Trump uninjured after security incident at White House correspondents dinner; no injuries reported
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was reported uninjured and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents after an unspecified threat. There did not immediately appear to be any injuries, and one law-enforcement official said a shooter opened fire. The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. “Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s speech — was immediately evacuated.It was not immediately clear what happened.
Screenwriters overwhelmingly approve a 4-year contract with Hollywood studios
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Members of the screenwriters union have ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios. Union leaders said Friday that 90% voted to approve the deal. This move ends a surprisingly smooth process compared with the prolonged strike of 2023. The agreement involves the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. It lasts for four years instead of the typical three Union leaders emphasized gains in health coverage and minimum pay hikes, especially for comedy and variety writers. Actors are still negotiating their new contract.
Despite Iran tensions, King Charles III will follow his mother's lead in celebrating US-UK bonds
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III embarks on a state visit to the U.S. on Monday, aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, set a high bar with her 1991 speech to Congress, highlighting shared democratic values. Charles is likely to echo these themes as he celebrates America's 250th birthday. The visit includes a commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks and a tribute to fallen service members. Despite political tensions, Charles will seek to emphasize the enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. His speech to Congress will likely aim to unite lawmakers across party lines, focusing on long-term bonds over short-term disputes.
Jake Reiner describes the 'living nightmare' of losing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jake Reiner has shared his heartbreak over losing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. A Substack post on Friday represents the first detailed public account of his experience since his parents' killing in December. He recalls the shock of learning about their deaths when his younger sister called him while he was at a close friend's funeral. He says the aftermath has been a “living nightmare.” Jake briefly mentions his brother Nick, who has been charged with killing their parents. But he focuses more on the love and memories his parents left behind. Nick Reiner has pleaded not guilty.
Philadelphia museum brings Rocky statue inside after decades of tension
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Museum of Art is embracing a statue it once kept at arm’s length. A new exhibition, “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” brings the bronze figure of Rocky Balboa inside for the first time, reframing it as both pop culture icon and part of a 2,000-year tradition of boxing imagery. The show explores how the fictional fighter became a global symbol of struggle and resilience. For decades, the museum sought to remove the statue. It is now a pilgrimage site that draws millions each year. After the exhibit closes, the statue will move to a permanent spot atop the museum’s steps.
TMZ is flexing in Washington, with high-profile results. What took so long?
WASHINGTON (AP) — TMZ is making a splash in Washington, D.C., bringing its Hollywood-style paparazzi tactics to politics. The tabloid site is capturing candid moments of lawmakers, like Sen. Lindsey Graham holding a wand at Disney World during a political crisis. This move comes as Washington's political scene is rife with scandals and low approval ratings. TMZ's approach, which includes paying sources, raises ethical questions but has also produced newsworthy content. The site's presence highlights the blurred lines between politics and entertainment.
Correspondents' Dinner's biggest moments involve laughs, cringing and high-stakes politics
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has produced viral moments that were funny, cringeworthy or undeniably tense and that endure across social media. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush welcomed jokes, while George W. Bush brought some of his own. Comedians Stephen Colbert and Michelle Wolf created tension in the room. And President Barack Obama's mockery of Donald Trump set the stage for the reality TV star's move into politics. The dinner began a few years after World War I. Some years were forgettable and relegated to C-SPAN archives.
Prosecutors used rap lyrics to help send a man to death row in Texas. It's not an uncommon tactic
Attorneys for a Black man scheduled to be executed in Texas say the introduction of rap lyrics he wrote biased an almost all-white jury when they decided to sentence him to death. Using rap lyrics in court is not an uncommon practice. Researchers found that rap lyrics have featured in hundreds of court cases in more than 40 states over the past 50 years, but judges often exclude other forms of creative expression from being used as evidence. Experts say treating rap lyrics as diary entries minimizes their artistic value while playing on negative racial stereotypes to influence jurors. James Broadnax's execution is scheduled for April 30.
South Korean prosecutors deny police request for arrest warrant for K-pop mogul behind BTS
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean prosecutors have rejected a police request for an arrest warrant for music tycoon Bang Si-Hyuk. He's the chairman of the agency behind K-pop supergroup BTS. Prosecutors on Friday questioned whether detention is necessary as Bang faces a high-profile investigation into alleged investor fraud. Bang has been barred from leaving the country since August. But he's not seen as a realistic threat to flee. Bang’s legal troubles are a public relations setback for Hybe. They come as BTS launches a global tour after a nearly four-year hiatus as its seven members served their mandatory military service.
Music Review: Noah Kahan's 'The Great Divide' meets the moment as a 'Stick Season' successor
American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan will release his fourth studio album, “The Great Divide,” on Friday. It follows the success of 2022’s “Stick Season.” That album propelled him to mainstream acclaim. “The Great Divide” is a 17-track foray back into the folksy woods Kahan ventured into with “Stick Season.” It picks up where that album left off, The Associated Press’ Mike Catalini writes in his review. It might not be possible to recreate the blazing success of its predecessor. He says it is instead a kindred spirit to “Stick Season.” The album doesn’t endeavor to rehash the past.
