After backlash, Alabama Public Television will keep paying for PBS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The commission that oversees Alabama Public Television voted to continue paying its contract with PBS. The decision came after a public backlash to the idea of dropping PBS. The Alabama Educational Television Commission voted without dissent to continue paying the contract with PBS that runs until July. It also voted to create a committee to explore the future direction of Alabama Public Television. A proposal to take the first step toward severing ties failed when no commissioner seconded the motion. The decision means PBS programming, which includes programs such as “Sesame Street,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Antiques Roadshow” and “PBS NewsHour” will remain on the state channel at least for the immediate future.
Movie Review: Sorry, my pretty, ‘Wicked: For Good' doesn’t delight
“Give us a clock tick” is an expression uttered several times in “Wicked: For Good.” But Jon M. Chu’s two-part musical has asked for quite a bit more than that. Together, the two halves of this “Wicked” adaptation have run 297 minutes, which, more than the threat of lions and tigers and bears, is enough to make any moviegoer not entirely bewitched by the “Wizard of Oz” revision breathe a sigh of “Oh, my.” For most “Wicked” fans, more is good. But for those of us who felt – what’s a non-wicked way to say this? – mildly waterboarded, in pink and green, by “Wicked,” “For Good” doesn’t offer much relief, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.
Movie Review: George Clooney stars in 'Jay Kelly,' a Hollywood tale of self-discovery
George Clooney stars in "Jay Kelly," a film by Noah Baumbach that blurs reality and fiction, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Clooney plays a movie star in a mid-life crisis, questioning his life choices. The script co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer explores themes of identity and self-discovery. A meeting with an old acting partner played by Billy Crudup reveals harsh truths and sends Kelly on a journey to Tuscany. The film touches on missed family moments and the sacrifices made for success. With nods to classic cinema, R-rated "Jay Kelly" is ultimately about time and where we choose to spend it.
Labubu and 'KPop Demon Hunters' to dazzle at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here's what to know
NEW YORK (AP) — The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters” this year, filling New York's sky and streets. The parade starts on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square. It includes 32 balloons, 27 floats, and 11 marching bands, all leading to Santa Claus. It airs on NBC and streams on Peacock and Telemundo. Performers include Audrey Nuna, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes. New balloons feature Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man, while new floats include Labubu and “Stranger Things.” Marching bands come from various states and Panama.
Ariana Grande and Cher team up for 'SNL' in December. Josh O'Connor gets a hosting turn, too
NEW YORK (AP) — NBC's “Saturday Night Live” has announced its December lineup, featuring Ariana Grande as host on Dec. 20. Cher will be the musical guest. It will mark Grande's third time hosting, while Cher hasn't appeared on the “SNL” stage since 1987. Josh O'Connor will make his hosting debut on Dec. 13, with Lily Allen as the musical guest. “SNL” veteran Melissa McCarthy will host on Dec. 6 for the sixth time. Dijon will make his debut as the musical guest. The NBC sketch comedy show airs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and streams live on Peacock.
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Court settlement calls for NPR to get $36M in government funds to operate US public radio system
WASHINGTON (AP) — National Public Radio will receive approximately $36 million in government funding to operate the nation’s public radio interconnection system under the terms of a court settlement. Monday's settlement resolves a legal dispute in which NPR accused the Corporation for Public Broadcasting of bowing to pressure from President Donald Trump to cut off its funding. On March 25, Trump said at a news conference that he wants to defund NPR and PBS because he believes they are biased in favor of Democrats. NPR accused the CPB of violating its First Amendment free speech rights when it moved to cut off its access to grant money appropriated by Congress.
The next Met Gala exhibit will spotlight fashion across art history
NEW YORK (AP) — The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its next spring fashion exhibit. “Costume Art” is set to launch at the Met Gala in 2026. This latest show aims to highlight the connection between fashion and art by pairing garments with art objects from across the museum. Met CEO Max Hollein hopes the exhibit will take visitors on a fashionable journey through art history. The show will also inaugurate new permanent gallery space for fashion, offering a smoother experience for visitors. Curator Andrew Bolton says the exhibit will explore themes like “Naked Body” and “Classical Body,” but also less expected ones like “Pregnant Body” and “Aging Body.”
Tom Cruise finally gets his Oscar moment with a lifetime achievement trophy at the Governors Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tom Cruise finally has an Academy Award. He received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards. Cruise, 63, was celebrated for his four decades at the peak of the movie industry. He talked about his lifelong devotion to cinema, saying “Making movies is not what I do, it's who I am.” The ceremony also honored production designer Wynn Thomas, choreographer Debbie Allen, and Dolly Parton for her philanthropy. Cruise has been nominated for competitive Oscars four times without a win. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who has been shooting a film with Cruise, presented the award. He suggested this might not be Cruise's last Oscar.
The LA County sheriff is investigating a new sex battery claim against Sean 'Diddy' Combs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says it’s investigating a new sexual battery allegation against hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is serving a four-year prison sentence on prostitution-related convictions. According to a police report, a male music producer and publicist said he was asked to come to a photo shoot in 2020 at a Los Angeles warehouse. The producer says Combs exposed himself and told him to perform a sex act. The accuser's name is redacted in the report. An attorney for Combs says Combs denies all claims that he sexually abused anyone.
Han Kang, Megha Majumdar and Yiyun Li are among finalists for Andrew Carnegie Medals
NEW YORK (AP) — Nobel laureate Han Kang's “We Do Not Part” and Megha Majumdar's “A Guardian and a Thief” are among the finalists for the Andrew Carnegie Medals. These fiction and nonfiction awards are presented by the American Library Association. Majumdar's book, an Oprah Winfrey book club pick, is the only finalist originally written in English. Yiyun Li's memoir about the suicides of her two sons is also a finalist. Winners will be announced on Jan. 27 and will receive $5,000. The awards were established in 2012 with help from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
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