Bowen Yang to depart SNL mid-season, last episode with buddy Ariana Grande
NEW YORK (AP) — Bowen Yang will leave “Saturday Night Live” mid-season after Saturday's episode with Ariana Grande. He joined as a writer in 2018, became a featured player the next season, and was promoted to the main cast two seasons later. Yang has been a fan favorite with five Emmy nominations. A representative for “SNL” declined to comment on his departure. Yang has been silent on social media. He had previously discussed leaving with the show's creator, Lorne Michaels, who encouraged him to stay. Yang also co-hosts the podcast “Las Culturistas” and appeared as Pfannee in the “Wicked” movies.
Children's author David Walliams denies inappropriate behavior after publisher drops him
LONDON (AP) — British children's author and comedian David Walliams has denied allegations of inappropriate behavior after HarperCollins decided not to publish his future books. Walliams, known for his bestselling children's books and as a former judge on "Britain's Got Talent," was informed of the decision on Friday. HarperCollins said they won't comment on internal matters to respect staff privacy. Walliams' spokesperson claims he was never informed of any allegations or investigations. Walliams has published over 40 children's books, selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. He left "Britain's Got Talent" in 2022 after apologizing for disrespectful comments about auditioning contestants.
Judge nixes conviction of 1 of 2 men found guilty of killing Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has voided the conviction of one of the two men found guilty of the 2002 killing of Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay. The judge ruled Friday that there wasn’t enough evidence that the man had a motive to kill the hip-hop star. Nearly two years after a jury delivered its verdict, the decision came from the same Brooklyn federal judge who presided over the trial. In Friday’s ruling, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted Karl Jordan Jr. an acquittal on the murder charges. His lawyers had argued the evidence didn’t support prosecutors’ claims that he killed the pioneering DJ as revenge for a failed drug deal.
'6-7,' Dubai chocolate, Labubu: You took 2025, now scat!
NEW YORK (AP) — As 2025 wraps up, there are a few things we'd like to leave behind when the new year rolls around. Put “6-7” in that category. Associated Press Lifestyles Writer Leanne Italie says the same goes for those wacky barrel pants, Dubai chocolate and, yes, Labubu. Toxic positivity also went on the rise, with phrases like “good vibes only” dismissing genuine emotions. Let's feel the feels in 2026. While we're at it, can we modulate the obsession with adding protein to processed foods? C'mon 2026. We can do better.
Life ring, lifeboat piece from Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck sell at auction for $150,000
DETROIT (AP) — A life ring and a lifeboat remnant from a famous Great Lakes shipwreck have sold at auction for $150,000. The sale came a month after the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior. There were no survivors among the 29 men back in 1975. The life ring and lifeboat piece were found on shore by Larry Orr, shortly after the ship went down. Orr says he is “dumbfounded” that the auction reached $150,000. The buyer wishes to be anonymous.
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Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome their 'perfect angel girl'
Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have announced the birth of their baby, a girl. Their newborn is named Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson. They shared the news Thursday on Instagram. The baby is the first for both and was born Dec. 12. Model Hewitt called Scottie her “best work yet.” Davidson added: “wu tang forever.” The baby's name appears to honor Davidson's late father. The New York City firefighter died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Hewitt confirmed the pregnancy in July on Instagram. The couple went public with their relationship in March. They shared several photos of their newborn but covered her face with a white heart emoji.
Oscar contender ‘The Secret Agent’ capitalizes on the rise of Brazilian cinema
SAO PAULO (AP) — The Brazilian film “The Secret Agent” is opening nationwide in U.S. theaters. The Oscar-shortlisted Brazilian thriller follows Armando, a scientist targeted by Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1970s. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the film has been praised as one of the year's best and won major awards at Cannes. Set in 1977, it explores themes of identity and memory during Brazil's 21-year dictatorship. The film arrives during a strong moment for Brazilian cinema, following the success of “I'm Still Here.” Tania Maria, a 78-year-old artisan, shines as Dona Sebastiana, adding authenticity to the story.
The Kennedy Center has added Trump's name to the memorial Congress created for John F. Kennedy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center has added President Donald Trump's name to the memorial that Congress created for John F. Kennedy. Several blue tarps were hung in front of the building early Friday to obscure the work. A few hours later, it had a new name: The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The renaming followed a vote Thursday by the Washington performing arts center's board of trustees. Trump, a Republican, put numerous loyalists on the board, who then elected him as chairman. The Kennedy Center went ahead with the renaming despite a dispute over whether the board's vote was legal.
Movie Review: Wonder and war in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'
“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” will probably be a rewarding experience for fans of James Cameron's saga. But for those whose trips to Pandora have made less of an impact, it's like returning to a half-remembered vacation spot, only one where the local ponytail style is a little strange and everyone seems to have the waist of a supermodel, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The 195-minute film is our longest stay yet on Pandora and the one most likely to make you ponder why you came here, in the first place. You can feel Cameron’s devotion to the dynamics of his characters, even when his interest outstrips our own.
Sony buys a majority stake in the 'Peanuts' comic for $457 million from Canada's WildBrain
Sony is taking control of the beloved comic strip Peanuts. The company is buying a 41% stake from Canadian owner WildBrain for $457 million. This deal, announced Friday, increases Sony's shareholding to 80%. The Schulz family will continue to own the remaining 20%. Sony Music Entertainment's President says they are excited to elevate the Peanuts brand using Sony's global network. Peanuts debuted in 1950 and has become a global phenomenon. Sony acquired its first stake in Peanuts Holdings in 2018. WildBrain also owns other kids' entertainment franchises like Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies.
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