Oprah Winfrey picks Richard Russo's 'Bridge of Sighs' for her book club

NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has selected Richard Russo's novel "Bridge of Sighs" for her book club. The 2007 novel is set in a rural New York community. Winfrey announced the pick on Tuesday. Russo, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, often writes about small Northeastern towns. His works include "Nobody's Fool" and "Empire Falls," which won a Pulitzer in 2002. Russo expressed his excitement about introducing his work to a new generation. A conversation between Winfrey and Russo is available on her YouTube channel. Winfrey praised the book as a "classic summer read" filled with romance and family drama.

Judge says Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs must stay in jail until he is sentenced

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge says Sean “Diddy” Combs can’t go home from jail to await sentencing on his prostitution-related conviction. The judge issued a decision Monday to deny the rap and style mogul’s latest bid for bail. Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September. He faced federal charges of coercing girlfriends into having drug-fueled sex marathons with other men. He was acquitted last month of the top charges, which were racketeering and sex trafficking. Combs was convicted of two counts of a prostitution-related offense. He denied all the charges.

Hank Hill returns to a changed world in new 'King of the Hill' episodes

NEW YORK (AP) — Hank Hill is back in a new season of “King of the Hill,” this time streaming on Hulu after a 15-year break. The show follows Hank and Peggy as they return to Arlen, Texas, adjusting to a world of boba tea, ridesharing and Wi-Fi-enabled grills. Their son Bobby, now 21, runs a German-Asian fusion restaurant. Familiar characters like Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer also return, navigating modern life with their classic quirks. Executive producer Saladin K. Patterson says the show balances nostalgia with fresh humor, avoiding politics while exploring relatable changes in culture and relationships. Fans can expect 10 new episodes.

From a job at a meat processing plant to country music stardom, Bailey Zimmerman is figuring it out

NEW YORK (AP) — Country singer Bailey Zimmerman is releasing his sophomore album, “Different Night Same Rodeo.” Coming out Friday, it follows his successful 2023 debut, “Religiously. The Album.” Zimmerman is a far cry from where he was before 2020, when he was working at his local meat processing plant and laying gas pipeline. Uploading videos to TikTok built him a loyal fan base and the rest is history. For his new album, Zimmerman told The Associated Press he focused on doing what he does best. He wrote songs about his life to connect with others. “Different Night Same Rodeo” also features Luke Combs, the Kid LAROI and Diplo.

Post to Coast: New York Post plans a California newspaper

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Post is launching a California tabloid newspaper and news site next year. The company announced the plan Monday. The California Post will add another title to Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. And the new paper stands to bring an assertive, irreverent and conservative-friendly fixture of the Big Apple media landscape to the Golden State. Plans for the Los Angeles-based paper call for a print edition seven days a week, plus a website, social media accounts and videos and audio pieces. The venture is being launched into a turbulent atmosphere for the news business. But the Post expects its voice, editorial lens and coverage will be a hit in California.

Book Review: Jason Mott's 'People Like Us' explores the struggles of semi-fame and American identity

Jason Mott follows up his National Book Award-winning "A Hell of a Book" with a new novel, "People Like Us." This fictionalized autobiographical work explores what life is like as a semi-famous writer. The story follows two characters: one running from his roots and another trying to soothe them. The novel delves into themes like time travel, sea monsters, and American identity. It offers a mix of humor and poignant moments, reflecting on creativity and life's choices. Associated Press reviewer Clare Solly says Mott's work captures the pain and mystery of life's journey, echoing the desire for change and understanding.

Music Review: The Black Keys' 'No Rain, No Flowers' puts a feel-good spin on a turbulent year

NEW YORK (AP) — The Ohio alt-rock band the Black Keys aren't having an easy go of things. The Grammy-winning duo split with management and canceled their arena tour in the past year. But a new album, “No Rain, No Flowers,” puts a feel-good spin on it all, writes The Associated Press' James Pollard in his review. He says the band's 13th full-length album pulls the raw blues, psychedelia, garage rock and roots music of their discography into a single package. There's a lot more piano compared to previous releases. Their Nashville influences are unmistakable. They're not quite home, but they're on the way.

Tenor Piotr Beczała sings different productions of Wagner's 'Lohengrin' 41 hours apart

BAYREUTH, Germany (AP) — The tenor Piotr Beczała has been impressing audiences with his back-to-back performances in Wagner's “Lohengrin” in less than 41 hours. First he was in Munich with the Bavarian State Opera. Then he was performing the same role at the Bayreuth Wagner festival in a different production. He received thunderous ovations for both. The 58-year-old admitted feeling pressure due to the demanding schedule and conductor Christian Thielemann's return to Bayreuth. Despite limited rehearsal time, Beczała's experience with the role allowed him to adapt seamlessly.

Book Review: 'The Devil Reached Toward the Sky' weaves thorough account of Atomic Age's start

“The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb” tells the story of the atomic bomb and its consequences. The Associated Press' Andrew DeMillo writes that author Garrett M. Graff weaves together a wide variety of voices to tell both the fascinating and chilling side of the Atomic Age's beginning. DeMillo writes that the book relies on both well-known scientists as well as lesser-known or unknown figures in the atomic bomb's history. The book also recounts the chilling tale of the aftermath.

Book Review: Louis Sachar's debut adult novel is a zany adventure of science and magic

Louis Sachar, known for "Holes" and the "Wayside School" series, has released his debut adult novel. “The Magician of Tiger Castle” follows Anatole, a magician in the fictional kingdom Esquaveta, as he recounts what really happened with the princess, scribe she fell in love with, and the prince she was betrothed to. Donna Edwards of The Associated Press says Sachar blends humor, history and fantasy, exploring the fine line between science and magic. The book is filled with clever metaphors and a playful narrative style, offering a fun and engaging read. “The Magician of Tiger Castle” is out Tuesday from Ace Hardcover.