Famed Author Michael Lewis to Tackle FTX Scandal in Next Book
Sometimes reality is more intriguing than fiction. Such is the story of the FTX downfall. The cryptocurrency exchange achieved a valuation of $32 billion earlier this year and now is worth nearly nothing. In the last week, it has been the subject of a sale to its rival Binance, had the sale overturned once due diligence revealed shaky foundations, became the subject of a suspected hack, filed for bankruptcy, and had its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, step down amidst it all. It has all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster, and that is exactly what is ahead. A report from The Ankler reveals that author Michael Lewis – who wrote Moneyball, The Big Short, and The Blind Side – has been embedded with FTX for the last six months, and the company is the subject of his next book. CAA is already shopping the book with studios for a corresponding movie deal.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Sets November Record with $180M Weekend
Wakanda forever. The Ryan Coogler-directed film stormed into box offices this weekend. With $180 million in sales, it set a November North American record for revenue. Globally, the much-anticipated film already brought in $330 million. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire previously held the November record at $153 million, following its 2013 release.
Dolly Parton Awarded $100M from Bezos-backed Philanthropic Push
Dolly Parton’s charitable efforts are no secret. From the Imagination Library, which fills the bookshelves of children in Tennessee, to her major donation that led to the creation of the Moderna vaccine, the country star has made a lasting impact. Now, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced Parton as the latest recipient of the Bezos Courage & Civility Award, which comes with a $100 million prize earmarked for charity. Past winners include Van Jones and José Andrés. Bezos also revealed his plan to give away the majority of his $124 billion fortune in his lifetime.
George Russell Wins São Paolo GP
The Formula 1 season is nearly in the books. The circuit’s penultimate race featured a smattering of terrifying collisions, which knocked Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen out. However, it was a great day for the Mercedes team, which took the Nos. 1 and 2 slots, as George Russell tallied his first win of the year, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Last week, Boardroom’s Shlomo Sprung caught up with Russell at the launch event for next year’s inaugural Las Vegas GP.
Lil Baby Gets His Day in Atlanta
Lil Baby is riding out the success of his most recent drop, It’s Only Me. As the album sits at the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200, the Atlanta native received the ultimate honor from his hometown. City Councilman Jason Dozier deemed Nov. 13 as Lil Baby Day, in recognition of the rapper’s charitable efforts through his For the People Foundation. The philanthropic outfit has done a great deal for the city, including orchestrating a winter coat drive, giving out scholarships, and hosting a back-to-school festival that gave students sneakers and supplies as part of a $1.5 million commitment to the city.
Marlins Make History as Caroline O’Connor Takes over Business Ops
The Florida Marlins are single-handedly redefining the possibilities of the front office. The team promoted Caroline O’Connor to Head of Business Operations. She joins GM Kim Ng, making the Marlins the only team in the MLB with women completely in charge of the club’s day-to-day business.