AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 9:00 a.m. EDT

Taylor Swift's ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ makes history by selling 4 million copies in first week

NEW YORK (AP) — That’s show business for you! Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” has officially sold 4.002 million equivalent album units in its first week in the United States. That is the biggest first week in modern music history. That’s according to Luminate, the industry data and analytics company that began tracking sales in 1991. Swift broke the record set by Adele’s “25,” which sold 3.378 million copies in its first week in 2015 in the U.S. The news arrived following the announcement of two forthcoming Disney+ projects. Swift will premiere a six-episode, behind-the-scenes docuseries of her landmark Eras Tour. There will also be an updated concert film.

From Grammy winner to children's author: Laufey's new book is 'Mei Mei the Bunny'

NEW YORK (AP) — Laufey, the Grammy-winning artist, is creating a children's story inspired by her mascot-alias, Mei Mei The Bunny. Penguin Workshop announced Tuesday that Laufey's picture book, “Mei Mei the Bunny,” will be published April 21. Illustrated by Lauren O'Hara, the book tells of Mei Mei's determination to become a professional musician even as she encounters some initial struggles. Laufey, known for her blend of pop, classical, and jazz, expressed excitement about sharing Mei Mei's story. She hopes it inspires readers of all ages. Laufey's 2023 album, “Bewitched,” won a Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album.

Marc Maron ends his podcast with final guest Barack Obama after 16 years and nearly 1,700 episodes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Barack Obama has helped Marc Maron close out his podcast, “WTF With Marc Maron,” after 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. Obama first appeared on the show a decade ago and joined Maron for the final episode released on Monday. The two talked in Obama's Washington office. Maron shared his feelings about ending the podcast, expressing readiness for a break but also fear of what comes next. Obama offered advice on moving forward, encouraging Maron to reflect and not rush into new projects. The episode marked the end of a pioneering podcast that began as a venue for stand-up comedians but became a major media player.

New York Times, AP, Newsmax among news outlets who say they won't sign new Pentagon rules

The New York Times, The Associated Press and the conservative television network Newsmax are among five outlets on Monday who say they won't sign a new Defense Department document about its new press rules. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's team has said that reporters who don't sign onto their new rules will be thrown out of the Pentagon on Wednesday if they don't agree. The new rules declare large swaths of the  Pentagon off-limits to reporters and declares that journalists who report information not formally approved by Hegseth's team risk getting their access revoked. The Pentagon says the rules are “common sense.” Journalists say they punish routine newsgathering.

From ‘Annie Hall’ to ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ 6 great Diane Keaton films and where to watch them

Diane Keaton has always stood out in Hollywood. Known for her eccentric charm, she has been a muse to many directors. Her career spans five decades with memorable roles in films like “The Godfather,” where she played Kay Adams. In “Annie Hall,” she showcased her quirky style, while “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” became a cult classic. In “Reds,” she starred alongside Warren Beatty. “Baby Boom” explored motherhood with humor, and “Something’s Gotta Give” made her a romantic lead at 57. Keaton’s unique presence continues to captivate audiences.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Oct. 19-25

Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Oct. 19-25 include “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Glen Powell, reality TV star Kim Kardashian and country singer Kane Brown. Country singer Shelby Lynne turns 57, reggae-rapper Shaggy hits 57 and director Spike Jonze reaches 56. Other celebrities with big days include rapper-actor Drake, actor John Lithgow and “Poor Things” actor Margaret Qualley. Actor Amandla Stenberg turns 27, singer Katy Perry celebrates 41 and “Brokeback Mountain” director Ang Lee welcomes 71. Others with milestones include guitarist Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, actor John Krasinski and singer Matthew Shultz of Cage the Elephant.

Nobel laureate Philippe Aghion says creative upbringing shaped his vision of innovation and freedom

PARIS (AP) — French Nobel economics laureate Philippe Aghion reflects on the creative roots that shaped his award-winning ideas about innovation and growth. Aghion pays homage to his family, particularly his mother, Gaby Aghion, who founded the fashion house Chloé. She pioneered Parisian ready-to-wear as a freer, more feminine alternative to haute couture. Aghion shares this year’s Nobel Memorial Prize in economics with Joel Mokyr and Peter Howitt for research on how technological change drives prosperity. He recalls a childhood surrounded by artists, including designer Karl Lagerfeld, which continues to inspire his pursuit of economic freedom.

Toby Talbot, leading patron of art house film, dies at 96, report says

NEW YORK (AP) — Toby Talbot, a great patron of art house cinema, has died at age 96. Talbot and her husband, Dan, helped introduce audiences to works from Jean-Luc Godard, Pedro Almodovar and hundreds of other international filmmakers and to American favorites old and new. Through their distribution company, New Yorker Films, and such prominent Manhattan theaters as Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, the Talbots were a force behind the transformation of movies in the 1960s and ‘70s from popular entertainment to an art form. A famous scene from Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” was filmed at one of their theaters.

'Tron: Ares' tops box office but falls short of expectations with $33.5 million debut

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Tron: Ares" has powered up the box office grid, taking the top spot this weekend. Despite some favorable reviews, Disney's sci-fi film fell short of expectations, earning $33.5 million. This big-budget project, starring Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges, arrived 15 years after "Tron: Legacy." The film follows a battle between two technology firms facing an artificial intelligence barrier. "Tron: Ares" was packed with action and nostalgia, but it wasn't enough to draw big numbers across more than 4,000 theaters. Another new release such as "Roofman" struggled to connect with audiences.