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2 streaming giants in talks to bundle their services

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

Apple and Paramount are in talks to potentially bundle their streaming services at a discount as streamers struggle with intense competition, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.The companies are considering combining Apple TV+ with Paramount+ at a price that would cost less than subscribing to both separately.“The discussions are in their early stages, and it is unclear what shape a bundle could take,” the Journal reports, citing those familiar with the discussions.Streamers including Apple TV+, Paramount+, Hulu, HBO’s Max, and Disney+ have been raising prices as they struggle to reach profitability and appease shareholders.Netflix recently increased its basic plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. Hulu went from $14.99 to $17.99. Apple raised subscriptions from $6.99 to $9.99. Max went from $14.99 to $15.99, and Disney+ raised its ad-free tier from $10.99 to $13.99.Only Netflix, the original streaming service that started as a DVD rental business, has succeeded in turning a p...

Audra McDonald named 135th Rose Parade grand marshal

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Audra McDonald has been named the grand marshal of the 2024 Rose Parade.McDonald, 35, has won six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award. The Fresno, California, native was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2017."I am so grateful and my family is so grateful to be able to kick off 2024 in my home state underneath the California sunshine surrounded by flowers, football fans and music," McDonald said at Friday morning's introduction in Pasadena."Every January 1st, I would wake up early to watch the parade and the game with my family," she recalled. "I always found the floats with their colors and flowers so magical as a kid, and I still do."Audra McDonald is introduced as the grand marshal of the 2024 Rose Parade. Dec. 1, 2023.The 135th Rose Parade, which airs on KTLA on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, is themed “Celebrating a World of Music" - a theme McDonald says also exemplifies her life and career."Music is a universal langua...

Shooter sought in 2020 murder that left Riverside County father dead, daughter hospitalized

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

Authorities are searching for a gunman who left a father dead and his young daughter hospitalized in Cathedral City more than three years ago.The suspect, Gabriel Hernandez, 24, is wanted for fatally shooting Ruben Hernandez, 43, and injuring his 11-year-old daughter, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.On March 23, 2020, Gabriel and another suspect, Josue Agustin Sanchezcasas, 27, believed a person who lived in the victims’ home was responsible for the 2019 murder of their friend in La Quinta.Sanchezcasas drove Gabriel to the victims’ home.Gabriel stepped out of the vehicle, went up to the house and tried to get in, authorities said. When he couldn’t enter, he fired several gunshots through a metal security door. The victims were both struck by gunfire. Ruben was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter was transported to the hospital where she survived.Victims Ruben Hernandez, 43, and his 11-year-old daughter with family members. (Hernandez Family)R...

Firefighters ride collapsing 2nd floor to ground level while battling blaze in Echo Park

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

Two firefighters are OK after they "rode" the collapsing second floor of a two-story office building down to ground level after the structure erupted in flames in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles Friday morning.Crews responded to a fire burning outside the 51-year-old, 7,400-square-foot structure in the 1000 block of West Sunset Boulevard around 1 a.m.Firefighters respond to an office building blaze in Echo Park on Dec. 1, 2023. (OnScene.TV)The flames eventually extended into the building, believed to house medical offices and traveled to the second floor, the Los Angeles Fire Department stated in a news alert. "There was a partial floor collapse on the 2nd floor which impacted two firefighters," the Fire Department posted. The LAFD later clarified that the firefighters "'rode' a partial floor collapse down onto the 1st floor and thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries.""During the firefight, a portion of the floor in one room on the 2nd story collapsed and two fire...

Beyoncé drops new song 'My House' in tour movie credits

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

The BeyHive is buzzing, and not just because Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour movie is now in theaters, but also because she surprised fans with new music. The "Dangerously in Love" singer debuted a new song during the credits of her new film "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé."Her new song "My House" was co-produced by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter The Dream.The hard-hitting beat and mood of the song contain that Houston flavor, which pays homage to Queen Bey's hometown. Beyoncé’s mom slams ‘stupid narrative’ that singer lightened her skin: ‘I’m sick of you losers’ "B---h I carried / When I grow up I’m gon’ buy me a (house) / Make love in the (house) / Stay up late in this (house) / Don’t give a f--k about my (house) / Then get the f--k up out my (house).”The lyrics, while no-nonsense, do have a powerful message. “I will always love you, but I will never expect you to love me when you don’t love yourself,” she says in a moment in the song. “Let’s heal the world, one beautiful ac...

National Hash Hole Day Kicks Off

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

The concept of starting a new holiday is wild but one of the world’s favorite joint rollers may be the guy to do it as he leads an all star cast of brands and musicians in town to celebrate.Marcos “CGO” Surita came out of the pandemic on fire. Over the course of 2020 to 2022, the way we looked at professional joint rollers changed a lot. I can’t put my finger on the cause, but things went from people tucked in the back of manufacturing facilities to celebritities quick. Many of the best of them started building out there own teams that would bounce from project to project at different farms. Surita was at the forefront of that wave.Over the last couple years, the hype levels continued to percolate. Following his NorCal effort at Hash Hole Island earlier this year, people were quick to wonder whats next? Surita has spent the last four months prepping National Hash Hole Day as his answer. It will be a celebration of hash rosin loaded joints for the ages. We caught up with Surita earli...

Innovative Education: Benza Maman’s Practical Vision for AI at Leap Year Learning

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

In the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence, Benza Maman emerges not only as an artist breaking boundaries but as a visionary co-founder shaping the future of education at Leap Year Learning. Benza’s unique perspective not only makes AI courses accessible but ensures they are deeply practical, emphasizing real-world applications.Benza Maman’s foray into the world of AI education is driven by a profound belief that learning should transcend theoretical boundaries. With a background in music and a keen understanding of the artistic realm, Benza brings a refreshing approach to Leap Year Learning. His vision goes beyond traditional tech education, making the complex world of AI not just understandable but truly applicable.The accessibility of Leap Year Learning’s AI courses stems from Benza’s commitment to demystifying the intricate facets of artificial intelligence. He understands the apprehensions and challenges individuals may face in approaching this ...

From Radiohead to Death — the New LA Weekly Playlist is Live

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

From Radiohead to Death: The 185th LA Weekly playlist, reviewing the musicians that we’ve been writing about all week, is live now. There’s electronic music from A.M.R., reggaeton from Kali Uchis with Karol G, hip-hop from Onyx, punk from Me First & the Gimme Gimmes and Josie Cotton, metal from Death, and so much more.Find us on Spotify here,or on Soundcloud here.Don’t forget to “Like” the playlists and “Follow” the profiles.Radiohead photo licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.Skinny Puppy (London Entertainment/Shutterstock)From Radiohead to DeathAlso this week:cEvin Key of cover stars Skinny Puppy told us that, “I clearly remember saying in interviews back in the ’80s that there’s no way we’re gonna be doing this when we’re 60. So now we’re 60-plus, and it’s bizarre that we’re still going. I think we find ourselves in a situation where we have to put our foot down and say OK, we’re gonna really concentrate and put something together that is ...

Best Online Casinos (2024) – Top Casino Sites in the World

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

 Sponsored ContentThe best online casinos are more than just platforms – they’re pulsating hubs of excitement where players from around the globe come together to test their luck and skill.This guide will take you through the top gaming platforms in the world, uncovering what sets the top online casinos apart and why they’ve become the preferred choice for those seeking a genuine, enriching gaming experience.MyStake is proving to be the absolute favorite, but six others are giving it a run. Ready to find out more? Let’s get started!Best Online Casinos 2024MyStake: Best overall7Bit: Best for crypto playersJackBit: Top pick for live dealersWild.io: Highest-RTP casino gamesAvantgarde Casino: 400% match up to $2,000True Fortune: Best online slotsBitFiring: Excellent loyalty program Heads up about our links! Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues.Wondering why we chose these specific real-money online casinos for our list? Keep...

George Santos vote: The three Californians against expulsion

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:29:25 GMT

Friday’s historic vote to expel Rep. George Santos was well over the required two-thirds threshold.• With 425 representatives voting, 284 yea votes would have been needed. The tally was 311 yea (206 Democrats, 105 Republicans) and 114 nay (2 Democrats, 112 Republicans). Two representatives voted “present,” and eight did not vote.• Of California’s delegation, three voted nay — Darrell Issa, Doug LaMalfa and Tom McClintock — and Kevin McCarthy did not vote. All are Republicans.• The two Democrats voting nay were Bobby Scott of Virginia and Nikema Williams of Georgia. The two members voting “present” were also Democrats: Jonathan Jackson of Illinois and Al Green of Texas.• Of the Republican leadership, Speaker Mike Johnson did not vote, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Majority Whip Tom Emmer voted nay.Full voting record hereRelated ArticlesNational Politics | Former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo files paperwork to run for C...