Jury starts deliberating states' claim that Live Nation has a monopoly on concerts and ticketing
NEW YORK (AP) — Jury deliberations have begun in a civil case pitting 34 states against the concert giant Live Nation Entertainment. The states argue that the company and its ticketing arm, Ticketmaster, are monopolizing the industry and driving up prices to see live music. Live Nation contends there is more competition than ever and the company plays fair amid a U.S. booming concert business. Soon after starting deliberations the jury in Manhattan federal court told the judge it wanted to review certain testimony given at the five-week trial. The states carried on with their case after the federal government settled last month.
Rapper Offset released from the hospital after being shot outside a Florida casino
NEW YORK (AP) — The rapper Offset has been released from the hospital after being shot outside a Florida casino earlier this week, a spokesperson said. Offset was shot Monday night following a fight at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, just north of Miami. “Offset has been released from the hospital and he is up and walking,” a representative for Offset said on Friday. The rapper shared his own statement on social media Friday as well. He said that is he good and focusing on his family and his recovery. “Life’s a gamble and I’m still playing to win,” he wrote.
'Euphoria,' returning for a third season, launched a generation of new stars
“Euphoria” returns Sunday with its starry cast for a third season on HBO Max. The TV series was a launchpad for the careers of Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney, among others. Since the show premiered in 2019, Zendaya won two Emmys for her role and has starred in films including “Dune,” “Challengers,” and “Spider-Man.” Elordi gained fame and an Oscar nomination for Guillermo del Toro's “Frankenstein.” Sweeney received acclaim for “The White Lotus” and “Christy.” Other actors showcased in the series include Hunter Schafer, Colman Domingo, Maude Apatow and Alexa Demie.
Music Review: Holly Humberstone continues constructing her lush pop universe with ‘Cruel World’
British singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone fleshed out her interior life on her 2023 debut album, “Paint My Bedroom Black.” She continues to build the atmospheric, lush pop world she started constructing then on “Cruel World.” That is her sophomore album out Friday. On this project, she embraces color and her external world, writes The Associated Press's Elise Ryan. On “White Noise,” she seeks comfort on the dance floor. “DJ play a sad song,” she sings over synths, sax and a lap steel. “I just want to sway tonight.” Longtime Humberstone collaborator Rob Milton produces the project.
Kara Swisher examines the science, tech and business of living longer in new CNN docuseries
NEW YORK (AP) — Kara Swisher begins her new CNN series on longevity and health in a cemetery, reflecting on her father's death. The series, “Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever,” explores how health and tech can extend life. It premieres Saturday. Swisher investigates wellness trends and tech innovations, from AI companions to gene editing. She remains skeptical of quick fixes and critiques the wellness industry's lack of hard science. Swisher's journey includes visits to South Korea, where she examines its high life expectancy. She also creates a 3D clone of herself, exploring the implications of living for generations.
Recommended for you
Coachella looks like fun and glamour for influencers. Behind the scenes, they fiercely strategize
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Social media content that comes out of the sprawling Coachella music festival often looks spontaneous and fun, but many content creators engage in intense levels of planning and strategy weeks or even months in advance. Securing brand partnerships, lining up sponsored content opportunities and building out a content plan for videos related to the festival require business acumen. The festival, which will feature performances from headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G this year, attracts a vast online audience with an insatiable appetite online for Coachella content.
Release is on hold for the man cleared of killing Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay
NEW YORK (AP) — A man who was convicted and then cleared of killing rap star Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC will remain jailed for now. Prosecutors are appealing a judge’s decision last week to grant $1 million bond to Karl Jordan Jr. A judge agreed Friday to put the bond order on hold while that appeal plays out. Jordan and another man, Ronald Washington, were convicted in 2024 in the fatal shooting of the Run—DMC DJ in his recording studio more than two decades earlier. This past December, a judge overturned Jordan’s conviction and acquitted him. He still faces unrelated drug charges and has pleaded not guilty to those.
China's K-pop worries: The reasons why a ban on Korean entertainment has lasted a decade
BEIJING (AP) — BTS is back after a three-and-a-half year break, but their world tour is skipping China. This comes as no surprise, as China has blocked most South Korean entertainment since 2016. The ban started when South Korea allowed a U.S. anti-missile system on its soil, angering China. It isn't total, though. Non-Korean members of K-pop groups can perform in China, and pop-up stores selling K-pop merchandise are popular. South Korean entertainment companies have shifted their focus away from China, with Japan and North America becoming key markets. China has never officially acknowledged the ban.
Stefano Gabbana has stepped down as Dolce & Gabbana chairman but will keep a creative role
MILAN (AP) — Stefano Gabbana has stepped down as chairman of the fashion house that he co-founded with Domenico Dolce. The company said on Friday that Gabbana’s resignation from oversight roles was effective Jan. 1. The company called it “a natural evolution of its organizational structure and governance.’’ The statement said Gabbana, 63, will continue in his creative role at the company.
Picture this: A raffle offers a Picasso for 100 euros to fund Alzheimer’s research
PARIS (AP) — A raffle in France offers the chance to win a Picasso portrait for a 100-euro ticket. Proceeds will support Alzheimer's research. The draw takes place Tuesday at Christie's auction house in Paris. The event is organized by the Alzheimer Research Foundation, a leading private financier of Alzheimer-related research in France. The painting, "Tête de Femme," was created by Picasso in 1941. Previous raffles in 2013 and 2020 raised over 10 million euros for cultural and humanitarian causes. The number of tickets is capped at 120,000, and the draw will be broadcast online.

(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.