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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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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. Musicians have protested her appointment for months. Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said 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. Venezi, 36, was appointed as an adviser to the culture minister after Premier Giorgia Meloni came to power in 2022.
Shots fired as gunman charges toward ballroom at White House correspondents' dinner. Trump unharmed
WASHINGTON (AP) — A man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday night. The man charged toward the ballroom in a chaotic encounter with Secret Service agents as guests dived under tables at the sound of shots being fired Saturday night. The president was uninjured and was rushed off the stage. The armed man, who officials said was a guest at the Washington Hilton where the dinner was being held, was taken into custody and was expected in court Monday. Police believe he opened fire and acted alone but did not say who was his intended target or describe a motive.
Screenwriters overwhelmingly approve a 4-year contract with Hollywood studios
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Members of the screenwriters union have ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios. Union leaders said Friday that 90% voted to approve the deal. This move ends a surprisingly smooth process compared with the prolonged strike of 2023. The agreement involves the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. It lasts for four years instead of the typical three Union leaders emphasized gains in health coverage and minimum pay hikes, especially for comedy and variety writers. Actors are still negotiating their new contract.
Despite Iran tensions, King Charles III will follow his mother's lead in celebrating US-UK bonds
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III embarks on a state visit to the U.S. on Monday, aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, set a high bar with her 1991 speech to Congress, highlighting shared democratic values. Charles is likely to echo these themes as he celebrates America's 250th birthday. The visit includes a commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks and a tribute to fallen service members. Despite political tensions, Charles will seek to emphasize the enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. His speech to Congress will likely aim to unite lawmakers across party lines, focusing on long-term bonds over short-term disputes.
Jake Reiner describes the 'living nightmare' of losing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jake Reiner has shared his heartbreak over losing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. A Substack post on Friday represents the first detailed public account of his experience since his parents' killing in December. He recalls the shock of learning about their deaths when his younger sister called him while he was at a close friend's funeral. He says the aftermath has been a “living nightmare.” Jake briefly mentions his brother Nick, who has been charged with killing their parents. But he focuses more on the love and memories his parents left behind. Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty.

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