Chaka Khan attends the Nominees Night: An Official Golden Week Event Hosted by The Hollywood Reporter and Spotify at The Lot at Formosa on January 08, 2026, in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Chaka Khan was honored at the second annual Resonator Awards Wednesday, receiving the Luminary Award for her impact on the music industry.
Joni Mitchell presented her with the honor, telling a story about the time they dined and dashed before going back to pay the bill. “Every time we meet, something spectacular happens,” she said, according to Rolling Stone.
Chaka returned the praise, telling the crowd, “When it comes to writing and … trying to know your words, how to use your words, how powerful they are — she is the absolute tops of that for me. In fact, she sent me to the dictionary several times.”
While accepting the award, Chaka spoke about longevity in the music industry. “Longevity isn’t about staying the same. It’s about staying open … open to collaboration, open to new voices, open to change, and open to the people behind the scenes whose creativity helps shape everything you hear[.] … When women and all creators are supported, we rise together,” Chaka said, as per Rolling Stone. “To the honorees tonight, you are the future. To the leaders here, keep opening those doors. And to the next generation, your voices matter.”
Sia, Greg Kurstin, Daniella Haim and Thundercat then took the stage to pay tribute to Chaka with a performance of her song “Tell Me Something Good.” Maggie Rogers and Grace Bowers performed “Ain’t Nobody,” and Lalah Hathaway sang “Through the Fire” with help from Chaka.
The Resonator Awards are presented by nonprofit We Are Moving the Needle to honor women and nonbinary producers, songwriters and engineers in the music industry. Chappell Roan, St. Vincent and Haim were also honored.
Stacey Dash as Dionne Davenport and Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz in ‘Clueless”, written and directed by Amy Heckerling and released on July 21, 1995, by Paramount Pictures. (CBS via Getty Images)
The Library or Congress has announced the 25 films it has selected to join the National Film Registry in 2025.
Its selections for last year, which were announced on Thursday, span from the silent film era to iconic Hollywood movies from the last 50 years. Among those selected for the registry are Clueless, The Karate Kid, Inception, Before Sunrise, The Truman Show, The Incredibles and Philadelphia.
WesAnderson‘s The Grand Budapest Hotel is the most-recent film joining the collection, having debuted in 2014. The Library of Congress notes that making The Grand Budapest Hotel “included meticulous historical research at the Library of Congress” in order to create its visually striking scenery.
Some of the classic Hollywood selections include the 1954 musical White Christmas and the Bing Crosby, FrankSinatra and Louis Armstrong-starring musical High Society, which features Grace Kelly in her final film.
There were four documentaries selected: Ken Burns’ Brooklyn Bridge, Nancy Buirski’s The LovingStory, George Nierenberg’s Say Amen, Somebody and Danny Tedesco’s The Wrecking Crew.
The public submits nominations to be considered to join the archive. Over 7,500 submissions were made this year, and the Library of Congress chose 25 of them based on their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage.
“When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come. These selections for the National Film Registry show us that films are instrumental in capturing important parts of our nation’s story,” the acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen said.
Here are the 25 films selected for the 2025 National Film Registry: The Tramp and the Dog (1896) The Oath of the Sword (1914) The Maid of McMillan (1916) The Lady (1925) Sparrows (1926) Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926) White Christmas (1954) High Society (1956) Brooklyn Bridge (1981) Say Amen, Somebody (1982) The Thing (1982) The Big Chill (1983) The Karate Kid (1984) Glory (1989) Philadelphia (1993) Before Sunrise (1995) Clueless (1995) The Truman Show (1998) Frida (2002) The Hours (2002) The Incredibles (2004) The Wrecking Crew (2008) Inception (2010) The Loving Story (2011) The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sign stands at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014. Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(WASHINGTON) — Senate Democrats on Thursday voted unanimously to block a package of six funding bills that would fund large portions of the government through the end of September — meaning a partial government shutdown could still happen in the coming days.
The bill failed to advance by a vote of 45-55. It would have needed at least 60 votes to proceed. Multiple Republicans also cast votes against the package.
The vote came amid news that talks are ongoing between Democrats and the White House over funding for the Department of Homeland Security ahead of the partial government shutdown that would begin at midnight Friday.
Those talks are intensifying in the final hours between the White House and Senate Democrats to reach an agreement over how to advance a package of bills necessary to fund the government — including Democrats’ request to separate the bill that funds DHS.
Democrats want DHS removed from a package that includes five other government funding bills so that changes to the DHS bill aimed at reining in Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be made without affecting the other agencies that still need to be funded.
There were Democratic calls to separate the DHS funding following the deaths of Renee Good, a mother of three who was fatally shot by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis earlier this month, and became more urgent after the death of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, who was killed in a shooting involving federal agents over the weekend.
If a deal is locked, Democrats would eventually need to vote yes on advancing this six-bill package. It is the first procedural step in allowing them to vote to modify it.
Although Democrats blocked this bill from moving forward, that doesn’t necessarily mean negotiations have fallen apart.
Majority Leader John Thune retained the right to call up this same vote later Thursday or Friday if he thinks a deal is locked in.
Negotiations are centered around that request from Democrats, sources told ABC News. This would allow the military and critical programs like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Head Start — a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides early childhood education, health, nutrition and family support services to low-income children and families — to be funded through September.
A deal would temporarily extend funding for DHS through a short-term bill, which would give Democrats and the White House more time to discuss any possible policy changes.
Coming into the negotiations, Senate Democrats laid out a list of demands including: ending roving patrols, ensuring federal agents are held to the same use of force policies that apply to state and local law enforcement, preventing agents from wearing masks and requiring body cameras.
Republicans need the support of at least seven Democrats in the Senate to avert a partial shutdown.
The White House has not yet commented on the ongoing negotiations.
While sources indicate Democratic leadership is optimistic that things are headed in their direction, that same level of optimism has not been shared from the White House, sources told ABC News.
It is likely that even if a deal is reached, there will still be a short partial shutdown. Any changes to the government funding bill passed in the Senate would have to go back to the House, which is currently in recess until Monday.
Sevendust has premiered a new song called “Is This the Real You?,” the first single off the band’s upcoming album, One.
“It was as honest, natural, and pure as any song can be,” says guitarist Jon Connolly of “Is This the Real You?” “If you really want to know what Sevendust sounds like in 2026, ‘Is This The Real You?’ gives you a good idea.”
The “Is This the Real You?” video is now streaming on YouTube.
One is due out May 1. It’s the follow-up to 2023’s Truth Killer.
Sevendust will launch a U.S. tour in April. The trek includes select dates opening for Alter Bridge.
Beck has released a new compilation called Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime.
The eight-track set consists mostly of covers, including John Lennon‘s “Love” and Elvis Presley‘s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The title comes from Beck’s version of the Korgis song, which he recorded for the soundtrack to the 2004 movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
You’ll also find unreleased covers of Hank Williams‘ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and Daniel Johnston‘s “True Love Will Find You in the End.”
The one original song included is “Ramona,” which Beck recorded for the 2010 movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime is out now on digital outlets. It will be released on opaque red vinyl on Feb. 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Clipse made it onto a Jeopardy question, a moment Pusha T says his late grandmother would be proud of. He shared a clip of the show on Instagram in which Clipse is mentioned in the clue. “Hey Shank (my grandmother in heaven) we made it!!!” Push wrote. “Watching @jeopardy was what we would do every night…I was too young to know the answers but turning the tv wasn’t an option. I caught on quick and it became ‘our; thing…look at your grandsons. Hope you were watching and playing along tonight.”
Rihanna shared her 2016 throwback post as part of the viral social trend, which simultaneously celebrated the 10th anniversary of ANTI. It includes some of the album’s stats, as well as the behind-the-scenes process of preparing for the album and its accompanying tour. “my 2016 post wins,” Rih captioned her post. “happy ANTIversary.”
Lauryn Hill will be performing at the 2026 Grammys Sunday as part of the in memoriam segment. She is set to pay tribute to Roberta Flack and D’angelo, whom she collaborated with on her song “Nothing Even Matters.” The Fugees‘ track “Killing Me Softly With His Song” was a cover of Roberta’s 1973 song.
The Isley Brothers received their Hollywood star on Wednesday morning at a ceremony emceed by KTLA 5 entertainment anchor Melvin Robert. Terry Lewis and Jon Platt, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, shared some words about the group before remaining members Ron Isley and Ernie Isley accepted the honor. “You know you make me want to shout!” Ronald sang. “I want to thank all of our fans, each and every one. We’ve been doing this for 67 years and God bless you all.”
Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee and Mick Mars attend Mötley Crüe press conference on June 9, 2015 in London, England. (Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Mötley Crüe was granted a “decisive victory” in the band’s legal battle with former guitarist Mick Mars, their lawyer says in a press release.
According to the press release, the arbitrator’s ruling in the case “rejects every claim Mars made against the band and orders him to pay damages back to the group.”
“This dispute was about protecting the integrity and legacy of one of the most successful bands in rock history,” says Mötley’s lawyer Sasha Frid, of Miller Barondess, LLP. “With the arbitrator rejecting every claim and enforcing the parties’ agreements as written, the band has been fully vindicated—legally, financially, and factually.”
Mars first sued Mötley Crüe in 2023 over a financial dispute stemming from his retirement from touring in 2022. Mars, who was replaced by guitarist John 5, claimed that while he was no longer touring with Mötley due to health issues, he still remained a member of the band and deserved to be compensated as such.
“They’re trying to take my legacy away, my part of Mötley Crüe, my ownership of the name, the brand,” Mars told Rolling Stone in 2023.
Also in the suit, Mars accused the other Mötley members — bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee and vocalist Vince Neil — of using prerecorded tracks during the band’s 2022 reunion tour, specifically claiming that Sixx “did not play a single note on bass” live.
According to Mötley’s press release, Mars “was forced to admit under oath that his statements were false” regarding the miming allegations during arbitration.
“His expert confirmed that the band performed live, and Mars formally recanted his prior claims during sworn testimony,” the press release said.
ABC Audio has reached out to Mars’ manager and legal rep for comment.
Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones performs during the final night of the Hackney Diamonds ’24 Tour at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena on July 21, 2024 in Ridgedale, Missouri. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
Ronnie Wood has booked a new live gig.
The Rolling Stones rocker and his band have been announced as a special guest for Eric Clapton‘sAug. 23 concert at the royal family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. The show will also feature Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders and U.K. blues rock artist Will Wilde.
Wood’s solo music career was celebrated in 2025 with the release of the box set Fearless: Anthology 1965-2025, which featured not only selections from his solo career, but important tracks from his work with The Stones, Faces, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane and The Jeff Beck Group.
The last time Wood was on stage with The Rolling Stones was back in July 2024. He has performed live several times since then, making a surprise appearance at Paul McCartney’s December 2024 concert at London’s O2 Arena and joining Stewart at the Glastonbury Festival in June.
Donna Massey, the mother of shooting victim Sonya Massey, is comforted during a press conference at New Mount Pilgrim Church on July 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Scott Olson/Getty Images
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) — Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in prison after he was convicted in October 2025 of second-degree murder for the July 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who called 911 to report a possible intruder at her home in Springfield, Illinois.
Judge Ryan Cadagin said that Grayson will also have a two-year mandatory supervised release and will receive credit for time served, according to Springfield ABC affiliate WICS, which was in the courtroom. He had been facing to four to 20 years in prison or probation, according to prosecutors.
Grayson spoke ahead of his hearing and apologized to Massey’s family, WICS reported.
“I wish there was something I could do to bring her back. I wish this didn’t happen. I wish they [Massey’s family] didn’t have to go through this experience. I am very sorry,” he said, according to WICS.
Addressing the judge, Grayson acknowledged that “made a lot of mistakes” on the night Massey died, WICS reported.
“There were points when I should’ve acted, and I didn’t — I froze. I made terrible decisions that night. I’m sorry,” he reportedly said.
Massey’s mother, Donna Massey, and children delivered victim impact statements ahead of the sentencing, WICS noted.
“Today, I’m afraid to call the police in fear that I might end up like Sonya,” Donna Massey said, according to WICS.
She addressed Grayson with the same words that Sonya Massey said to the former deputy before she was fatally shot, WICS reported: “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
Massey’s children, Malachi and Summer, also spoke.
“I had to step up at 17. I had nowhere to go or nothing. I was just lost. I’m figuring it out a little bit now, but I still need my mom … It’s like a part of me is dead,” Malachi Massey said during Thursday’s hearing, WICS reported.
Summer Massey was 15 when her mother died.
“Since her death, I have not been the same person,” she said in her victim impact statement on Thursday, according to WICS.
Sontae Massey, Massey’s cousin, told WICS in an interview that aired ahead of the sentencing on Wednesday that her death “shattered” her family.
Family representatives for the Massey family told ABC News on Wednesday that the family will hold a press conference after Grayson’s sentencing hearing.
Ahead of sentencing Grayson, the judge denied on Thursday morning Grayson’s request for a new trial.
Grayson’s attorneys filed a motion for a new trial on Dec. 2, 2025, arguing that “several erroneous rulings” “resulted in prejudice to the defendant.”
The motion, which was reviewed by ABC News, cited alleged “errors” that include “incorrectly” focusing on Grayson’s “obligations as a police officer” when determining not to release him pre-trial, as opposed to “the danger he posed as a private citizen.”
Grayson’s attorneys also argued in the motion that the judge should not have admitted into evidence the body camera video that showed Grayson’s “statements and actions” after he fatally shot Massey.
Grayson’s attorneys did not respond to ABC News’ requests for comment.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, who prosecuted Grayson, told ABC News on Thursday that his office filed a motion asking the judge to deny Grayson’s request for a new trial.
Body camera footage of the July 6, 2024 incident shows Grayson, who was inside Massey’s home, pointing to a pot of boiling water on her stove and says, “Walk away from your hot steaming water.”
Massey then appears to pour the water into the sink and repeats the deputy’s phrase before saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” according to the video.
Grayson threatens to shoot her and Massey apologizes and ducks down behind a counter, covering her face with what appears to be a red oven mitt, the video shows. As she briefly rises, Grayson shoots her three times in the face, the footage shows.
During Grayson’s testimony, he told the jury he believed Massey was going to throw the scalding water on him and was scared.
The assistant state attorney said that Massey’s final words before being shot with her hands up were, “I’m sorry,” according to WICS.
Grayson was initially charged with three counts in connection to Massey’s death — first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the seven-day trial in October 2025, the jury was given the option of considering second-degree murder instead of first-degree murder.
ABC News’ Mariama Jalloh and Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.
Cher has won two Grammys, an Emmy and an Oscar, but now, she could be adding an unexpected honor to her trophy shelf.
Cher is nominated for an Audie Award, which honors audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment, for her best-selling 2024 autobiography, Cher: The Memoir, Part One. She narrated the book with actress Stephanie J. Block, who portrayed her in The Cher Show on Broadway and is also nominated.
Cher wasn’t able to narrate the entire audiobook due to her dyslexia, so she reads the dedication, author’s note, preface and first chapter. She also introduces each chapter and reads a few minutes of it before Block takes over.
Among her competitors in the category is another chart-topping female singer: Beyoncé. She’s nominated — along with mother Tina Knowles, sister Solange and Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland — for her narration of Tina’s memoir, Matriarch.
Cher will find out whether she wins the award on March 2, when the 2026 Audies Gala takes place in New York City.
