AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 9:33 p.m. EST

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.

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.

Fans race to learn Spanish before Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show

Bad Bunny's highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show is set entirely in Spanish. That has sparked interest in learning the language to understand the hugely popular Puerto Rican singer's lyrics. This performance marks a significant moment for Latino culture, showcasing the growing influence of Latin music in the U.S. His performance is seen as a celebration of diversity amid the Trump administration's anti-immigrant actions. The event is expected to create conversations about Latino representation on a global stage. The NFL's decision to pick Bad Bunny has angered conservatives. Some have called the choice anti-American even though Puerto Rico-born citizens are also U.S. citizens.

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.

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.

The former Prince Andrew moves to King Charles III's private estate after Epstein document uproar

LONDON (AP) — The former Prince Andrew has moved out of his longtime home on crown-owned land near Windsor Castle earlier than expected, after the latest release of documents from the U.S. investigation of Jeffrey Epstein revived questions about his friendship with the convicted sex offender. The 65-year-old brother of King Charles III is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He left the Royal Lodge in Windsor on Monday and now lives on the king’s Sandringham estate. That's according to a person familiar with the matter. The move to Sandringham was announced in October when Charles stripped him of his royal titles amid revelations about links to Epstein.

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.

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.