Book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs, with 'Sold' topping the list
NEW YORK (AP) — The American Library Association says book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs. Efforts to remove titles have become more coordinated and politicized. The ALA on Monday released its annual list of the most challenged books in U.S. schools and libraries. Patricia McCormick's “Sold,” a novel about sex trafficking in India, topped the list. Other targeted books include “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Gender Queer.” The ALA recorded challenges to 4,235 different works, nearly matching last year's record. The association notes that many challenges now come from government officials and activists rather than concerned parents.
Eddie Murphy receives life achievement award by AFI, drawing standing ovation at star-filled tribute
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eddie Murphy has received the American Film Institute's life achievement award at a star-studded ceremony. The event, held Saturday night at the Dolby Theatre, featured appearances from Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and more. Murphy, known for his roles in "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Shrek" over a nearly 50-year career, expressed gratitude for his family and career. Spike Lee praised Murphy's cultural impact, while Chris Rock and others highlighted his influence across generations. The tribute, which will air on Netflix, also included performances by Jennifer Hudson.
‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ is no match for ‘Super Mario’ or ‘Hail Mary’ at the box office
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Project Hail Mary” continue to lead the North American box office. The Mario sequel has topped the charts for three weekends, adding $35 million and reaching $747.5 million globally. “Project Hail Mary” dropped only 15% in its fifth weekend, earning $20.5 million domestically and bringing its worldwide total to $573.1 million. Meanwhile, “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” debuted in third place with $13.5 million. Despite mixed reviews, it has a worldwide total of $34 million. The overall box office is up 16% from last year, with more big releases expected soon.
Nathalie Baye, French actor known for her warmth and versatility, dies at 77
PARIS (AP) — Nathalie Baye, a French actor known for her versatility and charm, has died at 77. French media reported she died Friday in Paris from a neurodegenerative disease. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, highlighting her impact on cinema. Baye starred in over 80 films, effortlessly moving between comedies and auteur films. She won two César Awards for Best Actress. She gained international recognition as Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen mother in "Catch Me If You Can." Her career spanned five decades, working with renowned directors and emerging filmmakers, leaving a lasting legacy in French cinema.
Hundreds pack Montevideo’s plaza as La Rueda de Candombe caps a breakout run
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Every Monday night in Montevideo, hundreds of people gather around a table in a public square, drawn by the pulse of drums, guitars, and voices. La Rueda de Candombe started as a casual jam session but has become one of Uruguay’s most talked-about musical events. The group performs candombe, a genre rooted in African traditions that's recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Inspired by Brazilian music circles, the founders returned home to create this unique experience. Despite the city's many public spaces, street performances are rare, making this event a cultural phenomenon. The Rueda plans to expand into other public squares.
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Life jacket worn by a passenger who survived the Titanic auctioned off for over $900,000
LONDON (AP) — A life jacket worn by a passenger on the RMS Titanic has sold at auction for 670,000 pounds, which is more than $900,000. The flotation device was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class passenger, and is signed by her and other survivors. It was sold by Henry Aldridge & Son auctioneers in England to an unidentified telephone bidder. A seat cushion from one of the Titanic lifeboats also sold for 390,000 pounds. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge says these record-breaking prices show the continuing interest in the Titanic story. The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, killing about 1,500 people.
What to know about singer D4vd's arrest in 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's killing
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seven months after a 14-year-old girl’s body was found in D4vd’s towed SUV, authorities say the alt-pop singer has been arrested on suspicion of killing her. Los Angeles police say detectives arrested the 21-year-old, whose legal name is David Burke, on Thursday on suspicion of murder in the investigation of the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities had not publicly named Burke as a suspect until his arrest. Investigators are expected to present a case to prosecutors on Monday, police said. Burke’s lawyers have declared his innocence.
Natalie Portman is pregnant with her third child, her first with Tanguy Destable
Natalie Portman is expecting her third child at age 44. The actor told Harper’s Bazaar she is “very grateful” to be welcoming a child with partner Tanguy Destable. She shares two older children with ex-husband Benjamin Millepied. Portman also said she is feeling good physically, with “more energy than I thought I might.” Portman’s upcoming projects include Cathy Yan’s “The Gallerist,” about an unusual art world caper, and Lena Dunham’s “Good Sex” on Netflix. The 45-year-old Destable is a French electronic music producer known as Tepr.
Rapper Tory Lanez sues California prison system for $100 million over stabbing by inmate
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rapper Tory Lanez has sued the California prison system, claiming he should not have been housed with an inmate who stabbed him 16 times last year. Lanez's legal name is Daystar Peterson. He filed the federal lawsuit Tuesday, seeking $100 million in damages. He alleges that the attack was unprovoked and life-threatening. Lanez is serving 10 years for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet. The lawsuit says prison officials were slow to respond and failed to use measures to stop the attack. It also claims his notebooks with unpublished lyrics were unlawfully seized. A corrections spokesperson says the agency does not comment on pending litigation.
Don Schlitz, storied country songwriter behind such hits as 'The Gambler,' dies at 73
NEW YORK (AP) — Don Schlitz, the storied country music songwriter known for “The Gambler,” died Thursday at a Nashville hospital. He was 73. The cause of death was not immediately known. A press release from the Grand Ole Opry describes it as a sudden illness. The two-time Grammy Award winner was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2017 and was later inducted in 2022. The historic venue’s Saturday night show will be dedicated in Schlitz’s honor. Schlitz wrote songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis and The Judds.
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