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Prosecutors say the looting of the fund bankrolled lavish spending on jewels, art and real estate. The spoils even helped finance Hollywood movies, including the 2013 film "The Wolf of Wall Street."

The commercials during this year's game weren't serious or poignant enough to speak to the modern moment.

The International Olympic Committee says it will abide by a decision that 15-year-old Kamila Valieva be allowed to skate in Beijing but if she wins "no medal ceremony will take place."

This is gold medalist Kaillie Humphries first medal for the U.S. The champion previously won gold and bronze medals for her home country of Canada.

Film writer Peter Biskind's new book is Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film. It reveals the uglier side of independent films, dishing dirt on Robert Redford of Sundance and the Weinstein Brothers of Miramax Films. But it also credits them with transforming American cinema. Hear Biskind and NPR's Scott Simon.

Legendary choreographer George Balanchine was born, who died in 1983, left behind hundreds of original ballets inspired by the unique abilities of his dancers. For Intersections, a Morning Edition series on artists and their inspirations, Kim Kokich profiles one of Balanchine's greatest ballerinas.

The latest novel by Chilean writer Arturo Fuguet is called Movies of My Life. It tells the story of one man's youth on two continents, through the memories evoked by popular films. Tom Vitale reports.

Gillo Pontecorvo's 1965 film The Battle of Algiers portrays the urban warfare between Algerians and the French troops occupying their country. The film's raw presentation of a ruthless conflict just years after it occurred left audiences enthralled. The film is now being re-released -- and to some, it conveys a new meaning in light of the U.S. involvement in Iraq. David D'Arcy reports.

Pop singer Cyndi Lauper was huge in the 1980s, starting with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Then she faded from the public eye. Now she's back with a new CD that emphasizes some of her favorite classic pop tunes. Hear full songs from the CD and samples of her earlier hits.

In most years, the Oscar nominations help the box office prospects of the movies on the list. But many of the films that could earn nominations Tuesday have already produced big financial returns. NPR's Bob Mondello reports.