From her bookstore in Nashville, Ann Patchett drives the literary conversation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ann Patchett often finds ways to help others, whether it's promoting a fellow author's book or supporting emerging writers. At 62, she’s a celebrated novelist and co-owner of the independent bookstore Parnassus. Her latest novel, “Whistler,” explores themes of connection and decency. Patchett believes most people are good, despite the negativity often portrayed in the news. She was recently honored by PEN America for her literary contributions. Patchett’s journey as a writer began early, and she’s inspired others to pursue their dreams, including fellow author Emma Straub, who opened her own bookstore.
A guide to the bookstores owned by your favorite authors
NEW YORK (AP) — Ann Patchett opened Parnassus Books in 2011 when physical bookstores seemed endangered. Now, author-owned bookstores are thriving across the U.S. Judy Blume runs Books & Books in Key West, Florida, where she often helps customers herself. Louise Erdrich’s Birchbark Books in Minnesota focuses on Indigenous literature. Lauren Groff’s The Lynx Books in Gainesville, Florida, emphasizes banned books. Jeff Kinney’s An Unlikely Story in Massachusetts is a massive literary hub. George R.R. Martin’s Beastly Books in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a haven for speculative fiction. Emma Straub’s Books Are Magic in New York has become a local favorite.
YouTuber box office boom: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ draw Gen Z to theaters
An indie horror with internet origins has beaten the legacy franchise Star Wars at the box office this weekend. According to studio estimates on Sunday, “Backrooms” made an astonishing $81.4 million in its first weekend in theaters. It easily topped the box office over “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” which fell sharply in its second weekend, earning $25 million to take third place. Second place went to another indie horror, “Obsession,” which has continued its unprecedented run, making more money in its third weekend than it did in its first.
50 years on, Fela's legendary 'Zombie' album still resonates in Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — In 1976, Fela Kuti's song "Zombie" became a powerful protest against Nigeria's military rule. The military had been in power for a decade, and Fela's music criticized their control. His lyrics mocked soldiers' blind obedience, resonating with those frustrated by the regime. The song's release led to a brutal response from the government. Soldiers raided Fela's residence, causing destruction and injury. Despite the crackdown, "Zombie" remains a significant cultural milestone. Fela's bold defiance and the song's impact are unmatched, highlighting the enduring struggle against oppressive authority in Nigeria.
Frankie Valli cancels the remainder of the Four Seasons’ farewell tour, citing health concerns
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Frankie Valli, whose legendary falsetto defines the sound of the 1960s rock group the Four Seasons, has cancelled the remainder of the band’s 2026 tour dates. The 92-year-old frontman and only original member still performing with the Four Seasons announced on social media that he would take the rest of the year off to focus on his health. Valli launched an extended farewell tour billed “The Last Encores” in October 2023. Eight remaining shows in cities from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Detroit have been called off. Known for keeping a rigorous touring schedule even as he has aged, Valli appeared to leave the door open for future performances.
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Trump vents about judge who blocked the Kennedy Center renovation and fumes over his legal setbacks
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is fuming about a court ruling that blocked his renovation plans for the Kennedy Center in Washington. He's using a social media post to brand the federal judge who issued the ruling Friday as “an anti Trump Hater.” And the Republican president is predicting that the nation’s premier performing arts center he wanted to shutter for a two-year overhaul will “soon be closed, probably never to open again.” again.” In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump's Truth Social post continued to make the case for the project but didn't clarify whether he'll keep defending the work in court.
Trump to headline 'Great American State Fair' for nation's 250th anniversary after artists drop out
WASHINGTON (AP) — An upcoming celebration of America's 250th anniversary, called "The Great American State Fair," has faced challenges as several musical guests backed out due in part to its connections to President Donald Trump. Organizers announced Saturday that Trump himself will now headline the event. The event is set to start June 25 on Washington's National Mall. Some artists, like Bret Michaels and Martina McBride, withdrew over concerns about the event's political ties. Others, including Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice, still plan to perform.
Oscar-winning 'Star Wars' editor Marcia Lucas dies at 80
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning editor of the original 1977 “Star Wars,” has died at age 80. A lawyer for her family says she passed away Wednesday from metastatic cancer in Rancho Mirage, California. Lucas was married to “Star Wars” creator George Lucas from 1969 to 1983. She also edited “Return of the Jedi” and worked on other George Lucas films like “THX 1138” and “American Graffiti.” She also worked on the Martin Scorsese-directed 1970s classics “Taxi Driver” and “Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.”
What to know about the artists backing out of the Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts
Musical artists' cancellations from a Donald Trump-linked U.S. celebration in Washington continue the Republican president’s tense history with the entertainment industry. Freedom 250 has organized “The Great American State Fair,” a series of events on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. The event was launched by Trump and features concerts, exhibits and tributes. But artists including Bret Michaels, the Commodores and Martina McBride have canceled their performances. The artists say they were misled about the event's theme and want to avoid political controversy. Performers including Flo Rida and Vanilla Ice are still expected to appear. Freedom 250 tells The New York Times it's focused on celebrations and events honoring America's history.
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.
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