Itzel Luna, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Mexican singer Majo Aguilar poses after winning the Best Mexican Mariachi Music at Premios Juventud 2025 in Panama City, on Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)

Mexican regional music went global — now women are demanding their turn

October 27, 2025

Mexican regional music is gaining global popularity, but women’s voices remain underrepresented. Even as the genre’s stars top the charts and headline top-earning concerts, it has notably left out women’s voices. Now, female artists are carving their own space, often singing lyrics that differ from their male counterparts, tailored around love, heartbreak and the experience of being a woman. Mexican American singer Becky G says the genre “came naturally and it never felt like riding a wave.” For Belinda, who is experimenting with her own corridos, “it was important to just open the door for other girls to just take risks.”

‘The Walking Dead’ comes alive in auction for 15-year anniversary

October 6, 2025

The eerily humanistic zombies from “The Walking Dead” first stepped into viewers’ living rooms on Halloween nearly 15 years ago, ushering in a new era for the horror genre. Fans are getting a chance to own some of the franchise’s most coveted items. AMC Networks, in partnership with Heritage Auctions, will be auctioning over 1,000 prop items that span the entire franchise. Online bidding runs until Nov. 1. Greg Nicotero, who led the show’s special effects, says the auction takes people “on a journey” through the timeline of the franchise, starting from the first season and through the various spinoffs.

FILE - Jimmy Wayne Carwyle appears during an arraignment in Los Angeles, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool, File)

Judge remains undecided on treatment plan for man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston

October 3, 2025

A Los Angeles judge remained undecided in a hearing Friday on treatment plan for a man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston and ramming his car into her home. Jimmy Wayne Carwyle from Mississippi pleaded not guilty to felony stalking and vandalism but was found not competent to stand trial. Aniston’s lawyer spoke on her behalf for the first time, detailing two years of Carwyle’s harassment and various failed attempts to make physical contact. The judge said she leaned toward sending Carwyle to a mental health treatment alternative to imprisonment but requested another hearing later this month to hear from a mental health professional.

D4vd tour dates removed from websites after the discovery of a girl’s body in Los Angeles

September 19, 2025

The last two remaining dates in singer d4vd’s U.S. tour and multiple stops in his upcoming European tour have been removed from ticketing websites. The development comes as authorities continue to investigate the discovery of the decomposed body of a teenage girl in Los Angeles. Police have not said d4vd (pronounced “David”) is implicated in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found inside an impounded Tesla earlier this month. The 15-year-old was reported missing last year. Several news outlets have reported that the vehicle was registered to the singer. His representatives have not responded to requests for comment

FILE - Bad Bunny performs during his first show of his 30-date concert residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo, File)

Couldn’t make it to see Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico? He’s livestreaming his last concert

September 15, 2025

Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico has boosted the island’s economy and stoked conversations about its identity and struggles. Now, fans from around the world will have a chance to tune in. Amazon announced Monday that the Puerto Rican singer’s final show of his “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” residency on Sept. 20 will be livestreamed to give “fans everywhere front-row access to this historic concert.” The show is the last in a historic nine-concert residency exclusively for Puerto Rico residents and will be streamed for free on the Amazon Music app, Prime Video and Twitch starting at 8:30 p.m. ET

Tramell Tillman makes Emmys history with his ‘Severance’ win

September 14, 2025

Tramell Tillman has made Emmy history. He is the first Black man to take home the prize for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for his role in “Severance.” Tillman spoke backstage Sunday about the “beautiful work” that scores of Black actors have done before him, including the late Andre Braugher and Michael K. Williams. Tillman says he has “been taken by their work for years,” and “borrowed” from them, and that he’s just honored to be in the same class. “Severance” is an Apple TV+ thriller series that centers on an office where workers’ memories were surgically divided between their work and personal lives.

Emmys host Nate Bargatze jokes about the television industry, devises gag to keep speeches short

September 14, 2025

Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze kicked off the 77th Emmy Awards Sunday with a comedy sketch that poked fun at the television industry, noting it’s “a world where the finest artists craft stories of staggering beauty that millions of people will watch on their phones while they’re sitting on the toilet.” The audience was warm to jokes as he opined on what the future of TV will be like. Bargatze, a 46-year-old stand-up comic from Tennessee known for his friendly style, was not a typical host. Often Emmy hosts are known more for a cutting style and are often more Hollywood insiders as late-night talk show hosts.

FILE- Members of the "Star Trek" crew, from left, James Doohan, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy, and Nichelle Nichols, toast the newest "Star Trek" film at Paramount Studios on Dec. 28, 1988. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith, File)

Star Trek plans packed lineup for the franchise’s 60th anniversary, with Lego sets and YouTube show

September 8, 2025

Not many franchises have fueled society’s timeless fascination with the boundless possibilities of a utopian future like “Star Trek.” Come next year, the sprawling franchise will add more shows, Lego sets and even a Rose Parade Float in a yearlong celebration of its 60th anniversary. The franchise announced a hefty lineup of “fan-centric” celebrations on its 59th anniversary Monday, in anticipation of their six-decade run coming this time next year, with more to be announced at a later date. The sci-fi franchise began with the TV show created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966 and has since sprawled into a multi-billion dollar cultural phenomenon.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ creeps its way to another box office win for horror genre

September 7, 2025

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” creeped its way toward a box office win for horror. The horror sequel raked in $83 million domestically in 3,802 theaters, making it the third highest domestic opening for a horror movie. It’s now the largest horror opening internationally, with $104 million. The horror genre has now generated over $1 billion in earnings for this year’s domestic box office, with the help of other Warner Bros. hits like “Weapons,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines” and “Sinners.” Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for the data firm Comscore, says “there’s nothing quite like seeing a horror movie in a darkened room full of strangers.”

‘The Penguin’ snags top Creative Arts Emmy awards for technical performance

September 6, 2025

The Creative Emmy Awards on Saturday gave “The Penguin” eight awards for the “Batman” spin-off’s technical work. The show took home awards for hairstyling, costumes, prosthetic makeup, visual effects, sound editing and sound mixing. Various award winners stressed the importance of behind-the-scenes studio work as a driver of the show’s success. Another spin-off from a major franchise, “Andor,” also ran up impressive numbers. The Disney+ show, part of the Star Wars franchise, took home four awards for editing, production design and costumes. “The Penguin” is up for outstanding limited or anthology series and other major awards at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14.

A look into the Bleak House auction items Guillermo del Toro had the hardest time letting go of

August 28, 2025

Guillermo del Toro has made his mark in horror and built a hefty memorabilia collection along the way. The filmmaker announced Thursday he’s teaming up with Heritage Auctions to auction hundreds of the 5,000 items in his collection. The items range from works by comic luminaries to exclusive items from his own classics. The auction was not an easy decision for del Toro, who joked that each item in his collection feels like a child of his own. The auction opened for online bidding Thursday and is the first of a three-part series with Heritage Auctions. The auction will take place on Sept. 26.

Guillermo del Toro almost lost his movie memorabilia in a wildfire. Now, he’s letting some of it go

August 28, 2025

Guillermo del Toro rose to fame creating horror movies that will likely help shape the genre for generations to come. But, at his core, the Mexican-born horror buff is a collector. Heritage Auctions announced Thursday that a fraction of del Toro’s sprawling collection will be up for grabs. Del Toro told The Associated Press he felt inclined to give away some items after the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year came dangerously close to the so-called Bleak Houses, where he stores the collection. Online bidding began Thursday and the auction will take place on Sept. 26. A second and third part of the auction series will come next year.

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi welcome first child via adoption

August 21, 2025

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi announced on Instagram that they’ve recently adopted a daughter. The young couple got married in a private ceremony last year. They shared Thursday that they “are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy.” No further details were released. Brown gained recognition for her starring role as Eleven in the Duffer brothers’ sci-fi series “Stranger Things.” The fifth and final season will air in November and December. Bongiovi is the son of Jon Bon Jovi and debuted his acting career in “Rockbottom” last year.

‘The Traitors’ is opening its doors to everyday people. Here’s how you can join the TV competition

August 14, 2025

NBC announced Thursday that “The Traitors” will open its doors to everyday people. The Peacock reality TV competition series had previously only cast celebrities for its first three seasons, the last of which aired early this year. The new version will bring a group of everyday people together to play what the host, Alan Cumming, called his “treacherous game,” in a video announcing the public casting. The show features a group of contestants who participate in a murder mystery game similar to Clue or Mafia. Those who are interested in participating can apply now on the show’s website. Production for the new version of the show will being in 2026.

LL Cool J takes the mic for the 2025 MTV VMAs, where Lady Gaga rules nominations

August 14, 2025

The MTV Video Music Awards announced Thursday that LL Cool J will host the 2025 ceremony. The Grammy-winning artist has long championed the VMAs, having won his first Moon Person in 1991. He became the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award years later in 1997. This year’s VMAs will air on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern and will run live from the UBS Arena on New York’s Long Island. The show will be broadcast by CBS for the first time, and also simulcast on MTV and available for streaming on Paramount+.

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2020, file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave Canada House in London. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

Prince Harry, Meghan and Netflix extend partnership for streaming programs

August 11, 2025

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, announced Monday that their media company’s partnership with Netflix has been extended with a multiyear, first-look deal. Archewell Productions first collaborated with the streaming giant in a 2020 deal that produced the successful documentary series “Harry & Meghan.” The couple and Netflix also announced upcoming collaborations, including a second season of, “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle reality show starring the Duchess, and a scripted adaptation of Carley Fortune’s book, “Meet Me at the Lake.” Netflix’s chief content officer call Harry and Meghan “influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere.”

Lucasfilm and Disney settle with actor Gina Carano following her firing from ‘The Mandalorian’

August 7, 2025

Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Disney over her firing from “The Mandalorian.” The actor had filed suit in federal court last year alleging she had been dismissed from the “Star Wars” series in 2021 for expressing right-wing views on social media. Carano thanked Elon Musk for helping fund the lawsuit “and asking for nothing in return.” Lucasfilm said in a statement that the company “look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” The specific terms of the agreement were not made available.

‘Weapons’ spins small town into chaos that mirrors real life, humor and all

August 6, 2025

Zach Cregger says he had to stop writing jokes while creating his latest horror film, “Weapons,” and instead let the hyper realistic aftermath of tragedy drive the movie’s humor. The film follows Cregger’s widely celebrated genre-bending horror “Barbarians,” his 2022 solo directorial debut. The young director spins a town into chaos in his second act, after all children but one from the same classroom mysteriously vanish, leaving a trail of questions in their place. Cregger says the movie’s humor comes naturally, as characters stumble through their grief and navigate the absurd events happening around them. The Warner Bros. Pictures release hits theaters Friday.

Soulja Boy arrested on suspicion of weapons charge during a traffic stop

August 3, 2025

Los Angeles police confirmed that Soulja Boy was arrested early Sunday following a traffic stop on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Police said that Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was a passenger during a traffic stop and was arrested. Inmate records indicate Way was booked into jail after 6 a.m. in the department’s Wilshire Division. The rapper was recently found liable for sexually assaulting and physically and emotionally abusing a former assistant. He was ordered to pay the woman $4 million in damages. The Chicago hip-hop artist is best known for his 2007 single “Crank That (Soulja Boy).”

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” holds its lead atop the box office

August 3, 2025

Marvel’s first family faltered in its sophomore weekend at the box office, recording a 66% dip in North American theaters. But the movie still managed to hold on to the No. 1 spot this weekend. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” earned $40 million, bringing total earnings to $198 million domestically. “The Bad Guys 2” and “The Naked Gun” snagged the second and third spots. Marvel’s previous film, “Thunderbolts,” took a 55% dive in its second weekend and is almost on par with “Captain America: Brave New World.” That film landed in theaters earlier this year and fell 68% after its debut weekend.

‘Building the Band’ has Liam Payne’s last major appearance before his death

July 22, 2025

AJ McLean and Kelly Rowland from Netflix’s “Building the Band” say they are lucky to have moments with Liam Payne in his last major appearance before his death. The One Direction singer appeared as a guest judge just months before his death in October. The show brings 50 young singers together to form bands based on talent alone, without seeing each other. Band members praised Payne’s mentorship and interest in supporting them. The first batch of episodes premiered in early July and the last few episodes will premiere Wednesday. The last band standing will win a $500,000 prize.

‘Love Island USA’ prepares to crown winning couple following tumultuous seventh season

July 12, 2025

“Love Island USA” will crown season seven’s winning couple Sunday evening after a tumultuous season. The episode will begin streaming on Peacock starting at 9 p.m. Eastern. The show brings young singles together in a remote villa in Fiji to explore connections with the ultimate goal of finding love. The winning couple will win $100,000. The couples in contention Sunday are Amaya and Bryan, Huda and Chris, Iris and Pepe and Olandria and Nic. A new series called “Love Island: Beyond the Villa” will also premiere Sunday and follows last summer’s cast.

Former ‘Love Island USA’ contestant Cierra Ortega apologizes for using racial slur

July 10, 2025

Former “Love Island USA” contestant Cierra Ortega has released a video on TikTok apologizing for previously using a racial slur against Asian people. Just a week before the reality show’s finale, Ortega, who was half of one of the season’s strongest couples, left the villa after old posts resurfaced that contained a racial slur against Asian people. Ortega calls her nearly 5 minute video released Wednesday night “an accountability video.” Ortega’s removal from the villa was announced early in Sunday’s episode. Host Iain Stirling said she had left “due to a personal situation.”

FILE - SAG-AFTRA signage is seen on the side of the headquarters in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File)

Video game performers vote on contract that could end nearly three-year-long battle over AI

July 8, 2025

Union members have until July 9 at 5 p.m. Pacific to vote on a tentative contract between video game performers and their employers. If the agreement is ratified, it would formally end a nearly three-year-long effort between the union and major video companies to settle on artificial intelligence protections. A spokesperson for the video game producers involved in the deal said the new contract secured “industry-leading” AI protections. Union leaders say the 11-month strike was a “grueling and excruciating” process, but necessary to ensure safe working conditions for the nearly 3,000 union members covered under the contract.

Video game actors are voting on a new contract. Here’s what it means for AI in gaming

July 8, 2025

A tentative agreement passed by the union board in June could put video game performers back in action after a nearly year-long strike. Union leaders say the new contract secured necessary artificial intelligence protections that had previously left large game companies at a standstill during negotiation efforts. Members had raised concerns that unregulated use of AI could displace them. The agreement centers on consent, compensation and transparency, which union leaders say are key elements needed for the industry to keep moving forward. About 3,000 striking union members now have until Wednesday evening to vote on the contract’s ratification.

Cierra Ortega exits ‘Love Island USA’ villa following backlash over resurfaced racial slur posts

July 7, 2025

“Love Island USA” says contestant Cierra Ortega has left the show “due to a personal situation” during Sunday’s episode, just a week before the finale will air. Her departure follows weeks of uproar from viewers after old social media posts in which Ortega used a racial slur against Asian people resurfaced. The show, which is on its seventh season, didn’t provide a direct reason for her departure and a spokesperson declined to comment Monday. Ortega’s family posted to her Instagram story Sunday evening following the departure announcement asking the public for compassion, patience and “basic human decency.”

Jennifer Aniston appears at a screening of "The Morning Show" during PaleyFest, April 12, 2024, in Los Angeles, left, and Actor-author Jennette McCurdy appears at the Time100 Next list on Oct. 25, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo)

Jennifer Aniston will star in series inspired by Jennette McCurdy’s memoir ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’

July 1, 2025

Jennifer Aniston will star in a new Apple TV+ original series inspired by Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” McCurdy rose to fame as a co-star on Nickelodeon shows “iCarly” with Miranda Cosgrove and its spinoff “ Sam & Cat ”opposite Ariana Grande. Her memoir recounts being “emotionally, mentally and physically abused” by her mother throughout her childhood. McCurdy wrote the 10-episode series with film producer Ari Katcher. The pair will serve as co-showrunners and will executive produce the series alongside Aniston. Aniston also stars and executive produced The Morning Show, another Apple TV+ series. The show’s fourth season is set to premiere Sept. 17.

Home reportedly owned by Brad Pitt was ransacked by burglars, police say

June 26, 2025

Police are investigating a break-in at a home reportedly owned by Brad Pitt, who has been on a globe-spanning promo tour for his new movie, “F1.” Los Angeles Police Officer Drake Madison says three suspects broke into the residence through the front window, ransacked the home and fled with miscellaneous property. Pitt reportedly bought the home for $5.5 million in April 2023. A Pitt representative declined comment. The actor has been out of the country on a promotional tour for the “F1” movie. He recently attended the international premiere in London on Monday. The movie will be in U.S. theaters Friday.

Itzel Luna.

Mexican regional music went global — now women are demanding their turn

‘The Walking Dead’ comes alive in auction for 15-year anniversary

Judge remains undecided on treatment plan for man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston

D4vd tour dates removed from websites after the discovery of a girl’s body in Los Angeles

Couldn’t make it to see Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico? He’s livestreaming his last concert

Tramell Tillman makes Emmys history with his ‘Severance’ win

Emmys host Nate Bargatze jokes about the television industry, devises gag to keep speeches short

Star Trek plans packed lineup for the franchise’s 60th anniversary, with Lego sets and YouTube show

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ creeps its way to another box office win for horror genre

‘The Penguin’ snags top Creative Arts Emmy awards for technical performance

A look into the Bleak House auction items Guillermo del Toro had the hardest time letting go of

Guillermo del Toro almost lost his movie memorabilia in a wildfire. Now, he’s letting some of it go

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi welcome first child via adoption

‘The Traitors’ is opening its doors to everyday people. Here’s how you can join the TV competition

LL Cool J takes the mic for the 2025 MTV VMAs, where Lady Gaga rules nominations

Prince Harry, Meghan and Netflix extend partnership for streaming programs

Lucasfilm and Disney settle with actor Gina Carano following her firing from ‘The Mandalorian’

‘Weapons’ spins small town into chaos that mirrors real life, humor and all

Soulja Boy arrested on suspicion of weapons charge during a traffic stop

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” holds its lead atop the box office

‘Building the Band’ has Liam Payne’s last major appearance before his death

‘Love Island USA’ prepares to crown winning couple following tumultuous seventh season

Former ‘Love Island USA’ contestant Cierra Ortega apologizes for using racial slur

Video game performers vote on contract that could end nearly three-year-long battle over AI

Video game actors are voting on a new contract. Here’s what it means for AI in gaming

Cierra Ortega exits ‘Love Island USA’ villa following backlash over resurfaced racial slur posts

Jennifer Aniston will star in series inspired by Jennette McCurdy’s memoir ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’

Home reportedly owned by Brad Pitt was ransacked by burglars, police say

Finance.