'Avatar: Fire and Ash' launches with $88M domestically, $345M worldwide
NEW YORK (AP) — “Avatar: Fire and Ash” opened with $345 million in worldwide sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, notching the second-best global debut of the year and potentially putting James Cameron on course to set yet more blockbuster records. Sixteen years into the “Avatar” saga, Pandora is still abundant in box-office riches. “Fire and Ash,” the third film in Cameron’s science-fiction franchise, launched with $88 million domestically and $257 million internationally. The only film to open bigger in 2025 was “Zootopia 2.” But there was a tad less fanfare to this “Avatar” film. Sales were notably less than 2022's “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event
Female rapper Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona. Speaking on stage Sunday at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention, the artist praised President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. The rap star was interviewed by Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. She took leadership of Turning Point. Kirk asked Minaj about her newly found support for Trump, whom she had condemned in the past.
Tearful Bowen Yang departs 'SNL' after emotional Christmas episode hosted by Ariana Grande
NEW YORK (AP) — Bowen Yang has left “Saturday Night Live” mid-season after Saturday's episode with Ariana Grande. He bid farewell with an emotional sketch that left him in tears. He joined as a writer in 2018, became a featured player the next season, and was promoted to the main cast two seasons later. Yang has been a fan favorite with five Emmy nominations. Yang and Grande appeared together often in the show’s first half hour, including a dance class sketch and a pre-recorded “Home Alone” sketch in which the McCallister family meet violent ends from Kevin’s leftover traps. Yang also co-hosts the podcast “Las Culturistas” and appeared as Pfannee in the “Wicked” movies.
Children's author David Walliams denies inappropriate behavior after publisher drops him
LONDON (AP) — British children's author and comedian David Walliams has denied allegations of inappropriate behavior after HarperCollins decided not to publish his future books. Walliams, known for his bestselling children's books and as a former judge on "Britain's Got Talent," was informed of the decision on Friday. HarperCollins said they won't comment on internal matters to respect staff privacy. Walliams' spokesperson claims he was never informed of any allegations or investigations. Walliams has published over 40 children's books, selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. He left "Britain's Got Talent" in 2022 after apologizing for disrespectful comments about auditioning contestants.
Judge nixes conviction of 1 of 2 men found guilty of killing Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has voided the conviction of one of the two men found guilty of the 2002 killing of Run-D.M.C. star Jam Master Jay. The judge ruled Friday that there wasn’t enough evidence that the man had a motive to kill the hip-hop star. Nearly two years after a jury delivered its verdict, the decision came from the same Brooklyn federal judge who presided over the trial. In Friday’s ruling, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted Karl Jordan Jr. an acquittal on the murder charges. His lawyers had argued the evidence didn’t support prosecutors’ claims that he killed the pioneering DJ as revenge for a failed drug deal.
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'6-7,' Dubai chocolate, Labubu: You took 2025, now scat!
NEW YORK (AP) — As 2025 wraps up, there are a few things we'd like to leave behind when the new year rolls around. Put “6-7” in that category. Associated Press Lifestyles Writer Leanne Italie says the same goes for those wacky barrel pants, Dubai chocolate and, yes, Labubu. Toxic positivity also went on the rise, with phrases like “good vibes only” dismissing genuine emotions. Let's feel the feels in 2026. While we're at it, can we modulate the obsession with adding protein to processed foods? C'mon 2026. We can do better.
Life ring, lifeboat piece from Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck sell at auction for $150,000
DETROIT (AP) — A life ring and a lifeboat remnant from a famous Great Lakes shipwreck have sold at auction for $150,000. The sale came a month after the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior. There were no survivors among the 29 men back in 1975. The life ring and lifeboat piece were found on shore by Larry Orr, shortly after the ship went down. Orr says he is “dumbfounded” that the auction reached $150,000. The buyer wishes to be anonymous.
Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome their 'perfect angel girl'
Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have announced the birth of their baby, a girl. Their newborn is named Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson. They shared the news Thursday on Instagram. The baby is the first for both and was born Dec. 12. Model Hewitt called Scottie her “best work yet.” Davidson added: “wu tang forever.” The baby's name appears to honor Davidson's late father. The New York City firefighter died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Hewitt confirmed the pregnancy in July on Instagram. The couple went public with their relationship in March. They shared several photos of their newborn but covered her face with a white heart emoji.
Oscar contender ‘The Secret Agent’ capitalizes on the rise of Brazilian cinema
SAO PAULO (AP) — The Brazilian film “The Secret Agent” is opening nationwide in U.S. theaters. The Oscar-shortlisted Brazilian thriller follows Armando, a scientist targeted by Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1970s. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, the film has been praised as one of the year's best and won major awards at Cannes. Set in 1977, it explores themes of identity and memory during Brazil's 21-year dictatorship. The film arrives during a strong moment for Brazilian cinema, following the success of “I'm Still Here.” Tania Maria, a 78-year-old artisan, shines as Dona Sebastiana, adding authenticity to the story.
The Kennedy Center has added Trump's name to the memorial Congress created for John F. Kennedy
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center has added President Donald Trump's name to the memorial that Congress created for John F. Kennedy. Several blue tarps were hung in front of the building early Friday to obscure the work. A few hours later, it had a new name: The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The renaming followed a vote Thursday by the Washington performing arts center's board of trustees. Trump, a Republican, put numerous loyalists on the board, who then elected him as chairman. The Kennedy Center went ahead with the renaming despite a dispute over whether the board's vote was legal.
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