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.

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.

A Chinese animated film mocked as ‘terrible’ becomes a box-office hit

A Chinese animation with crude visuals has unexpectedly surged at the box office. "Niu Lai," a film about a calf dreaming of his family, initially earned just about 10,000 yuan, or about $1,480, in its first 10 days after its Aug. 5 release. On Monday, its daily box office soared to 8.2 million yuan, or more than $1.2 million, with nearly 300,000 admissions. The film's rudimentary 3D animation has drawn mocking comments online, with some calling it "unbelievably terrible." Despite criticism, some viewers appreciate its simplicity. The film, made by just two people, has become a viral sensation, attracting young audiences intrigued by its oddity.

Hayden Panettiere tributes include Connie Britton, Viola Davis and Selma Blair

Stars are paying tribute to Hayden Panettiere after the actor's death at 36, including her “Nashville” co-star Connie Britton, Viola Davis, Melissa Barrera and Bethany Joy Lenz, along with podcaster Jay Shetty. Davis praised Panettiere's talent and soul. Bethany Joy Lenz expressed disbelief. Shetty and Blair shared their sorrow. Rosie O'Donnell and David Arquette also paid tribute. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak,” wrote Britton. Added Kelly Osbourne: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me.” And Wladimir Klitschko, her former partner, says he will make sure their daughter knows who her mother was.