Artists, promoters and venues have their own kind of power on troubled tours like Ed Sheeran's

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour faces chaos after four supporting acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore. The rapper was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Sheeran said on Instagram that the decision was made by the promoter, not him. The promoter says venues wouldn't allow Macklemore to perform. Experts say promoters are usually the primary power over tours, but they generally do what major artists want. Venue operators rarely assert themselves in tour decisions, but they have plenty of pull if they choose to. Sheeran's tour is not expected to be canceled, but multiple insurance companies are likely to be involved if it is.

LA news helicopter crashed in birthplace (and, arguably, epicenter) of 'eye-in-the-sky' reporting

Los Angeles has been a city viewed from above by news helicopters for nearly seven decades. When there was a wildfire, a mudslide or O.J. Simpson fleeing the police across its ribbons of highway, an “eye in the sky” tracked it and advised millions how to keep out of harm’s way. On Tuesday, one of those flying newsrooms crashed live on-air and burst into flames, killing three people while reporters were covering the collision of an SUV and a city bus. NBC4 Los Angeles reported that two people aboard the helicopter — Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw — were killed, and fire officials said another person, Edy Gutierrez Mejia, died on the ground.

The psychedelic pop artist Peter Max has died at 88, his son says

NEW YORK (AP) — The artist Peter Max has died at age 88. Max was known for colorful, psychedelic pop art that expressed the optimism of the “flower power” movement of the 1960s and graced everything from postage stamps to a cruise ship. His son said he died Monday. No cause was given, but he had advanced dementia. Max began his career in graphic design in the 1960s, and his swirly, colorful, instantly recognizable designs epitomized the era’s “flower power” art. Max’s work remained well known and popular well into the 21st century. Max was the official artist for the Olympics, the Super Bowl and other events. His portrait subjects ranged from U.S. presidents to Taylor Swift.

Dayton Literary Peace Prizes honor wartime Ukraine novel and book on history of Charleston church

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dayton Literary Peace Prizes have announced this year's winners. Sam Wachman's debut novel, “The Sunflower Boys,” set in wartime Ukraine, wins the fiction prize. Kevin Sack's “Mother Emanuel,” a history of a Black church in South Carolina, wins for nonfiction. Each winner receives $10,000. The runners-up, Charlotte McConaghy's “Wild Dark Shore” and Eve L. Ewing's “Original Sins,” will get $5,000 each. The awards, established in 2006, honor writers who promote peace and understanding. Ann Patchett will receive a lifetime achievement award.

Movie Review: Ethan Hawke leads a tense, Depression-era thriller in ‘The Weight’

“The Weight” is a tense thriller set during the Great Depression, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt's gold hoarding ban sets the stage for a high-stakes mission. Ethan Hawke plays Samuel Murphy, a single father struggling to survive. After being evicted and jailed, he's offered a chance at freedom by a warden, played by Russell Crowe. Murphy assembles a team of prisoners for a dangerous gold smuggling job through the Oregon wilderness. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that the movie keeps viewers on edge with its suspenseful plot and strong performances. “The Weight” is rated R. It opens in theaters Friday.

Movie Review: Zach Cregger and Austin Abrams find just enough humor amid the gore in 'Resident Evil'

Sometimes directors forget, but a little humor goes a long way in a horror flick. Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck says in her review that Zach Cregger gets the balance right in his reboot of “Resident Evil.” It's a movie inspired by video games, sprinkled with Easter eggs, but those of us who've never played will be none the wiser. Bryan, played by a perfectly cast Austin Abrams, is a medical courier who finds himself in a world overrun by a terrifying zombie virus. Cregger keeps the action moving every few minutes to new venues including a farmhouse, an old RV and even a maternity ward.

On shores of Lake Ontario, the Toronto International Film Festival bristles at Trump's trade war

TORONTO (AP) — The 51st Toronto International Film Festival has unspooled against a backdrop of rising tensions between the U.S. and Canadian governments, though it would be hard to tell it from the convivial atmosphere on the ground. TIFF, North America’s largest film happening, draws movies from around the world. But its largest influx of festivalgoers and film industry people come from Canada’s neighbor to the south. This year, the festival is taking place just weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump, amid an escalating trade war with Canada, signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” From the opening night of TIFF, the festival has responded with a mix of disappointment, sarcasm and defiance to the contentious turn in U.S.-Canada relations.

Joyful dressing and the trends that took over New York Fashion Week

NEW YORK (AP) — Designers delivered levity with their Spring/Summer 2027 collections this New York Fashion Week. With several brands celebrating anniversaries this season, party hats and joyful dressing all around. Eckhaus Latta asked guests to toss confetti for their collaboration with J.Crew on their runway show. Tory Burch told The Associated Press she wanted her collection to embody optimism and the joy of dressing while Ralph Lauren called to celebrate the originality of dressing in his show. Several trends emerged throughout the week with designers bringing their fresh visions for spring and summer with striking shades of blue, fringe and even cummerbunds.

Karol G, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Rosalía and Drexler are the most nominated for the Latin Grammys

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A fight of titans is coming up for the 27th edition of the Latin Grammys with Karol G, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Rosalía and Jorge Drexler as the most nominated artists revealed on Wednesday. They have seven nominations each and compete in the categories of album, song and record of the year. They are closely followed by Silvana Estrada and Mon Laferte with six nominations each. Milo J, with five, and Arath Herce, with four, are the other top nominees. Looking at them all from above is once again Edgar Barrera, who, with 10 nominations, competes in the categories of producer and composer of the year.

Selected list of nominees to the Latin Grammys 2026

A selected list of nominees to the Latin Grammys 2026, as announced on Wednesday by The Latin Recording Academy. The 27th edition of the Latin Grammys will be celebrated on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas. Karol G, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Rosalía and Jorge Drexler as the most nominated artists revealed on Wednesday. They have seven nominations each and compete in the categories of album, song and record of the year.