Carlos Alcaraz Back on Top with Win at Indian Wells
Carlos Alcaraz is picking up where he left off. The Spaniard took home the title at Indian Wells, defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. With the win, the 19-year-old took over the world’s No. 1 spot, which he initially claimed following his 2022 victory at the U.S. Open, which made him the youngest man in history to hold the top spot. He claimed the tournament’s $1.26 million prize pot. Alas, he won’t have long to revel in his victory, as he heads east to defend his Miami Open title.
UBS Announces $3.25B Purchase of Credit Suisse
Amidst a trying time for the banking industry, there’s been yet another major move in the global marketplace. UBS announced that it will buy Credit Suisse for $3.25 billion. The Swiss bank faced questions about its long-term viability, prompting the UBS bid. Although Swiss officials assured consumers that the move would bring stability, the markets have not responded as such. Both UBS and Credit Suisse stocks dropped dramatically on Monday.
Selena Gomez Reclaims Title of Most Popular Woman on Instagram
Selena Gomez has been public about her challenging relationship with social media. However, despite her ups and downs — or, perhaps, because of them — the entertainer and entrepreneur has once again emerged as the most-followed woman on Instagram. Gomez surpassed 400 million followers, overtaking Kylie Jenner in the top spot, who has 382 million. Gomez has left and returned to the platform several times in an attempt to protect her mental health. Cristiano Ronaldo steadily holds onto his spot as the most followed account with 563 million followers.
Sergio Perez Takes Home F1 Win in Saudi Arabia
There was a little bit of drama in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez eked out the win, taking the top spot from his teammate Max Verstappen. However, the day’s intrigue stemmed from the third-place finisher, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Alonso was stripped of his pole position but quickly had it reinstated following questions about his crew’s adherence to a penalty. Once cleared of any violation, Alonso fully celebrated his 100th podium appearance. Next up, the drivers head down under for the Australian GP on Apr. 2.
Brackets Bust with Wild March Madness
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As 68 million Americans fill out brackets and wager an estimated $15.5 billion, the men’s and women’s March Madness tournaments have already manufactured several Cinderella stories. On the women’s side, No. 1 Stanford could not convert their major comeback, falling to Mississippi State 54-49. Elsewhere, the Princeton men’s team continued their unlikely rise to the Sweet 16, beating Missouri 78-63. No. 16 Farleigh Dickinson dropped its matchup against Florida Atlantic 78-70 following its stunning victory over No. 1 Purdue.
Adam Sandler Receives the Mark Twain Prize
Few actors have gracefully transitioned from Saturday Night Live to a lasting career in Hollywood quite like Adam Sandler. Throughout his prolific career, his films have brought in over $3 billion dollars. In recognition of his work as an actor, filmmaker, and comic, he received the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday. The event attracted some big names, who showed up to honor their friend and colleague, including Idina Menzel, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock, and Jennifer Aniston. Upon accepting the award, Sandler told the audience, “As I look at this goofy award, I can’t help but think that one day it just might be the weapon used to bludgeon me to death.”
Last year, Sandler joined Boardroom’s Rich Kleiman for a wide-ranging conversation on his Out of Office Podcast.