Thieves steal 4 Renoir paintings from French Riviera museum, 2 of them 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.

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 is showcasing 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.

After the theft of 3 Renoir paintings from a French museum, here's a look at other famous 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 famous 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 opens to visitors three decades after discovery

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 1st century AD 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.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Sept. 6-12 include Emmy Rossum and Harry Connick Jr.

Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Sept. 6-12 include “Furious” star Emmy Rossum, ballerina Misty Copeland and guitarist Matthew Followill of Kings of Leon. Rapper Foxy Brown turns 48, director Guy Ritchie hits 58, and guitarist Jon Buckland of Coldplay reaches 48. Other celebs with big days include rapper Ludacris, actor-comedian Adam Sandler and model Rachel Hunter. “Modern Family” actor Eric Stonestreet turns 55, singer Harry Connick Jr. reaches 59, and actor Taraji P. Henson welcomes 56. Others celebrating are country singer Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and actor Kristy McNichol.

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.

Documentarian Alex Gibney on the power and influence of Elon Musk

VENICE, Italy (AP) — Alex Gibney's new documentary “Musk” premieres this week at the Venice Film Festival. The nearly four-hour film explores the power and influence of Elon Musk. Gibney says that Musk's power stems from his ability to speak confidently about the future, often without evidence. He describes Musk as a master of stock pumping rather than invention. Gibney also explores Musk's political shift toward Trump, linking it to federal investigations into his companies and says that many people were afraid to speak on record for the film. “Musk” is one of the most anticipated releases of the year.