‘Ragtime’ is still resonating with audiences 30 years since its Broadway debut
New York (AP) — It's been nearly 30 years since Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens wrote the music and lyrics for “Ragtime,” the American epic musical about the intertwining lives of three New York families at the turn of the 20th century. This could be the year that the show takes home a best show award at the Tonys. With 11 nods, it's up against “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” and “The Rocky Horror Show” in the best revival category. The cast and creative team say part of why it is resonating is because the audience now sees it as a contemporary story, instead of a period piece.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledges stiff competition with Bad Bunny in Spain and weighs in on soccer rivalry
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Leo XIV acknowledges he's competing with another VIP in Madrid this weekend. Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny is performing two shows in the Spanish capital. Leo spoke with reporters aboard the papal plane before his arrival in Madrid on Saturday morning. Leo noted the Bad Bunny draw but also mentioned a newfound spiritual awakening among young people in Spain. He hopes his visit might help "awaken" something in them. Leo begins a weeklong visit to Spain, including stops in Barcelona and the Canary Islands. He also commented on the Chicago Bears' plans to move to Indiana, joking it's “out of my pay” scale.
Taylor Swift's 'Toy Story 5' song is a return to pop country
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has released a new song for Disney and Pixar's “Toy Story 5.” The track, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” marks a soft return to her country-pop roots. Swift doesn’t sing with a familiar twang on “I Knew It, I Knew You,” but that's all right. The song features some elements inextricable from the country genre like live instrumentation, plucky banjo and harmonica that opens the track. The song is co-produced by Jack Antonoff, her frequent collaborator. Last weekend, billboards with “TS” appeared in major cities, hinting at the release. Fans are speculating it could be an Oscar contender, bringing her closer to an EGOT.
Wrestling matches provide an action-packed story time at US libraries, in photos
BENICIA, Calif. (AP) — “Lucha Libro,” a high-energy, action-packed story time is bringing live wrestling matches to libraries across the U.S. to promote literacy. Founded in 2024, “Lucha Libro” plays off the name of the popular Mexican-inspired sport of Lucha Libre. Libro means book in Spanish. Over 40 events are planned this year at libraries from California to New Jersey.
Accessorize with earplugs at this summer's concerts so you can enjoy more music in the future
NEW YORK (AP) — Wearing earplugs at concerts can help prevent hearing damage. Starting at around 85 decibels, hearing can be damaged with prolonged listening. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to hurt your ears. To find a good pair of earplugs, look for a noise reduction rating between 15 and 30 decibels. If it’s tough to find snug ones at the store, see an audiologist for a custom fit. Experts say earplugs turn the volume down, not off and can preserve your hearing so you can enjoy more music in the future.
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After actor James Handy's stabbing death, his girlfriend's son is charged with murder
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor James Handy has been stabbed to death, and police have charged the son of his girlfriend in the killing. Michael Gledhill was charged after police say officers found the 81-year-old Handy stabbed in the chest and unconscious outside a home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. They say Gledhill was arrested after telling police he was the person they were looking for. Handy was a character actor in films and on TV for decades, including appearances in a variety of television crime procedurals.
Actors' union approves 4-year contract with studios and streamers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Television and movie actors have voted to ratify a four-year contract with studios and streaming services. This comes after union leaders negotiated protections against synthetic actors created by artificial intelligence. The ratification was widely expected, and a strike like the one in 2023 never seemed likely during the drama-free negotiations. More than 90% of Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists members approved the agreement. The new deal, like on recently reached by Hollywood writers, is for four years instead of the usual three. This provides extra labor stability in the industry. The contract includes provisions to keep the use of AI actors minimal.
Remaining 3 '60 Minutes' stars say they're staying at CBS show, don't want to see it die
NEW YORK (AP) — The three remaining correspondents at "60 Minutes" have decided to stay with the show despite recent turmoil. Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker expressed their anger over recent firings in a memo to staff, obtained by The Associated Press. They said they had a hard time deciding whether to stay but ultimately chose to remain because they don't want to see the show die. They expressed regret over the firings of colleagues by the new CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, and executive producer Nick Bilton. They said they are working to build trust with Bilton but will still leave if they deem it necessary.
Carlos 'Indio' Solari, a legend of Argentina's rock scene, dies at 77
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Carlos Alberto Solari, the Argentine singer-songwriter known as “the Indio” who led Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota, one of the most popular and influential Argentine rock groups of the 1970s-1990s, has died outside the capital of Buenos Aires. He was 77. Solari, who had struggled with was Parkinson’s disease for at least a decade, was found dead on Friday near an indoor pool at his house in the provincial town of Ituzaingó, west of the Argentine capital. Authorities did not identify a cause of death. His family confirmed his death on social media, saying they would hold a public funeral so that his many fervent followers could bid farewell to the Argentine legend.
Actor Anthony Head, known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' has died at 72
LONDON (AP) — Actor Anthony Head, known for his roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has died at 72. His family announced Friday that he passed away peacefully due to complications from pneumonia, surrounded by loved ones. Head first gained recognition in the 1980s on British TV as part of a romantic couple in Nescafe ads. He later achieved U.S. fame as Rupert Giles in the supernatural series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which aired from 1997 to 2003.
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