Cardi B testifies she didn't touch security guard who's suing her alleging assault

ALHAMBRA, Calif. (AP) — Cardi B has testified in a Los Angeles County court, denying allegations that she injured a security guard during her first pregnancy. The rapper says she didn't touch Emani Ellis, who claims Cardi cut her face with a fingernail and spat on her. Cardi admitted to being angry during the heated argument because she believed Ellis was outing a pregnancy that was still a secret, but insisted it never turned physical. The incident occurred in February 2018 when Cardi was four months pregnant with her first child with rapper Offset. A receptionist from the doctor's office supported Cardi's account, saying she saw no physical fighting.

Venice Film Festival heats up with George Clooney, Emma Stone premieres

VENICE, Italy (AP) — George Clooney and Emma Stone star in two films premiering at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday evening. Clooney plays a famous actor on a soul-searching journey, while Stone is a CEO in Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia,” an English-language adaptation of a South Korean movie. Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” is a comedic drama about identity and features Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, who are expected on the red carpet as well. Both films are competing for the Golden Lion prize, the winner of which often goes on to earn Oscar nominations and sometimes wins. The festival kicked off Wednesday and runs through September 6.

Emil Wakim exits 'SNL' after Devon Walker, as Lorne Michaels hints at more changes

NEW YORK (AP) — Devon Walker and Emil Wakim are leaving “Saturday Night Live” as the show gears up for its 51st season. Walker announced his departure on Instagram Tuesday, reflecting on his three years with the show. Walker's post hinted at mixed experiences, describing some moments as “really cool” and others as “toxic.” One-season featured player Wakim indicated he was let go Wednesday and called it a “gut punch.” “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels recently mentioned he anticipates more changes. He answered affirmatively during an interview with Puck when asked if he would “shake things up.” The new season premieres Oct. 4.

Dispatcher shakes it off after announcing Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement over scanner

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A day after Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, some wild details are emerging about how folks spread the news. A dispatcher in Michigan accidentally announced it over the police scanner. One major business broke the news over email, lightheartedly suggesting that workers check their social media feeds and debate potential wedding playlists. And oddsmakers are now taking bets on when and where the superstar singer and the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs will wed. Swifties can even bet on the flavor of the wedding cake.

Movie Review: In 'Caught Stealing,' a crime caper in '90s New York starring Austin Butler

Darren Aronofsky has already made several indelibly New York movies, his latest, “Caught Stealing,” is easily the director’s most affectionate portrait of his hometown, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. That may be a funny way to describe a movie where bodies get brutalized, corpses accumulate and even the cat comes away with a limp. But “Caught Stealing,” a terrific caper starring Austin Butler, is a period movie. It’s set in 1998. And no amount of blood can detract from the overwhelming endearment Aronofsky has for ’90s New York. The R-rated movie is in theaters Friday.

ABC's Robin Roberts retraces her post-Hurricane Katrina journey back to hometown

ABC's Robin Roberts revisits New Orleans 20 years after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina for a news special on rebuilding after the storm. She retraces the journey she took directly after the storm to her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi, and recalls her worries about losing her job after breaking down in tears when asked about her family. Roberts said she wanted to pay tribute to the people who stayed and rebuilt, and also those who came down after the storm to offer help. The special doesn't ignore tough issues, like economic inequality in rebuilding and the journeys of people rescued from the hurricane as children.

Movie Review: Murder, she solved — Helen Mirren channels Angela Lansbury in 'Thursday Murder Club'

A life of retirement certainly seems pleasant at Coopers Chase, a community of pensioners nestled in the English countryside. There's Sudoku, yoga, aqua aerobics — and the “Thursday Murder Club,” where a few retirees meet to solve cold murder cases. They're led by no-nonsense Elizabeth, played by always-formidable Helen Mirren, and things really pick up when a real murder happens in their midst. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film could definitely be sharper and the comedy livelier, writes Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck in her review. But you could do a lot worse than spend a few hours with Mirren and colleagues. It streams Thursday on Netflix.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story, from friendship bracelets to engagement rings

NEW YORK (AP) — It started with a friendship bracelet. It ended with an engagement ring. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. The news was revealed in a joint post on Instagram. It is the fairytale culmination of a courtship that for two years has thrilled and fascinated millions around the world. It started with Kelce attempting to give Swift his phone number via friendship bracelet at one of her concerts in 2023. It spanned two Super Bowls and Swift's history-making tour. It included the announcement of her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” And eventually, it will lead to a marriage.

Movie Review: In 'The Roses,' Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman make a love story dark

“The Roses” is a dark comedy about a marriage falling apart. Theo and Ivy Rose are played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. They're in therapy but can't stop insulting each other. The film directed by Jay Roach explores their escalating conflict, which turns from microaggressions to attempted murder. Set in affluent Mendocino, the couple's roles reverse when Theo's career stalls and Ivy's takes off. Screenwriter Tony McNamara adds humor with a supporting cast that includes Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon. Despite its comedic elements, the film struggles to convey a clear message about marriage. “The Roses” is rated R and runs 105 minutes.

Venice Film Festival kicks off with Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia' and questions about Gaza

VENICE, Italy (AP) — The Venice Film Festival has kicked off with the world premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grazia” on Wednesday. The 82nd edition will host many Hollywood stars, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Dwayne Johnson. Famed directors like Guillermo del Toro and Kathryn Bigelow also have films debuting over the next 10 days. Festival director Alberto Barbera says “La Grazia” is a surprising departure from Sorrentino’s usual style. The festival, which runs through Sept. 6, features 21 films in the main competition, including del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite.”