AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 1:58 p.m. EST

Ken Burns and Lin-Manuel Miranda offer history lesson to NYC students at Trinity Church

NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of New York City high school students gathered at Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan for a lesson led by filmmaker Ken Burns and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The event Wednesday was tied to Burns' new documentary, “The American Revolution,” which premieres Sunday on PBS. Burns emphasizes the importance of telling stories from all perspectives, not just from the top down. The documentary features an impressive cast of narrators and historians. Burns and Miranda, who have been friends for about 10 years, share a mission to educate through storytelling, aiming to broaden historical narratives.

How the funny and feminist fashion in 'Palm Royale' further the storytelling

NEW YORK (AP) — “Palm Royale” made a splash in its first season with a starry cast, high production values, and its ubiquitous grasshopper cocktail. The Apple TV comedy stars Kristen Wiig as Maxine, who tries to break into 1969 Palm Beach high society while bumping heads with co-stars Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb and Laura Dern. But also starring are the brightly colored and graphic print vintage designer looks that help the actors get into character. Costume designer Alix Friedberg says 50-60% of the “thousands” of costumes in Season 2 are original, with incredible attention to detail.

Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys merge their parallel lives for 'The Beast in Me'

Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys have teamed up for the first time in the new Netflix series "The Beast in Me." The show, now streaming, features Danes as Aggie, a Pulitzer prize-winning author struggling with writer's block and personal loss. Rhys plays Nile, a real estate tycoon with a mysterious past. The series explores their complex relationship as Aggie proposes writing a book about Nile to clear his name. Danes and Rhys share an intriguing chemistry, with their characters challenging each other intellectually. The show reunites Danes with some of her "Homeland" team, adding to the excitement.

From Disney to Broadway: Meg Donnelly's 'Moulin Rouge!' debut fulfills theater kid dream

NEW YORK (AP) — Meg Donnelly, known for her roles in Disney's “Zombies” and ABC's “American Housewife,” has made her Broadway debut in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” She plays cabaret star Santine in the show, which features hits like “Single Ladies” and “Lady Marmalade.” Donnelly describes her debut as surreal, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She has always loved theater, with “Rent” being her favorite musical. Her career path has included roles that naturally led to this moment, including a part in NBC’s live “The Sound of Music.” Donnelly also plans to pursue her passion for writing and performing her own music.

In documentary, the late poet Andrea Gibson shared their terminal cancer journey to help others

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Andrea Gibson, a celebrated poet and performance artist, never expected a documentary about their life with terminal cancer to be funny. Gibson, who died in July at 49, was able to see “Come See Me in the Good Light,” a film capturing their life with their wife, Megan Falley. Filmmaker Ryan White says the film, now streaming on Apple TV, balances humor and deep emotion. The project began with a suggestion from comedian Tig Notaro. Despite the heavy subject, the film focuses on living, not dying. Falley continues to tour with the film, sharing their love story and Gibson's legacy.

Critics warn Florida's new teaching standards rehabilitate aspects of the anti-communist Red Scare

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Critics are warning that Florida's new social studies standards rehabilitate aspects of McCarthyism and the anti-communist Red Scare. Mitzi Trumbo, whose Hollywood screenwriter father was blacklisted during the McCarthy era, finds the standards appalling. Approved Thursday, the standards say using terms like "McCarthyism" and "Red Scare" is slander against anti-communists. The standards soften criticism of Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led efforts to root out communists in various communities during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Many accused, including Dalton Trumbo, faced career bans. Mitzi Trumbo emphasizes that history should not be rewritten to fit current politics.

A suspect in the shooting of ‘Last Chance U’ coach John Beam is arrested, Oakland police say

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Police Department says a suspect has been arrested in the shooting of college football coach John Beam, known from Netflix's “Last Chance U.” Beam remains in critical condition after being shot on the school’s campus. This marks the second school shooting in Oakland in two days. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee praised Beam as a mentor and community leader. Two of Beam's former players, now in the NFL, expressed their support on social media. Beam, who started at Laney College in 2004, has helped 20 players reach the NFL.

Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 2025 Latin Grammys, capping an electric night

The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards were all about Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar won the first award of the night. He also won the night's top honor, album of the year. He ended his speech with “Puerto Rico, I love you, thank you.” Song of the year went to Karol G for “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Alejandro Sanz took home record of the year for “¿Y Ahora Qué?” The 2025 Person of the Year Raphael warmed the crowd with an emotive medley. The three-hour ceremony was held at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. It aired live on Univision.

Desert raves and apocalyptic doom collide in 'Sirāt,' one of the year's most talked about films

TORONTO (AP) — Since its prize-winning debut at the Cannes Film Festival, “Sirāt” has been one the year’s most talked about films. A primal beat sounds through Oliver Laxe's film, which morphs into a existential journey through approaching apocalypse. “Sirāt” means “path” or “way” in Arabic and the film is uncommonly blunt about what the future holds for its characters, and us. The Neon release has already been a box-office hit in Spain and in France, drawing comparisons to both “The Wages of Fear” and “Mad Max.” Not everyone has gone along with the intense odyssey of “Sirāt,” but it has, undeniably, struck a nerve.