Madonna, BTS and more World Cup halftime performers see jump in song streams, Justin Bieber up 110%

NEW YORK (AP) — Industry data and analytics company Luminate has found that the 2026 World Cup halftime performers experienced considerable jumps in the streams of the songs they performed live at the final on Sunday. Global streams of Justin Bieber’s “Everything Hallelujah” more than doubled, rising 110% from 592,000 streams to 1.25 million. Global streams of Madonna’s “Music” rose 66%, from 193,000 streams to 321,000. BTS’ “Dynamite” also grew in terms of global streams, from 2.14 million to 3.05 million for an increase of 43%. And Shakira and Burna Boy’s official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, “Dai Dai,” also saw a slight bump for an addition of 3.48 million new global streams.

Navy says it will no longer release sailors' service history, another restriction on press access

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Navy is restricting press access to information about service members by no longer releasing details about sailors' service history. Officials say this move is due to increased security threats and harassment concerns. Such information had been freely offered for decades. The decision aligns with other media restrictions driven largely by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, including a new policy that reporters must be escorted while on Pentagon grounds. Critics argue that the new policy goes against the First Amendment, limits transparency and could hinder reporting on military matters.

Prosecutors zoom in on blood stains to show singer D4vd should be tried in killing of 14-year-old

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors are presenting forensic evidence to persuade a judge that singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, should face trial in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On Tuesday, Los Angeles police described finding possible blood and DNA samples in Burke's garage and Tesla. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to protect his career. Financial witnesses testified that Burke earned at least $10 million between 2023 and 2025 from his music career. The hearing continues as the defense challenges the evidence.

Comic-Con 2026: Marvel returns to Hall H and 'Spaceballs' sequel hype begins

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Avengers appear set to return to Hall H as Marvel Studios uses Comic-Con International to build hype for the December release of “Avengers: Doomsday” — and chart a path forward as audience interest in superhero films has waned. That Saturday panel is the most-anticipated hour of the nation’s biggest pop culture convention, opening this week. More than 120,000 people are expected at the four-day expo, which began in 1970 with a gathering of several hundred sci-fi and comics fans and has grown to include cosplay contests, autograph booths, obstacle courses, concerts and panels covering everything from video games to fencing.

Rebel Wilson cleared of defaming an actor who starred in her directorial debut

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An Australian court has cleared Rebel Wilson of defaming the star of her directorial debut, “The Deb,” in social media posts. Charlotte MacInnes alleged Wilson defamed her or breached her confidence in four social media posts by falsely suggesting she had withdrawn a sexual harassment complaint against one of the film’s producers to advance her career. The judge ruled Wednesday that none of Wilson’s posts were defamatory. She dismissed the case and ordered MacInnes to pay costs.

Author Charles Gaines, who popularized the world of bodybuilding with 'Pumping Iron,' dies at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Gaines, the author who helped bring bodybuilding into the mainstream with "Pumping Iron," has died at 84. His daughter Greta confirmed his passing on Tuesday. Gaines collaborated with George Butler on the book and documentary "Pumping Iron," which introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger to the world. Initially, Gaines didn't expect the book to interest many outside bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger, who won multiple Mr. Olympia titles, later became a movie star and governor of California. Gaines, who began lifting weights at 16, also wrote novels like "Stay Hungry." Schwarzenegger praised Gaines for his adventurous spirit and influence.

Rei Ami from 'KPop Demon Hunters' and comedian Ken Jeong take a bite out of 'Shark Week'

NEW YORK (AP) — Rei Ami, known for her singing voice in “KPop Demon Hunters,” recently faced real sharks during a dive. She was scared but also deeply moved by the experience. Viewers can watch her and hear a new K-pop song inspired by her shark encounter as Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” begins Sunday. The event features 20 new shows exploring sharks, including a dive attempt into shark-infested waters. Actor Ken Jeong joins Rei Ami for the show “K-Pop Shark Heroes.” “Shark Week” aims to educate and entertain, dispelling myths about sharks. It runs for seven nights, ending Aug. 1.

Cinerama Dome, an iconic Hollywood theater shuttered by COVID pandemic, will reopen

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The iconic Cinerama Dome in Hollywood is set to be restored and reopened. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will operate the theater and an adjacent 14-theater complex. Sony Pictures Entertainment announced the plan to restore the Dome and reopen it in early 2028. The distinctive geodesic exterior and large logo will remain intact. The dome will not have in-theater dining, unlike other Drafthouse theaters. The massive screen supports 70 mm projection, popularized by Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey.” The dome has been closed since April 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjacent complex will offer in-theater dining.

Terrorism trial opens in stabbing of author Salman Rushdie

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The man who was convicted of trying to kill Salman Rushdie is on trial again. Prosecutors and defense lawyers gave opening statements Wednesday in Hadi Matar’s federal terrorism trial in Buffalo, New York. The Booker Prize-winning Rushdie is expected to testify later this week. He was stabbed on a lecture stage in 2022. The 28-year-old Matar has pleaded not guilty. He is serving a 25-year prison sentence on an attempted murder conviction. The federal case is expected to delve more into questions of motive. Prosecutors argue that Matar was acting out of loyalty to Iran’s theocratic government and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Iran's late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for Rushdie’s death following his 1988 novel “The Satanic Verses.”

Kaylee Hottle, deaf 'Godzilla' actor, killed in car crash at 18

Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor known for her roles in two “Godzilla” films, has died in a car crash in Maryland. She was 18. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened early Tuesday morning. Hottle was one of two passengers when the car went off the road. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster. Her parents, who are also deaf, shared emotional tributes online. The crash is under investigation.