Tom Cruise was reportedly on the shortlist to receive a medal during the 48th Kennedy Center Honors — and allegedly turned down the offer. Cruise, 63, declined the honor because of “scheduling conflicts,

A Washington-area family that has handmade the Kennedy Center honorees’ signature rainbow-and-gold medallions for nearly five decades has reportedly been cut loose, the latest change in President Donald Trump ’s ongoing reshaping of the nation’s flagship public arts institution.

President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors himself, perhaps (in part, at least) because literally no one else is left. Recent hosts of the program include Queen Latifah (2024) and Gloria Estefan (2023) — so Trump will fit right in, obviously.

Herbie Hancock The versatile performed is joined by trumpeter Terence Blanchard, bassist James Genus, guitarist-singer Lionel Loueke and drummer Jaylen Petinaud for a freewheeling night of jazz. 8 p.m. Wednesday. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave. hollywoodbowl.com

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" guest host Nicole Byer ruthlessly mocked President Trump's Kennedy Center Honors nominees Wednesday night.

President Donald Trump threatened to extend the federal takeover of D.C. police. An appeals court said Trump officials can withhold billions of dollars in foreign aid. More foreign policy news: Trump is preparing for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska tomorrow. They have met before — see how those encounters went here.