AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:39 p.m. EDT

This year’s song of the summer is a ballad, not a banger. Here's what that says about us

NEW YORK (AP) — Every summer, one song emerges as the inescapable summer anthem. It's a phenomenon so reliable it's earned its own term in the media zeitgeist. But this year, the typical song of the summer seems to have gone missing. In its place is the slow, romantic ballad “Ordinary” by Alex Warren. But why? Listeners are gravitating toward nostalgia, favoring older hits from the “recession pop” era and streaming fewer new releases. Experts also suggest the appeal of “Ordinary” reflects the state of the world and the well-being of listeners in general.

A John Candy documentary gives Toronto film fest a tender and appropriately Canadian opening night

TORONTO (AP) — The documentary “John Candy: I Like Me,” directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, is a tribute not just to Candy the actor, but Candy, the man. On Thursday night, it premieres as the opening night film of the Toronto International Film Festival. For a beloved Canadian icon like Candy, whose nickname was “Johnny Toronto,” the setting could hardly be more fitting. To reference Candy’s cameo in “The Blues Brothers,” it’s an occasion that calls for orange whips, all around. The movie is a kind of cinematic eulogy for Candy, who died of heart failure at the age of 43 in 1994. But Candy might be even more popular three decades after his death.

Long in the shadows, a new generation of songwriters gain recognition and success as artists

New York (AP) — A new generation of songwriters are stepping into the spotlight, gaining recognition alongside the artists they write for. In recent years, figures like Muni Long and Julia Michaels have emerged as successful performers in their own right. This shift is partly due to fans' growing interest in the creators behind their favorite songs. Platforms like TikTok and artists acknowledging their collaborators have also played a role. Songwriters are releasing music under their own names, seeking creative autonomy and financial benefits. Despite challenges, this trend highlights a new era where songwriters are celebrated for their talents, so says Amy Allen, Julia Michaels and PYNK BEARD.

‘The Paper’ blends the absurdity of 'The Office' and the optimism of 'Parks and Recreation'

"The Paper," a new spinoff from "The Office," is now streaming on Peacock. It follows the Toledo Truth Teller, a local newspaper often overlooked by its community. The show introduces Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson, as the idealistic new editor-in-chief. He aims to revive the paper's glory without hiring new reporters. Oscar Martinez, from "The Office," returns as an accountant at Enervate, the company that owns the Truth Teller. Unlike "The Office," the Truth Teller staff enjoys their work, creating a different vibe. The show avoids copying "The Office" style, focusing on intentional moments.

Giorgio Armani, who dressed the powerful and famous from boardroom to Hollywood, dies at 91

MILAN (AP) — The iconic Italian designer Giorgio Armani has died at 91. Armani revolutionized Italian ready-to-wear fashion in the late 1970s with his relaxed silhouette. From the executive office to the Hollywood screen, Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in supersoft fabrics and muted tones. His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets. Today, the Armani empire has an army of more than 9,000 employees. His empire, worth over $10 billion, included clothing, accessories and more.

Justin Bieber announces 'Swag ll' will arrive Friday

NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Bieber is preparing to surprise fans once more. The singer announced on Instagram Thursday morning that a release titled “Swag II” will arrive at midnight. It follows his seventh studio album “Swag," which dropped in July hours after he teased it on billboards and social media posts. The popstar posted the “Swag II” artwork on Instagram. It is a pale pink with the text “Swag II” featured in the center. He also shared an image of himself, his wife model Hailey Bieber and their infant son, Jack Blues Bieber. “Swag II Tonight Midnight,” he wrote in the caption.

Fall Movie Guide: Here are the films coming out from September to Christmas

Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is back. So are the stars of “Wicked” and the animals of “Zootopia.” Summer may be known as sequel season, but part twos, and threes, will play big roles this fall at the movies. That goes not just for the likes Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2,” but for new installments in family sagas from the Crawleys to the Na’vi. Still, much of the season will belong, as it always does, to original dramas and awards contenders. Hollywood tends to save its best for last.

From slaughterhouse worker to literary giant: George Saunders wins National Book Award

NEW YORK (AP) — George Saunders has been named this year's winner of the National Book Award for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters. The National Book Foundation announced the honor on Friday. Saunders, known for his bestselling short story collection “Tenth of December,” is celebrated for his unique blend of humor, poignant narratives and social commentary. At 66, he is the youngest recipient since 2004. His work often combines dark humor with a deep faith in humanity. Saunders' first novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo,” won the Booker Prize in 2017. His next novel, “Vigil,” is set for release early next year.

Movie Review: In audacious dark comedy ‘Twinless,’ grief and loneliness lead down disturbing paths

Filmmaker James Sweeney started with a fascination: twins. He never had one, but wanted one. The result is his second feature, “Twinless,” starring Sweeney himself and a terrific Dylan O'Brien, who plays two very different twins. Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes in her review that “Twinless” is an audacious meditation on the nature of twindom but also on the subjectivity of grief and the scourge of loneliness. The film begins as a poignant bromance, an unlikely duo sharing experiences of loss. But 20 minutes in, everything starts to look very different. Opens Friday in theaters.