NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Argo’ finally makes it to top of box office with $12.4M

LOS ANGELES

It took three weeks, but “Argo” finally found its way to the top of the box office.

The Warner Bros. thriller from director and star Ben Affleck, inspired by the real-life rescue of six U.S. embassy workers during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, made nearly $12.4 million this weekend, according to Sunday studio estimates.

Debuting at No. 3 was the sprawling, star-studded “Cloud Atlas,” which made a disappointing $9.4 million.

The nearly three-hour drama, also from Warner Bros., was co-directed by siblings Lana and Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer and features an ensemble cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Hugh Grant playing multiple roles over six story lines.

In second place was “Hotel Transylvania” with $9.5 million. “Paranormal Activity 4” was in fourth place with $8.7 million.

Tied for fifth place were “Silent Hill: Revelation 3-D” and “Taken 2,” each with $8 million.

Police: Natina Reed of Blaque music group is dead at 32

ATLANTA

Authorities say R&B singer Natina Reed, known as a member of the female group Blaque, was struck and killed by a car in metro Atlanta.

The Gwinnett County Police Department said in a news release Sunday that the 32-year-old Reed was hit late Friday while in the roadway at an intersection on U.S. 29 near Lilburn.

Police say the driver called 911 for help, and someone tried to revive Reed on the scene. She later was pronounced dead at Gwinnett Medical Center.

It’s unclear why Reed was in the road. Police say the driver wasn’t at fault and won’t be charged.

Blaque’s hits included “808” and “Bring It All to Me” in the late ’90s. Reed was also in the movie “Bring It On,” released in 2000.

Reed would have turned 33 on Sunday.

Madonna booed after she touts Obama in concert

NEW ORLEANS

Madonna drew boos and triggered a walkout by several concertgoers after she touted President Barack Obama on her “MDNA Tour” in New Orleans.

The Material Girl asked at Saturday night’s performance: “Who’s registered to vote?” She added: “I don’t care who you vote for as long as you vote for Obama.” Drawing boos in touting Obama over Republican Mitt Romney, Madonna said: “Seriously, I don’t care who you vote for. ... Do not take this privilege for granted. Go vote.”

Associated Press