10 notable books of 2025: A posthumous memoir about Epstein, 'Hunger Games' and reliving 2024
NEW YORK (AP) — The publishing world's notable releases this year included a new “Hunger Games” novel and a book by Thomas Pynchon. Suzanne Collins' prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping” sold over 4 million copies despite her limited promotion. Mel Robbins' self-help book, “The Let Them Theory,” topped bestseller lists, while David Szalay's “Flesh” won the Booker Prize. Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir, “Nobody's Girl,” made headlines for its revelations. Rick Atkinson's “The Fate of the Day” received acclaim for its history of the Revolutionary War. Books on the 2024 election, including Kamala Harris' “107 Days,” also captured readers' attention.
‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' to feature Chappell Roan, Mariah Carey, Post Malone and Maren Morris
NEW YORK (AP) — Mariah Carey, Chappell Roan, Post Malone and Demi Lovato will help ring in the new year on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” The show airs live on ABC on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. EST and repeats the next day on Hulu. Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host from New York City's Times Square. Chance the Rapper will join from Chicago, while Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough will be in Las Vegas. Other performers include 50 Cent, Charlie Puth, OneRepublic, Pitbull, Ciara and more. The headliner for Times Square will be announced later.
Apple Replay is here. What's the No. 1 song on Apple Music’s 2025 songs chart?
NEW YORK (AP) — Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” has topped Apple Music’s global song chart in 2025. The giant music streamer released year-end lists Tuesday and provided listeners with data on their own most listened-to tunes. “APT.” is both artists’ first No. 1 on the year-end global songs chart. They’re followed by Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” in second. Mars makes another appearance, in third, for his collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile.” Also available Tuesday is Replay. That is Apple’s alternative to Spotify’s Wrapped playlist. It allows Apple Music subscribers to engage with their favorite music on the streaming service this year.
Some friendly, some on-the-news questions at first briefing for new Pentagon press corps
The Pentagon press secretary has held her first briefing since most nonpartisan news outlets were replaced by friendly media representatives willing to accept new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The briefing Tuesday was a mix of on-the-news questions and those designed to advance the point of view of President Donald Trump’s administration. Among the topics that interested the latest crop of reporters: the National Guard in American cities, military action in Iran and Somalia, an investigation into former President Joe Biden, potential legal action against The Washington Post and efforts to root out disloyal employees. Kingsley Wilson, Hegseth’s press secretary, said news outlets that chose to “self-deport” won’t be missed at the Pentagon.
Sabrina Carpenter and Franklin the Turtle publisher condemn Trump administration's use of their work
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter and the publisher of Franklin the Turtle are disavowing the Trump administration's use of their work. Carpenter's song "Juno" was used in a video montage depicting ICE raids. On Tuesday, she tweeted that the video is "evil and disgusting" and asked not to involve her music in such agendas. On Monday, Kids Can Press condemned a post by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth showing Franklin the Turtle holding a bazooka. The publisher tweeted that this use contradicts its values. Many artists have objected to Trump using their songs, including ABBA and Bruce Springsteen.
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Dua Lipa's Mexico concerts come with specialty tacos, hot sauce and margaritas
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Dua Lipa has opened a pop-up taqueria in Mexico City called La Dua, offering a unique culinary experience for her fans. The temporary taco shop features three specialty tacos inspired by her songs, along with drinks like margaritas. The menu is priced at 249 pesos, or about $13.60. La Dua is located within Tacos Los Caramelos in the Condesa neighborhood. The pop-up is expected to serve around 800 people daily through Friday. Fans also receive a gift bag with items like a taquero hat and a Dua Lipa calendar. The taqueria complements her concerts in the city.
Multi-platinum rapper Toosii has committed to playing football at Syracuse
Rap artist Toosii is taking time off from his multi-platinum music career by going forward with his dream to pursue football after saying he has committed to Syracuse University. The 25-year-old made the announcement in a message posted Monday on social media, and a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed Toosii’s commitment to The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Syracuse has not released that information. Toosii was born Nau’Jour Grainger and grew up in Syracuse. He played receiver in high school, and began exploring his return to football this summer.
'One Battle After Another' and Jafar Panahi win big at Gotham Awards
NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was crowned best feature film and the dissident Iranian director Jafar Panahi won three awards Monday at the 35th annual Gotham Awards, a starry kickoff to the film industry’s awards season. The black-tie affair, held at Cipriani Wall Street in downtown Manhattan, is known for celebrating smaller films. That made “One Battle After Another,” a studio release that cost at least $130 million to make, unlike any previous winners at the Gothams. Panahi won best director, best screenplay and best international film for his revenge drama “It Was Just an Accident.” Earlier Monday, Panahi’s attorney, Mostafa Nili, said the director was sentenced to one year in prison and a two-year travel ban.
Movie Review: 'Wake Up Dead Man' mixes religion and mystery in poor 'Knives Out' film
Rian Johnson targets religion in his third “Knives Out” film, “Wake Up Dead Man.” The movie features returning Daniel Craig's detective Benoit Blanc and a new star-studded cast. The story revolves around a young Catholic priest, played by Josh O’Connor, who arrives at a troubled New York parish. The monsignor, played by Josh Brolin, is found dead, leading to a classic locked-door mystery. AP critic Mark Kennedy says the film mixes humor with cultural satire but struggles with pacing. The priest and detective team up, offering some of the movie's best moments. Overall, it’s a mixed bag with a satisfying conclusion. The PG-13 rated movie hits Netflix on Dec. 12.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus musical 'Spamalot' hopes to spread the silliness with US tour
NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Idle, a founding member of the comedy group “Monty Python’s Flying Circus, has long had a mission to make us laugh. He continues that crusade with a national touring version of his hit musical “Spamalot,” which begins in Ohio this week. The tour will travel to more than 30 cities in its first year including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans, St. Louis, Houston and Milwaukee. The stage tale is loosely based on the 1975 movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” concerns King Arthur and his quest to corral some knights who’ll go off with him to find the grail.

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