Arts

Books
Arts

Looking for ghost stories? Here are 5 new YA books that will haunt you

7:00am October 28, 2023

by Caitlyn Paxson

Heading into Halloween, we have a few suggested new reads. Some are genuinely terrifying, some more benevolent — but all are guaranteed to provide an atmospheric glimpse through the veil.

Britney Spears, left, joins Madonna for a guest appearance during one of Madonna's Los Angeles tour dates in 2008.

Madonna and Britney Spears: It's them against the world

6:00am October 28, 2023

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Two new books chronicle the lives of two pop idols, Madonna and Britney Spears. The way each came to stardom — and what happened to them after — illuminates why their paths have been so different.

A man, left, carries two Israeli flags during a pro-Israel rally outside of the Israeli Embassy on Oct. 8, 2023 in Washington, D.C., and people, right, wave flags during a rally in support of Palestinians in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 21, 2023.

Arts

Cultural figures find perils to speaking out and staying silent about Mideast crisis

5:09pm October 27, 2023

by Chloe Veltman

Cultural figureheads are expected to speak out about world events. But some are facing real-world consequences for making public declarations about the present conflict.

Lokita (Joely Mbundu) and Tori (Pablo Schils) are two migrant children making their way in Belgium in Tori and Lokita.

Arts

What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing, reading, and listening

5:01pm October 27, 2023

Each week, guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Sampha's album Lahai, the film Tori and Lokita, rewatching Doctor Who, and the Phillies, sort of.

Books
Arts

Screen actors reading audiobooks bring more than just a big name

4:58pm October 27, 2023

by Andrew Limbong

Michelle Williams' voicing of Britney Spears' new memoir has received high praise. We look at why top-level actors want to be involved in audio book performances.

Arts

Not ready for Halloween? We've got this year's great DIY costumes, snacks and décor.

4:39pm October 27, 2023

Sometimes the scariest thing around Halloween is not having a costume ready. Amy Panos with "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine helps with your DIY Halloween needs.

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Books
Arts

Novelist John Le Carré reflects on his own 'Legacy' of spying

1:47pm October 27, 2023

by Terry Gross

The late spy novelist is the subject of a new documentary by Errol Morris, The Pigeon Tunnel. Le Carré worked for MI5 and MI6 early in his career. Originally broadcast in 1989 and 2017.

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Dominic Sessa stars as Angus Tully and Paul Giamatti is Paul Hunham in Alexander Payne's The Holdovers.

Arts

Alexander Payne keeps real emotion at bay in the coyly comic 'Holdovers'

1:47pm October 27, 2023

by Justin Chang

Paul Giamatti plays a boarding school teacher charged with watching over the students who have no where to go during winter break in a throwback film that doesn't quite live up to its potential.

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Hasan Minhaj at the Brooklyn Museum of Art on June 3, 2019 in New York City.

Arts

'The New Yorker' fact-checked Hasan Minhaj — now he's issued a rebuttal

12:39pm October 27, 2023

by Eric Deggans

The New Yorker's profile of Minhaj said he exaggerated or made up stories for effect in his comedy specials. Here's how the comic responded in a 21-minute video.

Arts

Should my Halloween costume include a fake scar? This activist says no

12:05pm October 27, 2023

by Claire Murashima

For some, scars aren't just Halloween costumes. One activist asks us to think twice before using them.

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