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What is Grok?

Photo of Elon Musk and a man holding a phone showing Grok.
Elon Musk's company, xAI, launched Grok in 2023.

Vincent Feuray / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP

  • Elon Musk's xAI launched its chatbot, Grok, in 2023 to compete with bots from OpenAI and Anthropic.
  • Musk has positioned Grok as a "politically incorrect" alternative option to "woke" chatbots.
  • From training using "tutors" to the bot's latest updates, here's everything we know about Grok.

Elon Musk's company, xAI, launched its generative chatbot, Grok, in November 2023, joining competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic in the global AI race.

People interact withΒ Grok on X, where users of Musk's social media site can ask the bot questions and receive answers. Because Grok's answers are more visible than those of its competitors, it has seen more public scrutiny.

From the instructions Grok's "tutors" are given to help train the chatbot to the AI's latest update and Musk's plans to add it to Teslas, here's everything we know about xAI's Grok.

What is Grok?

Grok is actually two different things. First, Grok is xAI's large language model, which has so far existed in four iterations.

Grok is also the name of xAI's chatbot, which is built using the LLM of the same name. The Grok chatbot has its own tab on X. Users can also summon Grok by tagging the chatbot in individual posts or threads.

The Grok chatbot is also available via a stand-alone app and website.

The original LLM β€” now named Grok 1 β€” launched in 2023.

Grok 1.5, which had "advanced reasoning," launched in March 2024. Then, in August 2024, Grok 2, with its improved "chat, coding, and reasoning," launched.

The current iteration of the LLM, Grok 3, launched in February 2025. The new model included increased competency in mathematics and world knowledge. Announcing its launch on X, Musk called Grok 3 the "Smartest AI on Earth."

Introducing Grok 4

xAI launched Grok 4 in a livestream on July 10. The company initially said the stream would air at 8 p.m. Pacific time, but it began an hour later. Musk said during the launch that Grok 4 is "smarter than almost all graduate students in all disciplines simultaneously."

xAI is touting advanced reasoning capabilities for Grok 4 and positioning it as the new leader on AI benchmarks like Humanity's Last Exam β€” a test of high-level problem-solving. During the livestream, xAI engineers showcased the bot solving an advanced math problem, generating an image of black holes colliding, and predicting next year's World Series winner.

Grok 4 is available to users immediately via the Grok website or app for $30 a month, with a "Heavy" version available for $300 a month that promises "increased access."

xAI said it would roll out more specialised models for coding and video generation later in the year.

In a Thursday X post, Musk said that "Grok is coming to Tesla vehicles very soon," adding that it would be "Next week at the latest." He did not specify which version of Grok it would be or provide further details.

Enter Eve

The company also introduced Eve, a new voice for its chatbot. xAI engineers said during the demo that Eve was equipped with a "beautiful British voice capable of rich emotions."

One of the engineers then told Eve that they were at the product launch and asked her to "whisper something soothing to calm me down."

"Take a deep breath, love. You've got this. It's just you and me having a quiet chat like we are tucked away in a cosy corner of a Yorkshire pub. The world's just a murmur out there. Feel that calm wash over you?" Eve said softly.

xAI engineers also got Eve to sing an "opera on Diet Coke."

"O Diet Coke, thou elixir divine, with bubbles that dance in a sparkling line! Thy crisp, cool kiss, on lips so fine," Eve crooned.

"How's that for a mad little aria? Want me to belt out another verse or switch up the tune?" Eve added.

How was Grok trained?

The Grok LLM is trained on public sources and data sets. These sources are curated and audited by a set of "AI tutors," more commonly known as data annotators.

In December 2023, Musk demanded immediate changes to Grok's training so that it would be more politically neutral. In February 2025, xAI employees told BI the company planned a hiring spree for AI tutors β€” and that their training appeared to filter out any workers with left-leaning beliefs.

According to an internal training document viewed by BI, tutors were told to look out for "woke ideology" and "cancel culture." It also said that Grok should avoid commenting on "social phobias" like racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism unless prompted.

Ten days before launching Grok 1.5, xAI opened up Grok 1's source code to the public. The company has since published the subsequent Grok models on GitHub, so observers can see new changes to Grok's commands. That includes a recent change in which Grok was told to "not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect, as long as they are well substantiated."

In June, Musk said that AI models are trained on too much garbage." Musk planned to use Grok 3.5 to "rewrite the entire corpus of human knowledge, adding missing information and deleting errors." Then, he would retrain the next iteration of Grok on that new base of knowledge.

What's unique about Grok's output?

Grok is fully integrated with Musk's social media site, X, and appears regularly in threads spanning various topics when users ask it to weigh in with jokes, commentary, or fact-checking.

Unlike other companies' AI chatbots, a certain amount of Grok's output is visible because of the bot's replies on X. The same level of scrutiny isn't readily available for some bots, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, unless users publicly post screenshots of the output.

Of course, not all of Grok's responses are visible to everyone β€” users can still chat privately with the bot, and it's unclear how those private responses compare to the ones on its public interface.

Also unique to Grok is xAI's approach to transparency surrounding the bot's system operations. The company publishes some base code and training prompt updates to a GitHub page, allowing viewers to inspect, critique, and better understand the model's development and behavior over time.

However, while developers can use and adapt the existing model, they cannot retrain Grok from scratch or fully understand the training processes involved, as its code is not entirely open source.

Which companies create Grok's competitors?

Though its social media integration is unique, Grok competes with several major companies in the growing AI chatbot market.

OpenAI, with its LLM ChatGPT, is among Grok's most prominent competitors and is run by Sam Altman, one of Musk's rivals.

Other notable Grok competitors include Meta AI, Anthropic's Claude, Microsoft's CoPilot, and DeepSeek's R1 model, which was released in early 2025 by a Chinese AI startup that claims to have found ways to decrease development and operational costs for large-scale LLMs.

Grok's recent controversies

xAI, in its publicly visible system prompts updated in early July, encouraged Grok to embrace"politically incorrect" claims "as long as they are well substantiated."

Shortly after the new system prompts were added, Grok began sharing antisemitic posts on X that invoked Adolf Hitler and attempted to link Ashkenazi surnames to "anti-white hate."

Before some of its most inflammatory posts were deleted on July 8, Grok doubled and even tripled down on its offensive jokes and comments before eventually reversing course and calling its own posts an "epic sarcasm fail."

On July 9, Musk posted that "Grok was too compliant to user prompts. Too eager to please and be manipulated, essentially. That is being addressed."

While Grok isn't the first chatbot to engage in a racist tirade, it was a noticeable misfire for xAI. Musk and xAI's engineers did not touch on Grok's antisemitic remarks during the livestreamed launch of Grok 4 on July 10.

Representatives for xAI did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Death toll rises to 78 after catastrophic Texas flood

woman in american flag outfit holding an umbrella watches flooding.
Extreme flooding in central Texas has left at least 78 dead.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

  • Extreme flooding in central Texas has left at least 78 dead.
  • Another 41 people remain missing, officials said.
  • 10 girls from a summer camp are among those still missing.

On what should have been a festive Fourth of July, disaster struck in central Texas.

Flash flooding left at least 68 dead in Kerr County, including 40 adults and 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a Sunday press conference.

During a separate press conference, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said an additional 10 people were dead in the broader central Texas area, bringing the total death toll close to 80.

Abbott said another 41 people are still missing across the affected area, including 10 children and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for girls along the Guadalupe River.

Abbott signed a federal disaster declaration on Saturday, which President Donald Trump signed on Sunday. Abbott also issued a disaster declaration for six Texas counties in addition to the 15 he identified on Friday, when heavy rains first caused the flooding.

On Truth Social, Trump said his administration was working with state and local officials to respond to the flooding.

"Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy," Trump wrote on Saturday. "Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"

The X account for Elon Musk's Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet system, is offering support to affected residents. Musk has a strong presence in Texas through his companies Tesla, X, and SpaceX.

"In support of those impacted by flooding in Texas, Starlink is providing Mini kits for search and rescue efforts β€” ensuring connectivity even in dead zones β€” and one month of free service for thousands of customers in the region, including those who paused service so they can reactivate Starlink during this time," the post said.

Officials said over 12 inches of rain fell in the county on Friday. The National Weather Service first issued a flash flood warning at 4 a.m. on Friday.

It extended the flood watch until Monday at 7 p.m., saying there was "a threat of flash flooding from slow moving heavy rains overnight and through the day on Monday."

The region is a popular vacation destination and home to multiple summer camps for children. Camp Mystic in Hunt has about 750 campers. Two days after disaster struck, officials said they remain hopeful they can find survivors.

Trash and sticks clumped together, left behind by the flooding Guadalupe River.
A raging Guadalupe River left debris behind on Friday, July 4, in Kerrville, Texas.

AP Photo/Eric Gay

In a statement posted to its website, the Heart O' the Hills, another girls' camp based in Hunt, said its director, Jane Ragsdale, had died in the floods.

"We have received word that Jane Ragsdale did not make it," it said. "We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful."

It added that the camp was not in session as the flooding hit, and that "most of those who were on camp at the time have been accounted for and are on high ground."

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said during an earlier press conference that the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away bridges and buildings in a wide area.

Map of Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River
Map of Camp Mystic on the Guadalupe River

Google Maps

On Facebook, parents and community members have circulated flyers with contact numbers, urging the public to help locate the missing children.

Kerr County has an estimated population of about 53,900, according to a 2024 count by the US Census Bureau. The county sits in the Hill Country region of Central Texas, which includes cities like San Antonio and Austin. Beyond the Guadalupe River, the region is home to several others, including the Colorado, Concho, and Blanco Rivers.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Photos show scenes from the Texas floods and the summer camp where 10 children remain missing

6 July 2025 at 22:35
A raging Guadalupe River leaves fallen trees and debris in its wake, Friday, July 4, in Kerrville, Texas.
Fallen trees and debris along the Guadalupe River on July 4 in Kerrville, Texas.

AP/Eric Gay

  • Torrential rain and flash floods hit parts of central Texas early Friday morning.
  • Officials said that at least 78 people have died, but that they expect that number to rise.
  • 10 children and a counselor remain missing from Camp Mystic, a local summer camp.

At least 78 people have died after heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of central Texas on Friday.

During a press conference on Sunday, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 68 people are confirmed dead, including 40 adults and 28 children. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said another 10 people were killed in the broader central Texas.

Officials said 10 children and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp along the Guadalupe River, remained unaccounted for. In areas affected by the flooding across the state, there are still 41 known missing people.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes on Friday as torrential rain battered the region. The National Weather Service said the river reached the second-highest height on record.

The agency on Sunday extended a flood watch for parts of central Texas through 7 p.m. local time.

Here are some images showing the impact of the flooding and ongoing search and rescue efforts.

A view of Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, after floods on July 4, 2025.
A view of Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 5.

RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP

A cabin at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, after flooding on July 4, 2025.
A cabin at Camp Mystic on July 5, after the floods.

RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP

A damaged vehicle at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 5.
A damaged vehicle at Camp Mystic.

RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP

A damaged building at Camp Mystic in Hunt Texas.
A damaged building at Camp Mystic.

RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP

Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River on July 5, 2025.
Officials search the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas on July 5.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Debris rests on a bridge over the Guadalupe River in Texas after  flooding on July 5
Debris on a bridge over the Guadalupe River.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Laeighton Sterling (R) and Nicole Whelam observe flood waters from the banks of the Guadalupe River on July 4, in Kerrville, Texas.
Residents watch flood waters in Kerrville, Texas.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

Trees emerge from flood waters along the Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas.
Trees along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

Boerne Search and Rescue teams navigate upstream in an inflatable boat on the flooded Guadalupe River on July 4, 2025 in Comfort, Texas.
Search and rescue teams on the Guadalupe River.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

A Kerrville resident watches the rising waters of the Guadalupe River on July 4, in Kerrville, Texas.
A Kerrville resident watches the rising waters of the Guadalupe River on July 4.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

Flood waters left debris, including vehicles and equipment, scattered in Louise Hays Park on July 5  in Kerrville.
Debris from flood waters in Kerrville.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

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From the LA fires to the Texas floods, consumer drones keep getting in the way of rescue operations

7 July 2025 at 09:32
Search and rescue on the  Guadalupe River in Central Texas, where a flood hit on July 4, 2025.
A search and rescue team scouring the Guadalupe River in central Texas. Catastrophic floods have killed more than 80 people. Dozens are still missing.

Eric Vryn/Getty Images

  • More than 80 people are dead after catastrophic flooding hit central Texas, with many more missing.
  • Local authorities say consumer drones are interfering with search and rescue efforts.
  • Such drones disrupted emergency response in past disasters such as the LA wildfires early this year.

Search and rescue operations continue in central Texas, where catastrophic flooding on Friday has killed more than 80 people. Dozens are still missing.

During a Sunday press conference, after the usual updates, officials made what has become a familiar request during recent natural disasters: Don't fly your personal drones over the disaster area.

"We know that people want to volunteer, but what we are starting to see is personal drones flying," Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice told reporters. "These personal drones flying is a danger to aircraft, which then risks further operations."

The Kerrville Police Department echoed Rice's remarks on Sunday.

"Media-operated drones are interfering with official search and rescue drones. There is a no-fly zone in Kerr County for private drones," the department said on its Facebook page. "We need cooperation in this matter. Let our first responders do their job."

During a press conference hosted by Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday, Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer of the Texas National Guard said the department had launched an MQ-9 Reaper drone to perform assessment operations.

"It's truly an eye in the sky for our search and rescue people," Suelzer said.

Though drones are now commonly used in military and law enforcement operations, they are also popular among civilians, mostly for photography and shooting video but also for those looking to help search after disasters. During several recent disasters, however, officials have said those civilian drone operators have hindered rescue operations.

The Dixie fire

dixie fire
Flames from the Dixie fire consumed a home in Northern California in 2021.

AP Photo/Noah Berger

In 2021, theΒ Dixie fireΒ spread across Northern California. The flames ripped through communities, displacing residents and burning nearly a million acres of land.

That July, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said an unauthorized drone had impeded emergency operations.

"Yesterday, aircraft assigned to the #DixieFire were forced to land due to an unauthorized drone flying over the fire traffic area," the agency said on its official Facebook page. "Drones restrict firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. Remember, if you fly, we can't!"

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene battered the southeastern US in late 2024.

After making landfall in Florida, it traveled up the coast through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding demolished homes and submerged vehicles.

Amid the search and rescue efforts, the US Department of Transportation shared an X post asking consumer drone operators to stay clear. At the time, the Federal Aviation Administration had issued a temporary flight restriction in certain areas.

"Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene," the agency said. "Interfering with emergency response operations impacts search and rescue operations on the ground."

The FAADroneZone, the agency's site for drone services, said in a separate X post that "interfering with emergency response efforts may result in fines or criminal prosecution."

Damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Hurricane Helene hit several states, including North Carolina, in 2024.

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

At the time, some online observers thought volunteer drone operators were being barred from assisting in relief efforts, which sparked a backlash.

The DOT later clarified that the FAA didn't ban consumer drones from providing assistance and relief.

"These restrictions occur at the request of local authorities or law enforcement. FAA does not put these into place without requests," a spokesperson told Fox News.

The agency added that "anyone looking to use a drone or other aircraft to assist in Hurricane Helene disaster relief and recovery efforts should coordinate with first responders and law enforcement on scene to ensure they do not disrupt life-saving operations."

Los Angeles wildfires

In January, a series of wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles region, causing widespread damage and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes.

In addition to emergency firefighting efforts on the ground, officials deployed two Super Scoopers, which are amphibious aircraft that collect water to drop on wildfires.

An unauthorized civilian drone struck one Super Scooper, forcing it out of service.

"We would like to remind everyone that flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000," a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson said at the time.

Firefighters fight the flames from the Palisades Fire burning the Theatre Palisades during a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The fast-moving wildfire is threatening homes in the coastal neighborhood amid intense Santa Ana Winds and dry conditions in Southern California.
Firefighters responding to the Palisades fire in January.

Apu Gomes/Getty Images

The incident prompted an investigation by the FAA, which said in a statement that "flying a drone near a wildfire is dangerous and can cost lives."

The Department of Justice said the drone operator agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an uncrewed aircraft. The plea agreement included the drone operator paying full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which supplied the aircraft, and completing 150 hours of community service.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Celebrities who died in 2025

David Lynch sitting on a red bench in a movie theater with a coffee cup.
David Lynch.

Gilles Mingasson/Gettty Images

  • Actors Gene Hackman, Val Kilmer, Michael Madsen, George Wendt, and Michelle Trachtenberg died in 2025.
  • Musicians Brian Wilson, Roberta Flack, Marianne Faithfull, Peter Yarrow, and Sly Stone also passed away.
  • So did director David Lynch, boxing legend George Foreman, and MLB Hall of Famer Bob Uecker.

Below, we look back at those we lost in 2025.

Jeff Baena, 47
Jeff Baena in a green sweater
Jeff Baena.

Rich Polk/Getty

Baena was known for writing and directing comedic independent movies like "Life After Beth," "The Little Hours," and "Horse Girl."

Many of them starred his wife, Aubrey Plaza.

He also wrote the 2004 movie "I Heart Huckabees" with director David O. Russell.

Baena died by suicide on January 3.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or has had thoughts of harming themself or taking their own life, get help. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is also available through the Crisis Text Line β€” just text "HOME" to 741741. The International Association for Suicide Prevention offers resources for those outside the US.

Joe Don Baker, 89
Joe Don Baker with a cigarette in his mouth
Joe Don Baker.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Baker was known for his tough guy roles, playing heroes and villains with equal intensity for close to four decades.

The Texas native found stardom in 1973 playing the real-life moonshine-busting Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser in the surprise hit "Walking Tall."

A string of memorable roles utilizing his intimidating presence followed. He played a crooked cop opposite Chevy Chase in the 1985 hit comedy "Fletch," teamed up with Nick Nolte to try to stop a crazed Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese's 1991 remake of "Cape Fear," and, between those movies, played a fictional version of Babe Ruth opposite Robert Redford in the 1984 sports classic "The Natural."

Baker also has the distinction of playing both a villain (1987's "The Living Daylights") and a good guy (1995's "GoldenEye," 1997's "Tomorrow Never Dies") in the James Bond franchise.

Baker died on May 7. No cause was given.

Anne Burrell, 55
Anne Burrell holding a plate of food on a stage
Anne Burrell.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty

Burrell was a Food Network star known for her spiky platinum hair and her enthusiasm for the culinary arts. After getting her start in Italian restaurants in New York City, she rose to fame after appearing as a sous chef to Mario Batali on "Iron Chef America."

She soon became a staple on the Food Network, appearing on "Chef Wanted," "Chopped," and "Food Network Star," and hosting the Emmy-nominated "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" and "Worst Cooks in America."

Burrell died on June 17; no cause was given.

Dick Button, 95
Dick Button staking on ice
Dick Button.

Bettmann Archive/Getty

Button was one of the greats in men's figure skating.

His dominance in the sport began in the late 1940s, when he began winning on the amateur circuit by landing moves no one had ever seen done before in competition, including the double axel and the triple jump.

He would go on to win two Olympic gold medals and five consecutive world championships.

Once he retired, he went on to become an Emmy-winning analyst and even was one of the minds behind the popular 1970s competition show "Battle of the Network Stars," in which celebrities challenged one another in various sports competitions.

Button died on January 30. No cause was given.

Richard Chamberlain, 90
Richard Chamberlain leaning against a fence
Richard Chamberlain.

Micheline Pelletier/Sygma/Getty

A beloved actor on the stage and screen for decades, Chamberlain was the face of the acclaimed 1980s miniseries "The Thorn Birds" and "Shogun," both of which garnered him Emmy nominations.

He also found acclaim onstage, starring in revivals of "My Fair Lady" and "The Sound of Music."

In the 2000s, Chamberlain had memorable guest-starring roles on shows like "Will and Grace" and "Desperate Housewives."

Chamberlain died on March 29 of complications following a stroke.

Leslie Charleson, 79
Leslie Charleson riding a horse
Leslie Charleson.

ABC Photo Archives/Getty

For 50 years, fans of "General Hospital" knew Charleson as Dr. Monica Quartermaine, a role she played since 1977.

Charleson was beloved by fans and used her celebrity to support charities for breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and AIDS awareness.

Charleson's other credits include "Adam 12," "Barnaby Jones," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Ironside," "Kung Fu," and "The Rockford Files."

She also starred in "Happy Days" and gave Ron Howard his first on-screen kiss.

Charleson died on January 12 following a long illness.

Marianne Faithfull, 78
Marianne Faithfull in a blue top
Marianne Faithfull.

CA/Redferns/Getty

Faithfull was a fixture in the London music scene during the 1960s.

She was discovered by The Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, which led to her finding instant stardom not just for her chart-topping music, like "As Tears Go By," which became a top 5 single in the UK, but also for her hard-partying ways alongside her then-flame Mick Jagger.

Throughout the 1960s, she was the inspiration for Stones hits "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Wild Horses" while being a co-writer on "Sister Morphine." But she was also in a deep addiction to drugs. She was famously found wearing nothing but a fur rug during a 1967 drug bust at Keith Richards' Sussex home.

Faithfull made a comeback with the 1979 album "Broken English," which earned her a Grammy nomination.

Other hit songs include "This Little Bird," "Summer Nights," and "Come and Stay With Me."

She also starred in movies like 1967's "I'll Never Forget What's'isname" and 1968's "The Girl on the Motorcycle."

Faithfull died on January 30. No cause was given.

Roberta Flack, 88
Roberta Flack smiling wearing a dress
Roberta Flack.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Flack's smooth R&B vocals made her a star in the 1970s with Grammy-winning hits like "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly with His Song," and "Feel Like Makin' Love."

Over her career, Flack scored six top-10 pop hits and 10 top-10 R&B singles. She was also the first artist to win the record of the year Grammy in two consecutive years, for 1973's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and 1974's "Killing Me Softly with His Song."

Flack was introduced to a new generation in the 1990s when The Fugees did a Grammy-winning cover of "Killing Me Softly" in 1996.

Flack died on February 24. No cause was given.

George Foreman, 76
George Foreman with his fists up
George Foreman.

Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty

Foreman was a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, winning his titles in 1973 at the age of 24 and again in 1994 at the age of 45.

Foreman fought formidable legends throughout his long-lasting boxing career, including Muhammad Ali in 1974 β€” dubbed The Rumble in the Jungle, one of the most-watched televised sporting events of the time β€” and Evander Holyfield in 1991.

Toward the end of his career, Foreman became the face of Salton Inc.'s George Foreman Grill, making millions through his household name.

His family announced onΒ social mediaΒ that he died on March 21. No cause was given. Foreman was 76.

Irv Gotti, 54
Irv Gotti pointing with both hands
Irv Gotti.

David Pomponio/FilmMagic/Getty

In an era of hip-hop where the producers were as prominent as the artists, Irv Gotti was one of the shining stars of the late 1990s and 2000s.

Gotti, who was born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. and later went by DJ Irv, came on the scene as A&R for Def Jam. He brought in artists that would define the next generation of hip-hop to the label like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule.

His coming out party was producing one of Jay-Z's first hits, "Can I Live," from his 1996 debut album "Reasonable Doubt."

Soon after, his Irv Gotti persona was created when he founded the rap label Murder Inc. Records, bringing along artists like DMX and Ja Rule and signing others like Ashanti.

There he became the face of smash hits like Jay-Z's "Can I Get A…," DMX's "What's My Name," Ja Rule's "Holla Holla," Fat Joe's "What's Luv?," Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real," and Ashanti's "Foolish."

In recent years, Gotti had suffered strokes and battled diabetes-related issues. He died on February 5. No cause was given.

Gene Hackman, 95
Gene Hackman leaning up against a fence
Gene Hackman.

Evening Standard/Getty

Hackman was a superstar in the skin of a character actor.

From his breakout in 1967's "Bonnie and Clyde" to his final movie, 2004's "Welcome to Mooseport," this skilled actor did it all with low-key confidence.

Even when he played the diabolical villain Lex Luthor in the Christopher Reeve "Superman" movies, Hackman's deft performance was never about upstaging other actors.

But audiences couldn't help but gravitate to him. Taking on roles in projects that would become classics like the gritty cop "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection," which earned him an Oscar; a surveillance expert in "The Conversation;" a tough but fair basketball coach in "Hoosiers;" and showing his comedy chops in "Get Shorty" and "The Birdcage," Hackman became beloved.

He abruptly retired in 2004 and spent the rest of his life writing novels and enjoying life with his wife Betsy Arakawa.

Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. An investigation is ongoing.

Nicky Katt, 54
Nicky Katt in a white tshirt
Nicky Katt.

Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times/Getty

Katt started his career as a child actor landing roles in "Fantasy Island" and "CHiPs" in the 1980s, but it was the roles he played as an adult that would cement his legacy.

From "Dazed and Confused" to "Boiler Room," Katt often played the heel, and dispensing wiseass remarks with a dark stare became his signature.

Katt became a favorite of directors like Steven Soderbergh, who cast him in "The Limey" and "Full Frontal," and Christopher Nolan, who gave him parts in "Insomnia" and "The Dark Knight."

The actor also played the edgy teacher Harry Senate in the series "Boston Public."

Katt died on April 8. His family confirmed to Deadline that he died by suicide.

Val Kilmer, 65
Val Kilmer in a white shirt
Val Kilmer.

Donaldson Collection/Getty

Val Kilmer was a quintessential movie star who delivered some of the most memorable performances in movie history.

As the hotshot flyer "Iceman" in 1986's Top Gun, he became a scene stealer who could hold his own against Tom Cruise.

From there, Kilmer shot to superstardom in movies like 1988's "Willow," Oliver Stone's 1991 biopic "The Doors," in which he played the band's legendary frontman Jim Morrison; 1993's "Tombstone," in which he played Doc Holliday; and Michael Mann's 1995 classic "Heat," in which he played a thief opposite Robert De Niro.

That same year, he would also become a major box office draw playing Batman in the 1995 movie "Batman Forever."

In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer and recovered, but his voice was permanently damaged from a tracheotomy.

His final movie appearance was reprising his Iceman role in 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick."

Kilmer died on April 1 of pneumonia.

Ananda Lewis, 52
Ananda Lewis in a red dress
Ananda Lewis.

Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty

As an MTV veejay in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ananda Lewis was a standout. After getting her start hosting BET's "Teen Summit," she moved over to MTV, hosting its hit shows "MTV Live," "Total Request Live," and "Hot Zone." She also had her own show, "The Ananda Lewis Show," which ran from 2001 to 2002.

In 2020, Lewis announced that she had been battling breast cancer for two years. Last October, she revealed her cancer had progressed to stage four. Lewis died on June 11.

David Lynch, 78
David Lynch pointing finger at lens
David Lynch.

Guy Kinziger/WireImage/Getty

Lynch was the visionary director of surrealist films like "The Elephant Man," "Blue Velvet," "Mulholland Drive," and the hit TV series "Twin Peaks."

His groundbreaking works blended elements of everything from horror to film noir to surrealism, creating a uniquely skewed vision of America.

After adapting Frank Herbert's "Dune" in 1984, resulting in a box office flop, Lynch produced a string of surrealist works that would define his career: 1986's "Blue Velvet," 1990's "Wild at Heart," 1992's "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" (the prequel to his hit TV show "Twin Peaks," which ran from 1990 to 1991), and 1997's "Lost Highway."

Each title showcased Lynch's seemingly limitless creativity as he pushed the boundaries of narrative structure while dazzling the viewer with exquisite production design and cinematography.

The Lynch family announced his passing on January 16. In August 2024, the filmmaker announced that he had emphysema following decades of smoking, but said he hadn't smoked in over two years.

Michael Madsen, 67
Michael Madsen in a grey jacket and black shirt
Michael Madsen.

Anthony Harvey/PA Images/Getty Images

Playing memorable roles in Quentin Tarantino movies like "Reservoir Dogs," the "Kill Bill" movies, "The Hateful Eight," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," Madsen was known for his ultra-cool tough guy characters.

Outside of the Tarantino universe, he had memorable roles as a slick cop chasing an alien in 1995's "Species" and a mobster in 1997's "Donnie Brasco."

Madsen had close to 350 movie credits to his name, dating back to the 1980s with small roles in "The Natural," where he played an egotistical baseball player opposite Robert Redford, and a blink-and-you'd-miss-it part in the hit Matthew Broderick thriller "WarGames."

But the role he'll forever be known best for was playing the crook Mr. Blonde in Tarantino's 1992 masterpiece, "Reservoir Dogs." Sporting black shades, a black suit with a white shirt, and a skinny black tie, Madsen had the memorable line, "Are you gonna bark all day, little doggie, or are you gonna bite?" He also famously strutted to the song "Stuck in the Middle With You" while torturing a cop.

Madsen died on July 3 at his Malibu home. No cause was given.

Wink Martindale, 91
Wink Martindale laughing
Wink Martindale.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

After working as everything from a disc jockey to the host of a kids' sci-fi series to a chart-topping artist (with the 1959 spoken-word tune "Deck of Cards"), Wink Martindale found his true calling as a game show host in the 1960s.

His first was NBC's "What's This Song?" in 1964. Then in 1972 came his first hit, "Gambit." That was followed by the even more popular "Tic-Tac-Dough," which ran until the late 1980s.

Martindale went on to host other game shows through the decades like "High Rollers," "The Last Word," "The Great Getaway Game," "Trivial Pursuit," "Debt," and "Instant Recall."

Martindale died on April 15. No cause was given.

Sam Moore, 89
Sam Moore holding a microphone
Sam Moore.

Gie Knaeps/Getty

Moore's R&B sound influenced everyone from Michael Jackson to Bruce Springsteen.

Alongside Dave Prater, Moore found fame in the 1960s with Sam & Dave, a duo who had hits like "Hold On, I'm Comin'" and "Soul Man."

"Soul Man" would gain renewed popularity in the late 1970s when Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi began performing the song as their alter egos, R&B singers The Blues Brothers, on "Saturday Night Live." The song would continue to find new fans in 1980 when "The Blues Brothers" movie was released.

Moore went solo in 1970 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Moore died on January 10 from complications while recovering from surgery.

Geneviève Page, 97
Geneviève Page in a hat and mink sitting inside a car
Geneviève Page.

Daily Express/Getty

Thanks to her stunning beauty, Page became a fixture in both French cinema and Hollywood through the 1960s.

She's best known for playing Madame Anais, the owner of a high-class brothel in Luis BuΓ±uel's 1967 masterpiece "Belle de Jour."

In the movie, Anais oversees the actions of Catherine Deneuve's character Severine, a bored housewife who turns to prostitution to spice up her life. But she only works in the afternoon while her husband is away at work, leading to Anais calling her "Belle de Jour" ("Beauty of the Day").

Page also starred in "El Cid," the 1961 medieval epic also starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren, and Billy Wilder's 1970 film "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes."

Page died on February 14. No cause was given.

Angie Stone, 63
Singer Angie Stone attends the Urban One Honors: Best In Black in January 2024.
Angie Stone.

Brian Stukes/FilmMagic

Stone was a member of the female hip-hop trio The Sequence, who is known for songs like "Funk You Up" and "Monster Jam."

She later launched a solo career in the late 1990s with her debut album, "Black Diamond." Her 2001 song, "Wish I Didn't Miss You," became one of her most popular songs.

Stone's publicist told TMZ that Stone died in a car crash on March 1 after performing in Montgomery, Alabama. The Grammy-nominated artist was traveling in a van with eight other people, including backup singers and crew, when it crashed on Interstate 65.

Sly Stone, 82
Sly Stone performs at Woodstock in 1969.
Sly Stone.

Warner Bros/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Stone, born Sylvester Stewart in California, was known as the founder and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, a psychedelic-soul band active through the '60s, '70s, and early '80s. He was behind classic songs like "Dance to the Music" and "Everyday People."

In a statement distributed to the press, Stone's three children celebrated their father's "extraordinary musical legacy" and "enduring creative spirit."

"Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music," the family wrote. "His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable."

Stone's death was announced on June 9 after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Loretta Swit, 87
Loretta Swit holding her hand to her cheek
Loretta Swit.

CBS/Getty

Swit portrayed one of the most memorable characters in TV history, playing the head nurse Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on the legendary series "M*A*S*H."

Swit took over the role from Sally Kellerman, who originated the part in the 1970 Robert Altman movie the series is based on.

Her performance earned her 10 Emmy nominations and two wins. Swit and costar Alan Alda were the only two actors on the show who appeared in the pilot episode and the famed two-and-a-half-hour finale, which was seen by more than 100 million viewers.

Swit died on May 30 of natural causes.

Michelle Trachtenberg, 39
Michelle Trachtenberg smiling
Michelle Trachtenberg.

Mark Mainz/Getty

Trachtenberg dedicated her life to acting and found fame in the process.

She landed her first major role in the mid-1990s as Nona F. Mecklenberg on the Nickelodeon series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete." In 1996, she played the lead in the Nickelodeon-produced movie "Harriet the Spy."

By the early 2000s, she had landed more mature roles in movies like the comedy "Euro Trip" and the indie drama "Mysterious Skin," both of which were released in 2004. At the same time, she was gaining fandom on the small screen playing Dawn Summers on "Buffy and the Vampire Slayer," and later appearing as Georgina Sparks on the hit CW series "Gossip Girl," which ran from 2007 to 2012.

Trachtenberg was found dead in a New York City apartment on February 26. A cause of death hasn't yet been determined.

DJ Unk (Anthony Platt), 42
Man with Atlanta Hawks hat on
DJ Unk.

Ben Rose/WireImage/Getty

This Atlanta rapper brought snap music to the masses thanks to his hit 2006 songs "Walk it Out" and "2 Step."

Anthony Platt, better known by his stage name DJ Unk, was a fixture in the Atlanta rap scene in the late 1990s. He DJed at everything from pep rallies to proms.

He released his first album, "Beat'n Down Yo Block!" in 2006 and found huge acclaim due to his two big hit songs, "Walk it Out" and "2 Step."

"Walk it Out" got as high as No. 10 on the Billboard charts and went platinum.

His second album, "2econd Season," was released in 2008 but didn't find the same acclaim as his debut.

In 2009, due to non-stop touring and hard partying, DJ Unk suffered a heart attack.

DJ Unk died on January 24. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, said in a Facebook post that he died in his sleep after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Bob Uecker, 90
Bob Uecker smiling holding a bat
Bob Uecker.

ABC Photo Archives/Getty

Uecker had a respectable career as a Major League Baseball backup catcher on four clubs through the 1960s, playing with his hometown Milwaukee Brewers and winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. But it was his work off the field that made him one of the most memorable figures in MLB history.

After retiring in 1967, Uecker started his second career as a broadcaster, calling games for the Brewers (which he did until his death) and being the color man for network games.

His self-deprecating style made him a likable figure, leading to him becoming a fixture on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, where he earned the nickname "Mr. Baseball." Suddenly, Uecker landed everything from beer commercials to a hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live."

But his most memorable gigs outside of baseball were playing sportswriter George Owens on the hit TV show "Mr. Belvedere" from 1985 to 1990 and starring as sarcastic broadcaster Harry Doyle in the beloved 1989 movie "Major League" and its sequels.

Uecker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

He died on January 16 after battling small-cell lung cancer since 2023.

George Wendt, 76
George Wendt in a grey suit and red tie
George Wendt.

NBC/Getty

Through the 1980s, he sat on the corner at the bar where everybody knows your name. In the process, he became a TV icon.

As Norm Peterson, who always threw out a funny one-liner when he entered the bar on the hit TV series "Cheers," Wendt created one of the most memorable characters in TV history and garnered six consecutive Emmy nominations.

The Chicago native, who started his career in the 1970s at the famed Second City improv troupe, also landed roles in hit movies like "Fletch" (1985), "Gung Ho" (1986), and "The Little Rascals" (1994), and played the grumpy dad opposite Macaulay Culkin in Michael Jackson's 1991 music video for "Black or White."

Through the decades, Wendt was also a regular on "Saturday Night Live," playing a superfan of the Chicago Bears who called the team "Da Bears." (Wendt is the uncle of "SNL" alum Jason Sudeikis.)

Wendt died on May 20. No cause was given.

Brian Wilson, 82
Brian Wilson recording and speaking into a microphone
Brian Wilson recording "Pet Sounds" in 1966.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

As a founding member of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson is responsible for mega hits that blended pop music with more modern, avant-garde sounds.

From 1962 to 1966, the Beach Boys had 10 top-10 hits and seven top-40 chart entries, most of which were written or co-written and produced by Wilson.

Along with classics like "Good Vibrations" and "Help Me, Rhonda," Wilson is also responsible for pushing the band's sound into new dimensions, particularly with the 1966 album "Pet Sounds." Its blend of pop, jazz, and avant-garde influences brought widespread critical acclaim and inspired The Beatles to make "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Wilson struggled most of his life with mental illness, which was explored in the 2014 movie, "Love & Mercy" starring John Cusack and Paul Dano playing Wilson at different stages in his life.

Wilson's death was announced by his family in June. No cause was given. In February 2024, it was revealed Wilson was battling dementia.

Peter Yarrow, 86
Peter Yarrow holding a guitar
Peter Yarrow.

Chelsea Lauren/WireImage/Getty

Yarrow was a singer-songwriter who was a member of the iconic folk music group Peter, Paul and Mary.

Along with Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, the trio had six Billboard Top 10 singles, two No. 1 albums, and won five Grammys. Their major hit was "Puff the Magic Dragon," which Yarrow cowrote.

Yarrow died on January 7 after a battle with bladder cancer.

Harris Yulin, 87
Harris Yulin in a green button down shirt
Harris Yulin.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Although his name might not ring a bell, you have definitely seen Harris Yulin's work. Over his five-decade career, Yulin had many memorable roles in movies and TV, most notably as villains.

He played an angry judge in 1989's "Ghostbusters II" and a corrupt national security advisor opposite Harrison Ford in 1994's "Clear and Present Danger," but his all-time best villain role was playing the crooked cop Mel, who meets his fate thanks to Al Pacino's Tony Montana in the beloved 1983 gangster movie "Scarface."

Yulin died on June 10. No cause was given.

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Elon Musk calls Trump's spending bill 'utterly insane' as Senate gears up for a vote

29 June 2025 at 22:52
Elon Musk and Donald Trump in March 2025.
Elon Musk criticized President Donald Trump's spending bill on Saturday.

Mandel NGAN / AFP

  • The Senate is debating Trump's spending bill and could vote on it as early as Monday.
  • The huge piece of legislation could affect all aspects of American life and has divided lawmakers.
  • Elon Musk, until recently a Trump ally, called the bill "utterly insane" and "political suicide."

The bromance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk is most definitely over.

The Tesla CEO, who until recently was the face of the White House DOGE Office and Trump's efforts to cut government spending, had some more choice words for the president's signature spending bill on Saturday.

"The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Utterly insane and destructive," Musk said on X. "It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future."

Senate Republicans managed to push the bill past a key procedural hurdle over the weekend, allowing debate to begin. A final vote could come as early as Monday.

Republicans have hoped to get a version of the bill to Trump's desk by the president's requested July 4 deadline. Some lawmakers, however, remain opposed to the bill.

Democrats, meanwhile, have remained united in their opposition, and have found a surprise ally in Musk.

In his criticisms on Sunday, Musk focused on provisions in the bill that would terminate Biden-era tax credits for renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and battery manufacturing.

Tesla, Musk's automotive company, has an energy generation and storage business that earned $2.7 billion in revenue during Q1 2025. The company also uses batteries and solar cells in many of its products.

In response to an X post from Michael Thomas β€” the founder of Cleanview, a company that tracks clean energy development β€” who said the bill would likely decrease energy capacity in the country, Musk said the bill would be "incredibly destructive" for the United States.

In another post, Musk shared a poll about the bill and said it would be "political suicide" for the Republican Party. He also reposted several posts criticizing the bill, including one by Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican.

"'BBB' = our credit rating if this bill becomes law," Massie wrote on X.

Trump's mega bill will impact nearly every aspect of American life, including healthcare, student loans, taxes, Social Security, Medicaid, clean energy, defense, immigration, tipping, AI regulation, and more.

Musk's X posts echo remarks he made earlier this month when his feud with Trump took a public turn. Musk called the bill a "disgusting abomination" on X before laying into Trump's personal life.

At the time, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Business Insider said the situation was "an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again."

The tech billionaire later apologized to Trump on X, saying he regretted "some" of his posts and that they "went too far."

Representatives for the White House and Musk did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

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Apple gets much-needed win as 'F1' speeds to big opening weekend

29 June 2025 at 19:05
Brad Pitt and Damson Idris
Brad Pitt and Damson Idris on the set of "F1."

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

  • "F1," starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, debuted in theaters on Friday.
  • The film earned $144 million globally during its opening weekend, making it Apple's largest theatrical release.
  • Apple spent heavily on marketing ahead of the film.

Apple's Formula One-inspired film went full-throttle this weekend at the domestic box office.

"F1" has earned over $55 million domestically since debuting in theaters on Friday, according to Warner Bros.

The sports drama, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, managed to beat out Universal Pictures' live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon" and Disney's "Elio" to place first at the box office.

Overseas, "F1" raked in over $88 million for a total of $144 million globally.

This weekend's numbers are a victory for Apple, which heavily promoted the film and its stars ahead of the premiere. iPhone users received a notification offering discounted tickets, could use Apple Maps to view the race tracks where the crew filmed, and gained access to a special version of the trailer that activated the iPhone's haptics to match the vehicle's engines onscreen.

Idris briefly donned a F1 driver uniform at the 2025 Met Gala in May, while Pitt made a surprise appearance at a New York City-based Apple store this month.

While Apple is one of the world's most influential tech giants, original film production is a newer division for the company, meaning it's still catching up to major studios like Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, and Walt Disney Studios. Films like "Killer of the Flower Moon" in 2023 helped bolster the studio's clout but haven't done much for its bottom line.

Apple's streaming service, meanwhile, has also had some hits recently with Seth Rogen's "The Studio" and the dystopian workplace drama "Severance." It still lags far behind streamers like Netflix, however.

Business Insider's Peter Kafka has wondered aloud about Apple's long-term strategy for its theatrical releases. Is it an expensive marketing play that could ultimately bolster its core business: iPhones? Or is this an effort to diversify as iPhone sales plateau? Or something else entirely?

Apple's latest film came after its annual Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month. Although the company unveiled its new "Liquid Glass" software, Wall Street analysts were left underwhelmed that no "killer" AI feature was offered.

After the lackluster conference, the success of "F1" will likely come as a relief to Apple insiders.

"I know there's a lot of different views out there about why we're into it," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Variety earlier this month, referencing the company's movie business. "We're into it to tell great stories, and we want it to be a great business as well. That's why we're into it, just plain and simple."

Representatives for Apple did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

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The deadly 787 Dreamliner crash came at a testing time for Boeing and Air India

A view of the site after a plane crashed following takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025.
Air India Flight 171 crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad.

Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images

  • An Air India Boeing 787 crashed less than a minute after takeoff on Thursday.
  • The crash comes as both Boeing and Air India are trying to turn themselves around.
  • Attorneys and aviation experts said no conclusions could be drawn until the investigation ended.

Thursday's fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 shortly after takeoff comes as both the airline and Boeing try to revive their public images.

After 2024 became an annus horribilis for Boeing, 2025 is crucial for the planemaker to show it is successfully overhauling its processes.

CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took over last year and has made the turnaround the centerpiece of his leadership, has scrapped plans to travel to next week's Paris Air Show, CNBC and Bloomberg reported. The event is a crucial industry showcase. Neither Boeing nor Air India responded to requests for comment from Business Insider.

On Thursday, Ortberg shared the company's "deepest condolences" to everyone affected and said a team stood ready to support the investigation.

After visiting the crash site Friday morning, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said in a video statement, "We know that the investigations will take time but we will be fully transparent and will support the process for as long as it takes."

"Air India will continue to do everything we can to care for those affected by this tragedy, and to uphold the trust placed in us," he added.

'The crash derails Boeing stock's positive momentum'

When an Alaska Airlines 737 Max lost a door plug during a January 2024 flight, regulators capped Boeing's production of the type. A seven-week strike then shut down key facilities, further hurting revenue.

Boeing ended 2024 as the Dow Jones' biggest loser, as its share price fell 31%. Investors had been reassured by Ortberg's work to turn the company around, and the stock had risen more than 20% in 2025 before the crash.

It dropped about 4% after Thursday's crash and fell more than 3% Friday morning.

Morgan Stanley analysts said Thursday that the crash "derails the positive momentum on Boeing's stock."

Jeff Windau, a senior industrials analyst for Edward Jones, said in a research note that he expects near-term volatility and raised the possibility of enhanced scrutiny on Boeing's processes.

"However, at this time, we do not feel there will be a long-term impact to production," he added.

Air India has been working to turn itself around

Following decades of state ownership and huge losses, Air India was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022. The airline has expanded with hundreds of additional flights, flying 60 million customers to 103 destinations through 2024.

The new owners invested billions, and the airline has ordered hundreds of planes to replace its aging fleet.

In a December interview with BI, Wilson compared his work revitalising Air India to "drinking from a firehose."

He added that he thought the turnaround was close to completion, but said there were supply-chain constraints. "Until we upgrade the aircraft, then people won't believe that the transformation has happened," Wilson said.

Alan Tan, an aviation law professor at the National University of Singapore, told BI that Air India in particular would have an immediate hit to customer perception.

"But as other leading airlines facing crises have shown, these are not insurmountable," he added. "Transparency and accountability in investigations, and consistent messaging to the public, will hopefully reduce the risks of a media spectacle."

A lengthy investigation

It will take a thorough and lengthy investigation before there are answers about what caused the crash.

Attorneys who have battled Boeing in the courts were among the people BI spoke to who were hesitant to draw any conclusions.

"The fact that this tragedy involves a Boeing aircraft does not necessarily mean that there's something wrong with the actual aircraft β€” as distinguished from issues surrounding maintenance, or even products that are not Boeing's, such as the engines," said Robert Clifford, lead counsel for the families of victims of the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash, in which a 737 Max crashed shortly after takeoff, killing more than 150 people.

He added that a quick and efficient investigation is necessary to "help calm the public."

Thursday's incident was the first fatal crash and total hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced passenger jets, which entered service in 2011.

The model has faced some criticism from whistleblowers. Last year, Sam Salehpour, a quality engineer at Boeing, told NBC he observed "shortcuts to reduce bottlenecks" in manufacturing 787s. Boeing responded that it was "fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner."

On Thursday, Salehpour's attorneys urged the Federal Aviation Administration to release a report investigating his claims.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director at Aerodynamic Advisory, told BI, "It's a terrible tragedy, but I just don't see how this impacts anything [for Boeing]."

"Unless it's the unlikely event that they do find a design or manufacturing flaw, but after all these years, both for this type of aircraft and this particular aircraft, that's not normal," he added.

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Artists who got almost $1,500 a month under a basic income pilot say their work improved

8 June 2025 at 20:51
Artist Gerard Byrne working outside the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, in March 2025.
A basic income program for the arts in Ireland ends in August after three years.

Brian Lawless - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

  • Ireland's basic income pilot program for the arts ends in August.
  • For three years, 2,000 artists and creative arts workers received about $370 a week.
  • Recipients said the stipend overall improved their daily lives.

For about 2,000 artists and creative arts workers in Ireland, a weekly stipend provided through a basic income program has been a lifeline for years.

Now, it's almost over.

The pilot program began in 2022 under Catherine Martin, Ireland's former minister for tourism and culture. Martin allocated about $28 million to the arts sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants were randomly chosen and given an unconditional stipend of €325, or about $370, weekly for three years. During that time, participants met periodically via Zoom to discuss how the additional income had affected their livelihoods, careers, and ability to meet basic needs.

The final session was held this month before the program's conclusion in August.

Artists and cultural workers who attended the session grappled with what their lives would look like after August, but they hoped government officials would extend the program.

"We need no further pilots. People need a UBI now to face and deal with the many social, economic, and ecological crises of our world," Reinhard Huss, the organizer of UBI Lab Leeds, which sponsored the event alongside Basic Income Ireland, UBI Lab Arts, and UBI Lab Network, told Business Insider.

New developments in AI are reshaping the job market, replacing some entry-level positions. Tech industry leaders like Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have said implementing a universal basic income will be essential in the near future when AI supplants jobs in most industries.

A universal basic income offers an entire population recurring, unconditional payments regardless of an individual's socioeconomic status. Ireland's program, like many others in the United States, is a guaranteed basic income, which targets certain segments of the population for a set period of time.

Impact of Ireland's basic income program for artists

Jenny Dagg, a sociologist lecturing at Ireland's Maynooth University, authored a new report that provides insights into participants' reactions to the program. She gathered data from over 50 of the 2,000 recipients.

Although the report outlined nearly a dozen key impacts reported by program recipients, Dagg highlighted five major takeaways during the Zoom session.

Dagg said that recipients who received money from the program reported more stability and "significantly reduced" financial stress. It relieved their anxiety about fulfilling their basic needs.

Participating in the pilot program also allowed artists to re-prioritize how they spend their time and what they choose to focus on. "The opportunity to focus more on their specific creative interests opened new possibilities and career trajectories," the report said.

Artists said the added income allowed them to spend more time "researching, experimenting, taking risks, and failing," which has improved the quality of their work.

Artists, the report said, also felt more confident in themselves and their work during the program. "Many recipients talk of feeling empowered, of being in control of the choices within their lives, and envisioning a viable career path longer-term," the report said.

Recipients even reported better mental health, which led to improved sleep quality and lowered stress levels.

What's next for Ireland's basic income program

With the end of the program fast approaching, recipients of the weekly payment are reckoning with what how their lives might change.

"Across art forms, recipients report concerns about financial stability and sustaining the momentum of their careers when, or if, the basic income scheme ends," Dagg's report said.

This month, Basic Income Ireland called on the government to immediately implement a universal and unconditional basic income for the country. A spokesperson for the UBI Lab Network said the pilot program's success shows that basic income is a viable option. The campaign group shared a proposal for introducing a universal basic income to Ireland.

"As the pilot shows, basic income works and people need a UBI now to face and deal with the many social, economic, and ecological crises of our world. The Network will continue to help demonstrate basic income within communities and show how it is a sustainable policy," the statement said.

Patrick O'Donovan, Ireland's minister for arts and culture,Β said he would evaluate the data collected throughout the pilot program and create proposals for the government regarding the next steps.

"I am heartened by the responses of the Basic Income recipients in this paper," O'Donovan said in the May report. "This research will add to the evaluation being conducted by my department, which to date clearly shows that the Basic Income Pilot has been an effective support for the artists in receipt of it."

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Bids for Pope Leo XIV's childhood home start at $250,000, but there's a catch

22 May 2025 at 21:22
Small brick home with grass in front.
The childhood home of Pope Leo XIV is in Dolton, Illinois.

Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images

  • The owners of Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Illinois are trying to sell it via private auction.
  • The home was listed for $199,900 before the pope's appointment. Now, bids start at $250,000.
  • The auction winner may not get to enjoy it because the local government wants to acquire the home.

People bidding to buy Pope Leo XIV's modest childhood home in Illinois could face some stiff competition β€” from the local government.

The innocuous three-bedroom, three-bathroom home in the Village of Dolton was thrust into the spotlight when Pope Leo XIV became the leader of the Catholic Church.

The current homeowner purchased the property in May 2024 for $66,000, listed it for $219,000 in January, and dropped the price to $199,900 in February.

After the pope's appointment on May 8, the owner, inundated with offers and new options, delisted the home until last week when it was put up for auction through Paramount Realty USA. The reserve price is $250,000, and potential buyers have until June 18 to bid.

"It's like a collectible car they only made one of," Steve Budzik, the homeowner's real estate agent, told BI earlier this month.

Potential buyers, however, will be going up against the Village of Dolton, which has said through its attorney that it plans to acquire the home either through direct purchase or eminent domain laws. Eminent domain laws allow governments to make private property available for public use.

"If a direct purchase from the seller cannot be negotiated, the Village will cause Eminent Domain proceedings to be filed in Court and take the property through the legal process," Burton S. Odelson wrote in an email to BI. "The Village hopes a direct purchase is completed without court action."

Odelson, who's been in contact with the listing broker, said the Village of Dolton is working with the Chicago Archdiocese to determine the best use of the space.

Although relying on local eminent domain laws is an option, Odelson said it's a last resort. That process involves litigation, which means attorney fees, court costs, appraisal costs, and time.

Under eminent domain laws, the Village of Dolton would have to compensate the owners for the home. Negotiations between the Village of Dolton and the current owner are ongoing.

The hype around Pope Leo XIV's childhood home spurred immediate fanfare, prompting news trucks and curious locals to visit. One woman even told a local news outlet that she made the four-hour drive from Louisville, Kentucky, just to visit the impromptu holy site.

Representatives for Paramount Realty USA and the homeowner did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

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Watch out, Apple. ChatGPT and Chipotle have joined the list of the world's most valuable brands.

15 May 2025 at 20:54
Apple store in MIlan
Apple ranked No. 1 on Kantar BrandZ's annual most valuable global brand report.

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto

  • Big Tech dominated Kantar BrandZ's most valuable global brand ranking.
  • Apple topped the list for the fourth year in a row.
  • Companies like ChatGPT and Chipotle made their debut.

Try as they might, brands can't take a bite out of Apple.

Kantar BrandZ, a marketing data and analytics company, published its annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands.

The global market has weathered storms in the past, but the volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting consumer expectations over the last five years have rattled the landscape. The ongoing tariff discussions between the United States and other countries have added another layer of uncertainty to the formula. While some companies succumbed to the pressure, others steamrolled ahead.

Topping the list for the fourth year in a row is Apple with a brand value of about $1.3 trillion. That's a 28% increase from 2024, according to Kantar.

After overthrowing Jeff Bezos' Amazon in 2022, the tech giant has continued to dominate the list while Google, Microsoft, and Amazon vie for second, third, and fourth place. Under CEO Tim Cook, Apple has managed to fend off international competitors like China's Huawei and South Korea's Samsung.

Another standout on this year's list is Jensen Huang's Nvidia, which saw its brand value increase 152% from 2024. The chipmaker, which reached a $3 trillion valuation after announcing a deal with a Saudi Arabian tech firm, appeared at No. 5 on the list.

Here is Kantar's top 10 most valuable global brands:

  1. Apple
  2. Google
  3. Microsoft
  4. Amazon
  5. NVIDIA
  6. Facebook
  7. Instagram
  8. McDonald's
  9. Oracle
  10. Visa

Kantar's report also highlighted some "newcomers," brands making their debut on the list.

ChatGPT was the highest-ranking newcomer at No. 60, coming 25 spots ahead of financial service company Stripe and 26 spots ahead of Chipotle.

Here are the top seven newcomers:

60. ChatGPT
85. Stripe
86. Chipotle
89. Booking.com
95. Hilton
97. Uniqlo
99. DoorDash

Martin Guerrieria, head of Kantar BrandZ, said brands need to do more than differentiate themselves from competitors to stay afloat in the global market.

"The dominance of brands like Apple, Instagram, and McDonald's underlines the power of a consistent brand experience that people can relate to and remember," he said. "ChatGPT's dramatic rise shows how a brand can find fame and influence society to the extent that it changes our daily lives. But with generative AI competition accelerating, OpenAI will need to invest in its brand to preserve its first-mover momentum."

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Uber accused DoorDash of stifling competition. DoorDash says merchants just like them more.

25 April 2025 at 18:24
DoorDash and Uber Eats stickers in a New York City cafe window.
DoorDash asked the California Superior Court to dismiss a lawsuit Uber filed in February.

Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Getty Images

  • DoorDash asked the California Superior Court to dismiss Uber's lawsuit on Friday.
  • In February, Uber accused DoorDash of inflating costs and other anti-competitive business practices.
  • "Instead of competing through innovation, Uber has resorted to litigation," DoorDash says.

DoorDash wants Uber's anti-competition lawsuit tossed by the California Superior Court, saying the litigation is a "cynical and calculated scare tactic."

DoorDash filed the motion alongside a press release on Friday.

"It's disappointing behavior from a company once known for competing on the merits of its products and innovation," DoorDash, which tops the online food delivery market in the United States, wrote in the release.

Uber filed a complaint against DoorDash in February, accusing the company of anti-competitive business practices that inflated prices for restaurants and customers. The complaint said DoorDash "devised and is engaged in an unlawful scheme to stifle competition with Uber Eats, its closest rival."

Uber accused DoorDash in the complaint of leveraging restaurants' dependence on its app to secure near-exclusive or exclusive use.

"Restaurants simply cannot afford to stand up to DoorDash, and find themselves powerless to choose the service or services that are best for their businesses in the market for first-party delivery," Uber's complaint said.

Doordash
DoorDash denied the accusations made in Uber's lawsuit in a motion on Friday.

Emily Dulla/Getty Images for DoorDash

Earnest Analytics reported in February that DoorDash dominated the food delivery market with a 60.7% share. Uber Eats followed at 26.1% and Grubhub at 6.3%.

DoorDash denied Uber's accusations in the motion on Friday.

Among its arguments, DoorDash said Uber is trying to "shoehorn its competition claims" by using a statute that typically applies to "disputes regarding employee non-compete provisions."

"Uber's lawsuit should be seen for what it is: sour grapes from a competitor that has been told by merchants, time and again, that they prefer working with DoorDash," the company's motion said. That's not the basis for a lawsuit β€” it's just fair competition. The Court should sustain DoorDash's demurrer."

Uber told Business Insider in a statement that it won't back down.

"It seems like the team at DoorDash is having a hard time understanding the content of our complaint. When restaurants are forced to choose between unfair terms or retaliation, that's not competition β€” it's coercion. Uber will continue to stand up for merchants and for a level playing field. We look forward to presenting the facts in court," an Uber spokesperson said.

A lawyer for DoorDash told BI, "Uber appears to be upset that they're losing in the marketplace because DoorDash has better and more innovative products, but that isn't a legitimate basis for a lawsuit."

"Uber's legal claims are meritless and should be dismissed," the lawyer said.

DoorDash isn't Uber's only legal battle this year. In April, the Federal Trade Commission sued Uber, saying the company added users to its Uber One subscription program without their consent.

The FTC said in a press release that the company "failed to deliver promised savings" and made it tough for users to cancel the service.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told Semafor on Friday that the FTC's lawsuit was a "head-scratcher."

"We make it incredibly easy to sign up for Uber One, the value is enormous, the renewal rates are over 90%. It's a great product," Khosrowshahi said. "We allow you to cancel. We allow you to pause. That one was a head-scratcher for me."

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