Staying Current

Lily Jay, the ex-wife of Ethan Slater, writes about his public cheating scandal with Ariana Grande. James Gunn’s “Superman” trailer dropped with Krypto the superdog stealing the show. Drake Bell talks about fellow child stars reaching out after “Quiet on Set” premiered.  Ethan Slater’s wife writes essay about husband’s affair and heartbreak (Today) New “Superman” trailer has fans nostalgic and excited for the super dog (NBC) Drake Bell shares update after Nickelodeon docuseries airs (EW)

This week’s SNL had Chris Rock as host for the first time, and Gracie Abrams debut. Luigi Mangioni picks Karen Friedman-Agnifilo as his lawyer, who is married to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ top lawyer. Unreleased Michael Jackson songs have been discovered, but we may never hear them. Marvel’s Kraven the Hunter does not make waves on opening weekend. “Interstellar” fans flock to theaters for IMAX 70mm showings. Saturday Night Live recap with Chris Rock and Gracie Abrams (EW) Luigi Mangioni picks Karen Friedman-Agnifilo as his lawyer, who is married to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ top lawyer (The New York Post, NPR) Unreleased Michael Jackson songs have been discovered, but we may never hear them (The Washington Post) Marvel’s Kraven the Hunter has poor performing opening weekend (AP) “Interstellar” fans flock to theaters for IMAX 70mm showings (NBC)

Donald Trump has been named Time’s “Person of the Year.” Singer Selena Gomez and producer Benny Blanco are engaged, and the internet has something to say about it. Morgan Wallen has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors after throwing a chair off a rooftop in Nashville. Woody Allen and his wife head to court over a lawsuit involving an ex-personal chef. Tom Holland announces new production company with Sony Studios.  Donald Trump has been named Time’s “Person of the Year” (Time Magazine)  Singer Selena Gomez and producer Benny Blanco are engaged, and the internet has something to say about it (Forbes) Morgan Wallen will spend seven days in a DUI center and serve probation after rooftop chair incident (NBC) Woody Allen and his wife are being sued by ex-personal chef after he claims unlawful termination (AP) Tom Holland starts new production company in partnership with Sony Studios (Variety)

Locations for the next two Fifa World Cups have been announced. Apple’s newest update integrates AI into the user interface. The 2025 Sundance Film Festival has announced its lineup, with stars like J. Lo and Questlove. Disney’s Tangled is set to get a live-action adaptation with “The Greatest Showman”’s Michael Gracy as director. Jamie Foxx reveals recent health issues in new Netflix special.  Locations for the next two Fifa World Cups have been announced (NPR) Apple’s newest update integrates AI into the user interface (The Washington Post) Sundance 2025 lineup announced with big names to appear (AP) Disney’s Tangled is set to get a live-action adaptation with “The Greatest Showman”’s Michael Gracy as director (Variety) Jamie Foxx opens up in Netflix special about medical scare in 2023 (NBC)

Jay-Z has been accused of raping a minor with Sean Combs according to a lawsuit filed on Sunday by an unnamed plaintiff. Azealia Banks files cease and desist letter for emotional damages following X fight against Matty Healy. The nominations for the 2025 Golden Globes have been announced. Taylor Swift’s “The Era’s Tour” has officially become the highest grossing tour in history. Author James Patterson awards hundreds of Christmas bonuses to bookstore employees.  Jay-Z has been accused of raping a minor with Sean Combs according to a lawsuit filed on Sunday by an unnamed plaintiff (The New York Times) Azealia Banks issues cease and desist letter for Matty Healy demanding emotional distress compensation (NBC) The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have surprise nods and disappointing snubs (EW) Taylor Swift’s “The Era’s Tour” has officially become the highest grossing tour in history (Forbes) James Patterson gives out hundreds of Christmas bonuses to independent bookstore employees (AP)

The Eras Tour concluded in Vancouver, Canada. A pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland have sold for over $32.5 million dollars at an auction. Apathy in high demand on social media following CEO’s assassination. SNL, hosted by Paul Mescal, is humor-filled and surprising.  Cynthia Erivo ans Ariana Grande don’t really know what “holding space” meant in viral interview.  The Eras Tour concluded in Vancouver, Canada (Harvard Business Review) A pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland have sold for over $32.5 million dollars at an auction (NBC) UnitedHealthCare CEO’s death creates social media trends (The Guardian) SNL brings in humor, music, and Trisha Paytas this week (Today) Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo admit to know understanding ‘holding space’ (EW)

Bad Bunny is named top Latin artist on Spotify, continuing to dive into the mainstream. Pantone has named their 2025 color of the year as Mocha Mousse. The UK releases special minted coins for Sir Paul McCartney. Old DUIs may keep Swifties from attending The Eras Tour in Vancouver. And, today’s new music releases. Bad Bunny continues to pave the road for Latin artists as he comes out on top ((NBC) Pantone has named their 2025 color of the year as Mocha Mousse (The Washington Post) The UK mints special collectors coin for Sir Paul McCartney (AP) Old DUIs may keep Swifties from attending The Eras Tour in Vancouver (The Washington Post) New music Friday (Billboard)

Spotify finally released its highly anticipated “Spotify Wrapped 2024.” Language-learning company Babbel released their own kind of 2024 review, a list of the most mispronounced words. Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan have officially split. A contestant on “Pop Culture Jeopardy” successfully challenges the answer ruling. Karol G is the first ever musician with their own Bratz doll.  Spotify finally released its highly anticipated “Spotify Wrapped 2024” (Spotify Newsroom) Language-learning company Babbel released their own kind of 2024 review, a list of the most mispronounced words (Babbel) Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan are “taking a break” from their relationship (ELLE) “Pop Culture Jeopardy” contestant proves his knowledge by challenging answer ruling (People) Karol G becomes the first musician to be a Bratz doll (NBC)

Kendrick Lamar and SZA announce a joint tour. A-24’s “Sing Sing” will be rereleased in theaters after winning big at The Gotham Awards. Billboard has named Beyonce the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century. Rapper Eminem’s controversial mother has passed away. The 2024 Oxford University Press’ word of the year is ‘brain rot’.  Kendrick Lamar and SZA announce a joint tour (Pitchfork) A-24’s “Sing Sing” will be rereleased in theaters after winning big at The Gotham Awards (Variety) Billboard has named Beyonce the Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century (Billboard) The mother of Eminem has passed away at the age of 69 (EW) Oxford University Press announced ‘brain rot’ as 2024 word of the year (NBC)

Elton John reveals that an eye infection has severely limited his vision. Rolling Stone has picked their “Best 100 Albums of 2024.” The 110-mile long Santa Train delivers gifts and joy to Appalachia. Yellowjackets season 3 teases time jumps, leadership battles, and escalating survival drama. SNL ends 2024 with Paul Mescal, Chris Rock, and Martin Short hosting its 50th season finale episodes. Elton John reveals that an eye infection severely limited his vision (New York Times) Rolling Stone has picked their “Best 100 Albums of 2024” (Rolling Stone) Santa Train spreads holiday cheer across Appalachia (GNN) Yellowjackets season 3: drama, survival, and anxiety (EW) SNL wraps 2024 and season 50 with star-studded hosts and musical guests (Today)