Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount's $81 billion takeover of the Hollywood giant
NEW YORK (AP) — An $81 billion Warner-Paramount mega merger has received shareholders’ stamp of approval, propelling a deal that could vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape closer to the finish line. On Thursday, Warner Bros. Discovery said the overwhelming majority of its shareholders voted in support of selling the entire business to Skydance-owned Paramount for $31 a share. That means HBO Max, cult-favorite titles like “Harry Potter” and even CNN could soon find themselves under the same roof with CBS, “Top Gun” and the Paramount+ streaming service. But it’s not a done deal quite yet. The acquisition still faces ongoing regulatory reviews.
Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny top Spotify's first all-time most streamed artists list
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has topped Spotify’s first ever list of the most streamed artists of all time. The list was published Thursday morning. Swift is followed by Bad Bunny. Drake is third. Then there are The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Eminem and Kanye West, in that order. Spotify did not provide insight into its data collection methodology when asked about it by The Associated Press. In addition to naming the most streamed artists globally, Spotify compiled the most streamed albums, songs, podcasts and audiobooks to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The streaming giant was founded in April 2006.
Movie Review: Moving but sometimes cloying, Tourette’s tale ‘I Swear’ soars on superb acting
Many have heard about the shocking moment when Tourette's activist John Davidson hurled an involuntary racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs. It's hard to keep that sad moment out of one's head while watching “I Swear.” Kirk Jones' film about Davidson's life is now releasing in the U.S. Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that the movie owes its success to superb acting from Robert Aramayo. It's a moving tale encumbered by a desire to present a linear path toward acceptance for Davidson and others with Tourette's. We know from the BAFTA incident just how hard that will be.
Michael Tilson Thomas, renowned conductor and composer, dies at 81
Renowned American conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas has died at 81. His spokesperson Connie Shuman says Tilson Thomas died Wednesday night. He led orchestras in Buffalo, Miami, London and San Francisco. Tilson Thomas had surgery for a brain tumor in 2021 and in February 2025 announced the tumor had returned. He conducted his final concert with the San Francisco Symphony in April 2025. Tilson Thomas received 39 Grammy nominations, winning 12, and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2019. His husband, Joshua Robison, died in February. Tilson Thomas was known for his deep understanding of music and his impactful compositions.
Evidence against singer D4vd in killing of 14-year-old girl will be revealed in court within days
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lawyers for singer D4vd are pushing prosecutors to reveal their evidence in the case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's killing. A judge has set a hearing for next week to present the evidence publicly. D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, appeared in court in jail clothes Thursday. He's pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Prosecutors say they have extensive evidence, including sensitive child sex abuse images from Burke's phone. The defense argues the evidence will prove Burke's innocence. The dismembered body of Rivas Hernandez was found in a car registered to Burke. The hearing will determine if there's enough evidence for a trial.
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Trump's planned appearance bringing renewed scrutiny to annual correspondents' dinner
NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time as president, Donald Trump is planning to attend the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington this weekend. Some critics can't believe that the reporters would invite a president who has battled with the press, particularly during his second term in office, and want them to speak up about the First Amendment. The so-called nerd prom already makes some people queasy for the appearance of reporters partying with their high-level sources. Some journalists who have attended the dinners say it pays dividends for their jobs — they make personal connections with people who might not otherwise return phone calls.
What a combined Paramount-Warner would mean
NEW YORK (AP) — HBO Max, “Harry Potter,” “Top Gun,” CBS and CNN may all be placed under the control of the upstart Paramount Skydance soon. That’s because shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery approved an $81 billion sale of the company on Thursday. The deal, including debt, is valued at nearly $111 billion. While the megamerger faces ongoing regulatory review, it could vastly reshape Hollywood and the wider media landscape. It would further consolidate power in an industry already run by just a handful of major players. Paramount itself was acquired by Skydance just last year. Here’s what a Paramount-Warner combo could look like for streaming, movies, news and more.
EU pulls $2.3 million from Venice Biennale over Russia's return
MILAN (AP) — The Venice Biennale has lost 2 million euros ($2.3 million) in funding due to its decision to allow Russia to participate in the 61st contemporary art show. The European Commission informed the Biennale foundation of the funding cut and gave it 30 days to defend its decision. A spokesperson said the commission strongly condemns the reopening of the Russian pavilion. Russian artists withdrew in 2022, and Russia did not present an exhibition in 2024. The Biennale stated it cannot prevent a country from participating if recognized by Italy, adding that the Biennale emphasizes dialogue, openness, and artistic freedom.
Kellogg is putting toys back into some cereal boxes as a 'Toy Story 5' tie-in
If you’ve missed rooting around in your cereal box for a toy, you’re in luck. WK Kellogg Co. said on Thursday it’s including toys with some of its cereals for the first time in more than a decade. Starting April 26, special edition boxes of Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, AppleJacks and Corn Pops will have plastic toys shaped like characters from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5.” The movie is scheduled to hit theaters in June. Plastic toys used to be a mainstay in cereal boxes, but they have gradually disappeared as manufacturers tried to cut costs and consumers worried about choking and other hazards.
'The Devil Wears Prada 2' puts a spotlight on Italy's fashion capital
MILAN (AP) — Prada may play a title role in “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” premiering in Milan on Thursday, but fashion and the city itself are also in the spotlight. The film, featuring Meryl Streep, was partly shot during Milan's fashion week. A Dolce & Gabbana show served as a backdrop for a scene. Milan’s culture counselor, Tommaso Sacchi, says the film benefits the city. Fans are flocking to a pop-up at Milan’s main department store, taking selfies at a replica of Miranda Priestly’s desk. The Prada brand, founded nearby, has become a fashion juggernaut under Miuccia Prada.
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