Tag: News

  • All of the A-list celebrities seen so far at Wimbledon, London’s premier tennis tournament

    Hannah Waddingham, David Beckham, and Jameela Jamil at Wimbledon.
    Hannah Waddingham, David Beckham, and Jameela Jamil at Wimbledon.

    • 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.
    Sandra Beckham and David Beckham at day one of Wimbledon.
    Sandra Beckham and David Beckham at day one of Wimbledon.

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

    Source: Women's Health

    Musician Arlo Parks was also in attendance on day one.
    Arlo Parks, right, at day one of Wimbledon.
    Arlo Parks, right, at day one of Wimbledon.

    Couple James Blake and Jameela Jamil posed for pictures on club grounds.
    James Blake and Jameela Jamil at day one of Wimbledon.
    James Blake and Jameela Jamil at day one of Wimbledon.

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

    "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" singer PinkPantheress was snapped checking her phone.
    PinkPantheress, right, at day one of Wimbledon.
    PinkPantheress, right, at day one of Wimbledon.

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

    Famed British broadcaster and biologist Sir David Attenborough was seen giving a standing ovation.
    Sir David Attenborough at day one of Wimbledon.
    Sir David Attenborough at day one of Wimbledon.

    "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.
    Dave Grohl and wife Jordyn Blum at day two of Wimbledon.
    Dave Grohl and wife Jordyn Blum at day two of Wimbledon.

    Actor and producer Rebel Wilson was seen taking selfies with a fellow spectator in a bright floral blazer by Alice and Olivia.
    Rebel Wilson, right, takes a selfie with a fellow spectator at Wimbledon day two.
    Rebel Wilson, right, takes a selfie with a fellow spectator at Wimbledon day two.

    The multitalented model, singer, and actor Grace Jones was spotted having a laugh in the crowd.
    Grace Jones at day two of Wimbledon.
    Grace Jones at day two of Wimbledon.

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

    Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Maria Sharapova was seen with her fiancé, businessman Alexander Gilkes.
    Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova at day three of Wimbledon.
    Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova at day three of Wimbledon.

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

    Mel C's burnt-orange crop top reminded everyone why she's Sporty Spice.
    Mel C at day three of Wimbledon.
    Melanie Chisholm on day three of Wimbledon.

    Kim Cattrall posed in a dusty-pink suit, floral blouse, and metallic heels.
    Kim Cattrall at day three of Wimbledon.
    Kim Cattrall at day three of Wimbledon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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.
    Chioma Nnadi and Nathalie Emmanuel at day eight of Wimbledon.
    Chioma Nnadi and Nathalie Emmanuel at day eight of Wimbledon.

    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.
    Corey Mylchreest at day eight of Wimbledon.
    Corey Mylchreest at day eight of Wimbledon.

    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.
    Ncuti Gatwa at day eight of Wimbledon.
    Ncuti Gatwa at day eight of Wimbledon.

    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.
    Jodie Turner-Smith at day eight of Wimbledon.
    Jodie Turner-Smith at day eight of Wimbledon.

    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.
    Amelia Dimoldenberg at day eight of Wimbledon.
    Amelia Dimoldenberg at day eight of Wimbledon.

    Source: British Vogue

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

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

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

    Source: Daily Mail

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

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Videos show what hit a Ukrainian children’s hospital, and Russia is ‘gaslighting,’ war and weapons experts say

    Russian Missile Attack On Ukraine's Cities
    People clear rubble at the building of one of the largest children's hospitals of Ukraine, 'Okhmatdyt', on July 8, 2024.

    • 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."

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    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.

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    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.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Trump’s new platform pledges to ‘end inflation’ and maintain the retirement age to receive Social Security and Medicare benefits

    Donald Trump
    Former President Donald Trump released his new platform for the GOP.

    • 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.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Jeff Bezos shared a key piece of business advice years ago that is more important than ever in the age of AI

    Jeff Bezos
    Jeff Bezos shared some business advice years ago that's more relevant than ever in the age of AI.

    • 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.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Meet David Ellison, Larry Ellison’s son who is about to take over at Paramount

    David Ellison dressed in a tuxedo at the 2024 Golden Globes.
    David Ellison at the 2024 Golden Globes.

    • 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.

    David Ellison and his wife, Sandra Lynn Modic, stand in front of a model plane at the London premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick."
    David Ellison and wife Sandra Lynn Modic at the London premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022.

    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.

    Nikita Kahn (girlfriend of Larry Ellison), Larry Ellison, David Ellison, Babarar Booth (mother of David and Megan Ellison), Megan Ellison and Sandra Lynn Modic (wife of David Ellison) stood smiling at the premiere of "Terminator: Genisys."
    Larry and David Ellison, with his mother Babara Booth and sister Megan, at the premiere of "Terminator: Genisys" in 2015.

    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.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • ‘The Bachelorette’ star Jenn Tran teases her season’s ‘very surprising’ ending: ‘It was a shocker for me’

    "The Bachelorette" season 21 star Jenn Tran at CMA Fest 2024.
    "The Bachelorette" star Jenn Tran recently spoke to Business Insider about what to expect from season 21.

    • 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."

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEtjU0tdQ5E?feature=oembed&w=560&h=315]

    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."

    'The Bachelorette" host Jesse Palmer and star Jenn Tran on the season 21 premiere.
    'The Bachelorette" host Jesse Palmer and star Jenn Tran on the season 21 premiere.

    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.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • I went to Québec City and felt like I’d jetted off to Europe without leaving North America

    Insider's reporter visited Europe and Québec City. She found that the two destinations had a lot in common.
    Business Insider's reporter visited Europe and Québec City. She found that the two destinations had a lot in common.

    • I went to Québec City, Canada, in August 2022. It's a historic French city with a European feel. 
    • Then, I visited four European countries for the first time: Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
    • After visiting Europe, I thought Québec City felt much like it, with similar streets and buildings. 

    With narrow, cobblestone streets, European-inspired architecture, and a primarily French-speaking population, Québec City, Canada, feels like a European paradise. 

    I spent 24 hours in the 400-year-old French-Canadian city in August 2022. Back then, I hadn't explored enough of Europe to decide if Québec City felt like other countries across the Atlantic.

    But after visiting Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany in October 2022, I understood the comparison.

    Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Québec City is 400 years old, making it the oldest city in Canada.
    Québec in the 1800s and 2022.
    Québec in the 1800s and 2022.

    The city was founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, according to the city's website.

    Québec City is on the eastern edge of the Canadian province of Québec.
    Arrows point to Québec City and New York City.
    Arrows point to Québec City and New York City.

    I traveled by train from Montreal to Quebéc City, but a flight from my home in NYC would take less than two hours — a lot shorter than a trip to Europe. My direct flight from NYC to Berlin was nearly eight hours long when I visited in October 2022.

    I spent most of my time there in Old Québec, a neighborhood with preserved French and British colonial architecture, according to the city's website.
    A street in Old Québec.
    A street in Old Québec.

    I spotted many of these simple, rectangular buildings with decorative shutters during my visit.

    I wandered down old Québec's photogenic streets and spotted rows of colorful colonial-style buildings.
    Quaint, colorful streets in Québec and Switzerland.
    Quaint, colorful streets in Québec and Switzerland.

    A few months later, in Zurich, I saw blocks I thought looked similar to those in Québec City.

    Many of the streets in Old Québec were made of cobblestone.
    Cobblestone streets in Old Québec
    Cobblestone streets in Old Québec.

    They looked like the roads I saw in all four European countries I visited.

    During my walk through Old Québec, I also noticed most signs were written in French.
    French signage in Québec City.
    French signage in Québec City.

    That's because 85% of the population of Québec speaks French, according to the Government of Canada.

    English wasn't the primary language spoken in any of the European countries I visited, either.
    A sign for gondola rides in Venice, Italy.
    A sign for gondola rides in Venice, Italy.

    Most of the signs I saw abroad were written in German or Italian.

    While some streets in Québec City were wide, others were quite narrow.
    Narrow alley ways in Québec City and Rome.
    Narrow alley ways in Québec City and Rome.

    Later in Rome and Venice, Italy, I stumbled upon alleys that reminded me of the narrow streets in Québec.

    After my trip to Europe, I also realized my hotel in Québec City, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, was similar to those I saw abroad.
    Streets near Fairmont in Quebec City
    The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City.

    I thought it was the most stunning building, which makes sense as it's known as the most photographed hotel in the world, according to World Atlas.

    It was a dramatic castle-like structure.
    Fairmont hotel in Quebec
    The hotel's exterior.

    The hotel opened in 1893 and was inspired by romantic architecture and French castles, according to the Québec City's website and the Canadian Encyclopedia.

    I thought the hotel looked like a fairy tale with elaborate landscaping and old-world architecture.
    Fairytale landscapes in Québec and Austria
    Fairy tale landscapes in Québec and Austria

    I had a similar feeling while strolling through gardens next to historic buildings in Vienna, Austria.

    Inside, I thought my hotel room was small, but the view out the window was grand.
    The author perches on the window sill in the hotel room
    The author in her hotel room.

    I perched on the windowsill and marveled at the European architecture surrounding me.

    I also saw Québec City Hall, which was inspired by the Second Empire.
    Québec City Hall, a national historic site in Canada.
    Québec City Hall, a national historic site in Canada.

    It was built in a European style with prominent rooftops, according to the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

    I spotted the same style of architecture in Viennese buildings like Schönbrunn Palace.
    Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
    Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.

    This architectural style is known as Second Empire Baroque, according to Britannica.

    Additionally, old-world cathedrals in Québec City, like Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, reminded me of those I later saw in Europe.
    Notre Dame cathedral in Québec City
    Notre Dame cathedral in Québec City

    Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral has a Neoclassical style, with towers and stained-glass detailing, according to Québec City's website.

    I saw a lot of Neoclassical architecture all around Rome, too, like at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

    After visiting both Québec City and Europe, I found that they're not exactly the same, but they're pretty close.
    Buildings in Quebec City
    Buildings in Old Québec.

    If you're looking for a European adventure that's closer to home without the jet lag, I think Québec City is a good alternative.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • So far, no Black lawmakers on Capitol Hill have called on Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee. Why it matters.

    Biden
    President Joe Biden speaks at the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 7, 2024.

    • President Biden leaned on his deep ties to Black voters during a Sunday appearance in Philadelphia.
    • So far, no Black lawmakers in Washington have publicly asked Biden to forgo his reelection bid.
    • It's a show of support that is helping Biden as he works to reassure Democrats that he can win in the fall.

    On Sunday, President Joe Biden once again found himself in Philadelphia, a city that has played a crucial role in his political life.

    As Biden spoke onstage at the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, one of the most influential Black churches in Philadelphia, he was received warmly by the congregants.

    It's a reception that Biden hasn't always gotten recently, as he continues his personal campaign to reassure Democrats that his reelection bid against former President Donald Trump remains viable following his disastrous June debate performance.

    For over a week, Biden has been under pressure by Washington lawmakers and many rank-and-file Democrats to make the case that he can handle the rigors of the general election campaign, part of long-running concerns over the 81-year-old Biden's acuity and fitness for office in a second term.

    But so far, no Black lawmaker on Capitol Hill has called on Biden to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee, a show of support that may not hold but at the moment is appearing to give him some breathing room as he works to shore up jittery Democrats.

    Why is this development so significant?

    Pulse of the Hill

    Since last week, at least five House Democrats have called on Biden to forgo his reelection bid and allow the party to select a new nominee.

    But no member of the Congressional Black Caucus has made such a plea, and there is seemingly little appetite to do so.

    On Sunday, Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio told CNN's Eva McKend that Democratic lawmakers shouldn't turn against Biden.

    "I don't think for Democrats so close to the majority, so close and being so united under Hakeem Jeffries, we shouldn't be going public, we shouldn't be going rogue against our own President," she said after an appearance at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.

    During a Monday appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Beatty — a former CBC chair — said the group was firmly behind both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    "We are 100% with the president," she reiterated. "We are standing with the Biden-Harris team because they have delivered."

    And the current CBC chair, Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada, said in a statement: "President Joe Biden is the nominee and has been selected by millions of voters across this country, including voters in Nevada."

    While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York — the first Black lawmaker to lead a party in Congress — held a Sunday virtual meeting with his caucus regarding Biden's candidacy, he has so far not publicly weighed in on how the Democratic nominee's campaign should proceed.

    A huge "what if" for Biden is if a high-ranking Black lawmaker calls on him to exit the race. Such a move would be a huge blow for a campaign that relies on influential Black surrogates to engage with voters across the country.

    Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, one of Biden's top Black allies in Washington, has voiced his continued support for the president. But Clyburn also said last week that should Biden step aside, he'd endorse a "mini-primary," arguing that it would be a fair process but also one that would likely give Harris a prime opportunity to prove her mettle.

    Right now, Biden's most reliable legislative allies are giving him considerable political cover. But will it help him with Black voters in the coming weeks and months?

    All eyes on the base

    In 2020, Black voters buoyed Biden in the South Carolina Democratic primary, which paved the way for his robust Super Tuesday performance en route to him winning the party's presidential nomination.

    That November, Biden won 92% of the Black vote, compared to Trump's 8% support, according to the Pew Research Center.

    It was a dominant performance that contributed heavily to Biden's wins in states like Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

    But over the past year, Biden has stumbled with his support among Black voters — namely those aged 18 to 29 — as Trump is aiming to siphon minority votes away from the Democratic ticket.

    While Black voters are still largely behind Biden, his weaker numbers have contributed to some of his swing-state polling struggles, which have a direct impact on his ability to win against Trump in the fall.

    Biden's increased visibility is undoubtedly bringing a sigh a relief to allies who have been privately worried about the president's post-debate electoral prospects.

    As Biden leans on his most reliable base of supporters during the most turbulent period of his campaign, it'll be a huge test of his strategy for wooing Black voters as issues like the economy and health care continue to dominate the 2024 race.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Tesla’s rumored ‘Night Curfew’ and speed limiters sound like a dream for parents

    Teslas in the evening outside shop
    The rumored upcoming "Night Curfew" feature apparently can alert owners when their Tesla is driven past a certain time.

    • Tesla's rumored upcoming software update may introduce parental controls, including a "Night Curfew."
    • The feature apparently notifies the Tesla app when the car is driven past a set curfew.
    • Parents will be able to set maximum speed limits and limit acceleration, according to sites tracking Tesla software changes.

    It sounds like Tesla parents are going to love an upcoming software update — although their teenagers may resent it.

    The rumored update, version 2024.26, 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 range of features that can be enabled with a vehicle PIN, according to the reports.

    That reportedly includes something called "Night Curfew," which could make it easier for Tesla parents to enforce their teenagers' bedtimes. The new feature apparently 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 are also said to be new controls that give parents the ability to set a maximum speed limit and reduce acceleration.

    If that sounds a bit familiar, you might remember that Tesla already has a similar option with "Valet Mode" — but the latest update will allow parents to set limitations for other drivers, according to the reports. Parents will also be able to limit the acceleration to "Chill," which restricts the EV's horsepower and torque, the reports said.

    Other features within the parental controls reportedly include the ability to prevent a driver from disabling the speed limit and collision warnings, or automatic emergency braking.

    While the rumored update could be helpful for parents trying to catch their teens sneaking out, it could also be useful for Tesla owners who rent out their vehicles or lend them to others.

    If and when "Night Curfew" and the other parental controls are released publicly, they'll add to the other features that help Teslas stand out from other cars. Other Tesla-specific features include Sentry mode, which starts streaming a recording on the app if anything hits the vehicle.

    While the new features may soothe some parents' concerns about their teen's driving, Tesla has made headlines in the past with incidents involving children. In 2018, two teens were killed after a Tesla Model S burst into flames following a crash. Most recently, a toddler had to be rescued from a locked Tesla after the car's battery died right after her grandmother stepped out of the vehicle to get her out of the seat.

    Young drivers as a group are also particularly at risk for crashes in general. Accidents were the leading cause of unintentional deaths in 2020 for people ages 15 to 24, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA Data also indicated that 2,116 drivers ages 15 to 20 years old were killed in 2021, and about 203,256 were injured in car crashes that year.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • What to do if an airline bumps you from an overbooked flight

    Passengers check in for an American Airlines flights at O'Hare International Airport on October 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.
    Airlines regularly oversell flights, but disruptive weather and booming travel make that more likely.

    • Holiday travel broke records in July as severe weather forced disruptions at many airports. 
    • Airlines oversell flights on normal days, and they're more likely to bump passengers during disruptions.
    • Here's what you should do if you're bumped from a flight and how to lower the odds of it happening.

    The Transportation Security Administration screened a record number of passengers over the July 4th holiday weekend as airlines continue to see booming demand for travel. Sunday alone saw over 3 million people — the most ever in a single day.

    According to the aircraft tracking website FlightAware, there were about 900 cancellations and about 20,000 delays between Thursday and Saturday for flights flying to, from, or within the US. Hurricane Beryl forced thousands more on Sunday and Monday as it made landfall in Texas.

    Airlines overbook flights on a good day to ensure planes are full, but it's even more likely during times of weather and operational chaos. Depending on the traveler, getting bumped from a flight can either be an easy way to make some cash ($10,000 in one rare case) or a nightmare scenario that ruins your vacation.  

    Either way, there are a few things you should know if you're bumped from an oversold flight.

    Voluntary and involuntary bumping

    Denied boarding, or "bumping," happens when airlines overbook a flight. This means there are more passengers than available seats, and it's a perfectly legal strategy airlines use to optimize revenue.

    According to the US Department of Transportation, when a plane is overbooked, airlines must first seek out passengers willing to volunteer to take a different flight in exchange for compensation.

    This is considered a "voluntary" bump, where a passenger can essentially sell their seat back to the airline for anything from cash to a free ticket, per the DOT. There is no limit to the amount of money or vouchers that airlines can offer as compensation, and passengers can negotiate with the carriers.

    Delta and United planes.
    In 2022, Delta Air Lines offered passengers $10,000 cash to take a different flight after overselling a flight from Michigan to Minnesota amid the summer's post-pandemic travel chaos.

    If you accept the airline's compensation to give up your seat and take a later flight, the DOT recommends asking these questions to make sure you're aware of any restrictions: 

    • When is the next flight on which the airline can confirm your seat? Will you be put on standby? The DOT warns that standby comes with risks because you could be left stranded if the later flights are also full.
    • Will the airline provide other amenities such as free meals, a hotel room, transfers between the hotel and the airport, and a phone card?
    • If you accept a free ticket or voucher, how long is it good for? Is the ticket or voucher unusable during holiday periods? Can it be used for international flights?

    If not enough people volunteer, the airline will involuntarily bump customers. Most of the time, this occurs before the plane is boarded, and passengers cannot be removed from an aircraft after boarding unless for safety, security, or health reasons or if they're being disorderly.

    According to the DOT, airlines must provide compensation for bumped passengers, as well as a written statement of their rights and how airlines select who and who doesn't get involuntarily bumped.

    There are a few conditions and exceptions outlined by the DOT, including:

    • Aircraft change to a smaller plane due to operational or safety reasons
    • The aircraft holds fewer than 30 people
    • Weight and balance concerns for planes with 30-60 seats
    • The flight is departing from a foreign country and headed to the US

    If none of these apply and you have a confirmed ticket, you met the check-in deadline, you were at the gate on time, and the airline could not get you to your final destination within an hour of your original arrival time, the DOT says you are entitled to denied boarding compensation, or DBC.

    When you're entitled to compensation — and how much

    According to the DOT, the DBC is based on the value of your ticket, the length of your delay due to the involuntarily denied boarding, and whether your flight was domestic or international. The agency said the airline might try to offer you a free flight or cash-equivalent voucher first, but you are entitled to cash or check if you prefer.

    A packed airplane cabin.
    DOT rules entitle passengers to hundreds of dollars in compensation if they are involuntarily bumped from a flight, under certain terms and conditions.

    For domestic flights that arrive one to two hours later than scheduled, passengers receive 200% of their one-way fare, capped at $775. Arriving over two hours later entitles customers to 400%, capped at $1,550.

    For international flights that arrive one to four hours later than scheduled, passengers receive 200% of their one-way fare, and anything over four hours is 400%. The same regulated minimum monetary caps apply, but the airline can decide at its discretion to offer more.

    The DOT said compensation for non-fare tickets, like those paid for with points, is based on the lowest-priced ticket sold in the same class of the service on the same flight.

    Passengers who booked a higher-fare class, like first or business, but were downgraded to a cheaper cabin must be refunded the difference in price, per the DOT. Customers can also receive a refund for extras they paid for but did not receive on their substitute flight, like a reserved seat.

    How to lower the odds of getting bumped from a flight

    There's nothing you can do to guarantee you won't get bumped from an overbooked flight, as one traveler who said he was bumped off an American Airlines flight learned the hard way.

    However, you can take some steps to decrease your odds of getting bumped, such as buying higher-class seats, checking in on time, and having frequent-flyer status. The DOT said among those in the same fare class, the last to check in are the most likely to be involuntarily bumped.

    Some travelers may consider booking on an airline that doesn't have a reputation for involuntary bumping.

    According to the DOT's 2023 consumer air travel data, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, and Hawaiian Airlines involuntarily bumped 0, 3, and 5 people, respectively, over the entire year. On the other end of the spectrum, American Airlines and Frontier Airlines involuntarily bumped over 10,000 passengers each in 2023. 

    "However, the criteria cannot subject a passenger to any unjust or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage," the agency notes. "For example, an airline could not lawfully use a passenger's race or ethnicity as a criterion." 

    Read the original article on Business Insider