David Hockney, artist renowned for his pool scenes, has died at 88
LONDON (AP) — Artist David Hockney has died at 88. His paintings of pools shimmering in the Los Angeles sunshine became icons of 20th-century art. Hockney was born in the north of England but lived much of his life in Southern California, making its sun-drenched suburban views a major motif. Later in life he returned to Europe, finding renewed inspiration in the wooded hills of his native county of Yorkshire and the fields and trees of France’s Normandy region. He became one of the U.K.’s most treasured artists, his works selling for record prices at auction. Hockney's publicist said he died Thursday.
Taylor Swift becomes the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has become the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36. Steven Spielberg introduced Swift on Thursday night with a speech about the power of songwriting. Tamar Braxton opened the induction ceremony with a tribute to the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher “Tricky” Stewart. The gala was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Inductees included Swift, Stewart, Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette and Kenny Loggins. Also celebrated were nonperformers including songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle behind Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and songwriter Walter Afanasieff, who wrote Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
'Doctor Who' future uncertain as BBC scraps Christmas special and showrunner exits
LONDON (AP) — The future of "Doctor Who” is uncertain after the BBC canceled a planned Christmas special. Showrunner Russell T. Davies has confirmed his exit, saying the episode wasn't written and no actor was chosen for the Doctor's role. The BBC announced Wednesday that Davies and production company Bad Wolf decided not to proceed with the special. The broadcaster says it aims to invest in the show's long-term future and is seeking new production partners. "Doctor Who,” first aired in 1963, has entertained generations of fans, with more than a dozen actors playing the lead role. Davies, who revived the show in 2005, says its future remains "exciting and unpredictable.”
Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and Salma Hayek kick-start the World Cup at opening ceremony in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City was full of international stars. Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek left fans ecstatic and ready for the match between Mexico and South Africa. J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, David Guetta, EJAE and even some Labubus were also part of the festivities.
Music Review: Olivia Rodrigo's 'You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love' is her best work yet
NEW YORK (AP) — Olivia Rodrigo's third album, “You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” is her best yet, writes The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman in her review. It marks a giant step forward for the confessional songwriter. Across 13 tracks, Rodrigo explores a romance from first date to break up, with self-realization along the way. Rodrigo once again collaborates with producer Dan Nigro, refining their partnership. The album features lush guitar tones and vibrant productions, with influences like The Cure, ‘90s jangly guitar pop and New Romantics' synths. Rodrigo seems to be a shining example of artistic evolution, offering both delicate moments and big, up-tempo feelings.
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Kennedy Center board seeks pause of ruling ordering removal of Trump's name by Friday deadline
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's board at the Kennedy Center is trying to keep his name on the building before a court-ordered deadline to remove it by Friday. The board voted Thursday to seek a stay of a judge's ruling that Trump's name was illegally added. The judge also blocked planned renovations. The Kennedy Center's website has already dropped Trump's name. After initially ignoring the venue, Trump has influenced it during his second term, replacing leadership and adding Trump-friendly programming. The arts community has reacted strongly, with many artists withdrawing from appearances and consultants resigning.
The secrets behind a memorable World Cup anthem, from Shakira and more
NEW YORK (AP) — What makes a memorable FIFA World Cup anthem? Is it a global banger? A song performed in different languages and across internationally popular genres to speak to as many countries as possible? Or should it simply value a chant-along chorus above all? The Associated Press asked a few of the performers behind the most popular World Cup anthems of all time to get to the bottom of it. According to Shakira, J Balvin, Wyclef Jean and Nora Fatehi, it is all of the above. A good anthem chooses rhythm, catchy hooks and expresses unity.
Virginia Evans and Lyse Doucet win Women's Prize book awards
LONDON (AP) — American novelist Virginia Evans has won the Women’s Prize for Fiction with “The Correspondent,” a bestseller told in letters. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet won the Women’s Prize for Nonfiction with “The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan.” Both prizes include a $40,000 purse and are open to female English-language writers from around the world. Evans’s novel, written during the COVID-19 pandemic, topped bestseller lists an became a book-club favorite. A film adaptation is in the works. Doucet’s book profiles Kabul’s Inter-Continental Hotel, offering a microcosm of Afghanistan’s history. The fiction prize was established in 1996 and the nonfiction prize was founded in 2024 to address a gender imbalance in publishing.
From YouTube to Disney+: Preschool hit 'Gracie's Corner' lands streaming and development deal
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The educational series “Gracie’s Corner” is joining Disney+. The show, created by Javoris and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, was inspired by their daughter Graceyn and aims to reflect diverse families. Disney announced Thursday that it has acquired the global streaming rights and will develop new content with the family. The series, which has over 6.3 million YouTube subscribers, will debut Monday on Disney+ in the U.S. and select markets. The Hollingsworths started the series during the pandemic to provide educational content featuring Black characters. The partnership highlights Disney’s interest in creator-led programming.
Lights! Camera! Cage match! The White House lawn's Octagon is ready for Trump's 80th birthday bash
WASHINGTON (AP) — A massive UFC event is set to take over the White House's South Lawn. The temporary arena resembles a cross between a UFO and a claw game in a video arcade and features an eight-sided cage and a towering structure of lights, speakers and wiring called The Claw. The event celebrates President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service is contesting a lawsuit to block the event, which costs more than $60 million. The fights are scheduled for Sunday night, with additional activities planned throughout the weekend. UFC chief Dana White insists the show will go on, rain or shine.
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