What to know about Paramount's settlement and its impact on movies

NEW YORK (AP) — Movie studio Paramount has agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 states, the last big obstacle blocking the company’s $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal that would transform the movie industry landscape. In the settlement, which still needs to be signed off on by a judge, Paramount agreed to terms including a five-year movie production plan and to invest $1.5 billion in domestic movies. State attorneys general say the settlement guarantees investment in domestic movie production and provides worker protection. But analysts say the deal is still likely to lead to less competition in the industry — and higher prices for consumers.

Taylor Swift will become the most awarded artist in MTV VMAs history: A guide to the 2026 show

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift will break records at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. She will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, making her the most awarded artist in VMA history. Currently, Swift is tied with Beyoncé, each having 30 awards. The new honor will bring her total to 31. The awards show will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Madonna leads with 11 nominations, followed by Swift with nine. The event will feature performances by Madonna and others. Nirvana will receive the Video Vanguard Award. Fan voting ends September 25. The two-hour show will broadcast live on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and 4:30 p.m. Pacific.

News outlets sue Trump over lost White House access, citing 'blatant violation' of First Amendment

NEW YORK (AP) — CNN, MS NOW and Politico have filed a lawsuit over being denied White House access. The lawsuit calls the administration's actions barring reporters from the three news organizations a “blatant violation” of the First Amendment. Trump said last week he was barring them because of reporting he deemed “fake news.” On Monday morning, CNN was removed from its “pool” duties, which are shared by the major networks. Other networks said in response they were suspending their own pool coverage as well. The actions were an escalation of Trump’s long-running efforts in the courts and through administrative action to restrict news coverage by journalists he finds objectionable.

What is the White House pool? These days, it's a battleground between Trump and free press rights

The White House press pool is at the center of a free speech battle between President Donald Trump and news outlets. On Monday, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico announced a lawsuit over being barred from the White House and denied First Amendment rights. CNN was banned from its pool duty, leading the pool to cancel coverage of Trump's events. The pool represents a wider fight over control of news content, a key part of American democracy. Trump's actions mark an escalation in efforts to restrict reporters he finds unsupportive. The press pool, a rotating group of outlets, provides essential coverage of the president's activities.

New book by Princess Diana's brother prompts war of words with King Charles III

LONDON (AP) — A new book by the late Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, has made headlines with damning allegations about King Charles III. In “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,” Spencer claims he argued with Charles over plans for Prince William and Prince Harry to walk behind Diana's coffin in 1997. Spencer says Charles dismissed concerns, allegedly saying they would “forget her soon enough.” Buckingham Palace responded with a rare statement, suggesting grief can cloud judgment. Spencer insists he's telling the truth. The book revives tensions between the palace and the Spencer family, highlighting Diana's enduring impact on the royals.

States settle lawsuit over Paramount-Warner merger, clearing key hurdle for $81 billion deal

CHICAGO (AP) — Twelve states and Hollywood writers challenging Paramount’s buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to settle their lawsuits against the mega merger. Monday's announcement effectively paves the way for the $81 billion deal to cross the finish line, with some new commitments. The blockbuster deal will bring together two of Hollywood’s oldest studios, key TV networks like CBS and CNN and streaming platforms HBO Max and Paramount+. It also will consolidate as decades-old libraries with titles ranging from “Harry Potter” to “Top Gun.” The agreement calls for Paramount to increase domestic production and establish monitoring of editorial independence of the company’s news operations. The settlement still needs a final sign-off by a judge.

Presley Gerber, model and son of Cindy Crawford, dies at 27

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — The son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, Presley Gerber has died at age 27. Medical examiner records show Gerber died Sunday at a rehabilitation facility. An autopsy was performed, but the medical examiner's website said more testing is required before investigators can give a cause. Santa Monica police said they were investigating Gerber's death as a suspected overdose. A spokesperson for Crawford and husband Rande Gerber said the family is asking for privacy. Presley was a model in his own right and the older brother of model and actor Kaia Gerber. He had been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse.

NBC's 'Line of Fire' is what happens when you combine a procedural TV show with a soap opera

NEW YORK (AP) — TV creator Joshua Safran is introducing "Line of Fire," a new NBC show blending elements of a crime procedural with a soap opera. The series follows a family of law enforcement officers, including an FBI agent and a U.S. marshal, whose work and home lives overlap dramatically. Safran, known for "Quantico" and "Gossip Girl," mixes these influences with a touch of French farce. The show stars Peter Krause and Hope Davis as a complex couple at the heart of the Hollingsworth family. Each episode features a new case while exploring long-term story arcs, including a deadly conspiracy. Jenna Bush Hager serves as an executive producer.

Can 'A Different World' sequel change lives like the original series? Hillman is back in session

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Netflix’s new “A Different World” sequel arrives with high expectations. The original series inspired many viewers in their college and career choices. Kadeem Hardison, who played Dwayne Wayne, still hears about its impact. The sequel premieres Sept. 24. It follows Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Dwayne and Whitley, as she starts at Hillman College. Creator Felicia Pride wants the new series to resonate with today’s generation, tackling issues like social media and identity. The cast aims to create relatable characters for young Black women. They hope the show connects with audiences despite the competitive streaming landscape.

What to stream: 'A Different World,' 'Toy Story 5' and Kenny Chesney

Disney+ is adding “Toy Story 5" to its lineup this week. The film about toys battling tech for Bonnie's attention arrives on the service on Wednesday. HBO Max is offering “Backrooms,” a thriller by YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Kane Parsons, starting Friday. Paramount+ features “Tuner,” a thriller about a piano tuner caught in the criminal underworld. Netflix debuts “UNABOMBER” on Friday, with Jacob Tremblay as Ted Kaczynski. Kenny Chesney's 21st album, “Silver Sands Marina,” is out this week. Tinashe's new album “Popstar” showcases her experimental pop style. New series include “Brothers” with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson on Apple TV, and a revival of “A Different World” on Netflix. “S.W.A.T.: Exiles” premieres on Starz.