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Culture
Film, television, music, games and the arts.
- 1Warren Introduces Bill to Ban Private Equity From Medical Practices●Bill to Ban Private Equity from Owning Medical Practices
Senator Elizabeth Warren has introduced legislation that would prohibit private equity firms from owning medical practices. The bill aims to curb Wall Street ownership of doctor's offices and clinics, a trend critics say drives up costs and reduces patient care quality. The proposal is drawing attention in debates over healthcare consolidation and corporate influence in medicine.
- 2Taylor Swift Releases Four New Songs on Showgirl Deluxe Edition●Taylor Swift Drops Four New Songs on 'The Life of a Showgirl' Deluxe Edition
Taylor Swift has released a deluxe edition of her album 'The Life of a Showgirl', adding four previously unreleased songs. Fans are discussing the new tracks and debating whether the additions justify repurchasing the album, with reactions spreading quickly across social media as listeners share their favourite songs from the expanded release.
- 3White House mixes real Iran war footage with movie clips in videos●White House posts so-called 'hype' videos combining real Iran war footage alongside movie, video game clips
The White House has posted short 'hype' videos that blend genuine footage from the conflict with Iran alongside clips from movies and video games. The videos, shared on official channels, are being criticized for mixing propaganda-style editing with real images of war, raising questions about how the administration is presenting the military campaign to the public and the line between information and entertainment.
- 4Jon Watts to Direct Next Star Wars Film for Lucasfilm●‘Star Wars’: Jon Watts to Direct Next Movie for Lucasfilm
Director Jon Watts has been hired to direct the next Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Watts is best known for directing Marvel's Spider-Man films starring Tom Holland, and his move to the Star Wars universe marks a major new addition to Lucasfilm's slate of upcoming theatrical projects.
- 5Disney+ updates terms to allow ads on all subscriptions●Disney+: New user agreement allows ads before movies in all subscriptions
Disney+ has updated its user agreement so that it can show advertisements before movies regardless of which subscription tier a user is on, including plans previously sold as ad-free. The change has drawn criticism from subscribers and consumer advocates, who see it as a unilateral rewrite of what customers originally paid for, and it is being tracked on consumer rights wikis.
- 6Blizzard Video Game Workers Win First Union Contracts▼Video Game Workers at Blizzard Won First Union Contracts
Workers at video game company Blizzard have secured their first union contracts, a milestone for labor organizing in the gaming industry. The agreements mark the culmination of a multi-year organizing push at the Activision Blizzard studio. Supporters see it as a breakthrough that could encourage union drives at other game developers, where reports of crunch and layoffs have fueled worker activism in recent years.
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Jon Watts has been set to direct the next Star Wars film, according to Variety. Watts, best known for helming Marvel's recent Spider-Man trilogy with Tom Holland, takes on one of the biggest jobs in franchise filmmaking as Lucasfilm continues to expand the big-screen future of the Star Wars saga.
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This refers to news coverage saying that Donald Trump welcomed China's President Xi Jinping with formal, high-profile hospitality, described as 'rolling out the red carpet.' The evidence is limited to a single headline from ABC News, and no post snippets or reactions are available, so it is not clear from the posts what people are saying about the meeting or what specifically prompted the welcome.
- 9Social Media Platforms Refuse Ads for Alex Gibney's Musk Documentary▼The Major Social Media Platforms Are All Rejecting Paid Ads for Alex Gibney’s ‘Musk’ (Exclusive)
Documentary distributor Bleecker Street says YouTube, TikTok and Meta have all rejected paid ads for Alex Gibney's 'Musk', set for release on Oct. 9, citing their policies on political content. X, owned by Elon Musk, has reportedly refused even to respond to the distributor's inquiries. Bleecker Street is appealing the rejections as the film's premiere approaches.
- 10Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80●Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80 after 'brief battle with cancer'
Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, has died at the age of 80 following what reports describe as a brief battle with cancer. The singer, songwriter and philanthropist was one of the most celebrated figures in American music, with a career spanning more than six decades and hits including 'Jolene' and 'I Will Always Love You'. Tributes are pouring in from fans and fellow artists worldwide.
- 11Critics blast Biden's 'bear hug' of Netanyahu amid Gaza war●'In the face of loud and insistent warnings, President Joe # Biden and his team of best-and-brightest advisers wrapped B
US President Joe Biden and his advisers are being accused of wrapping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a 'bear hug' while Palestinians were killed by the thousands with American bombs and American diplomatic support. The criticism says loud and insistent warnings from advisers and observers went unheeded as Washington continued its backing of Israel's campaign in Gaza, fueling anger over US complicity.
- 12
Grand Theft Auto VI remains one of the most anticipated entertainment releases in the world. French media are once again analysing why the next instalment of Rockstar Games' open-world franchise is drawing such global attention, years after GTA V's record-breaking run. Fans continue to discuss trailers, release timing and expectations for the game's return to Vice City and its two playable protagonists.
- 13
Advertising sales for a documentary about Elon Musk are reportedly being turned down by multiple media platforms, with ad space for the project refused by major outlets. The story is drawing attention because of Musk's high public profile and the sensitivity around content tied to him. Details on which platforms refused the ads, and why, remain limited to the claim itself.
- 14
Saturday Night Live has premiered its 52nd season, and the big story is the lineup changes behind the desk. E! News rounded up all the cast members who joined and departed ahead of the new run, as the show opens another chapter following its traditional summer break. Fans are weighing in on who left, who stayed, and how the reshaped ensemble will shape the season's comedy.
- 15OpenAI Staff Called Book-Pirating Plans 'Sketchy AF', Report Says●‘Sketchy AF’: What to Know About How OpenAI Staff Discussed Book-Pirating
A Wall Street Journal report reveals internal discussions among OpenAI staff about using pirated books to train AI models, with employees themselves describing the practice as 'sketchy AF'. The report adds to ongoing lawsuits and criticism over how AI companies obtain copyrighted material without permission from authors and publishers.
- 16BBC director general warns some channels and radio stations may close●Some BBC channels and radio stations 'may well' have to close, director general says
The BBC's director general has said some of the corporation's television channels and radio stations 'may well' have to close. The warning suggests the broadcaster is weighing significant cuts to its services, prompting debate in the UK about the future of its public broadcasting output and funding.
- 17Prince Harry marks skydive promise to 102-year-old veteran●Prince Harry completed a skydive in Toronto to honour a promise made to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran. Back on
Prince Harry completed a skydive in Toronto, fulfilling a promise made to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran. Speaking after landing, the Duke of Sussex said his children Archie and Lilibet are happy, in remarks shortly after his return to the UK following six years living in the United States.
- 18Presley Gerber, Son of Cindy Crawford, Dead at 27●Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford's Son and Brother to Kaia, Dead at 27
Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and brother of model Kaia Gerber, has died at the age of 27. Entertainment Tonight reported the news, which is now being widely shared across entertainment and celebrity news circles. Details about the circumstances of his death have not been made public, and reactions from fans and figures in the fashion and entertainment worlds continue to pour in.
- 19Matthew Rhys makes Emmy history with dual lead acting wins●Matthew Rhys makes Emmy Awards history with lead acting wins for 2 shows
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has made Emmy Awards history by winning lead acting trophies for two different shows. The achievement makes him the first performer to take home the lead acting prize for two separate series, cementing his reputation as one of television's most acclaimed dramatic actors. Coverage highlights the rarity of the milestone in the awards' long history.
- 20Earl Spencer apologises to Piers Morgan over Diana book errors●Earl Spencer apologises to Piers Morgan over errors in Princess Diana book
Earl Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, has issued an apology to Piers Morgan after factual errors were identified in his book about the princess. Sky News reports the correction and the apology, drawing wide attention as it touches on the ongoing public debate over Morgan's long-standing coverage of Diana and the accuracy of accounts about her life.
- 21
Disney+ has updated its subscriber agreement so that every plan, including ad-free tiers, can carry advertising. The change means subscribers no longer have a guaranteed way to avoid ads, a move critics see as another step in streaming services abandoning ad-free promises after lowering prices on such tiers. Viewers are discussing what this means for the value of premium plans and whether competitors will follow.
- 22
Global girl group KATSEYE is a top trending search in Canada, coinciding with the announcement of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour lineup. Deadline reports the tour will star Olivia Rodrigo, Hilary Duff and other performers, fuelling speculation and discussion about which artists, including KATSEYE, will appear on this year's holiday bill.
- 23Jung Kook Draws Thousands of Fans to Hublot Event in Tokyo●Jung Kook Draws Thousands of Fans at Hublot Event in Tokyo
Jung Kook appeared at a Hublot event in Tokyo, drawing thousands of fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of the BTS star. Large crowds filled the area around the venue, with videos and photos of the singer circulating widely as fans shared their excitement about the surprise appearance in Japan.
- 24Xbox undergoes dramatic restructuring amid continued reset●Xbox continues its “reset” with dramatic restructuring
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing another wave of dramatic restructuring as part of what is being described as an ongoing "reset" of the gaming business. The changes involve significant internal reorganization, and commentary is skeptical, with some observers comparing the moves to shuffling deck chairs on a sinking ship rather than addressing deeper challenges facing the platform.
- 25
News is circulating that a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been revealed, sending fans of the classic 1998 Nintendo 64 title into discussion online. Details about the developer, platforms and release timing have not been confirmed in the reports so far, and gamers are speculating about what a modern version of the landmark adventure game could look like.
- 26Platforms refuse paid ads for Musk documentary▼Social media platforms refuse to run paid ads for 'Musk' documentary
Major social media platforms have declined to run paid advertising for a documentary about Elon Musk. Mashable reports the ad rejections, which complicate the film's promotional push ahead of its release. The refusals have drawn attention because the subject of the documentary is himself the owner of one of the platforms reportedly declining the ads, raising questions about how the film will reach audiences.
- 27Uproar in France over author accused of using AI●Uproar in France over award-winning author accused of using AI
An award-winning French author is facing accusations of having used artificial intelligence in their work, sparking a heated debate in France's literary world. The controversy has drawn wide attention, touching on questions of authenticity, authorship and whether AI tools have a place in prize-recognised literature. Critics and commentators in France are weighing in as the row grows.
- 28Avengers: Endgame Adds $26 Million in Crowded Box Office Weekend▼‘Avengers: Endgame’ Snapping Up $26M at Box Office Amid Crowded Weekend
Avengers: Endgame has taken in around $26 million at the box office over a weekend crowded with competing releases, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Marvel blockbuster continues to draw audiences well into its theatrical run despite facing several new films vying for moviegoers' attention, underscoring its lasting commercial strength.
- 29Brain still responds to favorite music in dementia patients▼The brain still responds to favorite music in dementia
New research reported by Medical Xpress shows that the brains of people with dementia still respond to their favorite music, despite the cognitive decline caused by the condition. The findings suggest that musical memory may remain relatively preserved, offering a possible way to connect with patients and improve their quality of life through personalized music therapy.
- 30Piers Morgan claims insider knowledge of royals' reaction to Diana book●Piers Morgan reveals insider information about Royal Family's reaction to bombshell Diana book
Piers Morgan says he has insider information about how the Royal Family is reacting to a new book about Princess Diana described as explosive. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he suggested palace figures are privately unsettled by its claims. The comments have drawn wide attention, with royal watchers debating what the book reveals and how the family responds to renewed scrutiny of Diana's legacy.
- 31Museum returns Nazi-seized painting to Jewish owner's heirs▼Art museum returning painting to heirs of Jewish owner after it was seized by Nazis
An art museum is returning a painting to the heirs of its Jewish owner, decades after the work was seized by the Nazis. The restitution is part of ongoing efforts by museums to address artworks looted during the Nazi era and return them to the families of their rightful owners.
- 32Taylor Swift releases animated music video ahead of Toy Story 5 streaming debut▼Taylor Swift drops animated music video as 'Toy Story 5' set for streaming
Taylor Swift has released a new animated music video, timed around the streaming release of Toy Story 5, according to ABC News. The two developments drew attention together, with fans discussing both the new visuals from the pop star and Pixar's latest sequel arriving on streaming platforms.
- 33John Goodman joins The Last of Us season 3 cast▼‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Casts John Goodman, Video Game Stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander
HBO has added John Goodman to the cast of The Last of Us season 3, alongside Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander, both of whom appeared in the original video games. Bailey voiced Abby in the game, while Alexander played Lev. The casting suggests the third season may lean further into the game's second installment characters, and fans are widely discussing what roles the new actors will take.
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U2 is marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades since the Irish rock band came together in Dublin. Fans and music outlets are revisiting the group's journey from post-punk beginnings to global stadium success, with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. widely praised for their enduring partnership.
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Taylor Swift will premiere the music video for 'Patient Zero' at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The announcement has drawn wide attention from fans and entertainment outlets, with many speculating about the song's meaning and what the staging of a premiere at the awards show signals for her next album era.
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News that Jon Watts, best known for directing Marvel's Spider-Man trilogy with Tom Holland, is attached to direct a Star Wars project is circulating widely. Fans are debating whether his blockbuster, franchise-friendly style is a good fit for the galaxy far, far away, while others point to his existing work on the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew as proof he is already part of that universe.
- 37Disney unveils new rides and films at D23▼Disney's D23: Everything announced, from rides to movies and more
Disney held its D23 fan event, announcing a slate of new theme park attractions, films and other projects. Outlets rounded up the full list of reveals, covering upcoming rides, movie releases and expansions across Disney's parks and studios. Fans are weighing in on which announcements were highlights and what the lineup signals for the company's next few years.
- 38K-pop Boom Fails to Lift HYBE, JYP Shares▼K-pop Boom Contrasts With Plunging Entertainment Stocks: HYBE, JYP Lead Declines
Korean entertainment stocks are falling sharply even as K-pop enjoys strong global popularity, with HYBE and JYP Entertainment leading the declines among major agencies. The divergence has drawn attention because it contrasts the industry's commercial boom with weakening investor confidence in the listed companies behind it.
- 39Trump's name linked to Ford's Theatre sparks criticism●Where is Trump trying to put his name next? Ford's Theatre– where Lincoln was shot
Donald Trump is facing scrutiny over reports that he is seeking to attach his name to Ford's Theatre, the Washington DC site where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Critics say the move would be inappropriate for such a historically significant location, while the story is spreading widely online as people question which institutions Trump might try to brand next.
- 40Jon Watts to Direct First Film in New Star Wars Trilogy●Star Wars Nabs Spider-Man Director Jon Watts for First Movie in Disney's New Skywalker Saga Trilogy
Disney has hired Jon Watts, director of Marvel's Spider-Man films, to helm the first movie in a new Star Wars trilogy set in the Skywalker saga era. Watts becomes the latest high-profile filmmaker brought in to expand the franchise, and the news is drawing attention as fans speculate about the story and characters the new trilogy will follow.
- 41
The PlayStation 5 Pro is back in the conversation as gaming coverage is dominated by Final Fantasy 7 news, including comments from director Naoki Hamaguchi about the game's materia, music, outfits and the returning Great Glacier stamina trial. Other outlets are debating how long players need to catch up before the new content, and whether its focus on Sephiroth and Vincent is the right call.
- 42Oracle must pay data centre investors even without electricity●Oracle on the hook to pay data centre investors even if site has no electricity
Oracle is contractually obligated to keep paying investors in a data centre project even if the site lacks a reliable electricity supply, according to a Financial Times report. The arrangement highlights the growing risks in data centre financing as demand for AI computing capacity outpaces grid infrastructure, leaving companies exposed to costs on facilities that may not be operational.
- 43Taylor Swift eyes history as MTV VMAs air▼The MTV VMAs are here with Taylor Swift making history and Madonna leading the nods: How to watch
The MTV Video Music Awards take place with Taylor Swift in position to make VMA history and Madonna among the most-nominated artists of the night. Coverage focuses on how to watch the ceremony, with Swift expected to break records if she wins and Madonna's multiple nods drawing attention to her enduring chart presence.
- 44Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opens in Los Angeles●Illustrating myths: The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas, has opened its doors. The institution is dedicated to visual storytelling across film, illustration, painting and popular culture, and its inaugural exhibitions are drawing wide attention. Coverage highlights the museum's unusual focus on narrative art and Lucas's role in bringing the long-planned project to completion.
- 45Jon Watts to Direct First Film in New Star Wars Trilogy●Spider-Man Director Jon Watts Picked to Helm First Installment in New Star Wars Skywalker Saga Trilogy for Disney
Disney has chosen Jon Watts, director of the recent Spider-Man films, to helm the first installment in a new trilogy set in the Star Wars Skywalker Saga era. Watts takes on one of the most high-profile directing jobs in franchise filmmaking, and fans are debating what his action-driven blockbuster style could mean for the future of Star Wars on screen.
- 46Apple Music to open concert venue at Battersea Power Station●Apple Music to open concert venue in Battersea Power Station
Apple Music is set to open a new concert venue at Battersea Power Station in London. The venue would give the tech giant a physical space for live performances and events, adding to the landmark building's growing mix of shops, offices and entertainment. Details on capacity and opening date were not immediately given, and reaction is still forming.
- 47Jon Watts to Direct New Star Wars Skywalker Saga Film●Spider-Man Alum Jon Watts Picked to Direct First Installment in New Star Wars Skywalker Saga Trilogy for Disney
Disney and Lucasfilm have chosen Jon Watts, director of Marvel's Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland, to direct the first film in a new trilogy continuing the Skywalker Saga. Watts takes on one of the biggest jobs in franchise filmmaking, moving from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the galaxy far, far away as Star Wars expands its theatrical slate.
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Marvel's Wolverine, the long-gestating video game based on the X-Men character, launches today. The title has been one of the most anticipated PlayStation projects since Insomniac Games first teased it years ago, and gamers are discussing the release, early impressions and whether it lives up to the hype surrounding Marvel's expansion into big-budget standalone superhero games.
- 49Shanthi, daughter of legend Sivaji Ganesan, passes away●Sivaji Ganesan Daughter Shanthi😢Passed Away💔Family In Tears | Celebrities Pay Tribute | Actor Prabhu
Shanthi, the daughter of legendary Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan, has reportedly passed away, leaving the family in mourning. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from film industry figures, including actor Prabhu, as fans and celebrities share condolences across social media.
- 50World's Most Popular Video Game Set for Biggest Change in a Decade▼The Most Popular Video Game in History is Getting its Biggest Change in Over a Decade
Reports say the best-selling video game in history is preparing its most significant update in more than ten years. Details of the change remain limited in early coverage, but the news is drawing wide attention from the game's global player base, with fans speculating about what the overhaul could mean for gameplay and the title's future.
- 51New Book Says the Constitution Doesn't Belong to the Supreme Court●Jesse Wegman: Sorry, Justices — the # Constitution Doesn’t Belong to You A new book argues that Americans need to reclai
New York Times editorial writer Jesse Wegman argues in his new book that Americans must reclaim ownership of the Constitution from the nine Supreme Court justices. In 'Supremacy: How Rule by the Court Replaced Government by the People,' he contends that judicial supremacy has displaced government by the people, and that the founding charter belongs to citizens rather than the courts alone.
- 52Hooked on vapes, some smokers turn to cigarettes to quit●People hooked on vapes try a new way to quit: cigarettes
Some people who became dependent on nicotine through vaping are switching back to traditional cigarettes as a way to quit, according to a Bloomberg report. The reversal highlights how vaping, marketed as a safer alternative, has created a new generation of nicotine users struggling to stop, with some viewing cigarettes as easier to give up than e-cigarettes.
- 53Robin Williams' Daughter Slams AI Videos: 'Have Some Shame'▼Robin Williams' Daughter to Fans Creating AI Videos: 'Have Some Shame'
Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, has publicly condemned fans using artificial intelligence to create videos featuring her father, telling them to "have some shame." She has long been an outspoken critic of AI recreations of deceased performers, arguing they exploit grieving families and misrepresent the dead. Her comments have reignited debate over the ethics of AI-generated likenesses of celebrities who can no longer consent.
- 54Jon Watts to Direct Next Star Wars Film▼Jon Watts Will Direct the Next Official ‘Star Wars’ Film, First in Simon Kinberg Trilogy
Jon Watts, known for directing Marvel's Spider-Man trilogy, will direct the next official Star Wars film, the first entry in a new trilogy from producer-writer Simon Kinberg. The announcement gives the long-stalled film franchise fresh momentum, and fans are weighing what Watts's move from superhero blockbusters means for the direction of the galaxy far, far away.
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The next Godzilla film, 'Godzilla Minus Zero', is being reported as a first in the franchise's history, with filmmakers saying the movie aims to shock audiences. Outlets are covering the announcement globally, though details about the plot or the nature of the franchise milestone have not been spelled out in early reports. Fans of the long-running kaiju series are following the news closely.
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A Time magazine piece argues the Grammy Awards continue to misjudge and undervalue Asian music, using BTS and the global rise of K-pop as the central case. The article examines how the Recording Academy's category structures and voting patterns have treated Korean acts, and what that says about broader biases in how Western institutions recognise Asian artists.
- 57
Mojang held its annual Minecraft Live broadcast, announcing the first new dimension in 15 years, called the Sift, which will arrive with Minecraft Dungeons 2 in 2027. The event also detailed the next major update, adding ice caves, a new mob and more. Gaming outlets including Kotaku, GameSpot and Shacknews covered the announcements, and the event is drawing search interest in Canada and Germany.
- 58Piers Morgan to sue Earl Spencer over Diana book●“It’s ALL Bull***!” EXCLUSIVE: Piers Morgan To SUE Earl Spencer Over Diana Book
Piers Morgan says he will take legal action against Earl Charles Spencer over claims made in his book about his sister, Princess Diana, dismissing the allegations as, in his words, all nonsense. The announcement came in an exclusive interview with the broadcaster, drawing large public attention and sparking debate over the disputed claims about Diana's life and the Spencer family's accounts.
- 59Richard Manoogian, businessman and art collector, dies at 90●Richard Manoogian, renowned businessman, philanthropist, art collector, dies at age 90
Richard Manoogian, the renowned businessman, philanthropist and art collector, has died at the age of 90, according to The Detroit News. Long associated with Detroit, Manoogian was known for combining a prominent business career with major charitable giving and one of the most noted private art collections in the United States. Tributes and obituaries are highlighting his influence on business, culture and philanthropy.
- 60Texts Link Justin Baldoni's Crisis PR Adviser to Secret 'Smear' Sites, Complaint Says▼Texts link Justin Baldoni’s crisis PR pro to secret ‘smear’ sites, complaint alleges
A new complaint alleges that text messages connect a crisis public relations adviser working for actor and director Justin Baldoni to secret websites used to smear Blake Lively amid their ongoing legal dispute. The filing suggests the sites were part of a coordinated effort to damage her reputation. The allegation adds a new dimension to the increasingly contentious legal battle between the two Hollywood figures.
- 61Japanese used bookstores boom as AI firms buy books by the ton●Japanese used bookstores see 5x sales surge as books are being bought by the ton
Used bookstores across Japan are reporting a fivefold surge in sales as bulk buyers purchase books by the ton, including one order of 50 tons shipped to the United States. The buyers are believed to be feeding the books into scanning facilities for AI training data, after which the physical copies are destroyed.
- 62
Rapper Macklemore has announced a tour branded 'Free Palestine', making his stance on the Gaza conflict a central part of the tour's identity. The announcement is drawing widespread attention, with supporters praising him for using his platform on a divisive issue and critics accusing him of taking a one-sided political position. The move continues a pattern of outspoken commentary from the artist.
- 63Star Wars Confirms Director for Next Skywalker Trilogy Film▼New Star Wars Movie Officially Confirms Next Skywalker Trilogy Director
Lucasfilm has officially confirmed the director who will lead the next Skywalker-era Star Wars trilogy, according to Collider. The announcement gives fans their first concrete look at where the franchise is heading on film after years of development on new projects. No further details about casting, timeline, or story were included in the report.
- 64Meta and YouTube agree to run ads for Musk documentary●RE: https:// flipboard.social/@CultureDesk/ 117334441450864576 Update: Meta and YouTube say they will run ads for the Mu
Meta and YouTube have reversed course and will now run advertising for the documentary about Elon Musk, according to a report by TechCrunch. The platforms had previously declined to carry ads promoting the film, a decision that drew criticism from the filmmakers and their supporters. The update was shared by Flipboard's Culture Desk, and discussion has centred on whether the earlier refusals amounted to censorship of a documentary about one of tech's most polarising figures.
- 65Thai Metal Teen Nene Royal Wins America's Got Talent▼Nene Royal, a Metal-Loving Teen from Thailand, Won 'America's Got Talent.' A Rock Album Is Next
Nene Royal, a teenager from Thailand known for her love of metal music, has won America's Got Talent. Following her victory, she says a rock album is next. The win marks a rare mainstream breakthrough for a young metal performer on a major US talent show, and fans are following news of her planned recording career.
- 66'Avengers: Endgame' tops crowded box office weekend▼Box Office: 'Avengers Endgame' Leads Weekend Where Four Films Eye $20M+ Each
'Avengers: Endgame' is leading a busy weekend at the North American box office in which four films were each tracking to earn more than $20 million. The crowded slate drew attention from industry watchers, with Deadline reporting that Endgame held the top spot despite strong competition from three other wide releases all opening or performing in the same range.
- 67Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy The Turf pub●Cheers! Wrexham’s celebrity owners buy ‘The Turf’ pub that’s adjacent to the club’s stadium
Wrexham's celebrity owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have bought The Turf, the historic pub sitting directly beside the club's Racecourse Ground stadium. The purchase extends the actors' involvement in the Welsh football club, which they bought in 2021 and which has since won promotion and drawn worldwide attention. Fans have reacted with amusement and goodwill to the move.
- 68Milwaukee Museum Returns David Drake Pots to Enslaved Artist's Family●Milwaukee Museum Returns Pots by Enslaved Artist David Drake to Family
A Milwaukee museum has returned pots made by David Drake, the renowned enslaved potter of the American South, to his descendants. Drake, who worked in South Carolina in the 1800s and famously signed and inscribed his stoneware, is among the most celebrated African American artists of his era. The restitution is drawing attention as part of a wider movement by US institutions to return objects made by enslaved people to their rightful heirs.
- 69Minecraft to get first new dimension in 15 years●„Minecraft“ bekommt 2027 die erste neue Dimension seit 15 Jahren Mojang bringt 2027 den Sift in „Minecraft“. Die Dimensi
Developer Mojang has announced that a new dimension called the Sift is coming to Minecraft in 2027. The dimension will make its first appearance in Minecraft Dungeons II before arriving in the main game. It would be the first new dimension added to Minecraft in 15 years, marking one of the biggest expansions to the game's world structure since its launch, and fans are reacting to the news of a major change to the long-running sandbox title.
- 70Academy CEO says YouTube Oscars will look very different●Academy CEO Bill Kramer Doubles Down on YouTube Move: “You’ll See a Very Different-Looking Oscars”
Academy CEO Bill Kramer has reaffirmed the decision to stream the Oscars on YouTube, telling audiences that viewers will see a 'very different-looking Oscars' as the ceremony adapts to its new platform. The move, which shifts the awards show away from traditional broadcast television, is drawing debate about what the change means for the future of Hollywood's biggest night.
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John Goodman has been cast in the third season of HBO's 'The Last of Us', according to The Hollywood Reporter. Details about his role have not been disclosed. The adaptation, based on the PlayStation game, remains one of the network's most-watched series, and news of a major new cast member is drawing wide attention from fans of the show and the game alike.
- 72Terry Tao Announces Advisory Group on Mathematics and AI●The Advisory Group on Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence
Mathematician Terence Tao has written about the creation of an Advisory Group on Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence, a body intended to advise on how AI intersects with mathematical research. The announcement is drawing attention in the tech and mathematics communities, where Tao is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices on AI's role in science.
- 73Ariana Grande Album Hits Longest-Charting Career Milestone●Ariana Grande’s Longest-Charting Album Brings Her To A Career Milestone
One of Ariana Grande's albums has become the longest-charting of her career, marking a new milestone for the pop star on the album charts. The achievement highlights the record's enduring commercial performance, and coverage of the milestone has drawn attention from fans and music industry watchers celebrating the singer's continued chart success.
- 74Marlon James and Louise Erdrich on National Book Awards long lists▼National Book Awards: Marlon James, Louise Erdrich and Karl Ove Knausgaard make long lists
The National Book Awards have announced their long lists, with Marlon James, Louise Erdrich and Karl Ove Knausgaard among the nominated authors. The inclusion of several internationally recognized names has drawn attention to this year's field, as the awards whittle contenders down toward the finalists and eventual winners in each category.
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The first trailer for Werwulf, the new film from The Lighthouse and Nosferatu director Robert Eggers, has been released. Eggers, known for his atmospheric period horror, returns with a werewolf story that continues his focus on folklore-driven horror. Horror fans and film writers are sharing their reactions to the footage ahead of the film's release.
- 76John Green on writing America's most banned book▼John Green on writing America’s most banned book: ‘It’s uncomfortable to be at the grocery store’
Author John Green is speaking out about the wave of book bans in the United States, saying his novel — reportedly the country's most banned book — has made everyday life awkward for him. In remarks reported by The Independent, Green said 'it's uncomfortable to be at the grocery store,' reflecting on the personal toll of the censorship campaigns. The comments add to an ongoing national debate over school and library book removals.
- 77First Reactions Hail 'Godzilla Minus Zero' as Epic Oscar Contender●‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ First Reactions Go Crazy for ‘Epic’ and ‘Jaw-Dropping’ Sequel: ‘Should Be Nominated for Best Picture’
First reactions to 'Godzilla Minus Zero', the sequel to Takashi Yamazaki's acclaimed 'Godzilla Minus One', are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with early viewers praising the film as 'epic' and 'jaw-dropping'. Some critics argue it deserves a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, raising expectations for the kaiju sequel's performance at the box office and during awards season.
- 78Epic Games Hit With Class-Action Lawsuit Over Fortnite V-Bucks▼Epic Games Faces Class-Action Lawsuit for Manipulating Young Fortnite Players into Buying V-Bucks
Epic Games is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging it manipulated young Fortnite players into spending money on V-Bucks, the game's in-game currency. The claim argues the company's design and sales tactics exploit minors. The suit adds to ongoing legal scrutiny of Fortnite's monetisation practices and reignites debate over protecting young players from in-game spending pressure.
- 79Microsoft patents system to pause games and serve ads●Microsoft patents system to freeze games and inject ads during downtimes
Microsoft has patented a system that would freeze gameplay and inject advertisements during natural downtimes, such as loading screens or respawns. Watching the commercials would reportedly earn players ad-free playtime credits. The idea has drawn criticism from gamers who see it as another intrusion of advertising into paid experiences, though patents do not always lead to shipped features.
- 80Kennedy Center delayed repairs despite known structural issues, ex-staff say▼Kennedy Center put off planned repairs despite known structural issues, former employees allege
Former employees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington allege that the institution postponed planned repairs even though structural problems were known to staff. The claims are being reported across multiple US news outlets. The allegations raise questions about building safety and management priorities at the landmark arts venue, though the center's response to the accusations has not been detailed in the reports.