AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 12:03 p.m. EDT

Taylor Swift files 3 new trademark applications. One expert says it is to curb AI threats

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Friday. A legal expert theorizes it is to protect her voice and image from potential misuse through artificial intelligence. Two of the applications are sound trademarks covering her voice. One is of her saying “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift.” The other is “Hey, it’s Taylor.” And the third application is a visual trademark, a photograph of Swift on stage holding a pink guitar. Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben theorized that the trademarks are “specifically designed to protect Taylor from threats posed by artificial intelligence.” Swift has been a target of AI misuse in the past.

WNBA star Caitlin Clark to publish a children's book based on her life

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark is releasing a picture book this fall based on her life. Random House Books for Young Readers has announced Tuesday that “EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams” will be published in November. The WNBA star shares a message about the importance of effort and support through rhyming verse. Clark was inspired by a quote from her childhood mirror that read: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA.” She hopes the book reminds children that they’re never alone in chasing their dreams. The 24-year-old Indiana Fever guard recently returned to playing after injuries limited her in 2025.

Kid Rock flies in Army helicopter weeks after flights near his house drew scrutiny

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kid Rock and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both flew in Army Apache attack helicopters at a base in Virginia on Monday. It comes weeks after military pilots drew scrutiny for hovering near the country music star’s Tennessee home. Top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell says the flights supported a “community relations event” for a White House-led initiative that's coordinating events for America’s 250th anniversary commemoration. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and Democratic Rep. Jason Crow criticized the flights Monday. Hegseth had shut down an inquiry into the Apache flights in March near the home of the musician, who is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump.

Summer Movie Preview: Nolan, Spider-Man and 'Toy Story' light up the cinemas

Hollywood's summer movie season is packed with big names and franchises. Universal Pictures is releasing Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day.” Franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Minions,” “Star Wars,” and “Toy Story” are also set to draw crowds. This year, Disney kicks off the season with “The Devil Wears Prada 2" instead of a Marvel film. The industry is adapting to changes, with streaming and altered viewing habits impacting box office numbers. Despite challenges, directors like James Cameron remain optimistic about the future of theatrical releases. The summer movie season runs from May through August.

Man pleads guilty to plotting attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna

WIENER NEUSTADT, Austria (AP) — A man accused of plotting to attack one of superstar singer Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna nearly two years ago has pleaded guilty as his trial began on Tuesday. The plot was thwarted, but Austrian authorities still canceled Swift’s three planned performances in August 2024. The defendant faced charges including terrorist offenses and membership in a terrorist organization. His defense attorney says her client has pleaded guilty to the charges related to the concert plot and that he regrets it. A representative for Swift did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.

Man pleads guilty in the 2002 killing of Jam Master Jay of rap pioneers Run-DMC

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly a quarter-century after rap star Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC was shot to death, a man admitted in court Monday to a role in a killing that stymied investigators for decades. Jay Bryant pleaded guilty to a federal murder charge, telling a judge that he helped other people get into a recording studio so they could ambush the DJ, born Jason Mizell. The 52-year-old’s admission brings some closure — but also adds complexity — to a knotty case. Bryant didn’t name the other people with whom he acted. But a jury in 2024 convicted two other men, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington, yet a judge subsequently cleared Jordan. Washington has also challenged his conviction.

Robot dogs with Musk and Zuckerberg heads roam around Berlin museum in Beeple's new exhibit

BERLIN (AP) — Robot dogs with hyper-realistic silicone heads modeled after famous figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are roaming a Berlin museum. They occasionally “poo” printed images of their surroundings, captured with integrated cameras. This interactive installation by American artist Beeple is at Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie. Each image reflects the personality of the dog’s human figure, like Picasso's Cubist style. The exhibition comments on how algorithms shape our perceptions. Beeple, a prominent digital artist, is known for his “everyday” movement in 3D graphics. His work has sold for millions, marking significant milestones in digital art.

Trumps call for ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel — again — after morbid joke about first lady

Both President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are calling on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel after the late-night comic joked last week that the first lady had “the glow of an expectant widow.” Kimmel made the joke while delivering a mock comic routine for the White House Correspondents' Association dinner — two nights before that event was cut short when a man tried to rush the ballroom where the Trumps and other leaders were. The president said Kimmel's words were “beyond the pale.” Kimmel described the joke during his Monday night monologue as a light roast about the first couple’s age difference.

Melanie C says she's bringing joy to the club with 'Sweat,' an athletic album from the Spice Girl

NEW YORK (AP) — Melanie C, also know as Mel C or Sporty Spice from the game-changing ‘90s girl group the Spice Girls, will release a new album on Friday. Her ninth solo album is called “Sweat.” The title track and lead single is equal parts club banger and workout anthem, something for the DJ booth and a runner’s playlist. She told The Associated Press her recent foray into deejaying directly inspired the new record. It’s all about the joy of the dance floor and her trademark athleticism. She says she hopes the new release motivates her fans but also provides them with some catharsis.