From over-the-top fashion to prerace traditions, sights and sounds at venerable Churchill Downs to how a horse gets its name, even casual sports fans turn in to watch the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” or the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.”

For example, a horse co-owned by the late country singer Toby Keith participated in last year’s race.

“Keith, who died of cancer in February 2024, was a longtime horse racing enthusiast,” the Deseret News previously reported.

In 2010, Disney released a film about the Triple Crown winner Secretariat, who achieved the feat more than 50 years ago. Only four horses have accomplished the task since.

And speaking of “Big Red,” NBC reported that 19 of the 20 horses competing in this year’s Derby have Secretariat in their bloodline.

The legendary horse died in 1989.

How to watch the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby, held at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, will begin at 4:57 p.m. MDT on Saturday.

TV coverage will begin at 12:30 p.m. MDT on NBC. Peacock will have even earlier coverage beginning at 10 a.m. MDT.

Friday's for the fillies. 🐴

📺 The 152nd Kentucky Oaks | NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/1JDSNH9hom

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 1, 2026

In a very wet and muddy race last year, Sovereignty took first with an official winning time of 2:02.31.

This year’s race preview

According to ESPN, Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is the favorite to win the race this year. The winner will receive $3.1 million.

Twenty horses are set to compete, including one that lived and trained in Hurricane, Utah.

Pavlovian, a Washington County product

Pavlovian was first trained by former University of Utah football player John Brocklebank of Red Cliffs Racing, according to news accounts.

In the late 1970s, Brocklebank decided to drop football for horse racing after visiting the Draper Arena and quickly falling in love with the sport.

Brocklebank first discovered Pavlovian in November 2024, according to Fox 13. He and his wife both knew the horse was special.

Brother Derek, circa 2006

Ironically, this isn’t the first time one of Brocklebank’s horses has raced in the Derby.

In the early to mid-2000s, Brocklebank sold and trained horses with a man named Craig Tillotson.

In 2006, they sent their horse, Brother Derek, to Louisville for the big race. He was named after Tillotson’s son, who was then serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Armenia.

The horse finished just outside the top three.

How a Utah-trained colt became the Kentucky Derby favorite

Brother Derek — Thoroughbred listed as early favorite

10 career starts

Notably, Pavlovian is the most experienced horse to compete in the Kentucky Derby since California Chrome in 2014, according to Horse Racing Nation.

Pavlovian is trained by Doug O’Neill, owned by John Reddam, and ridden by Edwin Maldonado, a native of Puerto Rico.

In eight attempts, O’Neill has won the Kentucky Derby twice; I’ll Have Another in 2012, and Nyquist in 2016, according to El Paso Times.

Pavlovian has been given 30-1 odds to win the race on Saturday.

“Having 10 starts under his belt is definitely a plus,” O’Neill told reporters.

Here’s a video of the horse impatiently waiting his turn for some carrots.

Overreacting much? 😳 pic.twitter.com/veVDmicP0x

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 1, 2026

How do horses get their names?

Believe it or not, there’s actually strict criteria for naming a horse.

Some, but not all, of the requirements include the following:

Names cannot exceed 18 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Initials are not permitted.

A horse’s name cannot include horse-related terms like filly, colt, stud, mare or stallion.

Additionally, “a foal must be registered with the Jockey Club within 12 months of birth, but does not require a name until Feb. 1 of their two-year old season,” according to the Kentucky Derby website.

Names of living persons are prohibited unless permission is given by the Jockey Club.

If you’re wondering what your horse name might be, you’re in luck. The official Kentucky Derby X (formerly Twitter) account posted this:

What's your Derby horse name?

Let us know in the comments 👇 pic.twitter.com/M7g0i4bUtO

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 1, 2026

What’s the dress code?

Attending the Kentucky Derby isn’t the same as going to any old ballgame. Attendees go all out with their fashion choices.

Certain areas of the venue have specific dress codes. In one word, the dress code can be characterized as elegant.

“Think bright colors and bold patterns,” NBC Sports says.

The Derby released an official style guide on its website, with recommendations for both men and women.

The website says, “There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Derby dressing ... but the same rule goes for everyone in attendance: dress to impress.”

If there were rules, wearing a hat might be one of them.

“You can’t come to Derby without a hat,” the style guide says.

Hats!

But make them pink. 🩷 pic.twitter.com/h2GelvPJuY

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 1, 2026

Men are advised to wear tropical colors or bold stripes. Blazers are certainly a staple piece for attendees.

For women, according to the Derby’s website, skirt suits are expected to make a comeback. Crayola colors like purple, lime, orange, scarlet and violet are recommended.

With it being an all day affair, comfortable, yet classy shoes are viewed as essential.

There are multiple Pinterest boards online to look through for inspiration.

Casual attire is highly discouraged.

According to newspaper and police reports, the events began after midnight near the Motor Speedway and quickly spread to more than 10 separate locations.

In 2024, the Police Executive Research Forum wrote, “Across the country, often on a Friday or Saturday night, cities face a menacing problem: street takeovers in which dozens or hundreds of cars meet up in one location to do donuts, race, and drive recklessly.”

As hundreds of vehicles gather for reckless stunts and racing across the country, these events have triggered intensified law enforcement responses and heightened safety concerns for local residents and businesses.

Details from the Las Vegas street takeover

One such weekend “sideshow” in Las Vegas featured a car doing donuts at the Tropical Parkway and Celebration Way intersection.

Air and ground units followed the vehicle until it crashed and suspects were taken into custody, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

In total, 59 vehicles were towed or impounded, and four firearms were recovered. Of the 77 individuals involved, officials say 19 were from out of state, including 66 adults and 11 juveniles.

“Street takeovers aren’t entertainment — they’re dangerous, illegal, and put lives at risk,” the Las Vegas Metro Police Department wrote on X.

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‘A form of social currency’

A street takeover is an unauthorized gathering where drivers occupy public intersections to perform stunts and reckless driving.

They usually occur late at night, tires screeching as loud music blares from vehicles driving at video game speeds. The gatherings are not new, but officials say they are growing in several ways.

In some cases, the pop-up events can lead to violence, like shootings.

That’s exactly what happened two weeks ago in Los Angeles when four people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, per the Los Angeles Times.

Oftentimes, participants post videos on social media and get thousands of views.

“(It’s) becoming a performative crime. It’s a form of social currency,” Kimberly Przeszlowski, an assistant professor of criminal justice, told The Wall Street Journal.

Law enforcement is frequently outnumbered and can easily become overwhelmed by the large number of drivers and spectators involved.

Street takeover crisis is nationwide

There are reports of incidents in small and large communities. Here are a few examples.

Last fall, Austin, Texas, police issued a warning regarding a planned street takeover. Although the event never materialized, takeovers had become such a pervasive issue that a Violent Crimes Task Force was established to keep these illegal gatherings at bay.

Just a few weeks ago in Portland, Oregon, six people were arrested and two injured in a street takeover, reported by Fox 12 Oregon. Large crowds gathered and there were even fireworks shot off at one point.

Those arrested ranged from 18 to 25 years old.

While still relatively light outside, a dangerous street takeover occurred in Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania, last summer.

One bystander told NBC Philadelphia, “Man this intersection looks crazy. It looks like Tokyo drift.”

All this to say that the sideshow in Las Vegas recently was not an isolated event. These dangerous meetups happen all across the United States.

Are there street takeovers in Utah?

Last May, KUTV reported on motorcycle takeovers happening in South Salt Lake.

The motorcycles are often equipped with loud exhausts and ride through residential neighborhoods, according to the article.

Law enforcement officials are doing their best to put a stop to these takeovers and recognize the danger they present.

“Anytime you’re slowing down traffic, that is absolutely illegal and all of the driving patterns that usually come associated with that are definitely up to the reckless driving threshold,” motorcycle police trooper Christopher Race told KUTV.

Coincidentally, there was one incident reported in Milwaukee the same night as the one in Vegas, although local police say the main organizer of it was not from Milwaukee, per the Milwaukee Courier.

Official response

The unpredictable nature of these events makes them a moving target. Because they’re organized so quickly, law enforcement struggles to intercept them in time.

To combat this, several states have taken action.

Stateline reported at least four states — Connecticut, New York, South Carolina and Virginia — are considering legislation aimed at imposing legal consequences for street takeovers.

In Connecticut, anyone with three or more violations can have their driver’s license suspended for two years.

In Virginia, the penalties are a bit stiffer — up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or in some cases, both.

Experts say coordination between police and government officials at both the local and state level is required in order to get a real hold on these illegal happenings, according to Stateline.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the University of Michigan’s Department of Climate listed 24 tornadoes reported over the past 48 hours.

Remarkably, the region has yet to reach the peak of the season, forecasters say, as May historically remains the most active month for tornadoes.

States from Michigan to Texas have been impacted, per news reports. According to scientists, the disastrous flooding in Michigan is not an isolated event, but part of a much larger weather pattern, per Michigan news site MLive.

It’s a clear sign of global changes, the same researchers say.

Local researchers in Michigan say a warming atmosphere carries more moisture, which explains why the state is seeing heavier winter snowfall and more intense rainfall during the warmer months, per MLive.

The conditions are to blame for the recent flooding in Michigan.

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It’s not just the United States

According to The Independent, weather forecasters predict the strongest El Niño in a decade, bringing hotter, drier conditions to much of Asia.

El Niño is a climate pattern caused by weakened trade winds that shift warm surface waters toward the eastern Pacific Ocean, triggering heavy rainfall in the Americas and heat and dryness across parts of Asia and Australia, according to previous Deseret News reporting.

Regarding rising ocean temperatures, record-breaking levels are being recorded. Such drastic changes increase the risk of fish deaths and the spread of bacteria and algae, according to New Scientist.

Speaking of heat, last year was the hottest on record for the U.K., Iceland and Norway. It also ranked among Europe’s three warmest years ever, according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

By the year 2050, half of Europe’s population will be at very high risk of heat stress, according to BBC.

This summer in Spain, restaurants must reduce outdoor service or close their terraces during extreme heat if they lack adequate shade or cooling systems, according to Euronews.

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What does Old Farmer’s Almanac say?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been predicting the weather since 1792 based on science, climatology and meteorology, according to Southern Living.

The almanac just released its summer 2026 weather predictions.

The almanac predicts unusually hot conditions in July and August. Planning for periods of extended heat is advised.

Rainfall will vary by region. The Midwest, states along the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Northwest will see the most rain this summer.

Utah, along with the other Four Corners states, falls under the hot and rainy category for this summer, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac weather map. However, southern Arizona is expected to be hot and dry.

Students worry about how quickly artificial intelligence is changing careers and the job market. Many are switching majors or even reconsidering their career paths.

“We see students all the time change majors. The fact that so many students say it’s because of AI — that is startling,” said Courtney Brown, vice president of an education nonprofit, in an interview with AP.

About 70% of college students see AI as a threat to their job prospects, according to a 2025 Harvard poll.

It is uncharted territory for students, and also for the trusted sources they typically turn to, such as advisers or counselors.

A recent panel discussion at Stanford University on the future of higher education illustrated the point perfectly when Brown University President Christina Paxson said no one knows what the job market will look like in 10, 20 or 30 years, per The Associated Press.

“None of us know. We don’t know the answer to that,” Paxson said.

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What can students do?

A recent article from Fortune outlines the most susceptible jobs to the AI revolution. The article also mentions that due to advancements in AI, having a college degree doesn’t hold as much weight as it used to.

Students who do choose to pursue a degree have a couple of options.

First, they can lean into AI.

“People who know to use AI will be very valuable,” said Ben Aybar, a recent computer science graduate from the University of Chicago.

He’s not wrong. As AI continues to integrate into society, its influence is only expected to grow, which means that knowing how to use it is increasingly valuable in today’s job market.

Fortune lists sales and customer service representatives, computer programmers, data scientists and web developers as some of the most AI-heavy occupations.

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AI-proof jobs

The other option is to seek out less AI-driven fields, such as manual labor or the arts.

The occupations Fortune identified as least affected by AI nearly all center around physical labor and human-led machinery operation.

Generally speaking, AI has yet to disrupt most blue-collar roles.

It may feel like AI has infiltrated nearly every classroom, but students seeking an AI-proof career path should consider programs such as construction management, civil engineering or environmental science.

The reality is that, contrary to popular belief, there actually are AI-proof jobs out there. As mentioned, most of them are in the healthcare industry or blue collar work.

Some of these jobs, according to a recent Microsoft study, include:

• Tire repair
• Ship engineer
• Embalmers
• Hazardous material removal
• Nursing assistants

The study makes it clear that the jobs least threatened by AI involve one or more of the following: manual activity, use of machines and human interaction.

With this in mind, college students may be better off opting for trade schools; these institutions focus on essential industries that remain in high demand despite economic shifts or the rise of AI.

Many Gen Zers are trading college for trade school

Why more young adults are shifting to trade work

It’s hard to replicate human creativity

The Associated Press details the account of Ava Lawless, who is currently majoring in data science at the University of Virginia, but is considering switching to studio art, which is her minor.

She feels unsure about her chances of landing a job postgraduation due to the evolving AI landscape.

“If I’m going to be unemployed, I might as well do something I love,” she said.

Making the transition may not be a bad idea, because while AI does possess impressive creative capabilities, it can’t quite mirror human talent and skill.

There’s a market for it as well. Liberal arts have long been and will be appreciated in today’s society, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.

In a statement on X, Epic Games said, “anyone who purchased one of these items will be able to get an immediate self-service refund. And, right now, players who request refunds for D4vd cosmetics via player support can be refunded.”

The 21-year-old pop singer had several cosmetic items added to Fortnite to promote his recent music.

D4vd first rose to prominence through the game, frequently sharing clips of his gameplay online with his music in the background, according to NBC Los Angeles.

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The allegations against D4vd

D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Officials said Hernandez had threatened to expose their relationship, per The Associated Press.

Burke pleaded not guilty to the murder charge last week.

Hernandez’s remains were discovered in September 2025 in an abandoned Tesla registered under Burke’s name.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman called Burke a “charged sexual predator,” describing the murder as “horrific and gruesome” in nature, as reported by Complex.

Burke’s lawyers said in a statement, per People magazine, “Let us be clear — actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death. David has only been detained under suspicion.”

D4vd will appear in court on May 1 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted as charged, he could face the death penalty.

Will Fortnite remove D4vd cosmetic items?

Epic Games has yet to remove the D4vd cosmetic items from Fortnite. Instead, the company is offering full refunds to players who previously purchased the content.

The community remains divided; many social media users are demanding the items be pulled immediately, while others expect the developer to wait for a final court verdict.

In addition to AI, photo-editing techniques were used to translate skeletal data into a realistic human form.

The Pompeii Archaeological Park developed the digital portrait in partnership with the University of Padua. The image was posted on the park’s Facebook page.

The portrait shows a man attempting to flee the city toward the coast. Researchers found the man holding a mortar, believing he was attempting to shield himself from falling volcanic rock.

This aligns with ancient accounts detailing citizens of Pompeii using various objects to protect themselves during the eruption.

Archaeologists also found the man carrying an oil lamp, an iron ring, and 10 bronze coins.

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What is Pompeii and how to visit?

Ironically, the very ash and pumice that buried Pompeii, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Naples, also preserved it, along with the remains of thousands of its inhabitants.

It’s now one of the most popular tourist sites in Italy.

In fact, in 2025, it was the most visited UNESCO site in the country, with over 4 million visitors.

An Italian tourism website recommends buying tickets in advance and visiting on a weekday or during the off-season.

The archaeological site is accessible by train, but requires a lot of walking once you get there.

The two deaths occurred in Texas; one in Wise County and the other in Parker County, reported by local authorities.

“This relentless stretch of severe weather has turned deadly in Texas,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

Winds in the area reached 135 mph on Saturday, according to National Weather Service teams.

Parker County Emergency Services said in a Facebook post that crews responded to more than 70 emergency calls on Sunday.

Other states affected

Twenty-eight tornadoes have been confirmed across the South and central U.S. since Thursday, according to Fox Weather.

Rare twin tornadoes were spotted over the weekend in Oklahoma.

The storm ripped roofs off of homes, flattened buildings and downed trees. At least 40 homes were damaged.

According to the Oklahoman, the state has already seen 49 tornadoes this year.

A train flipped over on its side in southeast Kansas due to storms there. Four-inch hail was reported in Marion, Kansas.

Kansas City, Missouri, experienced flooding Monday morning. Starting around 6 a.m., the fire department conducted 11 water rescues from vehicles, according to multiple sources.

In Georgia, heavy rainfall slowed wildfires. Crews responded to 10 new blazes on Sunday, with the largest covering over 50 square miles in an area filled with highly combustible dead trees, per The Associated Press.

The second-largest fire has been burning since April 20, destroying at least 87 homes, and is only 6% contained.

Severe storms continue in the Midwest

Midwest mauling: Dozens of tornadoes tear across heartland

Forecast

More than 64 million people in the Midwest are at risk.

As of Monday afternoon, the most significant threat of intense tornadoes looms over southern Illinois and eastern Missouri, according to CNN. The Storm Prediction Center issued a 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather in those areas on Monday.

Parts of Illinois and Indiana are under a severe thunderstorm watch until Monday evening.

Storms are expected to die down by Wednesday.

Fortunately, the entertainment publication Variety has the inside scoop — or inside banana, if you will — on the friendly primate.

In the film “Michael,” which was released Friday, Jackson tells his mother the animals are his friends, rather than pets, noting that his fame made it difficult to form bonds with people.

Other “friends” featured on the big screen include a llama, rat, giraffe and python.

The movie includes a scene of Bubbles being delivered to the Hayvenhurst compound, much to the concern of Jackson’s parents and siblings.

Jackson rescued Bubbles from a Texas research facility in the 1980s.

He then proceeded to go on tour with Jackson, visit government officials in foreign countries, and attend weddings.

Bubbles followed Jackson to Neverland Ranch, where he slept in a crib in Jackson’s bedroom, according to Variety.

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Where is he now?

The chimp eventually became too large and aggressive, leading to a stint with an animal trainer before finally moving to the Center for Great Apes, an ape sanctuary located in Florida, in 2005, where he has remained ever since.

Founding director Patti Ragan told Variety that Jackson was making plans to visit Bubbles before the singer’s death in 2009.

Bubbles, now 43 years old and about 170 pounds, has helped raise several young primates at Great Apes. Ragan says despite being considered an “elderly primate,” he’s great with the “youngsters.”

He also enjoys spending time with his good friend Oopsy, a 52-year-old chimpanzee.

The New York Times reports that Bubbles could be the subject of his own biopic; however, no official announcement has been made.

According to CNN, Japanese researchers used recently discovered fossils to compare jaw sizes with modern species and found that these ancient cephalopods reached lengths of 23 to 62 feet, with the largest specimens far exceeding any octopus alive today.

The fossils were discovered in Japan and Vancouver Island using a new technology called digital fossil mining, which utilizes AI to create 3D imaging, per Science Focus.

Scientists explained that it’s very rare to find fossil evidence of octopuses because most of their bodies are soft. They don’t have many hard parts that preserve well, outside of jaws, and fossilization favors hard materials.

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What are the implications?

While sharks and other vertebrate predators were long thought to rule the oceans, new fossil evidence reveals that these octopuses likely vied for the position of apex predator as well.

These creatures weren’t your average octopus however.

“Our study shows that these were not simply large versions of modern octopuses. They were giant predators at the very top of the Cretaceous marine food web,” Yasuhiro Iba, a professor at Hokkaido University and one of the co-authors of the study, said, according to People.

Evidence of heavy scarring on the creatures’ beaks startled paleontologists, signaling a feeding strategy far more aggressive than previously assumed.

In addition to their size and strength, octopuses are also known to be quite smart and use that intelligence to capture prey.

According to National Geographic, some giant Pacific octopuses even know how to open jars and solve mazes.

“Like modern octopuses, it may have relied on intelligence to find, capture and consume its prey,” Iba told CNN.

Through digital fossil mining, Iba hopes to continue uncovering the secrets buried deep within the seabed.

Based in Sweden, Spotify was founded in April 2006.

For its 20-year anniversary, Spotify made a special announcement.

“For the first time, we’re unveiling the most streamed artists, albums, songs, podcasts, and audiobooks in our history,” the company said.

Each list ranks the top 20 in its category. Spotify did not share specific streaming data or numbers. Let’s dive in.

Who are the most streamed artists of all time?

The top spot is no surprise: Taylor Swift, who also has two albums in the top 20 most-streamed albums of all time.

Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, who headlined this year’s Super Bowl, checks in at No. 2, followed by Drake, The Weeknd and Ariana Grande.

Recent Coachella headliner Justin Bieber checks in at No. 7.

Kanye West, who released his latest album in late March, comes in at No. 10, right in between fellow rappers Eminem at No. 9 and Travis Scott at No. 11.

Another rapper, Juice WRLD, who died in 2019 at age 21, rounds out the list of the most-streamed artists of all time at No. 20.

What are the most streamed songs of all time?

The Weeknd’s 2019 hit “Blinding Lights” is the most-streamed song on Spotify.

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” follows at No. 2; the track is featured on the album “÷ (Deluxe),” which is the third most-streamed album of all time.

“Perfect,” another song from that album, appears at No. 9.

“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood is No. 3.

The Weeknd appears again at No. 4 with “Starboy,” featuring Daft Punk.

“Starboy” is the title track of the album of the same name, which is the second most-streamed album of all time.

Why do young people treat Spotify Wrapped like a holiday?

What are the most streamed albums of all time?

1. “Un Verano Sin Ti” — Bad Bunny
2. “Starboy” — The Weeknd
3. “÷ (Deluxe)” — Ed Sheeran
4. “SOUR” — Olivia Rodrigo
5. “After Hours” — The Weeknd

Bad Bunny’s 2020 album, “YHLQMDLG,” is No. 15 in the top 20.

The Weeknd has three albums in the top 20: “Starboy,” “After Hours” and “Beauty Behind The Madness,” which rank at No. 2, No. 5 and No. 20, respectively.

Olivia Rodrigo was 18 years old when “SOUR” came out. It includes hits like “deja vu” and “good 4 u.”

Utah resident Post Malone, the 13th most-streamed artist of all time, has two albums in the top 20: 2019’s “Hollywood’s Bleeding” at No. 7 and 2018’s “beerbongs & bentleys” at No. 12.

At No. 13 is “?” by rapper XXXTENTACION, who was murdered in 2018 at age 20.

Podcasts and audiobooks

For those whose commutes favor true crime podcasts or self-help audiobooks over Drake or Billie Eilish, these lists reveal which favorites made the cut.

Unsurprisingly, “The Joe Rogan Experience” is the most streamed podcast of all time. Right behind that is a conversational German comedy podcast called “Gemischtes Hack.”

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Nine of the top 20 podcasts fall into the true crime or murder mystery categories.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s first book in “The Lord of the Rings” series, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” is the second-most-streamed audiobook, topped only by “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas.

Similar to “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is the first book of a trilogy.

Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” cracks the list at No. 11.

It’s no Spotify Wrapped. Those lists usually show up in the last 30 days of the year. But these lists sure are fun.

According to The Associated Press, late last year, Warner Bros. almost struck a $72 billion deal with Netflix, but then Paramount offered more money.

Paramount crashes Netflix’s Warner Bros. deal with $108 billion hostile bid

The deal combines two major Hollywood studios and brings CNN under the same ownership, with David Ellison, the son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, set to lead the company.

Ellison has a goal of releasing 30 movies a year between Paramount and Warner, according to The Associated Press.

Under the Netflix plan, CNN would have become an independent entity; under Paramount, it remains integrated with the parent company.

Together, the two studios would own intellectual property ranging from “SpongeBob Squarepants” to “Harry Potter.”

Paramount would also take over assets like TNT, Food Network, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet, according to Fox Business.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav could receive up to $887 million if the sale is completed. A majority of shareholders voted against this compensation, but the vote is nonbinding, meaning Warner Bros. still has the final say, per the Los Angeles Times.

According to CNN, the vote was a pro forma and somewhat anticlimactic, but still necessary.

moment in the monthslong struggle for control of WBD, one of the biggest media companies in the world.

The merger still requires final approval from the U.S. Justice Department and international regulators before it can be completed.

Per CNN, some state AGs are monitoring that decision an the deal package.

Hollywood takes aim at Paramount-Warner Bros. merger in open letter

A group of at least 4,194 filmmakers, directors and actors is opposed to the deal, citing the threat of lost jobs, higher costs for consumers, and fewer TV shows and movies.

An open letter from the group reads, “As filmmakers, documentarians and professionals across the movie and television industry, we write to express our unequivocal opposition to the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.”

The 14,000-mile drive took them through 22 countries and lasted over 4½ months, according to The Associated Press.

“It was so ridiculous I couldn’t say no,” Ollie Jenks said of the moment his friend, Seth Scott, pitched the idea, according to media reports.

Their Instagram page, Hold My Gear, aptly summarizes the trip in its bio: “14,000 miles, 3 wheels, and 0 common sense.”

Has anything like this been done before?

In 2005, Susi Bemsel and Daniel Snaider traveled 23,245 miles in a tuk-tuk (auto-rickshaw) from Thailand to Germany, according to the Guinness World Records site.

A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled, open-air vehicle commonly used for taxi services in developing nations.

In 2013, Nick Gough and Richard Sears traveled even further: 26,172 miles, per CNN.

Both of these achievements, however, remain separate from Jenks and Scott’s record-breaking drive.

The reason they are classified differently is that those journeys were completed in tuk-tuks, whereas Jenks and Scott used a Reliant Robin — a three-wheeler notoriously famous for its tendency to tip over, according the Guinness site.

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The Reliant Robin wasn’t very reliable

Though they went out of production in the early 2000s, Reliant Robins maintain a cult following in the U.K., acording to AP, thanks to the sitcom “Only Fools and Horses.”

The British-made car was described by Jenks, according to The Associated Press, as the most unsuitable car for “probably any journey.” In fact, the car’s designer told the travelers he was frightened to drive it more than 20 miles.

Yet, Jenks and Scott (and Sheila) did it anyway.

And when they faced trouble, Reliant Robin enthusiasts from back home stepped up, helping find a new engine when theirs blew up.

More chaos ensued. Sheila needed her wheel springs replaced in the first two weeks, per The Associated Press.

Eventually, however, the car “rattled” into Cape Town, barely making it the last 1,000 miles.

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Where is Sheila now?

The silver three-wheeler sits on display in South Africa temporarily, as reported by CNN.

She’ll travel to Kenya, then board a ship to Turkey, and make one last trip back to the U.K.

There, she’ll be taken to the London Transport Museum.

She’ll rest now and be given the service she deserves, Jenks said, as told by AP.

The holiday serves as a dual reminder to appreciate the planet’s beauty and commit to its preservation.

And for many, that starts with a simple, modern mandate: “touch grass.”

What does it mean to ‘touch grass’?

The phrase has become a staple for younger demographics, for whom nine hours of daily smartphone use is the norm.

Regardless of our age, social media often pulls us in until we are trapped in a cycle of “doomscrolling” — another modern shorthand (much like “touching grass”) popularized by journalist Karen K. Ho.

Merriam-Webster defines the phrase ‘touch grass’ as participating in normal activities in the real world especially as opposed to online experiences and interactions.

It implies that when someone spends too much time on their phone or playing video games, they need to get outside and reconnect with the world around them.

Even Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has entered the fray, calling social media a “cancer” in a video posted on X late last year — a move described as a “scathing takedown of social media giants,” as reported by the Deseret News.

“This is your sign to log off and touch grass,” Cox wrote in the caption.

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Others refer to it as grounding.

Many professionals argue that the physical act of walking barefoot may actually foster greater emotional well-being.

On any given Saturday night during football season, BYU’s starting quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, can be seen walking onto the turf barefoot.

The Bear walking barefoot on Jerry’s turf pic.twitter.com/diuPKuwG1E

— Derek Duke (@DerekDuke25) December 6, 2025

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The grass roots of ‘touching grass’

The Associated Press states that the idea has been around for well over a century, beginning with a 19th-century German Catholic priest who promoted barefoot walking to stimulate circulation and support overall health.

His philosophy inspired barefoot trails across Europe and the United States.

The practice of walking barefoot can “transform a routine walk into an immersive experience,” in the words of Kelvin Chan and Cheyanne Mumphrey, that brings people “down to earth” — hence why it’s called grounding.

Finding your footing: Easy ways to get started

If the idea of hiking barefoot feels a step too far, don’t worry — there are simpler ways to “touch grass.”

You could visit a local park, start a garden, or even enjoy a bonfire with friends.

The key is to leave your phone behind and enjoy the fresh air. Taking your shoes off is an added benefit.

National Geographic recommends simple actions like placing a potted plant on your desk or looking up at the night sky.

On a day dedicated to the preservation of our world, there is perhaps no more sincere tribute than to kick off our shoes and reconnect with the the beautiful planet beneath our feet.

As of late Monday, eight people remained hospitalized, according to wire reports. Four individuals had gunshot wounds, while two others sustained injuries from falling.

By early Tuesday, five of the victims had been released from the hospital, officials said.

The youngest person injured was 6; the oldest, 61, according to Mexican authorities.

Who was the shooter and what happened?

Around 11:20 a.m. local time, authorities were notified of a shooting involving a man they identified as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez.

Videos appear to show the man pacing, gun in hand, atop a pyramid while people ducked for cover. He was on the same platform as about 60 tourists, according to The Associated Press.

“Don’t move, or I’ll sacrifice you,” he told civilians lying on the ground, according to the New York Post. While some remained, others opted to flee; at least two people were injured on their way down the pyramid.

Ramirez expressed hatred for tourists and played strange music, according to one visitor from Boise, Idaho.

When the National Guard confronted him, he “fired a weapon at the National Guard members, who returned fire,” according to Cristobal Castaneda Camarillo, security secretary for the State of Mexico.

“There were thousands of people there and there were a lot of gunshots that just kept coming,” one tourist at the scene said.

Ramirez was wounded in the leg and by 11:45 a.m., he had taken his own life. Authorities say he worked alone and officials found a firearm, a knife and 52 rounds of ammunition in his backpack.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has no record of the .38-caliber firearm used by Ramirez dating back to 1968.

What did the shooter bring with him?

Authorities say Ramirez had carefully scouted the scene before opening fire, per The Associated Press.

He carried a tactical-style backpack containing a phone, bus tickets, and an AI-modified image of himself alongside the Columbine High School shooters from 1999.

Monday marked the 27th anniversary of that incident.

According to José Luis Cervantes Martínez, Mexico’s attorney general, the shooter’s psychopathic profile is one “characterized by a tendency to copy situations that occurred in other places, at other times, and involving other figures.”

Monday, April 20, was also Adolf Hitler’s birthday.

Cervantes Martínez said authorities also found literature, images and manuscripts related to violent incidents that have occurred in the United States.

What officials are saying

“What happened today in Teotihuacan deeply hurts us. I express my most sincere solidarity with the people affected and their families,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum noted federal, state and local agencies have all been involved.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed gratitude to Sheinbaum for her attention to the tragedy.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed these sentiments on X, stating: “As a result of a horrific act of gun violence, a Canadian was killed and another wounded in Teotihuacan, Mexico. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones, and Global Affairs consular officials are in touch to provide assistance.”

Three Colombians, one Russian and two Brazilians were also injured. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry is coordinating with the respective embassies to support the injured foreign nationals.

“We stand ready to support as needed as Mexican authorities continue their investigation. Our prayers are with those affected and their families,” Ronald Johnson, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, wrote on X.

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World Cup implications

In June and July, Mexico will welcome over 5.5 million visitors for the FIFA World Cup.

The country will host a total of 13 games in three different cities. Safety and security are top priorities.

As one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, the Teotihuacan pyramids were proposed by Mexican officials as a venue for an immersive nighttime show for fans.

Due to the shooting, the area will remain closed until further notice. It could reopen before the World Cup begins.

BBC reported Sheinbaum plans to secure the tournament with 100,000 personnel, including 20,000 troops and 55,000 police and private security staff. Logistics include 2,500 vehicles, 24 aircraft, 33 drones, and explosive-detection dogs.

Hunter Perrin told The Associated Press that he and his wife had no idea that a blue hot-air balloon with gold stars and a crescent moon was landing in their backyard.

But there it was.

No damage or injuries were reported in the incident. In fact, somehow, the ginormous balloon carrying 13 people landed perfectly in the Perrins’ 10-foot-wide backyard.

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2024 Photo gallery: Up, up and away

“It was unbelievable,” said Jenna Perrin, who was doing yoga at the time of the balloon’s emergency landing.

According to officials, the emergency landing was due to low fuel and a shift in winds.

It wasn’t until a neighbor came and knocked on the Perrins’ door that they realized what was going on.

“I open the sliding glass door, and there’s a basket full of thirteen people in my backyard!” Hunter Perrin told a local news outlet.

Passengers then disembarked as the operator, with the help of neighbors, guided the balloon over the house and onto the street.

A balloon landed in a Southern California backyard — a balloon with 13 people. The enormous hot air balloon, with a pilot and passengers in the basket, descended perfectly Saturday on a small plot of grass at a home in Temecula. pic.twitter.com/KXJyuQWTqI

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 21, 2026

The owner of the hot-air balloon company said the pilot had “exercised great judgment” and “done the right thing,” according to The Associated Press,

It’s an annual donation, dating back to 2019, made through the Utah Pork Producers Association, or UPPA, in collaboration with Daily’s Premium Meats.

The three football teams joined forces to form a human chain, passing heavy boxes down an assembly line.

Players from Southern Utah and Utah State wore their team jerseys, while the four BYU players worked alongside them in matching team gear.

It was the quintessential example of the old adage: Many hands make light work.

In less than 10 minutes, the players had loaded two full pallets worth of thick sliced bacon.

The donation will provide over 100,000 servings to Utah families in need.

What the players said

One player from each football team expressed gratitude for their participation in this service project and their university’s desire to give back, each ending their brief remarks with a spirited “Go (mascot).”

“We at SUU are so grateful to have made the trip (up to Salt Lake City) today to serve and be a part of something so special,” Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner, a defensive back for the Thunderbirds, said.

Legend Glasker, a BYU freshman, shared with the Deseret News that the service reminds him of how Jesus Christ served while on the earth.

And last but not least, George Maile, an offensive linemen for the Utah State Aggies, said, “We’re thrilled and grateful to help out families in need and address food insecurity across Utah.”

What UPPA and Utah Food Bank representatives said

A press release from the association says, “UPPA strives to positively impact the industry and beyond with a focus on sustainable practices and community support.”

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“Too many families in our community are struggling to put food on the table,” said Todd Ballard, UPPA president.

Since 2019, the UPPA has donated more than 200,000 pounds of meat to Utah Food Bank, according to the release.

“We’re thankful to UPPA, Daily’s Meats, and BYU, USU, and SUU Athletics for their generosity and commitment to our community,” said Ginette Bott, president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank.

#Coachella Weekend 2 had surprises from Madonna, SZA, Peso Pluma, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish.

But the biggest surprise might just be that it crushed Weekend 1.https://t.co/SnhOIarY2P pic.twitter.com/YZfenIwIUW

— Variety (@Variety) April 20, 2026

It was a full circle moment for the 67-year-old, who performed “Confessions on the Dance Floor” for the first time in the United States at Coachella 20 years ago in the exact same outfit.

“You can imagine what a thrill it is for me to be back 20 years later in the same boots, the same corset, the jacket I had on earlier, the same Gucci jacket. It’s very meaningful for me,” Madonna said on stage.

Last week, leading up to Coachella, Madonna announced the sequel album to “Confessions on a Dance Floor” from 2005, “Confessions II,” set to be released July 3.

The pair sang three songs together, including one from Madonna’s upcoming album.

Her manager, Guy Oseary, said he doesn’t know if she’ll tour again, saying, “Whatever makes her happy, I’m all there,” in an interview with Variety.

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Justin Bieber followed the same blueprint as last week, performing songs from his new albums “SWAG” and “SWAG II,” and pulling up some of his oldies on YouTube.

What was different this time around, however, was first, the guest artists he brought out, and second, how much he interacted with the crowd — or perhaps more importantly, how much he let the crowd interact with him.

For several songs, he left the stage and walked along the barricade, embracing fans in the front row and singing with his back right up against the barrier, letting screaming fangirls wrap their arms around him. Stunningly, he didn’t seem to care; in one instance, he even gently pulled a girl’s arm further around him.

This was all topped off by continuing one of his most famous traditions on tour — “One Less Lonely Girl.”

And this time, instead of choosing a random girl in the audience, Bieber selected, with some help from his wife Hailey, singer Billie Eilish, who grew up with Justin Bieber posters in her childhood bedroom.

Due to this level of extreme fandom, she could hardly make it up the slanted stage to the stool Bieber had prepared for her. A video of this is below.

She was collapsing 😭 pic.twitter.com/diUJQWtWRj

— Angéline 〚|〛 (fan acc) (@drwnakavia) April 19, 2026

Bieber’s been outspoken about his love for Eilish and desire to protect her from the music industry and fame at such a young age.

Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish / Coachella pic.twitter.com/3P3H0wvC93

— PopNews (@popnewx) April 19, 2026

Similar to Bieber, Eilish also began her singing career at a very young age.

Eilish’s mom took to Instagram to thank Justin and Hailey Bieber for the once-in-a-lifetime moment they created for her daughter, Billie.

“I’m so grateful to Justin Bieber for the kindness he has shown Billie and to our whole family. (It was) one of the most touching moments ever,” Billie’s mother, Maggie, wrote on Instagram.

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The first weekend of Coachella, Bieber brought out The Kid LAROI, Tems, Dijon, Wizkid and Mk.gee.

The second weekend, he brought out Sexxy Red, SZA, Dijon and Big Sean.

After performing “As Long As You Love Me” and “No Pressure,” Big Sean took time to recognize and appreciate Bieber.

“God has his hands on you,” he told Bieber.

“You dedicated your whole life to this, you gave us your whole life. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you, bro.”

“In a world where everyone’s trying to take over the world, you give over the world, bro.”

His remarks seemed to perfectly encapsulate Bieber’s journey. They can be viewed here.

Which states could see a tornado?

Parts of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin could see strong tornadoes Friday afternoon, according to weather forecasters.

There is a 220-mile-wide corridor of potential tornado activity running all the way from the Des Moines area to the Madison area.

All of eastern Iowa is under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. Friday.

Chicago could see damaging winds, large hail and potentially even tornadoes. Storms are expected to develop between 5 p.m. and midnight.

Several counties in Wisconsin are under tornado watch as well, with the highest chance of a tornado between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday.

Southeast Minnesota and far northeast Missouri are also under tornado watch.

The following tornado was sighted in Rochester, Minnesota, early Friday afternoon.

🚨 #BREAKING: A tornado has just touched down in Rochester. A Level 2 tornado threat is now unfolding across the Plains and Midwest, with conditions rapidly intensifying. More tornadoes are expected as the day progresses.#MNwx pic.twitter.com/y8mX20I82Z

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) April 17, 2026

Wind gusts in Missouri could get up to 85 mph. At least two tornadoes were confirmed in Missouri earlier this week.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in Oklahoma until 9 p.m. Friday. The threat is considered low.

As of Friday afternoon, tornado watches are in effect for nearly 14 million from Wisconsin to Oklahoma, according to CNN meteorologists.

Other conditions

Hurricane-force wind gusts and hailstones greater than 3.5 inches in diameter are expected.

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour could lead to flash flooding in some areas.

In fact, CNN reports that rivers in Michigan and Wisconsin have already hit record flood levels in over 20 locations.

Despite the storms, many states have seen temperatures up to the low 90s.

The hot weather won’t last long though; once these storms pass, a projected cold front will drop temperatures significantly.

This news was announced at Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday.

New films from existing franchises Star Trek, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Top Gun are all in development at @ParamountPics! #CinemaCon #CinemaCon2026

— CinemaCon (@CinemaCon) April 16, 2026

Fans can also likely expect Miles Teller’s “Rooster” and Glen Powell’s “Hangman” to return to the cockpit when the franchise makes its next big-screen appearance.

The third installment in the franchise has been in the works for several years now, but Thursday’s CinemaCon announcement confirmed that scripting is officially in progress.

In 2022, 36 years after the 1986 original, Cruise returned for “Top Gun: Maverick.”

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Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the sequel arrived as the definitive post-pandemic blockbuster, delivering the high-octane spectacle audiences had been craving.

Grossing $1.5 billion on a $170 million budget, it became the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s career — an incredible milestone considering the global dominance of the “Mission: Impossible” films.

The film’s success all but guaranteed a sequel; however, while Paramount confirms development is underway, a director and release date have yet to be announced.

The former shoe company will now be known as NewBird AI and will shift its focus to buying GPUs after signing a $50 million agreement with an unnamed investor, according to The Associated Press.

The move sent the company’s stock prices up more than 600% on Wednesday.

A few weeks ago, the company sold its intellectual property and assets to American Exchange Group for $39 million.

Based in San Francisco, the company is in the midst of the ongoing chip war that practically every firm in Silicon Valley is fighting. The business ultimately decided it was better at being a public vehicle for tech than a shoe retailer.

The group will essentially be renting out computing power to tech startups, per CNN Business.

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Why the change?

Declining sales, store closures and a plummeting stock all played a role.

“Allbirds has gone from being a high-flyer to a dead parrot,” one analyst said.

Earlier this month, Forbes reported that shares had plunged 99.5% from its November 2021 high of $521, leaving the company with just $21 million of its former $4 billion peak valuation.

According to the company’s news release, the decision was driven by an AI computing demand “that the market is struggling to meet.”

“NewBird AI is being built to help close that gap,” the release later said.

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An AI expert, Bill Kleyman, says it seems everyone wants to be an AI company nowadays and that $50 million is relatively cheap to get started, according to The Associated Press.

The transition from selling sneakers to offering AI infrastructure is almost unparalleled.

Analysts regard it as a high-risk move, warning that the company lacks the necessary expertise and capital to compete with well-established cloud industry leaders.

Ending Tuesday with a market cap of $21 million, the company saw its shares skyrocket from $3 to over $17 following Wednesday’s announcement.