AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:37 p.m. EST

How Super Bowl halftime moments became flashpoints from the 'wardrobe malfunction' to caged kids

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Super Bowl halftime show, lasting about 13 minutes, has sparked decades of conversation. Iconic moments include Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's “wardrobe malfunction” and Beyoncé's “Formation” performance, which highlighted Black history and identity. These moments aren't just flashpoints; they amplify visibility and invite interpretation. As Bad Bunny prepares to perform, the focus is on Latin identity and potential social commentary. Past shows have tested NFL boundaries, like Jennifer Lopez's immigration critique and Eminem's tribute to Colin Kaepernick.

Not just pups this time: 'Puppy Bowl' embraces older dogs

NEW YORK (AP) — The Puppy Bowl this year isn't just about puppies. Older dogs are getting attention with a halftime showdown between Team Oldies and Team Goldies. This aims to remind viewers that senior dogs also need adoption and love. The event airs Sunday, featuring 150 dogs from 72 shelters. The Puppy Bowl debuted in 2005 as counter-programming to the Super Bowl. It encourages animal adoption and has become a favorite for viewers. Adoption rates spiked during the pandemic but have recently dipped. The event highlights the benefits of adopting older dogs, who often bring calm and are already trained.

Washington Post cuts a third of its staff in a blow to a legendary news brand

The Washington Post has laid off one-third of its staff, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage. The widespread purge announced Wednesday is a brutal blow to journalism and one of its most legendary brands. The Post’s executive editor, Matt Murray, called the move painful but necessary to put the outlet on stronger footing and weather changes in technology and user habits. He outlined the changes in a companywide online meeting. Staff members then began getting emails with one of two subject lines — telling them their role was or was not eliminated. Rumors of layoffs had circulated for weeks.

Movie Review: Caleb Landry Jones is a lovesick vampire with a fabulous wig in Besson’s ‘Dracula’

Move over, Emily! Dracula's in Paris, too. He also has a fabulous white wig, looking stylish even though he's over 400 years old. Caleb Landry Jones stars as a craggily handsome, lovesick count in Luc Besson's whimsical reimagining of the oft-told tale. There’s a lot that’s familiar in this version, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck in her review, but there's enough variety, panache and bravado to raise it up a notch. The film centers on Dracula's eternal search for his reincarnated bride, played by Zoë Bleu. Christoph Waltz is a determined vampire hunter, expertly playing the type of role he's done before. In theaters Friday.

Super Bowl LX ads feature AI, weight-loss drugs and celebs from George Clooney to Kendall Jenner

NEW YORK (AP) — As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the battle off the field for advertisers to win over 120 million-plus viewers will be just as heated as the rivalry on the field. Dozens of advertisers are pulling out all the stops for Super Bowl 60. They are hoping that audiences tuning in will remember their brand names as they stuff their ads with celebrities ranging from Kendall Jenner (Fanatics Sportsbook) to George Clooney (Grubhub), and tried-and-true ad icons like the Budweiser Clydesdales. This year’s trends include health and telehealth companies advertising weight loss drugs and advertisers showcasing AI.

Penny the Doberman pinscher wins the 150th Westminster dog show

NEW YORK (AP) — A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Penny bested six other finalists Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The award is considered the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world. Each dog is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed. The winner gets a trophy, ribbons, bragging rights and, this year, the distinction of winning the milestone 150th annual Westminster show.

Savannah Guthrie says her mom is a woman of faith and a source of strength for the family

“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie has described her mother over the years as selfless, loyal and as a woman of great of faith. For more than a decade, viewers of NBC’s morning show have come to know Nancy Guthrie during her appearances with her daughter. Savannah Guthrie on Tuesday asked for prayers to help find her 84-year-old mother after authorities said they believe she was taken against her will. Investigators think she was abducted over the weekend from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Savannah Guthrie credits her mom with holding the family together after her father died when Savannah was just 16.

E-40 and Too $hort to bring Bay Area hip-hop to NFL Honors stage

LOS ANGELES (AP) — E-40 and Too $hort will bring Bay Area hip-hop to the NFL Honors stage. The rap legends perform live Thursday night during the league’s annual awards show in San Francisco. The event takes place at the Palace of Fine Arts and airs at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming on Peacock. Actor Jon Hamm hosts the ceremony, celebrating the top performances from the 2025 season. Presenters include Tiffany Haddish, Tracy Morgan and current and former NFL players. The performance adds a hometown hip-hop flavor to Super Bowl week festivities.

Chuck Negron, lead singer on 'Joy to the World' and other Three Dog Night hits, dies at 83

NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Negron, a founding member of the soul-rock sensations Three Dog Night, has died. Negron sang lead on such hits as “One” and “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song” and hollered the immortal opening line “Jeremiah was a bullfrog!” on the chart-topping “Joy to the World.” Between 1969 and 1974, Three Dog Night was among the world’s most successful acts with 18 top 20 singles and 12 albums certified gold. Negron's publicist said he died Monday of complications from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83.