The Department of Justice is calling for concert and ticketing giant Live Nation to be broken up, a remarkable claim in an antitrust lawsuit the department filed in New York Thursday morning. The DOJ is joined by 29 states as well as the District of Columbia.
“We are not here today because Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s conduct is inconvenient, or frustrating. We are here because as we allege that conduct is anti-competitive, and illegal,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said during a press conference Thursday morning. “We allege that Live Nation has illegally...
“We are not here today because Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s conduct is inconvenient, or frustrating. We are here because as we allege that conduct is anti-competitive, and illegal,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said during a press conference Thursday morning. “We allege that Live Nation has illegally...
- 5/23/2024
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
Former Florida governor and first-term Senator Rick Scott announced Wednesday that he is gunning to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican leader after trying and failing to do so following the 2022 midterm election.
“I believe that our voters want us to use this leadership election to make a choice to upend the status quo in Washington,” Scott wrote in a letter to his Republican colleagues, the Wall Street Journal reported. “If you also believe this to be true and want a leader dedicated to that principle, I would be honored...
“I believe that our voters want us to use this leadership election to make a choice to upend the status quo in Washington,” Scott wrote in a letter to his Republican colleagues, the Wall Street Journal reported. “If you also believe this to be true and want a leader dedicated to that principle, I would be honored...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jeremy Childs
- Rollingstone.com
More than 250 artists, including Billie Eilish, Green Day, Sia and Cyndi Lauper, signed a letter Thursday urging the Senate Commerce Committee to support a bill that would reform the ticketing system for live events.
The Fans First Act, which was initially introduced in December by Sens. John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar, Marsha Blackburn, Peter Welch, Roger Wicker and Ben Ray Lujan, aims to address flaws in the current live event ticketing system. The bill hopes to increase transparency in ticket sales, protect consumers from fake or overpriced tickets, and hold those who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.
“As artists and members of the music community, we rely on touring for our livelihood, and we value music fans above all else,” the letter said in part. “We are joining together to say that the current system is broken: predatory resellers and secondary platforms engage in deceptive ticketing practices to inflate...
The Fans First Act, which was initially introduced in December by Sens. John Cornyn, Amy Klobuchar, Marsha Blackburn, Peter Welch, Roger Wicker and Ben Ray Lujan, aims to address flaws in the current live event ticketing system. The bill hopes to increase transparency in ticket sales, protect consumers from fake or overpriced tickets, and hold those who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.
“As artists and members of the music community, we rely on touring for our livelihood, and we value music fans above all else,” the letter said in part. “We are joining together to say that the current system is broken: predatory resellers and secondary platforms engage in deceptive ticketing practices to inflate...
- 4/25/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anyone who has tried to secure tickets to a concert in recent years knows that the system is broken. Luckily, many top acts know it is broken, too, and want something done about it.
Over 250 artists, including Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews, Lorde, Sia, Train, Graham Nash, Green Day, Cyndi Lauper, Fall Out Boy, Chappell Roan, Becky G, Béla Fleck, Jason Mraz, Yes, Mgmt, Blue Öyster Cult and many others have lent their names to bills currently put before congress, the Fans First Act and The Ticket Act, which basically pokes holes in the current ticketing system that frequently drives up prices and creates an unfair secondary market. The bills by members of both parties, like Republican Texas senator John Cornyn and Democratic Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar.
Currently, for any in-demand ticket, bots and bad actors are gobbling up inventory, then flipping them for high prices. Safeguards are in place—like...
Over 250 artists, including Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews, Lorde, Sia, Train, Graham Nash, Green Day, Cyndi Lauper, Fall Out Boy, Chappell Roan, Becky G, Béla Fleck, Jason Mraz, Yes, Mgmt, Blue Öyster Cult and many others have lent their names to bills currently put before congress, the Fans First Act and The Ticket Act, which basically pokes holes in the current ticketing system that frequently drives up prices and creates an unfair secondary market. The bills by members of both parties, like Republican Texas senator John Cornyn and Democratic Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar.
Currently, for any in-demand ticket, bots and bad actors are gobbling up inventory, then flipping them for high prices. Safeguards are in place—like...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Updated: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) said that he is stepping down as the Republican leader in the Senate, ending a tenure longer than anyone else in that position.
McConnell, 82, said on the Senate floor, “This will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.” He said that it was “time to move on,” although he said that he intended to remain in the Senate through the end of his term, which runs through 2027.
Elected in 1984, McConnell has served as Senate leader longer than anyone else, but his future in that position has increasingly been in doubt after a couple of incidents last year when he froze up as he was speaking to reporters. He had been hospitalized earlier in the year after suffering injuries from a fall.
McConnell also has seen increasing fissures in his party on issues that were once a given for Republican support,...
McConnell, 82, said on the Senate floor, “This will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate.” He said that it was “time to move on,” although he said that he intended to remain in the Senate through the end of his term, which runs through 2027.
Elected in 1984, McConnell has served as Senate leader longer than anyone else, but his future in that position has increasingly been in doubt after a couple of incidents last year when he froze up as he was speaking to reporters. He had been hospitalized earlier in the year after suffering injuries from a fall.
McConnell also has seen increasing fissures in his party on issues that were once a given for Republican support,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In a renewed effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (Aca), Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social, “Obamacare is too expensive, and otherwise, not good healthcare.”
The front-runner for next year’s GOP presidential nomination continued, “I will come up with a much better, and less expensive, alternative! People will be happy, not sad!”
He followed up, “I don’t want to terminate Obamacare, I want to Replace It with Much Better Healthcare.”
Trump’s commitment to dismantling President Obama’s signature legislation was once a popular policy among Republican voters. However, the Aca has gained significant support nationwide, with 60% of Americans in favor of the healthcare law.
Despite numerous unsuccessful attempts to “repeal and replace” the Aca in Congress, as well as repeated defeats in court battles, Republicans have largely shifted their attention to other issues such as the economy and crime.
Trump’s recent...
The front-runner for next year’s GOP presidential nomination continued, “I will come up with a much better, and less expensive, alternative! People will be happy, not sad!”
He followed up, “I don’t want to terminate Obamacare, I want to Replace It with Much Better Healthcare.”
Trump’s commitment to dismantling President Obama’s signature legislation was once a popular policy among Republican voters. However, the Aca has gained significant support nationwide, with 60% of Americans in favor of the healthcare law.
Despite numerous unsuccessful attempts to “repeal and replace” the Aca in Congress, as well as repeated defeats in court battles, Republicans have largely shifted their attention to other issues such as the economy and crime.
Trump’s recent...
- 12/28/2023
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
When Kate Cox was forced to flee Texas after state authorities denied her pleas to terminate a potentially deadly pregnancy, it laid bare the true cost of state control over women’s reproductive health. It’s also made plain that Republicans — despite their claims to hold the moral high ground on abortion — cannot defend the policies they champion when they present real-world consequences.
Cox, whose 21-week-old fetus was diagnosed with a deadly genetic condition, had been in and out of emergency rooms as her already complicated pregnancy deteriorated her health...
Cox, whose 21-week-old fetus was diagnosed with a deadly genetic condition, had been in and out of emergency rooms as her already complicated pregnancy deteriorated her health...
- 12/14/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
President Joe Biden took a dig at Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday, chiding the Alabama senator for celebrating federal broadband internet funding being sent to his state after having previously opposed the legislation that made it happen.
“To no one’s surprise, it’s bringing along some converts,” Biden said of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (Bead) while delivering remarks in Chicago. “There’s a guy named Tuberville, senator from Alabama, went out and said he strongly opposed the legislation. Now he’s hailing its passage.”
Biden: There’s a guy named Tuberville,...
“To no one’s surprise, it’s bringing along some converts,” Biden said of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (Bead) while delivering remarks in Chicago. “There’s a guy named Tuberville, senator from Alabama, went out and said he strongly opposed the legislation. Now he’s hailing its passage.”
Biden: There’s a guy named Tuberville,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Donald Trump was found liable for sexual battery and defamation against author E. Jean Carroll — and Republicans can’t decide if that makes him more or less electable.
In the immediate aftermath of the verdict, Trump handled the decision as expected — with an all caps Truth Social post attacking Carroll. GOP lawmakers, however, were split as to whether or not sexual battery, even if in civil court, was an egregious enough conviction to kill their support for Trump.
“I don’t think he can get elected,” Texas Senator John Cornyn...
In the immediate aftermath of the verdict, Trump handled the decision as expected — with an all caps Truth Social post attacking Carroll. GOP lawmakers, however, were split as to whether or not sexual battery, even if in civil court, was an egregious enough conviction to kill their support for Trump.
“I don’t think he can get elected,” Texas Senator John Cornyn...
- 5/10/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
As the country reels from and grieves yet another mass shooting, this time in Allen, Texas, Whoopi Goldberg got blunt on Monday’s episode of “The View.” According to the moderator, politicians are simply “not gonna do” anything about gun reform.
After a gunman opened fire at Allen Premium Outlets in Texas on Saturday, eight people were left dead. As has become routine after mass shootings, most of the state’s major lawmakers, including Gov. Greg Abbott, and Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn — who all have A+ ratings from the NRA — have rebuked the idea of any gun reform, and instead blamed mental health issues, despite the fact that, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mental illness only contributes to roughly 4% of all violence, and Abbott himself cut funding to mental health resources.
Meanwhile, as always, the women of “The View” were outraged over the “insanity” that...
After a gunman opened fire at Allen Premium Outlets in Texas on Saturday, eight people were left dead. As has become routine after mass shootings, most of the state’s major lawmakers, including Gov. Greg Abbott, and Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn — who all have A+ ratings from the NRA — have rebuked the idea of any gun reform, and instead blamed mental health issues, despite the fact that, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, mental illness only contributes to roughly 4% of all violence, and Abbott himself cut funding to mental health resources.
Meanwhile, as always, the women of “The View” were outraged over the “insanity” that...
- 5/8/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Jen Paski took aim at Sen. Ted Cruz, Gov. Greg Abbott and more Republican lawmakers on Sunday night after the Texas politicians once again offered thoughts and prayers, but no gun reform ideas, to victims of the latest mass shooting at an Allen, Texas, shopping mall.
During the latest episode of “Inside With Jen Psaki” on MSNBC, the former White House press secretary honed in on the idea of politicizing tragedy. But, she noted that those who criticize people for politicizing tragedy — which has included Cruz, Abbott and their Republican colleagues just about every time — are the ones who are actually doing so.
In light of the most recent mass shooting in Texas, Psaki first pulled up a clip of Abbott speaking to an NRA convention held in Texas last year, not long after the horrific shooting in Uvalde that killed 19 children and two adults.
Also Read:
Jen Psaki Says...
During the latest episode of “Inside With Jen Psaki” on MSNBC, the former White House press secretary honed in on the idea of politicizing tragedy. But, she noted that those who criticize people for politicizing tragedy — which has included Cruz, Abbott and their Republican colleagues just about every time — are the ones who are actually doing so.
In light of the most recent mass shooting in Texas, Psaki first pulled up a clip of Abbott speaking to an NRA convention held in Texas last year, not long after the horrific shooting in Uvalde that killed 19 children and two adults.
Also Read:
Jen Psaki Says...
- 5/8/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Though more and more lavish, undisclosed “gifts” to Clarence Thomas are surfacing seemingly each week, some lawmakers believe that the Supreme Court justice is only drawing backlash because he’s a Black man. “The View” host Sunny Hostin had a good chuckle at that idea on Friday’s episode.
In early April, Propublica reported that Thomas has been treated to expensive luxury vacations by close friend and Texas billionaire Harlan Crow, but never reported them on financial disclosures. A few weeks later, it was revealed that Thomas made more than $130,000 when he sold several properties to Crow in 2014 – including the house Thomas’ mother currently lives in – far in excess of their market value.
Also Read:
Ari Melber Calls Out Clarence Thomas for ‘Lying to Everyone’ About ‘Billionaire Lifestyle’: ‘You Think You’re Above the Law?’ (Video)
Most recently, it was revealed that Crow has also apparently been paying the tuition of Thomas’ nephew,...
In early April, Propublica reported that Thomas has been treated to expensive luxury vacations by close friend and Texas billionaire Harlan Crow, but never reported them on financial disclosures. A few weeks later, it was revealed that Thomas made more than $130,000 when he sold several properties to Crow in 2014 – including the house Thomas’ mother currently lives in – far in excess of their market value.
Also Read:
Ari Melber Calls Out Clarence Thomas for ‘Lying to Everyone’ About ‘Billionaire Lifestyle’: ‘You Think You’re Above the Law?’ (Video)
Most recently, it was revealed that Crow has also apparently been paying the tuition of Thomas’ nephew,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
On Monday, President Joe Biden’s administration announced that it will temporarily deploy 1,500 U.S. troops to support operations at the U.S.-Mexico border. Republican lawmakers who have been clamoring for hardline action at the border for months are outraged.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) declared the deployment “ridiculous theater” while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. When asked if he felt it was theater when Trump sent troops to the border, Graham demurred. “When Donald Trump did something, it worked,” Graham said, claiming that Trump’s immigration policy...
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) declared the deployment “ridiculous theater” while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. When asked if he felt it was theater when Trump sent troops to the border, Graham demurred. “When Donald Trump did something, it worked,” Graham said, claiming that Trump’s immigration policy...
- 5/3/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
After a brief hiatus, Saturday Night Live returned on Dec. 3 and dove right into the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff race between Herschel Walker and Raphael Warnock.
The cold open featured Kenan Thompson’s Herschel Walker, Mikey Day’s John Cornyn, Cecily Strong’s Marsha Blackburn and James Austin Johnson’s Mitch McConnell.
“Well, Herschel, the midterms wasn’t the red wave we hoped for, but we think you can win this Tuesday,” Day’s Cornyn said. “Yes. The priority now is to get out the vote because he got this big runoff coming up,” Strong’s Blackburn added.
“Oh, well, I’m good at those,” Thompson’s Walker replied. “My ex-wife said all I do is run off.”
Strong and Day explained to Thompson that they were talking about the Senate race, which is polling very close, with Warnock polling at 50.9 percent and Walker at 49.1 percent.
After a brief hiatus, Saturday Night Live returned on Dec. 3 and dove right into the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff race between Herschel Walker and Raphael Warnock.
The cold open featured Kenan Thompson’s Herschel Walker, Mikey Day’s John Cornyn, Cecily Strong’s Marsha Blackburn and James Austin Johnson’s Mitch McConnell.
“Well, Herschel, the midterms wasn’t the red wave we hoped for, but we think you can win this Tuesday,” Day’s Cornyn said. “Yes. The priority now is to get out the vote because he got this big runoff coming up,” Strong’s Blackburn added.
“Oh, well, I’m good at those,” Thompson’s Walker replied. “My ex-wife said all I do is run off.”
Strong and Day explained to Thompson that they were talking about the Senate race, which is polling very close, with Warnock polling at 50.9 percent and Walker at 49.1 percent.
- 12/4/2022
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saturday Night Live‘s last episode before the Georgia Senate runoff began with concerned Republicans in Congress figuring out what to do with candidate Herschel Walker in order to boost their chances of capturing the Democratic-held seat.
The trio of James Austin Johnson as Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Mikey Day as Sen. John Cornyn and Cecily Strong as Sen. Marsha Blackburn met for a discussion with Walker, played by Kenan Thompson, who promptly addressed the Kentucky senator as “Mitch McDonalds.”
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Thompson began. “I...
The trio of James Austin Johnson as Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Mikey Day as Sen. John Cornyn and Cecily Strong as Sen. Marsha Blackburn met for a discussion with Walker, played by Kenan Thompson, who promptly addressed the Kentucky senator as “Mitch McDonalds.”
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Thompson began. “I...
- 12/4/2022
- by William Vaillancourt
- Rollingstone.com
“Saturday Night Live” opened the first new show in three weeks with a look at how the GOP is responding to Herschel Walker’s tight runoff Senate race in Georgia, with Kenan Thompson memorably reprising his role as the former NFL running back who keeps going from gaffe to gaffe.
The “SNL” cold open began with Mitch McConnell (James Austin Johnson), Marsha Blackburn (Cecily Strong) and John Cornyn (Mikey Day) sitting in a room at the Capitol, where Walker was summoned to discuss strategy. “Hey there Mr. McDonald’s, sorry I was late I was having too much fun in that free merry-go-round,” Thompson’s Walker said to Johnson’s McConnell, mistaking a revolving door for a ride.
The sketch then played out with Walker responding incorrectly to pretty much everything McConnell, Blackburn and Cornyn had to say.
When vote-by-mail was mentioned, Walker responded, “You gotta remember, they still gotta count votes by female.
The “SNL” cold open began with Mitch McConnell (James Austin Johnson), Marsha Blackburn (Cecily Strong) and John Cornyn (Mikey Day) sitting in a room at the Capitol, where Walker was summoned to discuss strategy. “Hey there Mr. McDonald’s, sorry I was late I was having too much fun in that free merry-go-round,” Thompson’s Walker said to Johnson’s McConnell, mistaking a revolving door for a ride.
The sketch then played out with Walker responding incorrectly to pretty much everything McConnell, Blackburn and Cornyn had to say.
When vote-by-mail was mentioned, Walker responded, “You gotta remember, they still gotta count votes by female.
- 12/4/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Donald Trump had a message for Republicans about his 2024 presidential announcement: Endorse me now, or pay later.
In the days running up to the election, Trump made a series of phone calls to GOP lawmakers and other elected officials, demanding that they endorse him before he announced he’s running — or at least right after, according to two sources with knowledge of the conversations. The president said he was tracking who endorsed him early, adding that “those who waited too long” were “not gonna like” what happens when he wins.
In the days running up to the election, Trump made a series of phone calls to GOP lawmakers and other elected officials, demanding that they endorse him before he announced he’s running — or at least right after, according to two sources with knowledge of the conversations. The president said he was tracking who endorsed him early, adding that “those who waited too long” were “not gonna like” what happens when he wins.
- 11/17/2022
- by Asawin Suebsaeng and Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
A group of Republican senators has released a video warning parents that Mexican drug cartels have begun targeting children by disguising fentanyl as candy, despite actual experts claiming its bogus.
The public service announcement, a portion of which was aired on Fox News Friday morning, said that “by working together and being on high alert this Halloween, we can help put an end to the drug traffickers that are driving addiction.”
Fox aired a PSA from Republican senators warning about rainbow fentanyl ahead of Halloween, the video claims that even...
The public service announcement, a portion of which was aired on Fox News Friday morning, said that “by working together and being on high alert this Halloween, we can help put an end to the drug traffickers that are driving addiction.”
Fox aired a PSA from Republican senators warning about rainbow fentanyl ahead of Halloween, the video claims that even...
- 10/7/2022
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez and CT Jones
- Rollingstone.com
Congress has finally taken notice of an unprecedented wave of fatalities at Fort Bragg, some 17 months after Rolling Stone first brought attention to an apparent drug crisis at the base.
This morning, a group of five senators led by Sen. Edward Markey demanded answers from the military on the subject of overdose deaths in the armed forces, in a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Lisa Murkowski, John Cornyn, and Martin Heinrich were also signatories to the letter, which posed six questions to the Pentagon,...
This morning, a group of five senators led by Sen. Edward Markey demanded answers from the military on the subject of overdose deaths in the armed forces, in a letter sent to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Lisa Murkowski, John Cornyn, and Martin Heinrich were also signatories to the letter, which posed six questions to the Pentagon,...
- 9/29/2022
- by Seth Harp
- Rollingstone.com
Ted Cruz has spent September praising the expansion of Interstate 27 into a “Ports-to-Plains” corridor that will run vertically through Texas. He’s even gone so far as to say he “led” the effort to fund the project, both in a Sept. 1 address at Texas Tech University — video of which was obtained by Heartland Signal — and in a press notice released last Friday.
The only issue is that Cruz actually voted against the bill that funded the project.
The project was funded earlier this year through the omnibus appropriations bill, which...
The only issue is that Cruz actually voted against the bill that funded the project.
The project was funded earlier this year through the omnibus appropriations bill, which...
- 9/21/2022
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Update, Saturday, 6:20 Am Pt: President Biden signed the bipartisan gun safety bill into law on Saturday, saying that “time is of the essence” and “lives will be saved” by the legislation.
“While this bill doesn’t do everything I want, it does include actions I have long called for,” Biden said, calling it a “monumental day” given that no significant federal gun legislation has been passed for almost 30 years.
With the president at the brief signing event was First Lady Jill Biden. He said that the White House will hold a larger ceremony to mark the occasion on July 11.
Previously, Friday, 10:35 Am Pt: The House passed a bipartisan compromise gun safety bill, and the legislation now will head to Joe Biden’s desk for him to sign into law.
The vote was 234-193, and lawmakers cheered as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the final vote. Fourteen Republicans joined...
“While this bill doesn’t do everything I want, it does include actions I have long called for,” Biden said, calling it a “monumental day” given that no significant federal gun legislation has been passed for almost 30 years.
With the president at the brief signing event was First Lady Jill Biden. He said that the White House will hold a larger ceremony to mark the occasion on July 11.
Previously, Friday, 10:35 Am Pt: The House passed a bipartisan compromise gun safety bill, and the legislation now will head to Joe Biden’s desk for him to sign into law.
The vote was 234-193, and lawmakers cheered as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the final vote. Fourteen Republicans joined...
- 6/25/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Almost a month after a gunman fatally shot 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, legislators are finally on the cusp of a gun reform agreement. In a vote of 64-34 the U.S. Senate advanced a bipartisan bill aimed at implementing new, extremely modest gun legislation.
The bill would enhance background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21 and remove guns from the possession of those who have committed domestic violence or pose an immediate danger to themselves and others. The bill does not...
The bill would enhance background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21 and remove guns from the possession of those who have committed domestic violence or pose an immediate danger to themselves and others. The bill does not...
- 6/22/2022
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Republican and Democratic Senators have signed onto a tentative agreement for gun reform legislation in the wake of the shooting at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school.
The proposed deal for bipartisan reform, a group of senators announced Sunday, includes enhanced background checks for buyers ages 18-21 as well as funding for mental health treatment and school security. The deal is a result of negotiations between Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). Ten Republican senators — the number Democrats would need to overcome a filibuster — have signed on.
In addition to Cornyn,...
The proposed deal for bipartisan reform, a group of senators announced Sunday, includes enhanced background checks for buyers ages 18-21 as well as funding for mental health treatment and school security. The deal is a result of negotiations between Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). Ten Republican senators — the number Democrats would need to overcome a filibuster — have signed on.
In addition to Cornyn,...
- 6/12/2022
- by Peter Wade
- Rollingstone.com
A bipartisan group of senators have reach an agreement on a framework for a series of new gun safety measures on Sunday, but they fall short of banning the purchase of assault weapons for those under 21.
Specifically, the agreement would expand background checks for those under 21 who purchase guns; grants for states to implement “red flag” laws, which allows law enforcement to temporarily take away guns who pose a danger to themselves or others; an expansion of mental health programs; improving the background check system overall, with a focus on preventing domestic abusers from buying guns; and increasing funding for school security. It also includes the first federal law against gun trafficking and straw purchasing.
Such an announcement would reflect a breakthrough in a long stalemate over any new gun legislation, even though it does not include measures that have widespread public support, like universal background checks, a ban on...
Specifically, the agreement would expand background checks for those under 21 who purchase guns; grants for states to implement “red flag” laws, which allows law enforcement to temporarily take away guns who pose a danger to themselves or others; an expansion of mental health programs; improving the background check system overall, with a focus on preventing domestic abusers from buying guns; and increasing funding for school security. It also includes the first federal law against gun trafficking and straw purchasing.
Such an announcement would reflect a breakthrough in a long stalemate over any new gun legislation, even though it does not include measures that have widespread public support, like universal background checks, a ban on...
- 6/12/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Houston — The National Rifle Association bills its convention hall as “14 acres of guns & gear.” But the hall is less than 300 miles away from Uvalde — where 19 elementary school students were murdered at a “hardened” school by a lone gunman with an Ar-15, while “good guys with guns” reportedly stood down for nearly an hour — and the convention lineup is shrinking.
The big-name musical acts, including Don “American Pie” McLean and Lee “Proud to Be an American” Greenwood, have bowed out of the “NRA Grand Ole Night of Freedom” concert scheduled for Saturday.
The big-name musical acts, including Don “American Pie” McLean and Lee “Proud to Be an American” Greenwood, have bowed out of the “NRA Grand Ole Night of Freedom” concert scheduled for Saturday.
- 5/27/2022
- by Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
Jimmy Kimmel is asking why a local Texas station abruptly cut to commercial during his emotional remarks about the Uvalde school shooting on his May 25 show. During his monologue, the Jimmy Kimmel Live host made an impassioned speech to an empty studio about the need for stricter gun laws in Texas and implored senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, as well as Gov. Greg Abbott, to enact change following the shooting at Robb Elementary. The May 24 shooting killed 19 children and two teachers, according to NBC News. "Our cowardly leaders just aren't listening to us," Kimmel said, holding back tears. "They're listening to the NRA, they're listening to those people who...
- 5/26/2022
- E! Online
Jimmy Kimmel broke down in tears during a monologue on his ABC late night series in which he addressed the massacre at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. The school shooting left 21 people dead, including 19 kids. Kimmel opened the May 25 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” without a studio audience and demanded Texas senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, as well as Gov. Greg Abbott, admit their state’s gun laws are not working and need to change.
“Once again we grieve for the little boys and girls,” Kimmel said while fighting back tears. “Whose lives have been ended and whose families have been destroyed. While our leaders on the right, the Americans in congress and at Fox News and these other outlets warn us not to politicize this. They immediately criticize our president for even speaking about doing something to stop it. Because they don’t want to speak about it...
“Once again we grieve for the little boys and girls,” Kimmel said while fighting back tears. “Whose lives have been ended and whose families have been destroyed. While our leaders on the right, the Americans in congress and at Fox News and these other outlets warn us not to politicize this. They immediately criticize our president for even speaking about doing something to stop it. Because they don’t want to speak about it...
- 5/26/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Instead of a traditional monologue on Wednesday, Jimmy Kimmel recorded an emotional message for the top of his show during which he talked about the horrific mass murder at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday.
19 children and 2 teachers were killed by a lone gunman while, according to the Associated press, police stood by and let it happen. And talking about it, Kimmel visibly broke down multiple times.
And Kimmel didn’t hold back when he pointed the finger at those he deemed responsible for making yet another mass shooting possible: Republicans.
“Here we are again on another day of mourning in this country. Where once again, we grieve, for the babies, the little boys and girls whose lives have been ended and whose families have been destroyed,” Kimmel said.
Also Read:
Colbert Mocks Response by ‘Cowardly’ Republicans to Texas School Massacre (Video)
“While our leaders on the right,...
19 children and 2 teachers were killed by a lone gunman while, according to the Associated press, police stood by and let it happen. And talking about it, Kimmel visibly broke down multiple times.
And Kimmel didn’t hold back when he pointed the finger at those he deemed responsible for making yet another mass shooting possible: Republicans.
“Here we are again on another day of mourning in this country. Where once again, we grieve, for the babies, the little boys and girls whose lives have been ended and whose families have been destroyed,” Kimmel said.
Also Read:
Colbert Mocks Response by ‘Cowardly’ Republicans to Texas School Massacre (Video)
“While our leaders on the right,...
- 5/26/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Trevor Reed, a Marine who had been jailed in Russia since 2019, was released last month as part of a prisoner swap. Upon his return to Texas, Reed’s family commended home state legislators like Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Republican Reps. Michael McCaul and August Pfluger, and Democrats Joaquin Castro and Sheila Jackson Lee, for their efforts to secure his release.
Sen. Ted Cruz was not among them. In fact, Reed’s father tore into the senator in a recent interview with The Dallas Morning News. “He didn’t do anything,...
Sen. Ted Cruz was not among them. In fact, Reed’s father tore into the senator in a recent interview with The Dallas Morning News. “He didn’t do anything,...
- 5/9/2022
- by William Vaillancourt
- Rollingstone.com
Over the past four years, many members of the Republican Party have gotten extremely good at doing a little dance with extremism. It’s a cute ritual. They flirt with a transgressive policy, make sure it has every possibility of becoming part of our lives, and then publicly express grave concern and disappointment when that policy becomes widespread. The best recent example of this has been the GOP’s reaction to the Jan. 6 insurrection and the Big Lie conspiracy theories that fuel the far-right’s desire to overturn President Biden’s election win.
- 2/8/2022
- by Jack Crosbie
- Rollingstone.com
Exxon Mounts Feeble Walkback After Lobbyist Caught on Camera Telling Truth About Anti-Climate Agenda
One of ExxonMobil’s top lobbyists has been caught on camera revealing what many critics and environmentalists have claimed all along: That the oil giant continues to fight for its profits over the health of the planet, despite public relations campaigns claiming to back measures like a carbon tax to address climate change.
ExxonMobil is one of the planet’s top producers of oil, natural gas, and plastic, one of the corporations most responsible for our planet’s runaway carbon emissions, and a political heavyweight with a dark history of...
ExxonMobil is one of the planet’s top producers of oil, natural gas, and plastic, one of the corporations most responsible for our planet’s runaway carbon emissions, and a political heavyweight with a dark history of...
- 7/1/2021
- by Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday that makes Juneteenth a federal holiday, with plans for the government workforce to observe the new holiday Friday.
The event was carried on cable news and broadcast networks.
The holiday commemorates African Americans’ freedom from slavery, and has long been observed in local and state celebrations. It was on June 19, 1865 that enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, TX, learned that they were free, and their first celebration turned into an annual event.
“Today we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, what it must be, a national holiday,” Biden said in the East Room of the White House.
At the ceremony, Biden called for passage of voting rights legislation, expected to come before the Senate next week, and also highlighted other parts of his agenda. As he has many times before, he also urged Americans to get vaccinated.
“We can’t rest until...
The event was carried on cable news and broadcast networks.
The holiday commemorates African Americans’ freedom from slavery, and has long been observed in local and state celebrations. It was on June 19, 1865 that enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, TX, learned that they were free, and their first celebration turned into an annual event.
“Today we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, what it must be, a national holiday,” Biden said in the East Room of the White House.
At the ceremony, Biden called for passage of voting rights legislation, expected to come before the Senate next week, and also highlighted other parts of his agenda. As he has many times before, he also urged Americans to get vaccinated.
“We can’t rest until...
- 6/17/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with latest: The White House has announced tonight that President Joe Biden will on Thursday sign the bill passed today in Congress that will make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
When the White House Press Office sent its daily guidance for Thursday to media late today, it included the following: “3:30 p.m.: The President signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law; The President and The Vice President deliver remarks.”
The signing of the bill will literally be the first thing Potus officially does tomorrow landing back in D.C, tonight from a weeklong and summit filled trip to Europe.
Previously at 5:30 p.m.: The House of Representatives voted 415-14 late Wednesday to establish June 19 as a federal holiday in the U.S. Called Juneteenth National Independence Day, the 156-year-old celebration commemorates the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. Celebrated in 47 states and the District of Columbia,...
When the White House Press Office sent its daily guidance for Thursday to media late today, it included the following: “3:30 p.m.: The President signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law; The President and The Vice President deliver remarks.”
The signing of the bill will literally be the first thing Potus officially does tomorrow landing back in D.C, tonight from a weeklong and summit filled trip to Europe.
Previously at 5:30 p.m.: The House of Representatives voted 415-14 late Wednesday to establish June 19 as a federal holiday in the U.S. Called Juneteenth National Independence Day, the 156-year-old celebration commemorates the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. Celebrated in 47 states and the District of Columbia,...
- 6/17/2021
- by Tom Tapp and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn, who introduced the bill that became the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, issued a letter to Isabella Guzman, head of the Small Business Administration, urging a speed-up in relief to venues still waiting on much-needed funding.
The Svog program was included in the Covid-19 stimulus bill, which passed last December, but the program has been plagued by myriad glitches and delays. Over six months later, only some applicants have received funding, while many are still waiting for grants.
“The Save Our Stages Act, now...
The Svog program was included in the Covid-19 stimulus bill, which passed last December, but the program has been plagued by myriad glitches and delays. Over six months later, only some applicants have received funding, while many are still waiting for grants.
“The Save Our Stages Act, now...
- 6/15/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Five months after the federal government passed the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (Svog) to assist independent venue owners, promoters and other small live music businesses who’ve been dormant during the pandemic, applicants are finally beginning to receive grant approval notices. Getting a grant approved means venues still must wait to actually get their cash, but it’s a small sign of progress following months of waiting and uncertainty.
It’s unclear how many applicants have gotten their grants approved. Several members of the tight-knit National Independent Venue Association tell...
It’s unclear how many applicants have gotten their grants approved. Several members of the tight-knit National Independent Venue Association tell...
- 5/28/2021
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn have sent an open letter to the White House’s Covid-19 task force, encouraging them to use shuttered venues as sites to administer the coronavirus vaccine.
The letter was addressed to the White House’s Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Jeff Zients, and was signed by a bipartisan group of Senators that also included Richard Blumenthal, Kristen Gillibrand, Kevin Cramer, Jerry Moran, Thomas Carper, Marsha Blackburn, Mark Kelly, John Hoeven, Jon Tester, Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, and Jeffrey Merkley.
“In an effort to create and expand...
The letter was addressed to the White House’s Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Jeff Zients, and was signed by a bipartisan group of Senators that also included Richard Blumenthal, Kristen Gillibrand, Kevin Cramer, Jerry Moran, Thomas Carper, Marsha Blackburn, Mark Kelly, John Hoeven, Jon Tester, Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, and Jeffrey Merkley.
“In an effort to create and expand...
- 3/2/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Donald Trump was a negligent and corrupt president who, by his own standards, got rolled in his bid for re-election. He then instigated a deadly attack upon the seat of federal democracy as part of a months-long attempted coup. You might think Republicans would want to take the off ramp away from this guy when given the chance, but no.
The second impeachment presented a gift of sorts for Republicans. Technically, it still is a chance to sideline Trump from their party and from American politics forever. Expecting the GOP...
The second impeachment presented a gift of sorts for Republicans. Technically, it still is a chance to sideline Trump from their party and from American politics forever. Expecting the GOP...
- 1/28/2021
- by Jamil Smith
- Rollingstone.com
Dave Grohl on Monday expressed a “huge, heartfelt thank you” to supporters of the Save Our Stages Act, which provides approximately $10 billion for independent concert venues amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding is part of a long-delayed economic stimulus bill that President Trump signed into law on Sunday.
“The preservation of America’s smaller, independent venues is not only crucial to the millions of [concert-goers] whose lives are bettered by experiencing their favorite artists in the flesh, but to the future of music itself, as it gives the next generation of...
“The preservation of America’s smaller, independent venues is not only crucial to the millions of [concert-goers] whose lives are bettered by experiencing their favorite artists in the flesh, but to the future of music itself, as it gives the next generation of...
- 12/29/2020
- by Ryan Reed
- Rollingstone.com
For Dayna Frank, owner of First Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the feeling was completely indescribable. For Kerri Park, general manager at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, there was a palpable shift towards positivity. For Christine Karayan, owner of the Troubadour in Los Angeles, there was still some understandable hesitancy. It was Monday evening and Congressional leaders had only agreed on a Covid-19 relief package that included much-needed funding for independent music venues around the country, but no votes had actually been cast. “What these nine, ten months have taught me,...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
As the coronavirus pandemic began to destroy lives and livelihoods this spring, the music industry quickly realized the dire straits they were facing. Venues were some of the first businesses to close and will be one of the last to open, and critical PPE money — utilized by tens of thousands of other businesses — was less effective or useless to venue owners that were forced to lay off their entire crews.
In July, Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn introduced the Save Our Stages Act that earmarked $10 billion to venue owners,...
In July, Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn introduced the Save Our Stages Act that earmarked $10 billion to venue owners,...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jason Newman
- Rollingstone.com
After a series of protracted negotiations that threatened to derail any financial relief for millions of Americans, Congress passed a new Covid-19 relief bill Monday night that will include funding for independent music venues that have been closed throughout the pandemic. The bill will now move to the White House for President Trump to sign the sweeping bill, paving the way for venue owners to begin applying for financial relief.
On Monday, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement noting the bill...
On Monday, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement noting the bill...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Less than two weeks before year’s end, Congress is set to finally pass a $900 billion stimulus package that will provide some relief to millions of Americans and businesses suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The House approved the stimulus package on Monday night and the Senate is also expected to vote later in the evening.
For Hollywood, one particular element of the package that will be of great relief is the Save Our Stages initiative, a $15 billion aid package shepherded through Congress by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn and championed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The initiative will provide grants to entertainment businesses such as live venues and small, independently owned movie theaters. Each industry has been crippled by the pandemic as live shows have been canceled for nearly nine months and dozens of major blockbusters have been pushed back to 2021 and beyond. Theatrical producers, live performing arts organizations,...
The House approved the stimulus package on Monday night and the Senate is also expected to vote later in the evening.
For Hollywood, one particular element of the package that will be of great relief is the Save Our Stages initiative, a $15 billion aid package shepherded through Congress by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn and championed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The initiative will provide grants to entertainment businesses such as live venues and small, independently owned movie theaters. Each industry has been crippled by the pandemic as live shows have been canceled for nearly nine months and dozens of major blockbusters have been pushed back to 2021 and beyond. Theatrical producers, live performing arts organizations,...
- 12/22/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
In July, Senators Amy Klobucharand John Cornyn penned The Save Our Stages Act- a bill thatwould give 10 billion to live performances venues that have been shut down since March due to the health crisis. Now the bill's co-author, Klobuchar, is speaking about her thoughts on the bill's chances of it being passed in Congress, which could happen as early as this week.
- 12/15/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
As 2020 election results roll in, control of the Senate remains in the balance — and everything may all come down to Georgia.
The math is not complicated. In the current Senate, Republicans hold a three-seat advantage, 53-47. If Biden wins the presidency, as appears increasingly likely, Vice President Kamala Harris would sit as the Senate’s tie-breaker, and Democrats would need a net gain of three seats to control the chamber. (If Trump wins, Democrats would need to net four seats.)
With projected Senate wins in Arizona and Colorado, and a loss in Alabama,...
The math is not complicated. In the current Senate, Republicans hold a three-seat advantage, 53-47. If Biden wins the presidency, as appears increasingly likely, Vice President Kamala Harris would sit as the Senate’s tie-breaker, and Democrats would need a net gain of three seats to control the chamber. (If Trump wins, Democrats would need to net four seats.)
With projected Senate wins in Arizona and Colorado, and a loss in Alabama,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
More than 9,000,000 people have voted in Texas, already surpassing the entirety of the ballots cast in 2016. That had been an all-time record. The turnout is just one sign that this election is different, and Julián Castro is thankful to be home to witness it.
In past campaigns, it would have been assumed that the former Housing and Urban Development secretary would have been dispatched to swing states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin, where his appeal with Latinx voters and those primarily focused on social-justice issues might help the Democratic ticket.
In past campaigns, it would have been assumed that the former Housing and Urban Development secretary would have been dispatched to swing states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin, where his appeal with Latinx voters and those primarily focused on social-justice issues might help the Democratic ticket.
- 10/30/2020
- by Jamil Smith
- Rollingstone.com
Joy Behar ripped into Rush Limbaugh on Monday’s episode of “The View,” calling the conservative radio personality “friendly” in private but “racist,” “hateful” and “misogynistic” on the air.
The co-host’s criticisms came as part of a larger conversation about Republican senators who seem to be publically distancing themselves from Trump as the election draws near. Moderator Whoopi Goldberg used Republican Texas senator John Cornyn as an example, noting that Sen. Cornyn “disagrees with you-know-who privately to take care of business.”
Behar drew on her experience with Limbaugh for context, recalling a time when they worked on the same floor in the early 1990s.
“His show came on after mine on the radio, and sometimes I would see him; he was around,” she said, calling the radio host a “very friendly guy,” who “probably has a few laughs in him” and remembering a time when “he lifted me up off the ground.
The co-host’s criticisms came as part of a larger conversation about Republican senators who seem to be publically distancing themselves from Trump as the election draws near. Moderator Whoopi Goldberg used Republican Texas senator John Cornyn as an example, noting that Sen. Cornyn “disagrees with you-know-who privately to take care of business.”
Behar drew on her experience with Limbaugh for context, recalling a time when they worked on the same floor in the early 1990s.
“His show came on after mine on the radio, and sometimes I would see him; he was around,” she said, calling the radio host a “very friendly guy,” who “probably has a few laughs in him” and remembering a time when “he lifted me up off the ground.
- 10/19/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The Heroes Act — one of several Covid-19 relief bills being debated in Congress — was updated in the House of Representatives Monday, September 28th, with provisions from the Save Our Stages Act.
If passed, the updated Heroes Act would authorize $10 billion in grants for independent venues, producers, promoters and talent representatives. Crucially, venues would be allowed to use that money to cover rent, mortgages, utilities, insurance and other expenses they’re continuing to accrue despite being closed because of the pandemic.
Without funding in the coming weeks, an array of independent...
If passed, the updated Heroes Act would authorize $10 billion in grants for independent venues, producers, promoters and talent representatives. Crucially, venues would be allowed to use that money to cover rent, mortgages, utilities, insurance and other expenses they’re continuing to accrue despite being closed because of the pandemic.
Without funding in the coming weeks, an array of independent...
- 9/29/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
A Supreme Court seat has opened in an election year, and you’ll never guess who is strongly in favor of filling it — all of the people who were against it last time. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Republican colleagues would like to fill the vacancy created by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, despite the fact that they spent the better part of 2016 vehemently opposing the idea of having a Supreme Court fight so close to ballot-casting time. (For reference, Antonin Scalia’s unexpected death was 269 days before...
- 9/21/2020
- by Tessa Stuart
- Rollingstone.com
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Broadway League renewed the call for dedicated federal funding for Broadway and other New York live venues today, reiterating the push for the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages campaign.
“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at an outdoor press conference in New York’s theater district near the Tkts Booth. The senator joked that he would demand “a Lion King’s share of federal relief” for Broadway.
Citing the $15 billion contributed by Broadway to New York’s economy last year, the 100,000 jobs, and the millions of tourists, Schumer called live performance “our pulse, our energy.” He said theater was particularly vulnerable to Covid since live venues were “the first to close under Covid and the last to open.”
Last month, Schumer endorsed the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages bill co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar,...
“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at an outdoor press conference in New York’s theater district near the Tkts Booth. The senator joked that he would demand “a Lion King’s share of federal relief” for Broadway.
Citing the $15 billion contributed by Broadway to New York’s economy last year, the 100,000 jobs, and the millions of tourists, Schumer called live performance “our pulse, our energy.” He said theater was particularly vulnerable to Covid since live venues were “the first to close under Covid and the last to open.”
Last month, Schumer endorsed the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages bill co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar,...
- 9/18/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
With both chambers of Congress back in Washington, D.C., music-industry organizations such as the National Independent Venue Association (Niva) are continuing their fight to secure federal funding for clubs and venues teetering on the edge of closing.
The political situation remains fairly similar to when the House and Senate left last month without passing a second Covid-19 relief bill. Though with four additional weeks of mounting bills, the stakes for venues have only gotten higher. The loss of independent venues not only threatens a key segment of the live-music ecosystem,...
The political situation remains fairly similar to when the House and Senate left last month without passing a second Covid-19 relief bill. Though with four additional weeks of mounting bills, the stakes for venues have only gotten higher. The loss of independent venues not only threatens a key segment of the live-music ecosystem,...
- 9/18/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
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