AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:49 p.m. EST

Evoking a Pacific Northwest past, 'Train Dreams' stirs a plaintive elegy

TORONTO (AP) — It’s popular in Hollywood to follow the tax credits wherever they go, but that was never going to be much of an option for “Train Dreams.” When director Clint Bentley embarked on adapting Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella, he knew the book’s early 20th century Idaho and Washington setting would take him into the Pacific Northwest forests. Johnson’s book is a small miracle: a slender and quiet tale of the simple life of a logger and railroad worker named Robert Grainier. He’s a small, almost infinitesimal piece in a larger drama of time’s march forward and the inexorable maw of progress cutting through an untamed landscape. “Train Dreams,” starring Joel Edgerton, is currently in theaters before streaming Nov. 21 on Netflix.

Singer Akon arrested near Atlanta for missing court over suspended license

CHAMBLEE, Ga. (AP) — Hip-hop artist Akon was arrested last week in suburban Atlanta for not appearing in court over a ticket for driving with a suspended license. Police records show Akon, whose legal name is Aliaune Thiam, was arrested Friday by Chamblee police. He was taken to the DeKalb County jail and transferred to Roswell police, who booked him into another jail. Akon posted bail and was released the same day. Police reports show he was cited Sept. 10 for driving without insurance and having a suspended license after police found him in a disabled Tesla Cybertruck. Akon is currently on tour in India and performed in Delhi on Sunday.

Harvey Weinstein prosecutors say defense's jury misconduct claims are 'implausible'

NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors are urging a judge to reject Harvey Weinstein’s claims that his June sexual assault conviction was marred by threats and bullying among jurors. The Manhattan district attorney's office responded Wednesday after the disgraced movie mogul’s lawyers raised the issue last month. The defense submitted sworn affidavits last month from two jurors who said they regretted voting to convict Weinstein and only did so because others on the panel bullied them during five contentious days of deliberations. Prosecutors said the jurors’ claims were “inconsistent and implausible” and that they provided no legal basis for Weinstein’s lawyers to challenge his conviction. Judge Curtis Farber said he’ll rule on Dec. 22.

Meghan Trainor says she 'Still Don't Care' — because her new album and tour are about growth

NEW YORK (AP) — Meghan Trainor will release her seventh studio album in April. It's called “Toy with Me.” The lead single is a jovial, ‘80s-pop, self-empowerment song, “Still Don't Care,” that features Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying as well as Trainor’s mom, brother and sister-in-law. Trainor tells The Associated Press that she wrote the song after receiving a lot of hate online, particularly via comments about her fitness and health journey. Trainor also announced a 2026 tour with Icona Pop. The Get in Girl tour kicks off June 12 in Clarkston, Michigan, and ends Aug. 15 in Los Angeles. Tickets will become available to the general public on Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. local time.

Adele will make her acting debut in Tom Ford’s adaptation of ‘Cry to Heaven’

NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Ford has enlisted Adele to co-star in an adaptation of Anne Rice’s “Cry to Heaven." His production company confirmed Adele's feature film acting debut Wednesday. Ford is writing, directing, and producing the film. The ensemble cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, George MacKay, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, Owen Cooper, and Hunter Schafer. Rice’s 1982 novel is set in the opera world of 18th century Italy. “Cry to Heaven” is currently in pre-production and aims for a fall 2026 release. This will be Ford's third feature film. He's financing it himself.

9 pitch-perfect holiday gifts for the music lovers in your life

Shopping for a music fan is no easy task. It seems like it should be. Know their favorite artists? Simply buy them an album on the physical medium of their choice. But how can you be certain they don’t already own it? The best presents are a bit more creative than that. Consider a massive new oral history courtesy of Paul McCartney. Or a pocket-size drum machine. How about Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's delicious gin or Olivia Rodrigo's “GUTS” tour book? There's also Bad Bunny's limited-edition merchandise and HUNTR/X leader Rumi’s bright yellow bomber jacket from “KPop Demon Hunters.” Consider a new book from Dolly Parton, and so much more.

This gift guide for movie lovers ranges from candles and pj's to books for babies and adults

If you're shopping for a movie lover, think beyond Blu-Rays and gift cards. Consider unique gifts like a Sundance Film Festival pass or a “Bob Ferguson”-inspired robe. For homebodies, Mise en Scènt candles offer scents inspired by classic films. For new parents, “Baby’s First Movie” books introduce kids to different genres. Wes Anderson fans might love the Criterion Collection’s box set of his films. Roger Deakins’ memoir offers a visual journey through his cinematography career. For game lovers, the Celluloid card game challenges film buffs. Finally, the Kino Film Collection streaming service provides a diverse selection of art house films.

MSNBC's name is being replaced, but its leaders insist that its mission will remain the same

NEW YORK (AP) — MSNBC enters the hall of retired corporate names this weekend, with the network formally switching over to MS NOW. It's all part of the corporate divorce from NBC News. NBC Universal's parent company Comcast spun most of its cable networks off into a new company, Versant, primarily because cable networks aren't exactly desirable in the new media world. That stung at first, some at MSNBC acknowledge. But the company is choosing to embrace the ethos of a startup. The liberal news network's lineup remains the same, but it has built a new studio and hired a new reporting staff to make up for losing its partnership with NBC.

Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader and childhood friend, dies at 59

Jimmy Kimmel is mourning the death of his longtime friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. Escobedo was 59. Kimmel announced the news Tuesday on Instagram and expressed deep heartbreak. The two met as children in Las Vegas and grew up across the street from each other. Escobedo became a professional saxophonist, touring with Earth, Wind and Fire and Paula Abdul. When ABC's “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” began in 2003, Kimmel chose Escobedo to lead the house band. Kimmel said they had unmatched chemistry. Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori and their two children. Kimmel asked for prayers for Escobedo’s family.