Patrick Stewart, legendary actor of ‘Star Trek’ and 'X-Men' fame, dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the classically trained stage actor who scaled the Shakespearean canon and added gravitas to a “Star Trek” franchise and the “X-Men” films, has died. He was 86. A spokesperson said Stewart died Wednesday in Los Angeles, following “a brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Stewart was best known as Professor Charles Xavier from the “X-Men” and Captain Jean-Luc Picard from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” but he spent more of his career onstage than in the X-Mansion or on the USS Enterprise.

Hugh Jackman, William Shatner and George Takei among those paying tribute to Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart has died at 86, prompting tributes from colleagues and Marvel Studios. Known for roles as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek” and Professor Charles Xavier in “X-Men," Stewart died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. William Shatner called him a friend and magnificent actor. Hugh Jackman described him as a great friend and mentor. Kevin Feige praised his brilliance and warmth. George Takei and Seth MacFarlane also shared heartfelt tributes. Stewart’s legacy lives on through his extraordinary work and the many people he inspired.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico ask court to make Trump access order permanent

Three news outlets are telling a federal court that the White House is defying a judge's orders by refusing to let them return to covering President Donald Trump. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico say the president is retaliating against them for reports he dislikes. A judge previously ordered the administration to cancel its ban on the outlets. The outlets' attorney says the White House continues to block reporters from covering Trump in key locations. The filing asks the court to make previous orders permanent. The news organizations argue that the president is practicing “viewpoint discrimination” forbidden by the First Amendment.

Elke Sommer, German-born star of ‘A Shot in the Dark’ and ‘The Prize,’ dies at 85

Elke Sommer, the German actor known for her roles in 1960s Hollywood comedies and espionage films, has died at 85. Her stepson confirmed her passing at her Bel Air home on Wednesday to a German publication. Sommer starred alongside legends like Paul Newman in “The Prize” and Peter Sellers in “A Shot in the Dark.” Born in Berlin during World War II, she was discovered in Italy and quickly rose to fame. Her Hollywood break came with “The Prize,” earning her a Golden Globe. Despite her sex symbol status, Sommer believed her energy, not looks, defined her appeal.

King Charles III arrives in Guyana as part of official 9-day Caribbean trip

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — King Charles III has landed in the South American country of Guyana, a former British colony that was the site of one of the biggest slave revolts in the Caribbean during the colonial era. Charles arrived Thursday at the invitation of Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, who has publicly requested an apology as some Caribbean leaders press for slavery reparations. Charles last visited Guyana in 2000 as a prince. He is scheduled to meet with Ali, business owners and elected leaders of Amerindian villages known as “toshaos” during his two-day stay in Guyana.

Hometown of ‘Addams Family’ creator becomes ghoulish Halloween destination

WESTFIELD, N.J. (AP) — The New Jersey town that helped birth “The Addams Family” is embracing its ghoulish legacy. Westfield is the hometown of Charles Addams, the cartoonist who created the darkly eccentric, fictional family. Addams drew inspiration for his signature macabre style from the elegant Victorian homes, historic cemetery and other landmarks of the town just outside New York City. Every October, the town hosts AddamsFest with events that include an art exhibit, music festival, masquerade ball and other events. A self-guided heritage trail takes visitors past landmarks that informed Addams’ creations, including a Victorian-era house that helped inspire the fictional family's imposing, gothic abode.

South Carolina police close investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death after coroner's ruling

Police in South Carolina say they have closed their investigation into the overdose death of actor Hayden Panettiere following a coroner’s findings that it was accidental. No charges were filed. Greenville police said Wednesday in a statement the decision was based on the medical examiner’s determination as well as the findings of the investigation. The former star of the TV series “Heroes” and “Nashville” was pronounced dead in an apartment in Greenville on Aug. 16 at age 36 after paramedics found her unresponsive. It remains unclear whether federal agents are still looking into her death separately.

A serial killer, an obsessed cop and an undercover FBI agent. Welcome to Apple's 'Nocturne'

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Graham dives into the mind of a serial killer for his role in the new Apple TV series “Nocturne.” He binged on true crime documentaries, handpicked by his wife, to prepare for the role. The series is based on Lars Kepler novels. It premieres Friday. It follows a kidnapped teen who resurfaces after three years, while his sister remains missing. Graham plays Jurek Walter, an imprisoned murderer who manipulates those around him. The show features a retired detective, played by Liev Schreiber, and an undercover FBI agent, portrayed by Zazie Beetz. The creators aim to offer a fresh take on the genre.

Jason Reynolds turns to adult fiction with 'Father, Father,' a road novel about 2 brothers

NEW YORK (AP) — Jason Reynolds, a leading children's author, has written a book for adults. Scribner announced Wednesday that Reynolds' novel “Father, Father” will be published in June. The story follows two brothers on a cross-country road trip, sharing memories about their recently deceased dad. Reynolds describes it as an intimate tale about confronting the complexities of human nature. He aims to show flawed adults who struggle with love not as secondary characters, but as the main focus. Reynolds is known for such novels as “All American Boys” and “Long Way Down.” His move follows other children's authors writing for older audiences.

Ken Burns wins a $250,000 prize for bringing American history to life

NEW YORK (AP) — Ken Burns has won a $250,000 prize for his contributions to American history. The New York Historical museum awarded him the inaugural David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History. The jury praised Burns for his work on topics like the American Revolution and the Civil War. They noted his films have brought the history of the U.S. to more people than perhaps any other single body of work. Burns expressed gratitude, acknowledging the collective effort of historians and archivists. The award was established earlier this year by financier David M. Rubenstein.