As New York state governor Andrew Cuomo kicks off a statewide "marriage equality" tour (and opponents gear up to fight him), New York Rangers star Sean Avery's PSA (above) that was released late last week in support of gay marriage has reignited the debate about homophobia in sports, writes Bleacher Report, citing the recent Kobe Bryant homophobic slur incident. Former First Daughter Barbara Bush also taped a PSA for the Human Rights Campaign-backed "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality" effort earlier this year, among other celebs rallying to change New York state legislation.

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose named NBA MVP.

Pac-10 signs $3 billion, 12-year deal with FOX and ESPN, the richest ever for a college conference, and plans its own TV network under looming Pac-12 name.

Pfizer weighs break-up.

Apple revamps iMac line.

BlackBerry and Microsoft team up to battle Google search.

BP to pay $85 million for 2006 Alaska oil spill.

CBS picks 60 Minutes reporter Scott Pelley as Katie Couric replacement.Continue reading...

As LeBron James dazzles on the court during these NBA playoffs, Interbrand's Patrick Kerns assesses the global brand-building strategy behind LeBron James Inc., from his forays into HP- and Intel-sponsored kids programming to becoming a part-owner in a British soccer team.

Kerns argues that "Any future agreements he enters must still align with LeBron’s brand in the long run, even if they are financially beneficial in the short term" — find out why in our latest Brand Speak column.

The world watches Prince William and Kate Middleton — now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — as the Royal Wedding dominates TV and the web (esp. Google) today, breaking live streaming records. Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton won the derby as designer of the wedding dress, which Kate helped design and was inspired by Grace Kelly. The event (being rebroadcast on YouTube's Royal channel) also shines a spotlight on the UK — and the British monarchy and its challenges.

Berkshire Hathaway tries to distance itself from former exec David Sokol as the company’s annual meeting nears on Saturday.

Caterpillar boosts forecasts on strength in developing countries.

Discovery Communications posts solid gains.

Dunkin’ Donuts rides product innovation and differentiated marketing to strong first-quarter results.

Exxon and Shell profits soar on higher oil prices.Continue reading...

Tapping into the interest in the NBA Playoffs, the First Lady promotes basketball as a fun way for families to say in shape — all in support of her Let's Move! healthy kids initiative.

BMW and Mercedes outpace rivals in China, as Shanghai auto show opens and a new report shows the most popular brands in China are predominately foreign. Ford's China JV execs mull own brand, while Volkswagen reveals the new Beetle at events in Shanghai, New York and Berlin today. The Volkswagen Group also saw record first quarter sales as China deliveries boom.

VH1 woos female viewers with new programming, while siblings BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nick, and Spike remain holdouts on Time Warner Cable's iPad app due to Viacom lawsuit, although Cablevision's iPad app gets only grumbles.

Toyota resumes production at all Japan plants for first time since tsunami, as its Lexus brand slips behind rivals in the US. TEPCO also laid out a plan for shutting down nuclear reactor.Continue reading...

Adidas has seen the light. The brand has unveiled what it's claiming is "the lightest basketball shoe ever" — the adiZero Crazy Light. A mere 9.8 ounces, it will be worn by the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose during the NBA Playoffs, and available at Foot Locker on June 3rd.Continue reading...

KingJames is having quite a week. Not only is he now a part-owner of the Liverpool football club (aka soccer to North Americans) in a landmark deal for the NBA star, he also launched a YouTube-exclusive animated series, The LeBrons, a cartoon (watch the first episode below) sponsored by HP and Intel.Continue reading...