Broadway finds its Prince: Jordan Fisher cast as 'The Kid' in 'Purple Rain' musical

NEW YORK (AP) — Jordan Fisher will star in the Broadway adaptation of “Purple Rain” as “The Kid.” The musical is set to premiere next spring at the Majestic Theatre, with previews starting in March. Additional casting details will be announced later. “Purple Rain” tells the story of a rising rock musician in Minneapolis who's dealing with a challenging home life and a new romance. The film's soundtrack, featuring hits like “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry,” won two Grammys. This role marks Fisher's first original Broadway role. Prince, who inspired the story, died in 2016.

Walliams and Brand were leading UK comics. Now they are part of a reckoning over sexual misconduct

LONDON (AP) — A day after British actor-comedian Russell Brand was sent to prison for rape and sexual assault, allegations have surfaced against another leading comedian, David Walliams. The cases have sparked a wider reckoning about celebrity misconduct in the U.K. Walliams, a feted children's author and well-known TV personality, is facing allegations of using his fame to exploit young female fans. He had sought to block news organizations from publishing these claims, but a judge dismissed his bid. Walliams has not been charged, but the revelations have prompted questions about the media and entertainment industries' roles in enabling such behavior. Authorities are now urging stronger protections for women.

Prince Harry's wife Meghan makes first public appearance since father's arrest

BRUSSELS (AP) — Prince Harry urged tech companies to be more transparent about issues affecting children as he and his wife, Meghan, made their first public appearance since her father’s arrest on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material. Harry spoke on Tuesday at the European Parliament in Brussels during the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, which honors children who died as a result of harm suffered on social media. The installation features oversized smartphone replicas, each displaying a photo of a child who died on its home screen.

Stacy Keach, star of stage and ‘Mike Hammer’ series, dies at 85

Stacy Keach, known for his role as Mike Hammer on TV and work onstage, has died at 85. His wife said in a statement that he died at home in Poland on Thursday after battling a serious heart condition. Keach was a renowned stage actor, celebrated for his Shakespearean roles and diverse performances. His career faced a major setback in 1984 when he was imprisoned for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Britain. Despite this, he returned to acting and continued to take on varied roles. One of his most recent roles was as an embittered father in last year's “Jay Kelly.”

Prada’s new Milan exhibition turns a century of fashion into fresh discoveries

MILAN (AP) — Prada has launched a new permanent exhibition in Milan called “Pradasphere,” showcasing over a century of fashion history. The exhibition opened in late September and is already fully booked into the new year. Lorenzo Bertelli, son of creative director Miuccia Prada, says the exhibition is boosting sales as visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the brand. Prada expects the exhibition and its expanded presence in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele to generate 100 million euros in annual revenue. The exhibition features iconic pieces from the past, including nylon bags, and new innovations, like a spacesuit prototype for NASA's Artemis IV mission.

Oprah Winfrey names Mary Lawson's 'Solace in Winter' as her new book club pick

NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has selected Mary Lawson's novel "Solace in Winter" for her book club. The book, which came out Tuesday, is about a small community in the late 1960s disrupted by a young American fleeing the Vietnam War draft. Winfrey praised it as beautifully written and deeply moving. She said it shows how unexpected connections can change lives. Her discussion with Lawson is available on her YouTube channel. Lawson, known for her debut "Crow Lake" and other books, was surprised by Winfrey's call. She initially thought it was a scam.

British comedian and children's author David Walliams accused of sexual misconduct

LONDON (AP) — British children's author and comedian David Walliams is facing allegations of using his fame to groom girls and young women for sex. An investigation by ITV News and the Guardian revealed multiple accusations, including one of sexual assault of a 15-year-old. Walliams has denied the claims, stating, “I am not a sexual predator.” He unsuccessfully sought a court injunction to prevent publication, citing mental health concerns. The case raises questions about public figures' privacy rights and media reporting. HarperCollins decided last year not to publish new titles by Walliams, who has sold over 60 million copies worldwide.

A note to ‘46’: Donald Trump’s private message to Joe Biden emerges in new White House memoir

Former President Joe Biden is releasing a new memoir in which President Donald Trump privately praised Biden in a letter left for him as he departed office in January 2021. Trump expressed confidence that Biden would be “true to yourself and the American people.” Biden previously described the letter as "very generous" but kept its contents private. It's included in Biden's memoir, "Promise Me, America." Biden's book also criticizes Trump's administration for damaging institutions and inciting division. Biden harshly condemns Trump's role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack, stating it should never be forgotten.

The Literary Arts Fund gives $250,000 prizes to 3 literary nonprofits

NEW YORK (AP) — Graywolf Press, the Porch Writers' Collective, and One Story magazine have each received $250,000 grants from the Literary Arts Fund. The fund was launched in 2025 to support literary nonprofits. Graywolf Press is known for publishing acclaimed authors like Percival Everett. The Porch Writers' Collective was founded in 2014 to nurture a vibrant creative community. One Story magazine has published fiction by Ann Patchett and Lauren Groff. The fund's executive director, Jen Benka, emphasized the importance of literary nonprofits in supporting writers and promoting literature. Each recipient expressed gratitude for the support.

Appeals court limits order for LinkedIn to disclose journalists' communications in leak probe

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge must narrow an order requiring LinkedIn to divulge journalists’ communications on the social media platform to the Trump administration for a leak investigation. Tuesday's ruling by a panel from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says the government isn’t entitled to a “blanket” order for LinkedIn to disclose a broad array of user records belonging to the journalists. But the three-judge panel concluded that the journalists’ First Amendment rights must be balanced against the administration’s duty to protect natural security information. The journalists' employer isn’t identified in court records. A district judge in Virginia issued the order that LinkedIn challenged.