Who will win, and who should win at the 2023 Grammys

Can you believe the Grammys are almost here? Music’s biggest night will surely be one for the books. With nominees like Beyoncé, Adele, Lizzo and Harry Styles, you never know who is going to show up to perform. We’re obviously excited for all of the performances, but it’s even more exciting to see who will … Read more

Iranian director freed on bail after going on hunger strike

DUBAI – Acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi was released on bail Friday, two days after going on hunger strike to protest his six-year sentence, his supporters said. Panahi was arrested last July and ordered to serve a previous sentence dating back to 2011 — on charges of propagandizing against the government — that had never … Read more

Belgian carnival town celebrates again after COVID hiatus

BINCHE – On a sunny winter morning heralding a radiant Mardi Gras, Beatrice and Karl Kersten don’t have a minute to spare. In their warm workshop decorated with ancestral photos, the couple bend over their sewing machines. They are busy putting the finishing touches to the delicate lace details adorning the carnival costumes that will … Read more

Chill pervades China’s tech firms even as crackdown eases

HONG KONG – A grinding crackdown that wiped billions of dollars of value off Chinese technology companies is easing, but the once-freewheeling industry is bracing for much slower growth ahead. Analysts say China’s easing of restrictions on companies like e-commerce giant Alibaba and online games company Tencent and talk of support for the private sector … Read more

Hasty Pudding fetes Bob Odenkirk as its 2023 Man of the Year

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Award-winning actor and bestselling author Bob Odenkirk was feted Thursday as 2023 Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals, which included a roast during which he donned a pink dress over his clothes. Odenkirk, best known as shady lawyer Saul Goodman on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” received … Read more

Kim Petras talks religion, trans community ahead of Grammys

LOS ANGELES – For Kim Petras, 2022 was a big year: The German singer-songwriter received her first Grammy nomination, made her acting debut with the HBO series “Los Espookys” and released a single with acclaimed pop music producer Max Martin. Inspired by the irreverent attitude of her Grammy-nominated duet, “Unholy,” which she and Sam Smith … Read more