Alec Baldwin talks his love for 'Peanuts' and the 'immeasurable' effects of his trial

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Alec Baldwin says the year since his trial ended has been a lot better than the years before it. The actor spoke to The Associated Press at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, where he was part of a panel on 75 years of Charlie Brown and “Peanuts.” Baldwin says he still can't believe what happened on the day when his trial for involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of a cinematographer fell apart and his case was dismissed. He says he's become especially philosophical about the things he wants, and that many of them are embodied by Charlie Brown and “Peanuts.” The characters remain a big part of the actor's life since he still has young children.

As Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour draws to a close, Blue Ivy emerges as a star

Beyoncé's daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, is captivating audiences on the Cowboy Carter tour. At just 13, she's impressing fans with her stage presence and growth since her first performance. The tour concludes Saturday in Las Vegas. Many fans, like Isabella Kerr, attend specifically to see Blue Ivy, who has been dubbed a "next generation powerhouse." Blue first performed at 11 during Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour. Her professionalism shines through in unexpected moments, like handling a wardrobe mishap calmly. Fans, calling themselves the "Ivy League," are inspired by her dedication and talent, seeing her as a role model for their own dreams.

Hulk Hogan descended upon American culture at exactly the time it was ready for him: the 1980s

Hulk Hogan, a wrestling icon of the 1980s, captivated audiences with his larger-than-life persona. Known for his patriotic image and electrifying performances, Hogan became a symbol of American culture. His fame extended beyond wrestling, with appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and in movies. However, his personal life was marred by controversy, including a sex tape scandal and allegations of racism. Hogan's later years saw a decline in popularity, partly due to his political views and divisive actions. Despite his fall from grace, Hogan remains a legendary figure in wrestling history.

Paramount gets green light for $8 billion merger. But what is the psychic cost for company?

Executive at Paramount Global can breathe a sigh of relief with FCC approval of its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media. But it extracted a psychic price, too. Negotiations over Paramount's settlement of President Trump's lawsuit with “60 Minutes” has been a cloud over CBS News for months. The company is now being compelled to integrate an ombudsman at CBS News to keep an eye on alleged political bias as part of its FCC approval; one FCC commissioner says the news division is giving up some of its independence to the Trump administration as a result. The new company will quickly have to content with money-losing cable networks to see what future they have.

'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.”

Singer Cleo Laine, regarded as Britain's greatest jazz voice, dies at 97

LONDON (AP) — Cleo Laine, whose husky contralto was one of the most distinctive voices in jazz and who was regarded by many as Britain’s greatest contribution to the quintessentially American music, has died. She was 97. Her career spanned the Atlantic and crossed genres: She sang the songs of Kurt Weill, Arnold Schoenberg and Robert Schumann; she acted on stage and on film, and even played God in a production of Benjamin Britten’s “Noye’s Fludde.” Laine’s life and art were intimately bound up with band leader John Dankworth, who gave her a job and her stage name in 1951, and married her seven years later. Both were still performing after their 80th birthdays.

'Alien: Earth" oozes into Comic-Con Day 2, 'Predator: Badlands' slays and 'Tron: Ares' dazzles

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Comic-Con 2025 is about to reenter the Grid. Disney will unveil details about “Tron: Ares,” which stars Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges and Greta Lee at an evening presentation in Comic-Con’s famed Hall H. It will be the third feature film in the “Tron” franchise that kicked off with the hit 1982 film and had a 2010 sequel, “Tron: Legacy.” The original starred Bridges as a computer hacker who gets trapped in a digital world. The other major presentations planned for Friday include updates on the final season of “Outlander” and its prequel series “Outlander: Blood of My Blood,” “Alien: Earth” and “Predator: Badlands.”

'Tron: Ares' brings the Grid, and the light bikes, to Comic-Con

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Disney has unveiled new footage from “Tron: Ares” at Comic-Con, showcasing the third film in Disney's four-decade-old digital-world franchise. The new movie brings back Jeff Bridges from the first two films along with Jared Leo, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith. The story brings the virtual world of the Grid into the real world. Disney presented several minutes of footage, including a light bike chase scene. Director Joachim Rønning expressed excitement about seeing it on the big screen. The panel ended with the premiere of a music video featuring the first of the Nine Inch Nails song that form the film's soundtrack.

Horror master Kiyoshi Kurosawa to bring eerie storytelling to his first samurai film

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known as a master of horror films, plans to tackle the samurai genre for the first time. He said recently that while the project is still uncertain, it may soon become a reality. Kurosawa, honored at this year’s Japan Cuts film festival in New York, is celebrated for his suspenseful storytelling and meticulous realism. His upcoming samurai film will focus on eerie, claustrophobic narratives set in a castle, rather than action-packed sword fights. Kurosawa emphasizes staying true to his creative instincts, blending realism with subtle, unsettling elements to craft his unique cinematic style.

UK police charge actor Micheal Ward with rape and sexual assault

LONDON (AP) — Police say British actor Micheal Ward has been charged with rape and sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police said Friday that the 27-year-old faces two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to one woman and the offenses allegedly took place in January 2023. Ward denies the charges and expressed confidence his name will be cleared in court. He is scheduled to appear at London’s Thames Magistrates’ Court on Aug. 28. Ward is known for his roles in films like “Blue Story” and “The Book of Clarence.”