The Knicks. The World Cup. Taylor Swift's likely wedding. It's the Summer of New York
NEW YORK (AP) — It is a city bathed in the orange-and-blue afterglow of a Knicks championship. A place gushing with the joy of World Cup fans jamming its bars and its streets. And girding for a fireworks-blasting, tall ships-sailing July 4. So if Taylor Swift were to choose New York, at this moment, could there be anywhere more fitting? In a city that has lived an autumn of grief after 9/11 and a spring of solitude at the outset of COVID-19, some locals are feeling a sense of euphoria as stars align to deliver a singular Summer of New York. Manhattan real estate agent Steven Gottlieb says, like many born-and-bred New Yorkers, he has “a love-hate relationship” with his hometown, "but there’s a lot to love right now.”
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to host their wedding Friday at Madison Square Garden, AP source says
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will host their wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. That's according to a law enforcement official briefed on the security plans. The official said the festivities will kick off with a smaller rehearsal dinner planned for Thursday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the events. Speculation about the superstar singer and football player’s nuptials has built to a frenzy in recent days. Unconfirmed reports said it would take place over July Fourth weekend at one of New York’s iconic landmarks. Nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, despite multiple requests for comment.
The Onion's new parody of Alex Jones' Infowars starts with $100,000 to Sandy Hook families
The families of those killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting will indirectly receive money from Alex Jones after a billion-dollar defamation verdict. The Onion, which has tried to take over Jones' Infowars in a bankruptcy auction, is sending the families a $100,000 check from merchandise sales combining the conspiracy empire’s brand with the The Onion’s logo. The Onion has big plans for Infowars. The satire news site plans to parody Jones' style with shows and content under Infowars branding. Jones called the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting a hoax, leading to harassment of the families. The Onion CEO Ben Collins says he wants to use satire to expose Jones.
California to institute Bruce Lee Day, a first for a Chinese American in the state's history
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco, will become the first Chinese American in California history with an annual namesake day. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Tuesday officially designating May 17 as Bruce Lee Day. That's the date in 1959 that an 18-year-old Lee returned to San Francisco after spending his childhood in Hong Kong. Lee’s daughter, Shannon, says the honor is a testament to her father’s enduring legacy as a bridge between cultures. Lee is credited for challenging racial stereotypes with his portrayal of a strong, Asian male through martial arts cinema.
Bello again: Pierre Coffin, voice of the Minions, finally understands his yellow henchman
NEW YORK (AP) — Filmmaker Pierre Coffin is the creator and chief practitioner of Minionese, but it’s a dialect — like most things Minions — that’s taken time to hone. It’s been 16 years since Coffin co-directed “Despicable Me.” He has made three more movies in the franchise. But the Minions, like Coffin’s multiheaded version of Frankenstein’s monster, have often remained a deviling, even mystifying force. After stepping away from the franchise, Coffin returns for “Minions & Monsters.” The concept — that the Minions try to make a monster movie — was too hard to pass up. The film opens Wednesday in theaters.
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Actor and activist Danny Glover says he has Alzheimer’s disease
NEW YORK (AP) — Actor and activist Danny Glover says he has Alzheimer’s disease. The “Lethal Weapon” star, who turns 80 on July 22, was diagnosed three years ago. He told “Today” and People magazine that he’s still coming to terms with the disease. Alzheimer’s affects more than 6 million people in the U.S. and millions more worldwide. Glover earned four Emmy nominations and an honorary Oscar in 2022. He also received awards from the NAACP and Black Entertainment Television. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program.
Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote 'Y.M.C.A.,' dies at 74
NEW YORK (AP) — Victor Willis, who co-founded the Village People and co-wrote some of the disco group's biggest hits, including “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” has died at age 74. The group announced his death on Facebook, citing “a short but aggressive illness.” Willis, who performed dressed as a police officer, helped form the Village People in 1977 with producer Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo. The group's debut album was released that year, followed by hits like “Y.M.C.A.” in 1978. The song became an American phenomenon and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2020. The group's music remains a staple at events and celebrations worldwide.
Eurovision, eh? Canada will compete at the glitzy song contest in 2027
LONDON (AP) — Canada is set to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time next year. The European Broadcasting Union and Canadian broadcaster CBC announced that Canada will join the contest in Bulgaria in May 2027. It's the first new country to enter Eurovision since Australia in 2015. CBC President Marie-Philippe Bouchard said this will showcase Canadian talent on a global stage. Eurovision Director Martin Green noted it shows the contest's global reach. Details on Canada's entry selection will be announced later this year. The campy, colorful celebration of pop has faced recent protests and boycotts over Israel's participation.
The Motown Museum's $75M expansion aims to honor Detroit's musical legacy
DETROIT (AP) — The Motown Museum in Detroit is undergoing a $75 million expansion that is slated to open in 2027. The original Motown hub known as Hitsville USA is where legends including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye developed and recorded their early hits. Supporters hope the revamped museum campus will boost Detroit's visitor numbers. Former Motown arranger Paul Riser Sr. believes the Motown Museum deserves the same recognition as landmarks such as New York City's Times Square. The museum currently attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. The expansion will include a theater, recording studio and more. The project highlights the importance of preserving Motown's legacy and promoting Detroit's musical heritage.
NYC police are bracing for July 4, World Cup action, searing heat and a pop star's wedding
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Police Department is bracing for a slew of massive Independence Day celebrations along with a World Cup match this weekend, scrambling thousands of officers on land, sea and air to handle security measures as an intense heat wave bears down on the region. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Wednesday that there are no known specific or credible threats to this year’s celebrations, which include Sail 250, the Fourth of July fireworks show and one other star-studded event — the wedding of pop star Taylor Swift and football player Travis Kelce. A massive police presence is planned, as temperatures reach sweltering levels.
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