Dec 14 Watch 6:41 Illusionist Derren Brown pushes the boundaries of mentalism By Hari Sreenivasan, Mori Rothman, Laura Fong Derren Brown is an English mentalist and illusionist who for more than 20 years has been performing "magic" on stage and television to critical acclaim. His newest work, a one-man Broadway show called "Derren Brown: Secret," began in September. Hari… Continue watching
Dec 13 Watch 7:21 How this nomadic music group is bridging cultural divides By Ali Rogin Tinariwen’s members are Tuaregs, an ethnic group from all across the Sahara desert. They’re nomads who lay down musical rather than physical roots, and their music follows a rich Tuareg lyrical tradition -- gone electric. But although the Tinariwen feel… Continue watching
Dec 13 For Madeline Miller, writing is 'like descending to the bottom of the ocean' By Elizabeth Flock Before she was the author of the best-selling novel "Circe," Miller believed that she had to write around the clock. Now, she says, “Discipline is important, but so is taking a breath and looking around."… Continue reading
Dec 13 Blue-collar character actor Danny Aiello has died at age 86 By Mark Kennedy, Associated Press Danny Aiello, the blue-collar character actor whose long career playing tough guys included roles in “Fort Apache, the Bronx,” "The Godfather, Part II," “Once Upon a Time in America” and his Oscar-nominated performance as a pizza man in Spike Lee’s… Continue reading
Dec 12 'Lemonade' by Beyoncé is named the AP's album of the decade By Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press At the beginning of this decade, Beyoncé was already the greatest singer of her generation. But somehow Superwoman — shoot, she’s Superman, too! — found a way to do more. Continue reading
Dec 12 How streaming, diversity, #MeToo propelled TV decade of change By Lynn Elber, Associated Press Nothing is the same, whether it’s how much television we consume; how and where we do it; who gets to make it. Continue reading
Dec 11 'Purple Rain' and a record number of female-directed films join National Film Registry By Associated Press The films, chosen in consultation with the National Film Preservation Board and library specialists, also include Spike Lee's 1986 “She's Gotta Have It," the 1959 Disney classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the Disney-produced “Old Yeller” from 1957. Continue reading
Dec 11 'Parasite' and 'Bombshell' get a boost with SAG nominations By Jake Coyle, Associated Press The SAG Awards are one of the most closely watched Academy Awards bellwethers because, historically, a best ensemble nomination from the actors is usually a prerequisite for any best-picture contender's resume. Continue reading
Dec 10 We read these 29 books in 2019. You should too By Jeffrey Brown As the year draws to a close, PBS NewsHour staff members suggest some of the books that made them slow down and enjoy reading this year. Continue reading
Dec 09 Discussion questions for 'Circe' By Elizabeth Flock Madeline Miller's "Circe," which reimagines the story of a minor goddess from the Odyssey, is our December book club pick. Continue reading