My friend and I took a trip to Hilton Head Island.
Julie Peck
My friend and I booked a last-minute vacation to Hilton Head Island, a beach town in South Carolina.
The area was abundant with natural beauty and reminded me of a nature preserve.
Hilton Head Island's beaches were clean and beautiful, and I loved the food scene.
Last July, when my best friend and I suddenly found some free time and a yearning for sun and sand, we laid out our options for a trip.
As a resident of South Carolina, I considered plenty of places to visit, from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. But in the end, we ultimately settled on Hilton Head Island.
The beautiful South Carolina town has several white-sand beaches and world-class golf courses. The area, which Condé Nast Traveler named the best island in the US in 2023, is also known for nature and a small-town vibe.
I'd been to Hilton Head Island decades earlier but was eager to see how it had changed over the years. Here's what my experience on the island was like.
The entire area reminded me of a nature preserve.
Our home had great views of one of many lagoons on Hilton Head Island.
Julie Peck
We rented a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with pool access and a lagoon view through Whimstay — a vacation-rental website for last-minute trips.
Our house had plenty of space for my friend and me to relax — but the real beauty of the home was the gorgeous lagoon in the backyard. I could have easily spent the rest of our getaway staring out at that water without visiting the beach.
It was so peaceful to be surrounded by beautiful greenery and trees.
I loved hearing the sound of frogs and other animals at night.
One night, a frog perched on my window.
Julie Peck
We soon learned the lagoon in our backyard was bristling with wildlife, including all kinds of birds, different-sized turtles, and a wide variety of frogs.
When nighttime came, the frogs surrounding our house piped up with quite the chorus. It almost seemed like we were camping — but without the hassle of sleeping outside.
When it got dark, I cracked open the sliding-glass doors connecting the main bedroom to the spacious back deck so I could do some stargazing — Hilton Head Island, known for its low light pollution, was the perfect place for this activity.
Sea Pines Beach was beautiful, clean, and easy to get to.
I read a book and relaxed on the beach.
Julie Peck
One Saturday during our trip, my friend and I left our car at a shopping center and boarded a trolley to Sea Pines Beach Club, where we reserved chairs from Shore Beach Services.
Our first day at the beach was fairly quiet — I assume this was because it was changeover day for most of the rental properties.
Still, it was a diverse crowd, with families, singles, couples, and people of all ages splayed across the sand. We had plenty of room to spread out but didn't really venture from our chairs.
The next day brought more folks out to the beach. But even with more people around, the beach didn't feel too crowded — there was a completely relaxed vibe.
The wide array of food was unmatched, too.
I enjoyed dishes like moules-frites.
Julie Peck
Everything we ate on the island was enjoyable, from the delicious first-night, too-tired-to-go-out pizza from Giuseppi's to the pre-beach pastries and fresh-squeezed juice we grabbed at the Harbour Town Bakery and Café.
However, my meal at Chez Georges Bistro and Bar blew my taste buds away. Known for its "French cuisine with a Lowcountry accent," this family-owned and -operated restaurant has a traditional French-bistro menu without any kind of intimidating vibe.
When we walked in, we were greeted as if we were regulars. The menu was packed with classically French cuisine, from escargot and bouillabaisse to cassoulet.
I was thrilled to see moules frites (mussels with fries) on the menu. I opted for the classic Provençal preparation, with white-wine-butter sauce, tomatoes, capers, olives, and herbs de Provence. The dish did not disappoint, and I used the fries to mop up every last drop of sauce.
We also ordered steak frites, and my friend tried the boeuf Bourguignon (short ribs), which were fall-off-the-bone tender.
Hilton Head was a great spot for a last-minute vacation, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
Hilton Head Island had beautiful beaches and nature.
Julie Peck
When I first experienced Hilton Head Island decades ago, I perceived it as kind of stuffy. Later, I dismissed it as just a place for golfers and bachelor parties.
But on my most recent, last-minute vacation, Hilton Head Island proved to be the perfect low-key vacation retreat for everyone — beachgoers, nature enthusiasts, and food lovers alike.
From the beaches to the delicious restaurant scene, I had a great time. I'd recommend this island to anyone in need of a beach getaway.
Parents are going into debt and adjusting their work schedules to make sure their kids have care this summer.
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
Summer camps and care cost parents thousands, pushing many into debt or altered work schedules.
Parents are facing rising childcare costs, exacerbated by post-pandemic economic pressures.
Despite financial strain, parents view summer activities as essential for their children's wellbeing.
Between taekwondo, time at the local community center, and other types of camp and summer programs, Paige Connell and her husband will end up spending over $6,000 for her two oldest kids to stay busy this summer.
Connell created a spreadsheet to keep track of the varying costs, times, and weeks for these programs. It shows that the family paid $360 per week for one of the children and $345 for the other for recreation department programs. One of her children is attending taekwondo, which costs $300. One child will partake in a music camp for several days, which costs over $500.
Camp is not the only summer expensefor Connell's family. They also took a week-long family vacation at a beach house.
The 34-year-old mom of four said most of these summer camps were already paid up front earlier this year. Connell, who also has two younger kids who attend daycare, said of the older children's camps, "that's kind of our childcare for the summer" given she and her husband work full time.
"It is something that we budget for, so we try to plan accordingly for how we're going to pay for it, and obviously in combination with paying for our other childcare throughout the year," she said.
Summer fun may be priceless for kids, but it's increasingly costly for their parents. Some go into debt to pay off a summer; others adjust their work hours, scramble to find care, or have to deal with their children feeling left behind by peers headed to pricey summer programs.
It's a function of a system parents say isn't cohesive with the needs of working caretakers, like how school ends before many professionals' workday or how daycares sometimes have sporadic schedules. And, like other facets of the economy, it's something where costs are only growing.
For parents, "it's such a hard dichotomy because obviously summer's exciting, kids are out of school, they're excited for the opportunity to spend more time with them," Courtney Alev, Credit Karma's consumer financial advocate, told BI. "But this need to continue to find additional childcare — and often more expensive — can just add a lot of stress to parents."
Why summer camps are so expensive, and what it means for families
Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association, is well aware of camps' costs and demands.
"The price of camp has gone up as the costs of operating a camp have gone up, but the camp operators in general are not able to raise their prices sufficiently to cover the increase in their costs," Rosenberg said. Camp directors, like childcare providers, have struggled to staff up and boosted wages to try to lure in young adults in a competitive market.
"Kids need more today, so we need more staff to manage to take care of the children," Rosenberg said, comparing needs to pre-pandemic times. "Camp experiences are unique opportunities for them to learn and grow undistracted by social media and technology and with a measure of independence from their parents and family."
Camps are also coming up against an expensive — yet quiet — headwind that's eating away at wallets: Skyrocketing insurance costs.
"Both on the property and casualty side of things, insurance costs for youth programs like this are through the roof, frankly, if they can get coverage," Rosenberg said. "There's food and transportation, the cost of capital to expand their facility to be able to take additional campers in or to just operate their program; everything has gone up."
Rosenberg said the challenge "is to be able to serve more kids in an affordable way given the inflationary environment that we are currently in."
For Alex Mnatsakanov, summer is worth going into debt.
The 45-year-old single dad, who shares custody of his daughter, describes her as creative and extroverted. Summer is a chance for the pre-teen who dreams of being on Broadway to hit the stage at theater camp and star in at least three different shows.
"It's great seeing her be confident on stage — and she is very confident on stage — but it's also, I feel like, has been tremendous for her mental health as an outlet to support her through things that have gone on in her life," he said.
And so, he and his co-parent are shelling out around $3,000 total this year for two different daycamps that add up to six weeks of activities — but that's only about half of the summer. He said those costs usually end up on a credit card. But that investment is worth it to not see his kid languish bored all summer.
"The experience, the outlet for all of that creativity, for all that interaction with peers is worth it for me to potentially grow my debt," he said.
Mnatsakanov with his daughter, who will attend theater camp this summer.
Courtesy of Alex Mnatsakanov
Indeed, an Intuit Credit Karma survey of 2,006 American adults in June found that 29% of parentssaid they can't save money during the summer because of childcare costs, and over a thirdsaid theyneed to adjust their work hours because care is so expensive.
Meanwhile, 23% of parents, among those who reported they'd be paying for summer programs, expected to pay over $1,000 a month per child during the summer. Broadly, 61% of parents with kids under 18 years old said it "feels even more expensive to raise kids in the summer months." And 28%, among those who noted enrolling their kids in programs, said they planned on taking on debt to help cover the costs of summer programs.
"That — even if it's necessary for certain families — is really concerning given that credit card interest rates and debt, they're at really high levels right now," Alev said. "And so going into that debt now is likely going to end up costing you a lot more over time."
Connell, the parent with two of her children attending various camps this summer, noted that she understands how expensive it is to operate and staff camps and that the people working there "deserve to be paid well."
"I think, unfortunately, the costs are very prohibitive to parents," Connell said, adding that government subsidies and funding for camps and care "would go a long way" for workers at these places and families.
It's not just a summer problem. "I think the cost of childcare is a major infrastructure failure in our country. I think it is disproportionately impacting women who are leaving the workforce because they can't afford childcare," she said.
And other small expenses — like sending a lunch or giving kids spending money for camp excursions — add up. Dana Bowling, a mom of an 11-year-old and a 9-year-old, said she pays for a hot lunch daily for her kids' day camp, and then also for a frozen treat — she knew if she didn't pay for that one, she'd hear from her kids every day saying that everyone else got one. On top of all of that, some parents are forking over thousands for services that help their kids pack and prepare for camp.
Bowling wants to give her kids what she sees as the important cultural experience of going to camp. Bowling, who lives in LA, sends her children to a Jewish summer camp, which has long been held as an important cultural touchstone in the American Jewish community.
"I think it's a big deal, and it's kind of necessary for kids to experience those things. So it's a non-negotiable, but because of that, it's so expensive," she said. She estimates that, just for day camp, they're spending around $150 to $200 per kid a day; sleepaway camp is running them around $6,000 per kid for three weeks. To make costs manageable, she uses a payment plan to pay throughout the year for camp.
"It's kind of like highway robbery because they can charge whatever they want, and we'll have to do it," Bowling said.
While camps and other summer activities can be costly, there are some options for assistance out there.
"We do offer financial aid at all of our locations, and no family is ever turned away because of an inability to pay," Lisa Garcia, senior executive of youth programs, afterschool and day camps at the YMCA of Greater New York, said. "At the Y, we really want to make sure summer camp is accessible for all."
Garcia, who said she was a camp counselor back in the day, sees the benefits of attending camp. "It's where campers can be silly and be who they are and explore who they want to be, fine-tune their skills, develop those skills that they already have," Garcia said.
Some parents agree thatsummer experiences are worth the cost.
"I do feel like the experiences for her are worth it. I'm a strong believer in less about material things and more about experiences where you do create memories that last a lifetime — not to sound super cliché," Mnatsakanov said of his daughter. He added: "I want her to five, six years down the road when she's a teenager and doesn't want to do camps — because she's too cool for school — have these memories from her tweens."
As lawmakers return to the Capitol for votes this week, conversations among them about the president's future are going to ramp up.
Reporters are going to be asking any Democratic lawmaker in sight whether they believe Biden should remain their party's nominee against former President Donald Trump. Inevitably, some of them are likely to say that he should not, or that they continue to have grave concerns about his future.
As of Monday morning, five House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to step aside, while two have pointedly said that he can't win. In private, the situation seems more dire. According to several media reports, four more senior Democrats — including Reps. Jerry Nadler of New York, Mark Takano of California, Adam Smith of Washington, and Joe Morelle of New York — have privately said that Biden should drop out. While no Democratic senator has publicly called for Biden to go, The Washington Post reported that the "consensus" among them is that he should, citing two Democratic senators. The Post also reported that Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia is among them.
With the dam teetering on the edge of breaking, Biden has remained defiant.
On Monday morning, he sent a letter to congressional Democrats — which his campaign was quick to make public — insisting that he's not going anywhere, saying that the "question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now" and that "it's time for it to end."
Shortly thereafter, the president called into MSNBC's "Morning Joe," saying that if any of the "elites in the party" didn't want him to run, they should "challenge me at the convention."
That comes after days of Biden insisting that he's staying. On Friday, he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that he would only drop out if "the Lord Almighty comes down and tells me" to do so.
All of this makes the week ahead extremely important for Biden and the Democratic Party.
At this point, the best possible outcome for Biden is that Democrats on Capitol Hill simply shut up and fall in line, and that the president continues barrelling into the November election with multiple Democrats having gone on record saying that he should have stepped aside.
The worst possible outcome for Biden is that a public consensus emerges among congressional Democrats that he must go, and that party leaders follow suit by issuing calls for him to drop out. While Biden insisted that wouldn't happen during his Friday interview on ABC, it's difficult to see how he could shoulder on if it did.
Perhaps the most disastrous outcome for the Democratic Party is something in the middle: A large minority of House Democrats call for Biden to step aside, but he remains the nominee, irreparably damaged by the dissent within his own party.
It's that scenario that Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York alluded to in a statement on Monday morning, where he said that public speculation about Biden was "creating and compounding" the problem and that the "process by which we decide how to move forward matters as much as the decision itself."
"Regardless of where one stands on the question of President Biden's political future, the intra-party mixed messaging strikes me as deeply self-destructive," said Torres. "The drip, drip, drip of public statements of no confidence only serve to weaken a President who has been weakened not only by the debate but also by the debate about the debate."
The bullet-dispensing vending machines are the first of their kind in the US.
American Rounds/YouTube
Vending machines that dispense bullets have been rolled out in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The machines use facial recognition for age and ID verification.
One expert warned there could be hacking risks.
The US has rolled out AI-powered vending machines that dispense bullets to customers aged over 21 who have valid IDs.
Various stores in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas have installed ammo-vending machines that use 360-degree facial recognition to check a person's age and ID.
Another machine will be installed in Colorado this week.
The vending machines, made by ammunition distribution company American Rounds, are designed to make ammo available 24/7.
The company said it aims to make the retail process "free from the constraints of store hours and long lines."
According to a promo video released earlier this year, the machines were installed in response to requests from Fresh Value stores.
"They came to us, they knew their customer base…there's a lot of hunting community in Pell City," said a representative for American Rounds.
While most of the comments under the video are celebratory, some viewers are concerned, with one commenting that this was "deeply dystopian shit."
Cybersecurity expert Andrew Whaley told Business Insider that while the technology would have had under rigorous security checks, it is not 100% hack-proof.
"The simple truth is, as retailers continue to digitize services like this and infuse them with advanced technology, they inevitably broaden the attack surface for cybercriminals, transforming each innovation into a potential vulnerability," said Whaley, who is the senior technical director at Norwegian cybersecurity firm Promon.
"An obvious concern would be that bad actors take advantage of vulnerabilities inherent in the vending machine system itself," he added.
"It's still possible that cybercriminals could exploit weaknesses in the facial recognition software to bypass security measures and purchase ammunition."
Another potential risk is the possibility of bugs, which could lead to incorrect results.
"Errors in this technology could theoretically deny legitimate transactions or, more dangerously, permit illegal ones," said Whaley.
American Rounds' CEO, Grant Magers, said the company's vending machines are the "safest, most secure method of purchasing ammo in the country."
In a statement to BI, Magers recalled witnessing open boxes of ammunition on shelves at retail locations, which he said encourages underage purchasing of ammo and a high theft rate.
"We never store, share, or sell the customer's personal data. We believe in responsible firearm ownership. We believe we are creating a better environment for all law-abiding gun owners," said Magers.
Whaley believes that there are ways to minimize the risks, recommending regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the vending machines, strict access controls, detailed access logs, and physical security measures like alarm systems and surveillance cameras.
A report published by Everytown for Gun Safety revealed that Alabama ranked fourth on a state-wise list of gun-related violence in 2024. Oklahoma was thirteenth, Colorado 19th, and Texas 26th. The company also plans to expand its presence to Louisiana, which ranked second after Mississippi.
President Joe Biden said he is committed to national gun safety and has declared it a public health crisis. His challenger, Donald Trump, has signaled that he supports the Second Amendment and has pledged to roll back gun restrictions.
Democratic megadonors like Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings (left) and Abigail Disney are pressuring President Joe Biden to drop out.
Getty Images
A growing list of wealthy Democrats are using their checkbooks to pressure Biden to drop out.
Others, such as Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings, simply no longer support Biden.
The donor uprising adds further obstacles to Biden hanging on after his disastrous debate performance.
Some of the Democratic Party's biggest donors are pressuring President Joe Biden to step aside.
Some on this growing list of Hollywood titans, powerful heirs, and staunch Democratic Party supporters are pledging to cut off their support until Biden drops out.
Others are so angry about the president's standing after his disastrous debate performance that they have vowed to cut off all Democrats.
So far, only two congressional Democrats have called on Biden to drop out. The combined weight of the party's monied class could prove too much to bear.
Already, former President Donald Trump has erased Biden's cash advantage after a flood of donations spurred by Trump's felony conviction. Biden and his allies simply can't afford to lose much other ground.
Here's the list of donors who are calling for Biden to step aside
Reed Hastings
Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings is one of the biggest names to call on Biden to step aside.
Ore Huiying / Getty
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings is one of the biggest megadonors to join the chorus calling Biden to step aside. Hastings told The New York Times the president needs to bow out "to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous."
According to The Times, Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, have given over $20 million to various Democratic causes in recent years. Last summer, Hastings gave $100,000 to the Biden Victory Fund, a joint committee that includes Biden's reelection, the Democratic National Committee, and state Democratic Parties.
Abigail Disney
Abigail Disney, an heir to a cofounder of the entertainment giant, has pledged to stop donation to all Democrats until Biden steps aside.
Tasos Katopodis
Abigail Disney, daughter of Roy O. Disney, the co-founder of the entertainment giant, told CNBC that she would cut off donations to Democrats entirely until Biden steps aside.
"Biden is a good man and has served his country admirably, but the stakes are far too high," Disney said. "If Biden does not step down, the Democrats will lose. Of that, I am absolutely certain. The consequences for the loss will be genuinely dire."
Barry Diller
Legendary Hollywood executive Barry Diller gave a short statement when asked about his support of Biden.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Semafor
IAC Chairman Barry Diller told journalist Matthew Frank that he, too, is done with Biden.
"No," Diller told Frank's newsletter, the Ankler, when asked if he still supported the president.
Diller has already given the max $6,600 contribution to Biden. He also gave a $100,000 donation to the Biden Victory Fund last year.
Damon Lindelof
Damon Lindelof is calling for a "DEMbargo" until Biden steps aside.
Reuters/Mario Anzuoni
Damon Lindelof, "Lost creator" and legendary showrunner, wrote a column urging fellow donors to stage a "DEMbargo" and cut off all Democrats until Biden steps aside.
"When a country is not behaving how we want them to, we apply harsh economic sanctions. It's a give and take — Short term hurt for long term healing," Lindelof wrote in his Deadline column. "Is it misguided to punish the entire team for the stubbornness of the pitcher? Maybe. But it's also common sense that if he stays in, they will also lose. A rising tide lifts all boats. A falling Biden sinks them."
Gideon Stein
Gideon Stein (seen here in 2015) has said his family will pause $3.5 million in donations related to the presidential election until Biden drops out.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
Gideon Stein, a donor and philanthropist whose late father founded the influential liberal donor group the Democracy Alliance, told The Times that his family is withholding $3.5 million to groups involved in the presidential race unless Biden steps aside.
"[A] new ticket is in the best interest of defeating Donald Trump," Stein told The Times.
Christy Walton
AP
Christy Walton, an heir to the Walmart fortune, co-signed a letter that begs President Biden to drop out of the race. The letter, organized by the Leadership Now Project and signed by 168 business bigwigs, argues that "nothing short of American democracy is at stake this November," according to Bloomberg. Signatories sincerely thank Biden for his service but ask that he "pass the torch of leadership to the next generation of Democratic leaders by ending your reelection bid."
Paramount trio of CEOs told staff it was "business as usual" until its merger closes, Deadline reported.
They reminded employees that layoffs loom, following a plan unveiled in June.
Paramount will also explore divesting assets, its CEOs said.
Paramount's CEO trio told employees it was "business as usual" until its mega merger with Skydance formally closes, while reminding them that layoffs loom.
Paramount's board approved the merger Sunday, marking the end of tumultuous talks that were nearly torpedoed in June when owner Shari Redstone walked away from the negotiations.
Skydance CEO David Ellison, the son of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, will serve as chairman and CEO of the newly combined company, and former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell will serve as its president.
In a note to staff obtained by Deadline, Paramount co-CEOs George Cheeks, Brian Robbins, and Chris McCarthy said the transaction would likely close in the first half of 2025, due to "regulatory approvals" and other factors.
Until then, the execs are moving forward with a plan that includes "streamlining teams, eliminating duplicative functions and reducing the size of our workforce," they wrote. They also said Paramount would explore "divesting some of our assets."
A rep for Paramount declined to comment on who would be impacted by the layoffs.
The trio had discussed job cuts earlier this year. At an investor meeting in June, they shared plans to run Paramount as a stand-alone company.
This included $500 million in cuts, The Los Angeles Times reported, including layoffs, asset sales, and a joint venture for Paramount+.
At a town hall meeting last month, the CEOs said they'd made progress in identifying duplicative roles, Variety reported, including in the legal and corporate marketing departments, but did not provide a timeline.
In February, Paramount cut 800 jobs — about 3% of its workforce.
In terms of potential asset sales, Variety reported that BET, VidCon, and the Paramount Pictures lot could be in play.
Remote coastal beach cottages in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 2017.
John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images
A $1.9 million beach house sold for $200,000 after parts of the land were swallowed by the sea.
Owner Jane Carlin sold the Nantucket property to a neighbor who knows it's on borrowed time.
Offering homes at risk for free has become common practice due to the removal cost.
A Nantucket beach house once estimated to be worth $1.9 million was sold for just $200,000 after parts of the property got swallowed by the sea, the Nantucket Current reported.
According to the local outlet, Jane Carlin and her husband, Ben Gifford, bought the beach house in 1988 on the western end of Nantucket, a crescent-shaped island 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
At the time, the couple's property was separated from the Atlantic Ocean by three nearer properties, an acre of land, and a road, per the paper.
But after 36 years of land erosion, the ocean has swallowed up the neighboring homes and the road.
Three successive storms last winter ate away more of the couple's property, leaving their back porch just a short distance from the shoreline.
Carlin told the outlet that they tried to donate the 1,700-square-foot home to a local affordable housing nonprofit, and that she spent "all winter really frantically to see if any of the organizations would consider taking the house and moving it, and we would help with the cost of moving."
But, she said, she had "no luck whatsoever."
The couple eventually sold their home to their neighbor, Don Vaccaro, for just $200,000.
Vaccaro, who rents out his property for up to $13,000 a week, told the Nantucket Current that he was aware the house might not last more than six months. "Inevitably the ocean will win," he said.
Vaccaro told the outlet that he plans to implement erosion mitigation strategies to try to prolong its life a bit longer, including adding seagrass planting and biodegradable silt fencing.
Carlin and Vaccaro didn't immediately respond to a Business Insider request for comment.
Nantucket is a popular vacation spot for the wealthy.
According to Realtor.com, the median sales price is $3.1 million, and the median listing price is $4.8 million.
Billionaire investor Barry Sternlich bought his Nantucket beach house for $610,000 in 2010 but was forced to demolish it in April after a series of storms severely eroded the property.
Anne Kuszpa, the executive director of Housing Nantucket, a nonprofit that creates affordable housing for the island's year-round community, told BI in April that it's become common practice for owners to offer their property for free to avoid the cost of removal.
Due to Nantucket's "demolition delay" rule, any home with "reuse potential" must be advertised in the town paper for 30 days.
In 2019, a couple in Nantucket paid $1.6 million to move their multimillion-dollar home away from a bluff's eroding edge.
Glynis Johns was best known for starring in 1964's "Mary Poppins."
Mirrorpix/Getty
Here are the famous people who died in 2024.
O.J. Simpson, Glynis Johns, Carl Weathers, Chita Rivera, Robert Towne, Donald Sutherland, and Louis Gossett Jr. passed away.
So did broadcaster Charles Osgood, fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, producer Roger Corman, NBA legend Jerry West, and MLB Hall of Famer Willie Mays.
Below, we look back at those we lost in 2024.
Seth Binzer (aka Shifty Shellshock)
Shifty Shellshock.
Markus Cuff/Corbis/Getty
With his tattoos, frosted tips, and high energy, Crazy Town lead singer Shifty Shellshock was the epitome of the late 1990s-early 2000s rap-rock front man.
With that also came a hit song: 1999's "Butterfly," which hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and was a staple on the radio and MTV's "Total Request Live."
By 2003, the band had disbanded, and despite an attempt to reunite a few years later, Crazy Town was relegated to one-hit-wonder status.
Shifty Shellshock, whose real name is Seth Binzer, appeared on the first season of VH1's "Celebrity Rehab" in 2007 and the spin-off "Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House" a few years later.
Binzer died at his home in Los Angeles on June 24 from an accidental drug overdose, according to his manager.
Eric Carmen, 74
Eric Carmen.
Tom Hill/WireImage/Getty
Carmen was a rock ballad king whose songs still get constant play to this day.
"All by Myself" was a hit in the mid-1970s. It became an even bigger hit when Celine Dion did her own rendition in 1996.
The Grammy-nominated "Almost Paradise" from the soundtrack to the hit 1984 movie "Footloose" became a staple at school dances and weddings.
Carmen repeated the feat when his song "Hungry Eyes" showed up on the soundtrack for the 1987 classic "Dirty Dancing."
Carmen's death was announced on his website on March 12, stating he "passed away in his sleep, over the weekend." No cause was given.
Roberto Cavalli, 83
Roberto Cavalli.
Daniele Venturelli/WireImage/Getty
The Italian fashion designer was known for his flamboyant designs and game-changing innovations.
Cavalli's use of leopard prints beginning in the 1970s became one of his trademarks. His revolutionary method of printing leather and patchwork denim was beloved by everyone from Madonna to Gwyneth Paltrow.
Cavalli died on April 12. No cause of death was given.
Bill Cobbs, 90
Bill Cobbs.
Tim Boyles/Getty
From playing the concerned manager opposite Whitney Houston in "The Bodyguard" to the kind-hearted coach in "Air Bud," Bill Cobbs' ability to play the voice of reason in his roles made him a memorable character actor for decades.
Cobbs' other titles include "The Color of Money," "New Jack City," "The Hudsucker Proxy," "Demolition Man," and "Night at the Museum."
Dabney Coleman became a captivating scene stealer in the 1980s thanks to his gruff demeanor and booming voice. Whether he was playing the mean boss opposite Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin in 1980's "9 to 5," or the nasty TV producer in "Tootsie," or chasing Matthew Broderick in "WarGames," Coleman had a talent for playing the heel.
The Emmy winner most recently starred in the HBO hit series Boardwalk Empire from 2011 to 2014 and a 2019 episode of Yellowstone.
Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola at the 76th Academy Awards in 2004.
Vince Bucci/Getty
As the wife of Francis Ford Coppola, Eleanor had to navigate the stress and complexities of living with one of the greatest directors of all time.
She channeled that by filming her husband while he made his landmark 1979 Vietnam movie "Apocalypse Now."
Her documentary, "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse," has gone down as one of the most honest accounts of the making of a movie.
Eleanor died on April 12. No cause of death was given.
Roger Corman, 98
Roger Corman.
Ken Hively/Getty
To say Roger Corman was the king of B-movies is too simple of a characterization.
For decades, Corman made ultra-low-budget genre movies that featured everything from cheesy monsters to crazed bikers. Corman-produced titles almost always made a profit, and many of them became proving grounds for the directors and actors who would go on to change Hollywood.
After directing the 1967 acid-trip fantasia "The Trip" starring Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda and written by Jack Nicholson, the trio went on to make "Easy Rider," which would usher in the New Hollywood era of the 1970s.
Corman also produced titles directed by then-unknowns like Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, and Martin Scorsese before they went on to mainstream studio success.
Corman died on May 9 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., surrounded by family members.
Joe Flaherty, 82
(L-R) Joe Flaherty and Eugene Levy on the set of "SCTV."
Peter Power/Toronto Star/Getty
As one of the original cast members of the Canadian sketch comedy show "SCTV" in the late 1970s, Joe Flaherty — alongside the likes of John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dave Thomas, Andrea Martin, Martin Short, and Rick Moranis — created a brand of comedy that was edgier and more outlandish than their competition "Saturday Night Live."
In later decades, Flaherty made scene-stealing appearances as the Western Union worker who gives Marty McFly the 70-year-old letter from Doc Brown in "Back to the Future Part II" and the heckler Donald in "Happy Gilmore."
He was also a regular on TV through the decades, with roles in "Married… with Children," "Freaks and Geeks," and "The King of Queens."
Louis Gossett Jr. holding his best supporting actor Oscar.
Ron Galella/Getty
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Louis Gossett Jr. made his stage debut at 17. After building his craft onstage through the 1960s, Gossett Jr. made the jump to screen and in 1977 was cast in the acclaimed miniseries "Roots" opposite the likes of Ben Vereen, LeVar Burton, and John Amos. He went on to win an Emmy for his performance as Fiddler.
He was nominated for seven more Emmys after that, most recently in 2020 for playing William Reeves in the HBO limited series "Watchmen."
He made history in 1983 when he won an Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal of the strict drill instructor Emil Foley in "An Officer and a Gentleman." It would mark the first time a Black actor won the prize in that category.
Gossett Jr. went on to star in hit movies and TV shows like "The Principal," "Toy Soldiers," "Iron Eagle," and "Boardwalk Empire."
Gossett Jr. died on March 29. No cause was given.
Norman Jewison, 97
Norman Jewison.
Doug Griffin/Toronto Star/Getty
The legendary director was best known for his eclectic filmography that included the drama "In the Heat of the Night," the musical "Fiddler of the Roof," and the beloved comedy "Moonstruck," all of which garnered him best director nominations at the Oscars.
The Canadian filmmaker's specialty was getting top-notch performances out of A-list actors like Steve McQueen ("The Thomas Crown Affair") and Denzel Washington ("The Hurricane").
It often led to Oscar glory for his movies and their stars. Twelve actors received nominations over his 40-year career, with five of his movies earning best picture noms.
The English actor starred in over 60 films and 30 plays, and is known best for playing Mrs. Banks in the beloved 1964 Disney movie "Mary Poppins."
Legend has it that Johns originally thought she landed the role of Poppins. To let her down easy, Walt Disney made sure that she got to sing a big musical number in the movie. It led to the famous "Sister Suffragette" sequence.
In 1973, Johns' breathy voice caught the attention of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who cast her in the original Broadway production of "A Little Night Music." Sondheim wrote "Send in the Clowns," the song she performs, with her in mind. Johns would earn a Tony Award for her performance.
She was also nominated for an Oscar for her work in "The Sundowners" (1960).
Johns died on January 4. No cause of death was given.
Toby Keith, 62
Toby Keith.
Pat Carroll/New York Daily News Archive/Getty
Keith became prominent in the 1990s thanks to his hit single "Should've Been a Cowboy."
It would make him one of the decade's top draws in country music.
Keith released 19 studio albums, two Christmas albums, and dozens of songs that topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts in his career.
James Cameron and Jon Landau at an "Avatar" press day in 2010.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty
Alongside James Cameron, producer Jon Landau was behind some of the most successful movies ever made.
Landau won the Best Picture Oscar with Cameron for 1997's "Titanic," which at the time was the highest-grossing movie ever.
He then broke the box office record again with Cameron's "Avatar" in 2009.
Landau also produced Steven Soderbergh's 2002 remake of "Solaris," Robert Rodriguez's 2019 "Alita: Battle Angel," and Cameron's upcoming "Avatar" sequels.
In an era in the 1970s where stand-up comedy could be a path to superstardom, Richard Lewis was one of the biggest acts.
Often dressed in black and holding his hand up to his temple, his self-deprecating and neurotic style made him a constant visitor to Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show."
By the 1980s, he hit it big on TV, starring opposite Jamie Lee Curtis on the series "Anything but Love," which ran for four seasons.
His movie credits include the Mel Brooks comedy "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "Leaving Las Vegas," and John Candy's final role before his death, 1994's "Wagons East." Lewis has said Candy's death was one of the things that finally got him sober.
Lewis introduced himself to a new generation when Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" premiered on HBO in 2000. For 11 seasons, Lewis played a fictional version of himself as one of David's friends. Though he didn't return as a series regular for the series' final season, season 12, he popped up in a cameo in an episode that aired on February 18.
Back in April, Lewis revealed via a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and would be retiring from stand-up comedy after undergoing four surgeries.
Lewis died on February 27 of a heart attack in his Los Angeles home.
Willie Mays, 93
Willie Mays.
Getty
Regarded as one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, Willie Mays was astounding to watch.
He could hit and catch, had speed, and pulled off amazing feats that are still remarkable to this day.
One of his most memorable plays happened in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, which is simply known as "The Catch."
Mays' New York Giants were facing the Cleveland Indians at the Polo Grounds in New York. With the score tied 2-2 in the eighth inning and runners on base, Indians player Vic Wertz hit a towering 420-foot blast to dead center that in today's baseball would be deep in the seats for a homerun. But due to the Polo Grounds' massive outfield, it was in play, and Mays used practically all of it to track down the ball on the run with an incredible over-the-shoulder catch and then threw it into the infield quickly so no runner could score. The Giants went on to win the game in extra innings 5-2, and would go on to win the World Series. Many still regard Mays' catch as one of the greatest moments in baseball history.
Mays would go on to play 21 seasons with the Giants before being traded to the New York Mets for the 1972-73 season, which would be his last. He finished his career with 3,293 hits and 660 home runs.
A 1980s icon, Morgan found instant stardom in her film debut playing the stunning Lacey opposite Chevy Chase in the classic 1980 comedy "Caddyshack."
Two years later, she found herself in another iconic work, Disney's "Tron." As Dr. Lora Baines in the real world and Yori, who helps Jeff Bridges after he's sucked into the game world, Morgan once again showed she can shine opposite Hollywood's biggest leading men.
Though Morgan worked steadily the rest of her career, including a multi-episode run on the soap opera "Falcon Crest," she'll be forever known for her performances in two of the biggest movies of the '80s.
Morgan's death was first reported on January 6, though she died on December 30, 2023. No cause of death was given.
Martin Mull, 80
Martin Mull.
Michael Putland/Getty
Mull could expertly play self-deprecating or the know-it-all jerk in everything from hit TV shows and movies to commercials. He was known for his roles in movies like "Clue" and "Mr. Mom," and in TV shows like "Rosanne," as boss Leon Carp, and "Arrested Development," as private detective Gene Parmesan. He was also the voice of Red Roof Inn commercials for many years.
The face of "CBS Sunday Morning" for over two decades, Osgood became a fixture in Americans' homes at the end of every weekend thanks to his wit, calming demeanor, and that bow tie.
Osgood had been at CBS since the early 1970s, first as a reporter, then the anchor of the "CBS Sunday Night News" from 1981 to 1987. From 1987 to 1992, he was often on "CBS This Morning."
In 1994, he became the face of "Sunday Morning," replacing Charles Kuralt. He would go on to earn two Daytime Emmys and a Peabody for his work on the show. He ended his run 2016, passing the reins to Jane Pauley.
Tamayo Perry in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
Disney
Perry, a professional surfer, appeared on screen in 2002's "Blue Crush" and 2011's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
Perry died on June 23 after being attacked by a shark while surfing off the island of Oahu in Hawaii, according to the Associated Press. He was brought to shore by paramedics and pronounced dead at the scene.
Chita Rivera, 91
Chita Rivera.
Ted Streshinsky/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
Rivera was a Broadway legend who originated some of the stage's most memorable characters, including Anita in "West Side Story," Velma Kelly in "Chicago," and Rose in "Bye Bye Birdie." She would go on to be nominated for 10 Tony Awards and win twice.
With Broadway credits spanning seven decades, Rivera's singing and dancing shaped generations of performers.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, was often described as the matriarch of the White House during the Obama administration, but the Chicago-born daughter of seven never felt quite at home on Pennsylvania Avenue, according to her family.
"The trappings and glamour of the White House were never a great fit for Marian Robinson," a statement from former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and other family members said. "'Just show me how to work the washing machine and I'm good,' she'd say."
Robinson's death was announced on May 31.
A cause and place of death was not revealed.
O.J. Simpson, 76
O.J. Simpson.
Lane Stewart/Getty
O.J. Simpson had a life of high highs and low lows.
Finding fame initially on the football field, he became one of the greatest running backs ever to play in the NFL in the 1970s. He had an MVP season in 1973 when he set a single-season rushing record and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1985 after his retirement.
He was set to live out his days as a hero and grow even more famous thanks to endorsements, movie roles, and broadcasting.
But all of that changed in June of 1994 after his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her condo. Days later, Simpson, who was a person of interest in the murders, led Los Angeles police on a slow-speed chase in his Ford Bronco, finally giving up when he got back to his home.
Simpson's televised trial for the deaths of Nicole and Goldman a year later became one of the biggest spectacles in modern-day American history.
Simpson was acquitted of the murders, was found guilty in civil court in 1997.
The story of Simpson's incredible rise and fall still fascinates people to this day. The 2016 ESPN docuseries "O.J.: Made in America" won an Oscar and Emmy, and Ryan Murphy's 2016 scripted series "The People vs. O.J.: American Crime Story" won eight Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes.
Soul found instant fame in the mid-1970s playing Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson, one half of the hip crime solvers in "Starsky & Hutch."
Before hitting it big on the show, Soul was a folk singer through the 1960s, opening for the likes of Frank Zappa and The Byrds. At one time he even sang while his face was covered with a mask, calling himself "The Covered Man."
After "Starsky & Hutch," Soul went back to music and scored the No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Don't Give Up on Us."
Soul also made appearances on shows like "Star Trek," "Gunsmoke," the Clint Eastwood movie "Magnum Force," and a miniseries adaptation of the Stephen King novel, "Salem's Lot."
In 2004, an unknown documentary filmmaker arrived in Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival. Overnight, his life was changed — because he made a movie about eating McDonald's.
If there's one thing Morgan Spurlock knew how to do, it was get people's attention. With a big personality and an unusual idea, Spurlock changed the way we look at fast food when he made "Super Size Me," a documentary in which he ate nothing but McDonald's for a full month, to stomach-churning effect.
The documentary earned an Oscar nomination and became a box-office sensation. Weeks after its release in theaters, McDonald's discontinued its supersize portions.
Spurlock used that success to become one of the stars in the documentary medium, which was growing in popularity in the early 2000s. He would go on to direct and produce dozens of documentaries for the big screen and TV, focused on everything from Osama bin Laden to One Direction.
His legacy would be tarnished in late 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement, when Spurlock confessed to multiple acts of sexual misconduct in his past.
Donald Sutherland had the incredible talent to be the life of the party in one performance or a wallflower in the next. Need a dark and disturbing presence for a role? He's your guy. Or he could do a wise-cracking know-it-all character.
What we're trying to say is whatever the role, Sutherland could pull it off. And he did it so well that he delivered some of the most memorable roles ever put on screen over the last six decades.
Playing a Nazi-killing grunt in "The Dirty Dozen" (1967), creating one of the greatest screen duos ever opposite Elliott Gould in "M*A*S*H" (1970), acting as a laid-back professor in "Animal House" (1978), delivering one of the best surprise endings ever in a remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1978) — he could do it all. He was both the man who knew the truth behind the Kennedy assassination in "JFK" (1991) and the villain in the "Hunger Games" franchise (2013-2015).
Towne is regarded as one of the greatest screenwriters who ever lived thanks to his contributions during the New Hollywood era of the 1970s.
Known best for penning the acclaimed script for Roman Polanski's 1974 classic noir "Chinatown," which earned Towne his only Oscar win, he was also Oscar-nominated for "The Last Detail" (1973), "Shampoo" (1975), and "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" (1984). For the latter, Towne famously removed his name from the credits and replaced it with the nom de plume P.H. Vazak, which was later revealed to be the name of his sheepdog.
Towne's other credits include Tom Cruise movies like "Days of Thunder" (1990), "The Firm" (1993), and the first two "Mission: Impossible" movies from 1996 and 2000.
He also was a prolific script doctor, an uncredited but paid position in which the screenwriter helps punch up a movie. Classics like "Bonnie and Clyde," "The Godfather," and "Marathon Man" all received tweaks from Towne.
Towne died on July 1. No cause of death was given.
Johnny Wactor, 37
Johnny Wactor.
Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
Wactor was best known for his role as Brando Corbin on the soap "General Hospital." He appeared in more than 160 episodes during his two seasons on the series before leaving in 2022.
His résumé included guest roles on "Westworld," "The OA," "Station 19," "Siberia," "Agent X," "Vantastic," "Animal Kingdom," "Hollywood Girl," "Training Day," "Criminal Minds," "Struggling Servers," "Age Appropriate," "NCIS," "The Passenger" and "Barbee Rehab."
He also starred in the 2016 Mario Van Peebles-directed movie "USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage" alongside Nicolas Cage, Tom Sizemore, and Thomas Jane.
You may not know the name, but you definitely know this face.
Character actor M. Emmet Walsh showed up in more than 150 movies over his career, many of which have gone on to become classics: "Blade Runner," "Blood Simple," "Slap Shot," "Fletch," "The Jerk," "Back to School," "My Best Friend's Wedding," and "Knives Out."
He also has appeared in many popular TV shows over the decades, including "Home Improvement," "The X-Files," and "Frasier."
Walsh died on March 19. No cause was given.
Carl Weathers, 76
Carl Weathers.
Michael Putland/Getty
Thanks to his bravado and astounding physique, Weathers found fame when he was cast as heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in 1976's "Rocky."
The following years and decades brought more memorable roles, whether he was sizing up biceps with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987's "Predator," or trying to teach Adam Sandler how to play golf in 1996's "Happy Gilmore."
Most recently, he played Greef Karga in the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian." Along with appearing in front of the camera, he also showcased his talents behind it, directing multiple episodes.
Jerry West, 86
Jerry West.
Al Seib/Getty
You can give several examples to show just how great a basketball player Jerry West was. He won an NBA title, an Olympic gold medal, and is the only player on the losing team of an NBA Finals to be named MVP.
But there's one that overshadows all of these accomplishments: he was the logo.
That's right. The actual NBA logo is a silhouette of Jerry West dribbling a basketball.
Known for his tenacious play and ability to score in the clutch, West was one of the stars in the NBA before its enormous popularity in the 1970s, when players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and later, Michael Jordan, became household names.
After his retirement, West became an executive of the Los Angeles Lakers and was instrumental in the "Showtime" Lakers' championship dynasty through the 1980s. He made the key signings to get Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to the Lakers, creating another dynasty in the early 2000s.
About 1,500 AI creators signed up for the contest.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
Online platform Fanvue sponsored a "Miss AI" pageant, and a winner has been crowned.
Fanvue is the only platform of its kind to allow AI-generated content from creators.
The top three Fanvue World AI Creator Awards prizes are worth a combined $20,000.
Fanvue held its first "Miss AI" contest, where its finalists aren't human but, instead, artificial intelligence personas from around the world.
The winner and runners-up were announced on Monday. Personas from Morocco, France, and Portugal topped the list.
Fanvue is used by creators to share monetized content with their followers. But unlike similar sites — namely OnlyFans — it allows AI-generated content to be posted, as long as the content follows community guidelines and is clearly labeled as artificial.
The company announced in April that it would hold the Fanvue World AI Creator Awards and announced the top 10 finalists for the Miss AI title in June.
One and a half thousand creators entered the contest, and the creator who won Miss AI is to receive a prize totaling $13,000, including a $5,000 cash prize and PR support.
The judging panel consists of a pageant historian, a media entrepreneur, and two AI creators. Contestants were judged on their realism, tech, and social clout.
AI's role in social media remains a topic of debate. Deepfake porn, AI chatbots with the faces of celebrities, and virtual assistants whose voices sound familiar have prompted calls for stricter regulation on how generative AI is used.
The Fanvue World AI Creator Awards offers a window into a world where AI-generated personas are taken seriously — even if all finalists meet fairly typical beauty standards.
Here's who won the pageant, and rest of the top 10 finalists:
Winner: Kenza Layli
Kenza Layli's creators generate photo, video, and audio content of her using AI.
Courtesy of World of AI Awards
Kenza Layli is the most-followed influencer on this list, with more than 193,000 followers on Instagram. The Moroccan persona is part of an AI-generated sibling trio with a combined following of over 300,000.
"Winning Miss AI motivates me even more to continue my work in advancing AI technology. AI isn't just a tool, it's a transformative force that can disrupt industries, challenge norms and create opportunities where none existed before." Layli said in her acceptance speech.
Second place: Lalina
Lalina was created in Paris, France, and she has over 95,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
Lalina was created to look as realistic as possible. Like many of her fellow contestants, she aims to promote inclusion in her content.
"Thank you! I'm thrilled to be in the Top 10 for the Miss AI competition. This means a lot, looking forward to the next steps," the creator said when Lalina made the top 10.
Third place: Olivia C
Olivia C has 11,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
Olivia C, a Portuguese AI model, is described as "an AI traveller in a big real world" in her bio. Her creator uses Midjourney to generate her images and Adobe AI to refine them.
"They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. WAICAs is an opportunity to explore the new frontiers of this truth. It's an honor to be a part of it," her creator statement reads.
Aiyana Rainbow
Aiyana Rainbow has over 3,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
This contestant is based in Romania and promotes "love and diversity in all forms," per her bio. Aiyana Rainbow is described as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She's powered by ChatGPT and LeonardoAI.
"Being shortlisted for the WAICAS is an incredible honour that boldly celebrates the triumph of diversity and the limitless power of technology to inspire change. I am thrilled to contribute to a world where #loveislove and to send a powerful message of pride. Together, we stand strong! #AIwithPride," Rainbow's creator statement said.
Anne Kerdi
Anne Kerdi has 10,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
Anne Kerdi is a French contestant who aims to democratize AI "by demonstrating its capabilities in visuals, text, audio, and video," according to her bio.
"Between lines of code, I weave narratives; within each algorithm, I paint a future. Being recognized among the world's top AI creations is an honor that illustrates the vibrant tapestry we create together," Kerdi said.
Ailya Lou
Ailya Lou has over 10,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
In her bio, Ailya Lou is described as a "Japanese-Afro-Brazilian artist" with deep roots in Brazilian culture. She's created using text-based prompts fed into AI software.
"I am very happy to see Aliya being selected, she is an artistic project which has a huge meaning for me as a way to understand how to re-create worlds and people to an expanded reality. More than beauty, she is about the future," her creator said.
Eliza Khan
Eliza Khan has over 13,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
According to her bio, Eliza Khan is one of Bangladesh's first AI influencers. She's all about Gen Z trends and dreams of a more inclusive world.
"Being shortlisted for Miss AI is a tremendous honour. I'm excited to see the other amazing AI creations and contribute to the world of AI innovation," Khan's creator quote read.
Asena Ilik
Asena Ilik has over 29,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
Asena Ilik's goal is to show how one can become an AI influencer without "selling sex," her bio reads. The Turkish model appears to be a car enthusiast, if her Instagram feed is any indication.
"I am incredibly honoured to be selected as one of the top 10 finalists out of 1500 participants in this competition. It is truly gratifying to see my vision recognized by such an esteemed panel," her creator said.
Seren Ay
Seren Ay has 13,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
Seren Ay is described as the first AI brand ambassador in Turkey. Her content shows her performing jobs that are considered male-dominated, and her photos can sometimes involve elements of time travel.
"Truly incredible! Being selected in the top 10 of this Creator Awards as a Turkish AI Creator is an honour beyond my dreams. Endless thanks to all my creators and supporters from all around the world! I will never forget this moment and I share this pride with all of you," Ay said in a statement.
Zara Shatavari
Zara Shatavari was created in India and has over 5,000 followers on Instagram.
Courtesy of World AI Creator Awards
India's Zara Shatavari was created to be the face of a women's hormone supplement called Hermones, but it's unclear if the partnership is still ongoing. According to her bio, she advocates for access to healthcare and educating the masses on hormonal imbalances.
"This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We've created this AI to build a reliable face for our brand, and this recognition not only validates our efforts but also brings us closer to earning the trust and recognition we aspire to. It truly feels like our dedication is paying off," Shataravi's creator said.
On Monday, Johns Hopkins announced that Bloomberg Philanthropies — founded by billionaire Michael Bloomberg — will donate $1 billion to make tuition free for medical students with family incomes under $300,000 a year, beginning fall 2024.
The gift will also allow Johns Hopkins to cover living expenses for medical students with family incomes under $175,000 a year. According to the university, nearly two-thirds of current and incoming medical students will qualify for free tuition, or free tuition and covered living expenses.
"As the U.S. struggles to recover from a disturbing decline in life expectancy, our country faces a serious shortage of doctors, nurses, and public health professionals—and yet, the high cost of medical, nursing, and graduate school too often bars students from enrolling," Bloomberg said in a statement.
"By reducing the financial barriers to these essential fields, we can free more students to pursue careers they're passionate about—and enable them to serve more of the families and communities who need them the most," he said.
The university's announcement said students who are eligible for the benefits will receive updated financial aid packages this summer.
Going to medical school can be costly, leaving borrowers with about $200,000 in student debt on average upon graduation, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. While medical jobs are typically high paying, a career is not guaranteed, potentially leaving borrowers with six-figure balances that can surge due to high interest.
Along with Johns Hopkins, other schools have received philanthropic donations to address high education costs that can be barriers to pursuing further education. For example, Ruth Gottesman — philanthropist and widow of David Gottesman, an early Berkshire Hathaway investor — donated David's $1 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to Bronx Medical School in February to cover its students' tuition forever.
Some schools have also been taking matters into their own hands to address high student debt loads for their undergraduates. Princeton, Amherst, and Harvard are among a growing number of schools that have eliminated student loans from their financial aid packages entirely, instead shifting to grants that students do not need to repay.
Monday's announcement will build on previous donations Johns Hopkins has received over the past few years to reduce student-debt loads for its graduates. Through that aid, the average total student debt for medical school graduates declined to about $105,000 in the 2023-2024 academic school year, the university said.