Russell Westbrook has announced his retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons in the league. Westbrook confirmed his retirement on social media on Wednesday. “Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end,” Westbrook’s captions read. “You had to be there. And now it’s over.  Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end. You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV — Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026 According to ESPN, Westbrook “had offers this offseason with the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.” Instead, he leaves the game on his own terms. WESTBROOK’S HALL OF FAME CAREER Defined by his hyper-athleticism and competitive fire, Westbrook built a historic NBA legacy as one of the most explosive point guards to ever play the game. Westbrook’s 11-season run with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008–2019) remains one of the most explosive, relentless, and transformative eras for a player and a franchise in modern NBA history.  Drafted fourth overall as the franchise transitioned to Oklahoma City, Westbrook quickly formed a dynamic duo alongside Kevin Durant, leading the Thunder to four Western Conference Finals appearances and a trip to the 2012 NBA Finals. However, his legacy in OKC reached iconic status after Durant’s 2016 departure, when Westbrook embraced sole leadership of the franchise with unmatched ferocity.   In the  2016–17 season, he won the League MVP and became the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double across an entire season. He would repeat the feat he went on to repeat three more times. Eventually, he surpassed Robertson as the NBA’s all-time leader in career triple-doubles.  Selected as a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Westbrook’s resume features nine All-Star selections, nine All-NBA Team honors, two All-Star Game MVPs, two scoring titles, and three assist titles, solidifying his spot among the league’s all-time premier playmakers.  Westbrook also played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. 

Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish pleaded guilty Tuesday to a driving under the influence charge in a Georgia court, concluding a legal saga that began with her arrest more than four years ago. The negotiated plea deal allows the “Girls Trip” star to avoid additional jail time in connection with the January 2022 incident. Haddish, 46, entered her plea via video conference, admitting to one count of DUI driving less safe. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped all other pending charges against her. The court sentenced the comedian to 12 months of probation and a 24-hour jail term. Because Haddish had already spent a day in custody following her initial arrest, the judge credited her for time served. The case originated in Fayetteville, located south of Atlanta, when officers responded to reports of a driver asleep behind the wheel. The resolution of this Georgia case follows a similar legal incident in California. In early 2024, Haddish reached a separate plea agreement regarding a November 2023 arrest in Beverly Hills, where she was also found asleep in a vehicle. During the Tuesday proceedings, the court finalized the terms that will keep the actress under supervision for the next year. Haddish has been open in the past about her personal growth and her commitment to sobriety following her high-profile legal challenges. By pleading to the lesser “less safe” charge, Haddish avoids the more severe penalties associated with a standard DUI conviction while still being held accountable under the state’s traffic laws. The Emmy and Grammy-winning entertainer has remained active in her career despite the ongoing litigation. With the Georgia case now closed, Haddish is expected to continue her upcoming projects without the looming threat of a criminal trial.

A 27-year-old man was taken into custody over the weekend after allegedly breaking into the multi-million dollar estate of reality television star Kim Kardashian and stealing a vehicle from the premises. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the $60 million Hidden Hills property around 3:45 p.m. Sunday. Authorities said the suspect gained entry to the home, removed several items and then took a Lexus belonging to one of Kardashian’s employees for a joyride through the exclusive gated community. The SKIMS mogul and her four children were not present during the intrusion. According to local reports, the family has been staying at a nearby rental property while the 15,667-square-foot mansion undergoes extensive renovations. Deputies arrested the male suspect on suspicion of burglary and grand theft auto. Law enforcement officials confirmed the individual was apprehended without incident and was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail, where he was being held without bail as of Monday afternoon. “The incident is in the preliminary stage of investigation,” LASD Sgt. Chris Soderlund said. While the suspect’s identity has not been publicly released, officials are working to determine how he bypassed the security measures of the high-profile neighborhood located in the Santa Monica Mountains. Kardashian originally purchased the estate for $20 million in 2014 along with her former husband, Kanye West. The property features eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a private home theater and a professional-grade gym. The home has become a centerpiece of Kardashian’s real estate portfolio, which also includes properties in Idaho and other parts of Southern California. This latest security breach highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of high-profile celebrities in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas. The investigation remains active as authorities review surveillance footage from the estate and the surrounding gated community to finalize formal charges.

Rapper Rod Wave is drawing renewed attention after body-camera footage captured an April 2025 traffic stop involving the Florida artist. The 62-second video surfaced on X and has surpassed 1.5 million views. The footage shows an officer recognizing Wave during the roadside encounter. The body-camera timestamp places the stop at 1:09 a.m. April 3, 2025. The officer initially approached Wave in a casual tone. “Bro, you got your license on you, bro?” the officer asked. “Hell no,” Wave replied. Cop was super excited when he pulled over Rod Wave and immediately called the station to let them know pic.twitter.com/VyiS0IEaaK — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) August 10, 2026 The officer then appeared to recognize the rapper. “You know who you are? I just seen you coming,” he said. The officer instructed Wave to secure his seatbelt before returning to his patrol vehicle. He then radioed another officer identified as Brown. “Brown, I got Rod Wave pulled over, bro,” the officer said. A colleague appeared to ask whether Wave was live. The exchange reflected the officer’s apparent excitement after recognizing the rapper. The officer also discussed Wave’s driving. He said Wave “swear he tried to take off on me a little bit” and claimed he had to catch him. Despite reporting a speed of 83 mph, the officer declined to cite Wave for speeding. Instead, he issued a seatbelt citation. Rapper Rod Wave Gets Seat Belt Ticket After Going 83MPH In Bodycam Footage From April 2025 Traffic Stop “I ain’t going to give it to you for the speed we was going,” the officer said. “It was only 83, it’s not a super speed.” The officer explained the citation process and asked Wave to sign it. He also clarified that the signature was not an admission of guilt. Wave remained composed during the encounter. Near the end, he appeared relieved by the outcome. “I appreciate you stopping,” Wave said. “But … thought we was going to get into it.” “Come on, shawty. Have a good one,” the officer replied. The encounter ended without an arrest or additional charges. The footage has prompted discussion about officer discretion and celebrity recognition during traffic stops. The officer’s demeanor appeared to change after identifying Wave. The video does not establish new criminal conduct. Instead, it documents a traffic stop resolved with a seatbelt citation. Wave, whose legal name is Rodarius Marcell Green, has faced other encounters with law enforcement. His legal matters include proceedings in Georgia stemming from separate incidents. The footage offers a glimpse into an otherwise routine encounter involving a high-profile recording artist.

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are currently working on an extension ahead of next season. The Athletic reports that Mike Dunleavy Jr., Warriors general manager, told reporters that the two sides are negotiating. “I think there are two things I’m confident about with Steph,” Dunleavy said. “He really, really wants to win. And he wants to finish his career as a Warrior. And I don’t think that changes tomorrow, Aug. 29, the start of the season, the middle of the season, the end of next season. I think those things are gonna be consistent.” “That’s always been the message,” Dunleavy continued. “And that’s always been sort of what we’ve discussed. I think that’s tracking quite well. Obviously, he’s eligible for an extension coming up at the end of this month, and we’ll talk through all that stuff and can’t speak on it much right now, but I’m pretty confident Steph will finish his career here.” According to Dunleavy, the ball is Curry’s court. “But ultimately, it’s his call, his decision. Whether that’s allowing his contract to run out and move on… Tf he comes to me and wants to be moved, (Warriors owner) Joe (Lacob) and I will talk it through,” he said. “We wouldn’t love it, but he’s earned the right to (go) where he wants and do those things. But as far as the messaging or any idea that he would be anywhere else. That’s not a thing we’re looking at or he’s looking at.”  Last season, Curry battled health issues that limited him to just 43 regular-season games.  Despite a lingering knee injury, Curry remained elite when on the floor. He earned his  12th career All-Star selection. He also averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game while firing near 40% from three-point range.

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.

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.

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.

Jaylen Brown is excited to begin his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers. Bronw was all smiles duing his introductory new conference at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in West Philadelphia. At the news conference, Brown assured the Sixers fans base that he’s not concerned with a role but winning a chip. “It doesn’t have to be anybody’s team,” Brown said. “We have to be a team of respect. I’m about winning. I want to come in and do whatever it takes to win.” Brown also has been in contact and is looking forward to teaming up with LeBron James. “I’m looking forward to learning from LeBron,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these guys. But, LeBron, just everything that he’s endured during his career, on and off the floor. One of my favorite things to do is learn. I can’t wait to soak up as much information as I can and apply that to myself.”  “For me, the work has started already,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing whatever it is I need to do, whoever I need to talk to, to make sure that we get on the same page, and that everybody’s focused on the same thing. If we do that, then we’ll be where we want to be.”  In a blockbuster 2026 offseason reshuffle, the Philadelphia 76ers transformed into an instant championship favorite by acquiring both Brown and James. Joining forces alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecomb. Brown—arriving via trade from the rival Boston Celtics—and James—signing a team-friendly contract after contemplating retirement—have both expressed a willing readiness to adapt their roles, sacrifice individual stats, and do whatever it takes to deliver a title to Brotherly Love.  On opening night, the new-look Sixers take on the defending champion New York Knicks.

Mayor Ray Giacobbe of Rahway, NJ sits down with DJ Drewski on HOT 97’s Midday Movement with DJ Drewski for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond politics. They talk about the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series (featuring Jim Jones, Maino, Memphis Bleek, and more), Rahway’s hip-hop roots, and why the city is embracing — not banning — rap events. Then things get real: Mayor Giacobbe opens up about losing his 22-year-old daughter Bella in 2022, how fitness helped him battle depression, and what keeps him going every single day. He also discusses the Bella Kind Foundation, Rahway’s booming redevelopment, and what it really means to lead a community. This one hits different. Mayor’s Summer Concert Series — Every Thursday in August at Union County Performing Arts Center Learn more about Bella Kind Foundation Rahway, NJ — Come experience it for yourself