Trump forum a big test for CNN, moderator Kaitlan Collins

NEW YORK – Donald Trump’s town hall forum on CNN on Wednesday is the first major television event of the 2024 presidential campaign — and a gigantic test for the chosen moderator, Kaitlan Collins. Both sides of the political divide expressed suspicion when the CNN forum at New Hampshire’s St. Anselm College was announced last … Read more

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