AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:01 p.m. EDT

Music Review: BTS’ long-awaited comeback album ‘ARIRANG’ is an exciting experiment

NEW YORK (AP) — The game-changing K-pop boy band BTS has returned after a nearly four-year musical hiatus. The 14-track album from the septet is here. It is titled “ARIRANG” after a popular, traditional Korean folk song. BTS is RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope. “ARIRANG” is the band’s first full-length release since all seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. In her review, Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman writes that “ARIRANG” is appropriately massive. She says the stadium-sized album serves as both a reintroduction to the band and as a keen reminder of their place atop popular culture conversation.

Noah Wyle tells hearing that 'The Pitt' shows TV and film production in the US can be revived

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Noah Wyle says his Emmy-winning show “The Pitt” is a domestic success story. He spoke at a hearing Friday on keeping film and television production in the United States. Wyle says the HBO Max series he stars in has taken advantage of state tax incentives to shoot at the Los Angeles-area Warner Bros. studios. Many shows have shifted to Canada or Europe for more favorable economic conditions. The hearing was hosted by California Sen. Adam Schiff in Burbank, home to most major studios. Schiff and others who spoke said they were especially worried by the pending merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. and its effects on production.

Chuck Norris, martial arts master and actor whose toughness became internet lore, dies at 86

The martial arts grandmaster and action star Chuck Norris has died. His roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy, sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents. He was 86. Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.” They didn't release details about his death. Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. His toughman image became the stuff of legend, sparking “Chuck Norris Facts” memes. He was also outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years.

Judge sides with New York Times in challenge to policy limiting reporters’ access to Pentagon

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a policy limiting news reporters’ access to the Pentagon, ruling that key portions of the new rules are unlawful. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman in Washington, D.C., sided with The New York Times and ruled that the Pentagon policy illegally restricts the press credentials of reporters who walked out of the building rather than agree to the new rules. The New York Times sued the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in December, claiming the credentialing policy violates the journalists’ constitutional rights to free speech and due process. A Pentagon spokesperson says it is "pursuing an immediate appeal.”

BTS fans stream to Seoul cafe, restaurant that once served as bases for the K-pop superstars

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — BTS fans are flocking to two Seoul spots that once served as bases for the group when they were training to be K-pop stars. On Friday, visitors stopped by Cafe Hyuga and a nearby restaurant, Yoojung Sikdang. They'd traveled from the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico, among other places. The cafe used to be a dormitory when band members slept, and the restaurant was where they practiced dance in the basement for years. Tens of thousands of fans are expected at Saturday's comeback concert, streaming live on Netflix. The band has returned after a four-year break during which they completed military service.

Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lee Majors and more react to the death of Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris’s death has sparked a wave of tributes from fellow action stars and fans. Norris died Thursday, in what his family describes as a “sudden passing.” Jean-Claude Van Damme shared condolences and called Norris a respected friend. Dolph Lundgren called him a champion and a role model. Sylvester Stallone said he loved working with him and praised him as “all American.” Lorenzo Lamas said there's an “angel of consequence at the gates.” Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, remembered Norris visiting U.S. veterans with his wife, Gena. He said they listened closely and left deeply moved.

Movie Review: Gosling, Lord and Miller make science fun in ‘Project Hail Mary’

Ryan Gosling plays a man stranded on a spaceship in the new film “Project Hail Mary,” opening in theaters on March 20. His character Ryland Grace wakes up from a coma alone in space, with no memory of how he got there. As his memory comes back, he teams up with an alien to try to figure out why the sun is dying. Phil Lord and Chris Miller direct the film based on an Andy Weir story. In her review, Associated Press Film Writer Lindsey Bahr says that it's as fun as it is awe-inspiring. It's rated PG-13.

ABC cancels 'Bachelorette' season with Taylor Frankie Paul, citing 2023 video

LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC has canceled its already filmed season of “The Bachelorette” starring Taylor Frankie Paul after a 2023 video surfaced. On Thursday, Disney Entertainment Television said was focused on supporting the family. The network made the move just days before the Sunday premiere. TMZ published a video of Paul punching, kicking and throwing chairs at her ex Dakota Mortensen. Police in Utah tell People magazine an investigation is open and allegations run both ways. Representatives for Paul and Mortensen didn’t immediately return requests for comment. Unlike previous leads, the 31-year-old had not appeared on the “Bachelor” franchise before

CBS News shutters its storied radio news service after nearly a century, ending an era

NEW YORK (AP) — CBS News says it's shutting down its radio news service after nearly a century of operation as part of a round of layoffs at the company. When it began operation in September 1927, the radio service was a precursor to the entire CBS network. It gave young executive William S. Paley his start and was the home of legendary broadcaster Edward Murrow’s reports from London during World War II. Today it is primarily known for its top-of-the-hour news roundups delivered to about 700 stations across the country. CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss said it will stop operating in May.