Chuck Norris, martial arts master and actor whose toughness became internet lore, dies at 86
The martial arts grandmaster and action star Chuck Norris has died. His roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy, sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents. He was 86. Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.” They didn't release details about his death. Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. His toughman image became the stuff of legend, sparking “Chuck Norris Facts” memes. He was also outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years.
Music Review: BTS’ long-awaited comeback album ‘ARIRANG’ is an exciting experiment
NEW YORK (AP) — The game-changing K-pop boy band BTS has returned after a nearly four-year musical hiatus. The 14-track album from the septet is here. It is titled “ARIRANG” after a popular, traditional Korean folk song. BTS is RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope. “ARIRANG” is the band’s first full-length release since all seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. In her review, Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman writes that “ARIRANG” is appropriately massive. She says the stadium-sized album serves as both a reintroduction to the band and as a keen reminder of their place atop popular culture conversation.
BTS fans stream to Seoul cafe, restaurant that once served as bases for the K-pop superstars
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — BTS fans are flocking to two Seoul spots that once served as bases for the group when they were training to be K-pop stars. On Friday, visitors stopped by Cafe Hyuga and a nearby restaurant, Yoojung Sikdang. They'd traveled from the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico, among other places. The cafe used to be a dormitory when band members slept, and the restaurant was where they practiced dance in the basement for years. Tens of thousands of fans are expected at Saturday's comeback concert, streaming live on Netflix. The band has returned after a four-year break during which they completed military service.
ABC cancels 'Bachelorette' season with Taylor Frankie Paul, citing 2023 video
LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC has canceled its already filmed season of “The Bachelorette” starring Taylor Frankie Paul after a 2023 video surfaced. On Thursday, Disney Entertainment Television said was focused on supporting the family. The network made the move just days before the Sunday premiere. TMZ published a video of Paul punching, kicking and throwing chairs at her ex Dakota Mortensen. Police in Utah tell People magazine an investigation is open and allegations run both ways. Representatives for Paul and Mortensen didn’t immediately return requests for comment. Unlike previous leads, the 31-year-old had not appeared on the “Bachelor” franchise before
Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lee Majors and more react to the death of Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris’s death has sparked a wave of tributes from fellow action stars and fans. Norris died Thursday, in what his family describes as a “sudden passing.” Jean-Claude Van Damme shared condolences and called Norris a respected friend. Dolph Lundgren called him a champion and a role model. Sylvester Stallone said he loved working with him and praised him as “all American.” Lorenzo Lamas said there's an “angel of consequence at the gates.” Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, remembered Norris visiting U.S. veterans with his wife, Gena. He said they listened closely and left deeply moved.
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Movie Review: Gosling, Lord and Miller make science fun in ‘Project Hail Mary’
Ryan Gosling plays a man stranded on a spaceship in the new film “Project Hail Mary,” opening in theaters on March 20. His character Ryland Grace wakes up from a coma alone in space, with no memory of how he got there. As his memory comes back, he teams up with an alien to try to figure out why the sun is dying. Phil Lord and Chris Miller direct the film based on an Andy Weir story. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr says that it's as fun as it is awe-inspiring. It's rated PG-13.
CBS News shutters its storied radio news service after nearly a century, ending an era
NEW YORK (AP) — CBS News says it's shutting down its radio news service after nearly a century of operation as part of a round of layoffs at the company. When it began operation in September 1927, the radio service was a precursor to the entire CBS network. It gave young executive William S. Paley his start and was the home of legendary broadcaster Edward Murrow’s reports from London during World War II. Today it is primarily known for its top-of-the-hour news roundups delivered to about 700 stations across the country. CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss said it will stop operating in May.
Reality TV star Joseph Duggar waives extradition, will face a child molestation charge in Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Former reality TV star Joseph Duggar waived an extradition hearing in Arkansas, setting in motion his transfer to Florida, where he faces a child molestation charge. He appeared in a Washington County, Arkansas, courtroom for a brief hearing on Friday morning. Authorities in Florida now have 30 days to pick him up from the Washington County Jail and take him to Panama City. He's charged with lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under 12. Investigators say the girl reported Duggar abused her during a family trip when she was 9. Duggar's older brother Josh was convicted five years ago of downloading child sexual images.
BTS will stage a long-awaited comeback concert at a Seoul landmark
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — BTS will stage its long-awaited comeback concert on Saturday night at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. The square is one of South Korea’s most famous landmarks, representing its royal heritage as well as its political and cultural life. Some 20,000 fans are expected to pack the square. The K-pop juggernaut’s seven members, all South Koreans, will perform songs from their first album in nearly four years. “ARIRANG” takes its title from the most beloved folk tune on the Korean Peninsula. Experts say BTS' concert, which will be livestreamed on Netflix globally, will reaffirm BTS' Korean identify and enhance the influence of K-pop.
Calvin Tomkins, longtime writer for The New Yorker, dies at 100
NEW YORK (AP) — An author and longtime staff writer for The New Yorker, Calvin Tomkins has died at 100. The writer who died Friday was known for his witty and expansive profiles of Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp and dozens of other visual artists. New Yorker editor David Remnick noted Tomkins was just a few months younger than the magazine itself. Tomkins’ magazine work was the basis for numerous books, notably “Living Well is the Best Revenge,” an edition of his 1971 profile of expatriates Gerald and Sara Murphy and their years in France in the 1920s. “Lives of the Artists” was published in 2008 and included chapters on Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman and Jasper Johns.

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