Kennedy Center board set to vote on whether to move forward with closure
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center's board is set to meet to discuss future plans after a federal judge blocked a two-year closure for renovations. Management on Thursday will present three options: complete closure, partial closure with limited access, or phased closures addressing urgent needs while maintaining programming. Judge Christopher Cooper criticized the board's previous decision as “ill-informed.” The board, mostly allies of President Donald Trump, faces pressure to consider options thoroughly. Trump's influence on the Kennedy Center has been controversial, with legal battles over renaming and renovations. The institution argues it needs significant repairs, highlighting severe water damage and outdated equipment.
Marc Anthony, Chayanne and more to play benefit concert for Venezuela and Colombia earthquake relief
Latin music stars Marc Anthony, Feid, and others are set to perform at a benefit concert in Miami on Sunday to raise money for those affected by recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia. Proceeds from ticket sales and online donations will support rebuilding homes, restoring schools and providing mental health support. Anthony's nonprofit, Maestro Cares Foundation, and the Univision Foundation will manage the funds. The concert will be livestreamed on TelevisaUnivision platforms and iHeartLatino. Additional benefits are planned, including a concert by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel in Los Angeles.
New indictment alleges Nick Reiner was lying in wait before killing parents Rob and Michele Reiner
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles County grand jury has indicted Nick Reiner on murder charges in the killing of his parents, actor Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The indictment, unsealed Wednesday, includes an allegation that Reiner was lying in wait before attacking them. The couple was stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on December 14. Nick Reiner was arrested hours later and charged two days after the incident. The indictment allows prosecutors to skip California's preliminary hearing process. The lying in wait allegation makes Reiner eligible for the death penalty, though prosecutors haven't decided whether to seek it.
Movie Review: 'The End of Oak Street' is a gonzo good time
“The End of Oak Street” is a bonkers blast, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. Much of the pastiche delight of David Robert Mitchell's 1980s-set film is how it absorbs an Amblin-style blockbuster spirit and conjures, without winking irony or belabored homage, a summer thrill ride seemingly designed for the drive-in. Mitchell’s breakthrough was the nifty 2014 horror “It Follows,” which he followed up with an admirably ambitious but shaggily self-indulgent Los Angeles neo noir, “Under the Silver Lake.” But any indulgences in “The End of Oak Street,” about a 1980s suburban family whose neighborhood is transported through time, are for the audience.
Travis Kelce: Chiefs camp offers welcome 'sanctuary' after closely watched wedding to Taylor Swift
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce calls training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs his “sanctuary.” That refuge is especially welcome after his recent star-studded wedding to Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden. The event tying together the famous tight end and even more famous pop star featured celebrities like Adam Sandler, Stevie Nicks and Tom Brady. Kelce has also been busy with business ventures, including buying a stake in the Cleveland Guardians. Despite contemplating retirement after last season, Kelce is determined to prove he can still perform at a high level. He remains focused on preparing for what many believe could be his final year in the NFL.
Music Review: Carly Simon's 'Comes in Waves' is a journey through love and loss
Carly Simon's new album “Comes in Waves” arrives in the aftermath of her announcement that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and treated for skin cancer. But her first release of new material in nearly 20 years feels less like an ending than a continuation, writes AP national writer Hillel Italie. “Comes in Waves” draws upon themes and events that have inspired and defined her from early in her career. Simon’s mood shifts from defiance to regret to melancholy to resolve and a willingness to try again. At age 83, Simon can still take hold of a melody and tell a story.
Will Poulter and the 'Union County' team take their addiction recovery film on an Ohio tour
CLEVELAND (AP) — English actor Will Poulter, filmmaker Adam Meeks, and counselor Annette Deao went on a road trip across Ohio promoting their indie film “Union County.” The film, in theaters Friday, portrays addiction and recovery, featuring real participants from a regional program. The trio are traveling without any kind of Hollywood entourage and have been visiting regional spots and enjoying Ohio's cuisine. Poulter, who played a pharma representative in the miniseries “Dopesick,” wanted to explore recovery's hopeful side. Deao, a key figure in the film and community, has received warm applause at screenings. The road trip has been a bonding and healing experience for them.
Anthony Hopkins on his debut album: 'My first love is music'
NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Hopkins has released his debut album, “Life Is a Dream,” featuring 12 compositions crafted over six decades. Conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, the album reflects Hopkins' childhood and life experiences. He describes music as a freewheeling art form comparable to acting. The album includes pieces like “1947: Suite for Solo Piano and Orchestra: II. Bracken Road,” which evokes melancholy and nostalgia. Actor Bradley Cooper played a key role in connecting Hopkins with Dudamel. Hopkins hopes his compositions can be performed live at Carnegie Hall one day.
Movie Review: Sunny Sandler is sweet — and sunny — in theater-kid dramedy 'Don't Say Good Luck'
“Don’t Say Good Luck,” starring 17-year-old Sunny Sandler, is a movie about a high school musical, so it’s clear it’s building up to Show night. The musical in question is “Waitress,” so it’s also clear the movie's building up to a bang-up performance of that Broadway show’s famous 11 o’clock number, “She Used to Be Mine.” Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes that Sandler, daughter of Adam, gives a sweet and appealing performance as a kid going through highs and lows, genuine enough to offset the corny moments. Adam Sandler and wife Jackie are producers, and Julia Hart directs. Opens Friday in theaters.
Jonas Brothers to headline halftime show for NFL season opener in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Jonas Brothers will perform at halftime of the NFL’s season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The NFL announced the headliners for the halftime show Wednesday. The game will air on Netflix in the U.S. on the night of Sept. 10. The Jonas Brothers will be part of the entertainment lineup for the league’s international schedule this season involving seven countries and four contents. The Jonas Brothers said in a statement they couldn’t be more excited to perform at halftime during the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia.
