#MAGFAB: Cardi B for Vogue Arabia
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!
#RHOA: Days after teen son’s arrest, ‘RHOA’ star Kim Zolciak spotted in South Florida
Kim Zolciak is living every mother’s worst nightmare.The Bravolebrity’s 15-year-old son Kroy Jr. (with estranged husband Kroy Biermann) was arrested Aug. 17 on suspicion of aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery. The teen, a standout player on his high school football team, remains behind bars over the alleged incident. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, a female acquaintance accused Kroy Jr. of assaulting her in April in the family-changing area of a Life Time Fitness gym.
Almost a week after the sophomore was taken into custody, Zolciak was spotted hundreds of miles away outside a restaurant in West Palm Beach.
In photos published by TMZ, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum was seen walking in the valet area of the 79-year-old Okeechobee Steak House. She was accompanied by her younger son, Kash, 14, and current boyfriend Kyle Mowitz, who is in asset management.
Zolciak began dating the Port Orange-born billionaire last spring, roughly two years after filing for divorce from Biermann, who used to play for the Atlanta Falcons. Mowitz maintains offices in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, and is going through a divorce of his own.
So it stands to reason why Zolciak, who was born in Pensacola, was likely in the Sunshine State. We assume the mother of six will be back home when Kroy Jr. (KJ) faces the music in court; a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
The 48-year-old just fiercely defended him in a lengthy statement to UsWeekly.
“The allegations being made against my son are nothing short of reckless and deeply troubling. He categorically denies ever being involved with this woman or engaging in the conduct she has alleged,” Zolciak told the gossip outlet. “My son voluntarily took a polygraph examination regarding these allegations and passed. Additionally, an examination was conducted, and no DNA belonging to my son was found.”
The statement goes on to say that “false accusations can have devastating consequences not only for the person being accused, but also for genuine survivors of sexual assault and abuse.”
#NewMusic from Sy’rai Debut EP “Cold War”
#RHOA: Days after teen son’s arrest, ‘RHOA’ star Kim Zolciak spotted in South Florida
Almost a week after the sophomore was taken into custody, Zolciak was spotted hundreds of miles away outside a restaurant in West Palm Beach.
In photos published by TMZ, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum was seen walking in the valet area of the 79-year-old Okeechobee Steak House. She was accompanied by her younger son, Kash, 14, and current boyfriend Kyle Mowitz, who is in asset management.
Zolciak began dating the Port Orange-born billionaire last spring, roughly two years after filing for divorce from Biermann, who used to play for the Atlanta Falcons. Mowitz maintains offices in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, and is going through a divorce of his own.
So it stands to reason why Zolciak, who was born in Pensacola, was likely in the Sunshine State. We assume the mother of six will be back home when Kroy Jr. (KJ) faces the music in court; a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
The 48-year-old just fiercely defended him in a lengthy statement to UsWeekly.
“The allegations being made against my son are nothing short of reckless and deeply troubling. He categorically denies ever being involved with this woman or engaging in the conduct she has alleged,” Zolciak told the gossip outlet. “My son voluntarily took a polygraph examination regarding these allegations and passed. Additionally, an examination was conducted, and no DNA belonging to my son was found.”
The statement goes on to say that “false accusations can have devastating consequences not only for the person being accused, but also for genuine survivors of sexual assault and abuse.”
#NewMusic from Sy’rai Debut EP “Cold War”
Rising singer-songwriter Sy’rai has officially stepped into a new musical chapter today with the release of her highly anticipated debut EP, COLD WAR. The eight-track project is available now across all major digital streaming platforms via Hitmaker Music Group.
Bold, vulnerable, and unmistakably personal, COLD WAR serves as the 24-year-old’s formal introduction as a recording artist on her own terms. Throughout the project, Sy’rai explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the emotional growing pains that accompany navigating young adulthood.
“COLD WAR feels like the most honest introduction I could give people to who I am right now,” Sy’rai shared regarding the project’s release. “I’m at an age where I’m learning so much about myself, what I want, what I deserve, who I want around me and what I’m willing to let go of. There have been moments where I’ve felt like I was fighting battles within myself while also navigating love, friendships and just becoming an adult.”
The EP follows the successful release of the fan-favorite singles “Late Night” and “Bullseye (Nice Shot),” both of which offered listeners an early glimpse into the intimate storytelling and effortless contemporary R&B vocals that anchor the full project.
The tracklist immediately establishes Sy’rai’s assertive personality with the opening track, “Mind Ya Business,” before transitioning into the introspective “We Already Knew That.” From there, the EP expands its sonic landscape with standout tracks including “Stimulation,” “Swimming Pools,” the deeply intimate title track “Cold War,” and a featured guest appearance by Shakespeare! on “Paragon.”
STREAM HERE:
Bold, vulnerable, and unmistakably personal, COLD WAR serves as the 24-year-old’s formal introduction as a recording artist on her own terms. Throughout the project, Sy’rai explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the emotional growing pains that accompany navigating young adulthood.
“COLD WAR feels like the most honest introduction I could give people to who I am right now,” Sy’rai shared regarding the project’s release. “I’m at an age where I’m learning so much about myself, what I want, what I deserve, who I want around me and what I’m willing to let go of. There have been moments where I’ve felt like I was fighting battles within myself while also navigating love, friendships and just becoming an adult.”
The EP follows the successful release of the fan-favorite singles “Late Night” and “Bullseye (Nice Shot),” both of which offered listeners an early glimpse into the intimate storytelling and effortless contemporary R&B vocals that anchor the full project.
The tracklist immediately establishes Sy’rai’s assertive personality with the opening track, “Mind Ya Business,” before transitioning into the introspective “We Already Knew That.” From there, the EP expands its sonic landscape with standout tracks including “Stimulation,” “Swimming Pools,” the deeply intimate title track “Cold War,” and a featured guest appearance by Shakespeare! on “Paragon.”
STREAM HERE:
As the daughter of GRAMMY Award-winning global icon Brandy, Sy’rai is inherently familiar with extraordinary vocal talent and the expectations that accompany a famous musical lineage. Rather than distancing herself from that heritage, Sy’rai has actively embraced the legacy she inherited, while remaining highly intentional about discovering her own distinct voice, perspective, and artistic identity.
COLD WAR is available to stream and download now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other major digital platforms.
COLD WAR is available to stream and download now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other major digital platforms.
#HipHopNews: Busta Rhymes Feat The Late D’Angelo and J Dilla “This Woman”
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes has delivered a monumental moment for music purists, officially releasing his brand-new single, “This Woman,” featuring neo-soul icon D’Angelo. The track boasts production from the late, legendary architect J Dilla, uniting a trifecta of musical heavyweights for a smooth, boundary-pushing anthem.
“This Woman” stands as a brilliant convergence of elite lyricism, unmatched soul, and foundational boom-bap. Anchored by J Dilla’s signature off-kilter drum swing, warm vinyl crackle, and a lush, hypnotic bassline, the unearthed production provides a flawless canvas for the two vocalists.
Stepping away from his trademark rapid-fire delivery, Busta Rhymes adopts a more measured, reflective, and poetic cadence, dedicating his verses to honoring the strength, grace, and complexity of women. D’Angelo elevates the track to celestial heights, weaving his velvety, multi-layered vocal harmonies seamlessly throughout the chorus and bridge, delivering the elusive magic that has defined his revered catalog.
The release of “This Woman” serves as a poignant reminder of the deep, historic creative bond between Busta Rhymes and J Dilla. As one of the late producer’s most frequent and devoted collaborators, Busta has famously safeguarded an extensive vault of Dilla’s unreleased instrumental beats.
“This Woman” stands as a brilliant convergence of elite lyricism, unmatched soul, and foundational boom-bap. Anchored by J Dilla’s signature off-kilter drum swing, warm vinyl crackle, and a lush, hypnotic bassline, the unearthed production provides a flawless canvas for the two vocalists.
Stepping away from his trademark rapid-fire delivery, Busta Rhymes adopts a more measured, reflective, and poetic cadence, dedicating his verses to honoring the strength, grace, and complexity of women. D’Angelo elevates the track to celestial heights, weaving his velvety, multi-layered vocal harmonies seamlessly throughout the chorus and bridge, delivering the elusive magic that has defined his revered catalog.
The release of “This Woman” serves as a poignant reminder of the deep, historic creative bond between Busta Rhymes and J Dilla. As one of the late producer’s most frequent and devoted collaborators, Busta has famously safeguarded an extensive vault of Dilla’s unreleased instrumental beats.
LISTEN HERE:
By pulling this specific, soul-drenched instrumental from the archives and pairing it with a notoriously rare guest appearance from D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes has crafted a highly anticipated musical event that bridges the gap between classic hip-hop and contemporary R&B.
“This Woman” is available to stream and download now across Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms
By pulling this specific, soul-drenched instrumental from the archives and pairing it with a notoriously rare guest appearance from D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes has crafted a highly anticipated musical event that bridges the gap between classic hip-hop and contemporary R&B.
“This Woman” is available to stream and download now across Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Coyote vs Acme’ Surpasses Box Office Expectations In Opening Week
Coyote vs Acme scored a positive weekend at the box office!
The Looney Tunes animated/live-action hybrid comedy movie finally opened in theaters on Friday (August 28), over two years after filming, and it came in at No 2 at the box office, THR reports.
Will Forte, Lana Condor, Tone Bell, and John Cena star in the movie, and it earned $15.4 million at the domestic box office.
While the movie didn’t exactly earn a massive sum at the box office, it still became the biggest opening for its independent distributor, Ketchup Entertainment, which picked up the film in spring 2025 after Warner Bros scrapped it in 2023.
At the time of this post, Coyote vs Acme has an overwhelmingly positive response on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is Certified Fresh at 96% from critics, and it’s Verified Hot with 94% from audiences!
After enduring years of catastrophic product failures at the hands of ACME, Inc., a tenacious, unemployed coyote uncovers a corporate cover-up and spearheads an unhinged battle against the multinational conglomerate that’s been blowing him up in the name of profit. Also, there’s a roadrunner. And dynamite.
Coming in at No 1 this weekend was Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which earned an additional $22.2 million at the box office, bringing its domestic total to $891.5 million. It is the second-highest-grossing title at the domestic box office, only behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The Odyssey came in at No 3 with an additional $14.3 million, bringing it’s domestic total to $563.8 million.
Rounding out the top five were Insidious: Out of the Further at No 4 with $10.1 million and Ridley Scott‘s The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi, at $8 million for its opening.
Another weekend success was the indie-horror Buddy, which just missed out on the top five at No 6, earning $5.36 million at only 1,258 screens, doubling its projections. It is Roadside Attractions’ highest opening since the pandemic and second-highest in its 23-year history, plus it marks Saban Films’ highest opening in its 12-year history!
Coyote vs Acme scored a positive weekend at the box office!
The Looney Tunes animated/live-action hybrid comedy movie finally opened in theaters on Friday (August 28), over two years after filming, and it came in at No 2 at the box office, THR reports.
Will Forte, Lana Condor, Tone Bell, and John Cena star in the movie, and it earned $15.4 million at the domestic box office.
While the movie didn’t exactly earn a massive sum at the box office, it still became the biggest opening for its independent distributor, Ketchup Entertainment, which picked up the film in spring 2025 after Warner Bros scrapped it in 2023.
At the time of this post, Coyote vs Acme has an overwhelmingly positive response on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is Certified Fresh at 96% from critics, and it’s Verified Hot with 94% from audiences!
After enduring years of catastrophic product failures at the hands of ACME, Inc., a tenacious, unemployed coyote uncovers a corporate cover-up and spearheads an unhinged battle against the multinational conglomerate that’s been blowing him up in the name of profit. Also, there’s a roadrunner. And dynamite.
Coming in at No 1 this weekend was Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which earned an additional $22.2 million at the box office, bringing its domestic total to $891.5 million. It is the second-highest-grossing title at the domestic box office, only behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The Odyssey came in at No 3 with an additional $14.3 million, bringing it’s domestic total to $563.8 million.
Rounding out the top five were Insidious: Out of the Further at No 4 with $10.1 million and Ridley Scott‘s The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi, at $8 million for its opening.
Another weekend success was the indie-horror Buddy, which just missed out on the top five at No 6, earning $5.36 million at only 1,258 screens, doubling its projections. It is Roadside Attractions’ highest opening since the pandemic and second-highest in its 23-year history, plus it marks Saban Films’ highest opening in its 12-year history!
Dolly Parton Laid To Rest Beside Late Husband Carl Dean In Private Funeral Days After Her Death At 80
The “Jolene” singer was laid to rest Friday (Aug. 28) during a small, private service attended by immediate family in Nashville, honoring her wishes for an intimate farewell. Her great-niece Lainey Parton confirmed the burial in an emotional social media tribute, writing, “I wanted to wait until after my granny was laid to rest yesterday before I tried to put any of this into words.”
Dolly was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum beside her longtime husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82. The famously private couple was married for 58 years after meeting outside a Nashville laundromat in 1964, when Dolly was just 18.
Dolly d!ed Aug. 25 following what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer.” In lieu of flowers, her family has asked fans to honor the music icon by donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting program she founded to provide free books to children. We send our condolences to her family and friends.
Dolly was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum beside her longtime husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82. The famously private couple was married for 58 years after meeting outside a Nashville laundromat in 1964, when Dolly was just 18.
Dolly d!ed Aug. 25 following what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer.” In lieu of flowers, her family has asked fans to honor the music icon by donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting program she founded to provide free books to children. We send our condolences to her family and friends.
Anthropic Faces Multi-Billion Dollar Lawsuit From Sony & Warner Chappell In Latest War Over AI
Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music filed a massive lawsuit against Anthropic on Friday, August 28, in federal court in California, and they’re not holding back on their accusations.
The complaint describes what went down as “one of the largest and most blatant ongoing thefts of intellectual property in history,” and the numbers back up that claim.
The publishers are alleging that Anthropic systematically stole tens of thousands of copyrighted songs to train Claude, the company’s AI chatbot.
According to the filing, the company used illegal torrenting to obtain millions of pirated books from sites such as Library Genesis and Pirate Library Mirror, then scraped lyrics directly from licensed platforms, including MusixMatch and LyricFind.
The complaint specifically names classic tracks like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Eye of the Tiger,” and Taylor Swift’s “Paper Rings” as works that were unlawfully harvested for training data.
The publishers are seeking up to $150,000 in statutory damages per infringed work, plus an additional $25,000 for each instance of removal of copyright management information.
With tens of thousands of compositions allegedly involved, the potential damages could easily reach into the billions.
This isn’t Anthropic’s first rodeo with copyright litigation.
According to Music Business Worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group, Concord, and ABKCO already sued in October 2023, then filed a second suit in January 2026 seeking over $3 billion for more than 20,000 works.
BMG brought a third case in March 2026, and Round Hill filed a fourth just last month.
The company also settled with authors for $1.5 billion in September 2025 over similar piracy allegations, yet the publishers argue Anthropic clearly views these settlements as just another business expense.
The publishers also note that the guardrails Anthropic added after earlier litigation are easily circumvented by simply re-prompting the model to generate the same lyrics.
Anthropic’s $2 trillion valuation, projected for an October IPO according to a Forbes report cited in the complaint, makes the company an attractive target for massive damages claims.
The publishers are demanding a jury trial and representation by the same legal team that led the earlier UMG and Concord cases, signaling they’re prepared for a lengthy battle.
The complaint also demands that all infringing copies be destroyed and that Anthropic provide a complete accounting of Claude’s training data.
The complaint describes what went down as “one of the largest and most blatant ongoing thefts of intellectual property in history,” and the numbers back up that claim.
The publishers are alleging that Anthropic systematically stole tens of thousands of copyrighted songs to train Claude, the company’s AI chatbot.
According to the filing, the company used illegal torrenting to obtain millions of pirated books from sites such as Library Genesis and Pirate Library Mirror, then scraped lyrics directly from licensed platforms, including MusixMatch and LyricFind.
The complaint specifically names classic tracks like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Eye of the Tiger,” and Taylor Swift’s “Paper Rings” as works that were unlawfully harvested for training data.
The publishers are seeking up to $150,000 in statutory damages per infringed work, plus an additional $25,000 for each instance of removal of copyright management information.
With tens of thousands of compositions allegedly involved, the potential damages could easily reach into the billions.
This isn’t Anthropic’s first rodeo with copyright litigation.
According to Music Business Worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group, Concord, and ABKCO already sued in October 2023, then filed a second suit in January 2026 seeking over $3 billion for more than 20,000 works.
BMG brought a third case in March 2026, and Round Hill filed a fourth just last month.
The company also settled with authors for $1.5 billion in September 2025 over similar piracy allegations, yet the publishers argue Anthropic clearly views these settlements as just another business expense.
The publishers also note that the guardrails Anthropic added after earlier litigation are easily circumvented by simply re-prompting the model to generate the same lyrics.
Anthropic’s $2 trillion valuation, projected for an October IPO according to a Forbes report cited in the complaint, makes the company an attractive target for massive damages claims.
The publishers are demanding a jury trial and representation by the same legal team that led the earlier UMG and Concord cases, signaling they’re prepared for a lengthy battle.
The complaint also demands that all infringing copies be destroyed and that Anthropic provide a complete accounting of Claude’s training data.
Venus and Serena stun fans with historic US Open return
There’s a familiar name back on the marquee at the US Open, and it comes in twos. Venus and Serena Williams will compete together in the women’s doubles draw at Flushing Meadows for the first time in four years, tournament organizers confirmed Wednesday, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated reunions of the season.
The sisters received a wild-card entry into the event, which kicks off Sept. 3. It marks the 10th time the Williamses have paired up for doubles at the US Open — a partnership that has already produced championships in 1999 and 2009, along with a staggering 27-7 record in matches at the tournament. For longtime fans, the news landed like a time capsule cracking open at just the right moment.
The announcement adds another twist to what has become an unlikely second act for Serena. The 44-year-old stepped away from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open, famously describing the shift as an evolution rather than a retirement, and stayed off the tour for more than three years. Few expected her to lace up competitively again, let alone at the same tournament where she said her goodbyes.
Her return began quietly in June at the HSBC Championships in London, where she teamed with Victoria Mboko for a doubles win before Mboko withdrew with a knee injury. Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, then entered the singles draw at Wimbledon but exited in the first round. It wasn’t a triumphant reintroduction, but it didn’t need to be — the mere sight of her back on tour was enough to reignite conversation.
A knee injury sustained at Wimbledon has kept Serena out of Flushing Meadows’ singles bracket this year; her manager told ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe the injury hasn’t fully healed. The tournament’s remaining singles wild card instead went to fellow American Sofia Kenin.
Doubles, however, is a different story. Serena and 46-year-old Venus took the court together earlier this month at the Cincinnati Open, falling in the first round. Days later, Serena made her first US Open appearance of any kind since 2022, pairing with 23-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. The duo advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated, giving fans a preview of the energy Serena’s return has injected into the tournament.
She acknowledged Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium that stepping back onto that court was something she genuinely hadn’t anticipated — a rare, unscripted moment from a champion who has spent decades in the spotlight. That sense of surprise, more than any statistic, is what’s made this stretch of matches feel different from a typical athlete’s farewell lap. It reads less like a calculated comeback and more like someone rediscovering a piece of herself she thought she’d already put away.
Together, Venus and Serena have claimed 22 doubles titles, including 14 at Grand Slam events, with their most recent major triumph coming at Wimbledon in 2016. Last year, Venus paired with 23-year-old Leylah Fernandez at the Open, advancing to the quarterfinals without her sister by her side. Now, with both back on the same side of the net, nostalgia and competitive stakes are colliding once again in Queens — and fans are treating every match like it could be one of the last chances to see this partnership in action.
The Williams reunion wasn’t the only wild-card news out of the Open Wednesday. Stan Wawrinka, initially left off the tournament’s wild-card list, will now compete after all, stepping in for the injured Patrick Kypson. The 41-year-old, who is retiring at season’s end, expressed excitement at getting one more shot in front of New York crowds.
Wawrinka’s original omission drew sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike, but the three-time Grand Slam champion — who beat Novak Djokovic to win the 2016 US Open — responded graciously on social media, reflecting on how the city shaped his career and calling his 2016 title one of the defining moments of his life.
Between a legendary sisterly reunion and a beloved veteran’s final bow, the 2026 US Open is shaping up to be less about closure and more about one more shared chapter — proof that even the most storied careers still have room for a surprise ending.
The sisters received a wild-card entry into the event, which kicks off Sept. 3. It marks the 10th time the Williamses have paired up for doubles at the US Open — a partnership that has already produced championships in 1999 and 2009, along with a staggering 27-7 record in matches at the tournament. For longtime fans, the news landed like a time capsule cracking open at just the right moment.
The announcement adds another twist to what has become an unlikely second act for Serena. The 44-year-old stepped away from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open, famously describing the shift as an evolution rather than a retirement, and stayed off the tour for more than three years. Few expected her to lace up competitively again, let alone at the same tournament where she said her goodbyes.
Her return began quietly in June at the HSBC Championships in London, where she teamed with Victoria Mboko for a doubles win before Mboko withdrew with a knee injury. Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, then entered the singles draw at Wimbledon but exited in the first round. It wasn’t a triumphant reintroduction, but it didn’t need to be — the mere sight of her back on tour was enough to reignite conversation.
A knee injury sustained at Wimbledon has kept Serena out of Flushing Meadows’ singles bracket this year; her manager told ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe the injury hasn’t fully healed. The tournament’s remaining singles wild card instead went to fellow American Sofia Kenin.
Doubles, however, is a different story. Serena and 46-year-old Venus took the court together earlier this month at the Cincinnati Open, falling in the first round. Days later, Serena made her first US Open appearance of any kind since 2022, pairing with 23-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. The duo advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated, giving fans a preview of the energy Serena’s return has injected into the tournament.
She acknowledged Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium that stepping back onto that court was something she genuinely hadn’t anticipated — a rare, unscripted moment from a champion who has spent decades in the spotlight. That sense of surprise, more than any statistic, is what’s made this stretch of matches feel different from a typical athlete’s farewell lap. It reads less like a calculated comeback and more like someone rediscovering a piece of herself she thought she’d already put away.
Together, Venus and Serena have claimed 22 doubles titles, including 14 at Grand Slam events, with their most recent major triumph coming at Wimbledon in 2016. Last year, Venus paired with 23-year-old Leylah Fernandez at the Open, advancing to the quarterfinals without her sister by her side. Now, with both back on the same side of the net, nostalgia and competitive stakes are colliding once again in Queens — and fans are treating every match like it could be one of the last chances to see this partnership in action.
The Williams reunion wasn’t the only wild-card news out of the Open Wednesday. Stan Wawrinka, initially left off the tournament’s wild-card list, will now compete after all, stepping in for the injured Patrick Kypson. The 41-year-old, who is retiring at season’s end, expressed excitement at getting one more shot in front of New York crowds.
Wawrinka’s original omission drew sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike, but the three-time Grand Slam champion — who beat Novak Djokovic to win the 2016 US Open — responded graciously on social media, reflecting on how the city shaped his career and calling his 2016 title one of the defining moments of his life.
Between a legendary sisterly reunion and a beloved veteran’s final bow, the 2026 US Open is shaping up to be less about closure and more about one more shared chapter — proof that even the most storied careers still have room for a surprise ending.
Tom Holland Becomes Third-Highest-Grossing Actor of All Time as ‘Spider-Man’ Blows Past $2 Billion
Tom Holland can now count himself among the top three Hollywood entertainers with the biggest box office draw.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day crossed $2.33 billion worldwide this weekend, placing Holland past fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe star Chris Pratt into third place on the all-time highest-grossing lead actors list, according to Yahoo Entertainment. Only Zoe Saldaña ($15.47 billion) and Scarlett Johansson ($15.4 billion) rank above the British actor.
As Hollands’s fourth Spider-Man installment, Brand New Day grossed $22.2 million over the August 28–30 weekend, its fifth consecutive No. 1 finish at the North American box office. The domestic total now stands at $891.5 million, nearing Star Wars: The Force Awakens' all-time North American record of $936.6 million.
At 29, Holland is the youngest actor on the top-10 all-time list, and his per-film lead-role average of $622.1 million across 24 films is the highest of any name on it, ahead of Pratt's $522.7 million and Saldaña's $468.8 million.
Globally, Brand New Day now sits third on the all-time chart at $2.33 billion, just behind Avengers: Endgame ($2.79 billion) and ahead of Avatar: The Way of Water ($2.32 billion), and trails only Avatar ($2.92 billion).
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and released July 31, the film co-stars Holland’s wife, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo. Released in the same month, The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, has grossed over $1.5 billion globally.
With a fifth Spider-Man film likely in the works for Sony and Marvel, Holland's could have a permanent spot among top-grossing actors. If Brand New Day surpasses $936 million domestically, it would become the first film ever to gross $1 billion at the North American box office alone.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day crossed $2.33 billion worldwide this weekend, placing Holland past fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe star Chris Pratt into third place on the all-time highest-grossing lead actors list, according to Yahoo Entertainment. Only Zoe Saldaña ($15.47 billion) and Scarlett Johansson ($15.4 billion) rank above the British actor.
As Hollands’s fourth Spider-Man installment, Brand New Day grossed $22.2 million over the August 28–30 weekend, its fifth consecutive No. 1 finish at the North American box office. The domestic total now stands at $891.5 million, nearing Star Wars: The Force Awakens' all-time North American record of $936.6 million.
At 29, Holland is the youngest actor on the top-10 all-time list, and his per-film lead-role average of $622.1 million across 24 films is the highest of any name on it, ahead of Pratt's $522.7 million and Saldaña's $468.8 million.
Globally, Brand New Day now sits third on the all-time chart at $2.33 billion, just behind Avengers: Endgame ($2.79 billion) and ahead of Avatar: The Way of Water ($2.32 billion), and trails only Avatar ($2.92 billion).
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and released July 31, the film co-stars Holland’s wife, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo. Released in the same month, The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, has grossed over $1.5 billion globally.
With a fifth Spider-Man film likely in the works for Sony and Marvel, Holland's could have a permanent spot among top-grossing actors. If Brand New Day surpasses $936 million domestically, it would become the first film ever to gross $1 billion at the North American box office alone.
J. Cole Cancels Sacramento Concert After Crew Member Dies in Trucking Accident
J. Cole is taking a pause to mourn the death of a crew member.The 41-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, canceled the Thursday night, August 27 show at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. after one of his crew members was killed in a highway crash.
“Following the tragic passing of a member of the touring crew in a trucking accident this morning, J. Cole’s show has been canceled,” the venue wrote on Facebook. “Our thoughts are with the crew member’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Guests who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will be refunded automatically,” the statement continued. “Remaining guests may seek refunds at their original point of purchase.”
A rep for Cole confirmed to CBS News Sacramento that their driver had been bringing equipment for the show from Seattle – where the Grammy-winning rapper had performed on August 25 – in a semi-truck before it crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of the state’s capital.
The 18-wheeler had “rolled over” on the southbound I-5 around 6 a.m. local time, according to online California Highway Patrol traffic logs viewed by E! News. The single occupant was airlifted from the scene within 15 minutes of authorities arriving.
CHP Sgt. David Barker said that the driver – identified as Jarlath Parkinson, 66 – had drifted onto the right shoulder of the highway before attempting to return to the road. He lost control of the tuck, which then overturned.
Sgt. Barker said that authorities are still piecing together how the accident occurred.
“It’s unknown at this time, may have been a distraction or fell asleep,” he said. “Unfortunately, the solo occupant did not survive the crash.”
Cole first kicked off his The Fall-Off Tour back in July and he’s scheduled to end the American leg of the tour on September 23 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’ll then head overseas for a string of shows before the final concert on December 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The “Power Trip” rapper is next scheduled to perform on Saturday night, August 29 at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif.
“Following the tragic passing of a member of the touring crew in a trucking accident this morning, J. Cole’s show has been canceled,” the venue wrote on Facebook. “Our thoughts are with the crew member’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
“Guests who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will be refunded automatically,” the statement continued. “Remaining guests may seek refunds at their original point of purchase.”
A rep for Cole confirmed to CBS News Sacramento that their driver had been bringing equipment for the show from Seattle – where the Grammy-winning rapper had performed on August 25 – in a semi-truck before it crashed approximately 20 miles northwest of the state’s capital.
The 18-wheeler had “rolled over” on the southbound I-5 around 6 a.m. local time, according to online California Highway Patrol traffic logs viewed by E! News. The single occupant was airlifted from the scene within 15 minutes of authorities arriving.
CHP Sgt. David Barker said that the driver – identified as Jarlath Parkinson, 66 – had drifted onto the right shoulder of the highway before attempting to return to the road. He lost control of the tuck, which then overturned.
Sgt. Barker said that authorities are still piecing together how the accident occurred.
“It’s unknown at this time, may have been a distraction or fell asleep,” he said. “Unfortunately, the solo occupant did not survive the crash.”
Cole first kicked off his The Fall-Off Tour back in July and he’s scheduled to end the American leg of the tour on September 23 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’ll then head overseas for a string of shows before the final concert on December 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The “Power Trip” rapper is next scheduled to perform on Saturday night, August 29 at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif.
Met Gala Organizers Reportedly Mulling Date Change Amid John Galliano Backlash
Organizers of the Met Gala are reportedly considering changing the date of the 2027 event amid growing backlash over plans to honor John Galliano. In July, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that Galliano’s work would be spotlighted in the Met’s Costume Institute. This exhibition serves as the centerpiece for the annual Met Gala, an event attended by the most elite of the A-list, with one of the most coveted invites. This would make him the third living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the Met, following Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo in 2017.
At the time, it was announced that the exhibit would feature all the highs and lows, including his antisemitic rant. Galliano is credited with growing luxury-fashion brand Dior into a global giant. However, he was fired by the company in 2011 after video footage surfaced showing the designer, who was inebriated, making antisemitic remarks in a Paris café. Galliano retreated from public life for two years and was found guilty by a Paris court of public insults based on religion, race and ethnicity. He received a fine and was forced to pay damages and court fees. Galliano met with Jewish leaders and rabbis following the scandal and received blessings from groups like the Anti-Defamation League.
The exhibit is scheduled to kick off May 3 with the Met Gala, which is overseen by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director who also serves as a Met trustee. However, a growing number of voices are criticizing the plan to honor Galliano. According to The New York Times, criticism has grown stronger.
“In recent days, opposition to the museum’s plan to honor Galliano has grown among Jewish leaders in New York and beyond,” The Times reported. “Donors have contacted Met executives and threatened to rescind gifts to the museum if the exhibition moves forward as planned.”
As a result, Met trustees and board members “have been scrambling to do damage control,” The Times reported. This includes possibly moving the date of the Met Gala, which is always held the first Monday in May, to the following week. The current date of May 3 also happens to be Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, The Times noted.
Last week, New York City Council speaker Julie Menin posted a letter to Wintour, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton and Met director Max Hollein, saying the decision to honor Galliano was “a serious mistake.” While noting that his influence in the fashion world has been “enormous” and “unquestionable,” Menin added that she had “deep concern” about the decision to honor Galliano.
“Mr. Galliano’s long public record of antisemitism, racism and anti-Asian bigotry is deeply troubling,” Menin wrote. “His conduct was repeated and significant. He was criminally convicted in France for racist and antisemitic public insults. He was also captured on video praising Adolf Hitler and telling others that their ancestors would have been ‘gassed.’ That is not behavior that should be easily overlooked or normalized. Recently, there were reports of a similar antisemitic incident that allegedly occurred in 2019.
“At a time when our city is confronting a serious rise in antisemitism, anti-Asian hate, and other forms of hatred, I find the decision to so prominently honor someone who has engaged in this behavior to be wholly inappropriate. New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world.”
Menin added that she was “deeply concerned about the process through which this decision was made. Mr. Galliano’s rhetoric and conduct, including the alleged 2019 incident, should have been more thoroughly investigated.” She urged organizers to “reconsider” their decision and suggested other ways Galliano could be honored, including a “contextual exhibit or educational program.”
“The Met is one of New York City’s most treasured and visible cultural institutions. Its choices carry enormous weight, both here and around the world,” she continued. “I believe this choice falls short of the standard New Yorkers should expect from it.”
At the time, it was announced that the exhibit would feature all the highs and lows, including his antisemitic rant. Galliano is credited with growing luxury-fashion brand Dior into a global giant. However, he was fired by the company in 2011 after video footage surfaced showing the designer, who was inebriated, making antisemitic remarks in a Paris café. Galliano retreated from public life for two years and was found guilty by a Paris court of public insults based on religion, race and ethnicity. He received a fine and was forced to pay damages and court fees. Galliano met with Jewish leaders and rabbis following the scandal and received blessings from groups like the Anti-Defamation League.
The exhibit is scheduled to kick off May 3 with the Met Gala, which is overseen by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director who also serves as a Met trustee. However, a growing number of voices are criticizing the plan to honor Galliano. According to The New York Times, criticism has grown stronger.
“In recent days, opposition to the museum’s plan to honor Galliano has grown among Jewish leaders in New York and beyond,” The Times reported. “Donors have contacted Met executives and threatened to rescind gifts to the museum if the exhibition moves forward as planned.”
As a result, Met trustees and board members “have been scrambling to do damage control,” The Times reported. This includes possibly moving the date of the Met Gala, which is always held the first Monday in May, to the following week. The current date of May 3 also happens to be Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, The Times noted.
Last week, New York City Council speaker Julie Menin posted a letter to Wintour, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton and Met director Max Hollein, saying the decision to honor Galliano was “a serious mistake.” While noting that his influence in the fashion world has been “enormous” and “unquestionable,” Menin added that she had “deep concern” about the decision to honor Galliano.
“Mr. Galliano’s long public record of antisemitism, racism and anti-Asian bigotry is deeply troubling,” Menin wrote. “His conduct was repeated and significant. He was criminally convicted in France for racist and antisemitic public insults. He was also captured on video praising Adolf Hitler and telling others that their ancestors would have been ‘gassed.’ That is not behavior that should be easily overlooked or normalized. Recently, there were reports of a similar antisemitic incident that allegedly occurred in 2019.
“At a time when our city is confronting a serious rise in antisemitism, anti-Asian hate, and other forms of hatred, I find the decision to so prominently honor someone who has engaged in this behavior to be wholly inappropriate. New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world.”
Menin added that she was “deeply concerned about the process through which this decision was made. Mr. Galliano’s rhetoric and conduct, including the alleged 2019 incident, should have been more thoroughly investigated.” She urged organizers to “reconsider” their decision and suggested other ways Galliano could be honored, including a “contextual exhibit or educational program.”
“The Met is one of New York City’s most treasured and visible cultural institutions. Its choices carry enormous weight, both here and around the world,” she continued. “I believe this choice falls short of the standard New Yorkers should expect from it.”
“Love Island USA” Season 8 Reunion Is Finally Here: Fans Are Already Calling Out the Biggest Drama
The “Love Island USA” Season 8 reunion is finally almost here, and based on the trailer alone, fans already have plenty to catch up on before it airs. After a summer full of Fiji drama, the cast is reuniting to hash things out in front of a studio audience, with Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen back to host. Here is Baller Alert’s rundown of the hottest topics we are watching for, and we want to know what our followers are looking forward to most.
The Kenzie versus Sol tension picks right back up where the season left off. The trailer shows Kenzie Annis doing her signature splits in a short red dress, only for Melanie Moreno to visibly roll her eyes at the moment. That small but telling reaction hints at deeper beef bubbling between Kenzie and Melanie heading into the reunion, on top of the already messy Sol and Melanie dynamic that dominated the back half of the season.
Speaking of Sol, her feud with Melanie appears to be taking center stage. The two get into a heated exchange in the trailer, with fans in the comments already picking sides. One fan pointed out the irony of Melanie clashing with Kenzie and Sol while still standing by Sincere Rhea despite his rocky behavior throughout the season, tweeting that it felt inconsistent for her to hold everyone else accountable except her own partner. Speaking of Sincere, the trailer also shows him and Melanie sitting noticeably distant from each other on the reunion couch, a visual fans immediately picked up on as a sign that their relationship may not be as solid as it looked heading into the finale.
KC Chandler and Tierra “Titi” Davis are also facing their own reckoning at the reunion, with other Islanders reportedly bringing up criticism about how the two handled certain moments in the villa. Meanwhile, Beatriz Hatz delivered one of the most talked-about lines from the entire trailer, telling the room bluntly, “If you don’t like me, go f**k yourself.” Bombshell Kayda Bosse did not hold back either, firing back at Beatriz with her own pointed question, asking her directly, “If he was treating you like that, why did you f**k him again?” Between those two moments alone, the reunion is already shaping up to deliver exactly the kind of unfiltered confrontation fans have been asking for.
Not everything teased is negative, though. Season 8 winners Trinity Tatum and Bryce Dettloff, along with runners-up Aniya Harvey and Carl Schmidt, appear to be in a good place heading into the reunion, with Aniya confirming things have been great between her and Carl. Trinity also shut down a fan rumor claiming she had been escorted out of the reunion following an alleged altercation, clarifying directly on TikTok that the claim was false and that no altercation ever took place.
Ariana Madix has already promised fans this reunion will not disappoint, telling Entertainment Weekly that everyone showed up ready to say exactly how they felt. “Everybody came there ready to say exactly how they feel, and if they had a chip on their shoulder or something they wanted to bring up, they were ready to come and talk about it,” she said. With unseen footage also teased as part of the special, fans should expect some moments from the villa to be recontextualized once the full picture comes out.
Now we want to hear from our followers. What are you most looking forward to seeing addressed at this reunion? Are you Team Kenzie, Team Melanie, or firmly on Beatriz’s side after that line alone? Do you think Sincere and Melanie are actually as solid as the show wants us to believe, or is that couch distance telling the real story? Drop your hot takes in the comments, because this reunion is clearly going to give us plenty to talk about.
The “Love Island USA” Season 8 reunion airs Monday, August 31, on Peacock.
The Kenzie versus Sol tension picks right back up where the season left off. The trailer shows Kenzie Annis doing her signature splits in a short red dress, only for Melanie Moreno to visibly roll her eyes at the moment. That small but telling reaction hints at deeper beef bubbling between Kenzie and Melanie heading into the reunion, on top of the already messy Sol and Melanie dynamic that dominated the back half of the season.
Speaking of Sol, her feud with Melanie appears to be taking center stage. The two get into a heated exchange in the trailer, with fans in the comments already picking sides. One fan pointed out the irony of Melanie clashing with Kenzie and Sol while still standing by Sincere Rhea despite his rocky behavior throughout the season, tweeting that it felt inconsistent for her to hold everyone else accountable except her own partner. Speaking of Sincere, the trailer also shows him and Melanie sitting noticeably distant from each other on the reunion couch, a visual fans immediately picked up on as a sign that their relationship may not be as solid as it looked heading into the finale.
KC Chandler and Tierra “Titi” Davis are also facing their own reckoning at the reunion, with other Islanders reportedly bringing up criticism about how the two handled certain moments in the villa. Meanwhile, Beatriz Hatz delivered one of the most talked-about lines from the entire trailer, telling the room bluntly, “If you don’t like me, go f**k yourself.” Bombshell Kayda Bosse did not hold back either, firing back at Beatriz with her own pointed question, asking her directly, “If he was treating you like that, why did you f**k him again?” Between those two moments alone, the reunion is already shaping up to deliver exactly the kind of unfiltered confrontation fans have been asking for.
Not everything teased is negative, though. Season 8 winners Trinity Tatum and Bryce Dettloff, along with runners-up Aniya Harvey and Carl Schmidt, appear to be in a good place heading into the reunion, with Aniya confirming things have been great between her and Carl. Trinity also shut down a fan rumor claiming she had been escorted out of the reunion following an alleged altercation, clarifying directly on TikTok that the claim was false and that no altercation ever took place.
Ariana Madix has already promised fans this reunion will not disappoint, telling Entertainment Weekly that everyone showed up ready to say exactly how they felt. “Everybody came there ready to say exactly how they feel, and if they had a chip on their shoulder or something they wanted to bring up, they were ready to come and talk about it,” she said. With unseen footage also teased as part of the special, fans should expect some moments from the villa to be recontextualized once the full picture comes out.
Now we want to hear from our followers. What are you most looking forward to seeing addressed at this reunion? Are you Team Kenzie, Team Melanie, or firmly on Beatriz’s side after that line alone? Do you think Sincere and Melanie are actually as solid as the show wants us to believe, or is that couch distance telling the real story? Drop your hot takes in the comments, because this reunion is clearly going to give us plenty to talk about.
The “Love Island USA” Season 8 reunion airs Monday, August 31, on Peacock.
Jesus Acosta The Suspect in the bodega and restaurant killings has been captured
The suspect in a deadly shooting at a Brooklyn restaurant last weekend and a deadly robbery at a bodega in The Bronx was arrested Saturday, according to New York City Police. He answered no questions from reporters about the shootings as police led him away Saturday night.
Police lead shooting suspect Jesus Acosta from a precinct station house Saturday night. (Image: NBC New York)
The manhunt for Jesus Acosta, 31, included the FBI's New York office, which posted a $25,000 reward, and the bodegas' union, which doubled its offering as the search went on this week for the man believed to have killed two people in different stores, in different boroughs, within a 48-hour window.
Acosta faces a slew of charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of manslaughter.
Authorities say Acosta was seen on surveillance video firing at a customer in a bodega on East 149th Street in Concourse just after midnight Tuesday, then running behind the counter and stealing fistfuls of cash.
The victim shot and killed was identified Wednesday as 33-year-old Tayvon Shuler.
Shuler's aunt told NBC New York after the arrest that she considered her slain nephew to be more like a son. She was scared the accused gumnan could hurt someone else.
"And we can't have that, so I'm glad that they got him and justice will be served," said Yolanda Neal.
Tayvon Shuler, 33, was killed in Tuesday's bodega shooting in The Bronx (Image: NBC New York)
Two days before that shooting, just after midnight Sunday in Brooklyn, police say the same suspect was believed to have been the person who shot two restaurant employees in Brownsville, killing one of them.
Records show the suspect has a criminal history. Acosta served 10 years in prison for assault and criminal possession of a weapon before his release on parole in April.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-New York City) was asked at an unrelated press conference Wednesday if, given Acosta's record, more should have been done — either before or after his release — to prevent incidents such as the two deaths that just occurred.
"To me, every day is an opportunity for us to do more," Mamdani said. "We're proud of the fact that we're reducing shootings and murders to the lowest levels in recorded history in our city, and we also know that there's always more work to be done -- especially as we're speaking about this in the Bronx, where in recent weeks we've seen the kinds of shootings that have torn families apart."
Before Saturday's arrest, Acosta was last seen running away from the East 149th Street scene in sweatpants and a maroon hooded sweatshirt; cops said he ditched the latter about a half-block away.
“We thank the NYPD and FBI for capturing Jesus Acosta," said Radahmes Rodriguez, President of United Bodegas of America in a statement. But Rodriguez added "The justice system failed when a violent repeat offender with 13 prior arrests was released and returned to our streets. Two innocent people are dead. We cannot wait for another Jesus Acosta."
Police lead shooting suspect Jesus Acosta from a precinct station house Saturday night. (Image: NBC New York)
The manhunt for Jesus Acosta, 31, included the FBI's New York office, which posted a $25,000 reward, and the bodegas' union, which doubled its offering as the search went on this week for the man believed to have killed two people in different stores, in different boroughs, within a 48-hour window.
Acosta faces a slew of charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of manslaughter.
Authorities say Acosta was seen on surveillance video firing at a customer in a bodega on East 149th Street in Concourse just after midnight Tuesday, then running behind the counter and stealing fistfuls of cash.
The victim shot and killed was identified Wednesday as 33-year-old Tayvon Shuler.
Shuler's aunt told NBC New York after the arrest that she considered her slain nephew to be more like a son. She was scared the accused gumnan could hurt someone else.
"And we can't have that, so I'm glad that they got him and justice will be served," said Yolanda Neal.
Tayvon Shuler, 33, was killed in Tuesday's bodega shooting in The Bronx (Image: NBC New York)
Two days before that shooting, just after midnight Sunday in Brooklyn, police say the same suspect was believed to have been the person who shot two restaurant employees in Brownsville, killing one of them.
Records show the suspect has a criminal history. Acosta served 10 years in prison for assault and criminal possession of a weapon before his release on parole in April.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-New York City) was asked at an unrelated press conference Wednesday if, given Acosta's record, more should have been done — either before or after his release — to prevent incidents such as the two deaths that just occurred.
"To me, every day is an opportunity for us to do more," Mamdani said. "We're proud of the fact that we're reducing shootings and murders to the lowest levels in recorded history in our city, and we also know that there's always more work to be done -- especially as we're speaking about this in the Bronx, where in recent weeks we've seen the kinds of shootings that have torn families apart."
Before Saturday's arrest, Acosta was last seen running away from the East 149th Street scene in sweatpants and a maroon hooded sweatshirt; cops said he ditched the latter about a half-block away.
“We thank the NYPD and FBI for capturing Jesus Acosta," said Radahmes Rodriguez, President of United Bodegas of America in a statement. But Rodriguez added "The justice system failed when a violent repeat offender with 13 prior arrests was released and returned to our streets. Two innocent people are dead. We cannot wait for another Jesus Acosta."
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Florida or Massachusetts?
There is a town in Massachusetts named Florida. LOL
AND NOW Meet: KING SIMON
It's Simon! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
