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FCC approves merger of local television owners Nexstar and Tegna as two lawsuits seek to block it

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the merger of the Nexstar Media Group and its rival Tegna, creating a company that will control more than 250 television stations across the country, most of them local affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. The decision came the same day attorneys general in eight states, including California, New York and Illinois, and DirecTV announced lawsuits seeking to block the transaction. The lawsuits argued the deal would raise prices for consumers and stifle local journalism at a time that marketplace is already suffering. The deal required the FCC to relax restrictions on how many local stations one company could own.

Federal vaccine panel in disarray after judge blocks changes

(CNN) — The future of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s panel of vaccine advisers is unclear, even among its recently appointed members.On Monday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the US Department of Health and Human Services’ overhaul…

ABC's 'Bachelorette' cancellation adds to franchise's long history of controversy

ABC has canceled a finished season of “The Bachelorette.” It highlights the franchise’s long history of cultural controversy. On Wednesday, the network pulled the season starring Taylor Frankie Paul after an old video surfaced that appears to show a violent altercation with her former partner while her young daughter was present. The move to cancel the season stand out since it usually handles scandals while it airs. For years, critics have targeted the franchise over mostly white leads and limited diversity. One of the franchise’s most high-profile controversies came in 2021 when longtime host Chris Harrison stepped down after defending a contestant as criticism grew over photos showing her at an antebellum plantation-themed event and wearing a Native American costume.

World Baseball Classic television audience doubles for 2026 tournament

Venezuela’s 3-2 win over the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game was seen by 10,784,000 viewers on Fox and Fox Deportes, nearly double the 5.4 million who watched Japan defeat the Americans in the 2023 final on FS1, Fox Deportes and the network’s streaming service. Tuesday night’s game drew 10,228,000 viewers on Fox. That was more than double the 4.48 million on FS1 for Japan’s 3-2 victory in 2023. The WBC averaged 1,294,000 for its games on Fox, FS1 and FS2, double the 506,000 for the 2023 tournament.

Mike Will Made-It returns with star-studded 'R3SET.' It's his first solo album in nearly a decade

Hip-hop super producer Mike Will Made-It returns with the star-studded ‘R3SET,’ his first solo album in nearly a decade. The producer of Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” and co-producer of Beyoncé’s “Formation” began an unintended hiatus after his music hard drives were stolen. He pursued business endeavors, like building an 80,000- square-foot compound used as a creative event space in Atlanta and rebuilding his musical vault. The result is the 15-track “R3SET,” featuring contributions from megastar J. Cole and YoungBoy Never Broke Again, arguably the hottest street rapper in music. Mike Will pairs heavyweights like 2 Chainz, Ludacris, T.I. and CeeLo Green with new acts like Monaleo and Teezo Touchdown. The album releases Friday.

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, defending his company, takes star role at antitrust trial

Live Nation Entertainment's longtime chief executive has testified at a New York antitrust trial, defending the dominant position his company has taken in the concert industry over the last two decades. Michael Rapino became a star witness Thursday at a trial resulting from the lawsuit the U.S. Justice Department brought against Live Nation and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster, two years ago. The federal government settled the case last week, winning concessions from Live Nation that are meant to increase competition and ideally lower ticket prices for concertgoers. Six states have joined the federal government in settling. But 33 states and the District of Columbia are continuing the court fight.

Longtime Mets broadcaster Howie Rose says he's retiring after this season

Longtime New York Mets broadcaster Howie Rose has announced he is planning to retire at the end of the season after spending four decades with the organization. The 72-year-old Rose began his Mets broadcasting career in 1987 and has served as the team’s lead play-by-play radio voice since 2006. Rose says he plans to work all the Mets’ home games as well as their three road matchups with the New York Yankees this year. He will work all home and away games during the postseason.

In 'Project Hail Mary,' Phil Lord and Chris Miller finally get their space odyssey

In their two decades making movies together, Phil Lord and Chris Miller have shown a particular talent in making inanimate objects come alive. They did this especially in 2014’s “The Lego Movie,” but little in their idiosyncratic filmography hasn’t involved some degree of playful reinvention. But “Project Hail Mary” may be their biggest challenge yet in breathing life into an improbable concept. The film adapted from Andy Weir’s bestseller stars Ryan Gosling as an astronaut sent far into space on a mission to save Earth that brings him into contact with a faceless, rock-based alien. It opens in theaters Thursday.

Rapper Afroman wins lawsuit against police over mocking their 2022 raid in viral music videos

The Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman has won a defamation lawsuit filed by seven Ohio sheriff’s deputies who sued him over music videos that used home security footage to mock them over a 2022 raid of his home. The verdict Wednesday evening follows several hours of deliberations. The Adams County deputies say they were publicly harassed over the videos. They show rifle-wielding deputies busting down his door, searching his shoes and eyeing a cake on the kitchen table, inspiring the song, “Lemon Pound Cake.” The 51-year-old Afroman, born Joseph Foreman, says the verdict is a win for free speech rights. No charges were filed in the drug and kidnapping investigation.

Varying your exercise routine could add years to your life

(CNN) — Interested in boosting your longevity? All you may have to do is vary your exercise. Switching between activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, gardening and pickleball could result in a whopping 19% decrease in your chance of death…

Kevin Spacey settles out of court with 3 men over alleged sexual assaults

Three men who allege that actor Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted them have settled their civil claims in London. The men claimed that Spacey abused them at various times between 2000 and 2013. Spacey denies the allegations. The case was due to go to trial later this year, but judge Christina Lambert paused the proceedings after both sides agreed to settlement terms. The terms have not been disclosed. Spacey, who was artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre for a decade, faced a criminal trial in London in 2023 on nine alleged sexual offenses. He was acquitted on all counts by a jury.

Warming trend moves in

By Friday, everything comes together. Sunshine takes over, temperatures respond, and we finally tap into that springtime feel. Highs will reach around 70 degrees. Welcome to SPRING!