Jay Z and Private Profit in the 'People's Park'

Rapper Jay Z will bring his Budweiser Made in America festival to the 12-acre Grand Park in downtown LA. He calls it "inclusionary." But it will exclude those who don't buy tickets for $125 or more. And it's not clear how much of the revenue will go to the City and County. Mayor Garcetti says it'll shine a spotlight on LA's "greatest neighborhood" over the Labor Day weekend. Councilman Jose Huizar and some constituents are already complaining about noise pollution, closed streets and 50,00 beer drinkers. Also, if Irwindale can't stand the Sriracha sauce factory, Texas -- and other places -- like the smell of its money.

Later, on To the Point, uust a year ago, it appeared that rebel forces would topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But this week, the rebels have lost control of several cities and Assad now appears to be planning for re-election. But it appears that three years of civil war won't be over any time soon.

Banner image: Rapper Jay Z (C) speaks during a news conference after announcing his two-day "Made in America" music festival with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, in Los Angeles April 16, 2014. At left are LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina and United Way President Elise Buik. At right is Councilman Herb Wesson. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Reuters