Ryan Shepard
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Articles by Ryan Shepard
Lionel Richie ‘Stable’ During Hospitalization in St. Louis
(THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES) Four-time GRAMMY Award winner Lionel Richie is reportedly “stable” after he was hospitalized following his show in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday, August 30. The legendary singer’s health has concerned his friends and fans in recent months. In June, Richie performed at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Earth, Wind & Fire.
Tony Romo Pleads No Contest to OWI Charge
Tony Romo attends the 2018 CBS Upfront at The Plaza Hotel. (Matthew Eisman/Getty) On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo reportedly pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated. The former NFL star must pay a fine, complete an alcohol assessment program, and is prohibited from driving for six months. When his license is reissued, Romo must install an ignition interlock device (IID) on his car, which will remain in effect for at least one year.
Netflix Adds ‘The Pivot’ to Its Podcast Roster
(The Pivot) A few of your favorite podcasts are heading to Netflix. The Lead: The Pivot, hosted by Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder, will begin streaming new episodes on Netflix on September 8, 2026. What Else? Netflix continues to bolster its audio/visual offerings by adding The Pivot to its streaming platform, along with new podcasts from Harlan Coben and Katt Williams set to debut later this year.
BeyGOOD Foundation Donates $200K to Gary Derecho Relief
On Monday, August 31, 2026, Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation donated $200,000 to residents of Gary, Indiana. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) On Monday, August 31, 2026, Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation donated $200,000 to residents of Gary, Indiana, who were left without power and basic resources for two weeks after severe storms and historic winds ripped through the area.
Aaron Donald Ends Retirement, Signs With Rams
(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) It looks like the Los Angeles Rams will welcome a familiar face back into the locker room this season. TL;DR Breaking News: Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald signs a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Next: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (09/10 at 8:35 p.m.) On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams shared a screenshot of a letter sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Howard Holds Off Alabama A&M At MEAC/SWAC Challenge
(Drew Angerer/Getty Images) And just like that, college football is back! Result: Howard University def. Alabama A&M University, 31-24 Next Week: Richmond University at Howard University — (9/5 at 6 p.m.), Miles College at Alabama A&M University — (9/5 at 7 p.m.) If the 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff is any sign of what is to come down the line in the Celebration Bowl, then college football fans have a lot to look forward to.
Croatian Comeback Kid: Hrgovic Stuns Itauma To Win Title
(Richard Pelham/Getty Images) On Saturday, August 29, 2026, a new king was crowned in the heavyweight division. Result: Hrgovic def. Itauma (TKO, 9) Significance: Itauma suffers the first defeat of his professional career; Hrgovic becomes the first Croatian fighter to win a heavyweight title. On June 26, 2026, Oleksandr Usyk elected to relinquish all but one of his heavyweight titles.
October at O2: Dubois, Wardley Set For Rematch
(Queensberry Promotions) Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic weren’t the only heavyweight contenders at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, August 29. Update: Wardley, Dubois set for rematch on October 17, 2026, at O2 Arena in London Significance: Wardley, Dubois fight for WBO heavyweight title after Dubois beat Wardley by TKO in May. Moments before Filip Hrgovic and Moses Itauma fought for the IBF Heavyweight Championship, another highly anticipated heavyweight bout was announced.
Division II Running Back Micah Jo Barnett Dies Suddenly After Experiencing Medical Emergency
(Canva) Tragedy has struck the world of college football yet again. On Saturday, August 29, 2026, William Jewell College running back Micah Jo Barnett died after experiencing a medical emergency. “William Jewell College and the Liberty, Missouri, community mourn the passing of Micah Jo Barnett, a junior business administration student and member of the Jewell Cardinal football program and former Liberty North Eagle,” a statement from the college reads.
‘Talk Is So Cheap’: Cameron One Win Away From Undisputed After Beating Mayer
(Credit: Most Valuable Promotions) While many debate who will become the undisputed king of the crowded men’s super welterweight division, someone may have claimed the throne of the women’s super welterweight division. Result: Cameron def. Mayer (UD, 10 — 97-93, 97-93, 96-94) Significance: Cameron claims three of four major world titles in the women’s 154-pound division. After Claressa Shields stopped Kaye Scott to claim two middleweight titles, fans and pundits alike began to look to the future.
The Roots Announce ‘Endgame,’ Their First Album in 12 Years
(Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) The year was 2014. Ryan Lewis and Macklemore’s The Heist had just upset Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city at the GRAMMYs; Pharrell’s “Happy” was dominating the charts; and Jay-Z and Beyoncé were gearing up for the On The Run Tour. Amidst all of that, The Roots dropped And Then You Shoot Your Cousin, an 11-track LP exploring existential dread, violence, and complex societal ills.
Cordae and Anderson .Paak Reunite for ‘Heavy Is The Crown’
Cordae and Anderson .Paak will release their first joint album, Heavy is the Crown, on October 23, 2026. (APESHIT/Hi Level/EMPIRE) RNP. Two Tens. Summer Drop. And the list goes on.. When Cordae released his debut album seven years ago, songs like “Have Mercy” and “Bad Idea” featuring Chance the Rapper served as the lead singles. But as it would turn out, it was the album’s third single, “RNP” featuring Anderson .Paak, that would be the project’s most consequential track.
Bonnaroo Takes a Breather Before Its 2028 Return
(Erika Goldring/Getty Images) Anything great is worth waiting for. At least, that’s what festival-goers are telling themselves after organizers revealed there would be no Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in 2027. The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will not return until 2028.
Jaymin Channels Gucci Mane for His Next R&B Chapter
On Friday, August 21, 2026, Jaymin released his new, Gucci Mane-inspired single, “Rollin” and announced his new EP, ‘Static.’ (YouTube/Warner Records) From Mariah Carey to Usher, Gucci Mane has collaborated with some of the biggest names in R&B. Now, a new generation of singers and songwriters is finding inspiration from some of his most memorable tracks. TL;DR Seattle’s Jaymin releases his new single, “Rollin.” His sophomore EP under Warner Records is called Static; it drops on September 18.
Camp Flog Gnaw Goes Bigger for 2026
Don Toliver, Future, Turnstile, Steve Lacy, and Tyler, The Creator will headline Camp Flog Gnaw at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., on November 14-15, 2026. (Camp Flog Gnaw) On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Tyler, The Creator unveiled the lineup for Camp Flog Gnaw at Dodger Stadium.
Mr. T Unchains the Man Behind the Mohawk
Directed by Scott Weintrob, Untold: Mr. T: I Pity the Fool debuts on Netflix on September 8, 2026. (YouTube/Netflix) The world has known Mr. T for more than 40 years, but has it met Laurence Tureaude? On September 8, 2026, Netflix will add the latest chapter to its Untold sports documentary series — Mr. T: I Pity The Fool. Platform: Netflix Release Date: September 8, 2026 Synopsis: Before the gold chains, mohawk, and Hollywood fame of The A-Team and Rocky III, there was Laurence Tureaud.
Hillman’s Heir Is Ready for ‘A Different World’
Starring Jasmine Guy, Maleah Joi Moon, and Kadeem Hardison, Netflix’s ‘A Different World’ debuts on September 24, 2026. (YouTube/Netflix) Class is back in session. On Monday, August 17, 2026, Netflix debuted the first trailer for its revival of A Different World. Platform: Netlix Premiere: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Cast: Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Maleah Joi Moon, Alijah Kai Haggins, Darryl M.
Chris Paul’s HBCU Classic Heads to Chocolate City
(Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) On December 4-5, 2026, CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., will host the 2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic. The two-day event will feature historically Black colleges and universities from across the country, including Howard University, Hampton University, Winston-Salem State University, and Clark Atlanta University, among others.
Don Nelson Passes Away At 86
(Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) On Sunday, August 9, 2026, Don Nelson’s family announced that the legendary coach had passed away at 86.
Teddy Bridgewater Calls It a Career at 33
(Ryan Kang/Getty Images) On Sunday, August 9, 2026, Teddy Bridgewater was placed on the retired/reserved list before the Detroit Lions took the field for practice. “Teddy Bridgewater is going to step away,” Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell said during a press conference. “I’ve known Teddy a long time and, man, the human being is unbelievable — certainly the player.
Latto Joins Claressa Shields for Atlanta Title Walkout
Claressa Shields will challenge Kaye Scott for the WBA and WBC Middleweight Championships at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. (Zac Goodwin/PA Images/Getty Images) When Claressa Shields makes her way to the ring on Saturday, she won’t be alone. Not only will she have thousands of fans cheering her on, but she’ll also have a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist at her side.
Clark Cleared: WNBA Rescinds Tech, Saves Liberty Date
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 08: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts to a three pointeragainst the Chicago Sky during the first half at United Center on August 08, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Caitlin Clark will join Kelsey Mitchell and her teammates on Tuesday for their game against the New York Liberty, after all. TL;DR During the third quarter of Saturday’s Fever-Sky matchup, Clark received a technical foul for “intentionally” making contact with an official.
Tamm Thibeault’s Perfect 10 Crowns a New Middleweight Queen
(Harry Aaron/Most Valuable Promotions) On Saturday, August 8, 2026, a new champion was crowned in the middleweight division. Result: Thibeault def.
Jay-Z Extends His Stadium Victory Lap
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA – APRIL 27: Jay-Z performs onstage at SOMETHING IN THE WATER – Day 2 on April 27, 2019 in Virginia Beach City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Something in the Water) Why slow down when everyone else is still trying to catch up? Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter asserted himself as the heir to rap’s throne with Reasonable Doubt, and 30 years later, he’s still proving that he’s everything that he says he is.
‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Is Ready to Reign
January 15, 2027, can’t come soon enough. On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Paramount Pictures unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for the first blockbuster of the upcoming year, Children of Blood and Bone. Release Date: January 15, 2027 Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood Cast: Regina King, Viola Davis, Damson Idris, Idris Elba Synopsis: “In the epic fantasy world of Orïsha, a young woman goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people.
Ghost Rises Again on Netflix
(Starz/YouTube) This fall, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Courtney Kemp are bringing Power to Netflix. On Monday, July 27, 2026, the streaming giant announced that all seasons of the hit Starz series would be coming to the platform this fall. Platform: Netflix Release Date: November 2026 Cast: Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Synopsis: “An American crime drama created by Courtney A. Kemp, Power follows Ghost (Omari Hardwick), who seems to be living the dream in New York City.
Fridayy Keeps Climbing With ‘Tension’
On Friday, July 24, 2026, Fridayy announced his third studio album, Tension. Title: Tension Lead Single: “Haiku” Release Date: Friday, August 14 Tour: “Don’t Look Down” supporting Rod Wave (September 12 — November 18) On August 26, 2022, his life changed. DJ Khaled unveiled his thirteenth studio album, God Did, with contributions from Future, SZA, Eminem, Drake and more, but listeners were keyed in on one track in particular.
Victoria Monét Tunes Into ‘Frequency of Love’
On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning musician Victoria Monét announced the title of her latest studio album, Frequency of Love. Release Date: October 2, 2026 Producer(s): D’Mile, Kaytranda Label: Lovett Music/RCA Records On February 4, 2024, it happened.
What’s Coming to Netflix in August 2026?
Netflix brings new seasons of Love Is Blind: UK, Outer Banks, and several other original series to streaming in August.
Prime Video Steps Into the Ring With ‘The Greatest’
Jaalen Best stars Muhammad Ali in ‘The Greatest.’ The Lead: On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Prime Video shared the first trailer for The Greatest, a limited series about the life and legacy of former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
What’s Coming To Disney+ In August 2026?
(Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Disney+ heats up August with a wide-ranging lineup that blends live sports, nostalgic favorites, animated hits, and buzzy originals, offering something new to stream for every subscriber. From adding a few selections from ESPN’s acclaimed 30 for 30 series to big time WNBA matchups and PGA Tour coverage, sports fans have plenty to dive into.
50 Cent’s ‘Fightland’ Brings Boxing and Revenge to STARZ
On July 7, 2026, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson premiered the first trailer for Fightland starring Nicholas Pinnock and Howard Charles. (STARZ/YouTube) The Lead: On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson premiered the first trailer for his new STARZ series, Fightland, starring Nicholas Pinnock, Deborah Ayorinde, and Howard Charles.
Stallone’s ‘Rocky’ Story Gets Its Own Big-Screen Drama
Anthony Ippolito and Stephan James star as Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers in the ‘I Play Rocky’ trailer. (Amazon MGM Studios/YouTube) TLDR Release Date: November 20, 2026 Director: Peter Farrelly Screenplay: Peter Gamble Robinson Cast: Anthony Ippolito, Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, Stephan James, Kiki Seto Synopsis: “I Play Rocky is an electrifying true story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky—he was meant to be Rocky Balboa.
What’s Coming to Hulu in August 2026?
Jurassic Park, Men In Black, Cheaper by the Dozen and new seasons of Futurama, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and Project Runway are among the highlights of Hulu’s lineup for August. (Rafael Henrique | SOPA Images | LightRocket | Getty Images) Hulu is ending the summer with a bang! From classic franchises like Jurassic Park and Men in Black to new episodes of Futurama, Project Runway, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the month is packed with something for every kind of viewer.
French Montana, Max B To Release Coke Wave 3.5 In 2026
French Montana and Max B are set to release Coke Wave 3.5 on January 9, 2026. (Sean Zanni/Getty Images) Max B is back home and he’s wasting no time. Over the holiday weekend, French Montana shared a video of himself reuniting with his longtime friend and collaborator, Max B, after the latter was released after serving 16 years in prison. Along with the video, French Montana wrote, “Coke Wave “NARCOS” 3.5 – January 9th 2026.
Netflix Shares Trailer For 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning'
On Monday, December 1, 2025, Netflix unveiled the trailer for its forthcoming documentary, Sean Combs: The Reckoning. (YouTube/Netflix) On Monday, December 1, 2025, Netflix unveiled the trailer for its forthcoming documentary, Sean Combs: The Reckoning. Executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the documentary is “a staggering examination of the media mogul, music legend, and convicted offender” and will begin streaming on the platform on December 2, 2025.
Green Bean Casserole Bites
A beloved holiday side dish… now in bite-size form! These green bean casserole bites bring all the nostalgia of the classic – creamy sauce, tender veggies and that irresistible crispy-onion crunch – tucked into perfectly golden phyllo cups for easy snacking and sharing. Fresh green beans and baby bella mushrooms get sautéed to savory perfection before being swirled into a silky oat milk broth with nutritional yeast for rich, cheesy flavor (no dairy necessary!).
Ranking Drake & Rihanna's Best Collaborations
If you’re a millennial, reading the following sentence may be a little painful. This week, “What’s My Name?,” the first official joint release from both Drake and Rihanna turns 15 years old. Produced by Stargate and Kuk Harrell, the party starter topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release and ended as the 20th biggest record of 2011.
Sectiontoo Doesn't Want To Be 'Famous'
When sectiontoo says he’s the one, he means it. On Monday, October 20, 2025, New York’s own sectiontoo set the tone for a jam-packed week of new music with his single and video, “Famous.” The dynamic duo of Will Fisher and Sean “sectiontoo” Lawrence hasn’t missed this year, and “Famous” is no different. The two-minute track is a furious, bass-knocking gem that is elevated to exciting heights with sectiontoo’s clever writing. “Let me spell it out for you. [I’m] the first, second, and the third.
LunchMoney Lewis Is On Bended Knee For His New Single
Baby, please! Baby, please! Baby, please! LunchMoney Lewis is on bended knee begging his lady to come back and make his house a home again with his new single, “Please Don’t Go.” The R&B-leaning pop record pleading for his lady to return as a soulful, vintage pairing of a bluesy guitar and an unrelenting drum adds color to this compelling story of heartbreak and sadness. “Please don’t go. My house is not a home. Please don’t go. This bed is feeling cold. Please don’t go.
Tyla Drops The 'Chanel' Video
If you’re trying to approach a GRAMMY Award-winning artist like Tyla, you’d better come correct because her latest single is a sign that she’s not interested in accepting anything less than what she’s worth. On Friday, October 24, 2025, Tyla continued the journey to her next studio LP with the release of “Chanel,” an Ian Kirkpatrick and P2J-produced single that is a party starter as much as it is a state of mind.
Miguel Returns With 'CAOS'
On Friday, October 24, 2025, Miguel returned to deliver his first full-length studio album in eight years. Serving as the follow-up to 2017’s War & Leisure, Miguel’s CAOS is a weighty body of work that is as complex musically as it is lyrically, and for good reason. Not only has so much unfolded in Miguel’s personal life over the last eight years, but also the world in which he’s creating music has changed dramatically.
Dave Returns With 'The Boy Who Played The Harp'
From commercial success to critical acclaim and praise from his peers, it’s impressive to see Dave reach some of the highest heights in music and entertainment by the time he was just 25 years old. With two award-winning albums and countless star-studded collaborations, it’s easy to see why he has the opportunity to go down not only in the UK, but around the world, as one of the most extraordinary acts in Hip-Hop.
Billups Arrested In Connection To An Alleged Illegal Poker Scheme
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, a seven-count indictment was unsealed at a federal courthouse in Brooklyn, charging 31 defendants across 11 states for their alleged involvement in illegal poker games. Among those arrested were Portland Trailblazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups, former Cleveland Cavaliers Assistant Coach Damon Jones, and members and associates of organized crime families. Federal prosecutors claim the defendants secured at least $7 million through the alleged scheme.
ESSENTIALS: Wale | Def Pen
No one person or entity will ever be bigger than the culture of Hip-Hop. However, every era, chapter, and period within it has figures, trends, movements, and groups that are essential to telling the larger story of what Hip-Hop is, can be, and will eventually become. For the better part of the last 15 years and change, Wale has been one of these figures for the modern era.
Aklesso Blends Resiliency With Rhythm For 'Giving Up' Single
Aklesso is not “Giving Up” and neither should you. The Miami, Florida, native blends resilience and rhythm to craft the latest release from his forthcoming EP, Still Lonely. Inspired by recent moments of pain within his family and his ability to persevere, Aklesso sings about his desire to push through with a subtle confidence before rapping about the vices and temptations that tend to entice the best of us when we’re at our lowest.
Gabriel Jacoby Blends Soul and Seduction on New Single “baby”
Somewhere between Nick’s Gyro and 3 Guys Caribbean Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, one of the brightest young voices in R&B and Soul is debuting what could be your new favorite song. Gabriel Jacoby approaches each track with a brand of seductive rhythm and new age soul that can be both poetic and conversational, depending on his mood. His latest single and visualizer, “baby,” is more of the latter than the former.
Wale Lifts Himself Up With 'Mirroronnabenz'
Before the elements of Afrobeats were sprinkled upon various Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B chart entries, Wale released singles like “My Sweetie” and worked with WizKid on “My Love.” Before Bad Bunny and Travis Scott were jumping into WWE rings, Wale was hosting WaleMania, and Andscape’s Martenzie Johnson was writing headlines like, “How Wale became hip-hop’s No. 1 wrestling fan.” Before media outlets were putting To say that Wale was the absolute first artist to live in the intersection of Hip-Hop...
Sunni Lee, Anok Yai Join Ice Spice's 'Baddie Baddie'
From spending Super Bowl Sunday with Taylor Swift to appearing in Spike Lee joints with Denzel Washington, Ice Spice is living the life most can only dream off. But if you were to listen to her latest release, “Baddie Baddie,” those experiences are effortless days in the life of a 25-year-old star. In his first solo release in nearly a year, the Bronx native goes back to the basics as she glides over production from A. Lau, AyoLucas, and RIOTUSA as she name drops designers and pops her s—t.
I Thought Food Caused My Cancer — Then I Learned to Taste Joy Again Original
Credit: Ryan Shepard For a moment, everything was quiet. I floated above myself — weightless, painless, nowhere — in a haven only an overload of carbs can bring. Then the smell of bacon ripped me back into flesh I no longer trusted. I blinked, dazed, like I’d been pulled too soon from a dream that had just begun to feel good. My hands shook and I lifted my gaze to take stock of the damage. Thin white and yellow sheets of paper, translucent from grease, lay crumpled up in the passenger seat of my car.
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