Culture News Today — August 18, 2026
Ariel Levy, a New Yorker Staff Writer, Joins ’60 Minutes’ as Contributor and more — today's culture signal.
The entertainment industry is abuzz with exciting developments, from new talent joining the journalism world to major players in the film and television space making significant moves. Ariel Levy, a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker, has just been announced as a contributor to '60 Minutes', bringing her unique perspective and expertise to the popular news program. Meanwhile, Paramount is taking a bold step in its proposed merger with Warner Bros., requesting that the Writers Guild of America and several states post a staggering $1.9 billion bond to cover potential financial losses while the deal is pending trial.
In the world of publishing and film, there's also plenty of news to go around. Fantasy author Sarah J. Maas has revealed the titles and covers for books 6 and 7 in her beloved 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series, sending fans into a frenzy. And in the realm of independent film, Dato Bakhtadze is turning heads with his captivating performance in 'Supporting Role', a nocturnal odyssey through the vibrant city of Tbilisi that's earning rave reviews. With so much talent and creativity on display, it's an exciting time to be a culture enthusiast.
Today's signal:
• Ariel Levy, a New Yorker Staff Writer, Joins ’60 Minutes’ as Contributor (variety.com)
• Paramount Requests States and WGA Be Required to Post $1.9 Billion Bond to Cover Financial Losses While Warner Bros. Merger Is Stuck on Hold Pending Trial (variety.com)
• ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Books 6 and 7 Titles and Covers Revealed by Fantasy Author Sarah J Maas (variety.com)
• ‘Supporting Role’ Review: Dato Bakhtadze Captivates in a Nocturnal Odyssey Through Tbilisi (variety.com)