation today that abolished Disney's self governance as payback for it's pro-gaybo groomer activism. The H8 Speech show is ludicrous crap. Don’t believe a..
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