The actors’ union has historically been more willing to negotiate, but when Fran Drescher took a hard line as its leader, executives shifted their focus to the other striking guild.

Hollywood Studios Signal New Strategy by Talking With Writers

The sports juggernaut continues to earn billions of dollars for Disney, but profits are down and opportunities for growth have dwindled.

How ESPN Went From Disney’s Financial Engine to Its Problem

It’s been an epic matchup, but it’s time to declare a victor. We devised nine super-scientific tests to determine whether “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer” rules.

‘Barbenheimer’ Isn’t a Contest. But if It Were, Which Film Would Win?

Disrupting a celebrity may now be the ultimate concert souvenir. No pop star wants to be unsafe, but some are increasingly making themselves part of the crowd.

As Objects Fly Onstage, Stars Become Part of the Audience’s Show

Ukraine’s army has for now set aside U.S. fighting methods and reverted to tactics it knows best.

Ukrainian Troops Trained by the West Stumble in Battle

Garrett Lee, with an assist from DJ Khaled, fills a cultural hole with his floppy, hypnotic TikTok dance — still going strong in a sad, cathartic way.

The Dance of Too-Hot Summer? Melt Into the Pinegrove Shuffle.

The verdict, after nearly 10 hours of deliberations, was met with a mix of solemnity, gratitude and relief among the survivors and families of those killed in the 2018 attack.

Jury in Pittsburgh Synagogue Trial Condemns Gunman to Death

Mr. Fink finds himself on the back foot once again, with BlackRock appointing the head of the Saudi oil giant Aramco to its board. Analysts say the move is about money, not optics.

Larry Fink’s Bet on Saudi Oil Money Is Also His Latest E.S.G. Woe

Mike Pence is playing an extraordinary role in a historic criminal case against his onetime benefactor and current rival, whose angry supporters once threatened Mr. Pence’s life.

From Right-Hand Man to Critical Witness: Pence at Heart of Trump Prosecution

Fitch’s credit-rating decision stemmed from concerns about America’s ability to govern itself, along with the nation’s growing debt load.

Debt Downgrade, Driven by Partisanship, Is Unlikely to Deter Borrowing

The special counsel’s decision not to charge six people said to have played critical roles in the effort to keep Donald Trump in office seemed to give them a chance to cooperate with prosecutors. Some appear to be unwilling.

Trump Indictment Leaves Alleged Co-Conspirators Facing Tough Choices

The indictment of former President Donald J. Trump over his efforts to retain power accuses him of conspiracies built on knowing falsehoods. His supporters say he is protected by the First Amendment.

Trump Election Charges Set Up Clash of Lies Versus Free Speech

Quotation of the Day for Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Quotation of the Day: For the U.S. Team, That Was a Close One

Lights. Camera. Action? Brooks Barnes, who covers the entertainment business, discussed the state of film and television amid an industrywide shutdown.

In Focus, an Actors’ Strike and Hollywood’s Future

The three stars of Ira Sachs’ new movie — Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw and Adèle Exarchopoulos — discuss the graphic film’s approach to sexuality and intimacy.

‘Sex Is a Huge Part of a Character’s Life.’ Especially in ‘Passages.’

The new production, directed by Josh Rhodes, had a brief run at the Kennedy Center in Washington in May. Casting has not yet been announced.

‘Spamalot’ Revival to Open on Broadway This Fall

Anthony Braxton’s “Trillium X,” part of a sweeping cycle of operas that began in the 1980s, finally premiered in Prague.

Review: An American Opera Gets the Attention It Needs Abroad

The decision by the special district that governs the Walt Disney World Resort aligns with Gov. Ron DeSantis’s efforts to limit D.E.I. measures.

Disney District, Now Under DeSantis’s Control, Ends Its D.E.I. Programs

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, three dancers claim that touring with the Grammy winner meant working in an “overtly sexual atmosphere” that subjected them to harassment.

Former Tour Dancers Accuse Lizzo of Harassment and Hostile Work Environment in Lawsuit

Melissa Clark flips the classic on its head, letting flaky biscuits serve as a base for juicy, caramelized peaches.

Peach Cobbler as You’ve Never Seen It

Perucetus drifted through shallow seas like a gigantic manatee, scientists suspect.

This Ancient Whale May Have Been the Heaviest Animal Ever

The Atlantic will co-produce the show, which will be renamed “Washington Week With The Atlantic.” The publication will cover some of the costs and help sell sponsorships.

Top Editor at The Atlantic Will Moderate ‘Washington Week’

Others are using the service, through which fans can pay for personalized videos, to engage with followers while not publicly promoting work.

Striking Actors Are Turning to Cameo for Extra Cash

The twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, who first gained popularity on YouTube, discuss their pivot to a theatrical release.

With ‘Talk to Me,’ Directors Leap From Phone Screens to the Big Screen

A recently unearthed live version of “Blues for Mama,” written by Simone and Abbey Lincoln in the 1960s, took on domestic abuse in a momentous way.

August 2, 2023

Headlines from August 2, 2023

Hollywood Studios Signal New Strategy by Talking With Writers

How ESPN Went From Disney’s Financial Engine to Its Problem

‘Barbenheimer’ Isn’t a Contest. But if It Were, Which Film Would Win?

As Objects Fly Onstage, Stars Become Part of the Audience’s Show

Ukrainian Troops Trained by the West Stumble in Battle

Billboard 200

2nd EP 'Get Up'

Barbie: The Album

One Thing At A Time

Speak Now (Taylor's Version)

Genesis

Historical Context for August 2, 2023