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.

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.

Prince Harry, Meghan and Netflix extend partnership for streaming programs

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, announced Monday that their media company's partnership with Netflix has been extended with a multiyear, first-look deal. Archewell Productions first collaborated with the streaming giant in a 2020 deal that produced the successful documentary series “Harry & Meghan.” The couple and Netflix also announced upcoming collaborations, including a second season of, “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle reality show starring the Duchess, and a scripted adaptation of Carley Fortune's book, “Meet Me at the Lake.” Netflix's chief content officer call Harry and Meghan “influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere.”

What to Stream: Vanessa Kirby, Maroon 5, Madden NFL 26, Alicia Silverstone and 'The Chicken Sisters'

Vanessa Kirby starring in the gritty film “Night Always Comes,” and Maroon 5 releasing their eighth studio album with songs featuring Lil Wayne and Blackpink’s LISA are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Aug. 11 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are Alicia Silverstone leading a new TV crime drama called “Irish Blood.,” the multigenerational, wholesome drama “The Chicken Sisters” rolls out its second season on Hallmark and EA Sports jumps aboard the artificial intelligence bandwagon with Madden NFL 26.