What is the 2026 song of the summer? AP offers some predictions
NEW YORK (AP) — The song of the summer is a hot topic with no clear winner yet emerging for 2026. Last year, debates raged over whether Alex Warren's “Ordinary” fit the bill. The lack of a standout track like “Despacito” or “Old Town Road” could be due to diverse listening habits from music algorithms. This year, The Associated Press' list of songs of the summer includes undeniable hits like Drake's “Janice STFU” and Ella Langley's “Choosin’ Texas.” Other contenders include Slayyyter, Bruno Mars, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Shakira and Burna Boy. Each song offers something unique for a wide range of tastes and summer moods.
Movie Review: Supergirl is a blast, but the movie doesn't match her punk-rock spirit
A punk-rock Supergirl is a welcome, jagged riff on more buttoned-up superheroes, and Milly Alcock is terrific in the role. If only “Supergirl” was as good as she is, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The latest DC release, and second under James Gunn’s stewardship, has its moments. But “Supergirl” struggles to match Kara’s punk rock energy with an equally spirited supporting cast and story. Alcock's Supergirl sports a Blondie T-shirt, not a spandex suit. When we meet her in Craig Gillespie’s film, she looks like she’s been on an interstellar bender for weeks. She’s more Courtney Love than Clark Kent.
Film academy invites 529 new members, including Jenna Ortega, the Safdie brothers and Jacob Elordi
NEW YORK (AP) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday invited 529 members to the Oscar voting body, a new class that brings the group’s membership to nearly double what it was a decade ago. Among those who received invites are “One Battle After Another” nominee Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu. If all new members accept their invitations, the film academy will number 11,319, with 10,338 voting members. In 2016, the academy numbered closer to 6,000 members. To diversify its ranks, the Oscars organization has swelled in recent years
Charlie Brown's longtime pen pal is finally revealed in new Apple TV 'Peanuts' movie
NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Brown's pen pal is finally revealed in the animated movie “Snoopy Unleashed,” coming to Apple TV in 2027. Her name is Mia, a confident young girl from London who uses a wheelchair. The movie explores friendship as Mia visits Charlie Brown, causing him to confront the idealized version of himself he presented in letters. Snoopy's journey introduces a stray dog, adding to the theme of opposites attracting. The creators consulted disability groups to portray Mia authentically. The film aims to connect with audiences by exploring themes of authenticity and self-presentation.
Trump turns America 250 kickoff into a campaign-style rally on the National Mall
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sees America’s 250th anniversary as a chance to get the country excited again — about Donald Trump. The president is hosting a rally on Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington. There's a military flyover by stealth bombers, military bands, singer Lee Greenwood of “God Bless the U.S.A” fame and a speech by Trump. The rally is designed to kick off weeks of celebrations about the founding of America. Critics say he's turning it into a partisan event to try to boost his ratings — and those of his party — ahead of November congressional elections.
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Dior moves Paris men’s show earlier as heat wave grips city
PARIS (AP) — Dior has moved its men’s Paris Fashion Week show to 9 a.m. to avoid extreme heat. Guests arrived Wednesday at the Musée Nissim de Camondo as a heat wave gripped Paris. Cold towels, strawberries and parasols were offered at the door. Inside, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson showed his latest Dior men’s collection. The temperature rose quickly, and water was in limited supply. Anderson’s collection was about formality losing its grip, with tuxedos loosened, denim ripped, and sequins flashing. The setting, a mansion caught between preservation and repair, added weight to the show, highlighting beauty in imperfection.
First of its kind queer museum in San Francisco Chinatown amplifies Chinese LGBTQ+ artists
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A recently opened, first of its kind Chinese queer museum in San Francisco is already having an impact on the surrounding community. The OUT Museum opened just before Pride Month and has prompted Chinese and Chinese American visitors to share moving stories with its founder, Xiangqi Chen, whose LGBTQ+ activism faced censorship in her native China. Situated in the country's oldest Chinatown, the museum is giving recognition to a demographic that has long felt invisible. Its exhibits are currently housed in one room, with fewer than a dozen artworks including photography and interactive installations. The museum is only open on Saturdays, but there is hope to expand its footprint and to operate beyond weekends.
Vatican begins 5-year restoration of Raphael Loggia, used by popes and presidents
VATICAN CITY (AP) — One of the most intricately decorated parts of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, a passageway walked by popes and presidents and attributed to Renaissance master Raphael, is getting its first face-lift in 500 years. The Vatican Museums on Wednesday announced the start of a five-year, $5.5 million project to clean and restore the Raphael Loggia. The corridor is considered one of the highest expressions of Renaissance figurative art. The windowed second floor corridor is not open to the public. But lucky visitors to the pope walk along it and are treated to biblical scenes as well as botanical motifs in painting and stucco.
The homilies and addresses of Pope Leo XIV are now coming to English readers
NEW YORK (AP) — A collection of early public writings by the future Pope Leo XIV will be published in English this fall. “Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me” is set for Sept. 15, according to Image Books. The collection was originally released in Italian by the Vatican earlier this year. It features homilies, addresses and other works by Robert Prevost, who served as prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013. Campbell Wharton of Penguin Random House Christian describes it as a guide for Catholics, Christians and spiritual seekers seeking hope and transformation.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis set 'Warriors' musical for Broadway in 2027
NEW YORK (AP) — Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis are transforming their concept album “Warriors” into a Broadway musical. The story was originally a 1965 novel and later a 1979 film. It follows the Warriors gang as they journey from the Bronx to Coney Island, pursued by rival gangs and police. This will be Miranda’s first full musical since “Hamilton.” Previews are set to begin next March, with an opening in April at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Directed by Jenny Koons, the musical will feature strategic changes, including an all-female Warriors gang. The album featured diverse musical styles and artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill and Nas.

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