References to President Donald Trump’s two impeachments have been removed from his portrait display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington. This alteration is part of a broader trend at museums where Trump has claimed bias in how his presidency is documented. Previously, the wall text accompanying his portrait summarized his presidency and mentioned his 2024 comeback. As of now, the museum features a different photo of Trump without any explanatory text. The White House has not disclosed whether Trump or his aides requested this change.
Box Office Dominance and Entertainment News
In the film industry, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” continues to assert its dominance at the box office, achieving the top spot for a fourth consecutive week. The film grossed $21.3 million in North America over the weekend, bringing its total to $342.6 million domestically and $888 million globally. Newcomer “Primate,” a horror film from Paramount, debuted in second place with $11.3 million in domestic earnings. Disney’s “Zootopia 2” remains a significant global success, nearing $1.65 billion in total revenue, positioning it close to becoming Disney’s highest-grossing animated film. With the Golden Globe Awards approaching, both “Avatar” and “Zootopia 2” have received nominations in multiple categories.
On a more somber note, veteran actor T.K. Carter, known for his roles in “The Thing” and “Punky Brewster,” passed away at the age of 69. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies responded to reports of an unresponsive male in Duarte, California. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, authorities stated that no foul play is suspected. Carter gained recognition for his portrayal of Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, and his career included appearances in several popular films and television shows.
Political Developments and Celebrity News
In political news, Adam Johnson, known for famously taking Nancy Pelosi‘s podium during the U.S. Capitol riot, is running for a seat on the Manatee County Commission in Florida. Johnson filed to run as a Republican on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 riot, stating that he intended to generate media attention with the timing. He had previously pleaded guilty to entering a restricted building and served 75 days in prison. Johnson expressed regret only regarding the sentence, citing concerns over high property taxes and perceived wastefulness in county administration as his reasons for running.
In a significant cultural moment, Hollywood couple Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors were awarded Guinean citizenship after tracing their ancestry back to the West African nation. The couple received their citizenship during a private ceremony in Conakry and plans to explore the country’s tourist sites. Djiba Diakité, head of the president’s cabinet, commended them as exemplary representatives of Guinea. Majors, who faced challenges following a 2023 arrest and conviction, has found support from Good, who began dating him in the same year. The couple married last year.
In legal news, an arrest warrant has been issued for actor and director Timothy Busfield in New Mexico on charges of child sexual abuse. An investigator from the Albuquerque Police Department reported that the alleged incidents occurred on the set of the TV series “The Cleaning Lady,” where Busfield had both directed and acted. The complaint details that the abuse allegedly happened between November 2022 and spring 2024. Busfield’s legal representatives did not provide immediate comments regarding the allegations.
Lastly, a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa seeking to reclaim their master recordings from Universal Music Group. Judge Denise Cote ruled in favor of the recording company, asserting that the duo never owned the copyrights to their recordings, citing them as “works made for hire.” Salt-N-Pepa, comprising Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, formed in 1985 and originally signed with Next Plateau Records, now part of Universal’s Republic label. The judge found insufficient evidence to support their claim for rights reclamation.
This array of events highlights a mix of cultural, political, and entertainment developments that continue to shape public discourse across various sectors.
