Man pleads guilty in the 2002 killing of Jam Master Jay of rap pioneers Run-DMC
NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly a quarter-century after rap star Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC was shot to death, a man admitted in court Monday to a role in a killing that stymied investigators for decades. Jay Bryant pleaded guilty to a federal murder charge, telling a judge that he helped other people get into a building so they could ambush the DJ, born Jason Mizell, in his recording studio. The 52-year-old’s admission brings some closure — but also adds complexity — to a knotty case. Bryant didn’t name the other people with whom he acted. But a jury in 2024 convicted two other men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, yet a judge subsequently cleared Jordan. Washington has also challenged his conviction.
Summer Movie Preview: Nolan, Spider-Man and 'Toy Story' light up the cinemas
Hollywood's summer movie season is packed with big names and franchises. Universal Pictures is releasing Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day.” Franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Minions,” “Star Wars,” and “Toy Story” are also set to draw crowds. This year, Disney kicks off the season with “The Devil Wears Prada 2" instead of a Marvel film. The industry is adapting to changes, with streaming and altered viewing habits impacting box office numbers. Despite challenges, directors like James Cameron remain optimistic about the future of theatrical releases. The summer movie season runs from May through August.
Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the 1960s bee-hived pop band the Ronettes, dies
NEW YORK (AP) — Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the Ronettes, has died at 80. Her daughter and the Ronettes' official Instagram account confirmed that she died Sunday at home. Ross, alongside her cousins, sang hits like “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.” The Ronettes became a leading act in the girl-group era with help from Phil Spector. They toured with The Rolling Stones and befriended the Beatles. After the group disbanded, Ross pursued Christian music. She was married to Scott Ross until his death in 2023. Ross is survived by four children.
Melanie C says she's bringing joy to the club with 'Sweat,' an athletic album from the Spice Girl
NEW YORK (AP) — Melanie C, also know as Mel C or Sporty Spice from the game-changing ‘90s girl group the Spice Girls, will release a new album on Friday. Her ninth solo album is called “Sweat.” The title track and lead single is equal parts club banger and workout anthem, something for the DJ booth and a runner’s playlist. She told The Associated Press her recent foray into deejaying directly inspired the new record. It’s all about the joy of the dance floor and her trademark athleticism. She says she hopes the new release motivates her fans but also provides them with some catharsis.
Summer Movie Guide 2026: Here’s what’s coming to theaters and streaming from May to August
This summer, Hollywood is buzzing with a mix of sequels, adaptations, and original films. The season kicks off in May with “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” exploring changes in media since the first film. A Billie Eilish concert film co-directed by James Cameron and a new “Star Wars” movie featuring Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian are also on the slate. June brings “Toy Story 5” and a new Steven Spielberg sci-fi film. July features “Minions & Monsters,” a live-action “Moana” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” August wraps up with comedies, horror films, and Ridley Scott’s postapocalyptic “The Dog Stars.”
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Movie Review: A flatulence-filled 'Animal Farm' for tots turns a masterpiece into cinematic manure
The new animated "Animal Farm" takes a radical departure from George Orwell's classic. Screenwriter Nicholas Stoller and director Andy Serkis have transformed the allegory into a bright, modern tale, complete with iPhones and sports cars, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy in his review. The film introduces new characters and muddies the focus from anti-totalitarianism to a critique of Big Corporatization. Despite an all-star voice cast, including Seth Rogen and Laverne Cox, the adaptation feels misguided, Kennedy says. It ends with a "Mission: Impossible"-style caper, straying far from Orwell's original message. The movie, rated PG, releases Friday.
The night a big story came directly to Washington's journalists — hundreds of them
More often than not, big stories happen out of the sight of journalists. Not so this weekend, when a shooting forced the postponement of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner — an annual event attended by hundreds of the nation's most prominent reporters and editors. Once it became apparent that something serious had happened, many of the journalists in tuxedos and gowns moved swiftly into work mode — recording video and photos of the scene on their mobile phones, and wrestling with spotty service to get the news out as swiftly as they could. Fear swept the Washington Hilton ballroom, but many reporters set it aside to work.
'Michael' moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
NEW YORK (AP) — “Michael,” the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, shattering a record debut for music biopics. A highly authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson estate, “Michael” far surpassed previous biopic top performers like “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” International sales were also strong. “Michael” collected $120.4 million overseas to give it a $217.4 million global opening — a new high for a music biopic. Universal picked up distribution in most international markets.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 3-9 includes Jackie Jackson and Cheryl Burke
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of May 3-9 include singer Jackie Jackson of The Jacksons, “Boardwalk Empire” actor Bobby Cannavale and dancer Cheryl Burke from “Dancing With the Stars.” Actor Rosario Dawson turns 47, singer Enrique Iglesias hits 51 and singer Adele welcomes 38. Other celebs with birthdays during the week include singer Chris Brown, “Today” TV personality Willie Geist and singer Michael Kiwanuka. Rapper Desiigner turns 29, comedian Ana Gasteyer from “Saturday Night Live” reaches 59 and “Arrested Development” actor Will Arnett hits i56. Others with big days include guitarist Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters, musician Billy Joel and actor Geneva Carr.
Venice’s La Fenice theater drops incoming music director after months of protests
MILAN (AP) — Venice’s La Fenice opera house is cutting ties with incoming music director Beatrice Venezi. Venezi was due to take up the role this coming October. But musicians have protested her appointment for months. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said that he hopes the decision will clear “misunderstandings and tensions.” Musicians and staff opposed Venezi’s selection, citing a lack of transparency and her inexperience. Their protests included a strike and a march through Venice. The audience and orchestra applauded during a performance Sunday night at the news that Venezi’s appointment had been blocked. The 36-year-old Venezi was appointed as an adviser to the culture minister after Premier Giorgia Meloni came to power in 2022.
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