Pop Culture

World News

Korean Air Revises Taser Rules After Singer's Criticism

7:07pm December 27, 2016

by Jason Slotkin

The airline says crews will now have more discretion in using stun guns. Last week, 1980s pop star Richard Marx complained about a flight crew's handling of an unruly passenger.

Arts

'I Never Set Out To Be An Actor,' Says 'Transparent' Star Gaby Hoffmann

1:50pm December 27, 2016

Hoffmann grew up in the Chelsea Hotel and appeared in Field of Dreams and other films as child. She says she initially saw acting as "a means to an end." Originally broadcast Oct. 10, 2016.

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Arts

Kenya Barris On 'Black-ish' And What Kids Lose When They Grow Up With More

1:50pm December 27, 2016

Barris says his ABC comedy series is about "raising your kids in a different environment than you were accustomed to being raised in." Originally broadcast May 18, 2016.

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Aisha Hinds, at left, will play Harriet Tubman in the second season of WGN America's Underground, alongside (left to right) Amirah Vann, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Alano Miller and Jessica de Gouw.

Arts

At Last, Harriet Tubman Strides Onto Our Screens

4:59am December 26, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

The legendary abolitionist hasn't had a big place in popular culture. But with an upcoming movie starring Viola Davis and her appearance in the TV show Underground, that's starting to change.

Music & Culture

The 'Jingle Bells' Song Has Roots In Minstrelsy

8:56am December 25, 2016

The Christmas staple "Jingle Bells," has been the subject of many arguments about its provenance. Researcher Kyna Hamill, who did some more digging, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang.

After Sexual Assault Allegations, Race Colors Stars' Reputations Differently

8:56am December 25, 2016

NPR's Ailsa Chang chats with BuzzFeed's Anne Helen Petersen about actors Nate Parker and Casey Affleck. Both are the subject of allegations of sexual assault, but their reputations have fared differently.

World News

In Dire, Daily Life, What Do Zimbabweans Find Funny?

8:36am December 24, 2016

by Ofeibea Quist-Arcton

Widespread joblessness, hunger and an economy once again in a tailspin are what Zimbabweans are living with daily. So how do you make people laugh when life seems so dire?

Arts

Actress Carrie Fisher Reportedly In Stable Condition After Entering Cardiac Arrest

7:39pm December 23, 2016

by Jason Slotkin

Both the Los Angeles City Fire Department and United Airlines say a passenger aboard a flight from London was unresponsive. Multiple media reports claim it was the Star Wars actress.

The Radio City Rockettes are a New York institution and have participated in inauguration celebrations before. But this time, some Rockettes aren't feeling too festive.

The Rockettes To Perform At Donald Trump's Inauguration, Whether They Like It Or Not

7:22pm December 23, 2016

by Maggie Penman

Donald Trump's transition team has confirmed that The Rockettes will perform at the inauguration celebration — though one dancer said on social media that she was "embarrassed and disappointed."

Elena of Avalor is Disney's first Latina princess. Her show features music drawn from all over Central and South America.

Arts

'Elena Of Avalor' Takes The Throne As Disney's First Latina Princess

6:39pm December 22, 2016

by Mandalit del Barco

Elena Castillo Flores rules the port city of Avalor while learning about life and leadership. Her creators say they want their show to reflect the diversity of Latino cultures and experiences.

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