Football, politics and protest: This year's Super Bowl comes at a tinderbox moment in the US
WASHINGTON (AP) — The NFL faces pressure to take a stance against the Trump administration's immigration policies ahead of the Super Bowl. Over 184,000 people have signed a petition urging the league to denounce Immigration and Customs Enforcement's potential presence at the game. The liberal group MoveOn plans to deliver the petition to the NFL's New York City headquarters on Tuesday. Bad Bunny, the halftime show's headliner, is expected to address the moment. The Grammy-winning artist has criticized President Donald Trump on various issues. Trump has said he doesn't plan to attend this year's game and has derided Bad Bunny as a “terrible choice.”
Don Lemon says a dozen agents were sent to arrest him even though he offered to turn himself in
Don Lemon says that about a dozen federal agents came to his Los Angeles hotel to arrest him last week. The independent journalist told ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that's even though his attorney had told authorities he would turn himself in to face federal civil rights charges. Lemon said on the show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that sending the agents was a waste of resources. Lemon was indicted last week on federal civil rights charges over his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church. The Department of Justice and FBI didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
Bad Bunny won big at the 2026 Grammys. It’s a boost at a dark time for U.S. Latinos
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bad Bunny’s album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” won album of the year at the 2026 Grammy Awards, becoming the first all-Spanish language album to do so. This victory reflects the Recording Academy's efforts to diversify its voting body. The event also saw celebrities taking strong anti-ICE and pro-immigration stances. Bad Bunny’s win is seen as a celebration of Latino culture amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. His album, a blend of traditional and contemporary genres, is praised for its artistic and political messages. While both his victory and the onstage political messages feel surprising, they shouldn't. They directly reflect the current cultural moment.
How the Super Bowl halftime show evolved from pageantry to pop culture's biggest stage
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from marching bands to a global spectacle featuring pop stars and cinematic productions. It now rivals the NFL's championship game for attention, drawing over 100 million viewers worldwide. This year, Bad Bunny takes the stage, highlighting Latin culture and Spanish-language music. The transformation began as the NFL sought to expand the halftime show's appeal, moving from family-friendly performances to star-studded events. Notable acts like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar have shaped the show's legacy. The NFL covers production costs, offering performers priceless exposure.
The Grammys had lots of Mars, Carpenter soaring and a near-naked Bieber. Here are some key moments
The Grammy Awards featured memorable performances, including Bruno Mars and Rosé kicking off the night with their high energy hit “APT.” Lady Gaga delivered a unique performance of “Abracadabra” while Sabrina Carpenter turned the stage into a busy airport with her performance of “Manchild.” Justin Bieber performed “Yukon” in a stripped-down set that stood out from the other busy performances. The in memoriam section rocked with tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, D'Angelo and Roberta Flack, featuring performances by Post Malone and Ms. Lauryn Hill. The best new artists performed in a block, with Chappell Roan, last year’s category winner, then anointing her successor — Olivia Dean.
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A smiling Cher laughs at her Grammys flubs in a good-natured, chaotic appearance
Cher may have wanted to turn back time on her rather chaotic Grammys presenting experience. But the pop legend’s obvious good humor made her flubs one of the most meme-worthy moments of the night. In what amounted to a Grammys version of John Travolta’s Adele Dazeem moment at the Oscars — if much more understandable — Cher, presenting record of the year, seemed to award it to the late Luther Vandross. Quickly, though, she realized that the actual winner was the very-much-alive Kendrick Lamar. Lamar won for “Luther,” his duet with SZA which samples Vandross. Cher also had left the stage prematurely before announcing the award — after her own lifetime achievement prize.
Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for renovations in July, Trump says, after performers' backlash
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he will move to close Washington’s Kennedy Center performing arts venue for two years starting in July for construction. Trump’s announcement on social media Sunday night follows a wave of cancellations by artists since Trump ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building. Trump announced his plan days after the premiere of “Melania,” a documentary of the first lady, was shown at the storied venue. He says the proposal is subject to approval by the board of the Kennedy Center, which has been stocked with his hand-picked allies.
Couples at the Westminster show bond over dogs, and each other
NEW YORK (AP) — The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show spotlights the bond between people and dogs. But reaching the United States’ premier canine event also can be about another kind of love. Just ask professional dog handlers Bill and Taffe McFadden. He's a two-time Westminster-winning handler. She handled the second-place winner in 2019. The McFaddens were back for the 150th annual Westminster show as it got underway on Monday. Best in show gets awarded Tuesday. Finalists so far include Zaida the Afghan hound, Cookie the Maltese, JJ the Lhasa apso and Graham the old English sheepdog. Three more finalists are yet to be chosen.
Michelangelo's 'The Last Judgment' fresco undergoes 3-month cleaning at Sistine Chapel
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” is undergoing its first major restoration in three decades. The imposing fresco of heaven and hell dominates the Sistine Chapel. The chapel will remain open to visitors during the three-month cleaning. The Vatican Museums said in a statement on Monday that the scaffolding will partially obstruct the view of the fresco. The cleaning will remove microparticle buildup on the plaster from so many people visiting each day.
Three Dog Night's Chuck Negron, voice behind 'Joy to the World,' dies at 83
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A founding member of the rock band Three Dog Night has died. Chuck Negron’s lead vocals powered hits like “Joy to the World” and “One,” which made the band a top touring act in the late 1960s and early '70s. His publicist, Zach Farnum, says Negron died at his home in Los Angeles from complications of heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Negron also sang lead on hits “Easy To Be Hard” and "The Show Must Go On.” He was dismissed from the band in 1985 due to recurring drug issues. He was 83.

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