Driveway of coastal mansion owned by Nicolas Cage collapses

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — The driveway of a coastal mansion in Malibu owned by actor Nicolas Cage has collapsed and opened a giant hole in front of the house. Officials say the collapse caused a gas leak just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Utility SoCalGas says it had the leak under control within several hours but that its temporarily shutting off service for a stretch of the street. The neighborhood is located between the coast and the Pacific Coast Highway. Representatives for Cage did not immediately comment. The home's prior owner told the New York Times in 2024 that Cage bought the property.

Ashley St. Clair and Alex Gibney on AI and the dangers of Elon Musk

VENICE, Italy (AP) — A new documentary about Elon Musk uses a CGI avatar and artificial intelligence voice syncing to simulate an interview with the SpaceX and Tesla CEO using things he’s really said in interviews. Filmmaker Alex Gibney said Tuesday in Venice that the choice is intentionally ironic, referencing Musk's simulation theory and views on technology. The film, titled “Musk,” explores his life and influence. Ashley St. Clair, who shares a child with Musk, appears in the film, discussing their relationship and a nondisclosure agreement she refused to sign. The nearly four-hour film delves into Musk's childhood, his work in Silicon Valley, and his influence on politics. Gibney says he believes Musk poses a threat to democracy.

An Elon Musk documentary and a Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem thriller premiere at Venice

VENICE, Italy (AP) — The Venice Film Festival has showcased several high-profile films Tuesday, including Alex Gibney’s Elon Musk documentary, a thriller with Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and a drama from Casey Affleck. Gibney’s nearly four-hour documentary explores Musk's power and influence. It'll be in North American theaters in October. Cruz and Bardem star in "Bunker," a film about an architect building a bunker for a billionaire, exploring themes of love and fidelity. Affleck's "Company" is a meditation on grief and compassion, set in 1975. The two latter films are in competition for the Golden Lion. Winners will be announced Saturday.

With AI memes, Trump promotes mythical version of himself as challenges stack up ahead of midterms

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is using memes to portray himself as powerful amid struggles with inflation and international issues. Over Labor Day weekend, Trump and the White House shared memes showing him as a superhero and other fantastical figures. These images contrast sharply with reality, where many Americans find life unaffordable and question the Iran war's worth. Some memes are AI-generated, and the administration often defends them as humorous. However, political strategists warn that memes won't win over voters focused on economic issues. Despite attempts to energize his base, Trump's approval ratings remain low.

Thieves steal 4 Renoirs from a French museum. 2 of the paintings are still missing

PARIS (AP) — Thieves have stolen four valuable Renoir paintings from a museum on the French Riviera. The local mayor says the thieves were well-equipped and entered the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer through the garden. They sliced through a fence and cut the clips securing the artwork frames. The museum's alarm went off at 5:48 a.m. local time on Tuesday and police arrived five minutes later. The mayor said that their swift arrival forced the burglars to flee and they left two paintings behind. Two works “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano” and “Young Woman at the Well” are still missing. An investigation is underway.

A look at the theft of Renoir paintings from a French museum and other high-profile heists

PARIS (AP) — Thieves have hit the Renoir Museum on the French Riviera and made off with four valuable paintings by the French impressionist master. Police are still searching for the perpetrators, who made off with “Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano” and “Young Woman at the Well,” but ditched two other works as they fled. Other high-profile art heists have occurred at Paris' Louvre, Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Berlin’s Bode Museum, England's Blenheim Palace and Dresden’s Green Vault. Last year, thieves stole nine pieces from the Napoleonic crown jewelry collection at the Louvre in a brazen daytime heist.

Sherri Shepherd to join Broadway's 'Aladdin' as the Genie, and she's 'beyond thrilled'

NEW YORK (AP) — Sherri Shepherd plans to join the Broadway musical “Aladdin” as the Genie. The Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host will take on the role from Oct. 16 to Jan. 3. Shepherd says she’s thrilled to be part of the “Aladdin” family and wants children to feel inspired. She’s preparing for the high-energy role by taking dance and voice lessons. This will be her second trip to Broadway, having played the Evil Stepmother in “Cinderella” in 2014. Shepherd is seeking advice from Broadway friends to help her prepare for the role.

Ancient Rome's biggest fresco and mosaic open to public for first time since discovery 3 decades ago

ROME (AP) — Authorities in Rome have unveiled what is believed to be the largest fresco and mosaic complex of ancient Rome. Both works are from the first century A.D. and depict a maritime city. Mayor Robert Gualtieri on Tuesday presented “Painted City” fresco and “Great Mosaic.” The works were discovered in an underground gallery during excavations in the 1990s of the Baths of Trajan. The baths are located on the Oppio hill near the Colosseum. They were recently restored. The works are opening to the public for the first time. Initially, small groups of 15 will be allowed during a trial period of weekend access starting this month.

The Blade newspaper in Toledo is for sale, and ownership says it will shut down if no buyer is found

The owners of The Blade are looking to sell the newspaper. If they're unsuccessful, both print and digital versions will stop publishing at the end of the year. Block Communications announced the news, calling it an "extremely difficult decision." The Blade has faced unsustainable financial losses for years.. That's according to president and CEO Jodi Miehls in an email to staff. Founded in 1835, The Blade says it is Toledo's oldest continually operating business. The newspaper has a rich history, including a Pulitzer Prize win in 2004. Earlier this year, Block faced a similar situation with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which was saved by a nonprofit purchase.

For Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, 'Practical Magic 2' heals old wounds

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman view “Practical Magic” very differently today than they did when they made it 28 years ago. In 1998, the film received mixed reviews and had a modest box office performance. It has since become a cult favorite, embraced by a new generation who found the romantic comedy through social media clips. The two Oscar winners are returning to their roles of witchy sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in “Practical Magic 2,” in theaters on Sept. 10, giving them a chance to reckon with the original’s rocky reception and its unlikely second life.