Venue gets mixed reviews as National Spelling Bee returns to DC ahead of White House UFC event
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Scripps National Spelling Bee has moved from suburban Maryland to downtown Washington, and not all spellers and their families appreciate the change. The Bee is being held at Constitution Hall, a nearly century-old concert venue just blocks from the White House and the Washington Monument. Spellers are dealing with logistical hurdles including crowded hallways, limited dining options and shuttle bus rides. The quickest route between the venue and the hotel where spellers are staying would be to walk across the Ellipse south of the White House. But that's been fenced off for a UFC event on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
Sonny Rollins, saxophonist and restless genius of jazz, dead at 95
NEW YORK (AP) — Sonny Rollins, the legendary tenor saxophonist known for his bold tone and constant experimentation, has died at 95. His spokesperson confirmed he passed away at his home in Woodstock, New York. Rollins was a revered figure in jazz, celebrated for his improvisational skills and influence alongside greats like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Despite his success, he often took breaks to explore new styles, always considering himself "a work in progress." Rollins won multiple Grammy Awards and continued to perform into his 80s until health issues forced his retirement. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation and inspiration.
In ‘Pressure,’ the story of the meteorologist who helped save D-Day
The film “Pressure” explores the tense 72 hours before D-Day, highlighting the crucial role of Scottish meteorologist Capt. James Stagg. He advised Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Allied leadership to delay the invasion due to bad weather. This decision changed the course of the war. Brendan Fraser plays Eisenhower, diving deep into research to portray the general's humanity. Andrew Scott plays Stagg, focusing on the character's integrity. Director Anthony Maras uses colorized archival footage to present a fresh perspective on D-Day. The film emphasizes leadership and the importance of listening to expert advice, resonating with today's challenges.
Daniel Harding, British conductor and pilot, to follow Dudamel as LA Philharmonic music director
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has hired British conductor Daniel Harding as its next music director. Harding, who is also an Air France pilot, will begin a six-year contract starting with the 2027-28 season. Known for his work with European orchestras, this marks his first appointment by an American orchestra. Harding will conduct eight weeks in his first season, expanding to 12 weeks annually. He is also the music director of Italy's Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. Harding's dual career as a conductor and pilot offers him a unique perspective, which he finds fulfilling and complementary.
What to Stream: Paul McCartney, John Travolta, Tina Fey, Latto and Nicolas Cage as Spider-Man
Paul McCartney reflecting on the “Days We Left Behind” with his 18th studio album and John Travolta writing, directing and narrating an ode to the glamorous days of 1960s air travel are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of May 25 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Netflix drops Season 2 of Netflix’s “Four Seasons” starring Tina Fey, the Atlanta rapper Latto returns with “Big Mama” and Nicolas Cage stars in a new live-action series inspired by Spider-Man.
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What tastes like a Korean pancake and is purple all over? An Oreo inspired by K-pop group BTS
Oreo is teaming up with K-pop supergroup BTS to capitalize on consumers’ growing interest in global flavors. Oreo parent company Mondelez said on Tuesday that BTS-themed Oreos will go on sale next month for a limited time. The sandwich cookies feature purple wafers in a nod to the band's signature color and a creme center that tastes like hotteok, a brown sugar-stuffed Korean pancake. BTS Oreos come at a time when social media and access to speciality grocery stores are making consumers more willing to try flavors from other cultures.
Q&A: Anna Gomez is the sole Democrat on the FCC. She has a warning for big media companies
WASHINGTON (AP) — Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission, is urging media companies to resist what she sees as the Trump administration's crackdown on free speech. Her focus is Disney, the parent company of ABC, which is under investigation by the FCC. Gomez sent a letter to Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro, accusing the FCC of censorship and intimidation. She criticized Disney's decision to settle a defamation case, arguing it set a bad precedent. Gomez's term ends June 30, but she may remain if not replaced.
Jim Henson's Creature Shop opens for tours. Here's what's inside the once-hidden puppet studio
NEW YORK (AP) — A puppet-making workshop founded by the legendary creator of the Muppets is drawing back its curtain. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has opened its doors to public tours. The guided walk-throughs began in February and take place on Saturdays. For $150, the tours give fans a chance to meet a puppet builder and see a puppetry demonstration. They also get to take photos and videos with beloved characters from “Fraggle Rock,” “The Muppet Show,” “Sesame Street” and other Henson creations. Henson, who died in 1990, founded the workshop in the 1960s. It has moved to various locations and is currently in Queens.
Scripps National Spelling Bee guide: How to watch, who the notable spellers are, rules and prizes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Scripps National Spelling Bee runs from Tuesday through Thursday this week. The bee began in 1925, with this year marking its 98th edition. After a long run at a convention center in suburban Maryland, the bee returns to the nation's capital this year at Constitution Hall near the White House. Mina Kimes of ESPN has joined the broadcast as its host. The bee airs on ION and other channels owned by the Cincinnati-based media company Scripps. The champion of the bee receives more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. Thirty of the past 36 champions have come from families of Indian heritage.
Box Office: ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ tops charts and ‘Obsession’ grows in second weekend
Studio estimates on Sunday say “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” has made $82 million in ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada over the weekend. A continuation of the Disney+ series, the movie exceeded opening weekend expectations but remains on the low end of Disney-era Star Wars releases. Second place went to “Obsession,” which defied box office norms and made more in its second weekend than its first. The mix of movies this year didn’t hold a candle to last year’s record Memorial Day weekend. The overall four-day frame will net out around $211 million, down about 36% from last year’s $330 million.

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