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  • Live Updates: Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs take on Bam Adebayo’s Heat on Peacock

    Live Updates: Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs take on Bam Adebayo’s Heat on Peacock

    Jared McCain is back in Philadelphia tonight as the Thunder take on the 76ers on League Pass.

    What we know about Monday night’s games:

    • Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs take on Bam Adebayo’s Heat in a matchup of top-notch centers on NBC Sports Network and Peacock (7 ET).
    • Our national TV doubleheader also features Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks taking on Draymond Green’s Warriors (9:30 ET).
    • Jared McCain returns to Philadelphia after being traded to Oklahoma City at the deadline (7 ET).

    MARCH 21, 2026 // 8:04 ET

    Wemby is everywhere

    The Spurs’ center (11 pts, 3 blk) is controlling affairs so far on Peacock, as San Antonio’s racked up a 26-16 advantage in points in the paint.

    MARCH 21, 2026 // 7:47 ET

    McCain hot early

    Thunder are up 41-29 over the 76ers with 9:44 to go in the second quarter.

    MARCH 21, 2026 // 7:30 ET

    Wemby takes flight

    Victor Wembanyama is sixth in the NBA this season with 141 dunks — Rudy Gobert’s at the top of the list with 173.

    MARCH 21, 2026 // 6:30 ET

    Jared McCain returns to Philadelphia

     

    The No. 16 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, traded to Oklahoma City in exchange for a first-round pick and three second-round picks in February, is back in Philadelphia tonight.

    McCain (15.3 ppg in his rookie season with Philadelphia, 12.7 ppg with OKC so far) is a skilled shooter on the move, with stable form and strong touch. He’s also able to get to the rim with smooth footwork and his sturdy frame.

    The Duke product is a classic microwave scorer — fitting for someone with the emotional fortitude to go routinely viral on TikTok. What will he do tonight as he graces the court at Xfinity Mobile Arena again?

    MARCH 21, 2026 // 6:00 ET

    A 10-game night in the Association!

    Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs face Bam Adebayo’s Heat to open tonight’s doubleheader on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.

    Welcome to Monday night in the NBA!

    Tonight’s schedule is headlined by Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs taking on Bam Adebayo’s Heat followed by Draymond Green’s Warriors hosting Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks on Peacock and NBC Sports Network.

    Here’s tonight’s complete schedule:

  • Arrest Made in Violent Kidnapping of Ledger Founder for Crypto Ransom: Report

    Arrest Made in Violent Kidnapping of Ledger Founder for Crypto Ransom: Report

    In brief

    • A suspect was arrested in Spain for their alleged role in the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife last January.
    • The individual is believed to be the last remaining suspect to be apprehended in the case.
    • Balland and his wife were kidnapped from their home last year and held for around 24 hours before being rescued.

    An individual suspected to have participated in the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France last year has been arrested in Spain, according to a local news report from Le Parisien.

    The apprehended individual is believed to be the final outstanding perpetrator from the January 2025 attack, according to the report. 

    “The French authorities identified and arrested all members of the criminal organization, with the exception of one of them, who left the country to seek refuge in our country and avoid his arrest,” the Spanish Civil Guard said in a statement. 

    The individual, who was not named, was located in Spain and eventually arrested last week in the municipality of Benalmadena. The arrest of the individual was facilitated with the use of a large police presence, the report says, “due to their dangerousness and the possibility that the criminal organization to which they belonged might try to free them.”

    Balland and his wife were kidnapped from their home in Cher, France last January and held captive for around 24 hours, with ransom demands of 10 million Euros worth of crypto—about $11.6 million—according to the Spanish Civil Guard. 

    One of Balland’s fingers was cut off during that time and mailed to his associates, Le Parisien reported at the time, citing unnamed sources. The pair were soon after liberated by law enforcement and the other kidnappers were arrested. 

    In June, police in Morocco arrested French-Moroccan national Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, who was alleged to be the mastermind behind Balland’s abduction and other crypto-related kidnappings in France.

    Wrench attacks, or physical attacks in attempts to coerce crypto from victims, have been on the rise in the last year, jumping 75% year-over-year, according to data from security firm CertiK.

    France has been particularly troubled, responsible for 16 of the 23 wrench attacks that have been publicly reported this year, according to a database compiled by crypto security researcher and Casa CTO, Jameson Lopp. 

    Earlier this year, six individuals were arrested for kidnapping a magistrate and seeking a crypto ransom. Plus, the CEO of Binance France was the target of a home invasion, but was unharmed and the alleged perpetrators were arrested.

    Daily Debrief Newsletter

    Start every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.

  • The US bans all new foreign-made network routers

    The Federal Communications Commission has released a notice today designating any consumer routers manufactured outside the US as a security risk. The rule states that new foreign-made product models for network routers will land on the Covered List, a set of communications equipment seen as having an unacceptable risk to national security. Previously purchased routers can still be used and retailers can still sell models that were approved by the prior FCC policies. In an exception to the usual rule, routers included on the Covered List can continue to receive updates at least through March 1, 2027, although the date could potentially be extended.

    The move stems from a goal in the White House’s 2025 national security strategy that reads: “the United States must never be dependent on any outside power for core components—from raw materials to parts to finished products—necessary to the nation’s defense or economy.” The notice from the FCC states that companies can apply for conditional approval for new products from the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security. However, that requires the businesses to provide a plan for shifting at least some of their manufacturing to the US in order to receive that conditional approval.

    Few, if any, brands known for consumer-grade routers currently build products stateside. It seems likely this sweeping provision could face legal challenges from and cause confusion for the many companies that have production facilities overseas. In addition to Chinese tech giants like TP-Link, US companies will also be affected. NetGear, Eero and Google Nest are all headquartered domestically but have manufacturing in Asia. At least some of that manufacturing activity happens in regions like Taiwan that have historically been on good terms with the US. Until the sector sorts out this new restriction, don’t expect to see any new router models on store shelves.

  • Michael Intrator: GPU technology’s adaptability beyond crypto, the monetization of AI through inference, and why GPU lifespan misconceptions are misleading | All-In Podcast

    Michael Intrator: GPU technology’s adaptability beyond crypto, the monetization of AI through inference, and why GPU lifespan misconceptions are misleading | All-In Podcast

    Key takeaways

    • The transition from crypto to other GPU applications demonstrates the technology’s adaptability.
    • Initial GPU investments were crucial for scaling and learning in tech operations.
    • Scaling laws in computing are essential for developing transformative AI models.
    • Inference is a key economic driver in AI, monetizing the investment in artificial intelligence.
    • CoreWeave plays a pivotal role in deploying Nvidia’s new architecture at scale.
    • The GPU depreciation debate is influenced by traders with short positions, not market realities.
    • Clients’ long-term contracts indicate GPUs retain value beyond short-term depreciation claims.
    • GPUs have a longer commercial viability than typically assumed, challenging common misconceptions.
    • The demand for AI infrastructure is fostering market competition and profitability.
    • Innovative financing structures are crucial for managing cash flow in compute resource contracts.
    • The adaptability of GPU technology allows for diverse applications beyond its original crypto focus.
    • Long-term investments in GPUs provide invaluable operational insights and business growth opportunities.
    • Effective scaling is critical for decommoditizing computing and advancing AI model deployment.

    Guest intro

    Michael Intrator is co-founder, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CoreWeave, Inc., a specialized cloud infrastructure company powering demanding AI workloads. Previously, he co-founded and served as CEO of Hudson Ridge Asset Management, a natural gas hedge fund, and as Principal Portfolio Manager at Natsource Asset Management, where he invested in global environmental markets and energy products. Under his leadership, CoreWeave has scaled into one of the world’s fastest-growing AI cloud platforms, partnering with Nvidia, OpenAI, and Microsoft.

    The versatility of GPU technology

    • We immediately moved from crypto to cgi rendering and we built projects that would allow folks that were trying to animate and render images… and then we moved to batch computing and started to look at medical research and different ways of using the compute to be able to drive science.

      — Michael Intrator

    • The transition from crypto to other applications illustrates the versatility of GPU technology.
    • GPU technology’s adaptability is a response to market volatility and the exploration of diverse use cases.
    • The evolution of GPU applications reflects changing market demands.

    • The transition from crypto to other applications of GPU computing illustrates the versatility of the technology.

      — Michael Intrator

    • Understanding the evolution of GPU applications is crucial for grasping market dynamics.
    • GPU technology’s adaptability showcases its potential beyond crypto.
    • The shift in GPU applications highlights the technology’s role in various industries.

    Strategic investments and scaling

    • I kinda feel like buying those initial gpus was the tuition we paid to learn how to run this business.

      — Michael Intrator

    • Initial investments in GPUs were a learning experience for scaling the business.
    • Strategic investments in technology are vital for gaining operational knowledge.
    • Scaling laws in computing are crucial for delivering transformative models.

    • What became very clear to us very very early on was that the scaling laws were going to drive… computing decommoditizes at scale.

      — Michael Intrator

    • Understanding scaling laws is essential for AI model development.
    • Effective scaling impacts how AI models are developed and deployed.
    • Scaling laws play a fundamental role in computing and AI infrastructure.

    Monetization and AI infrastructure

    • I always think of inference as the monetization yeah of the investment in artificial intelligence so when when when we see our compute being used to stand up the massive scale of inference that’s hitting our compute every day…

      — Michael Intrator

    • Inference is the monetization of AI investments.
    • Understanding inference is crucial for grasping AI’s economic implications.
    • CoreWeave is at the forefront of deploying Nvidia’s new architecture at scale.

    • So really you know we are we are the tip of the spear in bringing the new architecture out of nvidia into into commercial production at scale.

      — Michael Intrator

    • Nvidia’s architecture is significant in AI infrastructure.
    • CoreWeave’s role highlights the importance of Nvidia’s technology in AI deployment.
    • The deployment of new architectures is crucial for advancing AI infrastructure.

    The GPU depreciation debate

    • So my take on the GPU depreciation debate yeah is that it’s nonsense right it’s a debate that is being brought to the forefront by some traders that have a short position in the stock and they’re trying to talk down…

      — Michael Intrator

    • The GPU depreciation debate is driven by traders with short positions.
    • Market commentary often does not reflect the reality of GPU usage.
    • Clients typically purchase compute resources for five to six years.

    • Our clients come into us and they buy compute for five years for six years our average contract is five years…

      — Michael Intrator

    • GPUs retain value beyond short-term depreciation claims.
    • Understanding contract lengths is crucial for grasping GPU lifespan.
    • The debate around GPU depreciation often overlooks long-term usage.

    The lifespan of GPUs

    • The concept that a gpu is no longer relevant or commercially viable after sixteen more eighteen months or two years yeah that’s farcical it just it just doesn’t make sense.

      — Michael Intrator

    • GPUs remain commercially viable for longer than typically assumed.
    • Common misconceptions about GPU obsolescence are challenged.
    • The ongoing utility of older technology is highlighted.
    • Understanding GPU lifespan is crucial for tech industry assumptions.
    • The relevance of GPUs extends beyond initial expectations.
    • The commercial viability of GPUs is often underestimated.
    • Older technology continues to have utility in various applications.

    Demand and competition in AI infrastructure

    • The fact that we are attracting competitors the means that the business is healthy and there’s a lot of people trying to deliver this service because the need for this infrastructure…

      — Michael Intrator

    • Demand for AI infrastructure drives market competition.
    • The competitive nature of the AI infrastructure market is highlighted.
    • Profitability is impacted by the demand for AI infrastructure.
    • Market dynamics are influenced by the need for AI infrastructure.
    • The AI infrastructure market is characterized by competition and growth.
    • Understanding market dynamics is crucial for grasping AI infrastructure trends.
    • The demand for infrastructure fosters innovation and competition.

    Innovative financing structures

    • What I do is I create something it’s not a particularly creative name it’s called the box… the box governs cash flow and it has a waterfall of cash flow that comes into it and goes out of it.

      — Michael Intrator

    • The financing structure for compute resources involves a ‘box’ that governs cash flow.
    • Innovative financing models are crucial for managing compute resource contracts.
    • Cash flow management is essential for large-scale compute resources.
    • Understanding financing structures is key to grasping compute resource management.
    • The ‘box’ model provides a unique financial mechanism for compute resources.
    • Effective cash flow management is crucial for tech infrastructure financing.
    • Innovative financial mechanisms are vital for compute resource management.

    Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

  • Keone Hon: Monad’s successful blockchain launch, the importance of decentralization for user trust, and why outdated token gating strategies hinder growth | Empire

    Keone Hon: Monad’s successful blockchain launch, the importance of decentralization for user trust, and why outdated token gating strategies hinder growth | Empire

    Key takeaways

    • Monad’s blockchain launch was successful, with fast transaction processing and positive user feedback.
    • Strategic decisions, such as avoiding a pre-deposit campaign, set Monad apart from other blockchains.
    • Monad was the first project to conduct a token sale on Coinbase’s new platform, enhancing its visibility.
    • Exchanges play a crucial role as facilitators in the crypto ecosystem, integrating with networks to enable trading.
    • Decentralization is vital for the growth and adoption of blockchain technologies.
    • The Coinbase token sale attracted over 85,000 participants, showcasing strong interest in Monad’s token.
    • Gating tokens on specific chains is seen as an outdated strategy that limits user access.
    • Attempting to control token movement is ineffective in a decentralized environment.
    • Adapting to market dynamics is more effective than resisting them in the crypto space.
    • TVL growth should be driven by organic demand for sustainable ecosystem development.
    • Monad’s approach to token distribution emphasizes accessibility and user engagement.
    • The importance of decentralization underscores the broader adoption of blockchain systems.
    • Strategic adaptability is crucial for navigating the rapidly evolving crypto market.
    • Organic demand is essential for meaningful TVL growth in blockchain ecosystems.
    • Monad’s successful token sale on Coinbase highlights its innovative approach to market engagement.

    Guest intro

    Keone Hon is the co-founder and CEO of Monad Labs, the company behind the high-performance parallel EVM blockchain Monad. Previously, he led a quantitative trading team at Jump Trading for eight years and served as a quantitative developer at Jump Crypto, focusing on blockchain research and DeFi infrastructure. He holds master’s degrees in computer science and finance from MIT.

    Monad’s strategic launch decisions

    • Monad chose not to have an ecosystem-wide pre-deposit campaign, a strategy popular with new blockchains.

    • The decision to not have a ecosystem wide pre deposit campaign which have been really popular with a lot of new blockchains

      — Keone Hon

    • This strategic choice differentiates Monad from other blockchain projects.
    • Monad’s approach reflects a thoughtful strategy in launching its blockchain.
    • The decision highlights Monad’s focus on long-term success over short-term gains.
    • Monad’s unique launch strategy aims to build a sustainable ecosystem.

    • Monad being the first project to do a token sale on coinbase’s new platform

      — Keone Hon

    • Conducting the first token sale on Coinbase’s new platform was a pioneering move.
    • This decision enhances Monad’s visibility and credibility in the crypto market.
    • Monad’s strategic choices aim to foster genuine user engagement and interest.
    • The approach reflects a commitment to building a robust and accessible blockchain ecosystem.

    The role of exchanges in the crypto ecosystem

    • Exchanges function as businesses that integrate with existing networks to facilitate trading.

    • Any exchange is kind of just like a business… it’s just a participant in the network.

      — Keone Hon

    • Exchanges accept deposits and credit users’ accounts internally.
    • They evaluate withdrawal requests and send tokens out as needed.
    • Exchanges act as facilitators rather than creators within the crypto space.
    • Their role is crucial for enabling seamless trading and user interactions.
    • Understanding exchanges’ operations is key to navigating the crypto ecosystem.
    • Exchanges’ integration with networks is vital for the liquidity and functionality of digital assets.

    Importance of decentralization in blockchain adoption

    • Decentralization is crucial for the growth of crypto and blockchain adoption.

    • From a decentralization perspective, it’s really important for growing crypto.

      — Keone Hon

    • Decentralization enhances user trust and engagement with blockchain systems.
    • It allows for the development of new systems that attract more users.
    • Decentralized systems offer more transparency and security for users.
    • The decentralized nature of blockchain fosters innovation and collaboration.
    • Decentralization is a driving force behind the broader adoption of blockchain technologies.
    • Emphasizing decentralization can lead to more sustainable and robust blockchain ecosystems.

    Token sale success and community engagement

    • The Coinbase token sale successfully engaged over 85,000 participants.

    • Over 85,000 people participated in the Coinbase token sale.

      — Keone Hon

    • This indicates strong interest in the Monad token and its ecosystem.
    • The token sale provided everyday people access to the Monad token ahead of the public mainnet.
    • Successful token sales are crucial for building a vibrant and engaged community.
    • Community engagement is a key factor in the success of blockchain projects.
    • The token sale’s success reflects Monad’s effective market engagement strategy.
    • Engaging a large number of participants demonstrates the project’s appeal and potential.

    Critique of outdated token distribution strategies

    • Gating tokens on specific chains is an outdated strategy that limits access.

    • It’s not a good strategy because… you’d gate your token.

      — Keone Hon

    • This approach restricts user access and limits token liquidity.
    • Accessibility is crucial for the widespread adoption of digital assets.
    • Monad emphasizes open access to its tokens across different platforms.
    • Outdated strategies can hinder the growth and adoption of blockchain projects.
    • Emphasizing accessibility can enhance user engagement and ecosystem development.
    • Monad’s approach to token distribution reflects a modern and user-centric strategy.

    Challenges of controlling token movement

    • Trying to control token movement is ineffective and counterproductive.

    • The Monad Foundation does not control what people do with their tokens.

      — Keone Hon

    • In a decentralized environment, token movement cannot be easily controlled.
    • Users can acquire tokens and bridge them to other blockchains.
    • Decentralization allows for the free movement and trading of tokens.
    • Attempts to control token usage can undermine the principles of blockchain technology.
    • Embracing decentralization enhances the flexibility and adaptability of blockchain ecosystems.
    • Monad’s approach reflects an understanding of the decentralized nature of crypto assets.

    Adapting to market dynamics in crypto

    • It’s better to adapt to market dynamics rather than resist them.

    • You don’t want to try to fight the current… why not list with Binance?

      — Keone Hon

    • Flexibility is crucial for navigating the rapidly changing crypto market.
    • Adapting to market trends can enhance a project’s success and growth.
    • Resistance to market dynamics can hinder a project’s potential and innovation.
    • Monad’s strategy emphasizes responsiveness to market changes and opportunities.
    • Embracing market dynamics allows for strategic partnerships and collaborations.
    • Monad’s adaptability reflects a forward-thinking approach to blockchain development.

    Organic demand and sustainable TVL growth

    • TVL growth should be driven by organic demand rather than artificial inflation.

    • TVL growth is really meaningful only when it is driven by organic demand.

      — Keone Hon

    • Genuine user demand is essential for sustainable ecosystem development.
    • Artificially inflating TVL can lead to unsustainable growth and instability.
    • Monad aims to earn TVL over time through end-user demand.
    • Organic demand reflects the real value and utility of a blockchain ecosystem.
    • Sustainable growth is crucial for the long-term success of blockchain projects.
    • Monad’s focus on organic demand underscores its commitment to building a robust ecosystem.

    Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

  • The FCC Just Banned the Sale of New Wi-Router Models Made Outside US

    The FCC Just Banned the Sale of New Wi-Router Models Made Outside US

    Honest, Objective, Lab-Tested Reviews

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    products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying
    decisions and get more from technology.

  • Top CNN Stars: Welcome to Our Humble Podcast Studio

    On an otherwise normal hour of CNN last week, viewers may have been greeted by the title card “Global Report: War With Iran” and an array of correspondents fanned out across the Middle East — from Tel Aviv to Doha — speaking with Anderson Cooper on AC360. Or they saw Jake Tapper multitasking as usual on The Lead, grilling interview subjects, ticking through breaking news like the dearth of TSA workers at airports due to a government shutdown. The substance was the same. The style was not.

    Out were the crisp, buttoned-down trappings of a stereotypical Cable News studio set. In were podcast-style audio setups and messy, center-of-the-newsroom production vibes more line with the aesthetic of indie influencers. The ties were gone (or loosened) and the map of Iran was printed out for a table top that included a studiously messy arrangement of New York Times sections (that, perhaps, is more Morning Joe than TikTok).

    “Here we are, giving it a shot,” Tapper told viewers, a dry welcome to his office with a note explaining that this is where his team plots out journalism daily, so may as well let everyone in with a bit of transparency. (His office is decorated with presidential campaign trinkets, specifically of the losing candidates.) Cooper, meanwhile, was camped out in the middle of the newsroom at a table that was used frequently by data whiz Harry Enten, that was now repurposed with an arrangement of podcast mics for the anchor and analyst guests.

    The AC360 podcast set up in the CNN newsroom.

    The stylistic changes are a small cosmetic tweak — but an interesting one given that seemingly every video is becoming “a tile on YouTube” in digital media right now. (Tapper himself may on the fence about the change-up: “Will we do it again?” the anchor asked on Friday. “Stay tuned.”)

    Does it work? Two Hollywood Reporter editors have diverging views:

    No, It Doesn’t

    ALEX WEPRIN: Retro, low-fi and reminiscent of Larry King … who was of course channeling the old-school late night radio shows that he once hosted before jumping to TV.

    Clearly there is a push to be more “authentic” in the same way that a lot of podcast stars are, and Tapper at least shows off his personality. In the case of Cooper, they just took a table in the middle of the 18th floor newsroom (I assume Harry Enten found somewhere else to do his data analysis in the office).

    I don’t like it, it strikes me as phony. These are millionaire celebrities, with a small army of producers, crew and support staff trying to look low-fi. A lot of the people who found success in the podcast space genuinely started from scratch, and even some of the most successful (like Piers Morgan and Megyn Kelly) have staff that number in the single digits.

    While I think CNN (and all news channels) should be endeavoring to help viewers how they “get” the news in the name of transparency, we weren’t watching Tapper work the phones or Cooper pull up an Excel spreadsheet, these looked like their normal shows in a more casual setting. Surely there is a way to actually get some reporting into the show? That might require bringing in the producers who do a lot of the legwork.

    That said, there is clearly something happening here. MS NOW is adding some Crooked Media pods, Fox News has Will Cain emulating the radio and podcast look … I think we are going to see more of these, particularly as actual video podcasts proliferate on TV sets through YouTube and Netflix. Ultimately, 20 years ago someone with access to a TV at, say 10 AM or 2 PM, would probably turn on a news channel. Now they may turn on Netflix or YouTube and watch a talk show there, so that is fresh competition. It isn’t really CNN vs Fox News vs MS NOW anymore, the universe is bigger.

    Yes, It Does

    ERIK HAYDEN: I’ll say that I thought “Summer Fridays,” in which Newsnight With Abby Phillip films from the Food Network kitchen while having its typical panelists get into arguments about bread-and-butter CNN topics, to be an interesting experiment, too. It’s too easy for reporters typing on keyboards to take potshots. Stylistically, there’s got to be some way to shake up the Cable News Studio feel that all of a sudden feels less real — and perhaps less trustworthy? — to viewers right now. And for all of the headlines during the short-lived Chris Licht era about how the veteran Late Show producer was shaking things up — remember King Charles? — programmingwise and visually (remember the tweaked chyron design?). The Mark Thompson-led CNN has yet to make as many wild swings. But in small ways like this it’s been more experimental around the edges of what CNN programming can, and should, look like.

    To Alex’s point, yes, these are “millionaire celebrities, with a small army of producers, crew and support staff” but I’d say it’s increasingly difficult to tell that there’s a small army of producers, crew and support staff in a lot of TV programming, which can sometimes look just as cheap as one dedicated journalist who knows how to web produce their own videos. But what does differentiate CNN from a lot of these indies is its vast support network. So I’m all in favor of roaming the halls of CNN’s New York and Atlanta studios, taking a tour of Jake Tapper’s office (maybe when he’s interviewing Trump on the phone, next time), heading to the podcast studio with Anderson Cooper or going to the control room to check out which feed from a far-flung location matters for viewership.

    By all means pile on the print newspapers — wave around the New York Post or Times as a prop, print out some maps, and head over to the actual newsroom cubicles where CNN digital journalists or producers are sitting, normally blurred in the background, to check out sourcing or when there’s breaking news. No one’s asking for CNN to be TMZ on TV, with Anderson Cooper as a Harvey Levin-esque ringleader in the newsroom. But it’s also a reminder of where all the breaking news updates come from (Or how about a “day in the life” of a CNN chyron writer?). The podcast mics themselves may be an easy target for a joke, but take away those mics and roll around the cameras and viewers may see how much work goes in to maintaining a live feed for hours during the day. It might be more interesting and unpredictable too. It is TV, after all.

    An overhead angle of the CNN newsroom table, maps of Iran, newspapers and all.

  • Justin Timberlake’s DUI Arrest Legal Battle Ends as Internet Frenzy Begins

    Justin Timberlake’s DUI Arrest Legal Battle Ends as Internet Frenzy Begins

    The controversial — and highly memeable — police body-camera footage of pop star Justin Timberlake’s arrest for driving under the influence in June 2024 on eastern Long Island was released late last week after a legal battle was waged by the singer against the small former whaling town to keep the “embarrassing” footage under wraps. The dispute led to a negotiated release and the redaction of certain moments that his attorney said were so sensitive they amounted to a major violation of the singer’s privacy.

    In June 2024, while visiting the tony beach town of Sag Harbor, Timberlake was pulled over and after a few traffic infractions, was soon arrested on a DUI charge. The singer was asked to perform a sobriety test, questioned by officers while handcuffed at the small town’s precinct, and finally placed in a holding cell alone for the night. Footage of all these moments was made public by the town’s police department on Friday, 21 months after it was sought by several news outlets via Freedom of Information Act requests.

    The release of eight hours of footage surrounding the Grammy winner’s arrest was not something the former boy band frontman turned actor — or the team behind his public image — wanted millions of people to see. As soon as the release was announced at the beginning of March, Timberlake’s legal team filed for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent the town from making the footage public.

    That Monday, his attorneys met with a Sag Harbor judge, arguing that releasing the unedited footage would constitute an invasion of privacy. They requested either a block on the release or a private judicial review of the potentially embarrassing material. From a legal standpoint, they argued, this would ensure that any content not subject to disclosure under New York’s Freedom of Information Law would be excluded.

    Attorney Edward Burke Jr. argued the release would “devastate” Timberlake’s privacy by revealing “intimate, highly personal and sensitive details.” He added that it would cause “severe and irreparable harm” to the singer’s reputation by subjecting him to “public ridicule and harassment.” The footage was ultimately released Friday after a heated back-and-forth between the singer’s legal team and the village resulted in an agreement on a partially redacted version.

    “Since Justin Timberlake’s arrest, the Village and Police Department have attempted to comply with the mandates of the Freedom of Information Law.  We are pleased the litigation regarding the release of video footage related to Mr. Timberlake has been resolved and the Village is able to comply with its statutory obligation to release the material that is subject to disclosure under FOIL,” the law firm of VIncent Toomey said in a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter.

    Attorneys representing Timberlake did not return an email and call placed by THR on Monday.

    What was released quickly set the internet ablaze over the weekend, as several moments caught fire, became memes or sparked debate. Whether police went too far in their treatment of the pop star — who, in one clip, is seen handcuffed to a table while being questioned — became a point of contention. In the footage, Timberlake himself questions the officers as they assure a baffled singer that this is standard procedure for members of the public accused of taking the serious risk of drunk driving.

    “You boys treat me like a criminal,” Timberlake tells two officers. Earlier, when first approached, he said, “I’m on a world tour.”

    “A what?” an officer asks.

    “A world tour… I’m Justin Timberlake.”

    The moment has already become a viral sensation, with online tastemakers revisiting past controversies surrounding the singer — from the fallout of the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy to renewed scrutiny following Britney Spears’ bestselling memoir, which reshaped public perceptions of their relationship.

    Still, the arrest’s most memorable moments — captured throughout the redacted, Timberlake-approved footage — have already delighted millions as they rapidly spread online.

    In another clip, a woman who has not been identified but was with Timberlake rushes up to officers after he is placed in a squad car. Expressing shock, she insists that Timberlake be given his cell phone.

    “Stop it. No way. Don’t say it,” she tells the officers. “You’re arresting Justin Timberlake right now? Stop it. Why?” she adds, attempting to get a moment with her friend. “Can you guys please just do me a favor, because you loved ‘Bye Bye Bye’ or ‘SexyBack’?”

    During a sobriety test outside his vehicle, Timberlake appears visibly inebriated — though not incapacitated — after being pulled over for drifting into oncoming traffic and missing a stop sign. In what likely sealed his fate that night, body-cam footage shows him unable to complete a simple heel-to-toe, nine-step walk.

    A moment of levity comes when Timberlake is handed a booking form. After examining it, he turns to an officer and exclaims, referring to his listed race: “White?!” The moment plays awkwardly, highlighting his apparent surprise at an interaction with law enforcement that many people of color experience far more frequently.

    But the footage’s darkest moment comes when Timberlake is placed in a holding cell at the local police station. As the heavy door begins to close, he asks officers if they will keep the light on.

    According to reports, during the first quarter of 2025, an average of 37 people were killed each day in drunk-driving crashes.

    In the summer of 2024, a Suffolk County judge accepted Timberlake’s guilty plea as part of a deal that lessened his punishment and allowed the pop star to avoid further jail time. As part of his plea deal, the singer agreed to 25 to 40 hours of community service and to pay a fine.

  • ‘Shōgun’ Season 2 Adds Five to Cast

    ‘Shōgun’ Season 2 Adds Five to Cast

    FX is filling out the cast of “Shōgun,” with Risei Kukihara, Ryô Satô, Seishiro Nishida, Mantaro Koichi and Takashi Yamaguchi joining Season 2 of the historical drama series

    Kukihara as will play Gabriel; Satô (“Silence”) will play Rin; Nishida (“Tobu ga Gotoku”) will play Jōshin; Koichi (“Emergency Room 24 Hours”) will play Saitō; and Yamaguchi (“Letters from Iwo Jima,” “Pachinko,” “Accused”) will play Kanō. They join previously announced cast members Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Fumi Nikaidô, Ren Meguro, Asami Mizukawa, Shinnosuke Abe, Hiroto Kanai, Masataka Kubota, Sho Kaneta, Yûko Miyamoto, Yuka Kouri, Tommy Bastow, Jun Kunimura, Yoriko Dôguchi, Eita Okuno and Takaaki Enoki.

    Kukihara, whose casting in “Shōgun” marks his first role in a major production, is repped by 42 and CAA. Casting for Season 2 has been led by Kei Kawamura and Laura Schiff, who won an Emmy for drama casting after Season 1.

    FX has not yet divulged specific details about the new characters, or about the plot of Season 2 besides that it is “set over a decade after the events of the first season and continues the historically-inspired saga of these two men from different worlds [Yoshii Toranaga and John Blackthorne, played by Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis] whose fates are inextricably entwined.”

    “Shōgun” is adapted from the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell. Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks created the series and serve as showrunners. Executive producers include Kondo and Marks alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca and Sanada. FX Productions is the studio.

  • Plimsoll Productions Hires Executive Producer Paul Wright to Develop Live Programming

    Plimsoll Productions Hires Executive Producer Paul Wright to Develop Live Programming

    Plimsoll Productions, part of ITV Studios, has hired executive producer Paul Wright, who will develop live programming across all genres, including adventure, factual entertainment, and natural history.

    Wright most recently worked on “Skyscraper Live with Alex Honnold,” Plimsoll’s live Netflix event in which free solo climber Alex Honnold scaled one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in Taipei, Taiwan before a global audience.

    A Royal Television Society and Rose d’Or-winner, Wright has over 25 years of experience as an executive producer and showrunner. Some of his credits include “Bigheads,” “The Million Pound Cube,” “Sounds Like Friday Night,” “Pride of Britain,” “Comic Relief’s Big Chat with Graham Norton,” “US Sing On! with Titus Burgess,” “US Lingo with RuPaul” and the “Laureus World Sport Awards.” He also produced “Comedy Map of Britain” and multiple FIFA World Cups, the Athens Olympics and “Match of the Day” for BBC.

    “Live television is where I live and breathe, and ‘Skyscraper Live’ showed me that Plimsoll is the perfect home for that ambition,” Wright said in a statement. “The talent here is extraordinary, and the canvas is as wide as it gets.”

    “’Skyscraper Live’ was the most demanding live production we’ve ever made, and Paul rose to every challenge it presented,” said James Smith, head of adventure and live at Plimsoll. “As we continue to invest creatively across our live slate, Paul’s range across genres, editorial judgment, and ability to perform under real-time pressure make him exactly the right person for this moment.”

    Plimsoll recently earned six Emmy Awards for “A Real Bug’s Life” (available on Disney+/National Geographic) and is currently in production on “Surviving Pompeii with Tom Hiddleston” (also for Disney+/National Geographic), in addition to several unannounced live projects in development and production.