Powerhouse attorney Robert B. Barnett, known for representing the Obamas and Clintons, passes away
NEW YORK (AP) — The Washington attorney who brokered book deals for Barack Obama, George W. Bush and dozens of other government leaders has died at age 79. Robert B. Barnett was a fixture in the political and publishing worlds for decades and had a client list like no other. He represented everyone from Hillary Clinton and Edward M. Kennedy to Dick Cheney and Mitch McConnell. He embodied an era when it was possible to work freely with both Democrats and Republicans and embodied the maxim that politics stops at the edge of a good book deal.
At the New York Film Festival, legacies loom large
NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” isn’t part of the New York Film Festival’s lineup, but its agitated sense of inheritance and keeping a fighting spirit alive are all over this year’s cinematic convergence at Lincoln Center. Much of what so energetically animates “One Battle After Another” can be felt across a wide spectrum of the 106 features unspooling across the 18-day festival. Highlights at this year's festival include Daniel Day-Lewis return from retirement, in “Anemone,” the Martin Scorsese documentary profile “Mr. Scorsese” and Ben Stiller's family documentary “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.”
Alex Winter takes a most excellent adventure on Broadway with 'Waiting For Godot' and Keanu Reeves
NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves have reunited on Broadway for “Waiting for Godot,” decades after their “Bill & Ted” films. The two actors have taken different career paths but remained close friends. Winter plays Vladimir, while Reeves takes on Estragon. They aim to portray the characters in a grounded way, drawing inspiration from playwright Samuel Beckett's real-life experiences. Winter also has a new film, “Adulthood,” releasing this fall. This marks Reeves' Broadway debut, but Winter is a seasoned veteran, having performed on stage since his teens. They both share a love for literature and theater.
Zara Larsson hopes 'Midnight Sun' helps complete her pop superstar puzzle
NEW YORK (AP) — Pop star Zara Larsson plans to continue to make the world dance with her new album, “Midnight Sun.” Out Friday, it serves as a love letter to her native Sweden where summer sunlight can extend until midnight. The “Lush Life” singer recently opened on Tate McRae’s tour and will headline her own dates starting next month in Europe before launching the North American leg in February. Larsson has never been shy about her desires to become the world's biggest pop star, wrote on every song and introduced introspective tracks like “Ambition,” which highlights her professional insecurities and “Saturn's Return,” which details her personal evolution.
A British court throws out a terror-related charge against a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap
LONDON (AP) — A London court has thrown out a terror-related charge against a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap. Rapper Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, had been charged after waving a flag of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, banned in Britain as a terrorist organization, during a London concert last year. But the chief magistrate sitting at Woolwich Crown Court said Friday the case should be thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against the rapper was brought. Kneecap has faced criticism for political statements seeming to glorify militant groups including Hamas and Hezbollah.
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Music Review: Olivia Dean breaks down 'The Art of Loving' with jazzy soul-pop sounds
The rising British soul pop singer Olivia Dean has released her sophomore album, “The Art of Loving.” The project released Friday comes on the heels of her late summer hit, “Man I Need.” Dean wears her influences on her sleeve across the album, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan in her review. “Loud” evokes Amy Winehouse or Adele, while “A Couple Minutes” features a sample from the 1971 song “We Had True Love” by the British soul-disco band Hot Chocolate. “Baby Steps” sees Dean again turn to themes of self-love, just as she did on her breakthrough hits.
Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' brings revolution to the (very) big screen
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Thomas Anderson has spent about 20 years writing “One Battle After Another.” Inspired by Thomas Pynchon's “Vineland,” the film explores themes like immigration, racism and systemic corruption. The story follows a revolutionary group called the French 75, who take justice into their own hands, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor deeply involved in the revolution. It's Anderson's most expensive project to date, shot entirely in VistaVision. The film aims to provoke thought about social issues and political division. It hits theaters on Friday.
Ed Sheeran, BigXthaPlug, Reneé Rapp, Jelly Roll and more to hit 2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball stage
NEW YORK (AP) — iHeartRadio has unveiled its star-studded 2025 Jingle Ball lineup. It will include performances by Ed Sheeran, Monsta X, Alex Warren, BigXthaPlug, Jelly Roll, Jessie Murph, Laufey, mgk (formerly Machine Gun Kelly) and more. The 10-city tour will hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta and Miami in December. The tour will kick off in at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 2. A presale for Capitol One cardholders will begin Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. local time and end Oct. 2. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Oct. 3.
Q&A: Mariah Carey enters ‘the era of me’ with her first album in 7 years
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mariah Carey is releasing her 16th studio album, “Here for It All,” marking a new chapter in her career. This 11-track album out Friday showcases Carey's evolution as an artist and blends soulful records, R&B, ballads and pop. Fans have eagerly awaited this release, which includes chart-topping singles like “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.” Collaborations with artists like Kehlani, Shenseea, The Clark Sisters and Anderson .Paak add to the album's appeal. Carey describes this as “the era of me,” emphasizing her personal growth and connection with fans. Her spirituality and faith are woven into the music and reflect her journey with the title track and “Jesus I Do.”
Eurovision to decide whether Israel can take part in 2026 contest as calls mount for its exclusion
GENEVA (AP) — Eurovision Song Contest organizers say member countries will vote in November about whether Israel can participate in the musical extravaganza next year, as calls have mounted for the country to be excluded over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The board of the European Broadcasting Union has sent a letter to members saying the vote will take place online in early November. Countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have threatened not to participate unless Israel is excluded.
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