Arts
Before Hollywood handled sex with care, this lesbian neo-noir focused on authenticity
Before making The Matrix, the Wachowskis enlisted a sex educator to help with their 1996 thriller. Bound's place in the queer canon has been redefined, and is now part of the Criterion Collection.
Alec Baldwin is on trial for involuntary manslaughter
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in 2021 when a prop gun went off on the western film Rust set. Alec Baldwin is charged with involuntary manslaughter and faces up to 18 months behind bars.
How these Ukrainian artists are using their talents to support the war effort
From graffiti artists painting camo on cars to dancers raising money for the army, this is a look at how young Ukrainians use their creative talents to support the country against Russia's invasion.
'State of Paradise' effortlessly blends the commonplace and the extraordinary
With exquisite prose, smart lines on every page, a building sense of growing strangeness tinged with dread, and surprises all the way to the end, this might be Laura van den Berg's best novel so far.
Allie Arpagian named Carolina Theatre of Greensboro's new executive director
Arpajian will replace current executive director Brian Gray, who has been with the organization for almost 40 years.
This portrait of Dolley Madison might be the first photo of a first lady
The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., acquired the circa 1846 daguerreotype, which depicts Dolley Madison in her later years, at some point in her 70s.
'Despicable Me 4' serves up 90 minutes of bankable mayhem
Despicable Me 4 is the latest film in an animation franchise that made household names of reformed supervillain Gru (Steve Carrell) and his army of nattering Minions. The franchise has grossed billions of dollars, and the latest movie topped the weekend box office. But are these films growing up with their audience, or continuing to cater to young kids? And does that matter?
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Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour
Mavis Staples on Prince, MLK and a life onstage
This week, the legendary singer and civil rights figure Mavis Staples is turning 85 and there's no sign of her slowing down: She released a new song, "Worthy," and a children's book, Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples.
Today, Mavis joins host Brittany Luse to share stories from her life: what it was like to be mentored by Mahalia Jackson, how she helped create the soundtrack for the Civil Rights movement, how she was spurned by the church then welcomed back, and what it was like to collaborate with Prince.
Want to be featured on IBAM? Record a voice memo responding to Brittany's question at the end of the episode and send it to ibam@npr.org.
Today, Mavis joins host Brittany Luse to share stories from her life: what it was like to be mentored by Mahalia Jackson, how she helped create the soundtrack for the Civil Rights movement, how she was spurned by the church then welcomed back, and what it was like to collaborate with Prince.
Want to be featured on IBAM? Record a voice memo responding to Brittany's question at the end of the episode and send it to ibam@npr.org.