A guide to Taylor Swift's most elaborate album announcements

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” She revealed the news on Tuesday, continuing her trend of elaborate album announcements. Swift often uses innovative marketing techniques to connect with fans. Her past album announcements have involved social media teasers and even surprise releases. For “Reputation,” she deleted all her social media posts before revealing the album. During the pandemic, she announced “Folklore” just a day before its release. “Evermore” was announced just months later. The release date for “The Life of a Showgirl” remains unknown.

Beyoncé wins first Emmy, for 'Beyoncé Bowl' halftime show

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Beyoncé has added an Emmy to her collection of 35 Grammys. She won for outstanding costumes in her Netflix Christmas Day NFL halftime show, “Beyoncé Bowl.” This marks her first Emmy win after 10 other nominations. The award is one of several juried Emmys, which are decided by committees and announced in advance of next month's ceremony. They are often very technical and rarely go to big names. Beyoncé is also nominated for best variety special and best direction for “Beyoncé Bowl.” Her husband, Jay-Z, is competing in the same category as an executive producer for Kendrick Lamar's halftime show.

Trump will be at the Kennedy Center on the same day recipients of the honors are announced

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will be visiting the Kennedy Center on Wednesday, the same day that recipients of this year's honors are announced. Trump avoided the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term due to protests from artists. In his second term, he has made himself chairman and fired the board of trustees, which he replaced with loyalists. On Tuesday, Trump teased a possible name change for the center on Truth Social. He also promised to restore it to its former glory. It's unclear how this year's honorees will be chosen, but Trump has indicated he wants a more active role.

Danielle Spencer, who played little sister Dee on 'What's Happening!!,' dies at 60

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What's Happening!!,” Danielle Spencer has died at age 60. A family spokesperson said Spencer died Monday after battling cancer for several years. As Dee, she was a deadpan, wisecracking younger sister with a memorable catchphrase, “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama.” The show aired from 1976 to 1979 and was one of the first on TV to focus on Black teenagers. A major car accident that killed her stepfather left Spencer in a coma for weeks during production of the show. Spencer also appeared in the 1980s reboot “What's Happening Now!!” and later became a veterinarian.

Taylor Swift announces 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl'

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The full-length release announced Tuesday follows her last original album, 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department.” That album was released during her record-breaking “Eras Tour.” “The Life of a Showgirl” is also her first release since Swift regained control over her entire body of work. In May, that pop star said she purchased her catalog of recordings from their most recent owner, the private equity firm Shamrock Capital. No release date for “The Life of the Showgirl” has been announced. Swift will appear on boyfriend Travis Kelce's podcast “New Heights” on Wednesday.

Madonna urges the pope to visit Gaza 'before it's too late'

LONDON (AP) — Madonna has urged the pope to visit Gaza “before it's too late.” She posted her appeal on social media Monday, inspired by her son Rocco's birthday. Addressing Pope Leo XIV, Madonna asked him to bring his light to the children before it's too late. She said the pontiff is the “only one of us who cannot be denied entry.” She emphasized that she isn't taking sides in the war but wants to prevent children from dying of starvation. The pope recently renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel’s air and ground offensive has displaced most Palestinians and pushed the territory toward famine.

From 'Bodies' to new albums, allow Offset and JID to reintroduce themselves

NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta rappers JID and Offset have new albums out this month. Before JID released “God Does Like Ugly” last week, and before Offset will release “Kiari” on Aug. 22, the pair teamed up for an unusual Hot 100 hit. Titled “Bodies,” the song combines Offset's melodic flow with JID's lyrical dexterity atop a sample of a Drowning Pool's 2001 hit. JID told The Associated Press it is one of his favorite compositions. He also described his new album as intentional. Offset says “Kiari” is a very personal album. It features John Legend and arrives after Cardi B filed to divorce him.

Mexican-American designer apologizes for Adidas sandal design accused of cultural appropriation

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican-American clothing designer Willy Chavarria has apologized for an Adidas sandal that he created after being accused by Mexican authorities of “cultural appropriation” for copying an indigenous shoe design. The design launched by Adidas is known as the Oaxaca Slip On." It's a black sandal with braided leather straps attached to a chunky sports shoe sole. Mexican artisans and authorities say the intricate leather braids look strikingly similar to the traditional footwear known as huaraches made by the Zapotec Indigenous people in Oaxaca. Chavarria responded to mounting criticisms in a statement addressed to the “people of Oaxaca” in comments sent to The Associated Press on Tuesday. He said that “I am deeply sorry."

White House orders a review of exhibits at Smithsonian museums ahead of nation's 250th birthday

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is ordering a review of the Smithsonian museums to align content with President Donald Trump's interpretation of American history. On Tuesday, a letter was sent to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, outlining steps for the review. The examination will assess public-facing content for tone and historical framing. The initiative aims to celebrate American exceptionalism and remove divisive narratives. The Smithsonian says it remains committed to factual history and is reviewing the letter. The review will initially focus on eight museums, with more to follow. Civil rights leaders have criticized the focus on the National Museum of African American History and Culture in particular.

Business spat between Daryl Hall and John Oates has been resolved in arbitration, attorneys say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A court filing says Daryl Hall and John Oates have resolved their dispute over a Hall & Oates business partnership through arbitration. The filing by Hall's attorneys Monday shows the estranged duo reached a private ending after details of the rift between the duo went public in court documents after Hall sued Oates in 2023. A judge required the status update on a legal case that has been dormant for a year and a half. It's unclear when the arbitration ruling was reached, or what the outcome was. An attorney for Hall declined to comment. Representatives for Oates did not immediately respond to a request for comment.