Dean Cain, former TV Superman, will be sworn in as honorary ICE officer

Dean Cain wants to join the U.S. and Immigration Customs Enforcement agency. In an interview with Fox News, Cain said he has already spoken to the agency responsible for President Donald Trump's mass deportations agenda. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin says Cain will be sworn in as an “honorary ICE Officer” in the coming month. McLaughlin referenced Cain's 1990s role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” saying “Superman is encouraging Americans to become real-life superheroes.” Cain also posted a video encouraging others to join the agency. The 59-year-old been outspoken in his conservative viewpoints and endorsed Trump in three elections.

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and former manager, dies at 48

NEW YORK (AP) — Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager Brandon Blackstock has died of cancer. His death was first reported by People. He was 48. A representative for the Blackstock family shared a statement to The Associated Press explaining that Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years. Blackstock was the father to four children, two from a previous marriage and two with Clarkson. He was previously Clarkson’s manager and also formerly represented Blake Shelton. Clarkson and Blackstock were married in October 2013. In 2020, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

Lucasfilm and Disney settle with actor Gina Carano following her firing from 'The Mandalorian'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Disney over her firing from “The Mandalorian.” The actor had filed suit in federal court last year alleging  she had been dismissed from the “Star Wars” series in 2021 for expressing right-wing views on social media. Carano thanked Elon Musk for helping fund the lawsuit “and asking for nothing in return.” Lucasfilm said in a statement that the company "look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” The specific terms of the agreement were not made available.

Eddie Palmieri, pioneering Latin jazz musician and Grammy winner, dies at 88

Eddie Palmieri, the pioneering rumba and Latin jazz musician, has died at 88. His daughter Gabriela said he died Wednesday in New Jersey after a long illness. Palmieri was the first Latino to win a Grammy and earned seven more over his career. He released nearly 40 albums and continued performing into his 80s. Known for his innovative style, he formed the band La Perfecta in 1961, introducing a unique trombone section. His work fused salsa, funk, soul and jazz, leaving a lasting impact on Latin music worldwide. Palmieri released the album “Masterpiece” in 2000, which teamed him with the legendary Tito Puente. It was a hit with critics and won two Grammy Awards.

Britain's Royal Mail celebrates Monty Python with stamps featuring iconic sketches and characters

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Royal Mail has issued stamps celebrating Monty Python's comedy. The 10-stamp series, announced Thursday, highlights iconic characters and catchphrases like “Nudge, nudge” and “The Lumberjack Song.” Six stamps feature scenes from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” including “the Spanish Inquisition” and “the Ministry of Silly Walks.” Four stamps mark the 50th anniversary of the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The stamps can be pre-ordered and go on sale August 14. David Gold from Royal Mail says the collection honors Monty Python's influence on comedy over nearly six decades.

‘Weapons’ spins small town into chaos that mirrors real life, humor and all

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zach Cregger says he had to stop writing jokes while creating his latest horror film, “Weapons," and instead let the hyper realistic aftermath of tragedy drive the movie's humor. The film follows Cregger’s widely celebrated genre-bending horror “Barbarians,” his 2022 solo directorial debut. The young director spins a town into chaos in his second act, after all children but one from the same classroom mysteriously vanish, leaving a trail of questions in their place. Cregger says the movie's humor comes naturally, as characters stumble through their grief and navigate the absurd events happening around them. The Warner Bros. Pictures release hits theaters Friday.

Movie Review: The body-swappers are back! Lohan, Curtis return for chaotic sequel ‘Freakier Friday’

The body-swappers are back! In “Freakier Friday,” Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return, 22 years after delightfully switching bodies as mom and daughter in “Freaky Friday.” Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that the sequel is an amiable, joyful but also chaotic attempt to up the ante of the body-swapping tale. This time, it’s four characters doing the swapping — leading to plot hijinx galore but also some genuine confusion, at times, as to who’s who and who’s doing what. Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons and Manny Jacinto co-star, and Chad Michael Murray is back as the resident hunk. Opens Friday in theaters.

From the Stones to Cardi B, this college haunt has attracted big acts for 50 years

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut nightclub with a storied history is celebrating its 50th year in business. Toad's Place in New Haven has drawn legendary acts ranging from The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen to Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and Snoop Dogg. Owner Brian Phelps started as the club's manager in 1976. He says the key to Toad's longevity has been showcasing diverse musical styles while also hosting dance parties and “battle of the bands”. The Stones played a surprise show there in 1989, followed five months later by what is believed to be Dylan's longest show — more than four hours.

Indian authorities in Kashmir ban books by eminent writers and scholars

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Indian authorities have banned 25 books in Kashmir saying they promoted a "false narrative" and "secessionism." The ban includes works by authors like Arundhati Roy and other noted historians. The order was issued Tuesday by the region’s Home Department. Authorities say the books incite violence and glorify terrorism. Police said Thursday that officers raided bookstores, searched roadside book vendors and other establishments dealing in printed publications in the main city of Srinagar and across multiple locations in the region to confiscate the banned literature. Kashmir has been a disputed region with ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Many Kashmiris support independence or joining Pakistan.

Mets to celebrate 60th anniversary of the Beatles' Shea Stadium concert with special night

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets will honor the 60th anniversary of the Fab Four’s performance at Shea Stadium when they host the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 15 for The Beatles Night at Citi Field. The 1965 concert marked the first major stadium performance by a rock band. Celebrations begin with a performance by 1964 The Tribute at 6:15 p.m. The first 15,000 fans will receive a Shea Stadium replica.