Biden calls for ‘fair deal’ for striking Hollywood writers

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden called for a “fair deal” for Hollywood’s striking writers on Monday as he hosted a White House screening of the the upcoming streaming series “American Born Chinese” to mark Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Biden made his first public comments on the strike, which hits the … Read more

Barbara Kingsolver, Hernan Diaz win fiction Pulitzer Prizes

NEW YORK – The Pulitzer Prize for fiction was awarded Monday to two class-conscious novels: “Demon Copperhead,” Barbara Kingsolver’s modern recasting of the Dickens classic “David Copperfield,” and Hernan Diaz’s “Trust,” an innovative narrative of wealth and deceit set in 1920s New York. The two winners were among the most talked about literary works of … Read more

Set to host, UK taking Eurovision very seriously this year

LONDON – There’s nothing like nearly winning to wake people up. And the U.K.’s second-place position at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest has helped kickstart widespread enthusiasm for 2023’s edition — taking place in Liverpool this week. Sam Ryder’s “Space Man” restored the nation’s interest last year with his smiling enthusiasm, soaring vocals and great … Read more

The Frenchie becomes a favorite — and a dog-show contender

NEW YORK – The United States’ new favorite dog breed — the comical, controversial French bulldog — has never won the nation’s pre-eminent dog show. Yet here, at an ambling trot, comes Winston. The Frenchie with NFL connections is a strong contender at this week’s Westminster Kennel Club dog show, less than two months after … Read more

Lionel Richie, Katy Perry sing for royal coronation concert

LONDON – A day after a gilded coronation ceremony watched by millions, King Charles III and Queen Camilla let others take the center stage Sunday as they took in a star-studded concert featuring Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and others at Windsor Castle. The newly-crowned monarch and his wife appeared to enjoy the show as Richie … Read more

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ opens to $114 million

There is nothing like the promise of a chapter closing to draw people to the movie theater, especially when tied to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This weekend, “ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which says goodbye to this iteration of the space misfits and its driving creative voice, director James Gunn, earned $114 million … Read more