A new study is forcing a fresh look at the relationship between album releases in music, smartphones and traffic deaths. Researchers found that fatal crashes increased on days when major artists released highly anticipated albums. The findings suggest the distraction may involve more than texting or phone calls. Dr. Vishal Patel, a physician at Mass General Brigham and researcher at Harvard Medical School, first considered the question after a personal driving scare. Patel was searching Spotify for Taylor Swift music when he realized his car had drifted from its lane. That moment became the starting point for research published in JAMA Network Open. The study examined the 10 most-streamed albums released between 2017 and 2022. The projects included albums from Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West. Researchers compared traffic fatalities surrounding major release dates. They found an average of 139 deaths on album release days, compared with 121 on nearby dates. That amounted to a 15% increase, or roughly 18 additional deaths on release days. Music’s Big Album Releases Are Connected To Surge In Traffic Deaths, Per New Study The pattern was particularly pronounced among younger drivers and motorists traveling alone. Researchers also found stronger effects among sober drivers. The increase did not center on nighttime hours, challenging the idea that parties or alcohol explained the results. “What convinced me it was real was the pattern underneath it,” Patel said. Still, the researchers stopped short of establishing a direct cause. Federal crash records cannot determine whether drivers used phones before fatal collisions. Dr. Anupam Jena, a Harvard Medical School professor, said several explanations remain possible. “Is it that the music is louder?” Jena asked. “Is it that it’s a new album, and people are just excited to hear it?” He also pointed to drivers handling phones while searching, downloading or selecting music. The study broadens a conversation that has long centered on texting behind the wheel. Smartphones now offer countless other distractions, from navigation to social media. “The technology is competing with the attentional resources needed to safely operate the vehicle,” said Dr. Despina Stavrinos. Dr. Christopher Worsham said listening to music itself may not pose the greatest danger. “Our study suggests that the dangerous part here is the fiddling with the phone or the infotainment system,” Worsham said. His advice carries a simple soundtrack: “Queue up your music before you put the car in drive.”

Hip-Hop star Blueface is celebrating the arrival of his fourth child after former partner Nevaeh Akira Williams welcomed a baby boy, Jonathan Jr. The rapper, whose legal name is Jonathan Porter, learned Williams had gone into labor Monday, Aug. 17. He was livestreaming while spending time with Chrisean Rock when he received the news. View this post on Instagram A post shared by No Jumper (@nojumper) Blueface ended the livestream and went to Williams’ bedside, according to reports. The following day, Williams announced the birth of her son on Instagram. “[Johnathan Porter] Jr is born,” she wrote. Williams identified the newborn as Jonathan Porter Jr., adding another chapter to Blueface’s expanding family. The birth comes as Blueface and Rock appear to be rebuilding their relationship. The pair have endured a turbulent romance marked by breakups, reconciliations and public disagreements. Their latest reunion has unfolded while Blueface remains connected to Williams. The newborn adds another personal tie between the rapper and his former partner. Hip-Hop Star Blueface Welcomes His Fourth Son, Jonathan Porter Jr, With Girlfriend Nevaeh Akira Williams Blueface also drew attention after joking about the baby’s paternity shortly after the birth. He appeared to question whether he was the child’s father. He later changed course and indicated that he would accept the newborn as his son. The rapper’s evolving response has added another layer to an already complicated family dynamic. Blueface shares a son with Rock and has children from previous relationships. Rock has not publicly commented on Williams’ announcement. Her silence comes as she and Blueface continue navigating their renewed relationship. For Williams, the moment marked the arrival of her newborn son. Her announcement also confirmed the child’s name and offered fans a glimpse into the family milestone. For Blueface, the birth represents a significant new chapter. It comes while his relationship with Rock remains under public scrutiny. The rapper has yet to publicly share extensive details about the newborn. Still, his decision to accept the child signals a shift from his initial comments. Now, Blueface and Rock’s relationship enters another complicated chapter. The arrival of Jonathan Porter Jr. gives the rapper another family connection to navigate.

Gunfire was reported near the Las Vegas courthouse Tuesday as prosecutors continued presenting evidence in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is charged in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Davis, 63, has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors also allege he acted to promote, further or assist a criminal gang. Davis is not accused of firing the shots that killed Shakur. The prosecution contends the shooting followed a confrontation involving Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, and members of Shakur’s entourage. The altercation occurred hours before Shakur was fatally wounded after a Mike Tyson fight at the MGM Grand. Jurors viewed casino surveillance footage showing men attacking someone inside the hotel. Additional footage showed Shakur and his entourage moving through the casino as police and security personnel responded. Anderson was seen speaking with officers while wearing a Miami Dolphins jersey. Shooting Occurs Outside Las Vegas Courthouse Hosting Tupac Shakur’s Murder Trial Later that night, Shakur and Marion “Suge” Knight traveled in a black BMW. A white Cadillac carrying Davis, Anderson and two other men pulled alongside them. Gunfire erupted, striking Shakur. Former Las Vegas police officer Dean O’Kelley testified about the investigation. He said officers recovered several shell casings at the shooting scene. O’Kelley also recalled reports describing a white Cadillac occupied by four Black men. Jurors viewed graphic autopsy photographs and heard testimony from a forensic pathologist about efforts to save Shakur. During a lunch recess, Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, thanked reporters outside the courthouse. “Thank you so much for being here,” she said. “For covering this. Thank you.” Police later responded to reports of gunfire near the courthouse. Officers searched businesses around Casino Center Boulevard but found no confirmed shooting victim. The reported gunfire did not disrupt the proceedings. The trial is expected to last about a month, with more than 200 potential witnesses, including Knight and members of Shakur’s family.

Stephen A. Smith was not feeling the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) giving him the “Thumbs Down” award from the organization over the weekend. The ESPN commentator called the organization’s move “highly offensive.” “I’m calling them out for it, because it makes no sense whatsoever,” he told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo on Monday. “There’s no truth to what they’re claiming, and it’s highly offensive.” “You have a few people as members of the board that made a decision that, as far as I’m concerned, besmirched the entire organization,” Smith continued. The organization described Smith’s commentary as a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media”. Given annually to hold public figures and media institutions accountable for actions harmful to Black journalists and communities, the award targeted Smith’s expanding platform across ESPN, his podcast, and political commentary. After Smith’s response, the NABJ stood ten toes down on its decision. “NABJ stands by its 2026 Thumbs Down Awards and the concerns raised regarding the individuals and institutions recognized this year,” the NABJ’s statement read, NABJ also confirmed that Smith’s rep contacted NABJ President Errin Haines to “begin with a private conversation focused on listening, accountability and meaningful dialogue, with the opportunity for public engagement to follow.” “I was raised by Black women. I have two daughters, I have 10 nieces, and I have four older sisters,” he said. “What the hell are they talking about?” STEPHEN A . SMITH REFUSES TO BACK DOWN Appearing on Hanity, Smith doubled down on his stance. “If anything, they made me more intense; they made me more adamant in my position,” Smith said. “And the manner in which I’m going to go about doing what I do. “I don’t back up, and nobody will intimidate me from being who I am. And that is a fair-minded individual who calls balls and strikes, and is going to be fair to both sides in the aisle no matter what the hell they say,” he continued. “I’m not backing up one inch; as far as I’m concerned, all they’ve done is stir me up.”

Wendy Williams is reflecting on her ongoing guardianship battle through a deeply personal lens, according to comments shared on the “Brilliant Idiots” podcast. The former television host reportedly told hosts that she views her circumstances as a form of karma. The claim is revealed in a private dinner with Williams during a recent podcast episode. “She feels like everything she’s going through right now is God getting her back for all of the things that she said,” LoRosa said. Williams became one of television’s most recognizable voices through her fearless celebrity commentary. Her daytime talk show turned Hollywood gossip and pop culture into appointment viewing. A former employee said Williams’ admission also forced him to examine his own approach to media. “That sh*t that Wendy Williams said to us at dinner is exactly where my energy was,” he said. He acknowledged that he once pursued stories for “clicks and views.” the former employee said that mindset eventually left him feeling unfulfilled. Williams’ reported comments come amid years of legal and personal turmoil surrounding her guardianship. The arrangement has generated intense public interest in her autonomy and personal affairs. Her health has also remained part of the conversation. In 2024, Williams’ representatives announced her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Williams has challenged some public portrayals of her circumstances. Her situation has also prompted renewed discussions about privacy, celebrity and media scrutiny. For years, Williams examined the private lives of celebrities from behind a television desk. Her own life later became the subject of similar attention. Her reported comments about karma add another layer to that complicated history. They also suggest a striking degree of introspection from a television personality known for blunt observations. Williams’ public appearances have become less frequent as her guardianship continues. Her direct comments about her circumstances have also remained limited. Still, her reported reflection offers a poignant perspective on her legacy. The woman who once made celebrity lives headline news now finds her own story under the microscope. For Williams, the experience appears to have prompted a reckoning with the words and judgments that helped define her career.

The WNBA announced that the Golden State Valkyries and the San Francisco Bay Area will host the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in 2027. It marks the first time the league’s premier midseason event will be held in the region. According to the press release, the 2027 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will take place on Saturday, July 31, 2027, at Chase Center. The weekend will also feature events across the Bay Area. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement confirming the news. “We are thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time,” said Engelbert. “The Golden State Valkyries have brought incredible energy and excitement to the WNBA. And the response from fans across the Bay Area has been remarkable. Valkyries fans have embraced this team with an extraordinary level of passion. And enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to see that energy on full display for an unforgettable All-Star weekend next summer.” “Hosting the AT&T WNBA All-Star in only our third season is an incredible honor. And a reflection of everything this fanbase, this region, and this organization has built together,” said Jess Smith, President, Golden State Valkyries. “From day one, the Bay Area has shown up for this team. And we can’t wait to put that same energy on display for the entire league next summer.” THE BAY AREA WILL HOST FOR THE FIRST TIME At the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, fans can look forward to numerous events. Starting with the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars and State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest at the Chase Center on Friday, July 30. The celebration will continue throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with the sixth annual WNBA Live presented by AWS at the Moscone Center, local community impact initiatives, and various regional watch parties and fan experiences, with additional details to be revealed in the coming months. Friday night All-Star festivities will air Friday, July 30, on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET, The 2027 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will air Saturday, July 31, on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Lesley Vogel, the mother of actress Hayden Panettiere, issued her first public remarks Tuesday following the unexpected death of her daughter at the age of 36, according to NBC news. The grieving mother used the opportunity to express the family’s profound loss while addressing long-held anxieties regarding the actress’s personal life and relationships. Panettiere, known for her starring roles in the hit television series “Heroes” and “Nashville,” passed away earlier this month, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. While the specific details surrounding the cause of death have not been fully disclosed to the public, Vogel’s comments shed light on the internal struggles the family faced during the actress’s final years. In her statement, Vogel explicitly mentioned the family’s “longstanding concerns” regarding Panettiere’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. The relationship had been a subject of media scrutiny for several years, marked by reports of domestic turbulence and legal interventions. Vogel’s public acknowledgement of these concerns suggests a difficult family dynamic as they attempted to support the actress through a series of personal challenges. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Hayden,” Vogel said in the statement. The mother’s remarks come at a time when fans and colleagues have been flooding social media with tributes to the actress, who began her career as a child star on daytime soap operas before transitioning into a global household name. Panettiere’s career spanned over three decades, beginning with roles in “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.” She later gained international fame for her portrayal of Claire Bennet in “Heroes,” where her character’s catchphrase, “Save the cheerleader, save the world,” became a cultural phenomenon. Beyond her acting, Panettiere was also recognized for her activism, particularly in ocean conservation and efforts to protect whales. View this post on Instagram The family has requested privacy during this time as they navigate the funeral arrangements and grieve the loss of a woman they described as a talented light in their lives. Vogel did not elaborate on further legal or medical details but emphasized that the family is focused on honoring Hayden’s legacy. Additional information regarding a public memorial service is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Battle Rapper Geechi Gotti, whose real name is Marcus Keith Fantroy, pleaded guilty in Ohio to aggravated drug possession and failure to comply with a police order. Fantroy entered the pleas Aug. 13 in connection with a February traffic stop and alleged pharmaceutical theft. Under the agreement, prosecutors amended one count to a third-degree felony and dismissed three other counts. Fantroy received consecutive 12-month sentences, totaling 24 months. He had spent about 6½ months in custody before sentencing, leaving roughly 17 to 18 months remaining. His remaining time could decrease through good behavior. GEECHI GOTTI PLEADS GUILTY TO AGGRAVATED POSSESSION OF DRUGS & FAILURE TO COMPLY & SENTENCED TO 24 MONTHS ON AUGUST 13TH 2026. THE STATE OF OHIO AGREES TO AMEND COUNTS 1 TO F3 & DISMISS COUNTS 2,3 & 4. GEECHI GOTTI AGREED TO 12 MONTHS ON EACH COUNT TO RUN CONSECUTIVELY. GEECHI… pic.twitter.com/BWUAbFAbTo — KING DNA TOOTH (@KINGDNATOOTH_) August 18, 2026 The case began Feb. 5 after West Chester police stopped a vehicle on Interstate 75. Fantroy was among four California men inside the vehicle, according to authorities. Police said the occupants attempted to flee after the traffic stop. Officers later apprehended them near the Streets of West Chester. Detective Kevin Burger testified that investigators recovered nearly 3,000 prescription pills from the vehicle. The seized drugs included oxycodone, morphine and Vicodin. “We searched thoroughly,” Burger told the court. “There was a large amount of pharmaceuticals in the car.” Battle Rapper Geechi Gotti Enters Guilty Plea In Ohio’s Drug Possession While Another Indictment Looms Investigators allegedly traced the drugs to the Medicine Shoppe pharmacy in Bellevue, Ohio. Authorities also suspected that cash found during the investigation came from a pharmacy in Perrysburg. Burger estimated the pharmaceuticals had a retail value exceeding $10,000. He said their potential street value was substantially higher. The investigation had begun before the traffic stop. Detectives were monitoring the group after one member arrived at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, according to testimony. Prosecutors also alleged that Fantroy and three other California men broke into a Perrysburg drug repository. The group allegedly removed an unknown amount of money and damaged the property. Fantroy faced breaking-and-entering and vandalism charges, along with a theft misdemeanor. Those charges were dismissed under the plea agreement, according to the sentencing terms. The remaining sentence keeps Fantroy in custody while the court resolves the consequences of the alleged pharmaceutical theft. His conviction closes the latest phase of the case involving the rapper, who performs as Geechi Gotti.

Award-winning actress Halle Berry celebrated turning 60 with a topless message about confidence, health and embracing every stage of life. The Oscar-winning actress marked her Aug. 14 birthday with a series of sultry photos shared on social media. Berry appeared topless beneath a lace-trimmed red and black robe in one striking image. View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram The photographs captured Berry enjoying a sunny celebration with longtime partner Van Hunt. She also posed with chocolate-covered strawberries and what appeared to be a mimosa. Another photo showed Berry taking a selfie alongside her skincare products. She also shared a sweet image of herself kissing Hunt while holding a peach. “Today….don’t give a f—!” Berry captioned the slideshow. On her actual birthday, Berry shared another selfie with fans. She wore oversized white sunglasses and held a card reading, “Happy 60th.” “Thank you from my heart for all the birthday love and well wishes,” she wrote. “I’m grateful to still be here!!” Her celebrity friends joined the celebration online. Jamie Foxx, Nia Long, Busta Rhymes and Arsenio Hall were among those offering birthday wishes. Berry had already opened up about the milestone during a recent appearance on “TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle.” She said reaching 60 feels different than she once expected. Actress Halle Berry Goes Topless In Lace Robe For 60th Birthday “Great, because, you know, the opposite would be tragic if I weren’t here,” Berry said. “I feel different than I thought I would feel at 60,” she added. “What is 60? What is age anymore? It’s a feeling.” Berry said she feels stronger, wiser and more comfortable with herself. She also expressed gratitude for her health. “I’m the best version of myself at this time in my life,” she said. “I am so glad that I’m still here and healthy.” The birthday milestone follows roughly 35 years in Hollywood. Berry continues pursuing projects that reflect her interests and experiences. She recently completed filming “Fleur,” a thriller now in postproduction. Berry said the project allowed her to explore perspectives meaningful to women. “I am all about women’s health and female empowerment right now,” she said. Berry also described aging as a privilege. Her message was straightforward: life experience carries greater value than appearances. “The real good is what’s come from our life experience,” she said. At 60, Berry is celebrating more than another birthday. She is embracing the confidence, wisdom and perspective that came with the journey.

Y’all ready? Usher and Chris Brown are extending their highly successful joint concert series, announcing a string of new dates for “The R&B Tour” due to overwhelming fan demand. The expansion comes as the tour establishes itself as one of the most sought-after tickets of the summer, featuring two of the genre’s most prolific performers on a single stage. The newly added stops will bring the production to several major markets across the United States. Fans in East Rutherford, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbia, and Indianapolis will now have the chance to witness the collaboration. Additionally, the duo has scheduled encore performances or new stops in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami to accommodate the high volume of ticket requests. Usher shared the news with his followers on social media, expressing gratitude for the reception the tour has received thus far. T he “Confessions” singer noted that the energy from the crowd has been a driving force behind the decision to prolong the trek. “You all are STILL not playing about The R&B Tour! The love has been unreal, so we’re keeping it going and adding MORE DATES,” Usher said in a statement posted to his Instagram account. “The fans have made this tour what it is. We see you. Let’s keep making it BIGGER.” The tour has already seen sold-out crowds across North America, with fans praising the vocal chemistry and stage production of the two headliners. Those looking to attend the new dates are encouraged to monitor official artist websites and social media channels for specific on-sale times and VIP package opportunities. With the addition of these eight cities, “The R&B Tour” is on track to be one of the highest-grossing R&B tours of the decade. View this post on Instagram