🤙 The Bear comes to LA this weekend

+ today is National French Fry Day

JULY 12TH, 2024

FRIDAY

Take your idea and make it real, no matter how rough. The final step is only attainable by taking the first step. Once you have something to look at and adjust, you can begin the journey towards completion.

Catfish Content vm/txt: 747-200-5740

Partly Cloudy ⛅️ 
High: 88 | Low: 65
Rise: 5:52 | Set: 8:07

Surf Report 🏄‍♀️ 
Highs: 3:13p, 2:34a
Lows: 8:17a, 9:37p

💌 Submit | Donate

Traffic | Radar

FRIDAY’S VIBES

GOOD MORNING, IT’S FRY-YAY. NO TRULY… 🍟 

TODAY IS NATIONAL FRENCH FRY DAY

🍟 FRIDAY FRIES: Good morning and Happy Friday, Los Angeles Fam! Today is National French Fry Day, and we’ve included some french fry deals below. I hope that everyone has an awesome weekend (hopefully with good vibes and no political discussions) and gets some R&R if needed. Also: I now have time to devote to the calendars. Those will be completed over the weekend, so please submit any events for now both July and August. Oh - a special announcement coming Monday. Have a great weekend!

TRENDING 

NATIONAL

🎖️ PRINCE HARRY: Watch: Prince Harry’s motivational speech upon receiving the Pat Tillman Award in Los Angeles last night.

🏀 TV DEAL: NBA finalizes $76bn broadcasting deal with Disney, Amazon, Comcast.

🏅 TEAM USA: Team USA men’s basketball cruises past Canada in first look before Paris Olympics.

🌭 COSTCO: Costco is raising membership fees. Don’t worry, hot dogs cost the same.

🔭 EINSTEIN RING: James Webb telescope spies bejeweled ‘Einstein Ring’ made of warped quasar light.

⚽️ EURO 2024 FINAL: England vs. Spain Euro 2024 Final preview, how to watch, and more.

🔗 CURATEDLA: Last newsletter’s most viewed content: Dine LA restaurant week starts this week.

THE HOV LANE

LOCAL

FUN

Montebello Blvd is closed between Whittier Blvd and Mines Ave for the next 42 months.

Kendrick Lamar’s Cosign is already increasing brand awareness for Los Angeles brands

Even the Los Angeles Public Library has a take on the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef.

DineLA restaurant week starts today.

Santa Monica residents qualifying by income can now apply for a $2,000 voucher usable at select partners for e-bikes, bicycles, and safety gear like helmets and locks.

The 60th annual South Bay Greek Festival starts today and goes through Sunday.

Educational Initiatives: How Burbank is getting the next generation ready for Blockchain and Web3.

Rainbow Cone, a beloved Chicago ice cream shop, is set to open three Southern California locations later this year.

Have something to share? Garrett would like to know!

Spotify is no longer just a streaming app, it’s a social network.

 LISTEN: KNX News 97.1

🏈 LISTEN: ESPN 710

  • 🐇 represents our hopes to provide political news without opinions. Please don’t trust us on politics, we don’t know anything other than how to drink a good CapriSun.

  • ℹ️ indicates information only, no linked content

EATS

HEADLINES

🐻 THE BEAR: We can’t get enough of The Bear. And because of such, Mr. Beef, the fictional Italian beef shop from the hit TV show, is making a guest appearance in Los Angeles at Uncle Paulie’s 3rd Street location tomorrow and Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Visitors can enjoy Chicago’s iconic Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera, and Italian ice from Coco’s to Go-Go, operated by the show’s culinary producer Courtney Storer. Note that these offerings are only available in person, with no delivery option. Mr. Beef is inspired by the real-life Chicago eatery that opened in River North in 1979 and continues to serve its famous sandwiches today.

⭐️ MICHELIN STARS: Six Los Angeles restaurants and one in Santa Barbara were added to Michelin’s California dining guide on Wednesday. California received thirteen new recommended restaurants, which might qualify as Bib Gourmand or Michelin stars at the awards ceremony on August 5th in Half Moon Bay. The latest additions in LA include Barra Santos, Danbi, Grá, Leopardo, Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles, and Stella. Santa Barbara's Silvers Omakase also joins the list. This builds on Southern California's March discoveries like Funke and Quarter Sheets, all leading up to the annual Michelin ceremony. LA received one new star in 2023 for Heritage in Long Beach.

🇬🇷 REDONDO BEACH: The 60th annual South Bay Greek Festival starts today and goes through Sunday at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach. Delight in traditional dances to live and DJ music, performances by youth Greek folk dance groups, and, of course, homemade Greek cuisine like spanakopita, moussaka, and baklava served fresh. The festival, a labor of love for volunteers who prepare everything from scratch weeks in advance, also features a marketplace with imported goods, a Greek boutique, and tours of the church by the priest. Don’t miss out on this iconic event showcasing Greek culture and community spirit. Entry is $5 at the door; children 12 and under enter free.

🍕 PIZZA SUNDAYS:  Slices will be served at Little Lunch Coffee in Venice Beach this Sunday from 5:00pm until sold out. Enjoy signature Pepp and seasonal veggie options. Walk-ups only, so arrive early to grab your ZAAA with a side of sunshine.

🎨 KENDRICK LAMAR: Tam's Burgers at Rosecrans + Central Avenues in Compton now has a mural featuring Kendrick Lamar in ode to his spotlight of the Compton eat. The eat, which was featured in Lamar’s music video Not Like Has, has been flocked by fans for food and photos, leading to this curation of a mural of Lamar by artist Mike Norice. Fans appreciate Lamar's choice to highlight a local business over a corporate partnership; Tam’s Burgers is now considered the new Compton hotspot.

😋 DINELA: A reminder that Dine LA Restaurant Week started today and lasts until starting Friday July 26th. This week showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination with diverse culinary experiences. Enjoy special lunch and dinner menus at hundreds of local restaurants, promoting dine-in only for this event. No tickets or passes are required; simply dine at a participating restaurant, ask for the Dine LA menu, and explore new dishes or old favorites. Prices range from $15 to $65 and above, varying by restaurant and excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity. Advance reservations are highly recommended but walk-ins are always welcome.

🍟 NATIONAL FRENCH FRY DAY: Today is National Fry Day and we all have the opportunity to celebrate with deals from our favorite food chains. Whether you prefer them deep-fried with the perfect amount of salt, baked, or in sweet potato form, there’s a fry for everyone. Here's where to get the best deals:

  • McDonald’s: Get a free medium-size fries with any $1 purchase made via the app. Plus, enjoy free fries tomorrow, via the McDonald’s app with no purchase necessary.

  • Jack in the Box: Enjoy free fries every Friday for the rest of the year with a minimum $1 purchase via the Jack in the Box app, for new and existing Jack Pack rewards members.

  • Burger King: Royal Perks loyalty program members can get a free order of any size fries with a $1 purchase every Friday for the rest of the year.

  • Taco Bell: The Nacho Fries Pass is back until July 15th for rewards members. For $10, redeem one order of Nacho Fries daily for 30 days via the Taco Bell app.

  • KFC: Loyalty members get a free order of Secret Recipe fries of any size with any online purchase today.

  • Wendy’s: Free fries on Fridays promotion available in the Wendy’s app.

  • Wahlburgers: Rewards members get free fries with a $10 minimum purchase using the code ‘fryday’ online or in the app. Show proof of loyalty program enrollment to redeem in person.

  • Smashburger: Get a regular-sized order of Smash Fries using the code “FRYDAY24” in person or online.

  • Raising Cane’s: Caniac Club members get a free order of fries, redeemable by swiping their club card, placing an order online, or scanning their QR Code within the mobile app. New members can join by Thursday to get the offer.

  • Fatburger: Until Sunday, get a free order of Fat or Skinny Fries with any purchase using the code “FRYDAY24” in person or online.

  • Rally’s: Until Sunday, Checkers & Rally’s Rewards Program members can get a free regular-size order of Fully Loaded Fries with any purchase via the app. Enter a contest to win one of 100 Fully Loaded Fry Passes for free fries for a year.

OPENINGS

🍦 RAINBOW CONE: Rainbow Cone, a beloved Chicago ice cream shop, is set to open three Southern California locations later this year. Known for its iconic five-layer ice cream slices, Rainbow Cone features flavors like chocolate, orange sherbet, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and strawberry. The first location will debut at 9527 Valley View Street in Cypress, with two more to be announced. Founded in 1926, Rainbow Cone operates 13 locations across the U.S. and plans further expansion into Tennessee and Texas following its acquisition by the Buona Companies. This marks another Chicago favorite making its way to the West Coast, joining the ranks of Gino’s East and Portillo’s.| 🖥️ Website | 📜 Menu | 📸 Instagram | 

🍷 CHATSWORTH: Chatsworth's dining scene just got a major upgrade with the opening of Chatsworth's dining scene just got a major upgrade with the opening of Canto VI, a sophisticated wine den perfect for those who enjoy fine wine, small plates, and the warm glow of Edison bulbs. Located in this often-overlooked suburb, Canto VI offers a rotating bottle list that changes weekly, ensuring a fresh selection of vintages to explore. Pair your wine with delectable dishes like salumi skewers brushed with lambrusco jelly, bottarga-dusted fries, and lamb with Sicilian mint sauce. This new hotspot is set to become a go-to destination for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike, a sophisticated wine den perfect for those who enjoy fine wine, small plates, and the warm glow of Edison bulbs. Located in this often-overlooked suburb, Canto VI offers a rotating bottle list that changes weekly, ensuring a fresh selection of vintages to explore. Pair your wine with delectable dishes like salumi skewers brushed with lambrusco jelly, bottarga-dusted fries, and lamb with Sicilian mint sauce. 🖥️ Website | 📜 Menu | 📸 Instagram

🍕 HOLLYWOOD: The iconic 55-year-old Arby’s on Sunset Boulevard, known for its towering maroon and yellow sign, closed abruptly in mid-June due to financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Renderings of its future show the building painted white with green lettering, a stark change from its former appearance. Despite initial plans to rebrand as Prince St. Pizza. The property, nestled between Hollywood studios, has faced graffiti and uncertainty about its future. However, plans with Prince Street Pizza aim to introduce an innovative drive-thru pizza slice concept, respecting the site's history while ushering in a new era. | 🖥️ Website | 📜 Menu | 📸 Instagram

EAT LINKS

👾 ROBOTS: Rise of the Restaurant Robots: Chipotle, Sweetgreen and others bet on automation, The Wall Street Journal.

🍔 SMASH BURGERS: Where to get the best smash burgers in Los Angeles, via The LA Girl.

EVENTS

 💸 Free

🎈Family

🐇 Politics

🪙 Budget

🙈 Adults

🏳️‍🌈 Pride

BIG LIST OF EVENTS

TRENDING

GUIDES

💸 FREE SUMMER EVENTS: The best free things to do in Los Angeles this summer, via TimeOut.

📆 THIS WEEKEND: Things to do this weekend in Los Angeles, via We Like L.A.

ACTIVITIES

🖼️ WEST HOLLYWOOD: Louis Stern Fine Arts presents Chromatic Conversations, featuring works by New York-based painters Gabriele Evertz, James Little, Doug Ohlson, Robert Swain, and Sanford Wurmfeld. This exhibition explores the primary subject of color, showcasing each artist's unique approach to its nuances. The artworks reflect the artists' long-standing personal and professional relationships, including their shared roles as educators at institutions like Hunter College and the Art Students League. The show invites viewers to delve into the intricate relationships between color, shape, and movement, revealing the depth of study and research in color theory and visual phenomenology behind each piece. | 💌 

🍷 LINCOLN HEIGHTS: The Dinner Party, running until July 14th will have an opening reception today from 5:00pm to 9:00pm in Lincoln Heights at Keystone Art Gallery. The Dinner Party is a multimedia group show featuring twelve California-based artists. Inspired by Judy Chicago's 1974 installation, the exhibition delves into the rituals and themes of shared meals. Each artist contributed pieces akin to bringing a dish to a potluck, with works spanning sculpture, photography, painting, and more. Curated by Lydia Horne, the exhibit includes works by Zak Adams, Joana P. Cardozo, Julia Delmedico, Amy Longsworth, Andrea Nhuch, Mehregan Pezeshki, Kate Saubestre, Luciano Thomas, Anne Vetter, Lela Shahrzad Welch, and Zenaido Zamora. | 💌 

⛱️ SANTA MONICA: Dive into an evening at the historic 1920s pool at Marion Davies' former oceanfront estate, courtesy of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Enjoy swimming, socializing, and s'mores by the poolside with friends and new acquaintances. Purchase Sunset Swim pool passes in advance or at the door (subject to availability), with passes available for pick-up until 6:30pm. If the pool reaches capacity, join a waitlist for available spots. Parking is $12 per day or $3 per hour, payable with credit cards or exact change at the Beach House parking lot. Bring outside food (no glass or alcohol) and enjoy discounted rates with the pool pass of the day: $10 for adults and $5 for seniors aged 60 and above.

🦒 L.A. ZOO: The L.A. Zoo’s Roaring Nights series returns with an ’80s theme, perfect for a 21+ crowd to enjoy the Zoo after hours. Tomorrow, and on September 14th, from 6-10 PM, groove to live music by yacht rock cover band The AstroYachts and ‘80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack. The event features a DJ dance party, immersive silent disco, paint party, special animal feedings, full bars, and L.A.’s best food trucks. Tickets are $25 for nonmembers and $20 for members.

😎 SANTA MONICA: The 20th Anniversary Summer Soulstice Festival on Main Street takes place tomorrow on Main Street in Santa Monica. Enjoy live music on the Hollister and Pier stages, with performances by artists like Herway to Hell and Red Hot Tribute. Explore a vibrant pop-up art gallery featuring over 50 visual artists, and unwind in the Honkey Tonk VIP Beer Garden with drink tastings from JuneShine Hard Kombucha and more. Kids can join activities with Super Soccer Stars and enjoy face painting, while furry friends have their own Pet Zone. Don’t miss the skate pop-up with Beyond the Board and LA Skate Hunnies. Admission is free and open to all ages.

🐸 TOMORROW: The Frogtown Flea Crawl returns tomorrow from 1:00pm to 7:00pm along the L.A. River Path in Elysian Valley. This free, all-ages, and pet-friendly event features fifty of L.A.’s finest vintage curators, makers, chefs, and local brands. Enjoy unique experiences including a flash tattoo pop-up, speed dating, eco crafts, food and beverages, craft beer, and live music. Join the community for an afternoon of eclectic finds and fun activities.

🏎️ PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM: Join the Little Sparks workshop series at the museum every third Saturday, where children aged three-to-six can immerse themselves in the world of cars through games, art activities, and exploration of museum exhibits. This month, on July 20th from 9:00am to 10:00am, experience Summer of Speed with a motorsports-themed obstacle course and a chance to race for your very own Piston Cup! Admission to the workshop is free with the purchase of museum admission. Mark your calendars for future workshops exploring topics like City Building in August, Alphabet Roads in September, and Tires in October.

☕️ HIGHLAND PARK: This Sunday at 10:00am, Meadow Fig hosts the Couplet x Meadow Coffee Party, a perfect Sunday morning kickoff. Enjoy a variety of delicious Couplet Coffee brews, relax with friends and neighbors, and indulge in classic games like chess and checkers. With newspapers available for a leisurely read, this event is all about unwinding and enjoying a chill Sunday morning. Join the community for coffee, games, and good company.

  • RELATED: Meadow Fig is also playing host to a Bob Ross Painting Party next Tuesday, July 23rd, via Meadow Fig.

🚴‍♂️ THE HOLLYWOODS: Meet the Hollywoods Presented by Metro will take place on Sunday, August 18th, transforming West Hollywood, Hollywood + East Hollywood into car-free zones from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The event will span from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to West Hollywood’s pride crosswalks, with Santa Monica Boulevard closed to vehicles between N. La Brea Avenue and N. San Vicente Boulevard. Participants can walk, bike, and roll through iconic streets, promoting vibrant public spaces and active transportation.

ACTIVITY LINKS

👛 TONIGHT: Barbie movie screening at Petersen Automotive Museum, via Petersen Automotive Museum.

🍻 TOMORROW: The 2024 Los Angeles Brewsology takes place tomorrow at the California Science Center, via Brewsology.

COMMUNITY

🚲️ BICYCLE VOUCHERS: Santa Monica residents qualifying by income can now apply for a $2,000 voucher usable at select partners for e-bikes, bicycles, and safety gear like helmets and locks. Funded by a United States Department of Energy grant, around ninety vouchers are available, distributed through three lottery draws on July 17th, August 14th, and September 10th. Recipients will receive notifications via email with redemption instructions, and applications roll over for subsequent lotteries until the final draw. Voucher recipients also gain access to bike safety resources, including the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling course. Vouchers will be redeemable at The Bike Center, Bike Attack Electric, and Helen’s Cycles. For eligibility and application details, visit the City of Santa Monica’s website for the program or contact [email protected].

💼 COUNTY BOARD EXPANSION: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is advancing a proposal to expand the board from five to nine members and introduce a countywide elected executive position. Three supervisors supported the proposal, while Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell abstained due to cost concerns. The proposal requires voter approval to amend the county charter. Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn argue that with five members representing ten million residents, L.A. County suffers from inadequate representation and accountability. Other proposed reforms include electing a county chief executive by 2028, establishing an independent ethics commission, and implementing a revolving door policy for former officials. The nine-member plan would take effect in 2032 after redistricting. The Board must finalize the package by August 9th to place it on the November ballot. 🐇 

🚌 ELECTRIC BUSES: Metro has secured over $77.5 million in federal funding to purchase numerous battery electric buses and install new chargers across Los Angeles County. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved funding for Metro's Zero-Emission Bus and Charging Infrastructure Project which is aimed at enhancing clean transit services ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The initiative will focus on upgrading buses in West Hollywood and other areas within Metro's Bus Division 7, contributing to cleaner air and improved transit access in underserved communities.

COMMUNITY LINKS

📰 LOCAL REPORTER: Los Angeles Daily News reporter Steve Scauzillo honored for excellence, via Los Angeles Daily News.

🎫 FREE BUS PASS: Culver CityBus continues pilot program, offering free bus passes for students, via Culver City Crossroads.

💲 BLOCKCHAIN: Educational Initiatives: How Burbank is getting the next generation ready for Blockchain and Web3, via MyBurbank.

DEVELOPMENT

🇰🇷 KOREATOWN: The Los Angeles City Planning Commission has approved plans to redevelop 3216 W. 8th Street in Koreatown, featuring a seven-story building with a sixty-room hotel, twenty apartments, and ground-floor commercial spaces. The project, designed by EWAI Architecture, will include shared amenities like swimming pools and a rooftop bar. It will replace an existing four-unit apartment building, with four extremely low-income affordable units provided for returning eligible tenants. Despite opposition from the Los Angeles Tenants Union over gentrification concerns, the project adheres to state laws on replacement housing and anticipates a construction period from late 2024 to 2026, pending further approvals.

🎡  SANTA MONICA: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved $65 million in bond financing for a new 120-unit affordable housing complex at 400 Centinela Avenue in Inglewood, developed by Venice Community Housing. The project, named Sankofa Place at Centinela, will serve households earning 30 to 80 percent of the local median income and includes an 18,000-square-foot community building for the Social Justice Learning Institute. This marks the second recent round of public funding for Venice Community Housing, following a $14.7 million grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for a 78-unit development in Santa Monica.

🚇️ MONTEBELLO: Local officials gathered yesterday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Montebello Corridor Grade Separation Project, marking a historic moment for the city. Montebello Mayor Scarlet Peralta highlighted the project's benefits, including traffic relief and enhanced safety at a major railroad crossing, as well as reduced noise and air pollution. The $220 million project, up from an initial estimate of $190.8 million due to rising construction costs, will build a roadway underpass and railroad bridge at Montebello and Olympic boulevards. Note: Montebello Blvd is closed between Whittier Blvd and Mines Ave for the next 42 months, with additional safety improvements at crossings on Maple, Greenwood, and Vail avenues.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS

💰️ EAST END STUDIOS: A $130m loan has been secured by East End Studios for it’s 300,000 square foot production stage in the Arts District, via Los Angeles Business Journal.

🎨 ART AT INTUIT DOME: Public art unveiled at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, highlights Los Angeles culture + architecture, via Los Angeles Daily News.

❓️ PARAMOUNT PICTURES: What will become of the historic Paramount Pictures Lot in Hollywood? via Los Angeles Magazine.

BUSINESS

Skechers stock continues to rise

📈 SKECHERS STOCK: Skechers U.S.A. Inc. out of Manhattan Beach saw a rise in its stock price following Bank of America Corp.'s upgrade to a buy rating, closing at $72.87 on June 7, up 2.6% from the previous day. As of July 1, the stock closed at $67.53, marking an 8.7% increase since the beginning of the year and a 27.7% rise year over year. Bank of America analyst Christopher Nardone raised the price target to $78, highlighting Skechers' strong product pipeline, enhanced direct-to-consumer strategy, and growth prospects in international markets, particularly China. Skechers reported robust first-quarter results, including $2.25 billion in revenue, a 12.5% increase year over year, driven by strong performances in direct-to-consumer and international sales. Disclaimer: this is not financial advice. I am broke.

🏥 NEW HOSPITAL CEO: Cedars-Sinai Health System has named Peter Slavin, former president of Massachusetts General Hospital, as its new CEO, succeeding Thomas Priselac who led the institution for 30 years. Slavin, 66, will take over on Oct. 1, inheriting a legacy of regional healthcare expansion and robust research initiatives. Under Priselac, Cedars-Sinai grew through acquisitions like Marina del Rey Hospital and partnerships with Torrance Medical Health and Huntington Health, expanding its footprint from Westlake Village to Anaheim. Slavin, known for his leadership at Mass General and extensive biotech connections in Boston, aims to continue Cedars-Sinai’s growth trajectory and enhance collaborations with local universities to foster biomedical innovation.

🍺 NON-ALCOHOLIC BEERS: San Diego’s Athletic Brewing Company has secured an additional $50m in equity financing led by General Atlantic, aimed at expanding production capacity and global retail offerings to meet growing demand for nonalcoholic beer. With over 19% market share in the category and driving 32% of its growth, Athletic has positioned itself as a leader in the nonalcoholic beer market. The funding will support the company's expansion plans, including a new brewing facility in San Diego expected to double its U.S. brewing capacity. Founded in 2018, Athletic has rapidly grown to become the 10th largest U.S. craft brewery, reflecting a strong consumer shift towards healthier drinking options amid rising health and wellness trends.

💼 JARED LETO: LA’s own Jared Leto joined a roster of investors backing Captions, a startup pioneering generative AI technology for video creation and editing. The company announced a successful Series C funding round, securing $60 million with Leto alongside major venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Index Ventures, and Adobe, valuing Captions at $500m. Known for tools like AI Creator, AI Edit, and Lipdub, Captions aims to democratize video creation, tapping into Hollywood and Silicon Valley's growing interest in AI-driven storytelling. Leto, previously investing in AI startup Pika, continues to explore AI’s potential in creative industries, including music videos for his band Thirty Seconds to Mars.

BUSINESS LINKS

📩 LINKEDIN: LinkedIn rolls out sponsored newsletter, via Social Media Today.

ENTERTAINMENT

🌕️ FLY ME TO THE MOON: Fly Me to the Moon an unconventional film defying industry norms, debuts in 3,300 theaters amidst summer's blockbuster season. Directed by Greg Berlanti and produced by Scarlett Johansson, the movie blends genres—drama, comedy, romance, and historical fiction—set against the backdrop of NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Originally slated for streaming, Apple's decision to release it theatrically underscores Hollywood's unpredictability. Berlanti, known for TV hits, took on the challenge, reshaping a script abandoned by Jason Bateman. Amidst studio hesitations, Sony's Tom Rothman championed its release, citing its appeal to diverse audiences seeking original storytelling. With solid early reviews, its box office fate remains uncertain, challenging prevailing franchise-driven cinema trends. Johansson remains cautiously optimistic, reflecting the film's potential to resonate beyond its initial release.

📺️ REGAL CINEMAS: Regal has successfully completed a $250m capital raise aimed at enhancing its theaters with digital upgrades and luxury recliners amidst a recovering box office landscape. With construction underway at over thirty locations slated for completion by 2025, the initiative underscores Regal’s commitment to improving customer experience nationwide. The funding, supported by existing investors and real estate partners, will also bolster digital platforms like its website and app. Meanwhile, Regal’s parent company Cineworld, recovering from bankruptcy, is exploring strategic options for its UK operations, potentially including sales or restructuring, under advisement from AlixPartners.

💯 PIXAR’S BEST YET: Pixar’s Inside Out 2 has become a record-breaking sensation, surpassing $1.25 billion globally to become the studio’s highest-grossing film ever. Released on June 14th, the animated sequel explores Riley’s adolescence and her emotional journey, earning rave reviews and an A grade in CinemaScore exit polls. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the star-studded cast includes Amy Poehler and Maya Hawke among others. Its success marks a pivotal moment for Pixar amidst a post-pandemic box office landscape, reaffirming its cultural impact and global appeal.

ENTERTAINMENT LINKS

🤠 HAWK TUAH: We had breakfast with Hawk Tuah Girl, the National Hero we need, via Rolling Stone.

SPORTS

🎖️ PAT TILLMAN AWARD: Prince Harry emotionally accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards last night. Harry honored his dedication to veterans through the Invictus Games. Amidst a tribute by Invictus Games alumni, he thanked the Pat Tillman Foundation and praised Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, despite earlier criticisms. Harry, 39, highlighted the Games’ impact on wounded service personnel, stressing unity in turbulent times. Alongside Meghan Markle, he emphasized the award’s significance for the Invictus community, advocating for healing through sports amid global challenges.

📺️ ESPYS: The 32nd ESPYs took place last night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the top figures in sports. Highlights include Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers winning Best MLB Player, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs named Best NFL Player, and Max Verstappen of F1 awarded Best Driver. Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks secured Best NBA Player, and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces was honored as both Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete in Women's Sports. Other notable winners include Brenna Huckaby for Best Athlete with a Disability, Caitlin Clark for Best College Athlete in Women's Sports, and JuJu Watkins for Best Breakthrough Athlete. Special awards went to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, for the Pat Tillman Award for Service, and Dawn Staley received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

🧢 PHILLIES SWEEP SERIES: The Dodgers' series against the Philadelphia Phillies ended in a disappointing sweep, with the Phillies winning 5-1 in the final game on last night in Philly. The Dodgers trailed in every inning following the first of the three-game set, marking their first sweep in Philadelphia since 2004. Struggling with injuries and performance, the Dodgers have lost eight of their past twelve games and are barely maintaining a winning record since their series against the Yankees last month. Despite their efforts to contain the Phillies' powerful lineup, including a home run by former Dodger Trea Turner, the Dodgers managed only one run on Thursday—a solo homer by Gavin Lux. The team missed facing NL ERA leader Ranger Suarez but still struggled against the Phillies' top pitchers, batting just .188 and striking out twenty-one times in seventeen innings.

⚾️ ANGELS FALL TO SEATTLE, 11-0: Cal Raleigh showcased his power with two home runs, batting from both sides of the plate, as the Seattle Mariners dominated the Los Angeles Angels 11-0 on Thursday night. J.P. Crawford contributed with a two-run homer and three RBI, part of a 15-hit barrage that overwhelmed the Angels. Seattle's Luis Castillo pitched six scoreless innings, striking out five, to secure the win. The Mariners, now on a three-game winning streak, capitalized on Jack Kochanowicz's rocky major league debut, scoring four runs in the first inning alone. Despite the Angels' efforts, including a two-hit game from Mickey Moniak, they struggled to respond and were shut out for the fourth time in nine games.

SPORTS LINKS

👗 RED CARPET: The looks on the red carpet from last night’s 2024 ESPY Awards, via Women’s Wear Daily.

🏈 EA SPORTS: EA Sports College Football 25 drops next Friday, July 19th, via EA Sports.

HAVE A GREAT WKND!

🤙 Enjoy those fries and Netflix this weekend, LA. CU Monday!

Reply

or to participate.