AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 4:59 p.m. EDT

Report: Scott Pelley of '60 Minutes' accuses CBS News head Bari Weiss of 'murdering' the show

NEW YORK (AP) — Reports say Scott Pelley has accused CBS head Bari Weiss of "murdering" the hugely successful “60 Minutes.” The longtime correspondent made the remarks during a tense meeting with the newsmagazine's staff and new producer Nick Bilton. The Status website reports that Pelley grilled Bilton about the firings last week of Bilton's predecessor Tanya Simon, and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. Pelley reportedly also told Bilton, a former technology journalist, that he had slender qualifications for his job. Weiss, a polarizing figure, has called for a "new approach" to keep the show thriving. She did not attend the meeting.

How do you make vampires fly effortlessly on Broadway? Strong wires, harnesses and lots of practice

NEW YORK (AP) — Choreographers Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher “Cree” Grant have earned a Tony Award nomination for their work on "The Lost Boys." They were tasked with making vampires fly, fight and hang upside-down on stage. The couple describes the process as a real-life game of Tetris, requiring careful planning to ensure safety and a seamless performance. The show, based on the 1987 cult film, features vampires with an effortless, cool vibe. The Grants collaborated with Flying by Foy and aerial designers to achieve the effect. The actors trained extensively, mastering harnesses and quick-releases to create a magical experience.

From her bookstore in Nashville, Ann Patchett drives the literary conversation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ann Patchett often finds ways to help others, whether it's promoting a fellow author's book or supporting emerging writers. At 62, she’s a celebrated novelist and co-owner of the independent bookstore Parnassus. Her latest novel, “Whistler,” explores themes of connection and decency. Patchett believes most people are good, despite the negativity often portrayed in the news. She was recently honored by PEN America for her literary contributions. Patchett’s journey as a writer began early, and she’s inspired others to pursue their dreams, including fellow author Emma Straub, who opened her own bookstore.

A guide to the bookstores owned by your favorite authors

NEW YORK (AP) — Ann Patchett opened Parnassus Books in 2011 when physical bookstores seemed endangered. Now, author-owned bookstores are thriving across the U.S. Judy Blume runs Books & Books in Key West, Florida, where she often helps customers herself. Louise Erdrich’s Birchbark Books in Minnesota focuses on Indigenous literature. Lauren Groff’s The Lynx Books in Gainesville, Florida, emphasizes banned books. Jeff Kinney’s An Unlikely Story in Massachusetts is a massive literary hub. George R.R. Martin’s Beastly Books in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a haven for speculative fiction. Emma Straub’s Books Are Magic in New York has become a local favorite.

Fans of '00s Death Cab for Cutie take note: Their new album is about grief — and it's for you

NEW YORK (AP) — Death Cab for Cutie are gearing up to release a new album titled “I Built You a Tower.” It arrives Friday. The band has been reflecting on their past successes while also experiencing personal changes. Guitarist Dave Depper describes the energy from recent anniversary tours as inspiring. Singer Ben Gibbard shares that his recent divorce influenced the album's themes of grief and compartmentalization. The band credits producer John Congleton for encouraging them to embrace imperfections. They began writing in 2023, and the album was recorded in three weeks. This summer, they will tour with the new music.

What to Stream: 'Hoppers,' 'Love Island,' Lizzo and Death Cab for Cutie albums

New albums from Lizzo and Death Cab for Cutie, along with the streaming debut of the animated hit “Hoppers,” are among the entertainment highlights this week. “Hoppers,” a Pixar comedy about environmental protection, lands on Disney+ on Wednesday. Jennifer Lopez stars in “Office Romance,” a rom-com arriving on Netflix on Friday. On Tuesday, the next season of “Love Island” premieres with a new cast and big expectations from audiences. Gamers looking for a more relaxing time may want to check out the quiet puzzle game “Swan Song,” which is out Thursday.

YouTuber box office boom: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ draw Gen Z to theaters

An indie horror with internet origins has beaten the legacy franchise Star Wars at the box office this weekend. According to studio estimates on Sunday, “Backrooms” made an astonishing $81.4 million in its first weekend in theaters. It easily topped the box office over “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” which fell sharply in its second weekend, earning $25 million to take third place. Second place went to another indie horror, “Obsession,” which has continued its unprecedented run, making more money in its third weekend than it did in its first.

50 years on, Fela's legendary 'Zombie' album still resonates in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — In 1976, Fela Kuti's song "Zombie" became a powerful protest against Nigeria's military rule. The military had been in power for a decade, and Fela's music criticized their control. His lyrics mocked soldiers' blind obedience, resonating with those frustrated by the regime. The song's release led to a brutal response from the government. Soldiers raided Fela's residence, causing destruction and injury. Despite the crackdown, "Zombie" remains a significant cultural milestone. Fela's bold defiance and the song's impact are unmatched, highlighting the enduring struggle against oppressive authority in Nigeria.

Egypt unveils a striking trove of ancient artifacts as the country tries to boost tourism industry

CAIRO (AP) — Archaeologists have unearthed ancient artifacts in Egypt including Pharaonic funerary furniture and a marble head of Greek goddess Aphrodite. The discoveries were announced Sunday. They are part of Egypt's efforts to boost tourism and support the economy. The remains of a Roman basilica and Aphrodite’s head were found in Beni Suef south of Cairo. A nearly complete set of funerary furniture was found in the Matariya neighborhood of Cairo. The findings highlight Egypt's rich history and aim to attract more tourists. Tourism has been recovering after political turmoil and the pandemic. A record number of tourists visited Egypt last year.