AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 9:20 p.m. EDT

Inside the Kennedy Center as it prepares for a 2-year renovation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center is poised to undergo major renovations, with President Donald Trump calling it “tired, broken, and dilapidated.” Artists like Jane Fonda and Billy Porter see it as a protest site symbolizing the administration's influence on cultural institutions. The new executive director, Matt Floca, led journalists through the building on Wednesday, highlighting water damage and outdated equipment. Repairs are expected to take two years, with Congress providing $257 million for the project. Trump is heavily involved in the plans. The renovations aim to address structural issues while maintaining the venue's iconic elements.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez, girl who singer D4vd is charged with killing, died from penetrating wounds

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl singer D4vd is charged with killing, died from penetrating injuries. That's according to an autopsy report released Wednesday by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. Her death was ruled a homicide. A judge had ordered the report sealed for months at the request of law enforcement after the girl’s dismembered and decomposed body was found. The 21-year-old alt-pop singer whose legal name is David Burke pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder. According to the report released Wednesday, she had significant wounds to her torso, likely caused by a sharp object. Her body had so degraded that examiners couldn’t even determine her eye color.

Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic known for 'We Just Disagree' and 'Feelin’ Alright,' dies at 79

NEW YORK (AP) — Dave Mason, co-founder of the psychedelic British band Traffic and songwriter behind “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe,” died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was 79. A cause was not immediately revealed. Mason canceled his remaining tour dates last summer, citing health issues stemming from an infection. Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 for classics including “Feelin' Alright?” which he co-wrote with Traffic frontman Steve Winwood. It wasn't an immediate hit, but became one after it was covered by the likes of Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips and Grand Funk Railroad.

An Instagram DM changed everything for Rachel Reid, Jacob Tierney and 'Heated Rivalry'

NEW YORK (AP) — Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney were sensations at BookCon, thanks to the success of “Heated Rivalry.” The show is based on Reid's “Game Changer” series and has boosted the popularity of the hockey romance genre. Since its debut last November, it has made stars of actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Tierney plans to start filming the second season this summer, while Reid works on a third book. Despite her Parkinson's diagnosis, Reid remains committed to her writing. Both creators enjoy exploring the evolving relationship of their characters, Shane and Ilya, and the impact of their work on fans.

Beyoncé, Bezos, baubles and bustiers: What to know about the 2026 Met Gala

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s nearly upon us: The Met Gala is back on May 4. This year’s broad dress code, “Fashion is Art,” promises to produce some truly flamboyant ensembles when stars make their way up the carpeted museum steps. None other than Beyoncé is co-chairing, along with Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. The gala is a huge fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Last year it brought in more than $31 million, another record sum. Speaking of record sums: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are footing much of the bill as lead sponsors and honorary chairs.

Gov. Tim Walz to release 'Good Neighbors,' inspired by ICE surge in Minnesota and the pushback

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is working on a book inspired in part by a massive immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis-St. Paul earlier this year and the local pushback. W.W. Norton & Company says “Good Neighbors” will be published next year. Walz says Minnesotans showed compassion, courage and resilience during the events. Walz became a national figure in 2024 after running with Vice President Kamala Harris in a losing presidential campaign against President Donald Trump. Walz was a prominent critic of ICE’s actions, including fatal shootings. Minnesota is suing the federal government, alleging ICE caused over $600 million in damages.

Once punished for weaving, this Mexican artisan uses her loom for LGBTQ+ resistance

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Xaneri Merino, a transgender woman and artisan from southern Mexico, was once punished for weaving in her Indigenous community, where men are largely barred from weaving. Today, she uses the backstrap loom to explore identity and resilience while teaching others to turn weaving into a form of personal expression and LGBTQ+ resistance. Merino was expected to tend cattle or work in the fields. Yet her grandmother defied those rigid gender norms, passing on to her the ancestral practice of the backstrap loom — an ancient, portable device operated using a strap secured around the weaver’s waist.