Sabrina Carpenter and Franklin the Turtle publisher condemn Trump administration’s use of their work

December 3, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter and the publisher of the beloved children’s character Franklin the Turtle are disavowing the Trump administration’s use of their music and imagery to support its agenda. Responding to the use of her song “Juno” in a video montage depicting ICE raids, Carpenter tweeted Tuesday: “this video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” In the caption for the clip, the White House quoted Carpenter’s lyrics, “Have you ever tried this one? Bye-bye.” And on Monday, ...

Monty Python’s Flying Circus musical ‘Spamalot’ hopes to spread the silliness with U.S. tour

December 3, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Idle sometime gazes up into the heavens and wonders about something if we ever make contact with aliens: Will they have a sense of humor? “I think the answer must be yes, because it’s about self-awareness,” says the founding member of the comedy group Monty ...

Film producer Blum, author-bookseller Patchett to receive PEN America awards

December 3, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar-nominated producer Jason Blum is now getting some recognition from the literary world. PEN America will honor him at its fundraising gala next spring with the Business Visionary award. PEN, the century-old free expression organization, also will present ...

Spirit of the season

December 2, 2025

Festive holiday decorations are seen on display at a home in the Mid-Ohio Valley recently. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as the presence of St. Nicholas would indicate. Santa deniers beware. If you have a recent photo that showcases the spirit of the season in the Mid-Ohio ...

Super Bowl 2026 performers will include Charlie Puth

December 2, 2025

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Super Bowl pregame show will open with a trio of standout performers in Northern California: Charlie Puth will hit the stage to sing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile will take on “America the Beautiful”, and Coco Jones will sing “Lift Every Voice and ...

‘Zootopia 2’ roars to record-setting global box office with $556M opening

December 2, 2025

(AP) — “Zootopia 2” had a roaring and record-setting opening at the box office. The animated animal city sequel from the Walt Disney Company brought in $96 million in North America over the weekend, earned $156 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame, and scored a staggering ...