Ed Sheeran says situation in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable' as he opens concert

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ed Sheeran opened a concert in Philadelphia with comments about Gaza, saying what’s happening is “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” He said in the Saturday night performance at Lincoln Financial Field that he wants his music and shows to be about unity and humanity, not politics. But he added he has found himself in the middle of a debate about free speech and a complex political issue. He then addressed the controversy that unfolded since his supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with opener Macklemore, who was dropped from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage.

MS NOW, CNN and Politico say their journalists were denied access to White House after Trump ban

NEW YORK (AP) — Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico have been denied access to the White House. Reporters from the two cable networks both went live to report they’d been barred following a ban imposed by President Donald Trump. The actions escalated Trump’s long-running efforts to restrict news coverage by journalists he finds objectionable. It's the latest test of First Amendment protections in the United States. Trump said Friday he would ban both organizations and also Politico, because of their coverage — which he called “fake news.” Politico said its White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett was also denied entry to the White House and had her badge confiscated.

5 must-see things at George Lucas's new Museum of Narrative Art as it opens to the public

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens to the public on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The $1 billion project has become the life's work of “Star Wars” creator George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson. The museum features a mix of populist and fine art, including works by Norman Rockwell and Banksy. Outside, visitors can see sculptures like Princess Leia choking Jabba the Hutt from “Return of the Jedi.” Inside, a Frida Kahlo self-portrait and Cassius Marcellus Coolidge’s “Poker Game” highlight the blend of high and low art. Architect Ma Yansong designed the building with a unique oculus, offering a glimpse of the sky.

New laws trigger a fresh legal fight over Nazi-looted art in Los Angeles and Auschwitz museums

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jewish heirs of Holocaust victims have filed lawsuits in California to reclaim Nazi-looted paintings from museums in Los Angeles and Poland. These are the first cases since new laws in California and Congress strengthened claims to art taken during World War II. One lawsuit targets the Norton Simon Museum for two paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Another seeks the return of watercolors painted by a Holocaust survivor under duress in the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp. Museum representatives argue they legally own the works. The issue highlights the tension between preserving history and addressing the trauma of families affected by the Holocaust.

Trump targets more news outlets, saying he will ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House due to what he called unfavorable coverage, and threatens that more such prohibitions of media outlets could follow. Trump wrote on his social media site Friday that effective immediately, “I am banning” CNN, MS NOW and Politico “from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” It is the administration’s latest test of constitutional First Amendment protections.

Longtime AP Florida politics reporter Brendan Farrington dies at 60

Brendan Farrington has died at 60. The veteran news reporter was known for covering Florida politics and hurricanes for The Associated Press. Farrington died Friday at his home in Tallahassee after a brief illness. He was respected for being well-sourced, fair, and humorous. Many reporters considered him a mentor and friend. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush praised him as an "old school journalist." Farrington began his career in Massachusetts and joined the AP in the late 1990s. He was known for his engaging writing and his annual “weird Florida” roundup.

Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg

MUNICH (AP) — Munich's Oktoberfest has kicked off with the city's mayor tapping the first beer keg, marking the start of the 191st edition of the festival. Thousands of revelers in traditional Bavarian attire flocked to the beer tents on Munich's Theresienwiese fairground. They enjoyed brass music, freshly tapped beer, pretzels and sausages. The festival runs for 16 days, expecting around six million visitors from Munich, southern Germany and worldwide. German authorities have tightened security, using AI-powered cameras to detect large crowds. There are bans on knives, drones and large bags, with more than 600 police officers on duty.

For Palestinian aid groups, Macklemore's $1M pledge brings relief and attention to ongoing suffering

NEW YORK (AP) — Macklemore's $1 million donation pledge is coming at a critical time for Palestinian relief nonprofits. The Grammy-winning rapper committed to donate his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after he was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments onstage. With his gift, Macklemore wants to shift the attention now to where he says it belongs: the Palestinian people. More than a funding windfall, the recipients' leaders welcome the renewed public awareness to the ongoing suffering they continue to treat amid a fragile ceasefire.

Duncan Sheik, Tony- and Grammy-winning 'Spring Awakening' composer and pop star, dies at 56

NEW YORK (AP) — Tony- and Grammy-winning musician Duncan Sheik has died at 56. The “Barely Breathing” singer-songwriter composed the music for “Spring Awakening.” The groundbreaking Broadway musical that explored teenage angst ran for more than 860 performances and won eight Tony Awards. The show is beloved in the musical theater community for breaking ground in terms of staging and content Sheik also worked on musicals like “American Psycho.” He blended theater with pop, shifting away from traditional musical theater tropes to bring new audiences to Broadway. His most recent album was 2022’s “Claptrap.”

Fashion executive resigns days after restraining PETA protesters at New York runway show

NEW YORK (AP) — The longtime chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America says he is stepping down. The news Friday comes days after Steven Kolb was filmed physically restraining two protesters during an altercation at a New York runway show. The incident Sunday involved the top fashion executive putting his hands over two PETA employees' mouths at the runway show. It quickly stunned many in the fashion world. Kolb has apologized for his actions. Kolb is stepping down after two decades leading the council, which is known as the fashion industry’s main trade organization.