Sen. John Fetterman releases memoir 'Unfettered' this fall, looking at political and health battles

NEW YORK (AP) — Sen. John Fetterman's publisher has announced the release of his memoir, “Unfettered,” set for Nov. 11. Penguin Random House imprint Crown shared the news on Wednesday. The book covers Fetterman's journey from being the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, to becoming a national figure. The book also delves into Fetterman's political battles and his physical and mental health challenges, including a stroke in 2022. Fetterman is known for his unique style and imposing height. The Democratic senator collaborated with Buzz Bissinger of “Friday Night Lights” fame on the memoir, which promises an honest look at his life and career.

Movie Review: Liam Neeson tries to fill Leslie Nielsen's gumshoes in a new 'Naked Gun'

Leslie Nielsen for the part of Lt. Frank Drebin deserves a special place in the annals of brilliant casting choices. But why, exactly, Nielsen was so perfect for 1988’s “The Naked Gun” is natural to ponder during Akiva Schaffer’s spirited but just off-the-mark reboot, starring Liam Neeson, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. In this sometimes witty ode to the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker style of satire, the role never feels quite right for him, despite the phonetic connections. Like most reboots, particularly comedy ones, the best thing about the new “Naked Gun” is that it might send you back to the original.

The Grateful Dead toasts its 60th with concerts at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tens of thousands of Deadheads are pouring into San Francisco for three days of Dead & Company concerts in honor of the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. Fans say it's appropriate that the jam band nearly synonymous with psychedelic San Francisco celebrate in their city of origin, and in Golden Gate Park. Members lived in a dirt-cheap Victorian in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and became a significant part of the Summer of Love. San Francisco has planned a long weekend of events, including renaming a street for city native and guitarist Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995.

Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival is back for its 23rd year, celebrating Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers. This nine-day event, starting Friday, features appearances by stars like Jennifer Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mara Brock Akil, Michelle Obama and Dwyane Wade. The festival has become a cultural reunion, drawing influential voices like Ava DuVernay, Spike Lee and Tyler Perry. Set in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, it offers a platform for Black creatives to connect and share their stories. This year's theme focuses on joy, with panels, screenings and discussions on Black storytelling, fashion, and history. The festival continues to affirm the value of Black storytelling.

A cynic's struggles: 'The Book of George' wins Gabe Hudson Prize

NEW YORK (AP) — Kate Greathead's comic novel, “The Book of George,” has won the Gabe Hudson Prize. The $10,000 award is administered by McSweeney's and honors books that convey humor and a deep understanding of contemporary America. The Associated Press reviewer Kendal Weaver praised Greathead as a gifted storyteller. Hudson passed away in 2023 and was a respected author and editor. His mother, Sanchia Semere, endowed the prize in his memory. Greathead expressed admiration for Hudson's generosity and humor. The prize was launched last year, with Ayana Mathis' “The Unsettled” as the first winner.

Tupac Shakur slaying suspect files appeal with Nevada Supreme Court to dismiss charges

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The man charged with ordering the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas is asking the Nevada Supreme Court to dismiss his murder charges. Duane “Keffe D” Davis filed an appeal with the court Tuesday after a lower court judge upheld his charges. Davis, the only man ever to be charged in Shakur’s killing, was arrested in September 2023. The 62-year-old has admitted in interviews and in his memoir that he provided the gun used in the shooting. His attorney said he had immunity from prosecution for statements made during interviews with federal and local authorities.

Birmingham, the home of metal, honors Ozzy Osbourne as hearse passes through

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Thousands of Black Sabbath fans are paying their respects to Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse makes its way through the streets of Birmingham. He grew up in the city in central England and the band was formed there in 1968. Osbourne died last Tuesday at the age of 76. His hearse was making its way down the city’s major thoroughfare. Since his death was announced, fans have made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham.

Movie Review: Real couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco lead ‘Together,’ a codependency horror film

Real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco play a long time couple in the body horror “Together.” Tim and Millie move to the country together and find themselves unable to physically separate. The debut feature of Australian writer and director Michael Shanks, the film takes the idea of codependency to gruesome heights. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that “it’s an impressive work of independent cinema that stays shockingly grounded thanks to its two leads and their fearless performances.” “Together” is a Neon release in theaters nationwide Wednesday and is rated R.

How 'KPop Demon Hunters' became the surprise hit of the summer

NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix's animated musical film “KPop Demon Hunters” has become the surprise hit of the summer. Fans, culture critics and filmmakers theorize there are a few reasons the movie is connecting. It is because the film blends cultures, utilizes the best and brightest in K-pop music, features interesting animation and is based on original intellectual property. Fans are hungry for new animated and musical stories. And K-pop fans feel as though they have been accurately represented in “KPop Demon Hunters.” The movie follows the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X as they fight demons and save their fans.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has dinner with singer Katy Perry in Montreal

MONTREAL (AP) — Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry have sparked speculation after dining together in Montreal. A communications consultant for the restaurant Le Violon confirmed they spent about two hours there on Monday evening. Photos published by TMZ fueled rumors of a possible romance. However, Samantha Jin from the restaurant said there were no signs of public displays of affection. Perry recently split from Orlando Bloom and is currently on tour. Trudeau and his ex-wife Sophie Grégoire separated in 2023. Neither Trudeau nor Perry's representatives have not commented on the dinner.