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 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.

California appeals court upholds actor Danny Masterson's rape convictions

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California appeals court has upheld actor Danny Masterson’s convictions and long prison sentence for raping two women at his home in 2003. The three-judge panel on Tuesday unanimously found that the “That ’70s Show” actor had failed to demonstrate that the lower court made errors that would warrant granting him a new trial. Masterson was convicted in 2023 of raping two women at his home two decades earlier. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. His attorneys said in an emailed statement Tuesday that they would seek review at the California Supreme Court.

Russell Brand denies all charges as he takes the stand at his rape and sex assault trial

LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand says allegations of sexual misconduct have had a “devastating” impact on his life. The actor and comedian testified in court Wednesday at his trial on charges of rape and sexual assault. Brand, 51, denied all charges, stating that friends and colleagues have abandoned him. He also mentioned being barred from staying with his baby son in the hospital due to the allegations. Over the past two weeks, prosecutors have presented their case, with six women accusing Brand of misconduct between 1999 and 2009. Brand insists that consent is fundamental, denying any wrongdoing.

Iran sentences acclaimed film director Jafar Panahi to new prison term after his return home

CAIRO (AP) — Iran has sentenced acclaimed film director Jafar Panahi to five years and one month in prison, following his return to the country earlier this year, after the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic. The Tehran court also ordered the confiscation of Panahi’s “movable and immovable assets.” That's according to his lawyer Mostafa Nili, who spoke in an interview with the reformist news site Emtedad on Tuesday. Nili did not say what Panahi was convicted of. But the director, who returned to Iran in March, had been previously convicted of “propaganda activities against the system.”

Susan Saint James, Emmy-winning actor of 'McMillan & Wife' and 'Kate & Allie,' dies at 80

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Susan Saint James, known for her roles in “McMillan & Wife” and “Kate & Allie,” has died at 80. People magazine reports she passed away Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Los Angeles, she started modeling in Paris as a teenager and later signed with Universal Studios. She gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Saint James retired to focus on family but occasionally appeared on TV. She was a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics and leaves behind her husband, children, and extended family.

Taylor Swift, Lyle Lovett and more inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Taylor Swift has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Bruce Channel and J.I. Allison. Swift signed her first publishing deal in Nashville at the age of 14. She returned to the city on Monday during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame annual gala celebration. She said it was an incredible honor to be inducted and described soaking up the lessons from other writers like a sponge. Also honored was country music icon George Strait with the organization's Career Maker Award. He said the songwriters helped to make his career.

Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the news Monday night. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he always wanted Jay-Z to perform when the time felt right. Jay-Z expressed excitement about the opportunity, calling it a dream come true. His Roc Nation has partnered with the NFL since 2019 to produce entertainment presentations, including the halftime show. Jay-Z, who has won 25 Grammy Awards, will perform at the stadium where he recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.”

Andrea Bocelli concerts in Indonesia to proceed despite opposition from Muslim clerics

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli's concerts in Indonesia will proceed despite opposition from the country's top Muslim clerical body. The Indonesian Ulema Council demanded the cancellation due to Bocelli's past support for Israel. Indonesia, a strong supporter of Palestinians, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. The concerts are scheduled for October 31 at Borobudur Temple and November 3 in Jakarta. Promoter Shoemaker Live insists the events will support Indonesia's tourism and culture sectors. Bocelli plans to dedicate songs to humanity and world peace. The council argues the concerts could hurt Indonesians who support Palestinians.

After pushback, the Dutch reverse course and withdraw from Eurovision again

AMSTERDAM (AP) — The Netherlands is withdrawing from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, reversing a decision in September to return to the show. NPO, the umbrella organization for public broadcasters in the country announced in September it would send a performer to the event, after a subsidiary had said a month earlier it would boycott the contest for a second year. Earlier this month, hundreds of NPO employees sent a letter opposing Dutch participation. A number of prominent Dutch media personalities also publicly objected to the move.

Movie Review: In 'Everest: The Other Side,' tragedy and triumph intermingle on the peaks of Nepal

AP Film Writer Jake Coyle writes in his latest review that the film “Everest: The Other Side” is as much a document of tragedy and grief as it is of extreme sport. Hike up and ski down was Jim Morrison’s relatively straightforward dream, albeit not on your typical ski hill. Morrison and his partner Hilaree Nelson aspired to summit Mount Everest on the north face, something only five people had ever done. And they wanted to ski down, which no one had ever done. “Everest: The Other Side,” by “Free Solo” filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, is the big-screen chronicle of their mission.