Three years ago, Arden Cho was ready to walk away from acting. She’d landed her first lead role in the Netflix series “Partner Track” only to see it canceled after one season. Now, Cho is one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025 after voicing the lead character Rumi in Netflix’s animated summertime hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” It’s become the most-streamed movie on the platform and spawned inescapable earworms “Golden” and “Soda Pop” as its soundtrack dominated pop charts. Cho calls it her “golden moment.” She has multiple film projects lined up for next year.
Diana Ross has been named the headliner for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” The pop icon will perform a medley of hits, including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down.” The show will feature 39 artists from locations like New York, Las Vegas, and Chicago. Other performers include Mariah Carey, Post Malone, and Demi Lovato. The event will air live on ABC on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. EST and repeat on Hulu. Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host from Times Square, with Chance the Rapper in Chicago and Rob Gronkowski in Las Vegas.
By MARK SHERMAN and KIM CHANDLER - Associated Press
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that could make it harder for convicted murderers to show their lives should be spared because they’re intellectually disabled. The justices on Wednesday are taking up an appeal from Alabama, which wants to put to death a man who lower federal courts found is intellectually disabled and shielded from execution. The Supreme Court prohibited execution of intellectually disabled people in a landmark ruling in 2002. Fifty-five-year-old Joseph Clifton Smith has been on death row roughly half his life after his conviction for beating a man to death in 1997. The issue in Smith’s case is what happens in borderline cases of intellectual disability.
The Federal Reserve will almost certainly reduce its key interest rate Wednesday, but the bigger question for financial markets and the economy is what signals Chair Jerome Powell may send regarding the central bank’s next steps. It would be the third cut in a row and bring the Fed’s key rate to about 3.6%, the lowest in nearly three years. For Americans struggling with high borrowing costs for homes, cars, and other large purchases, this year’s rate cuts could reduce those costs over time — though it’s not guaranteed.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, the remaining weeks of December could be a great time to buy. Several recurring industry trends converge at year-end, creating favorable conditions that can help you save money. This Edmunds article dives into the three key reasons why December often delivers the opportunity for better deals for car shoppers — and what to know to ensure you get the best one.
By ILLIA NOVIKOV and DEREK GATOPOULOS - Associated Press
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says officials are expected to hand their latest peace proposals to United States negotiators on Wednesday. The Ukrainian leader also says a presidential election could be held in Ukraine within three months if balloting could be made safe during wartime. His comment came after U.S. President Donald Trump called for a ballot. Zelenskyy told reporters late Tuesday that he is “ready” for an election but would need help from the U.S. and possibly Europe to ensure security for a vote to happen. He suggested that Ukraine could be ready to hold balloting in 60 to 90 days if that proviso is met.
By JERRY HARMER and JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI - Associated Press
Renewed border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is showing no signs of stopping. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in both countries and have sought refuge in temporary shelters. A Thai military spokesperson on Wednesday reported about 400,000 people have been evacuated and around 700 schools closed. Cambodia has evacuated more than 127,000 villagers. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to continue fighting. Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has promised a fierce response. The conflict follows a skirmish Sunday that derailed a ceasefire U.S. President Donald Trump had promoted to end similar fighting in July over territorial claims.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed a groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16 as families taking back power from tech giants. The ban took effect on Wednesday. Albanese has acknowledged the challenges of implementation but emphasized the importance of protecting children. Platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, face hefty fines if they fail to comply. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner will monitor compliance and report by Christmas on whether the ban is working. Some children have found ways to bypass the restrictions, but officials warn they will eventually be caught. The ban has sparked debate, with some families concerned about negative impacts.
Chinese gaming and social media giant Tencent Holdings has withdrawn from Paramount Skydance Corp.’s bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery. A revised filing by Paramount with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shows the Chinese company has dropped its $1 billion financing commitment for the takeover bid. Paramount said the Chinese company’s participation in the bid had raised the possibility that its bid might be subject to a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS. The filing said that three Middle Eastern foreign sovereign wealth funds that are part of Paramount’s bid had agreed to give up a right to participate in Warner Bros’ management to avoid additional scrutiny.
Authorities say Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death at his home in Santa Monica, California, and his son was arrested on suspicion of murder. Police say officers responding to a 911 call Monday night found the 71-year-old Sykes with critical stab wounds. He died at the scene. The victim’s 31-year-old son was arrested at the home. Police recovered a weapon and the investigation is ongoing Tuesday. Sykes was nominated for best classical album at the 2010 Grammy Awards for “Bernstein: Mass,” in which he performed the Celebrant role.
Archaeologists have uncovered the longest remains of an ancient wall that once encircled Jerusalem during the time of Hanukkah. The excavation was completed last week. It reveals a section of the Hasmonean wall foundation built a few decades after the Hanukkah story. This wall is almost 50 meters long and 5 meters wide and once held taller structures than the current Old City walls. Experts believe the wall was purposefully dismantled, possibly due to a ceasefire agreement in 132 or 133 BC between Jewish king John Hyrcanus I and Hellenistic King Antiochus the Seventh. The findings will be part of a new museum exhibit.
Pope Leo XIV is insisting that Europe must have a role in any Ukraine peace deal. And he is criticizing what he says is the Trump administration’s effort to “break apart” the long-standing U.S.-European alliance.Leo spoke to reporters Tuesday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo, his vacation home south of Rome. The American pope said they discussed the need for a cease-fire and the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.Leo was asked about the U.S. peace proposal and the seeming sidelining of European powers in the process. Leo insisted that Europe’s role was crucial to any deal.
Democrat Eileen Higgins has won the Miami mayor’s race over a Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump. Higgins on Tuesday became the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to be elected Miami mayor. Her win gives Democrats a boost in one of the last electoral battles ahead of the 2026 midterms. Higgins spoke frequently in the Hispanic-majority city about Trump’s immigration crackdown, saying she has heard of many people in Miami who were worried about family members being detained. She beat Trump-backed candidate Emilio Gonzalez, a former city manager.
By MARK VANCLEAVE and STEVE KARNOWSKI - Associated Press
Federal agents have used pepper spray to disperse a crowd in a heavily Somali neighborhood in Minneapolis. This happened Tuesday during a identification checks amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on the community. City Council Member Jamal Osman is a Somali American who witnessed the confrontation. The community has been on edge since President Trump announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in the state. It’s unclear how many have been detained or asked for documents. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials says no arrests were made Tuesday but provided no further details.
A Wisconsin judge on Tuesday refused to step aside as requested by President Donald Trump’s former attorney who faces felony forgery case related to the 2020 election in the battleground state. The judge also refused to cancel a Monday preliminary hearing for Trump’s former attorney, who also previously worked as a judge in the same county where he is being prosecuted, and two other former Trump associates. The three former Trump aides face 11 felony charges each in relation to their roles in the 2020 fake elector scheme. They are: Jim Troupis, who was Trump’s attorney in Wisconsin in the 2020 election; Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who advised the campaign; and Mike Roman, Trump’s director of Election Day operations in 2020.
By JIM MUSTIAN and JUAN A. LOZANO - Associated Press
The U.S. Justice Department has withdrawn from an agreement with Houston to curb illegal dumping in Black and Latino neighborhoods. The move is part of the Trump administration’s dismantling of environmental justice initiatives around the country. Federal authorities quietly ended the monitoring this year along with a similar settlement in Alabama. The Houston agreement aimed to address illegal dumping of trash and waste in certain neighborhoods. It included federal monitoring and community outreach. Critics say the decision is short-sighted and neglects affected communities. Environmental justice advocates argue that President Donald Trump’s administration doesn’t understand the impact on these communities.
A.J. Hinch has mastered the art of smiling and sidestepping the one question he keeps hearing at the MLB winter meetings. The Detroit Tigers manager has no interest in discussing the possibility of losing his ace, Tarik Skubal, this winter. Instead, Hinch wants to talk about Skubal’s chance to chase another Cy Young Award. Skubal is entering his final season under team control, and the Tigers have not dismissed the possibility of a trade. The left-hander’s agent, Scott Boras, said he is open to listening to extension offers from Detroit, but also painted a bleak picture of the club without its ace.
The Justice Department has challenged a court order that complicated efforts to seek a new indictment against former FBI Director James Comey by making a trove of evidence off-limits to prosecutors. An order issued over the weekend by a federal judge in Washington barred the Justice Department at least temporarily from accessing computer files belonging to Daniel Richman, a close Comey friend and Columbia University law professor who prosecutors see as a central player in any potential case against the former FBI director. Prosecutors moved Tuesday to quash that order, calling Richman’s request for the return of his files a “strategic tool to obstruct the investigation and potential prosecution.”
Hundreds of Nicaraguans caroled the Virgin Mary at flower-and-light-filled altars set up in church parking lots as well as the back of vehicles on the streets of Miami to mark the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. The exuberant early December celebration called “gritería” is especially poignant this year during the ongoing crackdowns on religion groups in Nicaragua as well as on immigrant communities in the United States. Many of the people who set up altars, and those who visited, say they did so as a promise to the Virgin, to express gratitude or to ask for protection both in the United States and for their families in Nicaragua.
The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years. Scott acknowledged donating $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023. The gifts this year bring her total giving since 2019 to $26.3 billion. Scott acknowledged the donations in an essay on her website. Scott’s donations have captured the attention of nonprofits and other charitable funders because they come with no strings attached and are often very large compared to the annual budgets of the recipient organizations
By STEPHEN GROVES and LISA MASCARO - Associated Press
The U.S. Navy admiral who is retiring early from command of the campaign to destroy vessels allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela is speaking to key lawmakers. Congress is seeking more answers on President Donald Trump’s mission, which, in one instance, killed two survivors clinging to the wreckage of a boat strike. Adm. Alvin Holsey spoke Tuesday about the military campaign with the GOP chairs and ranking Democrats of the Senate Armed Services Committee. It represents another step by lawmakers to demand an accounting from the Department of Defense on the threats against Venezuela and the legal basis for the boat strikes.
The Indianapolis Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet made an official announcement. Rivers took his last NFL snap with the Colts in a playoff loss following the 2020 season. He announced his retirement in January 2021. The move comes less than 24 hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Indy’s starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, would miss the rest of this season with a torn right Achilles tendon and that backup Riley Leonard injured his right knee.
The first of a series of powerful storms is slamming the Pacific Northwest, dumping heavy rain and swelling rivers. KOMO-TV reports that fire crews rescued two people trapped by floodwaters at a campsite in the Gold Bar area of Snohomish County on Monday night. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center expects several days of heavy rainfall in western Washington and northwestern Oregon with the trans-Pacific jet stream bringing heavy rain along the coast and more than a foot of new snow in northwestern Wyoming. Meanwhile, a clipper moving eastward across the Upper Midwest is forecast to bring a range of wintry weather to the region Tuesday.
An appeals court in the Dominican Republic has ordered a new trial for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco,. He was convicted earlier this year of sexually abusing a minor and had received a two-year suspended sentence. Tuesday’s ruling comes after Franco’s attorneys had pushed to have his conviction suspended and sentencing overturned, while prosecutors had been seeking a five-year sentence. The appeals court ruled in favor of Franco. He was arrested last year after being accused of having a four-month relationship with a girl who was 14 at the time, and of transferring thousands of dollars to her mother to consent to the illegal relationship.
Raul Malo, the soulful tenor and frontman of The Mavericks, has died at age 60. He was battling colon cancer and later leptomeningeal disease, a rare complication when cancer spreads to membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Malo co-founded The Mavericks in 1989, blending genres like alt-country, Americana, and Latin. The band won a Grammy and multiple awards. Malo also released solo albums and collaborated with others. He urged fans to prioritize
It’s time for the Geminid meteor shower, one of the strongest of the year. The Geminids peak this weekend and are visible through mid-December. The fireballs tend to be yellow in color and can be seen across the globe, but the best viewing happens in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteor showers appear when fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, leaving behind fiery tails. To enjoy the show, venture away from city lights and avoid looking at your phone. The meteors will appear as tiny glows streaking across the sky.
An infant botulism outbreak has sickened at least 39 babies across the U.S. and underscored the crucial role of a medication that treats the rare disease. BabyBIG, an IV drug, is made from blood plasma donated by a small group of scientists and other volunteers. It was the brainchild of the late Dr. Stephen Arnon. He was a California scientist who first identified the form of botulism that affects babies under age 1 and then spent his 45-year career figuring out how to treat it. It took 15 years and $10.6 million to develop the treatment licensed in 2003.
By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE and PHILIP MARCELO - Associated Press
Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is running for governor of New York. Blakeman announced his candidacy on Tuesday. His entrance into the race kicks off what is expected to be a heated Republican primary contest against Rep. Elise Stefanik. Both count themselves as allies of President Donald Trump, who calls them “both great people.” Gov. Kathy Hochul, a moderate Democrat, faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Both Blakeman and Stefanik now frame themselves as candidates who could appeal to moderate Democrats as well as Republicans, even though both have adopted the brash political rhetoric of Trump, who remains unpopular in New York.
By MEGAN JANETSKY and JULIA FRANKEL - Associated Press
A Hamas leader has threatened to not move forward with the Gaza ceasefire’s next phase unless Israel is pressured to open a key border crossing, cease deadly strikes and allow more aid. Tuesday’s comment came as Israel’s government says it is ready to move into the next and more complicated phase of the ceasefire deal. It also calls on the militant group to return the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. Hamas has little leverage in ceasefire negotiations and could come under heavy pressure from regional powers like Qatar and Turkey to not hit the brakes on the fragile truce.
By PAOLO SANTALUCIA and ILLIA NOVIKOV - Associated Press
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his refusal to cede territory, resisting U.S. pressure for compromise with Russia. He emphasized Ukraine’s legal and moral stance against giving up land. On Tuesday, Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV and plans talks with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Vatican has urged continued dialogue for peace. Zelenskyy also met with European leaders to strengthen support amid U.S. pressure Monday. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia continue to exchange aerial strikes, with both sides reporting drone attacks and damage. Energy infrastructure in Ukraine remains a key target.
Shohei Ohtani has won The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying with Lance Armstrong, LeBron James and Tiger Woods for most among male honorees. Ohtani received 29 of 47 votes in balloting among sports journalists from the AP and its members. The AP award has been given out since 1931. The Japanese baseball superstar’s two-way dominance culminated in a repeat World Series title for his Los Angeles Dodgers. Among Ohtani’s goals for 2026 are staying healthy so he can play in every game and to keep working on his English-speaking skills so he bridge the gap with his U.S. fans.
Australia has introduced a world-first social media ban for children under 16, starting Wednesday. Riley Allen, a 15-year-old from a remote sheep ranch, is concerned about staying in touch with friends. Platforms like Facebook and TikTok face hefty fines if they don’t comply. Riley’s mother, a teacher, supports the ban but acknowledges kids might find ways around it. Another 15-year-old, Noah Jones, is challenging the law in court, arguing it limits freedom of communication. Critics warn the ban could push kids to less regulated platforms. The case will be heard next year.
By NINIEK KARMINI and EDNA TARIGAN - Associated Press
Indonesian police say at least 22 people have been killed when a fire ripped through an office building in the capital. Flames engulfed the seven-story building in Jakarta on Tuesday. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and caused panic among nearby residents and workers in a neighborhood in Central Jakarta. The fire broke out at midday. The police chief said that the blaze was believed to have started on the first floor of the building in the Kemayoran neighborhood before spreading to other floors. Hundreds of personnel and 29 fire trucks were deployed to try to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
An Indiana state Senate committee took the first step toward enacting a new congressional map. But it remains to be seen if the full Senate will have enough votes to enact what is designed to give the GOP the edge in the state’s nine congressional seats. President Donald Trump wants Indiana to follow other states like Texas and Missouri, which have redrawn their congressional maps in order to give the GOP a better chance of keeping its U.S. House majority. But many Indiana Republican senators have been hesitant to stack the deck in their party’s favor. One Republican voted on Monday with the two Democrats in the Senate elections committee against the legislation. A final vote on the bill is expected Thursday. A new congressional map was previously approved by the House.
The first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is nearly complete, after a two-month process plagued by delays and finger-pointing. Now, the key players are to move to a far more complicated second phase, which could reshape the Middle East. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan lays out an ambitious vision for ending Hamas’ rule of Gaza. If successful, it would see the rebuilding of a demilitarized Gaza under international supervision, normalized relations between Israel and the Arab world and a possible “pathway” to Palestinian independence. If it stalls, Gaza could become trapped in instability for years.
By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI and SOPHENG CHEANG - Associated Press
Cambodia’s President Hun Sen has vowed a fierce fight against Thailand amid ongoing combat between the two countries. On Tuesday, Hun Sen claimed Cambodia refrained from firing back initially but began shooting overnight. Thailand reported Cambodian artillery hit a village in its Sa Kaeo province, causing no casualties. Fighting resumed despite a ceasefire in July, which ended five days of deadly clashes over territorial claims. Cambodia reports seven civilians killed and 20 wounded, while Thailand has confirmed one soldier’s death. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said military operations would continue to defend the country. The U.N. has urged both sides to recommit to the ceasefire.
The Supreme Court is considering a Republican-led drive, backed by President Donald Trump’s administration, to overturn a quarter-century-old decision and erase limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president. A day after the justices indicated they would overturn a 90-year-old decision limiting the president’s power to fire independent agency heads, the court is revisiting a 2001 decision that upheld a provision of federal election law that is more than 50 years old. Democrats are calling on the court to uphold the law.
By SAHAR AKBARZAI, MARTHA BELLISLE, REBECCA SANTANA and JULIE WATSON - Associated Press
Immigration lawyers and authorities say arrests of Afghans are on the rise following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The suspect in the attack is an Afghan national. The Associated Press has tracked roughly two dozen arrests of Afghan immigrants, mostly in Northern California, since the Nov. 26 shooting. Those who work with Afghans say the stepped-up enforcement amounts to the collective punishment of a population for one person’s actions. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said they aren’t taking any chances. The U.S. government also introduced sweeping immigration changes following the shooting.
President Donald Trump will road-test his claims he’s fixing Americans’ affordability woes at a nighttime rally in Pennsylvania. He’s heading Tuesday to Mount Pocono, in a county that flipped his way in 2024, helping him win the swing state and return to office. Polls show voter confidence in Trump’s economic leadership has faltered. Trump blames his predecessor for inflation, but his tariffs haven’t helped prices. His chief of staff Susie Wiles says she wants him to “campaign like it’s 2024 again” to help turn out his supporters for midterm elections in November.
Pope Leo XIV embraces a Roman tradition by praying for peace at a statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps. On Monday, he participated in the Dec. 8 feast day, marking the start of the Christmas season. Thousands gathered to see the American pope’s inaugural outing to the statue. Leo received a special honor from the Via Condotti shop owners and offered white roses and a prayer. He spoke of opening doors to peace and reconciliation. Leo will preside over his first Christmas as pope, with traditional Masses and events planned through Epiphany, closing the 2025 Holy Year.
President Donald Trump has linked his administration’s immigration crackdown on Minnesota’s Somali community to fraud cases involving government programs. Trump recently called Minnesota Somalis “garbage” and expressed he didn’t want them in the U.S. This comes as Republicans criticize Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate, for alleged failures in preventing the fraud. It’s a major issue in the 2026 gubernatorial race as Walz seeks a third term. Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the U.S. with about 84,000 residents. The vast majority are American citizens. The fraud cases involve hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.
President Donald Trump’s former attorney in battleground Wisconsin is alleging that a judge presiding over his case and that of two other Trump aides charged with felonies related to the 2020 election is guilty of misconduct and must step aside. All three of the former Trump associates asked on Monday that the preliminary hearing in their case set for Dec. 15 be postponed. They are also asking that an evidentiary hearing be held by a judge in another county to examine the allegations of wrongdoing. Details of the alleged misconduct were sealed by the court and not publicly available.
Twelve former FBI agents fired after kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest in Washington have sued to get their jobs back. They say their action had been intended to de-escalate a volatile situation and was not meant as a political gesture. The agents say in their lawsuit filed Monday that they were fired in September by Director Kash Patel because they were perceived as not being politically affiliated with President Donald Trump. But they say their decision to take a knee on June 4, 2020, days after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, has been misinterpreted as political expression. The FBI declined to comment Monday.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s friendly agreement to sell itself to Netflix just got upended by a hostile actor. Paramount made Warner shareholders a higher offer on Monday and touched off what is likely to be a lengthy fight in the latest episode of media industry consolidation. Paramount’s all-cash offer is worth about $74.4 billion, while Netflix agreed to buy Warner for $72 billion in cash and stock. Both offers will face regulatory scrutiny, and President Donald Trump has promised to weigh in. Shareholders have until Jan. 8, 2026, to vote on Paramount’s offer.
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas. Crockett’s announcement Monday came after fellow Democrat and former Rep. Colin Allred ended his Senate campaign to run for a House seat. Texas is critical to Democrats’ long-shot hopes of reclaiming a Senate majority in next year’s elections, and GOP incumbent John Cornyn is facing the toughest primary race of his 24-year Senate career against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and two-term Rep. Wesley Hunt. Crockett still faces state Rep. James Talarico for the Democratic nod. Crockett has a national profile as one of Congress’ most outspoken Democrats and a frequent target of GOP attacks.
President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, Alina Habba, announced her resignation as acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey. This decision comes after an appeals court disqualified her from the role. Habba was appointed in March to serve a temporary term. She had no prior federal prosecutorial experience, and New Jersey’s senators opposed her confirmation. In July, a panel of federal judges replaced her with a subordinate. Attorney General Pam Bondi fired the replacement, blaming politically motivated judges. Earlier this month, an appeals court formally disqualified Habba.
Netflix’s deal to acquire Warner Bros. is shaking up the entertainment industry. Warner Bros., one of Hollywood’s oldest studios, is part of the “big five” and plays a key role in theatrical releases. There are many questions about how Netflix’s ownership might change things, including antitrust scrutiny and the future of theatrical releases. Netflix says it plans to support theater releases but may shorten exclusive windows. The impact on movie theaters and filmmakers is uncertain, with concerns about the global exhibition business and reactions from top directors. Paramount on Monday launched a hostile takeover bid.
Moments after Luigi Mangione was put in handcuffs at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, a police officer searching his backpack found a loaded gun magazine wrapped in a pair of underwear. The discovery, recounted in court Monday as Mangione fights to exclude evidence from his state murder case in New York, convinced police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that he was the man wanted for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan five days earlier. Christy Wasser, a 19-year veteran of the Altoona police department, testified on the fourth day of a pretrial hearing as Mangione seeks to prevent prosecutors from using the magazine and other evidence she found in the bag, including a 9 mm handgun and a notebook that were located during a later search.
Arizona has taken the top spot in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. This comes after a perfect start to the season. Purdue, previously No. 1, dropped to sixth after losing to Iowa State. The Wildcats received 33 of 60 first-place votes, marking their first time at No. 1 since December 2023. Michigan moved up to No. 2, with Duke at No. 3 and Iowa State at No. 4. UConn is at No. 5. The poll saw major changes, with only two teams staying in the same spots as last week.
Pollstar has ranked the top 25 “Most Popular Touring Artists of the Millennium” based on ticket sales from Jan. 1, 2001, to the end of 2025. Leading the list? Coldplay with 24.8 million tickets sold. They’re followed by U2, with 20.2 million tickets sold, and Ed Sheeran, with 19.6 million. Rounding out the top five is Dave Matthews Band with 19.6 million tickets sold. In fifth is Taylor Swift with roughly 18.9 million. Keep in mind that her debut album was released in 2006. Pollstar chart data is pulled from reported and estimated box office data from events that occurred between 2001 and 2025.
