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Disney inks deal to combine Hulu + Live TV business into Fubo

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Disney said on Monday it would merge its Hulu + Live TV business with rival FuboTV — a deal that potentially clears the way for the launch of its stalled sports streaming venture with Fox Corp and Warner Bros Discovery.

The merged company will create the second-biggest internet pay-TV provider in North America, behind YouTube TV, with around $6 billion in revenue and 6.2 million subscribers.

Disney will hold a 70% majority stake in the venture, which will be led by Fubo CEO and co-founder David Gandler.

Disney CEO Bob Iger struck a deal with Fubo to merge its live TV businesses and end a bitter lawsuit that was hampering the launch. of sports streaming service Venu. Getty Images for Disney

As part of the deal, Fubo will drop its lawsuit against Bob Iger-led Disney and ESPN related to Venu, the sports bundle that was supposed to launch last fall.

“This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility,” Gandler said of the merger.

“Additionally, this agreement allows us to scale effectively, strengthens Fubo’s balance sheet and positions us for positive cash flow. It’s a win for consumers, our shareholders, and the entire streaming industry.”

The deal does not include the streamer Hulu, home to original series like “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which competes with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple.

Nonetheless, the combination of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will give customers the ability to stream a broad array of live broadcast and cable networks on their connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices.

Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers as separate offerings after the merger, the companies said.

Hulu + Live TV will continue to be streamed in the Hulu app and be offered as part of the bundle with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+. Fubo, which streams more than 55,000 live sporting events annually, will continue to serve its subscribers in the Fubo app.

Fubo sued Disney, Fox and Warner Bros Discovery over the potential launch of Venu, citing that it would violate antitrust law. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The deal ends a bitter legal battle that had blocked Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery from launching its own sports-focused streaming provider.

In February, Fubo had sued the media giants, saying Venu would violate US antitrust law by reducing competition and driving up prices.

A district court judge found that Fubo is likely to succeed in its antitrust claims and issued the injunction temporarily barring Venu’s launch.

Disney and its partners in Venu Sports were scheduled to appear in the US Court of Appeals on Monday to ask the court to reverse the ruling.

Disney’s deal with Fubo has cleared the path for Venu to launch, a service that will offer sports enthusiasts more options outside of the cable TV bundle. Koshiro – stock.adobe.com

As part of the transaction, Discovery will make an aggregate cash payment to Fubo of $220 million, and Disney has committed to provide a $145 million term loan to Fubo in 2026, the companies said.

Shares of Fubo, which had a market value of about $480 million as of last close, surged nearly 141% to $3.46 in early trading. Disney was up marginally.

Fubo’s shares tanked more than 60% in 2024, as the company’s revenue growth slowed and competition intensified from bigger rivals.

As part of Monday’s announcement, Disney will also enter into a new carriage agreement with Fubo that will allow Fubo to create a new sports service featuring Disney’s sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, as well as ESPN+.

“The new product will be publicly traded under the Fubo name and run by its CEO,” said Ross Benes, senior analyst at Emarketer. “That signals Disney is looking to eventually get out of being a pay TV operator and go all-in on streaming.”

The deal includes a termination fee of $130 million.

“This combination will allow both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo to enhance and expand their virtual MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) offerings and provide consumers with even more choice and flexibility,” said Justin Warbrooke, Disney’s executive vice president and head of corporate development.

“We have confidence in the Fubo management team and their ability to grow the business, delivering high-quality offerings that serve subscribers with the content they want and offering great value,” he added.

With Post wires



This story originally appeared on NYPost

If Gov. Hochul wants a bright future for New York, she’ll end the insane ban on fracking

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For all her talk of wanting to make New York more affordable and livable, Gov. Kathy Hochul refuses to even contemplate a huge potential boon to the state’s economy: lifting the ban on fracking.

Instead, last month she extended New York’s hydraulic-fracturing ban by prohibiting a new technique to use carbon dioxide to extract natural gas harmlessly.

This, when fracking is used across the country with no sign of the harms cited by its critics; the ban rests on nothing but pseudo-science and green bigotry against any and all fossil fuels — even though the technique and the abundant natural-gas drilling it has allowed is responsible for the US energy revolution of the last two decades and most of the nation’s progress in reducing carbon emissions.

It’s in wide use right next door in Pennsylvania, and a key reason why electric bills there run about half what they do here; it’s brought billions in economic benefits to the Keystone State.

 “If New York were able to produce just half the natural gas Pennsylvania does,” notes energy expert Jonathan Lesser, it could create “upwards of 50,000 direct jobs” and “many more indirect ones.” The resulting “tax bonanza” would bring Albany several hundred million dollars a year, “plus over $100 million annually in impact fees for local communities.”

And the Empire State might be able to harvest more gas than its neighbor: New York’s natural-gas reserves in the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions could be worth $1 trillion.

But ideologues used fearmongering and deceit to ban it starting in 2008, with then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo cynically signing the idiocy into law in 2014.

Cuomo, Hochul and state Democrats have instead inflicted New York with the wildly expensive and impractical “Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act,” which pretends wind and solar can provide most of the state’s power needs.

This crusade slams quality of life across the state, outlawing new gas hook-ups for homes and businesses and pushing up power prices even as it makes future blackouts a near-certainty.

And Hochul late last month tripled down on the nonsense by signing the so-called “Polluters Pay” Act, which aims to raise $75 billion with new charges on energy producers — costs that will inevitably be passed on to energy consumers, namely every man, woman and child in the state.

New York will fall even further behind the saner parts of the county as natural-gas production skyrockets after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Is it any wonder that United Van Lines ranks New York third on its annual list of the “Most Moved From States” in 2024?

The state won’t stop losing ground ’til it reverses course, and allowing fracking is the simplest first step: It won’t cost Albany a dime, but instead provide a windfall that could easily replace the MTA’s “congestion pricing” toll income and allow cutting many other taxes.

Yes, lifting the ban likely requires a huge political fight, but no Albany battle is more worth waging.

If New York is ever to rise from its economic doldrums and enter a new era of prosperity and affordability, it must face reality and join the rest of America in embracing fracking.



This story originally appeared on NYPost

Jim Jones: From Streets to Riches – A Look at the Rapper’s Net Worth

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| Jim Jones |

| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter, Record Executive, Entrepreneur |

| Genre | Hip Hop |

| Years Active | 1997 – Present |

| Labels | Vampire Life; Heatmakerz; Roc Nation (current); E1; Splash; Columbia; Ether Boy; Asylum; Koch; Diplomats |

| Associated Acts | The Diplomats (Dipset), Lobby Boyz |

| Reference Website | Jim Jones (rapper) Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jones |

Jim Jones, a name synonymous with New York hip-hop and the iconic group The Diplomats (Dipset), has carved a successful career in the music industry. Beyond rapping, he has ventured into songwriting, record production, and even entrepreneurship. But how much has this hustle translated into financial success? Let’s explore Jim Jones’ estimated net worth.

Jim Jones: Building a Hip-Hop Legacy

Jim Jones’ musical journey began in the late 1990s. He co-founded The Diplomats, a group that rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their signature blend of streetwise lyrics and catchy hooks. While the group experienced internal conflicts and disbanded for a period, they continue to reunite for occasional performances and maintain a loyal fanbase.

As a solo artist, Jim Jones achieved mainstream success with hits like “We Fly High,” “Ballin’,” and “Pop Champagne.” He released several commercially successful albums throughout his career, establishing himself as a force in the hip-hop scene.

Beyond the Mic: Exploring New Ventures

Jim Jones’ ambition extends beyond music. He co-founded the clothing line Vampire Life, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in various television shows and films.

Jim Jones’ Net Worth: Stacks on Stacks?

While pinpointing a celebrity’s exact net worth is challenging, reliable sources like Forbes provide estimates. According to Forbes, Jim Jones’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million as of March 2024. Here’s a breakdown of factors that likely contributed to this impressive net worth:

  • Music Sales and Streaming: Album sales, digital downloads, and streaming revenue from his solo career and work with The Diplomats form a significant portion of his income.
  • Touring and Performances: Musicians generate revenue through concert tours, music festivals, and other live performances. Jim Jones’ consistent touring likely contributes a substantial amount.
  • Record Label and Production Work: His work as a record executive for Vampire Life Entertainment and potential production credits on other artists’ albums could add to his income stream.
  • Clothing Line and Business Ventures: The success of Vampire Life clothing and any other entrepreneurial endeavors could contribute to his overall wealth.
  • Endorsement Deals and Sponsorships: Rappers often secure lucrative endorsement deals with brands, which could be another source of income for Jim Jones.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How did Jim Jones get his name?

Jim Jones’ stage name is not to be confused with the infamous cult leader. He adopted the name Jim Jones as a teenager, inspired by the basketball player Jim Jones.

What is Jim Jones known for?

Jim Jones is known for being a prominent figure in hip-hop music. He co-founded The Diplomats and achieved solo success with hits like “We Fly High.”

Is Jim Jones still making music?

Yes, Jim Jones is still active in the music industry. He continues to release music and perform, although not at the same pace as his earlier career.

What is Jim Jones’ net worth?

Jim Jones’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, according to Forbes. It’s important to remember that this is an estimate and the actual figure could be higher or lower.

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This story originally appeared on Mostexpensivething

Is AI an opportunity or a curse? – Computerworld

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AI is a greedy beast

Apple has been forced to roll out major hardware changes to support Apple Intelligence:

  • Memory: Apple has increased base memory across all of its machines. Macs, iPhone, and iPads all now ship with much more memory than before, boosting manufacturing costs.
  • Processor: Apple has really pushed the boat out on processors in its latest hardware. The company effectively raised everyone up an extra grade during the last 18 months as it primed its ecosystem for Apple Intelligence with new, faster, more energy-efficient processors.
  • Energy efficiency: Not only is Apple Silicon more energy efficient, but the company wants to give its devices more energy capacity. To do so, it is expected to shift to silicon-anode cells over the next 12 months. These hold around 15% more energy, which will be useful for the energy demands of edge AI.
  • Server infrastructure: Reflecting its realization that not every task can be accomplished on edge devices, Apple has now re-entered the server market, introducing its own take on secure server-based cloud computing services, Private Cloud Compute.

Apple isn’t alone in any of this, but its actions highlight the extent of the hundreds of billions being spent on the sector today — costs that extend into essential infrastructure resources such as water, rare resources, and energy supply. All of this costs enterprises money, focus, and time. The rewards? Even OpenAI, arguably the doyen of AI tech, is shedding cash faster than it makes it, even on its priciest $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro plan.

What need does the greed feed?

Right now, all we really seem to be experiencing is more targeted ads placement, email and website summaries, stupid pictures in messages, deep employment insecurity, rising energy costs, and an increasingly homogenized trade in optimized job resumes, press releases, and student exam papers. Oh, and don’t forget the fake video influencers hawking their wares on heavily AI-SEO’d social media.



This story originally appeared on Computerworld

Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Essential is packed with features but still affordable

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Ecobee introduced a new smart thermostat at CES 2025 and it looks pretty nifty. The Smart Thermostat Essential is packed with most of the features found with the $250 premium model, only with a price tag of $130.

There’s a full-color touchscreen for making adjustments, though that can also be done via the Ecobee mobile app. The app will send alerts to “prevent heating and cooling disruptions” and will even whip up a comprehensive home energy report each month to provide a macro look at energy usage. This is a modern smart thermostat, so customers can also use smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit for the aforementioned adjustments.

A thermostat.

Ecobee

Ecobee says the Smart Thermostat Essential is packed with software that will automatically learn how long it takes to heat and cool the home, which will then inform the device of how much energy to use to reach a desired temperature. The end result? A cheaper utility bill. The company claims that this thermostat will actually pay for itself in just six months.

The savings can be increased by adding a few of the company’s optional SmartSensors, which cost around $55 per pair. These sensors will teach the thermostat which rooms are used the most, so they’ll get increased temperature regulation.

Ecobee promises that the thermostat is easy to install, but it likely still requires some light wiring. Anyone familiar with smart thermostats should know the drill. The Smart Thermostat Essential will be available at major retailers in March.



This story originally appeared on Engadget

This Is The Beginning Of The End For Mike Johnson As He Was Bruised And Weakened In Reelection

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Mike Johnson lost the first ballot to be speaker, but he kept the vote open, met with his opposition, and got them to change their votes.

NBC News reported:

Mike Johnson now appears to have the votes to win the speakership after the first round of ballots. Three Republicans initially defected from Johnson before he briefly met with them in the cloakroom.

Johnson ended up winning 218-215-1, but it was a hollow victory at best.

Speaker Johnson lost the first vote and had to scramble to rally support behind him.

There was no dramatic great comeback or Republicans unifying and rallying behind their guy. This was the far right showing Johnson that even after he changed the motion to vacate rules, there are still enough of them, nine in total, to make a move to oust the Speaker if he displeases them.

Even with Trump trying to assert himself, the House Republicans remain a dumpster fire of dysfunction.

Democrats should view today’s events as two-thirds of the Republican federal government leadership (Johnson and Trump) being weak and wounded.

There will be less motion to vacate drama in this Congress, but the struggle to pass the most basic and necessary legislation should be constant.

House Republicans and Trump will be able to do little without Democratic votes. Democrats may have more power than any party in the minority in both the House and Senate in modern American political history.

Trump and the Republicans will get an immigration bill and their tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, but avoiding a government shutdown in March and keeping the United States out of default both look like a long shot right now.

Mike Johnson didn’t win today. He survived, and just like Trump, his political career is on borrowed time.

What do you think about the House Republican chaos? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Leave a comment



This story originally appeared on Politicususa

BREAKING: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation During News Conference (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned as leader of his Liberal Party Monday morning during a news conference. 

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” he told reporters.

“Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

WATCH:

Trudeau will remain as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen.

As The Gateway Pundit reported on Sunday, Trudeau was expected to resign this week as he comes under fire from his own party and faces the threat of Trump’s incoming administration.

BREAKING: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to RESIGN During Liberal Party Caucus on Wednesday

 



This story originally appeared on TheGateWayPundit

Olga Rudnieva: The woman turning Ukrainian amputees into 'Superhumans'

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Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, at least 50,000 Ukrainians have lost limbs, according to the health ministry; a figure that includes both soldiers and civilians. The number is constantly rising, with complications like long evacuation times from the battlefield and infection risks. Our Perspective guest is helping amputees heal and re-integrate into society. Olga Rudnieva is the CEO and co-founder of the Superhumans Center – a clinic for psychological assistance, prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for people affected by the war.


This story originally appeared on France24

Justin Trudeau was once Canada’s golden boy – but he steps down with his popularity in shreds | World News

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Few one-time golden boys manage to retain their lustre long into political office.

Barack Obama just about held on to his, leaving the US presidency with his approval rating high despite his party’s 2016 loss to Donald Trump.

But Emmanuel Macron is faltering in France and Justin Trudeau steps down as head of Canada’s liberal party with his popularity in shreds. So much for Western liberal values.

In the high tides of inflation and immigration, those who were their supposed flag-bearers are no longer what electorates want.

Follow live: Justin Trudeau announces resignation

For Mr Trudeau, it is a dramatic reckoning. His approval ratings have dropped from 65% at their highest in September 2016 to 22% now, according to the “Trudeau Tracker” from Canada’s non-profit Angus Reid Institute.

The sudden departure of his finance minister and key political ally Chrystia Freeland last month dealt his leadership a body blow, just as Canada readies itself for a potential trade war with the US which, she argued in a bracing resignation letter, his government was not taking seriously enough.

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1:31

“Parliament has been paralysed for months,” Trudeau says

The man Mr Trump recently trolled as “Governor of the ‘Great State of Canada’ or ’51st (US) state'”, Mr Trudeau was as close to Canadian political royalty as it gets.

The son of the country’s 15th prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, he was famously toasted by US president Richard Nixon as “the future prime minister of Canada” when he joined his father on a state visit as a toddler.

Aged five, he met the late Queen for the first time. “Thank you for making me feel so old”, she remarked drily at a re-meet in Malta almost 40 years later.

He has led Canada’s liberal party since 2013 and served as the country’s 23rd prime minister for almost a decade.

Mr Trudeau won a resounding electoral victory in 2015 and secured the premiership through two subsequent elections, though as head of a minority government.

Mr Trudeau, his wife and children celebrate after he won the Federal Liberal leadership in 2013 in Ottawa. Pic: AP/The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld
Image:
Mr Trudeau, his wife and children celebrate after he won the Federal Liberal leadership in 2013 in Ottawa. Pic: AP/The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

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He made significant inroads against poverty in Canada, worked hard on nation to nation reconciliation with Canada’s indigenous communities, secured an effective trade deal with the US and Mexico in 2016 and managed to keep the public mostly on-side through the COVID-19 pandemic.

But he was a polarising figure. Holidays in exotic climes like a trip to the Bahamas in 2016 to an island belonging to the Aga Khan made him seem elitist and out of touch.

There was embarrassment when blackface images surfaced from his early years as a teacher, for which he apologised profusely.

His supposed liberal credentials smacked of double standards when he invoked emergency powers to crush truckers’ protests in 2022.

But it was the economic aftermath of the pandemic, with Canada suffering an acute housing shortage, immigration leaping under his premiership and the cost of living hitting households across the board which really piled on the pressure.

In those, Canada is not unique. But the opposition conservatives and the public at large clearly want change, and Mr Trudeau has responded.

He has announced his intention to resign as party leader and prime minister after the Liberals selects their next leader.

Mr Trudeau’s legacy may shine brighter with a little hindsight. But now is not that moment.

The question is whether his conservative opposition will fare any better in an increasingly combative geopolitical environment if, as seems likely, a candidate of their choosing wins a federal election due at some point this year.



This story originally appeared on Skynews

Canada’s Justin Trudeau to resign as Liberal Party leader and prime minister : NPR

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Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on Dec. 20, 2024 in Ottawa, Canada.

Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images


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Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to resign on Monday, after loud calls from within his own party to step down. Ending weeks of speculation, Trudeau said he will no longer lead his Liberal Party but will remain in office until a successor is selected.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau told Canadians in an address from outside his home at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.

Trudeau said he has set the process in motion for a new election, adding that it is clear that “I cannot be the best option in that election.”

Momentum for a Trudeau exit has built steadily since his deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, a close ally who also served as finance minister, resigned in stunning fashion on Dec. 16.

Trudeau has been prime minister for nearly a decade, after winning office at just 43 years old. But his popularity has plummeted with Canadians who blame Trudeau for higher costs of living and other problems. His tenure has also been hit by a string of crises and missteps — and increasingly, his political allies have criticized his policies.

Taking a handful of questions from reporters, Trudeau defended his achievements in office, particularly his economic policies, saying he has worked to help Canada’s middle class and to ease poverty. He repeatedly cited “internal battles” as the reason for his resignation, saying parliament has been paralyzed for months.

This story will be updated.



This story originally appeared on NPR