'Doctor Who' future uncertain as BBC scraps Christmas special and showrunner exits
LONDON (AP) — The future of "Doctor Who” is uncertain after the BBC canceled a planned Christmas special. Showrunner Russell T. Davies has confirmed his exit, saying the episode wasn't written and no actor was chosen for the Doctor's role. The BBC announced Wednesday that Davies and production company Bad Wolf decided not to proceed with the special. The broadcaster says it aims to invest in the show's long-term future and is seeking new production partners. "Doctor Who,” first aired in 1963, has entertained generations of fans, with more than a dozen actors playing the lead role. Davies, who revived the show in 2005, says its future remains "exciting and unpredictable.”
The secrets behind a memorable World Cup anthem, from Shakira and more
NEW YORK (AP) — What makes a memorable FIFA World Cup anthem? Is it a global banger? A song performed in different languages and across internationally popular genres to speak to as many countries as possible? Or should it simply value a chant-along chorus above all? The Associated Press asked a few of the performers behind the most popular World Cup anthems of all time to get to the bottom of it. According to Shakira, J Balvin, Wyclef Jean and Nora Fatehi, it is all of the above. A good anthem chooses rhythm, catchy hooks and expresses unity.
From YouTube to Disney+: Preschool hit 'Gracie's Corner' lands streaming and development deal
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The educational series “Gracie’s Corner” is joining Disney+. The show, created by Javoris and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, was inspired by their daughter Graceyn and aims to reflect diverse families. Disney announced Thursday that it has acquired the global streaming rights and will develop new content with the family. The series, which has over 6.3 million YouTube subscribers, will debut Monday on Disney+ in the U.S. and select markets. The Hollingsworths started the series during the pandemic to provide educational content featuring Black characters. The partnership highlights Disney’s interest in creator-led programming.
Lights! Camera! Cage match! The White House lawn's Octagon is ready for Trump's 80th birthday bash
WASHINGTON (AP) — A massive UFC event is set to take over the White House's South Lawn. The temporary arena resembles a cross between a UFO and a claw game in a video arcade and features an eight-sided cage and a towering structure of lights, speakers and wiring called The Claw. The event celebrates President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service is contesting a lawsuit to block the event, which costs more than $60 million. The fights are scheduled for Sunday night, with additional activities planned throughout the weekend. UFC chief Dana White insists the show will go on, rain or shine.
Taylor Swift attends Knicks' record-breaking rally over Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift saw a memorable Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Swift wore a blue T-shirt with “Stevie Knicks” printed on it in orange. Reports emerged in recent weeks that she and fiance Travis Kelce are set to host their upcoming wedding inside the arena. The couple attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers, not far from where Kelce is from in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Swift celebrated Wednesday night after the Knicks completed a record rally from 29 points down to beat the Spurs 107-106.
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French singer Patrick Bruel charged with rape, attempted rape and sexual assault
PARIS (AP) — French singer and actor Patrick Bruel faces preliminary charges of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and harassment involving several women between 2008 and 2019. He denies the allegations. The prosecutor's office said on Thursday that the 67-year-old appeared before four investigative judges after two days in police custody. The investigation includes incidents in France, Brussels, and Switzerland. Released under strict supervision, Bruel must surrender his passport and post bail. Media reports have brought more allegations to light. Bruel, a major star since the late 1980s, has canceled his upcoming shows in France, Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium.
Movie Review: This train’s going fast, but the jokes fly even faster in “Stop! That! Train!’
The runaway bullet train travels fast in “Stop! That! Train!” But the jokes and gags? They come even faster. There's a sweet madcap feel to the movie, a disaster-flick spoof directed by Adam Shankman and starring RuPaul and alums from the “Drag Race” universe. RuPaul is a hoot as President Judy Gagwell, but the heart of the movie, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck in her review, is the duo of Tess and DeeDee (“Drag Race” alums Ginger Minj and Jujubee), train hostesses whose friendship is tested as they navigate a perilous ride through a catastrophic “Stormaganza.” Opens Friday in theaters.
Keith Urban didn't set out to record a yacht rock record. But then he entered the 'Flow State'
NEW YORK (AP) — Keith Urban didn't set out to record a yacht rock covers album. It just happened. “Flow State” features 10 covers and an original track with a giant of the genre, Michael McDonald. Urban says the project started spontaneously in his Nashville studio, where he recorded songs with session musicians. The album grew over months, capturing the joy of music without commercial pressures. Urban's unique take on classics includes collaborations with Little Big Town and John Mayer. The original song “We Go Back” was written in 2020 and finally recorded with McDonald. Urban describes the album as a soothing escape during divisive times.
Movie Review: ‘Disclosure Day’ is classic Spielberg
Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day” takes the filmmaker back to familiar territory. The film follows Daniel Kellner, played by Josh O’Connor, who’s caught in a conspiracy involving extraterrestrial life. Emily Blunt plays a broadcaster who gets entangled in the mystery. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that the movie is classic Spielberg, filled with adventure, suspense and sane action. With a John Williams score and Spielberg’s signature style, it’s a nostalgic ride that reminds us why we love his films. “Disclosure Day” is in theaters Friday. It is rated PG-13
Glenn Close will get an Oscar at last — honorarily. So will Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman
Glenn Close is finally getting an Oscar. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that she will receive an honorary Academy Award at the annual Governors Awards. Close, an eight-time nominee, is known for her emotional range and complex characters. The awards often honor artists with legendary careers but no competitive Oscar. Director Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman will also receive honorary Oscars. Scott, known for films like “Alien” and “Gladiator,” has been nominated four times without a win. Norman is celebrated for breaking barriers and inspiring generations of artists.

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