Category: 5. Entertainment

  • Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Opens to $55.6M as Liberty Eyes New Rights Pact

    Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Opens to $55.6M as Liberty Eyes New Rights Pact

    As Formula 1 continues to have discussions about the future of its U.S. media rights, the racing property is hoping the strong opening for a new feature film starring Brad Pitt may be just the thing to help push those talks over the finish line.

    F1: The Movie took in some $55.6 million in its domestic rollout, which is quite a haul for a non-sequel, adult-oriented film that isn’t constructed around superhero IP. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the Apple Original Films offering stars the septuagenarian Pitt in the unlikely role as a washed-up racer who breaks back onto the circuit after a 30-year layoff.

    The film booked another $88.4 million overseas, although it will have to generate a much greater windfall if it is to earn back an estimated $300 million in production and marketing expenses. The stateside summer release calendar may put the kibosh on a profit, however, as this weekend marks the launch of yet another Jurassic Park sequel—the seventh release in the series arrives on the heels of 2022’s $1 billion blockbuster Jurassic World: Dominion—while Warner Bros.’ Superman hits the multiplex on July 11.

    If the F1 flick continues to draw a crowd here in the U.S., that enthusiasm could spill over to the televised racing product. While ABC’s broadcast of the Miami Grand Prix delivered the third-largest domestic F1 audience with 2.17 million viewers, that marked a 29% decline from the year-ago race (3.07 million), which was boosted by a lead-in from Game 7 of the Magic-Cavaliers NBA playoff series (4.32 million).

    Oscar Piastri’s win in Miami also trailed a competing NASCAR Cup Series race on FS1, a basic-cable network that reaches approximately 30 million fewer homes than ABC. Despite the relatively restricted delivery system, the May 4 race at Texas Motor Superspeedway averaged 2.56 million viewers.

    As much as F1 ratings zoomed to previously unimagined heights during its first few years as a Disney media partner, the TV growth effectively maxed out in 2022, when ESPN and its broadcast sibling averaged 1.21 million viewers per race. The following year saw F1’s deliveries slip 8.5% to 1.11 million viewers, an average delivery that carried over to the 2024 season. By way of comparison, NASCAR served up 2.9 million viewers per race over the course of its two most recent seasons.

    The fact that NASCAR draws an audience that is two-and-a-half times the size of the F1 crowd likely goes a long way toward explaining why the latter group is getting pushback in its talks with prospective media partners. F1’s parent company, Liberty Media, is looking to double the value of its current $90 million/year deal with Disney, and that big ask has prompted the Mouse House to allow its exclusive negotiating window to lapse without a renewal. (ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has demonstrated his unwillingness to overpay for even a Big Four league, opting out of the final two years of the company’s legacy $550 million/year MLB deal in February.)

    While Apple is among the list of digital disruptors said to be kicking the tires on an F1 rights pact, a paywall will all but certainly prevent F1 from achieving the sort of rapid growth it enjoyed on cable and broadcast TV. (Disney’s ratings nearly doubled between 2018, the first year of its F1 stewardship, and 2022.) As illustrated by the 10-year, $2.5 billion Apple-MLS deal, all the money in the world can’t buy a bigger audience when fans have to shell out $99.99 for a season pass.

    F1 still has plenty of time to work out the particulars of a new U.S. rights deal (its ESPN contract expires when the 2025 season runs out in December), and there’s an outside chance enthusiasm for the feature film might help boost the televised product just as the talks start heating up. ESPN will carry three F1 races between now and early August, with the British Grand Prix set to roar into view on July 6.

    The 2024 race averaged 1.29 million viewers, which should provide a solid baseline for any post-theatrical comparisons when the holiday-delayed official Nielsen data for this year’s event drops on July 9.

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  • Naseeruddin Shah bats for Diljit Dosanjh amid cross-border collaboration row

    Naseeruddin Shah bats for Diljit Dosanjh amid cross-border collaboration row

    He added that Diljit’s global recognition made him a target, while the director remained unknown. Shah praised Diljit for agreeing to the casting decision, stating his “mind is not poisoned”.

    He further asserted, “What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan.”

    Naseeruddin Shah also expressed affection for his “close friends and relatives” in Pakistan.

    He wrote, “I have close relatives and some dear friends there and no one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it.” He defiantly concluded his statement to those who might tell him to “Go to Pakistan” with, “GO TO KAILASA.”

    Naseeruddin Shah is known for not shying away from statements critiquing government policies or societal issues in India.

    He has, for instance, expressed concerns about safety in India, described Anupam Kher as a “clown” for endorsing the BJP government, and made contentious remarks on Mughal history.

    The core reason for the backlash against Hania (and by extension, Diljit and the film) is that she allegedly made remarks against India’s Operation Sindoor and Armed forces.

    Diljit and the film’s co-producer, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, have stated that Sardaar Ji 3 wrapped production during a stable political situation. The film hit theatres internationally, except for those in India.

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  • Jury deliberates in Sean “Diddy” Combs sex-trafficking trial – live updates

    Jury deliberates in Sean “Diddy” Combs sex-trafficking trial – live updates

    Inner life of one of hip hop’s biggest stars on display in this trialpublished at 17:38 British Summer Time

    Nada Tawfik
    New York correspondent

    This Manhattan courthouse has pulled back the curtain on the private life of one of hip hop’s biggest icons.

    The mogul and producer admits that he beat his partners – had a drug problem – and that he enjoyed so-called “freak offs” – or prolonged sexual encounters between his girlfriends and male prostitutes.

    But Sean “Diddy” Combs insists the sex was consensual. So is he guilty of running a criminal enterprise and sex trafficking?

    The jury will need to weigh the evidence to decide if he’s just a flawed individual being unfairly targeted by overzealous prosecutors and women after money. Or if he’s someone who used his vast wealth, power and influence to manipulate, trap and force women to fulfil his sexual desires.

    There’s video and photo evidence – text messages – hotel and financial records – flight logs. But ultimately this case hinges on who the jury believes.

    Cassie Ventura and Jane spoke in harrowing detail about the physical toll the “freak offs” and drugs took on their bodies – how Diddy controlled every aspect of their life – and his threats including blackmail.

    Diddy didn’t testify and jurors can’t hold that against him, because the burden is on the government to prove its case. But his lawyers said the women were free to leave at any time – and when they did – nothing happened.

    The defence claimed the women were just as enthusiastic about the “swinger” lifestyle. So – was there a power imbalance? Was every “freak off” consensual – or did they eventually turn into sex trafficking when the women told him they didn’t want to do them anymore?

    Those are all important questions in this case.

    Media caption,

    Here’s what the jury in Diddy’s sex trafficking trial is considering

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  • UK police say pro-Palestine performances at Glastonbury subject to probe | Gaza News

    UK police say pro-Palestine performances at Glastonbury subject to probe | Gaza News

    British police have announced that the weekend performances by rap-punk duo Bob Vylan and the Irish-language band Kneecap at the Glastonbury Festival are subject to a criminal investigation after they led crowds in chants calling for “death” to the Israeli military and a “free Palestine”.

    Police on Monday said the performances at the United Kingdom’s largest summer music festival “have been recorded as a public order incident”.

    Rapper Bobby Vylan, who until the weekend was relatively unknown, led crowds in chants of “free, free Palestine” and “death, death” to the Israeli military.

    The BBC said it regretted livestreaming the performance and it should have pulled it off the air.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other UK politicians condemned the chants, saying there was no excuse for such “appalling hate speech”. Starmer added that the BBC must explain “how these scenes came to be broadcast”.

    Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, said it was “very concerned” about the BBC livestream and said the broadcaster “clearly has questions to answer”.

    Meanwhile, the United States Department of State said it has revoked the visas for Bob Vylan to perform in the US after its “hateful tirade at Glastonbury”.

    “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a social media post.

    Israel’s genocidal assault in Gaza has inflamed tensions around the world, triggering pro-Palestinian protests in many capitals and on college campuses. Israel and some of its supporters have described the protests as anti-Semitic while critics said Israel uses such descriptions to silence its opponents.

     

    Glastonbury Festivalgoers watch as Kneecap performs in Pilton, Somerset, England [Jaimi Joy/Reuters]

    While maintaining a crippling siege on the bombarded enclave, Israeli forces have killed at least 56,531 people and wounded 133,642, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

    Bob Vylan, known for mixing grime and punk rock, tackles a range of issues in its lyrics, including racism, homophobia and the class divide, and has previously voiced support for Palestinians.

    Its lead vocalist, who goes by the stage name Bobby Vylan, appeared to refer to the weekend performance in a post on Instagram, writing: “I said what I said.”

    “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place,” he added.

    The duo played Saturday afternoon right before Kneecap, whose set was not livestreamed by the BBC but still found a huge online audience via TikTok. It is another band that has drawn controversy previously over its strongly pro-Palestine stance.

    Kneecap led a crowd of tens of thousands in chants of “Free Palestine” at the festival. It also aimed an expletive-laden chant at Starmer, who had said he didn’t think it was “appropriate” for Kneecap to play Glastonbury after one of its members was charged under the Terrorism Act.

    Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who is also known as Liam O’Hanna and performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with supporting a proscribed organisation for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London last year.

    Israel has faced sustained international opprobrium for the conduct of its war in Gaza. Weekly protests draw thousands of people around Europe and across the world in support of Palestinians.

    Public pressure, in part, seemed to prompt the Israeli allies France, Canada and the UK to issue a sharply worded statement in May calling for Israel to stop its “egregious” military actions in Gaza and criticising Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank.

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  • IDK, Cordae, Tink, Bryson Tiller & LUCKI

    IDK, Cordae, Tink, Bryson Tiller & LUCKI

    Between Drake flaunting his abs on Instagram and Beyoncé tippin’ on 44s while mid-air during her first hometown Cowboy Carter Tour stop in Houston, Texas, June certainly went out with a bang in the worlds of hip-hop and R&B.

    Drizzy’s and Queen Bey’s late-stage entries were the perfect closer to a month that also included the announcement of Brandy and Monica’s forthcoming first-ever co-headlining tour (alongside Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and American Idol champ Jamal Roberts), a fiery Glastonbury debut from Doechii and a puzzling new EP from Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and King Combs, Diddy’s eldest child.

    This week, the news cycle’s biggest story will undoubtedly be the jury deliberations — which began on Monday (June 30) — in Diddy’s ongoing sex trafficking trial. Last week (June 24), the disgraced mogul opted not to take the stand in his own defense, telling the judge, “That is solely my decision… I wanted to tell you, thank you, you’re doing an excellent job.” No one can claim to know how long it will take the jury to land on a unanimous verdict, but Monday’s proceedings confirm that this month-long legal and cultural saga is nearing its end. Diddy, who maintains his innocence, could face a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.

    The end of the Diddy trial could also coincide with another major hip-hop moment. On July 11, Clipse will release their highly anticipated Let God Sort Em Out album. Serving as their first new set in 16 years, Let God Sort Em Out has routinely dominated social media with each new single — and Kendrick Lamar’s much-buzzed-about guest verse.

    With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Tink and Bryson Tiller’s new duet to Dess Dior’s new summer anthem. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

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  • How Blu Scarpa Plans to Scale With The Help of Fiat Heir Lapo Elkann

    How Blu Scarpa Plans to Scale With The Help of Fiat Heir Lapo Elkann

    Fiat heir Lapo Elkann is stepping into the footwear world with a new investment.

    This month, the great-grandson of Fiat founder Giovanni Agnelli became a minority investor in Miami-based luxury footwear brand Blu Scarpa. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, the new partnership was unveiled at Milan Men’s Fashion Week this month at the shoe brand’s spring/summer 2026 collection presentation.

    Matthew Chevallard, founder and creative director of Blu Scarpa, said that Elkann’s new partnership will allow the company to scale outside of its Miami home.

    “Lapo has believed in me and supported me throughout my footwear journey, and now with this investment, it will allow me to embark on a new chapter,” Chevallard told FN in an interview. “Bringing Lapo on as a partner will allow us a little more wind in our sails to still be very independent, but obviously, have a slightly more resources to compete.”

    The executive noted that since the company launched in 2019, he has built a solid foundation in Miami through the company’s own store in the Design District.

    “Now we’re moving outside of that micro mentality,” Chevallard noted. “We now want to move into more conventional practices like expanding wholesale and amplifying our messaging to a wider audience.”

    Styles from Blu Scarpa’s spring/summer 2026 collection.

    Courtesy of Blu Scarpa

    Blu Scarpa sells to The Webster as well as Level Shoes in Dubai. “We are working on expanding out relationship with Level, especially since they are slated to open their first U.S. store here in Miami in a few years.” (Level has not confirmed the opening.)

    Chevallard is no stranger to the footwear industry. Much of his entrepreneurial spirit is expressed through footwear, starting with the luxury men’s slipper brand Del Toro that he co-founded in 2005.

    Now, with Blu Scarpa, Chevallard is focusing in on Italian craftsmanship that takes inspiration from the golden age of 1980s and ‘90s Italian lifestyle and artistic icons such as Lucio Fontana, Georgia O’Keeffe, Donald Judd, and Yves Klein.

    For spring/summer 2026, the collection has expanding into the realm of soccer, showcasing a new silhouette alongside new iterations of the brands core models. The offering is made up of five distinct capsules, with prices ranging $475 to $535.

    A highlight of the new offering includes the 2.0 Blu Palm shoe, which is described as a continuation of the Blu Palm concept in suede and nylon, originally launched in collaboration with Elkann and Chevallard. Another highlight is the aforementioned Soccer Collezione, which is inspired by 1980s–1990s soccer sportswear. The line introduces a brand-new suede and leather silhouette that brings soccer into Blu Scarpa’s running and tennis-focused sportswear realm.

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  • The ultimate weekend on Jersey, Channel Islands

    The ultimate weekend on Jersey, Channel Islands

    Jersey was not at all what I expected. The 9×5-mile island off the coast of France and across the English Channel from Great Britain tends to fly under the radar for visitors to either place. But this Channel Island is blessed with white sand beaches, excellent seafood, and a strong hospitality industry that make it a worthy place to explore.

    Despite its proximity to France, Jersey is now more culturally British than French. It has made itself a finance hub in the last few decades, and that, together with its extremely low tax rate, have made it a haven for those with lots of money who like to hang onto it. The island is home to massive houses, fancy cars and private planes. But these all exist side-by-side with a small, passionate fishing community, narrow rural roads with honesty boxes from which you can get the delightful Jersey potatoes, and some of the most beautiful coastal views to be found.

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    • When to arrive: There are numerous direct flights to Jersey each day from the UK, and more from around the world throughout the week. There are also daily ferries from the UK and France. This means that arrival can be flexible – there’s no real benefit to arriving at a particular time of the week. Weather is mild and balmy in spring and autumn, with things heating up in summer. Winter can get cold and stormy and isn’t recommended.

    • How to get from the airport: Jersey is small and well served by public transport. There are a number of routes from the airport to St Helier, the capital, with Route 15 the most direct. Single adult tickets are £2.50 (US$3). Taxis from the airport are plentiful, though can be relatively expensive. 

    • Getting around town: The public bus route on the island (run by Liberty Bus) is extensive and will get you where you need to go fairly easily. Taxis are also available, although they are expensive around town, too. Car rental is another option if you’d like the flexibility to go where and when you want, and there are lots of options available, including camper van rentals. 

    • Where to stay: Jersey has the normal range of accommodation that you’d find in any town in the UK, with chain hotels side-by-side with Airbnb rentals and a number of luxury hotels. Housing costs are a recurring issue for islanders, with the effect of bumping up accommodation prices. For those traveling with a family, self-catering or budget hotels are the best option. Undercliff Guest House in Bouley Bay on the northeast of the island has a variety of self-catering options and a pool. If you’re interested in a more high-end stay, Longueville Manor is a five-star spot tucked away in an unassuming corner in the southeast. And for those on a budget, Durrell Wildlife Hostel is a farmhouse with basic amenities attached to Jersey Zoo.

    • What to pack: Bring walking or hiking shoes – there is a lot to explore on the island and you want to be mobile and comfortable. You’ll also want swimwear and beachy accessories; there are plenty of beaches around the island, some with such white sand and blue sea that you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean. But of course this is also northwest Europe, so have a rain jacket or umbrella with you at all times.

    Victoria Pier. Amy Lynch/Lonely Planet

    Day 1 

    How to spend the day 

    Anyone spending time on Jersey should take a ramble around its myriad harbors and shores. Unsurprisingly for an island, Jersey had a major fishing culture in the 1980s and 1990s. Fish were plentiful and there was money to be made. Today, there are only 30 full-time fishermen and women working. The reasons are manifold, but include fish stocks drying up, fish migration due to changing ocean temperatures, and tensions with French fishermen in the same waters. Climate change and ocean temperatures are an ongoing battle for those whose livelihoods come from the sea.

    The main crab stocks used to be brown crabs (also called Chancre crabs), but with the water warming those stocks have migrated north, and spider crabs are the new catch. All of this puts Jersey at the forefront of global marine conservation efforts. With threats from the UK’s political decisions, French encroachment and climate change, the Jersey fisheries team has a lot to contend with. It is increasing regulations all the time, with size restrictions, seasonal restrictions and a ban on dredging and trawling in certain zones.

    Crab meat in a collander and crab legs in a bin behind it.
    Fresh catch of reddish crabs in a black net on sunny day.
    Left: Picked crab and legs. Right: Fresh catch of crabs. Amy Lynch/Lonely Planet (2)

    Gabby Mason is one of the young fishers trying to keep the industry alive and thriving. She owns and runs Jade-S Fisheries, based at Victoria Pier, and Driftwood Cafe in Archirondel. Mason and her gang fish for lobsters and spider crabs among many other types of seafood, providing for local restaurants. Watching Isabella, the longtime crab picker for Mason’s catch, work through pounds and pounds of crab meat is to watch a master at work.

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    Take a ramble down to Victoria Pier to grab some of Mason’s fresh catch, or keep an eye out for her mobile van. Or you could always make a stop at the gloriously located Driftwood Cafe, right on the beach at Archirondel, and have the seafood cooked and prepared for you.

    Dinner

    Longueville Manor, a Relais & Châteaux member, is not just a hotel: the restaurant in an old manor house is an attraction in its own right. Recently awarded a Michelin Key, the elegant restaurant is memorably delicious, and wine-lovers will appreciate the wine list and gorgeous wine cellar, put together with passion by hotel owner Malcolm Lewis. The hotel also has a kitchen garden that is free to explore. This is no token effort: rows and rows of lettuce, Jersey potatoes, herbs, onions, edible flowers, root vegetables and more are in the outside grounds, while the greenhouse is host to tomatoes, lemons, limes and peppers.

    Executive Head Chef Andrew Baird’s dishes are imaginative and delicious, with lots of seafood on offer. The melt-in-your-mouth scallops were a personal favorite. The wine list is extensive and the cocktails impressive. As a pregnant attendee, I had a non-alcoholic selection, which managed the rare feat of being as tasty and alluring as the real thing.

    Alternatively, the bar is more casual, with food that is just as high quality. A quieter spot with couches and lamps, the bar is where to go if you’re dining alone or just want to sit with a good book. There is nothing casual about the burger, though – juicy, flavourful and generous. It’s a great choice for when you’ve had your fill of seafood. 

    A man's open palm holds a greenish marine gastropod mollusk on an overcast day.
    Left: Ormer, a type of sea snail. Right: Foraging for wood sorrel. Amy Lynch/Lonely Planet (2)
    A woman holds a small pink flower between her thumb and fingers on an overcast day.

    Day 2 

    Morning

    Kazz Padidar of Wild Adventures, a charismatic local forager and adventurer, is the person to talk to if you want to learn more about the plant and sea life around Jersey. Growing up on the island, Padidar spent his formative years learning to subsist on what the island naturally provides. Now he runs foraging workshops for local kids and interested visitors when he can find the time. He also forages to supply restaurants around the island, so you might be sampling his foraged treats without knowing it.

    If you can grab him for an outing, you’re in for an engaging and fun couple of hours. Padidar took us on an odyssey exploring wild plants and herbs, many of which we sampled along the way, such as rock samphire, sandwort and wood sorrel; then we headed to rock pools to look for seaweed and search for lobsters and crabs. We even caught sight of the rare ormer, a species of sea snail.

    Inside view of long stone tunnel with curved archway and roof above.
    Recreation of worker in overcoat and hat, holding a lantern near unfinished stone tunnel.
    Left: Looking into the Jersey War Tunnels. Right: Recreation of worker near unfinished tunnel in Jersey War Tunnels exhibit. Amy Lynch/Lonely Planet (2)

    How to spend the day 

    Jersey’s history is fascinating. As part of Britain, it was invaded by the Germans in June 1940 and used as a base, with no help or retaliation by the British government. The occupation led to much hardship for the population, with violence, hunger and deprivation the norm for the four to five years of the occupation. The remnants of the German presence is still visible on the island in Marine Peilstand towers and artillery batteries all around the coast.

    The Jersey War Tunnels are an excellent way to learn more about the occupation, including the events leading up to it, how it progressed during the war and elation at the Allies’ victory. Built by the Germans as a hospital during the occupation, these unfinished tunnels have now been turned into a large museum of the time, with personal stories of various islanders, hundreds of artifacts – including vehicles and weaponry – and some fascinating little-known stories of slaves who were brought here from Russia, Spain and elsewhere to build the tunnels. It’s a fascinating insight into the story of the island, if a little overdone at the end. Take a few hours to explore the tunnels fully – there’s a lot to see and learn. The museum has a good café with serviceable hot drinks, sandwiches and scones where you can warm up from the chilly tunnels and process everything you’ve just seen. 

    Dinner 

    Sumas Restaurant in Gorey is another great choice if you’re looking for fine dining with the best seafood to be found. With a fabulous terrace looking down at the seafront and great views of Mont Orgueil Castle, this high-end spot manages to be both elegant and casual. The seafood platter is unmatched. It’s the perfect spot to while away an evening with a bottle (or two) of wine as you watch the sun go down across the water.

    After dark 

    Jersey isn’t known for its wild nightlife, but anyone looking for an evening tipple will find traditional pubs, high-end cocktail bars and plenty in between around the town hubs. The Blue Note is a solid option for local beer, comfortable surroundings and jazz. It has regular live music in its upstairs venue. Cocktail lovers should try the Blind Pig Speakeasy, a 1920s-inspired spot with delightful concoctions. For those looking for something a bit more casual, Kitty O’Shea’s is a classic pub, with sports on TV, outdoor seating and live music every weekend.

    Rocky curved beach with trees and homes in the distance and the ocean to the left on a mostly sunny day.
    Archirondel Beach. Amy Lynch/Lonely Planet

    Day 3

    Morning

    Before venturing home, any visitor to Jersey should take a few hours for one of the walking or hiking trails to be found around the island. The North Coast Cliff Path is the perfect choice for those with a yen for the dramatic: cliffs plunging down to the sea, wild birds wheeling overhead and steep paths to hidden beaches. Choose a section of the walk, or put aside a day to take on the whole thing from Rozel to Greve de Lecq (17km [11 miles]). The tree-lined Railway Walk along Jersey’s old railway line is a more peaceful affair. It will take you from St Aubin to La Corbière and also suits a leisurely cycle.

    However much you manage to cram in, a weekend will never be enough to explore everything Jersey has to offer. There will always be more delicious seafood to sample, more historic sites to discover, more local stories to hear. There will always have to be a next time.


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  • The Velvet Sundown, a suspected AI band, tops 500,000 listeners on Spotify in under a month – San Francisco Chronicle

    1. The Velvet Sundown, a suspected AI band, tops 500,000 listeners on Spotify in under a month  San Francisco Chronicle
    2. AI-Generated Psych-Rock Band The Velvet Sundown Rack Up Hundreds Of Thousands Of Spotify Streams  Stereogum
    3. Is AI-Generated Country Music Coming to Montana?  mooseradio.com
    4. Probable ‘AI’ Artist Gaining Spotify Traction  chorus.fm
    5. AI-Generated Band The Velvet Sundown Gains Thousands of Spotify Streams  mxdwn Music

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  • SURVIVOR SERIES: WARGAMES® TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 11

    SURVIVOR SERIES: WARGAMES® TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 11

    Tickets On Sale Friday, July 11 at 11am ET/8am PT

    Presale Access Begins Wednesday, July 9 at 11am ET/8am PT

    June 30, 2025 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), in partnership with the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Tourism Marketing District (SDTMD), today announced that tickets for Survivor Series: WarGames on Saturday, November 29 at Petco Park in San Diego will go on sale starting Friday, July 11 at 11am ET/8am PT via Ticketmaster.com.

    Presale for Survivor Series: WarGames tickets will begin Wednesday, July 9 at 11am ET/8am PT. Fans can now register to be the first to receive presale information by visiting: https://www.wwe.com/presale-registration-survivor-series-2025.

    For the fourth consecutive year, Survivor Series will feature both men’s and women’s WarGames matches.

    Additionally, Survivor Series: WarGames Pass packages will soon be available from On Location, offering fans unrivaled access to every exhilarating moment. Packages include premium seating, pre-show hospitality with WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities, and more. To learn more about Priority Passes, please visit https://onlocationexp.com/survivorseries.


    About WWE®

    WWE® is the global leader in sports entertainment. The company creates and delivers original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion households worldwide in more than 20 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, The CW and Netflix. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to all premium live events, a variety of original programming and a massive video-on-demand library. Netflix is the exclusive home for WWE programming around the world, other than select international markets. WWE is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO). Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

     

    About San Diego Tourism Marketing District

    The San Diego Tourism Marketing District (SDTMD) is a nonprofit, mutual-benefit corporation dedicated to improving lodging room night consumption in the City of San Diego. SDTMD provides a private, nonprofit funding vehicle to stimulate City of San Diego lodging room demand through tourism promotion, marketing and advertising programs. The judicious allocation of these resources creates a positive economic, fiscal and employment impact on lodging businesses in the City of San Diego. For more information, please visit: www.sdtmd.org

     

    Media Contact:

    Chuck Kingsbury
    Chuck.Kingsbury@wwe.com

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  • Will ‘F1’ Have a Sequel?: Director Suggests a Tom Cruise Crossover

    Will ‘F1’ Have a Sequel?: Director Suggests a Tom Cruise Crossover

    Warning: spoilers ahead for “F1.”

    “F1” could be on the road to getting a sequel after it broke box office records in its opening weekend.

    Joseph Kosinski, the film’s director, said in interviews published by GQ and Entertainment Weekly last weekend that it’s up to the audience to decide if a sequel should be made.

    So far, things are looking good.

    The racing drama is already being dubbed a hit after it topped box office charts in its opening weekend, grossing $144 million worldwide. In the US, “F1” beat the record for the best domestic debut for an original movie held since 2020, which was broken earlier this year by “Sinners.”

    “F1” is also Apple’s most successful theatrical debut. The movie was produced by the tech company’s original film branch, which has until now struggled to make box office hits.

    F1 has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to shows like Netflix’s documentary series “Drive to Survive” and social media platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and podcasts.

    Capitalizing on the trend, “F1” follows APXGP, an underdog Formula 1 racing team as it tries to win its first race and establish itself.

    Damson Idris plays Joshua Pearce, a rookie for APXGP who represents the modern F1 driver. JP is forced to act like a celebrity by attending influencer parties, modeling, and constantly smiling for the camera.

    Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a veteran racer whose F1 career was ruined by a near-fatal crash, is the opposite. He’s a rulebreaker who refuses to engage with the press, but APXGP is desperate, since the board plans to sell the team if they do not win their next competition.

    “I think we leave it on a really open-ended moment for Sonny, for Kate, and for Joshua,” Kosinski told GQ, referring to Kerry Condon’s character Kate, who was APXGP’s technical director. “So yeah, I think there’s certainly more to tell of the APXGP team, and where Sonny Hayes goes from here. But that’s not my decision.”


    "F1" stars Damson Idris and Brad Pitt

    “F1” is a big-budget racing movie from Apple, starring Damson Idris and Brad Pitt.

    Apple



    The ‘F1’ director proposed a ‘Days of Thunder’ crossover starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt

    In the interview with GQ, Kosinski was asked to pitch a film idea starring Tom Cruise and Pitt, as he worked with them in his last two films, “F1” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”

    Kosinski suggested the film could be a crossover with the 1990s racing drama “Days of Thunder,” which starred Tom Cruise as a rookie NASCAR driver trying to win the Daytona 500.

    Kosinski’s pitch was: “Well, right now, it’d be Cole Trickle, who was [Cruise’s] ‘Days of Thunder’ character, we find out that he and Sonny Hayes have a past. They were rivals at some point, maybe crossed paths.

    “I heard about this epic go-kart battle on ‘Interview with a Vampire’ that Brad and Tom had, and who wouldn’t pay to see those two go head-to-head on the track?” he added, referring to the 1994 movie, which starred both actors.


    Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in "Days of Thunder."

    Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in “Days of Thunder.”

    Paramount Pictures/Getty Images



    While the crossover movie is only an idea, Cruise did show up at the “F1” premiere.

    Cruise and Pitt almost starred together in the Oscar-winning racing drama “Ford v. Ferrari.” When Kosinski was chosen as the movie’s director, they were going to play the rival lead characters, Shelby and Miles.

    Kosinski told GQ that he, Pitt, and Cruise left the movie when the studio couldn’t meet his proposed budget, and James Mangold decided on a different cast.


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