THE BRIEF

Sports Becomes Summer Battleground

The WNBA, Major League Baseball, and golf startups became focal points for political and cultural conflicts throughout the summer.

Photo: Axios

WHAT'S REPORTED

▸WNBA star Caitlin Clark absorbed hard fouls all season, sparking debate about referee protection that became intertwined with discussions of race. — Axios
▸Eleven House Republicans wrote to the WNBA regarding Caitlin Clark, making the issue a staple on conservative media. — Axios
▸Three San Francisco Giants pitchers wrote Bible verses on their rainbow caps for Pride. — Axios

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Christiane Amanpour announced she will leave CNN in June after 43 years.

WHAT'S REPORTED

▸Amanpour has been with CNN for 43 years. — The A.V. Club, Los Angeles Times Entertainment & Arts
▸Her departure comes after David Ellison's Skydance took control of CNN. — The A.V. Club, DW
▸CNN head Mark Thompson personally appealed to Amanpour to stay during months of high-stakes talks. — The Daily Beast

Actor Richard Riehle, known for Office Space and The Fugitive, died at age 78.

WHAT'S REPORTED

▸Richard Riehle appeared in Office Space and The Fugitive. — Los Angeles Times Entertainment & Arts, Forbes
▸Riehle starred in more than 400 screen projects. — The A.V. Club
▸Riehle's credits include Bridesmaids and Star Trek. — Los Angeles Times Entertainment & Arts

Netflix laid off its head of film Dan Lin following the streamer's major layoffs the previous week.

WHAT'S REPORTED

▸Dan Lin was Netflix's head of film. — The A.V. Club, Los Angeles Times Entertainment & Arts
▸Lin was the second big executive to leave Netflix. — Los Angeles Times Entertainment & Arts

Jon Stewart will remain at The Daily Show through 2028, it was announced.

WHAT'S REPORTED

▸Jon Stewart will remain as The Daily Show host through the 2028 presidential election. — The A.V. Club, Los Angeles Times Entertainment & Arts
▸Stewart returned to The Daily Show in February 2024. — The A.V. Club