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Joaquin Castro calls for federal probe of Warner Bros. over handling of ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ on November 14, 2023 at 11:15 pm Business News | The Hill

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Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called for a federal investigation into Warner Bros. Discovery over the organization’s handling of “Coyote vs. Acme.”

“The @WBD tactic of scrapping fully made films for tax breaks is predatory and anti-competitive,” Castro said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The studio reversed its decision to shelve the live-action and animation hybrid movie after The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Warner Bros. shot down the film, making it one of several nearly completed projects to be nixed for tax write-offs in recent months.

The cancellation sparked outcry from the creative community. After news broke of the Coyote shelving, several filmmakers instructed their representatives to cancel meetings they had planned with the company.

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After the outrage, the company announced it would be allowing director Dave Green to sell the movie to other potential buyers. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Amazon is a contender, but screenings for other buyers will be happening this month.

The discussion comes after federal investigators have opened antitrust lawsuits in various other industries including tech, with Microsoft and Google, and entertainment, with Ticketmaster and Live Nation.

“As the Justice Department and @FTC revise their antitrust guidelines they should review this conduct,” Castro’s post said referencing the film and entertainment studio. “As someone remarked, it’s like burning down a building for the insurance money.”

According to filmmaker Brian Duffield, Coyote creator Green did everything right. He delivered the film on budget at $72 million, hit the right test scores and moved away from his home in London to save the studio money on post-production costs, the Hollywood Reporter said.

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Film executives noted that shelving a movie for a tax write-off, avoiding distribution and marketing costs, can make an earnings quarter look better but can also be short-sighted.

Castro previously wrote letters to the Justice Department asking for them to examine the state of competition following the merger of Warner Media and Discovery. He said he applauds the antitrust enforcement agency’s efforts to modernize guidelines around federal mergers.

Still, he asked them to examine the merger because “protecting competition for workers and consumers is the essence of antitrust law.”

“The antitrust laws seek to promote consumer choice, product variety, and industry innovation,” Castro’s Apr. 7 letter said. “Accordingly, if a consummated merger results in dramatically less available content and discourages innovation, the merger should be reassessed.”

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​Business, In The Know, News, antitrust, antitrust legislation, Coyote vs. Acme, discovery, filmmaking, Justice Department, Warner Bros. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) called for a federal investigation into Warner Bros. Discovery over the organization’s handling of “Coyote vs. Acme.” “The @WBD tactic of scrapping fully made films for tax breaks is predatory and anti-competitive,” Castro said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The studio reversed its decision to shelve the live-action…  

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David Sacks: The New White House AI and Crypto Czar

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According to CNBC and NBC News, David Sacks, a prominent venture capitalist and former PayPal executive, has been appointed as the White House AI and Crypto Czar by President-elect Donald Trump. This newly created position underscores the incoming administration’s focus on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency as critical areas for American competitiveness.

Role and Responsibilities

Sacks will be tasked with several key responsibilities in his new role:

  1. Guiding policy for the administration in AI and cryptocurrency
  2. Establishing a legal and regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry
  3. Safeguarding free speech online, and steering away from Big Tech bias and censorship
  4. Leading the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology

Trump emphasized that Sacks will focus on making America the clear global leader in both AI and cryptocurrency.

Background and Qualifications

David Sacks brings a wealth of experience to his new position:

Sacks is also known for his close associations with tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, being part of the “PayPal Mafia“.

Political Involvement

Sacks has been a vocal supporter of Trump during his campaign:

Implications for AI and Crypto Industries

The appointment of Sacks signals a potential shift towards more crypto-friendly policies and regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry. This move, along with Trump’s nomination of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, marks a departure from the stricter oversight approach seen under the previous administration.

As the White House AI and Crypto Czar, Sacks is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of these rapidly evolving technologies in the United States, potentially influencing their development and adoption on a global scale.

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Bitcoin Surpasses $100,000 Milestone: A New Era for Cryptocurrency

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In a historic moment for the cryptocurrency world, Bitcoin has officially surpassed the $100,000 mark, reaching a new all-time high and solidifying its position as a major player in the global financial landscape. This milestone comes amid a surge of investor enthusiasm and significant market developments.

The Breakthrough

Bitcoin breached the $100,000 threshold in the early hours of December 5, 2024, climbing to approximately $103,000 before experiencing a slight pullback, according to BBC News. This remarkable achievement represents a culmination of Bitcoin’s impressive performance throughout 2024, with the cryptocurrency’s value on an upward trajectory for most of the year.

Factors Driving the Surge

Several key factors have contributed to Bitcoin’s meteoric rise:

  1. Political Influence: The recent U.S. presidential election, with Donald Trump’s victory, has played a significant role in boosting Bitcoin’s price. Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance and his promise to make the U.S. a “crypto capital” have fueled investor optimism, according to BBC News and AP News.
  2. Regulatory Developments: According to AP News, the imminent appointment of Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner known for his crypto-friendly views, as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been seen as a positive sign for the cryptocurrency industry.
  3. Institutional Adoption: According to BBC News, the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the SEC has allowed major investment firms like Blackrock, Fidelity, and Grayscale to offer Bitcoin-linked products, attracting billions in investments.
  4. Market Dynamics: The recent Bitcoin halving event, which reduced the rate of new Bitcoin creation, has contributed to increased scarcity and demand.
Source: Perplexity AI (via screenshot)

Expert Opinions and Predictions

Analysts and industry experts have weighed in on Bitcoin’s future prospects:

Cautions and Considerations

While the mood is largely optimistic, experts also urge caution:

Looking Ahead

As Bitcoin enters this new phase, the cryptocurrency community is abuzz with speculation about its future trajectory. While some predict further gains, others caution against overexuberance. The coming months will likely be crucial in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its position above $100,000 and potentially reach even greater heights.

With increased institutional involvement, evolving regulatory landscapes, and growing mainstream acceptance, Bitcoin’s journey past the $100,000 mark may well be just the beginning of a new chapter in the cryptocurrency’s history.

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The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.

Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.

Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.

Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.

In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.

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Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.

These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.

As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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