Norman Rockwell people-watched in the West Wing lobby. Now those sketches are on public display
WASHINGTON (AP) — A series of Norman Rockwell sketches of scenes from the West Wing lobby is going on public display for the first time. The four 1940s-era sketches titled “So You Want to See the President!” depict U.S. senators, generals and even a Miss America biding time as they wait in the reception area. Rockwell spent hours at the White House, people-watching to create the sketches. The White House Historical Association paid more than $7 million last year for the sketches. They'll be on display through June 2027 at the association's “The People's House” exhibit near the White House.
Movie Review: Supergirl is a blast, but the movie doesn't match her punk-rock spirit
A punk-rock Supergirl is a welcome, jagged riff on more buttoned-up superheroes, and Milly Alcock is terrific in the role. If only “Supergirl” was as good as she is, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The latest DC release, and second under James Gunn’s stewardship, has its moments. But “Supergirl” struggles to match Kara’s punk rock energy with an equally spirited supporting cast and story. Alcock's Supergirl sports a Blondie T-shirt, not a spandex suit. When we meet her in Craig Gillespie’s film, she looks like she’s been on an interstellar bender for weeks. She’s more Courtney Love than Clark Kent.
What is the 2026 song of the summer? AP offers some predictions
NEW YORK (AP) — The song of the summer is a hot topic with no clear winner yet emerging for 2026. Last year, debates raged over whether Alex Warren's “Ordinary” fit the bill. The lack of a standout track like “Despacito” or “Old Town Road” could be due to diverse listening habits from music algorithms. This year, The Associated Press' list of songs of the summer includes undeniable hits like Drake's “Janice STFU” and Ella Langley's “Choosin’ Texas.” Other contenders include Slayyyter, Bruno Mars, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Shakira and Burna Boy. Each song offers something unique for a wide range of tastes and summer moods.
Movie Review: Sex is on the menu in Olivia Wilde's dinner party comedy of manners 'The Invite'
Soufflé is for dinner but much more is on the table in Olivia Wilde’s deliciously entertaining chamber comedy, “The Invite,” about a married couple on the rocks who have their upstairs neighbors over for an impromptu get together. Faster than I can say “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” you can probably predict some of where “The Invite” is going: a spread of quips, come-ons and marital catharsis all served on a tidy, single-setting plate. But even if you can sometimes feel the gears turning, Wilde’s third film is cunningly syncopated and cleverly acted enough to make it a very welcome modern twist on the drawing room comedy of manners, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.
Film academy invites 529 new members, including Jenna Ortega, the Safdie brothers and Jacob Elordi
NEW YORK (AP) — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday invited 529 members to the Oscar voting body, a new class that brings the group’s membership to nearly double what it was a decade ago. Among those who received invites are “One Battle After Another” nominee Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu. If all new members accept their invitations, the film academy will number 11,319, with 10,338 voting members. In 2016, the academy numbered closer to 6,000 members. To diversify its ranks, the Oscars organization has swelled in recent years
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Usher says tour with Chris Brown is about more than 2 stars. He makes the case for R&B in stadiums
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Usher is launching a stadium tour with Chris Brown and says Brown's legal troubles never influenced his decision. Usher says Brown is an amazing performer and works hard for his fans. The North American tour kicks off Friday in Denver and follows successful solo runs for both artists. Usher emphasizes that R&B deserves stadium recognition and honors artists who laid the genre's foundation. He tells The Associated Press that he believes the collaboration could inspire more artists to tour together, saying there's power in numbers and that it serves fans better.
Merlín the duck takes a trip to the stadium, but FIFA rules keep him out of Mexico match
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A viral sensation from this World Cup, Merlín the duck was at Mexico City's stadium before the national team's match against the Czech Republic. But he ultimately couldn't stay for Wednesday's game. The duck became famous after being seen in downtown Mexico City during celebrations of Mexico's opening victory. Accompanied by his owners Wednesday, Merlín traveled to the stadium under strict security. Although he couldn't stay for the match due to FIFA regulations, he filmed a segment with Televisa. Merlín has become a social media phenomenon and an unofficial mascot, even meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum. Despite not being in the stands, his owners believe Merlín brings luck to the Mexican team.
Charlie Brown's longtime pen pal is finally revealed in new Apple TV 'Peanuts' movie
NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Brown's pen pal is finally revealed in the animated movie “Snoopy Unleashed,” coming to Apple TV in 2027. Her name is Mia, a confident young girl from London who uses a wheelchair. The movie explores friendship as Mia visits Charlie Brown, causing him to confront the idealized version of himself he presented in letters. Snoopy's journey introduces a stray dog, adding to the theme of opposites attracting. The creators consulted disability groups to portray Mia authentically. The film aims to connect with audiences by exploring themes of authenticity and self-presentation.
Trump turns America 250 kickoff into a campaign-style rally on the National Mall
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sees America’s 250th anniversary as a chance to get the country excited again — about himself. The president addressed a rally Wednesday on the National Mall in Washington. The show included a series of flyovers by stealth bombers, music from military bands, and Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA." The rally is designed to kick off weeks of celebrations about the founding of America. Critics say Trump is turning the anniversary into a partisan event to try to boost his ratings — and those of his party — ahead of November congressional elections. But Trump declared of the nation, "Nobody’s laughing at us anymore.”
Dior moves Paris men’s show earlier as heat wave grips city
PARIS (AP) — Dior has moved its men’s Paris Fashion Week show to 9 a.m. to avoid extreme heat. Guests arrived Wednesday at the Musée Nissim de Camondo as a heat wave gripped Paris. Cold towels, strawberries and parasols were offered at the door. Inside, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson showed his latest Dior men’s collection. The temperature rose quickly, and water was in limited supply. Anderson’s collection was about formality losing its grip, with tuxedos loosened, denim ripped, and sequins flashing. The setting, a mansion caught between preservation and repair, added weight to the show, highlighting beauty in imperfection.
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