Increasing the danger: Journalist killing in Gaza sends a chilling message
The targeted killing of an Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza over the weekend was a notable moment even for a war that has been remarkably blood-soaked for journalists. For the first time, Israel quickly claimed responsibility for the killing of Anas al-Sharif. Al Jazeera and others were quick to condemn the killing, and the news director of Al Jazeera English called on news organizations around the world to recruit more journalists to cover the war. With rare exceptions, Israel does not let international journalists into the territory to cover the war, leaving international organizations largely to count on Palestinian journalists.
Prince Harry, Meghan and Netflix extend partnership for streaming programs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, announced Monday that their media company’s partnership with Netflix has been extended with a multiyear, first-look deal. Archewell Productions first collaborated with the streaming giant in a 2020 deal that produced the successful documentary series “Harry & Meghan.” The couple and Netflix also announced upcoming collaborations, including a second season of, “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle reality show starring the Duchess, and a scripted adaptation of Carley Fortune’s book, “Meet Me at the Lake.” Netflix’s chief content officer call Harry and Meghan “influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere.”
What to Stream: Vanessa Kirby, Maroon 5, Madden NFL 26, Alicia Silverstone and ‘The Chicken Sisters’
Vanessa Kirby starring in the gritty film “Night Always Comes,” and Maroon 5 releasing their eighth studio album with songs featuring Lil Wayne and Blackpink’s LISA are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Aug. 11 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are Alicia Silverstone leading a new TV crime drama called “Irish Blood.,” the multigenerational, wholesome drama “The Chicken Sisters” rolls out its second season on Hallmark and EA Sports jumps aboard the artificial intelligence bandwagon with Madden NFL 26.
‘Weapons’ horror film scores a box office victory
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated horror film, “Weapons,” and Disney’s sequel comedy, “Freakier Friday,” helped prove that horror and humor can thrive at the box office. “Weapons” opened with $42.5 million domestically to take the top spot, and the Disney follow to “Freaky Friday” earned $29 million. A Warner Bros. executive says “Weapons” was the studio’s seventh film this year to take the top spot, and the sixth film in a row to debut over $40 million. Paul Dergarabedian of the data firm Comscore says “the top two films could not be more different, and that’s what makes this weekend so appealing.”
Book Review: A private eye investigates whether her husband sent an innocent man to prison
Chicago Private Eye Annalisa Vega is trying to make a go of it again with Nick Carelli, who she had kicked to the curb for his rampant infidelity. But when she agrees to take the case of a man who claims he was wrongfully convicted of killing his wife’s divorce lawyer, things get complicated. The homicide detective who may have arrested the wrong man was Nick. Associated Press reviewer Bruce DeSilva says Joanna Schaffhausen’s “Gone in the Night” is a suspenseful yarn that unfolds at a torrid pace. But the novel also illustrates how difficult it can be for abused women to get help or justice.
‘Outlander’ prequel series ‘Blood of My Blood’ goes back in time again — to meet the parents
As Starz’s historical drama series “Outlander” readies its final season for a premiere next year, fans can now learn about where Jamie and Claire Fraser came from in the new prequel series, “Outlander: Blood of My Blood.” Debuting Friday, the show follows the relationships of Jamie’s parents, Ellen and Brian and Claire’s parents, Julia and Henry. Like the flagship series, their stories are filled with drama, obstacles and yes, some time travel. What makes “Blood of My Blood” also different for its showrunner, Matthew B. Roberts, is that there are no books to follow. “Outlander” is adapted from a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Production is already underway on a second season of “Blood of My Blood.”
Book Review: Debut novelist Aisha Muharrar deftly explores love and loss in ‘Loved One’
The co-executive producer of HBO’s “Hacks” is out with her first novel, “Loved One.” A work of fiction, it explores two women’s relationships with an indie music star after he dies in a tragic accident. Julia and Elizabeth warily befriend one another as they attempt to collect mementos of Gabe’s — from a guitar he once played to a Mets cap he wore. We stay inside Julia’s head most of the time, as she travels around London, still delivering inner monologues. Associated Press reviewer Rob Merrill praises Muharrar’s “poetic” use of words and the “pop-culture sensibility” she gives the main character, Julia. “Loved One” is on sale Tuesday.
Book Review: ‘The Dilemmas of Working Women’ depicts the inner struggles of women in Japan
A book of short stories about women that was a bestseller in Japan is being released in the United States in English translation. “The Dilemmas of Working Women” by Fumio Yamamoto highlights what it’s like to live in a nation infamous for its gender inequality. The characters often aren’t sure what they want and are frequently squeezed by societal and family expectations. Yamamoto’s work has been described as quietly and realistically depicting the inner lives that women keep hidden so that they can live in peace. Associated Press reviewer Audrey McAvoy says this collection brings those lives to the page in raw, emotionally candid stories.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 17-23
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Aug. 17-23 include comedian Andy Samberg, singer Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go’s and actor Sean Penn. TV personality Giuliana Rancic from “E! News” turns 51, singer-actor Demi Lovato hits 33 and musician Kacey Musgraves celebrates 37. Other celebrities with big days include actor Hayden Panettiere, actor Kim Cattrall from “Sex and the City” and comedian Kristen Wiig from “Bridesmaids.” Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis turns 55, singer Julian Casablancas of The Strokes hits 47, actor and TV host James Corden welcomes 47 and country singer Lee Ann Womack celebrates 59.
Fans celebrate the 80th birthday of the Moomins, Finland’s most lovable literary cartoon family
TAMPERE, Finland (AP) — The Moomins, Finland’s most famous literary cartoon family, are celebrating their 80th birthday this year. The chubby, white, hippopotamus-like characters have captivated readers worldwide since author and illustrator Tove Jansson published “The Moomins and the Great Flood” in 1945. The children’s book features Moomintroll and Moominmamma in their search for the missing Moominpappa. The series has sparked movie and TV adaptations, children’s plays, art gallery exhibitions and an eponymous museum, as well as theme parks in Finland and Japan. Fans flocked on Saturday to Tampere, Finland — home of the Moomin Museum — to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 1945 publication as well as Jansson’s Aug. 9, 1914 birthday.
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