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Los Angeles Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Miss Austen' imagines the motives behind Jane Austen's sister burning her letters
For decades, English novelist Jane Austen has been a constant source of inspiration for filmmakers and TV creators looking to adapt her work, but also authors who want to expand her world and our understanding of it. Such is the case with 'Miss Austen,' the 2020 novel by Gill Hornby. The fictional account focuses on Jane's sister, Cassandra, and her decision to destroy much of Jane's correspondence from over the years — something rooted in fact. 'Miss Austen' is the first of three novels by Hornby that immerses readers in the lives of Jane and her close-knit family, which the author found 'completely captivating.' 'They were all bright and all rather extraordinary, although Jane was the most extraordinary of all,' Hornby said. 'She would write in the day and then read aloud in the family circle at night, which they all did.' Hornby's novel is not unlike a Jane Austen novel, filled with wit, playful bickering, tragedy and romance. But it was the love between sisters Jane and Cassandra that inspired this particular book, which has now been adapted for television. 'Miss Austen,' a four-part miniseries, will premiere at 9 p.m. PST Sunday on PBS as part of 'Masterpiece.' (Subsequent episodes will air on Sundays, with the final two airing May 18; they also will stream on the PBS app and The period drama, starring actor Keeley Hawes as Cassandra Austen, premiered in the U.K. on BBC One in February to favorable reviews. Hornby was joined by executive producer Christine Langan of Bonnie Productions, which produced the series for 'Masterpiece,' at a screening of 'Miss Austen' at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on Sunday, where they discussed Jane's legacy and adapting the book for TV. It's the production company's first TV series. 'I absolutely loved the read,' Langan said about why she chose to produce it. 'I was moved to tears by the end, and I found it a completely unique angle on a writer I have adored for decades, and very immediate and gripping and relatable.' Langan, who has previously produced award-winning series and films including 'Cold Feet,' 'The Deal' and 'The Queen,' said she loved the idea of rehabilitating the reputation of Cassandra, who was 'an ever-present good influence, good source of support and love to one of the world's most famous writers.' In the series, Cassandra is slightly younger than her counterpart in the book, and that partly had to do with Hawes, whose dramatic and comedic abilities were crucial to the role. 'We had already decided to make Cassandra a little younger than she is in the novel, the feeling being that middle-aged women are every bit as invisible in this society as elderly women,' Langan said. 'We loved [Hawes'] versatility and her grace, and then she met us on an equal footing with the same vision and passion.' 'Keely has a huge and brilliant reputation in the U.K. She's hugely loved,' she added. That stands in contrast with Cassandra, who has long been viewed with some consternation by historians of her sister. She burned all but 160 of Jane's letters, which could have provided scholars and fans alike with more details about the author and her life. There are various theories as to why Cassandra chose to destroy them, including preventing negative scrutiny of Jane and wanting to preserve her sister's legacy. The series, like the book, attempts to recast Cassandra more positively, along with her motive for destroying Jane's letters, which includes keeping them away from family members like the sly Mary Austen (played by Jessica Hynes), who was married to James Austen, brother to Cassandra and Jane. We also see flashbacks of young Cassandra (Synnøve Karlsen) and Jane (Patsy Ferran) as the events in the letters come to life, revealing their true nature. The story is mostly set in Kintbury, a village in Hampshire, England, where Hornby has resided for more than 30 years and where she first learned about Cassandra. 'I feel that Cassandra found me,' she said. While the letters are central to the drama, 'Miss Austen' is also about Cassandra and her fiancé, Tom Fowle (Calam Lynch), whose family resided in Kintbury. He died of yellow fever during a voyage to the Caribbean, and Cassandra never married. 'I knew that she [Cassandra] was there on the last Christmas that they had together, and that she went down to our gate at dawn on a January morning and said goodbye to Tom and never saw him again,' Hornby said. 'And she began slightly to haunt me because I've always been quite obsessed about those women in history.' It's a notable time to reconsider Cassandra's role in Jane's life: This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane's birth. Hornby said it was Cassandra who gave Jane the ability to produce 'six of the greatest novels in the English language' by taking care of her when she was sick and running the household so Jane could write. And two and a half centuries later, Jane's stories continue to delight readers and inspire creators like Hornby and Langan. 'She wrote about what it's like to have a mom, a sister, to fall in love, have a roof over your head, what the weather's like and how annoying the neighbors are — all stuff we all still do,' Hornby said. 'She speaks to us in a way that none of her contemporaries do.' 'And she's fantastically funny,' Langan adds. Imagining the Austens and their lives has been fruitful territory for Hornby, whose subsequent works, 'Godmersham Park' and the upcoming novel 'The Elopement,' slated for release in the U.K. in May and in the U.S. in October, also are centered on the family. And Hornby's partnership with Langan will continue; the producer has already optioned 'The Elopement.' This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the TV adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' that starred Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle and the 20th anniversary of the film version, with Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen. (Netflix recently greenlighted a limited series too.) 'Miss Austen' also contains references the novel — making the show's premiere this year feel like a full-circle moment. 'It's so fascinating that she's still going,' Hornby said. 'She's very much a posthumous success, and she really wanted success. She was clever enough to know that what she was writing was really good.'
San Francisco Chronicle
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘Wicked' director drags Bay Area tech companies for ‘freaking scary' AI
Despite growing up in Silicon Valley, Jon M. Chu isn't a fan of artificial intelligence. The ' Wicked ' and ' Crazy Rich Asians ' director spoke candidly about the use of AI in the entertainment industry during the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books over the weekend, criticizing the unauthorized use of copyrighted Hollywood materials to train generative AI. 'There was an initial sin that I think we're not over yet, which is they gathered all the data. They took all the scripts, they took all the movies,' he said of the tech companies behind such products, many of which are based in the Bay Area. Chu added that he doesn't think that the Hollywood studios who owned these materials kicked up enough of a fuss. 'It feels like they're saying, 'We're past it, move on,'' he explained on Sunday, April 27, noting that he personally could 'never forgive that.' Just last month, AI-generated art that mimics the style of Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli went viral on social media. The trend thrilled many Studio Ghibli fans, who wasted no time sharing their creations online. But others, such as Robin Williams' daughter, Zelda Williams, were furious. Williams pointed out how the studio's founder, Hayao Miyazaki, had a personal distaste for AI and would 'absolutely despise the technological piracy and negative effects on our environment.' 'I can't stop you from using the stupid, water wasting s—ty facsimile machines, in the same way you can't stop me from talking about how deeply empty life will become if we regulate the pursuit of art or knowledge to a machine,' she wrote in an Instagram post last month. Though Chu seems to share the sentiment, he kept a positive outlook over the weekend, noting that although he finds generative AI to be 'freaking scary,' he doesn't think that 'the robots choose what we decide is valuable.' 'We decide, and that's very empowering for me,' he said. Chu was at the Times event to discuss his memoir, 'Viewfinder,' which was released last July. In addition to his literary venture, the Palo Alto-born director was recently announced as executive producer of a new series based on his 2018 box office hit, 'Crazy Rich Asians,' for Max along with the film's co-writer Adele Lim and Kevin Kwan, whose book series inspired the film. He is also working on adaptations of Britney Spears' memoir, 'The Woman in Me,' and the action-adventure video game 'Split Fiction.' His highly-anticipated follow-up to 'Wicked,' 'Wicked: For Good,' is due out Nov. 21.
Buzz Feed
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Asked People At The LA Times Festival Of Books To Share One Book They Think Every Person Should Read
I attended the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 26 and 27, where I talked to attendees, authors, and vendors about their favorite books and authors. Their picks span across genres — from fantasy to memoir, and classic literature to vampires — offering a diverse range of tastes. Keep reading to see what they chose, and also how to support their work and small businesses! 1. Guy Macchia picked 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos, a non-fiction book by psychologist Jordan B. Peterson. Readers love it for its blend of humor, philosophy, mythology, psychology, and practical advice, and several people have even said it changed their lives. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Promising review: "Nothing short of a masterpiece. This book has had a profound impact on my perspective and the way I approach life. What makes this book exceptional is its blend of deep philosophical insights and practical advice. Each of the 12 rules is like a guide to living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Peterson's wisdom is not only thought-provoking but also applicable to real-life situations. The writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas understandable to a wide range of readers. I found myself absorbed in his profound storytelling and examples. It's not just a self-help book; it's a roadmap to understanding the human condition and navigating the chaos of life. I've implemented many of these rules in my own life, and I've seen positive changes in my relationships, career, and overall well-being. It's a book I revisit often for guidance and inspiration. If you're seeking wisdom, clarity, and practical advice on how to live a better life, '12 Rules for Life' is an absolute must-read. It's a life-changing book that deserves every one of its 5 stars." — Amazon Customer Get it on paperback from Amazon for $14.89 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $32 (only available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and CD), and Bookshop for $29.76 (originally $32; available in hardcover and ebook). 2. Author E.J. Tanda picked Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, a book and movie series that is so wildly popular and beloved, it needs no introduction. However, it was so much more than a vampiric romantasy novel to her — it was the story that inspired her to become a writer. E.J. Tanda has written two novels called The Mafia Matriarch Series, which were inspired by true events from her family history. If you're looking for a spicy romance with a smattering of organized crime, then pick up book one, Queen of Secrets, and book two, Crown of Confessions (with book three on its way!). Promising review:"I hadn't read the books when the first movie came out. I fell in love with Bella and Edward, then consumed all four books. Every volume in the series is beautiful, inspiring, heroic, and irresistible. The Twilight Series is a monument to love." — a customer Get book one on paperback at Amazon for $10.16 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $19.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $15.80 (also available in ebook). You can also get the whole paperback series for $78.99 (also available in hardback). 3. Jennifer Mayes picked the ever-popular Fourth Wing, the first book of The Empyrean Series, by Rebecca Yarros. If you haven't heard of this romantasy novel that has spawned millions of dragon-loving super fans worldwide, we highly recommend you give it a read (if dragons, battles, fantasy, spicy love scenes, and saving the world from evil forces is your thing, that is). Be sure to pick up Iron Flame and Onyx Storm while you're at it, because once you finish Fourth Wing, you'll be hooked. If you're a hardcover collector, you can get all three here. Promising review:"I wasn't sure if Fourth Wing would live up to all the hype, but honestly... it did. I flew through this book way faster than I expected. The world-building is super immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the stakes feel real. Characters die, people make tough choices, and nothing feels too predictable. I really liked Violet as a main character. She's not this overpowered heroine — she's struggling, constantly being doubted, and you're just rooting for her to prove everyone wrong. She's clever and tough in ways that feel believable. And the dragons are honestly some of my favorite parts — they have personalities, they're sassy, and they add so much to the story. Also, the romance? So good. It's a slow build with tension that feels natural, not forced. The banter and chemistry between Violet and Xaden felt authentic, and I actually cared about both of them as characters, not just as a couple. The last few chapters absolutely messed me up, and I'm still thinking about that ending." — Anne C Get it on paperback from Amazon for $13.88 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $17.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and large print), and Bookshop for $19.52 (also available in ebook). 4. Author Maurice Hicks picked (with complete confidence and zero hesitation, I might add) Finding Me by Viola Davis — a memoir about the dynamo actor and EGOT winner. (Honestly, is there anything she can't do?) Like Maurice, many readers found her story inspiring and captivating — and I would expect nothing less. If you're a fan of the true crime genre, then pick up a copy of Maurice Hick's action-packed non-fiction book Looking For Trouble, which is based on his 20-year career in Maryland's law enforcement nabbing drug kingpins and murderers. Promising review:"Viola Davis' Finding Me is a breathtaking memoir that grips your heart and doesn't let go. With unflinching honesty, Davis shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of the most revered actors of our time. Her story is both deeply personal and universally relatable, as she navigates themes of poverty, identity, self-worth, and triumph over adversity." — Stephanie Get it on paperback from Amazon for $11.76 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $17.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, ebook, and large print), and Bookshop for $16.73 (also available in ebook). 5. Author Will Sterling picked the timeless classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley — the oldest book (first published in 1818!) on this list. This gothic horror tale about a mad scientist and the monster he creates is so influential that even if you haven't read it (and it's probably time you did, tbh), you can instantly picture Frankenstein's iconic monster and even buy his likeness at a Spirit Halloween store come October. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Be sure to pick up a copy of Will Sterling's can't-put-it-down novel Fame By Misadventure that one reader described as a mix of "Housewives, true crime, reality TV, and our obsession with knowing everyone's secrets." Promising review:"I am an ardent cynic when it comes to 'classics.' I think many people will read a book or hear a song, and if it is old, they will call it a classic. Then this 'classic,' whether it is good or not, must be respected because of its age. Classics, in my opinion, must stand on their own in modern times. Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, is a book worthy of this label, 'classic.' I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone who wants to try some classics on for size. Out of the classics I've recently read, including War of the Worlds, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein is probably my favorite." — Ray Murphy Get it on paperback from Amazon for $3.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $15 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $9.30. 6. Author Justin Kurian picked The Age of Innocence, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Edith Wharton. This story is an enduring classic for a reason — I'm talkin' love, I'm talkin' opulence, I'm talkin' turmoil, I'm talkin' 19th-century New York high society. If you haven't read this treasured piece of literature by now, then take this as a sign to add it to your TBR list ASAP. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Pick up a copy of Justin Kurian's book The Canticle of Ibiza, which is chock-full of adventure, hedonism, villa parties, mysticism, spirituality, and many other exciting escapades, all set in the 1988 party scene of Ibiza, Spain. Promising review:"Had been meaning to read this book and glad that I finally did. The author provides incredible detail on every page about the 'haves' in the early 20th century and how decorum and social status were paramount, even more than love. I really enjoyed the development of the main characters and how they let outside forces affect their actions. Definitely worth a read." — Dave H. Get it on paperback from Amazon for $5.04 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $9.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $16.74 (also available in ebook). 7. Marsha Rivera picked The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. This best-selling, Oprah-lauded book continues to be referenced, recommended, and revisited, even now — 28 years after publication. There is no shortage of reviews mentioning the positive impact and change it has brought to people's lives. Who knows, maybe it'll be the soothing salve your soul needs right now. Marsha Rivera owns a small Los Angeles-based business called Over The Moon, where you can find holistic self-care products, home goods, and jewelry (and, if you're based in LA, can book massages as well). I was lured to her booth by the sumptuous smells of her candles, and can confidently recommend her wares! Promising review:"This book changed my life — a true transformation! I honestly don't even have the right words to express how much this book has impacted me. It has completely shifted the way I see the world. I feel like I'm a different person now — one who's healed, more grounded, and has a whole new mindset on life. The insights in this book helped me break free from old patterns, heal old wounds, and finally see things from a fresh perspective. It wasn't just a read; it was a journey that helped me grow as a person in ways I didn't even know were possible. I've learned to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace challenges, and approach life with a new sense of gratitude and clarity. If you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or just searching for a way to transform your mindset and your life, this book is a MUST. It's more than just words on a page; it's a guide to healing and personal growth. I'll be forever grateful for it!" — morganna Get it on paperback from Amazon for $7.05 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $12.95 (available in hardcover and ebook), and Bookshop for $12.04 (also available in ebook). 8. Author and psychotherapist Dr. Stacey Simmons picked When God Was A Woman by Merlin Stone, a book that explores matriarchal history through myths, ancient goddesses, theology, archeological data, and beyond. Though it was published in the '70s, many readers – like Stacey — still find its teachings relevant today. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed If you have similar taste to Dr. Simmons', then be sure to pick up her books The Queen's Path: A Revolutionary Guide to Women's Empowerment and Sovereignty and Mushroom Pharmacy: A Practical Guide to Psychedelic Mushrooms. Promising review:"For anyone who wants to understand the time when the goddess reigned supreme and the difference in the status of women during those times, this is an awesome book to read. Contrasting with the coming of the male god and the denigration of women in the process is absolutely illuminating! It's an amazing eye-opener. And a required read for women who wish to understand how the dominance of the male god has affected their place in society today, as compared to the time when the goddess was the major deity. Please, take the time to read this significant book. You won't be sorry. It was written in the 1970s, but it is uncannily germane today." — Ammi Get it on paperback from Amazon for $12.49 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $18.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $17.66 (also available in ebook). 9. Halley Parry and Jack Helton, who rang up my commemorative (and quintessential Festival of Books souvenir) tote bag at the Skylight Books booth, simultaneously picked Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin in a remarkable moment of bibliophilic synchronicity. Skylight Books is a small business that opened in 1996 and is located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. Promising review:"The first word that comes to mind when I think about Giovanni's Room is 'poetic.' Each word is thoughtfully placed in each sentence, creating a narrative that reflects not only the profound intellectualism of Baldwin but also his sensitivity and depth as a human being. Giovanni's Room has established itself as an important queer novel. First published over 40 years ago, it captures the life of an expatriate, David, in Paris, and reveals his transformation. His transformation is multilayered, a complex and dynamic affair, yet the most obvious, and arguably, important one, is his sexual metamorphosis, brought about by Giovanni. The relevance of this novel is that most of us can empathize with David's struggle. How could we not? Balwin's words are rich and compelling. It lifted me from my reality into David's, and by the end of the novel (the last two sentences, I've read 1,000 times), I felt like I knew exactly what David had gone through, because I was there with him, and because I'd been there in my own life as well." — JCB Get it on paperback from Amazon for $9.59 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $16 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $14.89 (originally $16, also available in ebook). 10. Noah Bleich (yes, he is indeed dressed like a teapot) picked Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. Don't let the word "history" fool you, though — this highly-reviewed work of non-fiction is anything but boring, and will keep you engaged and turning pages faster than you can say "sesquipedalian." Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Phil is the creator of a small family-owned business called The TeaBook, which is exactly what it sounds like — a photo album-like book in which to store and organize your tea. You can fill it with your own tea collection or with his uniquely packaged pun-tastic teas that, when combined with the book, tell a story. Promising review:"By FAR the most amazingly insightful, thought-provoking analysis of human history, our brains, our motives, our crimes (as a species), our victories, our abject failures, and our haunting, uncertain future. The best book you'll ever read!!" — Scott J. Mackey Get it on paperback from Amazon for $14.29 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $25.99 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $24.17 (also available in ebook). 11. And as a bonus round, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, chosen by ya girl – aka me. After two days of asking people about books that moved them, I, a self-proclaimed bookworm, wanted to be included, too. I changed my pick several times throughout the weekend (The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King and Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan were also contenders), but finally landed on this novel because of how much it deepened my empathy and lingered in my mind for weeks after finishing it. Morena Duwe / BuzzFeed Promising reviews:"I couldn't put it down. The story weaved a quilt of Black history that should be shared with all of us who have been around long enough to recognize each era. It reminded me that I knew an H, a Yaw, and a Sonny. This is for those of us who can share empathy with all of the women in this work of art. I've already purchased copies for my daughters and my grandsons. Beautiful job. Well done." — Stellamac2 "Each chapter is about a new character in a family tree spanning generations. As someone who gets attached to characters, I thought I would get frustrated by having to say goodbye and hello so often, but that wasn't my experience here. The empathy for each new character and chapter of family history builds so quickly that I found myself excited to see who I would meet next. It's apparent this book is the product of years of hard work and research. It's among the best historical fiction I've ever read. Also, that ending really got me." — Tatyana Shestopalova Get it on paperback from Amazon for $9.90 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and for Kindle), Barnes & Noble for $18 (available in hardcover, audiobook, and ebook), and Bookshop for $16.74 (originally $18, also available in ebook).
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Gretchen Whitmer Addresses Viral Oval Office Moment: 'I'm Not Happy'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has addressed the viral photos of her in the Oval Office that were taken earlier this month, saying on Sunday that she's "not happy" about the event. Explaining to a crowded theater at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the Democratic governor said on Sunday that she was in the Oval Office asking for recovery aid for Michigan following an ice storm when she got trapped at a press conference for President Donald Trump's latest executive orders. She told Los Angeles Times reporter Jessica Gelt that she felt "stuck" in the room with the president and was unhappy about all of the rhetoric being used around her. However, she added that she's "not going to apologize for asking for that help, but I'm not happy about the situation." Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer talking to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on April 9 in Washington, D.C. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer talking to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on April 9 in Washington, D.C. Pool via AP Why It Matters Whitmer is considered to be one of the likely contenders in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary in part due to her strong showings in the 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial races where she easily carried the state despite its reputation as a battleground. She faced some backlash from Democrats in early April when photos emerged of her in the Oval Office as some people accused her of placating to the Trump administration. What To Know A New York Times photo, taken by Eric Lee, shows Whitmer on April 9 shielding her face with blue folders in the Oval Office, appearing to avoid the press corps. The image then circulated widely on social media. Her conversation with Gelt, which was largely promoting her recent book, "True Gretch—Young Adult Edition: Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference, was not the first time she has tried to explain why she was at the White House and why the photos of her are so awkward. She told a crowd at the Detroit Economic Club earlier this month that the only thought going through her mind when she put the folders up to her face was "I don't want my picture taken." The governor said: "I wish I hadn't put my folder up in front of my face," but that she is learning to laugh at herself about the situation now. Whitmer has said before that her appearance at the White House was not an endorsement of the president or his agenda. She told Gelt she was told she would be having a one-on-one meeting with the president about aid for Michiganders following an ice storm. Instead, she ended up in the Oval Office where Trump and his aides were announcing new executive orders against a law firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems in its Fox News defamation case surrounding the 2020 election. Whitmer is one of the few Democratic governors who Trump has publicly praised, as the president told White House reporters that she is doing an "excellent job" as governor. Whitmer has defended her meeting with Trump, saying earlier this month: "Public service is about putting the people of Michigan before my own interest." What People Are Saying Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer told the Los Angeles Times: "I got stuck in this press conference, and I disagreed with all the actions that were taken, all the rhetoric that was stated, but I had to stay to ask for help for Michigan." Skyler Johnson, chair of the Suffolk County Young Democrats, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on April 12: "Unpopular opinion: While Gretchen Whitmer didn't necessarily handle the situation in the White House well, Trump/WH staff very clearly set it up to embarrass her and condemning her for it is playing into their hands." Neera Tanden, the chief executive of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, told The New York Times on April 12: "Democrats from the center to the left believe Trump is an autocrat who represents an existential threat to democracy and our rights. They expect their leaders to meet the moment by fighting his dictatorial attacks, not placate, negotiate or assuage because doing so makes him stronger and bully others more." What Happens Next? Whitmer cannot run for a third term as governor of Michigan but has not said whether she will launch a bid for president in 2028. "I know enough about myself to know I care desperately about where this country is headed...I want to be a part of that. I don't know that I need to be the main character in that story," the governor told Gelt on Sunday.
Los Angeles Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Photos: Speakers and authors at the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
As the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books kicked off Saturday across the sprawling campus at USC, the event once again became a magnet for a mix of celebrity authors from across the entertainment world and beyond. Special guests like poet Amanda Gorman, actor Wil Wheaton, singer JoJo and comedian Hannah Berner popped by our photo studio to pose for portraits between their busy schedules speaking at panels in front of crowds at the festival. Here are some of our favorite portraits of our special guests from this weekend. Amanda Gorman, author of the 2025 picture book 'Girls on the Rise,' is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. The award-winning writer who graduated cum laude from Harvard University, came to prominence after her recitation of 'The Hill We Climb' at the inauguration of President Biden. Nikki Toscano is a writer, producer and showrunner for television who served as co-showrunner and executive producer of the show 'Hunters' on Amazon Prime and as showrunner and executive producer of Paramount+ miniseries 'The Offer.' Andrew Plotkin is executive vice president of drama development at Sony TV. Author Liz Moore is the author of the 2024 New York Times bestselling novel 'The God of the Woods.' Actor Wil Wheaton is known for his role as Wesley Crusher in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and other classic roles including Gordie Lachance in the film 'Stand by Me,' Joey Trotta in 'Toy Soldiers' and Bennett Hoenicker in 'Flubber.' Singer JoJo (Joanna Levesque) launched her career in music releasing chart-topping R&B and pop music, including breakout hit 'Leave (Get Out).' She gained prominence as a young artist, and has also made a name for herself in acting and released a book in 2024 titled 'Over the Influence.'
