Microsoft, Nvidia Commit Up to $15B in Anthropic
Microsoft and Nvidia have struck a major strategic partnership with Anthropic, committing up to a combined $15 billion in the AI company. Microsoft plans to invest as much as $5 billion, while Nvidia could put in up to $10 billion, pushing Anthropic’s valuation to around $350 billion, nearly double the roughly $183 billion figure reported in September. Both tech giants also maintain separate pacts with Anthropic rival, OpenAI.
Michael Jordan Gifts $10M to Novant Health in Honor of His Mother
Michael Jordan is giving back to North Carolina in a major way, donating $10 million to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. The gift honors his mother, Deloris, and the hospital will name its new neuroscience institute after her in recognition of the contribution. This is Jordan’s latest move in his ongoing partnership with Novant Health, during which he’s created four Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics and committed $27 million.
Meta Defeats FTC in Landmark Social Media Monopoly Case
Seven months after the trial began, Meta has emerged victorious in its civil showdown with the Federal Trade Commission, which had accused the company of maintaining an unlawful monopoly in social networking. The FTC claimed that Meta should not have been allowed to purchase Instagram and WhatsApp, but Judge James Boasberg said it failed to prove its argument.
Dwayne Johnson to Receive Entertainment Icon Award at ABFF Honors
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be honored with the Entertainment Icon Award at the American Black Film Festival Honors banquet on Feb. 16, per Variety. The news comes on the heels of Johnson starring as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in A24’s The Smashing Machine alongside Emily Blunt. Other previously announced honorees for the event include Jennifer Hudson, set to receive the Renaissance Award, and F1 star Damson Idris, who will be recognized with the Horizon Award.
Comedian Nate Bargatze Wants to Open a Nashville Amusement Park
Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze has moved a step closer to building his long-imagined Nashville amusement park. Per Variety, his company, Nateland, is partnering with Storyland Studios to study possible 100-acre sites and plan rides, retail, dining, and even potentially a hotel. A full feasibility study is due in early 2026, after which Bargatze will seek investors. He’s also working on a Nateland at Sea comedy cruise for next February.
OBB, Fanatics Expand Partnership to Take Fanatics Fest to Next Level
OBB and Fanatics have expanded their long-term partnership to continue co-producing Fanatics Fest, the major sports fan festival that drew over 125,000 attendees last summer. Thanks to its rising popularity, the 2026 Fanatics Fest at New York’s Javits Center will grow to a four-day event, running July 16-19. OBB will remain the festival’s official content partner, including producing specials like Fanatics Fest: All Access, as the event continues to connect top sports and entertainment figures with their fans.
Black Players for Change, Vans Launch Limited Edition Shoe Collab
Black Players for Change (BPC) and Vans are releasing a limited-edition collaboration featuring two Era sneaker colorways, each showcasing the BPC logo and supporting BPC programs that expand access to soccer. A friends-and-family presale runs Nov. 18, with public pre-orders opening on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2. The Vans x BPC made-to-order shoes will ship in March 2026.
Intuit Inks $100M Pact with OpenAI to Add ChatGPT to TurboTax
Intuit has struck a deal to pay OpenAI over $100 million annually to power its financial products with OpenAI’s language models through Intuit’s GenOS platform. The tech will enhance tools across TurboTax, QuickBooks, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp, and will also integrate ChatGPT directly with Intuit services. TurboTax users will be able to securely link their accounts in ChatGPT, allowing the chatbot to guide them through tax and financial tasks and return personalized results.
Ludacris Tapped for SEC Championship Concert
Ludacris is set to headline a concert presented by T-Mobile at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta ahead of the SEC Championship on Dec. 6. The show, part of the Dr. Pepper SEC FanFare experience, begins at noon ET, with the first two songs airing live on Marty & McGee on SEC Network and SEC Network+. Open to the public without a ticket on Dec. 5-6, other FanFare activities include games, pep rallies, and live broadcasts.
SKIMS, Cactus Plant Flea Market Link Up for Holiday Drop
SKIMS has launched its first limited-edition holiday capsule with Cactus Plant Flea Market, blending its cozy loungewear with CPFM’s bold, playful aesthetic. The collection includes women’s, men’s, and kids’ pieces featuring fun graphics, colors, and festive prints. Directed by Harmony Korine, the campaign stars Ken Carson, Beabadoobee, Madeline Argy, Mariah the Scientist, and North West. The SKIMS x CPFM collection drops in-store and online on Friday.
Image: Courtesy of Nvidia
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