The United Arab Emirates has created a federal authority to potentially run a national lottery and what it describes as "commercial gaming," likely a sign that it is on the verge of allowing gambling as major casino operators flock to the Gulf Arab nation.
The state-run WAM news agency carried an announcement late Sunday on the creation of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, without offering many details about its structure or operations.
Full StoryFirst lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Monday but is experiencing only mild symptoms, her spokeswoman said.
President Joe Biden was tested for the virus following his wife's positive test, but his results were negative. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president would continue testing regularly and would be monitored for symptoms.
Full StoryOprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have committed $10 million to make direct payments to people on Maui who are unable to return to their homes because of the wildfires, through a new fund they announced Thursday.
The People's Fund of Maui will give $1,200 a month to adults who are not able to return to their primary residences because of the recent wildfires, including people who owned and rented their homes, according to the fund's website. The fund will also seek donations to extend the length of time it can provide the support.
Full StoryThe box office results are in and Sony's racing movie "Gran Turismo" won the weekend over "Barbie," after all.
On Sunday, " Gran Turismo" appeared to be neck-and-neck with Warner Bros.' "Barbie," now in its sixth weekend, with both hovering just over $17 million. But Monday actuals reported by the studios provided a clear winner: "Gran Turismo" ended up with $17.4 million from North American theaters against "Barbie's" $15.1 million.
Full StorySitting alone before a grand piano in a stark studio, Ryuichi Sakamoto takes the listener on a journey of his life, playing 20 of his compositions.
Shot entirely in black and white, on three 4K cameras, the film "Opus," directed by Neo Sora, is the Japanese composer's farewell, poetic yet bold, and deeply heartfelt.
Full StoryShakira will receive the Video Vanguard Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards next month. Previous recipients include Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Missy Elliott.
She will also perform on the VMA stage for the first time in 17 years.
Full StoryBuck Meek, the stellar guitarist of Big Thief, is out with his third studio album, "Haunted Mountain." It is a lovely fusion of twang and rock with prime songwriting that works to define the art of caring.
Sure, this is largely love song territory for the troubadour. He sought a bit of solace and wrote the songs in the mountains of Portugal and the Swiss Alps. But it's a deft examination of how the heart grows, and not a breezy travelogue.
Full StoryThe release of "Dune: Part Two," one of the fall's most anticipated films, has been postponed from November until next year, Warner Bros. confirmed Thursday.
Denis Villeneuve's science-fiction sequel had been set to open Nov. 3, but will instead land in theaters March 15 next year. With the actors strike entering its second month, "Dune: Part Two" had been rumored to be eyeing a move. Variety earlier this month reported Warner Bros. was mulling the delay.
Full StoryIsrael's far-right national security minister lashed out at supermodel Bella Hadid on Friday for criticizing his recent fiery televised remarks about Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
In an interview earlier this week with Israel's Channel 12 following two deadly Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the occupied territory, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argued that his right to freedom of movement as a Jewish settler outweighs the same right for Palestinians.
Full StoryCarlos Ghosn, the former rock star businessman who fell from grace and fled authorities smuggled in a music instrument box, is getting what his dramatic story deserves — a multi-part documentary series.
"Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn" is the juicy real tale of how the auto executive went from attending red carpets as the head of both Nissan and Renault to fleeing to Lebanon with the help of a former U.S. Green Beret.
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