James Nicholas Kinney
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This week
Liza Minnelli's memoir has sparked a scandal as buyers question the authenticity of its purportedly hand-signed editions, raising eyebrows over a $250 price tag. Meanwhile, as Cannes Film Festival shifts its focus back to international cinema, Hollywood's retreat underscores a growing emphasis on auteur-driven narratives. On the geopolitical front, China's strides toward AI independence signal a diminishing influence of past U.S. administrations, with perceptions of America increasingly framed as an empire in decline.
Featured

China Seeks A.I. Independence, Weakening Trump’s Leverage
Beijing has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of technological self-sufficiency in artificial intelligence, potentially diminishing the leverage the U.S. had under Trump during negotiations.

Buyers of Liza Minnelli memoir claim it was not signed by hand

A Reporter Shares His Secrets to Covering the Cannes Film Festival

The connoisseur of the crumhorn, the showman of the shawn: the brilliance of early music pioneer David Munrow
Latest
Arts, Events & CultureClose encounters: the new wave of women photographers – in picturesThe Saltzman-Leibovitz prize highlights the diverse subjects explored by emerging female photographers, showcasing narratives from Black debutantes to Bolivian matriarchs.
Business & TechnologyChina Seeks A.I. Independence, Weakening Trump’s LeverageBeijing has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of technological self-sufficiency in artificial intelligence, potentially diminishing the leverage the U.S. had under Trump during negotiations.
Business & TechnologyInstructure Strikes Deal for Hackers for Return of Canvas DataInstructure has reached an agreement with hackers to recover stolen data related to its Canvas software, although the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.
Arts, Events & CultureAustralian musician's US ban prompts apology from girlfriend over Trump postAustralian musician Keli Holiday faced detention at the US-Canada border, leading to an apology from his girlfriend regarding a previous post about Trump that may have contributed to the incident.
Arts, Events & CultureCannes spotlight reverts to auteurs as Hollywood retreats from film festivalThe absence of major US films at Cannes signals a shift back to its roots, emphasizing international cinema and the festival's longstanding reputation as a platform for auteur filmmakers.
Arts, Events & CultureWoe Vienna? Boycotts and blackouts mar buildup as Eurovision 2026 beginsThe Eurovision 2026 contest in Vienna is overshadowed by controversies over boycotts related to Israel and rising costs, leading experts to describe the event as 'a little bit sad' despite its historical significance. The buildup to the 70th anniversary of this iconic music event is marred by tensions that detract from the usual celebratory atmosphere.
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