Ariana Grande on decision to withdraw from the public eye: 'Not a reactive or impulsive thing'
NEW YORK (AP) — Ariana Grande addressed fans during her Chicago concert Monday night, clarifying her upcoming break from the public eye. She explained that the decision to step back after her “Eternal Sunshine” tour was thoughtful and planned, not reactive. On Sunday, producers announced her withdrawal from a London production set for 2027. A representative for Grande stated she will take a break from public-facing work after the tour. Grande reassured fans on stage that negativity isn't affecting her, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries. Her recent breakup and album release have fueled speculation about her health and appearance.
Bono, Eddie Vedder among mourners at the funeral of Oscar-winning songwriter Glen Hansard
DUBLIN (AP) — Irish musicians and entertainers were among mourners who packed into a Dublin cathedral for the funeral of Glen Hansard, the Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter killed last week in a motorcycle crash, aged 56. Actors Steve Coogan and Chris O’Dowd joined musicians including Bono and Hozier for the service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday. Hundreds more watched on big screens outside. The ceremony featured performances, including one by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. Hansard was known for his work with The Frames and The Swell Season and won an Oscar for “Falling Slowly.” Tributes poured in, with Bruce Springsteen expressing heartbreak over the loss.
Guatemala is on alert and evacuates hundreds of villagers after eruption of the Fuego volcano
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemalan authorities remain on alert and have evacuated residents from eight villages following an eruption of the Fuego volcano, one of Central America's most active volcanoes. The country’s disaster management agency said on Tuesday that 659 people have been evacuated and are being housed in nearby shelters. The eruption began on Monday morning, with videos showing clouds of gas and ash above the volcano as lava and pyroclastic flows roll down. Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of the Guatemalan disaster managment agency, or CONRED, said that about 10 more communities are expected to be evacuated throughout the day.
The Danube River's water is dropping so low that World War II ships are emerging
PRAHOVO, Serbia (AP) — Water levels on the Danube River have dropped so low due to drought that World War II German battleships are emerging into view. The Danube’s record levels also have forced power plants to the brink of shutting down, and governments across Central and Eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity. The emerging ships belonged to Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet, deliberately sunk in 1944 to slow the Soviet advance in the final months of the war. Authorities are now trying to keep traffic flowing on the Danube as the dropping water levels create dangerous conditions.
Tiger shark caught off Massachusetts could be sign of warming waters
Nate Rouette and his brother Nelson went shark fishing on Cape Cod hoping for an exciting catch, but were shocked by what they reeled in. The brothers caught a tiger shark, a tropical species with a reputation for eating everything it can swallow. The brothers, longtime sport fishermen who live in Massachusetts, caught and released the juvenile shark in July. The shark is far more common in warmer, southern waters such as the Caribbean Sea. Scientists say its appearance off Falmouth, Massachusetts, is an indicator of warming seas caused by climate change.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ beats ‘Avengers: Endgame’ box office record
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has broken the “Avengers: Endgame” record for the biggest North American opening weekend. Sony Pictures says Monday that the film earned $360 million in ticket sales from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. This marks a new milestone, surpassing the previous $357 million record set by “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019. The success of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” has contributed to a record weekend for theaters. The domestic box office is up over 15% from last year, with over $6.2 billion in ticket sales to date.
Ariana Grande withdraws from London musical and will take a break from the public eye
LONDON (AP) — Ariana Grande has pulled out of an upcoming stage musical in London. Grande was set to star alongside Jonathan Bailey in “Sunday in the Park With George” at the Barbican theater in 2027. Empire Street Productions said Sunday that Grande will no longer be part of the production. A representative told People magazine that the 33-year-old singer will step back after completing the Eternal Sunshine Tour to take a break from “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” Grande has been the subject of rampant online speculation about her health and appearance. Her tour is due to wrap up in London on Sept. 1.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ nets second best North American opening ever with $355 million
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has made box office history in its first weekend, becoming the second-biggest North American opening ever with $355 million in ticket sales. It was just shy of “Avengers: Endgame,” which debuted to $357 million in 2019. Tom Holland’s run as Spider-Man continues to impress. His previous film, “No Way Home,” made over $1.9 billion worldwide. “Brand New Day” started strong with a record $168 million opening day. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film received strong reviews and audience ratings. The movie attracted a predominantly young male audience.
'Sopranos' actor Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters and tough guys, dead at 80
NEW YORK (AP) — Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 80. Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on “The Sopranos,” told The Associated Press that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola. He said that he had been found in his home on New York’s City Island after not being heard from for a few days.
FBI investigates as Michigan joins Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on its water systems
Michigan has joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on water systems but an official said all were operating “safely.” Earlier this week, authorities said cyberattacks targeted over 30 water systems in Minnesota. The source of the attacks is being investigated, but they came amid warnings that Iranian hackers have been focused on such systems. Minnesota IT Services said Thursday that the investigation into the attacks that happened on Sunday and Monday was continuing, and that state officials had not identified who was behind them. There were no reports that residents had been impacted by the attacks.
