California appeals court upholds actor Danny Masterson's rape convictions
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California appeals court has upheld actor Danny Masterson’s convictions and long prison sentence for raping two women at his home in 2003. The three-judge panel on Tuesday unanimously found that the “That ’70s Show” actor had failed to demonstrate that the lower court made errors that would warrant granting him a new trial. Masterson was convicted in 2023 of raping two women at his home two decades earlier. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. His attorneys said in an emailed statement Tuesday that they would seek review at the California Supreme Court.
A dinosaur fossil that looks like a mini T. rex just sold for a giant $47 million
NEW YORK (AP) — A dinosaur that looks like a miniature T. rex is now one of the world's most expensive fossils. The rare skeleton of a Nanotyrannus sold for $47.3 million to a mystery buyer at auction in New York City. Sotheby’s auction house had expected it to fetch anywhere from $6 to $9 million. The price tag for “Jodi,” as the skeleton is nicknamed, makes it the second-priciest set of dinosaur bones ever sold. This summer, a T. rex fossil known as “Gus” sold for a record $50.1 million. Some scientists have opposed such private sales, saying they should go to museums or other institutions for study and public display.
China takes Mbappé's apology 'seriously' after backlash over his ‘Chinese dictator’ comments
BANGKOK (AP) — China has acknowledged soccer star Kylian Mbappé's apology for comments seen as disrespectful to Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday they take his apology seriously, even as state media warned that celebrities would naturally lose business for crossing a red line. Mbappé has faced backlash since Tuesday after his remarks in an online interview, and the fallout continues, after he lost brand deals with three Chinese companies and state media suspended broadcasts of Spanish league matches. The incident was the latest in which China has used its market to compel foreign brands and individuals to apologize for perceived slights.
'Crash ur row only': United flight turned around after passenger allegedly said he'd 'hijack' plane
LAS VEGAS (AP) — An airplane passenger was arrested for allegedly writing that he was going to “hijack” the plane, forcing the United flight to be diverted back to Las Vegas shortly after takeoff. Police said they arrested the 25-year-old man on charges of making a threat or providing false information regarding an act of terrorism. The man allegedly communicated that he was “gonna hijack” the plane and “crash ur row only,” according to a copy of the criminal complaint. The man is scheduled for an initial court appearance Tuesday. An attorney listed for him did not immediately return a request for comment. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it will investigate the incident.
St. Louis Blues condemn what they called an antisemitic protest at an NHL game against Vegas
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues have condemned what they called an antisemitic protest during a game last week at Enterprise Center. Signs that read “Israel Kills” and “Free America from Israel” were held by fans in the stands Thursday when the Blues played the Vegas Golden Knights. In a statement on Monday, Blues owner Tom Stillman called the signs “vile messages of hate” that were “unfortunate and unforgivable.” Stillman says the fans who held the banners were ejected from the arena. The 2026 Freedom Convoy disagreed with Stillman’s characterization of the protest.
How daylight saving time changes affect you and what you can do about it
It's almost time for most Americans to set their clocks back an hour. Daylight saving time ends in the U.S. at 2 a.m. local time next Sunday. Standard time will last until March 14, when we will again “spring forward” with the return of daylight saving time. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do — mostly in North America and Europe — the date that clocks are changed varies. In the U.S., Hawaii and most of Arizona don’t change and stay on standard time.
Even with early Game 6 tipoff on Thursday, Valkyries are confident fans will find a way to watch
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Golden State Valkyries fans are frustrated that the WNBA couldn't find a better solution for Game 6 of the Finals than to schedule the game at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The game against the Atlanta Dream is being played early Thursday afternoon at State Farm Arena in Atlanta because the NBA's Hawks are playing at home that night. Valkyries supporter Kendall Christmas-Miller says a men's NBA Finals game would never be played at such an early hour. She says there's more work needed to prioritize women's sports. The Valkyries are confident their fans will find ways to watch the game.
Jay-Z picks himself to headline the Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium in Southern California
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jay-Z will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the news Monday night. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he always wanted Jay-Z to perform when the time felt right. Jay-Z expressed excitement about the opportunity, calling it a dream come true. His Roc Nation has partnered with the NFL since 2019 to produce entertainment presentations, including the halftime show. Jay-Z, who has won 25 Grammy Awards, will perform at the stadium where he recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.”
'You Can See Everything' surges with $19.5M at box office; 'Clayface' takes No. 1
NEW YORK (AP) — DC Studios scored a modest, R-rated win with “Clayface,” landing a $24 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. But the biggest success story in theaters remained A24’s Elizabeth Holmes documentary “You Can See Everything,” which pulled in $19.5 million in its first weekend of wide release. The Nathan Fielder, Lance Oppenheim-directed “You Can See Everything” increased from 855 locations to 2,655. In expansion, it continued to blow away expectations. With $45.1 million in two weeks, it already ranks among the highest grossing documentaries ever. Ticket sales were also good for the stop motion animation “Wildwood” and the comic fable “Wicker.” But “Ali G: Who Iz I?” was a nonevent in cinemas.
Former NBA star Malik Beasley negotiating plea deal over gambling charges
Former NBA player Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea agreement with the Department of Justice after initially pleading not guilty to charges of altering his play in 2024 to benefit sports bettors and ease his debts. Beasley entered a not guilty plea in July in New York federal court. His attorney said Saturday that they expect an agreement soon. Beasley and sports agent Paolo Zamorano are among six people charged in a gambling scandal involving over three dozen arrests. Beasley is accused of fixing his performance in at least four games while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024.
