AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 11:38 a.m. EDT

Oprah Winfrey picks Megha Majumdar's 'A Guardian and a Thief' for book club

NEW YORK (AP) — Megha Majumdar's novel “A Guardian and a Thief” is now Oprah Winfrey's book club pick. The book is already a finalist for the National Book Award and Kirkus Prize. Set in the near future, it explores themes of drought, flooding, crime and food shortages. The story contrasts a family trying to emigrate from India to the U.S. with a thief who has stolen their papers. This is Majumdar's first novel since her acclaimed debut, “A Burning,” in 2020. Winfrey praised the book for its captivating storytelling. Her conversation with Majumdar is available on Winfrey's YouTube channel.

Taylor Swift's ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ makes history by selling 4 million copies in first week

NEW YORK (AP) — That’s show business for you! Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” has officially sold 4.002 million equivalent album units in its first week in the United States. That is the biggest first week in modern music history. That’s according to Luminate, the industry data and analytics company that began tracking sales in 1991. Swift broke the record set by Adele’s “25,” which sold 3.378 million copies in its first week in 2015 in the U.S. The news arrived following the announcement of two forthcoming Disney+ projects. Swift will premiere a six-episode, behind-the-scenes docuseries of her landmark Eras Tour. There will also be an updated concert film.

From Grammy winner to children's author: Laufey's new book is 'Mei Mei the Bunny'

NEW YORK (AP) — Laufey, the Grammy-winning artist, is creating a children's story inspired by her mascot-alias, Mei Mei The Bunny. Penguin Workshop announced Tuesday that Laufey's picture book, “Mei Mei the Bunny,” will be published April 21. Illustrated by Lauren O'Hara, the book tells of Mei Mei's determination to become a professional musician even as she encounters some initial struggles. Laufey, known for her blend of pop, classical, and jazz, expressed excitement about sharing Mei Mei's story. She hopes it inspires readers of all ages. Laufey's 2023 album, “Bewitched,” won a Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album.

Alec and Stephen Baldwin escape injury after their vehicle hits a tree in New York

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Alec Baldwin and his younger brother Stephen escaped injury when their vehicle struck a tree in New York. In a video posted to Instagram late Monday, Alec Baldwin said he was driving his wife’s Range Rover in East Hampton on Monday when he was cut off by a garbage truck “the size of a whale.” The 67-year-old actor and his 59-year-old brother were in the vehicle on their way back from attending the Hamptons International Film Festival. Alec Baldwin said that neither he nor his brother were injured, but the vehicle they were in had extensive damage.

Marc Maron ends his podcast with final guest Barack Obama after 16 years and nearly 1,700 episodes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Barack Obama has helped Marc Maron close out his podcast, “WTF With Marc Maron,” after 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. Obama first appeared on the show a decade ago and joined Maron for the final episode released on Monday. The two talked in Obama's Washington office. Maron shared his feelings about ending the podcast, expressing readiness for a break but also fear of what comes next. Obama offered advice on moving forward, encouraging Maron to reflect and not rush into new projects. The episode marked the end of a pioneering podcast that began as a venue for stand-up comedians but became a major media player.

New York Times, AP, Newsmax among news outlets who say they won't sign new Pentagon rules

The New York Times, The Associated Press and the conservative television network Newsmax are among five outlets on Monday who say they won't sign a new Defense Department document about its new press rules. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's team has said that reporters who don't sign onto their new rules will be thrown out of the Pentagon on Wednesday if they don't agree. The new rules declare large swaths of the  Pentagon off-limits to reporters and declares that journalists who report information not formally approved by Hegseth's team risk getting their access revoked. The Pentagon says the rules are “common sense.” Journalists say they punish routine newsgathering.

From ‘Annie Hall’ to ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ 6 great Diane Keaton films and where to watch them

Diane Keaton has always stood out in Hollywood. Known for her eccentric charm, she has been a muse to many directors. Her career spans five decades with memorable roles in films like “The Godfather,” where she played Kay Adams. In “Annie Hall,” she showcased her quirky style, while “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” became a cult classic. In “Reds,” she starred alongside Warren Beatty. “Baby Boom” explored motherhood with humor, and “Something’s Gotta Give” made her a romantic lead at 57. Keaton’s unique presence continues to captivate audiences.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Oct. 19-25

Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Oct. 19-25 include “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Glen Powell, reality TV star Kim Kardashian and country singer Kane Brown. Country singer Shelby Lynne turns 57, reggae-rapper Shaggy hits 57 and director Spike Jonze reaches 56. Other celebrities with big days include rapper-actor Drake, actor John Lithgow and “Poor Things” actor Margaret Qualley. Actor Amandla Stenberg turns 27, singer Katy Perry celebrates 41 and “Brokeback Mountain” director Ang Lee welcomes 71. Others with milestones include guitarist Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, actor John Krasinski and singer Matthew Shultz of Cage the Elephant.

Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion says creative upbringing shaped his vision of innovation and freedom

PARIS (AP) — French Nobel economics laureate Philippe Aghion reflects on the creative roots that shaped his award-winning ideas about innovation and growth. Aghion pays homage to his family, particularly his mother, Gaby Aghion, who founded the fashion house Chloé. She pioneered Parisian ready-to-wear as a freer, more feminine alternative to haute couture. Aghion shares this year’s Nobel Memorial Prize in economics with Joel Mokyr and Peter Howitt for research on how technological change drives prosperity. He recalls a childhood surrounded by artists, including designer Karl Lagerfeld, which continues to inspire his pursuit of economic freedom.