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As a California-based national correspondent for USA TODAY, I'm intrigued by the big issues and the fascinating people that fuel news and culture in the West.
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Articles by Marco della Cava
Why make 'Spinal Tap 2'? Rob Reiner shares the surprising reason Original
Devotees of the rock band Spinal Tap − OK, the fake/real band Spinal Tap − will be familiar with one of their classic song titles, "Gimme Some Money." Turns out, they meant it.
Spinal Tap bandmates shade Paul McCartney as 'a very specific talent' Original
The pantheon of rock legends brims with iconic names. Jimmy Page. Jim Morrison. Joan Jett. And who can forget those deafening British metal mavens Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap. In 1984, director Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) brought us into the band's tunefully dysfunctional world with the documentary "This Is Spinal Tap." Now, four decades later, DiBergi is back with "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" (in theaters Sept.
The real-life story behind 'Eden,' Ron Howard's dark crime movie Original
About 15 years ago, director Ron Howard took his family on vacation. Call it a bucket list trip, one that took his brood to the epic Galapagos Islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The result of that trek was terrific family bonding and, many years later, "Eden" ( in theaters Aug. 22), a movie anchored to a true crime mystery that wormed its way into Howard's brain while on the islands. "It was our dinner conversation the whole trip," says Howard.
Which is scarier, a giant xenomorph or rogue AI? Original
Nobody pleaded that "Fargo," that 1996 cinematic gem from Joel and Ethan Coen, should be made into a TV series. And yet writer and director Noah Hawley has (so far) delivered five seasons and an award-winning hit, against steep odds. Now, Hawley is looking to smash another adaptation pitch into the bleachers with FX's "Alien: Earth" (streaming weekly starting Aug. 12 on Hulu), based on Ridley Scott's 1979 sci-fi opus that spawned eight movie sequels and prequels.
Why Eddie Murphy won't give 'Pickup' co-star Pete Davidson parenting advice Original
Here's a novel idea: Create the mother of all mismatches by putting Eddie Murphy in a chase caper with a hapless co-star, and watch the hilarious sparks fly. That was the recipe for Murphy's 1982 breakout "48 Hrs.," the action comedy co-starring Nick Nolte, and then his blockbuster movie series "Beverly Hills Cop." And here we are again with "The Pickup" (streaming Aug. 6 on Prime Video), which pairs Murphy with that delightfully human Goofy, Pete Davidson.
Abusive lifestyle vs a criminal enterprise: Inside the Diddy trial and what the verdict means Original
The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs is over. And the nation could be forgiven for wanting to take a collective shower. The rapper turned mogul, who faced federal charges on prostitution, sex trafficking and racketeering, was convicted July 2 on two of the five counts he was facing: the lesser charges of transporting individuals for prostitution will spare Combs from life in prison.
Charlize Theron is turning 50 soon. The 'Old Guard 2' star can't wait. Original
Charlize Theron is staring down 50 in just about a month. And 50 should be scared. The Oscar-winning actress ("Monster"), who reprises her butt-kicking, comic-book inspired role of Andromache of Scythia, or Andy, in "The Old Guard 2" (streaming July 2 on Netflix), simply has no time for society's judgmental ageist critiques. As long as Charlize thinks Charlize is hot, all is well. "Listen," she says with a smile as she peppers her comments with expletives.
'Typewriter Beach' explores McCarthyism in tale of Hollywood screenwriter Original
Meg Waite Clayton was mulling how to follow up her best-selling 2021 historical fiction novel "The Postmistress of Paris" when fate tapped her on the shoulder. Her father had died and grief was making writing difficult. Then came the global pandemic, which found the California author hunkered down in the new home she shared with her husband Mac in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, a picture-book hamlet snuggled up against a crescent-shaped Pacific beach.
Brad Pitt made 'F1' co-star Damson Idris jump with this comment Original
NEW YORK – Damson Idris is smiling as he looks down at his shoes. Brad Pitt laughs. “Do I really need to say this in front of Damson?” Pitt says of his co-star in “F1: The Movie” (in theaters now). Idris shakes his head. “That’s why I’m picking lint off my trousers.” Pitt forges ahead. “What I really love about him is he knows how to enjoy this. At your age, man, I didn’t know how to enjoy this (movie star) ride.” “We cast a wide net for this guy,” says Pitt, 61.
How real is Brad Pitt's 'F1 The Movie' compared to actual Formula 1 racing? Original
Saying Formula 1 racing is the top expression of motorsport is sure to get an argument from fans of NASCAR and Indy Car, especially since F1 has made major inroads in U.S. popularity over the past few years. The glamour-meets-high-tech nature of this European-bred sport is precisely what the director and producers of “F1 The Movie” are banking on as the Brad Pitt-driven film hits theater and IMAX screens June 27.
'F1' star Brad Pitt felt 'such a high' driving on real tracks. Is a racing career next? Original
With that, Pitt is out of his chair and bear-hugging Javier Bardem. Seconds later, Kerry Condon and Damson Idris pop up from their seats and smother the smiling Spanish actor. A group interview with the core cast of “F1 The Movie” (in theaters June 27) is indeed interrupted when Bardem apologizes that he has to dash to the airport. “Love you bro, thank you for everything on this movie,” Pitt tells Bardem before turning back to the group.
Why is everyone obsessed with F1? It's more than just Brad Pitt's new movie Original
Natalia Whitaker appreciates the full menu of American sports, from the NBA to the NHL. Now, she’s added another competitive event to her list of favorites: F1, or Formula 1, largely considered the world's most ferocious and high-tech form of auto racing. “I went to the Miami Grand Prix recently and, oh my, it was the best weekend ever,” says Whitaker, 25, who works for a wealth management firm in Los Angeles. “The emotion, the speed, the noise – fantastic.
'Jaws' turns 50 this summer, and shark fans still can't get enough Original
Who are we kidding? That terrifying two-note John Williams creation of course conjures the opening shark strike in “Jaws,” which turns 50 on June 20. That’s a half-century of scaring the bejesus out of generations of movie- and beachgoers.
The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson dies. His music defined California for a generation Original
Brian Wilson, an eclectic genius whose sunny Beach Boys songs helped define a revved-up era of American popular music and California surfing culture, has died at age 82, his family announced on his official webpage on Wednesday. "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now," the post on X read. "Please respect our privacy at this time as our family (is) grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.
Essential Brian Wilson songs: 'God Only Knows,' 'Good Vibrations' and more Original
Sure, those ethereal harmonies and passed-around lead vocals might have had a host of names attached to them since the band's debut in the early 1960s, but it was really all anchored to the complex, troubled, inspired and otherworldly songwriting talent erupting from the shyest guy in the room. To name five great Wilson songs is a bit like rounding up a quintet of Mozart concertos, Miles Davis compositions or, for that matter, Beatles songs.
Brian Wilson, Beach Boys cofounder and 'God Only Knows' genius, dies at 82 Original
Brian Wilson, an eclectic genius whose sunny Beach Boys songs helped define a revved-up era of American popular music, has died at age 82. Wilson's family announced his death on social media Wednesday, June 11, and did not cite a cause. "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now," the post on X read. "Please respect our privacy at this time as our family (is) grieving.
Sly and the Family Stone funk visionary Sly Stone dies at 82, leaving Stockton legacy
Sly Stone, a onetime San Francisco DJ turned pop and funk music innovator who sang on and produced an album for a Stockton band in 1970, has died. He was 82. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone," a statement shared with USA TODAY on June 9 reads.
Sly Stone, funk music pioneer and leader of Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82
Sly Stone, a onetime San Francisco deejay turned pop and funk music innovator, has died. He was 82. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone," a statement shared with USA TODAY June 9 reads.
Coldplay kicks off final leg of historic tour with hit songs and uninhibited goodwill Original
PALO ALTO, CA – Sitting among some 50,000 other happy souls at Stanford Stadium watching Chris Martin hop, skip and jump around a confetti-strewn stage, a thought comes to mind. This must be what it's like to live inside a magnificently utopian Hallmark card.
Will Trump pardon Diddy? Trial could end, experts say
Sean "Diddy" Combs is being tried in a New York courtroom for racketeering and sexual trafficking. Could that daily drama vanish instantly if President Donald Trump pardoned the embattled rapper? "Yes, it could," says Brian Kalt, law professor at Michigan State University College of Law, who focuses on legal issues and the presidency.
Coldplay setlist: All the songs on their record-setting Music of the Spheres World Tour Original
PALO ALTO, California - Seeing Coldplay live is pretty much the polar opposite of taking in a spontaneous jam band concert. And that's not a bad thing. The group's Music of the Spheres World Tour continues to deliver a tightly choreographed and dreamy production that has been touring the globe for three years.
Diddy trial updates: Sean Combs' alleged sexual abuse exposed in emotional testimony Original
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged pattern of sexual and physical abuse is coming into focus as more of the hip-hop mogul's former associates speak out during his criminal trial. After harrowing testimony from Combs' ex-assistant, a woman going by the pseudonym "Mia," prosecutors returned to court on May 30 to continue building their case against the Grammy-winning rapper in his sweeping federal sex-crimes case.
Can Trump pardon Diddy? What to know after NBA YoungBoy, the Chrisleys Original
Sean Combs is being tried in a New York courtroom for racketeering and sexual trafficking. Could that daily drama vanish instantly if President Donald Trump pardoned the embattled rapper? "Yes, it could," says Brian Kalt, law professor at Michigan State University College of Law, who focuses on legal issues and the presidency.
Grateful Dead to mark 60th anniversary with three shows: How to get tickets Original
SAN FRANCISCO – The long strange trip is proving to be even longer than anyone thought. The Grateful Dead, this city's iconic band with roots in the psychedelic era, has plans to return to one of its most legendary performance locales to celebrate 60 years since its 1965 founding.
Will Smith, Johnny Depp and Alec Baldwin hope for comebacks. Can they succeed? Original
But what about real-life rebounds? That, it turns out, is an iffier proposition and one that’s about to be tested by three bold-faced names: Alec Baldwin, Johnny Depp and Will Smith. All three were at different points lead players in the cultural zeitgeist. And all three lost that role, admittedly for vastly different offenses that nonetheless had the same career-dinging effect.
Diddy trial: Biggest moments from Week 1, including Cassie's emotional testimony Original
Trials often are composed of careful building blocks. They start with mundane testimony that serve as a foundation for inevitable bombshell witness revelations that wrap the proceedings. Not so the trial of the United States of America v. Sean Combs, a/k/a "Puff Daddy," "P.
The Doors' Robby Krieger on new 'Anthology,' band lore and Jim Morrison: 'I trusted him' Original
If you joined a band when you were 19, would you still be talking about it 60 years later? Most people would not. But this is Robby Krieger we're talking about, guitarist for the groundbreaking Los Angeles band The Doors. So you better believe that at 79, he remains chock full of epic memories of the five years his quartet ruled the airwaves and rocked the culture.
James Patterson says latest release may be 'the most important book I've done by far' Original
James Patterson doesn't need any more money. He's the first to admit it. "I really don't," he says. "That's not why I wrote this book." The new book in question from the prolific gagillion-selling author of thrillers (OK, for the record, it's 319 books written and 450 million copies sold worldwide) is in fact not only a labor of love, but also a love letter to fellow fathers.
Who’s on the Sean Combs' freak-off jury and what did Diddy do? What we know now Original
The trial involving disgraced former music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and his alleged freak-off parties started this week with jury selection currently underway. Here's what Diddy is being accused of, along with the latest status of his trial. Diddy jury selection Potential jurors in the Sean Combs' trial were questioned one at a time by Southern District of New York Judge Arun Subramanian in the Manhattan courtroom on Monday, May 5.
Jurors already thrown out in Diddy trial as judge seeks unbiased group Original
The day of reckoning has arrived for Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose trial on a range of sexual assault charges could result in the one-time billionaire spending the rest of his once-gilded life behind thick steel bars. As he entered the Manhattan courtroom on May 5, Combs hugged his lawyers as they, and the prosecution, began the laborious task of selecting the 12 people who could free or doom the rap mogul.
A woman died filming 'Rust.' Should you feel guilty watching Alec Baldwin's movie? Original
Alec Baldwin’s beleaguered Western movie “Rust” hits theaters and video on demand May 2. Its release raises a thorny question: Is it OK to see this film? As most people know, during a rehearsal in New Mexico on Oct. 21, 2021, Baldwin’s gun discharged a live bullet, killing 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. For some, watching the film might seem like a gruesome voyeuristic act, even if the scene in question is not a part of the final cut.
What Alec Baldwin has said about 'Rust' fatal shooting as film nears May 2 release Original
Alec Baldwin's movie "Rust" hits theaters and video on demand May 2. Typically, a star such as Baldwin, who also served as producer of the Western, would be doing interviews to promote the film. But his representatives have indicated he will not be doing so.
How accurate is the movie 'Conclave' about the election of a new pope? Original
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, and paves the way for one of the most arcane, storied and secretive events in human history: the election of a new pope. Francis died Easter Monday at 88, the Vatican announced. First elected in March 2013 as the 266th pope, his death now prompts the centuries-old process of choosing his successor, which will begin May 7.
Doors guitarist looks back at Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison, band's 60th anniversary Original
The meeting took place in early 1990 at the office of director Oliver Stone. It was not an auspicious start. Robby Krieger, guitarist for the legendary '60s band The Doors, had come to meet Val Kilmer, a young actor who had landed the plum if difficult role of Jim Morrison, the band's lead singer, poet and doomed sex symbol who died at 27 in 1971.
I covered two conclaves and a papal funeral: what to expect Original
Almost exactly a dozen years ago, I made my way as a reporter for USA TODAY to Rome. After a 12-hour flight, I found myself standing with throngs of Catholic faithful in Saint Peter's Square and waited. And waited. For days and nights, all eyes were glued to an impossibly thin metal chimney that sprouted from the fabled Sistine Chapel. Four times, the smoke that poured forth was black, meaning that the College of Cardinals assembled inside had not chosen a new pontiff.
How accurate is 'Conclave' the movie? Film vs. real process compared, plus how to watch
Haadiza Ogwude Marco della Cava Savannah Kuchar Cincinnati Enquirer Pope Francis, the former Argentinian cardinal and humble reformer who sought to make the Catholic Church more inclusive, died on April 21 after an extended respiratory illness, the Vatican confirmed. Following his death, an assembly of cardinals, the church's most senior officials residing either at the Vatican or across the world, will gather for the election of a new pope in what's known as a conclave.
Pope Francis dies: How close does 'Conclave' get to the real election of a new pope?
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, and paves the way for one of the most arcane, storied and secretive events in human history: the election of a new pope. Francis died Easter Monday at 88, the Vatican announced. First elected in March 2013 as the 266th pope, his death now prompts the centuries-old process of choosing his successor. That event is also known as a conclave, a term that lends its name to a 2016 Robert Harris book-turned-Oscar-winning movie.
Diddy's star-studded parties were cultural extravaganzas: Inside the White Party Original
Once upon a time, Sean "Diddy" Combs was on top of the world. The date was July 4, 2004, and the occasion was the rapper-turned-entrepreneur's seventh annual White Party, an ultra-exclusive affair held in the Hamptons at his posh Long Island, New York, mansion. A who's who of A-listers, from Aretha Franklin and Justin Bieber to Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, appeared bedecked only in white, eager to be star players in the summer's zeitgeist-defining spectacle.
From 'White Lotus' to 'Your Friends & Neighbors,' being rich on TV isn't sunshine and roses Original
Being rich isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. At least not on TV, where increasingly the wealthy seem to be objects of pity, if not ridicule. In “Your Friends & Neighbors,” a new Apple TV+ series, Jon Hamm plays a fired hedge fund manager who decides his loaded pals are so clueless about their wealth that they won’t notice when he starts robbing them blind of five-figure bottles of wine and six-figure watches. “The show holds up a mirror and asks, what’s really important?
Would you use a payment plan to afford expensive concert tickets? Gen Z says yes. Original
Any concert fan can tell you ticket prices for live music have soared. The average price jumped from $25.81 in 1996 to $135.92 in 2024, according to Pollstar. Look at the prices for this year's biggest events: A weekend at Coachella starts around $600; Lollapalooza single-day tickets â the only ones still available â start at $189; the cheapest seats for Lady Gaga, BeyonceÌ and Kendrick Lamar average around $200. For older generations who hold the countryâs wealth, thatâs irksome.
Martha Stewart and Jose Andres team for 'Yes, Chef!': See exclusive first look Original
Martha Stewart has experienced plenty of ups and downs in her dramatically successful life, and, yes, chefs, she's now here to help you with your problems. Stewart is teaming up with World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés for a new NBC cooking competition show, "Yes, Chef!" (premiering April 28, 10 ET/PT), whose dual premise is not just to find the best chef among 12 contestants but also to coach the dozen past whatever personal demons stand in the way of their success.
Jon Hamm explores suburbia's dark side in Apple TV+'s 'Your Friends & Neighbors' Original
Let's be honest. It's good to be Jon Hamm. For starters, the guy vibes as a modern-day Cary Grant: He's great looking and able to turn on the acting drama and comedy with equal ease.
A buff Viola Davis made her 'G20' movie 'for every young Black girl' Original
Two things to know about Viola Davis. Don't get into a pull-up contest with her, and don't ask her to buy you crazy-expensive sneakers. Marsai Martin learned both lessons while shooting "G20" (streaming Thursday on Prime Video), an action movie in which Davis plays U.S. President Danielle Sutton and Martin is her precocious hacker daughter, Serena.
Martin Scorsese's 'The Saints' explores his 'search for transcendence and salvation' Original
Martin Scorsese's 'The Saints' explores his 'search for transcendence and salvation' Martin Scorsese has directed countless critically acclaimed movies steeped in violence and pathos, movies such as "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas" and most recently "Killers of the Flower Moon." They're morality plays disguised as gripping cinema, explorations of good and evil, of failure and redemption.
Val Kilmer sought refuge in his treehouse. Here’s what happened when I visited. Original
Val Kilmer sought refuge in his treehouse. Here’s what happened when I visited. In the summer of 2006, I made my way to a steep embankment on the Pecos River just east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, to meet Val Kilmer. The actor, who died Tuesday at age 65, was movie-star handsome at 46. He wasn't promoting a new film but wanted to show off something else. Something childlike. Something surreal. Something that, as he put it, could help him "figure out what I'm all about." It was a treehouse.
Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin, 'Kominsky Method' and 'Little Miss Sunshine' star, dies at 89 Original
Alan Arkin, the Oscar-winning actor whose eclectic career spanned seven decades, has died at age 89. Arkin's rep Melody Korenbrot confirmed his death to USA TODAY Friday, and pointed to a statement his sons Adam, Matthew and Anthony jointly offered a statement on the family's behalf to People. "Our father was a uniquely talented force of nature, both as an artist and a man.
Carlos Santana on Woodstock, women and why he plays ‘to get people out of their quicksand’
Ask Carlos Santana to describe his inimitable guitar tone, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer doesn’t hesitate. “My sound is the sound of a woman,” says Santana, 75, adding his current playlist is heavy on Nina Simone, Etta James and the recently departed Tina Turner. “Some people, like John Coltrane and Wes Montgomery, they sound like men,” he says.
Danny McBride's 'Righteous Gemstones' is back, with monster trucks, militias and mayhem
For fans of HBO comedies that are outrageous, curse-filled, searing and silly, Danny McBride is heaven-sent. First came pompous, ego-fueled ex-baseball star Kenny Powers (“Eastbound and Down”), followed by pompous, ego-fueled high school administrator Neal Gamby (“Vice Principals”).
Meet Amanda Rafkin, USA TODAY's new piano-playing, game-collecting crossword puzzle editor Original
OK, crossword puzzle fans. You're looking for 12 letters. The clue: When she’s not playing Chopin, she’s busy furrowing your brow and making you smile. Answer: Amanda Rafkin. Meet USA TODAY’s newest crossword puzzle editor, who takes the reins after a few years assisting outgoing editor Erik Agard. Rafkin, 35, hails from Los Angeles and will be in charge of overseeing submissions from dozens of puzzle contributors.
'You feel it all deeply': Pixar's first rom-com 'Elemental' talks frankly about racism Original
The journey to “Elemental,” Pixar’s new animated film (in theaters Friday), started eight years ago in the New York borough of the Bronx. Pixar veteran Peter Sohn − he directed "Elemental" as well as 2015's "The Good Dinosaur," and his likeness informed the face of Russell in “Up” − was back where he grew up for a festival celebrating the arts.
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