AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:32 a.m. EST

Haunted house and invisible demons: Tennessee Williams' early radio play 'The Strangers' publishes

NEW YORK (AP) — Tennessee Williams' early radio play, “The Strangers,” is featured in The Strand this week. Written in the late 1930s while Williams was a student at the University of Iowa, the play showcases classic radio horror elements like storms and spectral beings. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli says the play also hints at themes Williams would explore in later works, such as isolation and the blurred lines between imagination and reality. Williams scholar John Bak notes that Williams wrote radio dramas for both commercial reasons and personal exploration, influenced by his sister's mental health struggles.

‘Sinners,’ ‘Wicked: For Good,' ‘KPop Demon Hunters' advance in Oscars shortlists

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released shortlists for 12 Oscar categories Tuesday, including best song, score, and the new casting prize. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and the musical “Wicked: For Good” lead with eight mentions each. Both films have two original songs advancing. The Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters” also made the list with its song “Golden.” The best international feature shortlist includes films from Norway, Spain, and South Korea. Notable documentaries include “My Undesirable Friends: Part I.” The final nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, with the Oscars airing on March 15.

Norman Podhoretz, contentious and influential neo-conservative, has died

NEW YORK (AP) — Norman Podhoretz, a leading neo-conservative and the former editor of Commentary magazine,  has died. He was 95. His son John Podhoretz confirmed in a statement on Commentary’s website that he died “peacefully and without pain” Tuesday night. Podhoretz wrote the best-selling “Making It” and several works defending conservative ideas. He was a liberal as a young man and would eventually break with such friends as Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsberg and Lillian Hellman. He edited Commentary for more than 40 years and published works by everyone from Lionel Trilling to Jeane Kirkpatrick. He received a National Medal of Honor in 2004.

FCC leader Brendan Carr to face Senate questioning for first time since Kimmel controversy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is set to testify before lawmakers for the first time since pressuring broadcasters over late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Carr has closely aligned with the administration’s aggressive posture toward media outlets it views as hostile since being appointed to the position last November. Carr earlier this year warned broadcasters, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way," after he said comments Kimmel made regarding Charlie Kirk were “truly sick." Carr's remarks drew bipartisan criticism and raised concerns about government interference in the media.

Louvre workers vote to extend a strike at the world's most visited museum

PARIS (AP) — Employees at the Louvre Museum have voted to extend a strike that has disrupted operations at the world’s most visited museum. Union workers were protesting chronic understaffing, building deterioration and recent management decisions — pressures intensified by a brazen crown jewels heist in October. The decision came during a morning general assembly, after workers had adopted the walkout unanimously earlier this week. The museum was already closed Tuesday for its regular weekly shutdown. It remained unclear whether the strike would force a full closure on Wednesday. Visitors holding tickets queued outside the museum in the morning.

Doctor who helped sell ketamine to actor Matthew Perry before his overdose death avoids prison time

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor who pleaded guilty in a scheme to supply ketamine to actor Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 8 months of home confinement. A federal judge in Los Angeles has sentenced Dr. Mark Chavez of San Diego to 3 years of supervised release on Tuesday. The “Friends” star died from an overdose in 2023 from ketamine, which can be used legally as a treatment for depression. Chavez had acquired the ketamine and given it to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who sold it to Perry. Plasencia was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison earlier this month.

Billy Crystal, Albert Brooks and other close friends of Rob and Michele Reiner pay tribute

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Some of Rob and Michele Reiner's closest friends, including Billy Crystal and Larry David, have released a heartfelt statement mourning the couple. The statement praises Rob's storytelling talent, noting his range from comedy to drama. It highlights his love for actors and writers, emphasizing his ability to bring out their best. The couple's commitment to Democratic and political causes is also celebrated. The Reiners were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of murder. The statement concludes with a quote from Rob's favorite film, "It's a Wonderful Life."

Christine Baranski narrates 'A Christmas Carol' before returning for new 'The Gilded Age' season

NEW YORK (AP) — Christine Baranski has teamed with the Skylark Vocal Ensemble for a unique rendition of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.” She narrates this music-and-spoken word version, recorded in June and released in December. Baranski, an Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor, performs with the group at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, where the original manuscript is displayed. She enjoys bringing different characters to life, including Ebenezer Scrooge. The performance features choral underscoring by composer Benedict Sheehan and includes carols like “Silent Night.” Baranski hopes this collaboration becomes an annual holiday event.