Olympics Opening Ceremony Closed to Tourists Amid Security Concerns

Olympics Opening Ceremony Closed to Tourists Amid Security Concerns

French authorities said Tuesday that tourists will no longer be able to watch the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics as the nation remains alert for potential security threats during the event. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Tuesday that a specific security threat has not been identified but that there are multiple potential threats, … Read more

‘Stop Playing Her Music at Rallies’

‘Stop Playing Her Music at Rallies’

LONDON —  The estate of Sinead O’Connor asked Donald Trump Monday not to play her music at campaign rallies, saying the late singer considered the former president a “biblical devil.” Trump has played O’Connor’s biggest hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” at events as he campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination. In a joint statement, O’Connor’s … Read more

Part Two’ Brings Spice Power to Box Office With $81.5 Million North American Debut

Part Two’ Brings Spice Power to Box Office With .5 Million North American Debut

Movie theaters were looking for a savior and “Dune: Part Two” is delivering on the promise. Armed with sandworms, big screen spectacle and the star power of Timothee Chalamet, Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction epic stormed the North American box office this weekend earning $81.5 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. Internationally, it … Read more

Iris Apfel, Fashion Icon Known for Her Eye-Catching Style, Dies at 102

Iris Apfel, Fashion Icon Known for Her Eye-Catching Style, Dies at 102

NEW YORK —  Iris Apfel, a textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style, has died. She was 102. Her death was confirmed by her commercial agent, Lori Sale, who called Apfel “extraordinary.” No cause of death was given. It was also announced on her verified Instagram page on Friday, which … Read more

Athletes’ Village Handed Over to Paris Olympics Organizers  

Athletes’ Village Handed Over to Paris Olympics Organizers  

Paris —  The organizers of the Paris Olympics took possession of the newly built athletes’ village on Thursday on schedule, reinforcing growing confidence that they will be ready for the Games. At an inauguration ceremony in northern Paris, chief organizer Tony Estanguet received a symbolic key for the complex in front of VIPs including President … Read more

Tax-Free Status of Movie, Music and Games Traded Online Is on Table as WTO Nations Meet in Abu Dhabi

Tax-Free Status of Movie, Music and Games Traded Online Is on Table as WTO Nations Meet in Abu Dhabi

Geneva —  Since late last century and the early days of the web, providers of digital media like Netflix and Spotify have had a free pass when it comes to international taxes on films, video games and music that are shipped across borders through the internet. But now, a global consensus on the issue may … Read more

Israel Threatens Eurovision Pull-Out if Entry Vetoed 

Israel Threatens Eurovision Pull-Out if Entry Vetoed 

Jerusalem —  Israel on Sunday warned that it may withdraw from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest if organizers reject the lyrics from its entry as too political. Eden Golan and her song “October Rain” were chosen to compete in the annual competition, which is being held in May in Malmo, Sweden. Media reports have suggested … Read more

‘Past Lives,’ ‘American Fiction’ And ‘The Holdovers’ Are Big Winners at Independent Spirit Awards

‘Past Lives,’ ‘American Fiction’ And ‘The Holdovers’ Are Big Winners at Independent Spirit Awards

Celine Song’s quiet romance “Past Lives” won two of the biggest awards at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Sunday afternoon, including best feature and best director. Other big winners were Cord Jefferson’s comedic satire ” American Fiction,” with Jeffrey Wright winning for lead performer; and Alexander Payne’s ” The Holdovers,” which won prizes for Da’Vine … Read more