Luigi Mangione’s defense team is seeking to livestream his upcoming state murder trial as his attorneys adjust their strategy amid separate state and federal prosecutions. Mangione faces charges stemming from the December 2024 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His New York defense team previously considered an extreme emotional disturbance defense but withdrew it earlier this summer. JUST IN: photos of Luigi Mangione at his court hearing today. pic.twitter.com/tGl06u9Pm3 — Luigi Archive (@Luigi_Archive) August 11, 2026 Sources cited by TMZ attributed the decision to the timing of Mangione’s state and federal cases. The defense cannot use that specific defense in federal court. Raising it in state court could also create complications for the later federal proceedings. TMZ host Harvey Levin reported that Mangione’s lawyers are now considering other ways to present evidence concerning his mental and emotional state. One issue could involve a diary investigators seized after Mangione’s 2024 arrest. Prosecutors have characterized the writings as evidence that Mangione planned Thompson’s killing. Luigi Mangione Asks The Judge If His Upcoming Trial Can Be Viewed On Livestream Other passages reportedly describe Mangione’s anger toward the health care industry. His attorneys could seek to use those writings to provide jurors with context surrounding his state of mind. Whether jurors see the diary will depend on evidentiary rulings by the court. The defense is also reportedly seeking a livestream of the proceedings. Levin said Mangione’s attorneys believe broader public access could benefit their client. The proposal comes amid significant public interest in the case and support for Mangione among some younger observers. Any livestream, however, would remain subject to court rules governing courtroom proceedings. The defense’s strategy could face additional scrutiny because jurors must decide the case based on evidence presented in court. Outside public reaction cannot substitute for admissible evidence. The state prosecution is scheduled to proceed before Mangione’s federal case. That sequence has influenced the defense’s decisions regarding potential arguments and evidence. Mangione’s attorneys now appear focused on preserving their options across both cases. Their approach may include presenting evidence about his state of mind without formally relying on the withdrawn defense. Both prosecutions remain pending, and the court has not ruled on the proposed livestream. The proceedings could provide an unusually public view of a closely watched criminal case if the request is granted.

Sexy Drill rapper Cash Cobain is bringing his signature style to True Religion’s fall 2026 Iconography Capsule. The Summer Jam 2026 performer and producer fronts the limited-edition collection, which revisits the denim brand’s most recognizable design codes through a contemporary lens. The campaign positions Cobain as an artist whose originality has become central to his cultural identity. True Religion’s Iconography Capsule draws from the visual language that has defined the brand for more than two decades. Its signature Horseshoe, Buddha and Big T motifs appear throughout the collection. Super T contrast stitching and script branding also return across denim, fleece, graphic T-shirts, activewear and outerwear. Matching sets round out the assortment. “True Religion has always stood for authenticity,” said Kristen D’Arcy, the brand’s chief marketing officer. She said the campaign celebrates people who define their own paths rather than follow trends. Cobain embodies that philosophy through his evolution from Bronx producer to one of rap’s most distinctive new voices. His “sexy drill” sound has helped reshape the genre while establishing a style that remains uniquely his own. The campaign frames that individuality as a form of recognition. It also connects Cobain’s musical identity with True Religion’s longstanding visual heritage. Bronx Rapper Cash Cobain Is The Face Of True Religion’s Iconography Capsule “The Iconography Capsule highlights the brand’s iconic design language,” said Tina Blake, True Religion’s creative director and senior vice president of design, merchandising and brand image. Blake said the collection brings archival elements into modern silhouettes. The approach preserves the designs that made True Religion recognizable while adapting them for contemporary culture. For Cobain, the campaign arrives as his aesthetic continues to extend beyond music. His presence gives the collection a connection to a new generation of hip-hop audiences and style enthusiasts. The Iconography Capsule also asks consumers to consider their own identities. True Religion’s “What makes you recognizable?” campaign invites participants to share what distinguishes them. The initiative will culminate Aug. 29 with an open casting event at True Religion’s Los Angeles headquarters. The event will include live DJs, surprise guests, giveaways and interactive photo opportunities. Two winners will appear in the brand’s “Ones to Watch” social series. They will also receive a Los Angeles photoshoot, travel accommodations, brand features and a True Religion shopping experience. Through Cobain, the capsule links archival fashion codes with an artist who has made individuality part of his signature.

Rapper Rod Wave is facing more than 90 gigabytes of evidence as prosecutors prepare to advance a criminal case stemming from a 2025 shooting outside his Milton, Georgia, home. Prosecutors disclosed July 31 that they had provided Rodarius Green’s defense with roughly 1,900 photographs and 111 videos. Green faces 14 charges related to the April 2025 incident. The allegations include aggravated assault, firearm possession during a felony, pointing or aiming a gun, reckless conduct and criminal property damage. According to police, a verbal dispute involving Green and an associate escalated into gunfire. Investigators allege Green fired multiple shots outside the residence, striking several vehicles. The shooting followed a reported burglary at Green’s home. Green has pleaded not guilty and has disputed the allegations through his attorney, Drew Findling. “There is no truth to these charges,” Findling said in a statement. “Rod Green was a victim of a burglary and committed no crimes,” Findling said. “How he was even charged as a result of this situation is incomprehensible.” Prosecutors Submit 90gb of Evidence In Rapper Rod Wave’s 2025 Shooting Case Involving Ex-Girlfriend Findling also predicted a favorable outcome for his client. “This will absolutely be resolved favorably to Mr. Green,” he said. The latest disclosure provides Green’s attorneys with a substantial volume of material to examine before the next court proceeding. Prosecutors have not publicly described every photograph or video included in the production. The evidence could contain additional material concerning the alleged shooting and events surrounding it. Green’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28 in Georgia. The criminal case unfolds as Green prepares to release his next album, Don’t Look Down. He is also scheduled to begin a tour supporting the project Sept. 12. The parallel legal and music schedules place Green’s criminal defense alongside a major period in his recording career. The 90GB evidence production represents the latest development in the Milton case. Green’s defense team must now review the materials as the prosecution moves toward the next stage of the proceedings. The case remains pending, and the allegations against Green have not been proven in court.

Undisputed world champion Claressa Shields is opening up about her desire to start a family, revealing she is eager to balance her championship boxing career with motherhood. During a candid appearance on Cam Newton’s “Funky Friday Podcast” on Aug. 7, Shields joked about her surprise that she has not yet become pregnant given her close relationship with partner and hip-hop artist Papoose. The 31-year-old boxing star, known as the “G.W.O.A.T.” (Greatest Woman of All Time), told Newton that she and Papoose spend significant time together whenever she is not away at training camp. Shields said that when she visits his home for weeks at a time, their focus shifts away from the ring and toward their personal life, leading to her lighthearted comment about their efforts to conceive. “I think we enjoy eating together and a lot of times we just enjoy lounging around,” Shields said during the interview. “Like, I’m surprised that I haven’t been pregnant yet. Seriously. Like, no. Like, for real.” Shields has been vocal for months about her intention to have children sooner rather than later. She previously told “The Pivot Podcast” that she has no interest in waiting until her 40s to start a family. She said she wants to be an active mother who can run at the park with her children, even if it means taking a brief hiatus from her dominant run in the professional boxing ranks. The relationship between Shields and Papoose has evolved from a friendship into a deep romantic and professional partnership. The boxer credited Papoose with being instrumental in her business dealings, including helping her secure a lucrative four-fight deal with Wynn Records. That agreement includes an $8 million minimum, ensuring her financial future as she prepares for life outside the ring. Despite her domestic aspirations, Shields remains a formidable force in sports. She is currently focused on her upcoming bout on Aug. 15 in Atlanta, where she will attempt to add two more world titles to her already historic collection. She said she remains “locked in” for the fight, maintaining the discipline required to stay at the top of the sport. Shields has made history as the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. While she plans to briefly step away for a pregnancy in the future, she has expressed confidence that she can return to the sport and continue her legacy after becoming a mother. Papoose, who was formerly married to rapper Remy Ma, has been a constant fixture at Shields’ recent fights and training sessions. The couple has frequently shared their journey on social media, blending their lives in the entertainment and sports worlds. For now, Shields remains focused on the immediate task in Atlanta before turning her full attention to the next chapter of her personal life.

James Harden’s misdemeanor charge has been dropped by theHarris County (Texas) District Attorney’s Office. According to The Athletic, the motion to dismiss the charges was officially filed on Thursday. Harden “completed an alternative resolution agreement,” per a court document.   ​Details of the “alternative resolution agreement” remain unclear. The Athletic has contacted the district attorney’s office for comment and will update this report once more information becomes available. ​Police arrested Harden, 36, early on the morning of June 13. He was booked into the Harris County Jail and freed after posting a $100 bond. According to court records, the terms of his release bar him from owning firearms and consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances without a prescription. Additionally, he must submit to random urine tests. HARDEN’S REMARKABLE CAREER ​Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive forces in basketball history, Harden built an elite NBA resume defined by scoring brilliance and elite playmaking. After winning the 2011–12 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden blossomed into a perennial superstar following his trade to the Houston Rockets. ​His prime reached its peak during the 2017–18 season, when he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading the league in scoring. Over the course of his career, “The Beard” has earned 11 NBA All-Star selections, seven All-NBA Team honors (including six First Team selections), three consecutive scoring titles (2018–2020), and two assist titles (2017, 2023). ​Known for revolutionizing the step-back three-pointer and mastering isolation play, Harden is one of only a few players in league history to record a 60-point triple-double. He was also named to the prestigious NBA 75th Anniversary Team as one of the 75 greatest players of all time. ​Currently, Harden is a free agent, but it is expected to resign with the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason.

All eyes are on Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty right now with the release of his new album, All Eye On Shiest, which debuted at #1 across the Apple Music charts on Monday, August 10. The achievement arrives as Shiesty continues navigating his federal criminal case. Released Friday, the 16-track project features a heavyweight lineup of Southern rap talent. GloRilla, Sexyy Red, BIG30 and K Carbon all appear across the album. Pooh Shiesty’s ‘All Eyes on Shiest’ has now reached #1 on US Apple Music across all genres It dethrones Ariana Grande’s ‘Petal’. pic.twitter.com/8SXCHmovga — Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDay) August 8, 2026 For Shiesty, the Apple Music milestone lands without the usual machinery behind a major rap release. He remains incarcerated and cannot promote All Eyes On Shiest through traditional appearances or performances. Instead, his music and supporters are carrying the rollout. The project continues Shiesty’s gritty Memphis sound while expanding his palette through high-profile collaborations. One standout is “Mane,” featuring GloRilla, another major voice from Memphis. The album also includes “FDO” and “Last Man Breathin.” Both tracks helped build momentum before the full project arrived. Memphis Rap Star Pooh Shiesty’s New Album, All Eyes On Shiest, Soars To #1 Across The Apple Music Charts Shiesty’s latest success has also resonated beyond Memphis. His music has developed a strong audience across Southern hip-hop markets, including Dallas, Texas, where his hard-edged style has found a receptive audience. That connection reflects the broader reach of Memphis rap. Shiesty has helped carry the city’s street-centered sound into a national conversation. All Eyes On Shiest reaching No. 1 also places Shiesty above releases spanning multiple genres. Apple Music’s overall chart includes hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and country. The accomplishment carries added significance given his circumstances. Shiesty cannot host release events, appear on radio shows or perform concerts supporting the album. His absence, however, has not slowed the response. The rapper remains incarcerated while awaiting trial, which is currently expected in February 2027. His legal situation has kept him away from the spotlight during a pivotal moment in his career. Still, All Eyes On Shiest shows his audience remains locked in. For Shiesty, the message is clear. The music continues traveling, even when he can’t.

Dallas rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta reality star Erica Banks goes viral over the weekend when a social media clip surfaces of her buying children ski masks and hair bundles in Dallas, Texas, for back-to-school preparation. The clips surfaced on Instagram Aug. 8. One video shows Banks inside a Dallas department store surrounded by children and teenagers. Her hit song “Buss It” plays through the store as several young fans hold ski masks. Banks described the encounter as an impromptu meet-and-greet. “Y’all, so I’m walking around the store. Doing my little meet-and-greet,” Banks said. “Three musketeers pulled up on me and said, ‘Uhhh can you buy me something?’” View this post on Instagram She said she asked the children what they wanted before showing viewers their purchases. “And guess what I’m doing? Show them the ski masks, ayyyyyyeeee!” Banks said. The ski masks quickly became the focus of online discussion. Several commenters questioned whether they were appropriate purchases for children during back-to-school season. “We lost they already killing us in our ski masks and arresting us for nothing if we have one in public and this is what you do what about back to school shopping,” one commenter wrote. Another person suggested a different approach. Love & Hip-Hop Rapper Erica Banks Goes Viral Buying Children Ski Masks & Hair Bundles For Back-To-School Supplies In Dallas, Texas “lol I literally would’ve said no cause what that got to do with back to school. I’ll buy yall backpack ,” the commenter wrote. A third commenter took a more pointed approach, asking, “Ski mask for school???? what school is that??? robbery, murder, and assault school ????” Another added, “They got them ski mask to rob you girl stay woke.” Banks later appeared at The Hair Depot, where she bought hair bundles for several teenage girls. “Y’all she just got her some bundles,” Banks said. She recalled one girl asking, “Can you get me these?” Banks laughed before responding, “You want me to buy you some bundles, girl?” After asking the girls to greet the camera, Banks joked about the unexpected spending. “Y’all, they just broke my pockets — real bad,” she said. Banks later defended the spirit of the outing through her Instagram captions. “Asking me to buy bundles was so bold bruh. LMAO, she ain’t wrong tho. I love my city, anything for them,” she wrote. She added, “Brought everybody what they wanted today.” The videos show Banks supporting young Dallas fans while also highlighting a debate over the appropriateness of ski masks for children during back-to-school season.

Rapper Yella Beezy, whose real name is Markies Conway, is asking a Dallas County judge to force prosecutors to narrow their witness list ahead of his upcoming murder-for-hire trial. The “That’s On Me” hitmaker‘s attorney, Toby Shook, filed the four-page motion Monday with the Dallas County Clerk. The filing challenges a State of Texas witness list that now names 264 potential witnesses. State of TX v. @YellaBeezy214: Yella Beezy’s attorney Toby Shook (@toby_shook) filed a motion with the Dallas County Clerk on Monday, August 10, asking Judge Chika Anyiam to force prosecutors to narrow their 264-name witness list before trial. In 4-page motion, Shook argues… pic.twitter.com/8B30m0dVPK — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) August 10, 2026 Prosecutors initially identified 194 potential witnesses in a filing submitted July 27. The list included Brandon Rainwater, manager of slain Dallas rapper Mo3, Conway’s girlfriend DeAndrea Harris, rappers Trapboy Freddy and Jose Bodega, and alleged co-conspirators Jerry Johnson, also known as Maserati, Devin Brown and Kewon White. The State later filed an amended witness list Aug. 3. The filing added 70 names, bringing the potential witness total to 264. Prosecutors Tommy Adams, Ricardo Vela and Sharonda Davis are handling the case for the State. Dallas Rapper Yella Beezy Asks Court To Force Prosecution To Downsize 264-Named State’s Witness List Shook argues the expanded list does not provide meaningful notice of whom prosecutors actually intend to call. Instead, the defense says the disclosure resembles an investigative file rather than a focused trial list. According to the motion, requiring the defense to investigate 264 people would consume limited time and resources. Shook argues that many listed witnesses may never testify. The defense contends that a narrowed list is necessary for adequate trial preparation and a fair proceeding. Shook is asking Judge Chika Anyiam to order prosecutors to provide a “good-faith” narrowed witness list by Aug. 14. The defense also wants prosecutors to separately identify potential rebuttal witnesses. Shook asks the court to bar undisclosed witnesses from testifying unless the State establishes good cause and provides reasonable notice. The State has not responded to the motion as of Monday afternoon. Anyiam has not ruled on the request. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21. Jury selection and trial are scheduled to begin Aug. 24 in Dallas County Criminal District Court No. 7. The dispute comes as prosecutors prepare to present their case against Conway, while his defense seeks clearer limits on the witnesses it must investigate before trial.

ASAP Rocky offered a candid and humorous take on the long-debated sexuality of his close friend and frequent collaborator Tyler, the Creator during a recent sit-down interview. Appearing on “The Jason Lee Show,” the “Fashion Killa” artist responded to questions about whether Tyler is truly gay or simply performing a elaborate, yearslong “troll” on the public. Without hesitation, Rocky weighed in on his friend’s identity, suggesting the evidence is clear despite Tyler’s penchant for humor. “My brother is Tyler, the Creator, Jason,” Rocky told host Jason Lee after the interviewer praised Rocky for his confidence and willingness to associate with the LGBTQ+ community. When Lee pushed for a definitive answer on whether Tyler is “trolling,” Rocky replied, “That n***a gay, man.” The conversation highlighted the unique bond between the two hip-hop stars, who have frequently appeared in videos and on tracks together. Rocky playfully noted that while he has not personally witnessed anything, Tyler’s public persona and lyrics speak for themselves. “Look, it walk like a duck, quack like a duck,” Rocky said, though he added that the rapper “plays gay all day.” View this post on Instagram The “Igor” creator has kept fans guessing about his orientation for over a decade. In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, Tyler claimed he was “gay as fuck” and jokingly expressed a romantic interest in 1990s-era Leonardo DiCaprio. However, his lyrics became increasingly pointed in later years. On the 2017 Grammy-nominated album “Flower Boy,” Tyler famously rapped about “kissing white boys since 2004.” He followed this with lines on “Call Me If You Get Lost” where he apologized to “the guys I had to hide” and “the girls I had to lie to.” Most recently, on his “Chromakopia” track “Balloon,” he rapped, “I don’t even like girls, bitch, I’m way up too.” During the interview, Lee joked about the possibility of dating Tyler himself, suggesting the pairing would “burn the internet down.” Rocky laughed off the suggestion, jokingly asking for the comment to be removed in post-production. “I don’t even want to picture y’all two,” Rocky said. “We gonna edit that… in the edit suite.” Tyler, the Creator since his early days with the Odd Future collective. Tyler has never released a formal “coming out” statement.

Pensacola rapper Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker was convicted by a federal jury of two firearm offenses tied to an alleged drug trafficking operation that prosecutors said moved hundreds of kilograms of marijuana into Florida. The verdict adds to Booker’s federal convictions after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit money laundering and five money laundering counts involving high-end jewelry. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida said the jury found Booker guilty of discharging a handgun during a drug trafficking crime. Jurors also convicted him of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. “This case exemplified the unified commitment of our state and federal law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe,” U.S. Attorney John Heekin said. Heekin called Booker a “violent, drug peddling thug” and said the prosecution had ended what he described as the rapper’s “reign of terror.” Pensacola Rapper Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker Found Guilty In Multi-Million Drug Trafficking Operation According to evidence presented at trial, Booker transported hundreds of kilograms of marijuana from Seattle to Pensacola between 2020 and 2025. Prosecutors alleged he used proceeds from the drug operation to purchase a Lamborghini Urus and diamond-encrusted jewelry. The government also presented evidence concerning a May 12, 2024, shooting at Paparazzi Bistro & Lounge in Pensacola. Prosecutors alleged Booker shot co-conspirator Gustavus Nairn during a dispute over an outstanding drug debt. Booker, 33, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 5. His firearm convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and expose him to a potential life sentence. The federal case does not resolve separate criminal proceedings against Booker in Escambia County. He faces an attempted first-degree premeditated murder charge stemming from the Paparazzi shooting. State prosecutors also charged Booker with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm by firearm, shooting inside a building, carrying a concealed weapon in a prohibited location and witness tampering. Booker’s attorneys said in June they were ready for trial. His federal custody, however, prevented authorities from transporting him to Escambia County. His next state court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2. The state charges remain pending as Booker awaits federal sentencing.