The night a big story came directly to Washington's journalists — hundreds of them
More often than not, big stories happen out of the sight of journalists. Not so this weekend, when a shooting forced the postponement of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner — an annual event attended by hundreds of the nation's most prominent reporters and editors. Once it became apparent that something serious had happened, many of the journalists in tuxedos and gowns moved swiftly into work mode — recording video and photos of the scene on their mobile phones, and wrestling with spotty service to get the news out as swiftly as they could. Fear swept the Washington Hilton ballroom, but many reporters set it aside to work.
'Michael' moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
NEW YORK (AP) — “Michael,” the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in U.S. and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, shattering a record debut for music biopics. A highly authorized portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson estate, “Michael” far surpassed previous biopic top performers like “Straight Outta Compton” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” International sales were also strong. “Michael” collected $120.4 million overseas to give it a $217.4 million global opening — a new high for a music biopic. Universal picked up distribution in most international markets.
Venice’s La Fenice theater drops incoming music director after months of protests
MILAN (AP) — Venice’s La Fenice opera house is cutting ties with incoming music director Beatrice Venezi. Musicians have protested her appointment for months. Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said he hopes the decision will clear “misunderstandings and tensions.” Musicians and staff opposed Venezi’s selection, citing a lack of transparency and her inexperience. Their protests included a strike and a march through Venice. The audience and orchestra applauded during a performance Sunday night at the news that Venezi’s appointment had been blocked. Venezi, 36, was appointed as an adviser to the culture minister after Premier Giorgia Meloni came to power in 2022.
Shots fired as gunman charges toward ballroom at White House correspondents' dinner. Trump unharmed
WASHINGTON (AP) — A man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday night. The man charged toward the ballroom in a chaotic encounter with Secret Service agents as guests dived under tables at the sound of shots being fired Saturday night. The president was uninjured and was rushed off the stage. The armed man, who officials said was a guest at the Washington Hilton where the dinner was being held, was taken into custody and was expected in court Monday. Police believe he opened fire and acted alone but did not say who was his intended target or describe a motive.
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.
