‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ nets second best North American opening ever with $355 million

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has made box office history in its first weekend, becoming the second biggest North American opening ever with $355 million in ticket sales. It was just shy of “Avengers: Endgame,” which debuted to $357 million in 2019. Tom Holland’s run as Spider-Man continues to impress. His previous film, “No Way Home,” made over $1.9 billion worldwide. “Brand New Day” started strong with a record $168 million opening day. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film received strong reviews and audience ratings. The movie attracted a predominantly young male audience.

'Sopranos' actor Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters and tough guys, dead at 80

NEW YORK (AP) — Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 80. Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on “The Sopranos,” told The Associated Press that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola. He said that he had been found in his home on New York’s City Island after not being heard from for a few days.

Of thee I sing: A guide to US patriotic songs, from 'The Liberty Song' to Jay-Z and Kanye West

NEW YORK (AP) — Even before there was a United States of America, there were patriotic songs. And they're still being written. Patriotic music in America is a story of endurance, variety and change. Songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” celebrate wartime endurance, while “God Bless America” invokes divine approval. While Toby Keith’s “Made in America” dares anyone to question his country's eminence, Woody Guthrie “This Land Is Your Land” and Curtis Mayfield’s “This Is My Country” highlight a long tradition of weaving in social protest. For some, the advance to a “more perfect union” is only possible through acknowledging imperfection.

Music Review: Ariana Grande's 'Petal' displays a pop star at her most restrained

NEW YORK (AP) — Gone is the big-belter Ariana Grande. On “Petal,” her eighth studio album and first full-length release since 2024’s “Eternal Sunshine,” the pop powerhouse looks inward across 12 tracks of real restraint, writes The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman in her review. She says lead single “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” offered a direct taste of what was to come, with its muted reception and slinky hook. Its subdued vocal delivery comes alive with bubbling, arpeggiated synths and soft pop chorus. That subtlety carries throughout the record. Across these dozen songs are small joys, buried beneath atmospheric production and listless melodies.

A giddy Patti Smith meets fellow Chicago legend, Pope Leo XIV, and says "Hi"

ROME (AP) — Rock legend Patti Smith has met with Pope Leo XIV. She was giddy and almost at a loss for words when she greeted her fellow Chicagoan. She managed a soft “Hi” as she sat down across from him at his desk in the Apostolic Palace. Smith has become an increasingly visible presence at the Vatican thanks to her friendship with the undersecretary in the Vatican’s culture ministry. She has said that while she is not Catholic, she was drawn in particular to Pope Francis and his “gentle, open, and steadfast sense of humanity.”

FCC chairman defends actions against ABC, says broadcasters must operate 'in the public interest'

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is defending the agency's actions against ABC, saying broadcasters have a duty to operate in the public interest. Carr's comments follow ABC's accusations this week that the FCC is retaliating against it for political content. ABC opposes the FCC's early review of its local broadcast licenses, claiming the review is an attempt to chill the network's protected free speech. The FCC's actions are part of a broader conflict with ABC. It is also seeking to impose equal-time rules on “The View,” a show whose content frequently angers President Donald Trump.

The Met’s next fashion exhibit spotlights John Galliano, and will confront his troubled past

The next Met Gala fashion exhibit will focus on John Galliano. The British designer is known for both his talent and the scandal in which he lost his job. Galliano was the creative director at Christian Dior for nearly 15 years before making antisemitic and racist comments in 2010 and 2011. These comments led to his conviction and dismissal from Dior. After years of rehabilitation, he made a comeback in 2014 with Maison Margiela. The Met exhibit will address both his creative achievements and controversial past. The show will explore his inspirations and craftsmanship while acknowledging his past conduct. The exhibit opens in May 2027.

Arlene Smith, lead singer of pioneering '50s girl group the Chantels, dies at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — One of the first “girl group” stars has died. The Chantels' lead singer Arlene Smith was 84. The Chantels were best known for the classic ballad “Maybe,” and were the rare group of Black women in the 1950s to have commercial success. Recorded in a makeshift studio in a Manhattan church, “Maybe” was a spare, pleading ballad that Smith sang with tragic force. The 1957 release was a Top 20 hit that eventually sold more than 1 million copies. Rolling Stone ranked ”Maybe” at No. 199 on the magazine’s list of the 500 best songs.

At 60, Too $hort has no plans to stop his hip-hop voyage with new album produced fully by Lil Jon

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Too $hort, the Oakland hip-hop legend, is defying age norms in the music industry. At 60, he's still recording, touring, and challenging the idea that hip-hop has an age limit. His latest album, “Sir Too $hort Vol. 2: Drink & Smoke,” produced by Lil Jon, drops Friday. Too $hort reflects on his enduring career, saying he never imagined stopping. He credits his love for music and collaboration with artists like E-40 and Lil Jon for his continued relevance. He also honors Lil Jon’s late son, Slade, whose work features on the new album, as part of a lasting legacy.

Wildfires force George Clooney's family to evacuate their home in southern France

PARIS (AP) — George Clooney says his family has been forced to evacuate their home in southeastern France due to a nearby wildfire. The Hollywood star made the statement in a letter to the mayor of Brignoles, about 55 miles east of Marseille. Clooney expressed concern for the safety of the community and committed to helping rebuild. The fire near Brignoles broke out Wednesday afternoon, burning about 250 acres. About 700 residents were evacuated but allowed to return Thursday after the fire was controlled. The Clooneys purchased their estate in France in 2021, and it serves as their primary residence.