Justin Bieber releases 'Swag,' his long-awaited seventh album: Hear the best songs

NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Bieber has released “Swag," his long-awaited seventh studio album. The 21-track release arrived Friday, hours after Bieber teased it was coming through a series of billboards and social media posts. The album's tracklist includes songs named “All I Can Take,” “Walking Away,” “Dadz Love” and “Forgiveness.” Def Jam Recordings says the album was inspired by Bieber's “devotion as a husband and father” and that's led to a “a deeper perspective and more reflective sound, resulting in some of his most personal music yet.” In August, Bieber and his wife Hailey announced the birth of their first child, Jack Blues Bieber.

Singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to 2 further charges over London nightclub assault case

LONDON (AP) — Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to two further charges related to the serious beating of a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub in 2023. Brown on Friday pleaded not guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm to Abraham Diaw at the Tape nightclub in the swanky London neighborhood of Mayfair in February 2023. He denied having an offensive weapon — a bottle — in a public place during the hearing at Southwark Crown Court. Co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu also denied actual bodily harm on Friday. Brown denied the more serious charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm at a hearing last month.

Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito revisit ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ for its 50th anniversary

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new 4K restoration and a theatrical re-release. Fathom Entertainment is bringing the film to theaters nationwide on July 13 and July 16 for a new audience to see. Michael Douglas, who produced the film, and Danny DeVito, who played Martini in his first major film role, spoke to The Associated Press about the landmark anniversary and their memories of the joyful production. Douglas says, "To have a movie that’s so lasting, that people get a lot out of, it’s a wonderful feeling. I’m so proud."

'The Salt Path' is a book that captured the hearts of millions. Now it's mired in controversy

LONDON (AP) — The memoir "The Salt Path" by Raynor Winn, which inspired a film starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, is now embroiled in controversy. On Friday, Penguin delayed the release of Winn's next book after allegations surfaced about fabrications in her story. A report by The Observer newspaper claims Winn misrepresented key details, including her and her husband’s homelessness and his rare neurological condition. Winn denies the claims but admits to past mistakes. The controversy has sparked debates about the memoir's authenticity and could impact book sales, the film's success, and Winn's future projects. Legal actions may follow.

Dark series 'The Institute' adaptation gets author Stephen King's thumbs up

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen King shares his thoughts on adapting his books for screens, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his stories. In a recent interview, he discusses the upcoming series “The Institute,” based on his 2019 novel. The show, debuting Sunday on MGM+, follows children with psychic powers imprisoned in a secret facility for dark purposes. King approves of the adaptation, noting some changes, like setting it entirely in Maine and aging up the protagonist. He reflects on his inspiration from “Lord of the Flies” and his respect for young characters under pressure. King credits his cinematic storytelling style to early influences from TV and movies.

Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on 40 years of Live Aid

NEW YORK (AP) — Forty years ago, the legendary Live Aid concerts simulcast from Philadelphia and London aimed to do a lot of good. They helped to raise over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspired worldwide awareness for a cause it might otherwise have ignored. A lot has changed in the years since. Performers Rick Springfield, Hall and Oates' John Oates, Judas Priest's Rob Halford and organizer Bob Geldof tell The Associated Press they don't think Live Aid could happen again in 2025. But the event serves as a reminder that music can create change and bolster a sense of camaraderie.

Moulin Rouge's red windmill sails restored and turning again

PARIS (AP) — The iconic red windmill sails of Paris' Moulin Rouge are spinning again. Thirty-two dancers in red feathered costumes performed on Thursday evening to celebrate their restoration. The sails collapsed in April 2024 after a show caused by a technical issue. The incident happened after the audience had left and damaging was caused to a part of the illuminated sign as well. The windmill is a symbol of Parisian bohemian culture. It had been turning since 1889 before the collapse. The sails were reinstalled before the Paris Olympics last July. But they remained stationary until Thursday.

Tired of put-downs, Tennessee town corrects the record with play about the Scopes trial it hosted

DAYTON, Tenn. (AP) — A small town in Tennessee courted national publicity a century ago when it recruited a local teacher to challenge a state law banning the teaching of evolution. What they got after the Scopes trial in July 1925 was much more than they bargained for. For decades, Dayton, Tennessee, has attempted to correct the persistent misconceptions and stereotypes about it and its residents with a reenactment of the trial, put on by locals and descendants. The play performed every summer draws directly from the trial's transcript to remind visitors that the truth about the debate over evolution is more nuanced than most people remember.

Larry David teams with the Obamas for HBO US history sketch show for the nation's 250th

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Larry David will bring his grumbly sensibility to U.S. history in a team-up with Barack and Michelle Obama for an HBO sketch show. The network announced the new, not-yet-named limited series on Thursday. David, the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator and “Seinfeld” co-creator, will act as executive producer, writer and star of the limited series. It will consist of six half-hour episodes and be produced by the Obamas’ company, Higher Ground. David's “Curb Your Enthusiasm” showrunner Jeff Schaffer will co-write and direct episodes. HBO did not give a premiere date, but the show is meant to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.