Rob Reiner’s son Nick set to appear in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, is expected to appear in court Wednesday as he faces charges of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges Tuesday. The 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead from stab wounds in their Los Angeles home Sunday. Nick Reiner was arrested hours later. Prosecutors added special circumstances of multiple murders and a special allegation of using a knife, which could lead to a greater sentence. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killings.
Haunted house and invisible demons: Tennessee Williams' early radio play 'The Strangers' publishes
NEW YORK (AP) — Tennessee Williams' early radio play, “The Strangers,” is featured in The Strand this week. Written in the late 1930s while Williams was a student at the University of Iowa, the play showcases classic radio horror elements like storms and spectral beings. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli says the play also hints at themes Williams would explore in later works, such as isolation and the blurred lines between imagination and reality. Williams scholar John Bak notes that Williams wrote radio dramas for both commercial reasons and personal exploration, influenced by his sister's mental health struggles.
What Americans think about giving cash as holiday gifts, according to a new AP-NORC poll
NEW YORK (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds that most U.S. adults are on board with giving cash or gift cards as holiday presents. Only 30% find secondhand gifts acceptable. The poll also shows that nearly half of Americans plan to be asleep before midnight on New Year's Eve. About 44% of adults won't stay up to greet 2026, and that's especially true of those over age 45. Additionally, 35% of adults plan to leave holiday decorations up after New Year's Day. About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they’re planning to watch sports on Christmas Day. Only 5% say they’ll go see a movie in a theater.
More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The global success of “Parasite,” “Minari” and “Squid Game” has opened Hollywood’s doors to South Korean actors, but for those without major agency backing, navigating the American industry remains a challenge. A growing number of consultants like Los Angeles-based Upstage Entertainment are helping local actors bridge the gap — from coaching accent and intonation to explaining unfamiliar norms like headshot standards and audition etiquette. For actors like Amy Baik, who was cut from a Korean commercial for lacking double eyelids, and veteran actor Julian Shin, who transcribed 30,000 English expressions to prepare for international roles, Hollywood offers not just opportunity but freedom from South Korea’s rigid beauty standards and age discrimination.
‘Sinners,’ ‘Wicked: For Good,' ‘KPop Demon Hunters' advance in Oscars shortlists
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released shortlists for 12 Oscar categories Tuesday, including best song, score, and the new casting prize. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and the musical “Wicked: For Good” lead with eight mentions each. Both films have two original songs advancing. The Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters” also made the list with its song “Golden.” The best international feature shortlist includes films from Norway, Spain, and South Korea. Notable documentaries include “My Undesirable Friends: Part I.” The final nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, with the Oscars airing on March 15.
Norman Podhoretz, contentious and influential neo-conservative, has died
NEW YORK (AP) — Norman Podhoretz, a leading neo-conservative and the former editor of Commentary magazine, has died. He was 95. His son John Podhoretz confirmed in a statement on Commentary’s website that he died “peacefully and without pain” Tuesday night. Podhoretz wrote the best-selling “Making It” and several works defending conservative ideas. He was a liberal as a young man and would eventually break with such friends as Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsberg and Lillian Hellman. He edited Commentary for more than 40 years and published works by everyone from Lionel Trilling to Jeane Kirkpatrick. He received a National Medal of Honor in 2004.
FCC leader Brendan Carr to face Senate questioning for first time since Kimmel controversy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is set to testify before lawmakers for the first time since pressuring broadcasters over late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Carr has closely aligned with the administration’s aggressive posture toward media outlets it views as hostile since being appointed to the position last November. Carr earlier this year warned broadcasters, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way," after he said comments Kimmel made regarding Charlie Kirk were “truly sick." Carr's remarks drew bipartisan criticism and raised concerns about government interference in the media.
Louvre workers vote to extend a strike as the museum partially reopens
PARIS (AP) — Employees at the Louvre Museum have voted to extend a strike that has disrupted operations at the world’s most visited museum. The Louvre partially opened before noon to allow visitors to enjoy the Mona Lisa and other highlights. The museum said that visitors have started entering the building, where they had access to a limited “masterpiece route” which includes Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and the famous Venus de Milo. Union workers are protesting chronic understaffing, building deterioration and recent management decisions. The decision came during a morning general assembly, after workers had adopted the walkout unanimously earlier this week.
Doctor who helped sell ketamine to actor Matthew Perry before his overdose death avoids prison time
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A doctor who pleaded guilty in a scheme to supply ketamine to actor Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 8 months of home confinement. A federal judge in Los Angeles has sentenced Dr. Mark Chavez of San Diego to 3 years of supervised release on Tuesday. The “Friends” star died from an overdose in 2023 from ketamine, which can be used legally as a treatment for depression. Chavez had acquired the ketamine and given it to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who sold it to Perry. Plasencia was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison earlier this month.
