Daily Brief: The latest in culture and entertainment

Here’s your AnewZ Daily Brief for 14 October 2026, featuring the top five culture and entertainment stories from around the world.

Ex-gang leader gets life sentence for Tupac Shakur murder

A former gang leader was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on Tuesday for orchestrating the 1996 drive-by fatal shooting of hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas, capping the prosecution of a long-unsolved murder that shaped the golden age of rap music. Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, found guilty by a jury in August of first-degree murder, showed no emotion as he was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 20 years to life - one for murder, one for use of a deadly weapon. 

Van Gogh painting unseen for 60 years draws crowds in Hong Kong

Hundreds of art lovers queued in Hong Kong to view a Vincent van Gogh painting that had not been publicly exhibited for more than 60 years. The painting, titled Chestnut Trees in Blossom, was created in May 1890 during the final months of the Dutch artist’s life. It is expected to fetch around $180 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, potentially setting a new record for a Van Gogh artwork. The painting depicts a large chestnut tree covered in blossoms and comes from the artist’s final period in the French village of Auvers-sur-Oise. 

'Breaking Bad' actor and disability rights activist RJ Mitte dead at 34

Actor RJ Mitte, whose personal experience living with cerebral palsy informed his role as Walter White Jr, the physically disabled son of a methamphetamine kingpin in the landmark television series “Breaking Bad,” has died at age 34. News of Mitte's death in Brownsville, Texas, was announced in a statement released through his talent management agency. A publicist for the actor later confirmed news reports that Mitte took his own life. 

Author Thelyson Orelien denies use of AI

Haitian-Canadian author Thelyson Orelien denied allegations that he used artificial intelligence to write his bestselling debut novel, C’était Ça ou Mourir (“It Was Either That or Die”), while acknowledging past plagiarism. Orelien admitted that he had previously copied passages from other writers’ works, calling his actions “unacceptable mistakes.” He also condemned what he described as threats, media attacks and racist harassment, insisting that the novel was his own creation. 

Disney unveils witch world in upcoming film ‘Hexed’

For director Fawn Veerasunthorn, the upcoming Disney animated fantasy film “Hexed” is a mother-daughter love story that comes with a set of obstacles. She told Reuters the film is about a mother and daughter rekindling their relationship after years of strain.

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Las Vegas Netflix Disney Animation Tupac Shakur Breaking Bad