Disney Scraps Florida Plans Amid DeSantis Confrontation
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
Disney Scraps Florida Plans Amid DeSantis Confrontation
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.
A new look at the 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series coming to Disney+ just dropped. The teaser trailer expands on an earlier teaser and offers up a deeper look into its title character's world.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:18Published
This Day in History:, Vanessa Williams Becomes
First Black Miss America.
September 17, 1983.
At the time of Williams'
historic title, the Miss America
pageant had a 63-year history.
Black women weren't
allowed to compete for the
first 30 years of the pageant.
A year after being crowned, nude photos of her emerged. She was forced to give up her title.
Despite the controversy, Williams launched
a successful music career. Her 1994 album,
'The Sweetest Days,' went platinum.
She also sang the Oscar-winning track, "The Color
of the Wind," featured in the Disney hit, 'Pocahontas.'.
Williams has also led a successful acting career, with roles
in film, television and on Broadway. She was nominated
for a Tony for her role in a revival of 'Into the Woods.'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:54Published
The son of one of the directors of Disney's original 'Snow White' film is calling the live-action remake starring Rachel Zegler "insulting." The live-action remake of 1937's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' doesn't come out until next year, but a culture war surrounding the film — titled simply 'Snow White' — is already at full boil.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 02:17Published
'Tron: Ares' director Joachim Rønning took to Instagram to give an update on the long-awaited sequel and express his frustration with the SAG-AFTRA strike, which has delayed the start of the Disney film.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:24Published
DeSantis Slams , Trump’s Abortion Comment.
DeSantis Slams , Trump’s Abortion Comment.
On Sept. 17, former President Donald Trump criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban back in April.
On Sept. 17, former President Donald Trump criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban back in April.
What he did is a terrible thing
and a terrible mistake, Donald Trump, via NBC's 'Meet the Press'.
Trump went on to suggest that if he was reelected
as president, he'd come up with better abortion restrictions that more people would support.
DeSantis responded by calling Trump
"a different candidate today than he was"
when he first sought the nation's highest office.
I think he's taking positions that
I think are different from what
he took in 2015 when he first
came onto the scene. , Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
And I do think he's a different candidate
today than he was back then. And I think
the one back then was probably closer
to where Republican voters want to
be than the latest iteration, Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
When asked if he thinks Trump is really against abortion, DeSantis replied, "Well, you tell me.".
I think that if you have something where you have a baby that has a detectable heartbeat, if you're pro-life, you would want to say that there should be protections there. , Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
And if he's saying, 'That's a terrible thing' -- I know most pro-life voters would think that he's wrong, Ron DeSantis, to ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
DeSantis, Florida Surgeon General , Contradict Federal COVID Booster Guidance.
On Sept. 11, the FDA approved
a new COVID booster for
anyone 6 months of age and older.
The CDC recommended the
new shots on Sept. 12.
The vaccine is said to target Omicron subvariants that are spreading throughout the U.S.
But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo are advising the state's residents to not get the booster shot if they're under age 65, 'The Washington Post' reports. .
The two men first made the comments during a live event last week and reiterated their claims during an X livestream on Sept. 13. .
I will not stand by and let the FDA and CDC use healthy Floridians as guinea pigs for new booster shots that have not been proven to be safe or effective. No way FDA, Gov. Ron DeSantis, via X livestream.
In December, DeSantis said he was forming a panel to counter the CDC's health recommendations, implying that the public has been misled about vaccine efficacy, 'The Washington Post' reports. .
In May, he barred vaccine passports and
mask requirements in schools and businesses.
Ladapo has long been skeptical
about COVID vaccines as well.
In the past, his warnings were met with a
public letter written by the FDA and CDC, .
In the past, his warnings were met with a
public letter written by the FDA and CDC, .
saying that his comments were "incorrect, misleading
and could be harmful to the American public,"
'The Washington Post' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Google to Require Politicians , to Disclose AI Use in Election Ads.
Beginning in November, all political advertisements on Google that use artificial intelligence and synthetic content must inform the viewer that such tools have been utilized. .
The new rule also applies to
YouTube ads, Politico reports. .
Verified advertisers must prominently reveal whether
their ads consist of "synthetic content that inauthentically
depicts real or realistic-looking people or events.".
Verified advertisers must prominently reveal whether
their ads consist of "synthetic content that inauthentically
depicts real or realistic-looking people or events.".
Political ads that don't comply will be
blocked from running and removed.
The AI disclosure requirement is the first of its kind for a tech company, Politico reports. .
However, if AI was only using for editing, such as resizing or cropping, disclosure is not required.
Politicians have already been using AI to their advantage approaching the 2024 election cycle.
For example, over the summer, a PAC supporting
Ron DeSantis' White House bid generated an AI version of Donald Trump's voice and posted the video to YouTube. .
For example, over the summer, a PAC supporting
Ron DeSantis' White House bid generated an AI version of Donald Trump's voice and posted the video to YouTube. .
The Federal Election Commission does not yet have rules in place regarding AI use in political ads. .
However, in August the commission agreed to seek public comments "on amending regulation to include deliberately deceptive Artificial Intelligence in campaign ads."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Ron DeSantis Refuses , Inflation Reduction Act Funds.
Florida is eligible for about "$350 million in energy efficiency incentives" under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Politico reports. .
But Gov. Ron DeSantis has turned down the funding and other IRA measures. .
While his refusal affects Biden's climate agenda, it also affects consumer rebates. .
Specifically, DeSantis rejected $5 million
to establish a rebate program for people
who purchase energy efficient appliances
or take steps to retrofit their homes. .
He also blocked an additional
$341 million to fund the program.
Additionally, DeSantis turned down
$3 million to help Florida combat pollution and rejected a program to help those
with low income access solar panels. .
Additionally, DeSantis turned down
$3 million to help Florida combat pollution and rejected a program to help those
with low income access solar panels. .
The Florida governor also vetoed
grants worth $24 million under the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Politico reports. .
While DeSantis is the only governor to block the energy rebates so far, other governors have rejected pollution mitigation funding.
Those governors represent
South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky.
Those governors represent
South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky.
Those governors represent
South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky.
Other states that haven't applied for solar funding include Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota.
It’s unfortunate that some officials are putting politics ahead of delivering meaningful progress
for hard working Americans, Michael Kikukawa, White House spokesman, via Politico .
Despite this, President Biden and his administration are working with cities, counties, businesses, nonprofits, and other entities in the Sunshine State to ensure Floridians benefit from the lower costs and stronger economy delivered by his agenda, Michael Kikukawa, White House spokesman, via Politico
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis provided on Wednesday morning the most recent update regarding Hurricane Idalia, which had initially intensified to a Category 4 hurricane but has subsequently been downgraded to a Category 3 storm.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
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Sophie Turner Sues Joe Jonas , to Bring Their Kids Back to England.
Earlier this month, Turner and Jonas announced that they are getting divorced after four years of marriage.
On Sept. 21, Turner filed a lawsuit against Jonas, claiming
that he's wrongfully kept their two children from
"their habitual residence" in England, NBC News reports. .
According to the petition, Jonas and Turner decided to permanently reside in England in April and have their children attend school there as well. .
They reportedly entered into contracts to purchase a home in July and planned to move in December.
Over the summer, the couple decided that their children would travel with Jonas on tour while Turner started filming for a new series.
Turner intended to go to New York after filming in mid-September and bring the
kids back to the U.K. with her.
But the arrangement seemingly strained their relationship even more, and Jonas filed for divorce "on or about Sept. 1," the petition states.
Turner reportedly found out about Jonas' divorce filing via the media on Sept. 5, and the couple issued a joint statement the following day.
The estranged couple met on Sept. 17 to discuss things, but Jonas reportedly refused to give Turner their children's passports. .
Turner then filed suit, claiming that
she "never consented or acquiesced to the removal of the children from England.".
However, Florida law, where Jonas filed for divorce, "restricts both parents from relocating the children.".
If he complies, Joe will be in violation
of the Florida Court order, Spokesperson for Jonas, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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Disney+ to Follow Netflix’s Lead , and Crack Down on Password Sharing.
On Aug. 9, Disney CEO Bob Iger
said that the company is examining account
sharing and will have more details about
curbing the issue later this year, CNBC reports. .
We already have the technical
capability to monitor much of this.
I’m not going to give a specific number,
except to say that it is significant, Bob Iger, via statement.
While plans to stop password sharing
won't be finished in 2024, .
Disney will implement some tactics next year that are expected to mitigate the issue. .
Those tactics have yet to be revealed.
Disney's actions come as Netflix enacted similar measures earlier this year. .
Disney's actions come as Netflix enacted similar measures earlier this year. .
In July, Netflix said that its fight against
password sharing resulted in 5.9 million customers subscribing to the platform in Q2, CNBC reports. .
Previously, Netflix said that over 100 million global households shared accounts. .
Streamers claim that shared accounts make it more difficult to invest in content.
Meanwhile, Disney announced
that its prices will be going up.
Its ad-free option will soon cost $13.99 a month, and ad-free Hulu, which is under its umbrella, will cost $17.99 a month.
Its ad-free option will soon cost $13.99 a month, and ad-free Hulu, which is under its umbrella, will cost $17.99 a month.
Both Disney+ and Hulu tiers that support
ads will retain their current prices.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:29Published
Billy Porter is slamming Bob Iger and saying he had to sell his house due to the ongoing dual writers and actors strikes. During a recent interview with the 'Evening Standard', the 'Pose' star admitted he had to make some financial cutbacks after the work stoppage.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:18Published
McDonald’s to Raise Franchise Royalty Fees , for First Time in 30 Years.
Starting Jan. 1, new McDonald's franchisees will have to pay 5% in royalty fees, as opposed to the current requirement of 4%.
The increase is the fast food chain's
first in nearly three decades.
While we created the industry we now lead, we must continue to redefine what success looks like and position ourselves for long-term success to ensure the value of our brand remains as strong as ever, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger, via CNBC.
We’re not changing services, but we
are trying to change the mindset by getting people to see and understand the power of what you buy into when you buy the McDonald’s brand, the McDonald’s system, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger, via CNBC.
Existing franchisees or those who purchase franchised locations from another entity will not have to pay the higher percentage, CNBC reports. .
Current locations that
are rebuilt or transferred
between family members
will not be subjected
to the increase either.
Franchisees operate approximately 95% of the
fast food chain's U.S. restaurants, CNBC reports. .
While McDonald's franchisees have clashed with
the company over a variety of issues in the past.
average cash flows for
American operators have increased
35% over the past five years, CNBC reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Amazon to Hire 250,000 Workers , and Increase Pay Amid Holidays.
On Sept. 19, Amazon announced that it will hire 250,000 people to keep up with the holiday rush, CNBC reports.
That number is significantly
more than the 150,000 workers the
company said it would hire last year. .
This year, seasonal, part-time and full-time warehouse and delivery positions will be available. .
Hourly wages will be between $17 and $28.
Some locations will offer
sign-on bonuses up to $3,000.
Current warehouse and delivery
workers will receive $20.50 an hour.
Amazon announced the increase in wages last week at a conference for "its contracted delivery partner program," CNBC reports. .
The increase in driver wages will
stem from a $440 million investment
into the third-party delivery program.
This is going directly to DSPs, so that they
can offer competitive pay to their employees,
and build and retain great teams, Beryl Tomay, Amazon’s vice president of
last mile delivery and technology, via CNBC.
After Walmart, Amazon is the
second-largest employer in America.
After Walmart, Amazon is the
second-largest employer in America
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House Republicans Release Short-Term Bill , to Avoid Government Shutdown.
The bill was released after House Republicans reached a tentative agreement on Sept. 17.
The deal would keep the government
funded until Oct. 31.
It would also reduce
domestic spending by 8%.
However, the bill also includes
immigration provisions and leaves out
aid for Ukraine or other disasters.
However, the bill also includes
immigration provisions and leaves out
aid for Ukraine or other disasters.
Because of this, it's not expected to pass the Senate if it is approved by the House, CNBC reports. .
Rep. Rosa DeLauro called the bill "extreme." .
Rather than "working on bipartisan solution[s]
that could be enacted,".
DeLauro accused House Republicans of attempting to
"cut funding to the National Institutes of Health including funding for cancer research, defund the police, and decrease resources to important allies like Ukraine and Israel.".
Speaker Kevin McCarthy
stands behind the bill.
A shutdown would only give strength to the Democrats. It would give the power to Biden.
It wouldn’t pay our troops. It wouldn’t pay our border agents. More people would be coming across. I actually want to achieve something, Kevin McCarthy, Speaker of the House, via interview on Fox News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Delta Changing Rules , to Make It Harder , to Earn Elite Status.
Delta Air Lines has announced changes
to how customers earn rewards and gain
access to the carrier's airport lounges.
CNBC reports that the changes come
as the latest sign that air travel's era of
mass luxury may be coming to an end. .
Beginning on January 1, customers can only earn Delta
Medallion status based on their spending, similar to
a model recently adopted by American Airlines.
Many major airlines have been raising the requirements to
earn elite status amid a surge in customer spending, which
has increased the ranks of elite airline status members.
Elite status typically comes with a number
of perks, including early boarding, free
upgrades and access to an airline's airport lounge.
Elite status typically comes with a number
of perks, including early boarding, free
upgrades and access to an airline's airport lounge.
We want customers to be
able to receive status with
activity beyond just air travel, Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president
of customer engagement and loyalty, via CNBC.
In 2024, Delta customers can earn one Medallion Qualifying
Dollar for every actual dollar they spend on flights,
car rentals and hotels booked through the airline.
CNBC reports that the airline has also raised
requirements for dollars spent through
co-branded American Express cards. .
For every $10 spent on the card, Delta SkyMiles
Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card
members will now earn one Medallion Qualifying Dollar.
For every $10 spent on the card, Delta SkyMiles
Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card
members will now earn one Medallion Qualifying Dollar.
Meanwhile, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum
Business American Express Card Members earn
one Medallion Qualifying Dollar for every $20 spent
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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