On paper, a California city bans the sale of comic books to kids. Officials want to change that
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In the mid-20th century, comic books groups grew in popularity. But some people worried that they were contributing to illiteracy and inciting crime among young people. One California city passed a ban in 1949 banning anyone from distributing comic books prominently featuring crime to children. The Sacramento law is rarely if ever enforced, but the city is taking steps to remove it from the books. Proponents of repealing the law say it is necessary to protect against alarming efforts in recent years to ban books in various states. One comic shop owner in the city says the ban is “silly.”
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is officially eligible for the Oscars
“KPop Demon Hunters” is one step closer to another golden moment: The Oscars. The Netflix hit is among 35 films eligible for the Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the list on Friday. Although it gained fame on Netflix, the film had a qualifying theatrical run in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June. Other contenders include Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” and Crunchyroll/Sony’s “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.” Fans will find out if it makes the cut for a nomination on January 22.
Catholic clergy are ecstatic about Rosalía’s songs of faith in her new album ‘Lux’
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Rosalía has won over millions of music lovers for her fusions of flamenco and urban Latin beats. But the Spanish artist's new album, “Lux,” has taken an even more radical turn. Its 15 songs are laden with a yearning for the divine. From its opening lyrics about God, Rosalía announces that this album is a rupture from its Grammy-winning predecessors. And Catholics have taken notice. “Lux” has drawn praise from the Cardinal in charge of culture for the Vatican and bishops in her native Spain.
Beloved Italian singer Ornella Vanoni, whose iconic career spanned 70 years, dies at 91
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Ornella Vanoni, a beloved Italian singer with a career spanning seven decades, has died at 91. Known for hits like "Senza Fine" and "L’appuntamento," she left a lasting impact on Italian culture. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow on Saturday, highlighting Vanoni's unique artistic legacy. Vanoni died of cardiac arrest at her Milan home. She recorded over 100 albums, selling more than 55 million copies. Her collaborations included artists like Gino Paoli, Gil Evans, and Herbie Hancock. Vanoni also won prestigious awards, including the Tenco Award, and was a popular TV guest in her later years.
Jordan Peele’s ‘High Horse: The Black Cowboy’ doc sheds light on an erased part of history
NEW YORK (AP) — “High Horse: The Black Cowboy,” a new docuseries executive produced by Jordan Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions that is now streaming on Peacock, highlights who it says are the first American cowboys – Black men. Directed by Jason Perez, the three-part docuseries is an extension of Peele’s 2022 blockbuster film “Nope,” which follows siblings who operate the only Black-owned horse ranch in California. The docuseries focuses on the history and erasure of the Black cowboy, systemic racism and the current battles Black citizens face with land ownership dating back to the post-slavery Reconstruction era, as well as the entertainment impact African Americans have made throughout country western history.
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Music Review: 'Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack' raises the stakes
"Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack" offers a fresh take on the original musical's second act. Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, while Ariana Grande brings depth to Glinda. The soundtrack features new songs and lyrics, raising the stakes on the album, writes AP's Elise Ryan. Sometimes, the music is weighed down by the plot that it helps move along. The soundtrack adds over 15 minutes of music, with new songs for Erivo and Grande enhancing the emotional payoff.
Eddie Murphy to receive life achievement award from the American Film Institute
Eddie Murphy is being celebrated with a life achievement award from the American Film Institute. The award will be presented at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on April 18. Murphy, 64, has been a force in entertainment for nearly 50 years. He started as a teenage stand-up comedian, became a “Saturday Night Live” cast member and starred in films like “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Shrek.” He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2023. Murphy is the 51st recipient of the AFI life achievement award, joining honorees like Nicole Kidman and Denzel Washington.
Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison over illegal donations to Obama campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) — Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a case in which he was convicted of illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Michel declined to make a statement before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced him on Thursday. Justice Department prosecutors said federal sentencing guidelines recommended a life sentence for Michel. His attorneys requested a three-year prison sentence. In April 2023, a jury convicted Michel of 10 counts. The trial included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
Eurovision plans changes to voting, security after allegations of Israeli government 'interference'
GENEVA (AP) — Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest say they’re changing the voting system of the popular musical extravaganza to ensure fairness. The announcement on Friday came in the wake of allegations of “interference” by Israel’s government. The European Broadcasting Union is a union of public broadcasters that runs the event. It says the changes were “designed to strengthen trust, transparency and audience engagement.” Israel has competed in Eurovision for more than 50 years and won four times. But calls for Israel to be kicked out swelled over the conduct of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza.
New play looking at friendship between AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Anthony Fauci in the works
NEW YORK (AP) — A new play titled “Kramer/Fauci” explores the complex relationship between playwright and AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Dr. Anthony Fauci. The play will premiere in New York early next year, directed by Tony Award-winner Daniel Fish. It will run at The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts from Feb. 11 to 21. Fish uses the transcript of a 1993 C-Span face-off between Kramer and Fauci as the text. The two went from adversaries to friends during the AIDS crisis. Fish aims for a theatrical experience rather than a literal recreation of their exchange.
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