A rough year for journalists in 2025, with a little hope for things to turn around
NEW YORK (AP) — By most measures, 2025 was a rough year for those who care about freedom of the press. It's likely to be the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers across the world. The number of assaults on reporters spiked in the United States. As is by now familiar, the ranks of people working as journalists continues to thin. The president of the United States continues to berate many who ask him questions, sometimes in harshly personal terms. Outside of name-calling, the second term of President Donald Trump has seen a coordinated campaign against journalists on several different levels.
Hong Kong rings in 2026 without fireworks after deadliest blaze in decades
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong rang in 2026 without fireworks over Victoria Harbor after a massive fire in November killed at least 161 people. The city’s tourism board hosted a music show Wednesday night featuring Air Supply and other singers in the Central business district. Eight landmarks became giant countdown clocks, presenting a light show at midnight. Fireworks have long been part of Hong Kong’s celebrations, drawing crowds to both sides of the promenade. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law admitted having no fireworks would affect some hotel and restaurant businesses. Past tragedies in Hong Kong also have forced cancellations of firework shows.
In a breakneck digital era, the ancient art of Peking opera works hard to keep flourishing
BEIJING (AP) — The old and nuanced art of Peking opera is working hard to flourish in an era of digital entertainment and incessant screens. It's doing so through people like Zhang Wanting, an actress who is so dedicated and determined that she practices a single, gravity-defying move for months — and sometimes years. For Zhang, the payoff is in the audience's reaction. But as determined as she is to impress, she's also committed to making sure that this centuries-old piece of Chinese culture doesn't fade as the world moves deeper into the 21st century.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor from 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71
Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at age 71. His manager confirmed he passed away Tuesday in New York after a short illness. Whitlock played the corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on “The Wire." He also appeared in several Spike Lee films, including “25th Hour” and “BlacKkKlansman.” Whitlock played Secretary of Defense George Maddox on “Veep.” Originally from South Bend, Indiana, he studied theater after a football injury and began his acting career in San Francisco. He began appearing in small television guest roles on shows including “Cagney and Lacy” in the late 1980s. He went on to appear in five of Lee’s films.
What music and television to stream: A New Year's Eve tradition and a 'Stranger Things' sendoff
The end of the year brings fewer new streaming options, but it's a great time to catch up on 2025's best movies, TV, music, and games. The Associated Press offers comprehensive guides on its Year in Review page. One standout this week is a music and television option perfect for New Year's Eve. On Dec. 31, you can enjoy all-star performances. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is available to stream on ABC.com. Performers include Chappell Roan, 50 Cent, Diana Ross, Chance the Rapper, and many more. Earlier in the evening, “Stranger Things” will drop its series finale with the final episode of Season 5.
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France grants citizenship to George and Amal Clooney and their twins Ella and Alexander
PARIS (AP) — George and Amal Clooney, along with their twins, have been awarded French citizenship. France's government announced the naturalizations last weekend in the Journal Officiel. Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer, was naturalized under her maiden name, Amal Alamuddin. The couple purchased an estate in France in 2021. In an October interview with Esquire, Clooney described their French farm as their primary residence. He expressed concerns about raising their kids in Hollywood's culture, preferring a quieter life in France. Representatives for Clooney did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.
Chevy Chase is under the spotlight in a new documentary, warts and all — and he's OK with it
NEW YORK (AP) — Chevy Chase's new documentary, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” explores his complex personality and career. Directed by Marina Zenovich, it airs on CNN on New Year’s Day. The film covers Chase's journey from his troubled childhood to his time on “Saturday Night Live” and Hollywood success, ending with his stint on “Community.” Zenovich includes insights from Dan Aykroyd, Beverly D’Angelo and others. Chase's humor is seen as a coping mechanism for past trauma. Despite his reputation for being difficult, Chase approves of the film, calling it both painful and lovely, like a massage.
Brigitte Bardot's funeral will be held next week in French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez
PARIS (AP) — Local authorities in France say Brigitte Bardot’s funeral is set for next week in the French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez which she helped make famous. The cinema star and animal rights activist died Sunday at 91 in southern France. Saint-Tropez town hall said Monday that a ceremony is scheduled on Jan. 7 and will be broadcast on large screens at the port and central square. The burial will be private at the local cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A public homage will follow. Bardot retired from cinema in 1973 and lived in Saint-Tropez for more than a half-century.
Nézet-Séguin’s path to the Vienna New Year’s concert began when he replaced banned conductor in 2022
Yannick Nézet-Séguin's journey to conducting the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year’s Day concert began when he stepped in for a banned Russian conductor at Carnegie Hall in 2022. Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to the replacement of Valery Gergiev and pianist Denis Matsuev, both supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nézet-Séguin took over on short notice, earning him the prestigious New Year’s concert. This event is televised to millions of viewers. Nézet-Séguin, who holds multiple directorships, had not worked with the Vienna Philharmonic for five years before 2022.
Movie Review: 'The Plague' dives into a sink-or-swim water polo camp
The undercurrents of adolescent cruelty churn queasily in Charlie Polinger’s stylish first feature, “The Plague.” The title of Polinger’s film might bring to mind Stephen King or recent global history, but “The Plague” is set entirely around the clear, chlorinated pools and shadowy hallways of a water polo camp, circa 2003. Polinger’s talent for crafting ominous, murky atmospheres and perceptive adolescent dynamics make “The Plague” an auspicious debut feature, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle. “The Plague” expands wide in theaters Friday.
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