Hayden Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend was at apartment where she died, police report says
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were at the South Carolina apartment where the actor died over the weekend. That is according to a police report released Tuesday. A Greenville police officer who responded to the residence Sunday afternoon was met by the brothers and then observed paramedics performing CPR on an unresponsive woman. No cause has been determined, and her death remains under investigation. An autopsy found no signs of trauma, and officers saw no signs of foul play. The onetime child star, who soared to fame in the TV shows “Heroes” and “Nashville” while enduring struggles with addiction, would have turned 37 on Friday.
Kennedy Center tells court it won't try to restore Trump's name to the building before Sept. 8
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center has told a federal court it won't try to restore Donald Trump's name to the building facade before at least Sept. 8. This word comes amid a legal battle over the venue's future. Opponents say the Trump-aligned board seems intent on defying a court order requiring the removal of Trump's name. The Kennedy Center plans to wait until after Labor Day to allow time for legal arguments. A recent board meeting focused on naming the plaza after Trump and adding his name to the facade. The board also voted for a two-year closure for renovations.
After losing a friend and writing 'Say So,' Dan + Shay are back with the autobiographical 'Young'
NEW YORK (AP) — Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay’s forthcoming album “Young” is 10 autobiographical tracks of crossover country that reflects their lives, now, with new emotional vulnerability. At its center is the lead single “Say So.” It's a surprising detour for the band best known for wedding songs because it's about suicide prevention. Dan + Shay say they were unsure about releasing the track, but then it became both therapeutic and an inevitability. They describe the rest of the songs on “Young” as deeply personal and vulnerable, written with care after previously scrapping an entire album's worth of material.
Frank Beard, drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77
NEW YORK (AP) — Frank Beard, the drummer for ZZ Top, has died at 77. He passed away Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family by his side. ZZ Top sold over 50 million records and had six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. The band, formed in 1969, was known for hits like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” They maintained their original lineup for over five decades. Their unique style and humor made them popular in Hollywood and MTV. Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, followed by Taylor Swift
NEW YORK (AP) — Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations. The network announced the nominations Tuesday. The pop icon has 19 competitive MTV VMA wins to her name. She also won the coveted Video Vanguard Award in 1986. She was the first solo female artist to win it. She is up for 11 awards at this year’s ceremony. Madonna is followed by Taylor Swift's nine nominations. Swift is one win away from becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history. The 2026 show will broadcast live on CBS on Sept. 27 from the Peacock Theater Los Angeles. It will also simulcast on MTV and be available to stream on Paramount+.
Comedians Eric André and Clayton English settle lawsuit over drug search program at Atlanta airport
ATLANTA (AP) — Comedians Eric André and Clayton English have settled a lawsuit challenging a police program at Atlanta's airport. They alleged the program used racial profiling and coercive searches, particularly targeting Black passengers. The lawsuit, filed in October 2022, alleged they were racially profiled and illegally stopped by Clayton County police. The county confirmed it has ended the program. The comedians described their experiences as dehumanizing. The settlement includes a $30,000 payment and requires police to use body cameras and undergo training. Records showed a high percentage of stops involved Black passengers, with few resulting in charges.
Shakira makes surprise visit in earthquake-damaged Colombia and commits to rebuilding schools
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — Colombian superstar Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools in a remote region of her home country after a devastating earthquake struck last week. The quake killed hundreds and affected thousands of educational sites. During a surprise visit to Quibdó, Shakira toured damaged schools and committed her Barefoot Foundation's support. She was joined by philanthropist Howard Buffett, who will collaborate with her foundation on the project. The 7.4 magnitude quake destroyed over 26,000 dwellings and affected more than 265 educational sites in Chocó. Shakira emphasized the importance of rebuilding schools to secure children's futures.
Some Tupac Shakur family members step out of courtroom while others stay to face autopsy photos
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Some members of Tupac Shakur's family left the courtroom before prosecutors showed autopsy photos at the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis. Davis is charged with orchestrating Shakur's 1996 fatal shooting in Las Vegas. A forensic pathologist on Tuesday described Shakur's bullet wounds. Shakur died six days after being shot. The prosecution says Davis planned the shooting in retaliation for his nephew's beating earlier that night. His lawyer called the prosecution's narrative “fiction.” Jurors saw video of Shakur’s entourage attacking Davis’ nephew hours before the shooting. Davis could face life in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty.
Journey prepares for the last leg of what could be rockers' final tour together
NEW YORK (AP) — Journey is hitting the road for what could be their final tour, with the last leg kicking off in September. The tour will end in San Francisco in November, marking an emotional homecoming for the iconic rock band. Co-founder Neal Schon says the San Francisco show will be special, as it's where the band started. Journey has over 100 concerts this year, playing hits like “Faithfully” and “Don't Stop Believin'.” The band has seen five generations of fans at their shows. While the future is uncertain, Schon believes there are still many opportunities ahead.
ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93 from the effects of Parkinson’s disease
LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. (AP) — Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded cable TV sports giant ESPN, has died at the age of 93. ESPN historian Mike Soltys says Rasmussen died Tuesday at his Florida home from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. Rasmussen and his son Scott came up with the idea of a network carrying sports around the clock, and it would revolutionize Americans’ TV-watching habits. ESPN debuted in 1979. But the Rasmussens didn’t stick around long. They were forced out after only a year by ESPN majority owner Getty Oil. Bill Rasmussen and ESPN were estranged until 1999, when company executives invited him to the 20th anniversary celebration. Rasmussen was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025.
