Man pleads guilty to Atlanta auto break-in that led to theft of unreleased music by Beyonce
ATLANTA (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to an auto break-in last year in Atlanta that police say resulted in the theft of unreleased music by Beyoncé. Forty-one-year-old Kelvin Evans entered guilty pleas on Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court to entering an automobile and criminal trespass. News outlets say he was sentenced to two years in prison. He was scheduled to go on trial this week. In July, Evans broke into a parked Jeep Wagoneer rented by a choreographer and a dancer for Beyoncé. Stolen items included hard drives containing unreleased music, along with footage, plans, and concert set lists. Atlanta police have not recovered the items.
Jackson receives honorary Palme D’Or as Cannes flaunts star power despite Hollywood's retreat
CANNES, France (AP) — The 79th Cannes Film Festival is underway with politics, artificial intelligence and the shifting priorities of Hollywood taking center stage at the global film gathering. The festival paid tribute to Peter Jackson in the opening ceremony, giving the “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker an honorary Palme d'Or. Under sunny French Riviera skies, strong breezes blew though the resort town as Cannes unfurled the red carpet to launch 12 days of nonstop premieres on Tuesday that will culminate May 23 with the presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or.
Eurovision song competition starts with the first semifinal after boycott over Israel
VIENNA (AP) — The Eurovision Song Contest is starting in Vienna with tensions simmering over Israel's participation. Five countries are boycotting in protest over Israel's involvement. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned, and security is tight with police from Austria and Germany. Israeli singer Noam Bettan competes in the first semifinal Tuesday, aiming for Saturday’s final. Favorite Finland is also hoping to win votes from viewers and juries with the song “Liekinheitin.” Eurovision has faced political challenges, including Russia's expulsion in 2022. Organizers have tightened voting rules to prevent rigging. The second semifinal will be Thursday, and the top finishers from both advance to Saturday's final.
Americans love their iPhones (though sometimes they wish they could live without them)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The American obsession with the iPhone is complicated, as most love-hate relationships are. It sometimes seems like a talisman so magically powerful that we can’t fathom living without it. The iPhone, and its smartphone brethren, enable pictures that can almost instantly be posted on social media, play a video game, watch a video, listen to music, send a text, check email, surf the internet, catch up on on the news, get directions, tap to pay at the checkout stand. Oh — and, every once in a while, it can even make or answer a phone call. At other times, it seems like a drug-dealing pusher preying on our weaknesses and worst impulses while deepening our addiction.
Rick Riordan unveils new 'Camp Half-Blood' novels, starting this fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of Rick Riordan's “Percy Jackson” books can explore new adventures at Camp Half-Blood this fall. Random House Children's Books announced Tuesday that Riordan is collaborating with four co-authors on a series of middle grade novels. These books will delve into the camp's history when Percy himself isn't there. Riordan was inspired by working on the Disney+ adaptation of his work. The first book is called “The Wild Zone” and was written with Annebelle Oh. It releases Sept. 29. It introduces new demigod heroes facing ancient threats and secrets. The series will expand Percy's world with fresh stories and diverse characters.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson takes on aliens and how we should greet them in 'Take Me to Your Leader'
NEW YORK (AP) — Neil deGrasse Tyson has turned his lifelong fascination with aliens into a new book, “Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter.” Tyson explores what we know about extraterrestrial life and what an encounter might be like. He suggests that aliens would likely be far more advanced than humans, making Hollywood's depictions of fighting them seem laughable. The book blends pop culture with science, referencing everything from “Rick and Morty” to Voltaire. Tyson believes science could be a universal language for communication. The book arrives amid renewed interest in UFOs and aliens.
Rex Reed, longtime film critic and journalist, dies at 87
The well-known film critic and journalist Rex Reed has died at 87. A publicist says he passed away Tuesday at his Manhattan home after a short illness. Reed was a prominent voice in cultural criticism for over six decades, writing for The New York Observer and publishing eight books. He was known for his controversial comments, including remarks about Marlee Matlin and Melissa McCarthy. Reed also acted in films like “Superman” and appeared on TV shows. Reed once said he wanted to be remembered for respecting what was good in film.
From Dani Rojas to the USL: Cristo Fernandez earns an El Paso Locomotive deal
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Forward Cristo Fernandez, the actor known who portrayed Dani Rojas on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso,” has signed with El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL to play soccer professionally. The deal still must be approved by the second-tier league and soccer federation. Terms were not disclosed Tuesday. Fernandez earned the deal after a two-month trial with the team, appearing in a preseason match against New Mexico United. He played soccer at the youth level before an injury at the age of 15 led him to acting. Fernandez says he never stopped dreaming of competing professionally.
South Florida officers sue Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, claiming details in 'The Rip' are too real
MIAMI (AP) — Two South Florida police officers claim Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s recent action thriller “The Rip” used too many real-life details in its fictionalized narrative, causing harm to the officers’ personal and professional reputations. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office sergeants filed the lawsuit in federal court earlier this month against Artists Equity, a film production company owned by Affleck and Damon. They play police officers who find millions of dollars inside a house. Parts of the movie were inspired by a real 2016 case, where police found over $21 million linked to a suspected marijuana trafficker. An attorney for Artists Equity says the film does not purport to tell the true story of that incident or portray real people.
Tony Award for educators won by a Georgia teacher who stresses self-empowerment and storytelling
NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Hendricks, a middle school theater teacher in Georgia, is getting a Tony Award. Hendricks is receiving a special Tony that honors educators. He founded the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and has been an arts educator for over 30 years. He estimates that between 20 and 28 of his students have gone on to Broadway. The award includes a $10,000 prize for Utopian Academy and tickets to the June 7 Tony ceremony. Hendricks emphasizes self-love and creating a safe space for his students. One of his former students will be at the Tonys with him — sound designer Justin Ellington.
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