A Tampa jury recommended the death penalty Wednesday for rapper Billy Adams over the killing of his pregnant girlfriend’s unborn child. Jurors also recommended life without parole for Adams’ murder conviction in the death of Alana Sims, 22. The recommendations followed Tuesday’s guilty verdicts on both counts. Jurors deliberated for roughly five hours before finding Adams guilty. During Wednesday’s penalty phase, prosecutors urged jurors to impose the death penalty. The state argued that multiple aggravating factors supported capital punishment in the case. “It was a cold, calculated, premeditated murder of her mother, knowing that she was pregnant of baby girl Sims,” prosecutors told the jury. The state also cited the age of Sims’ unborn child as an aggravating factor. Prosecutors described the fetus as a child younger than 12 under the applicable law. “The killing of a defenseless, vulnerable child, still under the protection of her mother’s womb,” prosecutors said. Jurors voted 8-4 to recommend death for the killing of Sims’ unborn child. They recommended life without parole for Adams’ conviction in Sims’ death. Prosecutors alleged Adams shot Sims in the back of the head from about three feet away. The shooting occurred in an unfinished area of Tampa’s Easton Park neighborhood. Jury Delivers Death Penalty Recommendation After Rapper Billy Adams Guilty Verdict The state alleged Adams lured Sims to the location because he wanted to pursue a relationship with his “main” girlfriend. Prosecutors said Adams believed Sims was carrying his child. A later determination established that Adams was not the biological father of the unborn child, prosecutors said. Adams’ family testified Wednesday in an effort to persuade jurors to spare his life. His stepmother and two younger brothers described their relationships with him. “He means everything to me. That’s why I started pursuing education the way I did,” one brother testified. Family members said Adams earned a degree from the University of South Florida. They described his upbringing as loving and supportive. His stepmother became emotional while testifying. She said she had served as a maternal figure since Adams was young. “Always was respectable, never had any issues with him,” she said. “He was just one of those kids that melts your heart.” Adams wiped away tears and made a heart gesture toward her. A Spencer hearing is scheduled for Dec. 1. The defense can present additional sentencing evidence at that hearing. The judge will determine whether to accept the jury’s recommendations and formally sentence Adams.

The NBA handed down the largest punishment in the history of the league in the aftermath of the LA Clippers salary cap probe. Following a year-long investigation, the league found that the Clippers circumvented the league’s salary cap rules to give millions to Kawhi Leonard.  The Clippers will forfeit their next five first-round picks — in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033. Clippers owner Ballmer will be fined $30 million, the league announced.  Also, Ballmer has been suspended for one year, “for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities.”   Leonard was ordered to pay a $700,000 penalty to the league. Additionally, his former business manager and uncle, Dennis Robertson, was banned from conducting business with NBA teams for five years  President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year without pay for her direct involvement and for lying to investigators. President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months without pay for approving impermissible expenses and endorsing improper player arrangements.  LEONARD ADDRESSES THE RULING In a statement, the Clippers pledged to fight the ruling that they disagree with. “We vehemently reject the NBA’s findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence,” the statement read.  “For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith, and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence. We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available.”  Leonard also released a statement about his role in the investigation and the acceptance of his punishment. Kawhi Leonard, through his new agent, Harrison Gaines, issues statement: “Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused… https://t.co/cgWhrjcXuR — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026 “I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle. And I regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family,” Leonard said. “I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap. … As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.” 

Tiger Woods had his driver’s license suspended for five years after pleading no contest to reckless driving and refusing a lawful drug test in a Florida courtroom, ABC News reports. The plea agreement resolves charges stemming from a March 2026 rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island, where investigators noted signs of impairment and recovered prescription painkillers at the scene.  Presiding over the Martin County Circuit Court, Judge Darren Steele issued a stern warning alongside the strict five-year suspension and court fines, emphasizing that any driving violation during this period would result in immediate jail time.  On March 27, 2026, Woods was arrested in Jupiter Island, Florida, following an afternoon car crash. According to authorities, Woods’ Land Rover clipped the back of a truck trailer while attempting a pass on a two-lane road, causing his vehicle to roll onto its side.  Responding deputies reported that Woods exhibited signs of impairment—including bloodshot eyes, slurred responses, and lethargy—and found two prescription hydrocodone pain pills in his pocket. Although Woods took a breathalyzer test that returned a 0.00 BAC, he refused to provide a urine sample, leading officers to arrest him on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test.  tiger woods’ future Woods, who stated he was distracted by his phone and changing radio stations prior to the impact, later stepped away from golf to enter an inpatient facility and focus on his health.  As Tiger Woods’ playing days wind down, his focus has shifted from chasing major number 16 to shaping his legacy. Years of severe injuries and surgeries mean his on-course future now hinges on selective appearances at majors, golf carts on the PGA Tour Champions, and his high-tech TGL league.  Off the course, his work as a tour director, architect, and mentor ensures he will control the game’s direction for decades.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is firmly rejecting the “King of New York” title recently bestowed upon him by city officials following the team’s historic championship run. Despite leading the franchise to its first NBA title in 53 years, the Finals MVP said he finds the moniker self-centered and prefers to focus on the work required for the upcoming season. During a recent appearance on the “Road Trippin’” podcast with former NBA players Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye and Kendrick Perkins, Brunson addressed the growing buzz surrounding his status in the city. The three-time All-Star made it clear that while fans and politicians may use the label, it will never come from his own mouth. “I’ve never called myself the king of New York. I will never call myself the king of New York,” Brunson said. He explained that adopting such a title would make him appear arrogant to his peers and the public, adding, “You guys are going to look like, ‘What the fuck, this dude is so self-centered.’” The nickname gained significant traction at City Hall last month. Mayor Zohran Mamdani officially declared Brunson “the king” during a city-sponsored youth event at Inwood Hill Park on Aug. 28. Mamdani previously presented the point guard with the Keys to the City following a victory parade in June, which celebrated the Knicks’ five-game series win over the San Antonio Spurs. Brunson’s performance in the 2026 Finals cemented his place in New York sports lore, joining the ranks of legends like Derek Jeter and Eli Manning. The 30-year-old guard averaged 32.6 points and 4.6 assists during the series, punctuated by a 45-point performance in the clinching Game 5. Despite the accolades, Brunson said the team is determined to move past the celebration to focus on a title defense. The Knicks are attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors accomplished the feat in 2018. “We don’t want to speak of the trophy, we don’t talk about the trophy, we don’t want to see the trophy,” Brunson said regarding the team’s mindset for the 2026-27 season. He emphasized that the roster needs to maintain a “tougher mindset” than they had during their championship campaign to avoid complacency. While the city remains in a state of “Knick-mania”—evidenced by a recent Mayor Mamdani look-alike contest in Washington Square Park—Brunson remains intent on distancing himself from the royal branding. For the man who ended the city’s half-century drought, the work on the court takes precedence over any crown.

Issa Rae and the core cast of the hit HBO series “Insecure” have canceled their highly anticipated 10th anniversary tour, citing irreconcilable scheduling conflicts among the show’s stars. The announcement, which was delivered via a comedic video posted to Rae’s HOORAE Instagram account, confirmed that 12 of the 13 planned city dates have been scrapped. The 13-city run was originally scheduled to kick off Sept. 10 in Philadelphia. The tour promised fans an intimate look at the beloved comedy-drama, featuring candid conversations and never-before-told stories from the cast and creative team. In addition to Philadelphia, the tour had planned stops in major hubs including Washington, D.C., Detroit, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Atlanta and Houston. In the social media announcement, Rae was joined by fellow cast members Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis and Natasha Rothwell, along with showrunner Prentice Penny. The video maintained the show’s signature humor as the actors appeared one by one, each explaining their inability to participate due to heavy workloads. Ellis, for instance, checked in from the set of his latest project, “The Rookie North.” “Unfortunately, our schedules got messed up and we are so sorry, but we only wanted to do this if we could all be there and give you the best experience possible,” Rae said in the video. Penny added that while the team was “bummed” to cancel, the conflict arose because everyone in the ensemble had successfully moved on to new professional commitments. Rothwell, who gained further acclaim for her series “How to Die Alone,” joked in the video about carrying the weight of the news. “The tour ain’t happening, y’all. I’m so sorry,” she said. The cast emphasized that the decision was made because they did not want to deliver a touring experience that did not feature the full primary ensemble. Despite the sweeping cancellations, one date remains on the calendar. The event scheduled for Oct. 8 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, is still set to proceed as planned. Inglewood served as a central character and primary setting for “Insecure” throughout its five-season run, making the local date a significant milestone for the production. “Insecure” concluded its original run on HBO after five seasons, leaving a lasting impact on television for its authentic portrayal of Black friendship and life in Los Angeles. Fans who purchased tickets for the canceled dates are expected to receive refunds at their point of purchase as the cast continues to focus on their individual television and film careers.

Jodeci’s Mr. Dalvin is asking fans to keep his longtime friend T-Boz in their prayers as the TLC singer’s known health issues return. One-fourth of the legendary R&B group, whose real name is Dalvin DeGrate, shared an emotional message Tuesday for Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins. The TLC star recently missed a performance after experiencing a sickle cell flare-up. “I’m asking you, everybody, under the sound of my voice, to ask God to touch her and heal her, that she may have a speedy recovery,” DeGrate said in an Instagram video. Mr. Dalvin asking for continued prayers for his good friend T-Boz she’s had a sickle cell flare up that’s caused her to miss a few shows. https://t.co/wXlqJHctlj pic.twitter.com/9aWOTpJLGm — Nicole (@Nprezzed) September 2, 2026 He also asked for strength and peace for Watkins. Most importantly, he wants her to return to doing what she loves. “We all love you and we all appreciate you,” DeGrate said directly to Watkins. His message came days after Watkins missed TLC’s Aug. 27 concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in New York. Bandmate Chilli performed without her. Chilli told concertgoers that Watkins was dealing with a sickle cell flare-up. Some of Watkins’ vocals were reportedly played through prerecorded tracks during the performance. Watkins has lived with sickle cell disease since childhood. The inherited condition can cause red blood cells to become rigid and obstruct blood flow. Jodeci’s Mr. Dalvin Asks Fans To Pray For TLC’s T-Boz As She Battles Continued Sickle Cell Condition Those blockages can reduce oxygen delivery and trigger severe pain. Sickle cell crises can last for hours or days and sometimes require hospitalization. Watkins has openly discussed her diagnosis throughout her career. She has also faced other significant health challenges. In 2024, Watkins was hospitalized with an abdominal blockage caused by scar tissue from an earlier surgery. She later emphasized that condition was unrelated to sickle cell disease. Watkins has continued performing with TLC for more than three decades. The group has sold more than 65 million records and won four Grammy Awards. DeGrate and Watkins have known each other since the 1990s. TLC and Jodeci became two of R&B’s most influential groups during that era. Their friendship has endured through the years. The pair have also collaborated and teased future music together. Neither Watkins nor TLC has publicly detailed her current condition. There has been no confirmation of hospitalization or her next performance. For now, DeGrate’s message offers a simple request from a friend: Keep T-Boz in your thoughts and prayers.

Award-winning singer Justin Timberlake’s 2027 plans may mark the start of his next era in new music after 2024’s Everything I Thought It Was. The singer is reportedly preparing new music and a world tour for 2027. The project could be titled “The Next Move,” according to a new report. The buzz arrives after Timberlake made a surprise return to the stage in Miami. He joined Don Toliver during the performance, giving fans another glimpse of the pop veteran in concert. According to Showbiz411, sources claim Timberlake has started building what could become his most ambitious project yet. The reported tour could begin as soon as March 2027. If the plans materialize, the album would follow Timberlake’s 2024 LP, “Everything I Thought It Was.” The album had a modest commercial run compared with his earlier releases. His Forget Tomorrow World Tour told a different story. The trek sold more than one million tickets before receiving an extension. Singer Justin Timberlake Teases New Music & Tour Coming In 2027 A 2027 return would also come after a challenging period for Timberlake. In 2025, he revealed his Lyme disease diagnosis. Timberlake said the condition caused significant pain and fatigue during performances. He also acknowledged uncertainty about his future onstage. Now, the prospect of new music suggests Timberlake may be ready for another chapter. Still, plenty remains unknown. Timberlake has not confirmed “The Next Move,” the album or the reported tour. Longtime collaborator Timbaland could potentially have a role in the project. An *NSYNC reunion also remains a question mark. Joey Fatone recently indicated that an *NSYNC reunion was not happening anytime soon. For Timberlake, however, the focus appears to be forward. His career has crossed pop, R&B and dance music for more than two decades. A March 2027 tour would give him time to shape the music and develop a new live production. Until Timberlake speaks, “The Next Move” remains just a report. Yet the possibility of 2027 music has already given fans something new to anticipate. If the plans become reality, Timberlake could enter 2027 with fresh music, a global tour and a new creative chapter.

Lil Durk’s former assistant Kavon Grant delivered damaging testimony Tuesday in the rapper’s federal murder-for-hire trial. Grant told jurors that Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, appeared pleased after learning about a 2022 shooting targeting rapper Quando Rondo. “Finally, we got somebody,” Grant recalled Banks saying. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Yanniello pressed Grant about the alleged retaliation during questioning. Prosecutors say Banks and members of Only the Family, or OTF, targeted Rondo after the 2020 killing of King Von. Prosecutors allege Rondo was involved in the circumstances surrounding Von’s death. They say Banks later vowed revenge through his music. One lyric cited by prosecutors states, “If you can’t get the main n—a then you better get his guy.” Rapper Lil Durk’s Ex-Assistant Kavon Grant Delivers Damaging Testimony In Murder-For-Hire Trial Yanniello then connected the lyrics to the Los Angeles shooting. “That’s what you did in LA, right?” Yanniello asked. “Accidentally, yes,” Grant replied. Three masked gunmen opened fire on Rondo’s vehicle at a West Hollywood gas station. Rondo survived, but his 24-year-old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, was killed. Banks has denied involvement. His attorneys have argued that Grant, not Banks, was responsible for the shooting. Grant testified that he spoke with Banks several times while the gunmen followed Rondo around Los Angeles. “We moving sloppy so far,” Grant said he told Banks. “It’s not really planned. It’s like a free-for-all.” After the shooting, Grant said he went to Banks’ Encino rental home. “Do you think we got him?” Banks allegedly asked. Grant said he did not know because he was not at the scene. The testimony later turned toward Grant’s credibility. Defense attorney Drew Findling played recorded jail calls in which Grant discussed his testimony. Grant described it as his “time to perform.” Findling also questioned whether Grant cooperated with federal investigators for a reduced sentence. “You were hoping for home confinement,” Findling said. “Same as your client,” Grant shot back. Grant maintained that his testimony was truthful. “I’ve been truthful,” he told jurors. Grant is expected back on the witness stand Wednesday. The federal trial could conclude next week.

Rap star Cardi B criticized public sympathy for Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy during an X Spaces discussion, arguing that postpartum mental illness should not be used to excuse the deaths of her three children. Cardi addressed the case Thursday, Aug. 27, while discussing Clancy’s prosecution and the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths. “One thing about me, when it comes to kids, is stop looking for different loopholes,” Cardi said. “A lot of y’all are talking about her husband probably did it, or the system failed her.” Cardi b take on Lindsay clansey case… she said the woman killed d kids. Nd even if she didn’t she’s as much to blame cause she was in that house. She’s tired of seeing justice for Lindsay, Lindsay isn’t the victim, the kids are. Stop blaming mental health, Lindsay has options, pic.twitter.com/G5CTdj6Iq4 — Bardibardi ⁷ (@Bardibardi66341) August 27, 2026 “We need to stop looking for an excuse,” she added. “If your mental health is so fucked up that you kill three fucking kids, maybe you shouldn’t be on the streets.” Cardi also drew a distinction between Clancy’s case and women who experience postpartum depression without adequate support. “A lot of women in our hood are suffering from postpartum depression,” Cardi said. “There are women in our hoods whom nobody offered to help with their children. Does that give them an excuse to kill their kids?” The rapper further questioned reports of a fundraiser that raised roughly $1 million for Clancy. Rap Star Cardi B Rips Massachusetts Mom Lindsay Clancy, Seeks Justice For Clancy Children “The bitches raised a million fucking dollars,” Cardi said. “Why are we giving somebody that is on trial for murdering her kids a million dollars? Go give that shit to a charity.” Clancy, 36, is charged in connection with the January 2023 deaths of her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months. Prosecutors allege Clancy strangled the children with exercise bands inside the family’s Duxbury home. She then jumped from a second-story window and suffered paralysis from the waist down. Clancy’s defense has argued that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis and lacked criminal responsibility when the killings occurred. Prosecutors contend the killings were deliberate and that Clancy understood her actions. Jurors began deliberating Saturday in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The case has placed postpartum psychosis, maternal mental health and criminal responsibility under intense public scrutiny. Cardi’s comments add a celebrity perspective to the debate surrounding Clancy’s defense and the limits of mental-health-based criminal defenses.

Jordyn Woods is firing back at social media critics who questioned why Jaden Smith played such a prominent role in her recent wedding to NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns. Woods, 28, took to TikTok on Aug. 29 to address the online chatter with a heartfelt tribute to her lifelong friendship with the “Karate Kid” actor. The controversy began following the couple’s Aug. 15 nuptials in Malibu, where fans noticed Smith’s presence at several intimate events. Social media users questioned why the rapper was photographed with the bridesmaids at the bridal shower and seen assisting Towns with his wardrobe before the ceremony. “Why is Jaden with all of the girls? And at the bridal shower? And helping Karl with his shoes?” Woods wrote over a video montage of the festivities. She provided a succinct response to the inquiries: “Because he’s never missed an important moment in my life.” The video montage showcased the depth of their bond, featuring photos of the pair from infancy through adulthood. Woods explained that her relationship with Smith began when they were toddlers, largely because her late father, John Woods, worked as a sound engineer on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Woods credited Smith with being a consistent source of support, particularly during the most difficult periods of her life. She noted that he was by her side during her father’s funeral and was the first person she called after Towns proposed on Christmas Day 2025. “I’m so lucky I’ve never had to know a life without our friendship,” Woods wrote in her caption, calling Smith the “epitome of a day ONE.” https://www.tiktok.com/@jordynwoods/photo/7679544609420184863?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7587117011193873951 Beyond their personal history, Smith had a professional reason for being heavily involved in the groom’s preparations. Recently named the first men’s creative director for Maison Christian Louboutin, Smith personally designed a custom pair of size-20 red-bottomed shoes for Towns, the New York Knicks center. Smith shared his own tribute on Instagram, posting photos of him helping Towns put on the custom footwear. “My Best Friend Got Married And I Made Karl Size 20 Red Bottoms,” Smith wrote. “Jordyn I Love You So Much. Congratulations Karl I Love You Bro.” While Smith was not an official member of the bridal party, Woods made it clear that his presence was non-negotiable. She concluded her post by expressing her excitement for the future, joking that she cannot wait to return the favor at Smith’s own wedding one day.