AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 7:30 p.m. EST

Disney World worker is injured trying to stop runaway boulder at Indiana Jones show

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Walt Disney World worker in Florida was injured while trying to stop a runaway prop boulder during the park's Indiana Jones live show. The 400-pound boulder moved off its track on Tuesday and rolled toward the audience. Another worker stopped it before it reached spectators. Disney wouldn't disclose the worker's injuries, citing privacy reasons. One show was canceled Tuesday, and Wednesday's shows were modified to exclude the boulder. Disney is reviewing the incident to ensure safety. The show is based on the Indiana Jones films and recreates a famous scene from "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

French government defends granting citizenship to George and Amal Clooney

PARIS (AP) — France's government is defending its decision to grant citizenship to George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney, citing their contributions to France's international influence and cultural outreach. The government announced the naturalizations of the Kentucky-born actor, his wife Amal, and their twins last weekend. A junior French minister expressed concerns about perceived special treatment. Clooney admits that he has limited French skills. The Foreign Ministry explained that the Clooneys qualify under a law for those enhancing France's global impact. It highlighted Clooney's influence in cinema and Amal's legal work with French institutions. The couple purchased a French estate in 2021, making it their primary residence.

Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor from 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at age 71. His manager confirmed he passed away Tuesday in New York after a short illness. Whitlock played the corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on “The Wire." He also appeared in several Spike Lee films, including “25th Hour” and “BlacKkKlansman.” Whitlock played Secretary of Defense George Maddox on “Veep.” Originally from South Bend, Indiana, he studied theater after a football injury and began his acting career in San Francisco. He began appearing in small television guest roles on shows including “Cagney and Lacy” in the late 1980s. He went on to appear in five of Lee’s films.

A rough year for journalists in 2025, with a little hope for things to turn around

NEW YORK (AP) — By most measures, 2025 was a rough year for those who care about freedom of the press. It's likely to be the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers across the world. The number of assaults on reporters spiked in the United States. As is by now familiar, the ranks of people working as journalists continues to thin. The president of the United States continues to berate many who ask him questions, sometimes in harshly personal terms. Outside of name-calling, the second term of President Donald Trump has seen a coordinated campaign against journalists on several different levels.

In a breakneck digital era, the ancient art of Peking opera works hard to keep flourishing

BEIJING (AP) — The old and nuanced art of Peking opera is working hard to flourish in an era of digital entertainment and incessant screens. It's doing so through people like Zhang Wanting, an actress who is so dedicated and determined that she practices a single, gravity-defying move for months — and sometimes years. For Zhang, the payoff is in the audience's reaction. But as determined as she is to impress, she's also committed to making sure that this centuries-old piece of Chinese culture doesn't fade as the world moves deeper into the 21st century.

What music and television to stream: A New Year's Eve tradition and a 'Stranger Things' sendoff

The end of the year brings fewer new streaming options, but it's a great time to catch up on 2025's best movies, TV, music, and games. The Associated Press offers comprehensive guides on its Year in Review page. One standout this week is a music and television option perfect for New Year's Eve. On Dec. 31, you can enjoy all-star performances. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” is available to stream on ABC.com. Performers include Chappell Roan, 50 Cent, Diana Ross, Chance the Rapper, and many more. Earlier in the evening, “Stranger Things” will drop its series finale with the final episode of Season 5.

Chevy Chase is under the spotlight in a new documentary, warts and all — and he's OK with it

NEW YORK (AP) — Chevy Chase's new documentary, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” explores his complex personality and career. Directed by Marina Zenovich, it airs on CNN on New Year’s Day. The film covers Chase's journey from his troubled childhood to his time on “Saturday Night Live” and Hollywood success, ending with his stint on “Community.” Zenovich includes insights from Dan Aykroyd, Beverly D’Angelo and others. Chase's humor is seen as a coping mechanism for past trauma. Despite his reputation for being difficult, Chase approves of the film, calling it both painful and lovely, like a massage.

Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dies at 77, leaving a legacy that inspired many in music

Eight-time Grammy-nominated gospel singer Richard Smallwood has died at 77. His representative announced that Smallwood passed away Tuesday due to complications from kidney failure in Maryland. Smallwood had faced health challenges for years, but his dedication to music kept him going. His songs were recorded by artists such as Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child. Smallwood's music inspired many, including Chaka Khan, who praised his brilliance and spirit. He began playing piano at age 5 and formed his first gospel group by 11. One of his biggest hits was the song “Total Praise.”

Hong Kong greets 2026 without fireworks after deadliest blaze in decades

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong welcomed 2026 without fireworks over Victoria Harbor after a massive fire in November killed at least 161 people. The city’s tourism board hosted a music show Wednesday night featuring Air Supply and other singers in the Central business district. Eight landmarks became giant countdown clocks, presenting a light show at midnight. Fireworks have long been part of Hong Kong’s celebrations, drawing crowds to both sides of the promenade. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law admitted having no fireworks would affect some hotel and restaurant businesses. Past tragedies in Hong Kong also have forced cancellations of firework shows.