Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18
Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened early Tuesday morning. Hottle was one of two passengers when the car went off the road. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster. Her parents, who are also deaf, shared emotional tributes online. The crash is under investigation.
Judge hearing evidence against singer D4vd in killing, dismemberment of teen; will decide on trial
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge is set to decide if there's enough evidence to send singer D4vd to trial for the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing started Tuesday in Los Angeles. Prosecutors say D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, brought the girl to his rented Hollywood Hills home, stabbed her, and dismembered her body. Burke was arrested in April and pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. His attorney says Burke is not responsible for the death. The hearing will last about four days, and the judge will determine if a trial is warranted.
Movie Review: Pickleball is the star of the sports comedy ‘The Dink’
The new Apple TV movie “The Dink” is a comedy about a former tennis prodigy who learns to embrace pickleball. Jake Johnson stars as Dusty, a washed-up player whose domineering father, played by Ed Harris, pushed him toward tennis stardom. When his doctor, portrayed by Ben Stiller, suggests pickleball for rehab, Dusty reluctantly joins a group of older women players. The film, directed by Josh Greenbaum, features eccentric characters and high-profile cameos. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that it's a lighthearted watch that balances silliness and heart.
Appeals court rejects Biden's bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden disagrees with an appeals court's rejection of his effort to block the release of audio recordings of his interviews with a memoir ghostwriter. Biden spokesperson T.J. Ducklo said Tuesday the Democrat's pre-presidency conversations “for a book a decade ago that discussed his late son” were private and were given to the Justice Department on the condition they stay that way. A divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found there’s a substantial public interest in disclosing the material congressional Republicans demanded. The panel has suspended its decision until Aug. 3 to give Biden time to consider another appeal.
Los Angeles medical examiner pushes for greater transparency in high-profile deaths
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County's chief medical examiner is emphasizing the need for greater transparency when it comes to autopsies following celebrity deaths. Dr. Odey Ukpo is also keen to underscore his office's independence from law enforcement in handling high-profile cases. He has overseen the autopsy reports of “Friends” star Matthew Perry and director Rob Reiner. And he made a rare public objection to being forced to withhold for months his office's findings on 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer D4vd has been charged with murder in her killing. Ukpo believes holding back such information only increases anxiety for the family and the community.
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Judge says Paramount and Warner must halt merger for at least two weeks, granting states' request
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has ordered Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to halt their $81 billion merger for at least two weeks, allowing states that are challenging the deal more time to see their case through in court. The judge issued her order Monday. Twelve states, led by California, sued to block Paramount’s pending buyout of Warner last week — alleging that such a combination would “extinguish competition” in Hollywood and lead to fewer choices for consumers, particularly moviegoers and cable customers across the U.S. Paramount, which was bought out by Skydance just last year, has called the states claims meritless and vows to “vigorously defend” its acquisition.
ESPN starts layoffs tied to NFL Network acquisition, memo says
ESPN is undergoing a significant round of layoffs for the first time in three years after taking over NFL Network in April. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Associated Press, that most moves are the result of ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network and other league digital assets last year. While most of the layoffs affect production and behind-the-scenes personnel, some on-air talent were affected, including ESPN's Ryan Clark and Karl Ravech as well as NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Luke Skywalker's 'Empire Strikes Back' lightsaber with severed hand attached auctioned for $3.75M
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A lightsaber with Luke Skywalker's severed hand prop from “The Empire Strikes Back” has sold for $3.75 million at auction. Heritage Auctions said this is the highest price ever for a “Star Wars” prop. The auction house announced the results of its Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction on Monday. The lightsaber was used by Mark Hamill in the iconic Cloud City fight. Other items included a Wicked Witch of the West hat from “The Wizard of Oz” and Gene Wilder's top hat from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Two rugs from “The Big Lebowski” also sold for more than expected.
Toronto International Film Festival sets lineup with films by Chris Rock, Peter Farrelly
NEW YORK (AP) — The Toronto International Film Festival has unveiled the bulk of the lineup to its 51st edition, setting world premieres for Chris Rock’s drama “Misty Green” and Peter Farrelly’s Sylvester Stallone film “I Play Rocky.” TIFF, North America’s largest film festival, annually hosts some of the fall’s most anticipated titles. On Monday, it revealed more than 60 films that will play in the festival’s gala and special presentations sections. Festival organizers earlier announced that “Being Heumann,” director Siân Heder’s film about the late disability rights activist Judith Heumann, will open this year’s edition. TIFF runs Sept. 10-20.
Officials sought phone records of NYT journalists and their relatives in an effort to unmask sources
WASHINGTON (AP) — A court document says President Donald Trump's administration sought New York Times journalists’ phone records and even those of some of their relatives in an attempt to unmask the confidential sources of reporters who wrote about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet. The motion unsealed Monday reveals more expansive attempts by Trump's Republican administration than previously known to compel the identity of sources. The Justice Department has justified the original subpoenas by saying “reporters are not the targets, those leaking classified information are.” Additional subpoenas included a request for phone records of one reporter’s mother and two of the journalists’ spouses.
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