Author: openjargon

• Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery found in electric vehicles.
• Scientists found they contain PFAS or 'forever chemicals' found in air, water, snow, soil, and sediment.
• Research calls for better battery technology and recycling to mitigate PFAS pollution.

Scientists have uncovered a new source of hazardous "forever chemical" pollution: the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in most electric vehicles.

Some lithium-ion battery technologies use a class of PFAS chemicals, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that helps make batteries less flammable and conduct electricity. Scientists found high levels of these PFAS in air, water, snow, soil, and sediment samples near plants that make those chemicals in the US, Belgium, and France, according to a peer-reviewed study in the journal Nature Communications.

PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they build up quickly in the environment, people, and animals and don't break down for thousands of years. They've been linked to a host of health conditions, including liver damage, high cholesterol, low birth weights, and chronic kidney disease.

The findings underscore how switching to cleaner cars and renewable energy is key to solving the climate crisis, but comes with its own set of trade-offs that are still emerging and understudied. While the environmental and health impacts of mining lithium and other minerals used in batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and other technology are well documented, it's only now that researchers are uncovering lithium-ion batteries as a source of PFAS pollution.

"Slashing [carbon dioxide] emissions with innovations like electric cars is critical, but it shouldn't come with the side effect of increasing PFAS pollution," Jennifer Guelfo, an associate professor of environmental engineering at Texas Tech University and coauthor of the study, said in a statement.

It's an issue of global concern because lithium-ion batteries are used worldwide, the study said. The same class of PFAS has recently been detected at low levels in European and Chinese water, but the source of the pollution was unclear.

The specific class of PFAS that Guelfo's team found is called bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides, or bis-FASIs. Scientists tested more than a dozen lithium-ion batteries used in EVs and consumer electronics like laptops, and found bis-FASIs at various concentrations.

It's hard to know just how widespread the chemicals are in specific lithium-ion batteries because there isn't enough research yet, Lee Ferguson, associate professor of environmental engineering at Duke University and coauthor of the study, said.

Guelfo said bis-FASIs is comparable to "older notorious" chemicals like PFOA, in part because they are extremely difficult to degrade and studies show the chemicals change the behavior of aquatic organisms at low concentrations. PFOA has been phased out of production in the US but continues to pollute drinking water.

The study was the first "cradle-to-grave" evaluation of the environmental impacts of bis-FASI use in lithium-ion batteries. The effects of bis-FASIs in humans hasn't been studied yet.

The scientists detected bis-FASIs chemicals at parts per billion levels — much higher than the limits the Environmental Protection Agency set for PFAS in drinking water in April. Strategies to get rid of PFAS in drinking water can also remove bis-FASIs, the study said, which should become more widely adopted due to EPA's regulations. However, chemical makers and some water utilities have challenged the agency in court.

Other routes of exposure to bis-FASIs exist. Air emissions data suggest the chemicals can travel to areas far from manufacturing sites. They can also leach into the environment from landfills, where the majority of lithium-ion batteries end up.

The study said only about 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled, and by 2040, there could be some 8 million tons of lithium-ion battery waste.

Guelfo said scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and policymakers need to develop battery technology and recycling solutions that don't exacerbate PFAS pollution.

"We need to be carefully evaluating these chemicals that are being used in sustainable energy infrastructure," Guelfo said. "We should be evaluating them now before it becomes a more widespread problem. We an opportunity to really maximize the idea of sustainability."

Companies including 3M, Solvay, and Arkema either hold patents for bis-FASIs or advertise its production or use, the study said. (In December — after the research was conducted — Solvay spun off its specialty and applied chemical businesses into a new entity named Syensqo. The lithium battery business is housed there.)

Scientists focused their research on areas near the companies' manufacturing plants in Minnesota, Kentucky, Antwerp, Belgium, and Salindres, France.

3M has manufactured PFAS for decades and last year agreed to a $10 billion settlement with US cities and towns over their claims that the company contaminated drinking water with forever chemicals. 3M said it will exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025.

The company's settlement followed another agreement by Chemours, DuPont and Corteva to pay $1.19 billion to help resolve thousands of lawsuits.

Correction: July 8, 2024 — This story was updated to clarify the name of one of the companies that makes EV battery materials. After the research, Solvay spun off their lithium battery business into a new entity named Syensqo.

• Autopilot is a Tesla feature that gets a lot of attention.
• But the cars come equipped with many more, including the "frunk," which competitors have copied.
• Other unique Tesla features include "Dog mode" and "Ludicrous Plus Mode."

Tesla vehicles are engineered with a plethora of interesting add-ons and easter eggs.

Some of the features are what you might expect from a tech-savvy car company, like the Tesla app and key card. Others reflect Elon Musk's unique sense of humor and have added to Tesla's cult following.

From sentry mode to "caraoke," these 21 Tesla features — and some bonus ones rumored to be coming in an upcoming software update — put the cars in a league of their own.

1. Autopilot

All Tesla models are equipped with a driver assistance system called Autopilot.

The feature enables a car to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane. The function does not replace the role of a driver, but is intended to make driving easier and cut down on accidents.

New Tesla models have eight cameras and 12 sensors that provide a 360-view of the vehicle's surroundings, per the carmaker's website. In the past, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has compared the Autopilot cameras to the human eye.

The system also features an $8,000 or $99 per month Full-Self Driving add-on which can change lanes, as well as recognize stop lights and stop signs. The feature is currently in beta testing.

 

2. Caraoke

In 2019, Tesla's got a new "caraoke ' function, which allows Tesla owners to choose from a vast selection of music and song lyrics.

The feature became especially popular in China. In January, the carmaker's $188 in-car  Tesla karaoke microphones sold out within an hour of the initial launch in China. The TeslaMic is currently only available in China.

The "caraoke" music selection also features music in different languages. But don't get the idea that you'll be able to sing caraoke while driving, in order for this feature to work, the car has to be parked. 

 

3. Bioweapon defense mode

Tesla's Model X and Model Y, as well as more recent versions of the Model S and Model 3, are equipped with a HEPA filtration system that prevents toxic chemicals from getting into the cabin of the car.

The Tesla filtration system targets anything from pollution and bacteria to pollen, the carmaker has said

In January, Tesla released a demo video on X comparing a Tesla filter with a non-Tesla one.

—Tesla (@Tesla) June 5, 2022

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4. Touchscreen

All Tesla models feature a unique touchscreen that comes with an array of features including video games, streaming services, and live traffic updates.

The screens are also home to standard features like climate control and navigation but look nothing like anything else on the market. 

 

5. Streaming and video gaming

Tesla is constantly updating its infotainment system with apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu.

The system also has several options including Theater, Arcade, Toybox, and Browser. With the Arcade setting, drivers can use the steering wheel buttons or a USB controller to play full games.

The majority of the entertainment features are only available when the car is parked, but drivers have said it has helped them pass time when Teslas are charging or stuck in major traffic jams. In 2022, a Tesla driver said he watched Netflix while stuck in a 14-hour traffic jam in snowy weather.

 

6. Web browser

Tesla connectivity provides drivers with access to features that require data, like streaming music, media, and live traffic visualization.

With Tesla's premium connectivity, you can access various websites while your car is parked, including Hulu, Spotify, and PLEX media player.

 

7. Easter eggs

Each Tesla is programmed with virtual Easter eggs that can range anywhere from Santa in a sleigh, a rainbow-like road, and even the port of your supercharger lighting up with colors of the rainbow.

8. Air suspension

Teslas are equipped with a smart auto raising air suspension system that changes based on the GPS coordinates of your vehicle.

Users also have the option to change the firmness of the suspension manually through the Tesla control panel. This feature could really come in handy if you're traveling across the country, and experience changes in the road.

9. Sentry mode

Sentry mode allows you to keep a close eye on your parked vehicle from anywhere in the world.

Let's say someone hits your car with a shopping cart, your Tesla will start recording from the outside cameras and alert you that your vehicle has been hit through the Tesla app. This feature eliminates the stress of ever wondering where that mysterious dent came from. 

 

10. Superchargers

There are more than 50,000 Tesla supercharging stations in the world — a number that the company continues to grow.

Tesla says that you can charge your car for as little as 15 minutes for up to 200 miles of travel. 

In the past, EV drivers have said the fast-charging stations give Tesla owners an advantage over others due to their speed, as well as the wide availability of Tesla chargers.

 

11. The key

There are plenty of options that aren't traditional keys for a Tesla.

If you don't want to use your phone or the card, there are also unique key fobs shaped like a Tesla car. 

 

12. Auto-presenting doors

The Tesla Model X has doors that unlock and fully open as the driver approaches, carrying the key.

The automatic-open option is a setting that can be turned off or on in Tesla's in-car display.

In July 2022, Musk dubbed the feature "one of the best" Model X features.

—Elon Musk (@elonmusk)

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13. The app

One of the most interesting things about Tesla is the app, which allows drivers to control their car from virtually anywhere.

The app sends real-time updates if sentry mode were to activate. You can also check the status of your vehicle while it's charging, control the air conditioning and heat, and also lock and unlock your car. 

14. Over-the-air updates

Tesla vehicles frequently receive over-the-air updates which are designed to send new features to the vehicles and "make them safer," Tesla's website says.

The vehicles cannot be operated when updates are being installed, but you can operate your vehicle when updates are downloading. Other automakers have since adopted Tesla's approach for vehicle updates. 

15. Ludicrous Plus mode

If you have a need for speed and want to take your Tesla to the race track, then ludicrous plus mode is for you.

This feature heats up the Tesla battery to an optimum temperature that allows the vehicle to hit maximum speed.

16. Plaid mode

Tesla Model S Plaid mode is another feature for speed racers.

Teslas with plaid mode "have batteries and three electric motors that can produce up to 1,020 horsepower and can take the car from zero to 60 miles an hour in just two seconds," CNN says. That brings these cars in the same performance bracket as Bugatti's and Lamborghinis.

17. Dog mode

With your family pooch in mind, the carmaker introduced Tesla dog mode to keep them in the car with the temperature of the car being regulated to avoid the animal overheating.

The touchscreen on the car will display a background letting curious bystanders know that your car is a comfortable temperature for your dog and that you will be back.

In December 2022, Tesla released an additional feature that enables users watch to their dog in realtime while its in the car by transmitting a live feed from the cabin camera directly to the Tesla app.

—Tesla (@Tesla)

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18. Automatic cabin overheat protection

Tesla also has an automatic climate control system for severe weather conditions.

The Cabin Overheat Protection system turns on when the interior of the empty car hits 105 degrees.

Tesla's website when you adjust the cabin temperature in Auto, it "automatically adjusts the heating, air conditioning, air distribution, and fan speed to maintain the cabin at your selected temperature."

19. Fart mode

Tesla cars are equipped with a fart mode that allows your vehicle to sound like its breaking wind.

The driver can even choose which speaker the sound comes from to give the impression that the sound is coming from a specific seat or direction.

The carmaker used to have a boombox mode as well, which allowed drivers to replace the sound of their horn with anything from the sound of a bleating goat to a round of applause, but the feature was disabled in February over concerns from the NHTSA.

20. The frunk

Most cars have a truck in the back, but why would Tesla pass up the opportunity to be anything less than original.

The frunk is just like a trunk, but in the front instead of the back — another feature quickly copied by competitors. 

Since Tesla adopted the frunk other automakers have followed suit. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck also has a frunk feature.

The EV giant released a series of updates in May, including a hands-free automatic trunk that opens when you stand behind it.

21. Explicit lyrics bar on infotainment system

Through your Tesla music app on the infotainment system, you can censor explicit lyrics in songs, which is perfect for driving with young children.

 

The rumored new "Night Curfew" feature can send parents notifications when their Tesla is driven past a set curfew time.

The rumored 2024.26 update was released to employees on July 3, according to Not a Tesla App and Tessie, two websites that track Tesla software changes.

The update includes new parental controls, with a number of features that can be enabled with a vehicle PIN, according to the reports. The new "Night Curfew" feature sends notifications to the Tesla mobile app when a vehicle is driven past a set curfew time.

For parents who worry their kid could be taking advantage of the extra zip and high top speed possible with a Tesla, there may also be new controls that give parents the ability to set a maximum speed limit and reduce acceleration.

• Wimbledon is underway in London and will conclude on July 14.
• The Grand Slam tennis tournament draws an elite group of spectators in high fashion looks.
• David Beckham, Patrick Mahomes, Salma Hayek, and Jameela Jamil have been spotted at the event.

Round one of Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam tournaments of the season, began on July 1.

With stars like Taylor Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz, and Emma Navarro vying for championship titles in their pristine whites, the spectacle always draws a number of society's elites.

So far, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has seen everyone from legendary athletes David Beckham and Maria Sharapova to Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl and "Bridgerton" stars Golda Rosheuvel, Luke Thompson, and Corey Mylchreest.

As the competition continues to heat up, here's a look at all the A-listers attending Wimbledon this year.

English soccer legend David Beckham was seen enjoying day one of the tournament with his mom, Sandra.

Also on day one, "Bohemian Rhapsody" star Lucy Boynton wore an embroidered babydoll dress by Celine, color-coordinated sunglasses, and gold hoops.

Source: Women's Health

Musician Arlo Parks was also in attendance on day one.

Couple James Blake and Jameela Jamil posed for pictures on club grounds.

Golda Rosheuvel, also known as Queen Charlotte on "Bridgerton," was seen on day one in a red and white striped dress.

"Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" singer PinkPantheress was snapped checking her phone.

British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, who portrayed Bob Marley in "Bob Marley: One Love," was seen walking the grounds on day one.

Famed British broadcaster and biologist Sir David Attenborough was seen giving a standing ovation.

"Foo Fighters" front man Dave Grohl traded his usual rock 'n' roll style for a navy-blue suit and orange patterned tie as he watched day two's action with his wife, director Jordyn Blum.

Actor and producer Rebel Wilson was seen taking selfies with a fellow spectator in a bright floral blazer by Alice and Olivia.

The multitalented model, singer, and actor Grace Jones was spotted having a laugh in the crowd.

David Beckham's second oldest son, Romeo, was spotted in the crowd on day three of the tournament.

Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Maria Sharapova was seen with her fiancé, businessman Alexander Gilkes.

"Ted Lasso" fan favorite Hannah Waddingham stopped for pictures on day three in a lilac, floral-patterned dress by Elie Saab with white accessories.

Mel C's burnt-orange crop top reminded everyone why she's Sporty Spice.

Kim Cattrall posed in a dusty-pink suit, floral blouse, and metallic heels.

Michael and Carole Middleton, parents of Kate Middleton, were spotted at Wimbledon day four.

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe attended Andy Murray's farewell presentation on day four.

British survivalist and TV personality Bear Grylls was spotted on the grounds in a navy-blue suit and tie.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was pictured with his wife, Brittany Mahomes, who wore a red, white, and blue look by Gucci.

Academy Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman attended Wimbledon day five with his wife, Lisa Hoffman.

Actor Salma Hayek and her husband, Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault, enjoyed Wimbledon day seven from the Royal Box.

Source: People; Business Insider

The legendary British chef, baker, and TV host Dame Mary Berry attended day seven of Wimbledon in a bold multi-colored dress.

The second "Bridgerton" brother, Luke Thompson, right, was also seen in the crowd on day seven.

On tournament day eight, British Vogue hosted its annual Wimbledon Lunch with Ralph Lauren. In attendance were editor in chief Chioma Nnadi, left, and actor Nathalie Emmanuel, middle, both wearing Ralph Lauren, of course.

Source: British Vogue

"Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" actor Corey Mylchreest was also present for the event, wearing a chocolate-brown set by Ralph Lauren.

Source: British Vogue

"Sex Education" star and the newest Doctor on "Doctor Who" Ncuti Gatwa wore a navy-blue pinstripe three-piece suit by Ralph Lauren for the occasion.

Source: British Vogue

British actor Jodie Turner-Smith opted for a more colorful look from Ralph Lauren, pairing a floral bomber jacket with silky patterned pants.

Source: British Vogue

Amelia Dimoldenberg of "Chicken Shop Date" fame also attended British Vogue's luncheon, giving her pinstripe suit a more relaxed feel by leaving her white button-down untucked.

Source: British Vogue

"The O.C." actor Mischa Barton, left, attended day eight of Wimbledon in a cream blazer and jeans.

"You" actor Tilly Keeper was also spotted in the crowd on day eight.

Actor and singer Nicole Scherzinger wore a cream midi dress by Emilia Wickstead and accessorized with gold jewelry and a black purse.

Source: Daily Mail

Australian actor Isla Fisher cheered in the crowd on Wimbledon day eight.

• A missile struck a children's hospital. Ukraine says it was a Russian strike, but Moscow denies it.
• War experts dispute Russian claims it was a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile, arguing it was a Russian cruise missile.
• Visual evidence and expert analysis contradict Russian statements on the attack, which killed at least 31.

War and weapons experts are disputing the Russian Ministry of Defense's claims that it did not strike a children's hospital in Kyiv on Monday, an attack that has stirred outrage in Ukraine and internationally.

The Security Service of Ukraine identified the missile that struck the medical facility as a Russian Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile. The hospital was struck amid a large barrage.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in response to the attack that "we must hold Russia accountable for its acts of terror and Putin for ordering the strikes."

The Kremlin was quick to argue it was not to blame for this. "Statements by representatives of the Kyiv regime about an allegedly intentional missile strike by Russia on civilian targets are absolutely untrue," Moscow's Ministry of Defense posted a statement to Telegram after imagery began to come out.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said that photos and videos taken of the strike show that a fallen Ukrainian air defense missile, fired from an anti-aircraft missile system, caused the destruction at the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital.

War analysts took to social media, citing the available visual evidence, to argue against Russia's claims.

"MOD is gaslighting," Dara Massicot, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in a post on X with an accompanying video of the attack from United24 Media. "No, it was not 'Ukrainian air defense' that caused a children's hospital to be struck."

Massicot added that other Russian missiles had struck a nearby military plant. The Russian attack struck targets spanning Kyiv and several cities.

Analysts assessed that the weapon was not an air-defense missile, nor was it a damaged Russian missile that had been knocked off course. There was no noticeable damage caused to the Russian missile or any indication of distress.

Fabian Hoffman, a doctoral research fellow with the Oslo Nuclear Project, determined from the photos and videos of the attack that the missile was intact, the exhaust normal, and the weapon was coming in at a steep angle.

"The flight looks fully controlled," he said on X.

Additionally, he challenged assessments that it was a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile, noting the visible turbofan engine, long wings in the midsection, and blunted nose, all of which would point to a cruise missile as opposed to an interceptor.

The Kremlin has made numerous claims that it does not intentionally target civilian infrastructure; however, the Associated Press has recorded many instances in which Russia has attacked civilian-occupied entities.

Ukraine says at least 36 people have been killed in the missile attack during which the children's hospital was struck.

• The RNC adopted Trump's platform, consisting of 20 key issues he'd prioritize as president.
• The platform pledged to "end inflation" and preserve Social Security and Medicare. 
• Biden and Trump clashed over economic issues at the first presidential debate.

Americans got some new insight into the issues former President Donald Trump will prioritize should he win the presidential election.

On Monday, Trump's campaign announced that the Republican National Committee adopted the former president's platform for the Republican Party. Consisting of 20 principles, the platform is likely the first clear outline voters have seen of what Trump is thinking as the country inches toward the November election.

"America needs determined Republican Leadership at every level of Government to address the core threats to our very survival: Our disastrously Open Border, our weakened Economy, crippling restrictions on American Energy Production, our depleted Military, attacks on the American System of Justice, and much more," the platform's preamble stated.

"To make clear our commitment, we offer to the American people the 2024 GOP Platform to Make America Great Again! It is a forward-looking Agenda that begins with the following twenty promises that we will accomplish very quickly when we win the White House and Republican Majorities in the House and Senate," it said.

The platform addresses a range of economic issues, including a pledge to "end inflation" and "make America affordable again." It also promised to preserve Social Security and Medicare benefits without any cuts, including no efforts to raise the retirement age to receive federal benefits.

The platform said the GOP would address inflation by ending illegal immigration and lifting restrictions on American energy production, which it said would allow access to more affordable energy. Still, the president has limited power to actually address overall prices, with the issue primarily in the hands of the Federal Reserve.

During the first debate between Trump and President Joe Biden at the end of June, the two candidates clashed with each other over who is to blame for the high prices Americans continue to face. Trump falsely claimed that Biden inherited "the greatest economy in the history of our country," adding, "If I'm given another four years, I will be the best. I think I'll be the best. Nobody's ever created an economy like us."

Prior administrations, like former President Bill Clinton, had greater economic growth than Trump, and Biden has overseen a lower unemployment rate than Trump.

On the issue of Social Security, Biden said he would ensure the program's strength by making "the very wealthy begin to pay their fair share right now," while Trump accused Biden during the debate of planning to "destroy" the program. The latest Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees report found that the program will only be able to pay out full benefits for the next 11 years, after which 83% of the benefits will be available.

Biden's administration has previously accused Republican lawmakers of planning to cut Social Security and Medicare, but Trump himself has pushed back on GOP discussion to alter the programs or raise the retirement age.

The platform said that "Trump has made absolutely clear that he will not cut one penny from Medicare or Social Security. American Citizens work hard their whole lives, contributing to Social Security and Medicare. These programs are promises to our Seniors, ensuring they can live their golden years with dignity."

The platform also addresses immigration, abortion, and ending "Left-wing gender insanity" like keeping "men out of women's sports." The RNC is expected to take a final vote on the platform next week.

• Jeff Bezos gave some advice years ago that's still relevant in the AI boom today.
• While CEO of Amazon, he said he was often asked what would change in the future.
• However, he says you build a winning business strategy around "the things that are stable in time."

A piece of business advice Jeff Bezos shared years ago is as relevant as ever in the AI age.

When he was CEO of Amazon, Bezos was repeatedly asked for his predictions on how the future would look. And while it's a bit of a side-step, he instead prefers to flip the question on its head.

"I very frequently get the question, 'What's going to change in the next 10 years?' And that is an interesting question, it's a very common one," he said in an interview years ago. "I almost never get the question, 'What's not going to change in the next 10 years?' And I submit to you that that second question is actually the more important of the two because you can build a business strategy around the things that are stable in time."

Bezos went on to explain how that applied at Amazon.

"In our retail business, we know that customers want low prices, and I know that's going to be true 10 years from now," he added. "They want fast delivery, they want vast selection. It's impossible to imagine a future 10 years from now where a customer comes up to me and says, 'Jeff, I love Amazon, I just wish the prices were a little higher,' or 'I love Amazon, I just wish you delivered a little more slowly.' Impossible."

Bezos has repeated variations of this sentiment over the years, dating back at least as far as this Harvard Business Review interview from 2007. His advice takes on new meaning in the context of the growth and VC money pouring into the burgeoning AI industry lately.

CEOs like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg have made big bets on generative AI, generally with massive investments and little profit to show for it so far. But with any longer-term play, business leaders must balance trying to skate to where the puck will be while assuaging any concerns from antsy shareholders looking for more immediate returns.

And, of course, applying Bezos' advice in the AI boom also means expecting artificial intelligence to stick around for good, and preparing for that now.

The Amazon cofounder seems bullish on the technology.

"If you're talking about generative AI, large language models, things like ChatGPT, and its soon successors, these are incredibly powerful technologies — to believe otherwise is to bury your head in the sand — soon to be even more powerful," Bezos said in a December podcast interview.

While there are important safety risks associated with the technology, AI is "much more likely to help us and save us even than to unbalance, hurt us, and destroy us," he said later in the interview.

• David Ellison's Skydance Media finally struck a merger deal with Paramount Global on Sunday.
• Founded in 2006, Skydance has produced hits including "Top Gun: Maverick" and "True Grit."
• Ellison is the 41-year-old son of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, who is worth almost $160 billion.

David Ellison is set to become CEO of Paramount after Skydance Media finally agreed a deal late Sunday after months of talks.

The 41-year-old founded Skydance back in 2006 with some help from his father Larry Ellison, the Oracle cofounder who's now worth almost $160 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Since then Skydance has enjoyed considerable success with films including "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" and "Baywatch," and a total box office haul of more than $8 billion. The merger deal values Skydance at $4.75 billion.

Its biggest hit has been "Top Gun: Maverick," which became the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 after making almost $1.5 billion worldwide.

After seeing the original "Top Gun" as a child, David Ellison became obsessed with flying. His billionaire father bought him a plane at the age of 13 and they took flying lessons together. By 17, Ellison had begun competing in air shows performing aerial acrobatics.

He gave up flying competitively after starting a film degree at USC that he later dropped out of, Ellison told Kara Swisher in an episode of The New York Times' "Sway" podcast.

Before becoming an entertainment executive, though, Ellison had a brief foray as an actor.

In 2006, he appeared in a Skydance film called "Flyboys," about American pilots who flew for the French Air Force in World War I.

The movie cost about $65 million, but flopped after taking just $18 million or so, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Since moving behind the camera, Ellison's company has had a relationship with Paramount that dates back to 2011 when Skydance co-financed Joel and Ethan Coen's "True Grit" with the studio.

The film was both a critical and commercial success, winning 10 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and taking about $200 million at the box office.

Ellison's sister Megan is also in the movie game. Her production company Annapurna Pictures was behind releases including "Zero Dark Thirty," "Her," "American Hustle," and "Phantom Thread," all of which received Oscar nominations.

The Paramount deal is still subject to a 45-day "go-shop" clause and possible Federal Trade Commission scrutiny, but hurdles aside Ellison will become one of the youngest chiefs of a major entertainment company.

He said he's committed to "energizing the business and bolstering Paramount with contemporary technology, new leadership and a creative discipline."

However, with the headwinds facing Hollywood Ellison may find reviving Paramount's fortunes even more difficult than finally striking a takeover deal with controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.

• Jenn Tran gets another shot at love on season 21 of "The Bachelorette."
• Tran described her season of the reality TV show as adventurous, emotional, and surprising. 
• She said the season 21 ending is shocking and one she never saw coming. 

"The Bachelorette" star Jenn Tran promises that fans are in for plenty of shocking moments during her season of the long-running reality franchise, particularly at the end of her journey.

"It's adventurous, emotional, and very surprising," Tran told Business Insider ahead of the season 21 premiere.

"Of course, there's going to be some crying, some dramatic moments. And it's adventurous because I was really pushed outside my comfort zone," she added.

Bachelor Nation was first introduced to Tran earlier this year on season 28 of "The Bachelor," where she was eliminated just before hometowns. Now, Tran gets another shot at love as the leading lady of "The Bachelorette."

In addition to making history as the first Asian-American Bachelorette, Tran's season has other changes — like ditching the Bachelor Mansion for a brand new residence and immediately traveling abroad after night one.

Being the star of her own show was an adjustment for Tran, who had never been in a serious relationship that was headed toward a commitment. Figuring out what a serious relationship could look like on "The Bachelorette" was a learning experience.

"There were a few instances in which I think I had a lot of fun and good banter with the guy, but I wasn't sure if there was more there," Tran explained. "And as we got to have more and more conversations with each other, I realized that there was so much depth there and that we had so much more in common than just our ability to laugh with each other."

Given that the franchise has been around for more than 20 seasons, it's hard to imagine anything happening this season that could break the mold. But Tran recently teased in an interview with former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe that the ending of her season is "something that has never happened before."

When BI asked her to elaborate, she offered a few more details. "I came into the journey kind of thinking that it would end in a certain way or a different way," Tran told BI.

"The ending of it all, I just never really saw coming," she added. "So it was a shocker for me, and it's going to be a shocker to my family, and I think it's going to be a shocker to a lot of people watching as well."

"The Bachelorette" season 21 premieres on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.