Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote 'Y.M.C.A.,' dies at 74
NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote some of the disco group's biggest hits, including “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” has died at age 74. The group announced his death on Facebook, citing “a short but aggressive illness.” Willis, who performed dressed as a police officer, helped form the Village People in 1977 with producer Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo. The group's debut album was released that year, followed by hits like “Y.M.C.A.” in 1978. The song became an American phenomenon and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2020. The group's music remains a staple at events and celebrations worldwide.
Actor and activist Danny Glover says he has Alzheimer’s disease
NEW YORK (AP) — Actor and activist Danny Glover says he has Alzheimer’s disease. The “Lethal Weapon” star, who turns 80 on July 22, was diagnosed three years ago. He told “Today” and People magazine that he’s still coming to terms with the disease. Alzheimer’s affects more than 6 million people in the U.S. and millions more worldwide. Glover earned four Emmy nominations and an honorary Oscar in 2022. He also received awards from the NAACP and Black Entertainment Television. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program.
Eurovision, eh? Canada will compete at the glitzy song contest in 2027
LONDON (AP) — Canada is set to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time next year. The European Broadcasting Union and Canadian broadcaster CBC announced that Canada will join the contest in Bulgaria in May 2027. It's the first new country to enter Eurovision since Australia in 2015. CBC President Marie-Philippe Bouchard said this will showcase Canadian talent on a global stage. Eurovision Director Martin Green noted it shows the contest's global reach. Details on Canada's entry selection will be announced later this year. The campy, colorful celebration of pop has faced recent protests and boycotts over Israel's participation.
The Motown Museum's $75M expansion aims to honor Detroit's musical legacy
DETROIT (AP) — The Motown Museum in Detroit is undergoing a $75 million expansion that is slated to open in 2027. The original Motown hub known as Hitsville USA is where legends including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye developed and recorded their early hits. Supporters hope the revamped museum campus will boost Detroit's visitor numbers. Former Motown arranger Paul Riser Sr. believes the Motown Museum deserves the same recognition as landmarks such as New York City's Times Square. The museum currently attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. The expansion will include a theater, recording studio and more. The project highlights the importance of preserving Motown's legacy and promoting Detroit's musical heritage.
Something is happening at Madison Square Garden. Is it Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding?
Reports are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possibly getting married at New York's Madison Square Garden. Nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, but the New York Times reports they are planning a small gathering there July 2 followed by a larger event July 3. The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm those details. Public records show the city issued permits for loading and unloading theatrical materials at the arena during that time period. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday sidestepped questions about a possible Swift-Kelce wedding.
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OpenAI film 'Artificial,' dropped by Amazon, finds a new home with Neon
NEW YORK (AP) — “Artificial,” Luca Guadagnino’s starry film about Sam Altman and OpenAI, has been acquired by the indie distributor Neon after it was dropped by Amazon MGM Studios. Neon said Tuesday that it bought the film following a bidding process. Amazon dropped the nearly complete $40 million film, starring Andrew Garfield as Altman, earlier this month, a surprise move that came just months after Amazon announced a $50 billion investment in OpenAI. Amazon said then that “Artificial” would “be better served if it were released by a different studio.” Neon said it will release “Artificial” this year and “compete in this year’s Oscar race.”
Japan’s Eiko Kadono, author of ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service,’ still believes in the magic of books at 91
KAMAKURA, Japan (AP) — Eiko Kadono, the 91-year-old author behind Japan’s most famous and beloved children's fantasy books, has a little trouble going up the stairs these days. But she hasn’t stopped loving the color pink, dressing up or believing in the magic of books. Her best known 1985 novel “Kiki’s Delivery Service” — about a young witch who moves to the port town of Koriko with her cat, Jiji — led to a series of tales that have entertained a generation of readers. The original book was turned into a 1989 animation film by Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli. Kadono told The Associated Press at her home in the picturesque seaside town of Kamakura, south of Tokyo, that she still loves to write.
New Trump book, 'Regime Change,' has sold 300,000 copies, with more being printed, publisher says
The newest book on Donald Trump is a big hit. Publisher Simon & Schuster says that “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump,” written by political journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, has sold more than 300,000 copies in its opening week. The total figures include preorders, print book sales, ebooks, and e-audiobooks and orders that have yet to be fulfilled because of demand. Simon & Schuster said the book is into its third hard copy printing. It’s the best first-week clip of any hardcover nonfiction book in 2026. Trump has said the book is largely made up. But Haberman's and Swan's reporting take readers inside Trump's second presidency with considerable detail.
What, like it's hard? Newcomer Lexi Minetree put in the work to play a teen Elle Woods in 'Elle'
Lexi Minetree stars as a teenage Elle Woods in a new “Legally Blonde” prequel series for Prime Video. Executive producer Lauren Neustadter says Minetree impressed by recreating Elle's Harvard admission video. The series debuts Wednesday. Minetree says she watched the original film about 200 times to prepare but aimed to bring her unique touch to the role. The story begins at Elle's 16th birthday party before her family moves to Seattle in 1995. The students at her new school are initially unfriendly, and the series explores themes of self-acceptance and kindness. Season 2 has already wrapped, and a third “Legally Blonde” film is in the works.
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