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

Hip-Hop stars Young Thug and Lil Wayne are at the center of a decade-old legal dispute in Cobb County, Georgia. Attorneys for Young Thug appeared Monday before Cobb County Chief Judge Eric Brewton. The hearing concerns a lawsuit filed by Alvin Lewis, who drove Wayne’s tour bus during a 2015 shooting. Gunfire struck the bus after a concert in Atlanta on April 25, 2015. No one was physically injured. Lewis now seeks damages for emotional distress. Lewis alleges Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams, and Bryan Williams, known as Birdman, bear responsibility. Both defendants deny involvement. Defense attorney Jeffrey Reilly told the court that Lewis lacks direct evidence linking either rapper to the shooting. He also challenged evidence involving gangs and disputes among the artists. “Georgia law does not support such a broad brush of liability,” Reilly said. Lewis’ attorney, Jeffrey Gewirtz, offered a different account. He argued Young Thug and Birdman paid Jimmy Winfrey, known as Peewee Roscoe, to carry out the attack. Hip-Hop Star Young Thug’s Attorneys Return To Court For Lil Wayne 2015 Tour Bus Shooting Lawsuit Atlanta police arrested Winfrey after locating his white Chevrolet Camaro. Authorities also found an assault rifle, according to testimony. Winfrey pleaded guilty to gang charges in 2018. The Georgia Supreme Court later overturned that conviction after finding his plea involuntary. Winfrey subsequently accepted a plea deal in Young Thug’s racketeering case. Prosecutors identified the bus shooting as an alleged act supporting the criminal enterprise. Gewirtz cited jail calls between Young Thug and Winfrey. He argued the conversations showed Winfrey sought “street cred” and avoided being labeled a “rat.” Reilly said Young Thug’s $25,000 contribution toward Winfrey’s legal fees reflected their childhood friendship. He denied that Winfrey worked for either rapper or their record labels. The case also revisits tensions between Wayne and Birdman. Wayne previously accused Cash Money Records of restricting his music. Wayne later settled litigation against the label for more than $10 million. He also objected to Young Thug’s proposed “Barter VI” title. Gewirtz said Young Thug posted threats against Wayne days before the shooting. Reilly said Young Thug admired Wayne and considered him an idol. Judge Brewton also heard challenges to Lewis’ evidence, including hearsay and expert testimony. He said he will rule on whether the case proceeds to trial.

Tracee Ellis Ross has addressed the viral rumors surrounding her personal life, calling the recent social media speculation that she was expecting a child “nuts.” The actress and producer sat down for a candid conversation on the “What Now? With Trevor Noah” podcast to dismantle the false claims that had been circulating online since June. The rumors gained traction after a manipulated post surfaced depicting Ross holding a pregnancy test. The “Black-ish” star found the situation particularly bizarre because the image did not even feature her own body. Ross noted that her fans were the first to point out the discrepancies in the photo, observing that the hands and nails did not match hers. “That shit was nuts,” Ross said during the podcast. “I thought that was crazy. I was like, ‘What are you guys talking about?’” The actress joked that if there had been a photo of her with a “bloated tummy,” she might have understood the confusion, but the sheer fabrication of the image left her bewildered. During the interview, Noah suggested that such misleading content is often driven by social media algorithms and clickbait tactics designed to generate revenue regardless of accuracy. This is not the first time Ross has had to clear the air. She previously denied the pregnancy rumors during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” At that time, Ross explained that she had been receiving a wave of congratulatory text messages. She initially assumed the well-wishes were for her Broadway debut in the play “Every Brilliant Thing.” Ross, who is 53, has long been open about the societal pressures placed on women regarding marriage and motherhood. She told Fallon in June that she was not pregnant and even quipped that she wouldn’t even know how to get “preggers” at this stage in her life. While the internet was busy speculating about her personal life, Ross has remained focused on her professional achievements. The actress recently celebrated a reunion with her “Girlfriends” castmates who attended her Tony-nominated revival on Broadway. The actress concluded by questioning the motives behind the rumors, asking if it was simply a “slow news day” that led to such an elaborate fabrication. Despite the noise, Ross continues to prioritize her career and her own narrative over social media gossip.

LeBron James is expanding his digital empire into fairways and greens with the launch of a dedicated golf-focused YouTube channel.  Known for his relentlessly competitive drive, James has embraced golf as his newest athletic obsession, framing the sport as a grueling personal challenge that keeps his competitive fire burning away from the hardwood.  Rather than relying strictly on standard sports commentary, his channel offers fans a vlog-style, behind-the-scenes look at his journey to master the game. The debut episode set a high bar, kicking off with an iconic buddy trip to Scotland’s Castle Stuart Links featuring a high-profile reunion of his 2016 NBA championship-winning Cleveland Cavaliers teammates, including Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, Channing Frye, and Richard Jefferson.  The inaugural outing captured a 3-on-3 scramble match filled with classic banter, lighthearted arguments over past Finals moments, and stunning Scottish coastal scenery. Planned as a recurring monthly series, the channel blends high-stakes amateur golf with travel, food, local culture, and candid conversations.  The move places James at the center of the booming YouTube Golf community while showing a relaxed, relatable side of one of basketball’s greatest icons.  With golf legends like six-time major champion Rory McIlroy already publicly offering to give him lessons, the platform promises a unique mix of celebrity lifestyle, athletic humility, and star-studded guest appearances as James navigates the steep learning curve of the game  lebron’s ‘last decision’ In one of the most stunning free-agency moves in recent NBA history, LeBron James made the decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the start of his record-breaking 24th season in a fourth distinct uniform. Concluding an eight-year era with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 41-year-old icon opted for a drastic pay cut—agreeing to a two-year, $8 million veteran-minimum contract—to chase his fifth championship ring in the City of Brotherly Love.  Framed by James as his “last decision,” the move was purely driven by competitive ambition rather than financial gain, allowing him to team up with dynamic guard Tyrese Maxey, former MVP Joel Embiid, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, and newly acquired wing Jaylen Brown.