Judge denies Kennedy Center request for pause in ruling ordering Trump's name removed from building
WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge has denied a request from the Kennedy Center to pause a ruling ordering President Donald Trump's name removed from building. That denial came Friday. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled last month that Trump’s name was illegally added to the iconic Washington performing arts facility. Cooper ruled only Congress could institute a change to the Kennedy Center’s name and ordered references to Trump to be removed by Friday. Now he's refused the Kennedy's Center board's request to stay the ruling.
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.
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 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.
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. She received no money from the deal but was permitted to pursue legal fees.
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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.
Taylor Swift becomes the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has become the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36. Steven Spielberg introduced Swift on Thursday night with a speech about the power of songwriting. Tamar Braxton opened the induction ceremony with a tribute to the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher “Tricky” Stewart. The gala was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Inductees included Swift, Stewart, Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette and Kenny Loggins. Also celebrated were nonperformers including songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle behind Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and songwriter Walter Afanasieff, who wrote Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Judge rules Trump can stage UFC fights on the White House's South Lawn this weekend
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has ruled the White House is allowed to stage a UFC show this weekend in an elaborate ring already built on the South Lawn to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary — on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled Friday that organizers can use the White House lawn as the venue for Sunday’s planned UFC mixed martial arts event. The nonprofit Public Integrity Project had sued to challenge Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event. The White House calls the lawsuit baseless, saying the UFC event is no different from many other events hosted at public forums in the capital.
'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.”
Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and Salma Hayek kick-start the World Cup at opening ceremony in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City was full of international stars. Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek left fans ecstatic and ready for the match between Mexico and South Africa. J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, David Guetta, EJAE and even some Labubus were also part of the festivities.

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