AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 7:25 p.m. EST

LaMonte McLemore, singer and founding member of The 5th Dimension, dies at 90

Singer LaMonte McLemore has died at age 90. He was a founding member of The 5th Dimension, known for their smooth pop and soul hits in the 1960s and '70s. McLemore died Tuesday at his home in Las Vegas, surrounded by family. The 5th Dimension won six Grammy Awards, including record of the year twice for “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.” McLemore also had a career as a sports and celebrity photographer. He served in the U.S. Navy and played baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system before dedicating himself to music and photography.

Not just pups this time: 'Puppy Bowl' embraces older dogs

NEW YORK (AP) — The Puppy Bowl this year isn't just about puppies. Older dogs are getting attention with a halftime showdown between Team Oldies and Team Goldies. This aims to remind viewers that senior dogs also need adoption and love. The event airs Sunday, featuring 150 dogs from 72 shelters. The Puppy Bowl debuted in 2005 as counter-programming to the Super Bowl. It encourages animal adoption and has become a favorite for viewers. Adoption rates spiked during the pandemic but have recently dipped. The event highlights the benefits of adopting older dogs, who often bring calm and are already trained.

How Super Bowl halftime moments became flashpoints from the 'wardrobe malfunction' to caged kids

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Super Bowl halftime show, lasting about 13 minutes, has sparked decades of conversation. Iconic moments include Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's “wardrobe malfunction” and Beyoncé's “Formation” performance, which highlighted Black history and identity. These moments aren't just flashpoints; they amplify visibility and invite interpretation. As Bad Bunny prepares to perform, the focus is on Latin identity and potential social commentary. Past shows have tested NFL boundaries, like Jennifer Lopez's immigration critique and Eminem's tribute to Colin Kaepernick.

Veteran Olympics broadcaster Mary Carillo to replace Savannah Guthrie as co-host

NBC says that veteran Olympics broadcaster Mary Carillo will replace Savannah Guthrie as co-host of opening ceremonies for the Winter Games in Italy. Guthrie is staying in the United States as authorities in Arizona continue to search for her mother Nancy, who disappeared from her home last weekend in what investigators believe was a forced abduction. The mystery over Nancy Guthrie has cast a pall over what was expected to be the biggest week of the year for NBC, which is telecasting the Super Bowl along with the Olympics. Both events are among the few reliable draws for broadcast television in the current era.

David A. Ross resigns from School of Visual Arts after ties to Jeffrey Epstein surface

David A. Ross has resigned from the School of Visual Arts in New York after documents revealed his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Ross, who chaired the MFA art practice program, exchanged emails with Epstein from 2009 to 2016, calling him "incredible" and a friend. In one 2009 email, Epstein suggested an exhibition featuring young people, to which Ross responded positively. Ross later expressed regret, saying he was mortified when Epstein's crimes became clear. The emails are part of over 3 million pages released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, highlighting Epstein's connections.

Washington Post cuts a third of its staff in a blow to a legendary news brand

The Washington Post has laid off one-third of its staff, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage. The widespread purge announced Wednesday is a brutal blow to journalism and one of its most legendary brands. The Post’s executive editor, Matt Murray, called the move painful but necessary to put the outlet on stronger footing and weather changes in technology and user habits. He outlined the changes in a companywide online meeting. Staff members then began getting emails with one of two subject lines — telling them their role was or was not eliminated. Rumors of layoffs had circulated for weeks.

Movie Review: Caleb Landry Jones is a lovesick vampire with a fabulous wig in Besson’s ‘Dracula’

Move over, Emily! Dracula's in Paris, too. He also has a fabulous white wig, looking stylish even though he's over 400 years old. Caleb Landry Jones stars as a craggily handsome, lovesick count in Luc Besson's whimsical reimagining of the oft-told tale. There’s a lot that’s familiar in this version, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck in her review, but there's enough variety, panache and bravado to raise it up a notch. The film centers on Dracula's eternal search for his reincarnated bride, played by Zoë Bleu. Christoph Waltz is a determined vampire hunter, expertly playing the type of role he's done before. In theaters Friday.

Melania Trump meets with freed American-Israeli hostage whose story she features in her new film

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump has met at the White House with a freed American-Israeli hostage whose plight she featured in her new documentary. Keith Siegel was held for 484 days until being released last year under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire shortly after Donald Trump began his second term as president. Melania Trump on Wednesday recounted the emotional meeting she had with his wife in January 2025, a scene that she noted "was captured on camera and available to see in my film, ‘Melania.’” Asked by a reporter if it was appropriate for her to use an official White House event to promote her documentary, the first lady said she wasn’t doing that.

This year’s Super Bowl commercials feature AI, weight-loss drugs and celebrities galore

NEW YORK (AP) — As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the battle off the field for advertisers to win over 120 million-plus viewers will be just as heated as the rivalry on the field. Dozens of advertisers are pulling out all the stops for Super Bowl 60. They are hoping that audiences tuning in will remember their brand names as they stuff their ads with celebrities ranging from Kendall Jenner (Fanatics Sportsbook) to George Clooney (Grubhub), and tried-and-true ad icons like the Budweiser Clydesdales. This year’s trends include health and telehealth companies advertising weight loss drugs and advertisers showcasing AI.