'South Park' co-creator jokes he's 'terribly sorry' over premiere that drew White House anger

SAN DIEGO (AP) — “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker has briefly responded to anger from the White House over the season premiere of the animated series. The episode showed a naked President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. Parker said, “We're terribly sorry,” followed by a long, deadpan-comic stare. Parker was asked for his reaction to the fracas as he sat on the stage at San Diego’s Comic-Con International on Thursday. Earlier in the day, a White House said in a statement that the show “hasn't been relevant for 20 years” and is “desperate for attention.”

Comic-Con 2025 kicks off with new 'Freddy's,' 'Toxic Avenger' and thousands of costume-clad fans

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (AP) — Comic-Con International has kicked off, drawing tens of thousands of fans, many in costume. The four-day pop culture event starting Thursday will spotlight updates on the new “Predator” movie and “Alien: Earth” series. Fans dressed as their favorite superheroes, villains and characters from film, TV and comics. They streamed into the San Diego Convention Center for celebrity-driven panels and a massive exhibit space of art and memorabilia. George Lucas will make a special appearance Sunday to discuss his new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Marvel and DC aren't expected to reveal major movie news this year. An estimated 135,000 attendees are expected to attend.

Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at age 71. Police in Clearwater, Florida, say authorities responded to a call about a cardiac arrest. No foul play is suspected. Hogan's real name was Terry Bollea, and he was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre the Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon. Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in movies and TV shows, including a reality show on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best.”

Federal regulators approve Paramount's $8 billion deal with Skydance, capping months of turmoil

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal regulators on Thursday approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, clearing the way to close a deal that combined Hollywood glitz with political intrigue. The stamp of approval from the Federal Communications Commission comes after months of turmoil revolving around President Donald Trump’s legal battle with “60 Minutes,” the crown jewel of Paramount-owned broadcast network CBS.  With the specter of the Trump administration potentially blocking the hard-fought deal with Skydance, Paramount earlier this month agreed to a $16 million settlement with the president.

Rapper GloRilla is arrested on drug charges following investigation of a burglary at her home

Authorities say rapper GloRilla was arrested on felony drug chargers after marijuana was found by deputies while they investigated a burglary at her Atlanta home. Police say they discovered “a significant amount of marijuana” in the master bedroom. The rapper voluntarily turned herself in Tuesday and was released on bond the same day. The burglary investigation is ongoing. GloRilla's attorneys say her arrest is “a disturbing window into how warped law enforcement priorities have become.” Sheriff Ron Freeman says officials "must continue to uphold and enforce the law in all aspects of this case.”

'Buckingham Nicks' bombed in 1973. Then it became used vinyl treasure

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Warner Music Group has announced that it's reissuing the lone album recorded by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham when they were just a duo. The couple later joined Fleetwood Mac for its most successful lineup. “Buckingham Nicks” bombed when it came out in 1973. But its cult status only grew over the decades. The album cover shows Nicks and Buckingham posing nude like a Laurel Canyon Adam and Eve. Their relationship famously ended later that decade. Record store owners say the album holds a special status, with a copy often selling immediately. It'll be available for the first time on CD and streaming Sept. 19, along with new vinyl of course.

20 years ago, 'Hogan Knows Best' premiered. Read our 2005 interview with Hulk Hogan

They were icons of the 1980s, known for their outlandish exploits onstage and in the ring. They later redefined their images in the 2000s by starring alongside their families in reality shows. And, this week, both Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan died. Twenty years ago, Hogan was sitting in a New York conference room with The Associated Press, his two teenagers and then-wife, Linda Hogan. The quartet was about to hit stardom as a family, with the impending premiere of their VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best.” It would run for four seasons. His then-14-year-old son Nick Hogan described the show as “a cleaner version of ‘The Osbournes.’”

Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — Jazz musician Chuck Mangione, known for his hit “Feels So Good,” has died at 84. His attorney, Peter S. Matorin, says Mangione died Tuesday at his home in Rochester, New York. He achieved international fame in 1977 with “Feels So Good,” a smooth-jazz staple. He also composed “Give It All You Got” for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Mangione released over 30 albums and won two Grammy Awards. He started his career as a bebop musician inspired by Dizzy Gillespie. In 2009, he donated memorabilia to the Smithsonian. Mangione retired in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz music.

Hungary bans Irish rap group Kneecap from entering ahead of festival performance

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Members of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap have been banned from entering Hungary ahead of their scheduled performance at the popular Sziget Festival. Authorities argue their presence poses a national security risk. The Belfast trio has faced criticism for lyrics that appear to glorify militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Hungary's immigration authority announced the ban on Thursday, citing antisemitic hate speech. Festival representatives called the decision unnecessary and regrettable, emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom. Kneecap accuses critics of trying to silence their support for the Palestinian cause.

President Trump, Brooke Shields, Jake Paul and others react to death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, one of professional wrestling's most iconic figures, has died at 71. Known for his muscular build, blond hair, and handlebar mustache, Hogan was WWE's biggest star and even had his own reality show, “Hogan Knows Best.” He died Thursday in Clearwater, Florida. WWE expressed sadness over his passing, highlighting his role in bringing global recognition to wrestling in the 1980s. Fellow wrestlers Ric Flair and Brutus Beefcake shared heartfelt tributes, recalling Hogan's friendship and support during difficult times. Hogan's impact on wrestling and pop culture remains significant. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social: “We lost a great friend today.”