Actor James Tolkan of 'Top Gun' and 'Back to the Future' fame dies at 94
Actor James Tolkan, known for his roles as a cigar-chomping naval commander in “Top Gun” and a gruff high school administrator in “Back to the Future,” has died. He was 94. Tolkan's booking agent says Tolkan died Thursday in Lake Placid, New York. In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed the bow tie-wearing Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who eyeballed students for trouble — in particular Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox. Tolkan also portrayed commanding officer Tom “Stinger” Jardian in “Top Gun.”
Disney opens World of Frozen in Paris as new CEO showcases the empire that made him
CHESSY, France (AP) — On Sunday, Walt Disney Studios Park became Disney Adventure World as part of a 2 billion euro expansion. “World of Frozen" is the centerpiece. The new area also adds a lagoon, a Nordic-style village and a talking robotic snowman. Guests also get a Frozen Ever After boat ride and meet Anna and Elsa. The wider relaunch adds a central lake, a “Tangled” attraction, new dining spots and a night show with drones. Disney says most of the park has been rebuilt. Both “Frozen” and “Tangled” are rooted in European folklore.
Spain begins Holy Week with processions, palm branches and familiar faces
MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Actor Antonio Banderas has joined the crowds in dozens of Palm Sunday processions, marking the official start of Holy Week in Spain. Andalusian cities of Seville and Malaga are hosting some of the most popular and lavish processions, featuring elaborately decorated floats and hundreds of penitents, but religious events of all kinds take place throughout Spain. In Cabra, a small town in the nearby mountains of Cordoba, in addition to the faithful who march carrying traditional palm branches, 12 of them portrayed Jesus’ apostles wearing masks bearing their likenesses.
New York City and Dr. Phil’s son resolve dispute over NYPD reality show
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City has ended its legal fight with producer Jordan McGraw, the son of TV’s “Dr. Phil” McGraw. The settlement reached Friday clears the way for a reality show he’s making about the New York Police Department. The agreement says the city will retain editorial control over the show after accusing Jordan McGraw and his production company, McGraw Media, of trying to wrest it away. The show is hosted by “Dr. Phil” and titled “Behind the Badge." The agreement also says McGraw Media will provide cuts of episodes to the NYPD and will incorporate its edits. A message seeking comment was left for a lawyer for Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media.
Moroccan court jails rapper who has criticized ties with Israel and corruption
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RABAT, Morocco (AP) — A Moroccan court has sentenced a rapper known for his criticism of the country’s ties with Israel and government corruption to eight months in prison. It is the latest in a string of penalties against young musical artists in the North African kingdom. The court this week found the 23-year-old rapper, Souhaib Qabli, guilty of insulting a constitutional body, his lawyer told The Associated Press. Rights groups have described the case as a political measure aimed at curbing freedoms. Morocco’s constitution generally guarantees freedom of expression, but certain types of speech can still trigger criminal charges. Qabli is appealing the ruling.
Savannah Guthrie to return to 'Today' show on April 6 after mother's disappearance
Savannah Guthrie will return to NBC's “Today” show on April 6. The longtime morning show co-anchor has been absent since her mother's disappearance nearly two months ago. Guthrie says in an interview that aired Friday that experiencing joy will be her protest. Guthrie talked with Hoda Kotb, who has been filling in for her in emotional interviews released this week. Guthrie says she's not sure she's up for it but wants to try because NBC, too, is her family. Authorities believe Guthrie's mother, Nancy, was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will from her Arizona home.
Music Review: Charlie Puth shows off his bag of musical tricks on 'Whatever's Clever!'
A choir and an orchestra back up Charlie Puth on his fourth album, “Whatever's Clever!” It sees the artist consider change. Puth and his co-producer BloodPop pull from a Mary Poppins bag of musical tricks to create complex tracks, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan. A number of features add intrigue to the tracks. Musically, the outcome is fun. The influences, ranging from yacht rock to jazz and R&B, divert from Puth’s previous pop. But Puth and BloodPop play it safe lyrically. “Whatever's Clever!” releases Friday.
Fetty Wap has a lot to say on 'Zavier.’ It’s his first album since being released from prison
NEW YORK (AP) — Melodic rapper Fetty Wap was released from federal prison to home confinement in January after serving just over half a six-year sentence for his role in a drug trafficking scheme. On Friday, he releases a new album titled “Zavier.” The artist born Willie Maxwell II tells The Associated Press that the album features a lot of different sounds. Collaborators include Tink, Wiz Khalifa, Max B and Fetty Wap's sisters. Fetty Wap says he didn't want to make an album about his incarceration, but he didn't want to avoid it either. He hopes “Zavier” gives his audience a feeling of “good energy” and “positivity.”
Musician who canceled Kennedy Center holiday performance asks for suit to be dismissed
WASHINGTON (AP) — Musician Chuck Redd is asking a judge to throw out the Kennedy Center’s lawsuit over his canceled Christmas Eve show, saying he never had to perform. In a motion filed Friday in D.C. Superior Court, his lawyers argue he was under no contractual obligation to perform. They also call the case an effort to intimidate artists who speak out. Redd has led the venue’s holiday Jazz Jams since 2006. He canceled last year after the board voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the facility.

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