Comedian Carlos Mencia pleads not guilty to 12 felony charges of failure to pay taxes
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Comedian Carlos Mencia has pleaded not guilty to 12 felony charges alleging he failed to report or pay taxes on over $8 million in earnings. Mencia appeared in a Los Angeles County court on Monday, where his bail was reduced from $250,000 to $50,000. He had been in jail since his arrest on Thursday but has now posted bail. District Attorney Nathan Hochman called Mencia “one of California’s biggest tax scofflaws,” claiming he owes more than $300,000 in state taxes. If convicted, Mencia could get over 11 years in prison.
10 songs to memorialize Clive Davis, the larger-than-life music executive
NEW YORK (AP) — No music executive has ever been so powerful as to become synonymous with the whole of the music industry itself. But if anyone came close, it was Clive Davis. One of the music industry’s most powerful figures, who helped launch or relaunch the careers of countless artists, including Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, has died. His death was announced on Monday. He was 94. The greatest way to celebrate the “man with the golden ears” is to listen to The Associated Press' playlist of the songs he helped bring into the world. They include offerings from the aforementioned artists as well as Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow and others.
Man charged in killing of actor James Handy found mentally incompetent for prosecution
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has found that a man charged with the murder of actor James Handy is not mentally competent for court proceedings. On Monday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi ruled that Michael Gledhill cannot understand the case against him or assist his lawyer in his defense. Handy, known for roles in “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” was found stabbed outside Gledhill's mother's home in June. Authorities say Gledhill was arrested after he told police he was the one they were looking for. The court has ordered involuntary medication for Gledhill. His case may proceed if he is later found competent.
Clive Davis, music industry starmaker, has died at 94
NEW YORK (AP) — Clive Davis, who rose from a job as a record company lawyer to become one of the music industry’s most powerful figures, has died at the age of 94. Davis launched or resurrected the careers of countless superstars, including Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys. Unlike other record moguls whose influence waned as they got older, his might only seemed to grow over the decades in a career that spanned multiple genres and labels. Davis also signed up Billy Joel, Blood Sweat & Tears, Patti Smith, the Grateful Dead and “American Idol” winners Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.
Oliver Tree, the eccentric American musician and comedian, killed at 32 in a Brazil helicopter crash
NEW YORK (AP) — Oliver Tree, the eccentric American musician known for viral stunts and alt-pop hits, died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro on June 14. He was 32. Representatives confirmed his death on Instagram, sharing that his legacy will continue through a foundation he established. Two helicopters collided, killing all six aboard, including Tree. He was in the middle of a world tour. Born in California, Tree was known for his unique style and viral internet presence. Tributes from musicians like Kid Cudi and Bebe Rexha have poured in, celebrating his creativity and impact on the music world.
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Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, Carlos Santana and more mourn the death of Clive Davis
Music artists are mourning the death of Clive Davis, one of the industry’s most powerful figures who launched or resurrected the careers of artists ranging from Whitney Houston to Carlos Santana. Santana on Monday called Davis “a visionary.” Barry Manilow says music wasn’t just business to Davis — “it was family.” Michael Bublé says Davis “believed in people and their dreams.” Patti Smith thanked Davis for a half century of “love and support.” Davis’ publicist Aliza Rabinoff says the music executive died in his Manhattan apartment. He was 94.
'Toy Story 5' rakes in the biggest box-office debut of the year with a franchise-best $160 million
NEW YORK (AP) — “Toy Story” still has a friend in moviegoers. The fifth installment in the Pixar series debuted with $160 million in domestic ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. That easily set a new franchise record and notches the biggest opening weekend of the year. Launching 31 years after the original “Toy Story” first landed in theaters, “Toy Story 5” far surpassed the previous series-best debut of $120 million for “Toy Story 4” in 2019. Internationally, it was just as successful, with $152 million in opening-weekend sales, for a worldwide haul of $312 million. Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” slipped to second place with $17 million in its second weekend.
A black jaguar oracle in Rio de Janeiro sniffs Brazil to beat Scotland in Group C challenge
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A black jaguar named Poty has made its World Cup prediction at Rio de Janeiro's BioParque. Poty chose Brazil to win in the Group C match against Scotland in Miami on Wednesday. On Monday, residents and soccer fans watched as Poty sniffed two boxes representing the teams before selecting Brazil. However, Poty briefly returned to the Scotland box, suggesting a potentially tough game. BioParque biologist Caio de Souza Silva noted this might indicate a challenging match for Brazil. Brazil co-leads Group C with Morocco, while Scotland could still advance despite the outcome.
Tucker Carlson says he'll no longer support the Republican Party
Tucker Carlson says he won't support the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. Speaking recently on the “Can't Be Censored” podcast, Carlson expressed disillusionment with the party he defended for over 35 years. He criticized the party for prioritizing foreign interests over American citizens. Carlson's views of the GOP have shifted, especially after President Donald Trump's decision to go to war with Iran in February. He campaigned for Trump in 2024 but later apologized for misleading people. Carlson insists he won't support the Democratic Party either.
What to Stream: Paul Simon, 'In the Hand of Dante,' 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and Star Fox
Paul Simon's concert special and Season 2 of the live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” are among the new streaming options this week. The horror film “Undertone” debuts on HBO Max on June 26. John Cena stars in the Netflix comedy “Little Brother,” streaming June 26. Peacock also offers the thriller “Strung” on June 26. Paul Simon's concert special streams on Disney+ and Hulu on Friday. Muse also releases their new album “The Wow! Signal.” The live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” returns on June 25 on Netflix. “Camp Snoopy” Season 2 arrives June 26 on Apple TV. Star Fox launches on Switch 2 on June 25.

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