Rapper Mystikal sentenced to 20 years in Louisiana rape case
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The rapper Mystikal will serve 20 years in prison for raping a woman at his Louisiana home in 2022. He pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in March with a sentencing cap of 20 years. The victim spoke in court before sentencing and asked the judge to give Mystikal the maximum sentence, according to local ABC affiliate WBRZ. She reportedly said the rapper had punched her, choked her, pulled out her braids and forcibly raped her. The Louisiana rapper's given name is Michael Lawrence Tyler. He received multiple Grammy nominations in the early 2000s.
Movie Review: In 'Toy Story 5,' it's (digital) apocalypse now for toys
“Toy Story 5” may fall shy of the first three and probably ranks as the fifth best of these movies. But “Toy Story” has a high bar and the quality and thoughtfulness that has long distinguished Pixar is very much present here, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. As the movie’s “toys vs. tech” advertising has made abundantly clear, “Toy Story 5” is predicated on an extremely relatable conflict for kids and parents, alike. In it, tablets arrive just as ominously as weapons did in “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Given just how profoundly screens have altered childhood, the paradigm-shift storyline gives “Toy Story 5” something most sequels can’t claim: a reason for being.
Ann Patchett’s next accolade: A peace prize rooted in the Dayton Accords legacy
NEW YORK (AP) — Ann Patchett has received the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award. The Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation announced the honor Wednesday, recognizing her work for fostering peace and global understanding. The award is named after the diplomat who helped broker the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords. Patchett, known for novels like “Bel Canto” and “The Dutch House,” also owns a bookstore and advocates for writers. She encourages making small, meaningful contributions to peace. The foundation also announced finalists for the 2025 Dayton Literary Peace Prize Awards, including Amanda Knox’s memoir “Free.” Winners will be announced in September.
A look at presidential libraries as the Obama Presidential Center opens to the public this week
NEW YORK (AP) — Franklin Roosevelt helped launch the modern system of presidential libraries in the late 1930s. A network of museums and research facilities has since grown nationwide. Historian Douglas Brinkley calls them vital hubs for lectures and research. Presidential libraries often reflect a leader's personality and legacy. Settings for presidential libraries range from small towns in Iowa to big cities in Texas and California. Barack Obama's library opens to the public Friday in Chicago. While archives are mostly managed by the National Archives, museums are funded by private donors, which can influence how history is presented.
British TV personality Jeremy Clarkson reveals prostate cancer in final 'Clarkson’s Farm' episodes
LONDON (AP) — British television personality Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has prostate cancer on the final fifth-season episodes of his farm reality show. Clarkson says that the disease is aggressive but was detected early. The 66-year-old Clarkson tells farm manager Kaleb Cooper and consultant Charlie Ireland about his diagnosis during a harvest planning discussion on “Clarkson's Farm.” He later said from a hospital bed that part of his prostate was removed and he’ll know his prognosis in November. Clarkson is known for his outspoken views and has become an agriculture advocate since taking up farming in 2019. Clarkson said on social media Tuesday that he would share somber news on the final episodes of “Clarkson’s Farm" which were released on Wednesday.
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Sean Penn to direct Warner Bros. movie about a police officer at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean Penn will direct a movie about a police officer who was at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in 2021, Warner Bros. said Tuesday. Following his Oscar-winning performance in “One Battle After Another,” Penn will direct the as-yet-untitled film from his own script. Bradley Cooper is in talks to star, though no deal has been finalized. Penn attended the 2002 hearing of the House Select Committee investigating the attack on the Capitol. The movie’s announcement comes just days after the U.S. Justice Department said it will not challenge Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
‘Obsession’ is a sensation. Everyone, including Curry Barker, is trying to figure out what it means
NEW YORK (AP) — Over the last month, “Obsession” has sent shock waves through Hollywood. Curry Barker’s microbudget horror film has grossed $286 million worldwide, and it’s still going. In North America, it has outgrossed “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It’s Focus Features’ biggest hit in its 24-year existence and ranks among the most profitable movies ever made. Coupled with the A24 hit “Backrooms,” by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, it’s been a coming-out party for YouTube as a breeding ground for the next generation of filmmakers. It’s also brought waves of Gen Z moviegoers into theaters. Summer has historically been dominated by legacy franchises, but “Obsession” may represent a sea change.
JD Vance went on television to plug a faith memoir. 'The View' had other plans
Vice President JD Vance is promoting his new book, but that wasn’t the main focus when he went on ABC’s “The View” to plug his memoir on faith. Instead, Vance faced tough questions on Jeffrey Epstein, the economy and immigration. His appearance on the show Tuesday marked a rare foray for a Trump administration official into what they consider hostile media, with the long-running morning show generally dominated by its liberal hosts. Vance joked about the challenging environment at the start of the hour, saying, “This is a show of MAGA Republicans, right?” He defended President Donald Trump’s comments on affordability and inflation by rephrasing his remarks on them, leading Joy Behar to ask him, “Are you his interpreter, or are you his vice president?”
The Grammys add 5 new categories and announce changes to best new artist
NEW YORK (AP) — The Recording Academy has announced changes for the 2026 Grammy Awards, including five new categories. These include best Asian pop music performance, best traditional pop vocal performance and best Latin song. Changes have also been made to the R&B and folk categories. The best R&B solo performance is reimagined, and a best R&B collaboration or duo/group performance is added. Folk now includes best contemporary folk album and best traditional folk album. The best new artist category has been updated, allowing artists to submit four times. These changes aim to reflect the evolving music industry.
Cape Verde's Vozinha becomes an Instagram sensation thanks to his saves and a streamer's push
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Vozinha gasped and laughed in shock when shown the number of new Instagram followers he had gained after helping tiny Cape Verde hold off powerhouse Spain in his team’s World Cup debut. Less than 24 hours after the game, Vozinha already had nearly 10 million Instagram followers. That is more than NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes each have. A popular Brazilian streamer was taking credit for the goalkeeper's sudden surge in followers. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to get the 40-year-old goalkeeper's mother a visa to the U.S.
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