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News Daypop

600 employees of OpenAI protest ouster of ex-CEO Sam Altman, now employed by Microsoft

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A letter signed by nearly 600 employees at OpenAI is calling for the resignation of the company’s board and the return of former CEO Sam Altman – who was hired by Microsoft just days after being ousted at OpenAI.  According to a copy of the letter, the employees are threatening to quit and join Microsoft if their demands were not met. Included among the signees was company board member Mira Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO after the departure of Altman.  OpenAI has since hired former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear as its interim CEO, replacing executive Murati days after internally appointing her to the role. Shear confirmed his new role at OpenAI in a post Monday on X.

Addressed to OpenAI board members, the letter states: “Your conduct has made it clear you did not have the competence to oversee OpenAI … We, the undersigned, may choose to resign from OpenAI and join the newly announced Microsoft subsidiary run by Sam Altman and Greg Brockman. Microsoft has assured us that there are positions for all OpenAI employees at this new subsidiary should we choose to join. We will take this step imminently, unless all current board members resign, and the board appoints two new lead independent directors.”

Greg Brockman, the former president of OpenAI who resigned from the company soon after the departure of Altman, will also be joining the newly created AI team at Microsoft. In a separate post, Brockman announced the leadership of the new AI department at Microsoft, which appeared to include several recent employees at OpenAI: “We are going to build something new & it will be incredible.”

OpenAI said in a statement on Friday that the departure of Altman followed a review process undertaken by the company’s board of directors, who concluded that Altman “was not consistently candid in his communications with the board” However, Ilya Sutskever — a longtime AI researcher and co-founder of OpenAI who was involved in the exit of Altman – has since expressed remorse about his ouster. Sutskever posted on X on Monday: “I deeply regret my participation in the board’s actions. I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we’ve built together and I will do everything I can to reunite the company.”

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News Daypop

Supreme Court rejects appeal of ex-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin, convicted of killing George Floyd

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On Monday, the United States Supreme Court rejected former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin‘s appeal of his conviction for second-degree murder in the killing of George Floyd during a 2020 arrest, which sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racism. The justices left in place state court rulings affirming Chauvin’s conviction and 22 1/2-year sentence, with no further comment.

The justices turned away Chauvin’s appeal that he filed after a Minnesota appellate court upheld his 2021 murder conviction and rejected his request for a new trial. Chauvin had argued that jury bias and certain rulings by the presiding judge deprived him of his right to a fair trial in 2021 under the U.S. Constitution’s Sixth Amendment.. Chauvin is also separately appealing his conviction on federal civil rights charges.

The 47-year-old Chauvin – who is white – is serving a 22-1/2 year prison sentence for murdering Floyd – who was Black – by kneeling on a handcuffed Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest. Chauvin was found guilty by a 12-member jury in April 2021 of three charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter following a three-week trial that included testimony from 45 witnesses, including bystanders, police officials and medical experts.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/supreme-court-rejects-appeal-former-minneapolis-police-officer-105033505

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Sports Daypop

Denver Broncos’ Kareem Jackson suspended 4 games for hit on Vikings’ Josh Dobbs

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The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson four games for “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during this Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.” The incident in question occurred on the third play from scrimmage against the Vikings on Sunday night, charging down from his safety position and leading with his helmet as he delivered a violent hit to Josh Dobbs’ head and neck area.

Jackson has been fined numerous times previously this season, as well as ejected from a game for illegal hits. His previous four-game suspension was reduced to two games upon appeal, before Sunday nights infraction. The play in question was not penalized in real time; and the suspensionfrom the NFL is a clear admission that the officials missed an obvious foul in the moment.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan said in a letter to Jackson: “With 13:38 remaining in the first quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules. The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided. Illegal acts that are flagrant and jeopardize the safety of players will not be tolerated. The League will continue to​ stress enforcement of the rules that prohibit using your helmet to make forcible contact with your ​opponent. On the play in question, you lowered your head and delivered a forceful blow to the shoulder and head/neck area of an opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact. You could have made contact with your opponent within the rules, yet you chose not to.”

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Sports Daypop

NY Jets to start QB Tim Boyle over Zach Wilson vs. Dolphins

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NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the NY Jets will start veteran backup Tim Boyle in this Friday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Wilson’s benching on Monday afternoon and told reporters that Wilson will now be No. 3 on the team’s depth chart. Saleh told reporters on Monday: “Just give him an opportunity, different style of quarterback. It’s really just an opportunity to see if he can do something with the offense.” Veteran Trevor Siemian will back up Boyle, while Wilson will also be active on Friday.

Boyle replaced Wilson late in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, completing 7 of 14 passes for 33 yards and throwing an interception in the final minutes of the 32-6 defeat. Despite Wilson’s less than stellar performance, Saleh still showed support for him: “Had things gone exactly they way we wanted them to? No. I don’t look at it as a failure,” Saleh told reporters on Monday. “I look it as a series of unfortunate events. But I stand strong in the belief that Zach’s going to have a really good career in this league. He’s got tremendous work ethic. He’s gotten a lot better over the course of the last year. He definitely has the arm talent. He just turned 24, so he’s got a positive outlook, and he just needs to continue to focus on his game and find ways to get better and continue to learn about fronts and coverages and how to play the game a little bit faster. I still believe he’s going to have a good career.”

The AFC East matchup between the Jets and Dolphins will be the first-ever “Black Friday” game on Prime Video.

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Rock Daypop

Jason Aldean, Kid Rock to headline inaugural Rock the Country festivals

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The Rock The South festival announce their latest music event, Rock The Country. The country music event travels to seven cities across the United States, bringing shows to country music fans in small-town America. Rock The Country kicks off in April of 2024 and runs through July, playing Gonzalez, Louisiana; Ashland, Kentucky; Rome, Georgia; Ocala, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Anderson, South Carolina.

Headlining each night of Rock The Country festival is Jason Aldean and Kid Rock, with full lineups changing depending by the market. Artists performing on various stops include Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Koe Wetzel, Brantley Gilbert, Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Nelly, Warren Zeiders, Big and Rich ft. Gretchen Wilson, Randy Houser, Uncle Kracker, Tyler Farr, Pecos & the Rooftops, Kolby Cooper, Colt Ford, Elvie Shane, Treaty Oak Revival, Gavin Adcock, Sadie Bass & Dee Jay Silver.

Kid Rock posted on social media: “Can’t wait to bring you Rock The Country. A music festival like no other for hard working folks who love this country! Details at http://rockthecountry.com”.  Rock added: “Rock The Country is for everyone who makes this country run and loves America. Nobody knows how to party like Small Town America!”

Shane Quick, President of Touring and Strategic Expansion, LiveCo, said in a statement: “Rock The Country aims to bring the excitement and energy of a large-scale music festival to small towns across the country. With seven big shows in seven different towns, this event promises to be an experience like never before. Fans can expect a weekend filled with incredible performances, great food, and a sense of community that only small towns can offer.”

For full ticket and other information, head to rockthecountry.com.

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Categories
Country Daypop

Jason Aldean, Kid Rock to headline inaugural Rock the Country festivals

shutterstock_77675923853274

The Rock The South festival announce their latest music event, Rock The Country. The country music event travels to seven cities across the United States, bringing shows to country music fans in small-town America. Rock The Country kicks off in April of 2024 and runs through July, playing Gonzalez, Louisiana; Ashland, Kentucky; Rome, Georgia; Ocala, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and Anderson, South Carolina.

Headlining each night of Rock The Country festival is Jason Aldean and Kid Rock, with full lineups changing depending by the market. Artists performing on various stops include Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Koe Wetzel, Brantley Gilbert, Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Nelly, Warren Zeiders, Big and Rich ft. Gretchen Wilson, Randy Houser, Uncle Kracker, Tyler Farr, Pecos & the Rooftops, Kolby Cooper, Colt Ford, Elvie Shane, Treaty Oak Revival, Gavin Adcock, Sadie Bass & Dee Jay Silver.

Kid Rock posted on social media: “Can’t wait to bring you Rock The Country. A music festival like no other for hard working folks who love this country! Details at http://rockthecountry.com”.  Rock added: “Rock The Country is for everyone who makes this country run and loves America. Nobody knows how to party like Small Town America!”

Shane Quick, President of Touring and Strategic Expansion, LiveCo, said in a statement: “Rock The Country aims to bring the excitement and energy of a large-scale music festival to small towns across the country. With seven big shows in seven different towns, this event promises to be an experience like never before. Fans can expect a weekend filled with incredible performances, great food, and a sense of community that only small towns can offer.”

For full ticket and other information, head to rockthecountry.com.

Editorial credit: Photo Works / Shutterstock.com

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Country Daypop

Gabby Barrett shares ‘Growin’ Up Raising You’ off sophomore LP ‘Chapter & Verse’

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Gabby Barrett’s sophomore album, Chapter & Verse will be released on February 2, 2024, and the artist has shared the new song “Growin’ Up Raising You”, following the release of the album’s lead single, “Glory Days.”

“Growin’ Up Raising You”, co-written by Barrett and frequent collaborators Jon Nite, Zach Kale, and Jimmy Robbins, is inspired by Barrett’s life as a mother of two: 2-year-old daughter Baylah and 1-year-old son Augustine, with a third child on the way in early 2024. “Growin’ Up Raising You” was written after the birth of Baylah, sharing all the fears and emotions that come with being a new mother.

Barrett said in a press release: “‘Growin’ Up Raising You’ is a very sensitive song for me. I’m only 23—I don’t have all the answers to everything, and I haven’t gotten everything figured out. I’m doing the best that I can while trying to raise other people to be the best people they can be. I feel so blessed to be able to have three little lives that I can help to flourish while I’m also trying to figure out life myself.”

Listen to Barrett’s ‘Growin’ Up Raising You’ – here.
To preorder ‘Chapter & Verse’, head here.

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Entertainment Daypop

Suki Waterhouse announces pregnancy, expecting first child with Robert Pattinson

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31-year-old singer, model and actress Suki Waterhouse announced her pregnancy, sharing that she is expecting her first child with her partner, actor Robert Pattinson. Speculation about Waterhouse’s pregnancy started earlier this month after the actress was spotted on a hike with Pattinson, 37, in Los Angeles.

Waterhouse confirmed the news Sunday during her performance at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico, revealing her baby bump.  Waterhouse said in a fan-made video shared to social media: “I’m extra sparkly today because I thought it might distract you from something else that’s going on,” the star said before opening her coat to show her baby bump. “I’m not sure if it’s working,” she added.

Waterhouse and Pattinson were first romantically linked in July 2018 and reportedly started living together in London where Pattinson filmed The Batman. Waterhouse previously dated actors Bradley Cooper and Diego Luna, while Pattinson had relationships with actress Kristen Stewart and singer FKA twigs.

Waterhouse most recently starred in Daisy Jones & the Six, while Pattinson last appeared in The Batman.

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Rock Daypop

Judas Priest share new song, announce 2024 ‘Invincible Shield Tour’

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Judas Priest will launch a North American tour in the spring in support of their upcoming album, Invincible Shield, due out on March 8, 2024.  Invincible Shield, the band’s 20th studio album, marks the band’s first LP since 2018’s Firepower. The first track from the LP, “Panic Attack,” came out last month; and the band just released “Trial By Fire”, the second single from the album.

The Invincible Shield Tour kicks-off on April 18 in Wallingford, Connecticut, and includes 20 dates in cities ranging from Newark, Boston, Mobile, Alabama, and Albany, New York before ending May 22 in Syracuse, New York.  The band posted via social media: “Invincible Shield Tour. USA 2024. Artist Presale: Wednesday, November 15 @ 10am local (pw: METALGODS)” Swedish metal band Sabaton will open all shows on the Judas Priest tour in 2024.

To pre-order Invincible Shield, head here.
You can take a listen to ‘Trial By Fire’ – here.
Tickets for Judas Priest’s Invincible Shield Tour on on sale now via Ticketmaster.

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Entertainment Daypop

‘Dancing with the Stars’ to feature Taylor Swift night

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ABC’s celebrity dance competition “Dancing with the Stars” will feature a special “A Celebration of Taylor Swift” on Nov. 21. The show posted on X: “it’s been a long time coming…join us for A Celebration of Taylor Swift, live November 21 on @ABCNetwork and @DisneyPlus! Stream on @Hulu. #DWTSxTaylorSwift @taylorswift13”

A Celebration of Taylor Swift will see the six remaining couples perform to Swift’s music, while longtime DWTS choreographer (and lead ‘Eras’ tour choreographer) Mandy Moore appearing as a special guest judge.

Swift appeared as a musical performer on DWTS before, celebrating the release of her 2010 album “Speak Now” on the show with a performance of “Mine” and her “Fearless” track “White Horse.”

Fans will be able to vote live during the show. Live viewer votes are combined with judges’ scores to decide which couples are at risk of elimination. Dancing with the Stars Season 32 airs Tuesdays on ABC and is also available to stream on Disney+; episodes also stream the next day on Hulu.

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