How Americans celebrated the bicentennial — with fireworks, a Freedom Train and Farrah
WASHINGTON (AP) — In 1976, as the United States prepared to celebrate its 200th anniversary, the mood was ambivalent. Americans had outlasted the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, with the occasional moment of joy like the moon landing. The State of the Union was intact, even if many Americans were still on edge. The traveling Freedom Train, Operation Sail and TV's “Bicentennial Minute" aimed for positive vibes, dance music ruled the airwaves, and Farrah Fawcett-Majors' red, white and blue poster became a phenomenon. But Nixon-era paranoia lingered in theaters with “All the President's Men,” “Taxi Driver” and “Network.”
Gene Shalit, longtime 'Today' show movie critic with bushy hair and massive mustache, dies at 100
NEW YORK (AP) — A beloved movie critic and arts reporter for the “Today” show, Gene Shalit has died. Known for his puffy hair, oversized handlebar mustache and a love for puns, Shalit joined “Today” in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973. He was a middle-of-the-road critic, known for his wit and intelligence. Shalit was instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America, moving it from print to television. He was regularly mocked on “Saturday Night Live” and made cameos on shows like “Sesame Street.” Shalit was predeceased by his wife and had six children.
Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery won't harm competition, consumers, DOJ says
The U.S. Justice Department has determined that Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is unlikely to be harmful to consumers. The agency said Friday that an investigation by antitrust regulators concluded that the merger would increase competition in areas like video streaming, giving consumers more options. It also found that the merger is not likely to harm competition in the film industry. Paramount Skydance reached the deal in February, beating a rival bid by Netflix. Critics, however, worry about industry consolidation. The merger is still under review by other regulators, including those in Europe and the U.K., with decisions expected in the coming months.
Judge awards Blake Lively legal fees but no more damages in dispute over 'It Ends With Us' film
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge says Blake Lively can recover some legal costs from Justin Baldoni but not punitive damages and other relief she sought after settling her legal claims over their 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” Judge Lewis J. Liman said in a written ruling Friday that Lively can recover legal fees and costs related to her defense against a countersuit Baldoni brought against her after she sued him in December 2024. Lively and Baldoni settled the bulk of their dispute last month just as a trial was about to start on Lively's retaliation claims. Lawyers on both sides Friday claimed Liman's ruling was a victory.
Trump's name poised to be removed from Kennedy Center after court denies last-minute move to keep it
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center is running out of options to keep President Donald Trump’s name on the facade of the iconic performing arts venue. A judge had rejected a request to pause a court-ordered deadline of Friday to remove references to Trump from the building and other aspects of the Kennedy Center’s operations. The institution appealed that ruling, an effort that was also rebuffed Friday evening. Scaffolding was erected around a section of the building that includes Trump’s name but the Kennedy Center sought one more brief delay because of thunderstorms that swept through Washington on Friday evening.
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King Charles appoints actor Helen Mirren to a select group in his birthday honors list
LONDON (AP) — Helen Mirren, one of the world’s most acclaimed actors, has joined a select group of people recognized by King Charles III for their “major contribution” to British life. The 80-year-old was named on Friday a “Companion of Honour,” one of the highest awards the king can bestow to citizens in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth, limited to only 65 people at any time. Mirren’s elevation to the group, which also includes British environmentalist David Attenborough, Canadian author Margaret Atwood and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was one of the highlights of Charles’ latest award of honors. The honors are awarded twice a year, once at New Year’s, and then in June, to mark the king’s birthday.
David Hockney, iconic British artist known for his colorful landscapes and pool scenes, dies at 88
LONDON (AP) — Artist David Hockney has died. He was 88. His paintings of pools shimmering in the Los Angeles sunshine became icons of 20th-century art. He was one of the most popular and critically lauded British artists of the last century. He was born in the north of England but lived much of his life in Southern California, making its sun-drenched suburban views a major motif. Later in life he returned to Europe, finding renewed inspiration in the wooded hills of his native county of Yorkshire and the fields and trees of France’s Normandy region. Hockney’s publicist said Friday that he died at his home in London on Thursday.
A Bosnian song about disillusionment with the American Dream becomes a World Cup banger
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — The opening lyrics couldn’t be plainer: “I am from Bosnia; take me to America.” But by rewriting their classic “USA,” the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv has transformed a song about disillusionment with the American Dream into a viral anthem powering Bosnia-Herzegovina’s own World Cup dreams. Bosnia-Herzegovina is making only its second appearance at a World Cup. The goal once seemed improbable, but the song has become a rallying cry that's unified a divided country as the team qualified. Bosnia's first match is Friday, against Canada.
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' seizes the small-story moment in prestige TV with Dunk and Egg
LOS ANGELES (AP) — HBO's “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has charmed viewers with its humble story of aspiring knight Dunk and his squire Egg, and it could be an Emmy contender. Showrunner Ira Parker says the series will remain small in scope. He spoke to The Associated Press from Gran Canaria, Spain, where Season 2 is being filmed. Despite initial concerns of Westeros fatigue after “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon,” fans have embraced the show. Stars Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell could be nominated for Emmys. Parker says he was lucky to find them, but making Season 2 has been full of bad luck related to the weather.
Music Review: Olivia Rodrigo's 'You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love' is her best work yet
NEW YORK (AP) — Olivia Rodrigo's third album, “You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” is her best yet, writes The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman in her review. It marks a giant step forward for the confessional songwriter. Across 13 tracks, Rodrigo explores a romance from first date to break up, with self-realization along the way. Rodrigo once again collaborates with producer Dan Nigro, refining their partnership. The album features lush guitar tones and vibrant productions, with influences like The Cure, ‘90s jangly guitar pop and New Romantics' synths. Rodrigo seems to be a shining example of artistic evolution, offering both delicate moments and big, up-tempo feelings.
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