Thieves steal paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse from Italian private museum
ROME (AP) — Thieves have stolen three famous paintings from a private museum near Parma. Police say the works are worth millions. They say the break-in happened on the night of March 22 and 23. Police say the thieves forced open the entrance door and grabbed the paintings. The stolen works include a Renoir, a Cézanne, and a Matisse. Local media say the thieves were out in less than three minutes and escaped through the museum gardens. The museum believes an organized gang did it. The theft adds to a run of major museum heists in Europe.
'Project Hail Mary' flies to $54.5 million second weekend, horror reaches a saturation point
NEW YORK (AP) — “Project Hail Mary” stayed aloft in its second weekend, holding strongly with $54.5 million, adding to the long-term prospects of the year’s biggest hit thus far. The Phil Lord and Chris Miller sci-fi adventure dipped only 32% after notching the best non-franchise opening weekend since 2023’s “Oppenheimer.” Amazon MGM’s yet, “Project Hail Mary” has grossed $300.8 million worldwide in two weeks. The weekend’s top new release, “They Will Kill You,” debuted with a disappointing $5 million for Warner Bros. The gory R-rated horror film starring Zazie Beetz only cost $20 million to make. But the result suggests theaters may have become oversaturated in horror.
Actor James Tolkan of 'Top Gun' and 'Back to the Future' fame dies at 94
Actor James Tolkan, known for his roles as a cigar-chomping naval commander in “Top Gun” and a gruff high school administrator in “Back to the Future,” has died. He was 94. Tolkan's booking agent says Tolkan died Thursday in Lake Placid, New York. In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed the bow tie-wearing Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who eyeballed students for trouble — in particular Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox. Tolkan also portrayed commanding officer Tom “Stinger” Jardian in “Top Gun.”
Disney's new CEO opens World of Frozen in Paris as he showcases the empire that made him
CHESSY, France (AP) — Disneyland Paris has opened a huge new “Frozen” land as the centerpiece of a major park makeover. Disney unveiled World of Frozen on Sunday and renamed Walt Disney Studios Park as Disney Adventure World. The opening gives new CEO Josh D’Amaro his first big international moment since taking the top job in March. The expansion is the biggest in the resort’s 34-year history. In the park, guests ride Frozen Ever After, meet Anna and Elsa, see new attractions, dining and a lagoon show.
Spain begins Holy Week with processions, palm branches and familiar faces
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MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Actor Antonio Banderas has joined the crowds in dozens of Palm Sunday processions, marking the official start of Holy Week in Spain. Andalusian cities of Seville and Malaga are hosting some of the most popular and lavish processions, featuring elaborately decorated floats and hundreds of penitents, but religious events of all kinds take place throughout Spain. In Cabra, a small town in the nearby mountains of Cordoba, in addition to the faithful who march carrying traditional palm branches, 12 of them portrayed Jesus’ apostles wearing masks bearing their likenesses.
New York City and Dr. Phil’s son resolve dispute over NYPD reality show
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City has ended its legal fight with producer Jordan McGraw, the son of TV’s “Dr. Phil” McGraw. The settlement reached Friday clears the way for a reality show he’s making about the New York Police Department. The agreement says the city will retain editorial control over the show after accusing Jordan McGraw and his production company, McGraw Media, of trying to wrest it away. The show is hosted by “Dr. Phil” and titled “Behind the Badge." The agreement also says McGraw Media will provide cuts of episodes to the NYPD and will incorporate its edits. A message seeking comment was left for a lawyer for Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media.
Moroccan court jails rapper who has criticized ties with Israel and corruption
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — A Moroccan court has sentenced a rapper known for his criticism of the country’s ties with Israel and government corruption to eight months in prison. It is the latest in a string of penalties against young musical artists in the North African kingdom. The court this week found the 23-year-old rapper, Souhaib Qabli, guilty of insulting a constitutional body, his lawyer told The Associated Press. Rights groups have described the case as a political measure aimed at curbing freedoms. Morocco’s constitution generally guarantees freedom of expression, but certain types of speech can still trigger criminal charges. Qabli is appealing the ruling.
Savannah Guthrie to return to 'Today' show on April 6 after mother's disappearance
Savannah Guthrie will return to NBC's “Today” show on April 6. The longtime morning show co-anchor has been absent since her mother's disappearance nearly two months ago. Guthrie says in an interview that aired Friday that experiencing joy will be her protest. Guthrie talked with Hoda Kotb, who has been filling in for her in emotional interviews released this week. Guthrie says she's not sure she's up for it but wants to try because NBC, too, is her family. Authorities believe Guthrie's mother, Nancy, was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will from her Arizona home.
Music Review: Charlie Puth shows off his bag of musical tricks on 'Whatever's Clever!'
A choir and an orchestra back up Charlie Puth on his fourth album, “Whatever's Clever!” It sees the artist consider change. Puth and his co-producer BloodPop pull from a Mary Poppins bag of musical tricks to create complex tracks, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan. A number of features add intrigue to the tracks. Musically, the outcome is fun. The influences, ranging from yacht rock to jazz and R&B, divert from Puth’s previous pop. But Puth and BloodPop play it safe lyrically. “Whatever's Clever!” releases Friday.
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